Gripped Pronunciation

In the dark city of Raventhorn, where supernatural bloodlines rule and power is everything, Selene Veyne once believed in love until her husband shattered her illusions with a single request: an open marriage. Betrayed and disillusioned, she swore off love forever, indulging only in fleeting distractions. But when a dangerous flirtation with her brother’s best friend, Kieran Draven, spirals into something more, she finds herself entangled in a game far deadlier than she ever imagined. Kieran has spent years in brutal warrior training, only to return home to a nightmare his former lover, Selene, is not only his brother’s mate but also trapped in a life of torment. Loving a married woman is forbidden, yet when he discovers the suffering she and her child endure under his brother’s cruelty, Kieran faces an impossible choice: defy the laws of their kind to fight for her or walk away forever. But destiny is cruel. A single mistake—a drugged drink, a night in the wrong bed binds Kieran to Selene’s sister in a marriage of convenience. Though his soul belongs elsewhere, an unexpected obsession begins to consume him, pulling him deeper into a twisted love he cannot escape. In a world where every choice leads to destruction, Selene and Kieran will learn that forbidden love always comes at a cost. With betrayal lurking in the shadows and passion igniting a dangerous hunger, they must decide surrender to their obsession or risk losing everything. In the end, love isn’t the strongest force of all. Obsession is.

The world, gripped by strange tremors, leads the Carlyle family—Mark, Sarah, Lily, and Ethan—to a secluded forest. There, they are frozen, witnessing Umbra, the Weaver of Change, battle a cosmic regression as the Aether surges back into Earth, threatening to unravel reality. Surviving this, they meet Enoch, an ancient Watcher. He reveals Umbra bestowed upon them The Cadence's Echo, amplifying their innate connections to the Aether's Bronze (Lily's magic), Iron (Ethan and Sarah's psychic abilities), and Silver (Sarah's prophetic visions) strands. This profound transformation also physically re-patterned them, granting new resilience. While Sarah grapples with an inherited rage from her temporal visions, and Mark's own powers remain a mystery, the family faces their extraordinary new reality just as Sarah and Ethan return from a perilous journey.

Detective Liam Vance's world unravels when a series of chilling disappearances points to a sinister cult and an entity lurking in the shadows. Cryptic symbols, haunting whispers, and a growing sense of paranoia grip him as he delves deeper into the mystery. Can he trust anyone, even his closest ally, when the lines between reality and nightmare blur? In a city where fear is a weapon and the "shadow" feeds on despair, Liam must confront the darkness that threatens to consume his mind and soul. Genres and Tags *Horror *Thriller *Suspense *Psychological *Mystery *Supernatural *Detective

Hoplite Thirty-Seven had thought he was going to die, that his long career of serving Terna and the Eighth Arm had come to an end after the antimatter bomb had detonated... Yet that had not been the case. Instead, he had ended up on a back-water world where nothing made sense. Magic wasn't supposed to be real, neither were elves or other fantasy creatures... yet here on Ahkoolis, that was reality. Stranded in a hostile environment he didn't understand, Hoplite will struggle to come to grips with his new surroundings as he seeks out the other survivors of The Sparrow... If any could be found.

She was floating.. no, hanging! On what?! She struggled to get back on her feet but was pulled into something so.. hard and warm. And It smelt so damn good... She tried looking back to see what was holding her but the 'thing' wasn't having it. She looked down to see a very large pair of strong and hairy arms, wrapped around her torso, sending jolts of unexpected pleasure to her nether region. "Let me go, you dumb brute!!" She screamed, squirming in his arms, trying to slip out of his unyielding grip but stopped when she realized his grip was getting tighter. "What is this?! Tell him I do not want him! I reject mphh..." Her words were cut off by one of the men surrounding her. "I'll only release you so long as you promise to listen to 'us'." The man holding her said. Who were the 'us' he mentioned? They were none other than the three sons of the Alpha. And I... Who was suddenly caught by them, was an Omega. They wanted to talk, huh? Well, so be it. There was only so much an Omega like her could do anyway. "Fine," she said, relaxing her stance. "But you have to give me some space. Please," "Not a chance, princess," he said, his face bearing a smug that made her sigh in annoyance. "Fine," she said and he relaxed his grip on her, giving her a chance to at least stand to her feet. As soon as she stood firmly on her feet, she looked up at all three of them and the most crazy thing happened. She heard her wolf purr in her mind. 'MATE' What? ************ Bethany Sage. Your average everyday Omega, had never really liked her average, mediocre life. She loved the peace but had always been one to love more.. She had been envious of Audrey-The Beta's beloved and only daughter-whom everyone envisions to be the future Luna of Black River Pack. She always dreamt of having a mate with so much power and not because she thought Audrey was a aggravating - She kinda did- and on her 18th birthday, her dream comes true!! But of course, Selene-The Moon Goddess-has never been one to do things the normal way.. including assigning a mate..or mates..

She gave him everything. He gave her pain. As she struggles to hold on to love that doesn't even exist in the beginning, she begins to lose herself piece by piece- until there's nothing left to break. But when pain becomes unbearable and love turns into survival, she must find the strength to choose herself, even if it means walking away from the life she thought she wanted. What Remains of Me is a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and reclaiming one's worth. It is a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful kind of healing begins when we choose to leave behind what shatters us.

Aaradhya is just a quiet schoolgirl in the eyes of her classmates. Orphaned young and ignored by her peers, she blends into the background at Taraniketan School. But when a series of disappearances grip the town of Subarnagarh, whispers begin to spread of a mysterious figure in a white mask—solving cases, then vanishing without a trace. As fear creeps into the school halls and strange symbols start appearing, Aaradhya finds herself tangled in a deadly game. Who is the Psycho Doll? Why are students disappearing? And can anyone be trusted when even the mirrors seem to lie?

In the quiet rhythm of falling rain, echoes of a forgotten past whisper through the soul of a young woman named Ruelle. Living an ordinary life, she is unaware that her fate was sealed long ago—on a night soaked in blood, betrayal, and silence. But someone remembers. A powerful book hidden within a small bookstore holds secrets that once shattered lives. As shadows stir and an ancient curse resurfaces, the lines between past and present begin to blur. Will Ruelle uncover the truth before the storm returns? Or will history repeat itself? A gripping tale of mystery, love, and destiny—where every raindrop carries a memory, and every glance hide a secret

In "Bound by Love, Haunted by Blood," a young woman's life is forever changed when she falls deeply in love with Josh, a man with a dark secret: a volatile temper that ultimately leads him to commit murder. Despite witnessing the horrific act, she finds herself still bound to him by love and an unexpected pregnancy. As she grapples with the complexities of her emotions and the impending arrival of her child, she must confront the haunting reality of Josh's actions and the legacy she'll pass on to her baby. Will she be able to reconcile her love for Josh with the truth about his past, or will the blood that haunts her define their future? This gripping tale explores the darker side of love, loyalty, and the human heart.

(“This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.”) Deep in the heart of the dense forest, a group of children gathered for a game of hide-and-seek. Little did they know that this seemingly innocent game would soon take a sinister turn. The sun began to set, casting long shadows across the forest floor, and an eerie silence settled in the air. The children selected one of their own, a timid girl named Emily, to be the seeker. With a nervous smile, she closed her eyes and began counting, her voice echoing through the trees. As the seconds ticked by, the remaining children scattered into the darkness, seeking out the perfect hiding spots. Emily finished counting and opened her eyes, ready to find her playmates. But as she ventured further into the forest, a sense of foreboding gripped her. The once familiar surroundings seemed twisted and distorted, as if the very essence of the forest had turned against her. The trees, once tall and majestic, now appeared gnarled and twisted, their branches reaching out like skeletal arms. The moon's pale light filtered through the thick canopy, casting an otherworldly glow on the forest floor. An unsettling chill ran down Emily's spine, but she pressed on, determined to find her friends. "I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad.com”

In a bustling fusion kitchen, two chefs from different worlds ignite a silent war of skill, pride, and survival. Kenji, a quiet master of Japanese technique, feels the heat rise when Kwame, a bold Nigerian culinary star, joins the team. When egos clash and sabotage brews, can respect and unity rise from the fire? A gripping short story about rivalry, identity, and the healing power of food. By NdSukwe

My father died chasing monsters. The police called it an accident. The case was closed. But the moment I looked into his eyes — icy blue, unreadable, too calm — I knew I had just met one of them. Adrien von Linden is not just the heir to an empire. He’s elegance wrapped in silence. Power disguised in grace. And behind that polished smile, I swear I saw blood. As a young detective, I vowed to uncover the truth behind my father’s death. But I never expected the man holding the key… would be the same man I’m forbidden to fall for. Each clue I chase leads me closer to him. And each time he saves me… I lose a little more of myself. They say love is blind. But mine? Mine might be deadly.

“You take me for a fool?” He yelled, gripping my arms tightly, his fingers making sure to leave marks. “I would never lie about something of utmost importance, Diego”, I tried to convince him while earnestly trying to save myself from his strong grip. “No one dares to look me in the face and lie.” He said while gripping my arms more strongly than ever. “Yet, you stand here, lying to my face. You want to use me against my father as your revenge, isn't that right Adriana?” With that, he let go of my arms, shoving me aside angrily—whilst I hit my head against a door frame. _______________ A strong-willed yet vulnerable young lady from a mafia family finds herself stuck in a marriage with a rival heir arranged by both families as a means to stop bloodshed among them. Her husband, being the mafia heir, is a stern person who is feared by members of the syndicate. He hates negotiating and solves his problems on his own. But, when he falls in love with the daughter of the rival family, will it complicate his plans? What will happen when circumstances force them to choose between love and loyalty to their family? How will it affect their lives? A tale where love and vengeance intertwine and the hearts of two individuals are tested against the ultimate betrayal.

In the war-torn world of Teracotta, power lies in the iron grip of the Nasyonalistas—the global regime that rules with cruelty and control. But not all submit. One man dared to rise: Ashen, a revolutionary who sparked a movement and carved his name into history. His vision was freedom—a world liberated from tyranny. Yet, as time passed, the cause fractured. Some of Ashen's followers strayed from the righteous path, seduced by ambition and the thirst for dominion. The rebellion splintered, and shadows grew among those who once stood for justice. Now, a new struggle begins. In a world caught between rebellion and corruption, who will rise to shape the future—those who seek justice, or those who crave power?

It's a gripping tale of love, loyalty, and the struggle to break free from ancient enmities which took me more than a year to make it completed as a whole finished masterpiece.

Luminark Saga is a gripping fantasy adventure that follows Erin Salore, a young dreamer yearning to escape his mundane life in the port city of Caldera. In a world of endless seas and forgotten magic and Inspired by his father’s legendary legacy, Erin longs to explore the world and uncover its greatest mysteries—especially the secrets of the Void Sea, a dangerous and uncharted expanse. His journey begins with a reckless leap of faith when he stows away aboard the Duskvein, a ship crewed by misfits and adventurers with their own secrets and ambitions.I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad.com,

In 3015, a planet disappeared. Drotastea—once a shining colony—went silent overnight. No messages. No survivors. Just rumors of a cover-up. Now, thirty years later, a group of students from a distant space station gets sucked through a Rift and crash on a world that shouldn’t exist on paper at least. Drotastea is still here. But it’s not empty. The air tastes wrong. The trees glow. And whatever lives in the forest leaves claw marks behind. No one’s coming to save them. Sci-fi horror meets survival drama in this gripping novel.

[WSA 2025 Entry!] Aryan thought it was just another regular morning. A commute. A routine. Nothing out of the ordinary. Until everything broke. One moment he was riding to work. The next, he found himself running in the middle of a twisted forest, disoriented, alone... and gripping a sword he didn’t remember picking up. This is no dream. This is Battleworld—a cursed, ever-shifting realm where survival feels like war and trust can kill you faster than a blade. The ground groans with secrets. The air hums with whispers that burrow into your thoughts. And nothing stays still—not the land, not the rules, not even your own memories. As the curse tightens its grip and strange forces close in, Aryan is forced to confront not just the dangers around him, but the darkness rising inside. The lines between friend and enemy, reality and illusion, are thinning. In Battleworld, you're either the predator—or the next sacrifice. --- PS: Synopsis is deceiving

June 22: Chronicles of the Undead Six months after the zombie apocalypse began, J.K. documents his daily fight for survival in a world overrun by the dead. Living with a small group in a crumbling farmhouse, every day brings new danger, hard choices, and haunting memories. When a distant smoke signal hints at other survivors, J.K. must decide: stay hidden or risk everything for a chance at hope? Told through gripping journal entries, this post-apocalyptic tale explores the cost of survival—and what it means to truly live.

In a world overrun by monsters, no true heroes exsit - only predators and prey. Amid the chaos, one idea was born: to fight back. The Crusaders of the Vampires were formed to exterminate the creatures feeding on mankind. But this isn’t a tale of glory or victory. This is the story of Laudis - a boy with no past, no magic, and no place to call home. He’s no hero. He’s an antihero - one destined to suffer, whether he fights or not. Can he free humanity from the grip of bloodthirsty tyrants? Will he reach his goals, or lose himself along the way? And more importantly... What is he willing to sacrifice to win? Read and find out.

In the ancient city of Padmavati, Princess Dattadevi, daughter of King Ganapati Naga, is known for her unmatched grace and sharp intellect. As the Naga kingdom teeters on the edge of political chaos, her beloved brother—the crown prince—lies bedridden from a mysterious illness. Whispers of betrayal grow louder within the palace walls. Tensions rise as Dattadevi’s ambitious cousin, Veerkund, begins tightening his grip on the kingdom, oppressing the people and manipulating the court. To protect her land, Dattadevi is forced into a political marriage with the rising northern emperor, Samudragupta—a decision that could either save or destroy everything she holds dear.

In the middle of the night when the rain was pouring down, Li Yan tightly gripped the steering wheel, and the headlights cut out two swaying beams of light in the rain. In the rearview mirror, the black SUV had been following him for three traffic lights. The cold sweat from his palms made the steering wheel slippery, and he thought of the worn-out Bible he had snatched from the library half an hour ago. Lin Xia's words before leaving echoed in his ears: "This book contains the secret that my family has guarded for three hundred years. It must not fall into the hands of those people!" Suddenly, a heavy truck rushed out from the side. Li Yan turned the steering wheel sharply, and the car spun violently and crashed into the roadside guardrail. Amid the sharp sound of metal twisting, he saw a blood-red crack in the sky, and the Bible flew out from the co-pilot, emitting a strange light.

When Elara Bello returns to Banana Island, she walks into a house of secrets and a legacy built on silence. Her sister is dead. A boy is gone. And someone knows what Elara did. Now, with her father’s empire watching her every move, she must decide: expose the truth and burn everything — or stay quiet and let the ghosts win. Whispers That Kill is a gripping psychological thriller about power, guilt, and the kind of silence that kills.

*Shadows of the Heart* is a gripping romance-action novel set in the pulse of modern-day Lagos. It follows *Edward*, a man trying to outrun a violent past and live a quiet life in the shadows. But when a chance encounter with a fearless journalist, *Lena*, pulls him into a dangerous conspiracy, Edward is forced to choose between staying hidden and becoming the man he once was. As the city’s secrets unravel, Edward and Lena must navigate betrayal, rising tension, and an undeniable bond that could change everything. Packed with emotional depth, explosive action, and moments of dark humor, *Shadows of the Heart* is a story of healing, purpose, and the fight to protect what matters—when love and survival are both on the line.

Guts materialized in the absolute center of a maelstrom of destruction. He was the epitome of carnage and destruction given form, his very being molded by the inferno around him. His silhouette, stark against the flames, was unmistakable: clad in the black, demonic visage of the Berserker Armor, its eyes glowing with predatory malice, and the impossibly vast, jagged iron of the Dragonslayer already gripped in his gauntleted hand. From the shattered earth beneath his boots, from the smoke-choked air around him, countless desperate, wailing souls rose. They were the victims of Ohara, their lives brutally extinguished in the cataclysm. They streamed towards him, not as individual entities, but as a collective river of agony and despair, drawn by some unseen force. They flowed into him, a torrent of desperate consciousness, merging with his very essence. He felt their terror. Their pain. Their final regret. Their futile rage. Their lives, denied their full course, now fueled his denial of mortality, binding him to this new existence.

In a world where shadows whisper secrets and every choice has a price, one person stands at the crossroad of it all. A gripping tale of sacrifices, betrayal and power unfolds in a world where the scars of an apocalypse still bleed. Drake Jagger is the weakest student at Iron Vale Academy- bullied, orphaned and haunted by violent dreams of a crimson battlefield and a betrayal by horned warriors. But when a sealed letter bearing the Arachis insignia arrives, Drake is ripped from his miserable life and thrown into a game of blood and chess. But Drake's dreams are the key. With each nightmare, the lone warrior's memories bleed into his mind and the sword in his grip whispers of the past.

I ran from his gaze, his grip, his world... but how do you outrun obsession when it wears the face of love? Adanna Ibeh was only meant to deliver a custom suit to Lagos’ most powerful and dangerous billionaire, Dante Uzochi. But from the moment their eyes met, her life spiraled into a haunting blend of seduction, control, and buried secrets. Dante isn’t just a man—he’s a force, and his desire for Adanna burns like obsession. Haunted by a tragedy in her past and bound to a man who won’t let go, Adanna is torn between the love she once knew and the dark magnetism of a man who sees her as salvation... or replacement. As passion and power collide, Adanna must make a choice: surrender to the grip of a man who could destroy her—or fight for her freedom, even if it means uncovering a truth that could shatter everything. His Obsession, My Curse is a raw and gripping romance about toxic love, reclaiming identity, and the price of freedom in a world where obsession can look a lot like devotion.

In a realm of magic and nobility, Princess Seraphina defies expectations to prove her worth. As she uncovers her hidden powers, a rebellion brews within the Aetherium Academy. But when a shocking betrayal leaves her standing alone, Seraphina must navigate treacherous paths and face a dark presence threatening their world. In a gripping cliffhanger, the true mastermind behind the impending destruction is unmasked, leaving Seraphina with an unimaginable choice—one that could shatter her world forever.

In a world scarred by the encroaching Abyss and defended by Luminaries wielding sacred light, fourteen-year-old Vyss is an anomaly. Found as an infant within the very darkness he is meant to fear, Vyss harbors a secret that sets him apart – a connection to the Abyss itself. As the Abyss tightens its grip, Vysse must confront his inner darkness and discover if the light of hope can truly bloom from a seed of shadow.

Protagonist cannot catch a single break. One night in our protagonist’s life, he’s greeted by a mysterious entity at his bedroom door. This entity murders our poor protagonist, and leaves him for dead, but instead of dying, he is returned to the affirmed day in which he dies. Follow our protagonist through his descent into madness as he attempts to unravel this mystery, falling deeper and deeper into insanity. Chiming in at our “hero”‘s death tallying in its late 500’s, our “hero” is weak, distrustful, and quite simply losing grip on reality. Where do we go from here but the same place over and over again?