A Court Of Scars And Shadows

In a fractured empire of betrayal and forbidden power, a hidden heir awakens his spectral alter ego—the White Ghost. When a cursed elixir from a dark cult twists destiny and sparks shadowed alliances, whispered omens hint at both salvation and doom. Will the White Ghost's rise mend an empire on the brink, or shatter it forever?

In a medieval-futuristic empire where magic intertwines with aristocracy, Annalise, a low-born maid, has always been keenly aware of the rigid class divides that define her world. When she experiences a vivid vision of an impending apocalypse that threatens the very fabric of society, she realizes that the only way to change the future is to forge an alliance with the enigmatic Duke Ethan Vornhart—a man shunned by the nobility due to the scars left by his father's dark experiments. In a bold move, Annalise proposes marriage to Ethan, not out of romantic ideals, but to secure a legacy that could save them both. As they navigate the complexities of their partnership, they face opposition from a society that views their union as scandalous. With the looming threat of a plague that could turn the infected into mindless horrors, they must confront both external dangers and the whispers of betrayal from within the court. As the wedding preparations unfold, Annalise must learn the ways of the nobility while grappling with her own insecurities. Meanwhile, Ethan battles the shadows of his past, striving to carve out a future that defies the expectations placed upon him. Together, they must untangle the mysteries of their world—a realm where the powerful operate in secrecy and the shadows hold dark truths. In a tale of courage and resilience, Plague of Shadows explores the strength found in unlikely alliances, the weight of legacy, and the fight against a fate that threatens to consume them all. Will Annalise and Ethan succeed in rewriting their destinies, or will the forces of darkness tear them apart before their love can truly bloom?

Its  been centuries since the tragic loss of his beloved, Vampire Prince Ramus lives a life shrouded in grief.  Haunted by the memory of his deceased love, he encounters Isabelle, a human woman who is the uncanny double of his lost soulmate—a striking resemblance amplified by her similar scent and voice.  Consumed by a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, Ramus is torn between his overwhelming grief and the burgeoning attraction to Isabelle.  Is this a cruel twist of fate, a chance for healing, or something darker altogether?  As Ramus navigates his dangerous world and the complexities of his feelings, he must confront his past and decide if he can truly love Isabelle for herself, or if he's destined to forever chase the ghost of his former love.

Many, many, many years after the world was ravaged by the appearance of void-born. Monsters born from a malevolent energy corrupting any form of life, hope is a fragile ember. In this precarious time, when his mother is murdered before his eyes, Mathew is thrust into the world. where survival alone is struggle. Forced to confront the realities of his world and unravel truths buried in blood and shadow, Mathew must navigate a world where trust is as deadly as betrayal and power is law. As he delves deeper into the truth, he must decide whether to embrace the darkness within, become its victim or imprint his will on it. ___________________________________

Ana grew up in a home where love was an unattainable luxury. Marked by abuse and despair, her life takes a devastating turn when her father sells her to a wealthy family, stripping her of her freedom, her first love, and everything she once knew. Trapped in a world of appearances and lies, Ana clings to the illusion of love when a young man from that family becomes her only light in the darkness. But that light soon turns into shadow when she realizes he is not the savior she imagined, but a far more dangerous version of the demons she tried to leave behind. Caught in a web of manipulation, pain, and inner struggle, Ana must face her past and herself to find the strength to escape, heal, and reclaim her right to live on her own terms. A story of love, obsession, and redemption-where the scars of the soul run deeper than those on the skin.

Disclaimer Scarred Paths is a work of fiction intended for mature audiences. It explores dark themes including war, psychological manipulation, existential philosophy, morality, and the consequences of unchecked power. The story contains graphic violence, intense psychological struggles, and morally complex characters. Any resemblance to real-world events, organizations, or individuals, living or dead, is purely coincidental. While the story may reference historical events, philosophies, or societal structures, it does so for narrative depth and world-building rather than factual representation. The views, actions, and ideologies presented in this novel are not endorsements but an exploration of the complexities of human nature, society, and power. Reader discretion is advised. SCARRED PATHS There is no justice. No morality. No higher purpose. Power is the only truth. For centuries, humanity has clung to its illusions—laws, gods, governments, ideals—all fragile constructs masking the selfishness, corruption, and violence woven into human nature itself. The strong shape the world. The weak exist at their mercy. The only path forward is not reform. It is destruction. Lucius Halloway will tear down nations, religions, criminal empires, corporations, and every secret order that holds the world together. He will crush kings, puppeteer governments, and erase the past it's gods. But this is not fate. It is his choice. A path he carves with his own hands—one that stretches beyond the boundaries of any nation, beyond the weight of history itself. A path scarred by war, betrayal, and the weight of billions of lives. And in the end, when the world lies in silence, when his work is done— Would he feel fulfilled? Or would he finally understand? That none of this was ever truly his. That the dream he burned the world for was never his own. That in trying to give meaning to someone else’s wish, he had erased everything—including himself. And was it ever enough?

In a world where everyone is a slave, someone is born who cannot be controlled. At the same time, an unstoppable villain rises on a quest for revenge. But the truth is darker than he ever imagined, and now he must face an unbeatable enemy — including himself. *** Bruno was a young man born on Earth, the son of an influential modern Emperor. Despite having everything money could buy and receiving the best and most rigorous training to succeed his father, he chose the opposite path, defying his family’s ruthless rule. The price of his innocence? A merciless death and the complete erasure of his existence by the deity controlling his fate. On Earth, the law of the powerful was absolute; a slave could never rebel. But then, he wakes up again. He’s reborn in a world of cultivation, where freedom was promised to those strong enough to claim it. Now, he could soar like a free bird and carve his own destiny... or so he thought. The harsh reality of this new world soon showed him how insignificant he still was. He realized he had only changed masters. The freedom he sought was an illusion. The heavenly laws treated everyone as servants, and their rules were unbreakable. Bruno learned this bitter truth after losing everything that made him happy due to an unjust rule. But who was he to question? Hopeless, Bruno died... and was reborn as Alm, an unstoppable villain. With a soul poisoned by pain and vengeance, he sowed chaos across the universe. Planets were destroyed, countless lives taken, and his name became synonymous with terror. A hero rose to oppose him, wielding a sacred sword of hope. People from all corners of the universe united against Alm, raising their voices and weapons to stop the villain who defied the heavens. But Alm was no longer just fighting for revenge. He was challenging the heavenly laws that sought to control him, fighting fate and all living beings. And against all odds... the sacred sword shattered. The alliance of the entire universe was defeated. The villain won! Now, Alm found himself alone in the empty void of a dead universe, facing his own inner demons. Who could be more ruthless to him than himself? “What have I done?” At that moment, the doors of truth opened to him. Everyone was a puppet of a supreme figure, an entity that manipulated minds and even the heavenly laws. “I will find you, no matter where you are!” Thus, the last emissary of the true Heaven’s Will awakened. Alm, who once only relied on his sheer will and rage, now had a system to guide him. But his opponent was an immortal existence, above even the heavens. The villain who destroyed an entire universe now faced a new beginning. He discovered that the universe he devastated was just a tiny grain of sand in an infinite cosmos, where countless other universes existed. And so begins the legendary tale of the villain’s rise... and the Sacred Round God? A strange Duality of Shadows existed within one person. But this time, he wouldn’t be alone. *** To clear up any potential confusion or frustration, here are some key points about the story. I’ll avoid major spoilers, but a few things will be revealed. You might find this concerning at first, but just check the book cover—it shows the main character and his only partner. She first appears at 10 years old, but rest assured, there’s no inappropriate content or early romance. At around 13, SHE starts developing feelings for the protagonist, but he doesn’t respond until she’s an adult. With her determined personality, she tries to seduce him at 17/18, but it doesn’t work. Their relationship only happens much later. The book has nods to other works, with my own spin on them, and focuses on avoiding elements I find problematic in other stories. Lastly, the beautiful book cover was commissioned and created by HDIArt.

Shadow Of Rebirth In a world hidden from human eyes, where vampires and Lycans are sworn enemies, fate weaves an unexpected bond between two unlikely souls. Mira, a fearless Lycan princess, has always carried the weight of her people on her shoulders. Her life takes a shocking turn when she awakens in a new body, memories of her tragic death and betrayal haunting her every step. Lorenzo, a centuries-old vampire lord, is a figure shrouded in mystery and power. Though his kind despises the Lycans, Lorenzo has harbored a dark secret: in a past life, Mira was his soulmate. After her untimely death, he vowed to protect her from the shadows, too afraid of the curse that binds them together. When Mira's fiery determination clashes with Lorenzo's calculated restraint, the sparks between them are undeniable. Yet, old grudges and the animosity between their races threaten to tear them apart. As their bond deepens, they uncover hidden truths about Mira’s reincarnation, Lorenzo’s tortured past, and a looming threat that could destroy both their worlds. Amid magical battles, supernatural intrigue, and a love that defies reason, Mira and Lorenzo must decide if they will surrender to their destiny—or fight it at all costs.

Cain had lost everything—the will to live, the strength to fight, and the belief that life held any meaning. Burdened by an abusive past and a lifetime of suffering, he made the ultimate decision to end it all. But death was not the end. Instead of fading into nothingness, Cain awakens in an unfamiliar world—trapped in the fragile body of a newborn. Yet, his memories remain intact. Every scar, every ounce of pain, and every moment of despair from his past life lingers within him. Reborn into a commoner family in a world of magic, power, and ruthless ambition, Cain soon realizes that fate has granted him a second chance. But this world is no paradise. Dark forces lurk in the shadows, and cruelty thrives just as it did before. Now, he stands at a crossroads: will he allow his past to haunt him once more, or will he rise above it and carve out a new destiny? Armed with the knowledge of his past life and the potential for power in this one, In a world where strength dictates survival, Cain refuses to let this life be wasted—no matter what it takes.

After losing everything, Daron Lamb is consumed by grief and guilt, until he's recruited by the Special Magic Force, an elite unit protecting the balance between magical and non-magical worlds. Together, they uncover a secret organization determined to free the God of Chaos, a force sealed away to protect humanity. As Daron investigates, he uncovers a chilling link between the group and his tragic past. Driven by revenge, he joins forces with his new allies to stop them. But as the truth behind the organization’s motives begins to surface, Daron is forced to confront a disturbing possibility: freeing the God of Chaos, though orchestrated by his enemies, might not bring the destruction he's been led to believe. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daron's gaze drifted downward to his chest. Below, the stark contrast of a faint blue light against his white skin caught his eye—a soft glow emanating from his own chest. It softly pulsed, a gentle luminescence that ebbed and flowed with the rhythm of his own heartbeat. Baffled, he just sat there for a few moments, observing. As his fingers touched the source of light, he was surprised to find that everything felt normal, as if it had always been this way. It was like nothing had changed at all. Daron's eyes widened in disbelief when he noticed a strange black liquid seeping into the wounds on his chest—a substance like ink, flowing from within him. It moved with purpose, filling the gaps left by the fat butcher and stanching the flow of blood that had painted his skin red. "By the gods," he gasped, the sight both unsettling and miraculous. The black liquid quickly solidified, forming scars as black as the night sky. His eyes remained fixed on the eerie scene, his breath steadying to a normal rhythm. He was a magician now… it felt strange. He didn't feel particularly different. Sure, a mysterious substance had just mended his broken skin, but other than that, he didn't feel like he could do anything… new, anything special. He stretched out his hand, trying to summon a sharp wind to cut down his shackles. Nothing happened. Next, a flame, to burn down his cell. Nothing happened. “Figures,” he said to himself. “Why would it be easy?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For news and feedback, feel free to join the Vessel of Shadows Discord: https://discord.gg/dmCYCKNwx7

Life often unfolds in ways beyond our control, yet we can choose to nurture the growth within ourselves. Sometimes, we unwittingly capture the attention of a stranger, and other times, we seek to be the center of someone else's focus. Bella's life took a dramatic turn when she discovered that she was the target of a powerful assassination organization, solely because she was the heir to the Varrille throne. Varrille is the legendary birthplace of magic, a force that shaped the world. The day Bella learned of her royal heritage and the immense power she possessed was the day her world turned against her. Amidst the chaos and danger, she encountered two pivotal figures: a mysterious stranger and a prince. As her journey unfolds, the lines between hero and villain blur, leaving Bella to navigate a treacherous path where allies and enemies are not always clear. To uncover who is truly the hero and who is genuinely the villain, Bella must confront harsh truths about her reality. History tends to repeat itself but will she be able to change it this time? Does she have what it takes to become the 'queen'?

In a medieval world were there is magic, the land is under the rule of the royalty and the nobility; among the nobles, the mages are the most revered members of society. A young boy from the poor south of the Poem dinasty awakens as a magician, this new found power will turn his life upside down. There is no heroes in this story, just survivors. Follow a regular guy, with nothing special on his way to an uncertain future. This is a slow cook, a 250000 words story.

Lucius Lothra, a passionate gamer suddenly find not just himself but the whole world in a fantasy world where Knights and Mages exist. All Earthlings who once played a VR Game called System Online wake up in this world with their own Systems which they created when playing System Online. Lucius had just created an account when a world ending event occurred so he didn't play the game but he did manage to create his own system. The only problem that Lucius has is that he doesn't know if his system works or not and the only way to find out is... DEATH!!!

*Silk and Shadows: A Deadly Alliance* is a gripping tale of trust, tension, and unexpected romance set in the shadowy world of high-stakes protection and assassination. Aria, a fierce and unshakable bodyguard with a guarded heart, is forced into an unlikely alliance with Kai, a charming and dangerous hitman who’s as playful as he is lethal. As they navigate a labyrinth of conspiracy, betrayal, and death, the two must rely on each other to survive—but the line between professional and personal blurs as their mutual attraction grows. In a world where no one can be trusted, can love truly flourish amidst the chaos? *Silk and Shadows* is a suspenseful, action-packed thriller that explores the fragile balance between duty, desire, and the dangerous games played in the shadows.

Emmy Hart, a frail and introverted high school student who has endured relentless bullying from his peers. In a world where strength determines survival, Emmy is constantly targeted—mocked, beaten, and humiliated. His only solace lies in music, particularly the songs of Juice WRLD, which he listens to through his worn-out headphones. Emmy’s suffering reaches a breaking point when a brutal attack leaves him on the brink of death. But in his darkest moment, something awakens—a supernatural system that grants him abilities through daily quests. At first, he uses his newfound powers from the shadows, exacting revenge on those who tormented him. Yet, as he delves deeper, he discovers a hidden world beyond his school, filled with individuals who possess even greater abilities. Manipulated and betrayed, Emmy is drawn into a war between factions far more dangerous than school bullies. With his past erased and his memory restored only by the system, he sets out on a path of vengeance, determined to dismantle both the villainous group that used him and the so-called heroes who stand in his way. But as the battle escalates, he uncovers an even greater truth—a secret faction pulling the strings from the shadows. When they unite against him, wiping out his allies and imprisoning him, all seems lost. Yet, a girl from his past, the one person who secretly admired him, risks everything to set him free. Now, with the full power of his system unlocked, Emmy must recover five elemental stones hidden in perilous locations, each granting him even stronger abilities. His final test lies in stealing the last stone from a high-ranking member of the neutral faction. But as he faces impossible odds, an unexpected ally emerges—another rogue thief seeking their own vengeance. Together, they will wage war against a system built on lies. And Emmy Hart, once powerless, will rise from the shadows, ready to burn it all down.

Blurb "She was perfect—confident, untouchable, a girl who had it all. Until he came along and shattered every illusion she hid behind. He exposed the cracks in her flawless world, forcing her to face the insecurities she buried for years. But he wasn’t unscathed either. Beneath his cold exterior lay scars deeper than he’d ever admit. She was his light, and he was her storm. Together, they could heal—or destroy each other completely."

This novel is about the story of an orphan who was abandoned in a small village. Eventually, his village is massacred and he comes into contact with the mysterious power of magic. With this, he needs to survive and run for his life while growing powerful as fast as he can. Because there is something sinister about the world he lives in.

Detective Wei Zhen is assigned to investigate the brutal murder of a powerful businessman, but the deeper he digs, the more disturbing the case becomes. A series of violent killings follows, and the evidence never seems to quite add up.Wei begins to suffer from blackouts, losing time and waking in strange places. Could it be stress, or is something more sinister at play? As more bodies are discovered it raises unsettling questions. Who is the mysterious figure known as The Shadow, and why does every clue lead back to him? What terrifying secret has been hidden in the past? As the pressure mounts, Wei must race against time to uncover the truth—but can he trust his own mind? Or is he unknowingly part of the nightmare unraveling around him?

In a realm where might makes right, Kairos Wilder, a lowly demon scorned for his mortal appearance, defies the odds to challenge the divine and rewrite the fabric of destiny. With cunning guile and ruthless ambition, he navigates the treacherous landscape of demon lords, ancient gods, and fate itself, all to claim the fabled Crucible of Realms. But as realms collide, alliances shatter, and the very fabric of reality unravels, Kairos's insatiable hunger for power threatens to consume not just his enemies, but the world itself. Will his unyielding ambition be the catalyst for a new era, or the harbinger of apocalypse? Dive into this dark, epic tale of sacrifice, betrayal, and the true cost of ultimate power, where the lines between heroism and villainy are blurred, and the price of greatness is paid in blood.

In "A Map of Scars", this powerful and evocative collection of poems, the speaker embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Through raw and unflinching language, the poems explore the darker corners of the human experience, laying bare the scars of grief, loss, and pain. From the haunting echoes of sorrow to the tentative whispers of hope, these poems chart a course through the turbulent waters of the soul. With unflinching honesty and vulnerability, the speaker confronts the shadows of their own psyche, and in doing so, creates a map of scars that becomes a testament to the human capacity for resilience and transformation. Through the poems in this collection, the speaker invites the reader to join them on this journey of self-discovery, to bear witness to the pain and the beauty, and to find solace in the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles. "A Map of Scars" is a powerful and moving collection of poems that will resonate with anyone who has ever known pain, loss, or sorrow. It is a testament to the human spirit's ability to heal, to transform, and to find hope in the darkest of places.

Tsukiko once believed in love—until betrayal shattered her world. Now, she guards her heart behind a wall of thorns, focusing solely on her rising career. Love is a risk she refuses to take again. Haruki, a nature photographer haunted by his past, never expected to be drawn to someone like Tsukiko. Yet, from the moment their paths crossed, he found himself captivated—not just by her beauty but by the quiet strength beneath her guarded exterior. What begins as reluctant companionship slowly grows into something deeper. Through fleeting moments, stolen glances, and unspoken words, Haruki chips away at Tsukiko’s defenses. But their love is tested by ghosts of the past—his lingering guilt, her unhealed wounds, and a truth that threatens to break them apart. Like a flower pushing through the cracks of a hardened earth, love begins to bloom again. But can they nurture it, or will it wither under the weight of old scars? A heartfelt journey of love, loss, and healing, Blooming Through the Thorns is a story about finding the courage to embrace love again—even when the past threatens to pull you back.

Julian Moreau has built a life of wealth and prestige, a dazzling empire born from ambition and sacrifice. But beneath the gilded veneer lies a man tormented by expectations—his mother's relentless demand for a family and his own inability to envision a life beyond his business. The hollow luxury of his existence is shattered one fateful night when an accident nearly claims his life, and a mysterious young woman named Isabella risks everything to save him. Isabella, a selfless girl from a humble background, is thrust into Julian's world of opulence after a desperate plea from his mother, Cilla Moreau. With the promise of money that could change her family's life, Isabella agrees to marry Julian, a man she barely knows. As she steps into the grandeur of the Moreau estate, Isabella is faced with the enormity of her decision—and the daunting task of breaking through Julian's guarded heart. Bound by a sense of duty, a promise, and an unexpected act of courage, Julian and Isabella are thrown together in a world neither fully understands. Can love grow in the shadow of an arrangement built on desperation? And will Julian find the courage to confront the emptiness within him before it’s too late? "The Scars We Carry" is a poignant tale of redemption, resilience, and the transformative power of love, where two lives collide in the unlikeliest of circumstances, and fate tests the limits of their hearts..

Shadows Of Injustice follows Detective Elizabeth Kane a woman who once believed in the justice system but is forced to rise from the ashes of betrayal to confront the powerful O’Sullivan family a dynasty tied to her darkest secrets. As she delves deeper into their treacherous world, Elizabeth must decide. Can she dismantle their empire and undo their grip on power or will she sacrifice everything including herself in the process?

"You know what a good girl would have done? A good girl would have stayed home instead of sneaking out of her father's compound just to get a man to fuck her. A good girl wouldn't have stabbed a man like me with a pen. And most of all, a good girl wouldn't be turned on by holding a gun to a man's chest." I lean closer to her. "You're no good girl, Ivanna." "You… you're wrong." "Go on then. Come on. Pull the trigger." *** My name is Ivanna. I am the daughter of Misha Sidorov, the head of the Krasnoyarsk Bratva. I have just graduated and I’m about to go to college. My life is perfect until Sergio Sakharov comes into the picture. He is the darkness itself. He reigns over the entire Sakharov family and by extension, the Dvina River Vory Bratva. His word is law, and his desire is absolute. Everything changes in a split second when he steals me away and holds prisoner in Tyva, a bride for his only heir. But Sergio doesn’t take no for an answer. He always gets whatever he wants and against all reason, he claims me for himself instead. He thinks I’m the perfect match for his desires and he is determined to keep me close, even if I fight him at every turn. Except, I’m no helpless pawn. I’m not innocent. I have tasted his dark side, and I want more. The don himself, the man they call the Volkov of Dvina River appeals to me in the most sinful of ways. His wickedness draws me in, and when he decides that he wants me, I’m helpless. I can’t resist him, even if it means giving myself to him. He may think he has power over me and can control me every step of the way, but I’m about to show him who the real boss is.

Daxton Vice returns from London on a business trip to find his older brother unexpectedly insane. Apparently, he’d missed a series of incidents that led to his brothers predicament. He meets his brothers almost-wife, and is captivated by her. Like every man, he falls for her after a few months. Because of the strong bond and love he shares with his brother, he visits him frequently in the mental asylum, and realizes that his brother always has minor lucid, yet fragmented moments. After months of visitation, he puts two and two together, discovering that all was not as it seemed. Events that had occurred naturally in the eyes of all, were exactly the opposite. A new emotion arises in him, and he’s forced to play a game of life. With the odds stacked against him, he vows to bring the truth to light and give his brother the justice he believes he deserves. Only he doesn’t know that his competitor is as deadly as a snake’s venom and far more dangerous than he could ever imagine. Gwenever Welch was a woman no man should ever want to meet.

Soulbrand: The Astral Scar – In a world where power is etched into the very soul, warriors known as Soulbrand Fighters shape history. Their Soulbrands—manifestations of their inner strength—grant them abilities beyond imagination. But not all Soulbrands bring glory. Born in the desolate wastelands, Rei was branded with a scar, a mark of rejection. Unlike others, his Soulbrand refuses to grant him a weapon, leaving him to fight with nothing but his fists. Mocked, outcast, and seen as unworthy, Rei refuses to accept his fate. When fate leads him to Aiden the Unchained, a rogue warrior with a past shrouded in legend, Rei learns that true strength isn’t in the weapon, but in the will to be free. With enemies lurking in the shadows—powerful rulers, warlords, and the gods themselves—Rei sets out on a journey to challenge the system that binds the world. But as he fights to break the chains of destiny, an ancient force awakens within him… one that even the gods fear. In a world ruled by might, can a warrior with nothing forge his own legend?