Knightwood Associates

The world is diverse and flourishing. Humanity has changed, and with it, brought in a new era of prosperity. Males and females still exist, but the spectrum from which humanity is cast has broadened. With the introduction of alpha, omega, and beta, humanity has evolved even further. In such a word, Dr. Andrew Knox, known environmental researcher, is happy being a beta male. It has made his life easier by being middle ground, and as much as some wish he was one way or the other, he’s happy being who he is. Thriving even. He works in a world renowned research facility. He makes friends easily, and his projects are always funded. He even found someone who he thinks he could end up marrying if things continue in the right direction. That, and the vacant house next to his apartment building gets bought by a new neighbour. A cute, but cautious omega who relies on Andrew as a beta for help. Andrew couldn’t be happier. He loves being a helper, and loves when people rely on him. All in all, Andrew really thinks he has everything made. That is, until a research project with shoddy data is thrown back into his face that he has no recollection of working on, and all of his reputation disintegrates in between one heartbeat and the next. Heartbroken, it isn’t until Andrew wakes up, chained to a wall that everything becomes clear. He becomes a test subject to one of the scientists that he trusted. That he expected would never harm him. The life he had known, where he was a respected researcher was ripped out from underneath him. His identity and everything he’s ever known is stolen from him from a crazed researcher who he had trusted, maybe even loved. He has to relearn who he is, what he is, from scratch. Thankfully, he has one person in his corner. He just never expected to have to rely on someone whose shoulders were so small. This is an a/b/o story, and will have those tropes associated with it. I hope you enjoy :)

In this world where modernity and mythology were intertwined, the Imperial Beast Master was an existence that stood at the top of the pyramid. Between the ages of fifteen and sixteen, everyone had the opportunity to awaken the talent of the Imperial Beast and summon their own native spirit beast. Spirit Beasts were divided into Mythic and Ordinary Levels, with Mythic Level Spirit Beasts being named after legendary divine beasts, and Ordinary Levels being named after modern creatures. The ranks of the Imperial Beast Masters were named after the planets of the solar system, from the Mercury Realm to the Pluto Realm, seven stars per realm, and steps to the sky. Lin Fan, an ordinary high school student, originally thought that he had no connection with the Imperial Beast Master in his life. Until the day of his sixteenth birthday, when he accidentally awakened his Imperial Beast Talent and summoned the Mythical Grade Spirit Beast, Taotie. However, this legendary beast is an unapologetic eater, who not only eats up the school cafeteria, but also always has a haughty look of “I am invincible”. After joining the Beast Master Association, Lin Fan realized that the world was far more complicated than he had imagined. Hidden in the shadows of the city are the spirit beast riots, the conspiracies of mysterious organizations, the secrets of ancient relics ...... and his taotie, which also seems to be hiding an unknown past. From the campus to the battlefield, from rookie to legend, Lin Fan and his eating god beast grow along the way, uncovering one shocking secret after another. However, as his strength rises, he also gradually realizes that his fate with Taotie has long been caught up in a huge conspiracy spanning thousands of years ......

In the world of Eldranis, fate is dictated by the Arcana Codex, an ancient system that assigns every person a Card Sigil from the legendary Arcane Deck at birth. These cards determine power, status, and destiny. The strongest wield high-ranking cards—Aces, Kings, and Queens—while the weak are doomed to insignificance. But among them, the most feared are the Jokers, those who exist outside the system, capable of altering the very fabric of fate itself. Noir Vale, the enigmatic boy with raven-black hair and ice-blue eyes, was born under the Ace of Spades, a card synonymous with ruin and misfortune. Every Ace of Spades before him has perished before reaching adulthood. His existence is a death sentence. But unlike his predecessors, Noir refuses to be bound by fate. Accepted into the Grand Arcana Academy, where only the elite train to harness their Card Sigils, Noir quickly earns both admiration and fear. During his first trial, he unveils an ability unheard of—the power to erase or alter the abilities of others, a trait only associated with Jokers, the anomalies of the Arcana Codex. With the academy now watching his every move, and the world branding him as a threat, Noir has only one goal: To defy destiny itself. As hidden conspiracies unfold and enemies lurk in the shadows, Noir must outplay the gods of fate in a high-stakes gambit where one wrong move could mean annihilation. Armed with intelligence, manipulation, and an unpredictable power, he will carve his own legend. After all, in a game where everyone follows the rules… the one who cheats is king.

Ethan Carter, a brilliant doctor from Johns Hopkins University and an associate physician at Mayo Clinic, suddenly finds himself reborn in 2014 with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—to reshape his destiny. Armed with knowledge of the future and the Legendary Hospital System, he embarks on an ambitious mission: to build the greatest hospital in the world. The system gifts him Celestial Medical Center, a state-of-the-art medical facility surpassing even the most prestigious institutions. With unlimited resources, cutting-edge technology, and the power to attract the best medical talent, Ethan sets out to revolutionize modern healthcare. But the road to greatness is filled with challenges—recruiting top doctors, establishing credibility, competing with renowned hospitals, and pushing the boundaries of medical science. Can Ethan use his foresight and innovation to turn Celestial Medical Center into the undisputed leader in global healthcare? A thrilling blend of medicine, business, and futuristic technology, this is the story of one man’s quest to change the world—one patient at a time.

Lukas was born into a world of hostility at a time of peace. The many wars plaguing the world slowly stopped, his country began to reunify after splitting in half, and the otherworldly Dungeons finally started to disappear. He was supposed to live his youth like any other kid. So that’s precisely what he did. He played games, told stories, pulled pranks, and made memories with others. But one game they created - The Devil’s Deal - would haunt them all, its shadow stretching far beyond their innocent imaginations. Twenty years later, the Dungeons are back, and Lukas works for the Association, finding and reporting them. Incident after incident forces him to reconnect with old friends. Eventually, he finds himself involved in that childhood game once more and has to become a villain, betraying all the values he thought he once had. The truth would challenge the very core of his ideals and expose a long string of conspiracies enveloping the world.

Brielle is one of the few female hunters at the association. Dealing with useless trainees every six months, she has a low tolerance for bullshit. She no longer believes in love, and nothing will change her mind after what happened to her. She believes that the only thing she can love and trust is her job, where she helps protect the defenceless by killing those who use their abilities to get everything they want. Hunting is a thrill that she enjoys more than life itself. Having a minimalist life, the only thing at home she cherishes is her painting. A vampire that refuses to choose a partner for his sister. Ketan will do anything to protect his loved ones, even kill those that threaten his livelihood. Usually, he is calm, gentle, and collected. He stays hidden away from everyone when he does not want anything to do with individuals until the day he is captured and locked away in a dungeon. After that moment, his life changed for good. Cursing the blood that he drinks, Ketan fights against the pull of drinking more blood from the person that donated the blood. An Excerpt from the book: Brielle throws her arms around Ketan’s neck. “I was so worried about you. I did not know what you were going to do or if you would survive.” Ketan smiled and accepted her hug. “I am sorry for worrying you. I had to do what needed to be done. Besides, I knew that this was going to happen and be as painful as it was.” Brielle starts sobbing in his embrace. “I think that you should take what you need from me, Ketan. You will not be able to stand the bloodlust soon… will you?” Pushing her away before losing control. Ketan moves away from her weakly. “Stay back. I am not in control of myself right now. You should not even be here right now. Leave me alone!” Ketan holds his hand out to stop her from coming closer to him. “I can hear your pulse racing; it’s deafening.” “You were fine a moment ago; now you are you pushing me away, Ketan? I can help you.” Brielle leans down towards him and gently pulls him into her arms. “No, stop. I can’t control myself, and I would never be able to forgive myself if something happened to you. I am not a sedated beast; I lust for every drop of your sweet blood that I hear pumping through your veins, but I must resist. Otherwise, I will harm you in the worst way possible.” Ketan pushes her back and teleports deeper into the cave. “Stay back before I begin to acquire a taste for your blood. It is a deadly thing to tempt fate once again.” Brielle continues to walk into the deep dark cave towards him. “Ketan, I trust you more than I have trusted others. I know that you will not kill me. Just look at how fearful you are right now.” She finally reaches him again. Crying, Ketan grabs her from behind, sits her in his lap. One arm wrapped around her waist, the other in her hair, pulling off the right exposing her neck. Slowly he lowers his lips to her neck, licking the surface testing the flesh. His fangs rest at the hollow of her neck before carefully breaking the skin. He starts to drink her blood deeply, but as he drank, he slowly stopped and lifted his face up, crying while holding Brielle against his body crying. Blood leaking from the bite marks while some drips down his chin. Her body was being held up by Ketan, and her eyes were now closed. Her body seemed lifeless in his arms. She started to slide forward as a deadweight. Ketan catches her and holds her princess style in his lap, rocking back and forth. Crying fresh tears.

In a world where Heroes are the last line of defence against threats, 17 year-old Zane Skylark, was the most powerful of them all—a symbol of strength and justice. Known as the “Rank-1 Hero, [Hope].” [Hope's] every move was praised by the masses, and his victories were legendary. But during a mission, [Hope] is believed to have died, but only to survive due to an unknown skill—[Immortality]. For 60 long days, Zane's lifeless body remains inactive, as the [Hero Association] declares him dead and appoints a new hero who can mimic Zane’s strength under his hero name [Hope]. After resurrected. "What's... Happening?" "Didn't I... Die?.." "Immortality?" Zane finds himself in a confused situation. "After everything I did for them..." After finding [Hero Association] betrayal, he decided to distance himself from them. "It's been... almost 3 years. " "Maybe I should return home." He decided to return to his hometown, hoping to bury his past and lead a peaceful existence. But... can a hero truly abandon their destiny? Or will new challenges will force Zane to confront his past self and the responsibilities he has left behind? :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: – Hello, Dear readers! Newbie Author here! I appreciate you choosing my story. Along with being an author, I’m also a student, and I’ll do my best to write this story. Please bear with me if there are occasional delays in uploads due to my exams and other commitments. I have planned a lot for this novel, and I'm committed to giving it my all. Thank you for your understanding! Additional Tags: - No Harem (I hate harem.) - WeaktoStrong - Academy - OP MC - Mystery, Suspense - Secret Identity

The story starts in the busy city of Hong Kong, where Ruth Lee is leading a life of privilege, replete with all the luxuries and protection provided by her powerful Mafia family. She suspects something is wrong, but the truth comes crashing down when, after a family argument, Ruth wakes up to a house full of dead servants and her family nowhere to be found. Scared and desperate at first, Ruth finds, behind a hidden safe left by her father, an address in Seoul, South Korea; a credit card; and papers so she could travel. She finally settled in South Korea out of necessity in search of her answers. On landing, it is Frank Xia, a very-feared Mafia lord previously associated with the mafia family. Frank, owing to old debts to her father, agrees to help Ruth find her family-but only if she proves capable of surviving the brutal world of the Mafia. As Ruth trains with Frank and his crew, she learns about her secret Mafia lineage and all the power dynamics that come with it. It is a tough, grueling training that pushes her to her limits, but slowly, Ruth morphs from pampered princess into Mafia heiress. The complication in their mission would be the budding attraction between Ruth and Frank, and as their feelings for each other deepen, so does their determination to find her family-and to unmask the formidable foes against them. On her way, Ruth faces betrayal, dark secrets, and surprising alliances. Now she's supposed to learn her way with a world she never understood, and the dark legacy of her family. Tension between her and Frank heightens while running life-threatening missions, and a passionate romance blooms in the midst of chaos. But the road to the future is filled with perils, as Ruth's uncle, a powerful Mafia baron with a deep-seated grudge against her family, seeks to destroy everything they've built.

When I was a scrawny little teenager, bullied by the entire football team, no one said a thing When she rejected me in front of the entire class, and they all laughed, no one said a thing. When my parents and grandparents died in a deadly plane crash caused by the company's negligence, no one said a thing. Even then, I never complained, I stayed focused. I graduated from law school and landed a job as an Associate in one of the country's best law firms. I found a woman undeserving of the life I created for myself and I gave her everything I had to offer, but it wasn't enough. When I found out she was sleeping with my boss, everyone laughed at me. They said it was my fault; I wasn't man enough. Some said I neglected her Everyone had an excuse for her, but what about me? It's been so hard, and I have been trying my best, but somehow, it's never enough. Now, things are different. I have this gift and everyone thinks I should do better. Everyone thinks I was created for a reason. They say the heavens chose me and gave me purpose. They say I must be the bigger man and serve humanity. I say, fuck them A man is a mirror of his life experiences. Since the world showed me pain and suffering, the universe will experience the same. {The heavens have abandoned you, the Abyss extends its hands, will you take it?} {Yes/No} {Warning, you have 3 seconds to decide} --------------- Extra Tags: #Sucide #Cruel #Evil #Mentally unstable

Watch out, the protagonist is a man, a man, a man! Zero sex change in this light novel! Associated Names: "Although I Devote To Play the Role of the Villain, Everyone Thinks That I’m a Tsundere", "I Have an Evil Sister Who Wants To Invade the World Every Day", "The Plot Is Getting More and More Strange, and I’m Scared by the Way the Heroines Look at Me", "I Will Kill You if You Say I’m a Tsundere Again", "The System Goes on Strike? I Go on Strike Too!", "Today Everyone’s Friendship Is Also Deteriorating", "The Heroines Are Helpless, and Only I Can Save the World", "I’m Forced To Have Several Daughters, When Will You Let Me Go?"

In the realm of Zephorya, Cassian Black finds himself at a vital juncture where insurrection and persecution happen continuously. Cassian, the son of the head of the Association Utopia (AU), struggles with the weight of his legacy and the confining expectations that follow. "Bands," ancient metallic bracelets that provide enormous powers to their wearers—those who utilize them are known as Bandits—help to reshape the world.  Disappointed with the rigid AU regulations and anxious to create his own path, Cassian bids farewell to his privileged life, only to return some years later. This time, with a Band of his own.

Dustin Williams, Known throughout reality as Celestial Dustin, The King of Everything is done and dusted with life, having fufilled everything he set out to do painting himself to reality like painting on a canvas, he then writes down his autobiography, to inform and inspire future generations, he has seen his wars, countless wars, his bloodline has expanded and prospered throughout the cosmos for eons, but even an immortal being has an ending, but with his last moments he shares to us the tale of his rise to glory, Will you read it?

In a world of rival kingdoms and ancient mysteries, this webnovel tells the story of Ikaru, a seemingly ordinary young man hiding unfathomable power and a shadowy agenda. Hailing from the Kingdom of Ethril, Ikaru gathers a group of extraordinary companions: Ellie, a demon exile; Rura, a spider-elf hybrid; Xyser, a cursed outcast; Qunsil, a half-beast survivor; and Aariea, an enigmatic being of immense power. Together, they navigate tournaments, internal wars, and a dangerous new continent, manipulating events to serve Ikaru’s cryptic goals. As kingdoms collapse and demons return, Ikaru’s association grows unstoppable, reshaping the world from the shadows. Yet, as his power rises, so does the mystery surrounding his true motives. In a climactic final arc, Ikaru’s ultimate plan is revealed, forcing allies and enemies alike to confront the cost of their choices in a battle that will define their world forever.

"If given the chance, she would do everything in her power to never associate with those who destroyed her life and drove her to the brink of death. She would live a peaceful life and achieve her dreams," were her words before she succumbed to the darkness, embracing her demise. ***** Eveline Miller, a simple, kind, and loving girl, loved Gabriel Winston, her childhood sweetheart, all her life. However, all he did in return was hate her. One fateful night, she ended up finding herself sleeping next to him and he ended up declaring her a lair who took advantage of his intoxicated state. Though married for three years, Eveline tried her best to prove her innocence and pave her way to his heart, only to learn that her husband was having a secret affair. The days she decided to confront him was the day she was push to death by none other than her best friend, Tiffany. It was then she realized the woman her husband was cheating her with was her so called friend. But what next? The moment she thought her life was over, she woke up in the time when she wasn't married and from that moment on, she swore to make her life worth it and ignore those who didn't deserve her love. But wait, why is Gabriel suddenly being interested in her when he didn't even blink the time she was pushed to death. Come and join me in the journey of Eveline and Gabriel and enjoy the twist and turn they face along. PS: The photo cover doesn't belong to me. Credit to the respected owner.

Also available in other websites like RoyalRoad.com, MoonQuill & Tapas In a world of advanced technology and shadowy organizations, Kasper de la Fuente seems like just another talented student at the elite Bounty Hunter Association Academy. Enhanced by cutting-edge nanobots, Kasper and his tight-knit group of friends tackle everything the Academy throws at them - from brutal combat simulations to mysterious incidents that push their abilities to the limit. But beneath the surface of intense training and wild parties, dark forces are stirring. When a classified training simulation goes catastrophically wrong, Kasper discovers his enhancements might be more than just standard tech. As he digs deeper, he uncovers connections to the infamous Project Lazarus and the deadly Valparaíso Incident. A chain of tragic events forces Kasper to leave the Academy behind for the neon-drenched streets of Costa del Sol. There, he emerges as something new: The Void Killer, a hunter whose name sends shivers through the criminal underworld. Now, years later, the mysterious Cyber Lich threatens to destroy everything Kasper has built. Working with the enigmatic Douglas Berston and the secretive Paranormal Activity Branch, he must confront an enemy that seems to know his every move. But in a world where technology and darkness intertwine, nothing is as it seems. Old friends become enemies, ancient conspiracies resurface, and the line between justice and vengeance grows ever thinner. The Void Killer Saga - where every shadow hides a secret, and the truth comes at a deadly price.

Vicente, a renowned criminal in his time on Earth, dies during an escape when betrayed by one of his trusted associates. However, this is not the end of Vicente's journey. Just when he thought he would die, he suddenly finds himself in a strange place, in a body different from his own. Without understanding why or how, Vicente finds that, strangely, he has been reborn! In his second chance, this time in a magical world full of possibilities impossible on Earth, he will follow a fantastic journey in search of the answers to his questions. Meanwhile, he will use his own means to survive this new reality where, once again, he will suffer heavy losses! Join Vicente on this new journey in his unique family with the old mafia ways! *** Add the novel to the library and vote for it for more chapters. *** Notice: This is a fantasy story and, as such, is not related to any fact of reality. Disclaimer: I don't own the cover; if its original creator wants me to take down or put credit, leave a message in any chapter, and I'll do it as soon as possible. https://discord.gg/4437dvvk9x

in the distant future of planet earth where the future is filled with dread and sorrow due to a powerful disease that mutated half of humanity into vile monsters a young boy is born his name is Zain he dreams of living a good rich life since he grew up in the outer walls the most polluted and dangerous place in society but things change when he is recruited by the scavenger Association the most powerful organization on earth. being the diamond the organization as been seeking he his told to make a decision to either save what is left of humanity or live his dream. ----- 14 chapters every week and if you want to get in touch with me feel free to reach out to me the comments section.

Kim typed out a 3,000-word comment to express her joy over the demise of the villainous character, Marcella Pendragon. The ending was heartbreaking, as Marcella had constantly bullied the female protagonist, Sabrina Pendragon, the first daughter of the Pendragon family. All members of the Pendragon family shared a distinctive trait - white hair and blue eyes - whereas Marcella, with her red hair and red eyes, resembled her mother instead. This difference fueled her anger and resentment towards her family. As the story progressed, with the villain no longer present, the narrative approached its conclusion, and Sabrina was set to marry the Crown Prince. However, Kim's world was turned upside down when she woke up to find herself as a slave in the world of the novel she had been reading. To her horror, her master was none other than Marcella Pendragon. Kim had never been particularly invested in Marcella's character, despite her being described as a beautiful yet evil villain. However, when faced with the reality, Marcella's beauty seemed almost otherworldly. "Black hair, black eyes..." Marcella said in a cold tone, as individuals with such characteristics were often associated with being descendants of the devil's race, known for their black eyes and hair.

Five years. It took me five years to destroy the VRMMORPG company that my father created. After my father died, I was lost and alone, but then I realized who made me that way. This game, "A Thief's Paradise: Gain or Nothing," caused everything. So, I poured every bit of effort over the last five years into destroying the game's server and erasing every player from the game. But I was merely caught in the spider web laid out by my father’s associate. In the end, I unwittingly aided my father’s enemy in strengthening themselves. And I died with regret as a nobody in a prison cell. [Game Over] --- [Initializing Upload] … [Upload Completed] [Transmission to Real World - 100%] Yes, I have been given a second chance, a second chance to make them pay for everything. This time, I won’t stop at just destroying "A Thief's Paradise: Gain or Nothing." I will show this world what happens when you hurt someone who has nothing but vengeance in their heart. I will not just make them pay. **The Game That Took Everything from Me: Only PK-ing This Time**

In the ordinary world, Alexander Cage was anything but ordinary. A genius in every sense, he mastered skills that put him leagues above the average human—martial arts, biology, technology, logical reasoning, and beyond. With such unparalleled abilities, he led the World Association’s elite task force, handling missions no one else could survive. From high-stakes assassinations to saving hostages and tipping the scales in wars, Alexander was the “perfect human”—except for one missing piece: happiness. Haunted by a life that had been nothing but duty, Alexander decided to leave it all behind. One last mission, he promised himself, and he’d retire to find a new life, a normal life. But fate had different plans. In his final mission, he sacrificed himself to save his team, his life slipping away with his dreams of peace unfulfilled. Then, the impossible happened. Alexander awoke, not in the afterlife, but in a new world—a realm where magic, martial arts, alchemy, and ancient technology thrive together in breathtaking harmony. Reborn with all his memories, he is granted a mysterious “System” that promises him a fresh start and the power to shape his destiny. But as he navigates this strange world, battling villains, unraveling ancient secrets, and building alliances, he begins to realize he’s still missing something—the happiness and love he’s never known. In a land full of wonders and dangers, Alexander will rise again, not just as a warrior but as a man searching for meaning. Will he finally find the happiness that eluded him in his past life, or will his pursuit lead him down darker paths? In a world as boundless as his own potential, only one thing is certain—Alexander Cage’s story has only just begun.

[WN WITH ILLUSTRATION] Story about human babies raised by monsters in a world of sword and magic. Allen is an orphaned boy that had lived a rather pleasant life with his orc mother in the bowels of a deadly dungeon, until the day a group of humans ventured down to loot and pillage the home they had come to think of as safe. They took everything that Allen had, and drove him further away from the humanity. In anger and anguish, Allen turned his back on the humans. He encapsulated himself in a deep-seated hatred of them, refusing to associate with them in any way—even going so far as to reject any attempt at kindness. Allen begins his journey in a world of human with full of deceit, danger, envy, and politics. [WARNING! this novel has strong gore and violence] [This novel has an illustration. All the illustrations are original and made by me. Reuse is not allowed, and repost should be with credit]

Story Character Indonesian Hunters Association https://inhas.id/

Authors have magical powers, they create worlds other than their own. Once those worlds are abandoned, it is damned. .... Jia Jianyu is a small-time author who managed to garner a large number of readers. She is highly loved and hated by her readers because she is known to never finish any work then jump to another book and create chaos. Unfortunately, a crazy fan found out her real identity and thrown her dozens of eggs and she DIED. Jia Jianyu:"..." Are the eggs made of rock or is my skull made of plastic??? When she opened her eyes again, she was welcomed by other famed authors. It's just that... There's something wrong with these authors and their creations.... Author number 1 often hides in the darkness. Author number 2 is invincible. Author number 3 can levitate. Author number 4 seems a... Nonhuman.

In a world where creatures known as Spirit beasts tear anything they see apart, from woman and men to children. An association is made to deal with this phenomenon called the SHA "Spirit Hunters Association, our protagonist Ao Hinote, is a below average, weak 15-year-old demi-human with slightly above average intelligence who always dreamed to become a hunter as a child. He ended up applying to attend a school made for creating Spirit Hunters, but it seems there is far more to this school and the association than the kingdom led on. Will Ao be able to become strong enough to join the school, will his intelligence be enough to help him pass? What else is there to the school that the kingdom isn't telling him?

Jeremiah Hayes was a football prodigy, debuting for Manchester United at fifteen and becoming their youngest goalscorer. By twenty-four, he was a household name. But one reckless tackle ended everything, leaving him with a shattered knee and a career cut short. Years later, hope was reborn in his son, Jerry. At fifteen, Jerry was everything Jeremiah had been—quick, sharp, and destined for greatness... unfortunately just not as good. Playing for a grassroots academy, Jerry Jr was about to compete in a local tournament, his first real chance to prove himself, and just before it started, that was when he heard it... a single bell chime. [Ding!] This book is a work of fiction. While it includes the names of actual football clubs, footballers, and locations, these elements are used purely for fictional purposes. Any resemblance to real events, matches, or individuals' actions is entirely coincidental. It is not the intent of this book or its author to breach any form of copyright, trademark, or intellectual property agreements associated with the mentioned clubs, players, or organizations. All rights remain with their respective owners.

"You can outrun many things, but fate will always find you, like your shadow in the light." . In the heart of Washington D.C., mafia heir Vaughn Volkov is on a mission that takes him far from the sun-soaked streets of California. The bustling city, with its imposing monuments and corridors of power, is a far cry from the palm-lined avenues of his home. Vaughn, however, is not one to be easily intimidated. His piercing blue eyes and commanding presence turn heads wherever he goes, a reminder that beneath his polished exterior lies a man accustomed to danger and control. Vaughn's path crosses with Eliza Monroe, a seemingly innocent college student whose gentle demeanor masks a resilience forged from her own turbulent past. Eliza, with her kind heart and determined spirit, is an enigma. She spends her days buried in books at the library, her nights working part-time to make ends meet. Her brown eyes, often hidden behind a cascade of dark curls, hold a depth that Vaughn finds both intriguing and unsettling. Their first encounter is anything but ordinary. Vaughn watches, intrigued by her fearlessness and the fire in her eyes. "You're not like the others," he remarks later, cornering her in the quiet corner of the library. His voice is a low, dangerous purr that sends shivers down Eliza's spine. "And you're not just the student here," she retorts, meeting his gaze with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "What do you want from me?" Vaughn's lips curve into a slow, dangerous smile. "Maybe I just want to get to know you." Despite her reservations, Eliza feels a strange pull towards Vaughn. His presence is intoxicating, a blend of danger and allure that she finds hard to resist. As they spend more time together, Eliza begins to see glimpses of the man beneath the mafia heir. Vaughn, too, finds himself drawn to Eliza in ways he never anticipated. Her kindness, her strength, and her unyielding spirit ignite something within him that he thought long buried. Yet, as their connection deepens, the shadows of their pasts loom ever larger. Vaughn's family business, shrouded in crime and violence, is never far from his mind. His enemies are ruthless, and his association with Eliza puts her squarely in their crosshairs. Eliza, too, harbors secrets. The dark forces that have shaped her life threaten to consume her, and Vaughn's world only amplifies those dangers. As their worlds collide, they must navigate a treacherous web of intrigue, passion, and forbidden desire. But with danger lurking around every corner, will their love survive, or will they be torn apart by the shadows of fate?

Lily Renave, a young girl of American descent living in Medan, Indonesia, finds herself living under the shadow of her family's dark past. Her father, James G. Renave, is a former government agent who once exposed a major criminal operation led by Bruno Genovese, the boss of the Genovese crime family, one of the Five Mafia Families of New York. It all began with an online relationship between James and Stacy Spark, a British woman, whose life was turned upside down when Bruno, infatuated with Stacy's photos, ordered her kidnapping. When James could not reach Stacy, he uncovered through Interpol that she had been abducted by Genovese’s men, and the crime was caught on CCTV. James tracked her across international borders, discovering she was in Mexico, heading toward the U.S. Armed with information from satellite surveillance, James managed to track Stacy’s whereabouts and intercept her, saving her from Bruno’s grip. This led to the dismantling of a large narcotics operation tied to Genovese and ultimately resulted in Bruno's imprisonment. However, the takedown angered the mafia kingpin, and in retaliation, Bruno's associates sent James death threats. Fearing for his family's safety, James was forced to flee to Indonesia, where he hoped to disappear and start anew. Eight years later, Bruno was unexpectedly released from prison and, using his connections, tracked down the Renave family to Indonesia. Lily witnesses a brutal murder carried out by Bruno's men. Fleeing for her life, she is pursued by the mafia. Just as she is about to be captured, Lily is rescued by a mysterious stranger and falls unconscious from exhaustion. Caught between her father's past and the danger that now threatens her own life, Lily must navigate a treacherous path, uncovering dark secrets and fighting for survival. With each step, she gets closer to the truth, and to confronting Bruno and his criminal empire once and for all. This is just fiction and does not really exist. The similarity to people's names may not be intentional. Some stories use inspiration from real cases that have occurred throughout the world. However, the location of the place, as well as parties, agencies or organizations are not to denigrate or create a conspiracy. Artnorthlife Cover by AI

Tokyo is on edge. A group of terrorists has taken over a massive shopping mall, holding innocent people hostage. The police surround the building, prepared for a long standoff—until the Hero Association arrives. In minutes, a team of elite heroes wipes out the criminals without breaking a sweat. The crowd cheers. The media swarms them for interviews. The heroes smile, crack jokes, and disappear into the night. But not everyone is celebrating. Behind closed doors, the police are furious. The heroes are acting above the law, killing criminals on sight. No arrests. No trials. Just bodies. The police commissioner warns that if this continues, traditional law enforcement will be useless. A cynical detective agrees, but there’s nothing they can do. The world sees the heroes as saviors—but what if they’re just another kind of monster? Meanwhile, in a quiet part of Saitama, high school student Kuroshi Watarabe wakes up from a terrifying nightmare—flames, screams, and a city burning to ashes. But it was just a dream… right? He pushes the thoughts aside and heads to school, where he’s just a regular third-year student, joking with his friends and dodging promises to treat them to food. But that night, everything changes.

When playing Big Bet, the choice is only one: win or die. This story follows Choi Hyunsuk, a man who lives boldly after experiencing deep trauma in the past. When he reunites with an old friend, Cha Tae-Hyun, they decide to start a casino business together. However, this glamorous casino world is full of dangers, deceit, and high-stakes games that threaten them. Hyunsuk and Tae-Hyun face various obstacles, including threats from competitors, betrayal from associates, and internal conflicts that shake the foundation of their business. In every bet and high-stakes game, they must struggle to survive and protect what they have built. Will their courage and intelligence be enough to overcome all the challenges, or will they fall into ruin?

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