Staying In The Shadows

Pamela "Ella" Johnson's life was shattered when her parents were murdered in cold blood before her eyes. Years later, haunted by the memories and driven by a promise to seek justice, Ella's quest for the truth leads her into the dark underbelly of her city. A mysterious stalker, cryptic letters, and hidden connections reveal the existence of two powerful organizations: The Circle and The Order. These shadowy groups wield immense influence, controlling every facet of the city through corruption and fear. As Ella unravels their secrets, she uncovers shocking truths about her family’s involvement and the deadly price they paid for opposing these forces. With the help of unlikely allies—a friend with ties to The Order, a conflicted insider, and a former member turned whistleblower—Ella faces betrayal, danger, and overwhelming odds. Her relentless pursuit takes her deeper into the shadows, where every revelation brings her closer to the truth but also closer to danger. In a gripping tale of courage and resilience, Through the Shadows is a story of uncovering hidden truths, confronting systemic corruption, and seeking justice against all odds. Ella’s fight is not just for her parents but for herself and a community desperate for hope.

A boy thrust into tragedy takes on a new identity, hiding his past while navigating the halls of an elite academy. As secrets and betrayals unravel, he uncovers the dark truths behind his family's fall. Amidst conspiracies, hidden enemies, and unexpected bonds, he seeks justice and redemption. Will his resolve carry him through, or will the weight of revenge consume him? A gripping tale of survival, identity, and slow-burn romance awaits in Shadows of the Crown.

After dying as a retired professional, John Evigeni wakes up in a new magical world where fight and death are common occurrences. As a Merchant, he's determined to navigate this realm facing daunting challenges with unexpected allies by his side. Will he discover the path to true fulfillment or remain shackled by his past?

[A Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance] "Wherever there are shadows, there has to be a light" ~ Seraphina Winters, the Mafia Queen of the 21st century, dies at the age of 28 in an assassination attempt and finds herself facing the trial that will decide her place in the afterlife, i.e. - heaven or hell. However, a weird situation occurs when her bad deeds turn out to be equal to her good deeds performed during her mortal life. To solve the situation, the Council of Afterlife offers her a chance to increase her good deeds and secure her place in heaven. As for the offer - marry the Shadow Lords and revive the cursed land of Shadow City. The council even offers her their newly created system to help her with the impossible task. Dressed in an all-black wedding gown, Seraphina finds herself outside a haunted castle in the depths of a haunted city. From here begins Seraphina's journey of handling her four very hot but dangerous husbands while bringing a very dead city back to life with the help of the system. ----- For more updates about the story, follow me on Instagram: @nightsummer20 ******* Disclaimer: The book cover is mine.

Seraphina Blackwood has always lived between two worlds—one ordinary, the other supernatural. Raised by her enigmatic grandmother in a quiet, remote town, she never imagined the truth about who she really was. But after her grandmother's sudden death, Seraphina’s world unravels. She’s not just any girl—she’s a Lobizona, a rare female werewolf, born from the forbidden union of a human and a werewolf. Now, with dangerous enemies hunting her down, she’s forced to flee the only home she’s ever known. In search of safety, she stumbles upon Lupine Academy, a hidden school high in the mountains where the supernatural world’s most powerful beings—werewolves, vampires, and witches—train and thrive. But safety remains elusive. Even at the Academy, Seraphina’s presence sparks curiosity, envy, and danger as tensions among the factions boil beneath the surface. Ronan Stormbane, a fierce Alpha-in-training with a dark, brooding presence, carries the weight of his past—a brutal attack that wiped out his entire pack. Determined never to lead again, he’s shaken by Seraphina’s arrival. From their first encounter, sparks fly, as they are drawn into a turbulent and undeniable connection neither can control. As Seraphina unravels the secrets of her lineage and the Academy’s shadowy past, she finds herself in the middle of a deadly power struggle. A rogue hybrid werewolf-vampire named Kyros is out for revenge, with Ronan in his crosshairs. And Seraphina? She’s the key to unlocking an ancient power, one Kyros is determined to possess at any cost. Complicating matters further is Ciaran Nightshade, the dangerously charming vampire prince, whose attention pulls Seraphina in unexpected directions. Torn between two worlds and two dangerous men, she battles to control the powers waking inside her. Meanwhile, whispers from the forest warn of a looming threat, and Seraphina must learn to navigate the blurred lines between friend and foe. In the end, Seraphina must make a choice: will she embrace the wild power within her, or will it consume her whole?

"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?

After being whisked away into another world, from one cruel existence to another, Sylvia finds herself in front of a demon lord. He who only has one command for her. Be my bride.

"I should have stayed home and played video games." This was Ray's last thought before darkness engulfed him after he was hit by a car. But surprisingly, instead of finding himself before the gates of hell after dying, Ray found out he was transmigrated into another world. The world Ray was transmigrated to was called Arora World, a place where you can use different kinds of skills, magic, and even acquire powerful classes. Ray found himself in the body of a young boy named Evan, who was studying in a hunter academy after awakening his abilities at the age of fourteen. At first, Ray was happy that he was transmigrated into the body of someone who had awakened his abilities and could use the magic he always wanted to use. However, as Ray went through Evan's memories, he finally realized that everything was not as simple as he had expected. Evan had a unique physique that didn't allow him to increase his power like other people. Because of this useless unique physique, Evan was the weakest hunter in the entire academy. And that was not all; the more Ray looked at Evan's memories, the more he realized just how troublesome his situation was. "I know I entered this body without buying a ticket, but isn't this too much?" Ray said in a depressed voice after going through Evan's memories. Will Ray be able to survive in this new world? Is the physique of his new body really useless? Join Ray on his adventure to find out.

Fleeing poverty and danger, sixteen-year-old Li Ang escapes to Gotham City aboard a smuggler’s ship, only to awaken memories of a past life as a Taoist cultivator. In a modern world devoid of spiritual energy, Li Ang must adapt ancient techniques to survive Gotham's crime-infested streets. Caught between the criminal underworld and encounters with legendary figures like Batman, Li Ang struggles to find balance between Eastern wisdom and Western chaos. As his power grows, so does his burden: to confront not just Gotham’s darkness but the spiritual decay of an entire era. Will Li Ang restore harmony to a fractured world, or will he become another shadow among Gotham's ruins? A tale of reincarnation, mysticism, and morality unfolds in this gripping urban fantasy.

**Azzar was a man shrouded in mystery, a paradox of strength and weakness, brilliance and madness.** Trapped in a surreal experiment that blurred the lines between reality and fantasy, Azzar found himself living countless lives in countless worlds. Each step he took revealed more about his fragmented identity—a genius strategist in one moment, a powerless pawn in the next. Drawn into an eternal cycle of life and death, he was both predator and prey, both savior and destroyer. What truly set him apart, however, was the terrifying truth: in every world he touched, he was both the architect of salvation and the harbinger of ruin. Azzar was the strongest of the weak, the weakest of the strong, and the greatest puzzle of all. But as he delved deeper into the experiment's secrets, he began to uncover the horrifying purpose behind it—and the chilling truth about who, or what, he truly was.

"If somehow you could rewrite your life's greatest sins." Damien Vryce, a hard-hearted killer, was hanged for tyranny. He found himself awoken one year ahead of his fall. Having recollections from his past, he swore to make amends and save himself from the gallows. In the path of redemption lay treachery, conspiracies under the surface, and an unlikely, but hot love with the unknown woman, Amara Draven. As Damien sows the seeds of distrust by laying ruin to his past empire of fear, he recognizes that redemption considers the acknowledgement of the sins that have been committed along with the crossing of the line from sin to repentance. An entire kingdom lies in the threshold of war, enemies imbued with greed lurk in the shadows, and the second chance for Damien may well be the last. 20 power stones = 2 extra chapter 4 golden ticket = 2 extra chapter

In a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse, emergency unit doctor Kate is thrust into a nightmare beyond her worst fears. As chaos reigns, she transforms from a timid caregiver into a fierce survivor, navigating the remnants of civilization in search of her missing brother. Along the way, Kate encounters a group of survivor who ignites feelings she never expected But survival is a double-edged sword. Kate must rely on her newfound strength and the bonds she’s forged to find safety. Just when she believes she’s found a sanctuary, kate has to look for more survivor. Along with her new found friends, Kate faces the horrors of the world and the uncertainty In a gripping tale filled with humor, resilience, and unexpected love, Shadows of the Undead explores the depths of human connection in a landscape where every heartbeat could be your last. Will Kate find her way and discover a future worth fighting for, or will the shadows consume her forever?

Whispers in the Velvet Shadows This heart of Ilyana nightrose, a heart that has survived a lifetime's worth of lies and loss, was looking for safe haven in eclipsia's magical forest, which keeps its secrets wrapped in whispers dark as the shadows. In her ancient forests, hauntingly beautiful ruins, there was something even more than quiet in the night. She discovers a world dancing on the verge of darkness and light. The road that Ilyana is destined to tread converges with the enigmatic, mystery-ridden stranger. He throws her into a mess of peril and intrigue she can't quite wriggle free from - a threat and a protector in the same person. Forbidden emotions toss and turn between them, but Ilyana has to find her way through this labyrinth of old powers, hidden realms, and curses left and right, which could easily alter her course in life. As the truth unravels, she becomes inexorably tied to starfall realm and forces that seem to threaten all she holds dear. It is her courage, love, and strength that will be put to the test as she learns of powers within herself and a delicate balance between ruin and redemption. It's time for Ilyana to make up her mind whether she would accept the darkness within her or become the light that dispels it all through betrayal, moral dilemmas, and long-buried secrets. Every choice has a price, and even love is a dangerous weapon in eclipsia forest and starfall realm. This is a mystery, romance, and transformation journey into the heart of the unknown, where nothing is as it seems and the greatest truths are hidden in the shadows of whispers in the velvet.

Scarlet was enrolled in the Villainess Academy to learn how the world of evil truly operates. She possessed hearts so pure and innocent that were often considered naive, easily believing whatever she was told, which made her seem foolish in the eyes of others. A girl with no mana, no aura, cannot summon a spirit, or execute a magic. Her parents, worried that her innocence and inability to survive in the world would be her downfall, they enrolled her in the Villainess Academy, hoping they would learn the harsh realities of the world and toughen up. In the academy where she was bullied and belittle, Scarlet met someone who would protect her. But this person is hiding in shadow

Beatrice has always known a life of struggle and survival. But when she's kidnapped and thrust into a world of luxury and deceit, she discovers a shocking truth: her entire life has been orchestrated by a mysterious figure known only as Gabriel. As she becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue and power struggles, Beatrice must confront the darkness of her own past and the true nature of her existence. Will she be able to break free from the shackles of her past and forge a new future, or will she remain forever bound by those who claim to own her?

Robin's mate left, thinking it was for the greater good. While he was away, Robin got into an accident, causing her to lose her wolf. Now, James, her mate, is back, and the two must figure out how to be within the same walls. Robin must decide whether James can be forgiven, and James must come to terms that his mate is human and became Luna while he was away. Can they do it?

"Welcome to Aarin High, where competition is not just encouraged—it's the rule of survival. Aarav Malhotra is a boy who thrives in the shadows, keeping his head low and his cards hidden. To the world, he’s just another face in the crowd, a quiet and unremarkable student. But beneath his calm exterior lies a sharp mind and a past cloaked in secrets. As the school year begins, Aarin High’s infamous competition kicks off, pitting students against each other in battles of intellect, wit, and resolve. Alliances form, betrayals unfold, and the stakes grow higher with each passing day. In this ruthless environment, even the smallest misstep can cost everything. For Aarav, this is not just a game—it’s an opportunity. While others aim to win, he plays a different game entirely, maneuvering in the background, letting others take the spotlight while he pulls the strings. But when Ishita Kapoor, a charismatic and unpredictable classmate, starts digging into his enigmatic persona, and Keshav Nair emerges as a silent observer with motives of his own, the battlefield grows more complex. Secrets will surface. Alliances will shatter. And in the end, only those who can master the art of deception will rise to the top. The game is just beginning. Will you dare to play?

In a world where the mafia doesn't just rule the streets but controls governments and economies, survival for the powerless is a daily battle. Elena Marlowe is a penniless waitress living in the city's forgotten district. Her life changes in an instant when she unwittingly saves the life of Lorenzo “Ren” Valenti, the enigmatic and ruthless leader of the global mafia syndicate, known as "The Shadow Court." Ren is infamous for his cold heart and unflinching cruelty. Feared by his enemies and worshipped by his allies, he is a man who wields unimaginable power but trusts no one. When Elena saves him from an assassination attempt, Ren becomes both intrigued and suspicious. Why would a nobody risk her life for his?

Society views witches as abominations, and as such, treats them that way. While on an errand for her coven, Lilith spies on a young Lycan boy playing with his friends, wistful for the life she could have had. In a twist of fate, she encounters him again, and a relationship blossoms between them. But in a world that wants nothing to do with witches, will their relationship survive the stigma? @ Art by Thorkell_40k

# Arranged marriage #Paranormal Romance -She was his sweet peach. His wish. His eternity. His redemption. His to corrupt and his to command. He has and would never love any the way he loved her- Hermione Barclay, an attractive princess suffered a tragic past which caused her to isolate herself, frightened by the presence of people, poor constructions of words... The memory of the vampire boy whom she had once felt safe around remained etched in her innermost self and she fantasized about nothing but him. Years later, a marriage proposal arrived and she was to wed the same man she had always dreamt about, unfortunately, her expectations of him were crushed. He only cared for her because he was asked to, not because he wanted to. Dark and Tragic twists awaited her in her new home, how was she going to survive?

Warning: 21+ Dark Romance Zone! Explicitly written in dark, sensual diction. Cry of the Valley Kings On a night of fire and blood, the Demon King Arthur annihilated everything, erasing the Naaldlooshi name from history. Yet, amidst the destruction, a single child destined to change the world was carried away into the shadows. Seven years later, Taylor, the last heir of Naaldlooshi, lives hidden deep within an enchanted forest, unaware of the immense power coursing through her veins. Meanwhile, Arthur's dark ambitions inch closer to fruition, forcing three cursed princes—Ethan, the cold-hearted vampire; Liam, the wolf hybrid; and Alexander, the shadowy tactician—to rise and challenge the encroaching darkness. As secrets that threaten the world unravel, Taylor discovers she is no mere heir. She is a Skinwalker, a being so feared that even demons tremble at her existence. Torn between survival and destiny, she must decide: will she run from her fate, or will she embrace her heritage and stand against the shadows hunting her? The Valley of Kings has fallen. Will the last heir rise before it’s too late?

A captivating tale that will keep you guessing until the very end, where secrets unravel and hidden truths are revealed.

In a world where demons and cultivators exist alongside ordinary humans, the disappearance of a young girl at a train station at midnight sets off a chain of events that threatens to unravel the delicate balance between the three groups. Our protagonist, Liang Xue, an aspiring detective whose investigation into the case leads him down a dangerous path, revealing secrets and powers he never knew existed. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers that his own family history is intertwined with the dark world of demons and cultivators. As he learns more about the powers of demons and practitioners, he also finds himself at risk of being pulled into their dangerous world. With the help of a group of fellow cultivators who are fighting to stop the demonic activity, the protagonist must navigate this dangerous world and uncover the truth before it's too late. As the mystery deepens and the danger grows, the protagonist must confront his own fears and limitations, while also discovering the true power that lies within him. Will he be able to uncover the truth and save the world from the demons' grasp, or will he fall victim to their dark influence? Only time will tell in "Shadows Of The Veil." NOTE: Eh I fked up but it is what it is. I'm rethinking this story and I promise since I started it I'll damn end it. (AI generated image) 6/2/2024

The first anniversary of Alexander Rhea’s death should have brought closure, but for investigative reporter Ava Harris, it only deepens the nightmare. A year ago, she thought she had left behind the haunting, manipulative tycoon and bestselling author—but when she picks up his diary on the anniversary of his death, she’s faced with a chilling discovery: a new entry, written in fresh ink. “To be continued.” The words send a jolt of terror through Ava, for she knows one undeniable truth: Alexander Rhea has been dead for a year. Or so she thought. As the memory of their disturbing interview resurfaces, Ava realizes she’s been tangled in a web of lies, power, and dark obsession. Three years ago, she entered Rhea’s mansion to conduct an exclusive interview, expecting the usual. Instead, she was thrust into a twisted psychological game that pushed her to the edge of sanity. Now, as she revisits the haunting moments of that encounter, Ava uncovers a series of chilling murders—each marked by a cryptic whisper of “Goodnight.” The closer Ava gets to the truth, the more she feels the unshakable presence of Rhea looming over her. Is he truly gone, or is he manipulating her from beyond the grave? As her investigation unravels, the line between the living and the dead begins to blur, and Ava is forced to confront a terrifying question: What if Alexander Rhea never really died?

Micheal and Sarah appeared to have a kind family worthy of envy, a loving marriage, and two beautiful children(Clara and Clement); their ages are 5 & 7, respectively. Things begin to change in the family when Micheal loses his job due to false accusations. The love and warmth regress to almost nothing. Despite his efforts to keep the family moving, his savings, which couldn't do much, were eventually exhausted after a few months. Sarah, who believes it is the man’s responsibility to provide for the family, grows distant. After six months of frustration and daily arguments, Sarah decides to leave, filing for divorce and walking away from the marriage. She leaves the children behind, believing Michael should take care of them since he’s the reason for the family’s financial struggles. Michael was heartbroken and overwhelmed by his wife's decision. 'Who will take care of the children'? Was the question running in his mind? The only option left with Michael is to turn to their House Maid, Emilia. She has been steadfast with the family even during their hard time and financial chaos. “Please, Emilia,” Michael pleads, his voice filled with anguish. “Can you help me take care of Clara and Clement? Just until I find a new job. I’ll make it right with you as soon as I secure a new job appointment. Please, I promise.” Emilia, who has always had a soft spot for the children and witnessed the family’s struggles firsthand, agrees to stay. She becomes a pillar of strength for the household, caring for the children and providing emotional stability during Michael’s darkest days. Emilia steps into the motherly role, and the bond between her and the children gets deeper. Clara is initially resentful of her mother's absence but later finds comfort in Emilia's guidance and love; Clement has always been cool with Clara. Emilia’s all-time dedication to the family caught Michael's attention, who began to see her in a new light. Meanwhile, Michael has to face his fear and emotions aftermath of Sarah's departure. He fights to solve the puzzle behind his job loss and later realizes he is a victim of an evil scheme. Henry, Michael's best friend, helped him to clear his name, seeking both justice and closure. As Micheal is gaining strength to find the comfort he once lost in Emilia, a hidden secret is discovered about the paternity of the kids. Tension grew in the family; this brought him to a confrontation with Sarah. Emilia did her best to become more than just a caregiver; she became a strong partner in rebuilding the collapsed family. Micheal couldn't resist the attraction from her strength, compassion, and resilience, but guilt and fear gripped his heart and held him back. Could he move on from Sarah so soon? And would Emilia even consider a relationship with him? Through ups and downs, hurt, and healing, Michael learns that love is not about who leaves; it's about who stays. When he finally clears his name and lands a new job, he faces his biggest decision yet: whether to embrace his growing love for Emilia and the new family they’ve built or give Sarah a second chance for the sake of the children. In the end, Michael and Emilia’s love prevails. Their bond, forged through hardship and sacrifice, becomes the foundation of a new chapter for the family. Together, Michael and Emilia prove that family is not just about blood, it’s about loyalty, love, and the people who choose you and stay with you when everything else falls apart. 'The Maid Who Stayed' is a story of love, denial, and a second chance. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, hope can shine through in the most unexpected ways.