In The Hour Of Crows By Dana Elmendorf

Trapped in a locked concrete room with no memory, Lukas awakens to a chilling note: “You have 24 hours to confess.” A raspy voice from a rusted speaker delivers cryptic clues every hour, each one unraveling a dark past he can’t fully grasp—blood-stained hands, a river’s edge, and the faint echo of a scream. Amid the chaos of his fractured mind, one name shines through the fog: Raisa, a woman tied to him by love, betrayal, or something far worse. As glimpses of her warmth clash with visions of violence, Lukas struggles to piece together the truth. Is he a victim, a killer, or a pawn in a game he doesn’t understand? With time slipping away, the line between guilt and innocence blurs, and the final confession may leave more questions than answers—about Raisa, about himself, and about the door that waits beyond the 24th hour.

Olivia, once the epitome of love and sacrifice, now seeks vengeance. Sold out by her beloved, she's imprisoned and humiliated. But Olivia's true identity as a billionaire's girlfriend, heiress to a powerful family will be her instrument of revenge. Those who wronged her will pay, cry, and regret it.

Joon, an ordinary high school student, unexpectedly inherits a fortune, transforming his life overnight. Initially celebrated, he soon faces mockery and betrayal from friends who envy his newfound wealth. As he strives to maintain his humility, a close friend's betrayal leads to personal and financial turmoil. Seeking solace and strength, Joon receives martial arts training, which empowers him to confront his past. As he travels through various cities, he navigates temptations of wealth and rebuilds his relationships, ultimately seeking revenge on those who wronged him. Through trials and growth, Joon learns that true success lies not in riches, but in integrity and personal connections.

When Ravenna Devereaux's mate discovers she carries another man's child, he shatters their bond with a brutal rejection, casting her out of the only home she’s ever known. Heartbroken, shunned, and alone, she flees into the wilderness, fighting to survive as a rogue—until tragedy steals the last thing tethering her to hope. But just as darkness threatens to consume her, an enigmatic and dangerous werewolf steps from the shadows. Evander Volkova is a ghost, a man with secrets carved into his very soul. He offers no promises, no soft words—only sanctuary in a pack of exiled warriors, and a connection that defies fate itself. When whispers of her past come hunting, demanding she return to the man who once broke her, Ravenna must make a choice: run from the past, or stand beside the one wolf who sees her for what she truly is—a warrior, a survivor, and maybe, just maybe, his mate. A rejected mate. A second-chance bond. A love that rises from the ashes.

“I will drag you into an abyss, where despair only remains in your heart, as you have done to me for your betrayal.” Atlas watches him kneeling on the ground with a dagger in his side, blood trickling from his wound. Atlas stands there, leaning against the wall with a nonchalant expression. Atlas stepped away from leaning against the golden statue, and he walked closer to him with a predatory grace, calm and effortless, and Atlas cradled his face with a possessive and clinging hold, and Atlas smiled gleefully, “Let’s make a deal. Belong to me and do everything I say, and I’ll release your brother.” Sebastian never saw this day coming, and he truly regretted saving him on that snowy day. This person isn’t the same youth from before, for vengeance and hatred only remain in his heart. The only thing he can do is appease the man. But this time, he will never give out his heart again. And he will never reveal the real truth behind his betrayal. What’s the point? Sebastian looked at the man before him and resisted the urge to move away from the hand on his face. His eyes remained stoic. In a hard voice, he said, “Fine. I will do what you want; in exchange, let my brother go.” *** Sebastian lives a normal life with his family, but he lives a hidden life. He has a dark secret that he protects at all costs; otherwise, he will be killed for being a monster. He and the rest of his family are vampires, living off blood, but his family, especially his father and mother, don’t feed on humans, for they cling onto morality, hoping not to descend into depravation. Sebastian cherishes his family, and they are both his strength and his weakness. They are the ones who maintain his humanity and keep him in check. But being a vampire comes with a deadly price; he must blend in with the human world, pretending to be a human is an effortless task: calculating and flirtatious is a mask he carries for centuries, playing with the lives of those around as if they’re just a game. His heart never lets anyone in, keeping distance from anyone except for his family, who live and protect each other. On that fateful night, he never thought he could have another emotional connection. A young, feral boy carrying a hunter's knife is surrounded by blood, snow, and dead wolves in the forest. Why does his youthful body carry a grotesque canvas of scars like they tell a gruesome past? Why do his eyes carry a heavy burden that’s too young for a human? Or is he a human in the first place? Soon, he would learn that Atlas carries heavy, dark secrets, where Sebastian had to look for an answer in Atlas’s past and must decide if he’s worth forgiving and protecting. ***
gong/seme/top protagonist x shou 
Sebastian x Atlas 
Additionally tags: dark, mysterious, BL, age-difference, thriller, psychological, supernatural creatures, slow romance, murder, dub-con, tragic past, comedy, and horror (I don’t own the picture on the cover.)

After her father was brutally murdered,Kaira Zenya became consumed by a burning desire for revenge. She was convinced that the youngest king of Yusari Kingdom,king Letuka was responsible for her father’s demise. Kaira planned to destroy the king’s life by feeding him a slow poison that will take his life after consuming for ten times,The king just have to consume the poison for that calculated period of time. But when unexpected secrets and lies began to surface,Kaira begins to question the innocence of the King. And as the truth slowly uncovered,Kaira realized that she was targeting the wrong person for her revenge, by putting the king’s life at risk. would the king ever find out about Kaira’s plot? would the King take the complete dosage of the poison before the truth unveiled?.

Jacob Brown spent his old life chasing success, only to be crushed by failure at every turn. Now, reborn as 14-year-old Leo Mantine in a steampunk world where magic fuels invention and danger lurks behind progress, he’s given a second chance to carve out a future worth fighting for. But survival won’t come easy. From shadowy factions pulling the strings of society to secrets buried in ancient ruins, Leo must navigate a world where power is everything—and the weak are left behind. Armed with newfound abilities and the lessons of his past life, he’ll have to outthink, outmaneuver, and outlast those who would see him fail again. In a world of gears, sorcery, and ambition, will he finally rise above his failures—or will history repeat itself?

Selene Valor, a pureblood vampire, entered a marriage of convenience with her husband Gabriel Valor to protect herself from relatives eyeing what was left of her family's wealth. Six months into their marriage, Gabriel is sent away to war to fight for the kingdom. As time went on, news of his victories spread across the kingdom and he was labelled a hero. Nearly six months later, Selene eagerly awaits the return of her heroic husband. Upon his arrival, Selene is faced with betrayal as he brings home a woman named Cassandra Avery, a human who he introduces as his lover. Selene is heartbroken and tries to save what was left of her marriage but soon there is news of Gabriel wanting to take Cassandra as his second wife. Selene is left with the choice of accepting Gabriel’s wishes and staying protected or seeking a divorce. After a heated argument, Selene turns to someone she never expected to be her saviour. She finds refuge with Lord Xavier Blackthorn, another pureblood who seeks her hand in marriage. Will she forgive her first love or move on to accept Lord Blackthorn’s love?

Crown Prince Ian Stromridge has just returned from battle, hailed as a hero, greeted with people's adoration and blessings but he brings home a beautiful woman, though he's already married leaving everybody completed nonplussed. His wife, Princess Angelica Stromridge wed him for convenience before he left for war. Their marriage lacked affection and was rife with misunderstandings from the start. From name-calling to accidental letters leading to further misconception. During his absence, Angelica played the dutiful wife, sacrificing to maintain the household, being the lovely princess and wonderful daughter in law, only to face his return with another woman whom the entire kingdom agreed was more beautiful than she was! Will she divorce or fight for his love, a love that clearly never existed in the first place? Will she clear the misunderstandings and surmount the obstacles or will it be a post-marriage love story or an ex-wife tale full of regret? Excerpt |||| "My princess..." called a maid, knocking on the door her hand trembling. "Come in." replied Angelica as the door opened hearing footsteps approaching. "What are you doing here? I gave stern orders for no one to disturb me for the entirety of the day." her austere voice rang out. "I... I know my princess... please forgive me... I... I did not mean to disturb you but... this is something very important." "Let's have it then." replied Angelica closing the book she had been reading as she laid eyes on the maid. The maid gulped, the fear evident in her eyes, she did not know how Angelica would react to the severely bad news she had brought with her, however, one thing was sure, Angelica would not react lightly at all. "My... m...y prince...ss the..." said the maid, causing Angelica to sigh in annoyance, rolling her eyes, she had better things to do than sit here listening to the maid's mumbling. "Yes, say it." said Angelica giving the maid a hand. "My princess, the crowned prince has returned." said the maid. "Oh... well that's nice... I guess I will see him later, or better yet tomorrow. There is no rush, I am sure he is swarmed by crowds at the moment." replied Angelica lazily, she really had no intention of moving from this spot. "But my princess... ther— " "Oh, you're right, it would be unacceptable if I did not come out to greet him, rumours would certainly ensue and the kingdom would be in serious hysteria as they always are." replied Angelica annoyed. "Yes, you are right, I should go and welcome him back home." said Angelica as she stood up and yawned. "My princess... that is not all, there is something else..." said the maid. "And what is that?" asked Angelica as the maid's eyes darted around the room, she did not know what to do, or how best to put this. "My princess... the... the crowned prince has truly returned but..." said the maid with a prolonged pause. "But what?" asked Angelica, her senses tingling, she had a inking that there was something wrong from the maid's strange behaviour. "But his highness..." paused the maid. "Out with it now!" said Angelica sternly. "His highness has returned with a strange woman and the rumours claim that she is his new wife!" spat out the maid as Angelica suddenly felt lightheaded and she fell back down on the chair. "My princess!" cried the maid as she rushed to her. "This is some sort of farce." said Angelica as the maid proceeded quickly to fan her with a cloth. "No my princess... it is true." replied the maid. "This is impossible. Ian must be mad, I am going to see this display of stupidity for myself!" said Angelica hotly, quickly rising up and storming out of the room as the poor maid followed behind her. ||||

[TRIGGER WARNING: Mature Content + Dark Themes] EXCERPT: “Axel, no. We… can’t do this!” I jolted back when he pulled up my skirt. As if to retaliate, he grabbed my wrist and yanked my body to his. “We can do whatever I say we can do, María José.” “I’m your brother’s reject. Do you even hear yourself right now? He didn’t want me, Axel. What does that make me to you?” “I don’t care about Álvaro’s foolishness. It's his loss for losing a woman like you.” “Okay, I must confess. I'm not worried about him either. It's Rosa… you're getting engaged to my sister in a month!” “Let me remind you, María José—I don’t give a fuck about that, either.” No matter how hard I jerked, he wasn’t letting me go. And part of me—so, so foolishly—didn’t want him to. ______ Having spent her life avoiding the spotlight, María Jośe never imagined she’d be the one to bring shame to her esteemed De la Vega family. With beauty as captivating as a field of lilies, she is the prized daughter of an ambitious father who cares more for his reputation than his children’s happiness. When Álvaro Montenegro, the arrogant heir to the Alpha title, sets his sights on her as his chosen Luna, María Jośe is desperate for a way out. But everything changes when the Moon Goddess answers her prayer in the most unexpected way: María Jośe discovers she is an Omega—wolfless and the lowest rank in the pack. Once held in awe, she is now shunned; a source of shame to her father and a target for ridicule in the pack. As her life turns upside down , María Jośe's hatred for the pack grows. The only solace she finds is in her growing, forbidden bond with Axel Montenegro—Álvaro’s older brother, who has turned his back on the pack to live as Beta. These two developed a love-hate friendship born from their shared disdain for the pack’s cruelty, which slowly evolves into a passionate, secret romance. But when Álvaro discovers Axel’s interest in María Jośe, jealousy ignites within him and he suddenly wants María Jośe as his own. Love, vengeance, and betrayal all brewed into a whirlwind of drama, desires, and deadly comebacks. Will María Jośe rise from the ashes of her former life, or will she be consumed by the power struggles of the pack she despises? Will she give in to the oldest brother who is scared of commitment or the younger one who fiercely seeks redemption?

Melanie Collins was the perfect wife—caring, strong, and dependable. For the last few years, she had managed her husband’s messy family, and business alone while waiting for her husband to return from studying abroad. But when he finally came back, Melanie’s world fell apart—he wasn’t alone. Along with him was his 'best' friend. Broken and confused about the change in her husband, Melanie didn’t know where to turn. And then she stumbled into another cold reality. Everything she had believed was a lie. Seething with anger and humiliation, as she tried to come to terms with the betrayal, an unexpected person steps into the picture, intent on seducing her and conquering her. The only problem? The man was her ex brother in law... And against her better judgment, she is attracted to this bad boy... But as Melanie tried to make sense of the changes, she discovered there was more going on than she ever imagined. Had both brothers loved really fallen in love with her? Or was she just a pawn in a bigger game? excerpt Since he had already been leaning against the table, he simply slid onto it, and with one swift motion, he hooked his boot around the leg of her chair and pulled it—pulled her—closer.The sudden movement made her jolt slightly, and when she looked up or rather when she looked ahead, she found herself staring directly at the zipper of his jeans... She looked up then and met his gaze. He caught her chin," Would you like to check if I am only pretending, sweet melon?"Melanie stiffened. And then pushed back her chair suddenly, so that Adam almost lost his balance, as she stood up. Before he could balance himself, she placed her hand on his shoulder, her fingers brushing against his neck.  Adam stiffened, his eyes glittering as he waited to see what she would do next. And she, of course surprised him as her other hand, slowly settled on the inside of his thigh. And then, the hand on his shoulder started to move. Her fingers tracing the side of his neck before lifting as she shot a glance to the corner of his mouth. The little piece of metal glinting there. She flicked at it lightly, barely a touch, but Adam could feel the heat all over his body, as she leaned in close, her lips barely a few centimetres away...so that they could both feel each other's breaths… She smiled slowly then. "Careful, Adam," she murmured, her voice playful, but carrying the unmistakable edge of a challenge. "Keep pushing, and I just might call your bluff."

During a chance encounter with a terrifying monster, an ordinary high school boy discovers a mysterious artifact, changing the course of his life. The relic gives him an insane power: the ability to bond with monsters he's defeated, converting them into loyal pets and even merging bodies to use their destructive abilities. As the boy learns to control his new powers, he uncovers the real threat: a malevolent force raising an army of tainted beasts to throw the world into turmoil. Guided by his treacherous creature companions, he embarks on an impossible quest to maintain the safety of the ones that he loves, discover the truth about the artifact, and stop the mysterious puppeteer pulling the strings of the encroaching evil. In the process, he goes up against powerful foes, forms extremely unlikely alliances, and learns the power of trusting others. As the stakes continue to rise, however, he struggles with the true price of his abilities and the razor-thin line that separates hero from monster. And in this one boy’s epic quest of bravery, camaraderie, and even coming-of-age, the price of the world lies on the shoulders of one stuttering kid who never thought he could change destinies.

Gabriel, a dominant omega, is caught up in a complex web of intrigue and danger at the royal court. After uncovering the truth about Olivier, a member of the royal family, and inciting a rebellion, he is marked by an unknown alpha. As the rebellion overthrows the old order, a new empire emerges, driven by a ruthless ruler whose rise Gabriel inadvertently enabled.Haunted by the weight of his actions, he flees from his family, his past, and the dangerous ties of the court. On the run, Gabriel must deal with shifting alliances, hidden enemies, and the growing power of the mysterious alpha whose mark he carries. As the empire's grip tightens and ghosts from his past resurface, he must decide whether to confront the forces threatening to engulf him—or risk losing himself completely in a world that regards him as either a pawn or a weapon.

Humans...very busybody creatures always looking for ways to defile the laws of the world through science and technology, truly that had been going well, but what do you think would happen when the goal for development becomes a object of greed....but as it is in humans so it is in superhumans. Many seek to see themselves as the one and only true god who sort the envy and worship or those who are not like them transforming them into an occultic group of people filled with unrealistic ambitions and would not stop until it's acheived even if it means burning those who are innocent into black crisp of ash. This is a story of how different group of humans and supernaturals with different beliefs scheme against each other for personal gains while some for domination and the rest for their own peace, meet klaus and his group who hid from the government trying to lead a peaceful life while trying their best to protect their environment so as to enable both humans and supernaturals to coexist while atvtje same time trying to chanhethe world view of them. In this story there would be old traditions of the past which would resurface and most would be fictional. Stay tuned..... 1 chapter per week or 2. but more info. about the scheduled release would be communicated from time to time

The story of ten magnificent beings. Merged and living in the same world. Despite their big differences and history. Samuel took the initiative to lead their team for a common purpose. And they are the first ever unity that came from both sides, either from evil or good. In this story, you will find how they will relate to and learn each other's culture. ᴅᴀᴛᴇ sᴛᴀʀᴛᴇᴅ: 09/03/22

Andy Collins, a 27-year-old office worker from New York and a notorious womanizer, is inexplicably transported to a medieval fantasy world where non-magical men are enslaved. Captured by hunters, Andy is forced into a brothel that exclusively serves women, where he is made to perform sex acts. What initially excites him as a chance to continue his lustful lifestyle quickly turns to horror as he faces the brutal reality of his new existence. This is a wild, unhinged tale like no other, where a man is thrust into an existential battle, torn between forbidden pleasures and the grim truth of his new life. [Additional Tags] Ahegao - Anal - Anal Intercourse - BBW - BDSM - Big Ass - Big Breasts - Blowjob - Bride - Chastity Belt - Creampie - Cunnilingus - Domination Loss - Femdom - Foursome - Gilf - Hardcore - Huge Breasts - Incest - Lingerie - Milf - Reverse Rape - Squirting - Stockings - Threesome - Unusual Pupils - Young & Mature

Eighteen-year-old Luv ordinary life shatters when a brutal alien invasion descends, turning his world into chaos. He witnesses his mother's horrific death at the hands of the invaders, a trauma that leaves him reeling. Forced to flee, he joins terrified survivors in a cold, damp bunker, surrounded by the silent cries of traumatized children. The world he knew is gone, replaced by a terrifying new reality of alien destruction. He must now navigate this nightmare, grappling with grief and fear, as humanity faces an overwhelming threat.

In the depths of Tobaballe, Nin Urtuan is working as hard as he can to rise up. But with so much competition, it seems like only luck will get you a better life. One day, in a seemingly unfortunate turn of events where he runs into the voluptuous and mysterious Spire-Lord, Iishar Ho. Taking Nin with her, she shows him a secret within the Crown, a means to get ahead. The path of least resistance is so enamouring.  Setting out for the shores of the Molten Sea, at the base of the holy Anvil-Peak Mountain, Nin loses himself in the wonder of it. Behind his back, another deal unfolds, luck not for him, but for those high above in the Crown. A slaver of an unknown, spine-quilled race shoots him unconscious. The slaver loads him up, ready to ship Nin and so many others off to Jherikra.  A land of towering mountains, emerald winds, arcane beauty and monstrous horror! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No rewrites going on right now. (Multi-PoV, 1st Person) For reference: (If a chapter is marked with a ---- before Base, Incline or Peak, it means it is being edited throughout the day.)

On the day of Sloane’s long-awaited mating ceremony, her world shatters. When the pack is attacked by vicious rouges, Her mate and pack alpha is forced to choose between his mate Sloane and his first love, Celeste. Sloane’s sister. Ryland doesn’t hesitate to choose Celeste, and Sloane’s left to die in the brutal attack. Sloane barely survives, only to wake up to a far greater nightmare. Framed for betrayal. Stripped of her title. Exiled. But the goddess is done with her yet.. As she’s dragged to the borders, Alpha Alexander returns. The true heir. The ruthless warrior and Ryland’s older brother. The moment he lays eyes on Sloane, his wolf growls one undeniable word. Mate. Alexander has returned to reclaim what’s his. His pack, his title, and now, her. But Sloane has learned the hard way that mates can betray, and this time, she refuses to be weak. Because if Alexander truly wants her, he’ll have to fight for her. ~~~~~~ “Help me..” Sloane slurred, she barely felt the pain, her body was numb, her hands trembled as she pressed them against her stomach. Something is wrong. Her vision blurred and then she heard footsteps, heavy and desperate. She lifted her gaze and saw him, her mate. “Ryland…” She lifts her hand weakly, reaching for him. He’s here. He can save her. Ryland’s gaze lands on her, his face pale as he takes in the blood staining her dress. His jaw clenches. For a second, she thinks he’s going to come for her. But then his eyes shift. Past her. To the figure trapped behind her. Celeste. Sloane watched in horror as everything about him changed. The tightness in his expression melts away, replaced with relief. Ryland rushes past Sloane like she’s nothing. Drops to his knees before Celeste. “I’m here. I’ve got you.” His voice is full of warmth—love. A love he never had for Sloane. Ryland grabbed her hand instantly, holding it like she’s his entire world. Sloane couldn’t breathe. “Ryland,” she chokes out, her body shaking. “Please… help me. Our baby..” He doesn’t even look at her. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Celeste. I should have chosen you from the start.” He picked her up, ready to walk away. Sloane tried one last time, her voice weak. “Ryland….please..” Ryland paused to look at her, his gaze flickered to the blood that trickled down her legs then walked away with Celeste clinging unto his arm.

Dalton's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze intense. "My name is Dalton," he rumbled, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. I swallowed hard, trying to process the surreal situation. "Can I go home now?" I asked, attempting to sound calm. Dalton's expression remained unreadable, but his voice took on a sharper tone. "I saved your life, girl. You were being stalked by a predator. If I hadn't intervened, you'd be dead." His words sent a chill through me. What predator? How did he save me? Dalton's eyes glinted in the moonlight. "You owe me, girl. And I always collect my debts." Emily's life was turned upside down when she got lost in the woods after a party. Severely hurt and disoriented, she collided with a mysterious creature – a werewolf. Dalton, the beast, offered to help her heal in exchange for paying off her debt. As Emily navigates the woods with a stranger who can turn into a human and a wolf, she must confront her fears and the secrets that bind them. Will she find a way to escape, or will she succumb to the beast's allure?

Five years after a tragic incident, our protagonist is visited by an unexpected guest, one of His old friends, Liu Moon. Liu visits Him for His birthday that would take place in a week, at the end of a local fare and on the exact day of the tragic incident from five years ago. A story of guilt, healing, and suffering as our protagonist finds Himself reliving past traumas in an effort to move on.

Aurora’s powers are awakening... wild, unpredictable, and laced with a history she doesn’t understand. The family that raised her in love now grapples with fear, torn between protecting her and fearing what she might become. Meanwhile, Gideon hunts them relentlessly, his pursuit more than just obsession...it’s personal. He knows what Aurora is, perhaps even more than she does. With nowhere left to hide, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth about Aurora’s origins. Along the way, they encounter those who wield knowledge of ancient abilities, and for the first time, Aurora glimpses the magnitude of what she is. She is not just gifted... she is part of something far older, a lineage that holds the power to protect or destroy. But not everyone welcomes her. Some believe she is destined to bring ruin, while others see her as the key to their own ambitions. As her abilities grow, so does the danger. There are moments when she loses control, and the aftermath is catastrophic. Is she a savior or a threat? Even her own family struggles with the answer. The shadows pursuing her are closing in, and soon, Aurora will have to choose... between the power surging inside her and the people she loves, between the past she never knew and the future she cannot escape. Because this power… it is neither good nor evil. It is both. And if she cannot control it, it will control her.

"I told you not to touch me," Audrey said. "In front of people," He reminded her. Audrey could feel the smirk in his voice. ~~~ Audrey's seventeen years in the Grey Blood pack were like a caged animal. She lived each day dreading the next unexpected thing the Alpha could punish her for. Audrey tried hard to understand the mysterious dream she'd been having, but nothing made sense to her, she was lost. She wished to be freed from the Grey Blood pack, but she lost all hope of survival when she found herself locked and chained in the cold dark dungeon. She hated him, she cursed him as her blood drained from her. She was happy to die and go away from that monster-alpha. Audrey awoke in a magical world where she learned everything about herself, she cultivated herself to become the strongest wolf and witch alive. One item though, led her back to the last place she wanted to be. Alpha Aloha Lake ruled the Grey Blood pack, the largest and strongest pack in the States. He was known to be brutal, even the mafia feared him. Nothing or anyone bothered him, except one; the damned bitch Audrey. He hated her, and he would make her pay for her mother's sins. But he could not kill her...yet. Alpha Lake emotionlessly stared at Audrey's bleeding body that lay on the cold dungeon floor, he ordered his beta to dispose of her without a second thought. One year later the enemies met again. Will hatred be the only emotion they share? Could they resist the fatal attraction they felt for each other?

When book editor Liriel stumbles upon a mysterious novel in a forgotten corner of an old library, she never expects it to draw her into a world beyond her own. As she flips through the book’s pages, Liriel finds herself inside the dark world of Ashwood— a kingdom haunted by shadows. Unwillingly her path crossed with Lucian Aldric Vaelan– the antagonist of the book, the enigmatic prince who seems to know more than he lets on, whose gaze lingers a moment too long, and whose touch is a dangerous promise. Under his watchful eye, Liriel is drawn deeper into a web of political intrigue and ancient curses, Where the more she explores, the more she realizes she may be entangled in a story that was never just a story. Caught between reality and the shadowed corridors of Ashwood’s court, Liriel must choose: stay close to Lucian and risk her heart, or find a way home before she loses herself in his world entirely. But Lucian has his own plans. And in a kingdom ruled by fear and power, no one escapes the Villain Prince unscathed.

When justice fails, vengeance takes its place. After his daughter Vanessa suffers a tragic fate at the hands of those she trusted, Horris turns to the one thing more powerful than the law—something ancient, something forbidden. With a single curse, he condemns the world to a slow, merciless death. No one is spared. A nameless plague spreads, twisting flesh, corrupting minds, and reducing order to chaos. As civilization crumbles, the truth becomes clear: this is no ordinary disease. It is retribution. And in a world where the guilty walk free, no one is truly innocent. ... Hours Later… Darius arrived at the hospital, and what he saw terrified him. Dozens of people lay writhing in agony, blood gushing from every opening in their bodies. Reporters, paramedics, and police officers surrounded the area, trying to make sense of the outbreak. “We’re here live at Stanbridge National Hospital, where it appears a deadly disease has broken out,” a reporter said, speaking into the camera. “Symptoms include uncontrollable screaming and severe bleeding from the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.” Darius’ heart pounded. His mind kept flashing back to Horris’ curse. The Doombringer. He scanned the scene and finally spotted Betty, sitting in an ambulance. Stephan lay unconscious on a stretcher beside her. He rushed forward, but the paramedics blocked his path. “That’s my wife!” he protested. “I need to see if she’s okay!” “Sir, now’s not the time,” a paramedic said. “There’s an outbreak, and we have no idea how it spreads. For your safety—and for everyone else’s—we advise you to leave immediately.” “Please, I have to see them,” Darius begged. Before the paramedic could respond, Darius noticed something crawling on the man’s shoulder. “There’s something on you—” The paramedic turned his head—just as the worm leaped onto his neck. The second it burrowed into his skin, the man’s body seized up. A strangled scream tore from his lips as blood exploded from his eyes, mouth, and nose. Darius staggered back in horror. Everywhere he looked, people were screaming. Even the reporter who had been live was now convulsing on the ground, her camera abandoned beside her. A single word echoed in Darius’ mind. Doombringer.