Sea Flame Resort

In the quaint coastal town of Eldridge Hollow, where legends of sailors and lost treasures abound, a charming but struggling local artist named Clara finds herself in the midst of an unexpected adventure. One stormy night, she stumbles upon an ancient shipwreck while gathering driftwood for her paintings. Among the remnants, she discovers a weathered journal belonging to a long-lost sailor, Captain Jack Holloway, who vanished under mysterious circumstances over a century ago.

Copyright © and Written by Manna Anastacia Huizar. 2024 In a realm where werewolves and merfolk exist in uneasy truce, Alpha Alexander encounters Luna, a captivating hybrid with the power of both species. Their forbidden love ignites a spark of hope, but it also threatens to shatter the fragile peace. When a malevolent siren, driven by envy and a lust for power, seeks to destroy their bond and plunge the world into chaos, Alexander and Luna must unite their people against a rising tide of darkness. Facing ancient prophecies, mythical creatures, and the siren's seductive magic, they must choose between their love and the survival of their kind.

Temoshí, a boy with no memory of how he ended up in the middle of the ocean, is pulled into a journey alongside his old friends. Together, they become pirates and set sail on an eternal voyage across the Vast Expanse. On this perilous journey, Temoshí searches for answers to his mysterious past, encountering divine beings, forging new alliances, and battling powerful foes. As struggles and adventures unfold, his voyage becomes a story of discovery, resilience, and destiny.

[My WSA 2024 Entry novel! Please vote] In a world where mythical beings have fallen into an "eternal slumber," a thriving underground market exploits the stolen essence of these dormant creatures. At its epicenter are dragons—majestic beings desired for their scales, organs, and prized eggs. The most coveted treasure of all is a dragon's name, a key that holds the power to control its very existence. Dragon Lord, guardian of a clutch of dormant eggs, lives in isolation atop a hill, surrounded by a forest that veils his castle. He bears the scars of past betrayals, having been deceived by those who feigned love to steal his treasures or claim his head as a bounty. Jaded and cold, he trusts no one, living a solitary existence. However, his solitude is shattered when a woman unwittingly stumbles into his life. Yara finds herself in Dragon Lord's treasured den amidst a battle between the dragon and thieves. In a twist of fate, she mistakenly bonds with the dormant eggs, breathing life into them. Reluctantly, Dragon Lord allows Yara into his world, and their journey unfolds amid the looming threat of underground organizations seeking to exploit the dragons for profit. As the eggs come to life, so does an unexpected connection between Dragon Lord and Yara. Despite his cold and jaded exterior, he finds himself unable to ignore her presence. Yara, too, cannot deny the pull she feels towards him, and emotions begin to burn beneath the surface. Together, they must navigate the challenges of waiting for the eggs to hatch, fend off those who seek to exploit the dragon and its offspring, and confront the secrets that Yara harbors—a revelation that could destroy everything. In this tale of flames and gold, two scarred souls in a world where trust is a rare and precious commodity must confront the ghosts of their pasts. They navigate the dangerous currents of love and deception, protecting unborn dragons from a world hungry for their magic. Will their bond withstand the trials ahead, or will the flames of betrayal engulf them in the end? A/N: It starts out SLOW, because I tend to get lost in the pages and be descriptive but once it gets to the action, it really picks up! Looking forward to growing with you all on this journey!!!

In the realm of Tenoria, where dragons and magic reign, 17-year-old Samilia discovers she's the last living heir of the ancient Dragon Keeper bloodline. With her two best friends, Decka and Staive , Sam embarks on a perilous quest to claim her birthright and save the world from destruction. As Sam navigates the mystical world of Tenoria, she begins receiving cryptic letters from an unknown sender. The letters hint at a catastrophic event that only Sam can prevent, but the messages are shrouded in mystery, and the sender's true intentions remain unclear. "Mystic Flame" is a thrilling fantasy adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat as Samelia and her friends navigate the magical world of Tenoria, battling darkness, discovering hidden secrets, and unraveling the mysteries of the Mystic Flame.

In a not-so-distant future, Earth is thrown into chaos by a weird alien ship that crashes and starts leaking spiritual energy all over the place. This energy messes with the planet’s ecosystem, making everything mutate—animals, plants, even people. It’s like nature’s gone wild, with some folks getting crazy supernatural powers while others struggle to survive against mutated creatures and power-hungry groups trying to take control. In the middle of all this craziness, Amira Hailen—a tough-as-nails ex-special forces assassin with a complicated past—gets a second shot at life. Thanks to a mysterious ally’s Mental Transference powers, she’s sent back in time, waking up with the ability to control ice. Determined to keep humanity afloat, she gathers her old crew and turns them into a reliable team amid all the chaos. Meanwhile, Aiden Emberstorm—a fiery elite operative—gets fed up with the government’s weak response to the crisis. With his own fire powers blazing, he ditches the bureaucracy and teams up with his battalion to protect innocent lives. He becomes a symbol of resistance, taking on mutated beasts and rogue factions while trying to restore some order. When Amira and Aiden cross paths, it’s not exactly love at first sight. Their icy and fiery personalities clash, but they can’t deny the need to join forces. They both want the same thing: a sanctuary where survivors can be safe. So, they decide to work together, hatching a plan to take down the alien ship before it can call in reinforcements for a full-scale invasion. Amid epic battles, unexpected alliances, and a budding romance, Amira and Aiden must face both their inner demons and the alien threat. It’s a fight for survival in a world that’s gone wild, with everything at stake—including their own hearts.

Skylene Kythe, Daughter of Richard Kythe, Alpha of the Crescent pack. Amber is a curious gal, she loves to explore places she never had seen before, but her father never allows her to leave the pack grounds. She never knew why, she doesn't see the danger in the actions she wishes to make. She was always pissed at her father and locks herself in her room. Her father always tried to explain to her but she completely shuts him down. Her father always felt guilty but he knew the consequences if he lets her daughter goes out alone. Especially outside the border, he isn't well known by the even the highest Alpha Leaders. He always kept himself mysterious among others. He is known as the Shadow Alpha of the Crescent pack, he is one of the Strongest packs to ever exist. Their pack started to become hidden using a barrier spell eversince the War 200million years ago. No one in their new generation ever knew about the specifics of the war as it was always kept confidential. But somehow Amber feels the need to get in trouble just to get such details on this War and what really happened... But then she meets a young man that just could be the key to once again open the pack to all.. PLAN TO LEAK Skylene tiptoes around quietly, hoping no one would hear her faint footsteps.. She continued her quiet steps til she reached her father's office. She twists the doornob hoping her father did not lock it, "Dang it, where did he hide the spare key??" she whispers frustratingly. her face lit up as she remembers her father's office was not the only thing off limits.. The storage room upstairs too, she had hopes this wasn't locked. But she had doubts especially because if there is a confidential file in that room, they wouldn't be so careless and leave it unlocked. she went up the stairs as slow as a snail carrying her weight as the wooden stairs make a disturbing creak. when she finally reaches the room, her face lit up as she saw the key hanging from the door know still inserted. she turned the key to open the door and she was shook, "I know we live in a mansion and all but.. even with all the riches my father has, it's impossible this is 'THAT' big of a room" she whispered in disbelief. "This will take ages.." she groans, so she slowly closed the door slightly, and started her search.. She flipped every page of every file, she opened every drawer til it's almost sunrise. She got frustrated and sleepy from her fail to find such information. She almost gave up til she saw a hidden door behind a bookshelf peeking after she took a book to take a break. She went to the entrance of the room and closed, relocked it. She tried pushing the bookshelf, but to no avail. She panics as she hears her father's footsteps and tries harder and harder. But soon she gave up and hid in one of the empty boxes..

In a world where family expectations and business interests reign supreme, Jia, a brilliant and multi-talented young woman, finds herself at the mercy of her parents' wishes. Forced to marry the arrogant and spoiled playboy, she must navigate a complex web of power struggles, comedic misunderstandings, and unexpected romance. As Jia challenges her husband's assumptions and takes on his associates, her hidden strength and determination shine through. But will she be able to prove herself and find love in the process? Dive into the world of "Pearl in the Dead Sea", where wit, action, and romance collide in a heartwarming tale of self-discovery and love.

What is the meaning of Life? A question which has different answers. Many find life pointless, many find life as a journey, many find life as a way to get eternal freedom. But what is the correct answer? The cycle of Life and Death are like two sides of the same coin. Whatever may be the case, Death is always the ultimate salvation. But that doesn't sit right with Kai Mizuhara, a normal teenager who seeks to become someone respected and find the true essence of life. Born in a very family of a blacksmith, Kai has seen many Royal Families as his father directly serves for the military. He has seen how the poor live, how the rich live, how the nobles live and most importantly how ignorant God's of their world is towards people all around. He always wonders, everyone worships God's as they're the supreme being, the one who is always right and will be right but he always questions himself...Are the God's of their world truly are how they potray themselves as? A world which is constantly getting in wars. That's the world he lives in, Kingdoms from all over the world trying to over power each other and prove themselves as the strongest, wanting God's recognition to ascend further rather than staying a lowly mortal. Yes, it is possible for a human to ascend to godhood. People in his world would do anything for power and God. That's something he has accepted long ago, commoners like him will get forgotten and ultimately be crushed by the higher ranks. Though the temporary peace which has taken over the world has changed many things, it's not a matter of how it will end but when it will end? Kai wants to do many things, but he simply doesn't have much time. That's a harsh reality a mortal like him has to face, he can die at any given time if that's what his fate is. The God's of their world have really created a system, the one who's weak will soon perish and the strongest will strive forward and ascend the ranks, finding eternal peace. It may sound confusing but a system like this allows some mortals with great strength and wisdom to ascend further and beyond. But it is not as easy as you may think. A fantasy world which takes place in a very middle aged world. That's what this novel is about. They say every work of fiction is a journey, whether it's good or not is something upto the readers...let us see what this new journey has to offer.

Raphael Earhart, the adopted son of the most powerful family of magical knights, was bound by a destiny predetermined from birth. Living carefree days, he believed in a peaceful life under the shadow of his family, but fate had other plans. After betrayal and a tragic death, he finds himself sent back to his childhood, retaining memories of the future. Now, with a second chance, can he alter his cruel fate, or is he doomed to repeat the same tragedy? Battles, magic, intrigue, and the search for truth — these will be his weapons as he strives to correct past mistakes and gain the strength to change the world.

In a fractured world where noble houses cling to the fading legacy of their ancestors’ magic, rebellion brews beneath the surface. Lynx Fenwyk, a baron’s son with mismatched eyes hinting at dormant powers, finds himself caught between the struggles of commoners and the suffocating expectations of nobility. Together with his poised cousin Vera Astrielle and the secretive Veryl Astrielle, Lynx stumbles upon a dangerous truth that ties their families to the roots of the rebellion. As Queen Seraphina Caelum tightens her grip to restore the royal family’s fading magic, and the enigmatic rebel leader Kael Thornwyck rallies the oppressed, Lynx and his cousins must navigate a web of deceit, forbidden magic, and their families’ legacies. Their awakening powers thrust them into a choice: uphold the system that binds their world or ignite a spark that could burn it all down. "The Flame’s Ascent" is a tale of loyalty, power, and the pursuit of truth, where every decision shapes the fate of a kingdom on the brink of change.

Amina Balogun is the epitome of grace, modesty, and devotion to her faith. Raised in a strict but loving Muslim family, she has always followed the rules—until she meets Malik Haroon. He’s everything she’s ever dreamed of: a billionaire with charm, charisma, and the kind of love that makes her heart race. They fall in love quickly, and soon they’re engaged, but their relationship is not without its challenges. Malik is not your typical Muslim man. Though he prays and fasts, his high-status lifestyle often clashes with his faith. He is used to getting what he wants, and he wants Amina—completely, passionately, and without boundaries. Amina, torn between the deep love she feels for Malik and her devotion to her faith, finds herself on the edge. She wants to be a good Muslim wife, but her attraction to Malik is undeniable. Amina’s inner struggle intensifies as Malik’s desire for her grows stronger. He’s not just a lover—he’s a man with a deep need to possess her, body and soul. But Amina is afraid. Afraid of falling into temptation, of betraying her faith, and of losing herself in the whirlwind of his love. Malik, on the other hand, is willing to do anything to prove his love to her, even if it means pushing their relationship beyond the limits she’s set. As the wedding day approaches, the pressure mounts. Malik becomes more persistent, offering her a life of luxury and comfort, but Amina is conflicted. Can she stay true to her faith, or will the intensity of Malik’s love pull her away from the path she’s worked so hard to follow? In the midst of this struggle, both Amina and Malik will have to face their darkest fears: Amina’s fear of losing herself in sin, and Malik’s fear of losing her forever.

After coming back to life, Sky Rouge finds himself with a type of gamer system, the level-up system. Finding himself in an island far from his home, little by little he starts to understand his system, growing stronger than others through killing, leveling up, learning new skills, and clearing dungeons. This is the story of a man with the level-up system about venturing across the seas. Cover made by NitrogenousBeing. (Thanks man) Author of killer of MC's. In Another World With The Crafting System. Patreon and paypal link here: If you guys feel like supporting my hard work. You can read up to 15 advanced chapters on my Patreon. The first five chapters are worth 3.00$ a month. First ten chapters are worth 6.66$ a month + benefits. And all 15 chapters are worth 10.66% a month + benefits. Paypal link: https://paypal.me/DemonGodHiatus?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_US Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/DemonGodHiatus Discord link: https://discord.gg/XM8r7CXVdZ

In a world where the realms of Light and Shadow are at constant war, Seraphina, a powerful witch with a dark lineage, and Azrael, the fearsome Demon Prince, are sworn enemies. Bound by a cruel twist of fate and a cursed prophecy, they are forced into an uneasy alliance to prevent the rise of the Endbringer, a being capable of destroying both realms. As their powers grow stronger and the lines between loyalty and love blur, Seraphina and Azrael must confront their deepest fears and darkest secrets. Can they resist the pull of their forbidden bond, or will their love be the key to salvation—or destruction? Excerpt: A Glimpse into the Future The battlefield was silent, the echoes of the war they had fought fading into the night. Seraphina stood before Azrael, her heart pounding, her mind racing with emotions she could no longer suppress. The flicker of dying flames illuminated the space between them, casting shadows on their weary faces. “I can't keep pretending anymore, Azrael,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the soft wind that swept through the ruins. Her hands trembled as she took a hesitant step forward. “This war, this fight… it’s torn me apart. But what hurts the most is knowing that, despite everything, I—” “Don’t say it,” Azrael interrupted, his voice strained. He looked away, clenching his fists. His demonic eyes flashed with an intensity that made her heart ache. “If you say it, I won’t be able to stop myself. I won’t be able to walk away.” Seraphina took another step, her eyes never leaving his. “Maybe I don’t want you to walk away.” Azrael’s breath caught in his throat. Slowly, he turned to face her, his mask of cold indifference cracking. His hand reached out, trembling slightly, as his fingers grazed her cheek. “Seraphina… I’ve fought it for so long. I’ve told myself you’re my enemy, that we could never—” “But we’re not enemies anymore,” Seraphina interrupted, her voice soft but firm. She closed the distance between them, placing her hand over his. “We’re something else. Something… more.” Azrael swallowed hard, his gaze locked on hers. “I’ve loved you from the moment I realized I couldn’t destroy you. And every day since, I’ve fought that love, afraid of what it would mean. But now… I can’t fight it anymore.” Tears welled up in Seraphina’s eyes as she whispered, “Then don’t.” Their lips met in a kiss filled with the weight of everything they had been through—the battles, the betrayals, the bloodshed—and the promise of everything they could become. But as their love ignited, the distant rumble of thunder echoed in the distance, a dark reminder that their war was far from over. ****End of Excerpt***** Can their love truly survive the chaos that threatens to consume both realms? What will they do when they discover the ultimate price for their bond?

Durante años, Aratsuki se enfrentó a la oscuridad en solitario, confiando únicamente en sus sentidos agudos y su instinto de supervivencia. Pero su vida cambia cuando salva a una sacerdotisa novata de una emboscada mortal. Aunque renuente al principio, Aratsuki forma un grupo peculiar junto a ella, un enano guerrero, un ágil semi-humano y una elfa arquera. Juntos, toman peligrosas misiones, enfrentándose a hordas de goblins, orcos, dragones y las fuerzas oscuras que amenazan con consumir el mundo.

Drake, an eighteen-year-old ordinary boy, was unexpectedly summoned from Earth to the magical realm called Elandor by Lena, a powerful Water Dragon Queen. She needed him to rid her body of bloodbane poison, and the only way to do so is through intimacy, an ancient ritual. But when the ritual ended, Drake absorbed not only Lena’s poison but also her fabled reverse scale, granting him incredible powers and marking the beginning of his transformation into a mage. Banished from the water dragon’s territory after the ritual, Drake is left to fend for himself in this unfamiliar world. To survive, he joined the Diamond Mage Academy and began to forged his own path. As he honed his powers, he made loyal friends and, along the way, found himself irresistibly drawn into the lives and struggles of the dragon monarchies. His once simple existence spiralled into something much larger as he formed deep bonds and built a harem filled with dragon queens from different territories. Drake’s hope for a normal life got shattered when he’s swept into a world crisis, facing a man known as Tiberius Victor, the mastermind behind the Crimson Rot catastrophe that plagued Elandor. Battling Tiberius across fierce wars, Drake realised Elandor is only a small fraction of a vaster world known as Avalon, a realm filled with mages of unimaginable power. This larger world doesn’t attract him, though, until his four dragon queens, Lena, Xena, Rena, and Zena, ascended to Avalon, leaving him behind. Drake committed to mastering his powers, reaching the pinnacle of magic in his current world (Elandor) as an archmage (9th Circle Mage), determined to reunite with his wives. Yet, as he journeys forward, he uncovers shocking truths about Avalon, his own mysterious origins, and the existence of entire worlds beyond his imagination. ***join my discord for group**** (share your thoughts) https://discord.gg/chcBMzXW

"Moonlight Flame" In a world where the elements rule and spirits grant unparalleled power, destiny shines brightest under the moonlight. Yuki was a boy bound by frailty, his earthly life spent longing for strength. But one selfless act—saving a young girl from certain death—ends his life and grants him an extraordinary second chance. Reborn as Ryn Ignis, he awakens in a mystical realm filled with magic, where three legendary spirits of Fire, Ice, and Wind shape the balance of power. Gifted with the might of the Fire Spirit and a mysterious moonlight brooch, Ryn discovers he holds the key to the world's future. His fiery resolve to protect the innocent leads him into an ancient conflict where elemental forces collide and hidden truths resurface. But Ryn isn't the only one reborn. A sinister figure from his past life, reincarnated into the same world, emerges wielding all three spirits—a power thought impossible. Now, Ryn must master his flames, uncover the secrets of the moonlight brooch, and rise against an enemy whose ambition threatens to consume the world. Will Ryn ’s newfound strength burn away the shadows, or will he be consumed by the flames of destiny?

Bearerkind ruled the world a thousand years ago. Now they exiled themselves from lands far and distant from humankind, however, Lexander, a bearer from a bygone age, has returned. And he is determine to restore the majesty of the Grand Monarchy.

after having her family executed and been imprisoned for months she is finally going to be executed and be free from this kingdom but fate has his ways and when she woke up she came back in time seven years before the tragedies of her life began, will she save her family this time and have her revenge against this corrupt kingdom?

Sellado por los dioses y avandonado por los cielos. El ser inmortal, ha logrado reencarnar en el mundo mortal.

In a world where the supernatural force of Hit grants immense power to those who wield it,Stanley Ardo's ordinary life is turned upside down. At first,forced by his Father to abandon his dream of becoming a royal mage,Stanley discovers he possess an abnormal strength and speed which he attached very little relevance to. Unbeknowst to him,he's the inheritor of the Eternal Flame,a powerful legacy passed from Master Lee,the pioneer of Hit,who also happens to be his ancestor. Guided by Master Lee's ghost,Stanley navigates his complex destiny alongside his loyal friends. Together,they work to capture the elusive Soul Raider,a nefarious force terrorizing the kingdom. However their quest was soon overshadowed by a far greater threat:Mateo,Master Lee's vengeful brother,reincarnated to destroy Stanley,ruin the kingdom and claim the Eternal Flame for himself. Stanley must master the true potential of Hit. But as the stakes rise,relationships are tested,the line between good and evil blurs. Will he succumb to the darkness or harness the Eternal Flame power to protect the kingdom? With the fate of the kingdom hanging in balance;Stanley must uncover the real power of the Flame,Confront the treacherous Mateo and the Soul Raider,balance friendship,love and his new found responsibilities. Dive into a world of magic,fantasy and self discovery in Hit: The Eternal Flame of Master Lee.

Shrouded in secrecy and constrained by antiquated laws, a hidden world of werewolves exists in the center of the busy city. Damien was a strong alpha who was cursed with living alone and never thought he would meet a partner, much less a human one. But when he meets Ava, a lively waitress whose generosity and warmth enthrall him, his meticulously planned world starts to fall apart. Ava leads a straightforward yet contented life until Damien enters her eatery one fateful evening. She is drawn to his enigmatic aura and quickly becomes caught up in a maelstrom of passion and peril. People who believe Ava poses a threat to Damien's pack's power dynamics target her as their bond grows. Putting more fuel into Claire, a fiercely loyal werewolf who harbors unrequited love for Damien. Consumed by jealousy, Claire will stop at nothing to sabotage their relationship and reclaim the alpha's affection. Amid rising tensions and mounting threats, Damien and Ava must fight to protect their bond. But as Ava remains human in a supernatural world, their love is tested in ways neither could have anticipated. Between Fangs and Flames is a gripping tale of forbidden love, loyalty, and the courage to defy destiny. Will Ava and Damien’s connection be strong enough to withstand the trials ahead, or will the flames of jealousy and danger consume them both?

In a world where intelligent species are as many as stars observable in the night.There exists Guardians of humanity, The Wardens. The wardens were the protectors of the human clans and they were known as heroes. Heroes of what you might ask?,Well in this world of chaos,there was no race who were safe.Not humans,not dragons,not goblins.No race was safe from each other.Each race were at war at each other,either for resources or power,nothing was left.Everything was an excuse for war.This was the rise of the wardens.The wardens or otherwise the protectors of humanity would destroy any race who would try to extinct the humans,and they had powerful and awful ways of doing it. Just as time went on passing,Humanity lived in peace and so did the Wardens. However this peace didn't last long, as the emperor of the dragon race made a breakthrough in his bottleneck,and made a peace treaty with the other races, deciding to make an alliance and annialate the humans,since they were growing more arrogant and brewing with confidence thanks to the wardens. Thus the war began,under the command of the dragon emperor's rule,all the races waged war and ruptured chaos,the main goal:extinction of humanity. However humans weren't weak, especially the wardens,commanding the 5 elements The Warden Of Flames The Warden Of Tides The Warden Of Thunder The Warden Of Winds The Warden Of Metal All pulled through,even though they were overpowered by numbers they too overpowered by strength,thus beheading not only the dragon emperor but also destroying HALF OF ALL RACES IN THE WAR. However the 5 wardens were totally worn out, inorder to achieve the impossible they had to do the impossible,they burned their ESSENCE to gain strength,which had a huge toll on their strength and soul. So inorder to revive their Mana,soul and essence they had to go to slumber for 100 years. Humanity knew that they're hopes were gone however they couldn't hold the inevitable thus they built the citadels to honor the 5 wardens and let them sleep. Even though they were worried it was obvious,no races were soon to recover of what they had seen or lost. The wardens made their promise to return and help humanity but finally after 100 years, Ashfall the warden of Flames is shocked as he wakes up to a peaceful era where all the races of the globe live harmoniously among each other! What will Ashfall do in a world that he is forgotten. A world where he has no purpose. Will he finally rest peacefully. ––– Yes, use of mana Is present in this world. So is spells, magic and also all kinds of races are present, from dragons to goblins to you name it.. Also it follows slice of life theme. Any other questions will be answered in the comment section under author's review.

Gallagar has always been a thief, a liar, and a man who takes what he wants—until the night he steals something that changes his destiny. In a botched heist gone deadly, Gallagar unwittingly kills a nobleman, only to discover the stolen jewel marks the bearer as the Electus: the Chosen One destined to save all the kingdoms in the realm. Seizing the opportunity for wealth and fame, Gallagar assumes the role of hero, fooling the king and even most of the Avangardians, the realm’s elite soldiers, into believing he is the saviour they’ve waited for. But when dark forces rise from the hellscapes and a rift threatens to consume all life, Gallagar is sent on a perilous journey to seal the rift—a task only the true Electus could accomplish. As abominations close in and his companions place their faith in him, Gallagar must rely on his cunning as a thief and his skills as a mercenary to conceal his secret. Can he survive the deception long enough to save himself, or will the weight of a destiny he never wanted be the world's doing? In a land where light and shadow collide, the fate of all rests in the hands of a fraud.