Masks For A Masquerade Ball

"From the grave rise two men without eyes, Holding a heart in their hands. And I weep over my brother, Is this my blood, or his?" In a land once ablaze with the flames of glory, a bloody uprising turned everything to ashes, giving rise to a fanatic regime founded upon the religion of Firinic. Yet amidst the ruins, one soul has sworn to one day return to this forsaken land and reclaim their stolen rights with blood, rising from the fire and ashes. This is a Requiem for Fire-a Fire in which courage, vengeance, and hope burn to bend destiny before the will of justice. It is the chronicle of a hundred years of torment, a century that serves as a poignant reminder of a forgotten truth: "Justice lives in the heart of those who resist."

In a world torn apart by war and political intrigue, Arteja is no ordinary warrior. Trained since childhood to protect the royal families of Argadan, she is a master of the spear and a wielder of deadly thunder magic. Her unwavering loyalty and unmatched skill have earned her a reputation as one of the most formidable protectors in the empire. But Arteja's world is thrust into chaos when an alliance of human kingdoms launches a brutal siege on Argadan’s borders. As the enemy’s numbers swell and their tactics grow more ruthless, Arteja finds herself at the center of a conflict that threatens not only her kingdom but her very existence. Facing impossible odds, Arteja must confront not only her enemies but also the cracks in her loyalty and the truths she has avoided. With her lightning-charged spear in hand, she dives headfirst into battle, her every move reshaping the tide of war. Will Arteja’s strength and unyielding resolve be enough to turn the tide, or will the storm she summons consume everything she fights to protect? Filled with electrifying battles, deep character development, and a gripping tale of sacrifice and survival, "Arteja: The Thunder’s Protector" is a high-stakes fantasy adventure that will leave you breathless or bored. :/

For the sake of his family, Richard married a woman he had never met before. However, his newly wed wife was not only hideous but also viscous, which he only discovered on his wedding day. He thought he would be disgusted by her, but unexpectedly could not help but be attracted to this mysterious woman. What made Richard scratch his head even more, was that her face under the mask seems to be hiding some secret.

Letentia were once the daughter of a noble family, but everything changed when the rival family spread lies about her family. The king believed them and stripped her family of its title, leaving Letentia to live as a commoner and some family members were executed. Fast forward a few years, and Letentia’s settled into life in the countryside in a orphange house, getting used to being just another villager. One day, Letentia's childhood friend shows up at the small orphanage where Letentia lives. He’s the third son of the king and has been searching for Letentia all this time. He escaped from the royal guards who were after him, and now he wants to run away with Letentia.

Caspian inched closer until his lips were mere inches away from Davina's, reeling her in to close the nonexistent gap between their mouths. "Have you ever been kissed, Dimitri?" He asked. Before Davina could lose control after Caspian's cold lips lightly grazed hers, she pushed him away and hurriedly stood up. "My Lord, this is highly unethical!" Her real voice nearly slipped out amid the chaos. "What's unethical about this?" Caspian's face lifted to form an innocent yet devilish smile, he seemed to be enjoying the reaction he got out of her. Flustered, Davina turned her back to him and took deep breaths before speaking more composedly. "We are both men and it wasn't ethical of you to try and... kiss me." The last bit came out as a whisper blown away by the wind. Caspian's chuckle echoed through the woods as he stood up from the bench and faced Davina with a smug look on his face. "Tell me, Dimitri, was I really trying to kiss a man just now?" "W-what do you mean?" Davina stumbled backward as she stared at Caspian in shock and disbelief, unsure of what to do to save herself from that situation. "Let me rephrase my question." Caspian delicately grazed Davina's cheeks with the back of his hand. "Are you really a man?" ***** With a bounty on her head and the need for a place to stay, Davina snuck into the castle of Lendorr, posing as a man in the royal army. Luckily for her, she was able to get away with her ruse easily that is, until she met the mysterious Lord Caspian. She is tasked with being one of his guards all while trying to avoid getting caught by the man who made it his life's mission to ruin her plan. Through a twisted game of deceit, Davina is forced to make a grave choice between Love and the REAL reason why she snuck into the castle.

When divine blood flows through your veins, monsters hunts you down until you’re dead. That’s the harsh reality each demigod has to live everyday. Marina is one of them and, because of this, she had to leave her home when she was still a child. Now she has grown up and lives in the Lilies Park, a place in the Otherworld where she meets Shirei, a mysterious demigod who has no memory. Shirei will have to deal with his hidden past to understand why the gods seem to treat him like an enemy, but Marina fears that the journey will only lead to his death. Thus begins the last act of the plan of the forgotten goddess: the queen of masks. I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad.com

At first glance, this seems to be a story about a basketball player striving for the pinnacle of his career and invincibility. However, in reality, Ming You seeks victory not through traditional training and skill development, but through strategies, intrigues, injuries, violence, and murder. Ming You is willing to employ any means necessary to achieve his goal — becoming invincible and a talent in his field, namely basketball. In addition to the brutality required to secure victories, Ming You must contend not only with basketball teams but also with managers seeking maximum profit, as well as investigators and detectives, since murders cannot simply be ignored as Ming You would prefer.

[not a LitRPG / isekai / cultivation.] [Espionage / Slowburn / A very human story] SYNOPSIS: A child rotting on the streets was suddenly dragged into the black car of one of the many conglomerates that rule the world from the shadows. Through golden flames and swathes of blood, he was trained and experimented on to become the perfect weapon. In this ever-changing world of conspiracy and technological marvels, Test Subject 201, now called Felix, navigates the world as the experiment's sole survivor, standing as the foundation for humanity's next step in evolution.  Armed with his gun, newfound abilities, and a memento he holds dearly, he marches through the steep path of darkness and deceit, and faces off against mafia, mercenaries, and countless criminals and corporations, to enact the organization's mantra to "protect the peace.".

Leaving one life for a new start: city girl Maisey finds change in an out of the way town in an unexpected place. Can she find her way back or will she be forever lost?

What would you do if the person you raised, turned against you? For that person, you sacrificed your childhood but in the end, they still turned against you. It all began like a dream, a sweet dream to say, then a crack happened but she mended it, then another appeared and she mended it again until it finally broke down. Ely kept the lesson taught by life in the deepest part of her heart. She ran away because she was trying to escape from the truth but she met it again and this time, she lost her innocence, she lost the last bit of humanity she had and she lost the color of her soul and eventually, she submitted herself to the devil who used her gleefully. Silveria, a young King felt his ambitions came first before anything else. He once told a girl, that if he wanted something, he got it and it didn't matter how he got it. He was nicknamed the devil. The devil met this girl who lost the color of her soul and fed on her indifference but soon, he began to thirst for more. Is the devil going to pull her into hell with him or will both find salvation? PS:the cover is not mine so I can take it down if the owner comes by.

In the quiet darkness of the city, where shadows stretch long and secrets linger, a charming and meticulous man prowls unnoticed. By day, he’s an unassuming professional, navigating the corridors of power with ease, his impeccable manners and handsome face concealing the predator lurking beneath. By night, he dons his most dangerous mask—a façade of warmth and intrigue that draws unsuspecting victims into his carefully woven web. Obsessed with uncovering the truths hidden in human minds, he views each person as a puzzle, their fears, desires, and vulnerabilities as treasures to exploit. But when he encounters a woman who seems perfect for his next plan, his tightly controlled world begins to fray. As his games grow darker and more daring, the question looms: will he remain the master of his deadly art, or will the mask finally crack, exposing the monster within? "The Masked" is a chilling psychological thriller that delves into the twisted mind of a man who thrives in the shadows, a story of manipulation, obsession, and the masks we all wear.

A beautiful country that was eyed by many rich people who wanted to own it. Despite the land being destroyed by the foreigners who once came as refugees it still continues to be a pure and holy land full of beauty. The people of this country has endured a lot and one day they will get the biggest rewards for enduring it all.

A quiet, unnoticed student hides a shocking secret: a double life as an online sensation. When a school project forces them to team up with the school’s most popular classmate, an accidental discovery threatens to expose everything. What starts as a tense revelation soon uncovers hidden truths neither expected, leaving both questioning who they really are—and who they can trust.

Dragnelle Étoile is no stranger to secrets. A sharp-witted private investigator with a shadowed past, she navigates life with a limp, a cane adorned with a beast’s head, and a determination as unyielding as the pain in her leg. When Mickaël Rakoto, a man she hasn’t seen in decades, steps back into her life with a desperate plea, she is thrust into a world she thought she’d left behind—a world of wealth, power, and dangerous family secrets. Mickaël’s sister-in-law, Myrha Rakoto, has died under mysterious circumstances while climbing. Officially ruled as an accident, her death doesn’t sit well with Mickaël, who suspects foul play. But in a city where his wife’s powerful family—the Rakoto shipping dynasty—controls everything from the local police to the narrative of Myrha’s death, Mickaël needs someone fearless enough to uncover the truth. Dragnelle takes the case, but each clue she uncovers pulls her deeper into the Rakoto family’s web of lies, privilege, and betrayal. As she pieces together the circumstances of Myrha’s death, Dragnelle must confront ghosts from her own past, including her complicated history with Mickaël. With her sharp mind and sharper tongue, she maneuvers through bribes, betrayals, and old memories, searching for answers no one wants found. Set against the vibrant streets of Antananarivo and the shadowy world of high society, this is a gripping tale of ambition, justice, and the price of uncovering the truth. Secrets, after all, always have a way of coming to light—even when buried at the top of the climb.

In a world where the line between reality and the extraordinary blurs, Kai navigates the aftermath of a traumatic past. A chance encounter with masked individuals wielding supernatural powers thrusts him into a surreal sequence of events. As he witnesses a subway attack and his own house in flames, Kai discovers his uncle's involvement with a clandestine group possessing extraordinary abilities. The unfolding conflicts force Kai to confront a reality beyond his understanding, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and resilience in a world where powers beyond imagination shape his destiny.

a man who falls in love with a golden Ball I wish I was joking

It is a coming-of-age tale exploring themes of trauma, friendship, and self-discovery. Ronin, a troubled teenager struggling with substance abuse and the loneliness he hides, from others when he forms a deep bond with Wren, a young girl dealing with a traumatic family situation. Together, they navigate the challenges of their lives, supported by their friend Percy. As they grapple with their demons and the complexities of their relationships, Percy guides Ronin and Wren as they both discover the power of faith and the importance of human connection.

Aniella Hein Lu Lerato, a 17 year old black college student.has always been proud of her south African heritage.Shes grown up in a tight knit community where her identity has never been questioned..Elijah Kim .a charming and alluring Asian American student who transfers to Aniella's school after being given 5 month off study from His Idol company under the band "Megahertz.composed of six members who all transfer to Aniella's school and make all the girl's hearts swarm including Aniella's

I seriously felt like I was about to kick the bucket because of some mysterious sickness. But guess what? I snapped awake to find myself in this weird place, in some dude's body. A man? Seriously? I held my breath, and I felt something weird on my chest. "Huh? Is this... bondage? What the heck?" Then, out of nowhere, a rush of unknown memories flooded my mind. Turns out, I'm a general. Yup, that's right. And get this, I ain't no dude-I'm actually a young, stubborn lady who's playing pretend as her older brother. Crazy stuff, right?

a regular man living in the darkness of his failure he wanted to be an actor but life is Harsh for him one day his friend (assistant producer) gave him a offer to work as a actor will he accept it? is the path for him will be easy? what people he going to meet? is he can become an actor?

Ava Morales and Julian Carlton were strangers until they were forced to marry, bound together by a shared secret and a child they never planned. Julian, a cold and ruthless billionaire, sees Ava as a manipulator who only wants his wealth. Ava, a strong and independent woman, is trapped in a loveless marriage with a man who despises her. As they navigate their complicated relationship, they must confront the secrets and lies that bind them together. But the more they're forced to interact, the more they realize that their initial impressions may have been wrong. Julian's gaze lingers on Ava, and he's surprised to find himself drawn to her strength and determination. Ava, in turn, sees glimpses of a kind and vulnerable man beneath Julian's tough exterior. Their three-year-old son, Matteo, is the light of their lives, and his innocent love and affection for both parents begins to break down the walls between them. As they work together to co-parent and uncover the truth about their past, Ava and Julian must confront the thin line between love and hate. Can they find a way to overcome their animosity and build a future together, or will their secrets and lies tear them apart forever?

In the world of high society, billionaire Devlin Saint Clair is revered for his wealth, charm, and philanthropy. But beneath the façade, Devlin harbors a dark secret: he's a demon, heir to the throne of the underworld. Bound by his father's expectations, Devlin must navigate the treacherous landscape of demon politics to claim the crown. His ruthless ambition knows no bounds, and he'll stop at nothing to achieve his goal. Detective Mirabella "Bella" Thompson is no stranger to darkness. Haunted by a traumatic past, she's built walls around her heart. Alongside her sisters, she's forged a new life in the police force. But when she stumbles upon Devlin's true nature, her world is turned upside down. As their paths collide, Devlin's determined to keep Bella silenced. But she's not one to back down. As they engage in a cat-and-mouse game, Devlin finds himself torn between his loyalty to his family and his growing obsession with the fearless detective. Bella's secrets are her own, but Devlin's determination to uncover them threatens to destroy everything she's built. Can she resist the billionaire's allure, or will his darkness consume her? As the stakes rise, Devlin must choose between his destiny and his desire. Will he sacrifice his humanity for the crown, or will Bella's love redeem him? **Target Audience:] Adult readers (18+) who enjoy paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and suspenseful stories with complex characters and moral ambiguity.

This is a story comprising of two different stories in honor of Domestic Violence month. The stories are short and concise to draw the reader into the perspective of the character.

Austin, a man reincarnated from a world where science is prominent, finds himself In a world where Magians, humans who possess the capabilities to perform arcane (a.k.a magic), must battle against the re-emerging demonic creatures and their followers to protect the human race and other humanoid races, from annihilation. Following a life-saving encounter with a famous hero, Austin's awakening grants him the memories of his past life and access to 'The Akasha', a mysterious system. With newfound purpose, he endeavors to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, facing challenges and adversaries to uncover the secrets of his reincarnation and the enigmatic origins of The Akasha.

Having transmigrated into a fantasy world of magic and knights , the son of humble merchant prioritizes safety above all else. Armed with a system and cautiousness that is sometimes unnecessary watch Gray slowly turn him and his organization into shadows. Hidden and only existing in the night." For a shadow can never be truly destroyed and fought aganist."