Download Chereads APP
Chereads App StoreGoogle Play
Chereads

Shadows Of Desire

Duality of Shadows

In a world where everyone is a slave, someone is born who cannot be controlled. At the same time, an unstoppable villain rises on a quest for revenge. But the truth is darker than he ever imagined, and now he must face an unbeatable enemy — including himself. *** Bruno was a young man born on Earth, the son of an influential modern Emperor. Despite having everything money could buy and receiving the best and most rigorous training to succeed his father, he chose the opposite path, defying his family’s ruthless rule. The price of his innocence? A merciless death and the complete erasure of his existence by the deity controlling his fate. On Earth, the law of the powerful was absolute; a slave could never rebel. But then, he wakes up again. He’s reborn in a world of cultivation, where freedom was promised to those strong enough to claim it. Now, he could soar like a free bird and carve his own destiny... or so he thought. The harsh reality of this new world soon showed him how insignificant he still was. He realized he had only changed masters. The freedom he sought was an illusion. The heavenly laws treated everyone as servants, and their rules were unbreakable. Bruno learned this bitter truth after losing everything that made him happy due to an unjust rule. But who was he to question? Hopeless, Bruno died... and was reborn as Alm, an unstoppable villain. With a soul poisoned by pain and vengeance, he sowed chaos across the universe. Planets were destroyed, countless lives taken, and his name became synonymous with terror. A hero rose to oppose him, wielding a sacred sword of hope. People from all corners of the universe united against Alm, raising their voices and weapons to stop the villain who defied the heavens. But Alm was no longer just fighting for revenge. He was challenging the heavenly laws that sought to control him, fighting fate and all living beings. And against all odds... the sacred sword shattered. The alliance of the entire universe was defeated. The villain won! Now, Alm found himself alone in the empty void of a dead universe, facing his own inner demons. Who could be more ruthless to him than himself? “What have I done?” At that moment, the doors of truth opened to him. Everyone was a puppet of a supreme figure, an entity that manipulated minds and even the heavenly laws. “I will find you, no matter where you are!” Thus, the last emissary of the true Heaven’s Will awakened. Alm, who once only relied on his sheer will and rage, now had a system to guide him. But his opponent was an immortal existence, above even the heavens. The villain who destroyed an entire universe now faced a new beginning. He discovered that the universe he devastated was just a tiny grain of sand in an infinite cosmos, where countless other universes existed. And so begins the legendary tale of the villain’s rise... and the Sacred Round God? A strange Duality of Shadows existed within one person. But this time, he wouldn’t be alone. *** To clear up any potential confusion or frustration, here are some key points about the story. I’ll avoid major spoilers, but a few things will be revealed. You might find this concerning at first, but just check the book cover—it shows the main character and his only partner. She first appears at 10 years old, but rest assured, there’s no inappropriate content or early romance. At around 13, SHE starts developing feelings for the protagonist, but he doesn’t respond until she’s an adult. With her determined personality, she tries to seduce him at 17/18, but it doesn’t work. Their relationship only happens much later. The book has nods to other works, with my own spin on them, and focuses on avoiding elements I find problematic in other stories. Lastly, the beautiful book cover was commissioned and created by HDIArt.
Suiyan · 611.8K Views

Tangled in Desire

Zara's eyes were glued to Xavier's bare chest, unable to look away. The sculpted muscles, the deep V-line, the way his sweatpants hung low on his hips—she couldn't help but be captivated. It was as if her brain had short-circuited, and all logic had left her. She moved a step closer, almost unconsciously, her hand lifting as if to touch his chest. Before her fingers could make contact, Xavier's quick reflexes caught her wrist. His grip was firm, but not harsh, and he raised an eyebrow, looking at her with an amused expression. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked, his voice low but laced with a hint of teasing. Zara, startled but determined not to show weakness, scratched the back of her head awkwardly, trying to save face. "What do you mean? Why are you walking around shirtless?" she countered, trying to shift the focus off herself. Xavier's smirk deepened, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. "I'm not the one sneaking around in other people's rooms, Zara. You're the one who barged in here." Zara blinked, her mind scrambling to find an excuse. "Oh, right," she muttered, still not sure how to explain her behavior. She gave him a sheepish grin, but her eyes darted back to his chest, trying to look casual. "I was just… looking for something," she said, her words trailing off as she tried to think of a better lie. Xavier didn't buy it for a second. Slowly, he took a step forward, closing the distance between them. Zara instinctively took a step back, but Xavier followed, not giving her any space to escape. Her heart raced as she backed up again, trying to keep some distance between them, but Xavier wasn't making it easy. "Trying to run away now?" Xavier teased, his voice laced with playful challenge. He moved another step forward, and Zara continued retreating, her back now against the wall. Her breath hitched as she realized she had nowhere else to go. "I wasn't trying to run away," Zara said quickly, her voice a little too high-pitched. "Just, you know, I… I don't want to intrude. I just—"  But Xavier wasn't interested in her stammering excuses. His gaze remained locked on her, and as he stepped closer, his hand that had caught her wrist slowly slid down to her fingers, brushing against her skin. The gentle touch sent an unexpected shiver down her spine. Zara's heart hammered in her chest, and she took another step back, this time bumping into the wall with a soft thud. She couldn't help but feel the heat building between them, the tension so thick it was almost palpable. Xavier, now mere inches from her, tilted his head, his lips curling into a playful grin. "I think you're lying," he murmured, his voice soft, but full of mischief. "You were trying to touch my chest, weren't you?" Zara's face flushed with heat, and she tried to push back against him, but it was like trying to move a mountain. She cleared her throat, trying to recover some of her composure. "Maybe I was," she admitted, her voice low. "But, um… so what? It's not like you're making it easy to ignore." Xavier's grin widened as he leaned even closer, his body just inches away from hers. The closeness was overwhelming, and Zara's mind started to spin. She could feel the heat radiating off his chest, and she had to fight the urge to reach up and touch it again. "Is that so?" Xavier whispered, his breath warm against her ear. He placed his hand on the wall beside her head, trapping her in place as he stared down at her with a wicked gleam in his eyes. "You sure about that?".
Paula_y2k · 3.1K Views

The Shadows of Fate

"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?
Sunshinek11 · 34.8K Views

SHADOWS OF ELDRALORE

Emmie’s heart pounded as the figure rose from the shadows, thicker and grayer than before—a far more earthbound and sinister version of the one he thought he’d conquered. The sparkling light from the crystals above seemed to be sucked away, leaving a suffocating emptiness. Even the sound of his friends’ breaths around him grew faint, their voices—one of concern, another of reassurance—muffled echoes through the cavern behind him. Yet he knew he had to press forward, deeper into the darkness, and face this alone. For now. The figure stepped closer, slow and deliberate, its glowing eyes radiating an icy malevolence. “You think you’ve overcome your fears?” it hissed, its voice sharp and grating. “That was nothing. I am the fog inside you—the one you ignore, the one that carves at you.” Emmie swallowed hard, forcing himself upright despite the shaking in his legs. “I’m not afraid of you,” he said, summoning courage he didn’t fully feel. “I’ve come too far to turn back.” The figure’s laughter crawled down his spine. “Brave, so brave… but so foolish. You’ve barely begun to uncover the truths buried in your soul. Your doubts, your regrets, your anger—they feed me.” For a moment, Emmie faltered. The words clawed at wounds he’d tried to ignore, stirring his doubts: Could he truly protect his friends? Were his choices enough? The darkness seemed to press closer, suffocating him with its weight. But then he remembered Mira’s voice, full of faith. He thought of Amara’s bright laughter and Cory’s unwavering support. They had believed in him when he couldn’t believe in himself. “Maybe I do doubt,” Emmie admitted, meeting the figure’s glowing gaze. “But those doubts don’t define me. My friends believe in me, and I believe in myself.” The figure’s eyes narrowed, frustration flickering within. “Conviction alone won’t save you,” it hissed. “Your friends are far, and here, it’s just you and me.” It raised its arm, and the shadows coiled into smoky tendrils, striking toward him. Emmie dodged just in time as they slammed into the ground, shattering the stone and sending shards flying. His heart raced, his footing unsteady, but he pushed himself upright. A faint light flickered in his hand—small but wholly his. The figure laughed, mocking him. “Is that all? A tiny flicker? Pathetic.” Emmie clenched his jaw. “It’s enough,” he said. “This light is everything I fought for, everything I believe in.” The figure snarled, and the darkness surged again, crashing against Emmie’s light. Straining against the tide, he closed his eyes and steadied his breathing. He thought of his friends, their unwavering faith, and his purpose. The light steadied, burning brighter. At that moment, he heard their voices—Mira, Amara, and Cory—calling to him. The sound reignited his resolve. As their light joined his, the shadow recoiled, its form shattering under their combined strength. The figure’s voice echoed as it faded: “This isn’t over, Emmie. This is just the beginning.” Emmie stood firm, unwavering. “I’ll be ready. Let’s finish this.”
Mira_Tenny · 2K Views

Shadows Of Rapture (SOR)

In the Shadows of Rapture When the world is suddenly and violently altered by the mysterious disappearance of millions, those left behind find themselves struggling to comprehend the devastation and spiritual implications. Among them is Elena, a young woman caught between grief and disbelief, and Eliam, a pragmatic survivor who clings to reason even as everything he knows crumbles. As chaos spreads and humanity teeters on the brink, a new and unexpected force emerges: aliens who claim to bring salvation and unity under their enigmatic leader, Xareth. At first, Xareth's arrival brings promises of hope, order, and freedom for those who accept the mark of allegiance. But as the true nature of his reign unfolds, the allure of survival morphs into a chilling realization: submission comes at the price of humanity's very soul. Amidst rampant immorality and a world overtaken by false peace, Elena and Eliam must navigate the fine line between hope and despair, resisting the seductive pull of an easy life under the shadow of oppression. Natural disasters grow in ferocity, the stars themselves threaten to fall, and whispers of a greater truth about the alien invaders begin to surface. Time runs out as the survivors are forced to confront what’s left of their beliefs and grapple with a world that has abandoned prayer and faith. The final countdown arrives with Xareth’s plan revealed in its entirety, leaving humanity with a singular and haunting call to action: repent, or face an unthinkable end. "In the Shadows of Rapture" is a thrilling, apocalyptic tale of survival, betrayal, and the fight for truth in a world that has lost its way. It challenges readers to consider what remains when all hope is gone and pushes them to reflect on their own beliefs when faced with a future as dark as night.
Nimielleonyx · 6.4K Views

Shadows of Eldralor

Title: The Thief of Silver and Souls In the shadows of a kingdom where silver is prized above all and souls can be traded like coins, Zia Renaud is a name that strikes fear and fascination. Known as the Thief of Silver and Souls, she's a daring rogue with a hidden purpose: to avenge the family that was taken from her and to unravel the mystery of her origins. But Zia's latest heist comes with an unexpected twist. When she steals an ancient silver amulet rumored to bind souls, she finds herself entangled with Leon, a cursed prince whose spirit is trapped within the amulet, and Alaric, a mysterious and charming rival thief with secrets of his own. Together, they must navigate a world filled with dangerous magic, underground markets, and ruthless sorcerers—all while racing to uncover the truth behind the amulet's powers and to keep their own dark pasts from consuming them. As alliances blur and passion ignites, Zia will face the ultimate choice: protect her own freedom, or save the souls of those she's come to care for. --- Characters: 1. Zia Renaud The Thief of Silver and Souls. A fearless and witty master thief with a knack for outsmarting anyone who gets in her way. Though she's quick with a blade and quicker with her words, she guards her past closely. Zia is driven by a desire for revenge and freedom, hiding a heart more compassionate than she lets on. 2. Leon Elara The Cursed Prince. Once heir to the throne, Leon's spirit has been bound to a powerful amulet that Zia steals. Trapped and unable to move beyond the amulet's reach, Leon is both Zia's reluctant ally and a source of hidden wisdom, with knowledge of dark magic and court secrets. He carries a tragic history and a hope for redemption. 3. Alaric Draven The Rival Thief. Mysterious, charming, and equally skilled, Alaric has crossed paths with Zia before, and their tension is electric. While he keeps his motives guarded, he's drawn to Zia's fire and the danger that surrounds her. Alaric has ties to the kingdom's criminal underworld and harbors his own reasons for seeking the amulet. 4. Madame Seraphine The Soul Broker. A powerful sorceress who traffics in rare magic and lives off stolen souls. She's the dark force behind the amulet's creation and has a personal vendetta against Zia. Manipulative and vengeful, she'll stop at nothing to reclaim what Zia has taken. 5. Emory Gray The Healer. A gentle but skilled healer who helps Zia after a close escape. Emory has a surprising knowledge of ancient magic, and though he avoids conflict, he becomes a steadfast ally in Zia's quest. His presence in the story adds a balance of calm and support. 6. Lady Isolde The Noblewoman. Once close to Leon, Lady Isolde is now a powerful figure in the royal court, respected for her intelligence and rumored to be ruthless. She has her own reasons for getting involved with Zia's journey, and her loyalty is never quite clear, making her a mysterious and unpredictable presence.
Joestassy · 15.5K Views
Related Topics
More