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Addison Rea Leaked

Woke up his wife

Woke Up His Wife – Synopsis Tamilore Coker had her life planned out: graduate, get engaged to Kunle—the city’s second-richest bachelor—and build her career in peace. But everything crashes in one night at a hotel when she wakes up next to a stranger… only, he’s not just anyone. He’s Jeremiah Adebayo, 25, ruthless billionaire CEO, and the city’s most sought-after man. Neither of them planned it. Both were drugged. And now the media frenzy, leaked photos, and family pressure have forced them into a scandalous, accidental marriage. To protect his image, Jeremy proposes a cold business-like arrangement—divorce after a year, prenup signed, no feelings involved. But Tammy isn’t just another pretty face—she’s a genius-level hacker, sharp-tongued, sarcastic, and way too real for the Adebayo elite. As she’s pushed into a life of wealth, Tammy faces backhanded compliments, snide remarks, and her own shattered heart. Enemies become allies. Secrets unravel. And somewhere between burnt plantains, tech investor parties, and stolen glances, a fake marriage starts feeling dangerously real. But betrayal hides in plain sight—and the night that brought them together was no accident. As truths begin to surface and a forbidden pregnancy looms, both Tammy and Jeremy must decide: fight for their lives—or fall in love for real. One messy, emotional, enemies-to-lovers rollercoaster. Welcome to Woke Up His Wife. Where love wasn’t part of the plan—but fate had other ideas.
Oeais · 4.3K Views

Corporate Villainy: Trampling Protagonists as a Business Dad

In a world where megacorporations rule like feudal dynasties and cultivation is under corporate rule, Vincent Cornelius wakes up in a silk-sheeted bed beside a suspiciously curvy woman. Reincarnated into the body of a doomed CEO fated to be a "villain's father". Vincent quickly realizes he's a disposable background character— the kind destined to be humiliated, ruined, and killed so that his pathetic son, can become a stepping stone for some arrogant, heaven-defying, cliché cultivation protagonist. Unfortunately for fate, Vincent didn’t reincarnate to play along. He reincarnated to ruin protagonists for profit. Armed with the Corporate Villain Expansion System, every cruel scheme, humiliating press leak, or market manipulation against protagonist nets him Villain Points—and every time he crushes a “fated encounter,” his Luck Points rise. Turn the protagonist into a drugie? +400 VP + 50 LP Reduce the mercenary king to a job of a small security guard? +500 VP +100 LP Cause chaos in a protagonist's harem—emotional betrayal, internal sabotage, or seduction ? +1,000 VP +200 LP As his mid sized logistics corporation moves towards becoming a corporate megaforce, Vincent must climb the cultivation ladder, weaponize capitalism, and outwit Fate itself—one bankrupt protagonist at a time. The world wants him humbled. The story wants him deleted. But Vincent Cornelius is here to rewrite the script. He’s about to prove that in this world, the real golden finger is a hostile takeover. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer (Filed Personally by Vincent Cornelius): If, by some cosmic accident, any names, corporations, or highly sensitive trade empires mentioned in this story resemble real-world entities—rest assured, it’s entirely coincidental. I am far too busy conquering fictional markets to bother with actual ones. No offense is intended. No lawsuits, either. Unless you’re a protagonist. In which case… file away. I'll be waiting—with a better lawyer and a hostile takeover plan. This is fiction. Relax. Or invest.
Maharaja_Sakt · 94.7K Views

God's Favour devils pawn

But will he succeed… Can Vikram truly stop these twisted demons—creatures who slaughter humans by making their intestines explode from within, all by simply shoving cursed feathers into their ass ? From the divine mind of Brahma, the god of creation, came not only beauty and order—but also the flaws of existence. One such flaw was born from his back, not his heart or mind—a symbol of neglect. That flaw took form as Adharma, the embodiment of impropriety. Adharma married Mithya, the goddess of falsehood, who twists truth and clouds clarity. From their union came Dambha (Vanity), representing arrogance born from lies, and Maya (Illusion), his sister and future wife, who wraps the world in deception. Dambha and Maya gave birth to Krodha (Anger)—the violent force of pride and frustration. He, too, married his sister, Himsa (Violence)—a being that thrives on pain and destruction. From them was born Kali—not a god, but a force destined to rule the final age due to his bloodline connection to Brahma. Thus began Kali Yuga, an era fated to last 432,000 years—a time where neither gods nor demons are allowed to intervene in the human realm. But one demon rebelled—Rudra. Seeking to overthrow Kali, he unleashed chaos on the human world, shattering the divine balance and leaking celestial power into the mortal realm. As humans unknowingly begin to awaken to these powers, the order of the universe teeters on collapse. To stop this spiral, the gods choose a protector for Earth: Vikram. His destiny is not to conquer, but to restore balance—to walk the line between gods, demons, and mankind… and maintain cosmic order.
Breath_Write · 189 Views

The Alpha's Regret: Return Of The Betrayed Luna

[Mature Content] [18+ Only] [Smut] "Then let's dissolve our mate bond and reject each other! That way, you can make Claire your official Luna!" Addison's chest rose and fell violently, her breaths ragged with fury. "Who said you could leave? You are MINE!" Zion turned feral and took Addison back to their chambers and ravaged her for three days and three nights... "I'll make sure you're tied to this bed, and your legs are so weak you won’t even be able to stand," Zion snarled, pinning her down. His dark eyes flickered with gold, a clear sign that his wolf was watching her from just beneath the surface. ... Because they never truly tried to understand each other, their relationship was filled with misunderstandings. Zion, blinded by his petty pride and desire for revenge, refused to defend himself. He wanted Addison to pay for what he believed she owed him, but that very resentment became his own downfall. Addison, on the other hand, couldn’t wait forever for him to let go of his hatred and pain. She was ready to walk away. But when she finally disappeared from his world, Zion lost his mind. He turned his own pack upside down in a desperate bid to avenge the abuse and torture she had suffered. Yet it was too late—she was gone. And worst of all, he never had the chance to tell her the truth: the pup in the other woman's belly wasn’t his. He couldn’t openly reveal it either, because that woman held a special status they couldn’t afford to offend. Zion had sent Addison away to protect her from being killed, but his pride had cost him everything. Hurting her became his greatest regret—one that overshadowed even the death of his father, the former Alpha. But the Moon Goddess had other plans. Their paths crossed once again. And then, Zion saw her. No, them. Addison had a son. No—she had sons. There was another one. Regret clawed at him. He had once taunted her, wanting to break her, but now all he wanted was to make amends—to reclaim the family he had lost. But how? The gap between them was wider than ever. She wasn’t someone he could simply walk up to anymore. Would he ever get the chance to fix what he had broken? Or would Addison choose the mate her father, the Alpha King, had picked for her? After all, she wasn’t just anyone—she was the Alpha King’s only daughter, destined to be the first female Alpha King in history.
GoddessKM · 1M Views

I Can Copy And Evolve Talents

Across the vast convolution of worlds, divine beings rule as absolute sovereigns—each god assigned dominion over a singular realm. Skirmishes are inevitable, whether for power, amusement, or sheer pettiness. One such battle, between Nexus, the God of Trickery, and an aging, senile deity, resulted in an anomaly… A soul misplaced. Elliot, an ordinary man, was never meant for Ul’Tra-el. But fate, or perhaps a cosmic prank, had other plans. Unlike other worlds, Ul’Tra-el is an aberration—one that developed a voice. A voice that diverged from the natural order. A voice that changed everything. Its foundation cracked, leaking dimensions into one another. Rifts tore open like festering wounds, vomiting forth unspeakable horrors—monsters not meant to exist. But the world did not sit idly by. In response—perhaps an act of self-preservation—the world gifted its inhabitants power. Talents awakened, granting people extraordinary abilities. And for every rift sealed, the Voice of Ul rewarded them generously. Survival was simple: fight, grow stronger, and close the rifts… or die trying. In this ruthless, blood-soaked reality, Northern—a white-haired boy burdened by his past life—was reincarnated. But unlike the chosen heroes, he awakened as a talentless nobody. No power. No strength. No future. And when death loomed over him—when despair clawed at his soul and the cold grip of the failure threatened to take him— A Voice responded: [System Notice] [Your Soul cannot take a form.] [Searching for a Unique Pattern Ability…] [Searching…] [Search Found.] [A Unique System Ability has been detected.] [You Can Copy And Evolve Talents] ... Follow Northern through his journey as he becomes the pinnacle of this world. This a story about a white-haired boy’s rise from rubbles!! Note: This is an overpower genre but MC does not just start off like that. Even though MC can copy talents he doesn't just jump around copying talents because there's a limitation. However, his rise to strength is depicted and is an experience to enjoy. The first few hundreds would be frustrating to follow because MC is weak but that makes the experience all the more interesting when MC finally gets freaking strong and starts wiping the floor with everyones asses.
RighteousFilth · 3.8M Views

A Mascote do Tirano

Aries Aime Heathcliffe. Uma princesa do pequeno reino de Rikhill era amada por todos. Com sua beleza encantadoramente discreta e mente sábia, ela chamou muita atenção e capturou os corações de muitos. Um deles era o carismático príncipe herdeiro do Império Maganti. Tomado pelo desejo de tê-la e pelo interesse na terra do pequeno reino, o príncipe herdeiro do referido império não mediria esforços. Os cavaleiros do Império Maganti marcharam sobre as massas e tomaram o reino de quatrocentos anos de Rikhill. O reino de Rikhill caiu em ruínas da noite para o dia. O príncipe herdeiro não deixou nenhum membro da família real vivo, exceto seu troféu de guerra, Aries. Após sofrer em suas mãos, Aries encontrou a chance perfeita para escapar. Foi quando ele a levou para a cúpula mundial. Um encontro de cada soberano de cada reino e império para conversas de paz. Lá, ela conheceu o imperador de Haimirich, Eustass Silvestri Abel Bloodworth. Sobrecarregada pela desesperança, Aries suplicou para ele acolhê-la. Foi tarde demais quando percebeu que o homem a quem pedira ajuda era muito mais cruel, distorcido e francamente diabólico do que o príncipe herdeiro ao tomá-la como sua... mascote! EXCERTO: Com um par de olhos carmesim pairando sobre ela, Aries prendeu a respiração. Quando o canto dos lábios dele se curvou maliciosamente, ela não conseguiu reagir rapidamente enquanto ele rapidamente invertia suas posições. Ela só percebeu quando estava montada nele, olhando para baixo para Abel, com os olhos arregalados. “Ninguém está acima de mim neste império e até fora dele — nem mesmo a lei, mas olhe para você,” ele entoou com um sorriso diabólico. “Me encarando... tão intimidador.” Aries mordeu o lábio, colocando sua palma no peito tatuado. “Sua Majestade...” “Você agora entende o poder que tem, querida?” Abel cuidadosamente envolveu seus dedos ao redor do pulso dela, satisfeito com sua reação. “Somente você, Aries, pode estar acima de mim e a única pessoa no mundo que pode me olhar de cima. Ninguém mais.” Ele levantou um braço e passou os dedos pelo lado de seu cabelo, fixando a palma na parte de trás da cabeça dela antes de puxá-la para baixo até que seu rosto ficasse a uma distância de uma palma do dele. “É melhor usar isso a seu favor,” ele sussurrou, inclinando a cabeça enquanto a levantava para reivindicar o que é dele. ELA. Conheça Eustass Silvestri Abel Bloodworth, o tirano sádico, que reinou um império com punho de ferro. Com a crescente presença de sua mascote, Aries, em sua vida monótona e sombria, ele estava disposto a matá-la. Mas, toda vez que pensava em tirar a vida dela, ele se encontrava mudando de ideia. Quanto mais ele a mantinha ao seu lado, mais difícil se tornava se livrar dela. E quanto mais ele desejava algo mais profundo e mais sombrio... isso o estava enlouquecendo. Com um segredo que ele estava escondendo dela, o que Abel faria se Aries descobrisse a verdade podre por trás do império e do imperador? Ele a mataria? Ou a beijaria? Talvez a enjaulasse? E se ela descobrisse que Abel não era apenas um humano normal, ela tentaria escapar? Ou aceitaria que ele não era apenas um demônio encarnado? Em um mundo complicado que os tingiu de preto, era possível que o amor florescesse entre uma mascote e seu mestre? Assista enquanto esses dois jogam o jogo perigoso e insano de amor e luxúria. Quem seria o mestre e a mascote? Quem era a presa? Leia para saber mais. --------- História Original de: alienfrommars SIGA-ME NO INSTAGRAM para artes originais dos personagens: @authoralienfrommars Servidor do Discord: https://discord.gg/tbS4rKec3e Isenção de responsabilidade: A capa não é minha. Encontrei no Pinterest. Créditos ao artista.
alienfrommars · 162.7K Views

90 Days With The Cold Billionaire

‎At just twenty, Christy Scott has lost everything. Betrayed by the people she trusted most, she’s left homeless, jobless, and barely surviving as a dancer in a strip club. ‎ ‎Then Kendrick Black walks in, billionaire, emotionally ice-cold, and hiding a secret that could destroy his reputation. He offers her a deal: pose as his girlfriend for ninety days to kill rumors questioning his masculinity. For Christy, it’s survival. For him, it’s damage control. It’s supposed to be business. Nothing more. ‎ ‎But living under Kendrick’s roof turns out to be more than she bargained for. His manipulative sister wants her gone. His childhood sweetheart plays a twisted game. And worst of all, her ex, the same man who crushed her heart, is now Kendrick’s driver, watching her every move. ‎ ‎Just when Christy starts to find her footing, everything comes crashing down. A leaked video from her past blows up online. Her name, her dignity...shattered. In a desperate attempt to escape the media storm, she’s caught in a brutal accident. ‎ ‎She wakes up in a stranger’s home...Kendrick’s best friend. And with him, the truth: she’s not just anyone. She’s the missing daughter of the powerful Lancaster family. And she’s carrying Kendrick Black’s child. ‎ ‎Now the girl everyone once dismissed is coming back stronger. With fire in her eyes, a baby in her belly, and the truth at her back, Christy is no longer the victim. She’s the storm. ‎ ‎But when the man who couldn’t protect her comes begging for her love, can she forgive him? ‎ ‎Or will she become the bride who burns it all to the ground?
Chrystabliss · 3.6K Views

The Echo of Starlight

En el vibrante y riguroso mundo del K-pop, CHROMATIC se alza como la nueva sensación, liderada por el carismático y audaz Hyun-woo (HYU). Con su cabello degradado y un estilo punk extravagante, Hyun-woo es una fuerza de la naturaleza, un perfeccionista implacable que exige autenticidad, incluso si eso significa desafiar las estrictas normas de su agencia, StellarRise Entertainment. En el corazón de CHROMATIC, como su voz y su alma, se encuentra Ji-hoon (JIHO), un artista de gracia etérea y una vulnerabilidad oculta. A pesar de su talento innegable como vocalista principal, Ji-hoon lucha contra la ansiedad y un profundo miedo al rechazo, encontrando refugio en las sombras y en las melodías que compone. La tensión entre ellos es palpable: Hyun-woo, el líder dominante que anhela ver a Ji-hoon brillar en su "espectro completo", y Ji-hoon, que teme exponer sus verdaderos "colores" ante un mundo que valora la perfección y la imagen por encima de todo. Un toque fortuito, una mirada intensa, una melodía compartida en la quietud de la noche... su conexión secreta comienza a encenderse, desafiando las estrictas reglas de StellarRise, que prohíbe las relaciones dentro del grupo para mantener una "imagen limpia y comercial". Cuando CHROMATIC es elegido para encabezar el prestigioso Festival Seoul Pride, la presión se dispara. Es la oportunidad de su vida para encarnar su mensaje de "autenticidad y autoexpresión", pero también un escenario masivo que podría exponer su incipiente y peligrosa conexión. Hyun-woo ve el festival como la plataforma perfecta para su "rebelión" artística, alterando sutilmente la coreografía para incluir momentos de intimidad con Ji-hoon, una declaración silenciosa pero audaz. Sin embargo, una foto filtrada los arroja al ojo del huracán mediático. StellarRise, en pánico, amenaza con separarlos y censurar su arte. Es entonces cuando Ji-hoon debe tomar una decisión crucial: ¿se esconderá de nuevo en las sombras o se atreverá a abrazar la invitación de Hyun-woo para vivir y amar sin reservas, a pesar de los riesgos monumentales que esto implica para sus carreras y para CHROMATIC?
silversblaze · 3.8K Views

Things We Don’t Talk About

——— I woke up to fingers running gently through my hair. At first, I thought I was dreaming, until the lullaby began. Low. Melodic. But wrong. It was that same language I'd heard through the walls, the one that makes your stomach twist and your teeth clench. She sat on the edge of my bed, I can’t see her face; it’s swallowed by the dark. But her hand keeps moving, slow and rhythmic, stroking my hair like she’s lulling something else to sleep. Her eyes are half-closed, swaying as she hums that twisted tune. And then I realize— I forgot to turn on my bedroom light before falling asleep. I kept my breathing slow and shallow, pretending to sleep. limbs screaming to move, to run, but something in me knows: Don’t let her know you’re awake. Don’t move. The singing stops. She sniffles. A choked, trembling sob leaks through her lips. She starts crying quietly, like she’s trying not to be heard. Like she’s afraid. “No...” she whispers, her voice cracking like a child’s. “He still dreams like a child… still soft…” I almost convince myself she’s sleep-talking— Until her hand suddenly tangles in my hair and pulls. I flinched and let out a sharp gasp. "Mama—!" She goes still. Her grip loosened… then shifts. Her fingers wrapped tightly around my trembling arms. Her face inches closer. I can smell her breath,..warm, wrong, too close. Her eyes are wide with terror. Her voice shakes as she hisses: “Don’t say anything." "Don’t say a word anymore.” I was too scared to speak. I couldn't even nod. She held me like that for a long, shuddering moment. Her breath was hot and ragged against my cheek. Her hands were too tight, like if she lets go, I’ll vanish. Her eyes darting around the room. Then, like a switch flipping, she goes completely still. "Mom?" I whispered, so softly it barely made a sound. She was at eye level with me. But she wasn't looking at me. She looked past me. Behind me.... No... no. It’s happening AGAIN. . This is not a safe novel. It's a collection of short, self-contained stories, each chapter unraveling a new descent, a different nightmare. Some stories are brief. Others not so. No heroes. No clean endings. Just answers that should have stayed buried. Read alone if you must. But don't say we didn't warn you. Reader Warning: This series contains psychological horror, disturbing imagery, death, and paranormal themes. Reader discretion is advised. Each chapter is a self-contained story, perfect for short, spine-tingling reads.
RongKing · 11.1K Views

System Nemesis

Between the howls and wails, the screams and cries of women being raped, and the villagers being eaten and butchered like cattle, there was a middle-aged man who was desperately running away while yelling his lungs out. ''Why.... WHY!!! YOU ABSOLUTE FUCKERS!!!'' His clothes were in tatters and marred in blood, with his body being barely able to function. His state was simply beyond recognition. As for where he was running to... It didn't matter... He just wanted to flee the hellish scene that was unfolding behind him. His remote village, the one he had lived in his entire life, was now a fiery beacon illuminating the night. ''Whyyyyy areeeeeee youuuuuuuuuu runninnnnnnnnnnng awwaaayyyy froooooom usssssssss?'' Terrifying low growls and voices could be perceived behind him, and every time he heard them, his body released adrenaline to try to override its limits, but to no avail as his injuries were just too severe. The humanoid creatures pursuing him were like shadows, barely distinguishable through the cover of the night. Their eyes, akin to black holes, were fixed on their prey as it struggled for its pathetic life. Their faint and sinister giggles kept reverberating through the darkness... *** As blood rushed up his throat and leaked at the corners of his mouth, his sinister appearance aggravated to where he resembled a devil. During his maniacal laugh, his punctured lungs had finally given out, causing his whole body to collapse on the ground and dyeing it a scarlet shade. His mind went blank, while his consciousness left his battered body. *** After what appeared to be a few minutes, he suddenly woke up. He was startled at first, but he soon realized that he had indeed died. Everything around him was black, without an ounce of life in sight. He was basically a spirit floating in the absolute void. ''So this is what happens when you die... You just drift in darkness... That's actually underwhelming. I wonder if I'll just fade away'' When Derrick's thoughts started to drift, a prompt appeared in front of him. [Welcome to System Nemesis, Derrick Tarlin] [Would you like to seek revenge? Yes/No]
LaPlume · 1.9M Views

Hybrid Luna

"I am never going to accept you. " I don't care that your my fated mate, it's never going to happen. Why don't you just go and keep sleeping with every girl you come across, or are you already tired of being a whore. She grits her teeth, making Haze frown. "Don't fucking call me that" He says Immediately, trapping her against the wall, trying to fight his wolf for dominance, when he feels a spark surge through his body. The mating bond was itching at his skin. She was sure he could smell the Pheromone scent leaking off her. He took a deep breathe as he tried to control him self , letting out a heavy sigh and a little chuckle. "You'll be mine sooner or later, and when that happens, you'll be moaning my name out of those sweet pump limps. He says leaning closer into her neck and inhaling her scent, leaving no space between them. Haze is used to having any and every woman he wants at his disposal. He was 21, devilishly handsome and without a mate, he believed his mate never existed. Bella was used to being the outcast and punching bag of her pack. she had been bullied and down on by her family and pack. She attends a party with her family where she meets Haze , who is the alpha of his pack and her fated mate. She is disheartened and refuses to accept him as her mate. She had only met him but quickly disliked the fact that he was is a womanizer and had been with more girls than she could count. But Haze is persistent to win her heart and right his wrongs. Will she give in to the mating bond and accept him, or make his life a living hell.
Lyndria · 11 Views

SOLO MAX AWAKENING

In a normal ongoing world (earth), people going on there daily tasks and working place as normal. Life continues as usual!!! Suddenly!! sky blue view slowly taken a drastic turn and slowly turns into red color like evening sky. 'Hah?? (Someone notice) Is it already 5:00 PM or what??' (While looking sharply at the sky) 'Hey! Mom look at the sky. Its kind of weird.' (A little girl noticed and calls her mother to look at the scenery.) 'Oh! Yeah it's a bit weird.' (Her mother responses) Hmm!?? Is it a hole or what?? (She looks something with wide eyes) Suddenly!! *Crack! Split!! (like a broken mirror) red sky got break like a hole in space-time fabric and...... *Whoooosh gradually taken a shape of a big blue WORMHOLE in flat horizontal way on sky and like from a complete void, some thing -- appeared.... from other side of that portal and obviously not a humanly figure but... something which we can only assume in our old fantasy stories. (Want to know?? Then go read the *PROLOGUE of this story) However in short... this sudden extraordinary and otherworldly phenomena led to a disruption in the sky, causing by some unknown huge force a pathway in space-time fabric of various distant spots to be connected with each other, leading to the interlink between foreign worlds we never even get to know through our various space operations that led to the emergence of, what we can only say is by its whole structure and function, 'A DUNGEON' throughout the whole world in different countries, places and landscape which is still hidden from human eyes. And most biggest danger these unknown and illogical things brought upon whole world is, that it filled with various malicious and deadly unknown and some unseen but heard at least once in our childhood stories, beasts or say monsters. That by there way of actions, can only be waiting to cause havoc and bloodshed over the whole of humanity, like the once done by the very 1st "Magical Beast" appeared and land his foots on this world, through the very 1st of these magical wormhole. (The one I mentioned earlier) But as there's the equal and opposite reaction of every action, there's also the emergence of a powerful enhanced group of humankind, came to be known as 'HUNTERS' that effectively have enough potential and ability required to kill the ones that are any threat to whole mankind. Though they all are itself different from other humans too. Well, How? 'Mana/Qi/Chi/Prana/Aura' as many names as clouds in sky, you can think of this kind of energy that only can be understandable in spiritual field, leaks out in open environment of earth like thin air through these gaps in space, that somehow later acts as the main source of defend line against these insane bloody creatures, along with such other extraordinary things in play too, which those who play stimulated games of offering quests and rewards upon success of that, kind of applications knows very well. And so, with this the world enter into a new phase of revolution, as with a whole new source of clean, effortless, less cost-effective and nearly in infinite amount of energy (Mana) that can also acts as a long-running fuel in many fields of mechanics and development, many new technologies and research development goals able to be achieved and developed, in just few years of that very 1st dungeon incident in the world. The overall human society! prevailing hierarchy, class, demands, requirements and goals in life, also changed and flipped in the whole different way, which fits more of a 'brute power, strength and courage to do so', rather than just how much money one have in there pocket to do so. This is a story of a one such normal human (our MC), who in human terms at now with a new prevailing way of society, is at weakest of the food chain but still solely continued his struggle to reach at the top, for achieving his own personal goals in his life. So, let's enjoy his journey in textual form.
Shivam_Singh_9883 · 18.1K Views

The Guilded Curse

Chapter 0 – Ashes of a Daughter Place: The Ruined Palace Date: Late winter, Year 768 The palace burned. What once stood tall in white stone and gold banners now crumbled in smoke and ruin. Screams had long faded. Blood dried too fast in the winter wind. The flag of Eltharion lay trampled in the mud, and beneath it all, Vireya stood alone. Her armor was cracked. Her blade, gone. She had killed and bled and shielded—and still, they lost. And yet she stood. On shattered marble steps, her father—the king—watched the last member of his kingdom flicker in the girl before him. He had not fled. He had not begged. But he had not answered her warnings, either. “Do you see it now?” Vireya whispered. Her voice was hoarse from ash and war. “He used us. Everything I said… everything you ignored—” Silence. He didn’t argue. He never had to. He was the king. She was the weapon. She took one step closer. Blood leaked from the cut at her ribs. The world spun. “I’ve fought every battle for you. Spilled every drop they asked.” Her voice softened. “And I came back each time hoping—just hoping—you’d see me.” Still nothing. The wind picked up, bitter and sharp. Her fingers trembled as they reached for her chest plate. She couldn’t breathe. She wasn’t sure she wanted to anymore. “If I were born again,” she said, eyes dull, “would you ever… love me?” He met her gaze, just once. But no answer came. No apology. No denial. Only the quiet shame of a man who realized too late what he had broken. Vireya’s lips trembled with a hollow smile. “That’s what I thought.” Her sword slipped from her hand. “I hope I’m never your daughter again.” And then—her knees gave out. The world tilted. Darkness swelled around the corners of her vision. But just before the fall, she felt arms catch her. Solid, trembling. Too late. She closed her eyes. Place: The Garden of Eltharion Date: Early spring, Year 756 The air was too still. Leaves rustled overhead, casting dappled shadows across her face. The scent of pine and soft earth clung to her skin—but beneath it, the sharp sting of memory. Vireya’s eyes opened slowly. The sky above was too blue. The silence is too clean. No fire. No blood. Her throat ached—dry, parched, and burning like she’d swallowed smoke. She coughed weakly, and her hand flew to her side— But there was no wound. Only the phantom pain of where a blade had once pierced her. The memory of steel sang louder than the wind. She pushed herself upright, limbs trembling. Her body was smaller. Softer. Younger. “No...” The word caught in her throat. Her voice was barely a whisper. The last thing she remembered was dying—falling in her father’s arms after giving up the hope of being loved. And now… this? Footsteps. She flinched instinctively, body coiled for defense. But it was only a girl—barefoot, with soft steps and a plain brown dress. Her maid. Lune. Mute. Loyal. Eyes like dusk, always watching but never judging. Without a word, Lune knelt beside her and gently offered a glass of water. Vireya stared at it for a long moment. In her old life, Lune had been the only one who never asked anything of her. Never spoke behind her back. Never looked away from her. Her fingers shook as she took the cup. The water touched her lips. Cold. Real. “Thank you,” she rasped. Her voice cracked. “You're still here.” Lune only bowed her head, then reached out to brush a leaf from Vireya’s tangled hair. A quiet gesture. Familiar. And just like that, tears pricked behind Vireya’s eyes—but didn’t fall. She drank. Slowly. The water didn't ease the ache in her chest.
Arii_137 · 1.1K Views
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