Evelien Smolders

War looms. Secrets smolder. Hiral, the great General of the Eastern Nation, ruled under Empress Shana. An empress who puts her interests above the nation’s needs and prosperity. Alexis, Duke General of the Kingdom of Ro in the west, serves a war-hungry King who just happens to be his uncle. King who wages war left and right to prove he is better than the previous king, his father. Both Hiral and Alexis carry the weight of their nation on their shoulders. Yet, Coincidental meetings, goals and wishes that resonate, unexpected saves, and a surprised haven in each other’s company Forbidden feelings arise amidst bloody wars Will fate be kind or a cruel mistress?

Enor. A world of ceaseless rain, where steam rises from the land in a slow exhalation, as if the planet itself breathes in torment. The dark heavens weep, the ground smolders, and amid it all, a boy sells himself to chains. Merrin Ashman walks into slavery—not for survival, nor profit, but out of fear. Out of shame. His hands are stained with his brother’s blood, and the weight of that sin crushes him. He does not weep. He does not rage. He is too much a coward to take his own life, yet too hollow to live without purpose. He does not seek redemption. Not yet. But he yearns for something—some task, some meaning, some distant thing to justify the ruin he has wrought. And fate, ever cruel, answers. By chance or divine will, he snaps at the cruciform. In that shattering, something awakens. A power, terrible and vast. He becomes a caster, one who moves the symbols. And with it, revelation: a destiny sought through time. El’Shadie. The title lingers like a question. A savior or a scourge? A harbinger of ruin or the world’s last hope? He does not know. But the path is before him. A path through a world of shadowed faiths, churches and warring clans, of casters wielding forces beyond reckoning, of monstrous fallen things clawing from skies. And this time, the El’Shadie must choose what he will be.

She’s the only thing he can’t afford to lose… and the only one he was never meant to have. Lorenzo Hudson, a cold, calculating billionaire and ex-syndicate kingpin, runs London’s most elite private security firm with precision, ruthlessness, and a heart locked behind steel walls. Haunted by a past laced in blood and betrayal, he lives by control—until Reina Hayes storms into his life. Reina, a brilliant and unbreakable London attorney, is fearless in the courtroom and relentless in the pursuit of justice. When a case involving a powerful crime syndicate lands on her desk—one so dangerous other lawyers vanished trying to solve it—she refuses to back down. But a single name changes everything: Lorenzo Hudson. The man with secrets darker than midnight… and eyes that see too much. As their paths collide through cryptic threats, a missing sister, and buried trauma, what begins as distrust erupts into a dangerous alliance. They’re forced to navigate a world of lies, codes, and shadows—together. But trust isn’t easily given, especially when every touch is a risk, and every secret could explode their fragile truce. Beneath gunmetal tension, smoldering glances, and stolen moments, something undeniable blooms. Love, maybe. Or obsession. But when the syndicate resurfaces with vengeance, Reina and Lorenzo must decide: will their twisted pasts destroy them, or will their forbidden connection become the one weapon that can set them free?

After meeting an unfortunate death on earth, Sigrid unwillingly transmigrated into a novel world becoming Lady Sigrid Thorin the unwanted wife of the crown prince. She resigned herself to her fate and set a goal to become the empress. But to become the future empress, she had to gain the heart of her husband_the foul tempered Prince Roland Maximus a man that loathed her and would sooner kill her than kiss her. While his heart was too thin for her to squeeze into, it was rather wide for the woman he brought home on returning from a three month expedition, a woman he had sworn to protect forever. The same woman Sigrid was on a mission to destroy, an irreconcilable enemy. With misunderstandings, scheming and jealousy, thus begun Sigrid's trials to win the heart of the man that had undeniably captivated her with his dazzling smile and her mission step over the fake female lead, be crowned empress and change her fate. Excerpt. "A knife to the throat of your husband that has just returned from war, what do you hope to accomplish crown princess?" Sigrid's eyes trailed down, to the silver blade pressed against her abdomen, she raised her head and laughed snidely. "A knife to the belly of your wife as soon as you return from war, other men start by saying, honey i am home. They also don't bring home unwanted canaries as presents for their wives." Roland leaned down with a part smug and part angry smoldering look in his eyes. It was if he wished to set her on fire, and not in the passionate way. "Honey i am home." he slowly said, dragging the words out. Sigrid trailed the knife slowly over his neck, almost as if she was caressing it with her fingers. "Welcome back, i hope you don't mind but i intend to kill that canary. If you want to bring me a gift next time, try gold and diamonds. I can also accept you, just wrap a ribbon around your bare chest."

Klaus had spent his entire existence as a puppet, bound by the strings of fate. However, a miraculous turn of events granted him a fresh start. The remnants of his former constraints smoldered in the ashes of his past. Now, unshackled and determined, he resolved to forge his destiny according to his own desires. No one, not even a deity, would be spared if they dared obstruct his path. Klaus was ready to wield the sword of vengeance and carve his own fate in the annals of history.

In the crumbling, magic-forsaken empire of Veridia, where ancient cathedrals stand as skeletal monuments to a forgotten age, a clandestine war brews beneath the surface. Magic, once the lifeblood of the land, is now a forbidden whisper, hunted down by the zealous Inquisition. Yet, in the shadowed alleys and forgotten crypts, secret cults dedicated to the old ways thrive, their illicit rituals a desperate plea for power in a world stripped bare. Our protagonist, a young and resourceful smuggler, navigates this treacherous landscape, his survival dependent on his wits and his ability to slip through the cracks of imperial law. Drawn into the dangerous currents of Veridia's hidden magical underworld, he finds himself ensnared in a confrontation far grander and more perilous than any he has faced before. One fateful midnight, within the hallowed, decaying walls of a crumbling cathedral, he comes face-to-face with a high priestess of a forbidden cult. This encounter is not merely a clash of wills, but a collision of ideologies, a spark that threatens to ignite the smoldering embers of rebellion and expose the empire's deepest, darkest secrets. As the ancient stones bear witness, the smuggler must choose between self-preservation and a desperate gamble for a world yearning for the return of its lost magic. Key Themes: Forbidden Magic vs. Oppressive Authority Decay and Rebirth Survival and Rebellion The Allure and Danger of Power Moral Ambiguity Target Audience: Readers who enjoy atmospheric dark fantasy, gothic settings, and stories with complex moral dilemmas and high stakes.

In a world where gods have fallen and kings reign supreme, one name was once whispered in fear and reverence—Damon, the God of Madness. A being of unfathomable power, consumed by the very chaos he wielded, Damon was betrayed, his legacy shattered, his existence erased from the annals of history. Yet madness is eternal. Reborn in a mortal body, Damon awakens in an era where his name has been forgotten, his power stripped away, and his enemies thriving in the wake of his downfall. But the embers of his past life smolder within him, whispering of the godhood he once held—and will reclaim. With every step, he unravels the secrets buried in time. The family he lost, the sects that conspired against him, the ancient laws that govern the land—Damon will tear through them all. In a kingdom ruled by titanic monarchs wielding divine domains, he is an anomaly, an echo of a forgotten nightmare. And he will not be ignored. Bloodlines clash. Kings fall. And as Damon embraces the madness that once devoured him, the world will learn a terrifying truth. A god does not beg for vengeance. He takes it.

Damien Cross, a 19-year-old college student, is a loner with a sharp tongue, a crazy sense of humor, and a temper hotter than a volcano. He’s smart, sneaky, charming when he wants to be, and dangerously unhinged when he's pissed off. Life hasn’t been kind—he grew up an orphan, losing his mother to illness and trusting no one but himself. One fateful day, Damien dies saving a child from a speeding truck. But death isn't the end. He wakes up in a fiery domain, face-to-face with a gorgeous and powerful Fire Goddess. Impressed by his bravery—and maybe a little amused by his chaotic personality—she offers him a second chance at life… but this time, in a fantasy world as her chosen Fire Mage. There's just one catch: even at Level 1, Damien is completely overpowered. Thrown into a new world, Damien awakens under a tree in a lush forest, and from there, his explosive journey begins! From joining an adventurers' guild to exploring dungeons, battling ancient beasts, and toppling corrupt nobles and churches, Damien's chaotic energy turns the world upside-down. He makes friends (some willingly), helps villages and kingdoms, and draws the attention of royals, demon queens, slaves, goddesses, and more—forming a powerful (and slightly chaotic) harem along the way. But while he's romantic, goofy, and occasionally kind, he's no hero. He's an antihero who answers to no one. With a love for food, fights, and fiery destruction, Damien lives for adventure. But when those he cares for are threatened, his rage burns hotter than hellfire—literally turning enemies to ash. Get ready for a wild mix of action, comedy, romance, political chaos, misunderstandings, and a whole lot of fireballs. Will Damien become a legend? Or a cautionary tale whispered by those still smoldering from his wrath? Either way, the world will remember the name... Damien Cross – The Explosive Overpowered Fire Mage!

I, Lucien Chakma- Lu, do solemnly swear to make the most of this second life. I’ve got a billionaire’s body, a Mastermind in shadow, an assassin’s bullet to dodge, and a jawline so sharp it could probably cut glass. And excuse me, what? I just activated a system! My goodness! Will I win against the system and uncover the final gift? Or will my fate be sealed and my existence erased forever from the multiverse. Rewind to the beginning: I was just Lucien Chakma, tragically single, unstable, handsome, and so broke even my wallet had abandonment issues. I was dating a girl named Toby...until she dumped me for another girl. I don't mind she is into girl but why did she choose me to explore her sexuality? I felt used. So, I wanted revenge. I wished I could become a mosquito just to bite her and give her the itchiest payback of her life. And guess what? The universe listened. Entered Pokolo, a glitter-explosion fairy with a chaotic energy who granted my wish with a smug little “You’ve got 24 hours.” Boom. I was an Aedes mosquito. A tiny, buzzing, emotionally damaged insect on a mission. It was going fine. Until I bit the wrong person. SLAP. Dead. No dramatic last words or death monologue- just splat. But the fairy, guilt-tripping, offered me one free transmigration into a random body in the multiverse. I took the deal. Because duh. Next thing I knew, I woke up in a hospital bed, surrounded by machines, medical charts, and air that smelled like generational wealth. Meet: Lucien Malric Moreaux. Age 29. Billionaire. Tech tycoon. Murdered by a sniper. Now inconveniently possessed by the soul of a mosquito-human hybrid with trust issues. Guess who’s him now? Me. From mosquito to mogul in under 24 hours. Universe speed-ran my glow-up. The catch? Everyone thinks I'm still the original Lucien. Including: The board of Moreaux Global, who expect me to run an empire I can’t even log into. My fiancée, the Ruxin heiress with a gaze that says “I own half the stock market and probably your soul.” Oh, and the guy who killed me still roaming in shadow! But plot twist: I never paid attention to that fiancée. Then came her. Dr. Arno Theryn Solace. Twenty-six. Neurosurgical genius. Hair like golden storms. Eyes like glacial oceans. The woman who saved this body and almost gave me a cardiac arrest by just... existing. She walked in, rattled off a diagnosis, and walked out like she owned time. And just when I thought that was a one-time medical miracle? We met again. Different room. Different reason. Same smolder. She tried to keep it cool. But I had to say it: “Ms. Solace, you want to run? Don’t dream about it.” This is my ultimate rom-com action- urban fantasy revenge-glow-up, system, redemption arc. Let’s go.

Two hundred years ago, amidst the smoldering ruins of the last battlefield in the second war of angels and wolves, Ishmael, a fledgling bounty hunter with a dark past, crosses paths with Michael Smith, a renegade Angel/human hybrid seeking to end the war. United by fate and their shared mission, they embark on a perilous journey to hunt down Caine, the notorious immortal first killer, hiding in the vast expanses of the unsettled Old West. As Ishmael and Michael pursue their elusive prey, they are drawn into a world both mystical and perilous, stretching from the depths beneath the earth to the celestial heights above. Unveiling hidden truths and confronting the darkness within and around them, the duo must navigate treacherous landscapes and face ancient evils. Guided by their unique strengths and haunted by their own demons, Ishmael and Michael forge an unlikely alliance, unraveling secrets that blur the boundaries between realms. The relentless pursuit of Caine takes them through a landscape of shadows and celestial revelations, testing their mettle and challenging the very fabric of reality. In this gripping tale of vengeance, redemption, and the clash between celestial and earthly forces, "Angelic Shadows: The Hunt for Caine" offers a thrilling narrative that explores the depths of the human soul and the enigmatic realms that exist beyond mortal comprehension.

On a far northern island between two continents, an old mage fallen from grace sets out to descend into a dungeon, where fortune, glory and death await. His goal is to find and slay a dragon and claim its smoldering soul, so he may redeem the mistake he made so many years ago. The other’s sacrifice simply cannot have been in vain. At his side he finds a warrior and a lockpick. Together they will face the dungeon’s lowest depths or die trying.

Epic fantasy presence: Ashes Of The First Tyrant [AOTFT] Prologue – The Law of Aura They say every soul burns. Some flare brightly and fade. Others smolder quietly for a lifetime. But a rare few, rare beyond reason ignite with such intensity that the world bends to them. These are not gods. Not yet. These are the Tyrants. And their aura is not a gift. It is a weight a burden. In this world, aura is everything. It is the breath behind a sword strike, the pressure behind a command, the silent will that can crush or inspire. Most are born with it. Few master it. But only one… only one in an age awakens the Tyrant’s Spirit …the aura that dominates not by force, but by presence alone.

As she stands on the threshold of adulthood, the fiery passion of her rebellion ignites, fueled by the smoldering embers of her parents' tragic demise. But little does she know, her life is about to take a dramatic turn. On the cusp of her 18th birthday, she stumbles upon a long-hidden truth that shatters her entire understanding of herself. A secret so profound, it threatens to upend everything she thought she knew about her identity, her past, and her destiny. With her world turned upside down, she must navigate a treacherous landscape of revelations, confronting the darkness of her own history and the fierce determination that will drive her towards an uncertain future. Will she find solace in the truth, or will it forever change the course of her life?

In a land ruled by tyrants and blood-soaked crowns, a nameless slave boy survives the horrors of nobility's cruelty, bound by a cursed collar that silences his voice and brands him less than human. With no past, no future, and no hope, he lives each day in mud, ash, and silence—until he meets her. She gives him a name: Ash. She offers him kindness in a world that knows only pain. And then, she is taken from him. Her death ignites something long buried—a spark smoldering beneath the ash. As darkness claws at his soul, Ash begins to awaken powers born not from gods or fate, but from pure, unrelenting rage. With a mind sharpened by trauma and a heart set ablaze, Ash swears vengeance—not just on the masters who enslaved him, but on the world that watched and did nothing. From the shadows of slavery to the storm of rebellion, Ash's journey is one of blood, fire, and reckoning. They broke his chains. Now he’ll break their world.

After discovering her boyfriend’s ultimate betrayal—cheating with a woman from her past and denying her pleasure he so freely gave away—24-year-old Amara plunges into a haze of heartbreak and whiskey. Her night spirals into a fiery, unexpected encounter with a stranger whose eyes smolder with dominance and mystery. Their chemistry is instant, electric, and all-consuming.

SYNOPSIS Emilia Conti, the sheltered daughter of a ruthless greedy Crime lord, is forced into an arranged marriage with Alpha Enzo Marchetti—her family’s sworn enemy—to end a decade-old blood feud. But on the eve of her engagement, she flees with her rebellious best friend, Linda, and drowns her fears in a neon-lit club. There, she meets Luca, a smoldering stranger with secrets as dangerous as his touch. One reckless night with him changes everything, it leaves her breathless… and pregnant. But when Emilia is dragged back to the altar, she discovers her groom isn’t the aging tyrant she expected. Luca is Alpha Enzo Marchetti He knew exactly who she was that night. Enzo orchestrated their “chance” meeting to sabotage the wedding, never expecting to fall for the woman he’s vowed to destroy. Now, trapped in a forced marriage...Will Emilia use the baby they conceived as strangers as a weapon on the man who murdered her brother? **The Rules are simple** *Rule 1:* Never trust your enemy. *Rule 2:* Never fall for your spouse. *Rule 3:* Never, ever mix the two.

"She was fire in scrubs. He was the storm she never saw coming." Suhani Malhotra didn't believe in distractions-especially not the tall, insufferably cocky Vidyut Singhania, who made med school feel like a battlefield. But under all that arrogance? Raw brilliance. Smoldering stares. A voice that made her pulse skip. It starts with competition. Escalates with tension. And combusts in a supply closet neither of them will forget. As the years bleed into residencies, broken rules, and sleepless nights, Suhani and Vidyut find themselves caught in a game of power, passion, and everything they swore they wouldn't feel. In the chaos of love and medicine, they'll learn: some hearts don't break-they burn.

"What I want right now is for you to take off the towel". he whispered, his husky voice sending shivers down my spine. "W-what? I can't do that". I stammered, my words faltering as his gaze locked onto mine with a burning intensity. He remained unfazed, his smirk burning with a deep, smoldering intensity that made my heart race. "Are you daring me right now?" he asked, his voice low and husky, his warm breath caressing my skin. Bella finds herself in a precarious situation when Zayn, a mysterious and wealthy individual, obtains a compromising photo of her. He offers her a deal: complete ten tasks, and he'll delete the photo. But as Bella navigates these commands, she realizes that Zayn's intentions may be more complex and sinister than she initially thought. With her freedom and reputation at stake, Bella must decide how far she'll go to escape Zayn's grasp.

“You can hate me, Keira. Doesn’t change the fact that you’re mine.” Keira Anastasya lives by one rule: never get tangled up with dangerous men. But then a mysterious letter crashes into her life, stamped with the name that could wreck everything: Rayan Alverdine, CEO of Imperium Tech cold as ice, with a reputation that cuts deeper than any blade. One deal. One year of forced marriage. One cruel bargain that saves her family… but shackles her freedom. Keira's no dove to be subdued. And Rayan? He's not one to quit. Behind fake smiles and billion-dollar business, they're playing a ruthless game of power and desire took fierce to qualify as business, too lethal to qualify as love. Because in this war of lies and smoldering stares, the only law they break is: never fall in love with your enemy.

A Haunting Tale of Forbidden Desires and Inescapable Consequences** In a nameless, rain-lashed city where poverty clings to its residents like a second skin, an aging couple—**Haris and Amina**—struggle to survive in the shadow of relentless hardship. Their only solace is their devoted son, **Zain**, who works grueling shifts at a glass factory, his hands perpetually scarred by shards and heat. Though well past the age when most men marry, Zain has forgone a family of his own, pouring every ounce of his meager earnings into keeping his parents afloat. Their life is a cycle of evictions and crumbling rented rooms—until they move into *House No. 13*, a deceptively airy dwelling with a past that whispers through its warped floorboards. The Box That Should Have Stayed Buried** While cleaning, Amina discovers a **carved wooden box** hidden beneath a loose floorboard. Its surface is etched with a warning: *"Do not let greed conquer you."* Ignoring her husband’s pleas to leave it untouched, she pries it open to find a **40-bead rosary** and three slips of paper labeled: 1. *Your life’s first wish* 2. *Your life’s second wish* 3. *Your life’s third wish* Instructions scrawled inside the lid read: *"Write your desires. Misuse them, and fate will reclaim its due."* The First Wish: A Glimpse of Hope** Amina’s trembling hand writes: *"Let my son rise from this poverty."* Within days, Zain is promoted to foreman at the factory. The family rejoices—until Amina, emboldened, makes her **second wish**: *"Let my son marry into wealth, and let gold fill our home."* Soon, Zain is wed to the factory owner’s daughter, and coins spill from Amina’s once-empty cupboards. But the house grows colder. Zain’s new wife **flinches at his touch**, as if sensing something wrong. Then, news arrives: **the glass factory has burned to the ground**, and Zain—trapped inside—is reduced to ashes. The Third Wish: A Mother’s Fatal Love** Blinded by grief, Amina scribbles her **final wish**: *"Bring my son back to me."* At midnight, **something knocks**. The door creaks open to reveal Zain—or what’s left of him. His skin peels like melted wax; his eyes are hollow pits. He stumbles forward, whispering, *"You called me back… but the dead belong *there*."* Before Amina can scream, his charred hands close around her throat. Haris, waking to the noise, finds his wife **dead on the threshold**—her face frozen in terror. The box lies open beside her, its rosary beads now **cracked and blackened**. The third slip of paper is gone. In the days that follow, Haris vanishes. Neighbors claim to see **three figures** lingering near House No. 13 at dusk: a weeping old man, a woman clutching her throat, and a shadow with smoldering hands. The box, when found by new tenants, contains **fresh slips of paper**—and the cycle begins anew.

"You're back!" Elara sprang from the wooden bench near the door as her brother stepped inside, bruised and bleeding. "Caelum, what happened this time?" she gasped, rushing to his side. Caelum Solis, a lean young man with tousled brown hair and piercing blue eyes, winced as he slumped into a chair. "Nothing new. Just a couple of thugs who wanted my coin more than I did," he muttered. They lived alone—just the two of them. He was all she had left, and she was the reason he kept going. Though he’d trained enough to pass the Guild’s physicals, his damaged mana core had left him stranded at F-rank, doing odd jobs no real adventurer wanted. Finding lost pets. Cleaning stables. Picking herbs. Barely scraping by. Elara, though gifted, suffered from a mana sickness that slowly stole her sight. Her treatment was expensive, and Caelum pushed himself to the brink just to afford the basics. Still, it was never enough. That night, as he tucked her into bed, he whispered, “Tomorrow, I’ll change everything.” --- At the edge of a newly discovered dungeon, Caelum stood behind a party of stronger adventurers. They snickered. “Dead weight’s here,” one said under his breath. He ignored them. He always did. Darius Flint, the B-ranked leader, raised a hand. “Standard sweep. It’s marked D-rank, but stay alert.” They entered the cave-like dungeon, and at first, everything was simple. Feral goblins. Weak beasts. The team barely broke a sweat. Caelum trailed behind, hauling gear. Only one person treated him kindly—Arianne Vale, a C-ranked healer with silver hair and a sharp tongue for bullies. Hours passed. Then the dungeon began to tremble. “Is it collapsing?” someone asked. “No... it’s shifting,” Darius muttered. “Stay close.” Then came the roar—deep, guttural, wrong. Darius's face paled. “Retreat! Everyone fall back!” But the floor gave way. They dropped into a massive chamber ringed with statues holding weapons. In the center, blazing with living fire, was the Pyroclasm—a beast of flame and fury. People panicked. Two adventurers made a break for the exit and were instantly decapitated by the animated statues. “Form a circle!” Darius barked, but chaos had already taken hold. A statue lunged. Caelum grabbed Arianne and dove aside. “Behind us!” he shouted. Adventurers were being cut down left and right. Desperate, Caelum yelled, “Run toward the Pyroclasm!” “Are you insane?” someone cried. “We’ll die either way!” Dragging Arianne, he sprinted forward. The Pyroclasm shrieked and surged toward him—then vanished into him. Caelum screamed as fire tore through his veins. His body writhed, burning... then exploded in a shockwave. The statues faltered. “Flame adaptation: mastered.” He rose. Flames clung to him like armor. Statues charged. He raised his hand—and fire answered. Explosions. Destruction. “Golems destroyed. Leveling up.” As silence fell, he collapsed, still smoldering. “Heal him!” Darius shouted. Arianne was already by his side.

***This is BOOK 2 under the FAKE DATING SERIES*** ____________________ COPYRIGHT NOTICE: All Rights Reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, copied, stored, transmitted, adapted, translated, or distributed in any form or by any means, including but not limited to electronic, digital, or online media, without the prior written consent of the author. Unauthorized use, duplication, or dissemination of any part of this work will constitute a violation of copyright law and may result in legal action. _____________________ Shanaya Thakur had a plan! A neatly color-coded, perfectly curated, bullet-journal-approved kind of plan. The kind of plan with checkboxes, motivational quotes scribbled in the margins, and an unhealthy number of post-its. She was going to become Mumbai’s best, boldest, badass lawyer, land a coveted job at the ridiculously prestigious BR Advocates — a firm so elite it practically air-kissed lesser mortals — and slowly take over the world, one perfectly argued case at a time. Shanaya wasn’t just ambitious. She was capital-A Ambitious. And maybe a little dramatic, excessively sarcastic, and allergic to bullshit. So naturally, when she nailed every single requirement BR Advocates asked for — top of her class? Check. Ruthless work ethic? Double check. A sharp tongue capable of verbally decimating anyone who doubted her? Triple, sparkly check — she figured the job was practically hers. Until the firm pulled a surprise. A New hiring rule: Only experienced, married applicants will be considered. Married? As in, spouse? Legal binding married? She blinked. Holy crap! And sure, Shanaya might have aggressively whispered ‘burn it all down’ under her breath in the middle of HR’s lobby. And yes, she might have chucked a high heel at her vision board. But desperation breeds creativity. And Shanaya Thakur? She was nothing if not dangerously creative when backed into a corner. Which is how the idea was born. Find a husband! Any husband! In two weeks. Which brings us to Yuvaan Grewal: Six-foot-something of maddening calm, devastating looks, and a talent for making tailored suits look illegal. President of Sauvé, one of India’s most successful product companies, Yuvaan is brilliant, emotionally detached, and permanently single — by choice. A choice his mother hates. After dodging fifty arranged proposals, eighty dates, and roughly a hundred aunties armed with lovely girls from nice families, Yuvaan’s perfected the art of politely refusing romance and staying unmarried. Until one scandal, a series of hilariously unfortunate coincidences, and one very desperate law graduate with excellent cheekbones land them both in a situation neither of them asked for: A fake marriage. It’s supposed to be simple. A business arrangement. A temporary fix. But with Shanaya’s sharp mouth, Yuvaan’s smoldering glares, and a growing list of almost-kisses they both pretend not to remember — things are about to get complicated. Because what happens when the one person you swear you can’t stand starts feeling alarmingly like home? And Love ? That was never part of the plan. But then again… when is it ever? _____________________ DISCLAIMER: The book contains mature content, so please read under the parental guidance. Also, the cover illustration belongs to original creator. NOT me. The cover page was modified using online tools. The story is slow burn, so please bear with the plot. ______________________

He was the cursed heir she swore to kill.
But the night Lysara Vale spared Dren Talovar’s life, she shattered her oath — and ignited a bond darker than blood. Seven years have passed. Now, Dren is no longer a boy hiding behind royalty — he’s a creature of myth, cloaked in shadow, and whispered about in fear. Each town he burns leaves a message carved for one woman: the inquisitor who let him go. Lysara is tasked with hunting him. Her duty demands she ends him.
But her dreams say otherwise. As ancient magic awakens and enemies rise, a twisted romance smolders in the ashes of justice. Because when the cursed fall in love… they drag kingdoms with them.

Purpose: The focus of this book is the development of August, the protagonist(s), and the development of his philosophies. Power is important, but being powerful isn't the primary focus of this book. --- Synopsis: August was born on Earth, a genius born into a wealthy family who wanted for nothing. Depression was a constant, however, which eventually led to his suicide. Feeling that nobody cared, he relinquished his luxury in a spoiled fit. During his travel into this world, August had split into two copies. Damon, named after what August had mistakenly called him at first, a demon, had been trapped in a great sword, while August inhabited a corpse. August only harbored the ordinary trivial sadness, confusion, and discomfort, but Damon was losing his mind. Minds are meant to have an affiliated physiology; without one, it destroys itself. Damon had to find a magical solution and find a new vessel before he became a slave to his insanity. He had made a bet: he would find a vessel before time left his side. If he won, he would win his life and his mind back; if he lost, August would kill him, as Damon made him swear to. --- Excerpts: Damon broke August's stupor, saying, "As soon as I arrived and figured some things out, I noticed that something was off. It took me a long while to find out what it was, but I think I now know what it is." "I can't feel anything anymore. I don't have anything in the way of emotions. I'm aware of the concept and I'm aware of the fact that I should feel them, but I don't. And now, I don't know what to do. I don't care anymore. Do whatever you want." "Take me. Do something to me. Please. Or kill me at least. Destroy me, if you'll do nothing else." - A black great sword with ruby inlays sprouted from the chest of a burning Elvish corpse. The flames licked the blood, puss, and flesh on its blade before eventually devouring them, too, and being reflected in its ruby inlays that ran from its hilt to where the sword disappeared, the elf's chest. Smoke engulfed the sword, giving Damon's namesake more meaning, mimicking a common sight in hell. August dragged the meat over and cooked the fetid harvest in the heat of a smoldering corpse. - Misery has always loved company, so he held no compassion for them. He cared that he had crossed the boogeyman line of murder, but he was still the subject of his thoughts. In his degenerate and corrupt character, an unholy and evil union thrived; his hedonism and nihilism had been wed and birthed this vile narcissism. --- Releases: I plan to release a chapter every day, barring the odd happening that prevents me from writing. Each chapter ought to be from 1.2k-2.2k words at an average of approx. 1.4k. It could be more than that or it could be slightly less than that, but I do plan to release every day at 19:00 UTC+8.

Before the world burned, there were three... The King Of Slayers The Child Of War And The Savior Who Never Was. History calls them killers. Tyrants. Monsters. The ones who brought the end. But what if history lied? What if the flames that devoured nations were lit not by evil—but by heartbreak, loss, and betrayal? Victor Zefar, King of the Slayers, stood over the smoldering corpses of those who took the woman he loved. He ruled with fire, vengeance in his veins, yet behind the mask was a man undone by grief—mourning the one soul who made him human. In a shattered forest cabin, a frightened boy gripped a blade too big for his hands. His father had fallen and, the monster who killed him was right at the door. Though his knees shook and his heart thundered, he knew one thing: he had to kill the monster. Or die trying. Far above the broken world, in a place untouched by suffering, a radiant being longed to make a difference. Born among the Eternal Lights,he was raised to believe in humanity's salvation. He defied paradise itself to reach the people below. But Haven never planned to let go—and neither did the power watching him from afar. These three souls were meant to save the world. Instead, they broke it. Before you judge, ask yourself: Who the true villain is? Read their truths. Feel their pain. And then try—just try—to tell the hero from the monster... ...and the victim from the victor.

In the world Ava Moretti was born into, loyalty isn’t a choice it’s survival. But when she’s kidnapped during her family’s funeral by none other than Luca Rossi, a dangerously powerful mafia boss, everything she thought she knew begins to unravel. Luca is cold, calculated… and maddeningly magnetic. He holds all the power, but behind those sharp eyes and designer suits is a man with a past just as haunted as hers. Thrown together by blood and betrayal, Ava and Luca form an uneasy alliance—one fueled by secrets, smoldering tension, and a connection neither of them expected. As Ava uncovers the truth about her family’s empire, she’s forced to choose: stay loyal to the legacy that raised her, or surrender to the love that could destroy her. In a world built on lies and ruled by violence, love is the most dangerous game of all. And if Ava’s not careful, it won’t be her enemies who break her it’ll be her heart.

In a world layered in shadows and secrets, where love tangles itself with obsession, and loyalty wrestles against betrayal, unfolds a story as intoxicating as it is destructive. Crave : His Favourite Sin is a psychological romantic thriller that dives deep into the rawest corners of the human heart—where forbidden desires smolder, trauma carves its mark, and redemption teeters on the edge of madnessIn a city painted with the dual shades of beauty and ruin, Serra Evelise once thought she had everything—a thriving career, a loving husband, and a heart that had long healed from youthful scars. Married to Vincent Aviel Leon, a devoted and warm-hearted man with a quiet strength, Serra’s life seemed almost perfect. But perfection is often a fragile illusion.When Serra is abducted by the enigmatic and dangerously charismatic Eiden Nikolai, a man tied to the buried sins of her husband’s past, her world unravels into chaos. Eiden isn’t merely a captor—he’s an obsession incarnate. Cold, calculating, and driven by shadows, Eiden initially intends to use Serra as a pawn in a revenge scheme aimed at Vince. But the more time he spends with her, the more he slips into madness, torn between his thirst for vengeance and the raw, primal desire she evokes in him.Serra, trapped in Eiden’s secluded estate, is forced to confront not just the danger of her captor, but the frightening stirrings of something darker within herself. She battles the seductive pull of Stockholm Syndrome, walking a tightrope between resistance and reluctant intrigue. Each act of rebellion she offers, every defiant glance or teasing word, only fuels Eiden’s dangerous craving. What starts as a game of dominance turns into a twisted

When Aria Morgan, a mischievous and fearless college student with dreams of making it big in the world of marketing, lands an unexpected internship at one of the top corporate firms in the city, she’s determined to prove herself. But her confidence shatters the moment she meets her boss—liam Blackwood—a cold, arrogant CEO with piercing gray eyes and a reputation for being ruthless in the boardroom. The catch? He’s also her best friend’s overprotective older brother, the same guy she’s clashed with at countless family gatherings.Ethan remembers Aria as the stubborn, sharp-tongued girl who never backed down from a challenge. Now, she’s grown into a bold, witty woman who refuses to be intimidated by his authority. Their work relationship quickly turns into a fiery battleground of clashing egos, heated arguments, and undeniable tension simmering just beneath the surface.But when a business trip forces them into close quarters, the thin line between hate and desire blurs. A late-night confrontation filled with sharp words and smoldering glances spirals into a steamy encounter neither of them can forget. As secrets unravel, stolen moments grow harder to resist, and their enemies-to-lovers dynamic threatens to ignite something much deeper—something dangerously close to love."Is that what you think this is, Aria? A game?" Ethan's voice was a low, gravelly growl, his tall frame pinning her against the sleek glass wall of his office, city lights casting shadows across his sharp jawline.Aria's breath hitched, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing her flustered. She tilted her chin defiantly, her pulse betraying her cool facade."If it is, you're losing."His eyes darkened, gray flickering with something dangerous-something primal. He leaned in, his mouth inches from hers, his breath hot against her skin."Oh, sweetheart, I never lose."Her laugh was shaky, filled with defiance and something else-something warmer."Keep telling yourself that."And then his lips crashed onto hers-hard.

“Her fire could save the world—or burn it to ashes. His secrets could break her heart—or steal it.” Exiled for her cursed starfire, Elyra Starflame is a dragon rider with everything to prove and nothing to lose. When the Dawnheart, her clan’s sacred artifact, is stolen, she’s framed as the thief, hunted by those she once called family. Her only ally? Kael Nightshade, a rogue assassin with a wicked grin and a past darker than his blades. Sparks fly as their clashing wills ignite a forbidden romance, but every step closer to the Dawnheart pulls them deeper into a web of betrayal. In a realm of soaring dragons, ancient magic, and deadly clans, Elyra’s untamed power could be her salvation—or her doom. Can she trust Kael’s smoldering promises, or will his secrets shatter their bond? One thing’s certain: their love will either forge a new legend or set Aeltharion ablaze. Dive into Starflame’s Vow for heart-pounding action, steamy enemies-to-lovers tension, and a world of cultivation and dragons! Vote with Power Stones and join Elyra’s fight—will she claim her destiny or burn in betrayal?

I was not interested in marrying a billionaire. Last but not least is Adrian Marcus, the sly, cold man who came into my life with a contract instead of a proposal. For a year, I would pretend to be his perfect wife in exchange for his paying off my debilitating debt. Simple, isn't it? No, it wasn't. Adrian's smoldering gaze, his rare acts of charity, and the way he held me when no one else was looking made it impossible to keep my heart out of the equation. I knew there would be no forever, no love, and no commitment. But there are rules that are designed to be disregarded. Then I found out I was having a baby. I was scared of his reaction, so I left without telling him. For three years, away from the shadow of his wealth and buildings, I made a quiet life for myself and my daughter. But secrets are never really hidden. When Adrian enters my gallery carrying a painting that I could have done alone, my time is finished. His penetrating eyes scream for answers, and his presence shakes the foundation of the life I've created. He says in a voice as menacing as the storm in his eyes, "I think we need to talk." Then, in a flash, everything collapses. Because Adrian Marcus is not content with answers; he wants everything. How can I protect my heart when the man who could destroy us both is the father of my child?