Back Of Neck Cross Tattoo

Sold by her father, Bella short for Arabella, was forced to live a life as a slave that would entertain the guests of the castle. The job of slaves were merely to be humiliated and to have as feast once they became a boring creature toward the guests. Arabella with her fierce attitude had only caused more trouble than good, although that helped her from being feasted by the vampires until her body dried up, the vampires also enjoy in harming her, toying with her, hoping to see that one day she would break. However she had caught the wrong attention by those crimson gaze, eventually being the toy of the one and only Mad Crown Prince of Versailles. Eventually this interest only cause her to be more tangled by the twisted and thorny battle for the Throne. Will eventually Bella concede and accept the Mad crown prince? Or will she finally succeed in running away from his grasp. Why her? *** excerpt*** Arabella felt her wrists stung as the shackle around her wrist jingled from the sudden pull. She then met with the icy red eyes that brood down upon her appearance, drinking into every inch of her figure as if he was studying her, even to how those breaths escaped her lips. "I thought we had bonded over the days we have spent together, Bella," he sang, his bright scarlet eyes betraying the singing tone he had used as it had grown so dark and filled with anger. "Yet you left so quickly as soon as I opened the castle gate." Bella gritted her teeth, her eyes glaring at him as she defiantly shook his hand off her face, "I can remind you if you have forgotten it, Your Majesty, I am kept here against my wish." Cassius' smile faded as he stared at her. The sudden pin-drop silence filled her nerves with tension as she found his smileless face the most terrifying sight. She had always known his fearsome side however, it felt scarier tonight. Bella tried to endure how loud her heart had raced against her chest, gathering her breaths together even though it remained shallow in his presence. "So cold," he muttered, his tone trying to tease her, but she could see the raw anger crossing his eyes. "You cannot run from me. Not after what we've done. Not after what you promised." Her heart faltered. She wasn't supposed to stay in this castle; she knew that the royal palace was filled with those vampire monsters who would kill for their desire, simply to have fun. She knew she should never give her heart to any of these monsters, and she had once believed she would never. But that was until Cassius came. She had made that promise because her heart had betrayed her, and she wished that she had never uttered that promise. Promises she had made to him on the call of love. Yet deep within her, a part of her still crave for him. "You're not the first one I have broken my promises with," she gritted her teeth and looked up at him, "I broke my promise the way you broke yours first, isn't it fair?" "Fair? Then was everything a lie, Arabella?" he murmured, his hands cupping her face, forcing her to meet his eyes. "You were mine the moment you entered my castle. And you will be mine until the very end." She gulped as his eyes shone underneath the moonlight, his gaze unforgiving over her, exposing his wild hunger. Her breath caught, her pulse quickening. "A human and a vampire should have never stayed together. They were all right." "I don't care," he spoke through his clenched jaw. "You're going to remain here by my side forever."

(Under revising, sorry for the slow update, and thank you for waiting) After waking up and having her memories back, she refused to let them go "huh, she really thinks she can hide from me, I'll make her suffer double what i suffered" "tsk, those people dare bully my family behind my back?! Let's see how brave you are to ignore my words" Everybody get in the line, it's time for your penalty, The great hacker IS BACKKK. BUT as they say love really likes to play dirty. Who would have thought that the man she'll fell in love with will be related to her past and would be her worse nightmare. How in the hell I fell in such situation, WHY DOES MY IQ FELL EVERY TIME I MEET HIM???? SHIT, should I take responsibility, but... HEYY WHAT AM I THINKING.. HE'S THE ONE WHO TOOK MY PRECIOUS WHY SHOULD I TAKE RESPONSIBILITY ?? "Because that was my first time too, you don't think you can run without compensation?" "What do you want" With a smirk "off course... YOU"

A young boy, born with a rare omen, descends into a foreign world, carrying with him an ancient, long-forgotten cultivation secret. This is an era filled with legends and myths—an age where ancient elves soar through the skies and move mountains, where Nine Heavens Golden Immortals can shift mountains and part seas, where the supreme gods of various elements control the forces of nature, where primordial treasures from the dawn of the world exist, and where even the colors of the sky change. He is a peerless genius, able to observe the movements of the heavens and create his own invincible cultivation technique. He surges forward at an unstoppable pace, slaying Immortal Emperors, subduing Sacred Beasts, battling the Chaos Divine Sword, gathering the power of the Nine Stars, and breaking the Immortal Slaying Formation.

Ryouma Takeguchi, a famous historian who dreams of time travel, realizes that his dream comes true. Waking up in the past, Ryouma found himself in confusion as he met Nikola Tesla, the famous inventor from the 18th century. Turns out, He needs help from Ryouma to correct the history. He claimed that there's something wrong with his era. And together, they will find what causes the alteration of the future and fix it for the sake of humanity.

NOTE: Get Back To you is an LGBT novel series. Synopsis: She is back? Giselle is back! And she didn’t want me to know! Lillian Grey’s life went pretty wild without Giselle. She dated people to her wish and broke up with them to her comfort until a young model called Lucy came close to capturing her heart. Anna waited as Lillian stumped upon hearing the familiar name she had desperately searched for several years. And it came with a stab. “If you want, I can deliver a message,” Anna proposed after hearing Lillian become speechless in their phone call. Knowing well how she had come out to spend time with Lucy, Lillian refused to respond when confessed to such shocking news. Nevertheless, later to her own dismay, she delivered her message to her good friend, Anna, hoping that it would reach Giselle somehow. ******************** “Giselle, I’m glad to hear that you’re back. I hope you’re in good health. Well, I heard about your party and that you have invited Anna and not me, which is surprising news to learn. It’s alright. Things are different now for you, I guess. But here’s my message in case you even care: Don’t ever show yourself in front of me. Ever again. Why? Because I know I cannot stop myself from choosing you if I ever see your face again. What you gave me is irreplaceable. I still have it in my heart. It didn’t let me live my life in peace. However, I’ve decided to take a chance without your memories this one time. So, let me be. And congratulations on your marriage and your kid. I pray for your happiness. You know, I do. Take care. Love you, evermore.” - Lillian Grey ******************* Follow the incredible story of Lillian Grey and Giselle: Two souls bonded by love yet, pulled apart by the external forces. The two women meet years later to find out the subtle fire still tingling inside, allowing them to reconcile. But the question is: Will they accept it or not? A Message from the Author: Hey guys, 'Get Back To You' is very special because it is my first novel and a bold choice, I would say. The once short story showed a lot of potential for a perfect novel, and the characters had a depth to them and an unheard voice, for which I wanted to bring justice by exploring and writing. I hope that my efforts reap when the readers enjoy the tale as they travel through this journey. UPDATE!! I am so proud to announce that I will be self-publishing ‘Get Back To You’ as series. I plan to do an eBook series first before paperback. And right now, Volume 1: A Message to Her is available on Amazon Kindle Store. After four years of writing this series, I finally chose to publish it. The published eBook/paperback is going to be even better version and professionally edited for enhanced reading experience. So, grab a copy today and have fun reading! To follow my writing journey and learning updates about my books, do follow and subscribe to MY WEBSITE: https://www.ljackace.com/ I post blogs about writing updates, personal updates, reading lists, writing tips, etc. Newsletter is on the way, so stay tuned! **** Apart from reading my novel here, you can always extend your support through these mediums: You can buy me a coffee@: ko-fi.com/ljackace Read special chapters and short stories on: patreon.com/LjackAce **** Follow me on my Instagram! I share all the references and some cute moments of the characters from the story: instagram/ljackace Another great place to find my inspiration is on Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/ljackace/ **** I'm deeply grateful for having an opportunity to share the story here and for all the love I've received thus far and in the future. Thank you very much for enjoying 'Get Back to You!' And on that note, I have more stories to write for you guys, so follow me to get all the titbits. With love, L’Jack Ace

Welcome to a world where dragons soar through skies painted with magic, and devils lurk in the shadows cast by ancient portals. Five thousand years ago, a rift opened in the heavens, connecting our world to another—a realm teeming with gods, dragons, and a myriad of fantastical beings. Overnight, the balance of power shifted, and humanity found itself amidst an age of wonders and perils. In this new world, magic is not merely a legend but an everyday reality. It flows through the air, courses through the earth, and pulses within the very essence of life itself. With the advent of magic, humans evolved into heroes, demon lords, and monsters, carving their place in a society now governed by divine beings, dragons, and demi-humans. Three thousand years into this new era, a cataclysmic battle erupted between two mighty dragons—the Dark Dragon and the White Dragon. Their conflict ravaged continents and threatened to plunge the world into eternal darkness. Fearing mutual annihilation, humans, gods, devils, and demi-humans set aside their differences, forging an unprecedented alliance to slay the warring dragons. With great sacrifice and courage, they succeeded. The souls of the Dark Dragon and the White Dragon, however, did not find peace. Instead, they awaited their chance to reincarnate, their destinies bound to new hosts chosen from among humanity. Now, as the world enters its two-thousandth year of peace, the White Dragon has found its bearer—a young warrior named Ryuji. Ryuji, renowned for his valor and mastery of elemental magic, is hailed as the savior who bears the soul of the White Dragon. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to many, the Void Dragon—the counterpart to the White Dragon—awaits its own host, observing humanity from the shadows. As Kazuki Satoru prepares for his first day at a prestigious high school, unaware of the ancient power stirring within him, he finds himself thrust into a world where legends and reality converge. Little does he know, his destiny will soon intertwine with that of the Void Dragon, setting the stage for an epic tale of magic, courage, and the bonds that unite or divide us.

"She Strikes Back" is a gripping tale of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. Sophia Reeves, a young woman trapped in a controlling relationship with powerful billionaire Marcus Blackwood, finds her world shattered when he unexpectedly proposes to end their five-year relationship. Devastated and lost, Sophia must confront the harsh reality of her diminished sense of self-worth and the years she spent molding herself to fit Marcus's expectations. As she struggles to rebuild her life, Sophia rediscovers her passion for journalism and her own latent talents. With the support of her loyal friend Zoe and a chance encounter with her old mentor, James Chen, Sophia begins to uncover a web of corruption surrounding Marcus's business empire. Determined to expose the truth and reclaim her identity, she embarks on a dangerous investigation that puts her directly in Marcus's crosshairs. Along the way, Sophia faces numerous obstacles, including Marcus's attempts to discredit and intimidate her. She also navigates complex emotions as she encounters Ethan Ryder, an FBI agent investigating Marcus, who becomes both an ally and a potential love interest. As Sophia delves deeper into the case, she must confront her own past mistakes and the temptation to seek revenge. The story culminates in a high-stakes confrontation where Sophia's newfound strength and intelligence are put to the ultimate test. She must choose between vengeance and taking the high road, all while exposing the truth and securing her own future. "She Strikes Back" is a powerful narrative about breaking free from toxic relationships, facing one's fears, and emerging stronger on the other side. It explores themes of personal growth, the courage to stand up against powerful adversaries, and the transformative power of self-belief. Sophia's journey from a controlled "accessory" to a confident, successful woman serves as an inspiring testament to the indomitable human spirit and the ability to rise from the ashes of one's past.

A man who lived on earth, died on earth, and is reborn on earth. Not what one would think would happen, especially if the man was reborn as species that hunted humans and is considered humanities greatest threat. Oh what fun would that be. The best part? The man really doesn't care about the effects of his actions. If something catches his attention or makes him curious, he simply goes after it. What fun can this bring to earth?

Hiromi is a fourteen-year-old girl who dreams about making Orbpan better by joining the police force.

A female lead who had given up on any hope of finding love, stumbles upon a domineering CEO who will stop at nothing to get her to submit to him. Let's see how it turns out. XOXO, THE AUTHOR.

One day, Jeremy, a modern-day retired soldier gets blown to bits by a malfunctioning satellite. He somehow transmigrates 450 years into the future as the incompetent third son of House L’éclair who’d just died in battle fighting to keep his place in the family. When he wakes up on a bloody battlefield, he is confused at seeing a strange window with golden glowing words in front of him. In a daze, Jeremy hears motion to his left. There’s some alien standing twenty feet away. ‘Wait, why does this guy look like Steppenwolf?’ ‘Bro, why are u salivating? I’m not into men… of any species’ A sudden thought occurs to him. ‘I’m alive!!!’ *** Will Jeremy be able to awaken the bloodline powers and prevent the demons of the Hell Dimension from destroying Earth and the entire universe? Will he be able to uncover the secret that has been buried deep in the annals of universal history? A secret that can upset the balance between all worlds will be uncovered and the demons will stop at nothing to get their hands on it. Read as Jeremy progresses from being a trash to becoming an unrivaled existence. Additional tags: World building, vampire, werewolf, elves, evolution, demons, dragons, dwarves, fey, futuristic technology, gods, evil gods, space wars, battleships, levelup, medieval weapons, bloodlines, space travel, teleportation, magic, dark energy, world travel, romance, betrayal. (More tags will be added later on in the story) (A/N: Read the auxiliary chapter and tell me how I can improve. Also, this is my first time writing.) P.S. Picture isn’t mine but I added my touches to it. Let me know if you want it down.

A human experiment enters the world after a plunge into insanity, will his mental breakdown cause him to destroy the world or save it *********** This is my first novel I plan to update at least one chapter every week ,this is just a side stuff for me . This novel may contain blood shed and psychological trauma,beware The cover isn't mine This is a back up version of the main one. It's mainly for an event

* At night He was rugged and untamed. That one steamy night left Grace utterly captivated. She coyly stretched out her dainty, snow-white feet, hooking them around his waist as she softly laid down her terms: For the first time, no staying overnight. The second time, the moment he got himself a significant other, she'd vanish from his side. Later on, their liaison would remain strictly on a physical level. No strings of money attached, no emotional fetters, just the most primal and unadulterated desires that flared up when night fell, entwining them like a web spun by countless spiders. And once the moment had passed, she'd straighten her skirt and turn her back on him, cold as ice. *During daytime He was the heir to a vast business empire, now impeccably dressed in a sharp suit, exuding an air of aristocratic reserve. He extended his hand to her with a polite smile, “Hello, Grace.” Grace gritted her teeth in secret dismay. She hastened to call off whatever was brewing between them, only to find herself cornered against the dressing room by the man, with no way out. In that cramped space, he was a relentless predator, and she, his irresistible quarry. His firmness pressed against her soft curves, setting every inch ablaze. Outside the door, her female colleagues were swooning over his chiseled abs. Just a thin partition away, he locked his arm around her willowy waist, seized her delicate hand, and guided it to rest on his taut abdomen, his voice dripping with a sultry allure, “Thought you could slip away? It's far too late for that.”

Amanda thought she was born this way, to be betrayed, and end up like a fool who doesn't know what it is to live like a powerful person. She only dreamed of living a simple life with Edmund, her fiancée. However, she didn't expect to be betrayed by someone she'd loved. She's lost everything but the precious ring her mother had given her. Knowing she couldn't let them have their way, she swallowed the ring before plunging to her death. However, she didn't expect to wake up in her room after her death. As she continues, she will be facing the same plot of her life. However, she will change it into a brand new life. But, as she goes on turning the tables. She will be encountering unexpected events that will make her change.

The new book "You're in Glory" has been started, the firefighter brother and the wise little sister are waiting for your attraction ~:-D Gu Xiaobei has travelled through time. She doesn't have a space-travelling ability, nor a golden finger, only a stubborn and abstinent old cadre! From a cheetah to a loyal dog, from a husband to a daddy. She's not afraid of either covert or overt strategies, and she gets along extraordinarily well with her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law! Returning to the 1980s, in those nostalgic times, she wants to hold onto her perfectly respectable officer husband and live a happy and fulfilling military wife life...

Te haré una pregunta a ti como lector o lectora: ¿crees en lo paranormal? ¿Crees que hay algo más allá de lo normal entre la dualidad de la vida y la muerte? ¿Qué piensas de la gente que muere en accidentes trágicos o por mano propia? ¿Acaso reencarnan o algo por el estilo? Pues déjame decirte, mi estimado o estimada, que la realidad es mucho más siniestra. Todos pensamos que aquellos que ven sombras están locos, ¿verdad? En eso estamos de acuerdo. Pero, ¿qué pasa cuando quienes las observan no están locos y, en realidad, gozan de una salud mental envidiable? Ahí es cuando nos preguntamos: ¿qué pasó ahí? ¿Qué hay de diferente en ellos? Pues eso mismo es lo que les contará su querido narrador. Solo mantengan la mente abierta o podrían quedarse atascados en una parte de su realidad cotidiana.

Yivor é um jovem garoto que vive com seu pai e sonha em se tornar um aventureiro de classe Cruz de Platina. Determinado a alcançar seu objetivo, ele embarca em grandes aventuras e enfrenta desafios formidáveis ao lado de seu melhor amigo Falkkor. Enquanto desbrava esse caminho perigoso, Yivor começa a desvendar segredos sobre sua origem oculta, que podem mudar o destino de todos ao seu redor.

Beneath the frigid landscapes of Sweden lies a web of lies, corruption, and deadly secrets waiting to be unraveled. At its heart is Lisbeth Salander—a fiercely brilliant hacker with a mind like a blade and a past that refuses to release its grip. Scarred but unbroken, she’s an enigma: a defender of justice for others but a loner battling her own demons. When disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist is offered the chance to salvage his career, he accepts an unusual assignment: uncover the mystery behind the decades-old disappearance of Harriet Vanger, the beloved niece of a wealthy but dysfunctional industrialist family. The Vangers, cloaked in wealth and power, harbor dark, sinister truths. As Mikael digs deeper into their history, he finds himself drawn into a chilling maze of family betrayals, unspeakable crimes, and a legacy of violence that stretches far beyond what he could have imagined. Forced into an uneasy partnership with Lisbeth, Mikael discovers that she is not just an ally but a force of nature—a woman capable of uncovering truths no one else dares to see. Together, they peel back layers of deceit, facing a torrent of threats, lies, and mortal danger. But as they close in on the truth, Lisbeth’s own shadowy past rises to the surface, threatening to consume her and derail their investigation. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a masterful tale of vengeance, justice, and redemption. It is a gripping exploration of the boundaries of trust, the price of truth, and the indomitable strength of those who refuse to be silenced. Unflinching, riveting, and deeply human, this is a story that will haunt you long after the final page.

Nagao Kaoru, a 5'6" high school boy, finds solace in cross-dressing as a girl. Meanwhile, Hiraoka Hiroyuki, a 5'10" girl, conceals her femininity by dressing as a boy. Their paths intertwine unexpectedly, leading to a deep bond as they reveal their true selves to each other. Through shared experiences and mutual support, they embark on a heartfelt romance journey, overcoming societal norms and embracing their identities together.

After dying in 2030, Adam wakes up in 1990 America with a mysterious smartphone connected to a future version of ChatGPT, complete with a personality and unparalleled capabilities. Armed with advanced knowledge and the AI's guidance, Adam seizes the chance to revolutionize the tech industry. He builds groundbreaking websites like PulseSearch, creates revolutionary gaming platforms such as PulsePlay, and pens bestselling novels and blockbuster films. Balancing his knowledge of future trends with innovative strategies, Adam reshapes industries and amasses wealth and influence. However, as his empire grows, so do the challenges—from competitors and skeptics to the weight of knowing the future. His journey is one of ambition, creativity, and the transformative power of ideas, all driven by a secret only he and his AI share.

In the stillness of the evening, a sudden, deafening thud shattered the tranquil silence. Zarah’s father, recognizing the uninvited intruders, attempted to flee, only to be seized and brutally beaten by two brawny men. Her mother and sisters watched in horror as their beloved patriarch choked on his own blood. From the shadows, a sinister figure emerged, brandishing a cigarette and cloaked in a woolen coat. "You've ignored my warnings, and now you expect me to show mercy?" He snarled, standing over Zarah's father as he pleaded for his life. "I gave you plenty of time to pay back what you owed. But you ran away with my money, your family, and my cocke." "Please, please, we can work this out!" Zarah's father begged, spitting blood from his battered mouth. The man shook his head, his cruel smirk widening. Too late, amigo," the man sneered. Without hesitation, two gunshots rang out. Zarah's eyes fluttered open, the world a watery blur. What she saw silenced her forever. Her father's head was bashed and bleeding, her mother's stomach torn open. A scream ripped from Zanah's throat, tugging at Zarah's heart. Tears streamed down her face as the horrific realization set in. They were gone.

In a dying world where the sole source of energy is Aether, the universal life energy, 'Habens' the inhabitants of habellion faces extinction. Habellion, struggles against the forces of Cheso, a rival world desperate to seize their dwindling Aether reserves. With cloning experiments failing due to clones having low tolerance towards the strong aether waves of habellion and the war taking a devastating toll, destroying almost all of its population and Habellion’s only hope lies in a hidden simulation called Earth. Earth, created during the first war that happened decades ago, serves as an experimental ground where clones—humans—are developed to adapt to low level Aether waves. But when Earth’s Aether energy begins to destabilize, threatening the survival of both Earth and Habellion, an unlikely hero is chosen. Evan, a low-ranked medic from Habellion, is tasked with an impossible mission: journey to Earth, uncover the source of the disruption, and restore balance before it’s too late. With three days in Habellion time—equivalent to three decades on Earth—Evan steps into a world unlike anything he’s ever known. In earth he is now armed with enhanced physical and psychological abilities, and advanced Habellion technology, Transforming him into a superpowered entity. However his powers and his ability as a medic makes him stand out in the mediaeval earth. Evan must navigate Earth’s unfamiliar and primitive society, blending in while investigating the cause of the Aether disruption. However, his mission becomes more complicated as he realizes the simulation is more fragile than he was told, and his actions could alter the course of history. Whispers of divine figures and miraculous powers begin to surround him, placing him at the center of a narrative he never intended to join. As Evan immerses himself in Earth’s culture, he discovers that his presence might alter the course of history. With each step, he faces supernatural dangers, manipulative forces, and the possibility that someone—or something—has been tampering with the simulation. Amidst growing doubts about his own origins and the purpose of his mission, Evan must make choices that could shape the fate of both worlds. Will Evan succeed in saving Habellion and Earth, or will the collapse of the Aether mark the end of everything?

What will you do if one day, the "Moon" comes falling down? A new world lying before your very eyes? Mystics that are thought to be fantasy. A figure from a story, a legend, and myths. Where is this red thread of fate exactly leading us to? Sorasaki Hikari, a "Normal" boy whose life was completely changed by one life and death encounter.

This is an assassin my own type of story based aroynd the game assassins creed

"A fleeting dream, a golden age restored, A youthful heart, once weary and bored. Autumn's embrace, a nostalgic sigh, A glimpse of past, beneath the fading sky." Thrown back thirteen years into the past, Cheng Xing finds himself in the heart of autumn. Yearning to rectify the mistakes of his youth, he embarks on a journey to rekindle a lost connection and reclaim the time that slipped through his fingers. As he navigates the familiar landscape of his teenage years, he soon discovers that the past is not easy to rewrite.

Is weiyue death really just a coincidence? Weiyue, an woman who is favor by many. A innocent girl who unseemly not know what her parents work is. unexpectedly died from cardiac arrest, wanting to vent her unsettling soul to someone who killed her when it was supposedly an accidental death only. Could it be someone really tried killing this innocent girl? xiaxia, an regressor possess the weiyue body seems to be suspicious of weiyue's death so she tried finding out the truth but without knowing the consequences. xiaxia face the great threat all her life. although xiaxia asked weiyue spirit "do you remember who you are?" that made weiyue furious at xiaxia and said "dont mind my past! find out the killer who killed me immediately".

Meet Kim Huxley, a twenty-five-year-old CEO of a modeling company to which he got transferred. He is heartless due to his heart being shattered by his first love, Jane Crimson but then he met Riele Grants who helped him heal his broken heart with her charm until his first love, appeared in his company to work as a model. Meet Riele Grants, a twenty-two-year-old lady, vibrant and cheerful. She works as Kim's assistant. She hated Kim because of his cold personality but when she got closer to him, she found out he was a cold jerk with a warm heart and slowly she found herself falling deeper in love with him. She thought she saw those signs visible in him too not until his first love came and he became a different person. ~~~ "I told you several times, I don't have feelings for you anymore," Kim answered her. She finally got him to talk after pestering him for a long time. How does a person change in such a matter of time? She wondered. "What about everything we shared? The love? The..." "You were nothing but an obsession to me, Riele." he cuts in. Riele looked at the lady beside him who was holding his hand as if her life depended on it. "Are you saying all this because of her? If you..." before she got to finish her words, he pulled Jane closer and kissed her. She got the answer she needed. She was nothing but an obsession he is trying to get rid of. She shouldn't have trusted her heart to handle this situation. She should have used her head instead. She turned around and left with tears in her eyes. The moment she was out of sight, he pulled away from the lady but then he didn't feel those butterflies he felt when he kisses Riele and he wondered why. Why didn't his heart beat the way it did when he was around Riele?