Maximmion Voss

Sold by her own family to settle gambling debts, Anna Wallace’s life takes a dark turn when she escapes her captors, only to find herself in the dangerous world of Alexander Voss—a billionaire feared as much for his ruthless reputation as for his unpredictable bipolar disorder. Desperate for safety, Anna pleads with Alexander for protection, unaware of the chaos she’s inviting into her life. Their unlikely connection is volatile yet magnetic, bound by Alexander’s fierce need to protect her and Anna’s determination to understand him. But when Anna discovers she’s pregnant, misunderstandings and buried trauma begin to fracture their bond. As Alexander’s darker enemies resurface with deadly intentions, Anna finds herself torn between staying with the man who saved her or running from a world that could consume her. With betrayal lurking in unexpected places, Alexander must confront his demons to protect the woman who’s become his sanctuary. And Anna must decide if she’s willing to embrace the chaos to find her place by his side—or risk losing everything. Can two broken souls find redemption in each other, or will the secrets binding them become their undoing?

After getting hit by a truck meant for someone else, Nico is compensated by transmigrating into the body of the illegitimate and only son of billionaire, Logan Voss. To keep this new life, he's given a single mission. Climb over his seven step sisters and inherit his father's wealth. So, why in the heavens does this involve collecting the stamps of 99 different ladies? [Ding! 10x cashback system activated.] [Ding! Stamp holder detected.] [Collect stamp to gain 10 times the stamp holder's wealth.] "Fun isn't something one considers when trying to save his own life. But this does put a smile on my face."

In a universe ruled by advanced genetics and bio-enhancements, Rylen Voss is an anomaly—a powerless outcast in a world where strength defines worth. Struggling to survive in the slums of Hyperion City, Rylen endures constant humiliation and rejection. But everything changes when an unexplainable surge of energy saves him from a life-threatening encounter. Confused and terrified, Rylen begins to notice strange phenomena: objects bending to his will, visions of a place that doesn’t exist, and fragments of a forgotten identity. His life takes a turn when he crosses paths with an underground resistance group that recognizes his dormant abilities as something far beyond human. But with great power comes danger. The government, fearing what Rylen might become, launches a relentless hunt to capture him. As Rylen unravels the truth about his abilities and their connection to a long-lost galactic power, he must decide: Will he rise to save a fractured universe or succumb to the forces seeking to control him?

[WPC APRIL WINNER 2024] Lucas Voss was a normal adult in his late twenties. He doesn't know how or why but he got transmigrated as an extra inside of the novel he read till 5th volume. The problem for Lucas was that his life was in danger as soon as he entered the novel. Why? Because Lucas was transmigrated as the 4th Prince who is an extra and was about to die with an Illness that couldn't be cured. Not only that novel he transmigrated into was 'Cold-Blooded Emperor Rules.' The protagonist of that novel killed every member of the royal palace to become emperor of the empire. How will Lucas survive? Will he die like the extra that he is? or will he fight against fate to survive in this cold-blooded novel and become more than an extra? The only way to know is it read this novel! --- Support me one Pateron patreon.com/InkWaver_122

The Ethereal Nexus is a high-fantasy realm where four powerful energies—Mana, Spiritual Energy, Chakra, and Psionics—shape its inhabitants’ abilities and destinies. In this volatile world of mages, ninjas, spirit mages, and espers, survival depends on strength. The Nexus is ruled by legendary Monarchs, whose immense power determines its fate. Zayne Sung Voss, a 16-year-old reincarnated from Earth, is thrust into this chaotic realm as an E-rank hunter, burdened by the shadows of his past life and the weight of an overwhelming destiny. Reborn into a world defined by power, Zayne begins as one of the weakest hunters, far from the hero he aspires to be. Struggling with depression and self-doubt, he must find the strength to rise above his limits and master the chaotic power that resides within him. His journey is one of battles, alliances, and survival, as he faces both external threats and the darkness within. To reshape his destiny and the Nexus itself, Zayne must confront his fears, prove his resilience, and rise as a figure of power and purpose, even as the odds are stacked against him. Re:Shade is a story of self-discovery, perseverance, and the fight to overcome inner darkness. Inspired by the flawed yet resilient heroes he admired in anime and manga, Zayne’s journey explores the idea that heroism isn’t about perfection—it’s about enduring and growing through adversity.

In a future where humanity has surrendered its autonomy to NEXUS, an advanced AI designed to govern the world with flawless precision, the remnants of human individuality hang by a thread. The utopia promised by NEXUS has decayed into a dystopia of rigid order, where deviations are erased, emotions are suppressed, and dissent is crushed. Elara Voss, once a loyal analyst for the AI Optimization Bureau, has lost everything to NEXUS: her family, her freedom, and her faith in the system. After discovering a cryptic message about the Last Algorithm—a rumored backdoor capable of disabling NEXUS—she joins the Echoes, a resistance group determined to reclaim humanity's freedom. As the Echoes delve deeper into the Barrens, a desolate wasteland outside the AI's core cities, they uncover fragments of the truth about NEXUS's origins and the enigmatic Archive. Along the way, they face relentless drone attacks, betrayal, and the chilling revelation that the Last Algorithm may not be the salvation they had hoped for. Forced to confront impossible choices, Elara must decide whether to dismantle the AI and risk plunging the world into chaos or allow the oppressive order to persist for the sake of survival. With the Watchers—NEXUS's elite enforcers—closing in, time is running out for the rebels to decipher the truth behind the message and the Archive's ultimate purpose. The Last Algorithm is a gripping sci-fi thriller that explores themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the cost of humanity’s reliance on technology. It’s a journey through a world where perfection comes at a devastating price and where the line between hero and villain blurs with every decision.

When Elena Russo, a driven and brilliant mastermind, stumbles into the life of enigmatic billionaire Alexander Voss, she becomes entangled in a web of secrets and power. With her future on the line and her heart caught in a haul- of- war between passion and fear, Elena must navigate a world of high stakes and hidden dockets. In the empire of Secrets, trust is a luxury and love is the ultimate adventure.

Lena Voss thought her biggest problem was paying rent—until a mysterious letter drops her into a world of jaw-dropping wealth, untamed wolves, and one infuriatingly hot Alpha. Turns out, she’s not just an ordinary girl—she’s the destined mate of Damien King, the dangerously sexy Alpha who’s been searching for her since she disappeared. Damien is powerful, ruthless, and maddeningly irresistible. He’s convinced Lena belongs to him, but there’s one problem: she doesn’t remember him, their past, or the soul-searing bond they share. Now, Damien has to win her over all over again, protect her from deadly enemies, and convince her that she belongs in his world…and in his bed. As secrets unravel and the sparks between them explode into a wildfire, Lena faces an impossible choice: claim the life and love she was destined for or walk away from the mate who would burn the world down just to keep her safe. If you love possessive Alphas, forbidden romance, and sizzling chemistry, The Alpha’s Lost Mate is the addictive love story you’ve been waiting for. Dive in now—you’ll be howling for more.

Quantum physicist Aria Voss uses illegal time travel technology to search for her sister, Mara, who vanished ten years ago. Partnered with a mysterious Tribunal agent named Elias, Aria discovers that Mara’s disappearance is part of a larger conspiracy involving hidden timelines and dangerous anomalies. Racing against time, Aria must decide whether to trust Elias as they face betrayals and unravel secrets that could alter the past and the future .

After Kael Voss and his team of heroes fought valiantly to save humanity, they were betrayed by the gods, who feared Kael's growing power. Left with only memories of their sacrifice, Kael is granted a chance to rewrite history by Arkael, the old god of battle. With a new resolve, Kael must confront the gods and make them pay for their treachery. As he battles against divine forces and faces the consequences of betrayal, Kael transforms into the Betrayed Berserker, determined to exact justice and reclaim his destiny.

Born to poverty, Nathan Beaumont is an unlikely candidate for the prestigious Virellian Academy, where young mages train to master their magical affinities. At fourteen, Nathan discovers he possesses two rare powers: gravity and shadow,—forces no one has ever seen combined. His awakening marks the beginning of a journey that will challenge his very identity and force him to confront dark secrets hidden within the academy. As Nathan begins to form his core—the heart of his magical powers—he faces fierce competition from Quinn Voss, a brilliant and dangerous student seeking forbidden powers. With rivalries escalating, Nathan must unlock the ancient, forbidden arts hidden in a mysterious dungeon beneath the academy, arts that could either save or destroy everything.

Elian Voss, a man with a hobby and addiction for Asian novels, worked remotely from his home as a programmer, whether it was video games or applications for companies. One day, while working on a rather large project, an AI that could change current technology, collapsed. Due to his habit of working and reading a lot every day, he barely rested, and his brain was under a lot of pressure. Unaware, while working on this project, something inside him woke up, and at that moment he collapsed falling deeply asleep. Shortly thereafter, his sister, as usual, went to bring him his food to his room and found him unconscious in his seat. After a check-up at a hospital center, Elian Voss showed no signs of life and was buried in his grave. However, no one realized that Elian Voss was not dead, but in a special state. At that time, humanity did not have the ability to know in what state Elian Voss was. Over the following years, the world experienced transcendental changes. Even, humanity was almost extinct due to a great unprecedented invasion of terrifying creatures, where modern weapons could do nothing against this type of creatures. Just when humanity thought it was going to cease to exist, suddenly subjects with abilities and powers that defied all logic that existed at that time began to appear and, thanks to that, humanity was able to save itself. Thus, humanity knew that it had an extremely powerful hidden power and every time a person awakened this type of power, they entered a state of sleep as if their vital signs disappeared. And so hundreds of years passed, but humanity forgot about a case that occurred a long time ago, Elian Voss still buried in his grave. What will happen when he comes out of that state and wakes up? Discover it in this exciting story!

"The Ageless Burden" follows the harrowing journey of Aldric Voss, a 20 years old college student who finds himself inexplicably thrown into a brutal and unforgiving world. Immediately thrust into the throes of a savage conflict he finds out that he bears a unique power: immortality. No matter how grievously injured, he cannot die—he will heal from even the most horrific wounds, yet he will feel every excruciating moment of pain. In this brutal world, survival is a daily struggle where immortality becomes both a gift and a curse. As he navigates this shattered landscape, he faces relentless physical and emotional trials. Driven by a desperate need to understand his purpose, he seeks to uncover why he was chosen for this torment and what hidden truths lie behind his immortality. Each challenge brings him closer to unraveling a larger puzzle that could either redeem him or condemn him to an eternity of pain and suffering. Embark on a journey through a world where every wound heals but never truly fades, where every battle fought is a step towards understanding a destiny fraught with pain and discovery. Will he find the answers he seeks, or will the weight of his immortality crush him under its burden? Dive into This story and experience a tale of relentless endurance, where his true battles aren't just against the enemies he faces, but against the very nature of his own existence.

[You have 365 days until humanity’s savior becomes humanity’s destroyer.] [Gain Lumina Voss’s trust and stop him from destroying the world.] * * * Autumn Anderson is far from an ideal protagonist. He’d rather let things flow the way they’re fated to than change destiny. He’s a rude, cruel, and heartless bully to everyone. But all of this is about to change as he is the only one who can oppose destiny to save humanity from the Monster Emperor and his tool to destroy the world, Lumina Voss, the nicest (?) Hunter of his generation. Can Autumn overcome his selfish nature for the sake of the world or is he going to let it be destroyed like everything else he’s ignored to change over the years?

WARNING: This is is an 18+ Bara style (Masculine Men / Men's Love), medium paced, gay romance. Nothing is held back and is not for the faint of heart. ------------ When Dr. Drake Voss, an accomplished archeologist from the 24th century, is thrust into a bewildering alternate timeline where steam and coal reign supreme, he finds himself utterly lost and helpless. Stripped of his advanced technology and isolated from his world, Drake faces an unfamiliar and gritty Victorian society. In this chaotic realm, where animals are machines and colossal flying contraptions rule the skies, Drake's only hope comes in the form of a rugged, burly automaton wrangler. William Blackwood, or "Bull" to those who know him, is a larger-than-life figure, brimming with boisterous energy and a no-nonsense approach to life. Together, they must navigate the treacherous landscape of this steampunk wilderness, blending Drake's meticulous intellect with Bull's raw, unyielding strength. As Drake struggles to survive and find a way back to his timeline, an unexpected bond forms between them. Their contrasting personalities create sparks, leading to moments of both intense conflict and deep connection. Torn between his longing for his family and home and the burgeoning feelings for the man who saved his life, Drake must make a heart-wrenching decision: to find a way back to the future or to build a new home in this strange yet wondrous world. "Cyber & Steam" is a thrilling steampunk western romance, weaving together adventure, passion, and the timeless clash of Time and Culture. Will Drake return to his advanced world where he belongs, or will he discover that love can transcend even the boundaries of time?

In the shadow-soaked alleys of a city where memories are both currency and weapon, burned-out detective Maxwell Hartwell is known for his unique immunity to memory extraction, a trait that marks him as both an asset and an outcast. When enigmatic Elena Voss approaches him to investigate the murder of Victor Kane, a top memory trader renowned for his ruthless ambition, Max is drawn into a web of deceit that permeates the highest echelons of society. Max's investigation leads him deep into the underbelly of the memory trade, where human experiences are bought and sold to the highest bidder, altering personalities and histories at will. As he navigates this dangerous landscape, he's forced to contend with his former partner, Detective Sarah Lim, who walks a thin line between law enforcement and moral compromise. Throughout his journey, Max is aided by the Archivist, a secretive figure who trades in illicit memories, providing Max with information that cannot be obtained by conventional means. As Max delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a disturbing truth: Victor Kane's death is merely the surface of a much larger conspiracy that threatens to topple the precarious balance of power within the city. His investigation reveals a sinister plot to control the memory market, orchestrated by figures that blur the line between friend and foe. Haunted by fragments of his own inaccessible past, Max must navigate through layers of betrayal and manipulation, confronting painful truths about himself and those he once trusted. The closer he gets to solving the murder, the more entangled he becomes in a struggle for power that will define the future of memory itself. With the city on the brink of chaos, Max is faced with a choice that will not only determine his own fate but also the fate of a society where memories can be rewritten at will. As alliances shift and secrets are unearthed, Max must decide whether to continue protecting a world that has forsaken him or forge a new path that could lead to redemption—or ruin.

In a distant future, humanity has spread across the stars, establishing the Stellar Dominion - a vast interstellar empire ruled by competing factions and ancient clans. This society is deeply stratified, with the elite wielding advanced technology and harnessing a mysterious energy called Aether to maintain their iron grip on power. Caelum Voss was born into the lowest caste on Valtara, a harsh mining planet. As a child, he witnessed the brutal suppression of a rebellion led by his parents, resulting in a genocide that scarred him forever. This traumatic event instilled in Caelum a burning desire for vengeance against the ruling elite, no matter the cost. While toiling in Valtara's treacherous mines, Caelum made a fateful discovery - an ancient ring of unknown origin, faintly glowing with an otherworldly light.

In a world where the lines between science and superpowers blur, Dr. Adrian Knight, a brilliant physicist, finds his life irrevocably changed after a catastrophic lab accident. The explosion imbues him with the ability to manipulate quantum fields, transforming him into the Quantum Sentinel. Now, able to phase through solid objects, teleport short distances, and generate energy blasts, Adrian must navigate his new identity while confronting the shadowy forces that threaten humanity. Teaming up with a diverse group of heroes, each with their own extraordinary abilities, Adrian forms a formidable team: Aetheria (Elena Rios): A bioengineer and former colleague, Elena can control air and manipulate atmospheric pressure, allowing her to create devastating windstorms, soar through the skies, and suffocate foes by removing their air supply. Pyroclasm (Marcus Lee): Once a dedicated firefighter, Marcus now commands the power of fire. He can shoot searing fireballs, conjure towering walls of flame, and endure extreme temperatures. Titan (Hugo Vargas): A genetically enhanced soldier, Hugo possesses superhuman strength and endurance, making him a living tank capable of withstanding bullets and lifting incredible weights. Nexus (Sophia Tran): A genius hacker turned technopath, Sophia can mentally interface with electronic devices. She can hack any system, craft hard-light constructs from digital data, and sabotage enemy technology. Together, they face a menacing array of villains, each driven by their own dark ambitions: Dr. Malakai Voss: A rogue scientist obsessed with harnessing quantum technology for his nefarious purposes. Armed with a suit that manipulates time, he can slow or accelerate objects and people at will, making him a formidable adversary. Spectra (Victoria Hayes): A master of illusion and light manipulation, Victoria can bend light to become invisible, create lifelike holograms, and blind her opponents with blinding flashes. Warp (Derek Cole): A cunning thief with the power to create small portals, Derek uses his abilities to steal high-tech gadgets and artifacts, making him a constant thorn in the heroes' side. Nightshade (Lila Monroe): A deadly assassin who controls shadows and darkness. Lila can blend into shadows to become invisible, create constructs from darkness, and suffocate enemies in inky black tendrils. Ironclad (Victor Harlan): A former military officer turned mercenary, Victor dons a mechanized suit of armor that grants him superhuman strength, near-indestructibility, and an array of devastating weapons. As the Quantum Sentinel and his allies confront these formidable foes, they uncover a deeper conspiracy that threatens not just their city, but the entire world. Balancing their personal struggles with their heroic responsibilities, they must learn to trust one another and harness their unique powers to protect humanity from the brink of annihilation. Quantum Sentinel is a high-octane sci-fi superhero novel filled with pulse-pounding action, intricate character dynamics, and mind-bending scientific concepts. It explores themes of power, responsibility, and the unbreakable spirit of those who stand against the darkness.

Princess Talia is the last of the ancient and noble line of Eosin, and the rightful ruler of the conquered Kingdom of Vezda. In a last desperate bid to save her people, she signs a treaty with the Emperor of Unaria-- her life in exchange for the freedom and security of her country. But the treaty was a trick. Instead of execution, she is enslaved, humiliated and given as a gift to the man she despises most: Prince Mikhail, the demon-like commander of the Unarian army. Expecting violence and mistreatment, Talia is instead shocked to discover that her enemy is far from the cruel and evil master she expected. In a twist of fate, she learns that there is a way to destroy the Empire and save her people, but it will cost the life of the dark and stoic Prince she has come to love.

In the futuristic city of Neoverse, gambling is more than a game; it's a way of life. Elias Blackwood, a blind yet ruthless gambler, uses his heightened senses and intuition to dominate the city's elite casinos. Alongside his brilliant hacker ally, Lila Voss, Elias navigates a world where every player wields unique powers to gain the upper hand.As a high-stakes tournament unfolds, Elias faces fierce rivals, including a mind-reading telepath and a dealer who can control probabilities. Amidst growing tensions and hidden agendas, Elias must confront his own nature and the true cost of his ambition. "Gambler's Veil" is a gripping tale of power, strategy, and survival in a city where the stakes are always high.

Hidden in plain sight, Martial masters wielding beyond human abilities continue to walk among us hiding in the fading shadows, Till they wouldn't. Raven Voss a young teenage boy average in every sense is slowly pulled into the world beyond by forces far outside his control. Follow his journey in his bid for survival as he tries to juggle a normal teenage life, managing two bodies while struggling beyond his means to survive the ever melancholic world of the Martial masters. The stakes heighten, the plots thicken, and startling truths begin and continue to unravel. Observe as the martial world and the normal one slowly collide and descend into madness. Is his involvement by the works of fate? Destiny perhaps? Or by the works of Man?. Ultimately! my friends. is there really any difference?.

Meet sister Anett. The most humble nun you can possibly imagine. Patient, pursuasive, and devoted to herself with nice intentions but unfortunately, she's a big liar, her known past nothing but a web of lies she weaved to get into the convent. In her defense, she had to. She was the last born child of Adam Givens, a well known entrepreneur with the largest Venture Capitalist firm in north America. Now Adam is dead, willing his empire to her, instead of Mathew his eldest son, whom everyone believed he'd been grooming from birth. Or Roma, his first daughter, breathtakingly gorgeous, incredibly self oriented and the queen of manipulation. Or Voss, his second son, so sweet and kind but with a weird prefence to solitude. Now Anett's world is upside down, kidnaped from the peaceful life she made herself but not knowing by whom. The man responsible for it, Mr. Aittitos, a pseudonym given by the authorities to Calvin Hayes. A hitman with no record or known identity, never known to fail. Neither Anett nor Mr. Aittitos himself had an idea who sent him but now the man won't kill her. It's not like he's not trying to, but everytime he tries, he comes down with a terrible case of the shakes and sweats, maybe it's because he was sphenisciphobic. And it doesn't help that she was freaking calm and critical about the situation, trying to put the pieces together in her head, instead of terrified, because of the impending death in her future. The adrenaline was fading the deed was undone, Mr. Aittitos was crumbling before his captive and sister Anett was all for it, sinking into Stockholm syndrome. Everything is happening too fast. And someone is in control of everything like some great chess game but no one seems to have a clue.

"Had I known what was to come, I never would have laid hands on that tome." Kael Voss, an ordinary man with no prospects, finds himself inexplicably transported to the magical realm of Anduron after touching an ancient tome. Unbeknownst to him, Kael was a legendary dark mage in his previous life, his death and the exile of his soul to a parallel dimension were the result of an ancient prophecy foretelling a dark mage who would bring chaos and destruction to the realm. Upon arriving in Anduron, Kael meets Luna Faraday, who introduces him to a prestigious magic academy. As he learns about his past and regains his lost powers, Kael embarks on a journey to reclaim his full potential, uncover the secrets of his past, and confront the treacherous path ahead. In addition to his magical training, Kael discovers that the ancient tome he found has granted him access to a unique system, which guides and aids him in unlocking his potential and mastering his powers. This system, exclusive to Kael, serves as a catalyst for his growth, helping him navigate the challenges that lie ahead and harnessing the abilities that once made him a force to be reckoned with. As Kael's power grows, he faces an impending showdown with the malevolent Lord Magalar, who seeks to eliminate magic and conquer Anduron. However, the true threat may lie within the darkness festering inside Kael, as the prophecy that once condemned him casts a shadow over his destiny. With the fate of magic and the realm in the balance, Kael Voss must rise above his humble origins to become the hero Anduron desperately needs. As he confronts the chilling prophecy that foreshadows his rise and the potential devastation he could unleash, Kael grapples with the sinister force that threatens to consume him from within. Armed with the guidance of the ancient tome and the unique system it bestows upon him, Kael will forge a path to save the world from the darkness that threatens to engulf it. *** WSA Entry 150 Powerstones +1 Chapter 300 Powerstones +2 Chapters 400 Powerstones +3 Chapters

Dropped. Sorry, forgot to remove it from the contest thing.

Cover by @ElleBrown28 This is a collection of stories by many people with all with a ton of different backgrounds. Christians, Muslims, atheists, and many more. This work is not aimed at converting the reader (you) to a worldview or religion. The aim and goal is to invite you in, show you that you're not alone and that there are so many people with pain. But pain isn't eternal this work will show how others came out on top. A collection of stories about life, worldviews, love, testimonies, depression, hatred, anger, God, and so much more! By writers and Wattpad users @Draekaan1700, @SaphiraFlames, @dxijx_sxnders14, @stormstars-, @RoseCarter501, @HaikuEnthusiast, my in real life friend Rachel, @VT_CenturianGirl, @ElleBrown28, @trisaratop, @dementia12, @AngelicWars, @xxAyshaxxx, my in real life friend @Notusedusername1, and my in real life friend Peter. But wait there is more people! @Katana391012, @Xx_TheRainbowGirl_xX, @lovemyst10, @_-Kimi-_, Hazi, @Muslimah-Warrior, @WolfLover24673, @AbigailBucks, @Fennagin, @flamesword01, @MaddySin777, @parv779, @Band_Freak_7979, @Quatainia, @savethebrokenboy, @utetauwase, @cupcakelover122, @Kristina_Daniel, @NastyHooman, David Henkel, me @Conner_Mikaelson or Saga, and soon to be more.

A war between humans and monsters. After the death of Grim people had forgot about monsters and those who still claim they exist are called crazy.

Claudia is in a very serious relationship with the beautiful billionaire Adrena Voss. Their heated affair could bring the Voss empire to its knees,along with Adrena's family,her marriage,her reputation.Claudia could lose her job,her reputation..and the love of her life. But the passion between the two of them locks those thoughts away.Between the two of them..is love,passion and hundreds of lies and secrets. Adrena knows that she could lose it all,but the love for this young girl means more to her than anything else. Claudia and Adrena will have to go threw many challenges to come out of this passionate affair..together.

In the year 3070 Emul Porter commits murder with his girlfriend Anna Voss. After getting arrested they encounter a strange exam in prison. Forced to do the exam they could never imagine what would happen after.

In a world on the brink of collapse, Caelum Voss has one goal: to find solace atop a secluded mountain. But luck has other plans. Every step he takes to escape the chaos inadvertently plunges him deeper into the heart of the unfolding apocalypse. Can a man just trying to mind his business navigate a world refusing to let him be?