The Duke Of Shadows

Most people are born ordinary, but there are always some who, despite being born ordinary, aspire to greatness. From an exploited undocumented worker to the godfather of the dark; From those who obey the rules at the bottom of society, to the emperor behind the scenes who makes the rules; The country belongs to the federation when the sun shines, but it belongs to me when the night falls! "Sometimes, shadows can not only be as vast as light but can even cover it!" "We never extort anyone, every penny we make can pass through our conscience." If someone knocks on your door at night, they either bring my regards or brings the destruction for your arrogance. As for what you will get, it depends on how you choose, my friend!

Lily and Jake arrive at the decaying mansion of Hollow Hill, drawn by a cryptic postcard from Lily’s late mother. As they explore the eerie estate, they uncover its dark past, including an ancient pact with a malevolent force that still lingers within its walls. Strange occurrences escalate, and the mansion seems to awaken with a life of its own. As the boundaries between the living and the dead blur, Lily and Jake must confront the secrets of the house—and the darkness that calls to them both.

In this world, people are granted a power said to come from the heavens, a mighty weapon tied to the soul of humans. Those who receive these magical weapons fight against monsters to survive, driving the economy of this world. Lian is just an ordinary boy until his world is turned upside down when another race takes away what matters most to him: his family. From that moment, follow Lian's journey as he seeks the strength to avenge those who killed his family and uncovers the truth behind his power.

# Arranged marriage #Paranormal Romance -She was his sweet peach. His wish. His eternity. His redemption. His to corrupt and his to command. He has and would never love any the way he loved her- Hermione Barclay, an attractive princess suffered a tragic past which caused her to isolate herself, frightened by the presence of people, poor constructions of words... The memory of the vampire boy whom she had once felt safe around remained etched in her innermost self and she fantasized about nothing but him. Years later, a marriage proposal arrived and she was to wed the same man she had always dreamt about, unfortunately, her expectations of him were crushed. He only cared for her because he was asked to, not because he wanted to. Dark and Tragic twists awaited her in her new home, how was she going to survive?

Lana is an ordinary university student who arrives at a research camp in the northern mountains. However, the forest hides dark secrets: vampires and wolves are fighting a centuries-old war. When Lana meets Rael, the wild wolf leader, and Elias, the dangerously attractive vampire, her life changes radically. Soon she realizes that the ancient prophecy that could bring peace between the two worlds is tied to her blood. But will she be able to stand up for her own destiny and for an entire world?

Rosellene Valentine, the eldest daughter of the Earl Valentine, was the epitome of beauty, a fragile and untouchable rose that bloomed in the frozen gardens of the Valentine estate. After reaching the depths of despair. She returned unexpectedly, stepping back in time by seven years. Before fate and time had ruined her. Then, She met him...The Duke of Eryndor, the kingdom's guardian and shield. She had become gracefully attuned to the admiring glances and silent reverence of those around her. So much that she could feel the weight of every lingering glance, the unspoken affection in his eyes, as his love for her bloomed, undeniable and apparent...once again. "Should your joy be the prize, I would gladly place myself at your service." His golden eyes seems to glow faintly in the dark as he whispered softly. (The Prince charming X The Damsel in Distress)

After losing everything, Daron Lamb is consumed by grief and guilt, until he's recruited by the Special Magic Force, an elite unit protecting the balance between magical and non-magical worlds. Together, they uncover a secret organization determined to free the God of Chaos, a force sealed away to protect humanity. As Daron investigates, he uncovers a chilling link between the group and his tragic past. Driven by revenge, he joins forces with his new allies to stop them. But as the truth behind the organization’s motives begins to surface, Daron is forced to confront a disturbing possibility: freeing the God of Chaos, though orchestrated by his enemies, might not bring the destruction he's been led to believe. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daron's gaze drifted downward to his chest. Below, the stark contrast of a faint blue light against his white skin caught his eye—a soft glow emanating from his own chest. It softly pulsed, a gentle luminescence that ebbed and flowed with the rhythm of his own heartbeat. Baffled, he just sat there for a few moments, observing. As his fingers touched the source of light, he was surprised to find that everything felt normal, as if it had always been this way. It was like nothing had changed at all. Daron's eyes widened in disbelief when he noticed a strange black liquid seeping into the wounds on his chest—a substance like ink, flowing from within him. It moved with purpose, filling the gaps left by the fat butcher and stanching the flow of blood that had painted his skin red. "By the gods," he gasped, the sight both unsettling and miraculous. The black liquid quickly solidified, forming scars as black as the night sky. His eyes remained fixed on the eerie scene, his breath steadying to a normal rhythm. He was a magician now… it felt strange. He didn't feel particularly different. Sure, a mysterious substance had just mended his broken skin, but other than that, he didn't feel like he could do anything… new, anything special. He stretched out his hand, trying to summon a sharp wind to cut down his shackles. Nothing happened. Next, a flame, to burn down his cell. Nothing happened. “Figures,” he said to himself. “Why would it be easy?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For news and feedback, feel free to join the Vessel of Shadows Discord: https://discord.gg/dmCYCKNwx7

After dying as a retired professional, John Evigeni wakes up in a new magical world where fight and death are common occurrences. As a Merchant, he's determined to navigate this realm facing daunting challenges with unexpected allies by his side. Will he discover the path to true fulfillment or remain shackled by his past?

In the small town of Middlesburg, a centuries-old feud between vampires and demons simmers just below the surface. Melinda Balo, a 17-year-old human, is transformed into a vampire during a brutal vampire attack that took her whole family. With no memory of her savior, Melinda flees Middlesburg, determined to start anew. Almost three centuries later, Melinda returns to Middlesburg, drawn by a mysterious force that threatens to disrupt the town's fragile balance. There, she encounters Evangelo Peregrine, a half-vampire, half-demon with a hidden agenda. As they navigate their complicated past and the treacherous world of vampire politics, Melinda and Evangelo must confront their enemies, both within and without. Their mutual attraction sparks a dangerous game of cat and mouse, with Melinda's very existence hanging in the balance. Will she uncover the truth about her past, or will the secrets of Middlesburg remain forever buried?

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

"I should have stayed home and played video games." This was Ray's last thought before darkness engulfed him after he was hit by a car. But surprisingly, instead of finding himself before the gates of hell after dying, Ray found out he was transmigrated into another world. The world Ray was transmigrated to was called Arora World, a place where you can use different kinds of skills, magic, and even acquire powerful classes. Ray found himself in the body of a young boy named Evan, who was studying in a hunter academy after awakening his abilities at the age of fourteen. At first, Ray was happy that he was transmigrated into the body of someone who had awakened his abilities and could use the magic he always wanted to use. However, as Ray went through Evan's memories, he finally realized that everything was not as simple as he had expected. Evan had a unique physique that didn't allow him to increase his power like other people. Because of this useless unique physique, Evan was the weakest hunter in the entire academy. And that was not all; the more Ray looked at Evan's memories, the more he realized just how troublesome his situation was. "I know I entered this body without buying a ticket, but isn't this too much?" Ray said in a depressed voice after going through Evan's memories. Will Ray be able to survive in this new world? Is the physique of his new body really useless? Join Ray on his adventure to find out.

18 and naive, Belle Hart thought marriage would end her misery, only to realize it had just begun! What started as a promising love turned out to be a facade, would Belle choose between a second chance or leave? She met her mate, the Duke, who she proposed to when she came of age. A month in, things took a turn. The Duke leaves for war before she could inform him about her pregnancy, only for him to return with a mysterious woman whom he claimed to be his new wife! The audacity! Trouble ensued and Belle suffered a miscarriage as a result. … “What did you just say?” He asked, his gaze darkening. “You heard me well, I seek a divorce. I wish for us to go our separate ways,” she replied, her voice steady as she met his gaze with confidence, though inwardly she was shaken by his presence. “You are my mate, Belle, and I am yours. Divorce is the most foolish notion you could entertain. Do you believe any man would take a worthless creature like you as his wife?” He scoffed, his words biting, causing her heart to ache. … The Duke's refusal pushed Belle into the arms of the king. All she had to do was bear him an heir and he would help her get her revenge! "I want you to marry me, Your Majesty, and aid me in seeking my revenge against the Duke and those who have wronged me. In exchange, I shall bear you an heir before you help me," she said, her voice steady and full of purpose. What will the choice be?

In a shattered world consumed by decay and nature, Alex woke up in a mysterious room with no memory of how he got there, surrounded by an eerie silence and the desolation of an apocalyptic cityscape. As he pieces together his situation, he encounters grotesque, mutated creatures that hunt by sound, pushing him into a desperate struggle for survival. Armed with only his instincts, some people who will meet during his fight for survival, and a mysterious bracelet that grants him temporary enhancements like agility, strength, and dexterity, Alex must navigate the ruins of humanity while uncovering the secrets of his strange new abilities. The bracelet becomes both his lifeline, curse, and mystery, offering him tools to survive the relentless pursuit of horrors in the shadows but raising questions about its origin and purpose. In his fight for survival, Alex faces treacherous environments, zombie hordes, and his own fear as he journeys toward a rumored "safe zone." Yet, even safety proves fleeting in this unforgiving world, where survival demands resilience, quick thinking, and a willingness to confront the darkness within and without. As Alex pushes forward, scavenging for food, evading death at every turn, and uncovering the faintest hints of hope, he learns that he is not just trying to stay alive he is being hunted. Each encounter and every step forward reveals that the world may hold more mysteries than answers, and the truth behind his bracelet might be the key to his survival or his doom. With the shadows of the past haunting his every step and the future uncertain, Alex embarks on a harrowing journey to find answers, safety, and perhaps redemption in a world where hope is the rarest resource of all.

The first anniversary of Alexander Rhea’s death should have brought closure, but for investigative reporter Ava Harris, it only deepens the nightmare. A year ago, she thought she had left behind the haunting, manipulative tycoon and bestselling author—but when she picks up his diary on the anniversary of his death, she’s faced with a chilling discovery: a new entry, written in fresh ink. “To be continued.” The words send a jolt of terror through Ava, for she knows one undeniable truth: Alexander Rhea has been dead for a year. Or so she thought. As the memory of their disturbing interview resurfaces, Ava realizes she’s been tangled in a web of lies, power, and dark obsession. Three years ago, she entered Rhea’s mansion to conduct an exclusive interview, expecting the usual. Instead, she was thrust into a twisted psychological game that pushed her to the edge of sanity. Now, as she revisits the haunting moments of that encounter, Ava uncovers a series of chilling murders—each marked by a cryptic whisper of “Goodnight.” The closer Ava gets to the truth, the more she feels the unshakable presence of Rhea looming over her. Is he truly gone, or is he manipulating her from beyond the grave? As her investigation unravels, the line between the living and the dead begins to blur, and Ava is forced to confront a terrifying question: What if Alexander Rhea never really died?

In the heart of a relentless Russian winter, truth is a fragile flame. Viktor, a reclusive writer burdened by failure and haunted by the voices of his past, retreats to a desolate cabin in a snowbound village. Armed with little more than ink, paper, and a candle—an heirloom of his late mother—he vows to compose a masterpiece that unravels the marrow of human existence. But as the blizzards rage outside, his blank pages echo the haunting void within. Salvation—or perhaps confrontation—arrives in the form of Anna, a widowed woodcutter with hands calloused by labor and eyes sharpened by survival. Her pragmatism clashes with Viktor’s obsession, igniting an uneasy exchange: she leaves wood at his door each morning, and he leaves pages of his manuscript in return—pages she burns unread. As the storm grows fiercer and shadows creep closer, Viktor’s work swells with ambition, but his certainty crumbles. The cabin becomes a crucible where fire and ice, truth and futility, creation and destruction battle for dominance. With his manuscript soaked in melted snow and his spirit stretched thin, Viktor must confront a harrowing question: is the act of creation enough to stave off the weight of despair? Lyrical, haunting, and deeply introspective, The Weight of Shadows is a meditation on the fragility of art, the resilience of the human spirit, and the fleeting warmth of connection amidst the cold.

Liang Feng, a ruthless self-made millionaire, is betrayed and reborn as Qin Yu, a ten-year-old heir to the Qin family in a world of cultivation. With a mysterious system at his disposal, he aims to build the most powerful sect and dominate the realms. Navigating through a society filled with powerful factions and hidden secrets, Qin Yu must harness his past knowledge and modern mindset to cultivate his skills, gather allies, and conceal the darkness within. Will he rise to power and carve his legacy, or will his past haunt him in this new life?

"You can outrun many things, but fate will always find you, like your shadow in the light." . In the heart of Washington D.C., mafia heir Vaughn Volkov is on a mission that takes him far from the sun-soaked streets of California. The bustling city, with its imposing monuments and corridors of power, is a far cry from the palm-lined avenues of his home. Vaughn, however, is not one to be easily intimidated. His piercing blue eyes and commanding presence turn heads wherever he goes, a reminder that beneath his polished exterior lies a man accustomed to danger and control. Vaughn's path crosses with Eliza Monroe, a seemingly innocent college student whose gentle demeanor masks a resilience forged from her own turbulent past. Eliza, with her kind heart and determined spirit, is an enigma. She spends her days buried in books at the library, her nights working part-time to make ends meet. Her brown eyes, often hidden behind a cascade of dark curls, hold a depth that Vaughn finds both intriguing and unsettling. Their first encounter is anything but ordinary. Vaughn watches, intrigued by her fearlessness and the fire in her eyes. "You're not like the others," he remarks later, cornering her in the quiet corner of the library. His voice is a low, dangerous purr that sends shivers down Eliza's spine. "And you're not just the student here," she retorts, meeting his gaze with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "What do you want from me?" Vaughn's lips curve into a slow, dangerous smile. "Maybe I just want to get to know you." Despite her reservations, Eliza feels a strange pull towards Vaughn. His presence is intoxicating, a blend of danger and allure that she finds hard to resist. As they spend more time together, Eliza begins to see glimpses of the man beneath the mafia heir. Vaughn, too, finds himself drawn to Eliza in ways he never anticipated. Her kindness, her strength, and her unyielding spirit ignite something within him that he thought long buried. Yet, as their connection deepens, the shadows of their pasts loom ever larger. Vaughn's family business, shrouded in crime and violence, is never far from his mind. His enemies are ruthless, and his association with Eliza puts her squarely in their crosshairs. Eliza, too, harbors secrets. The dark forces that have shaped her life threaten to consume her, and Vaughn's world only amplifies those dangers. As their worlds collide, they must navigate a treacherous web of intrigue, passion, and forbidden desire. But with danger lurking around every corner, will their love survive, or will they be torn apart by the shadows of fate?

In a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse, emergency unit doctor Kate is thrust into a nightmare beyond her worst fears. As chaos reigns, she transforms from a timid caregiver into a fierce survivor, navigating the remnants of civilization in search of her missing brother. Along the way, Kate encounters a group of survivor who ignites feelings she never expected But survival is a double-edged sword. Kate must rely on her newfound strength and the bonds she’s forged to find safety. Just when she believes she’s found a sanctuary, kate has to look for more survivor. Along with her new found friends, Kate faces the horrors of the world and the uncertainty In a gripping tale filled with humor, resilience, and unexpected love, Shadows of the Undead explores the depths of human connection in a landscape where every heartbeat could be your last. Will Kate find her way and discover a future worth fighting for, or will the shadows consume her forever?

On his 20th birthday, Asher's mother confessed something he never expected. After the truth was revealed, she died giving her last blessing to him. That's when Asher found himself all alone, confused about his own identity and worrying about his future. What did she say? -He was someone special? -Someone people would come after? She said he was coming from a very rare but also a very special race called omega where men could get pregnant. Was it real? At first, Asher strictly refused to accept his mother's confession. But in the end, he had to believe it. Because it was the bitter truth. If he was really coming from such a rare race, and had such a special body, did he have to live all his life hiding so he wouldn't get caught and become someone's plaything? Was that the only way to avoid getting the bad ending his father got? Why was he even born as someone like this?! He just wanted a peaceful life. So, it wouldn't be as dangerous as his mother said if he just forgot he was special and lived like a normal person, right? People would not notice. Alas, it's been a long time since people last saw an omega and they must be believing no omega exists now. At least that's what he thought... He thought people might have forgotten about his existence and he would not have to face any problems in the future.  Whether he was special or not, he still became a target. When he was kidnapped and auctioned as a slave, he regretted ignoring his mother's last advice. "Don't trust anyone easily. Your safety is in your hands and protecting yourself is your duty." He could only blame himself and expect for the worst if his special identity was to get revealed and meet the same end as his father did. However, his fate gave him a second chance along with a huge surprise which changed his life for the better. Hopefully, Asher was saved by the so-called 'bloodthirsty monster' duke and brought to his mansion to babysit his spoiled 10-year-old little sister who threw tantrums declaring she wants Asher to pat her head and comfort her. Just to babysit this adorable, little girl.  He was safe. His secret was also secured within himself. Thanks to that chaotic sister and brother, Asher's life slowly took new turns and continued with almost no obstacles...till some point. The surprise? The duke happened to have some kind of a 'strange' illness that had no cure. Not long after when Asher discovered it, he ended up becoming the perfect cure for his illness. But how? -Remember? He was 'special'! Where would his specialty as an omega lead his life to? What kind of mysteries would he have to encounter with this duke wishing comfort from him?  Will the duke's 'strange' illness ever get healed? How would their story flow to that perfect happy ending with the twist of love landing in the middle of their 'just a deal'? ________________ Note:  This story continues in a historical timeline. Similar to omegaverse, but not the same omegaverse universe. Magic, revenge, dukes, royal families, curses, spells, heats, ruts... (The book cover is from Pinterest. Respect to the artist.)

In a world where the mystical forest of Quen is both feared and revered, Yingyue, a skilled hunter, lives on the outskirts of the forbidden land with her younger brother, Jinli. With no parents and only each other to rely on, Yingyue hunts creatures from the edge of Quen, selling them at the village market in exchange for Solren to buy medicine for Jinli, who is gravely ill. Though the villagers warn her to stay away from the forest’s depths, Yingyue has always felt an unexplainable pull to it. When Jinli’s condition worsens, Yingyue learns that the cure lies deep within Quen, in a place no one dares to go. Determined to save her brother, Yingyue must navigate the treacherous and shifting paths of the forest, where mythical creatures, ancient spirits, and long-buried secrets await. Let me know if you’d like to expand or adjust anything!

In a world filled with Ability users, Demons and Extraterrestrials, Damion Darkblade finds himself born there without any parents to care for him, or an Ability of his own. This rare deficiency causes him to get bullied by his peers always, and his life became a living hell in the academy. The bullying gets so consistent and terrible to the point where he almost loses his life one day. However, with the interference of fate and a stroke of luck, he is recognized by someone with unprecedented power, and Damion's quest for revenge and ultimate glory blooms. [Congratulations Host!] [You have received the Dragon God's Legacy] [You have unlocked the Ability: Shadow]

In the chaotic world where humans, demons, immortals, and beasts collide, a man named Xander is forced into an unlikely reincarnation after an untimely death. Born in a small, ordinary village, Xander lives a life devoid of power, but a twist of fate transforms him into something far greater—an unkillable being with unimaginable power. Xander possesses a rare bloodline that allows him to shape-shift into different creatures—be it a vampire, werewolf, dragon, or even a devil. As he journeys through multiple lives in his reincarnation, he is constantly challenged by those who seek to exploit his rare abilities. Yet, despite the overwhelming forces around him, Xander remains calm and cold-blooded, strategically moving through life with a mix of genius and cunning. Xander is born with the “Immortal King’s Heart”—a legendary treasure passed down through generations. With this heart, he is destined to rule a world ravaged by war, beasts, and magic. However, his life takes a dark turn when a betrayal from the royal family sends him into a wild revenge-fueled quest, where he must reclaim his birthright and crush his enemies.

SABER-1 is more than a soldier— he is a reflection of the choices made in the face of annihilation and the sacrifices required to carry the weight of hope. A lone figure forged in the crucible of relentless warfare, his existence straddles the line between man and machine, embodying both the potential and the peril of humanity's technological evolution. His hulking frame, adorned armor marred by countless battles, evokes awe and fear in equal measure. Yet, beneath the reinforced plating and glowing visor lies the ghost of a man, burdened by the weight of his mission and the impossible expectations placed upon him. SABER-1’s story is one of paradox. He is humanity’s greatest savior and its most chilling reminder of what desperation can create. But with each victory, a haunting question lingers: where does the man end, and the machine begin? As the lines blur, SABER-1 becomes an enigma—a figure of unparalleled strength and relentless determination, whose actions echo far beyond the battlefield, forcing humanity to reckon with what it means to survive and what it means to be human.

In the mist-laden forests of Eryndale, Lyra, an independent herbalist, has always preferred the quiet rhythm of her secluded life. But her world is upended when Kieran, a wounded warrior shrouded in shadow and secrets, stumbles into her path. He names her the "Keeper," a fabled figure destined to wield a power that could protect their realm or destroy it. As an ancient darkness rises, bringing with it terrifying creatures known as Duskwraiths, Lyra and Kieran are forced into an uneasy alliance. Together, they unravel the mysteries of an age-old prophecy, forbidden magic, and a shared past neither of them remembers. But as they delve deeper into the secrets of Eryndale, the bond between them grows a fragile connection forged in danger and trust, yet threatened by the secrets Kieran guards and the power Lyra struggles to control. With the fate of the realm hanging in the balance, Lyra must decide whether to embrace the destiny she never wanted and risk losing her heart to the one man who may be her undoing. In a world where love is as perilous as the shadows, will their connection be the key to salvation or the spark that ignites the darkness? Shadows of Eryndale is a spellbinding tale of love, destiny, and the light that can shine even in the deepest shadows.

Summoned to another world, Tristessa Irandell embarks on a journey to find lost memories and the dark, evil truth behind the tragedies of Nekrom and her own past.

*****Excerpt***** “Don’t,” she whispered, her words shaky and desperate. “Please, Raph, don’t.” “Don’t what?” he murmured, his lips brushing her collarbone now. “This isn’t right. We shouldn’t…” “But we have,” he countered, his voice unwavering. Her knees threatened to give way, her strength faltering against the onslaught of sensation. She felt his hands on her shoulders, firm but not unkind, as he turned her to face him. Her heart hammered wildly as he lifted her with ease, placing her on the edge of his desk. He parted her legs with his hands and stepped between them, his large hands bracketing her waist. Their faces were inches apart, his breath warm against her lips. Her senses were drowning in him, in the heat of his body and the sheer magnetism of his gaze. “Tell me to stop,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “And I will. I’ll let you go and never ask this of you again. But it’s your choice, Natalie. Only yours.” Her mind screamed at her to end it, to take the out he offered. But her body betrayed her, leaning into him, craving his touch. He held her steady, his patience unnerving, as though he knew she would falter. “I’m waiting, Nat,” he urged, his voice softening, though his grip on her remained firm. “Raphael…” Her voice was a breathless plea, her will crumbling. “Yes, sweetheart?” Her hands found their way to his shoulders, clutching at the fabric of his shirt. She couldn’t stop the words that slipped from her lips, nor could she deny the truth in them. “Make love to me.” A dark smile curved his lips as he claimed her mouth in a kiss that stole her breath. “Good choice,” he whispered against her skin. “Because I wasn’t planning on letting you go.” *****Synopsis***** Raphael Emberlin, the Duke of Barrington, and his maid, Natalie Scott, are kidnapped while on a journey. After escaping their captors, they find themselves in a strange, unfamiliar land far from home. Everything around them is different, from the language to the people, and they must find their way back, all while learning to navigate the challenges of being stuck with each other. Raphael, used to being in control, struggles to trust anyone, especially Natalie. However, as they travel together, he begins to see her in a new light—her strength, courage, and ability to handle tough situations. On the other hand, Natalie has to deal with Raphael’s arrogance and pride, but she also notices his vulnerability and starts to understand him better. As they journey through this unknown world, their relationship starts to change. What began as a forced partnership slowly grows into something deeper. They each discover new strengths within themselves and each other. By the time they finally return home, they are left wondering whether they can go back to their old lives or if the journey has changed them forever.