Queen Of Masks

When divine blood flows through your veins, monsters hunts you down until you’re dead. That’s the harsh reality each demigod has to live everyday. Marina is one of them and, because of this, she had to leave her home when she was still a child. Now she has grown up and lives in the Lilies Park, a place in the Otherworld where she meets Shirei, a mysterious demigod who has no memory. Shirei will have to deal with his hidden past to understand why the gods seem to treat him like an enemy, but Marina fears that the journey will only lead to his death. Thus begins the last act of the plan of the forgotten goddess: the queen of masks. I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad.com

In 480 BCE, Queen Artemisia I of Caria commands her fleet in the Persian navy during the Battle of Salamis. Known for her strategic brilliance, she navigates the treacherous waters of war and politics, earning respect from allies and foes alike. Amidst the chaos, Artemisia grapples with her identity and the sacrifices required of her as a ruler and warrior. Her courage and wisdom shine through, making her a legendary figure in a male-dominated world.

[not a LitRPG / isekai / cultivation.] [Espionage / Slowburn / A very human story] SYNOPSIS: A child rotting on the streets was suddenly dragged into the black car of one of the many conglomerates that rule the world from the shadows. Through golden flames and swathes of blood, he was trained and experimented on to become the perfect weapon. In this ever-changing world of conspiracy and technological marvels, Test Subject 201, now called Felix, navigates the world as the experiment's sole survivor, standing as the foundation for humanity's next step in evolution.  Armed with his gun, newfound abilities, and a memento he holds dearly, he marches through the steep path of darkness and deceit, and faces off against mafia, mercenaries, and countless criminals and corporations, to enact the organization's mantra to "protect the peace.".

I woke up not knowing who I am or where I am. All I have is a system and the fact that I'm a Zerg Queen! [Congratulations on being the 1,555th system carrier!] I've got 1,554 people coming to subdue or kill me! I need help! I can only behave like a Zerg Queen and invade planets and have an infinite army! I'll use anything! Deceit! Assasina! Conspiracy! War! Anything! (For the record, the character is a woman most of the time, but from time to time she'll become a futa).

What would you do if the person you raised, turned against you? For that person, you sacrificed your childhood but in the end, they still turned against you. It all began like a dream, a sweet dream to say, then a crack happened but she mended it, then another appeared and she mended it again until it finally broke down. Ely kept the lesson taught by life in the deepest part of her heart. She ran away because she was trying to escape from the truth but she met it again and this time, she lost her innocence, she lost the last bit of humanity she had and she lost the color of her soul and eventually, she submitted herself to the devil who used her gleefully. Silveria, a young King felt his ambitions came first before anything else. He once told a girl, that if he wanted something, he got it and it didn't matter how he got it. He was nicknamed the devil. The devil met this girl who lost the color of her soul and fed on her indifference but soon, he began to thirst for more. Is the devil going to pull her into hell with him or will both find salvation? PS:the cover is not mine so I can take it down if the owner comes by.

Jeannette, seorang gadis remaja dengan pengidap PTSD harus menghadapi sebuah pengalaman tidak mengenakan bersama para saudaranya ketika hendak pergi berlibur. Hal itu semua berawal dari sebuah kesialan pada malam liburan hingga berujung pada sebuah petaka yang menimpa mereka. Sebuah hal ghaib berusaha untuk mengejar mereka dan mencoba merenggut nyawa mereka satu persatu. Mampukah Jeannette dan para saudaranya terbebas dari hal tersebut?

In the quiet darkness of the city, where shadows stretch long and secrets linger, a charming and meticulous man prowls unnoticed. By day, he’s an unassuming professional, navigating the corridors of power with ease, his impeccable manners and handsome face concealing the predator lurking beneath. By night, he dons his most dangerous mask—a façade of warmth and intrigue that draws unsuspecting victims into his carefully woven web. Obsessed with uncovering the truths hidden in human minds, he views each person as a puzzle, their fears, desires, and vulnerabilities as treasures to exploit. But when he encounters a woman who seems perfect for his next plan, his tightly controlled world begins to fray. As his games grow darker and more daring, the question looms: will he remain the master of his deadly art, or will the mask finally crack, exposing the monster within? "The Masked" is a chilling psychological thriller that delves into the twisted mind of a man who thrives in the shadows, a story of manipulation, obsession, and the masks we all wear.

In Ogun's Kingdom, gods once walked among mortals, their presence leaving echoes of power, mystery, and ambition. Now, only the masked bearers of divine blessings bridge the gap between humans and the forgotten pantheon. Thorne Ironhold, a blind boy born into the prestigious Ironhold fief, stands at a precipice. Blessed by an unknown god during the sacred mask rite, he is labeled a "Stray"—an outcast marked by powers beyond mortal comprehension. Yet beneath the shadows of his failure lies an unimaginable secret: Thorne's mask holds the power to defy the natural order. As Thorne ventures from his father's forge to the treacherous Garden of the Gods and the rigorous academy, he seeks not only to carve his own path but to uncover the truth behind his destiny. Every battle tests his limits, every limit surpassed brings him closer to the power once lost to men—and closer to the chaos lurking within. In a world where dances summon divine might and masks conceal more than they reveal, Thorne's journey becomes a quest to challenge the gods themselves. But as he walks the path they once tread, he must ask: Will he rise among the embers of forgotten legends, or be consumed by them?

“I Lord Tank Albridge, and my family, Pete Albridge, Cleo Albridge, and Fred Albridge, disavow Vinnandra the hateful as our blood. “Today, in one voice we curse the day she joined us, and we’ll forever celebrate the day she has left our ranks! Vinnandra shall not know us, and she is not ours to know anymore.” *** In a world of white-haired dragon riders and black-haired witches, Princess Vinnandra Albridge is born red-haired as the forbidden spawn of a witch-spy and a dragon rider known as the Hateful. Unwanted by her family and shunned by society, Vinn tries to get by everyday unnoticed and alive. However, her simple plans come crashing down when her family disavows her by removing her from her royal bloodline, proclaiming her a traitor to consequently serve as an official slave to the notorious Lenklock dragon riders family that rules in the North. There, it would seem that while Vinn might not be able to groom a dragon, she might make good food for one… not if she had anything to do about it. Vowing to fight for her life and rise above others, Vinn must learn how to break through her blood and reach to whatever minute strength she possesses and become a dragon rider… or something. And it would seem Vinnandra’s vows would be realised in the form of Xander Lenklock—a troubled man and problematic heir who charges into her life, proclaiming a nobody like her his greatest ally and seeking her alliance. For the first time in a long while, Vinn feels needed and wanted—two dangerous elements that ignites feelings she shouldn’t have, and evokes thoughts she shouldn’t think. And in a partnership that might make or break them, Vinn was sure she would do anything to have Xanders’ body, heart and soul. Problem is, Xander has a fiancée who was there to stay… forever. But with her mothers past looming over her, and with shadows of the enemy hidden in the trees playing their ultimate move, even if Vinnandra manages to steal Xander’s heart, will she be able to keep it? Or will her dubious identity destroy everything she has come to enjoy? Will the powers she has come to possess swallow her? Or could she be the enemy that her people really fear? Be whatever it might, the ultimate question remains—Dragon rider or Witch… which is she? ***** VOLUME 1 (Beginnings): COMPLETE VOLUME 2 (Chaos Abounds): ONGOING

A quiet, unnoticed student hides a shocking secret: a double life as an online sensation. When a school project forces them to team up with the school’s most popular classmate, an accidental discovery threatens to expose everything. What starts as a tense revelation soon uncovers hidden truths neither expected, leaving both questioning who they really are—and who they can trust.

Kim Lalisa is a girl who has always wanted to be an idol but two things are stopping her which is her mum who doesn't want her to become an Idol and also her being poor which couldn't make her go to her dream school. But Lisa is a girl who doesn't give up easily decided to follow her dream when an opportunity came for her after meeting with a rich girl who also attends her dream school Lisa being a talkative babbled about her dream to her which the girl help her to apply for a scholarship going on then.

Just simple story.

she was once known " the most spoiled" woman at the empire by her brother and father, now that her brother is murdered and her only remaining family is her baby brother and the land her brother left to her as sole hire to the empire remaining.

Dragnelle Étoile is no stranger to secrets. A sharp-witted private investigator with a shadowed past, she navigates life with a limp, a cane adorned with a beast’s head, and a determination as unyielding as the pain in her leg. When Mickaël Rakoto, a man she hasn’t seen in decades, steps back into her life with a desperate plea, she is thrust into a world she thought she’d left behind—a world of wealth, power, and dangerous family secrets. Mickaël’s sister-in-law, Myrha Rakoto, has died under mysterious circumstances while climbing. Officially ruled as an accident, her death doesn’t sit well with Mickaël, who suspects foul play. But in a city where his wife’s powerful family—the Rakoto shipping dynasty—controls everything from the local police to the narrative of Myrha’s death, Mickaël needs someone fearless enough to uncover the truth. Dragnelle takes the case, but each clue she uncovers pulls her deeper into the Rakoto family’s web of lies, privilege, and betrayal. As she pieces together the circumstances of Myrha’s death, Dragnelle must confront ghosts from her own past, including her complicated history with Mickaël. With her sharp mind and sharper tongue, she maneuvers through bribes, betrayals, and old memories, searching for answers no one wants found. Set against the vibrant streets of Antananarivo and the shadowy world of high society, this is a gripping tale of ambition, justice, and the price of uncovering the truth. Secrets, after all, always have a way of coming to light—even when buried at the top of the climb.

In a world where the line between reality and the extraordinary blurs, Kai navigates the aftermath of a traumatic past. A chance encounter with masked individuals wielding supernatural powers thrusts him into a surreal sequence of events. As he witnesses a subway attack and his own house in flames, Kai discovers his uncle's involvement with a clandestine group possessing extraordinary abilities. The unfolding conflicts force Kai to confront a reality beyond his understanding, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and resilience in a world where powers beyond imagination shape his destiny.

For the sake of his family, Richard married a woman he had never met before. However, his newly wed wife was not only hideous but also viscous, which he only discovered on his wedding day. He thought he would be disgusted by her, but unexpectedly could not help but be attracted to this mysterious woman. What made Richard scratch his head even more, was that her face under the mask seems to be hiding some secret.

[So tell me, what do you want? Beauty System, who will make you one of the world's most drop-dead gorgeous women at the end...or Scholar System, who will make you one of the world's smartest people.] "I choose Scholar System!" Before Layla Ainsworth can answer, an excited voice interrupts the system. Layla Ainsworth glanced at her sister Greta Ainsworth with a deep look in her eyes. Her sister changed her choice this time around. But the question was...can it change her fate? .............................................. Layla Ainsworth and Greta Ainsworth were daughters of the poor Ainsworth Family.  At the age of 15, however, both of them mysteriously heard a mechanical voice in their mind. [Congratulations Miss Ainsworth, you have received a chance to change your fate. Our package has a Beauty System and a Scholar System. Which one would you like? ] "I will choose Beauty System!" Greta Ainsworth shouted before turning to her sister with a coy look, "Sister you won't mind, right?" Layla being the eldest sister, nodded and sacrificed her happiness for her younger sister. But when her own sister smeared her name, kicked her out of the house, and tried to ruin her reputation, Layla stopped being generous. She worked hard, completed her graduation by doing a part-time job, and with the help of the Scholar System, built her own company. Her hard work paid off. Her company ranked 1st domestically and ranked 3rd internationally. Her success story was used as a motivation by many.  Greta Ainsworth on the other hand failed miserably. Driven by desperation and jealousy, she killed herself and Layla. Who would have thought the wheels of fate would turn and they both would be back to the day they were given a choice? This time Greta didn't hesitate to choose Scholar System while casting a vicious glance at Layla. "Sister you won't mind, right?" She repeated the same dialogue. Layla smirked and answered, "Sure." With the knowledge of her previous life and the Beauty system in this life, she will prove to Greta that she wasn't successful because of her system, but the efforts she made. Along the way, she decided to find her gentle boyfriend who had a difficult life in the early stages. This time she will ensure, he doesn't have to suffer. She also vowed to save all those whom she lost in her last life. After all, wealth wasn't alluring, if there was no one to spend it with. ............................... "Why are you so hellbent on saving me? I am just some rat from the hellhole unlike you, the rising star of the entertainment industry while owning a company!" A certain handsome tanned man with a chiseled jaw and passionate eyes stared straight into Layla's eyes. "Because I like you," Layla muttered, her hands slowly caressing the cheeks of the man who not only lost his sight but also his life to protect her. "Do you wanna kiss me?" She tempted. "You..." "Yes or no?" Layla blinked her eyes innocently, while her system cursed her in a childish voice. [Host you are truly devious.] The certain handsome man blushed, yet his actions were much more honest and he leaned toward Layla's lips.

You're born, you live, and you die. But what happens after? No one knows. No one should know. But Seraphina knows. Seraphina remembers her past lives. She went from a human to a demon. Now, she is a werewolf. The problem is, none of her lives were long-lived. She died at 16, in the war her king started over a piece of land. She was killed at 25, in the war between humans and demons. Once again, she finds herself in the midst of a war. A war of werewolves against the dark witches. Will this life be any different? Will she survive this war? Or will she become its victim, once again? Will she live long enough to see her aged body? Will Alexander help her? Or will he betray and stab her heart as the last one? Is a mate bond really that important? Why should she trust someone just because the so-called Goddess said they were meant for each other?

I seriously felt like I was about to kick the bucket because of some mysterious sickness. But guess what? I snapped awake to find myself in this weird place, in some dude's body. A man? Seriously? I held my breath, and I felt something weird on my chest. "Huh? Is this... bondage? What the heck?" Then, out of nowhere, a rush of unknown memories flooded my mind. Turns out, I'm a general. Yup, that's right. And get this, I ain't no dude-I'm actually a young, stubborn lady who's playing pretend as her older brother. Crazy stuff, right?

a regular man living in the darkness of his failure he wanted to be an actor but life is Harsh for him one day his friend (assistant producer) gave him a offer to work as a actor will he accept it? is the path for him will be easy? what people he going to meet? is he can become an actor?

In the world of high society, billionaire Devlin Saint Clair is revered for his wealth, charm, and philanthropy. But beneath the façade, Devlin harbors a dark secret: he's a demon, heir to the throne of the underworld. Bound by his father's expectations, Devlin must navigate the treacherous landscape of demon politics to claim the crown. His ruthless ambition knows no bounds, and he'll stop at nothing to achieve his goal. Detective Mirabella "Bella" Thompson is no stranger to darkness. Haunted by a traumatic past, she's built walls around her heart. Alongside her sisters, she's forged a new life in the police force. But when she stumbles upon Devlin's true nature, her world is turned upside down. As their paths collide, Devlin's determined to keep Bella silenced. But she's not one to back down. As they engage in a cat-and-mouse game, Devlin finds himself torn between his loyalty to his family and his growing obsession with the fearless detective. Bella's secrets are her own, but Devlin's determination to uncover them threatens to destroy everything she's built. Can she resist the billionaire's allure, or will his darkness consume her? As the stakes rise, Devlin must choose between his destiny and his desire. Will he sacrifice his humanity for the crown, or will Bella's love redeem him? **Target Audience:] Adult readers (18+) who enjoy paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and suspenseful stories with complex characters and moral ambiguity.

Selene, the reluctant heir to the Phantom Queen’s throne, has spent her life in the shadows, unaware of the dark legacy that runs through her veins. When a mysterious force reveals itself, claiming her bloodline is key to a long-forgotten power, Selene is thrust into a world of danger and intrigue. As the ancient gods stir and an insidious plot unfolds, Selene must navigate treacherous alliances, including one with the enigmatic and dangerous Eryndor, who seeks to harness the power of the Eclipse Talisman. With every step, the line between friend and foe blurs, and Selene must decide whether to embrace her power and wield it to shape the future—or resist and risk everything. Haunted by dark creatures, bound by a legacy she never chose, and hunted by those who would see her fall, Selene is forced into a high-stakes game where trust is a luxury she can no longer afford. As the storm of the Eclipse approaches, Selene must choose her allies carefully, confront her deepest fears, and unlock the true potential of the power that sleeps within her—before it consumes them all.

This is a story comprising of two different stories in honor of Domestic Violence month. The stories are short and concise to draw the reader into the perspective of the character.

Caspian inched closer until his lips were mere inches away from Davina's, reeling her in to close the nonexistent gap between their mouths. "Have you ever been kissed, Dimitri?" He asked. Before Davina could lose control after Caspian's cold lips lightly grazed hers, she pushed him away and hurriedly stood up. "My Lord, this is highly unethical!" Her real voice nearly slipped out amid the chaos. "What's unethical about this?" Caspian's face lifted to form an innocent yet devilish smile, he seemed to be enjoying the reaction he got out of her. Flustered, Davina turned her back to him and took deep breaths before speaking more composedly. "We are both men and it wasn't ethical of you to try and... kiss me." The last bit came out as a whisper blown away by the wind. Caspian's chuckle echoed through the woods as he stood up from the bench and faced Davina with a smug look on his face. "Tell me, Dimitri, was I really trying to kiss a man just now?" "W-what do you mean?" Davina stumbled backward as she stared at Caspian in shock and disbelief, unsure of what to do to save herself from that situation. "Let me rephrase my question." Caspian delicately grazed Davina's cheeks with the back of his hand. "Are you really a man?" ***** With a bounty on her head and the need for a place to stay, Davina snuck into the castle of Lendorr, posing as a man in the royal army. Luckily for her, she was able to get away with her ruse easily that is, until she met the mysterious Lord Caspian. She is tasked with being one of his guards all while trying to avoid getting caught by the man who made it his life's mission to ruin her plan. Through a twisted game of deceit, Davina is forced to make a grave choice between Love and the REAL reason why she snuck into the castle.

A thing of beauty is lost forever. Charmaine Grace Flores used to be the Queen of Charms back in college. She was brainy, beautiful, and filthy rich. But that's all in the past now. On her 20th birthday, a fire incident claimed the lives of her parents. She lost everything. The fire incident left a scar, physical and emotional, that will never heal. Unable to find closure 12 years after the incident, she returned to Blake City to find the truth. But first, she must find work, or else she'll be booted out of her apartment. Marco Tarragona is the CEO of Tarra Gona, a multi-million dollar company in the print and digital industry. He strives to be recognized as a Tarragona. But what can an illegitimate son expect from a family whose loyalty is to their own legitimate progeny? After all, he's just a necessary bastard for the clan's future. Rosso is a disgraced police detective turned painter. He vowed to never return to Blake City. But a cash-strapped artist needs money. So he signed a contract to commission paintings. But will his priorities change now that the 'Tarragona's hound' is in town? Isabella Anne Gray has a past she wants to forget. She has a secret tied to Charmaine's fate that night of February 29th when Charmaine's house was ravaged by fire. But what's in store for Charmaine? When her past comes to haunt her.

Pain is real! Roselle Grey has always known pain is real but feeling the pain is different. Not physically but emotional pain. .... Roselle Grey is a 22-year-old Melanie beauty, all her life she has been judged for her skin. Her parents are white, but her dad has African blood in him, so she understands where she got the color from. She has always lived her life remotely boring, but all changed when the light in her life died. The only person apart from her parents that never judged her, the only person who understands her quietness, the only person who makes her day worthy of living, Lovette Grey, her younger sister. She died of a stray bullet which was shot during a raid between some thieves and the police. If that wasn't enough to make dear Roselle in pain, her family decided to move far from home Canada to Italy far from where the memory of her sister lies, but does she have a choice? No But what Roselle didn't think she was going to find was Love in the country of Italy. Or did she mistake pity for love? ... Leonardo King A man every lady wishes to be with Handsome, rich and polite He's every woman's dream. What happens when he sees a Melanie lady and his heart couldn't stop thumping? Is this what they call love at first sight? But he knows he couldn't do anything about it because he is engaged or is he? . . . . OH, did I add that there are some juicy African cultures to be discovered in some chapters.

Having transmigrated into a fantasy world of magic and knights , the son of humble merchant prioritizes safety above all else. Armed with a system and cautiousness that is sometimes unnecessary watch Gray slowly turn him and his organization into shadows. Hidden and only existing in the night." For a shadow can never be truly destroyed and fought aganist."