Leopold Nathan

[Warning: R18+] When Hate turns into Love... and Vengeance turns into Passion... Will he choose to start over with her? ======= Phantomflake's soul got separated from her body after committing suicide in front of her enemy, Nathan Sparks, the Supreme Leader of Syphiruz Mafia. She woke up only to find out that her body (which was in a coma state) was being held captive by Nathan 'the Devil!', who was trying to prolong her life. And what was his motive? To kill her by his own hand and torture her to death! Nathan has a deep resentment against Phantomflake as she was the one who assassinated the most precious person in his life. He wanted revenge! And things just got more exciting when a magical creature appeared in front of Phantom's soul, giving her a ridiculous mission in exchange of regaining her body back. "Make him fall in love with you within 100 days!" The flying creature said, pointing his small paws at Nathan who expressionlessly stood next to her sickbed. With her eyes going round, Phantomflake made an 'you-got-to-be-kidding-me' face at the flying creature. No way! That's a mission impossible! This guy loathed her so much. How would she do that??! ****** Excerpt: Nathan grabbed her by her neck. "Don't play tricks with me, Phantomflake." Nathan's cold voice reverberated inside the room, his eyes burning with rage. But Phantomflake just smirked at him, pressing her hands against his chest, her fingers teasing him. "You can't kill me, Nate. Just admit it. You've already fallen for me." With one swift move, Phantomflake pulled his shirt, closing their gaps as she crushed her lips against his lips. Surprisingly, Nathan just found himself responding to her. He lost! He couldn't resist her. ===== I owned the Book Cover (=";"=) Artist: Bea Cortez Join Author's server to get updates and announcements about the book. Discord link: https://discord.gg/WymeFaeQe

Nathan West has it all—wealth, power, and a legacy waiting for him. But when he meets Scarlett Madison, a sharp-tongued, ambitious woman from a working-class family, his carefully crafted life begins to unravel. Against all odds, they fall in love, defying his father’s wishes and building a life together in the face of poverty and adversity. Their happiness is short-lived when Scarlett is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, and secrets about Nathan’s family come to light. An illegitimate heir, Alex, emerges, threatening to claim the West fortune, while hidden truths about Scarlett’s own past begin to surface. As Nathan and Scarlett navigate betrayal, family rivalries, and their own personal struggles, they uncover a web of lies spun by political enemies and long-buried secrets that could destroy them. With love as their anchor and courage as their weapon, they face impossible odds to expose the truth and reclaim their future. But when life itself hangs by a thread, will their bond be enough to overcome the ultimate test?

In a world where summoners wield the power to call forth vampires, elves, angels, demons, and all humanoid creatures from across the realms, Nathan found himself unable to summon beings except from beasts.  However, those beasts are not ordinary beasts. They are divine beings who once stood at the same level, if not higher, than the legendary creatures the world ever knew.  Casting his gaze to the left, Nathan sees numerous summoners accompanied by the likes of demon kings, archangels, vampire progenitors, and other legendary beings. Turning to the right, a massive army of alien symbiotes is waiting to attack.  There was no fear in his eyes, because standing on his left is a majestic wolf who managed to kill a god, the legendary eight-headed serpent coils on his right, above him is the bird who is glowing like the sun, and behind him is a dragon that once gnawed the roots of the world tree.  “Let the war begin.”

[Peringatan: R18+] Ketika Benci berubah menjadi Cinta... dan Dendam berubah menjadi Gairah... Akankah dia memilih untuk memulai semuanya lagi bersamanya? ======= Jiwa Phantomflake terpisah dari tubuhnya setelah dia bunuh diri di depan musuhnya, Nathan Sparks, Pemimpin Tertinggi Mafia Syphiruz. Dia terbangun hanya untuk mengetahui bahwa tubuhnya (yang dalam keadaan koma) ditawan oleh Nathan 'Setan!', yang berusaha memperpanjang hidupnya. Dan apa motivasinya? Untuk membunuhnya dengan tangannya sendiri dan menyiksanya sampai mati! Nathan memiliki dendam mendalam terhadap Phantomflake karena dia adalah orang yang membunuh orang terpenting dalam hidupnya. Dia menginginkan balas dendam! Dan situasi semakin menarik ketika makhluk magis muncul di depan jiwa Phantom, memberinya misi yang konyol sebagai ganti mendapatkan tubuhnya kembali. "Buat dia jatuh cinta denganmu dalam 100 hari!" makhluk terbang itu berkata, menunjuk dengan cakarnya yang kecil ke arah Nathan yang berdiri tanpa ekspresi di samping tempat tidur sakitnya. Dengan mata membelalak, Phantomflake membuat wajah 'kamu-bisa-bercanda' pada makhluk terbang tersebut. Tidak mungkin! Itu adalah misi yang tidak mungkin! Pria ini sangat membencinya. Bagaimana dia bisa melakukan itu??! ****** Petikan: Nathan memegang lehernya. "Jangan main-main denganku, Phantomflake." Suara dingin Nathan bergema di dalam ruangan, matanya berkobar dengan amarah. Tapi Phantomflake hanya tersenyum sinis padanya, menempatkan tangannya di dada Nathan, jarinya menggoda dia. "Kau tidak bisa membunuhku, Nate. Akui saja. Kau sudah jatuh cinta padaku." Dengan gerakan cepat, Phantomflake menarik bajunya, menutup jarak di antara mereka saat ia menempelkan bibirnya ke bibirnya. Secara mengejutkan, Nathan hanya menemukan dirinya meresponsnya. Dia kalah! Dia tidak bisa melawan godaannya. ===== Saya pemilik Sampul Buku (=";"=) Artis: Bea Cortez Bergabung dengan server Penulis untuk mendapatkan pembaruan dan pengumuman tentang buku. Link Discord: https://discord.gg/WymeFaeQe

Claire Harper, once the privileged daughter of a wealthy family, faces a harsh reality after her family’s bankruptcy and her father’s mysterious disappearance. Determined to repay her father’s debts, she breaks off her engagement to Ethan Sterling, despite his unwavering loyalty. When a chance encounter with a gravely ill elderly man, George Cross, leads to an unexpected proposal to marry his grandson, Nathan, Claire’s life takes a dramatic turn. Nathan, a once-impoverished classmate turned secret billionaire, reluctantly agrees to the marriage. What begins as a practical arrangement soon uncovers hidden emotions, past rivalries, and the challenge of balancing love, family, and redemption.

Marriage is nothing but hell to Ashley Scott. From her husband's unbearable indifference to his open affair, she just wants nothing to do with this miserable union. After almost five years with her husband, Nathan Li, Ashley was tired. She wanted to be free and that would only happen if they got divorced. And Ashley was determined to get a divorce, even if it meant getting on her mother's bad side. Nathan, on the other hand, did not want that. Ashley was his other half, his person and separating from her was something he could not stand. Ashley didn't want Nathan, but Nathan wanted her, and he would do anything to keep her. With the revelation of secrets, would the couple be able to get past their trials and sustain their marriage, or would they forever be apart? *Excerpt: He held her shoulders, his dark blue eyes glowing in the dark. "No one else can have you, Ashley. You're only mine." The scene then changed. This time, the blue-eyed man in her memories was kissing her. After, he spoke in an awfully dangerous tone. "You know what I'm capable of, Ashley. You're only mine."

Tags: [Progression] [Litrpg] [Modern Fantasy] [SCP Inspired] The GRA classifies him as File #666, an anomaly locked away and monitored under the highest security, along with many other system-"blessed" humans, and monsters from other worlds. Nathan is no ordinary detainee. Within him lies a Gate, a link to realms of untamed power and cosmic terror. These aren’t just alternate dimensions—they’re living entities, each realm a source of unimaginable strength and unspeakable horrors. With every forced descent into these hostile realms, Nathan edges closer to a power that might burn him alive...or rebirth him as something the GRA can’t contain. The question isn’t if he’ll survive. It’s what he’ll become when he comes out of these dimensions. +++ I am writing this due to people's request. Shit starts getting picked up by around 25 - 30.

Icarus had become the Sovereign God after destroying Olympus and stealing the powers of the gods. After becoming human again and dying, he is sent by the deity of death, Charon, to a new world. Reincarnated as Nathan Evenhart, he decides to live as a simple human but discovers that this world has real magic. Caught in a noble dispute because of his family's name, he is once again drawn into a conflict he didn't want. Now, having learned to love someone, he decides to start from scratch and master magic. Magic Academy, Magical Beasts, Elemental Powers, Enchanted Relics, Elves... this is the world he now lives in. There's only one small problem with his reincarnation... he is haunted by his arch-nemesis, the Goddess Athena. Experience the journey of the young General as he enjoys his new life in a world of magic. ----------- What to expect: -  An MC who was once an Olympian God in another life, now starting from scratch to master magic. - Legendary creatures that will appear in the story as companions (You and the protagonist will witness their evolution together). - A storyline of impending war being orchestrated, where YOU will follow both sides and learn information unknown to the protagonist. - Secrets and mysteries involving Athena's Ghost (TRUST ME, you'll want to uncover why she's haunting the MC). - Follow the protagonist's journey until the moment when War arrives for our young General.

Here's the text with corrected grammar: Harin Farasya, facing death, was suddenly thrown into the prosperous Narendra kingdom. She inhabited the body of the Narendra heiress, a royal fugitive, due to her parents' betrayal. Harin met Nathan Virendra, a warlord competing with his brothers for family leadership. Nathan and Harin formed a contractual marriage alliance to jointly address their challenges.

Murder Game: A guy with a miserable life somehow finds himself working with some of the worst criminals in the US...How fun? Meet Nathan Hayes, a guy who constantly gets framed for crimes he's never done, vilifying him in society. The only thing that kept Nathan on the right path was his only friend, Lilith. But what if he was put in a situation where he could no longer stay innocent though? In a tragic turn of events, Nathan found himself partnering up with serial killers, terrorists, and cult leaders, all to be used as game characters for an individual who wants nothing more than destruction. This mastermind thinks it's all a game, even giving Nathan and his 'team' non-playable characters (NPCs). Pretending to be an NPC sounds fun...until you accidentally trigger a war. What to expect? 1. Weak to strong protagonist 2. Lots of betrayal and revenge 3. Heavy action 4. Bit of romance Discord Link: https://discord.gg/atAZeFnf23

Sophie Monroe, a renowned model from New York, had her world turned upside down after falling into a deceptive romance with her agency's CEO, Nathan Davies. In an act of love, she selflessly steps down from her throne, giving her rival, Amber Moon, a chance to shine. Her decision comes at a cost, leading to her being blacklisted from one of the Top 3 agencies, Star King Entertainment. Three years later, Sophie and Nathan's wedding plans unravel when she discovers Nathan's affair with Amber, who is now pregnant with his child. Heartbroken and betrayed, Sophie finds herself at the marriage court alone, left in the lurch by Nathan who uses Amber's injury as an excuse to postpone their wedding. The same day, Noah Kingsley, the CEO of Collider Scope Entertainment, also finds himself abandoned by his partner at the altar. In an unexpected twist, Sophie and Noah, two strangers bound by a common circumstance, decide to marry each other. Release Schedule: I plan to release 3-5 chapters per week, typically at 6 AM Eastern Standard Time (USA) and 11 AM Greenwich Mean Time (UK). But sometimes I will upload 2 chapters a day, for that the second time will have a 12 hours difference from the given time. Each chapter's length will range from 200 to 1500 words, depending on how much I can write. Thank you for your support, and I hope you enjoy this series!

Reincarnated from his past life as a farmer, Nathan now wields mysterious powers. Alongside his brave companion, Scarlet, he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind their abilities, face dark forces, and confront the looming threat of the Demon King. Together, they must navigate dangerous dungeons and unravel secrets that could change their world forever.

Nathan Steele, a brilliant but overworked game developer, dedicated his life to creating the perfect virtual worlds—ironically at the cost of neglecting his own. After collapsing at his desk from exhaustion, he wakes up in a vast, featureless void. Confused and disoriented, Nathan is greeted by a mysterious Tutorial System that delivers a shocking revelation: "You are no longer human. You are now the God of a new, empty world. Your survival depends on one thing—creating life and earning their unwavering worship. Fail, and you will cease to exist." Given divine powers beyond his imagination, Nathan must start from scratch, crafting the very fabric of reality. Armed with a system that offers guidance, challenges, and occasionally snarky commentary, he embarks on a journey to design landscapes, create intelligent beings, and guide their civilizations. But being a god isn’t as simple as coding a game—free will, rival gods, and unforeseen chaos constantly threaten his creations. To complicate matters further, he discovers he’s not the only god in existence. Other deities vie for dominance, their worlds and worshipers clashing with his own. To secure his survival, Nathan must navigate divine politics, outwit his rivals, and inspire his people to believe in him above all others. Will Nathan rise as a benevolent creator, or will desperation drive him to become a tyrant in his quest for worship? The fate of his world—and his existence—rests in the hands of his creations. In this new life as a god, the rules are clear: Create. Cultivate. Survive.

Caught between love, betrayal, and ambition, Emily Yates finds herself entangled in a web of power struggles and hidden secrets. When a chance encounter with the enigmatic Nathan Moore pulls her into a dangerous world of corporate wars and forbidden desires, Emily must navigate her own feelings and the shadowy motives of those around her. As she fights to reclaim her independence and unravel the chains of her past, Emily discovers that trust can be as fragile as love and just as easily shattered. Will she break free or become a pawn in this deadly game?

This story unfolds the love affair between a Taiwanese girl named Sophie and a French baron, Nathan. Driven by her passion for France and her admiration for Nathan, Sophie ventures to France alone. In France, she encounters a series of misfortunes, including losing her luggage and being robbed, but ultimately receives help from Anna and finds employment at Nathan's estate. Nathan is the president of Dino Wine Cellar, a prominent figure in the global wine market. Sophie gradually adapts to life at the estate, although she often finds herself in awkward situations due to cultural differences and her own minor mistakes. As time passes, the relationship between Sophie and Nathan evolves, but Sophie becomes aware of the vast social status disparity between them and decides to leave the estate and return to Taiwan. In Taiwan, Sophie discovers she is pregnant and gives birth to her son alone. Three years later, Nathan comes to Taiwan for business reasons and unexpectedly reunites with Sophie, at which point he learns about his son. Nathan's feelings for Sophie gradually become clear throughout these events, and he realizes that he is deeply in love with her, prompting him to propose marriage. Although Sophie initially has doubts about Nathan's intentions, they ultimately overcome their misunderstandings and obstacles and decide to be together. Nathan gains the acceptance of Sophie's family, and their relationship receives the support of their loved ones. The story concludes with Nathan and Sophie's reconciliation and the victory of their love, transforming Nathan from a "ferocious lion" into a man conquered by love.

Synopsis for A Serenade in Starlight When struggling artist Elena Harper receives the opportunity of a lifetime—a prestigious art scholarship abroad—she faces a heart-wrenching choice: pursue her lifelong dream or stay with Nathan Cole, the enigmatic photographer who’s captured her heart. From a chance meeting in a rain-soaked café to late-night walks under Parisian stars, their connection deepens through shared passions, unspoken truths, and the kind of love that feels destined. But when ambition and distance threaten to tear them apart, they must decide if love is enough to bridge the miles—or if following their dreams means saying goodbye forever. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris, A Serenade in Starlight is a tender, emotional journey about chasing what sets your soul on fire—both in art and in love. Will destiny be enough to rewrite their stars, or will they become just another beautiful memory? Perfect for fans of soulful romance, artistic passion, and unforgettable Parisian nights.

Title:Fate's Design Synopsis: When billionaire Nathan Harris collides with ordinary woman Tatiana Lewis on the streets of New York, fate sets in motion a love story that will change them forever. Nathan, a self-assured and confident billionaire, is drawn to Tatiana's authenticity and beauty. However, Tatiana, having been unlucky in love, has built walls around her heart. As Nathan pursues Tatiana, she finds herself torn between her attraction to him and her distrust of his wealthy lifestyle. But Nathan is determined to win her heart and prove that their love is worth fighting for. As they navigate their whirlwind romance, they must confront their own demons and the societal pressures that threaten to tear them apart. Will Nathan and Tatiana find a way to make their love work, or will their differences prove too great to overcome? Fate's Design is a heartwarming romance novel about the power of love to transform and redeem, even in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

In a world plagued by monstrous entities known as Traces, few possess the strength to survive the deadly bond with these parasitic forces. The story follows Nathan Gray, a 17-year-old with a dark past marked by a Trace attack that claimed his family. With his rare ability to survive the parasitic bond of a Trace, Nathan possesses the chaotic power of Arcana, manifested as green flames. Haunted by the past, he tries to lead a peaceful life but is drawn back into the fight when he crosses paths with Emma Langston, a determined Exorcist. Together, they battle the growing Trace threat, but as the line between friend and foe blurs, the young man must confront his own darkness and decide whether to embrace his power or walk away from the fight that’s never truly left him.

The world was once shared by humans and mythical creatures—Witches, Vampires, and Werewolves. Among them, the Werewolves were the strongest and sought to rule. Their Alpha, Dimitri Quinn, brutally killed a Witch, a Vampire, and a Human to assert his dominance. In response, the other creatures rose against the Werewolves. The battle raged until the moon goddess, Sierra, appeared, halting the war. With her radiant beauty and powerful voice, she cursed the Werewolves for igniting the conflict, stripping Dimitri of his title and weakening his inner beast. Dimitri's twin sons, Jayden and Kayden Quinn, took over, dividing their father’s pack into two. The Werewolves were cursed, forbidden to harm other creatures. If they disobeyed, they would lose their inner beasts and half their power. Although the war ended, the damage had been done—countless lives were lost. Years later, peace returned, but Sierra’s curse lingered. The Werewolves could only find their mates among humans, the weakest creatures. Meanwhile, Witches and Vampires remained free to love as they pleased. Muna Carmichael, eighteen, and her younger brother, Nathan, were among the unfortunate who lost their parents in the war. Forced to move in with their childless aunt and uncle, Muna struggled with the loss. Her hatred for the Werewolves grew. But what happens when Muna discovers she is fated to be the mate of a ruthless wolf

In a marriage of convenience, Nathan, after a night of drinking, has an affair with Ava, leading to her ectopic pregnancy. Before the surgery, Ava calls Nathan, who is preoccupied with his mistress and neglects Ava, even going as far as to accuse her of having an affair and carrying another man's child after the surgery... As their one-year contractual marriage comes to an end, Nathan realizes his feelings for Ava. But Ava is not willing to play along anymore! Excerpt： "I am Nathan Ford's girlfriend, loved by him, as everyone knows. And you... you're just a title holder, soon to be thrown out. By then, you'll lose all your dignity... no, you've already lost it. I bet your deceased mother would turn in her grave if she knew what you've become." Hearing Iris Hart's sharp and biting words, Ava Sterling initially didn't want to stoop to her level. However, the mention of her late mother crossed a line. A crisp slap echoed before Iris Hart could even react, leaving five bright red marks on her face. "Ah—Ava Sterling—you lowlife, how dare you hit me..." Iris Hart realized she had been slapped and reached out to retaliate, but Ava Sterling was prepared and caught her hand easily. "Listen, Iris Hart, if I'm the joke, what does that make you? You're also a joke. At least I'm Nathan Ford's wife by law! You! Iris Hart, are nothing but a mistress scorned by everyone. Every wealthy man may stray, but a hotel is just a hotel, and home is home. There can be many dishes, but there's only one bowl of rice."

Dia Nathan, dia pria yang selalu terlihat sederhana, dengan ransel di punggung dan motor tua yang setia menemani harinya. Di kampus, ia dikenal sebagai sosok pendiam, namun tatapan matanya menyimpan banyak cerita yang sulit diungkap. Hidup Kumala berubah ketika pertama kali bertemu Nathan di kelompok ospek. Di balik sikap tenangnya, ada kehangatan yang perlahan membuatnya nyaman. Mereka berbagi cerita, canda, dan momen-momen kecil yang seolah terukir indah dalam ingatan. Namun, seperti halnya kisah yang sering kali tak sempurna, ada dinding yang memisahkan mereka-ambisi, keadaan, dan kata-kata yang tak pernah terucap. Bertahun-tahun kemudian, di sebuah toko buku di Bali, Kumala tanpa sengaja menemukan buku kumpulan puisi. Nama penulisnya membuatnya terpaku. Saat membuka halaman pertama, Kumala langsung tenggelam dalam baris-baris puisi yang tak asing. Setiap bait mengembalikan dirinya ke masa lalu, menghidupkan kenangan akan Nathan-sosok yang tak pernah benar-benar ia lupakan. Namun, di balik buku itu, ada rahasia yang lebih besar. menimbulkan tanda tanya yang tak berujung, Dan jika Nathan masih ada, apakah ia masih menunggu?, atau sudah menemukan jalannya sendiri? Ini adalah kisah tentang cinta yang tak pernah selesai, tentang keberanian untuk melepaskan, dan tentang pertanyaan yang mungkin tak akan pernah terjawab: Apa yang sebenarnya ada di hati Nathan?

Nora, a teenager who was about 16 years old, inspire a boy and fell in love with him, seeing the truth about what her dad meant, make her sad and decided to clear all mistake she had made and start all over from the romantic spot.

A young boy Called Zazzo about 9 years old, who was being Maltreated by his parent, eventually went on a disguise on a SPY association, Unknowingly to him that the association squad he joined was actually a group of members hunting for Spy that was assigned by the Leader of a secret police force, Zazzo father, MR Kenny, is a detective who is looking for clues about this association of, until when he eventually know who was among association of the S.P.Y and telling some information about the Spy from the police force, HIS NAME IS "__________".

A 14year old girl named Estella who unexpectedly fell in love with her(older)brother best friend named Nathan and he is 16year old. btw she wrote this in her diary so we basically reading her diary hope you enjoy

Hana starts a new life in the mysterious town of Harushima, working as a criminal analyst for the police. Haunted by lost memories and strange dreams, she partners with the enigmatic Detective Nathan Hemirgi. As they delve into cases, Hana realizes her past is tied to the town’s secrets. Will uncovering the truth set her free or trap her in the darkness she’s trying to escape from.

I'm less than thrilled to be moving back to Neyland, and the worst part is that my childhood friend Tony Nathan is going to be my neighbour and classmate again. We've known each other since we were kids, but I had to move to Korea with my family a few years ago. Now, I'm returning to London and will be attending Royalty High School, one of the best schools in the city. While I'm relieved to have someone to talk to, I have to admit that Tony can be pretty annoying. He's always been dashingly handsome and smart, but also rude and infuriating at times. Despite our friendship, I've never been a huge fan of his. As I settle into my new life, I'm surprised to discover that we'll be living in the most expensive estate in Neyland - and that we'll be living with Tony's family, the Black family! My parents are best friends with his parents, and apparently, they've always hoped that we'd end up together. Yeah, right. I have five older brothers who are cool with the arrangement, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around it all. Living with Tony's family means I'll have to put up with his annoying antics all the time. But hey, at least I'll have someone to talk to, even if he drives me crazy sometimes." Read more to find out more about our crazy adventures

This is my first book I am writing, I have no goal in my mind for it and I am open for suggestions. I’m starting this more as a hobby rather than anything serious. If anyone reads I hope you enjoy! The story follows a very arrogant boy named Nathan Relix as he figures out his daddy won’t be there to help him all the time.

To Sloane, she was a human girl who was cursed by the heavens. Death to her loved ones always seemed to follow her despite how innocent or antisocial she was. Her life had been filled with darkness ever since she was a child, and she never knew the reason why. After her encounter with the southern werewolf tribe's prince, Nathan, her life is further pulled into an inescapable abyss. She learns why her life had always been miserable and realises how much of her life had been built on lies. All her experiences while growing up as a child, had always led to life walking all over her. The more she learns, the more steps she takes which always led back to the words Nathan told her whenever she was discouraged "Turn your kindness into your greatest weapon" A fallen fighting to reclaim what she has lost. A naive girl turning into a decisive woman. That was who she was and who she slowly became. Her experiences with Nathan, became the stepping stone for her to become a powerful queen. She is the fallen alpha

A massive alien ship crashes into the Pacific, sending shockwaves across Earth. Pulsing with strange energy, it broadcasts a chilling message: "HELP US." As governments race to uncover its origins, President Julia Halstead and General Nathan Price discover the ship is alive—part of a dark cosmic conflict that threatens humanity's survival. Eternity’s Edge is a gripping sci-fi thriller about first contact and the battle for existence.

In a world where time touches all but a few, Nathan von Astro, a noble of mysterious fortune, finds himself bound to an existence far longer than any mortal could imagine. As centuries pass and kingdoms fade, Nathan must navigate the weight of eternity, struggling to understand the true nature of his fate. Along his journey, he encounters fleeting moments of joy, love, and loss, each leaving a lasting imprint on his soul. But as the world changes around him, the question remains: What does it mean to endure when everything else is destined to fall away?