The Court Of Shadows

# 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?

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.

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.

Society views witches as abominations, and as such, treats them that way. While on an errand for her coven, Lilith spies on a young Lycan boy playing with his friends, wistful for the life she could have had. In a twist of fate, she encounters him again, and a relationship blossoms between them. But in a world that wants nothing to do with witches, will their relationship survive the stigma? @ Art by Thorkell_40k

This novel is about the story of an orphan who was abandoned in a small village. Eventually, his village is massacred and he comes into contact with the mysterious power of magic. With this, he needs to survive and run for his life while growing powerful as fast as he can. Because there is something sinister about the world he lives in.

In a realm shrouded by eternal darkness, the Demon King Lucian Draven rules with an iron will and an unmatched command of forbidden power. Feared by mortals and immortals alike, he is a sovereign of unyielding shadows, bent on protecting his kingdom from ancient foes that threaten to upend the delicate balance of power. But Lucian's existence is disrupted when he encounters Erynn, a fierce yet mysterious warrior with secrets as deep as his own. Bound by fate and driven by vengeance, she challenges everything he stands for, sparking a dangerous alliance that could either save their world or destroy it completely. As war looms and betrayal brews within his court, Lucian must navigate an intricate web of power, trust, and forbidden desire. Together, Lucian and Erynn must uncover ancient truths, face unimaginable horrors, and forge a bond strong enough to shatter the darkness—or risk succumbing to it. Sovereign of Shadows is an epic tale of power, romance, and destiny, where the line between savior and destroyer blurs, and the fate of a kingdom hinges on the courage of two unlikely souls.

After his death, Chen Yuan came to a vast world of cultivation and became the son of a clerk in a remote mortal country. Demons and ghosts are rampant here, and dangers is everywhere. Martial arts, food, spirits, monsters, Taoism, spiritual blood, evil spirits, Spiritual Realms... Born in such a big world, mortals are no better than ants. Fortunately, A cheat of [Jade Book] gave Chen Yuan the confidence to survive in this world. It includes Taoist martial arts and analyzes the content of the exercises. According to personal circumstances, He could deduce the most suitable practice plan for himself, so as to complete the practice in the most efficient way. It can also analyze the properties of materials and find spiritual roots and precious medicines that can accelerate the efficiency of practicing the exercises. Martial Arts: Green Corpse Palm, Ghost Blade, Ten Thousand Poison Jade Body Skill... Cultivation Techniques: Ghost Accomplice Technique, Red Clam Swallowing Moon Technique, Incense Alchemy Technique, Devil Eyes... With the help of these rare treasures, Chen Yuan started from the mundane martial arts world and gradually embarked on a mysterious immortal path of wandering the endless world in search of immortality... (My fellow cultivators, I am writing this new novel in English which is obviously not mother tongue language. So please help me if in case I make some mistakes. And Please rate and comment if you like it.) Chapters release date: 1 chapters per 2 weeks at maximum whereas 1 chapter per 1 week at minimum case And if possible please donate some gifts or coins for me.

In a simulated reality known as the New World, Jin, a young man with extraordinary abilities, discovers the truth about his existence. He learns that the Shadow Council, a powerful organization, controls the New World and seeks to eliminate anyone with special abilities.Jin takes the Stage to Save Humanity

Ji-Ai, a curious teenager, delves into the dangerous world of the dark web, unaware of the consequences of his actions. His reckless exploration attracts the attention of a powerful and ruthless cybercriminal known as the Shadow Lord. A bounty is placed on Ji-Ai's head, setting off a high-stakes digital manhunt. As skilled hackers close in on him, Ji-Ai must navigate the treacherous depths of the dark web to survive.

Humanity clings to survival in the shadow of defeat in the shattered remnants of a fallen world. The Extractants—a horrifying alien force of unimaginable ferocity—have ravaged the once-mighty human frontlines, leaving Earth’s defenders broken and scattered. Among the ruins, a lone SABER operative, Eilífr the last of his kind, navigates the desolate and hostile landscapes of Ravena, the war-torn epicenter of the Extractants’ invasion. Designed to be humanity’s ultimate weapon, a SABER is a fusion of human resilience and advanced technology. But even his unparalleled skills and weaponry couldn’t save his comrades. Haunted by survivor's guilt, Eilífr must now embark on a perilous mission that may be humanity's final chance to strike back. Faced with impossible odds, Eilífr becomes the spearhead of a desperate rebellion, a symbol of defiance in a world where survival is no longer guaranteed. But in the face of an enemy bred to consume and destroy, how much of his remaining humanity can he afford to lose to win?

At just 14, Lydia escapes an abusive home only to face the brutal realities of life on the streets. Battling assault, betrayal, and relentless hardship, she claws her way to a semblance of stability, only to marry Marcus, a man whose lies drag her into his criminal world. When Marcus flees, leaving Lydia and their son at the mercy of his vengeful enemies, she’s forced to fight for their survival. With the help of Daniel, a mysterious stranger with a troubled past, Lydia learns to protect herself and her child. But as danger closes in, she must confront her fears, uncover her inner strength, and fight for a future free from the shadows of her past. Shadows of Survival is a powerful story of resilience, redemption, and the unyielding love of a mother determined to survive.

In the Shadows of Rapture When the world is suddenly and violently altered by the mysterious disappearance of millions, those left behind find themselves struggling to comprehend the devastation and spiritual implications. Among them is Elena, a young woman caught between grief and disbelief, and Eliam, a pragmatic survivor who clings to reason even as everything he knows crumbles. As chaos spreads and humanity teeters on the brink, a new and unexpected force emerges: aliens who claim to bring salvation and unity under their enigmatic leader, Xareth. At first, Xareth's arrival brings promises of hope, order, and freedom for those who accept the mark of allegiance. But as the true nature of his reign unfolds, the allure of survival morphs into a chilling realization: submission comes at the price of humanity's very soul. Amidst rampant immorality and a world overtaken by false peace, Elena and Eliam must navigate the fine line between hope and despair, resisting the seductive pull of an easy life under the shadow of oppression. Natural disasters grow in ferocity, the stars themselves threaten to fall, and whispers of a greater truth about the alien invaders begin to surface. Time runs out as the survivors are forced to confront what’s left of their beliefs and grapple with a world that has abandoned prayer and faith. The final countdown arrives with Xareth’s plan revealed in its entirety, leaving humanity with a singular and haunting call to action: repent, or face an unthinkable end. "In the Shadows of Rapture" is a thrilling, apocalyptic tale of survival, betrayal, and the fight for truth in a world that has lost its way. It challenges readers to consider what remains when all hope is gone and pushes them to reflect on their own beliefs when faced with a future as dark as night.

In a world where power defines status, Eren Veyrath, a downtrodden F-rank youth, dreams of ascending to the coveted S-rank—a title reserved for the elite. Ridiculed for his lack of talent, Eren's journey seems impossible until a mysterious system awakens within him. Unlike anything the world has seen, the system offers him unparalleled opportunities for growth—but at a cost shrouded in mystery. Accepted into Arkanis Academy, the world's premier training institution for future heroes, Eren must navigate a perilous path filled with rivalries, deadly trials, and the intrigue of powerful factions. Alongside his unlikely allies—the brilliant Celia Ardent and the enigmatic Lucius Drelthorne—Eren uncovers a web of secrets linking his newfound power to ancient forces lurking in the shadows. As Eren grows stronger, he discovers that his system has a darker side, tied to a sinister force that threatens the balance of the world. Hunted by shadowy figures and distrusted by those around him, Eren must learn to wield his abilities while unraveling the mysteries of his past. In a tale of action, adventure, and self-discovery, Shadows of the S-Class explores the journey of an underdog fighting against impossible odds to claim his destiny. But as Eren delves deeper into the shadows, he must ask himself: Is the price of power too high to pay?

Nerissa.. a single 25 year old maiden of earth was born into the world of Magic as a descendant of Ishtar's, the supreme family on the Luna continent. Unfortunately for her, she was born without a speck of mana inside her! They tried to forcefully awaken her mana, for ten years, only to fail miserably! Infuriated by this disgrace of a child, her parent sent her to the continent of Lars, the synonym of Chaos! ... Will she be able to rise alone? Or, fall like others? Join Risa on her journey to reclaim her position!

"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?

"Warden of Shadows": In a world where reality intertwines with the enigmatic realm of shadows, Adam’s ordinary life is shattered when he discovers he is the heir to an ancient lineage entrusted with maintaining the balance of cosmic forces. What begins as a typical evening transforms into a nightmare when Adam stumbles upon glowing, living symbols carved into his dining table—symbols that speak in a language no human should understand. With a single touch, Adam unlocks a gateway to a shadowy dimension governed by unearthly laws. There, he encounters a mysterious entity that names him the "Warden of Shadows," the last scion of a bloodline tasked with guarding the equilibrium between light and darkness. But this inheritance is no gift; it’s a curse, burdened with dark secrets about his family and the true nature of his existence. Adam is thrust into a conflict between two relentless forces: the darkness that seeks to exploit his newfound power to plunge the world into chaos and the light that manipulates him as a pawn for its own agenda. Pursued by shadowy creatures and pressured by enigmatic allies, Adam learns that true balance lies not in choosing one side, but in embracing the shadow within himself. As betrayal, loyalty, fear, and courage collide, Adam embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the origins of his power and the hidden truths about his world. Each revelation pulls him closer to an ultimate decision: will he embrace his destiny and master the shadows, or reject it and become their first victim? "Warden of Shadows" explores profound themes of identity, free will, and the blurred lines between good and evil, wrapped in an epic tale of mystery and fantasy.

In a kingdom shrouded in eternal twilight after a cursed war, Dalilah, a deadly assassin fueled by vengeance, infiltrates high society to kill the Eclipsed King and end the darkness. To dismantle his defenses, she targets Alden, the King’s loyal Chief of Command—unaware he’s her childhood friend from brighter days. Posing as a noblewoman, Dalilah arranges a calculated marriage to Alden, but as their paths intertwine, she is torn between her mission and the forbidden love that could destroy them both.

Jason had thought about punching a Shil’vati. Who hadn’t? Not only had the aliens conquered Earth with almost trivial ease, the seven-foot purple amazons also had the audacity to start running the planet better than Humanity ever had. He'd never do it though. He was a reasonable guy, just trying to get by under his new feminine overlords. Wasn't he?

The Storytellar (Shadows of A Massacre) By Firelorn P. King DISCLAIMER All the characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. But the work reflects reality somewhat, which is one of the issues of our society. All Rights Reserved. INSCRIPTION A story may have different beginnings but all parts of the story always find their way to the end, eventually. —King Firelorn. SYNOPSIS In a world divided by science and magic, three children lost people precious to them all in one night. They all grew up to discover their potential in the world of sorcery and spells, conjuring parts of themselves that sought different things. One child sought Justice. Another sought Revenge. And the last one sought... Chaos. This is a story that shows the experience of three broken main characters and one manipulative psychopathic villain.

Emmie’s heart pounded as the figure rose from the shadows, thicker and grayer than before—a far more earthbound and sinister version of the one he thought he’d conquered. The sparkling light from the crystals above seemed to be sucked away, leaving a suffocating emptiness. Even the sound of his friends’ breaths around him grew faint, their voices—one of concern, another of reassurance—muffled echoes through the cavern behind him. Yet he knew he had to press forward, deeper into the darkness, and face this alone. For now. The figure stepped closer, slow and deliberate, its glowing eyes radiating an icy malevolence. “You think you’ve overcome your fears?” it hissed, its voice sharp and grating. “That was nothing. I am the fog inside you—the one you ignore, the one that carves at you.” Emmie swallowed hard, forcing himself upright despite the shaking in his legs. “I’m not afraid of you,” he said, summoning courage he didn’t fully feel. “I’ve come too far to turn back.” The figure’s laughter crawled down his spine. “Brave, so brave… but so foolish. You’ve barely begun to uncover the truths buried in your soul. Your doubts, your regrets, your anger—they feed me.” For a moment, Emmie faltered. The words clawed at wounds he’d tried to ignore, stirring his doubts: Could he truly protect his friends? Were his choices enough? The darkness seemed to press closer, suffocating him with its weight. But then he remembered Mira’s voice, full of faith. He thought of Amara’s bright laughter and Cory’s unwavering support. They had believed in him when he couldn’t believe in himself. “Maybe I do doubt,” Emmie admitted, meeting the figure’s glowing gaze. “But those doubts don’t define me. My friends believe in me, and I believe in myself.” The figure’s eyes narrowed, frustration flickering within. “Conviction alone won’t save you,” it hissed. “Your friends are far, and here, it’s just you and me.” It raised its arm, and the shadows coiled into smoky tendrils, striking toward him. Emmie dodged just in time as they slammed into the ground, shattering the stone and sending shards flying. His heart raced, his footing unsteady, but he pushed himself upright. A faint light flickered in his hand—small but wholly his. The figure laughed, mocking him. “Is that all? A tiny flicker? Pathetic.” Emmie clenched his jaw. “It’s enough,” he said. “This light is everything I fought for, everything I believe in.” The figure snarled, and the darkness surged again, crashing against Emmie’s light. Straining against the tide, he closed his eyes and steadied his breathing. He thought of his friends, their unwavering faith, and his purpose. The light steadied, burning brighter. At that moment, he heard their voices—Mira, Amara, and Cory—calling to him. The sound reignited his resolve. As their light joined his, the shadow recoiled, its form shattering under their combined strength. The figure’s voice echoed as it faded: “This isn’t over, Emmie. This is just the beginning.” Emmie stood firm, unwavering. “I’ll be ready. Let’s finish this.”

Title: Kingpin of the Shadows --- Synopsis: Born into the violent streets of Colima, Mexico, Alejandro "Lex" Navarro grows up in a world where power is currency and survival demands ruthless cunning. Gifted with a genius intellect and unrelenting ambition, Lex dreams not of escaping his dangerous environment but of conquering it. As he rises through the ranks of Colima's criminal underworld, Lex aspires to build an empire that surpasses the world's most notorious warlords. From mastering the art of manipulation to orchestrating international alliances, Lex's journey is a saga of betrayal, brutality, and brilliance. But as he amasses wealth and power, the shadows of his choices threaten to consume him. Will he achieve his dream of becoming the richest and most feared figure in history, or will the same fire that fuels him ultimately destroy him? --- please just read the first chapter and try it leave a comment and tell me what you think about it if you don't like it

In the mystical realm of the Seven Mystic Lights, the powerful Tenebryss Noctelion family stands as one of the Seven Great Families, possessing ancient legacies of magic, martial arts, and a profound connection to the shadows. Yet, within this family lies a fractured heart. Jaguar, once a dedicated father, spirals into darkness after a painful divorce, seeing his estranged family as adversaries to be eliminated rather than loved. His bitterness blinds him to the emotional needs of his three children, each struggling with the rift that now divides their family.

In a world where power determines destiny, Xie Zhen is a cultivator with a dark and ruthless reputation. Born into poverty and marked by betrayal from a young age, he learned that the only law that counts is that of brute force. Unlike typical cultivation heroes, Xie Zhen is not guided by a sense of justice or a need for simple revenge: he is driven by an insatiable desire to control the destinies of others and subjugate those who dare stand against him. path. His rise is marked by calculated acts of cruelty and manipulation. He does not shy away from any method, whether it is stealing, betraying or even sacrificing the souls of his allies to obtain the slightest fragment of power. Xie Zhen revels in the chaos he causes, feeding off the suffering of others to strengthen his own powers. Where others ally out of caution, he infiltrates and destroys, using human weaknesses as pawns in a ruthless power game. As he climbs the ranks of cultivation, Xie Zhen discovers forbidden techniques, paths few dare explore and which slowly transform his soul. However, his quest for infinite power attracts the attention of ancient gods and malevolent entities, who see him as a threat to the fragile balance of the world. But Xie Zhen is determined to surpass even the heavens, ready to face all forces, whether divine or demonic, to become the very embodiment of terror. In Shadows of Ascension, the reader is drawn into a spiral of darkness and pure ambition, where the protagonist doesn't just survive: he crushes, consumes, and transcends the limits of human morality to reach a peak terrifying, daring the entire world to bend to his will.

In the shadowed heart of an ancient world, where the whisper of betrayal blends with the clink of steel, lies the Forgotten Realm—a land where alliances are as shifting as shadows and trust is a luxury few can afford. "Shadows of the Forgotten Realm" plunges readers into a rich tapestry of action, adventure, and palpable tension, where every corner of the kingdom pulses with life and the threat of death. At the core of this sprawling saga is Elric, a seasoned mercenary with a murky past, whose quest for redemption will lead him to uncover secrets that could topple kingdoms. Bound by a solemn oath to protect a mysterious artifact, Elric’s path crosses with Aeliana, a warrior princess fighting to reclaim her throne from usurpers who have sown discord within her kingdom. Together, they navigate a realm rife with bandits and conquerors, where every friendship is tested and every enemy may once have been a friend. As Elric and Aeliana muster a ragtag band of allies—from stoic knights to cunning rogues—they confront not only external threats but internal demons, exploring themes of loneliness, survival, and the agonizing price of power. With every skirmish and whispered conspiracy, they learn that in the Forgotten Realm, the greatest battles are often fought within the soul. "Shadows of the Forgotten Realm" is a story for those who relish deep, character-driven narratives set against a backdrop of vivid, historical realism. Readers will find themselves lost in epic battles, intricate politics, and heartfelt moments of camaraderie, all woven together by the unyielding threads of fate and ambition. Here, every decision has weight, and every shadow holds a story. Are you ready to step into the realm?

Introducing Shadows of Shrine. A Short gripping tale of horror inspired by the eerie true events surrounding Masaaki Nakayama's experience while creating PTSD Radio. Dive into this unsettling story of Masaaki by me!