Ragged Apron Cafe

First Arc: "Don't leave me! Just look at me and stay awake!" Words that haunted Ariana's dreams for as long as she remembered. Dying in the arms of her lover as they both are surrounded and engulfed in flames. However Ariana's quirks never stopped her from living her life. Her journey starts from when her adoptive mother sells her at the tender age of 12, afraid that she was stealing her adoptive father's love. A blow to her head unlocks her past life's memories and life skills. Any object she touches relating to her past life unlocks her past skills and education. Using her memories she changes the brothel she's sold to into a maid cafe, and slowly changes her community. While creatures called Lumas are born from her powers to protect Ariana but who are the Lumas really protecting? Especially when she gets her period on her 13th birthday and it morphs her into a humanoid garnet dragon. Second Arc: In a world full of magic, beast men, warriors, adventurers and elementals could there really be something more frightening then a girl with mixed blood? Garnet dragon, child of the jewel eyed priestess and the soul of someone who was summoned from Earth. Ariana is fully awoken to who she is and has started her life in St. Verusha Academy as their perfect score student. She will have to grow into the young lady she wants to be while trying to unravel the mysteries of her life. With the help of Cayden, her childhood friend and the the Lumas, Ariana will discover the roads she can walk down. The only problem is will she choose destruction or human evolution? Love or world dominance? Revenge or forgiveness? Or will she allow her human mind and heart to be devoured by the darkness inside of her because of a massive betrayal from the one person she thought meant the most to her? Third Arc The bells of war have been wrung and Ariana has now chosen to save all of humanity. Though she has come to know many truths she still trusts in the relationships she's made and is willing to put everything on the line to become stronger. Her Lumas are evolving, Cayden is her true love that she will never let go, the Goddess of Creation needs her to complete the mission given to her and above all else Ariana is determined to survive. Now with her new knowledge she abandons everyone from their own safety and travels to the Animus, the beast Kingdom to learn how to control her garnet dragon powers from her blood family and hoping that they wil aid her in the fight against Lord Romanoff, the robed army and the twisted church.

The powerful have caused chaos for all that are lesser than them since the beginning of existence. This is the story about the truth that everyone knows but no one realizes. The story of a king who failed his duty, a dragon who lost what it held most dear, a beautiful girl who lost who she was and a fae that was once a queen. Cades Kirgun is an ehetrian child, one that longs to become an artificer. But his plans go awry as his whole world collapses and he needs to flee. How will he survive ? How will he overcome the challenges presented to him and overthrow those that have held the power for far too long ? This is the story of a king born from rags, a king that leads to people to fight for what they believe in, the crusader king.

[ MATURED CONTENT | NO RAPE ] "Halcyon Valkar, The Crown Prince, let's get married." After breaking up with Halcyon, Elle thought she had left him—and their twisted love—behind. To escape the pain, she poured herself into writing a novel, shaping a world where she could control every twist of fate. Five years later, just as she struggles to name her finished story, she wakes up inside it. But the world isn’t as she wrote it. The characters have taken on lives of their own. And worst of all—she’s not the heroine she designed for herself, but a doomed nobody destined to die. When she comes face to face with Halcyon, the buried hatred resurfaces—but so does fear. He’s no longer the man she once knew. He’s colder, sharper, and hell-bent on keeping her by his side this time. No matter the cost. She tries to escape, but the world itself seems determined to pull her deeper into its schemes. Whispers of betrayal, assassins lurking in the shadows, and the terrifying realization that someone else is rewriting her story from the outside. To survive, Elle makes the one choice she swore she never would. "Halcyon Valkar, The Crown Prince, let's get married." ---- Her body stiffened when she felt his hand settle on her thigh, grazing the sensitive skin with a barely-there touch that sent a jolt of warmth rushing to her core. She snapped her eyes shut, her breath coming in ragged, shallow gasps as her pulse hammered in her neck. What is he doing? "What... what are you doing?" Elle finally managed to choke out, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and confusion. Halcyon's voice was a deep, dark hum in her ear, sending a shiver through her as his lips brushed against the sensitive skin just below her ears. "Marking what's mine." His words dripped with possessiveness, and Elle's breath caught. A strange heat washed over her, mingling with the terror coiling in her stomach. His voice was so close, his presence so consuming, she couldn't escape it. "Your... Highness... I-I feel dizzy." She stuttered, her hands shooting up instinctively, weakly trying to stop him from leaning in further. Her fingers trembled as they brushed the solid expanse of his broad shoulder, but it only served to remind her of the power he had over her in that moment. "Shhh... you'll be alright," he murmured, his voice low and coaxing, yet laced with a dark edge. "Don't make noise. We wouldn't want anyone to hear, would we?".....

PROLOGUE What will you do when love clashes head to head at first sight with a bold and ferocious command? This story highlights the life of Megara smith, a seventeen year old teenager who's life turned upside down when her father's business crashed down as a result of her mother's betrayal. She was bewildered thinking her mother would stay behind acting like the betrayal hadn't happened she tried to forgive her but her mother performed the worse of all by divorcing her father and taking his business money to run away with a young lover. She detest rich and wealthy people but admires her best friend and her knight in shining amour, Nathan Jones, who always stood up for her although rich he decides to enrol in a local community school. However, her life was about to take a chaotic turn when she came in contact with the Uriel Oman Jefferson, the youngest son of the Jefferson, one of the most powerful families in the UK. He is the leader of a popular boy's group known as the zealous although quite handsome he is an arrogant prick who would stop at nothing to achieve what he wants to succeed even at the detriment of his friends. His pride was insulted when he encountered Megara at the brookville mega cafe and convenience store while hanging out with his friends. She didn't seem to fear him frustrating him on the spot and raising a spiked itch in his heart. He prays not to encounter him ever again but two days she qualifies for a scholarship and enrols at the Royal Von high school. Shocking everyone including Uriel who had harboured a grudge over her display at the cafe with great resentment he cooks up a plan to eradicate her from the school but that doesn't work and eventually draws them closer to each other than glue. Meanwhile, Hugo Arnold the seventh grandson of the Arnold family and the second child of the Mr and Mrs Arnold, was also in love with Megara. He pleads on Uriel not to enact his wrath on her and vowed to stop at nothing to stop him feeling a sense of belongings he gets close to Megara who doesn't give him much attention as a lover but considers him a brother. The closer the relationship between Uriel and Megara the more drifty and angry he becomes threatening the brotherly love that exited between him and Uriel. The sad question is will he overcome the malicious intent in brimming in him or will he take the bait? This story is all about love,betrayal,fame, revenge,anger and the power of empathy and forgiveness.

Astoria spent the first half of her life creating protagonists. Rags to riches, the ring grandpa, the reincarnated expert—there wasn't a troupe she hadn't written a story about or wasn't an expert on. However, what would happen if, after an unexpected death, some mysterious force suddenly took her away from her home world and into a world of cultivation during a protagonist's awakening? A stupidly talented youth whose family was exterminated? An unknown childhood sweetheart? A black ring he was unable to take off? Even a divine spirit beast who didn't leave his shoulder?? Was Astoria brought to this new world to witness the rise of this world's child of fate? She didn't know, but with her knowledge and the greatest blank slate she could work with, Astoria was sure this random youth would become something. She would bet her ex-career on it. ————————————————————————— If you like this type of novel or my writing in general, be sure to check out my other novels, Pay-to-Win Martial Emperor and Rebirth of a Divine Lord, or Transmigration: Children of the Plane. ————————————————————————— Personal Links. Discord Server: https://discord.gg/3ybfHXxxBg Support me here at Kofi! https://ko-fi.com/slarbi123

Ethan's head throbbed violently as he opened his eyes, his vision hazy and unfocused. A dull ringing filled his ears, drowning out his thoughts. "What’s happening…?" he thought, his mind sluggish, struggling to catch up with reality. One moment, he was asleep—or at least, he thought he was—and the next, searing pain forced him awake. His vision swam, shapes blurring together in a disorienting mess. But then, muffled noises filtered through the haze—frantic, panicked sounds. Someone was trying to scream, their voice smothered, choked by something. A cold shiver ran down his spine. As his sight gradually sharpened, Ethan's breath hitched. He was on all fours, looming over someone. A girl. Her body twisted and writhed beneath him, ropes biting into her wrists and ankles. Her mouth was gagged, muffling her cries. Her wide brown eyes, brimming with fear and fury, glared up at him. Ethan's body locked in place, his blood running cold. "What the…?" His mind reeled, thoughts slamming into each other in chaotic disarray. "What kind of bizarre dream is this?" Panic clawed at his chest. His breath came in ragged, uneven gasps as he scrambled backward, only to realize his limbs felt sluggish, uncooperative, like they didn’t belong to him. "Is this… is this some kind of twisted fantasy I never knew I had?" A sickening thought slithered through his mind, making his stomach churn. The girl's frantic squirming slowed for a moment, her gaze flickering with confusion as she took in his expression—his trembling hands, his wide, horrified eyes. But the fear returned just as quickly. She struggled harder, her body arching, her muffled screams rising in pitch. Ethan wanted to speak, to say something, anything, but before he could force out a word, a glowing blue window materialized before his eyes. His breath caught. A translucent, hovering screen? "What…?" Lines of glowing text scrolled across its surface. --- [System Activated…] [Host Confirmed.] [Simulating Previous Data…] Ethan awakens in a mysterious world, shackled by a curse that clouds his judgment and drives him toward choices he never wished to make. Burdened by guilt and responsibility, he must navigate the fallout of his actions while unraveling the truth behind the curse—and his place in this enigmatic new reality.

Ethan Cross was just a broke university student, juggling part-time delivery jobs and barely making ends meet. To make things worse, his girlfriend dumped him for a rich guy, calling him "a loser with no future." But fate had other plans. On a whim, he bought an old painting at an auction for $50, not knowing it would change his life forever. That painting was once the most treasured possession of Alexander Langford, the world's richest man who had just passed away. And in his will, Langford made a shocking decision: Whoever bought the painting would inherit his entire fortune. Now, Ethan is the heir to a trillion-dollar empire, with mansions, private jets, elite companies, and more money than he can ever spend. But wealth comes with its own dangers—rival corporations, underground syndicates, and even secret cults want him dead. To make matters more complicated, Langford’s final wish was for Ethan to marry his only daughter, Myra Langford—a cold and mysterious beauty with a past of her own. With power beyond imagination, enemies lurking in the shadows, and a woman he can’t understand, Ethan must navigate this new world while keeping his true strength hidden. From rags to royalty… his reign has just begun.

Strongly inspired by Slavic mythology -----------Warning in the end----------- A rag-tag group of newly freed slaves finds themselves in the continent's largest and most dangerous forest after the oldest of them made a deal with some of chorts living in it . Watch them trying to navigate the warzone of a society ruled by racism , homophobia , violence , sexism and the whims of the gods while trying to keep themselves and those around them sane and safe . All the while facing their own trauma and prejudice and being forced to grow into better people . -aka- Watch me an (idiot) amatour author try and spin a story and try to keep those idiots alive maybe even have them building a nation , while trying to make more slavic mythology inspired fiction because its super fucking cool and also facing the brutal reality that yes my culture has a LOT of problems . Constructive criticism will be appreciated -------Warnings------- Things happening: racism ; homophobia ; violence ; sexism ; xenophobia ; violence Mentioned: cannibalism Specifications : Use of slur , racial discrimination and stereotyping of a Romani character

\WSA 2025 Entry/ This is my first time writing so don't be disappointed if it's not as good as the top authors! I'll do my best to bring the fun! Here we go! ---------- Apocalype in the Urban world?? an event known as the great Cataclysm was the starting point to humanity's understanding of the abstract worlds! the cataclysm tore through the reality of earth, bringing down carnage. Responsible for the reduction in humanity's population. Apex predators born from Mana itself were responsible for the decline of humanity. With the awakening of the gifted, humanity returned back to where it was! but now the protectors of humanity are nothing but shadows of their former selves! Designed to be killers, soldiers owned by their governments! with series of wars constantly breaking out, they were bred to fight and die on the battlefield! in a world where only the gifted reigns, Riley was nothing! a mere non awakened cadet, a rag, hated by his military academy! and deployed to his death on his first day of commission! faced with a life or death situation, a weakling who had nothing, no parents to mourn him! no one to miss him when he's gone, a worthless human! faced with death, he was forced to awaken! Ding! \Congratulations, you have awakened three ultimate Talents/ \Ethereal Summoner Talent, Infinity Talent(sealed), Adaptation Talent/ \Class: Legendary/ \Your Talents has evolved from F rank to E ranks/ Starting out with three ultimate Talents! with the truth of his Bloodline dawn on him!.. He's forced to level up! Maxing out his summon harem, Riley's faced with series of unfortunate events! A soldier who lives to die for his government! He has no life! Would he find his? or is his fate designed to be simply a weapon for his country? Who knows!

[MATURE CONTENT WARNING: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK] Jo has spent her life surviving on the streets, invisible among the hungry and desperate. She is a shadow in the city, quick fingers and quicker feet keeping her alive in a world that does not care whether she lives or dies. But one mistake—one stolen purse, one misplaced step—changes everything. Dragged before the Emperor’s mother, Jo expects punishment, perhaps even execution. Instead, she is taken to the Red Keep, not as a prisoner in chains, but as something far more valuable. The empire is built on fire and blood, and the Mother has plans for Jo—plans that involve silken chambers instead of cells, gowns instead of rags, and a fate far worse than death. Because in the empire, power is passed through bloodlines, and an heir born with the right lineage is worth more than gold. Now, Jo must navigate a court where she is both pawn and prisoner, where her body is no longer her own, and where love is just another tool of control. With enemies at every turn and a future she never chose looming ahead, Jo must decide—will she submit to the cage built around her, or will she become something more dangerous than they ever imagined? Because even birds in golden cages can learn how to bite.

// Feed… Devour… CLAIM! // Nine clenched his jaw as the system’s whispers slithered into his mind. His gaze locked onto her—burning, aching, starving—as he swallowed hard. // Indulge, Saint. And you shall fulfill… // His hands trembled. His breath turned ragged. "Shit." The Saint’s Codex was never a blessing. It was a curse—a cruel balance between power and damnation. To resist meant weakness. To indulge meant corruption.

This charming romcom follows Sam, an engineering student, who has a tendency to overthink everything in his life. One evening, he meets Mahiru, a book-loving girl at a cozy café, and they strike up a conversation that turns into a series of unexpected "coincidental" meetings. As they grow closer, Sam finds himself falling for her, but his fear of ruining their budding friendship holds him back from confessing his feelings. Through their time together, Sam learns to open up about his uncertainties, while Mahiru encourages him to embrace life's spontaneity. Eventually, Sam gathers the courage to confess his love, and Mahiru, with a playful grin, reveals that she feels the same way. Their relationship blossoms, filled with laughter, teasing, and shared moments of joy. Their love story is simple yet real, marked by the little things that make their bond unique. It’s a tale of learning to let go, embrace imperfections, and cherish the moments that make life meaningful.

In a world where Lycans and werewolves are sworn enemies, Eve Valmont is a werewolf cursed by a prophecy and framed. Betrayed by her own pack and imprisoned for years, her fate takes a darker twist when she is offered to the Lycan King, Hades Stavros—a ruler feared for his ruthless conquests and deadly prowess. Bound by an ancient prophecy and haunted by the ghosts of her past, Eve is now at the mercy of the one being she should hate and fear the most—The Hand of Death himself. Hades, a king carved from blood and his own soul's decay, determined to avenge his family's slaughter and rid his people of the werewolves. He believes Eve is the key to his victory. To him, she is nothing but weapon foretold by prophecy, a tool he will wield to destroy the opposing forces threatening his pack. Yet, he finds himself craving this powerful yet broken woman. Leaving him questioning if she is truly his weapon or the one destined to unravel his carefully laid plans. *** He stalked toward me, a predator closing in on its prey, his eyes dark and unreadable. "So, you laugh?" His voice was low, dangerously soft, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I swallowed hard, suddenly aware of how difficult it had become to breathe. "Hades, I—" "But you only laugh at other men's jokes," he interrupted, his gaze piercing, devoid of any humor. "Not your husband's." The accusation in his tone was sharp, slicing through the air between us. A nervous chuckle escaped me. "You can't be serious... He’s your beta, for Goddess’ sake." In an instant, he closed the distance between us, so fast it left me breathless. His hands gripped my waist, pulling me flush against his body, the heat of him making my skin tingle. I gasped, but before I could say a word, his lips crashed onto mine, claiming my mouth with a force that sent shockwaves through me. The kiss was punishing, hungry—I couldn't breathe, couldn't think. When he finally pulled back, I was trembling, my chest heaving as I struggled to regain my breath. His eyes, dark and stormy, searched mine with a possessive intensity. "You can’t laugh at my jokes..." he whispered, his voice a dangerous rasp as his fingers trailed lower, sending a shiver down my spine, "but you’ll come with my fingers." I shivered, heat pooling low in my belly at his words, his touch. The world around us blurred, fading into nothing as his hand slipped lower, drawing a ragged gasp from my lips. The look in his eyes told me he knew exactly what he was doing to me, and there was no denying the primal connection between us in that moment. "I don’t need your laughter," he murmured against my skin, his breath hot on my neck. "I’ll have every other part of you instead." **** Dark fantasy romance Morally Grey ML Angst Suspense ENEMIES to lovers Smut (like sprinkles on your ice cream)

A story of Gin, a young man who lost his memories before the age of 17 and became a magician. Living a quiet life running a cafe while researching magic, he is suddenly thrust into an unknown world. Moving between Earth and a realm filled with danger and secrets, Gin must rely on his knowledge, skills, and magical prowess to navigate the perils that arise. Ruthless and determined, he will stop at nothing to uncover the truth behind his lost memories and the mysteries of the world, using every tool at his disposal to rise above all

After vanishing for nearly a decade, Seo Sohyung, once Korea’s most feared S-rank hunter, is nothing more than a missing name in old reports. Trapped in an SS-rank gate for two years, he had lost everything upon his return—his family, his past, and any reason to fight. Instead of returning to the battlefield, he disappeared into the quiet life of a florist, far from the world of hunters. But peace never lasts. Kwon Jaesung, now the strongest hunter in Korea, powerful leader of the Vortex Gate and a man obsessed with Sohyun, has finally found him. After years of searching he found him while coming out of a gate and taking a break in a nearby small but nice looking cafe. Unlike the government, which would force Sohyun back into hunting, Jaesung has other plans—ones that involve relentless kidnapping attempts, a twisted sense of devotion, and keeping Sohyun close, by all means. But when a man like Jaesung refuses to let go, how long can he truly remain in hiding?

Freyah Lima knew death all too well, but waking up five hours before the apocalypse gave her a second chance. Armed with memories of the past, she races against time to prepare. Yet, when she reaches her parking lot, she finds something-or someone-that shouldn't exist. A man stands there: silver hair, ragged clothes, and a translucent screen hovering above his head. [Florence Plaridel Role: Third Male Lead of the Novel Primrose Ability: Healing and Swordmanship Fate: Unknown] Florence Plaridel-the half blood third prince, the unrequited lover, a skilled healer and swordsman from the last novel Freyah read before her death. In Primrose, he managed to escape before his execution due to treason, then said his farewell to the female lead, telling her he won't bother her anymore. After that, nothing was mentioned anymore about him. But now he's here. In her world. On the eve of its destruction. Freyah doesn't know how or why a fictional character has appeared, but one thing is certain: the apocalypse will rewrite the world, and Florence's unexplained presence could change everything. As survival becomes a race against fate, Freyah must decide: is Florence the key to saving this world, or a sign that its ending has already begun? The forgotten prince has returned-and with him, the rules of fate are no longer absolute.

In the dead of winter, beneath a bleak sky, a lone child flees through a vast, snow-covered forest, chased by men whose swords gleam with deadly intent. His breath is ragged, his steps faltering, but he doesn’t dare slow down. With every crunch of snow beneath armored boots drawing closer, the child knows he’s running out of time. When a single misstep sends him tumbling to the frozen ground, all seems lost. His pursuers close in, their blades raised, ready to strike. But something stirs in the shadows of the forest, something ancient, something watching. The chase may have ended, but the story is just beginning.

Sohwa Baek, a 19 year old girl who does whatever she wants, not going to college and works in two different cafes, one being a popular cafe and the other being a not soo well known cafe. Her elder brother, Kyungmin Baek, who is in his third year of college studying medicine teaches her whenever he's taking a break so that she could know about things every college students should know about. Why did she not go to college? Because her elder brother has a bright future of becoming a surgeon if he continues to go to college unlike her who is only chasing for freedom. All these years, she's only been thinking about finding her own freedom and interests, focusing on her hobbies like playing instrument or drawing Growing up a number of friends, she had problems finding real friends who'd be with her even with her many flaws and red flags. But, she has a few and decided that they will be more then enough for her.

The Earth was shaken by the most powerful earthquake in recorded history—one so immense that its tremors were felt across the entire world. When the chaos subsided, humanity discovered something unimaginable: a colossal, seemingly endless Hole of impenetrable darkness. Driven by curiosity, countless expeditions were launched into what became known as The Abyss. Yet, most never returned. Those who did came back afflicted by a mysterious sickness—Abyss Corruption. While many perished, a few survived, emerging with extraordinary abilities that defied logic. These individuals, now known as Guardians, spearheaded a new era of technological advancement, harnessing the powerful resources found deep within the abyssal depths. A hundred years have passed since the Abyss first appeared. The Guardians, now an elite force, formed their own organization, led by the legendary Archie. One fateful night, Archie stumbled upon a ragged child claiming to have come from the Abyss itself. Skeptical but intrigued, he took the boy in and named him Lounis. What made Lounis extraordinary wasn’t just his immense potential—it was the fact that he wielded an ability despite never having entered the Abyss. Now, as a Guardian, Lounis embarks on perilous expeditions into the abyssal depths. But who is he truly? And what is his connection to the unfathomable entity known as The Abyss? The truth may change everything humanity thought it knew about its greatest mystery

Yeon-Jun is a dedicated barista at a quaint cafe operated by Sung-Hoon Cha, the son of the man who once saved Yeon-Jun's life. He grapples with selective mutism, a condition that emerged after the traumatic experience of witnessing his parents' tragic death. Although the details of his past have faded from his memory, his body retains the imprint of those painful events. It was during this darkest chapter of his life that Sung-Hoon's father discovered him alone and heartbroken, offering him shelter and a semblance of safety. Despite never having envisioned a future as a barista, Yeon-Jun made a solemn promise to Sung-Hoon's father on his deathbed—to forever stand by his side. This vow compelled Yeon-Jun to forsake his own aspirations and instead pursue a life marked by unrelenting work and perpetual anxiety. Conversely, Woo-San Kim is the affluent CEO of K&L Entertainment, a company steeped in legacy as he belongs to an illustrious lineage of chaebols, being an eighth-generation heir poised to inherit substantial assets from his grandfather. Like Yeon-Jun, Woo-San has also faced the grief of losing both parents to illness, which has led to a strained relationship with his controlling grandfather. The elder Kim holds steadfast to his authority, adamantly refusing to relinquish the company, opting instead to orchestrate a competition among Woo-San, his half-brother, and his cousin for the right to inherit the family fortune. Throughout his childhood, Yeon-Jun has been accompanied by Hee-Jun Go, a devoted friend and secretary who was rescued by Yeon-Jun's father. Hee-Jun, having been separated from his own family at a young age, appreciates the depth of loyalty and friendship. In a heartfelt gesture, Woo-San offers to help Hee-Jun locate his long-lost brother, during which he finds himself inexplicably drawn to Yeon-Jun at the café, captivated by the quiet strength and resilience hidden beneath Yeon-Jun's struggles. However, when Woo-San’s grandfather learns of his burgeoning feelings for Yeon-Jun, he delivers a menacing ultimatum: marry someone of his grandfather's choosing or face disinheritance. Feeling cornered with little left to lose, Woo-San contemplates capitulating to the marriage arrangement, all the while suspecting that his grandfather is orchestrating a more sinister plot that preys on Woo-San's unresolved trauma, compelling him to wrestle for his inheritance. As tensions rise within this power dynamic, Woo-San feels an undeniable connection to Yeon-Jun, yet finds that Yeon-Jun’s condition renders him unable to express his own feelings. Desperate to flee the confines of the forced marriage, Woo-San resolves to turn his grandfather's manipulative tactics against him. In this quest for autonomy, he uncovers unsettling truths that extend far beyond his own life, jeopardizing not only his future but also deeply affecting Hee-Jun, Sung-Hoon, and even his grandfather himself. Faced with this newfound knowledge—one he wishes he could unlearn—Woo-San must grapple with difficult decisions. Will he risk exposing his own vulnerabilities to protect Yeon-Jun? Will he succumb to his grandfather’s wishes to secure his inheritance, or will he forge a path driven by empathy and commitment to those who have become family to him? The weight of these revelations threatens to alter the course of their lives forever.

This story has been dropped!! In the desolate urban sprawl, there existed a boy named Steven – a name as commonplace as the concrete beneath his worn-out shoes. His figure, terribly slender, bore the weight of days without sustenance, a stark reflection of the harsh life within the shadows of the towering skyscrapers. His disheveled appearance spoke of deprivation; his clothing, little more than rags haphazardly sewn together, clung to his meager frame. Steven's features, though obscured by grime, revealed a haunting contrast. His black hair, adorned with a few rebellious red strands, framed a face marked by hardship. His pupils, black with a faint but discernible red tint, mirrored the desolation etched into his soul. Staring into the familiar darkness that enveloped his existence, Steven couldn't help but voice the silent question that echoed in his mind, "When is this going to end?" The abyss, seemingly attuned to his despair, responded with a transformative touch. The surroundings, once stagnant and oppressive, began to shift and change before him, trapping him in a perpetual cycle of witnessing his own tragic past unfold. Transported back to the age of six, Steven found himself amidst the warmth of familial joy, his parents' and his own expressions radiating happiness. Yet, even in the midst of this fleeting respite, the relentless cycle persisted, as if destiny reveled in replaying the moments that fueled the flames of his recurrent nightmares. Fighting against the inexorable pull of his haunting memories, Steven, like a slum-bound ghost, yearned for an end to the perpetual loop. The city's towers cast long shadows over his struggle, and the contrast between the opulence above and his desolation below fueled his determination for a better life. In the midst of this dire reality, Steven's path took an unexpected turn when he made the resolute decision to enlist in the military. The armed forces, a gateway to opportunity and escape from the slum's oppressive grasp, promised a chance to break free from the shackles of his impoverished past. Little did Steven know that his journey would extend far beyond the familiar streets of the slums. The military, equipped with advanced technology and knowledge of other dimensions, opened doors to realms previously unimaginable. As he explored new universes and studied the cosmic mysteries, Steven's quest for a better life evolved into a cosmic odyssey, challenging not only the limits of his physical existence but also the boundaries of reality itself. Throughout this transformative journey, Steven, emotionally reserved and scarred by the echoes of his past, found solace in the bonds forged amidst the trials of the military. Trust and love became the cornerstones of his emotional awakening, as he learned to unveil the layers of vulnerability hidden beneath his stoic exterior. As Steven navigates the interwoven tapestry of action, tragedy, romance, sci-fi, adventure, and dimensions, the narrative expands to reflect the complexity of his existence. The story, no longer confined to the limitations of the slums, becomes a symphony of emotions, echoing the resilient spirit of a young man determined to transcend the shadows of his past and embrace the limitless possibilities that unfold across the cosmic expanse.

Synopsis: A war-torn kingdom. A prophecy lost to time. A fate neither of them can escape. Zyra Valeris was meant to die. Marked at birth by an ancient curse, she was abandoned to the shadows, her existence erased by those who feared what she might become. But fate had other plans. The night the blood moon rises, Zyra’s dormant powers awaken, and with them, a bond she cannot sever—one that ties her to Kieran Duskbane, the ruthless Shadow King. Kieran has ruled the kingdom of Noctis with an iron will, his name whispered in fear. Cursed by the gods and bound to darkness, he swore never to take a mate—until Zyra crashes into his world, a storm of fire and defiance, awakening a primal hunger he cannot control. The prophecy speaks of a queen who will either save or destroy the world. As war brews and old enemies rise, Zyra and Kieran must decide: fight their fate or embrace the connection that could either break them… or make them unstoppable. But fate is cruel, and love has never been more dangerous. ------- Context: Zyra has just awakened her celestial fire for the first time while trying to escape Kieran. But the moment their bond activates, everything changes. ------- Excerpt: The night bled red. Zyra’s breath came in ragged gasps, her hands trembling as golden fire licked up her arms. The earth beneath her feet cracked from the force of her awakening magic. She had never felt power like this—searing, endless, alive. But she was not alone. A dark presence loomed behind her, and when she turned, her entire body locked in place. Kieran Duskbane. The Shadow King stood mere feet away, his gaze locked onto her with something between fury and hunger. Midnight tendrils of darkness coiled around him like living smoke, shifting as though eager to swallow her whole. The moment their eyes met, the world shuddered. A force—ancient and inescapable—snapped into place between them. Heat ignited beneath Zyra’s skin, foreign and all-consuming. She staggered, clutching her chest, where an invisible thread now tied her to the man before her. His expression darkened. “No.” His voice was raw, almost furious. “This isn’t possible.” Zyra’s vision blurred as pain lanced through her body, a tidal wave of emotions that were not hers. Rage. Hunger. Longing. Him. “No,” he growled again, as if denying fate itself. But it was too late. The bond had sealed. And in that moment, Zyra knew two undeniable truths: She was bound to the most dangerous man in existence. And no matter how hard she fought… she would never escape him. ---

Arlan Veythorn awakens as a child in a world not his own, his mind fractured by memories of machinery and smoke. Reborn into a disgraced noble family, he inherits a crumbling estate, a father drowning in shame, and a name that invites scorn. In Aethyria, power is dictated by Aetheric Resonance—a hereditary magic that his family has lost. But Arlan remembers things he shouldn’t: gears and equations, whispers of a past life. When he crafts a Frostward Lantern. To survive, he must navigate a world where even seeming allies have hidden agendas. Yet the deeper he delves into Aethyria’s secrets, the more he questions his own rebirth. Aeon of Ashes and Ambition is a sprawling, slow-burn epic where every choice has consequences, and nothing—not magic, not memory, not even death—is what it seems. --- For readers who crave - A protagonist clawing from rags to power in a cutthroat, magic-steeped world. - Mysteries where the world itself is the antagonist. - Progression through ingenuity, alliances, and morally gray gambles. --- No chosen ones. No prophecies. Just a man, a spark of defiance, and the ashes of ambition.

For Jamie Vayne, life could be better, but he’s not complaining. His career as a musician might not be on the fast track, and he still has to work to earn a paycheck, but his following on a particular platform for the naughty eye in search of the sexy guy is on the rise, and his hookup success nears one hundred percent in terms of both sides’ satisfaction. Life is far from a straight line, and certain enticing curves are to be expected. Less expected is having a curve ball thrown at him by no other than the Sunny Hill gossip rag, Xpress. A weirdo who loves dressing up now follows him around, ruining his chances to score, and the next thing he knows, his failures are displayed in bold letters for all the campus’s entertainment. Jamie loves a challenge. He’ll catch Xpress, and when he does... That’s what this story is about.

Exciting fantasy series about a rag tag group of Vampires, Demons, Witches and Martians who travel through time and space in a Magical Circus.

Mei mengenal pria itu secara tidak sengaja; pria itu duduk di berseberangan dengannya di cafe saat Mei memesan vanilla milkshake kesukaannya. Saat pria itu mengajak Mei berbicara, sungguh, itu adalah pertama kalinya Mei melihat perwujudan dari prince charming yang sesungguhnya. Tutur katanya begitu sopan, gentle, berkelas, dan tertata. Pakaiannya rapi dan wajahnya tampan. Ia terlihat seperti bangsawan yang amat menghormati wanita. Sungguh pria idaman yang sempurna. Satu hal yang paling Mei ingat dari pria itu adalah rambutnya yang berwarna sama dengan matanya, yaitu berwarna merah. Namun, saat Mei semakin mengenal pria itu, Mei sadar bahwa kesempurnaan memang tidak akan pernah ada pada manusia. Ada sesuatu yang aneh pada pria itu. Keanehan itu Mei temukan karena pada suatu hari, Mei bertemu dengan sosok pria itu yang mendadak sikapnya berbeda 180 derajat. 'Pria' yang baru ditemuinya itu juga memiliki mata heterochromia, bukan sekadar mata berwarna merah. Dunia yang Mei masuki ternyata bukanlah dunia dimana pangeran berkuda putih adalah pemeran utamanya, ...melainkan dunia dimana penjahat adalah pemeran utamanya.

The dead don’t lie. But sometimes, they whisper things you were never meant to hear. Forensic pathologist Orion Blackwood has spent his career cutting open the dead. But there’s something he never tells anyone—when he touches a corpse, he hears its final words. A dying breath, a muttered name, a cryptic warning. The problem is, they only speak once. And if he doesn’t understand them in time, the truth rots away along with the flesh. One night, a mutilated woman is wheeled into his autopsy room—no fingerprints, no ID, as if she never existed. As Orion reaches for his scalpel, the corpse’s bloodless lips part, and in a ragged whisper, she speaks: “Don’t let him find you.” Then, her jaw snaps shut. Her body goes cold. And Orion realizes something is very, very wrong. The next day, she disappears from the morgue. No records, no evidence, no proof she was ever there. Even the security footage shows only Orion, standing alone in the room. As he searches for answers, the whispers of the dead become more insistent. A faceless figure watches from the corner of his eye. His own reflection moves a fraction of a second too slow. At 3:33 AM, his phone rings from an unknown number—on the other end, he hears his own voice, whispering something he cannot understand. The deeper he digs, the more the truth unravels. And buried at the center of it all is a terrifying secret: Orion Blackwood is not supposed to be alive.

Excerpts~ Her blood is a curse—a sweet, deadly curse that I can’t stop tasting. It coats my tongue, warm and heady, like it was made to undo me. I hate her for how good it feels. Hate myself more for not stopping. She doesn’t pull away. No, she’s watching me, her lips curving like she’s already won. Her pulse pounds against my mouth, steady and unafraid, and it makes me want to devour her whole. “Enjoying yourself?” she asks, her voice soft, taunting. I don’t answer. Can’t. My grip tightens around her wrist as I pull back, her blood still burning on my lips. She tilts her head, mockery gleaming in her eyes, and I know she’s baiting me. “Does it bother you,” she whispers, “how easily I let you take it?” The words cut deeper than they should. Before I can think, I shove her back against the wall, my body caging hers. Her smirk doesn’t falter. It dares me. Push harder. “You really don’t know when to stop,” I growl, my voice rough, guttural. “Neither do you,” she murmurs, her gaze dropping to my mouth. And then I snap. I crush my lips to hers, tasting blood and defiance and her. She gasps against me, her fingers curling into my shirt like she’s torn between pushing me away and pulling me closer. Every ounce of self-control I had shatters as I press harder, deeper, desperate to consume her completely. She shouldn’t feel this good. Kissing her should be a mistake. But the way she responds—the way her mouth moves against mine—feels like I’ve just ignited something I’ll never be able to extinguish. **** His kiss is fire. A raw, scorching blaze that steals the breath from my lungs and sets every nerve in my body alight. It’s unexpected, wild, and completely reckless—like him. For a moment, I freeze, my hands against his chest, ready to push him away. I should stop this. I need to stop this. But the heat of his mouth, the way his hands grip my waist like he can’t let go, makes it impossible to move. “Damn it, Killion,” I whisper against his lips, trying to muster the strength to pull back. But then he groans—low, desperate—and it unravels me. He kisses me harder, deeper, and I’m drowning in him. My fingers curl into his shirt, dragging him closer, even as my mind screams at me to stop. This is dangerous. He’s dangerous. But right now, I don’t care. His hands slide to my hips, gripping me like he’s afraid I’ll vanish. I hate how good it feels. Hate how much I want him in this moment, even when I know it’s a bad idea. When he finally pulls back, his breath ragged, his lips are swollen and red. His eyes lock on mine, dark and stormy, and I know we’ve just crossed a line we can never uncross. “You really don’t know when to quit,” I say, my voice shaky, trying to sound composed. His lips twitch, a shadow of his usual smirk. “Neither do you.” ***** In a world where power is the only currency and betrayal is a shadow at every corner, the fae and the demon must navigate a dance of lies and desires, where every touch is a weapon and every secret could shatter their fragile alliance. But as their game of cat and mouse spirals into something more dangerous, they'll discover the line between love and hate is thinner than they ever imagined. And in the Undercity, where hearts burn and, passion can be the deadliest weapon of all. Will she find the truth she seeks, or will she be consumed by the very darkness she's trying to escape?