The Grand Duke Is Mine Spoilers

--[WSA 2025 Entry]-- Betrayed by his sister. Betrayed by chosen one's humanity. Betrayed by the Gods. That was how the life of Leonard, the Defier of Fate and the world’s greatest heretic, came to an end. When demons invaded human lands, he received a revelation from the Goddess. She commanded him to act as a spy, to infiltrate the enemy ranks and expose their secrets for humanity’s sake. To fulfill this mission, he had to sacrifice a part of his soul. He accepted a demonic contract, surrendered his soul, and became a demonic human. Risking everything, he provided critical information to the humans and helped them turn the tide of battle. But then, he had a shocking discovery. The war was nothing but a gambit between various gods and before he could act, the war was stopped out of nowhere. In an unexpected turn, humans and demons put aside their hatred and signed a peace treaty. Before Leonard could make sense of it, he was betrayed. Both demons and humans joined hands to kill him. "Fuck! If there is a next life, I swear I will tear you gods apart!" With this scream, he thought his suffering was finally over. But… When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in the body of Kael Veydrin, the son of the Grand Duke of the Heizen Empire. But this new life was no different from the last. His sister wanted to get rid of him. Born with clogged vessels and no talent, he was nothing but a disappointment. A subject of fun and ridicule among the fellow nobles. Despite rebirth, nothing seems to change. The cursed fate. The distorted history smearing his name. A world that was against him. Leonard, now assuming the identity of Kael, let out a low chuckle. "Don’t worry, Kael. I will have revenge for both of us." "They called me heretic right? I will show them how a true fucking heretic acts.” Follow Kael's journey, as he fights against the fates and injustices to drag the ones ruling above.

[Mature Content] [18+ Only] [Hidden Relationship] -------------- "Do you like what you see?" I asked provocatively, feeling his gaze travel down my bare skin. Christian pushed me onto the bed, leaning over me. I noticed how his eyes darkened with a deep desire. "Yes, Leslie, I like it very much," he replied in a whisper, placing his lips on mine. His kiss sent a wave of fire through my body, making me crave his touch even more. -------------- Twenty-year-old Leslie Moresi is the second daughter of the prestigious Moresi family. While her life may seem glamorous from the outside, the reality is that she is a bird locked in a gilded cage. Controlled and unable to make any of her own decisions, she begins to feel all of the color fade from her life. One day, she attends an important business dinner with her family, where she meets the elusive Christian Vittoria, the most eligible man in the country -- turning her life upside down. So what if he is about to become her brother-in-law? #noharem #hiddenrelationship #smut

The cold duke, the charming princess, the delicate loli... When each and every hard hurdle appeared in front of Lin Peng, it was either crossed or... Directly buried. Facing the terrifying Evil Lords, the arrogant Dark Dragon Clan, and the so-called Demon Clan everywhere, Lin Peng could only harden his head and top it...

A Sky God’s Spiritual Foundation. It was the greatest natural treasure in all of existence, but the sacrifices one must make to gain the approval of such an entity was unimaginable. Ryu is a genius amongst geniuses. He was born with the four Grand Ancestral Bloodlines. The Lightning Qilin. The Fire Dragon. The Ice Phoenix. The Fire Phoenix… He was blessed with an Ancestral Grade Bone Structure and Ancestral Grade Meridians. The Ice Jade Crystal Bones. The Chaotic Silk Meridians… He was bestowed the First Ranked Heavenly Pupils. The Mysteries of Heaven and Earth Pupils… However, none of it mattered. Born with a False Spiritual Foundation, it seemed that all of his talent would go to waste. Unless… Unless he was willing to grasp his Fate in his own hands. ==== **This novel once went by another name 'Rise. Rising. Risen.' So, the wiki is still under this name https://rise-rising-risen.fandom.com/wiki/Ryu_Tatsuya

“In misfortune awaits fortune.” In a universe where Gods dwell on the highest floors of the Tower, an Arcana Card for immense good luck was created. To balance this, a devastating misfortune card was also born. Unbeknownst to the Gods, both cards slipped out of the Tower and went unnoticed. Julien, cursed by the card of immense bad luck, lived a life where death shadowed his every move, and the Grim Reaper’s blade seemed ever-present. His first life ended in despair, but at the height of his misfortune, a glimmer of hope emerged when a mysterious entity offered him a deal. The deal: conquer the Tower and fulfill her request, in exchange for a chance at a better life after reincarnation.  With the Eternal•Lust System granted by this enigmatic entity, Julien embarks on a perilous journey to ascend the Tower and become the one and only—Grand Lust Sovereign. ***** Discord: https://discord.gg/RBhAbVAvnN [Warning: Mature Content. Discretion is advised.]

Please note that this work of fiction is not safe for work (NSFW). It contains words, scenes, and phrases not suitable for audiences below 18. Be aware. Leon was your typical guy, perceived as weak in his school because his skills hadn't awakened, even though they usually did at the coming of age. He attended the prestigious Milham's Magic Knight Academy, where snagging the top spot meant automatic entry into the esteemed position of a Magic Knight in the country. Unfortunately, Leon found himself in the lower caste, labeled the most useless student. To top it off, he was tossed into a class that served as a sanctuary for oddballs and delinquents. Yet, he couldn't care less, as becoming a Magic Knight wasn't his goal. Everything shifted when he crossed paths with Shredica, a woman hell-bent on becoming a Magic Knight at any cost. Observing Leon's lack of ambition and his apparent detachment from the academy's pursuits, Shredica saw an opportunity. She decided to exploit him as a pawn in her ascent through the academy's hierarchy. Yet, unbeknownst to Shredica, Leon was not the complacent, unremarkable figure she presumed him to be. *** Join the discord! https://discord.gg/gt4CDGkpEM

"What you gonna do? Force your way out?" He smirked. My eyes widened due to his audacity. "Y-you a$$hole!" I exclaimed in annoyance. Why can't he understand the word no? I saw how his demeanor got dark. His already chinky eyes narrowed into slits as he glared daggers at me. His stance grew predatory, and I blanched. He's being scary. "I am what?" He whispered animosity is on his voice. My tongue got tied as I tried to bite back a curt and failed. He was already walking towards me, but I held my place. I'm not going to show him he can intimidate me. We were just mere centimeters apart now, and his scent invaded my personal space again. "You are staying." He mumbled. His fingers traced the contour of my collar bone before dipping at the hollow on my neck. "And you know that we still have that deal, yeah?" He moved his fingers up my neck and grabbed me by my nape before pulling me close to him. His face hunched closer to nuzzle my neck, and then he started pressing little kisses that made my eyes close. He is seducing me... "We're going to seal that deal sooner or later, Lyubov moya. I hope you're ready." He rasped in my ear right before he bit down. --------------------------------------- Wynter McIver, Queen of the Boardroom. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, and she always gets what she wants. At 28, her mother pushes her to marry, but she never agreed nor even think about it. She's in her prime life and being tied down is still out of her mind. She had boyfriends before, but none of them could coax her into marriage. But when she met the ruggedly handsome and mysterious Keith Andrew Nagasaki, her thoughts in marriage fled out of the window. At last, she met her knight in an Armani suit, her other half, and she would do anything to have him. But when she discovered his deepest and darkest secret, she didn't know what to do. She was trapped in wanting the man and fearing him. WARNING: R18 Credits to the artist

TRANSMIGRATED A coffee shop cashier girl loves reading novels, especially romantic novels. However, on her way home from work, someone pushed her into a fountain in a city park. As soon as she opened her eyes, she was transmigrated to the body of a girl who turned out to be a character from the novel she was reading! "What has happened? How did I wake up here!" she said in panic as she looked at herself in the mirror. "No way! I became the villain of this novel?!" Celestial Esme Damanor, a villain who was hated by everyone, even her own family. "Shameless woman! You don't belong in this family!" Even until the end of her life, she died in a miserable. Alone and burning with the flames of hatred. However, when a girl woke up as a Celestial, everything was different from what was in the novel. "Everyone loved her so much? Then what exactly is it that they turned against you, Celestial?" What really happened to Celestial and what secrets lie behind it? Who exactly was the one who had to suffer this? And what led her to wake up in Celestial's body 3 years before her death?

In a realm beyond life and death, these legendary figures from different eras and cultures are given an extraordinary opportunity—a chance to be reborn. Summoned by a mysterious entity known as the Watcher, they must compete in a brutal, multi-layered battlefield filled with monstrous creatures and deadly challenges. As rivalries ignite and alliances form, the ultimate question remains—who will rise, and who will fall?

Ruan Ji, the once best athlete within the C city of the great China kingdom suddenly gets into an accident and becomes a waste, scorned by society. Her best friend hooks up with her boyfriend, her adoptive sister schemes against her, while her cousin attempts to steal her fiance. Her family succession fight starts, tearing others apart. Despite all that, when everyone can't wait to see her reaction; they discover that something was wrong! When everyone was busy scheming against her, Ruan Ji sips her tea calmly while enjoying nature's beauty. Her best friend hooks up with her boyfriend, but she signs the break up agreement and cleans her hand with a tissue? Her cousin wants to snatch her fiance, but she doesn’t even feel a little bit threatened? Her family is on the verge of bankruptcy, yet she just plays, sleeps all day long and buys stocks? Where is the reaction expected? Where is the great sense of peril?! Little did they know that the Ruan Ji they once knew had died long ago. And now, she was a vengeful spirit crawling back from hell to take revenge on those bitch and scumbugs who betrayed her. This time, she will take revenge on every single one of them, paying them back tenfolds of the suffering she went through! And to do so, she was going to steal the villain from her past life. This time, she will use him bit by bit to lay the groundwork of her master plan for revenge. However, why was the villain she knew actually so sweet? Where is that King of Hell that made her life hellish? Where did he go? Or, was it that she was the one who didn’t know better… regarding the only person who helped her as a villain? If so, then in this life, why not take the villain for herself?

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be known that this book wouldn't have made it this far without the support my dear writing buddy Rachel E. Canton who is a great writer of SINS OF THE SERAPHIM - https://www.webnovel.com/book/sins-of-the-seraphim_26438336605116805 and Derek J. Perna To Rachel & Derek, Thank you for everything! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When the last heir of Ardel lost everything, fate would bring her to her rightful protector. Anna Adhemar, the forgotten princess, found herself betrayed by the Regent. Hunted by the Bargesians and the ruthless slave traders, she desperately fled for her life. Rescued by a mysterious man, her newfound safety was short-lived as she succumbed to a potent aphrodisiac. Then, she awoke in the arms of the fearsome Knight Commander of Gerhard, stripped bare, in a foreign kingdom. Fear, confusion, and a sense of profound devastation enveloped her. But the man before her declared, "I am your husband. I married you last night." Then, with unwavering determination, he vowed, " You're my woman now. No one can hurt my woman." --- Kyren Raychard, the Crown Prince who had chosen to forsake the throne and became celibate, led the Knights of Gerhard to safeguard his kingdom’s border from slave trading activities. Outside his camp, he found Anna poisoned and delirious. The healer informed him of the only cure, of which he must race against time to give and honour her. For the first time, he felt an overwhelming instinct to protect and claim her as his own. Unaware of his deepening affection, he belatedly realised his feelings as he stood on the brink of losing her. Bound by a soul-binding spell, their fates intertwined…

"You ask whether I am god or the devil. The Truth is that I don't care, I am me!" This is new novel. Hope you enjoy. This novel will encompass the dreams that I always wished other authors would write.

I had three simple rules: 1. Never remove the hood and mask. 2. Don’t attract attention. 3. Follow rule one and two at all costs. Simple, right? Well, I followed them religiously—until Jason came along and shattered them all. I didn’t want anyone to know my identity. I just wanted to stay in the shadows, finish school, and disappear. But no, the stupid jock had to get in my way, and now my peaceful, hidden life is in ruins. I didn’t mean to embarrass the school’s golden boy. His name? Jason. He’s the son of the country’s richest CEO. Ironically, I chose this place to hide from my own father, the man I’m trying to escape. I look too much like him, and if anyone made the connection, my cover would be blown. Hence, the hood and mask I wear every single day. But now, instead of just hiding from my father, I have to watch out for Jason, too. He’s vowed to make my life miserable. I still can’t figure out his obsession with me—one minute he’s humiliating me in front of everyone, and the next he’s trying to kiss me behind the bleachers.

Jovana Stafford, a determined alchemist, risked everything to save her brother with a bluish potion of unpredictable power called Serendipity. The Duke Of Veridian, Caspian Clifford, the kingdom's most formidable force, was tasked with finding the creator of Serendipity. When their worlds intertwined at a debutante ball, an undeniable attraction sparked between them, and their meeting became a clandestine affair. As Jovana struggled to keep her secret, and Caspian grappled with his duty, they must navigate a perilous path of love and loyalty. Will Caspian betray Jovana to fulfil his duty, or will he defy the kingdom to protect her?

Selamat datang di dunia anggun para elit, di mana Seraphina Alaric, gadis yang lemah dan rapuh yang selalu bergantung pada obat-obatan untuk memulihkan diri, hanya mencoba mendapatkan kesempatan sebelum hidupnya terbalik karena pernikahan yang diatur... Serius, siapa yang ingin terikat ketika Anda masih mencari tahu apa yang Anda inginkan dalam hidup? Selama perjamuan mewah, dia bertabrakan dengan Duke of Everwyn yang enigmatik. Dan bagian yang paling gila? Dia tidak tahu siapa pria ini—hanya mengira dia seorang asing misterius. Tiba-tiba, dengan perasaan petualang (dan mungkin sedikit ceroboh), dia menyarankan pertemuan rahasia yang membuat dunianya terbalik. Dalam momen tersembunyi itu, Seraphina langsung menceburkan diri ke dalam keinginan terliarnya. Tetapi alur cerita—ternyata, pria yang baru saja dia habiskan malam dengannya adalah calon suaminya yang sebenarnya. Ups! Begitu banyak untuk orang asing misterius—dia baru saja menghabiskan malam dengan calon suaminya! "Duke, It Hurts..." mengajak Anda ke dalam pusaran penemuan diri, romansa yang menggairahkan, dan kekacauan manis dari cinta ketika Anda paling tidak mengharapkannya. Dapatkah Seraphina melepaskan diri dari belenggu masyarakat, atau akankah dia menemukan dirinya terjerat dalam jaring yang sama yang mencoba untuk dia hindari? Ikuti perjalanan mendebarkan ini, dan temukan bagaimana cinta bisa membebaskan sekaligus rumit. Jangan lewatkan—obsesi Anda selanjutnya hanya dalam jarak halaman!

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

"In a world where power is everything, Kaisel de Ravengard, the enigmatic Duke of Ravengard, hides behind a mask of nobility while orchestrating a grand scheme of deception and revenge. Born into disgrace and marked by the fall of his family, he wields forbidden magic and the deadly power of the Seven Sins to dismantle the corrupt aristocracy from within. As shadows whisper his name and enemies fall one by one, Kaisel moves ever closer to his ultimate goal—vengeance for his mother’s murder and the complete domination of the Empire."

Ethan Valtore opened his eyes to an unfamiliar world, a world he once knew only as a novel. In his past life, he had been an avid reader, fascinated by the grand fantasy epic Legends of Arcadia. Now, he found himself reincarnated as Ethan Valtore, the eldest son of Duke Valtore, a character destined to become a mid-level villain in the story. But this time, he had knowledge of the future, and he wasn't about to follow the script.

Estella was betrothed to Viscount Alistair Ravensdale, a man in his seventies and old enough to be her grandfather. The thought of belonging to him made her sick. But she had no choice. As the illegitimate daughter of the Baron of Cleverview, she had known only servitude under her stepmother, the Baroness, and her twin stepsisters, Geraldine and Georgina. Estella became the price of his silence when the Baron embezzled public funds to indulge his wife’s extravagant tastes. The Viscount, willing to cover up the debt, demanded her as payment. She would be his fourth wife and the only one still alive. Estella would rather die than waste away in an isolated castle bound to a man she loathed. Duke Félix of Châteaubriant was engaged to the King of England’s daughter, Coralie. No one had forced him into it, and no one could. He needed a duchess to manage his estates and was growing tired of fleeting affairs. To him, marriage was a contract and a practical arrangement. But that was before Estella. A chance encounter at Lady Agatha’s ball left the Duke and Estella in a compromising situation. Seeing an opportunity, Estella blackmailed Felix into granting her the one thing she had always wanted: freedom from her family and the future they had imposed on her only if the Baron and Baroness would let her go without a fight. Would her gamble pay off, or had she only succeeded in trading one cage for another?

When Lilith takes a job as the secretary to her brother’s best friend, Roman, she expects a strict boss and long hours—not a man who turns her world upside down. Roman Sinclair is powerful, ruthless, and completely off-limits. But as she steps into his world, she sees cracks in his armor, glimpses of the man beneath the controlled façade. What starts as stolen glances and charged moments spirals into an undeniable, all-consuming attraction. But falling for him means breaking every rule—his, hers, and the ones her family swears by. The age gap, the judgment, the risks… it should be enough to keep her away. Yet Roman doesn’t play by the rules. And when it comes to Lilith, he’ll burn bridges, cross lines, and defy the world itself to make her his.

This is a journey to gain wealth and power and all those things. Join our hero as he uses his knowledge and memories of the future to get it. ........ All events, characters and names in this novel are fictional, and any resemblance to reality is the result of the reader's imagination. { Patreon has early release chapters as well as extra Art } https://www.patreon.com/Author159?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

[MATURE CONTENT WARNING: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK] Welcome to the fancy world of the elite, where Seraphina Alaric, a delicate and fragile girl always relying on medicine to get better, is just trying to catch a break before her life gets turned upside down by an arranged marriage... Seriously, who wants to be tied down when you’re still figuring out what you want in life? During a swanky banquet, she bumps into the enigmatic Duke of Everwyn. And the craziest part? She has no clue who this guy is—just thinks he’s some mysterious stranger. Out of nowhere, feeling adventurous (and maybe a bit reckless), she suggests a secret rendezvous that turns her whole world upside down. In that hidden moment, Seraphina dives headfirst into her wildest desires. But plot twist—turns out, the guy she just spent the night with is none other than her future husband. Oops! So much for a mysterious stranger—she just spent the night with her future husband! "Duke, It Hurts..." invites you into a whirlwind of self-discovery, steamy romance, and the sweet chaos of love when you least expect it. Can Seraphina break free from societal chains, or will she find herself tangled in the very web she tried to escape? Join her on this thrilling journey, and discover how love can be both liberating and complicated. Don’t miss out—your next obsession is just a page away!

All Ethien desired was a serene existence after enduring years of bloodshed. As the Duke who led the revolution, and dismantled the former empire, he had placed Prince Glenn Lancaster on the throne. Now, Ethien longed to marry, step away from politics, and enjoy a life of peace. However, Glenn had different plans. As the newly appointed Emperor, Glenn consistently rejected every marriage proposal directed at Ethien. Without any attempt at subtlety, he dismissed anyone who expressed interest in the Duke, making it his goal to remain close to Ethien. While Ethien fought to suppress feelings that should not have arisen, Glenn relentlessly pushed through every barrier. Their positions were meant to keep them apart, but for Glenn, it was merely another reason to claim Ethien as his own.

"In a world where darkness and deception lurk beneath the surface, a young boy's life is forever changed when he loses everything that matters to him in a single, tragic day. Consumed by a burning desire for revenge and a relentless pursuit of truth, he embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the secrets behind his family's downfall. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers a complex web of corruption, deceit, and violence that threatens to destroy everything he thought he knew. Unbeknownst to him, he is the key to an ancient prophecy that has been unfolding for 500 years. As the second dual-user of Kast in history, he is destined to reshape the course of history and restore balance to a world teetering on the brink of collapse. Will he embrace his calling as the Spectra, or will he succumb to the allure of power and perpetuate the cycle of destruction?"

===================================== Rick, who never speaks or cares about anyone, felt a tinge of affection on her. He likes the way she is domineering everywhere. Slowly her beauty and everything about her attracted him. He likes the way she is. He almost love everything about her. But his fears are making him weak. Will he overcome his fears? Will he confess his love to her? Will she ever fall in love with him? ===================================== Mo Zen: “Can I kiss you?” Ning shyly nodded her head and said ”Yeah” Zen went closer to Ning. Their faces were just few inches apart. He softly put his hand on her waist and pulled closer. She moaned, held his hand tightly and placed other hand on his chest. His lips were just few inches away from hers. He went forward to kiss her. ===================================== Rick: “Who are you to help her?” Mo Zen: “I love her, she loves me.” Rick: “Only in your dreams.” They heard footsteps approaching. Mo Zen: “Stop, she is coming.” A girl came inside in a black trousers and yellow t-shirt with her hair tied up. ===================================== Ning: “Seriously, Why did you spend so much money for me for everything when you don’t even like? Why do you even take care of me when you don’t want me?” Her parents (Mr and Mrs Wu): Ning: “Now I understood why you never said my name as Wu Ning anywhere, so you don’t want anyone to know that I am your daughter? or I am not even your daughter? Tell the truth” ===================================== In a class, teacher Mrs Yan asked “One by one, tell what you all want to become?” Zhang Siquian said “A Businessman.” Someone shouted “A teacher.” Wang Ming said “A Psychologist.” Now it was Rick’s turn. He slowly stood. Everyone were waiting for his answer but he was thinking deeply then he lifted his head and said “I want to be loved by her.” And then looked at Ning from corner of his eyes, which went unnoticed by all except her. All were shocked by his answer that they did not notice about whom he spoke. But she did notice. =====================================

[COMPLETED] Aideen Ruan, though a royal princess, was always unwanted due to the circumstances of her birth. Born blind to a hostage concubine, she possessed an intriguing beauty; however, her disability rendered her utterly useless to the royal family. Even when the struggling Count Crueder reluctantly agreed to take Aideen as his wife to secure the royal dowry, her life failed to improve. A year into their marriage, Aideen's inability to produce an heir sealed her fate. The princess was destined for exile to the Temple, consigned to spend the remainder of her days in isolation and abandonment. Contrary to her anticipations, instead of the Temple, Aideen found herself within the cold walls of Duke Tillian Valentine's castle. Duke Valentine, the last scion of the once-revered Valentine family that ruled the Kingdom before the "Fratricide Rebellion", now presided over the desolate Northern lands. Faced with fear and confusion, Aideen expected her life to perpetuate its cycle of misery, only to discover that Duke Valentine might hold the key to a new opportunity, a chance at a life she had never envisioned. "You bewitched my body and soul. Put an intoxicating spell on me, shackled my heart to yours with your magic. If I could exchange my eyesight with you, I would do it just to make you see what a man dying from love looks like."

She hadn’t expected to be cornered like this, not here, not now. His tall frame loomed over her, blocking any escape as he stood inches from her, pinning her to the wall with his presence alone. His hand rested just above her head, his fingers brushing the cool surface of the locker, creating a barrier that trapped her in place. Her breath caught, her heart thundering in her chest as she realized how little space was left between them. His eyes were dark, full of something she couldn’t decipher but desperately wanted to understand. He stared at her, not saying anything at first, just letting the silence stretch between them. She could feel her pulse race, her face flushing, her body frozen, even though she wanted to push him away. “What are you going to do about it?” he asked, his voice smooth, teasing, and filled with a challenge. There was something in the way he spoke, something that made her stomach twist with a mixture of confusion and excitement. She opened her mouth to say something—anything—but the words wouldn’t come. Her hands hung at her sides, unsure whether to push against his chest or hold herself back. She couldn’t tell if she wanted him to step closer or if she just wanted to run far away from the intensity that radiated from him. “Stop…” she murmured, but the word felt too weak, too powerless against the gravity pulling them together. “What do you want from me?” His lips curled into a small, almost predatory smile. “I want you to stop pretending you don’t feel it,” he said softly, his gaze never leaving hers. His closeness was suffocating, but in the most intoxicating way. The tension between them was palpable, like a storm ready to break. She could feel the heat of his body against hers, could hear the steady rhythm of his breathing as if they were the only two people in the world. She wanted to fight back, wanted to be strong and resist, but something in her—something deep inside—kept her rooted to the spot. He was her classmate, the guy everyone knew, the one with that effortless confidence that made all the girls swoon. And now here he was, making her feel things she wasn’t sure how to deal with. Her hands trembled, caught between pushing him away and giving in to the wild, dizzying pull she felt toward him. She was terrified, but there was also a spark of curiosity, of something she couldn’t quite control. “I’m not… ready for this,” she whispered, though her voice shook with uncertainty. “I don’t even know what you’re doing.” He didn’t answer right away, his gaze softening just enough to let her know that he was listening, that he wasn’t in a rush. He leaned in slightly, his breath brushing against her cheek. “I think you do,” he murmured. “You just don’t want to admit it yet.” Amidst the whirlwind of school friendships, and the pressure. Can anyone dare to be open to the possibility with someone who seems so unreachable?

In a world brimming with life and progress, yet shrouded in mystery and hidden truths, continents intertwine, kingdoms clash, and the Nine Ancient Sects wage an unending struggle. Amidst this turmoil lies the outskirts of Athenos, a city known as the ‘City of Happiness,’ where people from all over the world gather—seeking prosperity… or fleeing from their pasts. But beneath its radiant glow, darkness and oppression creep in, suffocating the souls longing for freedom. A young boy stood still, gazing at the horizon with eyes burdened by sorrow, before whispering: "I want to leave this world..." Beside him, a man of imposing presence turned to him, his voice calm yet piercing: "And why is that?" The boy hesitated for a moment before letting out a bitter laugh, averting his gaze. "Can't you see? Do I look like someone who belongs in this world? Do I seem like someone who wants to live?" The old man smirked—not out of pity, but something else… something the boy couldn’t quite grasp. Then, in a tone filled with certainty, he said: "Don’t say something so dull… Instead, come with me. I’ll show you what this world truly is." The boy eyed him warily, hesitating for a moment before asking: "Who are you?" The old man turned slightly, as if the answer held little importance, then replied with a teasing tone: "Me? Just an old man… My name is Rikudo, but they call me the Ruler of Paths." He paused, then looked back at the boy, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. "And what is your name, boy?" The boy clenched his fist as if confronting himself for the first time, before answering in a quiet yet profound voice: "My name… is Ashura." The old man raised an eyebrow, as if he had just heard something interesting. The boy then spoke again, this time with unwavering resolve: "Ashura Tekah." ---