Afterlife By Stephanie Hudson

In the glittering world of art and high society, a notorious thief known only as the "Ace of Spades" leaves a trail of stolen masterpieces and shattered security systems in their wake. With each heist, a new masterpiece vanishes, replaced by a flawless forgery and a single calling card. Driven by an obsession for the thrill of the chase and the beauty of creation, the thief believes nothing can rival the allure of their daring escapades. But when an audacious plan leads them into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a rival as clever and enigmatic as themselves, the rules of the game begin to change. What begins as a battle of wits evolves into something far more unpredictable—a connection neither of them expected. In the shadows of stolen treasures and hidden truths, their obsession transforms into a quest for something deeper. As passion and betrayal intertwine, the two must navigate a world where trust is the ultimate risk and love may be the greatest heist of all. Can they find a way to outsmart their pasts and each other, or will their tangled hearts lead to their ultimate undoing?

What happens after death? It's a mystery no one can say. Before being betrayed, he had always held on to the belief that there are two realms to go to after death: Heaven and Hell. However, after being betrayed, he found out that it's not like that. Almost everything he learned about was a fallacy. The universe was not created but naturally formed. Arishem, the ultimate ruler of Heaven, was once a human who found the Celestial Ruler and created Heaven. Lucifer was under him, using the Karot to direct souls from the universe to empower Lucifer by turning them into soul drops. Lucifer betrayed Arishem and ran away with the Karot. He created Hell using the treasure and started monopolizing all the souls from Earth. Souls had no way to enter Heaven again, thereby preventing Arishem from getting stronger through absorbing souls, so he had to use another way detrimental to the universe. Which way is it? Wallace was betrayed by his family and died; his soul went to Hell, where he learned that he would have to undergo extermination and become nourishment for Lucifer. He learned that stories about benevolent Heaven were not real, as they wanted; they were all looking for ways to monopolize souls and exterminate them to make themselves stronger. He did not accept his fate; he had to go through three different trials so that his will could be erased, and he would surrender. Nine deaths, Cerberus' wrath, and the Soul Rending Whip were enough to break the will of any soul and damage them. Not willing to surrender, he had to go through the three trials, going through unimaginable torture and pain. In the third trial, there was the emergence of another treasure, the Karum, on his dead body. With the help of Karum, his soul was called back from Hell and melded into his body, turning him into a half-human, half-spiritual being, while also nurturing something of unimaginable precedence in his body. The Celestial Ruler created Heaven; the Karot created Hell. What can the Karum, the last creation treasure the universe can nurture, and one that's far stronger than the two former treasures, do? Can he fulfill what it can do? Can he survive under the pursuit of Heaven and Hell? What secret does the universe hold? How was the universe created? Is it from the emergence of a treasure? What’s the secret behind everything?

A little lady was holding an envelope, her eyes red and teary. You could hear her sniffle from afar and the people around her, took a second look. She was pretty and looked like she walked out of a painting. She turned and decided to get her breakfast before opening the letter. In every step she made any person old and young stared at her. They could not put a finger on her, yes, she was pretty, but something was ethereal in the way she moves.

[MATURE CONTENT] Abigail Snow accidentally caught her fiancé being intimate with her sister. She learned that her fiancé had only used her to advance his business and had never truly loved her. Heartbroken, Abigail called off the engagement and left everything behind to start a new life with nothing. At her lowest point, she met Sawyer, a hidden tycoon who helped her rebuild her life and seek justice against those who made her suffer. As Abigail begins to fall in love with Sawyer, his childhood sweetheart reappears, causing doubt and confusion for her. *** Excerpt: Whoever this man was, he was her savior. If he hadn’t held her hand and pulled her, she might have become dead meat and gone straight to the afterlife. "Thank you so much, good sir," Abigail said softly as she finally looked up to see him. Abigail was stunned. "But I'm not planning to commit suicide. I tripped over my own feet,” she continued, avoiding eye contact. She stared at his chest—her line of sight only reaching his sturdy chest. “It sounds better to hear that, Miss. Because I don’t want to go to the police station to become a witness, or they might wrongly accuse me as a suspect,” he said with a sarcastic tone that caused Abigail to stifle a laugh. "Sir, I’m so grateful you helped me. You are my savior. I owe you my life—" Abigail paused, taken aback by her own words. How could she make such a deep vow to this man!? This man might take advantage of her if he was a bad person. Right? "Alright, young lady, you’re supposed to release your tight embrace on me. You’re safe now." Abigail was utterly shocked to hear his words. She only realized she was still in his arms, her hands tightly wrapped around his waist, and her entire body pressed against him. They were so close—close enough to hear his loud heartbeat. She quickly took a few steps back. _____ Author Novel: 1. DAMN! I FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM (Completed) 2. The Bride Of Immortal Crown Prince (Completed) 3. Rebirth: Dancing In My Destiny (Completed) 4. The Billionaire's Genius Wife (Completed) 5. Rebirth As The Vampire Lord's Wife (Completed) 6. My Billionaire Ex-Husband Chase Me Back (Completed) 7. Betrayed by Fiance, Embraced by Hidden Tycoon (Serializing) _____ How to contact me: >> Instagram account: authorpurplelight >> FB Page: Author_Purplelight >> Join my Discord Server: https://bit.ly/purplelightserver _____ Notes: The book cover belongs to the author. Please don't reuse it!

In the mountain city of Falcrest, Atlas, an orphan and outsider, has always been avoided for his foreign origins. When his dormant mana core unexpectedly awakens, he is thrust into the academy to train as a Blade, one of Draegar’s elite warriors. Surrounded by harsh expectations and unrelenting discipline, Atlas must master his rare talents and prove himself in a society where power defines survival and weakness has no place. What to expect: *Core cultivation and advancement *Super soldiers *Weak to strong progression What not to expect: *Random powerups *Murderhobo Mc *Stupid Mc

In the year 2033 it began. Gods, monsters, devils, angels, every higher creature from every mythology began to bless those they found worthy and share their powers. Eventually with the emergence of the gates, we realized they were preparing us. The so called chosen heroes who enter gates are known as the Blessed and in it’s become the most sought after career in the world. They are the most famous and well known people in the entire world and some are even the leaders of their own nations. They are immensely powerful, beautiful, and charming beings. After five whole years, we still have no idea what the higher’s criteria are for blessing a human. Despite the seemingly loose criteria, only 1 percent of the population actually end up as blessed and gain the privilege of entering gates and defending our world. With all of the excitement around the Blessed, we seem to have forgotten the most important question. Why are they doing this for us and what will they require in return? —— Discord link is : https://discord.gg/yXuqHaS6dc ———————— Additional tags : - yuri (MCs sister and best friend.) Milf (MC is a milf hunter so most of the women in the harem will be cougars. Character development is a bit slower compared to my other novels because Malachi is meant to feel like a real person. If you start reading this with the expectation that Mal is going to be some cool bastard with no emotions who treats everyone around him like they’re disposable, then boy o boy are you in for the shock of your fucking life.

What would you do if you were framed for crimes that you did not commit? And if I told you, you were framed by the very people you spent your life protecting? Would you feel anger? Hatred? Have a strong desire for revenge? This is the situation Luthor Dawn found himself in. Hunted by his own kind he now lives in a remote forest, alone with no purpose in life other then dying in peace. But soon he will have an encounter that sets him on a path he never could have imagined himself taking. Hello! Author here! I would like to thank all of you who decided to try this novel! This is my first work so please don't hold anything back when you rate the series!

“I'd give you my soul, if that's what you want.” Eleven. Silver locks. Amethyst eyes. Shiny skin. Blood sweeter than wine. Most sought after 'good' in the Kingdom. She was everything a man would need, and also everything a man would kill to have. Whoever touched Eleven's hair would be granted good things. Whoever plucked her eyes out would get gems richer than the kingdom's currency. Whoever scrapped her skin would be getting a warm coat. Whoever tasted her blood would be granted immortality. She was a Goddess. Goddess of Life. * “I'd burn the fucking world for you, if that's what you want.” Zeiss. A rare man. Has the power of invisibility. The power to turn anything into flames. The power to end a person's life with just thoughts. The power of all wicked things a person wouldn't wish to have. The same world he promised to give her, the same world he would burn to the ground, if she wished for it. He was a God. The God of Death. When Zeiss meets the sought after Goddess of Life. He is reminded everything about his mother. Her silver locks and her eyes that shone brighter than gems and diamonds. Eleven, a woman who spoke to him like no other. A woman who made him believe he had a soul in him after he had thought he had none left. A woman who could bring him life and also be his damnation. The first and only woman he was loved by and ever loved.

Laila Saleem, a 22 year old medical student is blown away when the same man she saved just weeks ago asks for a marriage proposal! ...... "Here, sign this contract and for the next 365 days, you'd be my legal wife". He said in a stern yet sharp tone as he handed me the documents. I slowly collected the file from him and began looking through it. 'Did I really want to be his wife?' I asked myself once more before shaking the thought away. 'You know why you're doing this'. I said to myself before picking up the pen on the table. "I'm sure you know why I'm doing this". I said, my eyes still fixated on the file as I built up the courage to sign it. "And I'm sure you too know why I'm doing this". .......... Some may call it tragedy, some may call it romance and some may even call it mystery. But don't miss the intriguing tale of Laila's story.

“P-please let me go..” I stammered and before I knew it, I was word vomiting while crying. “—I won’t return. You won’t ever see me again. I know you don’t want me as a mate. You hate me, so please let me go.” I cried out. Cain’s jaw tightened with each word that left my lips “What gave you the idea that you have the power to choose what you want?” His voice was low, “You don’t get to decide what, how, and when you leave. Only I get to do that. You don’t get to leave me, you don’t get to run! You only leave when I want you to.” "I didn’t ask for this,” I whispered, trembling. “I didn’t ask to be your mate.” Cain stepped back, “Neither did I,” he muttered under his breath. “But the bond doesn’t give us a choice, does it?” ~~~~ As the only child of her late Alpha father, Avery Jae was meant to inherit her family’s legacy. But on the day of her arranged marriage to Alpha Lucian, her world crumbles. Rejected, humiliated, and cast aside for her own cousin, Avery barely escapes with her life only to find out a much deeper secret. One that changes everything. When Avery awakens, she finds herself in a foreign land, caught by the ruthless guards of the Vehiron pack, led by the infamous Alpha Cain. Tall, broad and as dangerous as the army he commands. Alpha Cain has a reputation that sends chills down the spine of even the most dangerous warriors. Haunted by his dark past, he has vowed never to take a mate, yet the moment he lays eyes on Avery, everything changes. With a single word, Avery is bound to Cain—whether he wants it or not. In a world where betrayal runs deep, can Avery ever trust the alpha who might just be her worst enemy.

Lucian turns 18 and completes his training. He then becomes an undercover spy tasked with infiltrating Corollapolis and obtaining any necessary information about the arcane war that is bound to happen. But to his surprise, the arcane war was more mysterious and shocking than anything he had witnessed. Above all, it was connected to his past. Will he be able to stop the war? Will he be able to uncover the truth?

Astrophysicist Liam had it all a loving wife, a ten-month-old son, and a promising career at a prestigious company. But in a few months, his life was torn apart. His son vanished in a crowded mall, leaving only heartbreak and unanswered questions. Not long after, his wife died in a car accident an event too suspicious to be a coincidence. For twenty years, Liam worked obsessively to build the Chrono-Splicer, a time machine capable of rewriting the past. Just as he prepares for his first leap through time, he receives an anonymous email—a cryptic message with information about his wife’s death and his missing son. But the sender’s motives are unclear are they a helper, guiding Liam toward the truth, or a murderer, manipulating him into a trap?

In skies where heavens crack and fall, A broken immortal heeds the call. Ling Tianyi, with memories blurred, Seeks truths within a world disturbed. A demon’s laugh, both sharp and sly, Zhi Yue’s mischief masks the why. With mocking jest and secrets veiled, He walks beside the one who’s failed. A temple stands, then crumbles low, Where lotus blooms and past truths glow. A sword that sings of wars once fought, Now whispers tales of what was sought. Through flames of beasts and shadows vast, The echoes ring of battles past. In lava’s depths and tempest’s rage, Their fates are inked on destiny’s page. Mockery yields to bonds unspoken, As shattered stars leave hearts unbroken. Together bound by fate’s decree, A tale of stars, of shadows, and eternity.

Due to being accidentally bound by a pact, Emily and Christ are forced to meet often. But they don't know that a secret will make their relationship chaotic. He is a nice guy. I know he treats me well just to make someone happy. But slowly I started to fall for him.When I realized my feelings, he came to introduce his fiancée. ~ Emily ~ I don't know why, but when I first saw that woman, my heart started beating faster. I feel like I've known that woman for a long time. I once asked my friend if I had ever experienced amnesia so that maybe I forgot someone in my past. Because I had an accident before. I have to find the reason why my heart beats faster when I'm with that woman. ~ Christ ~ Finally I met a good man. I want that grown man to accompany me. I want to be like my friends, they have a grown man who is always there to protect them. ~ Abigail ~

In the streets of Miami, a chance encounter between Ellis Arroyo a charming and naive bartender and Alexander ' Alex' Del Montiez the cold, ruthless and possessive Prince of the Mafia family sets off a chain reaction of passion, destruction and obsession. After a passionate one night stand ignites a fielry bond but Alex's life and possessive nature soon consume Ellis, drawing him into a world of violence, loyalty, family dynamics and making him revisit a ghost from his past, as Ellis gets entangled in Alex's web ,he finds himself torn between his love for Alex and the suffocating grip of Alex's control. meanwhile, William " Willy" Del Montiez Alex's older brother harbors a secret love for Ellis which further complicates the already treacherous family dynamics. Willy's morals is tested as he has to choose between his feelings for Ellis or his loyalty to his family. Rodrigo Gonzalez the cunning leader of a dangerous drug cartel driven by his long time feelings for Ellis and his hatred for Alex, Rodrigo is fixated on destroying Alex and claim Ellis for himself. As Ellis finds himself at the center of a love quadruple,he must confront the darkness sorrounding him. Will he succumb to Alex possessiveness, risk everything for Williams love or fall prey to Rodrigo sinister desire? Find out in this thrilling story " DESIRED BY MANY: OWNED BY HIM" This story is a work of fiction.

In the tides of struggle and power, who can reach the ultimate? In a world of factions and species, who can attain power? In a land whose past is obscured by the naivety of the present, who can uncover the hidden? Karl lives in a world of species and evolution, his path thrust upon him without his consent. Cannons, rifles, shard armor, legions, knight cities, and hive cities. Injections, grace, blood, evil, and ruinous gods... The world has forgotten a soul. A soul whose coming is unpredictable but sure like the mist. Karl has awoken, and what path will he leave behind? Would it be the same?... Like before? This is the story of the "Son of the fallen empire" or is it the living error? Or perhaps...The reaper!

Evelyn Steele, a once-sickly heiress, discovers her life mirrors a tragic novel. Rejecting fate, she reclaims her identity, exposes deceit, and outsmarts those who wronged her, all while embracing ambition, love, and survival in Manhattan’s elite.

Corin transmigrated into the very story he was writing. It was about Iris Emberly, a young woman in a post-apocalyptic world who one day discovered the strange dome that covers her entire city. Ever since she learned about it, she’s been full of questions: What lies beyond the border? Why can’t humans go there? And where exactly does the city’s food come from when there are no farms inside the dome? Her life changes when a massive ship crashes from the sky, bringing with it a Vysalor—an otherworlder she had only heard about in rumors. The Vysalor wants a new home and identity, while Iris dreams of freedom and protection. Together, they form an unusual bond: a symbiotic relationship between a human and an otherworlder, where they must rely on each other to survive and to achieve their goals. Corin became that very Vysalor and must now find a way to go back to his home planet—the Planet Earth. But as he stared at the holographic screen that hovered in front of him, he immediately knew he wasn’t going back any time soon. [System Notice: You have been designated as the Leader of the Vysalor Race on Planet Crionis. As the sole adult Vysalor, you bear the responsibility of ensuring the survival, safety, and prosperity of your race.] [Objective: Establish a safe and peaceful habitat for the Vysalor.]

Childhood sweethearts, Arnold Blake and Sophia Carter, had an unspoken bond that was disrupted by time and life’s circumstances. Now, years later, Arnold is a successful CEO with a playboy reputation, while Sophia is married to Liam and raising a son on her own. The twist? Arnold’s son, Junior, is the spitting image of him, and when the truth comes out, Junior takes charge, determined to reunite his parents and make Arnold face his responsibilities. As Arnold tries to balance his empire with fatherhood, he’s caught in a whirlwind of emotions, realizing the depth of his feelings for Sophia. Meanwhile, Sophia grapples with her loyalty to her husband and her enduring love for Arnold. With a possessive CEO, a wise-beyond-his-years son, and a scheming woman after Arnold, the road to reconciliation won’t be easy. With faceslapping moments, misunderstandings, and a dash of sweet romance, Arnold must prove he’s ready to leave his past behind and fight for the future he deserves with Sophia and their son.

Into the world of hidden magic is born Loula and Lawrince but their birth brings not joy but a bundle of pain and sorrow to the kingdom of Greensville and when a lost king wonders into the wild in search of comfort finds himself a curse not only burdened to him but to his entire kingdom the twins find love where forbbiden love finds them birth out of the most purest of love intangeble hatered ,side by side the fought for the win only to end up diving and birthing an abomination.

WSA 2023 entry. ON HIATUS - The writer is taking a break from this story. It is incomplete. Fiona never felt like she belonged to the modern day world. So when an enchanted gem sends her to another time and place, where vicious beasts and dragons lurk she has no trouble facing her new reality. What surprises her the most is that the devilishly handsome man she mistakes for a barbaric beast, is really a dragon knight, a hero and protector in this new world. Withdrawn from society, since a failed marraige and death of his wife, Tiamat had become a notorious recluse, showing interest in little besides his obession of owning his own keep and training the men necessary to retain and defend the castle. Then, while on one of his scouting missions he spots something glistening beneath the deep blue waters, he chances upon a breathtaking beauty dressed in clothes not from his world. Despite his suspicions, she awakens his lonely heart to desire a future he never thought could be his. A modern beauty and a mysterious dragon knight, Fiona and Tiamat are both trying to escape painful pasts, perhaps they can find redemption and love in each other's arms if their enemies don't kill them first.

In a world where society is valued based on their abilities and ranks, An F-rank hiding his true abilities seeks a certain guild master in search for an ally in his own battles. However, this certain guild master turns out to be the very reason of his suffering. Being transmigrated into one of the fantasy novels wasn't something Mu Wei had expected his whole life. He dreamed of becoming a successful actor but on the path of success, he was suddenly killed at a gasoline station. Now, being tasked with saving the world he has to use the best of his abilities given to him to hopefully finish it and go back to the real world. Will a certain guild master try to stop him? Is it because of love or hatred? Read and find out ;) Discord: https://discord.gg/aUd2qmmV Donate here! ko-fi.com/lexilovestowrite

Kael never asked for the power of geomancy, nor did he desire to be thrust into the heart of a war that could destroy everything he’s ever known. But when gods descend from the heavens, tearing apart his world, he discovers that he’s the last hope to stop them—and the earth itself has chosen him to wield its devastating power. Fleeing from a village destroyed by celestial forces, Kael is forced into a dangerous journey with two mysterious rebels: Liora, a fierce warrior bound to the shadows of her past, and Merek, a disillusioned healer who hides a secret that could change everything. Together, they seek refuge in an ancient underground stronghold, where forgotten prophecies, old battles, and the ancient power of the land itself await. As Kael grapples with the earth’s overwhelming power, he must also face a devastating truth—the gods are hunting for him. His very existence threatens their reign, and they will stop at nothing to destroy him. In the struggle between godly might and human defiance, Kael finds that the only way to survive is to master his gift, but at what cost? A relentless pursuit, a war that shakes the heavens, and a young man torn between his duty and his humanity. Kael’s journey will test his courage, unravel long-hidden secrets, and force him to confront the terrifying legacy of the gods. Will he be the salvation his world desperately needs, or will the power of the earth consume him? Bound by Earth, Unbound by Fate is a pulse-pounding epic fantasy filled with explosive action, ancient mysteries, and a protagonist struggling to rise above the forces of destiny. With divine forces at play and the world on the brink of collapse, every choice Kael makes could decide the future of all. Prepare to journey through a world where the earth itself is alive—and where even the gods must bow to fate.

Shirley investigates the world and solves mysteries everywhere. She questions the suspects, examines the clues, follows every lead she has, and stops the person or persons behind the case when she cracks the case. Later, she teams up with a girl named Diane Watson, who helps her solve cases.

"I'll haunt your every step, Lia.” His whispers send shivers down her spine. He would stop at nothing to claim her. ~ No one cares about her, not even her father who pushed her into the devil's den with a smile on his face because he wanted an alliance. The Devil; She drugged him to get his signature on a divorce paper, and now they are done. Ophelia Laurent thought it was over, not until…he had her back in his dungeon, but this time not behind bars, but in front of him, on her knees in chains that drove her to dark pleasures. The devil would do all it takes to show her that he loves her, and wants to protect her, but not in a gentlemanly way. “I would own you without buying you red roses nor feeding you with empty promises….”

Loved by Logan Maverick, who is seven years younger than her, Grace finds it hard to accept his love—especially since she has been married before, while Logan is a rising model in the spotlight. However, as time passes and Logan’s persistence grows, her heart softens, and she begins to see him as her last hope. Insecurity constantly plagues her, particularly since Logan is a famous model with many fans and always pursued by paparazzi. She tries to distance herself multiple times, but Logan holds her back, even making their relationship public, leaving her with no way to escape. Yet, this only brings her waves of criticism from Logan’s fan, who mock her for her age and social status. On top of that, she must deal with Logan's childish, emotional, mischievous, and selfish behavior, making the relationship feel toxic. Will she be able to endure? Or will Logan keep holding on to her? Will his reckless behavior drive Grace away in the end?