Flickering Candlelight

Paradise Bay is a haven for supernatural beings, but not all coexist peacefully. But Vampires and Shifters are sworn enemies, bound by ancient laws that forbid any mingling between their species. Freyr, a brooding vampire with a hunger he cannot explain, becomes obsessed with Alpha Tor, the enigmatic leader of the Bay Shifter pack. His craving isn't just for blood—it's for something deeper, though he cannot name it. For weeks, Freyr stalks Tor through the misty forests and treacherous cliffs of Hanka Island. He doesn't realize that Tor has been aware of his shadowy admirer all along. Curiosity ignites a fire within the alpha, and he lets the vampire's stalking game continue, waiting for the perfect moment to confront him. But destiny intervenes when a violent avalanche traps them together in the icy depths of the mountains. The storm leaves them with no escape and nowhere to hide. For the first time, Freyr and Tor come face to face, and the truth cannot be avoided: Freyr’s forbidden hunger and Tor's dangerous intrigue blur the lines between the predator and the prey. Excerpt from Alpha Tor's POV: “So, you’ve been pretending to keep a distance but here you are,” Tor’s deep growl echoed in the icy cavern. His golden eyes caught the flicker of torchlight, his breath misted in the freezing air, curling like smoke between them. The figure across from him stiffened, pale as moonlight, eyes sharp and predatory, the vampire stepped closer, but not too close. He was cautious and calculating. “What gave me away?” Freyr’s voice was low, smooth yet filled with a low hiss that escaped his mouth. Tor laughed a deep rumble that shook the cavern walls. “You reek of desperation. Do you think I didn’t notice your scent clinging to the trees? Are your footprints melting the frost? What is it, vampire? What do you want from me?” Freyr’s jaw clenched, but his gaze didn’t waver. “Your blood,” he admitted finally, his voice sharper now. “Your kind is... intoxicating. Forbidden. I can’t stop myself.” The admission sent a chill down Tor’s spine—not from fear, but something far more dangerous. He should’ve torn this vampire apart the moment they were alone. But here, under the weight of the mountain and Freyr's unrelenting gaze, his desire rose, and he chose to get closer to him. ******************************************************************************* Trapped together in the harsh wilderness, the lines between hunger, hatred, and passion blur as Freyr and Tor wrestle with their forbidden connection. In the shadows of Paradise Bay, they must decide whether to defy the ancient laws that bind their kind—or risk everything for a love that could shatter their worlds.

Hardworking Protagonist: Yes! Overpowered Growth: Yes! Mythical Creatures and World-Building: Yes! Vengeance-Driven Journey: Yes! Unique System Mechanics: Yes! =========================== Ryuk’s life in the forsaken Grade E city was bleak, but it truly shattered when a Knull raid took his last family and left him for dead. On the brink of despair: [System Activation Complete.] [Congratulations, Host has awakened the Draconic Pets Evolution System!] [Welcome host, to the path of domination.] Thrust into Endearth, a shattered mirror of Earth teeming with mythical creatures—vampires, werewolves, cosmic gods—and the unstoppable Knulls, Ryuk sets out on a journey of relentless growth, vengeance, and discovery. But power comes with a price, and the dual nature of his gift could either save humanity or destroy everything. This is a story of evolution, redemption, and defiance. Join Ryuk as he rises from nothing, building unshakable bonds with allies and carving his path in a world where strength is the only currency. --- A/N 1. Hardworking protagonist. Ryuk doesn’t rely solely on his system; he earns his power. 2. Overpowered potential. Growth takes effort, but Ryuk will become a force to be reckoned with. 3. No hiding strength. He plays smart, but when it’s time to fight, Ryuk doesn’t hold back. 4. Dark and morally complex. Ryuk is vengeful and will cross any line to protect what matters. 5. No harem. Relationships are meaningful, not shallow. 6. Lastly, if this novel stirs even the faintest flicker of interest in your soul, pour your undying devotion into it! Haha, just kidding… or am I? But seriously, please shower this story with power stones and drop some reviews. Your support fuels Ryuk’s journey (and keeps me caffeinated while writing). Thank you! ... Join the Discord for character arts and talk with the author: https://discord.gg/gTkMp93wxW

[WSA 2025 Entry] [Congratulations! Sage Candidate, your Firm Steps have evolved into [Earth Steps] Rune] [Congratulations! Sage Candidate, your Limitless Tyranny evolved into [Tyrant Sword] Rune] Leon, a broken man who dies after losing everything to an incurable disease. From the ashes of despair, a black flicker of light ignites a life in another world. A world of Warriors, Exorcists and Sages. Demons and Ghost ran rampant in this world. Leon soon found that he was surrounded by them in his daily life. And what's even worse is that he must face the eight trials of hell in another world to awaken the eight Main Runes of Chakra while confronting his flaws. [Slave]: The humblest of slaves, bound to servitude. To rise as an Emperor, you must first live and understand the life of a slave. [Farmer]: The most ordinary of farmers. To sow seeds of greatness, you must toil in the fields. [Con-Artist]: In 1990s Europe, walk the path of deception and live a lifetime as a con-artist. [Librarian]: ... With the trait of the Tyrant Emperor, fighting not only demons and ghosts but also gods. Can he survive? (Story starts off slow but trust me for an insane slow burn, also there are plot twist after plot twist so buckle your seatbelt and get ready for a wild ride.) Note: No NTR or Yuri or BL. Reddit link: https://www.reddit.com/r/Tyrant_Emperor/s/3p8Z8f4xhB Discord link: https://discord.gg/Z8K6w3xK7m

Rise of the Abandoned Princess: The Phoenix from the Ashes For decades, the tyrant king has ruled with an iron fist, crushing all who dared to oppose him. His reign of terror has left the kingdom in despair, and the brave souls who rose to challenge him were swiftly silenced, their efforts reduced to dust. The people have resigned themselves to a life of oppression, their hope dimmed to a flicker. But fate is not without its twists. When the king is blessed with a daughter, it is quickly revealed that the princess has no spirit root, the mystical essence that signifies power and destiny. Disgusted by what he deems her uselessness, the king orders the infant cast into the wilderness, to perish unnoticed and forgotten. Yet, what the king could never foresee is that the very child he abandoned is destined to rise from the ashes of his cruelty. Surviving against all odds, the forsaken princess grows in secret, forged by hardship and driven by an unyielding fire. As whispers of her survival spread and her hidden strength awakens, she becomes the beacon of hope the people have been yearning for. The tyrant king’s worst fear begins to take shape—the one he discarded will be the one to end his reign. In a tale of resilience and retribution, the abandoned princess will rise to reclaim her place and ignite a revolution that will bring the kingdom to its knees.

In a pitch-black forest, park ranger Howard navigates through looming oaks, investigating paranormal reports that tarnish the park's reputation. Doubts plague him about his hasty hiring. As silence envelops him, fear escalates, and he senses a lurking menace. Desperate for escape, he races toward a flickering light—only to be consumed by darkness.

“Yes, suck.” He grinned, his voice as smooth as sin. “Because that is among the fastest ways to drive a man nuts. And the noise that comes after that, the screaming that escapes her–they are a song, a hymn to desire. The body proximity, mmmmh, the twin peaks dangling from the supple art, the writhing, the hard thrusts that will have them begging for more, the rounds they would devour over and over again, his big balls that ejaculates at the peak of a climax and the baby that comes after... in most cases. I think that is why they are scared.” He finished off, whispering the last part. Aria’s life was simple; a medical student, a devoted christian and a future she could control—until the night it all fell apart. Tricked, she found herself saving a wounded man who shouldn’t exist. His presence stirred something primal within her, a pull she didn’t understand and a fear she couldn’t ignore. Bound to him by an invisible thread, she couldn’t escape the intensity of his gaze—or the heat of his touch. But nothing could prepare her for the danger that awaited. Forced to accompany him on a treacherous journey, Aria found herself thrust into the deadly politics of a kingdom ruled by a formidable king and his twin sons—one charming yet distant, the other cruelly intoxicating. Amid whispered secrets and simmering tensions, Aria becomes a pawn in a game far darker than she imagined. “You don’t get to decide my future,” she spat, her defiance flickering like a candle against his towering presence. The King’s lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile. “Your future was decided the moment you walked into my court, Aria. You are mine.” Her pulse quickened as he stepped closer, the rich timbre of his voice rolling over her like a storm. “You will bear my mark, stand by my side, and serve as my queen. Do not mistake this for a choice—it’s an inevitability.” “I would rather die,” she shot back, her voice trembling as his hand tilted her chin to meet his piercing gaze. “Then you’ll die with my name on your lips,” he said, his thumb brushing against her jaw. “You belong to me, and not even death will change that.” The man she travels with hides a past that could shatter her resolve, the twins threaten to unravel her very being, and the king sees her as more than just an advisor—he sees her as a temptation he cannot have. As desire tangles with deception, Aria is drawn deeper into a world of forbidden touches and unspoken truths. In a tale of passion, betrayal, and dark secrets, Aria must fight for her life, her heart, and the truth—before everything she knows burns to ashes.

“An illegitimate child will always be an outsider.” For Yu Lixue, life in the Yu family was one of endless humiliation. As the unwanted daughter with no mother to defend her, she was treated like a pawn, used, ignored, and discarded. Her talents—her paintings, her songs—were stolen by her stepmother and conniving half-sister, who claimed them as their own. Her life was a series of shadows and silence, living under their lies. But when her half-sister fled an arranged marriage with Mo Ran, a powerful but reclusive man, the family forced Lixue to take her place. Once again, her wishes were disregarded. Her marriage to Mo Ran was cold, distant—another prison she had no choice but to endure. Until the night she died in a mysterious accident, her pleas for justice buried along with her. Yet fate gave her a second chance. Reborn into the same world that betrayed her, Lixue returns with a vow: she will take back everything they stole—her art, her voice, her freedom. And when she reenters her marriage with Mo Ran, he surprises her with a proposition: he will help her get revenge against those who wronged her. But Lixue is wary. Why is this man, who barely showed her any warmth before, now offering to stand by her side? As they plot against the Yu family, Lixue realizes that Mo Ran has his own reasons for revenge. Their alliance begins to blur the line between ally and enemy, and she questions whether he’s truly on her side or if he has his own hidden agenda. In a world filled with deceit and betrayal, Yu Lixue must decide: will she risk trusting her husband, or will she forge her own path to reclaim what’s hers, no matter the cost? Excerpt: Lixue stared down at the steaming bowl of soup on the table, blinking in surprise. Mo Ran placed it before her with a steady hand, his usual calm expression softened just slightly by a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. She tried to catch his gaze, but he’d already turned away, busying himself with the teapot. “Why are you…?” she murmured, glancing between the bowl and him, her voice trailing off. He looked up, meeting her eyes with a hint of amusement. “Why am I what?” She fumbled for words, her cheeks warming. “Why are you…being so nice to me?” A small smile played on his lips, barely there but just enough to leave her heart fluttering. “Is it so strange for a husband to be kind to his wife?” She opened her mouth to reply, but nothing came out. The Mo Ran she remembered from her past life had been as cold as winter, never sparing her a second glance. This new version of him, warm and considerate, left her feeling…confused. “Eat,” he said, his voice soft. “You didn’t eat much at breakfast.” She nodded, taking the spoon with a slight tremor in her fingers. The soup was rich, comforting—something she would have loved as a child. The warmth of it melted away a part of her guardedness, leaving her strangely vulnerable. As she set down her spoon, she glanced at him again, still puzzled. “What’s gotten into you, Mo Ran?” “…” “Let’s just say I want to spoil you my darling..” Extra tags: #Rebirth#FaceSlapping #SchemingSister #ColdHusbandTurnedSweet#EnemiesToLovers#IllegitimateDaughter

Nova City, Earth - 2,150 A.D Ryne, an athletic teenager with a penchant for parkour, is trying his best to survive in a world that does nothing but punish him. Haunted by the sudden death of his mother six years prior, Ryne’s father forced him and his sister to move to the neglected and financially disadvantaged district known only as ‘Fracture’. Within this unforgiving environment, Ryne endures physical abuse from his father and psychological torment from his peers. All the while fiercely protecting his vulnerable younger sister. Just as hope fades, Ryne’s life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Brad and his group, kindred spirits who share his passion for parkour. As their friendship deepens, Ryne finds a sense of family among his fellow inhabitants of Fracture. However, a mysterious voice whispered in Ryne’s ears. [The apocalypse is imminent, one month remains.] With time running out, he must hold on to hope in the face of despair. As the countdown to annihilation unfolds, the mysterious voice sets various tasks for Ryne. When the time ticks down to zero, people across the globe manifest bizarre and extraordinary abilities while the rest of humanity transforms into grotesque and monstrous creatures. Ryne must confront his inner demons and make a choice—cling to the flickering ember of hope or succumb to the overwhelming despair surrounding him—all the while navigating a landscape plagued by mutant beings. ----------------------------------------------------- Author's Note: As you may know, I'm also the author of My Undeath, a reincarnation novel set in a fantasy world. It wasn't my best work, but I loved writing the story. I put a lot more time and effort into Fractured Horizon, and ironed out the details over the course of a year before writing and publishing it here. If you liked My Undeath, this novel has almost ten times more planning put into it before release. ----------------------------------------------------- Schedule: 7-15 chapters per week Chapter Length 1,000-2,000 words Disclaimers: 1. The 'Earth' in this world is not as we know it to be. Applying common sense is pointless. 2. There are not any planned harems. 3. Increasing powers/strength in this novel will feel similar to cultivation, but this is not a cultivation novel. 4. These creatures aren't zombies as you know them and will not be called such by the characters, but that's all I will say here. -------------------------------------------- Themes: fantasy, science fiction, zombie-like mutated creatures, adventure, dark, horror, survival. -------------------------------------------- Inspiration: Resident Evil definitely inspired the world. Growing up, I played the Resident Evil games and watched the movies. All of The Walking Dead never entertained me because it was mostly drama and hardly any tension. 28 Days/Weeks later, Resident Evil, World War Z, Army of the Dead, Train to Busan, All of us are Dead, Z Nation, etc. are all cemented in my brain as thrilling pieces of zombie fiction. -------------------------------------------- Support the Author: Please use coins/stones/golden tickets, or review my novel!

Scarlett Jerkins' dream was simple: wealth and the freedom to indulge. But when she let love in, she regretted it as her life was brutally cut short by her husband's family, ending a six-month coma but fate had other plans. Ding! {You've awakened the Echo System.} Scarlett's eyes flickered open to an unfamiliar world, guided by an enigmatic system that revealed her new reality: an apocalypse world where monsters born from history deceased roamed free. She discovered that she was among the chosen members chosen by the system destined to save humanity. But this newfound purpose felt like a curse. Having escaped death only to face it again was a cruel twist of fate. And to make matters worse, her life was now tied to Garvin Johnson, her former rude, spoilt brat boss, whom she must protect at all costs. As she navigates this treacherous realm, she must confronts twisted creatures born from history's deceased. With the three elements at her command, she must gather resources, slay monsters, and safeguard Garvin. Scarlett's drive for survival becomes a quest for redemption, fueled by her past traumas and newfound purpose. As stakes escalate, Scarlett and Garvin face impossible choices, forging alliances with other chosen members who were handsome men and confronting enemies in a desperate bid to ensure humanity's survival.

'Hmmmm...so I just have to witness the skill being used to copy it...then I can evolve this skill ten times it's initial power?' Nox was skeptical as he looked at the screen flickering on his retina. I mean, how was something so insane even possible? Copying a skill itself was very bad-assed, and you mean to say he could evolved the copied Skill ten times it's initial power, exponentially surpassing the original owner? Why would the gods let such broken talent even exist? 'Well it's just one way to find out...' Luckily just then, he saw two powerfull beings fighting mid air. Their fight sent shockwaves billowing in all directions, causing Nox to take a couple of Steps back. At that moment, he activated his talent... [Mimicry activated!] [Target: Cosmic Entity Arkea - Successfully copied Skill "Gravity Manipulation"!] [Description: Gravity Manipulation Creates a localized gravity field, slowing enemies within a 5-meter radius by 20% for 5 seconds.] [Upgrading Gravity Manipulation 10x!] [Ding! You have Awaken Gravitational Singularity!] [Description: Gravitational Singularity Creates a singularity that pulls in enemies within a 20-meter radius, dealing 5,000 damage and stunning them for 5 seconds. Allies within the area gain a 30% damage boost for 10 seconds.] [Do you wish to keep this skill or bestow it to your Pet?] "No fucking way!" Nox exclaimed in shock. "I-its real!"

"David Raphael's life slipped beneath the waves of a glacial sea, his unfulfilled longing for GTA 6 forever etched in the digital realm. As his soul was torn from its mortal shell, a vortex of otherworldly energies swept him away to a medieval world, where foreboding forests shrouded in mist stretched towards the horizon, and rugged, granite mountains pierced the sky like shards of splintered stone. "In this unforgiving realm, David's journey began, a treacherous path woven from darkness and flickering moonlight. His quest: to claim the legendary Blessed Visor, an ancient relic rumored to grant its wearer mastery over the very fabric of existence. Yet, as David's ambition burned brighter, the weight of his desire settled upon him, a haunting reminder that 'heavy is the head that wears the crown.'"

As the final dragon lay defeated, Aaran stared at the sky while the rest celebrated. [Awaiting the gods’ response...] He clenched his fists, his heart pounding. A shred of hope flickered in his eyes, only to be extinguished like always. [The attained outcome was deemed unsatisfactory.] Aaran had seen the message for the nineteenth time. He had become the gods’ plaything in their desire to witness the “perfect ending”. He regressed once again, but this time as a toddler with charm being his only stat. But something was amiss. The world he remembered had changed, and powers that did not exist before had taken hold. Tired of following the traditional route, Aaran chose to fight darkness with darkness… as a necromancer with infinite charm!

**unedited version-I will release the edited one soon** y/n erased her own memory in an attempt to leave behind her tumultuous past and start anew. All she could recall was a brief but intense fling with Tom Riddle, where shadows danced and dark arts whispered temptations at midnight. Leaving behind Evergreen, her heart shattered and the weight of her dark history, she stepped into the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, where hope flickered like candlelight. It wasn't long before she crossed paths with Draco Malfoy, the embodiment of danger wrapped in charm. Their fiery confrontations crackled with tension, each argument laced with unspoken desire. What started as battles of wits and sharp words quickly ignited into a passionate affair. Stolen glances turned into heated touches in dimly lit corridors, where secrets intertwined with secrets, and lies dripped like honey from their lips. Each encounter burned brighter than the last, a whirlwind of thrilling passion and unyielding attraction that left them breathless and wanting more. As they danced on the edge of chaos, y/n realized that love might just be the most dangerous magic of all.

“Darling, you are the moon that gave light in my darkest times.” She gave up finding a man who could make her heart skip a beat and fall in love; Hailey Hillson accepted her best friend’s marriage proposal but then changed her mind after hearing another woman say she couldn’t please a man in bed. When it was just a week away from their wedding day, Bryan got back together with his ex-girlfriend Eva Lan. Hailey broke up with Bryan and called off their wedding. But then, she discovered an interesting fact about Eva Lan—she is married. ‘Did her husband know she was cheating on him?’ * After the heartbreak, Hailey focused on completing her LIFE PROJECT. To achieve it, she went overseas, where she came across Vincent Lopez Shen, the CEO of Shen Group Construction Firm, who later offered her a contract to pretend as his mistress to get his wife's attention. As she also had an ulterior motive, she signed the contract without thinking twice. However... What will happen after she lives with Vincent Shen under one roof when he is Eva’s husband—the woman who destroyed her relationship with Bryan? Will Vincent find out her secret regarding her true identity? Would she find out the secret Vincent keeps that is related to her? EXCERPT: “Miss Eva Lan, why won’t you sign the divorce papers if you are happy with someone’s fiancé’s bed?” Glancing at her with disbelief, Bryan turned his head to the woman inside his arm; he asked, “What the hell is this, Eva?” Hailey cut in. “Oh, you didn’t know Miss Lan is a married woman, my dear ex-fiance?” Her words are a bomb to Bryan. “You shut up! Don’t believe her, Bryan! She is just jealous of me because you love me over her!” Hailey scoffed, a playful smile playing on her lips; before she could spout another word, the woman in front of her paled like a ghost. “Vincent, what are you doing here?” Horror, panic, and shock linger on her face to see her husband appear out of nowhere and his arms wrapped around the girl’s waist. Vince shoots a cold glare at his wife, and he feels no familiarity between them. He withdrew his gaze from the two people before them. He turned his head to the woman standing next to him, he looked at her with tenderness in his eyes, and with a loving tone, he asked her, “Darling, who upsets you? Tell me, and I will remove them from your sight in an instant.” Hailey lifted her chin. As her eyes flickered, her cheeks were flushing scarlet red. Coquettishly, she whispered in Vincent's ear, “Darling, Miss Lan bullied me. She said I couldn’t satisfy a man in bed. She told me I didn’t know how to… do that….” Vincent contorted the corners of his mouth and beamed. “That’s interesting.” “What do you mean by that?” she pouted. “What I am trying to say is… You are a fast learner, and all you need is the right partner.” * * * ~Be ready for many twists ~Novel was ENDING at Chapter 400. WARNING: ~Volume 4 and Volume 5 (from chap 401) are a preparation for the Book Sequel (Somewhere Trapped In Time: I Love You Through Eternity) and have different courses of their story so it was a risk if you go beyond 401 and haven't read My Stubborn Mistress. Insta: instagram.com/eliseelleneth/ Discord: Elise_Elleneth#8761 D-Server: https://discord.gg/8Uq28ef (Disclaimer: Art is not mine. Credits to the Respective Owner. Found it on Pinterest)

In the Kingdom of August, where magic defines greatness, Cynus, a boy born with only a flicker of fire magic, dreams of becoming the strongest wizard. Mocked for his weakness but fueled by unshakable determination, he sets out on a journey to master the rare and powerful elemental flames. Along the way, Cynus forms bonds with allies chasing dreams of their own, challenging the limits of magic and destiny.

The forest had become Wanessa’s only refuge since the night her father cast her out. “You’re nothing but an omega now. Leave.” His words had echoed in her mind ever since, fueled by her stepsister’s lies and her pack’s betrayal. She’d been left to survive on scraps and the herbs she gathered, clinging to life on the edge of a world that no longer wanted her. Wanessa knelt in the damp earth, her hands trembling as she tore bluebells from the soil. The whispers of the forest were louder tonight, unnatural, like voices carried on the wind. “…White Knight…” “…unstoppable… hunting his Luna…” “…death follows him…” The White Knight. Everyone feared the alpha with molten silver eyes, a predator hunting his destined mate. But Wanessa had no time for legends. She needed these herbs to survive. A branch snapped behind her. Wanessa spun, clutching her blade. The moonlight revealed a figure slumped against a tree, his armor gleaming like liquid moonlight, smeared with blood. Her breath hitched. It was him. The White Knight’s silver eyes flickered open, locking onto hers. "Help me." He gasped. Every instinct screamed to run, but her feet wouldn’t obey. She dropped beside him, her hands working to bind his wounds before she could stop herself. "Why?" He muttered, his grip tightening on her wrist. 'Why would you help me?" She had no answer. When she stood to leave, his hand shot out again, his voice low and determined. You. You’re my Luna."He said. "You’re mistaken."She whispered. "I never forget what’s mine."He said. Panic surged, and she fled into the forest, but her mind reeled with a buried memory, silver eyes, staring at her from another time, another life. Will white knight alpha be able to find her again? Will she have her revenge? Can his possessive side give them their happy ending?

In the chilling depths of despair, Wan, a troubled teenager, finds himself trapped in a nightmarish cycle of depression that leads him to a harrowing decision—suicide. However, instead of finding peace, his attempt brings him back from the brink, resurrected but with a sinister twist: hell now resides within his mind. As Wan struggles to adjust to his new reality, he discovers that each time he falls asleep, he is plunged into a terrifying chapter of his own personal hell. These dreams manifest as twisted, nightmarish landscapes filled with grotesque apparitions that embody his deepest fears and regrets. The boundaries of his mind dissolve into a horrifying labyrinth, where he confronts haunting memories, vengeful spirits, and the darkness that once consumed him. Each encounter pulls him deeper into madness, revealing the terrifying consequences of his actions and the monstrous aspects of his psyche. With every sleepless night, Wan grapples with malevolent forces that threaten to unravel him completely. Yet, amidst the chaos, a flicker of hope ignites within him. Along his dark journey, he encounters fellow lost souls who also inhabit this horrific realm, forming a fragile alliance to combat the relentless nightmares. Together, they must confront their pasts, face their fears, and challenge the very essence of the hell they inhabit. "The Hell Within Me" is a gripping horror novel that delves into the terrifying intersections of mental illness and supernatural terror. As Wan battles the demons of his mind, he must uncover the truth behind his resurrection and confront the chilling question: can he escape the hell within, or will he become its eternal prisoner?

November 17th. A day that should have been ordinary became the day the world fell apart. The Collapse—a disaster unlike any other—destroyed over 80% of the population in a single stroke. Entire cities were reduced to ruins, the rules of nature were rewritten, and strange, otherworldly forces began to seep into the cracks of reality. Those who survived were left to navigate a world where power comes at a price, and despair looms around every corner. Silas Grayson was a man who always preferred the background, someone who never sought the limelight. But when the Collapse shattered the world, it shattered Silas’s quiet existence, too. Now, in a reality that demands action, he must navigate a landscape where ruins grant strange Authorities, rulers thrive on corruption, and whispers of beings far beyond human understanding begin to surface. As he ventures deeper into this harsh new world, Silas clings to hope—a fragile, flickering light in the darkness. But when despair threatens to crush even that, he must grapple with the question: How does a man hold on to hope in a world that seems designed to take it away? The Collapse didn’t just destroy the world—it created a new one. And surviving it will demand more than Silas ever thought he could give.

[Processing dead body... 45%... 56%... 99.9%... ding!] [Error.] [Reprocessing dead body... soul found... ding! 2%... 5%... 59%... 67%... 99%... ding! 99.9%] [Process incomplete.] The woman had red hair that glowed like embers. Her face was strikingly fair, but her entire body appeared faintly transparent like glass under sunlight. She blinked, disoriented, as her gaze settled on a hideous, robotic bird hovering nearby. Its sharp, angular body looked mismatched, with awkwardly stiff wings and an oversized beak that glowed menacingly. It was focused on her lifeless body on the ground, shooting thin, bright laser beams across her body. Hazel stared at the bird, her figure stiffening. "What in the world..." she whispered, her voice echoing faintly. If you're confused, let me explain. Just a few minutes ago, Hazel had been driving, enjoying the breeze through her open window. That's when she noticed a tiny puppy stranded in the middle of the road, trembling and helpless. Her instincts kicked in. Without thinking twice, she swerved, steering the car sharply to avoid hitting it. The puppy was safe. But Hazel wasn't. Her car had crashed, and she died instantly. Now, Hazel had become a ghost. Her body felt strange—light and weightless, yet she could feel every movement as if she were still alive. She floated, her hair billowing as though caught in an invisible current. Then came the noise. Ding! The sound was loud, sharp, and mechanical. Hazel flinched, looking around until her eyes landed on the robotic bird. It was still scanning her dead body with its obnoxious laser beams, beeping and whirring as if annoyed at its own failures. Hazel frowned, watching it from a distance, but after what felt like the tenth scan, her curiosity got the better of her. She floated closer, hovering near the hideous creature. It twitched, almost startled by her presence, before it froze completely. Ding! [Process complete] [Congratulations, soul number XOXO, for binding with the Baby-Raising System!] Hazel blinked, her ghostly hand clutching at her chest out of habit—forgetting she had no heartbeat anymore. "The what system?" [Newbie Packet detected! Festive Season Bonus activated for Host.] Ding! [Opening gift automatically… Bonus Daddy included in every world.] She froze, her hands dropping to her sides. Her mouth opened slightly in disbelief as the robotic bird chirped happily, almost smugly. "Wait... what? Bonus Daddy?!" Hazel's transparent figure seemed to flicker with frustration. Her chest rose and fell as if she was still breathing, though no air passed through her. The bird made another cheerful ding! sound, completely ignoring her shock. "What is this? Some kind of sick prank?" Hazel muttered, pacing in her ghostly form. She glanced at her lifeless body again, then back at the bird, her mind racing. She was dead. That much was obvious. But now she was... stuck in some baby-raising system? "What the heck is going on?" Hazel hissed, throwing her hands up.

"Do I deserve a place in this world?" A youth burdened by a past marred with failure and a despair so profound it consumed every semblance of life. Stripped of purpose and shattered by guilt, he embarks on a relentless quest for identity, only to find himself drawn deeper into a shadowed abyss. Each step forward unearths echoes of his mistakes, each truth uncovered only adds weight to the chains that bind him. Yet, within the void, a flicker of hope emerges—a fragile light threatening to be extinguished by the darkness of his soul. This is a story of redemption and ruin, where survival is not enough, and to rise is to embrace the fire that scorches. In a world where purpose slips like ash, will he uncover a reason to stand, or will he surrender to the void that calls his name?

A once in a millennium event is currently being anticipated by all the people of Vesmir. They are outside of their own homes waiting for a special phenomen to happen. They gaze above the skies and saw the one of the two moons of their planet, slowly covered the sun. Suddenly the azure colored sky of Vesmir was hastily change its color into a dark crimson. When the sky of Vesmir became dark crimson, the people of Vesmir was amazed by the phenomenon they are seeing. After a while million of stars twinkle around the moon, slowly turning the dark crimson sky to its original azure color. Among those millions stars there were less than 0.0001.% star that shines brightly compared to the other stars. However, if you look closely as if the dark crimson sky was fighting the million of stars they get a stalemate. People then saw the second moon covered the sun. Suddenly the whole world was casted by shadow and darkness. All of the people of Vesmir suddenly felt feer and safe at the same time. Then after a while the sky returned to its original azure color because it was still in the afternoon. There is no million of stars. There is no dark crimson sky. In a old hut at the top of the mountain, an oldman with a white clothes. The oldman looks like a benevolent and you can see a white aura flickering on and off out of his body. He witness all this phenomenon at the hut's window. The catastrophe that was delayed are happening.The seal of the world are slowly weakening. That race will find this world. No, they already find it. The sacrifice that they made to hide this world from them this is lonely weakening. Alas it would still happen. Are all those sacrifice they did, are for these generation to face?" He asked weakly. No one answered. The oldman looks at his body. He saw his body was very slowly turning into dust. "I do not have much time. I need to inform the guardians of all the races about the impending storm that is coming. They need to focus to armed the new generation especially the Chosen Ones. They would be the the sword that would purge the chaos and shield that would protect it's people of this world from the chatastrophe that would happen. Those who have been sealed cannot do anything, the only solution is to train those new generation." Looking at the window, as he gaves at the sun. "The structure of the universe is gonna completely change in this era. Can this world survive?" The old man did not include the shadow in his premonitions and just bypass it. The old man stands weakly, get his walking stick then go wherever he plans to do. *** Argus Orpheus an orphan who survive from a Gate break. He lives for 10 years alone. "Argus Orpheus, Unique Class Awakener, Type: Summoner." A class that is said to be average by many. Argus was also walking a path of summoner no one has succeeded thus far. Argus awakened a power that was no being should possess. As he begins his journey, Argus slowly uncovers the truth of this mysteries about himself. Watch as Argus embarked his chaotic journey.

In the neon-lit streets of Night City, where corporations and gangs rule with iron fists, two women from opposing worlds find their paths intertwined in a dangerous game of power, loyalty, and love. two lover navigate their fraught relationship—one built on trust, betrayal, and mutual desire. In a city where loyalty is as fragile as the flickering lights that bathe its streets, Elsa and Isabela’s forbidden romance will test them both, pushing them to make choices that could alter the future of Night City itself.

Clara Wilson the heiress to Diamond Group got engaged to the love of her life Isaac Hartford the heir to Starlight Group, due to an unforeseen betrayal, Clara Wilson on the brink of death on the night of full moon, Alpha and his pack hunting for prey, rescues Clara and turned her to a werewolf through an Alpha's bite. will she survive from the Alpha's bite? Excerpts: The ambient sound of waves gently lapping against the hull, coupled with the distant hum of the ship's engines, only amplifies her thoughts. She forces a smile, raising her glass in a toast, masking her emotions with practiced ease. The couple clinks their glasses with hers, their happiness an unspoken contrast to the quiet yearning in her heart. "I'll go inside the suite and rest now you guys enjoy." She said making her way to the suite. "Babe I need to get something inside the suite." Isaac said. "Alright don't keep me here waiting, I can't do without seeing you for a second." "Really that's my girl." He said, kisses her forehead and left. Isaac didn't go to their suite but he went to Jacqueline's suite he pushed opened the door. "Did I scare you?" He asked. "Why didn't you knock on the door before coming in what if I'm undressing." "Sighed softly it's not like this is the first time I'm seeing you undressed should I get rid of your night gown." He said kissing her collar bone. She didn't reject his offer, wrapped her arms around his neck he kissed her thin lips vigorously. Few minutes passed Isaac had not returned yet, she decided to go and check on him, she checked their suite he was not there, she headed to Jacqueline's suite to ask her If she had seen Isaac. She opened the door to Jacqueline's suite and then, her eyes flickered tears rapidly streamed down her face a pang of shame stabbed at her watching her best friend and the love of her life together on bed exchanging intimacies. "Isaac....you! How could you do this to me? What are you two doing together on bed?" Both of them stared at her without any sigh of remorsefulness. "It's just like what you're seeing right now" She moved closer to the bed drags the sheet off Jacqueline exposing her nakedness grabbed her brown hair hitting her head against the cluttered table beside the bed. Jacqueline stretches her hand reaching for the wine she held it and hits Clara's head with the wine bottle, the glass shattered against Clara's head. The sharp crack echoed in the tense silence and crimson blood began to seep, dripping onto the plush carpet and pooling under the shards of broken glass, Clara fainted. The room descended into chaos, the once romantic moments now marred by betrayal and violence. "Oh my goodness what have you done Jacqueline." "Is she dead?" She asked curiously in fear. "What are we going to do now?" "I don't think she is dead yet she fainted probably." He said.  "I know what to do." He carried her heading to the edge of the ship Jacqueline followed him , Isaac pulled off his shirt soaked with blood used it to clean the blood stain on his hand and neck. He folded the shirt and throws it into the sea. Jacqueline standing at the edge of the ship bitting her fingers  panicked about the situation. "Please don't kill me, help me I promise not to cause any trouble for both of you, I will forgive and pretend nothing happened here." Clara muttered in pain. "So you're finally awake"

"So, what do you want to do?" Audrey's voice was gentle yet probing, seeking a glimpse into the depths of my heart amidst the wreckage. "I want to forget it all," I replied, the words raw and desperate. "Forget our relationship, forget the lives I took." Fresh tears welled, blurring my vision. "Are you sure? Some memories are worth holding onto," she countered, her voice laced with worry, as if fearing I was making a choice I might regret. "Not when they hurt. Not when they're constant reminders of what could have been," I retorted, each word a painful admission. "I have a way," she said suddenly, a flicker of determination igniting her features. She headed upstairs, beckoning for me to follow. A small spark of curiosity flickered within me amidst my despair.

"Wu Long, the God of Pleasure, has fallen as he failed to breakthrough." This news have shocked all of the Seven Boundless Worlds. Meanwhile, a sixteen-year-old disciple of a dual cultivation sect was startled awake from a coma, and after some moments of calming down and gathering his thoughts, a dangerous light flickered deep in his eyes: "Jun Shaoshan, I will climb back to the top and make you pay for everything, no one has ever been safe after offending me, Wu Long!" -------------- Dual cultivation is a method of cultivation that can be seen described in a lot of cultivation novels where a man and a woman cultivates together by having sex. -------------- ***DIscord Link: https://discord.gg/JfSRtJVXTd The Image on the cover is AI-generated with some minor adjustments and text editing done over it. Please check the auxiliary chapter with Frequently Asked Questions since there may be some answers to the questions you might want to ask. If you want to ask questions regarding the novel before reading you can do so in the comment section of the said auxiliary chapter. If you have posted a review and it is not appearing on the novel page and not changing the novel score, it may have stuck in the system (happened in the past and occasionally happening now). Please comment under the FAQ auxiliary chapter mentioned above if you notice this happen. I can usually contact support in daytime on weekdays and the problem is fixed within days and the 'stuck' reviews appear on the page. Thank you XD -------------- ***The explicit chapters will be marked in the chapter name after the chapter number as (R18) and will contain no crucial plot, only explicit scene, so if you want to read it as a novel without explicit scenes you absolutely can by just skipping the explicit chapters. Though as a disclaimer: dual cultivation IS the theme of the novel so there will still be some provocative or slightly explicit content in the normal chapters, but not full-on long explicit scenes. ***Since it seems that there are a lot of people that are very particular about what they want I will put here some of the things to expect so that it is easier for people to decide if they want to read this or not: - NO yaoi, NO yuri, NO incest ; - NO rape ( it may be mentioned, but only as a thing that exists, not in relation to any particular character ); - MC's heroines will NEVER cheat on him; - MC's heroines will NOT ALWAYS have V cards (but there will be a lot of them who do); These are all non-negotiable so if you cannot tolerate a novel that adheres to any of the above sentences you should probably skip this one. !!! WARNING (ADVERTISEMENT) there will be MILFs. XD

In a world where timelines and universes intertwine, two souls are eternally bound by a love that defies time yet is perpetually thwarted by an enigmatic force. A mysterious curse known as *The Origin Curse* ensures that every time these star-crossed lovers come close, fate tears them apart, scattering fragments of their memories across different lives and worlds. The story begins in an era where civilization has not yet reached its peak. A humble healer, Jian, discovers two ethereal lights repelling and attracting one another in the wilderness. These lights manifest as a boy and a girl. Forced to choose, Jian saves the girl, Yue, using his family’s last Soul Rebirth Pill. The boy seemingly perishes, but unknown to Jian, his essence is taken in by the dark forces of the world. Yue grows up in Jian’s household, becoming a brilliant healer with a fiery temper that leads her to both heal and harm. Her adoptive brothers protect her fiercely, but tragedy strikes when a war manipulated by an unseen antagonist costs the eldest brother his life. Meanwhile, the boy, now raised as a cold assassin in the Dark Sect, wrestles with fragmented memories of a past life where he was tender and loving. As the story unfolds, the curse’s shadow looms larger. The physical manifestation of *The Origin Curse*—a mysterious antagonist—emerges, weaving chaos into their lives. The boy and girl are drawn together by inexplicable forces, their shared past flickering at the edges of their minds. Yet, the closer they come to understanding their connection, the more violently the curse works to separate them. Through shifting timelines, hidden secrets, and an unrelenting cycle of love and loss, Yue and her counterpart must uncover the truth of *The Origin Curse* and confront its physical embodiment. Only by unraveling the curse’s origins can they hope to break free and rewrite their destiny. Filled with suspense, romance, and the weight of timeless longing, *The Spark That Repels Us* is a poignant tale of love's endurance in the face of impossible odds. Will they find a way to be together, or are they doomed to forever be fated to be—but never to be?

Delmar Connet was a hired gun, who living by killing whoever it was his clients wanted dead. But during one mission, he died in a fierce gunfight. However, death was not the end for him. Delmar reincarnated in another world, were he had never seen before. And when he open his eyes, and see a floating interface that flickered before him. ( Synchronizing Host! ) ( Military System initializing. ) Delmar found out that in this system he received, he can summon soldiers, tanks, aircrafts, and even warships! This is going to be exhilarating. With this system, he begin his journey in this unknown world. Will he reach top of this world where strength is primary? Reincarnated in another world with multiple system is a novel covered in Romance, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Harem, Slice of life Genres. Written by the Author Mythical Creatures.

In a declining world, where the remnants of hope fade and trust lingers only as forgotten whisper, a young man stands at a crossroads. He seeks neither heroes nor miracles, but a single truth: that of his own identity. Torn between the weight of a fractured, fleeting past and an uncertain future, he embarks on an extraordinary quest, strewn with trials, doubts, and shattering revelations. Amid the ruins of a civilization that has lost faith in itself, he delves into the profound meaning of what it is to be human. What memories shape our souls? Who are we without them? What gives purpose to our existence when everything seems to collapse? And how far are we willing to go to reclaim those we have lost? Immerse yourself in an introspective and epic odyssey, where every step is a battle against oneself and the world, where light flickers yet refuses to be extinguished. For even in the deepest darkness, a glimmer endures—for those brave enough to seek it. A journey whose ultimate goal is the light.

Title: Aradhya Synopsis: In a world overrun by darkness and negativity, where demons reign supreme, humanity teeters on the brink of despair. Amidst the chaos, in a small village shrouded in fear, a young boy named Arsh grapples with the harsh reality of his existence. Convinced that there is no hope for salvation from the demonic oppression, Arsh resigns himself to a life of fear and uncertainty. However, fate takes an unexpected turn when Arsh discovers a long-forgotten legend from fifty years past. In that bygone era, a mysterious figure known only as the "Protector" rose to challenge the demons, wielding unimaginable power in a bid to free humanity from their clutches. Yet, after a fierce battle, the Protector vanished without a trace, leaving behind only whispers and legends. Driven by newfound determination and a flicker of hope, Arsh embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind the legend of the Protector. Along the way, he encounters allies and adversaries alike, each with their own motivations and secrets. As Arsh delves deeper into the mysteries of the past, he unravels a tale of sacrifice, betrayal, and redemption, discovering that the line between hero and villain is not always as clear-cut as it seems. With each step bringing him closer to the truth, Arsh must confront his own doubts and fears, facing challenges that test not only his strength but also his faith in humanity. As the forces of darkness close in around him, Arsh must ultimately decide whether to embrace the legacy of the Protector or succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume them all. Aradhya is a thrilling tale of courage, friendship, and the power of hope in the face of adversity. Set against a backdrop of darkness and despair, it is a story of ordinary individuals rising to become heroes in the battle for the soul of humanity.

[discontinued] Morana Yin was a once legend. A ruthless assassin, a figure shrouded in myth and legend until she was betrayed by the person she trusted the most, leading to her gruesome death. But fate has other plans, granting her a second chance in the body of Vesna Xiao, the illegitimate daughter of the Xiao familia. Trapped in a life that bears no resemblance to her own, she must confront the ghosts that haunt her past and the demons that lurk in her present. In a world of gilded cages and veiled threats, where every smile hides a dagger, every friend a hidden foe, her new face becomes her mask, the youthful innocence becomes her shield hiding the soul of a hardened killer hungering for vengeance. --------- Ziyan Luo was a rising star, a brilliant businessman, and an heir to the capital's most influential family until one accident that left him blind during the day and haunted by nightmares at night, leading him to retreat from the world. But when fate throws Ziyan into Vesna's path, spark ignites in the shadows. Vesna becomes the first flicker of desire in Ziyan's isolated world. He wants her and makes no secret of it. Avoiding him isn't an option he offers and he's determined to prove to her she's worth every ounce of effort he's going to put into winning her heart