Snarled Candle Cove

Eun-jae, a sharp-tongued, no-nonsense beta agent codenamed Helix, thought his biggest challenge this year would be surviving another day of chaotic missions—and maybe blowing out birthday candles in peace. But when he's thrust into a high-stakes operation involving Bes Ilay Karpov-Troitsky, a ruthless Russian arms dealer with ties to a deadly organization, his plans for a quiet reunion with his mom in Busan are obliterated. Armed with his razor-sharp instincts and biting wit, Eun-jae must navigate a labyrinth of betrayal, secrets, and danger as he dives into Moscow's criminal underbelly. Can Eun-jae stay one step ahead of the game, or will this mission mark his final act?

The two men couldn't have looked more out of place on the cold afternoon streets of New Hadepee. The first was a scrawny fellow, no taller than five foot eight, wearing a white shirt marred with ugly reddish-brown stains and a pair of plain tan pants. His companion, by contrast, carried himself with an air of quiet authority—a regal-looking man with a neatly trimmed black beard, wrapped in a great black coat with a red scarf pulled snug around his neck. "I heard the man himself has come back," the one in the stained shirt said, carefully balancing on the curb with his arms outstretched. "Oh? And where did you hear that?" his companion asked, turning his head with amusement to watch the precarious balancing act. "Welp, the sergeant major told me to go down to Olker, so I figured that could only mean he's back," the man in the white shirt replied. "Vistor has close cultural and political ties with the kingdom of Olker. Don't you think it's just a protection job?" the older man in black inquired, a hint of humor in his voice. "Oh, come on, Mang, you know they'd never give someone like me a protection job," the man in the white shirt scoffed, jumping off the curb and spinning around a lamppost. The older man—now known as Mang—came to a halt, reaching into his coat and pulling out an envelope. "Well, Tai, I suppose you're wrong." Mang handed the envelope to him. Tai peeled open the envelope, sliding out the letter and studying it carefully. "Oh wow, so Marlin is marrying the queen of those people?" he asked with a shrug. "She is not a queen. Don't let anyone call her that," Mang snapped. "And if her people weren't so damn difficult, we would have annexed them already." "So we let them succeed but not Gascon? Whose idea was that? They're more like us than those humans are," Tai said, frowning. "Gascon was willing to sell to the Emperor for a small chunk of change," Mang quipped. "The Noctrous family was not." "Ok so what's that matter, all we need is a little persuasion to change their minds? We killed the chief of Gnomandale and sent his stuffed head back to them, then they sold Gnomendale to us. All we need to do to get Olker is beat the hell out of Sylvie and she will sell." Tai folds the letter and places it back into the envelope. "Tai, the people of Vistor don't have the heart to see us beat up the Eladrin people like we did the Gnomes, and plus their Chief tramp Silvye is much too pretty for us to put her head on a stick."  "Welp, it's our loss," Tai muttered, spitting onto the sidewalk. "No, it's not. Not if Chester is back…" Tai frowned. "What's Chester gonna do?" "Last I recall, his fallout with Sylvie wasn't just a petty disagreement. Before he died, he built a fleet of ships and hid them in a cove somewhere. If he wanted revenge, all he'd need is an army." "And who the hell would fight for him?" "The same people who fight for us—the poor." This is a prequel to Then Maker, another story of mine. The writing may feel somewhat outdated compared to my more recent work, but it consists of a series of scenes that occur before the main events of the novel. The description is one of my most recent pieces, which is why it differs in style from the rest of the book.

Jianghu was in turmoil, an era of great strife. The leader of Great Qin wielded the Mo Blade, leaving the world battered and bruised. The ageless figures of Jianghu crouched upon the mountains, and with a single turn, they cast the entire world below them. Strong men measured the earth with their feet, and heroes of Jianghu could cleave the heavens with one sword, yet in the blink of an eye, they were drunk in the embrace of beauties. The Taoist carried his sword, the Scholar drunk on wine. Wearing tattered clothes, a beggar grasped a rotten branch and dared to storm the ancestral hall of the Taoist Sect. On the willow-lined causeway, in the long pavilion, a man who had sat withered for thirty years turned and stepped out, holding a peach blossom, with a flick of his wrist, he shattered ten miles of red candles. The era of Great Qin was renamed the Great Yuan Era. The youth with the Wooden Sword left his mountain village behind. (Solo female lead)

While they mine for gold, I dig graves. While they use healing ointment, I munch on graveyard grass. While they take Mana Potions, I light incense and candles. While they meditate to recover, I rest in a coffin, While they attack with magic, I retaliate by tossing paper money. ... Let's see how a skeleton turns the tables in an online game, stirring up chaos to become the ultimate boss!

The footsteps sounded closer, and closer, and closer, until he faintly heard Siri's voice welcoming someone into the house, but before he could open his eyes to see who it was, he felt a large hand gripping his neck, his legs were locked tightly between much larger ones, and, he felt the cold metal of a gun placed directly on his...gun. Zeno quickly opened his eyes from instincts, ready to fight off his attacker, but the moment he did so, he was met with mesmerizing dark grey orbs, staring dangerously at him. The face of his attacker was too close, he couldn't make out his features, but he knew they were sharp, even from a closed look. He didn't bother fighting, he didn't want to lose his junior member down there, and his Nana still expected grandchildren from him. He couldn't disappoint her. "Who. Are. You?" The voice of his attacker was so deep, dark, and commanding. Zeno was a fighter, but he felt a chill run down his spine from the sound of the voice. The hand around Zeno's neck tightened, but he endured it, he was a fighter. Judging by his attacker's looks and actions of confidence, this was his boss. ~~~ After losing his parents and being faced with an unbelievable medical bill, Zeno Evander finds himself working as a Manny for a mysterious Billionaire, but it doesn't last long; after almost being killed by the Mafia billionaire, Zeno swore never to return to that place again. But after a week of escaping the Mafia billionaire, Zeno finds himself kidnapped and Blackmailed into signing a year's contract as the Mafia's Manny and bodyguard. Could Zeno escape his evil and monstrous boss? Or would he be consumed by him? Consumed by the forbidden passion he felt build up between them? Would he risk his life just to experience the burn of forbidden love? After the betrayal from his family, ex-wife, and friend five years ago, Sebastian Orion became a totally different being. He became cold, aloof, and dangerous as he rose to become the most feared Mafia king of the underworld, and everyone who heard his name shivered from fear. He distrusted everyone and hated any form of human relationships, building a thick wall around himself. But, not until his son's manny came into the picture. Zeno irritated him in every way, he hated the mere sight of his bodyguard and would have chosen to kill him if not for the sake of his son. Sebastian always tried to push Zeno away by treating him in the lowest way possible. But when the contract was coming to an end, were his feelings still the same? Or did he suddenly realize that it wasn't only his son that needed Zeno? ~~~ "What are you waiting for? Leave!" Sebastian snarled bitterly. He would have to speak with Butler Nicole to find out why he brought back this stupid clown to his house. He had just returned from yet another trip, just to find this nuisance in his house again. He hated Zeno so much; he was classless and looked extremely dangerous to be near his son; who knew if he was sent as a snitch by an enemy? "I'm sorry, boss, but I can't," Zeno said and stood his ground. Leaving would mean he wanted his Nana to die; no, he'd rather stay here and take all punches that came his way; he was used to it. "What?!" Sebastian couldn't believe that such stupid people were still existing in the world. "I can't leave," Zeno repeated.

Samantha never expected to find magic in her hometown, let alone in a dimly lit bar on a rainy Tuesday night. Yet here she was, perched on a barstool at the Black Swan, her world about to tilt on its axis. The air thrummed with an otherworldly energy she couldn't quite place. Ethereal dancers moved like smoke across the floor, their bodies fluid and mesmerizing. As Samantha nursed her drink, she felt the weight of curious stares prickling her skin. That's when she saw him. Marcus. A name she didn't know yet, but one that would soon be etched into her very soul. Their eyes locked across the crowded room, and Samantha's breath caught in her throat. He moved with predatory grace, all lean muscle and barely restrained power. Their first interaction was as intoxicating as it was bewildering. One moment, he was her gallant protector, rescuing her from an overly aggressive drunk. The next, his eyes hardened to chips of ice as he snarled, "Stupid girl," before melting into the shadows. Samantha's mind reeled, but her body hummed with an excitement she couldn't explain. Little did she know, this encounter was merely the first step into a world beyond her wildest fantasies – a realm where vampires ruled the night and pain blurred exquisitely with pleasure. As she delved deeper into this hidden society, Samantha found herself drawn to the intoxicating blend of power, submission, and supernatural allure. The crack of a whip, the whisper of leather, the exquisite sting of fangs – each sensation pushed her boundaries and ignited desires she never knew existed. But with every ecstatic high came the sobering reality of danger. Vampire politics were as deadly as they were intricate, and Samantha soon realized she was a pawn in a game where the stakes were life, death, and eternal servitude. As she left the Black Swan that night, Samantha couldn't shake the feeling that she stood on the precipice of something life-changing. She had no idea how right she was, or how deeply she would fall into a passionate, dangerous dance with forces beyond her imagination. The real question was: in this world where pleasure and peril intertwined so intimately, would she emerge empowered... or lose herself completely?

The villain wasn’t meant to be an emperor—nor was he supposed to be handsome. Yet he hates me, and I don’t know why. Attending the Academy of the Arcane—a school for the supernatural elite to hone their power—I became a rebel, untouchable and unstoppable. My beauty became both a weapon and a curse, a mocking reminder of the life I’d lost. Among the whispers and wary stares, one figure cut through the chaos: Tharros, the Emperor of Shadows. The supreme ruler of witches, vampires, werewolves, and fae alike. His cold, burning gaze seared through me, heavy with a hatred that felt almost intimate. "You made me this way," he snarled, his face a living testament to fury and torment. His presence was a storm I couldn’t escape, and his accusations pierced my soul. Yet I had no memory of him—or the crime he swore I committed. When I denied his claims, his laughter followed me like a curse. "You don’t remember? Then I’ll make sure you never forget." Days later, I awoke as his bride—bound to him by a marriage I never agreed to, shackled to his vengeance. Tharros’ darkness envelops me, threatening to consume everything I am. Now, I must unravel the secrets of his hatred, the truth about my parents’ murder, and the twisted memories he swears I’ve buried. Because in this deadly game of vengeance and power, the line between hate and something far more dangerous grows thinner with every heartbeat

Investigative journalist Ellie Harper returns to her fog-shrouded hometown of Haven’s Cove after her mother’s death, only to find the past clawing its way back: skeletal remains wash ashore, linked to her aunt’s unsolved 1985 disappearance. As Ellie digs into the cold case, she uncovers a secret society, The Mariner’s Circle, and a bloodstained heirloom that implicates the town’s most powerful figures—including her own family. But the killer, the Ferryman, is still active, taunting Ellie with riddles and corpses. Torn between exposing the truth and protecting those she loves, Ellie races against the rising tide to unravel a conspiracy rooted in betrayal, addiction, and ghosts of WWII. When the Ferryman’s identity shatters everything she knows, Ellie must decide whether justice is worth drowning for.

The World Changed Overnight, Without warning, portals from other realms tore through the sky, opening gateways to nightmarish creatures that threatened to wipe out humanity. Cities burned. Nations crumbled. The monstrous invaders—ranging from grotesque goblins to towering beasts—massacred everything in their path. Amidst the chaos, a new force emerged: The Awakened—humans who mysteriously gained supernatural abilities in response to the invasion. Light burst from their bodies, fire ignited in their palms, water coiled into deadly spears, winds howled at their command, shadows shifted with their will. These resemble as Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Light, and Darkness—became humanity’s last hope against extinction. Kai Jin. A cold, intelligent high school student from Korea, Kai had long abandoned the idea of relying on others. Orphaned at a young age, he grew up alone in a modest apartment, surviving through sheer will and independence. His past trauma left him emotionally closed off, but beneath his calm, detached exterior, a fire burned—a refusal to ever be powerless again. Then, the portals opened, and his world turned upside down. The night was eerily silent. Kai sat in his dimly lit apartment, eyes locked on his laptop screen. The news was flooded with reports of strange anomalies appearing across the globe—massive gates hovering in the sky, creatures emerging from their depths. Some called it a phenomenon. Others called it the end of the world. Then— Scratch. Scratch. A faint noise echoed from the hallway outside his door. Kai frowned. His neighborhood was quiet at night—too quiet for random footsteps. Then— BAM! The apartment door slammed open. A goblin. Small, grotesque, with sickly green skin, jagged teeth, and glowing red eyes. It sniffed the air, its sharp claws twitching in anticipation. Kai’s breath hitched. His mind raced. He had no weapons. No powers. Nothing but his instincts. Move. Now. The goblin lunged. Kai grabbed the closest thing within reach—a wooden chair—and swung it with all his strength.The impact sent the creature stumbling backward, snarling in rage. His heart pounded. His hands trembled, but he forced himself to stay steady. He couldn’t afford to freeze. He had to kill it. Spotting a kitchen knife on the counter, he dove for it—just as the goblin recovered and charged again. At the last second, he twisted his body, dodging its claws, and in one swift motion— STAB! The knife sank into the goblin’s skull. It shrieked, its body convulsing violently before collapsing lifelessly to the floor. Kai stood there, panting. His clothes were splattered with dark, sticky blood. The room reeked of iron and death. Then— Ding! A floating, translucent system window appeared before his eyes. [Awakening Process Complete.] [Congratulations!] [You have awakened.] Kai’s eyes widened. His nightmare had just begun.

"I'm one game away from reaching the master rank! I'll do it tomorrow, though. A true gamer knows when to refresh his mind and increase his victory chances!" Adam smiled in anticipation as he went to sleep on this special day. However, he could have never imagined the surreal awakening that awaited him. "What's wrong with my voice?!"  "Claws? A tail and horns, too?" [Welcome to the demon realm. You have been selected to reincarnate as a Lord. Conquer this realm of fire and ashes, become its uncontested ruler... or die trying.] Reincarnated as an imp in the cruel demon realm, at the borders of the mythological demon Baal's territory, his life seemed doomed from the start. However, a steely glint flashed in his eyes as against all odds, he defiantly proclaimed. "No matter who decided to make me start as an imp, watch as I turn into a veritable devil. Even Baal won't hold a candle against me in the future!" Equipped with his unique talent in a world where competition raged between the reincarnated earthlings, where heroes like Heracles, Wukong, Muramasa, Achilles, Merlin, Cu Chulainn, and many others were more than forgotten legends, and where gods' and demons' dangerous schemes paved his every step, he'd prove to those realms that demons were more than the violent and deceptive creatures everyone feared. ----------------------- Welcome everyone! You can expect a mix of gods/demons from almost every pantheon (even the more obscured ones) with gods and demons like Odin, Zeus, Ishtar, The Jade Emperor, Ball, Izanagi, and many others! You can also expect travels through the mysterious abyss, Jotunheim, and soon Muspelheim, the underworld, Tartarus etc... Please do check out my first book if you enjoy fantasy stories. :) Discord server with fan art of the most notable chars: Discord server: https://discord.gg/ubzzKM5wfp

MATURE CONTENT WARNING!!: These people be getting freaky in the sheets! "You think I haven’t noticed your eyes on me?" Kai En's voice was dangerously low, his lips curled into a cruel smile. "The way they linger— you can’t decide whether to kill me or kiss me. Am I right, little alpha?" ... For as long as Jun could remember, vengeance had been his only purpose. The last survivor of a disgraced family, he vowed to tear down the empire that destroyed his life, starting with its most prized jewel—Prince Feng Kai En.  Now, under the guise of Xiao Liu, a lowly servant in the prince’s retinue, he plans his revenge. But nothing could have prepared him for what awaited within the palace walls. Neither Xiao Liu’s sharp blades nor detailed plans were good enough to fall the man behind the title. Every failed assassination attempt and heated exchange left him more entangled with the man he was meant to destroy. Kai En—ruthless, untouchable, and powerful. An alpha in the eyes of all. Xiao Liu uncovered the prince’s greatest secret—beneath the façade lay something far more dangerous and vulnerable. Something Xiao Liu intended to exploit. Duty had always been Kai En’s burden. Yet Xiao Liu’s presence stirred emotions long buried—desires with no place in his world. Every attempt on his life only deepened the prince’s fascination, pulling him into the chaos Xiao Liu brought. As war looms and enemies close in, their dangerous dance intensifies. Desire grows where hate once ruled, pulling them into a storm of violence, lust, and something deeper. “You’ll never belong to anyone else,” Xiao Liu snarled, his lips finding Kai En’s neck again, biting down hard. “Not her. Not anyone. You belong to me.” Xiao Liu knows Kai En is the key to his revenge, but the more their lives tangle, the harder it becomes to tell if it’s vengeance he craves… or the prince himself. And Kai En must face the ultimate test that could break his kingdom and heart. Can Xiao Liu destroy the man he’s come to obsess over, or will he fall first?

Lucas Carter moves to Riverside for a fresh start-but the town has no past. When he discovers an abandoned church with candles still burning and a journal warning him of danger, strange things begin to happen. His reflection moves on its own. His memories start to change. And the more he searches for the truth, the less he recognizes himself. what do u think is happening to Lucas ???

Discord: https://discord.gg/2pp2DermTh A remake of another novel I created. Kazuki Takumi Amagiri was always a kid with a troubling life, abusive parents, poverty, being bullied at school you know the usual sob story that probably goes in a documentary for the early life of a serial killer or something. Throughout his life he's always wondered if maybe the reason world hates him was because he had the audacity to exist. But through a series of events he met his best friend and was introduced to a series of games where he found his spark of resilience to carry on in life in a character named Markus one of the main antagonists of the book. And ten years later he's a university student, dormmates with his best friend and is just about to finish getting his degrees. He'd also just finished playing the third installment in a his favorite video game franchise All was going well in life, things were looking up until in one cruel twist it was over, no fanfare, no "going out with a bang", Kazuki's life just fizzled out like a candle in the wind. Curiously though, Kazuki's story was not over as he found himself in the body of "Markus" at the start of his story. How will this strangely ironic twist of fate change the world at large? And more importantly how will it change our main character?

When Josie is dragged to Paradise Cove for the summer, she expects nothing but boredom and sunburns. But this sleepy beach town holds secrets far deeper than the ocean depths. A hidden cove, a mysterious cave, and a series of cryptic puzzles lead Josie and her adventurous friend Maya on a thrilling quest to uncover the truth behind Paradise Cove's legends. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter ancient symbols, secret passages, and a hidden world that will challenge everything they thought they knew.

Ava Summers is the perfect daughter — business mogul, top of her class, future queen of spreadsheets, and the only Summers twin with functioning brain cells. She's survived nineteen years sharing a womb, a mansion, and half of her DNA with Eva Summers — the human embodiment of bad decisions who once tried to roast marshmallows on scented candles and nearly set the entire estate on fire. So when their parents arranged one of them to marry Zeke Ford — the kingdom's most notorious heartbreaker — Ava took one for the team. She didn't flinch. She didn't panic. She blinked once... probably because she was three glasses of wine deep after Eva spiked her drink and slid a suspicious contract under her nose — a contract that would transfer all of Ava's businesses and birthright to Eva if she refused to marry Zeke. It was the first plan Eva ever pulled off successfully — and she regretted it the moment the Fords switched the grooms at the last minute. Instead of waking up legally bound to Zeke — the charming, half-witted flirt who collects women like decorative throw pillows — Ava finds herself married to Zach Ford — the cold, brooding, emotionally constipated twin brother who hasn't smiled since the dinosaurs went extinct. The Ford family hoped Eva's lively personality would drag Zach out of his miserable cave of grief and bad attitude after his fiancée's death. Too bad they accidentally married him to the kingdom's most neurotic control freak instead. Now Ava has a whole lifetime to survive a forced marriage to a man who communicates in glances, grunts, and the occasional eyebrow twitch, convince everyone she's madly in love with her new husband... And figure out how to legally murder her sister without ruining the family name. The plan was supposed to save the Summers' reputation. Not burn the whole kingdom to the ground. "With This Ring, I Loathe You—Yes, I do." A laugh-out-loud enemies-to-lovers rom-com about one grumpy recluse, one reluctant perfectionist, and one contractual catastrophe that will either end in true love... Or arson with tax deductions.

Purity a lowercase, clumsy, weak but determined angel suddenly volunteered to fight Abaddon, the 7th prince of hell who was pushed to earth to cause chaos on earth taking souls through deals Reborn but adopted into a family of riches and wealth faced bullying from her family but was favored by the head. Balancing her duties as an angel and the perfect granddaughter, It was purity’s job to take souls to heaven was it was time, both Abaddon and purity crossed paths couple of times but didn’t have any interaction. Roaming countries and countries for centuries Abaddon didn’t mind to purity until one night in an intense fight they were struck by lightning waking up they switched powers. ……………………………………… waking up to a burning sensation on her forehead purity whimpered, rubbing her head which just made the pain worse. looking around she wasn’t in her room, she was enveloped in an atmosphere of dark luxury.the air thick with leather and polished wood. candelabras with black candles cast flickering shadows on the walls adorned with intricate gold patterns. Massive, velvet- upholstered in deep burgundy and ebony wood chaise lounge dominated the space. A grand piano it’s ebony surface polished to mirror sheen sits silently in a corner. The bed which she layed on a grand king sized bed with black silk duvet and matching velvet pillows the wood on the head board was flawlessly carved with designs reminiscent of anique demon seal the bed positioned centrally purity jumped up seeing Abaddon staring at her with rage a halo atop his head his wings white but black in the very end and most importantly the cross tattoo on his wrist. “why are you with my halo?” purity stood on the bed attempting to take it but Abaddon threw her to the vanity table shattering the mirror “what did you do?!” Purity got up bleeding from her side she looked at herself in the shattered glass an upside down cross on her forehead her wings black, purity screamed “what did you do?!” she ran to punching his chest but Abaddon quickly raised her by the neck his grip tightening, purity couldn’t breathe the doors burst open Abaddon immediately dropped purity who gasped for air before looking up her voice still chocked “I can explain”

In one swift motion, he caught her by the neck, his grip unyielding. Lara snarled and thrashed, but Killian’s strength was overwhelming. “You foolish, useless wolf,” Killian growled, his voice dripping with disdain. “You think you can defy me and live?” With a cruel smile, he threw Lara against a nearby tree, the impact shaking the ground beneath us. Pain tore through me as I felt every blow she endured. Lara tried to stand, but Killian’s foot pressed down on her, pinning her to the ground. “You’ll learn your place,” he hissed. “Both of you.” My body began to shift again, the pain unbearable as Lara was forced back, and I returned to my human form. Lying on the ground, broken and bleeding, I looked up at him with all the hatred I could muster. “I hate you,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. Killian’s expression didn’t change. And then, darkness consumed me.

After the Mi Shen family suffered a tragedy, they were immediately set upon. Thereafter, like a tiger sprouting wings, a fish finding water, Mi the Overlord roamed freely in Nuancheng, and not a soul dared to utter a peep— "Fourth Young Master, the fifth young miss has hospitalized the city lord's daughter with a beating." Someone sat at the office desk without even lifting an eyelid, "Tell Leng Ying to prepare a gift and send it to the city lord's manor." "Fourth Young Master, the fifth young miss got into a fight... luckily there were no casualties..." That person sipped tea leisurely, "Tell Leng Ying to smooth things over... and bring some extra hands." "Fourth Young Master... the fifth young miss has run away!" That person finally deigned to lift his eyelids, "Run away?" The subordinate trembled, "With Leng Ying..." Grinding his teeth, the person snarled, "Catch, her, back!"

Felon /fè-lun/ Cruel; Wicked. I continued biting my lips whilst fidgeting with my finger nails, my mind still pondering over the question he asked minutes ago. "Ojalá éstos fueran mis dientes mordiéndote los labios." I heard him mumble under his breath. [I wish those were my fucking teeth biting your lips.] I threw a morose look in his direction. "Speak an apprehensible language." I snarled getting annoyed. "You need to get inside my mind to understand that." He responded nonchalantly shrugging off his shoulders. "I don't enter dirty places." I snapped rolling my eyes. "But I would really enjoy entering your dirty places."

“You said you would leave me alone!” She snarled into his direction. “What the fuck are you doing in my bedroom?” “Pleasuring you.” He cooed before raising his shiny fingers, “Look how you coat me. How wet you are, Leah.” She stared at the glistening fingers in the moonlight. Gulping at the sight of them, she sighed wearily before turning her eyes to him, “Lea-Ahh..” she moaned as he plunged his fingers inside, one by one, leisurely with no hurry, making her her legs quiver. “God..” “God?” He whispered against her ear, “No god, sweetness. Just me.” . ****** It was a dream to live like Leah Adams. And it was something she wished for once every day when she looked at her classmate. It was just a wish, a little thought she had. Until it came true, quite literally. The opportunity was thrown in her lap by no one other than Leah’s Adams father. She had to behave like his daughter, study like his daughter and rule a school like his daughter would. But with her broken mind and spirit, it was easily said and done especially when she had no home to go back to. The home that was burned forever. ***** Dark romance. You have been warned.

A reclusive sorcerer with unlimited mana, a suspiciously misplaced fortress, and a deeply regrettable experiment has found himself stranded in a world where spirits power everything from kingdoms to kitchen appliances. His fortress is falling apart, his magic is flickering like a dying candle, and—oh, right—the cosmic horror he accidentally woke up is now very interested in his existence. Fantastic. With paranoia as his closest friend and alcohol as a questionable coping mechanism, he must navigate political chaos, reluctant spirit contracts, and a reality that seems personally offended by his presence. Fixing the Nexus should be priority one, but first, he needs to survive long enough to do it—preferably with all his limbs and sanity intact. No promises on the latter.

For millennia, humanity has pondered the mysteries of the soul. Is it a wisp of energy carrying our essence, or merely a byproduct of the brain's intricate machinery? Does it persist beyond the veil of death, or does it extinguish like a spent candle? In some kind twist of fate, it seems that all of these profound questions can be possibly answered by Victor “Bloody Dog” Gabriel, the most trusted and ruthless enforcer of the city's most ruthless crime boss because the fate of this man appeared to be…very interesting. However, it’s not in the way that you would think because he was killed in a car accident due to a small carelessness that he had made and as darkness was about to claim him, the gear of fate turned and provided other plans for him. [Author Note: This story contains a lot of profanity and possibly several scenes unsuitable for children under 18. Please read at your own risk.]

Shadow of Desires From the Alleys of Lucknow to the Underworld’s Throne. Set against the grimy tapestry of Lucknow’s class divides and the glittering menace of global crime, Shadow of Desires traces the harrowing journey of Mufidul Sheeraz Akhtar—a boy forged by poverty, sharpened by betrayal, and consumed by the hunger to rewrite his destiny. The Spark of Ambition (2008–2015): Orphaned at 8 when his father, a low-ranking clerk, dies of cardiac arrest, Mufidul becomes the reluctant patriarch of a crumbling household. His mother, Shahana Parveen, battles UP’s bureaucratic quagmire to secure their meager pension, while his brothers—Zohrez, the dreamer, and Raheem, the sickly toddler—lean on him for survival. By 12, Mufidul masters the art of scarcity: diluting milk with gutter water, forging ration cards, and bribing local officials with *mithai* boxes. But when Zohrez nearly dies from counterfeit medicine sold at Prakash Medical, Mufidul’s innocence shatters. “Money isn’t desire,” he hisses to the night sky, “it’s armor.” The Descent (2016–2020): At 16, Mufidul drops out of City Montessori School, trading textbooks for contraband. He starts small—smuggling stolen car parts across the Nepal border—but his mathematician’s mind soon devises risk-reward algorithms that impress Lucknow’s underground kingpin, Raza Bhai. Under Raza’s tutelage, Mufidul learns to launder money through sari emporiums, hack into police databases, and exploit UP’s political rivalries. His first kill—a corrupt cop who threatens Raheem—leaves him trembling but addicted to the rush of control. By 19, he builds Zunar Enterprises, a front company trafficking arms from Myanmar’s rebel factions to Mumbai’s gang lords. The Ascent (2021–2028): Mufidul’s genius lies in his duality: the boy who still mends Zohrez’s torn shirts becomes the “Ghost of Gomti”, a phantom orchestrating heists from Macau to Marrakech. He infiltrates cryptocurrency markets, manipulates Bollywood studios for money laundering, and seduces an Interpol analyst (Ayesha Kapoor) to leak classified files. His signature move? Using childhood chess strategies to outmaneuver rivals—sacrificing pawns (loyal henchmen) to protect his queen (family). But as his empire grows—spanning 41 nations via shell companies, drug cartels, and stolen AI tech—the cracks widen. Shahana, now a hollow-eyed widow, disowns him after discovering his crimes. Zohrez, a law student, threatens to testify. The Unraveling (2029–2031): Interpol’s Operation Black Lotus paints Mufidul as Public Enemy #1. Betrayed by Ayesha, who plants a tracker in his vintage HMT watch, he flees through Lucknow’s labyrinthine gullies—past the kebab stalls and chess clubs of his youth—now a fugitive in the city that raised him. In a climactic showdown at the ruins of the Lucknow Residency, Mufidul faces Zohrez, now a prosecutor. “You became what killed Abbu,” Zohrez snarls, “greed wrapped in excuses.” The Shadow’s End: Cornered by NATO forces in Istanbul, Mufidul chooses cyanide over surrender. His final act? Transferring ₹8,400 crore to a secret account—not for his brothers, but to build free cardiac hospitals across Uttar Pradesh. *“Let them hate my name,”* his diary reads, *“but let my mother’s pension never fail again.”* --- Themes: - The Poverty Trap: How systemic rot in India’s welfare machinery breeds desperation. - Moral Calculus: Whether evil deeds can be justified as “love” for family. - Legacy: Can blood money ever cleanse itself? Style: Gritty, lyrical, and unflinchingly visceral—a Slumdog Millionaire meets Scarface tragedy rooted in the smells of Lucknow’s chaat stalls and the cold logic of offshore bank accounts. “They called him a monster. But monsters aren’t born—they’re sculpted by the hands that starved them".

In the enchanting world of "Captured Hearts: A Tale of Love and Destiny," two souls destined for each other find their lives intertwined against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal town named Serendipity Cove. Set in the late 19th century, this epic romance takes us on a journey through the complexities of fate, love, and the choices that shape our destinies. At the heart of the story are Evelyn Ashcroft, a spirited young woman with a passion for painting, and Charles Sterling, a brooding yet brilliant writer who has retreated to Serendipity Cove to find solace from his troubled past. Their paths cross one fateful summer when Evelyn stumbles upon a hidden cove while exploring the coastline. Little does she know that this chance encounter will set in motion a series of events that will forever change the course of their lives. Evelyn and Charles are drawn to each other from the moment their eyes meet. As they spend time together, they discover a shared sense of longing and an unexplainable connection that transcends the boundaries of time and space. However, their budding romance is far from straightforward. Both harbor secrets and wounds from their past that threaten to tear them apart. As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as Evelyn and Charles navigate the challenges that come their way. From misunderstandings to outside pressures, their love is put to the test time and again. Yet, their bond only deepens, proving that true love is worth fighting for. Against the backdrop of Serendipity Cove, with its stunning landscapes and close-knit community, the characters are not merely passive observers but active participants in each other's lives. The supporting cast, including a wise old innkeeper, a mischievous young boy, and a free-spirited artist, contribute to the rich tapestry of the story, offering guidance, humor, and a sense of belonging. As the story reaches its climax, Evelyn and Charles are faced with a heart-wrenching choice that could either lead to their ultimate happiness or shatter their dreams forever. The lines between destiny and free will blur, prompting them to confront their fears and make decisions that will shape their future. "Captured Hearts: A Tale of Love and Destiny" is a sweeping saga that reminds us that love has the power to heal, transform, and transcend even the greatest of challenges. It explores the idea that our choices, no matter how small, can have profound ripple effects on our lives and the lives of those around us. With its evocative prose, vivid descriptions, and unforgettable characters, this timeless love story captivates the reader's heart and leaves them believing in the magic of true love.

December 31, 2099, Earth. To many, it was the end of the world. Ragnarok, the Rapture, Hell on Earth. Whatever you called it, the Zeno War was brutal as it was swift. In one bloody year, 90% of humanity was wiped out by a race dubbed the "Zenolists". While our weapons were powerful, they couldn't hold a candle to the power these beings held. And to think there was an entire empire of races similar to them out there waiting to conquer... One thing was for certain, Humanity needed to evolve. Funnily enough, some of us already had. On each continent held a house holding immense but secret power. The Mojave of North America, Mictlantecuhtli of South America, Abildgaard of Europe, Zulfikar of Africa, Xia of Aisa, Neivörn of Antarctica, and last but not least, the Cain house of Australia. For centuries, each of these houses hid in the shadows, feigning normality. This choice possibly saved Earth, as the force sent by the Zenolists proved too little to stop their retaliation. Sadly, the population loss wasn't the worst part. The Cains fell, and Australia was completely annihilated. Now, nearly 46 years after the end of the Zeno War, Leonidas Mourningstar must fight his way to the top of humanity, clawing tooth and nail from the dregs of the new world. And if he fails? God help us all...

Her legs had barely stretched as she stood when the hairs on her neck stood on end. An instinctive sense of awareness creeping through her. It wasn’t the usual eerie silence of the room, it was something more. A presence loomed behind her, dark and predatory. “Thought you could steal from me?”…. Lycia, a thief who never knew she was anything more than human, was sent to steal a magical artifact from a mansion. She was captured by Cove, a cold-hearted Lycan alpha. She had to take up the quest to receive a pay to afford the medication of her guardian, Jack. She’s thrown into a dark world of secrets, where she learns she’s far from ordinary. Hidden powers stir within her, and the truth behind her parents' death comes crashing down. Trapped between revenge, betrayal, and a destiny she never asked for, Lycia must face her fears, fight for survival, and scream out for the power that calls to her. What dark secrets about her past will Lycia uncover as she delves deeper into the world of Lycans? Can she trust the ruthless alpha who captured her, or is he hiding his own deadly agenda? What will happen when her brother, the merciless werewolf hunter, learns of her true identity? Will Lycia embrace her hidden powers in time to stop the war brewing in the shadows or will her enemies destroy her before she can reclaim her destiny as the true Luna?

Mu Evershade, the 21st century's most fearsome mercenary known as "Queen of Shadows", is reborn as a disdained cripple in a borderland city! Facing public humiliation from a broken engagement? Abandoned by her own clan? Divine providence intervenes—she's revealed as the long-lost treasure of the Imperial Guardian Manor! Awakening her Celestial Empress heritage, she forges divine pills, crafts primordial artifacts, commands mythical beasts, and weaves world-shattering arrays! As she ascends to godhood, regretful clans grovel while her ex-betrothed begs forgiveness. Yet the Mad Emperor who rules all realms crushes celestial thunder, snarling: "Who dares touch my treasure shall witness universal destruction!" Mu Evershade traces his blood-stained lips: "Hush... My throne shares space only for you, my eternal counterpart."

"Once upon a time..." "There was a young man named Fionn." "He was the king of the Hyperboreans, a civilization that thrived in the distant north of the world, where peace and harmony reigned beneath skies of eternal frost." "One day, during one of his habitual walks beyond the walls of his grand, crystalline castle, Fionn heard a peculiar sound—a sharp squealing that pierced the stillness of the white forest surrounding his domain." "Startled and alert, he gripped the hilt of his regal sword and followed the noise, his boots crunching softly over snow-dusted leaves. As he pushed through the pale foliage, the source of the sound revealed itself—a girl, cornered by a thur." "The creature was monstrous, towering over both the girl and Fionn himself. Its thick, gnarled skin was the color of ash, mottled with scars and patches of coarse, dark hair. A pair of jagged tusks jutted from its wide, snarling mouth, and its eyes glowed faintly, like embers in a dying fire. Long, sinewy arms ended in clawed hands that could snap trees like twigs, and its breath came out in ragged, steaming huffs, filling the air with a stench of decay." "The thur growled, advancing on the girl with a lumbering gait, its massive frame causing the ground to tremble faintly beneath its weight. Every instinct in Fionn's body screamed at him to flee, but he stood firm." "Drawing his sword in one fluid motion, the king lunged forward. With a single, decisive strike, he felled the monster, its roar silenced as it collapsed into the snow." "-Are you all right?- Fionn asked, his voice steady but gentle as he turned toward the girl." "But she didn't respond. She didn't even look at him." "Fionn frowned, puzzled by her silence. Perhaps she was too shaken by the attack to speak, he thought. Yet, something else caught his attention—something even more peculiar." "Her skin. It wasn't the pale, snowy white of the Hyperboreans. It was... pink. A soft, warm hue unlike anything he had ever seen." "-Ehm... I know this might sound a little inappropriate, but... where are you from? You don't look like anyone from here,- Fionn ventured cautiously, hoping for a reply. But still, she said nothing." "-Wait!- He suddenly realized, his eyes widening. -Could it be that you don't understand me?-" "If she didn't respond because she didn't know his language, then she couldn't be from Hyperborea—or even anywhere nearby. But where else could she be from? Beyond Hyperborea, there was only the vast, unending sea... wasn't there?" "-Could it be that she's from one of the other Nine Worl—- Fionn's thoughts were abruptly interrupted as the girl rose to her feet." "She stepped closer to him, her movements deliberate but strange, her expression unreadable. She—Oh!" ~Ronf~ ~Ronf~ ~Ronf~ "Looks like Artair is already asleep..." The mother lowered the book gently, a warm smile on her lips as she gazed at her son's peaceful face. "He must have played a lot today. I usually read him more of the story before he falls asleep..." Leaning over, she placed a soft kiss on his forehead. "Good night, my little Artair." With a quiet sigh, she tucked the blanket around him even more snugly than before, then rose from the bedside. Extinguishing the torch that lit his room, she left, closing the door behind her with care. In the dim stillness of the house, she paused, looking out through the small window at the darkened village. Her thoughts turned inward as she whispered to herself: "I hope, at least, that you'll be able to live a life free from war..."

Gifted a candle that was said to make wishes come true, Alice Clemente burned it to find herself awake in a different world. She had wished for a life of adventure away from the city and its routine. With her wish granted, she was no longer in the 21st century and was instead lost in the middle of the Kingdom of Gladiolum, a place reminiscent of the 1800s. With luck, she soon gained connections to the rich and powerful of this new world— the nobility. However, how much of it was good and how much of it would eventually be detrimental? After all, mingling with royals not only meant extravagance and daily parties. It also meant warfare and death. Caught in the middle of the two princes and other nobles, Alice would soon have to face the battle between those two royal brothers― a fight for the throne. She had wished for adventure, after all, and she received just as such. Kept in the center of all this, would Alice be able to emerge from the rabbit hole unscathed? Or will the overwhelming troubles of love and war be too much for her to bear? *** “And what if you, too, are unable to help?” Alice threw the question back. “What if helping would risk everything?” Spade didn’t miss a beat. “You are everything.” “Don’t say things that you don’t mean,” Alice chided. “You’ll leave a trail of broken hearts.” “And would you believe me if I say that I have no intention of breaking yours?” Spade countered. “However, mine is yours to play with. Shatter it, fix it, do anything you desire. As long as it feels the warmth of your hand, I am content.” *** Image used in cover not mine.

Just before being summoned to another world, the protagonist’s summoning medium was secretly swapped by someone. As a result, he was not summoned as the "Holy King" but instead as the "Sex King." The magic he can use includes water magic in the form of lotion, fire magic as candle wax, and his summoned beasts include a wooden horse used for punishment… Branded as "vulgar," "useless," and "filthy," he is rejected, has his engagement annulled, and is ultimately exiled. However, the one who picks him up is a princess from a nation where the sex industry is legal. Using his modern knowledge, the protagonist begins rebuilding the nearly bankrupt sex kingdom. He introduces new fashion trends unknown to this medieval world and uses his authority as the Sex King to subjugate the girls. He then establishes modern sex service techniques. The protagonist's method of leveling up is through intimacy with his heroines (his concubine maids). The more intimate he gets, the stronger he becomes, and the wealthier the kingdom grows. However, the surrounding great powers will not stand idly by and allow a flourishing nation full of women. Thus, the flames of war are ignited. Utilizing his creativity, adaptability, and cunning, the protagonist repurposes his sex-related magic for military applications and overwhelms his enemies. As he gradually awakens to the path of conquest, he begins walking the road of a ruthless emperor. However, by his side is always a heroine, a celestial beauty who keeps his heart from straying too far…