Those Who Lurk In The Shadows

Fleeing poverty and danger, sixteen-year-old Li Ang escapes to Gotham City aboard a smuggler’s ship, only to awaken memories of a past life as a Taoist cultivator. In a modern world devoid of spiritual energy, Li Ang must adapt ancient techniques to survive Gotham's crime-infested streets. Caught between the criminal underworld and encounters with legendary figures like Batman, Li Ang struggles to find balance between Eastern wisdom and Western chaos. As his power grows, so does his burden: to confront not just Gotham’s darkness but the spiritual decay of an entire era. Will Li Ang restore harmony to a fractured world, or will he become another shadow among Gotham's ruins? A tale of reincarnation, mysticism, and morality unfolds in this gripping urban fantasy.

In a world where everyone is a slave, someone is born who cannot be controlled. At the same time, an unstoppable villain rises on a quest for revenge. But the truth is darker than he ever imagined, and now he must face an unbeatable enemy — including himself. *** Bruno was a young man born on Earth, the son of an influential modern Emperor. Despite having everything money could buy and receiving the best and most rigorous training to succeed his father, he chose the opposite path, defying his family’s ruthless rule. The price of his innocence? A merciless death and the complete erasure of his existence by the deity controlling his fate. On Earth, the law of the powerful was absolute; a slave could never rebel. But then, he wakes up again. He’s reborn in a world of cultivation, where freedom was promised to those strong enough to claim it. Now, he could soar like a free bird and carve his own destiny... or so he thought. The harsh reality of this new world soon showed him how insignificant he still was. He realized he had only changed masters. The freedom he sought was an illusion. The heavenly laws treated everyone as servants, and their rules were unbreakable. Bruno learned this bitter truth after losing everything that made him happy due to an unjust rule. But who was he to question? Hopeless, Bruno died... and was reborn as Alm, an unstoppable villain. With a soul poisoned by pain and vengeance, he sowed chaos across the universe. Planets were destroyed, countless lives taken, and his name became synonymous with terror. A hero rose to oppose him, wielding a sacred sword of hope. People from all corners of the universe united against Alm, raising their voices and weapons to stop the villain who defied the heavens. But Alm was no longer just fighting for revenge. He was challenging the heavenly laws that sought to control him, fighting fate and all living beings. And against all odds... the sacred sword shattered. The alliance of the entire universe was defeated. The villain won! Now, Alm found himself alone in the empty void of a dead universe, facing his own inner demons. Who could be more ruthless to him than himself? “What have I done?” At that moment, the doors of truth opened to him. Everyone was a puppet of a supreme figure, an entity that manipulated minds and even the heavenly laws. “I will find you, no matter where you are!” Thus, the last emissary of the true Heaven’s Will awakened. Alm, who once only relied on his sheer will and rage, now had a system to guide him. But his opponent was an immortal existence, above even the heavens. The villain who destroyed an entire universe now faced a new beginning. He discovered that the universe he devastated was just a tiny grain of sand in an infinite cosmos, where countless other universes existed. And so begins the legendary tale of the villain’s rise... and the Sacred Round God? A strange Duality of Shadows existed within one person. But this time, he wouldn’t be alone. *** To clear up any potential confusion or frustration, here are some key points about the story. I’ll avoid major spoilers, but a few things will be revealed. You might find this concerning at first, but just check the book cover—it shows the main character and his only partner. She first appears at 10 years old, but rest assured, there’s no inappropriate content or early romance. At around 13, SHE starts developing feelings for the protagonist, but he doesn’t respond until she’s an adult. With her determined personality, she tries to seduce him at 17/18, but it doesn’t work. Their relationship only happens much later. The book has nods to other works, with my own spin on them, and focuses on avoiding elements I find problematic in other stories. Lastly, the beautiful book cover was commissioned and created by HDIArt.

This story is about a girl named Lana Akira and how she met the girl that would change her life forever in daily life of struggle meant against the dead and become a person capable of loving someone to where she was known as the ice queen for not being able to love someone but will they be able to over the war raging on between them and the dead?

"What are emotions worth in a world of dominance and desire?" Beneath the bustling streets of Bangkok, K&MC thrives as a hidden sanctuary for the elite, where power and desire are auctioned in their purest, most unrestrained forms. Amon and Kay Acainé-Saelau-Charoensuk, heirs to a family empire, are its enigmatic operators-masters of emotional manipulation who balance the ruthless demands of their family business with the forbidden allure of the auction's seductive world. While Amon guards his gelid composure and Kay fights against the chaos of his own impulses, their secret lives at K&MC entangle them in intense, volatile relationships. Khamron Almeida-Chalermchai, a beguiling wildcard, disrupts Kay's carefully constructed control, while Hiran Lunalilo-Sthirasuta, an infatuated advocate, forces Amon to confront desires he cannot suppress. As secrets unravel and personal boundaries blur, the Acainé family finds itself pulled into a web of betrayal, obsession, and desire. But in a world where emotional currency is traded like gold, what is the price of vulnerability-and who will pay it? #BL #Thailand #Romcom #MysteryandPassion #SecretsandLies #Family #FamilyBusiness #MentalDisorder #DarkRomance #BLNovel #NewWriter #LGBT+ #NewStory #Yaoi

Warning: 21+ Dark Romance Zone! Explicitly written in dark, sensual diction. Cry of the Valley Kings On a night of fire and blood, the Demon King Arthur annihilated everything, erasing the Naaldlooshi name from history. Yet, amidst the destruction, a single child destined to change the world was carried away into the shadows. Seven years later, Taylor, the last heir of Naaldlooshi, lives hidden deep within an enchanted forest, unaware of the immense power coursing through her veins. Meanwhile, Arthur's dark ambitions inch closer to fruition, forcing three cursed princes—Ethan, the cold-hearted vampire; Liam, the wolf hybrid; and Alexander, the shadowy tactician—to rise and challenge the encroaching darkness. As secrets that threaten the world unravel, Taylor discovers she is no mere heir. She is a Skinwalker, a being so feared that even demons tremble at her existence. Torn between survival and destiny, she must decide: will she run from her fate, or will she embrace her heritage and stand against the shadows hunting her? The Valley of Kings has fallen. Will the last heir rise before it’s too late?

"I should have stayed home and played video games." This was Ray's last thought before darkness engulfed him after he was hit by a car. But surprisingly, instead of finding himself before the gates of hell after dying, Ray found out he was transmigrated into another world. The world Ray was transmigrated to was called Arora World, a place where you can use different kinds of skills, magic, and even acquire powerful classes. Ray found himself in the body of a young boy named Evan, who was studying in a hunter academy after awakening his abilities at the age of fourteen. At first, Ray was happy that he was transmigrated into the body of someone who had awakened his abilities and could use the magic he always wanted to use. However, as Ray went through Evan's memories, he finally realized that everything was not as simple as he had expected. Evan had a unique physique that didn't allow him to increase his power like other people. Because of this useless unique physique, Evan was the weakest hunter in the entire academy. And that was not all; the more Ray looked at Evan's memories, the more he realized just how troublesome his situation was. "I know I entered this body without buying a ticket, but isn't this too much?" Ray said in a depressed voice after going through Evan's memories. Will Ray be able to survive in this new world? Is the physique of his new body really useless? Join Ray on his adventure to find out.

Marina Vasiliev, the only daughter of a powerful political family, uncovers a secret that could destroy an entire political party—a secret her father would do anything to keep hidden. When her family orders her death to protect their reputation, Marina is forced to flee, with nowhere to turn but to Viktor Castellano, the ruthless Mafia boss whose power is as feared as his past is mysterious. Viktor, known for his cold, calculating nature, sees an opportunity in Marina’s dangerous knowledge. He agrees to offer her protection in exchange for the one thing she’s not willing to give—her loyalty, and ultimately, her body. With the weight of a deadly secret in her hands, Marina becomes entangled in Viktor’s world of shadows, where trust is scarce and danger lurks at every corner. As the Mafia boss and the heiress are drawn together by their shared peril, the lines between obligation and desire blur. With enemies on all sides and the threat of betrayal ever-present, Marina must decide whether to stay true to her own instincts or surrender to Viktor’s dark hold. Will their tenuous alliance turn into something more—or will the secrets between them tear them apart, leaving them both trapped in a web of deception and dangerous passion? Entwined in Shadows is a gripping, forbidden romance where survival, trust, and love are tested in a world where nothing is ever truly as it seems.

In the kingdom of Nuralar, once a mighty land forged from the ruins of an ancient empire, a forgotten secret lies buried beneath its stone walls. For centuries, peace has reigned, but beneath this tranquility, shadows of a dark past stir. King Arlen, the last ruler of Nuralar, vanished mysteriously while searching for a powerful, ancient magic said to have been lost with the fall of the empire. With his disappearance, the kingdom's hope for restoring this lost power seems to fade. His son, Prince Kalen, now ascends the throne under the heavy burden of his father's unexplained vanishing. Determined to uncover the truth behind Arlen’s disappearance, Kalen embarks on a dangerous journey to find the ancient secrets that could save or destroy Nuralar. Along the way, he encounters old allies, treacherous foes, and hidden enemies, all while facing the truth about his father’s search for the lost magic that once sustained their kingdom. As Kalen unravels the mysteries of the past, he discovers that his father's search was more than a quest for power—it was an effort to prevent a dark and secretive cult from resurrecting the ancient empire. This cult, descendants of those who once controlled the lost magic, has long awaited the chance to reclaim their power and use it to reshape the world. Kalen must race against time to stop the cult from unleashing the same destructive force that led to the empire’s fall. But as he delves deeper into the kingdom's history, Kalen realizes that the true power is not just a force of magic, but an ancient curse tied to the royal bloodline. To save his kingdom, he must confront the darkest parts of his own lineage and decide whether to embrace or break the cycle that has haunted his family for generations. In a world where the past’s shadow threatens to consume the future, Prince Kalen’s courage and determination will be tested like never before. Will he restore his kingdom to its former glory, or will the fall of shadows consume all that he holds dear?

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

Across the infinite expanse of existence, countless worlds rise and fall, their stories woven into a vast cosmic tapestry. Yet, an unseen force begins to disrupt the balance, connecting the destinies of heroes, villains, and entire civilizations across the multiverse. As ancient secrets unravel and universes collide, the question arises: Can fate be defied, or is every thread bound to an inevitable end? This is a tale of countless lives, interwoven in a struggle against the unknown, where the choices of a few ripple across all of creation.

Genre: Supernatural, Mystery/Thriller, Horror WARNING!!! Gory scenes included! When brutal murders plague the city, Detective Damien discovers a chilling truth: the mythical creatures from his grandmother's stories are real, and he’s at the center of their chaos. As the "Sacramentum" a prophesied guardian of two worlds, Damien must unravel an ancient mystery, master forbidden spells, and confront supernatural enemies lurking in the shadows. As the line between myth and reality blurs, Damien faces a deadly prophecy that could save humanity—or doom it forever. DISCLAIMER!!! I used ai to enhance my grammar but the storyline,dialogues, and idea are mine and mine alone.

Beatrice has always known a life of struggle and survival. But when she's kidnapped and thrust into a world of luxury and deceit, she discovers a shocking truth: her entire life has been orchestrated by a mysterious figure known only as Gabriel. As she becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue and power struggles, Beatrice must confront the darkness of her own past and the true nature of her existence. Will she be able to break free from the shackles of her past and forge a new future, or will she remain forever bound by those who claim to own her?

The dungeon was so silent that the sound of his breathing echoed back to him like a faint resonance. The cold walls were adorned with mysterious engravings, illuminated by the flickering tongues of faint blue flames. His eyes held a dim glow, his body weakened by torture, yet the spark of defiance within him remained unyielding. Suddenly, a faint voice broke the silence: "A miserable place to die, isn't it?" Azar remained silent, but a slight shiver coursed through his body. The voice wasn’t coming from outside—it came from within.

"I can't be pregnant for my uncle!" I muttered under my breath, staring at the results in a state of incredulity. Skylar has life's struggles all put into one burden on her young shoulders: the fight to balance school and work, to help with her mom under her uncle's hard rule. Life spirals right at the turn of one weird incident that humiliates her, costs her her job when it is discovered she is pregnant. Then, when it feels like Skylar's world is falling apart, her mother remarries a very wealthy man whose twin sons immediately complicate her life. One has quietly watched her every move, while the other suddenly comes to her rescue, finding her torn between gratitude and suspicion. As secrets unravel and hidden agendas finally surface, Skylar must manage a world of deceit, temptation, and betrayal. Can she find the way to retrieve her life, or is the danger too much to bear in this new family?

What is the end of the world? Zombies? Monsters? Zerg? No! Only when everything that humans fear, worship, and even fantasize about becomes a reality, will it be the true end of mankind! Spiritual energy surges back, faith is recast, this is the gluttony of gods, Buddhas, demons, and monsters...

"If somehow you could rewrite your life's greatest sins." Damien Vryce, a hard-hearted killer, was hanged for tyranny. He found himself awoken one year ahead of his fall. Having recollections from his past, he swore to make amends and save himself from the gallows. In the path of redemption lay treachery, conspiracies under the surface, and an unlikely, but hot love with the unknown woman, Amara Draven. As Damien sows the seeds of distrust by laying ruin to his past empire of fear, he recognizes that redemption considers the acknowledgement of the sins that have been committed along with the crossing of the line from sin to repentance. An entire kingdom lies in the threshold of war, enemies imbued with greed lurk in the shadows, and the second chance for Damien may well be the last. 20 power stones = 2 extra chapter 4 golden ticket = 2 extra chapter

Scarlet was enrolled in the Villainess Academy to learn how the world of evil truly operates. She possessed hearts so pure and innocent that were often considered naive, easily believing whatever she was told, which made her seem foolish in the eyes of others. A girl with no mana, no aura, cannot summon a spirit, or execute a magic. Her parents, worried that her innocence and inability to survive in the world would be her downfall, they enrolled her in the Villainess Academy, hoping they would learn the harsh realities of the world and toughen up. In the academy where she was bullied and belittle, Scarlet met someone who would protect her. But this person is hiding in shadow

In a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse, emergency unit doctor Kate is thrust into a nightmare beyond her worst fears. As chaos reigns, she transforms from a timid caregiver into a fierce survivor, navigating the remnants of civilization in search of her missing brother. Along the way, Kate encounters a group of survivor who ignites feelings she never expected But survival is a double-edged sword. Kate must rely on her newfound strength and the bonds she’s forged to find safety. Just when she believes she’s found a sanctuary, kate has to look for more survivor. Along with her new found friends, Kate faces the horrors of the world and the uncertainty In a gripping tale filled with humor, resilience, and unexpected love, Shadows of the Undead explores the depths of human connection in a landscape where every heartbeat could be your last. Will Kate find her way and discover a future worth fighting for, or will the shadows consume her forever?

In The Shadows' Burden: The one Who Bears All, the story follows Umbra, an enigmatic and immensely powerful god known for his boundless love and unshakable will. As the strongest among the gods, Umbra stands apart, choosing not to wield his power for harm, which earns him the deep love and loyalty of the people. This adoration, combined with the unwavering support of the Shadows—his devoted followers—fuels the envy and resentment of other gods who feel threatened by his unbreakable will. Unable to tarnish Umbra's character directly, these jealous gods conspire to alter time itself, manipulating both past and future events to rewrite the truth of who Umbra truly is. They influence the very narration of his story, casting doubt on what is real and what is fabricated. As part of their scheme, they force Umbra into a relentless cycle of reincarnation, subjecting him to endless forms of suffering before each rebirth. Each life brings its own torment, compelling him to bear the weight of existence in all its forms. As we travel through Umbra's lives with him, we will encounter an array of overpowered characters, each with their own unique abilities and motivations. The veil of deception slowly lifts, revealing hidden truths and a complex past shaped by betrayal, love, and resilience. Ultimately, The Shadows' Burden becomes a powerful exploration of faith, truth, and the relentless pursuit of self-discovery amid a universe determined to hide it.

In this world, people are granted a power said to come from the heavens, a mighty weapon tied to the soul of humans. Those who receive these magical weapons fight against monsters to survive, driving the economy of this world. Lian is just an ordinary boy until his world is turned upside down when another race takes away what matters most to him: his family. From that moment, follow Lian's journey as he seeks the strength to avenge those who killed his family and uncovers the truth behind his power.

--- Born as the fourth daughter of the reigning monarchs, Princess Anya of Westmere has always lived in the shadow of her elder siblings, particularly the brilliant and commanding Celia, second in line to the throne. With no real claim to power, Anya’s life seems destined for quiet insignificance—until a cryptic message disrupts a royal banquet, thrusting her into the center of a conspiracy that could unravel her family’s rule. As whispers of betrayal echo through the palace halls and dark secrets threaten the fragile peace of the kingdom, Anya discovers that the crown she once thought untouchable hides a dangerous legacy. Guided by her cousin Leila—her closest ally despite the court’s disapproval—Anya embarks on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering truths about her family, her kingdom, and herself. But Anya’s world shifts further when she meets Kaito, a mysterious traveler from distant shores. With his sharp intellect and enigmatic presence, Kaito offers both friendship and a love that challenges Anya’s guarded heart. Yet his origins hide a secret tied to the mystical forces shaping the kingdom’s fate, pulling Anya deeper into a conflict that spans beyond her world. In a land where loyalty is fleeting and power comes at a cost, Anya must confront her sisters’ ambitions, question her parents’ rule, and make choices that could change the course of the kingdom forever. As danger closes in, she learns that sometimes, the most forgotten of princesses holds the power to reshape destiny. -

The New Republic faces a new threat, The Path of the Open Hand, a cult, is causing turmoil in the Senate. Senator Kaydel Ko Connix, former Resistance fighter, becomes the target of an assassination attempt. Assigned to protect her, Jedi Knight Finn and his Padawan, Link Na'tina, are drawn into the conflict. As Finn and Link fend off the threat, Jedi Masters Rey Skywalker, and Ben Solo, investigate the source of the assassination plot.

Summoned to another world, Tristessa Irandell embarks on a journey to find lost memories and the dark, evil truth behind the tragedies of Nekrom and her own past.

# Arranged marriage #Paranormal Romance -She was his sweet peach. His wish. His eternity. His redemption. His to corrupt and his to command. He has and would never love any the way he loved her- Hermione Barclay, an attractive princess suffered a tragic past which caused her to isolate herself, frightened by the presence of people, poor constructions of words... The memory of the vampire boy whom she had once felt safe around remained etched in her innermost self and she fantasized about nothing but him. Years later, a marriage proposal arrived and she was to wed the same man she had always dreamt about, unfortunately, her expectations of him were crushed. He only cared for her because he was asked to, not because he wanted to. Dark and Tragic twists awaited her in her new home, how was she going to survive?

Synopsis for Shadows in the Basement Here is the blurb: "The Basement Killer" is a chilling Gothic thriller that follows the story of Joseph Peterson, a serial killer whose descent into darkness was shaped by his traumatic childhood and his father's betrayal. As Joseph grows up, his dark impulses escalate from harming small creatures to committing brutal murders in the confines of his basement lair. The narrative explores the psychological factors that drive Joseph's thirst for violence and the potential confrontation between the killer and those determined to stop his reign of terror. With its brooding atmosphere and exploration of the consequences of childhood trauma, "The Basement Killer" promises to captivate readers with its suspenseful and unsettling tale.

One day humanity awoke to the news of a possible end. When an apocalyptic event unfolds on earth, a small nation are the first to experience the casualties of the end. Nothing is as it seems, no one is to be trusted but some will learn this a little too late. Nezro Dale is one of those few. Follow the story as it unfolds, and learn the terror of what the end that some of us pray for, brings. In such times, humanity is only faced with two options; evolve or die!.

When the world gives you a second chance, it is not just about seeking revenge. It is about the growth and the success that makes the world to stop and take a notice. Revenge is just a part of the whole process but is not the ultimate goal of such a huge opportunity. These are the thoughts of our female lead who was given a chance to re-write her destiny. Even if it is a second chance, life has its own ups and downs, highs and lows but it is through the experiences that forge the true strength and purpose. Come, Join me in this captivating journey as our protagonist leads her second chance with some unexpected twists, enduring challenges and discovering her own power all along the way.

In the glowingly bright depths of Sector 13, survival has proven to be a game meant to be lost by hybrids like Juniper Green, but when an ancient relic hatches in his hand, unleashing chaos within the sector, Jun's life is turned upside as he is hunted by unrelenting enforcers and thrust into a world full of secrets and rebellion. Being hunted from alley way to alley way in an anonymous sprawl where danger lurks beneath any surface, Jun encounters the vague Shadow Banner, one of the outcasts waging war against the power they created. They say he harbours the key to toppling the oppressive powers that grip not only Sector 13, but the entire system of Goldilocks. As Jun delves deeper into these mysteries, he discovers and digs up truths that cause shattering in his perception of himself in the world. Here is a hidden war brewing: ancient forces awaken, as lines between friend and foe blur. Will Jun rise to defy his fate, or will he be consumed by the forces hunting him? One thing is for sure: the relic's power could reshape the universe, but only if Jun survives long enough to claim it. Secrets. Betrayal. Revolution. Join a thrilling journey where the hunted becomes the hunter, and nothing is as it seems.