Ash Wins Alola League

Discord: https://discord.gg/XuCwbVEh Nevalis, a nobleman from the Kingdom of Phillirion, thought of nobles as the ones he read about in books. A noble title did not mean money or power, but rather had deeper, higher values symbolizing responsibility and honor, for those who lived with the saying "with power comes responsibility ".  But when Nevalis went out into the world, he did not find it as he had imagined. Reality hit him in the face. Those bastards aren't nobles! Who do they think they are? They tarnished the noble title! They don't deserve that title anymore!" "I will be a true nobleman, a nobleman of all the nobles who have passed this world!" Nevalis seeks to truly redefine nobility, to fulfill his dream of becoming a true nobleman, more noble than all those who held the title before him. The plot revolves around his personal journey, which brings a combination of suffering, sacrifices, and ascent towards his goal, in the face of a cruel world full of illusions and deviations. The novel combines the profound lessons of honor and responsibility, and the challenges faced by humans in their quest for perfection.

- WSA 2025 - Zane Thaleward has always lived in the shadow of his powerful family. Born into the famous Thaleward clan, known for their unbeatable magic barriers and legendary sealing spells, Zane is a disappointment. With the lowest potential ever recorded in the family, he’s been labeled the weakest—a title he can’t escape. Now in his third year at the prestigious Arcana Magic Academy, Zane struggles to survive among proud nobles and talented students who look down on him. Bullied and ignored, he feels trapped in a life where he’s expected to fail.

"You are my treasure, and anyone who touches you is stealing," he said, his possessiveness deep in his bones. That's why, in her past life, Lu Fengxuan ran away desperately until, on her deathbed, she came to a sudden realization. Reborn, she clung tightly to her husband's golden thigh, simultaneously tormenting scumbags and lovey-dovey couples without any delay. Dared they call her stupid, unruly, selfish, and greedy? The lord waved his hand dismissively: "Throw them all into the sea to feed the sharks!" Did they say she disrespected her elders and bullied the younger ones? The lord picked up his child, a smile of utter indulgence on his face, "I've spoiled them. Any objections?"

Reeling from the shame, anger, embarrassment of his break up with the love of his life publicly, Kieran White had gotten involved with a common waitress at the pub he visited. They had hit it off and soon had a one night stand that led to them signing a contract marriage of five years so Kieran could head his family's business. What Edwina Hall had thought was a dream come true soon came shattering with a reality so blindly forced into her face when her husband asked her to sign the divorce papers he presented to her. Devastated, she had signed the papers and had left her cold-hearted ex-husband alone only to realize that she was pregnant with his son. Five years later, the duo crossed part in the most unlikely places and this time, the tables had turned as Kieran would do anything to get Edwina to notice him and most importantly, be with him again. Would Edwina continue to feign indifference to the man who had her heart and the father of her son or would she ignore him and move on with someone else?

Gods, it was boiling in this useless excuse for a kingdom. Or maybe it felt that way because Celaena Sardothien had been lounging on the lip of the terra-cotta roof since midmorning, an arm flung over her eyes, slowly baking in the sun like the loaves of flat-bread the city’s poorest citizens left on their windowsills because they couldn’t afford brick ovens. And gods, she was sick of flatbread—teggya, they called it.

In the realms above, supernatural beings of unfathomable magnificence exist, far beyond mortal comprehension. These divinities wield unimaginable power, capable of obliterating worlds with a mere breath. However, what unfolds when these gods meet their demise? Set in a remote corner of the vast universe, long after the apocalyptic Thousand Millennium War of the Heavenly Beasts and Deities, this tale delves into a forgotten world. Here, the ashes of fallen gods descend upon an insignificant pebble, adrift amidst the cosmic tapestry of space and time. Their impact alters the life of a proud young man, who embraces the abrupt changes thrust upon his world. Refusing to yield to the clutches of fate and karma, he dares to defy the heavens themselves. Will he triumph over an insurmountable destiny, or succumb to fate like gods of unimaginable might did before him? The dreams of a deceased deity and the fate of a dying world hang precariously, hinged upon the future of this young man. He treads upon an endless bridge, forged from the corpses of the fallen. Unlock this epic saga of death, sorrow, war, blood, love, vengeance, and triumph with your own eyes. *** You can also reach out to: Discord:https://discord.com/invite/QQ3vybav Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=9xjl0tq1cs3e&utm_content=qx5nrdu

"If the world stands in my way, if people threaten me or those who are dear to me, then I shall become the true darkness, the fear in their hearts that haunts them forever!" Lee Gaon was a professional gamer until one day she was framed as a cheater by a big gaming company and betrayed by those she held dear. Now she is known as Death Eater, a powerful dark entity in the game system world, slicing her enemies in half if they dare mess with her. Her path is now filled with blood and adventure as she desperately tries to find all who were dragged with her into this world—those who destroyed her life. She has only one goal now... "Revenge!" Content Warning: This work contains scenes of gore, violence, and strong language. Reader discretion is advised.

I’m a proud NEET who’s devoured every romance novel, manga, webtoon, and otome game out there. Just when I thought I’d conquered it all, a black bunny appeared in my dream. “Congrats! You’ve been chosen to help villains win across multiple worlds!” “Like a game?” “Uh . . . sure.” “Great, I’m in!” And just like that, I became an agent of the Villain System. Time to rewrite some happily-ever-afters—villain style. **[NOTE!]** This novel features multiple short arcs, each exploring different tropes such as ancient China, the modern world, beasts, werewolves, vampires, fantasy, school romance, idol groups—you name it! The twist? Each arc focuses on our MC making the villain (male) triumph over the male and female leads. The story is written primarily in 2nd and 3rd person POV for a dynamic and immersive experience. || Excerpt || [WARNING! MATURE Content Ahead!] “Then serve me . . . properly.” The command was both sensual and authoritative, and Xue Li’s pulse quickened under his intense gaze. The air between them grew heavy, her trembling hands faltering as she began to run the sponge across his chest, her touch featherlight against his scars. “Y-yes your majesty.” Xue Li’s hand trembled slightly as she dipped the towel into the warm, fragrant water, her breath catching as she squeezed it out over Han Feng’s shoulders. The water cascaded down his chiseled frame, tracing every ridge and contour of his muscles. She swallowed hard, focusing intently on her task, though her heart raced like a drum in her chest. She began at his shoulders, her touch gentle as the towel glided over his skin. His scars, a mix of old battles and untold stories, caught her attention, and she hesitated for a brief moment before continuing. The warmth of the water mixed with the heat radiating from his body, and the intimacy of the moment sent a shiver up her spine. Han Feng leaned back slightly, watching her through half-lidded eyes, his expression unreadable. “Slower,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that made her pulse skip. Xue Li obeyed, her movements becoming more deliberate as she ran the sponge across his chest, down the defined lines of his abdomen. Each stroke felt unbearably sensual, her fingers brushing his skin as she worked. She tried to maintain her composure, but the proximity to him, the sheer physicality of his presence, made her feel as though the air had thickened. When she reached his arms, he extended one lazily, letting her clean him as though it were his divine right. Her hand moved carefully, trailing down his forearm to his wrist, her touch so soft it almost tickled. Han Feng’s silence was oppressive yet charged, the pressure of his gaze pinning her in place. As she lowered the sponge to his torso again, her hand faltered briefly near the sharp line of his hipbone. The water ran over his skin like liquid fire, and her breath hitched when she noticed the slight curve of his lips, a hint of satisfaction playing there. “You’re trembling,” he said, his voice velvet smooth, making her flinch. “I-It’s the steam, Your Majesty,” she stammered, though she knew it was a poor excuse. Han Feng chuckled softly, the sound deep and rich. “Hmm . . . Is that so? Then you have no problem cleaning my cock right?” Xue Li's eyes trembled, on the verge of tears, which seemed to please Han Feng. His smile grew wider as he urged her on. "Go on. You're going to serve me properly, aren't you?"

After witnessing a African born wrestler win the WWL world heavyweight championship, Adonis leaves his home and continent to try and make a name for himself in the world of Wrestling. However, due to being talentless, Adonis was about to be fired, but by some twist of fate he unlocks a system that helps him to keep his job. Now the real question is will he be able to rise in the world of wrestling with the help of the system?

"From Ash to Aetherblade": Ackah Emile lives in the sprawling city of Veridia, a place where the gap between the awakened Hunters and the powerless unawakened is a chasm. Struggling to support his mother, Abelema, and younger sister, Aya, after the death of his father, Ackah faces a daily battle against poverty and despair. The world beyond Veridia is a dangerous place, swarming with monsters, labyrinths, and dimensional rifts, where only the strong survive. When a sudden, violent awakening transforms Ackah into a "Sword Ascendant," he is granted the power to wield a blade of pure aetheric energy and transcend the limits of mortal swordsmanship. This newfound power offers a chance to escape his desperate circumstances, but it also thrusts him into a world of cutthroat guilds, powerful nations, and ancient threats. Ackah must learn to master his abilities, navigating the treacherous political landscape of the twenty superpower countries, each vying for dominance. He faces monstrous hordes, battles corrupt guild leaders, and confronts the ever-present threat of void invasions. Along the way, he forms alliances with other Hunters, uncovers ancient secrets, and faces moral dilemmas that test his resolve. As Ackah rises from the ashes of his past, he amasses wealth and power, establishing his own guild, the "Rift Walkers," and forging a legend that will echo through the ages. "From Ash to Aetherblade" is a tale of action, adventure, and the transformative power of will, where a young man, armed with a blade of pure energy, carves his own destiny in a world teetering on the brink of chaos.

To the world Lucas was the perfect CEO. He led the family company to become the biggest in the country. He also had the most beautiful woman for a lover and with gorgeous looks that would make anyone fall for him, he had it all. However, it all came crashing down one day when he got that letter. A letter that made him question his very existence. A letter that unhinged him.

“I don't like judging people, but sometimes I can't help it. I don't like talking behind people's backs, but sometimes I do. I just want to live a good life, but sometimes I can't.” Love, Betrayal, Blood, but not Hatred. Only cold revenge, and a son to complete the family. "D" Section, a nonexistent military unit. "D" for dark, "D" for depth, "D"... for death. It demanded no attachment, and Daemon sacrificed love for it. Years later, the death of his teammates made him feel that he had done enough for the country, so he came back to the city he grew in. But can what has been forsaken be gained back? Because now Evelyn, the one to have breathed vitality in his numb, orphaned heart, had her own life, and a little boy calling her mother. And while he left his life full of dead bodies behind, did that life really let him go? From the ashes, will it love or... ? _ _ _ First draft of characters image on my discord, a channel for fans to get together: https://discord.com/invite/C86EJvCJdd Comment and review, don't forget.

It is the year 2050, One of the world’s greatest assassins had fallen. Will his successor continue his legacy?

Synopsis of "Empire of Ashes and Vows" Sasha once stood by Matteo, a powerful mafia boss, building an empire with him from the ground up. Their love was intense, their bond unbreakable, until the day betrayal tore them apart. A tragic betrayal, a shattered heart, and a burning desire for revenge drove Sasha to leave the empire she helped create. For ten years, she disappeared into the shadows, nursing her wounds and plotting her revenge against the man who destroyed her life. Now, Sasha returns to the world she once ruled, but everything has changed. The empire Matteo built is crumbling under his leadership, his once unshakable power now a shadow of its former self. Despite the anger that fuels her every step, Sasha can’t ignore the lingering feelings for the man who once held her heart. Her revenge, however, will not be as straightforward as she thought. Rather than destroying Matteo outright, Sasha begins to sabotage his operations from within, causing a dangerous power struggle. Each move she makes brings her closer to him, and she soon realizes that her hatred is rooted in something deeper—a love she cannot forget. As the battle for control intensifies, Sasha is faced with a choice: to destroy Matteo completely and take her vengeance, or to give him a chance at redemption and reclaim the love they once shared. But in the ruthless world of the mafia, every decision has consequences, and betrayal runs deeper than they ever imagined. In a world built on loyalty, power, and broken vows, Sasha must decide what truly matters in the end—revenge or redemption, love or destruction. As the empire crumbles around them, their choices will determine not just their futures, but the fate of everything they once fought to build.

In the nation of Avrael, power is both a blessing and a curse. Sixteen-year-old Ayato Daath, a poor orphan, had always hoped to live unnoticed in the shadows of the city. But when he is forced to undergo The Rite of Manifestation, the ritual that determines one’s magical potential, his worst fear comes true—he is an Elite. Now torn from the only life he’s ever known, Ayato is thrust into a brutal world of magic, bloodshed, and treacherous politics. In a society where the strong prey on the weak, where rival factions scheme in the dark, and where a single misstep could mean death, Ayato must quickly learn one thing—adapt, or perish. And one thing Ayato already knows is that in Avrael, only the ruthless survive.

He was born a stain in the werewolf code, a phantom in human society. He learned the rules of survival in the rust-stench of junkyards. When three women reached into the abyss to save him: One with ink-stained hands, offering a dagger of salvation; One with a serpent’s silver bracelet, gripping a bloodied scepter; The last with ballerina gauze, hiding a poison-dipped rose. He paid in scars to understand: The cages woven from gold by humans, the thrones forged from bloodlines by wolves—they were all the same prison. When the crimson moon rises, the new king must choose: Let three loves become claws to tear the world apart, Or shatter his pride to forge a path never seen— A third road between species.

Follow the captivating journey of Ken Takagi, a high school baseball prodigy whose dreams were shattered by a devastating shoulder injury during a crucial match. After being forced to quit baseball and become a regular office worker, his life turns sour upon seeing his teammates compete on the professional level while he wallows in pain and self-pity. However, fate has other plans for Ken when he's granted a second chance, thrust back into his middle schooler self with a powerful ally—the Major League System. With a newfound opportunity to rewrite his destiny, Ken embarks on a quest to reclaim the glory he once lost. Armed with the Major League System, he navigates the challenges of adolescence, friendship, and the pursuit of greatness. As Ken strives to overcome the mistakes of his past and shape a future he can be proud of, readers are taken on an exhilarating ride through the world of baseball, where dreams are made and broken. Will Ken be able to rise above the setbacks, hone his skills, and fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a professional baseballer? With the Major League System at his disposal, the journey is fraught with excitement, setbacks, and unexpected twists. This is a tale of resilience, redemption, and the pursuit of excellence—a story that will keep you eagerly turning the pages, yearning to see if Ken can hit a home run in rewriting his own destiny. Get ready for a thrilling exploration of passion, determination, and the unwavering spirit of a young athlete chasing greatness.

For centuries, witches and vampires have been bound by a blood-soaked feud, each side sworn to destroy the other. But when Selene Moreau, a powerful witch from an exiled bloodline, is captured by the ruthless vampire king, Damien Valcourt, their fates become entwined in a way neither could have foreseen. Selene is no ordinary witch—her magic is rumored to be the key to breaking an ancient curse that weakens Damien’s kind. Instead of killing her, he offers her a dangerous deal: if she helps him unravel the spell that keeps vampires bound to the darkness, he will spare her coven. But as Selene spends time within the vampire court, she begins to realize that everything she’s been taught about their kind is a lie. Worse still, she finds herself drawn to Damien—his cold cruelty masking a tragic past, his touch igniting a forbidden fire within her. As enemies plot against them from the shadows and the fragile peace between their worlds begins to crack, Selene and Damien must decide: betray their people for love, or destroy each other before destiny does it for them.

In a world where magic dictates destiny, your worth is determined by two things—Talent and Bloodline. Asvorn has neither. Branded as worthless from birth, he was abandoned by his parents and cast out of his village, left to survive on scraps and endure a life of scorn. For twenty-two years, he lived on the outskirts of society, invisible, unloved. But when starvation and despair push him to his limit, he makes a choice—to leave his wretched life behind and seek a future in the capital of Vaelthorin. Armed with nothing but sheer will and a makeshift weapon, he embarks on a journey riddled with danger, where even the weakest creatures could end his life. Yet, beneath his frail exterior, something stirs—something unseen, something forgotten. Is he truly worthless? Or is there more to his fate than what the world has decided for him? Asvorn’s journey has begun, and with it, the first embers of a fire long thought dead.

"Some betrayals can be forgiven. This one cannot." Lukas was a ghost. Buried. Forgotten. Erased. Until now. Serena Hawthorne built her life on a lie-one that kept her safe, powerful, untouchable. But the past has sharp edges, and when it returns, it doesn't knock. It tears through the walls, leaving no escape. Because Lukas is back. He doesn't want apologies. He doesn't want suffering. He wants control. And he will take it. What begins as a calculated game of vengeance soon turns into something far more dangerous. Hate tastes like desire. Obsession feels like fate. Every touch, every whispered command, every cruel smirk pulls her deeper into the trap-until she can't tell if she's lost in him or if she wants to be. But Lukas isn't here for pleasure. He's here to destroy her. And when he's finished, there will be nothing left. No mercy. No escape. Nothing but ashes.

Harsh, a modern-day science student, is thrown into the era after the Mauryan Empire’s fall when an experiment with quantum fields goes wrong. Born as a minor noble, he faces a world bound by rigid traditions, religious conflicts, and a caste system so ingrained that the oppressed see rebellion as immoral. His modern ideals meet constant resistance, not just from the elite but also from those he wishes to help. As internal and external threats push the empire toward chaos, Harsh must decide—will he change history, or will it change him?

In a world where power is defined by rank and noble lineage produces only prodigies, Zal was born with a stolen destiny. For fifteen years, he endured relentless humiliation, scorn, and bullying—both from society and his own family. Everything changed in a single night. Amid a hellish enemy attack, Zal witnessed the one person who had always stood by his side—his mother—fall at the hands of their foes. Her final scream echoed in his ears, marking the start of his transformation. Through trials and tribulations, Zal finally gained the power to rewrite his fate and choose a different path of his destiny. In a world ruled by Rankers, a single spark ignites chaos. Zal embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind his mother’s death. Along the way, he battles powerful foes, acquires ancient skills and techniques, and uncovers forgotten mysteries. From sealed catacombs to mythical lands where the roars of legendary beasts shake the earth, Zal navigates a world teeming with diverse races and enigmatic entities. Driven by vengeance, his resolve is unshakable. “Even if I must fight the gods themselves—or become one—I will have my revenge!” Welcome to the Land of Aeons, a dark and unforgiving world where survival depends solely on strength and skill. Join Zal and his allies on an epic journey through this treacherous land.

A cursed soul trapped on a battlefield seraching for the sun. Rumors has it that a demon in a black armor appeared on the field, many stated than even if you killed it, he came back to haunt you until your last breath. You may not remember it, but your soul was doomed from the beginning if you crossed path with him in another life. If you crossed path with me.

In a world where power dictates status, Toshi Igasaki is just another face in the crowd—silent, unnoticed, and uninterested in the world around him. Drifting through life with no attachments, he moves from place to place, avoiding attention. But fate has other plans. A mysterious past lingers just beyond his reach, and the world around him begins to shift in ways he can't ignore. As whispers of legends and unseen forces stir, Toshi finds himself walking a path he never intended to take. Some things are meant to stay forgotten. But the past has a way of catching up. Warning: This story contains graphic violence, gore, dark themes, and disturbing imagery. Reader discretion is advised. If you are sensitive to such content, please proceed with caution.

This story revolves around a girl named Lilly who has been betrayed by her family, her best friend and her fiancé, Rayan for many years now. Even after years, things have not turned better for Lilly who was kidnapped by a stranger, Aaron after her family was thrown out of their position by her grandfather. Aaron may be a good person in front of society, a gentleman, a billionaire but reality is far from what they say. In reality, Aaron comes from a family that indulges in both the business world and the mafia world. After years of suffering and dying for unknown reasons in one lifetime, Lilly was pulled back in time but this time she decided to use her past life memory and take revenge on people who did wrong to her for years. She decides to go back to college and take back what was rightfully hers. Will Lilly be successful in taking her revenge? and who is Aaron? why did he kidnap her? And most importantly who killed her?

The reclusive Peak Master Fu Ran held onto a simple wish, a fleeting hope that the man of ̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶d̶r̶e̶a̶m̶s̶ his nightmares, would have stayed in his dreams! Since a young age, Fu Ran had been plagued by prophetic visions of his own demise at the hands of a tyrant emperor, but he had managed to keep some semblance of self with a simple fact: dreams couldn't kill you. But what happens when conjured fears become real? When they exist outside sleep? Fu Ran must struggle with learning to deal with an unwanted presence in his day-to-day life as he discovers that there's far more to this tyrant emperor than he first thought.

World Synopsis: The Age of Ash and Rebirth Over a thousand years ago, the world as humanity knew it came to an end. The Cataclysm—an apocalyptic event of unknown origin—fractured the Earth, reshaping continents and awakening forces long thought to be myths. From the depths of the broken world, monstrous creatures, ancient demons, and eldritch beings emerged, threatening to wipe out what remained of civilization. Faced with extinction, humanity was forced to adapt. Some say it was evolution; others believe it was divine intervention or a cosmic curse. Regardless, humans began to manifest extraordinary abilities, wielding fire, lightning, ice, and even stranger forces. These individuals, called Revenants, became the last line of defense against the chaos, using their powers to push back the horrors that had overrun their lands. The Revenants were not born; they were chosen by the very forces that had shattered the world, and their abilities often came at great personal cost. Some gained extraordinary strength or elemental powers, while others were cursed with uncontrollable and dangerous abilities. But all were bound by the same fate: survival in a world that demanded sacrifice. Battles raged for centuries, and through blood, sweat, and sheer will, humanity survived. The Revenants, once revered as saviors, became legends, both feared and admired. Over time, civilization rebuilt itself, no longer the same as before. The shattered lands became sprawling city-continents, massive territories that now serve as hubs of power. Each city is governed not only by political leaders but also by those who wield supernatural abilities, some enforcing order while others pursue their own ambitions. The New Age: Order and Chaos With the monsters and demons driven into the uncharted lands, the world entered an uneasy peace. However, power breeds conflict. Not all who wield abilities fight for justice—some use their strength for personal gain, domination, or revenge. Warring factions, mercenary groups, and crime syndicates emerged, each vying for control in the shadows of civilization. Among these groups, the Revenants are both feared and revered—some see them as protectors, others as agents of chaos. At the heart of this fragile balance, groups like the Beasts of Prey roam the world, operating outside the law, caught between the forces of order and chaos. Some see them as outlaws, others as necessary evils. But in this world, survival depends not just on strength—but on the choices one makes. As the Revenants grow in power, rumors spread of an ancient force stirring beneath the surface. The Cycle of Ash—the world’s endless cycle of destruction and rebirth—may not yet be over. Those who possess the rarest and most dangerous abilities, like Dax, are beginning to experience strange visions, leading them to question whether the Revenants' powers are truly their gift or a curse that binds them to the world's fate.

Betrayed. Exiled. Forgotten. On the eve of his coronation, Prince Alistair Varian Dragos lost everything. His father, the High King, was murdered. His kingdom, once prosperous, fell into the hands of traitors. His people, whom he once swore to protect, were forced into slavery. And he? He was left to rot in a frozen wasteland, buried beneath the corpses of his fallen knights. But fate is not so kind as to let him die. With nothing but his will and the fire of vengeance in his heart, Alistair rises once more. He does not seek mere revenge. He does not dream of reclaiming his lost throne. He will build something greater. A kingdom forged not in the lies of nobles, but in the blood of his enemies. A realm where the strong rise and the weak perish. An empire that will not fall to treachery. They stole his birthright. Now, he will take the world. The game of thrones is over. The age of empires begins.

Eleanor Valmont, an intelligent but overlooked noblewoman, is thrust into the heart of the royal court when she is betrothed to Prince Aldric, heir to the throne of Valeria. However, her marriage is not one of love but of politics—a move orchestrated by powerful noble houses seeking to manipulate the kingdom's future. From the moment she steps into the palace, she realizes she is nothing more than a pawn in a game of power, deception, and betrayal. As Eleanor navigates the treacherous court, she discovers that Aldric harbors deep resentment toward her, his heart belonging to another. Meanwhile, she crosses paths with Prince Julian, the king’s bastard son, an exiled figure with his own ambitions. He warns her that the court is not just a place of luxury but a battlefield where the weak are sacrificed. Determined to survive, Eleanor begins weaving her own web of alliances, using intelligence, charm, and calculated risks to transform herself from an expendable bride into an indispensable force. Her rise to power is not without bloodshed. She exposes treachery within the nobility, orchestrates the downfall of her rivals, and ultimately outmaneuvers those who seek to destroy her. Yet, with power comes difficult choices. As the kingdom teeters on the edge of war, Eleanor must decide: Will she remain a strategist in the shadows, or will she seize the throne for herself? With enemies closing in from all sides, a fragile kingdom at stake, and a forbidden romance threatening to unravel everything, Crown of Ashes is the story of a woman who refuses to be controlled—a queen forged in fire, rising from the ashes of betrayal.