Aether Gazer Bastet

"The Author has decided to discontinue this story. We apologize for the inconvenience." Thirteen words. That's all it takes to shatter the world of "Aetheric Chronicles"—the year's most acclaimed fantasy webnovel. For thousands of readers, it's heartbreak. For the mysterious masked figure in the final chapter, it's an unfinished destiny. But for Alex, the story's most passionate fan, it's nothing short of betrayal. Then comes the message: "If you truly wish to know the rest of the story..." One mysterious message. And one simple reply. That's all it takes for Alex's world to turn upside down. Now, he's about to discover that some stories refuse to end, even when their authors abandon them. And sometimes, the most passionate readers must become part of the tale they love. In a world where prophecies fail, characters rebel, and plotlines unravel, being the "strongest reader" might not be enough. After all, what happens when an unfinished story decides to write itself? "Some stories choose their readers. Others consume them." _____ ____ _ Warning: This story contains descriptions of violence, gore, and the depiction of intense emotional trauma. Reader discretion is advised. All events and characters are products of the author’s imagination. _____ ____ _ Discord Link -> https://discord.gg/ezVBxwCEPN

In the vast and volatile world of Aetheris, where ancient magic and long-forgotten technologies intertwine, the balance of power is governed by deities of old and the secrets buried beneath the earth. As ancient factions vie for control, the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Erian, a young man with a past shrouded in mystery, stumbles upon a powerful relic that could shape the course of history, but this fragment of power harbors a dangerous secret that threatens to unravel everything. With power struggles erupting across the land, secret orders plotting in the shadows, and alliances shifting like sand, no one can predict who will rise, who will fall, or what sacrifices will be required to protect the fragile peace. In a world where the gods themselves may be plotting and men are driven by ambition, survival is never guaranteed. As the world's fate teeters on the edge of destruction, those who hold power must face their own demons and the weight of their decisions. The path ahead is uncertain, and the very fabric of Aetheris may be torn apart by forces beyond anyone's control. A journey of magic, warfare, and political intrigue unfolds, and every choice will have its consequences, but who will ultimately survive the coming storm?

Horrible Accident? Check Otherworldly Soul Yeeting? Check Taking over some schmuck's body who died around the same time? Check Unable to cultivate because the aforementioned schmuck's constitution is all messed up? Double Check In the world of Valresta where the great and powerful cultivate an energy called aether to get to where they are, Zhen Liu (Thomas Lee) is physically unable to despite having the qualities to do so. But due to a twist of fate, Zhen Liu is given the ability to create kaijin, strange and monstrous warriors to fight in his stead. By using this world's laws combined with his knowledge of Earth, watch as Zhen Liu stands above the so-called aether saints to become the one and only kaijin lord! "What the hell is a train"?! "Something that's about to kick your butt. Get him"! "Yes my lord"! Cover art done by JacKLYart on Twitter My Twitter: https://twitter.com/MajorMizako?t=23kOezglRcDjEUKcmpZQiA&s=09

'Born In Ruins' was a forgettable read. That was the only way Emir could describe the pages of the novel he had found himself reincarnated into. The young man barely knew anything, but the snippets he had recalled only caused him unending sorrow... As what awaited him was only tragedy and an early death. It was a depressing story, one that he had planned to flip on its head—all for his salvation. — In this post-apocalyptic world, monsters fought humans and cyborgs in a battle for survival on a scale greater than ever before. A world where innocence and death were a luxury, where the line between heroes and villains was razor-thin. Within its expanse, 'Ancient Clans,' 'Galactic Federations,' 'Factions', and 'Corporations' presided over colossal 'Ruins' that dwarfed the concept of life itself. Survivors of the 'Third World War' continuously dove into the 'Old World,' 'Hunting' for 'Relics' in any ruin that they could find on Earth, desperate to reclaim 'Lost' technology, to stand a fighting chance against the inevitable. But it appeared that 'Earthkind' had met their match. …However, Emir would never allow that fate to take its course. — Emir unraveled layers of the tale and realized the truth of the world. He acquainted himself with the rules of this game before it fully consumed him. And now... no longer content with mere survival, he sought to dominate over the very fabric of this unforgiving universe. Emir shall rise from the pawn he once was, seeking to unravel the mysteries that hounded him. The boundaries of 'Aether,' his father’s disappearance, the noose hanging above his family’s head, and of course… his starless destiny, a fate he longed to control. This pursuit would earn him the epithet: "Prince Of The Fallen." ---------------------------------------------- *Tags: Reincarnation ;), Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Magical Realism, Academy (Volume 3), Romance, Apocalypse, {Anti-Hero. Villain.} *Expect this novel to start slowly; it begins ramping up at the halfway point of volume 1. *The Magic System is introduced at the end of volume 1, read my review and Auxiliary chapter for more on that. *Warning: The main characters have emotions like proper humans. So don't expect your usual emo kid as the MC and come complaining later.

Baek Yu-Seol, một nhân vật trong game với độ khó cực cao đi kèm với khả năng tệ hại, bị coi như rác rưởi khi không thể sử dụng ma pháp trong một thế giới giả tưởng mà ai cũng có thể. Tuy nhiên... [ Kết thúc không hợp lệ, 90% thế giới Aether World đã bị phá hủy] [ Xin hãy đạt được ‘ True Ending’] Những dòng chữ đó vang vọng trong tâm trí trước khi tôi bị chuyển vào trong game. [ Bạn có thể dùng kỹ năng 'Tốc biến'] "Sao mình lại điều khiển nhân vật này?" Tốc biến là kỹ năng duy nhất tôi có thể dùng. Sinh tồn tại học viện Stella nơi tràn ngập những pháp sư ưu tú, tôi trở thành Tia chớp Pháp sư khét tiếng.

Over 100,000 years ago, Earth was destroyed in a cataclysmic event known as the Stellar Severance. The collapse of an entire sector of reality tore open fractures across the galaxy, unleashing a mysterious energy called Aether that reshaped the evolution of all life it touched. Stars dimmed, civilizations crumbled, and factions emerged from the chaos, each vying for control of the galaxy’s remaining colonies and resources. In this transformed world, Samuel Solis—heir to the noble House of Solis—discovers that his genes have mutated in ways no one anticipated, granting him rare, mystic abilities. As Samuel learns to wield the strange power of Aether, he is drawn into a cosmic struggle where the future of his house and his own survival hang in the balance.

In the magical world of Aetherus, Damon Grey is the weakest student at Aether Academy, relentlessly bullied and ridiculed for his lack of power and defiant personality. Yet, he endures the torment, clinging to his scholarship—the only thing providing him with the funds to keep his sick sister alive. After a brutal attack leaves him near death, Damon encounters a dark viscous entity in the forest that fuses with his shadow, awakening the Living Shadow System. This strange power grants him unimaginable abilities but comes with a grim cost—a relentless hunger for souls and flesh to feed his shadow. Now, with his shadow alive and insatiable, Damon faces a terrible choice: feed it to grow stronger or starve it and die with it. In a world ruled by ruthless nobles, deadly monsters, and power-hungry demons, Damon must decide if his newfound power is a curse or the only way to survive. With the Living Shadow System, his fate is clear: devour or be devoured.

The world was cruel..... Especially for those who had lost their chances to shine. Aether was one of them.... Aether, an individual born with a silver spoon, found himself discarded like a defective product. He had longed for love and tenderness, but what others showed him was nothing but pain. Even in the face of that pain, he smiled not because he wanted to, but because he had no other choice. Despite the heartbreak, he entered into a hell called society with a beautiful smile..... "Can't you do a single thing!!" "..." "You are fired!!!" "....W-Wh.." "I am sorry, Sir, but you need at least a bachelor's degree to enter our company!!" "....I-I am..." "I am sorry, Sir, but we cannot provide a loan for your ideas without reassurance!!" "....W-Why?" "I heard your father is a politician.... So, You know...." "...." After a long struggle, he finally got a job, but his brother's words rang in his ears: "Yeah, yeah… I know you got the job thanks to me, of course. So, don't ever contact me or even MY parents" his brother declared. "...Heh..." Just as he believed he had earned society's recognition, an unforeseen event claimed his pathetic, seemingly worthless life.... "HONK!! HONK!!" Yet, amidst the cruelty of society, he defiantly cried, “I JUST WANT TO LIVE!!!!!” Witnessing his heartfelt cry and desire to live in the hellish place called society, he was granted a second chance. ~Ding!~ However, even in this new life, his situation remained unchanged. He continued to struggle not only to live and eat but also..... seduction. "HOW DARE YOU SEDUCE THE PRINCESS!!" ".....he..he... B-But I didn't seduce her!!" "HOW DARE YOU SEDUCE MY MOTHER!!" "...Hehe" "YOU HAVE SOME NERVE TO SEDUCE MY WIFE, DON'T YOU?" "HEHEHEHEHEE....." _________________ Discord Server Link: 6JA46z23bw

When the gods grew bored of eternity, they create the Trials of Ascension....a deadly game where humanity’s strongest are summoned to compete for the ultimate prize;immortality and divine favor. But for Elias, a seemingly ordinary orphan boy chosen to join the trials, his journey ends before it even begins. He was killed in an accident before even entering the game, his soul should have been erased. Instead, Elias returns, resurrected by the power of the Aether Core....an ancient power that predates the gods themselves. The Aether Core doesn’t just bring him back...it makes him a wildcard, unbound by the rules of the divine. Now armed with forbidden powers, Elias must navigate a world of ruthless contestants, monstrous foes, and jealous gods who see him as a threat to their order. As he rises through the brutal ranks, Elias begins to uncover the truth about the Trials. The gods want him erased. The other contestants want him dead. But as Elias masters the Aether Core’s abilities.....absorbing powers from fallen foes and challenging the divine itself....he realizes the Trials aren’t just a game to survive. They’re a war to win. And Elias may be the only one capable of shattering the chains binding both mortals and immortals alike. But every victory comes at a cost, and the Aether Core whispers of a darker purpose. With every power Elias claims, he inches closer to losing himself. As rivalries turn into alliances, betrayals, and outright war, Elias must decide: Will he become humanity’s savior? Or the force that dooms them all? [Ding!] [Initializing....] [Welcome player 223] [You have been chosen!] [Welcome to the game of the gods!] ................... A.N: Well, this is my first book, reviews and feedback will be very much appreciated. Add to library and gift power stone

The world was suddenly plunged into the apocalypse. 18 years old Zenn Kurokami had been on his part-time job when his boss immediately went crazy and lunged at him. He had been confused in the beginning until when he had mistakenly killed him and he received a notification. [Common Aberrant Slain] August knew that his mundane life has changed.

A collection of wild, weird, and wondrous tales that will intertwine with time! The world of Enverdolmal is on the edge of war as dark and menacing powers begin to make their moves from the Shadows, slowly tilting the balance of Aether -the magical energy that fuels everything in existence- in their favor.  Demons test their prison seals... Witches gather seeking chaos and anarchy... Monsters are on the march under strange and unknown banners... The long-lost Elemental Dragons are due to return... Our story is told through the eyes of approx 15 characters, starting with a knight by the name of Bastion Ridder who finds himself in the middle of it all. Garth Verlore -the famous and sprawling school where he was set to teach- falls under siege by forces that no one seemed to see coming, and he must do all that he can (while fighting alongside staff and students alike) to see to it that he doesn't become the one last knight... With classes like "Dragon Slaying 101" and "Goblin Battle Tactics" Bastion knew that this would be no small feat... It all started so well, but eventually everyone falls...Be it in love or war. Or even the classroom! Knights & Mages. Dragons & Goblins. Spirits & Demons & Witches And so very much more awaits you in this tale of triumph, chaos, love, war, betrayal, and loss. Are you ready to turn one last page? Read one last story? lose one last knight?

Erhling, a boy whose lost everything that ever meant anything to him, seeks answers to his fate.He must brave the colossal Labyrinth of Aether, which might just be worse than dying.

"The Mafia King Transmigrates to a Fantasy World" Luther has spent his entire life in the shadows of despair, with depression driving him to become a violent person, transforming his life and rising to become the king of the underworld. But just when everything seems to be going well, the unthinkable happens. Instead of finding success, he is betrayed by his woman, and as he’s on the brink of death, he’s transported to Aether—a world ruled by magic, fantastic creatures, and mysteries. As he struggles to understand this new world and his own powers, Luther faces a disturbing revelation: he possesses a rare and feared affinity with dark mana. He begins to hear whispers around him, urging him to take violent actions. But why? What secrets does Aether hide, and what consequences does this power he wields hold? Is Luther a threat to this world or its savior? And most terrifying of all—who is he, really?

"El Rey de la mafia transmigra a un mundo de fantasia" Luther ha vivido toda su vida en las sombras de la desesperación, la depresión lo lleva a volverse una persona violenta, cambiando asi su vida y convirtiendose en el rey del bajo mundo. Pero cuando todo parece ir bien, algo impensable sucede. En lugar de encontrar el exito, es traicionado por su mujer y cuando esta a punto de morir es transportado a Aether, un mundo regido por la magia, criaturas fantásticas y misterios. Mientras lucha por entender este nuevo mundo y su propio poder, Luther se enfrenta a una revelación inquietante: posee una afinidad rara y temida con el mana oscuro. Empieza a escuchar susurros a su alrededor que lo hacen tomar acciones violentas. ¿Por qué? ¿Qué secretos esconde Aether, y qué conlleva este poder que posee? ¿Es Luther una amenaza para este mundo o su salvador? Y lo más aterrador de todo: ¿quién es realmente él?

After awakening, Oliver found himself living as a poor farmer on the edge of the forests of the Kingdom of Rivendell, in a dilapidated home with scarce food. The kingdom’s forests were filled with magical beasts and toxic gases, and people believed they were perilous. However, he had awakened a super magic core that could capture creatures and endlessly transform its form. By capturing magical beasts, he gained incredible powers. He captured a Silver-Maned Boar, which granted him Superhuman Strength, enabling him to overpower foes with sheer brute force. Later, he captured a Thunderhawk, a majestic bird that soared through storms. This creature bestowed upon him the ability known as Storm's Embrace, allowing him to summon lightning strikes and control winds with a mere thought. Finally, he captured a Celestial Serpent, an immense creature adorned with shimmering scales that glinted like stars. This powerful beast endowed him with an Aetheric Shield, creating a formidable barrier that absorbed and reflected magical attacks, enhancing his own spells with celestial energy. As time flowed and the world changed, one day, Oliver, now the ruler of the earth and seas, looked up at the sky. The starry river above sparkled with unmatched beauty; it was said that within the starry sea resided deities. Having captured so many magical creatures and grown so powerful, he pondered the possibility: what if he could capture a god? What to expect: -Weak to strong male MC -Daily releases -Fast paced with frequent powerups -Fantasy setting with magic -Unique Mana Core System

(SCI-FI+LGBT) In an artificial solar system, Cassian Blake, heir to the crown of Naësu, faces off against his brother Ethan, leader of the extremist group—'the Cult.' Ethan seeks alien supremacy, while Cassian strives for inclusive leadership along with humans. Amid this battle for the future of civilization, Cassian must confront his growing attraction to Nicholas, a mechanic from Sigma aboard the Naetilus. Betrayals, sacrifices, and difficult decisions will shape the fate of both as they discover the true cost of peace in the midst of a galactic war.

Dunia bernama Lunavere, sebuah tempat yang terkoyak oleh konflik abadi antara para dewa kuno dan makhluk yang disebut Maledicta—manusia terkutuk yang berubah menjadi monster oleh energi kehancuran bernama Eclipse Aether. Di tengah kehancuran ini, pecahan kekuatan ilahi yang dikenal sebagai Fragmenta Lucis tersebar di seluruh negeri. Siapa pun yang menguasai semua fragmenta dapat mengembalikan dunia, atau menghancurkannya sepenuhnya.

In a world divided by four great nations, each ruled by the dominion of a natural element, war is constant, and balance hangs by a thread. In this chaotic landscape, Ryuu, a young outcast from a coastal village, struggles to control his unstable connection with the wind, a power that has brought him more suffering than glory. His life changes forever when he receives an invitation to a mysterious tournament where the most powerful warriors compete for the greatest of prizes: the Lance of Aether, an ancient artifact capable of granting absolute dominion over the elements. Eager to find a purpose and prove his worth, Ryuu joins the tournament, only to discover that it is no ordinary competition. The battles not only test the strength and skills of the participants but also their convictions and darkest secrets. Amid unexpected allies and mortal enemies, Ryuu must confront the organization behind the tournament, led by the fearsome Red Wind, a man determined to unleash chaos and remake the world in his image. As Ryuu advances through the stages of the tournament, he is forced to make decisions that will mark him forever. Will he be able to control the power that defines him? Or will he succumb to the weight of a legacy he never asked for?

En un mundo dividido por cuatro grandes naciones, cada una gobernada por el dominio de un elemento natural, la guerra es constante y el equilibrio pende de un hilo. En este escenario caótico, Ryuu, un joven marginado de una aldea costera, lucha por controlar su conexión inestable con el viento, un poder que le ha traído más sufrimiento que gloria. Su vida cambia para siempre cuando recibe una invitación a un misterioso torneo en el que los guerreros más poderosos compiten por el mayor de los premios: la Lanza de Aether, un artefacto ancestral capaz de otorgar el dominio absoluto sobre los elementos. Ansioso por encontrar un propósito y demostrar su valía, Ryuu se une al torneo, solo para descubrir que no es una simple competición. Los combates no solo enfrentan la fuerza y las habilidades de los participantes, sino también sus convicciones y secretos más oscuros. En medio de aliados inesperados y enemigos mortales, Ryuu deberá enfrentarse a la organización detrás del torneo, liderada por el temible Viento Rojo, un hombre decidido a desatar el caos para rehacer el mundo a su imagen. Mientras avanza en las etapas del torneo, Ryuu se ve obligado a tomar decisiones que lo marcarán para siempre. ¿Será capaz de controlar el poder que lo define? ¿O sucumbirá ante el peso de un legado que nunca pidió?

Born into the ancient and powerful Aether family, Calen Aether is a prodigy, mastering the sword from a young age. But what makes him truly remarkable is his connection to the lightning element—a force he wields with unmatched precision. Calm, intelligent, and cold, Calen’s lightning strikes as fiercely as his sword, and his control over both is nothing short of legendary.

in a world governed by nine mighty kingdoms, the Aether Kingdom stands as the greatest of them all a land of power, mystery, and untold secrets. Among its ancient legends lies the haunting tale of the Abyss World, a forbidden realm said to hold the ultimate truth about existence. This mysterious place is rumored to be connected to other worlds, accessible only through a hidden portal on a cursed island. Those who seek the island vanish without a trace, leaving behind nothing but whispers of doom and wonder. Leo Raizen, a 16-year-old boy from a quiet village on the outskirts of the Aether Kingdom, feels trapped in the monotony of his life. Restless and yearning for a purpose, he becomes obsessed with the stories of the Abyss World. What if the legends are true? What if the answers to his deepest questions lie within that forbidden realm? Determined to uncover the truth, Leo abandons the safety of his home and sets out on a perilous journey to the Aether Kingdom’s capital, the heart of knowledge and intrigue. But the path to the Abyss World is fraught with challenges. As Leo ventures into the vast and dangerous world beyond his village, he faces trials that test his courage, his intelligence, and his humanity. He encounters allies who ignite hope, enemies who seek to crush his spirit, and mysteries that pull him deeper into the darkness surrounding the Abyss World. With each step, the line between legend and reality blurs, and Leo begins to wonder if the truth he seeks is worth the price he must pay. What lies within the Abyss World? Is it a gateway to ultimate understanding or a trap leading to eternal oblivion? As Leo uncovers pieces of the puzzle, he finds himself at the center of a destiny larger than he ever imagined—one that could reshape not only his life but the fate of the entire world. Leo Raizen: The Man Who Knows Darkness is a spellbinding journey into the unknown, where danger and discovery intertwine, and the pursuit of truth reveals the depths of the human soul. Prepare to follow Leo as he dares to face the darkness, unearth forbidden secrets, and confront the question that haunts us all: What is the true nature of our world?

In a world where dragons once ruled, their elemental powers now shape human destiny. Amidst ancient ruins and hidden temples, whispers spread of Aetherius's return. Five young individuals, each bearing a fragment of the elemental dragons' essence, must navigate treacherous landscapes, forgotten lore, and their own destinies. *Protagonists:* 1. *Eira* (Terrakai's heir) - A geologist uncovering ancient secrets in the Slavic mountains. 2. *Kael* (Aeropex's scion) - A winged warrior battling Norse storms. 3. *Ling* (Hydrokros's descendant) - A Chinese scholar seeking the Dragon's Heart in the mystical waters. 4. *Aria* (Pyropex's legacy) - A fiery performer in a European circus, hiding her true nature. 5. *Niam* (Nexarion's chosen) - An Indian mystic wielding the Aether Dragon's essence.

BOOM! A loud crash awakens a teenage boy in the middle of the night. His parents are away.. He finds a hole through his roof, and floor. He goes downstairs to call his parents, but the line was dead. He investigates the debris cautiously, finds a human leg, still moving...

In the enigmatic kingdom of Astralvia, a land bound by ancient aetheric forces and guarded by celestial warriors, power flows from the constellations and the hidden depths of the world itself. Society is divided by ranks, and those born under celestial signs are blessed—and cursed—with abilities beyond mortal understanding. The Celestial Knights, the kingdom’s elite protectors, serve under King Orion, each burdened by a unique Heavenly Restriction that checks their formidable powers. But beyond the known realms, in the shadows of Astralvia, lie ancient secrets, forbidden gods, and a brewing darkness that threatens to unravel the kingdom.

The character with the highest difficulty and the worst performance, Baek Yuseol, was considered a trash character in-game because he could not use magic in a fantasy setting where everyone else could. However… [Because the wrong ending has been reached, 90% of Aether World has been destroyed.] [Please reach the “True Ending.”] Suddenly, those words echoed in my mind before I was transmigrated to the Aether World. [You can use the skill “Blink.”] “Just why did I possess this character?” Blink was the only magic skill I had. Surviving in Stella Academy among genius mages, I became the notorious Blink Mage. Alternative title: I Became A Flashing Genius At The Magic Academy

Aether and his friend lived in a bus together, they were poor but they had each other, and they desired money more than anything. One day his friend disappears, she was taken by a rich man. Aether wants revenge and by chance stumbles with a group that wants to kill the same guy.

In a world where reality is intertwined with the mystical threads of the aether, only those who can perceive and manipulate these elemental strings can wield true magic. The story follows Kael Orwyn, an unassuming young man who discovers his unique ability to weave and control aetheric strings of different elements, leading him on an epic journey of self-discovery, power, and destiny.

After a tragedy Skyler died but got resurrected with the system he was blessed with. Though most of his skills and stats were locked due to the lack of condition requirement. To achieve the requirements, he joined one of the Guild in his city only to fulfil his ultimate goal afterwards. His goal was the complete destruction of Aether Cities; five floating cities that float naturally above the Terra Region. In those cities the higher ups, Nobles and Ruler lived. They governed the modern era. Despite being a high ranking Zeon, the people who usually raids dungeons, he kept his profile low as an average Zeon. During several dungeon raids, he met many people with whom he gradually became acquainted. Helped them in various ways, got help in various way until the Day arrive when he successfully unlocked all of his skills and stats. Though the real journey begins when he one day encountered only a fragment of one of the Primitive Demon Of Apocalypse, which was far superior, far greater, far more powerful even his system showed glitches when fighting that demon. They were yet to get fully revived, but their fragments who lurked in the dungeons had a mission. Eventually Skyler will take on the mission to stop them along with his personal mission of revenge. Let’s see how he can manage to reach those destinations.

Tiberius Marlowe has silent power in his step-a storm repressed behind an impenetrable mask of coolness. Every glance was sharp, lethal, a reminder that his empire didn't come as some mistake. And right at his side, in every shadowy alley, were the enemies, with Nikolai Drakos most at the fore, chief rival to him in the cutthroat billionaire world. Nikolai’s relentless ambition and cold, calculated moves drive him ever closer to Tiber’s throne, creating a tension that pulses like an unspoken promise of war. Ivy Cadler is cool, calculated, and sartorially impressive in the high-stakes game of politics, wielding her power and scandals with characteristic poise. She is Tiber's mistress, his sword in a Savile Row suit, working her way through society's upper echelons to solidify his grasp from within. Every stolen glance, every whispered confidence between them, represents a bond forged in ambition, a mutual seduction tempered with danger. Their involvement is not some trivial affair but an alliance of twisted purpose, of power and lust precariously poised on a razor's edge. Yet wrapped inside Tiber's success was an anger so still and quiet, building with every pulse of the heart that was broken called Cassandra Marlowe. Now his bride, jilted, Cassandra's ghostly presence haunted in quiet resentment stitched into the fabric of his life; she was the ghost of his choices, biding her time to strike. Each time he touches Ivy, every scheme he devises to kill Nikolai-Cassandra sees. Her vengeance, planned with a smile masking anger so cold it could shatter them all. But as Tiber navigates his realm, his calculated steps draw him closer to the shadows he cannot control. At the core of his domain, where all friends bear the mien of foes and love is a deadly poison in the veins, one wrong move spells the dénouement of his carefully constructed reign. With Nikolai at his back, Ivy hiding secrets of her own, and Cassandra's silent fury burning ever closer, Tiber's world is a chessboard of betrayal just waiting to unravel. And just when he thought he knew how to play the game well, it may just be that the deadliest enemy of all is the one he never saw coming.