Shoulder Jewellery

And then the door creaked open. Startled, Mack’s eyes flew open, and his heart nearly stopped when he turned around. Standing in the doorway, completely unapologetic—and completely naked—was Fred. "Mind if I join you?" Fred’s voice was low, teasing, yet undeniably commanding. Mack’s face flushed scarlet, his hands instinctively pulling up to shield himself. "What the hell are you doing?" he stammered, his voice cracking. Fred stepped into the room with a languid grace, the steam curling around him as if it were drawn to his presence. His dark eyes locked onto Mack’s, a mischievous glint playing in their depths. "You didn’t lock the door," Fred replied, his tone shameless as he stepped closer. "That doesn't give you the right to enter," Mack argued. "Calm down, Mack. Besides, it’s not like I haven’t seen it all before.” "Y-you haven’t!” Mack’s voice pitched higher, but his protests were drowned by the heat creeping up his neck and the rapid pounding of his heart. Fred moved closer to him, his proximity intoxicating. Mack’s breath hitched as Fred reached out, his fingers grazing his shoulder before trailing along his arm. "Relax," Fred murmured, his voice smooth as silk. "You’re wound up too tight." Mack’s body betrayed him when he felt his touch. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from Fred. Fred’s gaze softened for a brief moment, his smirk fading into something more intimate. “Do I make you nervous, Mack?” Mack’s lips parted, but no words came out. He couldn’t answer, couldn’t think—not when Fred leaned closer, his breath warm against Mack’s flushed skin. "What are you doing, Fred? I-I am your teacher. At least, have some res..." Fred silenced him with a kiss. He wrapped his arms around Mack's wet body and moved his hands to his naked butts, pressing them softly as he could, his desires almost coming to the surface. He broke their kiss and with a teasing smile on Fred's face, he said "Well, see who can't resist my touch." Mack became embarrassed and playfully hit his shoulder as he tried to hide his face. . . . . [The picture was taken from Pinterest. If you're the owner and you would like to take it down, kindly contact me on IG: novar_ei. Thank you.]

Everything functions in a cycle, be it an ant, bird, lion, human, or even a celestial body. This cycle initiates with one's birth and governs one's end, yet there exists the potential to surpass it. Among the billions of planets floating in the cosmos, destined to merely occupy a void, some have the capacity to ascend, reaching new dimensions, standing shoulder to shoulder with realms like Heaven and Hell. --- Vlad, a young man, found himself ill-fitted in a world that scarcely offered him any luck, weighed down by a mysterious secret that initially seemed more of a burden than a boon. Yet, the powers he had dismissed as trivial eventually became his most formidable strength when the apocalypse broke, unleashing literal pandemonium as angels and demons walk among the human race. ---- Discord link: https://discord.gg/am5hkAdmhp Weekly updates: 14 chapters 100 Power Stones: 2 extra chapters 200 Power Stones: 4 extra chapters 300 Power Stones: 6 extra chapters.

Asim Binger, a seventeen year old hunter, shoulders the responsibility of providing for his sister, Calida, in a world where their parents are little more than a memory. A chance encounter with Anemone sets off a series of events that change his life completely. He finds himself embroiled in a perilous journey far beyond the forest and village he once knew. Together, the two join the knight force, confronting a brewing darkness. Secrets from the past begin to resurface bringing forward a plot that manipulates time and reality itself. Together, they battle formidable opponents, uncover hidden truths and form bonds that will decide their fates. From village skirmishes to royal intrigues, they traverse a land teetering on the edge of Chao.

In the lands of myths and the time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rest on the shoulders of a young man, his name is ......., just kidding. what will you do? if you find your self in a foreign world far from home and all the legends( in this case all the Greek legends ) are true. if you are interested, follow the story of Diomedes and his epic journey towards survival in a world with its own rules. All the legends are true.

The ancient empire was on its last legs, the nascent federation echoed with the roar of steam, slumbering gods gradually awoke, and colossal beasts that vanished in the primordial era were slowly emerging. When Laine arrived in another world, a magical profession panel awakened within him as well. Laine believed that if a person's life could keep growing stronger, one day they would certainly be able to control their own destiny and stand shoulder to shoulder with the gods! Keywords: Passionate, Easygoing, Wizard.

This is a hot-blooded story. This is a story of growth. # Mo Shangjun, after an extraordinary encounter with a cunning fox, was as beautiful as a vase. Rumor had it, she was capricious, crafty, a living rogue! Ya Tianxing, the mysterious captain of the Ace Special Warfare, was as handsome as a devil. Rumor had it, he was callous, brutal, a living tyrant! In reality— Both were high-level "appearance supremacists"! The day they met, she was hanging onto Ace's shoulder with a hooligan’s flair, yet her words were earnestly persuasive, "If you want me, it's not impossible, but first, you've got to pay with your charm!" "Deal!" The gavel came down. Thus, the emotional journey of the old fox and the young rogue began amidst a different type of fervor. # This is the story of two fiends, and when fiends clash head-on, if they want to avoid a life-or-death struggle, then the only option is to enjoy a thorough feast! This is also a story of youthful ardor, with blood and tears. When the youth facing no regrets meets an increasingly powerful nation, what reason do we have not to be passionately stirred? # We love our country, so we have no regrets drenching our past weaknesses with sweat; We love our country, so we selflessly guard the lives of strangers with our blood. ——Mo Shangjun # [The Chapter of Passion] "Relying on oneself is too exhausting. Having a belief makes life a bit easier." ——What is your belief? ——You.

In the far future of the Milky Way, ambition and courage are key to a civilization's survival. Follow Lucius von Vasilier, a young aristocrat third in line to a fledgling noble house within the Holy Empire, where noble families obsessed with genetic purity vie for dominance. House Vasilier is on the rise, but its meteoric ascent from common soldier to aristocracy may soon rest on Lucius' shoulders. Meanwhile, alien races, some ancient, some newly encountered, watch from the shadows, their motives unclear, while humanity is about to encounter long-lost, ancient cousins whose existence could unravel everything the Empire strives to build. Before he can shoulder this responsibility, however, Lucius must first secure a marriage. Will he succeed in solidifying his family's position, or will the challenges of the universe crush him like a bug?

Alfred, a history teacher on Earth is suddenly thrown into the body of Prince Alfred Lindonfall, the twelve-year-old prince and heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Ammar. With the abrupt death of his father, the responsibility to rule a Kingdom falls on his shoulders. Having to navigate a medieval court and world, his journey to creating an empire and putting his knowledge into practice sees him become a man he never knew he could be, being shaped by the new world and unique circumstances he faces. There are many characters who get a lot of focus and can be called a lead in their own right, but I won't put their character descriptions in as it would be too much of a spoiler for chapters in future. A rough map of the local realm: pls don't laugh I know it's bad. https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/1064890274397856571/ If unable to see its also in the first chapter comments now. Cover Art: not mine so here is the credit. https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/351912463658203/

Chu Yunxi , the only child of her parents, a talented Businesswoman , dies after she inherits her parents business due to the pressure of workload on her shoulders. She never had the passion for business, but she didn't have a say in her life decisions. Her parents dictated and controlled all her actions. She ran away so many times, but was always caught by her parents. And returned back home to a heap of work as punishment. When she was dying, she was ecstatic to be relieved of the shackles her parents put on her. After all the good deeds she had committed in her life, she was expecting to open her eyes to the wonderful view of Heaven. But……. Fate was cruel.

"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?

"Sissy, I brought you a gift." He shuddered in fear the moment he heard her voice. Whenever he heard her voice, he knew nothing good ever came out of it. "Please, not today." His voice made it obvious he was scared. She laughed, then touched his shoulder. He flinched, but she held him down. "Please." he said in almost a whisper. ***** "HI." she waved at him. "You must be the Riley everyone's talking of, right?" He was left dumbfounded, hearing her say she had heard about him. Everyone who had heard about him made sure to keep their distance, so just why was she trying to start a conversation with him? "If you are doing this to become popular, then you are very well welcome to be my friend. But if you are just naive, I would advise you to keep your distance." he said to discourage her. "We do have something in common. You get bullied, so you hate bullies, while I hate them just because they are bullies." "Hating them does not change the fact that you will get bullied if you befriend me." "Then I will have you watch me kick their asses if they try messing with us." "Are we friends now." she asked after they both laugh at her former words. "We are, as long as you are ready to kick some ass." "Bring it on."

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.

"We all have a dark side, the difference is whether we choose to face it or hide from it." - Unknown The story follows a young girl, Selene, who's running through the woods as if something or someone is chasing her. She feels trapped, and her only solution seems to be taking her own life by jumping into the river. However, just as she is about to succumb to the water's depths, she is unexpectedly rescued by someone with great powers. Her eyes blurry, but she could still see the tall man standing over her. She felt his angry but calm aura as he spoke, "You're not supposed to die. You're the one, as the prophecy goes. The one." Accompanying her on this perilous journey is a mysterious and powerful guardian who has been tasked with keeping her safe as she learns about herself, about life, and that the fate of this world rests on her shoulder. Selene and her guardian grow closer with time. However, he knows that their love is forbidden, as the guardian's duty is to protect her, not fall in love with her.

When an ancient truce shatters, humanity becomes the prey in a growing war between rogue devils and the Demon Realm. Shiro Tachibana, a carefree high schooler, finds his ordinary life obliterated when he accidentally bonds with Kageboshi, a powerful demon prince seeking refuge on Earth. Burdened with immense power and dangerous responsibilities, Shiro must navigate a treacherous path between hero and harbinger of destruction. Forced into a reluctant partnership with his fierce rival, Chiyo Tanaka, and placed under the harsh mentorship of the enigmatic warrior Kenzo, Shiro embarks on a journey of survival and discovery. As rogue devils rise and chaos spreads, Shiro learns the horrifying truth: he might not just be fighting to save humanity he may be destined to become its greatest threat. In a world where alliances are fragile, enemies lurk in every shadow, and the weight of a kingdom rests on his shoulders, Shiro must decide if he will embrace his fate or defy the legacy that calls him. This is a thrilling tale of power, destiny, and the line between salvation and destruction.

Max died and transmigrated into a classic fantasy world. Excited to get transmigrated, he waits for his golden finger to appear, and the golden finger did he get. [The monk system welcomes the host; we shall tread the path of enlightenment and abstain from any worldly desires, Amithaba!] “....WHAT THE FUCK!!?” Instead of getting a harem system or a golden rod, all Max got was a system that actively tried to turn him into a monk. And to add salt to the wound, the body Max transmigrated to is a gigolo for a beautiful countess! “Ara~ Max, you look so lovely~ Come, massage my shoulders!” [Ding!] [A New Quest: Subdue that thot!]

What Does It Mean to Be a Slayer? Is it the power to cut through monsters or the will to cut through fear? Is it the weight of the crucifix or the burden of the choices it demands? Is the mark of a Slayer found in their strength, or in the lives they leave untouched? Is it to chase a dream, or to wake others from their nightmares? Do you fight to reach a dream, or do you fight because the dream is already lost? When blood stains your blade, does it cleanse the world or taint your soul? Omari does not fight to build a name, but to ensure others do not lose theirs. He lifts his blade not for ambition, but for those too weak to lift themselves. Perhaps to be a Slayer is not to ask what you stand to gain, but what you’re willing to lose. Perhaps it is not the pursuit of power, but the realization that power exists to serve others. Omari does not fear death; he fears a life where he fails to save. For him, the crucifix is not a weapon of ambition but a promise kept to those who cannot protect themselves. What does it mean to be a Slayer? Perhaps to be a Slayer is not to live for a dream, but to die without regret. Perhaps to be a Slayer is not to seek answers, but to shoulder the questions. For Omari, it is all of the above and so much more.

In a world where the strong rule and the weak perish, Lin Fei will rise to become the most powerful being in the universe. His quest for revenge and redemption leads him toward an unimaginable power, but it also reveals a shocking truth: the fate of the entire universe may rest on his shoulders. Will Lin Fei achieve his ultimate goal of conquering the universe and fulfilling the prophecy that was destined for Xiao Qing? Or will the forces of darkness succeed in plunging the world into eternal chaos? In the end, Xiao Dong, now reborn as Lin Fei, will have to decide—will he live for the ones he loves, or will he sacrifice everything to become the supreme being who rules over all?

He had his hands in his pockets as he walked quietly to school . Backpack slung lazily on his right shoulder as hw seemed to be mumbling to himself, he was lost in his own thoughts . " Where is it ......, I can ......smell it , but I can't find it " He mumbled to himself as he looked around to see if he could find the demonic spirit. Milo could see spirits ......, all spirits , that walk upon the earth , and not just that .....he could also kill them . And eat them too. No one else can see these spirits , only he can . Today, he missed most of math class to hunt for a particular spirit. It would probably add a few more weeks to his life . If he could find it that is.

Benjiro is the new guy in town. He came from a life that he barely survived and wants nothing more than to live quietly. Soon, he will meet four different, seemingly perfect girls. But behind these masks of perfection, is pain. One is afraid of getting hurt. One is afraid of being left alone or invisible One is afraid of being seen as weak. One feels like a life is on her shoulders. And he will be forced find a way to help each of them overcome their own trauma, to help him process his own. Will helping them with their problems, make Benjiro stronger or will the weight of the past finally become too much?

"Hello, is anybody here?" Tracy called out, her voice echoing through the forest. "Aaaaaaaaaah!" Tracy screamed as the hag revealed her decaying smile. "Welcome, chosen one," the hag sneered. "Mom, I think there's something you need to know," Tracy whispered, clutching her injured shoulder. "Lately, I've been having these creepy dreams... and the injuries I get in the dreams appear when I wake up," Tracy confessed. "Your father was one of the angels," Mrs. Hayley revealed, tears welling up in her eyes. "Run, run, run!" Mrs. Hayley yelled as the Hades attacked, sacrificing herself to save Tracy. "Welcome to Wilmer Academy," Principal Wilmer greeted with a warm smile. "Here, you'll learn to be the best version of yourself." "Hi, I'm Daisy. Welcome to Wilmer Academy," Daisy said with a bright smile. "Nice one, babe," Shadley commented after Daisy's witty retort to Sharpay. "What's up with the gloves?" Tracy asked, curious about Shadley's accessory. "They help me manage my psychometric abilities," Shadley explained. Tracy Kendall wakes up in the woods, with no idea how she got there. Her calls for help go unanswered until she finds an eerie, seemingly abandoned cottage. Inside, she's confronted by a malevolent hag who calls her the "chosen one," sending monstrous Hades after her. Just as she's about to be captured, she wakes up, realizing it was another of her disturbingly realistic nightmares, complete with real injuries. Tracy's mother, Mrs. Hayley, notices her daughter's distress and the mysterious scratch on her shoulder. Tracy confesses her nightmares and the inexplicable injuries. Mrs. Hayley then reveals a shocking truth: Tracy is the descendant of angels who were banished from heaven, and her father was one of them. As they prepare to flee from the dark forces pursuing Tracy, Hades attack, killing Mrs. Hayley. Tracy is saved by five teenagers with supernatural abilities from Wilmer Academy, a school for the gifted. At Wilmer Academy, Tracy learns about her heritage and the significance of her powers. The academy, led by the enigmatic Principal Wilmer, becomes her new home where she must uncover her abilities and prepare for the dangers ahead. Among her new friends are Daisy, who can create portals, and Shadley, the principal's son with the power of psychometry.

The story revolves around Alex. He got his powers from an unknown source during a zombie apocalypse.. The whole world lies under his shoulders because he is the only one who can find the cure in this world.. But is that so, Especially when two times collide: The future and the present and maybe the past.

" My child, you were always there for me. Always present like a gift so precious and priceless. Your existence so welcoming and accepting i couldnt start but to feel sorry because i know you are worthy of so much more. I'm sorry I couldn't give you my all. You deserve the world and even beyond, so I hope you can find your own happiness and adore that life which I have given you. I know my apology will not fix the wound I have placed onto you or the burdens you have decided to carry on your shoulders, but you need to always remember that mum has always and will always love you. Even if shes not around. My lovely son...." Those were the last words she had uttered.

"Get your hands off me!" she wrestle against my grip, so I held her even tighter. "Put this on!" I groaned, toiling to keep her in place and wishing again I’d worn the damn gloves. The feel of her warm skin under my arm and palm wasn’t helping my focus. "I'm not taking you home like this!" "You don't tell me what to do!" she snapped, thrashing to break free of my hold as I fumbled with the cloak in my other hand, trying to drape it over her bare shoulders. "I'm not going home! Let me go, I said!" "Did you really think I got you out of there just to let you wander the streets, almost naked, like a lunatic?" That stopped her. "What did you call me?!" "LU-NA-TIC." "You... You…! Take your hands off me, you insolent brute!" Enraged, she yanked her arm too abruptly and lost her balance. I caught her, wrapped her in the cloak, and threw her over my shoulder. "PUT ME DOWN!" She shrieked and flailed, but I ignored her, making my way to the Commander’s house, which, thanks to Braa, was only two streets away. Since the entire population was in the square for the ridiculous festival, no one intervened at the frantic cries of the wild creature. No wonder in the ten years I've known the Commander, I've never heard that he has a daughter. She must’ve been kept locked away. Strangely, she suddenly went still and quiet. Had she grown tired, worried about attracting attention, or finally realized how inappropriate it was to show up at her parents' doorstep in this state? She didn’t seem to care before. With every step, my anxiety grew—she was limp. "Hey!" No answer. Seriously?! "Hey, you!" Nothing. A bad feeling crept over me, so I pulled her off my shoulder and into my arms. Her head fell against my chest—unconscious. "Hey! Hey, you!" I shook her, but she didn’t react. Panic surged through me. Had she fainted? Had I held her too tight? Lifting her more securely, I sprinted toward the Commander's house.

Song Xilai’s secret crush of five years suddenly sent her a photo. [My girlfriend. Pretty, isn’t she?] Song Xilai was furious. Unwilling to back down, she casually found a faceless photo of some impressive abs online and sent it back. [My boyfriend. Handsome, right? Great to touch, even better to cuddle. I haven’t left the bed for three days. /shrug/] Her crush was silent for a moment before coldly replying: [Oh.] It turned out that the owner of those abs was none other than Jiang Fengcheng, the school heartthrob and star of the swim team. Song Xilai had seen him at the pool before—broad shoulders, narrow waist, a perfectly toned body. Truly top-tier. The next day, rumors spread across A University that Song Xilai and Jiang Fengcheng were dating! Song Xilai: … What a disaster! How could she possibly explain to everyone that it was all just a joke? She had only been bluffing! To avoid further misunderstandings, she started avoiding Jiang Fengcheng at all costs—pretending to be glued to her phone whenever he was near, skipping any shared classes, and steering clear of the cafeteria and swimming pool he frequented. In short, total avoidance! But even with all her efforts, she still found herself cornered one day by Jiang Fengcheng in the changing room at the school pool. The boy, towel-drying his damp black hair, looked down at the petite girl before him with dark, piercing eyes. “I heard… you want to sleep with me.” Song Xilai’s face flushed bright red as she frantically shook her head. “No, no, I don’t!” Jiang Fengcheng let out a low chuckle, pulling off the loose jacket draped over his shoulders to reveal a sharp, muscular physique. “Don’t believe you.” “—Unless you prove it.”

In a world torn apart by the relentless war between the radiant kingdom of Valoira and the dark forces of Arcanan, a young warrior named Zephyr carries the weight of destiny on his shoulders. Gifted with the sacred Holy Sword, he is Valoira's last hope to turn the tides against the overwhelming monster waves that threaten their lands. Amidst the chaos, Zephyr crosses paths with Elira, a fiery and determined soul whose secrets could either save the kingdom or doom it to ruin. As their fates intertwine, forbidden emotions spark, but the shadow of war looms ever closer. When a black dragon, the harbinger of destruction, emerges as the puppet master behind the monster wave, Zephyr faces a harrowing choice: embrace the role of a savior or lose everything he holds dear. With love, loyalty, and kingdoms on the line, will Zephyr’s light prevail, or will the shadows of Arcanan consume them all?

"Swish... Swish..." Sounds of trickling water came from the yard, and Wang Daniu groggily opened his eyes, subconsciously reaching down to his crotch, thinking he had wet the bed. But there was nothing. Wang Daniu tiptoed out of bed and peeled open a sliver of the door, under the moonlight he saw a charming woman, scooping water and pouring it over her shoulders, ladle by ladle. Someone was bathing, it turned out…

The Foretelling of the Beasts In a world on the brink of destruction, the mysterious prophet Jackeal rises, foretelling the coming of ten demonic Beasts that will devastate all in their path. As these powerful entities threaten to consume everything, Jackeal, a reluctant savior, must grapple with his newfound strength and divine guidance. Betrayed by those he seeks to protect, Jackeal is sentenced to death, only for the heavens themselves to intervene in a spectacular display of power, casting Lucifer into a dimension of torment. With the Beasts unleashed and mankind helpless, Jackeal's true abilities awaken. But the true battle is yet to come. In a world that questions his purpose, Jackeal will face enemies both human and otherworldly, as the last hope of humanity rests on his shoulders. Will he rise to become the Christ-like figure the world needs, or will he fall to the chaos that threatens to consume everything he holds dear?

In a world ravaged by war, Ryojin Yukimura stands as a broken man, scarred by loss and haunted by his past. His life crumbles even more, when an unstoppable force leads an army of destruction, leaving his city and everything he built in ashes. Now, with nothing left to protect, Ryojin finds himself battling not only powerful enemies but his own inner demons. As dangerous foes gather and new threats emerge, Ryojin must confront the chaos within and around him. With the weight of countless lives on his shoulders and his own guilt pulling him down, he must decide if he can rise again or let the darkness consume him. Perhaps, the second chance he receives could be his key to finding his own path. In this high-stakes, action-packed journey, loyalty, betrayal, and redemption collide, The guild that Ryojin Yukimura made known as the arcane guild fell back down due to his death and many others. He is now not burdened with everything on his shoulders and he intends to live a simple life. To do that he needs to bring the arcane guild back to its glory days.

Jian rue gazed back at the ugly gray alien while stumbling and running. he clumsily tossed a stone at it "Fuck just leave me alone!!!" Suddenly a warm pair of hand grabbed his waist and tossed him over a study shoulder. "Xing yu!! let me down! you fucker!!! The said man chuckled and playfully smacked his butt. "Honey, I'm saving your life~" "I had it under control. Now, let me go!" Jian rue bit his shoulders hard until the sweet taste of blood filled his mouth. "Hiss.. baby, you're making me hard~" Jian rue froze. "W-why are you following me! why me.." Xing yu stopped running, and with a swing of his sword, the ugly tentacle alien was slayed. He gentnly pulled him down and hugged him close. Peering into his eyes, he smirked, "Because you are my betrothed,"

Alastair, a young boy, is at the school bus stop, feeling the weight of his father's disapproval and the constant reminder of his failings. He has been a victim of ridicule and isolation, with classmates teasing him about his appearance and hair. As the bus rumbles along the deserted streets, Alastair feels the weight of the world on his shoulders, knowing that his father treats him like a soldier. As he enters the schoolyard, he sees Eren, the school's poster boy for ignorance, loitering near the bike racks. Alastair feels humiliated and surprised that someone dares to stand up for him, and that it is a girl, Liana Castellanos. Liana's determination and strength make Alastair feel a spark of hope ignite within him, a warmth that battles the coldness of the rain. As they walk together, Alastair feels a sense of solidarity and hope, a feeling he had almost forgotten about having an ally. The weight of his father's disapproval has been a constant companion for so long, and Alastair's journey continues to shape his perspective on life.