Venom Turd In The Wind

A century has passed since Emperor Korrun's fall, yet the world remains divided. The factions of the Four Realms vie for power, their goals often at odds with the fragile peace that exists. Whispers of the Sunfire Engine resurface, claiming the ancient weapon still lies buried somewhere, waiting to be unleashed. In the Tideborn Isles, the Ocean Blades prepare for war, while the Sea Shapers struggle to rebuild bridges of peace. In the Emberlands, the Phoenix Legion marches, the Ashen Guild experiments, and the Emberkin Rebellion rises. The Skyhold Peaks are torn between Windcallers and Stormwings, and the Stonecrest Valleys hold fast against the shadows of the Hollow Syndicate. Amid this chaos, two young souls-Kaelina of the Tides and Zyric of the Emberlands-find themselves caught between these factions. Bound by fate and divided by loyalty, they must navigate a world of shifting alliances, ancient secrets, and elemental power. Their choices will determine whether the world finds balance once more-or falls into ruin. (This story was inspired by "Avatar: The last airbender")

The Black Wind (Kuroi Kaze) In the war-torn Sengoku era, a 16-year-old boy named Kuroi sets out on a perilous journey to master the way of the sword. Driven by a deep yearning to rise above his humble beginnings, he traverses a world ravaged by conflict, where honor and survival are often at odds. Along the way, Kuroi encounters warriors, wanderers, and rogues, each shaping his path in unexpected ways. As he struggles to find his place in a chaotic world, Kuroi discovers that the road to greatness is not just paved with skill and strength but with choices that test the very core of his humanity.

Twice killed and once saved. A king born to destroy the world. Another destined to save it. The deceased king from a fallen kingdom will rise to live again. Only to find love in a vengeful king. “Sing me a lullaby. One that will guide me to the heavens. Set me free from the chains wrapped around my neck.” “Why don’t you sing to me instead? Guide me to you. Let us set sail on these clouds together forever.” “Don’t you know what that means for you?” “I would do whatever it takes to live a dream with you.” “With this sword in my heart, I bleed for you.” (This is BL *BoysLove*) (Front cover photo is not mine. Please send me a message for credit.) (Criticism on the novel and tips on how to improve my writing are very much welcome.)

The MC transmigrates into Narutoverse in the body of a civilian orphan. Luckily for him, the transmigration results in chakra being unlocked. Follow the story of the MC as he grows in power and stabilizes himself into the world of ninjas and trains to be the strongest.  Warning :  1. The MC won't be op for a long time. All his power would be gained via hard work and training over years (so if u want an op mc right from the word go, this one ain't for you) 2. No harem (probably no romance either) 3. There will be a lot of killing (maybe gore too, not sure if I can do gore right though) 4. The story will start slow. Quite a few of initial chapters will be around training, orphanage and academy life, instead of directly becoming a Genin. 5. MC is a careful person, he won't put his life at risk unless there is no other choice. 6. I haven't read (nor will be reading) Baruto. So Baruto plotline won't be considered much in here. What to expect : 1. Smart and consistent MC  2. Lots of training 3. MC manipulating the plot to his advantage 4. A lot of original arcs.  5. Plot will mostly stay the same (at least till Shippuden), but I won't repeat any scenes/dialogues that took place in the manga (as I'm assuming you've already read it). Disclaimer : I don't own Naruto or its characters (except the original characters I create). The image used in the cover isn't mine and belongs to R. J PS : It's my first fanfic, I'm hoping it turns out good. All reviews and constructive criticisms are welcome. Grammar and English should be fine, but I'm not sure how good the dialogues and scenarios will be. Hopefully I'll improve as this fanfic progresses forward.

In the wake of tragedy, Jack Hayes struggles to cope with the devastating loss of his younger brother, Ethan "The Viper" Hayes, who dies in a brutal MMA fight against the reigning state champion, Rico "The Beast" Martinez. While the match is ruled an accident, Jack is haunted by the belief that foul play led to Ethan's untimely death. Consumed by grief and anger, he grapples with feelings of helplessness and guilt. In his search for closure, Jack decides to enter the world of MMA—not for revenge, but to find peace and honor Ethan's memory. Under the mentorship of Lena, a seasoned fighter with her own troubled past, Jack begins a grueling training regimen that tests his physical and mental limits. As he fights through local circuits, he discovers the camaraderie and resilience of fellow fighters, all of whom share their own struggles and stories of loss. As Jack rises through the ranks, he adopts the persona of "The Ghost," channeling his brother's spirit and seeking to transform his pain into strength. But as he gains recognition, the specter of Rico looms larger, culminating in a high-stakes tournament that could earn Jack the chance to face the man he holds responsible for Ethan’s death. In the climactic battle, Jack confronts not just Rico, but the internal demons that have plagued him since the tragedy. As he fights for redemption, he learns that true strength lies in embracing the past and that finding peace is a journey, not a destination. "The Ghost of the Ring" is a powerful tale of grief, resilience, and the transformative power of sport, exploring the delicate balance between revenge and healing in the unforgiving world of mixed martial arts.

When Miko accidentally crosses paths with Bai Shezhuan Lao during a hunt gone awry, she discovers that her parents’ deaths are tied to an ancient prophecy involving half-demons and hunters. Reluctantly teaming up with Bai, Miko and Mei find themselves pulled into a web of conspiracies, where nothing is as it seems. As they navigate battles against rogue demons and corrupt hunters, they must confront their own prejudices and uncover the truth about Bai’s intentions—and Miko’s own destiny.

Victor Marcellus, once the visionary leader who united Earth under the 'Roman Federation,' spent his final years in peace after ending humanity's lust for war. But as his body grew frail, the gods of a faraway world saw his potential. In Elysium, a land ravaged by wars and monsters, they saw in him the last hope to restore stability before their followers-and they-faded into nothingness. Before his reincarnation could take place, the gods intervened, recognizing that Victor could accomplish a task he had once completed on Earth: to unite and restore a broken world. They granted him the skill 'Archive of Earth,' a powerful ability that gives him access to humanity's vast knowledge, from the simplest inventions to the most complex theories. But to unlock Earth's most vital secrets, he must earn the trust and prosperity of his people-every advancement comes at a price. Elysium is a dying realm. The kingdoms are fractured, and the races of humans, elves, dwarves, demi-humans, and half-monsters teeter on the brink of extinction. Monsters roam unchecked, while feudal kings wage endless wars. Magic, once a gift from the gods to fight monsters, has been twisted into a tool for conquest. Hope is all but gone. Armed with the wisdom of Earth's past, Victor faces the monumental task of adapting humanity's past knowledge to a world scarred by its own wars. Was he truly the right man for the job? In a world on the brink of destruction, can one man spark the flames of democracy and rebuild society? With Astra, the nation he founded, as a beacon of liberty and hope, Victor must unite Elysium's fractured races. But as he lays the foundation for a new world, can he fulfill his grand vision of liberation-one based on democracy and justice? Or will the weight of his past victories prove too great, as war, magic, and monsters close in from all sides? Authors Note: Credit to @Ross for helping me with the cover, I recommend his work as I collaborate with him in story writing too.

"One naïve boy. Five handsome and diabolic vampires. A mansion in the midst of woods filled with secretes." Nate Todd, living in the town of Rush Hour, does not think twice before doing something, he has been a naïve boy since his childhood. So, when his friend tells him about a secret forest in the most isolated part of the town, he decides to go there, all alone. He expects to encounter wild animals during his visit, who could possibly kill him. But what he doesn't expect, is to find a beautiful mansion, in the midst of the forest, with five beautiful boys, living in it. When the boys invite him to stay with them, being the gullible person he is, he agrees. Five handsome vampires, living in a mansion, in the midst of a forest. They use their innocent façade and their captivating beauty, to lure their preys in and Nate, is certainly not the first one. Realizing this and the fact that the boys are not as innocent as they seem, Nate finds out that they have some sinister intentions. The mansion is not as welcoming as it first seemed and hides dark secrets behind its walls. Will he be able to escape? DISCLAIMER : This story and the plot are entierly mine so kindly do not steal.

Out in the middle of the sea, on a lone boat that swayed with the waves, a young man looked out into the horizon. “Fucking send me home! I didn’t sign up for this.” He rocked the boat uncontrollably and in rage. He didn’t want to be here! He wanted to be back home and in his bed, eating chips and playing video games on his phone. This sea was his new hell.

"In a World ravaged by monstrous creatures from the abyss called, Venom, humanity's survival hinges on the Aura System - a mystical power that awakens within select individuals. But Dera, orphaned and Aura-less, is an anomaly. Deemed an ordinary mortal, his fate seems sealed. That is, until he stumbles upon the ancient tomb of a legendary Shadow Venom. Defying the odds, Dera awakens a forbidden power - the Venom System. Embark on Dera's perilous journey as he transforms into a Shadow Venom Hunter, navigating treacherous landscapes, rival treasure seekers, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Will his newfound abilities be humanity's salvation or its downfall?"

[COMPLETED] "Meow~ Meow~" The orange tabby cat sneaked out of the house, bringing back with it a little girl to resurrect the faint link between two people who had just crossed paths together once. Three years ago, Kato Himari was forced to end her first love in order to cherish herself more. In the early moments she faced her own heartbreak, she met him in a series of strange events. At the same time, Hayashi Kazuya was compelled to assume a crucial role after tragic events kept on befalling his loved ones. There were things he had to let go of and there were things he had to hold on to. Unknown to them, a funny companionship of a cat and a little dumpling led them to meet again. Would their encounter give them second chances of gaining more hopes in the face of the future? Would the reappearance of Himari's first love break the ties of their Fate? And, what was the secret that Himari concealed even from her loved ones? "Uncle, when would you give me an auntie?" "Uncle, why don't you marry Teacher Kato home?" "Teacher Kato, do you find my uncle handsome?" Both of them exchanged glances before they hurriedly looked away with the tips of their ears reddened. The little girl grinned and gave thumbs up to the orange tabby cat next to her before she looked at her back. "Big Brother, look! I've found us an auntie!" "Meow~ Meow~" The orange tabby cat happily agreed to the little girl's words. --------------------------------------------------------------- Commissioned cover by yuuri_e (Instagram). Exclusively for this book. Entry for Spirity Awards Spring 2021 for Slice-of-Life and First Love themes My other books: Spring Blooms When I'm With You [Completed] The Ocean Beneath Her Feet [Completed] For Our Happier Path [Ongoing] Get Rid of Him (Ongoing) Discord: hansora#1507 Instagram: hansora_author Enjoy!

In the heart of Japan, Kazemachi Sota was a high school football legend, the fastest and most skilled quarterback the Nishikawa Hawks had ever seen. But a devastating injury shattered his dreams, leaving him to navigate a new life of uncertainty. Labeled "the bird with clipped wings," Kazemachi struggles to find his place in a world without the sport that defines him. Just as hope seems lost, an unexpected invitation from a spirited girl named Aiko reignites his passion. She invites him to join the school’s flag football team, a game of strategy and speed, offering him a chance to redefine himself. Will Kazemachi find a new way to soar, or will the shadows of his past keep him grounded forever? This is a journey of self-discovery and triumph against all odds.

"She stopped me from coming to the wedding!" "It's because she loved you and did not want me to marry you." "Do you think I'll trust you again? You liar!" He bellowed but he had believed her.

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?

My new family was different from all the expectations I had imagined; they loved me and treated me with kindness. Memories of my previous life began to return to me in flashes. In my past life, I was not an ordinary person; I was a man with vast ambitions, someone deeply immersed in knowledge and power. A world I knew through reading a fantasy novel. I am a villain; I was a villain in my past life, and here I am, reborn as a rich villain in a novel I read in my previous life.

"The Ghost In The Crater" is a gripping tale of resilience, friendship, and the unyielding human spirit. Set in a close-knit community, the story unfolds after a tragic night of intoxication and violence that leads to the disappearance of Alex, a beloved friend. The events of that night, concealed by guilt and fear, haunt the lives of those involved. Driven by haunting dreams of Alex's spirit, Emma, his best friend's youngest sister, embarks on a courageous quest for truth and justice. With unwavering determination, she unravels the web of lies and deceit, confronting the guilty parties and demanding accountability. As Emma's pursuit unfolds, she faces immense challenges and danger, but her courage and resilience inspire others to join her cause. The echoes of the crater reverberate through the community, exposing the darkness that had long been concealed d. Through Emma's journey, the community begins to heal, but the truth comes at a cost. Emma grapples with the complexities of human nature, and her perception of the world is forever changed. Yet, she finds strength in the enduring bond with Alex's spirit and the allies who rally behind her. "The Ghost In Crater" is a story that reminds us of the power of truth and justice, even in the face of the darkest of times. It celebrates the strength of friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of facing the consequences of our actions. The legacy of this tale endures, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

In the peaceful village of Varyndal, Ren and his friends enjoy a carefree childhood, unaware of the looming danger. Their world is torn apart when a mysterious group of invaders, marked by a black dragon crest, descends upon the village, burning it to the ground and slaughtering the Arashiro Clan, the revered protectors of the land. In the chaos, Ren manages to escape into the forest, witnessing the destruction of his home and the capture of his friends.

In a mystical world divided between two opposing nations, Umbra and Lumin, darkness and light clash in an unending balance. At the heart of this divide stand two legendary Dragon Gods—brothers bound by destiny to protect the borders between their realms. But harmony shatters when the sinister elves and goblins of Umbra launch a daring attack, kidnapping the royal family of Lumin. Now, the fate of the light rests in the hands of Prince Edward, heir to the Solaryn legacy. Joined by his loyal elf companions, Edward embarks on a perilous quest to rescue his family, forge new alliances, and uncover hidden truths about the power of light and darkness. With thrilling battles, heartfelt moments, and an unforgettable cast of characters, this epic adventure is perfect for fans of Dragon Ball and Naruto. A tale of action, comedy, and unyielding determination awaits—are you ready to dive in

In the bustling city of New York, Emma Collins is a successful architect with a seemingly perfect life. However, beneath her composed exterior lies a heart shattered by a past love. When she unexpectedly crosses paths with her ex-fiancé, Alex, the wounds she thought had healed are ripped open once more. As Emma navigates the complexities of her emotions, she finds solace in her work and the support of her close-knit group of friends. But when a new project brings her face-to-face with Alex, she must confront the unresolved feelings that have haunted her for years. Amidst the backdrop of stunning architectural designs and the vibrant cityscape, Emma embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. She learns that love, in all its forms, is both beautiful and painful. Through heartache and hope, Emma discovers the strength to rebuild her life and open her heart to new possibilities. "Whisper in the winds, a love confession" is a poignant tale of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. It explores the delicate balance between holding on and letting go, and the power of forgiveness in finding true happiness.

Synopsis of The Call to Arms In the serene heart of Greece lies the Alexandros estate, a sprawling haven of vineyards and olive groves owned by the noble Alexandros family. Sophia Alexandros, a poised and compassionate young woman of twenty-six, has long enjoyed the comforts and privileges of her ancestral home. Her life is one of elegance and responsibility, managing the estate with grace since her father’s passing. However, beneath the idyllic surface, political unrest simmers as the Ottoman Empire tightens its grip on Greece, threatening the very essence of Greek heritage and independence. The fragile peace shatters when news arrives that Ottoman forces have seized nearby Kastoria and are advancing toward the Alexandros estate. The sudden invasion thrusts Sophia and her family into chaos, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of war. Faced with the dire choice to submit or resist, Sophia’s resolve hardens. Determined to protect her homeland and preserve her family’s legacy, she decides to join the burgeoning Greek independence movement, abandoning her sheltered life and the expectations to marry well. Leaving behind the marble halls and manicured gardens, Sophia steps into the rugged world of rebellion. She partners with Dimitri, her brave younger brother, and Kosta, the estate’s seasoned foreman, to rally the estate’s staff and nearby villagers. Together, they forge alliances with local rebels, transforming the estate into a strategic stronghold for the resistance. Sophia’s noble upbringing and sharp intellect quickly earn her a leadership role, as she devises strategies, secures supplies, and inspires those around her with unwavering courage. As Sophia immerses herself in the fight for freedom, she faces numerous challenges that test her strength and resolve. Skepticism from some rebels, the loss of comrades, and the relentless pressure from Ottoman forces weigh heavily on her. Yet, her determination never falters. Her leadership becomes a beacon of hope, uniting diverse factions of the resistance and galvanizing a movement that grows stronger with each passing day. Amidst the turmoil, Sophia grapples with personal sacrifices. Her bond with Dimitri deepens as they navigate the perils of war together, each step bringing them closer to their shared dream of a free Greece. The estate, once a symbol of privilege, transforms into a battleground where Sophia’s spirit shines brightest. Her decision to fight not only ignites a personal journey of bravery and resilience but also sparks a larger struggle for national identity and sovereignty. In pivotal moments of strategy and sacrifice, Sophia leads daring raids against Ottoman supply lines, orchestrates defensive maneuvers to protect innocent villagers, and negotiates fragile truces with neighboring factions. Her actions inspire others to join the cause, swelling the ranks of the resistance and escalating the conflict into a full-scale war for independence. Through victories and losses, Sophia remains steadfast, embodying the spirit of Greece’s fight for liberation. The Call to Arms is a gripping tale of courage, duty, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom. It delves into the complexities of leadership, the burdens of responsibility, and the transformative power of unwavering conviction. Sophia Alexandros’s journey from a sheltered heiress to a formidable leader mirrors the broader struggle of a nation yearning to reclaim its destiny. As the Ottoman threat looms ever larger, Sophia and her allies must navigate treacherous alliances, personal sacrifices, and the relentless march of war to secure a future where Greece can flourish free from oppression.

The story takes place in the city of Ari, the city known to be the city of witches and wizards. It is the safest city in the kingdom of Izea. The oglins and other dangerous creatures can not break down its walls, and even if they get into the city secretly, they are easily caught due to the abundance of people with magic in the city. It is also where deep within the Cera Witch clans forest lays the most dangerous being in the whole continent of Okea. It is said that even the most powerful witch clan the clan of Cera had to have help from other powerful clans all across the continent to put a sleep curse on the being when it went crazy and lost its rationality. He was once a loved king, but unfortunately, his body could not withstand the power. Deep within the dark woods high up in the mountain, he sleeps, but just with a whisper will he awake he the King Aragos of Izea and the most powerful being in the whole of Okea Alysia is adventurous and barely listens to her parents when they ask not to scout the dark areas of the inner forest. Her interest in learning about all there is to being a witch and how she can unleash her full potential to lead her to him. The sleeping beauty, but with his eyes open, he is a dangerously gorgeous animal. He is dangerous, wild and heartless with him awake, and nothing is thought to survive. The loss that comes with her mistake is so hard to bear that for her punishment, it is with him that she has to stay. Day by day, she wishes she could strangle him alive but not with the little power she has. Until the day when she learns of his secret. He has a weakness. Will she use the opportunity to kill him, or will it be a start of something they call..

In High school, her teacher asked everyone to write down their goals. Verena wrote two things-to keep living the life full of luxury. Who doesn't like dresses, jewellery, parties and wine. And to own Red Kite. Everything was going perfect until a handsome stranger broke in her house through her window. "Do you mind I stay here for time being?" She stared gritted teeth at the theif making himself comfortable on the armchair without waiting for her answer. She fell in self-doubt, is this his house or her's? Unfortunately, little did she knew at that time this two-faced thief did not just planned to enter her house but also in her life.

Part of the Heavy Weapons sci-fi universe. Arc 1 & 2 - A small Nomad colony reports that thousands of people missing and no one dares to look into it, Diego Harley decides to investigate and becomes the fascination of dark, dangerous creatures that begin to obsess over him, putting everyone around him in danger as they try to claim him for their own perverted, reckless desires... Arc 3 - As the dust settles from the clash in arc 2, the corruption spreads and catches the attention of larger players within the universe, but as the crew some come to find, someone doesn't need to be corrupted- to be thoroughly corrupt. Might meets desire as the Rewritten expand their operations and show the universe that they are here to stay whilst Diego tries to find a way out of his new situation. 18+ only - This is a very adult story from the very beginning with strong focus on futanari on male action, it does have good story elements however (so i've been told) - if that doesn't put you off, please continue. Features anthropomorphic characters, violence, corruption, aliens and an awful lot of goo. Level 1 (GREEN) - Vanilla sex scenes, likely to be male on female Level 2 (AMBER) - More diverse and "saucier" sex featuring the corrupted cast and futa biology Level 3 (RED) - Scenes involving more alien biology, more fetish based work, potential soft non-con Level 4 (BLACK) - Unusual fetishes and potentially offensive scenes with hard non-con being a possibility

Have you ever felt a love so strong that you just want to be swept off your feet by the other person? And have you ever felt a sadness so profound because the person you love is Fictional? But, have you ever wondered what would happen if a Fictional charecter fell in love with YOU and just as you dream of your happily ever after with him there he is, standing outside your window, waiting for you to say 'yes' so that he could take you to the land of your dreams?

Celyn, an orphan, young and ambitious woman settles in Mexico city with the intentions of finding her husband her mother told her about before passing on. She is approached by Lucian, a wealthy businessman, with a proposal. He offers her a contract marriage for one year, where they'll pretend to be a couple without any romantic or physical obligations. Lucian's parents have arranged for him to marry another woman, but he's desperate to avoid it. Celyn is initially hesitant, but Lucian's promise of a job, status, and everything she wants eventually wins her over. She agrees to the one year contract marriage with intention of divorcing him after getting lots of money and later start her life anew and find her husband As they navigate their fake marriage, Celyn and Lucian must confront their own feelings and desires. Will they be able to keep their arrangement strictly business, or will their feelings for each other complicate things? What will happen when celyn finds out about Lucian's family dirty secrets? What happens when celyn finds out Lucian is her husband her mother told her about and his family is the reason behind her family's downfall?. celyn confronts Lucian as anger gets the best of her, she decides to dig more into her past and finds out there is more than what she knows. manipulated by a mysterious man, celyn finds herself torn apart as tragedy falls, Lucian's mother is murdered and Lucian becomes suspicious of celyn. The hatred between them become stronger, Lucian tortures celyn and makes her pay for his mother's death. Lucian later regrets his harsh reactions towards celyn after the truth uncovers. will celyn forgive him after leaving her with scars? And who is the mysterious man playing with there lives?

The heavy rain pounded against the windows, a relentless reminder of the storm raging outside. Inside, Elena stood at the edge of the living room, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as if the cold could keep the memories away. She had heard the knock at the door, but she didn’t move. She wasn’t sure if she could. “Elena.” The sound of her name broke through her thoughts, soft but insistent. She turned, and there he was—Liam, standing in the doorway, drenched from the downpour. His eyes were dark, filled with something she couldn’t name, and his lips parted like he had so much to say but didn’t know where to start. “I didn’t think you’d show up,” Elena said quietly, her voice trembling despite her efforts to sound steady. She didn’t want him here. Not now, not after everything. Liam took a step forward, his eyes never leaving hers. “I had to. I couldn’t leave things like this between us.” The words stung more than they should have, but she held her ground. “Things ended between us, Liam. You made sure of that.” He flinched, as if the words were a slap. “I know I did,” he said, his voice tight. “I was stupid. I pushed you away when I should’ve fought for you. And I... I didn’t trust you when you needed me to.” Elena’s heart twisted at the raw sincerity in his voice, but she couldn’t let him in that easily. “Why now, after all this time? After everything that’s happened?” “I don’t have an answer for that,” he admitted. “All I know is that I can’t keep pretending I don’t care about you. I never stopped caring.” The silence between them was thick, a chasm neither of them knew how to cross. The world outside continued to rage, but in that moment, it was just the two of them. Elena’s pulse raced, her mind torn between wanting to believe him and fearing the hurt that would come if she let him back in. “I don’t know if I can trust you again, Liam,” she whispered, the words slipping out before she could stop them. He stepped closer, reaching out like he was about to touch her but hesitated. “Then give me a chance to prove I’m worth trusting.” Elena’s breath caught, her chest tightening as something inside her wavered. For a moment, she could almost believe him. But the scars ran too deep. “I need time,” she said, finally looking away. “I need time to figure out if I can even forgive you.” Liam stood still, his expression a mixture of regret and understanding. “I’ll wait. As long as it takes.” And for the first time in a long time, Elena wondered if maybe—just maybe—she could let the past go and start again.