Dark Dominion Kingdom Hearts

Follow Shepherd Varland, a soldier betrayed by his own and left for dead in a world teetering on the brink of war. Against all odds, he survives, driven by a relentless desire for vengeance and a burning ambition to rebuild himself stronger than ever. As Shepherd navigates a labyrinth of treacherous politics, battles dangerous enemies, and confronts the haunting shadows of his past, fate tempts him with an unexpected gift—a chance at love. But in a land where power demands sacrifice, the price for everything he seeks may be more than he’s willing to pay. - WSA 2025 Entrant Schedule: 1 new chapter daily. Bonus chapters release on Sundays after hitting certain milestones. - X (Twitter): @theshaunparker Discord: @theshaunparker - Cover: AI + Photoshop

In a world that is torn between light and shadow, Kael Deryn is the notorious Eclipse Sovereign, who has accepted his fate as the villain who evokes throughout the empires. His cold and calculating pursuit of revenge against the gods who betrayed him is a chorus of destruction and manipulation, and he plays every single note with merciless accuracy. But when a hasty act of magic—an instant of absolute boredom—saves the life of a child, Kael’s life starts to spiral around. He is mistaken for a humble savior by the rising saint, Elaine Varess, every dark deed he commits is ridiculously branded as heroism. Soon, the factions from all over the empire come together under his unintentional banner, all proclaiming him as the prophesied savior that’s destined to destroy a tyrannical god, who is quite ironically Kael’s sworn enemy. Being caught in net of devotion, betrayal, and divine plots, Kael must steer through the chaos his new reputation brings him. As the boundary between identity and deception starts to fade, Kael has to face the ultimate irony: the villain who desired to destroy the world may actually have to save it. In the midst of hushed whispers of rebellion, ancient artifacts, and truths that can break reality, this is a tale of dark humor, high risks, and the pull of destiny. How do you destroy a system that has marked you as its hero? What does it mean to fight to gain you freedom when you yourself don’t believe in it? Dive into the shadows, where nothing is as it really seems and every choice comes at the price of humanity or maybe something even darker.

Julie Thompson just moved into the suburban town to live with her aunt's family and hopes to not have or make any friends at all because she disliked people but maybe liking just one won't hurt. She falls for Uche, her cousin brother's best friend, without even knowing. Follow Julie through her first attempt at love. ... I watched him as he stood there, leaning on the bridge's railing and eating ice cream. The breeze wasn't disturbing his hair today because he had parked it all backwards, he looked cute, I smiled drawing in some breath, satisfied with how today was going. "What?" I heard him ask taking me off my thoughts. "Huh?" "You were smiling." "Oh. I was...." "Can I kiss you?" He asked looking at my lips. "Here?" I asked now, my heart beating hard against my chest, our first kiss could happen now. "Yeah?" He nodded, I could see his Adam's apple go up and down as he swallowed, I bit my lips, nervously. I smiled approvingly, almost getting up from the bench where I sat. "No sit." He said coming closer to sit next to me. The bench was quite small so we were so close to each other. He leaned in and I could smell him more the closer he got to my face. His lips were now inches away from mine and the moment they touched I closed my eyes, I didn't know why but I did. He didn't put his tongue in my mouth, it was as simple as it could get, just a warm kiss and I as glad he didn't. When he lips left mine, I opened my eyes licking my lips. He was smiling, I hadn't yet told him how much I loved his smile. "You lied." I told him. "About what?" He stopped smiling. "You said you were a bad kisser." He laughed now with his teeth showing, those beautiful set. Read more... #genka3na

WSA 25 ENTRY ******** The world I knew was ordinary or at least bearable—until it wasn’t. I was just another corporate drone, drowning in a dead-end job I hated, stuck in a life that felt like it would never change. That is, until the mages decided to pick me. Every ten years, the mages choose ten people from across the faction—ordinary people like me—and thrust them into the Beast Games, a sadistic contest where only the strongest survive. The rules are simple: tame the fiercest creatures that world has to offer, fight to the death, and outlast every other contestant. Fail, and you die. Succeed, and you get to return home. But nothing there was as simple as it seemed. Thrown into a land where beasts rip through flesh without hesitation, and other contestants see me as nothing more than prey, I’m forced to rely on a mysterious system that offers me quests and tasks to survive. This world doesn’t play by any rules, least of all the ones we know. I will survive and I will find the ones who made this game and when I find them, I’ll show them what happens when you mess with someone who has nothing left to lose.

A world where Bubbly meets Strict. "Oh crap! " Clarissa+Brandon Mafian meets Lifely Opposites attracts Sparks fly

In a world where the supernatural collides with the ordinary, dungeons—dangerous rifts to other realms—begin appearing across the city, threatening humanity. The Hunter Association, tasked with sealing these rifts, relies on Guides who are psychically linked to Hunters with extraordinary powers. A former soldier, becomes a newly awakened Guide at 27, struggling to adapt to his role. Paired with an S-ranked Hunter, a reckless veteran esper, he faces the daunting challenge of navigating deadly dungeons filled with nightmarish creatures. Their partnership is strained—A disciplined and methodical solider, and an esper who's impulsive and dismissive of rules. As dungeons appear more frequently, each mission tests their limits and teamwork. While the Guide adjusts to his new life and role, the esper wrestles with his haunted past and growing responsibilities. Together, they uncover a disturbing pattern behind the dungeon outbreaks, suggesting a larger, sinister plot at play. Amid the chaos, the guide grapples with losing his former life and his growing attachment to his esper, while the looming danger threatens to push them—and their fragile trust—apart. Every decision they make could determine the city's fate, or possibly the entire world. NOTE: This is a slow-burn light-romance BL. It means there are no mature or sexual themes, and it focuses on action, plot, character growth, and relationships between characters and their adversaries. Cover Art: V.R. Wilde (IG: its.forevermonday)

Synopsis: Elara, a young painter known for her extraordinary talent and calm demeanor, stumbles upon a mysterious crystal orb while shopping with her vibrant best friend, Sienna. Drawn to its otherworldly beauty, she takes it home, intending to create a masterpiece for her upcoming art auction. But as she finishes her sketch, the orb unleashes a surge of light and transports her into a breathtaking world she thought only existed in her imagination—a realm of shimmering crystal forests, star-lit lakes, and magical secrets.

The novel follows the story of a boy named Shin and also follows the story of a powerful cosmic entity who is reborn again in our main characters body. Once a revered god in his previous existence, he must navigate his new life in a realm that is vastly different from his old one. Armed with unparalleled abilities and ancient knowledge, he faces various challenges and adversaries while seeking to uncover the truth behind his betrayal and the mysteries of this universe. The novel blends elements of fantasy, adventure, and epic battles as the protagonist grapples with his identity and destiny.

Upon waking, I found myself reborn as a goblin. From a weak and insignificant creature, a goblin quietly rises in a hostile world! The path to tormenting the world begins with a small goblin nest! Patreon extra chapters: patreon.com/UltimateHaremfan

Follow Rokuza a sixteen year old boy and his friends as they find out the truth about the nation of Hoiteron and its corrupt kingdoms and how they plan to eradicate the corruption.

Niana "Nia" Mirren is a brilliant game developer with a past she’d rather forget. After a scandal nearly destroyed her career, she's poured her heart into PixelWave, her own gaming startup, and is on the brink of launching her biggest project yet. All she needs is the right investor to make her dreams a reality. Enter Zachary "Zack" Morris, a former NSA agent back from a grueling mission overseas, Zack steps in to help his brother’s company, Morrison Group, to help him as interim CEO. The last person he expects to see at the pitch meeting is Nia—the woman he’s never been able to forget. As their worlds collide, sparks fly, and old wounds are reopened. Forced to work together, Nia and Zack must navigate their undeniable attraction and the unresolved past that threatens to keep them apart. Can they find a way to trust each other again, or will the secrets between them destroy their chance at a future together? In "Code of Hearts", love is a game of codes—where cracking it could cost more than just the heart, and the stakes have never been higher. All Rights Reserved!

Synopsis Ellie Parker never expected to cross paths with Liam Carter again. Once the boy who made her high school heart flutter with every crooked smile and guitar strum, Liam is now a dazzling rock star with millions of fans and a reputation as a heartbreaker. Ellie, however, is just a quiet college student trying to keep her grades up while working part-time to stay afloat. Their worlds couldn’t be more different, but fate has other plans. When Ellie hears a hit song on the radio with lyrics eerily reminiscent of their shared past, her heart skips a beat. Could Liam have written it for her? Skeptical yet intrigued, Ellie finds herself thrown into an unexpected reunion when Liam attends their college’s annual gala as a surprise guest performer. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but Ellie isn’t the starstruck fan Liam is used to. She’s the one who got away—and she’s not convinced that revisiting their past won’t leave her heartbroken. As Liam tries to prove his feelings through late-night serenades, stolen moments, and heartfelt confessions, Ellie is forced to confront her insecurities. Could the girl who once hid in the library really be enough for someone whose life is constantly in the spotlight?

[DING!] [Congratulations, APOLLYON. You have unlocked the Infernal System!] [NAME: Israfel BlüdThïrste.] [FACTION: DEMON ¢ RANK A.] [DING!] [You have ascended to the realms of man.] [CITY: The medieval Empire of Eldoria.] [ALL HAIL THE BURNING ONE!] [CONQUEST: Level Up to NINTH INFERNAL CIRCLE.] [The battle for DOMINION begins.] [SYSTEM has graciously provided the most delicious and bosomy babes to compete for MC.] [ADDITIONAL TAGS: Ruthless MC – NSFW – BDSM – Cosplay – MILF – War Crimes – Unholy Trinities – Hybrids – BDE – Smut – EVOLUTION – Succubus – Slaves – Yandere – Ascension – Gore – ADULT CONTENT AND LANGUAGE – Anal – Dominant MC – Hentai – Lust – Demon – Extreme violence – R18 – Faceslap – Fistfights – Bestiality – Bloodsport – Exorcism – LOLITA – Brutal MC – Magic – UNDERWORLD – Politics – Demonology – Necromancer – Old Gods – Fae – Sword and Sorcery – System – Hardcore – Mermaid – Cat girls – Dragon girls – DARK – Vulgar – Epic battle – Hell Ranking – Fallen Angels – DOMINIONS – Incest – Dungeon – Leveling up – Cold MC – Sibling Lust – Taboo sex stories – MONSTER GIRLS – Debauchery – Utter fuckery – Demented SC – MANA – Invulnerable MC – Elf – Vampire – Demoness – MATURE – Murder – Psychopaths – Luciferan Bloodlines – Corruption of virtue – Chivalry – Villainy – Death – LEGION – Clashing armies – Weapons system – Resurrection.] [WARNING: This book features detailed descriptions of female humiliation, hardcore sex and depravity. There is a guaranteed Adult Chapter one out of every five. NOT FOR CHILDREN! NOT FOR SOFT HEARTS!] • FULL BLURB Israfel BlüdThïrste was born in Hel. He has lived in it all eighteen years of his life. As seventh in the bloodline of the Morningstar himself, Rafel has had a pretty fucking great life. There's spilled blood in excess. Violence to choke the gray skies. Abundant sex—depraved and hardcore. And more blood. Everything a Prince of the Abyss could desire. But Rafel has heard stories, of the world above. The world of the weak mortals whose damned souls fall endlessly through the red skies of his, to meet with perpetual torture. Stories of their fine carriages and legendary kings. Their golden sun and green earth. But mostly, their virgin women. He wishes to see it for himself. And so, when a lucky gambit with his dear Aunt, Lilith, opens up a way for him to explore the surface, Rafel hops to it. The deal is a hundred years before he has to return to his duties as Hell's Apollyon. Accompanied by his new slave, a voluptuous horned Succubus, Rafel journeys to the mortal realm, entering into the mythical lands of Eldoria as the enigmatic Earl of Emberfall, a haunted estate. But Rafel intends to rise, into the very courts of the Eldorian Queen. At least before his time runs out. And if corrupting, blackmailing, fucking, and murdering a few mortals gets in his way, so be it. This is until the haloed mess of Ravenna de Vries ends up on the grand steps of his Manor, soaking wet with a blood debt hanging over her head. Israfel had seen many beautiful women in his time, but somehow the little mortal girl is sufficient to make him rethink his gambit. Ravenna is owed to a powerful Hell Principality. And though Rafel convinces himself that building up his power ranking is solely selfish, it also has to do with going up against an ancient adversary from his home who is certain to appear just about anytime to collect what he is owed—Ravenna. She is not his responsibility, but why does Rafel feel exactly that whenever he looks at her? And suddenly for this Immortal, a hundred years is not enough to fall in love.

In a world where Eternal Realm is more than just a game, it’s an escape, a career, and for some, a shot at a better life, Liam Gray has nothing to lose. Struggling to make ends meet in the real world, he gambles his last few dollars on a secondhand gaming capsule to dive into the most immersive virtual world ever created. Upon entering the game, Liam’s life changes in an instant. Against astronomical odds, he unlocks a Hidden Class—the legendary Primordial Sovereign—and gains access to abilities so rare that their existence is the stuff of myths. With EX-rank talents and skills that promise unimaginable power, Liam is thrust into a world of intense challenges, ruthless competition, and hidden dangers. In Eternal Realm, every player starts at the bottom, battling for survival in a vast, unforgiving world. But Liam’s talents grant him a staggering edge: x1000 drops, EXP, and gold, along with unparalleled stats and abilities. As he fights to rise through the ranks, he discovers that the game’s challenges are more than they seem. From monstrous dungeons and mysterious NPCs to cutthroat factions and sinister secrets, the lines between the game and reality blur. Yet power comes at a price. With such an overpowered class, Liam becomes a target for envious players, manipulative guilds, and those seeking to exploit his talents for their gain. To survive, he must tread carefully, using his wits, luck, and newfound strength to navigate a world where betrayal lurks in every shadow and enemies grow stronger with each passing day. But Liam isn’t just playing to win—he’s playing to escape. What begins as a desperate gamble turns into an epic quest as he unravels the mysteries of Eternal Realm and discovers that the game may hold secrets far greater than anyone could have imagined. Can Liam rise from nothing to become the strongest player in the Eternal Realm? Or will the world crush him before he reaches his true potential?

The world has fallen into chaos. Zombies and mutants roam unchecked in a shattered reality where natural laws have crumbled. Above, malevolent gods gaze down, treating the apocalypse as their personal playground—a merciless arena for survival and evolution. For humanity, it’s the ultimate trial. For the gods and demons, it’s a game of devastation and despair. But Novak, a battle-hardened survivor of decades in this hellish wasteland, is granted an extraordinary second chance. Reborn ten days before the apocalypse begins, he is no longer just a man scrambling to survive. Infected with the zombie virus from the very start, Novak awakens an SSS-level talent: [Virus King.] With mastery over devastating pathogens—the Blacklight Virus, T-Virus, Venom Parasitic Virus, and more—he forges a singular path of evolution, wielding the power to control life and death. Now, Novak must rise above gods, demons, and the horrors of the apocalypse to carve out his destiny. Will he save humanity from destruction or become the harbinger of its ultimate doom? Disclaimer: This story is a work of fan fiction. All names, characters, places, and incidents featured in this narrative are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The story may include themes, situations, or language suitable for mature audiences and may not align with canon portrayals. Reader discretion is advised. Author: 鬼神阎罗 Translators: Iamnoob/Novelette_Seeker Ps: The book cover features the main character! Ps: This is a Translation. Raw: 全民末日：我，病毒君王

In a world where beast masters rule by taming magical creatures and competing in thrilling tournaments, becoming the most celebrated sport, Eratz seemed destined for greatness. Surrounded by friends and family, his path was set until a shocking betrayal shattered his dreams. Fueled by the pain of his betrayal, Eratz looks up at the night sky, finding a new purpose. He vows to rise from the ashes and conquer the beast master world, determined to become the greatest and reclaim his lost honor.

Seraphina is a brilliant, but emotionally guarded second-year student at the prestigious Astral Institute of Medicine and Technology, majoring in Astrophysics with a minor in Computer Science. Hailing from a humble background in Nepal, Seraphina is driven by a desire to escape her family’s struggles, which have shaped her into an empathetic yet lonely young woman. Although she excels academically, her heart remains closed off, haunted by the feeling of never being truly loved or understood. Her family’s sacrifices, the pressure of survival, and the constant battle with self-doubt have made her question if she will ever find someone who truly sees her. Ash is the charismatic, but emotionally scarred lead singer of the popular band ANTARES, and the CEO of Astral Institute. Despite his success, his past is filled with loss, trauma, and betrayal—his mother’s death when he was young, a strained relationship with his father, and a failed romance that left him terrified of love. Though Ash is optimistic about his future, he’s lost in the chaos of his career and personal demons, unable to move forward from his painful past. When Seraphina attends one of ANTARES‘s concerts at her university, she is instantly captivated by Ash’s raw talent and magnetic presence. But when she witnesses him misbehaving with a fan backstage, she confronts him, shocking him with her boldness and sparking an unexpected connection. As they share an intimate, fleeting moment—hands brushing and a shared sense of longing—their lives are thrown into a whirlwind neither expected. While Ash is drawn to Seraphina’s authenticity, she struggles with her insecurities and fear of being rejected for who she is. Both are haunted by their pasts—Ash by a tumultuous childhood and the remnants of a broken heart, and Seraphina by the sacrifices she’s made and the question of whether she is enough to be loved. As they navigate their growing feelings for each other, they must confront their inner demons, their fears of vulnerability, and the possibility that love might be the key to healing the wounds they’ve carried for so long. In a world that often feels too big for both of them, can Seraphina and Ash find solace in each other’s arms? Or will their pasts keep them from ever truly finding the love they both desperately need?

A story of a writer who finds love in the most unexpected way. A story about breaking free from the walls she had built around herself.

**unedited version-I will release the edited one soon** y/n erased her own memory in an attempt to leave behind her tumultuous past and start anew. All she could recall was a brief but intense fling with Tom Riddle, where shadows danced and dark arts whispered temptations at midnight. Leaving behind Evergreen, her heart shattered and the weight of her dark history, she stepped into the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, where hope flickered like candlelight. It wasn't long before she crossed paths with Draco Malfoy, the embodiment of danger wrapped in charm. Their fiery confrontations crackled with tension, each argument laced with unspoken desire. What started as battles of wits and sharp words quickly ignited into a passionate affair. Stolen glances turned into heated touches in dimly lit corridors, where secrets intertwined with secrets, and lies dripped like honey from their lips. Each encounter burned brighter than the last, a whirlwind of thrilling passion and unyielding attraction that left them breathless and wanting more. As they danced on the edge of chaos, y/n realized that love might just be the most dangerous magic of all.

Esmeralda "Esme" Moreau never imagined her life would lead to a secret arrangement with Alexander "Alex" Vale, the enigmatic billionaire. Desperate to save her family from ruin caused by her stepmother’s reckless spending, Esmeralda became Alex’s "kept woman," sacrificing her freedom for her family’s survival. Yet behind the power imbalance, she found herself falling for the man beneath the facade. But whispers of Alex’s first love returning convinced Esmeralda she was only a replacement. Heartbroken and determined to protect herself, she vanished without a trace, hiding the fact that she was carrying his child. Three years later, Esmeralda is a thriving tech entrepreneur, fiercely independent and raising her son, Luca Moreau-Vale, on her own terms. But her carefully rebuilt life comes crashing down when Alex spots her at a gala. Now more ruthless and determined than ever, Alex confronts Esmeralda, his fury ignited by her disappearance and his shock intensified by Luca’s uncanny resemblance to him. As Alex fights to reclaim the family he didn’t know he had, old wounds and new betrayals surface. Esmeralda must navigate the scars of her abusive past, from her manipulative stepmother to her scheming stepsister, while grappling with her unresolved feelings for Alex. Meanwhile, Alex is determined to prove that Esmeralda was never second-best, even as jealous rivals and dangerous secrets threaten to tear them apart again. In this tale of passion, redemption, and second chances, can two hearts bound by secrets find their way back to one another?

Having had the ability to see ghosts for as long as she can remember, Katherine is thrown into a world of mystery, horror, and temptation when a series of macabre murders occur in her small town in England. The truth behind the trail of death and the nature of her own abilities shakes this girl's world as she tries to learn more about the supernatural side of the world, the strange alliances that exist within it, and perhaps find love along the way.

In Dominion of the AI Clockwork, a young boy named Kairo Valeris stumbles upon an ancient AI system that controls time itself. At first, it seems like an incredible opportunity—a chance to change his life and rise above the struggles he’s endured. But as the AI slowly takes control of his mind and actions, Kairo begins to spiral down a dark path, manipulated by a power greater than he could ever imagine. This AI, once a tool for progress, now seeks to control not just time, but humanity itself. As Kairo’s every move is dictated by the system, his friends and family begin to suffer the consequences of his actions. What started as a gift soon becomes a curse, and the line between right and wrong blurs. Before passing judgment, read the first 15 chapters. Witness the descent and the complexity of the story unfold. Trust me, the journey will reveal much more than what meets the eye. Only then, leave your review—because Dominion of the AI Clockwork is a tale that will keep you questioning, challenging, and reflecting long after you've finished reading.

Roses, never in my life would I have imagined that I'd be scared of them, no, not scared of the roses, but what they Were covered in, Blood, the blood of someone, someone He killed, He has become my shadow, And have become his, Trapped to never see the light of day, until one of us breaks.

Five years after their bitter breakup and the bankruptcy of their shared publishing dream, literary agent Maya Chen and audio producer Marcus Taylor are forced to confront their past when a high-stakes book project brings them together. Maya needs the perfect producer for her client's memoir to secure her position as the youngest junior partner at Preston & Associates. Marcus's award-winning Soundcraft Studios could be exactly what she needs – if only she can keep their complicated history from interfering with business. But working together proves more challenging than either expected. As they guide author Elena Reyes through recording her family's story of food, culture, and resilience, Maya and Marcus find themselves facing echoes of their own narrative. Each recording session peels back layers of professional polish to reveal wounds that never properly healed. The intimate nature of audio production forces them into close quarters, where old chemistry crackles beneath new boundaries. When rival agent Peter Walsh threatens to poach their star author, Maya and Marcus must decide if they can trust each other enough to fight for more than just this project. A power outage during a crucial recording session leaves them literally in the dark, forcing conversations they've avoided for years. As they help Elena capture the authentic voice of her family's story, they begin to rediscover their own voices – and the possibility that some love stories deserve a second take. With their careers and hearts on the line, Maya and Marcus learn that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones that break all the rules. Like a skilled audio engineer finding the perfect mix, they must balance past and present, pride and vulnerability, ambition and love to create something entirely new from the pieces of their broken dreams. "Remastered Hearts" is a story about second chances, creative passion, and the courage to risk everything for a love worth repeating – this time with better production value.

Ever wondered what would happen if a gullible human doctor would catch the attention of a vampire? Not any time of vampire but an original the first vampire that was ever created. Enzo a naive surgical nurse who has always lived life based on his father’s terms had decided to run away and do what he pleases, loving the person his heart desired. Alaric a dangerous vampire feared by his kind and humans. One cold evening he was ambushed by six vampire hunters and was left for death but a human boy found him before he could die and helped him, this little act of genius kindness touched his old beating heart giving Aleric something to be obsessed with, his little human boy.

Ginah, a beautiful and intelligent new student, becomes an instant target for bullying by her jealous classmates. But when things get out of hand, senior Miya intervenes, sparking an unexpected friendship. As she navigates the treacherous halls of high school, Ginah finds an unlikely ally in Miya, a brave and compassionate senior who stands up for her against all odds.

Michael Lockwood was a soldier forged by the fire of war, a leader whose sacrifice ensured victory in his final mission. But death was not the end. Waking in a rustic cottage far from the battles of his past, Michael finds himself reborn in the peaceful village of Dawnfield, nestled within the Kingdom of Verdwryn. Gone is the soldier's body honed by years of hardship; in its place is the fragile form of a newborn. Yet his mind remains unchanged, filled with the memories of a life lived on Earth-one of courage, loss, and the unyielding resolve of a man who gave everything for others. As Michael grows in a world brimming with magic, ancient lore, and political intrigue, he struggles to reconcile his soldier's instincts with the simplicity of his new life. The fields of Dawnfield offer tranquility, but whispers of a growing darkness beyond the village hint at greater challenges ahead. Why has he been given this second chance? Is it a gift from the mysterious Everwinds, or a curse with a purpose he has yet to understand? With the wisdom of a soldier and the innocence of a child, Michael embarks on a journey to discover his place in this new world. In the Kingdom of Verdwryn, where strength and strategy are tested as much as the heart, Michael must uncover his purpose before the darkness looming on the horizon consumes everything he holds dear. Kingdom of Verdwryn is a tale of rebirth, resilience, and redemption, where one man's legacy will shape the fate of a kingdom.