Taylor Kitsch Gambit

Artemis Starke has been burdened with the final wish of his father- that he might be married and live a happy life. But their noble family has no means to accomplish this wish. He seeks an audience with the King, that a gamble might succeed and his hand would be accepted. As he expects, this offer is surely granted. The Demon Spirit lurking in his gaze made it so. Shadows tremble in the depths, the Palace obscuring the many dangerous secrets of history. Might they be unraveled, their way of life may be threatened. But to climb higher requires risks, to seek the light requires a Gambit of Lifetimes. Only when one determines himself to risk it all, can all prosper.

In the grand city of Eldrath, where power is fought for in the shadows and alliances are as fleeting as the night, one man seeks to outplay them all. Aran Silas, a brilliant tactician and master manipulator, has no overwhelming strength or supernatural gifts. Instead, his genius lies in his ability to maneuver through the complex web of politics, crime, and treachery. Aran’s ambitions go far beyond wealth or fame—he wants control. Absolute control. As the illegitimate son of a noble family, Aran grew up on the fringes of high society, learning that intelligence and cunning were his only tools for survival. Now, as a man, he is determined to rise to power from behind the scenes, orchestrating the downfall of those who stand in his way. From crime lords to noble houses, no one is safe from his web of lies, half-truths, and carefully plotted schemes. But Eldrath is not just a city of ambition—it’s a battleground. Aran finds himself locked in a deadly game with two formidable women: Lady Nera, a powerful noble with her own dark empire, and Alara Sindel, a cunning seductress with ambitions that rival Aran’s own. With alliances shifting like sand and enemies lurking in every corner, Aran must stay several steps ahead, or risk losing everything. In a world where betrayal is as common as breathing and trust is a weakness, Aran plays the ultimate gambit—manipulating, deceiving, and outwitting everyone who crosses his path. But as his control grows, so do the dangers. His enemies are many, and even his allies may turn against him. And while he strives to shape the world in his image, there are forces at play far beyond his control. In Shadow’s Gambit, Aran Silas must balance ambition with survival as he navigates a treacherous world of mystery, intrigue, and deadly politics. His intelligence is his weapon, his mind his greatest asset, and in the dark, no one can see the strings he's pulling. But every gambit comes at a cost. Key Themes: Mind over muscle: Aran uses strategy and intelligence to defeat stronger foes. Anti-heroic journey: Aran’s morally ambiguous nature makes him both a mastermind and a manipulator, willing to sacrifice anyone for his goals. Political intrigue and power struggles: Noble houses, criminal syndicates, and rival factions all vie for control of Eldrath. Trust and betrayal: Friendships, alliances, and romances are all tainted by the looming threat of betrayal, making trust a rare and dangerous commodity. Aran Silas isn’t just playing the game—he’s rewriting the rules. But how long can he stay ahead before the shadows close in? # Disclaimer # This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner.

Ethan Smith berjalan di sepanjang jalan yang sepi, rokok di mulut, menggelengkan kepalanya dan memaksakan senyum pahit. Siapa sangka setelah tiga tahun menikah, yang tersisa hanyalah pengkhianatan? Dia bersumpah akan membuat wanita itu menyesal atas apa yang telah dilakukannya dan berjanji membuat semua orang yang baik kepadanya hidup bahagia. Ya, itu dia Emily Taylor, wanita yang membantunya keluar dari jurang keputusasaan saat dia mencapai titik terendah dalam hidupnya. "Emily, saatnya aku menjagamu."

Ethan Smith caminó por la calle vacía, cigarrillo en boca, sacudiendo su cabeza y forzando una amarga sonrisa. ¿Quién podría haber imaginado que después de tres años de matrimonio, todo lo que quedaba era traición? Juró hacer que esa mujer lamentara lo que había hecho y prometió hacer que todos los que habían sido buenos con él vivieran una buena vida. Sí, era Emily Taylor, la mujer que lo había ayudado a salir del abismo de la desesperación cuando tocó el punto más bajo de su vida. —Emily, es tiempo de que me ocupe de ti.

Octavius, misled by friends, embarks on a quest to clear his father's name, ultimately facing a tragic end with his sister. Their journey results in devastating loss, leaving him powerless and yearning for revenge against those who harmed his family.  Spirits offer him a chance to reincarnate, but he refuses, saying; “What’s the point of a new life if I keep running from my problems” The entities are taken aback by his unwavering determination, having never encountered a spirit who refuses to escape their troubled past. They warn him about the evil being that now resides in his old body, but that only motivates him. He believed In the saying - to defeat a monster, you have to be twice as monstrous. Embracing his fate as The Phantom's Gambit, they traverse the shadowy path of retribution, their identities blur, secrets unravel, and the line between savior and monster fades. This is a tale of darkness and redemption, where justice is a blade, and revenge is the only way forward.

In the world of Veridian, power flows through enchanted cards bound to Suits that define an individual's abilities: Diamond for weapon specialists, Heart for flesh, blood and healing, Clubs for martial discipline, Spades for creation, and rarer Suits such as Keys for stealth and exploration, and Dice for manupilating luck. But among these revered Suits lies the Wildcard, a cursed mark feared for its chaotic and unpredictable powers, capable of destabilizing the delicate balance of the world. Those branded with the Wildcard are hunted and executed, their potential for destruction deemed too dangerous to be allowed. Lucian Riddle, a young man marked by a Wildcard, must navigate a society that shuns him while resisting the pull of madness. He fights to survive in a world that sees him as a threat. As he struggle to master his chaotic abilities, which could upend the balance of power, he faces a brutal choice: to embrace the curse that defines him or defy the chaos and carve a place for himself in a world designed to destroy him.

Elara Taylor was living a happy and comfortable life with her only living family member, Kaelion Taylor, her brother and anchor. But the fate was never fair to begin with, how can it let her be? On her 18th birthday, instead of a grand birthday cake and gift that her brother had promised her, she found something that toppled her world upside down, a letter left by her brother, telling her he will be going on a secret mission, as he disappeared in thin air. But that was not enough, fate played another game with her when she was given the news of her brother's death, even his body was not found. Unable to accept her brother's death, Elara took it upon herself to find Kaelion, even if he was dead, she must find his body at the very least. Accompany Elara as she, driven by her unyielding resolve to find her missing brother, ventures into a world that defiles all reason. Surrounded by a treacherous web of secrets, betrayal, and forgotten truths, with fragments of memory as her only guide, she is haunted by visions of a life she can't explain. As the lines between reality and illusion blur, she must unravel the mysteries surrounding her brother's disappearance, confront the shadows of a past she doesn't belong to, and navigate a path fraught with danger. But with every step closer to truth, the question remains-- will she find him, or lose herself entirely? Hello readers.  Before we embark on our journey to unveil the forgotten pasts, let's implement some rules. 1. Firstly, I am not a native English speaker; it is my third language. So, there will be some mistakes, or there may be more than some. Instead of criticizing me publicly, please message me in private, and I will do my utmost to revise them. 2. The story is of fantasy genre, so anything and everything is possible, meaning, we will be bending the rules of science past the limit. now, I have read some comments under many stories that say "This is not possible" or "how can this be?" My friends, fantasy is the genre that likes to go beyond science, to a world where anything is possible. Please be patient with me there. 3. If you have any queries about the story or any element of the story, I'll be happy to answer as long as it does not reveal the plot or any secret that should be revealed later. 4. This novel has two different world settings, one without any fantasy element, just like Earth. While the other one is a fantasy world with medieval settings. The main story takes place in the fantasy world but the protagonist keeps having memories that belong to the Earth-like world. 5.This strongly might have strong language not appropriate for children. There might also be scenes of violence so read it on your own accord. 6. Some chapters can be lengthy while others short depending on the scene. 7. I can only update twice or thrice a week maximum, so please be patient with me. Please enjoy the story and comment with your unique ideas. 

“Wait... Where am I and... who am i?” Just after he thought he was successfully betrayed and killed by his most favored surbodinate. Taylor finds himself on the floor of a remote alley “Don't tell me I got reincarnated?” Hutton muttered with a look of disbelief on his face. P.S; Join the novel discord server for any announcements or questions and answers sections https://discord.gg/jA3r3S2n

I spent a frustrating night in a bar and ended up waking up half-naked in a very luxurious chamber. ---- I was Barbara, a weak omega who had always been bullied in the Moon Glazed Pack because my wolf was so weak and useless. When the moon goddess destined me to be matched with Taylor Robinson, I discovered that Taylor was having an affair with her ex-boyfriend Ennik. I spent my frustrating night getting drunk at a bar and ended up having a one-night stand with a mysterious man. I thought he was just another Alpha or Beta. But after escaping from those harsh realities, I learned that he was Timothee Hemsworth, the Lycan of the Silver Armor Forest. When Taylor and Ennik were about to bully me again, Lycan Timothee came to my rescue and realized that there was a new life he created because of the one-night stand incident 5 years ago.

The Dramatic Stories of an up and coming college basketball team…

Ruby: Reborn as 14-year-old girl, wakes up to see that all she knew has changed; and not for the good. No one recognizes her, or what the Upfront has done to protect them. The remaining few Kids that are alive are treated worse than animals. As for the people, she meets the Heartchilds, who are willing to take her in, but as her memories flood back, she says to herself that she is not going to waste this second life she has been giving. On a track to clear up her past and make new friends along the way, she will learn what true trust is, and how far people are willing to go for something they themselves don't even know where it ends. Will Rubys newfound friends be the break she needs, or will they just hold her back from her true purpose?

[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.

A Love That Began and Ended in a Look Emilia is a quiet, introspective college student who finds solace in her books, her garden, and the soothing melodies of Taylor Swift. Despite her calm and careful nature, she harbors a secret longing for something more—something she doesn’t fully understand. When she locks eyes with Aiden, a charismatic and confident classmate, something inside her stirs. It’s a fleeting moment, just a single glance across a crowded campus, yet it feels as if the universe has shifted. Though their brief interaction leaves a lasting impression on Emilia, Aiden seems to carry on with his life, unaffected by the connection she felt. Emilia becomes consumed by the thought of him, finding herself torn between the fear of rejection and the overwhelming pull she feels toward him. Determined to understand what happened between them, she embarks on a journey to uncover who he is, only to discover that he is as elusive as the emotions he stirs within her. As the story unfolds, Emilia and Aiden’s paths cross again, and they begin to connect over shared interests in books, music, and movies. Their bond deepens, and Emilia finds herself drawn to him in ways she can’t explain. Yet, despite the growing closeness, there remains an undeniable distance—an emotional barrier that neither seems able to cross. In a heart-wrenching twist, the love that started with a single look ends as quickly as it began. Aiden, who has always been emotionally distant, becomes more withdrawn, leaving Emilia to grapple with the painful realization that their connection was never meant to last. What began as an intense, unspoken bond fades into the background of their lives, leaving Emilia to wonder if the fleeting moment they shared was simply a figment of her imagination, a love that existed only in her heart. A Love That Began and Ended in a Look is a poignant exploration of unrequited love, the fragility of human connection, and the bittersweet nature of fleeting moments. It delves into the complexity of emotions that arise when one person sees something in another that the other cannot—or will not—acknowledge. Through Emilia’s journey, the novel asks the question: Can love truly begin with a single glance, and can it really end without ever being fully realized?

One day, after years of war, London and Russia suffered devastating losses. In an effort to end the bloodshed, they agreed on a final match—a chess game to decide the victor. London chose Caius Albright to represent them against Russia’s Ivan Dragovich, a renowned grandmaster. But tragedy struck. Caius, known as “The London King,” lost the match and was shot on the spot by Russian forces. His death shattered the Albright family, leaving them impoverished and scattered across London. Ten years later, Caius’ youngest son, Elias Albright, faced constant humiliation and defeat in chess battle. But after being ridiculed for one too many losses, Elias challenged his opponent for a rematch—and won. With the prize money, he managed to buy food for himself. From that day forward, he vowed to master chess and use it to free London from Russian rule. As Elias honed his skills, he met allies who would help him on his journey. Slowly but surely, he began to reunite with the remnants of his family, who had been scattered across London after their father’s death. Another decade passed, and the time finally came for Elias to face Russia in the ultimate match. Billed as “The Reborn London King” vs. Viktor Petrov, “The Russian King,” the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Once friends, Elias and Viktor now stood on opposite sides of the board, locked in a high-stakes deathmatch where the loser would be executed, and the winner would claim freedom for their nation.

In a land torn between war and celestial games, Meredith, the shameless princess of Pyria, must uncover the truth behind her kingdom's ties to dragons and angels, all while navigating a dangerous bond with Gabriel, an angel whose enigmatic loyalties could tip the balance between salvation and destruction.

Thomas Morrison has spent his life playing it safe—avoiding risks, holding onto regret, and watching his dreams slip away. Now, lying on his deathbed in a dingy apartment, he is consumed by thoughts of what could have been. With his final breath, he wishes for one thing: a second chance. When Thomas wakes up in his 20-year-old body in the year 1995, he’s certain it’s a dream. But as he relives familiar moments and sees the face of his long-deceased mother, he realizes this is no illusion. Armed with the knowledge of the future, Thomas seizes the opportunity to rewrite his life. As he navigates the booming tech industry, uses his foresight to build an empire, and reconnects with people from his past, Thomas quickly discovers that changing the future isn’t as simple as he imagined. Small choices ripple into unforeseen consequences, and major historical events begin to deviate from his memories. His new life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters another time traveler—someone from his original timeline who has their own plans for the future. With a shadowy organization monitoring temporal anomalies and threatening his freedom, Thomas must grapple with the ethical implications of his actions. How far is he willing to go to protect his second chance? Amidst the chaos, Thomas faces personal struggles: the love he never pursued, friendships he couldn’t save, and the burden of knowing the future. As his choices accumulate, he must decide what truly matters—wealth, power, or the people he left behind

Dr. Emma Taylor, a psychologist, finds herself stranded in the isolated town of Raven's Peak after a sudden power outage. As she tries to find a way out of town, she begins to experience strange and terrifying occurrences that suggest something sinister is lurking in the shadows. As Emma delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers that Raven's Peak has a dark history of supernatural events and unexplained disappearances. With each passing moment, Emma realizes that she is trapped in a desperate fight for survival against forces that defy explanation.

Don't let yourself get swept off your feet by this cowboy. The son of Billie Bob Taylor-Pereira, the most legendary cowboy of all time, and Benedito Goncalo Cruz Taylor-Pereira, the worlds richest man, Buck Danilo Taylor-Pereira is the reason heartbreak country music is written with his gorgeous dimples and panty dropping smile he will have you swooning within seconds. No one can escape his charm and his new young personal assistant is no different. What will Danilo do when everything in his head screams no but his heart roars yes. Will the cowboy follow in his fathers' footsteps or bring a new level of drama to a family known for chaos? Book Two of the 'His' series. Follow Book one, His Cowboy for the beginning of one of the most legendary relationships of all time!

Artyom Kuzmin a esper, and tetsuya Sato a guide

Kai the person from futuristic world governed by technology was betrayed by close ally and transported to new world of cultivation with the help of mysterious bracelet made by his best friend Jugo. Will he return and seek vengeance or start a new life.

In a world teetering on the edge of environmental collapse, brilliant scientist Dr. Eleanor Frost launches a desperate gambit: a groundbreaking cryogenic sleep experiment that might give humanity a second chance. Among the carefully selected volunteers is her stepdaughter, Seraphina, a perceptive young woman whose courage and intelligence make her the perfect candidate for this leap into the unknown. But what begins as a scientific endeavor takes a dark turn when Seraphina awakens decades later to find a world transformed by catastrophic climate engineering gone wrong. The landscape is locked in eternal winter, and a tyrannical queen rules with an iron fist, using a mysterious substance called Frostbane to maintain her power and immortality. As Seraphina navigates this harsh new reality, she discovers she's not alone. MIRRA, an advanced AI created by her stepmother, has evolved beyond its original programming and now exists as both guardian and guide. Joining forces with a band of rebels, each possessing unique skills and haunted by their own histories, Seraphina must unravel the truth behind her stepmother's disappearance, the queen's rise to power, and the connection between the cryogenic technology and the Frostbane that holds the land in its icy grip. But time is running out. Other cryogenic subjects remain in suspended animation, their lives hanging in the balance, while the queen's control grows stronger with each passing day. Seraphina must decide what future is worth fighting for—and what she's willing to sacrifice to achieve it.

When Ivy Wren inherits Thornhaven Manor, a crumbling estate shrouded in legend and mystery, she sees it as a chance to escape her empty life and start anew. But the manor is more than just a hauntingly beautiful relic of the past—it’s a place where shadows move of their own accord, secrets are buried in its walls, and an ancient power stirs beneath its foundations. At the heart of the mystery is Gabriel Thornhaven, the brooding and enigmatic guardian of the estate. Gabriel is as much a prisoner of the manor as its protector, bound by a curse tied to a powerful relic known as the Veilglass. Drawn together by forces neither of them can explain, Ivy and Gabriel share an undeniable connection that defies reason, a connection that deepens even as Gabriel tries to push her away. As Ivy uncovers the truth about the Veilglass and its ties to a dark, malevolent force, she finds herself at the center of a centuries-old battle between light and shadow. The relic whispers to her, calling her with promises of power and answers, even as it threatens to consume her. Gabriel, haunted by his past and his growing feelings for Ivy, is determined to protect her at all costs—even if it means risking his own humanity. But as the tension between them ignites into passion, Ivy and Gabriel must confront not only the curse that binds them but also the shadows that lurk within themselves. With time running out and the Veilglass’s power growing, Ivy and Gabriel must decide: will they succumb to the darkness, or will their bond be the key to breaking the curse and saving them both? Thornhaven’s Curse is a steamy, atmospheric romance filled with forbidden desires, tantalizing mysteries, and a love that could either shatter the darkness—or be consumed by it.

Tia, Samantha, and Bradon navigate high school life, secrets, and matchmaking. After Tia discovers her dad, Simeon, spent the night with her High School Principal, Miss Taylor, they concoct a plan to set them up via a dating site. However, their scheme leads to unexpected revelations, a school makeover project, and personal confessions, exploring themes of friendship, love, and growth.

Warning: 21+ Dark Romance Zone! Explicitly written in dark, sensual diction. Cry of the Valley Kings On a night of fire and blood, the Demon King Arthur annihilated everything, erasing the Naaldlooshi name from history. Yet, amidst the destruction, a single child destined to change the world was carried away into the shadows. Seven years later, Taylor, the last heir of Naaldlooshi, lives hidden deep within an enchanted forest, unaware of the immense power coursing through her veins. Meanwhile, Arthur's dark ambitions inch closer to fruition, forcing three cursed princes—Ethan, the cold-hearted vampire; Liam, the wolf hybrid; and Alexander, the shadowy tactician—to rise and challenge the encroaching darkness. As secrets that threaten the world unravel, Taylor discovers she is no mere heir. She is a Skinwalker, a being so feared that even demons tremble at her existence. Torn between survival and destiny, she must decide: will she run from her fate, or will she embrace her heritage and stand against the shadows hunting her? The Valley of Kings has fallen. Will the last heir rise before it’s too late?

Hüte dich vor dem Zorn der betrogenen Frau! .... Im Angesicht eines vernichtenden Verrats versucht Evelynn Rosetta verzweifelt, die Zeit zurückzudrehen. Doch ihre Bemühungen erweisen sich als mehr als aussichtslos, da sie im Körper einer Frau gefangen ist, die kurz davor steht, sich der Night's Courtship anzuschließen, einem gefährlichen Spiel mit tödlichen Einsätzen und einem unwiderstehlichen Preis - der Braut des berüchtigten Vampirs Maximilian Knight. Von bitterem Hass getrieben, schwört Eve, alles zu tun, was nötig ist, um die Macht zu erlangen, die sie für ihre Rache braucht, selbst wenn das bedeutet, dieses törichte Spiel zu gewinnen und einen völlig Fremden zu heiraten. Nur scheint dieser "Fremde" zu wissen, wer sie wirklich ist. ... Von den Geistern der Vergangenheit heimgesucht, hat Maximilian Knight sein wahres Ich vor der Welt verborgen und Jahrhunderte in stiller Verzweiflung ertragen. Doch gerade als er am Rande der Hoffnungslosigkeit steht, taucht eine Frau mit einem bekannten Gesicht auf. Maximilian schwört, dass er alles tun wird, um sie zu retten. Selbst wenn dies bedeutet, eine trotzige Zauberin zu heiraten, die wild entschlossen ist, diejenigen zu vernichten, die sie verraten haben. Das Spiel ist eröffnet. Eve wagt einen Schachzug. Für ihre Rache wird sie alles riskieren. ...... Tags: #slowburnromance #strongfemalelead #strongmalelead #norapeorabuse #r18 Andere Romane: The Lycan's Sin: COMPLETED Rosie's Games: IN BETRIEB Das Cover ist von mir. Instagram: @b.mitchylle Discord: MitchyMitch#3750

Arthur Shadowthorn, with his newfound powers, Arthur embarks on a perilous journey to unite a fractured world, leading an army of the undead to restore balance and order. As he tames more monstrous creatures, his influence grows, and he becomes a legendary figure, a strategic genius who commands the forces of the afterlife.