Exodia The Forbidden One

★DARK ROMANCE★ ^WARNING 18+^ ~NO RAPE~ In a world dominated by organized crime and ruthless power struggles, a tangled web of trauma, revenge, and forbidden passion unfolds. Katya Volkov, the stunning but vulnerable daughter of the Russian Mafia's feared right-hand man, has endured a childhood of unrelenting brutality and neglect. Growing up, Katya was repeatedly tormented by her father's resentment, leaving her emotionally shattered and unloved. However, Katya's life was about to take a much darker turn. Romeo Salvatore, a name that was both feared and respected, emerged from the shadows. His traumatic past has left an indelible mark on his soul, rendering him cold and detached. Seeking retribution, Romeo launches a daring invasion of the Volkov's heavily guarded estate. He captures both Katya and her abusive father, subjecting them to merciless torture. Convinced of Katya's complicity in her father's heinous crimes, Romeo executes her father and condemns Katya to a life of hellish slavery. Yet, as time passes, the boundaries between captor and captive begin to blur. Katya and Romeo find themselves inexorably drawn into a forbidden bond, igniting a fiery passion that threatens to consume them both. Torn between his thirst for revenge and his burgeoning desire for Katya, Romeo is forced to confront the darkness within himself, would he be consumed by lust, passion and possibly love or would he stay loyal with his beliefs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~This story is an enemies to lover type so don't expect all fluff and rainbows. ~Weak to strong female ~ML is ruthless, don't expect him to be a saint. ~No rape ~humours, laugher, tears and blush. ~ And lastly, this story is not for the weak hearted~

He was the cold and aloof King Mu of Hades who, as a rule, regarded women no more highly than dirt, yet he doted on her to the bone. At first, he was domineering and arrogant—“Even you belong to me!” Afterward, he gradually succumbed— “What’s mine is yours!” In the end, he obediently surrendered— “Ning Xiaofei, I am yours too!” [Ning Xiaofei, his little wife, whom he only wished to keep in the palm of his hand and pamper earnestly!]

Fantasy & Adventure - WebNovel Spirity Awards 2025 Carmell Ira, a 21-year-old PhD student, is obsessed with otome games. But her life takes an unexpected turn when she's brutally murdered by her boyfriend, Milo. She soon finds herself in the body of a young woman named Merrida, destined for a grand fate in the game's storyline, a game Carmell never got to play. All she knows is that she wants the cold Prince Darrius at any cost, and she has to find a way to get into the game's Forbidden Kingdom, which was conveniently cursed before all of the royal children, apart from Darrius, were born. The glaringly obvious line drawn between nobility and commoners throws Carmell off, and in the first week, she breaks most of the unspoken rules. As she navigates this new world while attending Infini Academy's insane classes, she uncovers a dark secret about the demise of the forbidden kingdom and the rise of the current royal lineage. Carmell will find that she has more in common with the game and its royal families than just parading as the main character to form unbreakable alliances and restore her kingdom. Her destiny goes beyond the kingdoms of Patience, and Darrius will be the one to follow her into the darkness of their fates as soul mates and rulers.

In the world of magic and ancient bloodlines, three kingdoms vie for dominance: The sly Demon clan of Envidal, The proud Human race of Gilmoria kingdom and The Witches of Solaria kingdom. The Demons and Humans forged their armies in an endless battle, in a desperate bid to avoid annihilation, a treaty was signed to establish an External Academy Accord–a school where the heirs of each kingdom would train together in survival, strategy, unity, leadership and among other things. Though the tension runs high, the Academy is the only last hope for lasting peace……… or perhaps the spark of a greater war. As heirs to their kingdoms, Kael Blackthorne and Amelia Ashbourne. Are forced to attend the Academy, their hostility rapidly unhurried. But beneath their mutual dissension lies growing attraction neither can ignore. Amelia's sharp wit and Kael's fierce temper clash at times, but their mutual rivalry is challenged when they uncover a dangerous conspiracy that could destroy all the three kingdoms. As the shadowy forces close in, their reluctant alliance deepens into something more. Amid battles, betrayals and forbidden love, the two must confront a truth that could unite or shatter their world forever

"TAKE YOUR SHIRT OFF…NOW!!" Queen Lysandra commanded the king Erythian in anger as her eyes turn blood red. he didn't see it coming and his face is flushed with shock.. "WHAT? LYS—" he asked before she interrupts. "if I have to ask again...I WILL DO IT MYSELF" she is unrelenting. Does Eythian comply? Imagine dying in your own world and be reborn as the queen of a kingdom in total uproar and also falling in love with two men, one of which is dangerous and must not be loved…all in one day? Zara...scratch that, Queen Lysandra has got a lot of work cut out for her. When Zara placed her trembling hands on the assassin’s wounded chest, she wasn’t prepared for the force that gripped her mind. Her own hands betrayed her, snatching a dagger from her court lady and pointing it at his throat. “Who sent you?” she demanded, her voice not her own. But the assassin stayed silent, and just as quickly, the force released her. Gasping for air, Zara collapsed—only to use her fading strength to heal the man who had tried to kill her. Zara, a modern woman who died in a car crash, doesn’t belong here at all. she woke up in Queen Lysandra’s body, a fragile ruler with strange powers and enemies in every shadow. Queen Lysandra is betrothed to the calm and charming King Erythian, Zara finds herself drawn to his warmth and steady devotion it is her duty to marry Erythian as it would help calm the political tension arising in calithea; but duty is complicated by Alaric, a dangerous warlord, his violent aura should terrify her and yet it doesn’t, instead they cause her to be intrigued by him. His warnings pull her deeper into a game she doesn’t understand, where he’s both her enemy and something far more dangerous. The lines between love and duty are blurred and Zara must navigate threats that come from outside the kingdom and from within herself. As she is taken further into a world of secrets. Will Zara honor Queen Lysandra`s duty to the crown and her people, or will she risk it all to follow the desires of her heart?

Synopsis: After the fall of the Azureal Kingdom to a rival faction, Lin Feng, the kingdom's heir, is sent away by his parents to a secluded village hidden from the world. There, he is trained by five powerful masters, each punished by the Heavens for defying their natural order. In this sanctuary, Lin Feng is taught the forbidden cultivations, a path that could challenge the very heavens themselves. Note: Hello mortals, I the WorldWideHandsomez author is here, kindly support my newly created novel.

"Embrace your dark side, just like me. Make those who hurt you suffer. Become my Dark Luna and moan beneath me every night.... That's what I want from you" He said in a commanding tone.. **** Elara Lunaris is an omega cursed by the Moon Goddess herself—born with dark powers and burdened with a prophecy that says she will either save the world or be the destruction itself. Branded as the Cursed Dark Omega, she is shunned by her own pack, despite being the daughter of its rulers. Scorned by her parents and despised by her people, she lives a life of an outcast, haunted by a fate she never chose. Her life takes an even darker turn with the rise of the Forsaken *twisted, cursed wolves consumed by darkness and rage,* threatening to tear apart the fragile balance between the packs. When the Forsaken attack her home, the ruthless Lycan King and Supreme Alpha, Kael Vyrean, steps in. Feared across the realm as the Demon Werewolf, Kael offers protection—but at a cost. He claims Elara as his fated mate and demands she become his Luna. For Kael, their bond isn’t about love. He wants her for reasons far more dangerous than anyone realizes. Her resistance and protests means nothing. Her parents, eager to be rid of their cursed daughter, hand her over without hesitation. Forced into the arms of a demon Lycan werewolf, a soulless being carved from death itself, one who possess demonic powers and kills without blinking. A man who screams evil, deadly and powerful in every way. Will she learn from him and become a dark soul herself? Will she save her pack from the impending doom of the Forsaken? No!! One thing is certain—she won’t lift a finger to save the very people who caused her relentless pain and humiliation. The fate of the world rests in her hands. To save it… or to let it crumble. They expect her to submit, to bow like she always did. To be their salvation. To become their obedient saviour. The same people who scorned her, who called her cursed and evil, now beg for her mercy, hoping she will wield the Moon Goddess’s dark power to protect them. How hypocritical!. But guess what? She doesn’t. She doesn’t kneel. She doesn’t obey. Instead, she embraces the darkness, her dark and evil side, shatters their expectations, and becomes the monster they should have never dared to create. *** "I'll only agree to be mated to a man who can fuck—one who's extremely good in bed." Kael growled, his fangs grazing her throat as he pressed her against the bed. The weight and heat of his body making her shudder. "Those were your exact words." His hand trailed lower, fingers teasing her heat. Without giving her what she wanted. "So be a good girl and spread your legs for me… so I can prove how worthy of a mate I am and how lucky you are to have a mate like me..." His voice was hoarse and commanding. *** Note: There's smut/mature content sprinkled throughout this novel, so if you're up for it, grab your popcorn and dive in!!!

[WSA 2025 OFFICIAL ENTRY!] WARNING!!! EXTREMELY SMUTTY, CONTAINS FORBIDDEN THEMES, AND MOSTLY SUITABLE FOR 18+. This one is dedicated to everyone who still lives in the closet of society. _____ Who said boys cannot love themselves? Who said love must conform to society norms? Who said a boy cannot be the center of attraction of other boys? Well, this is a perfect blend of forbidden university romance, which will eventually blossom into an adventurous journey. _____ Akira, the son of the richest scandalous Asian father, and always absent promiscuous mother, is left to deal with life and figure out what he truly wants for himself. Well, the beginning of his unconventional adventure starts in his fourth level at Zhao Zongming Memorial University, with his roommate Mark, a black American transfer student from the United States. From there, he engulfs himself with forbidden romantic experiences and adventures. What will be his fate? How will he deal with the scandal that'd almost claim his life? To find out, read 'Forbidden Boys' University,' only on Webnovel. P.S. Don't forget to send your amazing gifts, add to your collections, and also recommend to others.

She was betrayed by her mate. Now she must defy tradition, protect her pack, and resist the Lycan King’s dangerous claim. Aria Vale never imagined she would become the first divorced She-Alpha in werewolf history. Cast aside by her mate for another, she refuses to break—leading her pack alone despite the whispers of weakness and doubt. But when a rival force threatens to wipe out Silver Dawn, Aria is faced with an impossible choice: accept the help of the most powerful and feared ruler in the supernatural world… or watch her pack fall. The Lycan King is ruthless, commanding, and undeniably lethal—a ruler feared by all. He doesn’t offer protection freely. He takes what he wants. And this time, he wants her. But Aria is no damsel to be claimed. She fights him at every turn, unwilling to submit to fate. Yet with betrayal brewing within her own ranks, a monstrous enemy rising from the shadows, and an undeniable attraction pulling her closer to the Lycan King, she soon realizes that she may not have a choice. To survive, she must break every rule, forge an unthinkable alliance, and embrace a destiny she never wanted. But at what cost? Because the Lycan King doesn’t just demand loyalty… He demands her.

Alice, a healer in the Mecha Academy, was like Cinderella. She met Ethan, a president and a war hero. They got to know each other well. However, misunderstandings and others' schemes separated them. Alice came back as a strong woman. Ethan then started to pursue her desperately. Finally, they overcame all difficulties and solved the mysteries together.

'MANIFESTATION: Forbidden Love' is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring power of relationships in the face of societal challenges and geographical separation. It explores the depths of human emotions, the strength of commitment, and the unwavering belief that love can conquer all obstacles, no matter how far apart two hearts may be. Inspired by the author's love story. (Another version of author's love story with touch of reality and lots of lots of fictions)

For as long as she could remember, Valeska had been an outcast. Born unable to shift, she was branded a curse by her mother and blamed for her father’s death when vampires raided their pack twelve years ago. The night he died, her mother made her feelings painfully clear: “If I hadn’t saved you that night, Theone would still be alive! I wish I had fought by his side and let you die!” Now, her mother sees an opportunity to be rid of her for good—by sending her to the annual Mating Moon Ball. There, Valeska meets her fated mate, Nevian Ashbourne, Alpha of the powerful Emberwood Pack. But instead of acceptance, she is met with cruel rejection. “You’re wolfless and weak. A disgrace. How could I ever make you my Luna?” Just as she prepares to leave, shattered, Nevian discovers that Valeska is tied to an ancient prophecy—one that could change the fate of the supernatural world. And so, he makes her an offer: stay by his side, not as his mate, but as his possession. A deal that ensures he will help her through her heat each month, binding her to him in ways she never wanted. But Valeska refuses to be used. She runs—straight into the hands of the man who has haunted her nightmares for years. Kieran Rutherford. The ruthless vampire warlord feared by all living creatures. The monster who killed her father. At first, Kieran intends to do what he should have done years ago—kill her. After all, she is the girl foretold to be his doom. But when he learns she is also the key to unlocking the cursed stones, an ancient source of power beyond imagination, his plans change. Will he use her, break her, and discard her once he gets what he wants? Or will the wolfless, unwanted girl make his long-dead heart beat once again? And what will Valeska do when she finds herself drawn to the very monster who took everything from her?

Du Rui, an exceptionally forgetful reader, finds himself transmigrated into one of the top male harem stallion novels, but as the antagonist. Now inhabiting the role of Xue Xinyu, the cunning villain, Du Rui struggles to maintain his sanity while trying to keep the protagonist, Liang Zhiguan, innocent and safe. However, his fate takes an unexpected turn as he delves into the path of demonic cultivation to achieve his goal. LGBTQ - BL - DANMEI

Dr. Elena Carter is a brilliant biochemist with nothing left to lose. After her lab loses funding and her reputation is tarnished by a scandal she didn’t create, she’s desperate for a second chance. When enigmatic billionaire Alexander Kane offers her a job at his cutting-edge biotech company, she knows it’s her last shot at redemption. Alexander Kane is a man of power, precision, and secrets. His company is on the verge of a breakthrough that could change medicine forever, but his cold demeanor hides a past filled with guilt and betrayal. When Elena uncovers a dangerous truth about his research, she becomes both his greatest ally and his biggest threat. As sparks fly between them, Elena and Alexander are drawn into a web of corporate espionage, forbidden attraction, and a race against time to save lives. But when Alexander’s rival blackmails him, threatening to destroy everything they’ve built, Elena must decide: can she trust the man who holds her future in his hands, or is he just another liar in a world of secrets? In a story where love and science collide, The Biotech Billionaire’s Forbidden Formula is a sizzling romance filled with twists, tension, and a love that could either heal or destroy them both.

"While playing a Tsukkur erotic game that I loved, I somehow became possessed. To make things worse, I transformed into a perverted kid—one of the villains from the NTR series."

"Asher, no." She said weakly. She sounded needy and pathetic according to her but that would have to for the moment. "I can hear the need in your voice, you little liar." He whispered as he came even closer so that his breath was tickling her neck while he spoke in her ear. She herself could feel the need as it made a bead or two of sweat to form on her brow. She was excited about it much more than she could ever tell anyone. She however knew better than to do it on the day her sister was meant to get engaged. "At least not today." She whispered back with her eyes shut trying to calm her racing heart down enough to reason with him. "So you saying if it wasn't today and we were in the same position you wouldn't hesitate?" He asked so close to her ear that she shivered in delight and a small giggle left her mouth at the same time as it was her tickle spot making him chuckle at the feeling.

WSA ENTRY FOR 2025. PLEASE SUPPORT. BLURB. " I Found him, my mate, but unfortunately he turned out to be my responsibility, whom I should protect but I desire him more than anything else. Can I have him?" Davida, the feared and mighty Luna Queen of the werewolf world gets asked for a favor by an old friend. " Protect my son till he is of age" Davida agrees but what she did not expect is to find herself getting attracted to a boy old enough to be her son, nor did she expect to find out she was paired to him for eternity? Status differs them apart, age does and in a way enemity does? How? It is prophesied he is meant to kill her and take over, becoming the strongest instead. Can this come to pass or can they find a way to conquer all and rule together? The real trouble begins when his real identity goes out and the Lycans are seeking for their king.

Zenis is simple man who strikes to be strongest in whole world to protect his loved one's and find who he and his family is as they can't remember their past.

Yugen, a 17-year-old boy, had always felt like a lifeless corpse, blending into the monotony of society. But on one fateful day, something within him stirred. He discovered his true soul, and with it, a burning passion: to become the world's number one striker. Will Yugen's awakened spirit and unyielding dedication be enough to overcome the challenges ahead, or will he succumb to the intense pressure of the soccer world? The journey to the Top , the awakened striker, begins.

Synopsis: 500 years after the Spiritual Awakening, Martial Souls have become the foundation for all warriors, allowing them to communicate with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Every individual has only one Martial Soul, determining their potential in cultivation. Yet, Yang Xie, an ordinary youth, defies the heavens—awakening the god-level talent of Shadow Lord! While others struggle with a single Martial Soul, Yang Xie commands a shadow army that grows stronger alongside him: ☯ 1,000 Shadow Warriors... ☯ 10,000 Martial Masters... ☯ 100 million Martial Emperors...!!! "Training? Who needs it when my shadow soldiers are constantly growing stronger?" [God-Level Shadow Talents] ⚔ Devouring Shadow: Absorb the enemy’s shadow to gain their talent and energy! ⚔ Fusion Shadow: Merge thousands of shadow soldiers into one ultimate being—I am infinite! ⚔ Shadow Endowment: Bestow the devoured talents upon other creatures, creating an army of monsters! With this heaven-defying ability, Yang Xie sweeps across the world, his shadow army crushing even SSS-level geniuses as if they were mere ants. But his ambition does not stop there— His goal is the boundless sea of stars! When ancient beasts attempt to invade Blue Star—he destroys their entire nest! When the Demons, Bone Tribe, and Yaksha Clan conspire against humanity—his shadow army consumes them all for power! One-on-one? Yang Xie is a fair man... but he simply has too many soldiers! Who would have thought that this unstoppable Shadow Lord, standing at the peak of power, would eat soft rice, relying on a rich and beautiful school goddess to fund his cultivation? Despicable? No. Yang Xie just believes in making smart choices. [Cultivation Realms] ☯ Mortal Realms: Warrior → Martial Master → Martial General → Martial King → Martial Emperor → Martial God ☯ Transcendent Realms: Nirvana → Creation → Nirvana → Return to Truth → Transformation → Immortality → Feathered Immortal From the mortal world to the heavens, the Shadow Sovereign rises! This is the era of Yang Xie, the Lord of Shadows!

Kin's journey has been overshadowed by self-doubt, until now. When his dormant power finally stirs to life. Kin must confront both the shadows within and the challenges beyond, realizing that his Dark Matter might hold the key to a destiny far greater than he imagined.

“And what of the consequences, Lyra? What if your actions draw the attention of his kind or worse, the humans? Do you think they will see you as anything more than a trophy, a prize to be captured and displayed? You put yourself and our entire kingdom at risk every time you venture to the surface.” In the shadow of the moon and the depths of the sea, two forbidden worlds collide. Lyra, the spirited and rebellious princess of the merfolk, yearns to escape the prisons of her underwater kingdom. She craves adventure, danger, and the freedom to choose her destiny. But her curiosity leads her to a fateful encounter with Kael on the moonlit cliffs of Selene Ridge. Kael Nightshade, the unyielding Alpha of the Lunarveil pack, is bound by the laws of his kind—laws forged in the blood of ancient wars and backed up by a prophecy that warns of catastrophic doom. The werewolves must never mingle with the magic of the sea. Drawn together by an unexplainable bond, Kael and Lyra defy their worlds and ignite a love as deep and unrelenting as the ocean’s tides. But their union unleashes a power neither can control: their daughter, Selena, a child of prophecy, is born with gifts that threaten to unravel the fragile balance between land and sea. Now, hunted by a wicked sorceress who seeks Selena’s extraordinary powers, and pursued by their own kind who view their love as a betrayal, Kael and Lyra must form a strong ally with two ancient enemies to protect their family. As darkness closes in and old rivalries resurface, their love will be tested. Can a love so forbidden withstand the weight of prophecy, or will it shatter under the wrath of the moon and tide? Dive into Forbidden Love; The Mermaid’s Werewolf, a tale of passion, danger, and the ultimate fight for family, where every choice causes a disturbance across the two worlds.

In the perpetually twilight realm of Nocterra, magic is both a blessing and a curse. Power is everything, and those without it are mere fodder for the ruthless mage-lords who control society. Ethan Nightshade, an orphaned street urchin with barely a spark of magical potential, has survived on nothing but wit and desperation. When a mysterious opportunity arises for commoners to enter the legendary Magical Academy, Ethan sees his one chance to escape the brutal streets of Shadowhaven. But everything changes when he discovers an ancient, forbidden tome - the Codex of Forbidden Shadows - a magical book that contains knowledge beyond imagination. As Ethan begins to unlock the book's secrets, he realizes he's stumbled upon a power that could either save him or destroy everything around him. The Codex grants him access to shadow magic - a forbidden art that allows him to manipulate reality itself, but comes with a terrifying price. Thrust into a world of political intrigue, deadly magical competitions, and centuries-old conspiracies, Ethan must navigate treacherous waters. The Academy is a battlefield where students are as likely to kill each other as learn magic, and Ethan's newfound abilities make him both a target and a potential game-changer. With powerful enemies hunting him, a mysterious mentor with hidden motives, and a magical book that seems to have its own agenda, Ethan must decide how far he's willing to go to survive. Will he become the weapon the Codex wants him to be, or can he maintain his humanity in a world that rewards only the most ruthless?

"Ariel's wedding day turns into a nightmare when she discovers her adopted mother's dead body and is framed for the crime. But that's only the beginning. Betrayed by her best friend and mate, Ariel loses everything, including her unborn child. Consumed by a thirst for revenge, she makes a pact with Alpha Derek, the ruthless prince of the Shadow Pack. As she navigates the treacherous world of werewolf politics, Ariel must confront the darkness within herself and the prophecy that threatens to destroy her. Will she claim her true powers and exact revenge, or will she become the Alpha King's next victim?"

"Let me take a look." Mr. Wright’s voice was calm, professional even, but his touch—steady and assured as he lifted me onto the desk—was anything but ordinary. His hands, broad and strong, lingered just a moment too long on my arm as he steadied me, sending an unwelcome but undeniable shiver down my spine. I swallowed hard, trying not to notice the way his tie loosened slightly as he leaned in or the faint scent of cedarwood and worn pages that seemed to follow him everywhere. He was close enough now that I could see the faint worry lines etched into his brow as he carefully slid the strap of my uniform off my shoulder. "Alina," he said softly, his voice low but tinged with exasperation, "why do you always end up hurt?" His fingers ghosted over the darkened skin near my collarbone, examining it with the precision of someone who cared too much but tried not to show it. "You need to stop being reckless," he murmured, his tone shifting, softer now. "If anyone bullies you again, come to my office, and I’ll deal with them." It was a simple offer, but I had to remind myself, loudly and firmly, that this was my Mr.. The man responsible for my education, not... whatever my mind was trying to turn him into. "Mr. Wright," I started, trying to regain control of the situation—and my racing heart. "This really isn’t a big deal. I can handle myself." His jaw tightened ever so slightly, and for a fleeting moment, I thought he might argue. Instead, he stepped back, his hands falling away from me as if realizing they’d overstayed their welcome. --------------------------------------------------------------- Alina Hart, a sharp-tongued high school senior, hides behind sarcasm and wit to mask the pain of fractured family life. Shipped off to a prestigious boarding school by a father who no longer sees her, Alina struggles to find her place in a world of strict rules and academic expectations. Enter Mr. Cristiano Wright, a 27-year-old literature teacher whose calm demeanor and sharp intellect make him both an enigma and a fasciChrision. Tasked by Alina’s older brother Ethan to keep an eye on her, Wright finds himself drawn to the complexity beneath her rebellious exterior. In the backdrop of Shakespearean sonnets and Romantic poetry, Alina and Wright navigate an increasingly fraught connection. What begins as reluctant mentorship soon transforms into a tangled web of forbidden emotions, unspoken words, and an undeniable pull that neither can ignore. Set against the bustling corridors of an urban high school and the quiet corners of a library filled with unspoken confessions, Silent Flames, Forbidden Paths explores the fine line between admiration and desire, duty and vulnerability. As Alina and Wright grapple with their feelings, they must confront their moral boundaries and the cost of their choices. Can they maintain the lines they’ve drawn, or will their emotions blur them beyond recognition?

“You were never meant to remember.” Noah was erased. His name, his past, his very existence—wiped from reality by the Keepers, the guardians of the written world. But something went wrong. He survived. Now, hunted by those who once shaped his fate, Noah must uncover the truth buried in the fabric of existence. Why was he erased? What lies beyond the gates of forgotten worlds? And most importantly—who wrote the story before him? As he journeys through lost civilizations, broken time, and realms never meant to be seen, Noah will come face to face with the ones who created everything. The ones who erased themselves. The ones who have been waiting. The First Writers. The architects of reality. And they are watching. Because for the first time in eternity, the cycle has changed. And Noah holds the pen.