Gruff

High in the Unreachable Mountains, Trill, a warrior trained by the Goatmen assassins, discovers his unique ability to control plants and fungi while mastering alchemy and swordsmanship. Haunted by a mysterious past and the medallion around his neck, his life is upended when Malgrin the Unbroken, a sorcerer bent on domination, invades his hidden village. As Malgrin enslaves the Goatmen and kills Trill’s mentor, Granny Gruff, Trill escapes, vowing vengeance. Descending the mountains for the first time, he embarks on a perilous journey to free his people, uncover his origins, and harness his powers against a rising tide of darkness.

Following her attempted assassination, Fatima found herself amidst a meticulously staged slave auction orchestrated by her mysterious rescuers in the capital city of a prospective ally empire. Now a slave of the Kartier Duchy, her life as a princess seems far behind her as she spends her days toiling the farms under the scorching sun. Just when all hopes seem to be lost, Fatima’s painful days eased upon meeting the strikingly handsome heir of the Kartier duchy along with his cold and seemingly gruff knight. Will she ever overcome the shackles of slavery and return home to reclaim her title or will spend the rest of her life enduring the cruel treatments of the duchess? Torn between a charming heir and a dubious knight as her potential escape routes, which hand will she grasp?

In the verdant valley of Eldoria, where the mountains whisper ancient secrets and the forests hold the echoes of forgotten tales, **Leaf Ironwood** stands on the cusp of his eighteenth birthday, unaware that his life is about to change forever. Raised on a humble farm by his resilient mother, **Liora**, Leaf knows little of the world beyond his daily toils and the stories of heroes and magic that seem like mere legends. On the eve of his birthday, Leaf receives a mysterious inheritance from his late father: a sword that glows with an ethereal light and an old, leather-bound book filled with cryptic maps and riddles. This inheritance is not just a gift but a call to adventure, a legacy that beckons Leaf into the heart of Eldoria's most guarded secrets. As Leaf embarks on his journey, guided by the sword's ancient power and the book's enigmatic clues, he encounters a realm teeming with danger and wonder. From the shadowy depths of enchanted forests to the peak of the sky-touching mountains, he faces trials that test his courage, wit, and the strength of his resolve. Along the way, companions join his quest, each with their own tales and skills, like **Dain Ironfist**, a gruff but wise dwarf blacksmith, and **Mira Starwind**, a mage with a penchant for mischief and a heart full of secrets. The Legacy Blade, as Leaf discovers, is not just a weapon but a key to unlocking his family's hidden history, a history intertwined with the fate of Eldoria itself. Enemies from the shadows seek to claim the blade for their dark purposes, forcing Leaf to delve deeper into his father's past, confront ancient evils, and perhaps, find his own place among the legends of old. "The Legacy Blade" is a tale of discovery, of a young man's journey from the simplicity of farm life to the complexities of a world where magic and destiny collide. It's a story of battles fought not just with steel but with heart, where the legacy one leaves behind is as important as the path one walks. Leaf Ironwood's adventure is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the greatest heroes are those who never sought the title, but by fate, are chosen to carry the torch into the unknown.

Lara, a vibrant and carefree spirit, embarks on a journey to Japan to pursue her dream career. Her path crosses with Natsu, a gruff and serious individual whose life has been anything but easy. Despite their differences, Natsu becomes Lara's unexpected manager, leading to a surprising and heartwarming connection to bloom.

MATURE CONTENT: No rape element or non-consensual sex. Rivalry, death, bloodbath, massacres; in that order - the war between the Italian Mafia and the Russian Mafia was not a smooth sailing. Alessandro Ruffo, who had just taken over from the former Don of the Italian Mafia, finds himself wedged between enemies who hunted for his blood and would do anything to have the Italian mafia empire taken away from him. Regardless, Alessandro was strong enough to take them down and is recorded as the mob boss with the most kills. However, Aless’ strength wavers when a weakness, in the form of an eighteen-year-old autistic girl, walks into his life. Swan Skylar, the younger sister of the man who ran away with his money, becomes Alessandro's newest obsession and his weakness. When his enemies figured this out, Swan's life is put in danger and Aless must do everything in his power to protect her even if it meant accepting defeat at the hands of his enemies ~ “I will–I will serve you in place of what my brother owes you.” Alessandro relaxes into his sitting stance, regarding her in a mesmerizing gaze. “How so?” His gruff tone resounded in his enormous office. “I–I can help you wash the dishes or wash your clothes or clean your shoes or—” She is interrupted by Alessandro suddenly jerking onto his feet and ambling towards her in a polished stance. “Raise your head.” Alessandro's command is calm and relaxing. When she doesn't respond, Alessandro takes her chin in his delicate fingers and tilts it up slowly until she meets his gaze. He stared dreamily at her bright, sparkling blue eyes and whispered gruffly, “What is your name, amore mio?” “Swan.” She responded softly. “Alright, Swan. How about serving me with something different? Take for instance, your body.” WARNING: The female protagonist of this novel is autistic and might display the behavior of an eight-year-old.

The Crowned prince Shahzaib Al-Qadri, set out to explore the southern kingdom for the very first time. He was exhilarated for the adventurous trip with his companions but what he did not expect was, he would come across an ethereal Maiden Inaya Al-Amir, who managed to steal his breath away at mere first sight. Even though the lady belonged from a wealthy merchant family but she was no nobel. A royal prince was expected to be marrying a royal princess for it would determine the future of the Empire. A formidable emperor needs a vehement empress. Marriage between Royals are more of a convenience where feeling had very less value. Will the ruling emperor accept a citizen, as the Crowned princess and allow for her to rule beside the crowned Prince? What will Shahzaib choose when he was given only two choices, the throne or his love? Preview : Who are you?", Inaya asked, her voice was stoic and commanding. She pressed on the well built male's chest more, pressing the knife on the throat as a warning to obey her or she wouldn't hesitate to slice that neck. For the first time in his life he was surrendering willingly. "Can not you speak, you ignorant disrespectful hooligan", she exclaimed in frustration, "Considering our current situation, I shall not be the one to be addressed as hooligan", came a heavy manly voice which gave shivers down the lady's spine. "Do not try to twist the situation.. It is you who has been following me like a shameless stalker", she pressed the daggers more which gave a scratch on the prince's throat nevertheless, he did not even blink. "My dignity would never allow me to commit such hideous act, my lady", he stated firmly, "Your words extremely contradict your action", She narrowed her eyes at the other who let out a gruff chuckle which sounded unreasonably attractive. "I concede that my actions may seem like the accusations you have pressed upon me, but have faith in me for I am a slave of the Almighty, I shall never dishonor a woman", he exclaimed sincerely. Inaya's fierce facade faltered for a mere seconds but she again narrowed her eyes. "I am no fool.. Nevertheless I do not wish to be seen with an unknown man", Inaya finally retreated her weapon. "If you claim to be innocent then do not show me your fa-well do not appear before me", she cleared her throat awkwardly for the male's face was already covered. Shahzaib bit his lips to stop the laugh that almost slipped out but he remained unmoving nonetheless. She glared at him before storming off.

To save her family from dying unjustly like they did in her previous life she has to marry a Prince rumored to be a demon. A marriage that was only a deal on paper turns to something they both can't resist. ** Two people who transverse through a lifetime of difficulty and hardship only to find each other again in another lifetime. Will their love transcend over the forces of time and the evil that lurks behind the power of a wish? Or will fate tear them apart to regain the world's stability. *************** Excerpt "How ridiculous, just because you saved my life, now I have to pay you back by marrying you?" Hamon looked strangely terrifying as he gave her a mocking laugh. If he wasn't already wounded Ara might've beat that laugh off his face, for her own peace of mind. "Your Highness if you keep laughing like that, your wound will open." Her voice sounded muffled behind the armor making it quite gruff. "Shut your disgusting mouth, even your voice is disgusting." "Your Highness, listen to what I ha-" "I'm going to say this one last time. I'm not going to marry you....so You can take your sorry self and leave this place right now while am being nice!" Ara wanted to fume At him when he kept on interrupting her again and again. 'He thinks I'm disgusting, after I risked my life to save him? What an arrogant pompous Prince!' Despite her anger boiling beneath the surface, she said in a calm voice. "Can you please just listen to me first?" __ Excerpt 'Without Arabella...Hamon is nothing.' 'Die? How will you die when I'll be here to bring you back? Not even death can take you away from me, wife.' 'If anything happens to you...I will ruin the entire world!' Memories of his words to his wife began to echo in his head, then images of her smiling face. And what she said earlier. 'If you tell me to split up with you again, I'll get very mad at you. And I won't allow you hold me to sleep tonight!' 'Hamon, I'll be dead before I leave your side, I am your wife and once your soldier, I am not a coward. I am staying by your side!' Hamon sat frozen on the cold forest ground as he held Ara's dead body in his arms. There was no longer any signs of tears in his eyes, all that was left was a pair of soulless eyes. He slowly glanced down at her pale lifeless face, the reality began to sink to his mind. His wife was dead, Ara was dead... She died saving him, taking the arrows meant for him. As those thoughts went through his mind, his face slowly began to darken, like cloudy storms of an incoming typhoon that could tear the skies and the earth apart, gradually his forearms veins started to turn purple and it spread to his neck veins and forehead. He pulled away from Ara's body and stood to his feet. Eyes as red as blood, claws long and sharp pierced through his fingers cutting his skin, but he didn't so much as flinch as the blood dripped from them. Purple dark veins appeared on his face as his sharp fangs peeked out of his clenched lips. There the Demon stood with flames blazing in his hands, it looked nothing like Hamon. Just his soulless eyes were enough to make one crawl away in fright. __ Note: this book is a slow burn romance, and there's no major tragedy. You can also check out my other book. Title: Bound To The Ice Dragon King Happy reading!

Aetherion system : The Chronicles of Aetherion* follows the journey of Ethan, an ordinary man who transmigrates into a fantastical realm. Equipped with a unique system that grants him abilities and knowledge from his previous world, he must navigate through political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and battles against dark forces to find his true purpose. #### **Characters:** 1. **Ethan Wilder** - The protagonist. A former historian from Earth who transmigrates into Aetherion. He possesses a unique system that allows him to access knowledge and skills from his previous life. 2. **Liora Moonshadow** - A skilled elven warrior and the leader of a rebel faction against a tyrannical king. She becomes Ethan's ally and love interest. 3. **King Aric Thorne** - The antagonist. A corrupt monarch with a dark secret, seeking to harness forbidden magic to consolidate his power. 4. **Elara Windrider** - A mysterious sorceress with ties to ancient magic and the key to Ethan's understanding of the new world. 5. **Gorak Ironfist** - A gruff dwarf blacksmith who becomes one of Ethan's closest friends and a source of invaluable knowledge about the world's lore. 6. **Lady Seraphine** - A high-ranking noble with hidden motives, initially an ally but later a significant threat. 7. **The Oracle of Aetherion** - An enigmatic figure who provides guidance and prophecies about Ethan's destiny. #### **System and Cheats:** 1. **Aetherion's System**: An advanced interface accessible through Ethan's mind, allowing him to view quests, gain skills, and analyze objects. It provides updates on his progressing.

High school junior Luke is used to going it alone. After his parents' divorce scattered what remained of his family, Luke has focused on the one thing that gives him control - lifting weights. While his peers find their place on sports teams or in social groups, Luke spends every free moment in the gym, methodically working to increase his bench press and build muscular definition. Life as a gym rat has its benefits. Physical activity provides an escape from Luke's turbulent thoughts, and his growing physique earns respect from some classmates. But it does little to ease his loneliness. Without friends to lean on, each school day brings fresh reminders that Luke remains an outsider. When the popular and attractive Sarah Anderson notices Luke's lifting progress, he is stunned by her request to train together. Sarah sees potential in Luke beyond his isolation, glimpsing a kind heart beneath his gruff exterior. As their gym sessions blossom into tentatively shared lunches and study sessions, Luke fights his lingering distrust of intimacy. But forming new bonds threatens Luke's safe solitary routine. Gossip soon swirls around the "gym punk" spending time with the star cheerleader. Meanwhile, unresolved issues from Luke's family history resurface, testing his resilience. To accept Sarah's friendship and face deeper demons head-on, Luke must learn to lift more than weights - he must lift the heavy weight of his own loneliness.

[MATURE CONTENT] *Slow burn* ------- Life has unexpected ways of turning things from 0 to 180 degrees in just a matter of seconds. Charlotte was mourning her husband's sudden demise with the only daughter they had, Aurora. And as if the pain of losing him wasn't enough, Derek, the boss of the dead man, came out of nowhere, to demand a mind blowing amount as a debt the man owed him. But meanwhile, he would take Aurora, their only daughter, with him, till Charlotte paid every penny. - Derek, a young man who had been through a painful experience, numbing his emotions in the process, found out that the man who betrayed him had a family somewhere, enjoying life. He vowed to kill them all. But ended up sparing their lives, taking Aurora, his only daughter, with him. But wait, why has Aurora started to feel that Derek is not as scary as he looks? Why does she feel like she can bring life and light into his seemingly lonely, dark life? Will Derek open up to this foreign feeling that has started to trigger certain emotions in him? ------- Excerpt She was in deep thoughts when she heard shuffling sounds and her head quickly snapped to the direction of the man. He was on his feet now, his gaze not leaving them. Charlotte and Aurora both scampered back in fear. He stared at them for some few seconds and wordlessly turned and walked towards the door. Aurora's eyes widened a bit. Wait, was it...was it over? Had he agreed to her mother's pleas? Was he going to leave them alone now? She was about to breathe when she heard a deep, gruff voice. "Get the girl." - - Join the #DeRa roller coaster now :) --------- Cover editing done by a colleague author :)

Warning: Contains explicit sexual content and vulgar language. ×°~×°~×° "Hazel, what are you doing to me? Why am I feeling this way? I want to kiss you," Dallan rasped in a gruff voice... Dallan is the alpha of the silhouette pack. In a bid to please his people, he occasionally goes out to hunt down weaker creatures who could serve the pack, capture them as workers or slaves. On one of such hunts, he captures Hazel, a mermaid, for the powers her specie is rumored to have. What Dallan never expected was for the goddess to pair Hazel as his mate. He did not also expect to fall madly in love with her and get his feelings reciprocated. She falls deep into his heart—and bed. Hazel will never be accepted as his mate since it is considered a forbidden affair. Now the both of them must strive against everything pulling them away from each other, break traditions just to protect their love.

"Fury of The Emerald Knight" is an epic tale of courage, sacrifice, and destiny. Set amidst the chaos of war, the story follows the young noble Leto, whose life takes an unexpected turn as he witnesses the brutal Battle of Darkmoor River. Standing atop a hill, Leto is torn between his duty to his family's legacy and his burning desire to join the fray. Guided by the gruff yet wise knight Triston, Leto embarks on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Impatient to prove himself, he defies his father's wishes and charges into battle, determined to stand beside his family's soldiers. As he faces the horrors of war, Leto encounters a formidable enemy who challenges him to his core, and fate intervenes in unexpected ways. With daily updates, this epic narrative promises to captivate and enthral you, as you immerse yourself in a world of gripping battles, profound emotions, and remarkable character development. Prepare to be spellbound as Leto's story unfolds, taking you on a rollercoaster ride through the trials and triumphs of an unforgettable hero. Happy reading! :D Link to my discord, there you can for example see Leto: https://discord.gg/mA4Twbcp

best selling novels by Emily swift what happens when a girl is murdered on her 18th birthday and tends to reincarnate through transmigration in other to take revenge Mature readers only

Cursed as a young child by a mythical being, Luna Munoz desperately seeks a cure for the curse she was befallen with. — Crickets chirp and branches break under the weight of a foot marching through the dense forest, heavy and ragged breaths follow suit. “Luna!” A gruff voice calls through the darkness, “Where are you?!” The voice is panicked and the words that come out are rushed. “She could be anywhere.” Another voice speaks, words much softer and calculated. Suddenly, through the ferns and thick brush, a low huff emits, followed by a whimper,

Married to a man who would go to ends of the earth to make her happy, Layla didn't live the picture perfect life she had always dreamt of. It was rather considered a curse After the second beep, his gruff voice rang on the other end of the call "si, who am I speaking with " Her heart thudded sharply in her chest on hearing his voice, he would forever have that effect on her. "Don't waste my time, I have important things to do " He spoke on obviously irritated at her silence Layla's lips quivered in what seemed like an attempt to make a sentence but rather she hung up the call after seconds of utter silence. The pretty little bundle of joy begun crying in her crib immediately Layla picked up the glass of water on her side table, it was as if she was aware of her mother's vile intentions.

Helena Smith was a lady who seemed to have it all. Smart, beautiful and sexy as hell. But she had one major flaw - as what others seemed to think of it - she is an orphan. Ashton Kempt. Edison Hunt. Known to others as the 'golden boys'. Why? They are perfect. Rich, smart, confident and handsome. One is gentle and refined. The other one is gruff and manly. One is from the present while the other is from her past. Will she be drawn back to the man from her past? A past that she has been running away from. Or will she take the leap and go into the waiting arms of the one from her present. Will she be able to start dreaming of a future with him? Just when life was starting to go well for her, people from her past started turning up. What would she do now that someone wants to hurt her and her family? Would she run away again just like before or would she stay and face her demons? A heartwarming story about a woman who deals with every curve ball that life throws at her. Watch how Helena overcomes her doubts, distrust and traumas with the help of those around her. Be with her as she tries to find out who she really is and come out triumphant.

Helen Ernest was a gruff and bitter spinster to the people of Sumter. Growing up in a family of ten children in Owen Sound she had been happy. Until she fell in love with her friend Anthony Harrison both realizing their love for each other she agrees to be his wife. However Anthony's parents dislike Helen and forbade him from marrying her and if he does he will be finacially cut off. He breaks the relationship with Helen and goes out West to British Columbia for a few years. Meanwhile Helen becomes a sullen, gruff and bitter . After a scandal involving her favourite brother Frank and a married women of promience she leaves Owen Sound for Sumter with him. Anthony returns from the west and goes to the town of Sumter were his cousin James Bagnall needs help with his buisness while in town he learns Helen lives nearby what will be do? Will they come together or will Helen be heartbroken again?

Amelia returns as Caroline to revenge on her murderers with the help of some demon locked in the body of a young man MARCUS Marcus who had grown up without the knowledge of being a shelter for a demon finds out when he meets AMELIA known as Caroline

[Super Sweet] -------- Upon her return to the homeland, YuXi unexpectedly locks horns with her nemesis, Gu Linhan, setting off a chain of comedic catastrophes. "Mr. Gu, Miss Yu has made a scene at the celebration, and Miss Shen is not unscathed." "Mr. Gu, it seems Miss Yu has inadvertently sold your company..." "Mr. Gu, the family patriarch's prized new robot has fallen victim to Miss Yu's misadventures..." Each incident prompts Gu Linhan to close his eyes, reminding himself with a mix of exasperation and resolve: "The wife I chose, I must love through thick and thin." ------------ YuXi and Gu Linhan are the quintessential odd couple, whose long-standing animosity is challenged by YuXi's unexpected pregnancy. YuXi is determined to terminate the pregnancy and cut ties, but Gu Linhan, despite his protests and gruff demeanor, is deeply smitten.

"Ugghh......." A lone girl wakes up in a dark cell, chained up with no memory as to how she got there... in fact she can't remember anything at all! What will happen to her? Who is she? The sound of keys jangled as the door to the cell creaked open. "Time to get up monster." a gruff voice said. "The auction is about to start and we're gonna make a real pretty penny selling you!" The gruff man said with a smile.

"In the eerie village of Eldoria, shadows conceal ancient mysteries, and at its heart lies 'Shadows in the Veil.' The tale follows Shadow, an extraordinary pup born of mystic origins in the Whispering Woods. As villagers grapple with fear and fascination, Shadow's powers unfold, guided by a mysterious system. With Gruff, the optimistic blacksmith, and Elara, the superstitious seamstress, the village becomes the stage for an enchanting journey of destiny, secrets, and the transformative power of shadows."

~This is a 'Whispers of a Heart' spin-off.~ If you could have another chance at love, what would you do? After harboring an unrequited love for fifteen years, Asakura Ryuu finally decided to confess his feelings. However, his love interest, novelist Masato Keita, turned him down. Meanwhile, Imamura Sato is a young actor who has gone through a difficult time. His dream is hanging on a thin thread, while he struggles with his past. Will he receive a chance to heal, or forever remain trapped in his nightmares? This new work follows the story of Asakura Ryuu while he tries to make peace with the past and get his heart to beat again. Will he get another chance at love, or remain forever brokenhearted? EXTERP: ~~~ As if he was spellbound, Asakura stared unblinkingly, forgetting to move or even breathe. When he finally woke up from this stupor and spoke, his voice sounded gruff and thick with emotion. "If I continue, I’m afraid I might not be able to stop halfway. Are you ok with that, Sato-kun?" "I don't want you to stop." After giving this unexpected reply, Sato pushed himself up and wrapped both arms around Asakura's neck, pulling the man closer. Their noses touched and both of them felt a jolt of excitement run through their bodies. "Are you sure you want this?" Asakura asked again, his magnetic voice coming out in a low whisper. His warm breath tickled Sato's face, making the skin feel hot and tingly. "Yes." ~~~ Receiving the approval he needed, Asakura didn’t waste another second. He swiftly closed the remaining distance between them, capturing Sato's warm lips with his own. The ensuing kiss was tender and passionate at the same time, causing both men to become muddle-headed very quickly. Low, seductive pants escaped through their lips, coming in between shallow breaths. ~~~ Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance with real life people, names, actual events or organizations is purely coincidental. * The artwork for the cover belongs to its respective creator. Discord server: https://discord.gg/R3AybhzGxT

Seraph’s life is a sad one, bullied on a day to day basis, his emotions and feelings slowly become numb to interaction… his eyes dull and his body weak he can only hold in his rage and despair deep within his heart. However, one day he sits down in class and realizes that his seat has disappeared thinking it was another prank he fell down onto grass? Looking up he sees a system? His entire class is with him and this time humans aren’t in charge of this new world...instead it’s the monsters in the forests. ________ “On earth they said, Beauty is held in the eyes of the beholder.” A sensual woman's voice swayed through the void. “ Such a good quote, however it’s so untrue don’t you think?” A cold man’s voice replied “ What do you mean?” The sensual woman giggled, “Well… Once upon a time, I came down to meet the humans, I considered myself as the most beautiful woman in the world, in the eyes of all in heaven I was considered the most beautiful- even the lord recognized this...however every single one of the humans shunned me at a glance. Met with fits of screams and anguished cries, I got really depressed... “ “Get to the point.” The Cold Man’s voice sharply interrupted the women. “Oh, Oh just wait. It gets better.” The sensual woman replied and then continued “ The next time i saw another man. I graciously approached, Bowed head, a dazzling smile on my face. I remember wearing the best thing I owned at the time.” “ A beautiful victorian dress with white frills. I perfectly embodied the word of elegance. Not even a queen could compete against me...however, I was shunned once more. The man even called me monster.” “So I did the only thing, I thought was proper…so I took him.” “Really, what then?” A gruff voice was heard in the void. “When did you come out of your hole?” The cold man asked. “Shush, I’m listening to the story!” An elegant man’s voice came through the void. “Hum, It seems as if everyones here.” The most beautiful feminine voice said through the void. The sensual woman laughed “I never knew my story could attract such a crowd.” She continued “but let’s continue… After taking him I went to work. I gave him soo many gifts, I gave him so much of my love just like in any relation we gave and took from each other… In the end, his eyes beheld my beauty.” “Then where is he?” The gruff man’s voice spoke “What do you mean? You're looking at him aren’t you?”

He asked me this morning. Something I couldnt Quite Explain let alone understand.... Said A Dull aged women. The mother With silver hair and Blue eyes qued as She sat down next to a gruff White bearded man. She recanted the question. "What is an Ascending Will, and what can ascendancy do?" The Gruff man thought as his Black Eyes Looked at the sky He spoke To the woman with a warm Smile. The Boy is a weird one it seems. When you see him again Explain. Ascendancy is as if a king was to have a child and that child gained the throne. That prince would be the ascending heir. That is if you see him again... The man looked out into the Dark As the Void Floating around Their small plot of land rippled. Millions of streams of lights Swirled and Streamed By as the couple Sat. The Mother with silver hair And bright blue eyes Shifted as Her gaze found something of interest. Her dress Made no noise as she stood and peered into a light. The man Laughed as his Soul Seemed distant. She Opened her mouth as the Moment held and Giggled while Time resumed her laugh echoed as time Changed with the core cause being that echo. The man's Mind Vacant yet Present Forced knowledge into the Change as he Lost his last and faded. The woman Flicked her hand As a Spark Flew from one Light to another before crashing into a small Universal light. The smarks hidden in Shadowed void and peppered the world as the lights of the woman faded. As did the mother With warm eyes those lifeless unblinking that faded With her last breath.

Currently on pause, as I prepare more materials for this work. ---------------- When Iktomi, reincarnated as an Arachne, takes on the role of an herbalist in a new world, her secret is as dark as her true nature. Masquerading as an ordinary woman, she gathers around her abandoned children, creating the family she always dreamed of. Her peace is disrupted by the arrival of Ragon, a gruff half-elf with a dark past and unexpected charisma. Together, they form an unusual home for their unexpected family. In a world filled with secrets and magic, among herbs and ancient spells, a love capable of crossing species boundaries is born. Can they forge a future when danger lurks in every shadow?

"What's your name?" I asked the gray-eyed angel beside me. "Killian, sweetheart". His voice was gruff but warm. Oh! his name is sweetheart too. "Killian sweetheart, that's a nice-nice name," I tried to spell, to which he laughed. Pretty laugh. Awieees. "Sweetheart, my name is Killian." ************  Ellie Reed Arben embodies the concepts of purity and innocence, as well as being cute and adorable. Returning years later to her hometown, she meets her childhood sweetheart, Killian Knight. Killian is the definition of terror. Meeting his baby years later was already decided; however, he no longer desires the "baby-love" that Ellie expects. To the world, he is cold, but to her, he's her sweetheart. Her Husband. 

In a world powered by steam and scrap, a teenage tinkerer named Aron unearths a cryptic relic in a forgotten corner of a scrapyard. The discovery sparks a thrilling adventure alongside a ragtag crew: a gruff war veteran captain, a stoic elf with an uncanny connection to machines, and a brilliant but eccentric professor. Guided by the relic's secrets, they embark on a perilous journey in a clockwork airship. Their destination: a legendary lost city hinted at in the decoded map - a city not just lost in space, but in time. What awaits them is a breathtaking revelation - the remnants of an ancient civilization powered by a technology beyond their wildest dreams. But the path to this forgotten knowledge is fraught with danger. Aron and their companions must overcome not only the challenges of the desolate landscape but also their own doubts and the limitations of their current technology. Will they unlock the secrets of the lost clockwork city and usher in a new age of innovation? Or will they become forever lost in the mists of time? This is a story for fans of: • Steampunk adventures with a fantastical twist • Found-family chosen one narratives • Unearthing lost civilizations and ancient mysteries • Inventive gadgets and clockwork creations • A coming-of-age story with a thirst for knowledge and exploration • Expansive world-building • High-octane action packed and comedic steam powered battles. Join the discord: https://discord.gg/Y9Ruf22g

No one expects to find love while struggling to overthrow an evil king! Wiphas As the most wanted man on Xertia, Wiphas lives life on the edge. The last thing he needs is dependent-but that's just what he gets after saving the would-be sex-slave, Shane. Now Wiphas has a decision to make... Part of him wants to abandon the human omega and keep his focus on leading the rebellion. Another part of him can't help but become enraptured by the gorgeous man's glistening eyes... Shane Art Student Shane was living a privileged life as the son of a wealthy yet heartless diplomat. His corrupt father decided to gift Shane to his business partner, the King of Xertia, as a way to get rid of him after he came out as gay. Before he can seal Shane's fate, Xertian rebels attack his ship, his son gets kidnapped by the infamous rebel leader Wiphas. Now Shane needs protection, both from his father and the king he was stolen from, but can he trust this gruff rebel leader who always locks him in his gaze?

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.   Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.   Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Since the Beginning of her existence Adala had decided over the Fate of Creatures and the Way of the World. She once had given Humans the Chance to prosper, but now she must decide again. She and her Siblings had seen, that the Human Race overused their power and threaten to put Nature and Life itself out of Balance. To help her decide fair she takes the Form of a Human to get to know them. The gruesome Things she witnesses in this Body are not for weak minds. She needs to make an unbiased Decision when the time comes. But can she? The man who had saved her from a gruesome fate, is not a bad human. Will she see that not every human is bad and evil? Or will she decide to go against her feelings for the General and decide in the Name of the Greater Good? Can the good looking, but gruff Man teach her lessons, that changes the world? It seems all Odds are against the two of them.