Poetry Manuscript Submissions

“I want you to be my submissive.” If homicide detective Cassandra Pratt had to describe Havenfield in three words, they would be ‘small,’ ‘inconspicuous,’ and ‘boring.’ But when a series of gruesome murders shatter the town's peace, Cass is thrust into a hunt for a killer with no identity. Stumbling upon a vampire was never part of the plan, but Uriel Serpov has never been one to follow plans. Uriel is infuriating, enigmatic, and undeniably attractive. Worst of all, he knows Cass’s darkest secret—the very one that keeps her isolated from the rest of the town. Behind his sharp smile and smoldering eyes, Uriel harbors secrets of his own, and now Cass’s only hope of solving the serial murders lies through him. The line between duty and desire quickly blurs. Will Cass solve the case? Or will the heat between them consume her? Additionally tags: slow burn, bd//sm, power play

Amanda desires to be held in the arms of a man she can't control. To tremble with irrational fear as he took command. Pushing her beyond her limits as her body shakes in waves of pleasure. In pursuit of her wildest fantasy, Amanda joins her friend at an extravagant party. What begins as a coed erotica fantasy dissolves into horrors of a dark romance.

Katherine Zara, a single middle aged office worker, went about her day as she always had; wake up, go to work, come home and read or play games. However, today would be different. Before she left for work, her ex broke into her apartment and killed her. When she woke up, she was given many choices. She could pick her new world, pick her starting point, and pick her system among many other things. And so Katherine decided to become a servant to a villainess. Follow Katherine as she serves her petty, demanding mistress in a world of swords and magic. Additional: The Female Lead (Katherine) will be submissive to her mistress, but will be cold towards others. I plan on having some action, but mainly this will be a story about Katherine serving her mistress and leveling up her system.

Gu Changsheng lived for a hundred thousand years! Yue Feng massaged his feet for forty years, and eventually rose to become a hegemon! Han Sanqian carried his shoes for fifty years, and finally dominated a territory! Ye Fan played the servile dog for twenty years... And now, Gu Changsheng has entered into marriage to repay a debt of gratitude! Craven and submissive? Not a chance! He was bound to be absolutely wild...

It's funny, isn't it? Nobody asks to be born... None of us choose the life we are forced to live....And yet, we are bound to it, trapped in a world where strength defines everything. People worship when you are strong. They loathe when you are weak. They worship the god. They fear the devil. But why? Was it righteousness that gave the god victory over the devil, or was it simply strength? Why must we fear one and worship the other? Is the god so righteous? Is the devil so weak? Would Wang Xiao still have everything if he were weak? Would they still worship him? Would those women have submitted so easily? No. It's always the strength. Power rules all. A man can own kingdoms, riches, even love—but lose his strength, and the world turns on him. His woman, the one who once looked at him with admiration, will crush him underfoot if she finds him unworthy. His own children, born of his blood, will stare at him with contempt, their eyes filled with disappointment. What is love if not submission to power? What is loyalty but the price of dominance? Wang Xiao has learned this bitter truth. The sacrifices he made, the pain he endured, meant nothing. Without strength, he was nothing. But no longer... He has seen the lie, the illusion of it all... And now, the ancient myths rise once more, the gods claw their way from forgotten graves, and Wang Xiao, mistaken for the 8th Prince, feared by gods and mortals alike, finds himself at the center of it all. Seven goddesses, each more beautiful, more dangerous than the last, now circle him, bound by fate. Their charm is powerful, their desires even more so. The guardian of the Atlantic tears apart nations to possess him. The Desert Princess offers her entire empire as a gift, yearning for his love... Even an ancient being, her power stripped away, bends her knee in submission, once feared, now powerless before him. But would they have bowed if he were weak? Would they have loved him, served him, feared him? No. It's always the strength. "He 'who' covers the sky with his hand," they whisper. "The gods who once played with universes like orbs... he'll make them swallow their own spit in fear." Wang Xiao's gaze hardens as he stares at his reflection. The weak are forgotten... Strength is all that matters. "The world doesn't care for the weak," Wang Xiao whispers to his reflection. "Your woman will turn her back, people will spit on your name... They'll forget you ever existed... everything you did for them would be insignificant and forgetten...Strength is all that truly matters." And so, Wang Xiao will take what's his. The gods, playing with the universe like toys, will fall. The devils, pulling at the strings of fate, will lose their grip. He will strip them of their power, their kingdoms, their very souls, if that's what it takes. He isn't their pawn. Not anymore. Would they have bowed if he were weak? Would they have given themselves so easily? Would they have even cared? No. It's always the strength. Wang Xiao is no longer the man he once was. No longer human. No longer weak. He is the deviant. And the world will soon know what that truly means. --------------- #NoYuri #NoNTR #Threesome #Harem #Strong to Stronger #Elf #Gore #Evil MC #Conquor #Action #Adventure #Imperial Harem #Revenge #Daughters #Fellatio #Supernatural #Urbanfantasy #Superpowers #Cultivation #Goddess #First-time Intercourse #Villain ---------------- Warning: The Novel is based upon a fictional Earth, and any resemblance is mere coincidence! Discord: https://discord.gg/dsc4fftBeF **Cover Page is not owned by Author**

In the vast expanse of a realm divided, two illustrious kingdoms, Cheongug and Jiog, found themselves entangled in a web of misunderstandings. What began as a mere miscommunication gradually festered into a bitter feud, igniting the fires of conflict that would engulf the lands in a devastating war. Yet, unbeknownst to the warring factions, there lay a mystery so profound, its unravelling held the key to their salvation. Within the fabric of this unfolding tale, stories of great import had been meticulously woven, their threads entwined with the destinies of both kingdoms. Like ancient manuscripts concealed in the recesses of time, these tales held wisdom, guidance, and the power to shape the future. Meanwhile, even the divine forces themselves, the Gods who presided over the realms, were not immune to the allure of secrets. For amidst the chaos and turmoil, they too had veiled something of extraordinary significance, a celestial secret yearning to be discovered. As the wheels of war began to turn, both kingdoms grappled with the weight of their misconceptions, each side believing their cause to be just. But little did they realize that buried within their shared history and intertwined fates were the clues to unravel the enigma that held them captive. In the shadowy depths of this conflict, where swords clashed and soldiers cried out in anguish, the key to resolution lay concealed, waiting for intrepid souls to embark on a quest for truth. For it was through the unearthing of these hidden tales, the deciphering of the ancient texts, and the unmasking of the divine secret that a glimmer of hope would arise—a chance to heal the wounds of misunderstanding and bring forth a future where unity and harmony would prevail. As the war drums reverberated across the kingdoms, and the Gods watched from their celestial thrones, the stage was set for a grand tapestry of discovery, where the destinies of nations, the power of stories, and the enigmatic designs of the divine would converge in a cataclysmic clash of revelation and redemption.

“You’ll regret this,” Aria spat, her heart breaking as she stared into the eyes of the man who once promised her the world. But Logan Vance only smiled, stepping back as he watched the light drain from her eyes. In a world where power is everything, Aria Callahan was the Luna who was forgotten—betrayed by her own mate, cast aside like she meant nothing. But when fate gives her a second chance, she’s no longer the weak, submissive woman she once was. Reborn with fire in her veins, Aria is determined to claim what’s hers and destroy those who betrayed her. When she catches the eye of Dante Blackwood, the Alpha feared by all, their fates become intertwined in ways neither can deny. He’s dangerous, dominant, and everything she was taught to fear. But Aria’s no longer afraid. With her new life, she’s out for blood. And if that means falling for the one Alpha her first mate feared? So be it.

WARNING: This story will contain adult content After Thanos gave Loki the scepter the mind stone hidden inside unexpectedly activates, showing Loki that his plans to conqueror Earth were doomed to failure from the very beginning, ultimately leading to his death at the hands of Thanos. To avoid his fate he creates a new plan, far more glorious and ambitious than conquering a planet of primitives. He sets his sights on collecting the infinity stones for himself to create a kingdom of his own to rule. In his search he discovers Vers(Carol Danvers), a living infinity gauntlet that he can use to safely harness the full power of the stones. He captures her, using the mind stone to dominate her will, and turn the powerful and proud warrior into his unwilling slave. Stripped of her powers, and military training, Vers(Carol) finds herself more vulnerable than ever been before, slipping further and further under the control of the God of Mischief as she battles against her growing submissive desires and lust.

He married the daughter of the Lancaster family purely for revenge. He expected her to be obedient and submissive, not to resist or show emotions—a perfect pawn in his plan for vengeance. However, when his gaze locked onto the third daughter of the Lancaster family, the one who barged into the living room was her—disheveled and stained with blood. She seemed ordinary, but beneath the surface, she hid an unknown sharpness. "Do you love me?" he asked coldly. "You're crazy!" she rolled her eyes in disdain. In that moment, he smiled with satisfaction, believing he had everything under control. But she fought back. Marrying him was merely one step in her own plan. Four years later, with the Lancaster family completely destroyed, she threw the divorce papers in his face, smiling like the final victor: "Albert Wilson, have you finished using me? Thank you for making me think I once loved you. Now, never see me again, even in death." Just as she turned to leave in triumph, she accidentally walked into a gang's arms deal, and an explosion forever separated her from him. It was only when he found the two-month pregnancy test result among her belongings that he realized he had lost the only salvation of his life.

At the beginning of the year picked up a small beggar, put the coffin store to do long work. 　　The little beggar literate, but also a little boxing, to the beginning of the year a submissive. 　　Recently, the first day of the year for a thing annoying, that is, the small beggar's lifelong affairs, running before and after to help match a number of times in-laws, are to fail. 　　Until one day, she saw the little beggar look at their eyes, as if there is so a throw wrong ...... 　　...... 　　“If you want to live steadily in this world, you have to pretend to be deaf and dumb ......” 　　He kept the words of the Sister in mind and became a passerby in an unknown town. 　　He knew that there was poison hidden in his body, and he thought that every time the poison struck him was the most painful thing he had ever experienced. 　　Later, he realized that the person who stretched out her delicate finger towards him was even more poisonous, and for her, he was willing to risk his life many times, poisoned into his heart ......

Julius Fondatore is an Italian historian that specializes in Roman history. Graduating from the Sapienza University of Rome, he has scoured and read almost all the historical manuscripts available in the many libraries and museums of Italy. One morning while he was on his way to his usual coffee shop, he noticed a seemingly new bookstore that had opened. While passing, his eyes quickly glanced towards the direction of a top selling novel displayed under the fantasy section entitled, “Veni, Vidi, Vici – Rise of Rome in Another World”. Intrigued, Julius bought the book intending to read it while enjoying coffee. However, tragedy stuck when the seemingly newly built bookstore collapsed, crushing the young man in the process. When he woke up, he found himself in a fantastical world of magic as the first consul of the human city, Roma.

He was the strictest Dom, loves to control women and she was a free bird, didn't like to be controlled by anybody. He was into the BDSM and she hates it. He was finding a challenging submissive for himself and she was a perfect match for him but she wasn't ready to accept his offer because she lived her life without any rules and regulations. She wanted to fly high like a free bird without any limitations. He has a burning desire to control her because she was his perfect choice but she was a hard nut to crack. He was crazy to make her his submissive and control her mind, soul and body. What will be the spark between them? Will it end with Dom dropping the whip or the bird getting into the cage? To know these answers join the cute and intense journey of the hot and strictest Master and his cute little butterfly. *** "I flared up by looking at the person like you." "What do you mean by this?" "I mean you're a Dominant who controls people life and I hate it." "You don't know anything, butterfly. At least experience it, then hate it." "It will be better if I throw you out of the cafe by kicking your *ss." His eyes widened a bit in shock. "This will also be a new experience for me." I grinned. "Butterfly, you will regret if you ever do this to me or even say this to me again." His tone became stern suddenly. "Oh, I'm so scared." I scoffed. "F*ck you and get the hell out of my cafe if you don't want me to kick your *ss." He frowned and dragged me to the backside of the cafe by seizing my wrist. Then he pushed me into the party hall and hurriedly locked the door. "What the f*ck do you think of yourself? You," "Shut up." He roared, cutting my words. He again grasped my wrist and dragged me to the sofa. He sat down and with a swift motion, he yanked me down and bent me over his lap. He pinned me against the sofa by pressing his hand on my back and locked my legs between his legs. What he is doing? Fear rushed down my spine.

Short stories and poetry all in one. A collection of internal monologues and thoughts.

#Age gap #taboo #Erotica #Smut #love triangle #boyxgirl #BDSM #dominant #possessive #submissive #poortorich #billionaire #mafia Milo was the most dangerous mobster in Russia and I was his slave, his sex toy, and his property. He was one step closer from branding me as his. He killed anyone who got close to me or touched me in any way. He showered me with luxury and gifts that I would have never afforded myself. I didn’t care that he had many enemies who would use me to get to him. He was everything I could have dreamt of and more. The only problem was, I was 19 yrs his junior and I was his son’s ex-girlfriend. I found myself caught between father and son. Was blood really thicker than love? My name is Emilie and this is how Milomir Petrov ruined my life. {Daily updates of two chapters} {100 powerstones = 4 bonus chapters} {50 golden tickets = 6 bonus chapters}

I spent years avoiding poetry, and what happens? Got me when I least expected it. Born after seeing a tv programme. Pushed by a need to escape from writing that epic. Reflexes to landscapes, skyscapes and flowers: Reflexes to music that stirs the beat. Dances. A Poetry Collection.

Hellow guys! This is a book filled with peoms and poetry!And just lil heads-up,I'm the author that writes usually when I grieve so I hope you enjoy reading it

'Three years of love turned to lies. A Luna’s destiny shattered. Grieving a stolen child and scars that run deeper than skin, I made my choice: escape the pack or die in their grip. My revenge will be as fierce as the beast within me.' 'Hiding from my pack, I served the ruthless Lycan King. His offer was simple—one night in exchange for saving lives. But one night became a battle of hearts, and I can’t lose again—not even to love.' The Lycan King, Fenrir Lycros—the most bloodthirsty, ruthless ruler to ever lead the werewolves with an iron fist—made me his personal maid. It was the most dangerous role I could have, where even the slightest mistake could cost me my life. But no one from my past would think to look for me here. “Always be submissive, don’t speak unless spoken to, don’t listen, don’t see anything, don’t disturb the Lycan or you will die,” were the simple rules I followed. I thought I was doing well—until one day, the King made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. “Do you want me to save those people? Then give yourself to me tonight. Be my woman. I desire you, and I know you feel the same. Just once, Raven, only once…” But it wasn’t just once. Passion turned into something deeper, something neither of us could deny. That cold, untamable man had somehow conquered my heart as well. However, when the past returned to haunt me and the truth about my birth came to light, I faced another choice: run from the Lycan King or wait for his mercy. “I’m sorry, but this time, I won’t lose my pups again—not even for you, Fenrir Lycros.”

Following the 3rd lyric book release of "Happily Ever After" released in 2022, Dancing Alone in The Dark" is a part of a 2 ACT series, official follow up and 4th (4-5th) lyric book projects by singer/songwriter, Darius Clayton. Set To Release June 21st, of 2024. (First Updated: Bio On November 13th 2023.) (Last Updated: Bio On March 22nd 2024.) ACT II. Out August 1st. Let the poetry speak for itself.

In the Shadows of Rapture When the world is suddenly and violently altered by the mysterious disappearance of millions, those left behind find themselves struggling to comprehend the devastation and spiritual implications. Among them is Elena, a young woman caught between grief and disbelief, and Eliam, a pragmatic survivor who clings to reason even as everything he knows crumbles. As chaos spreads and humanity teeters on the brink, a new and unexpected force emerges: aliens who claim to bring salvation and unity under their enigmatic leader, Xareth. At first, Xareth's arrival brings promises of hope, order, and freedom for those who accept the mark of allegiance. But as the true nature of his reign unfolds, the allure of survival morphs into a chilling realization: submission comes at the price of humanity's very soul. Amidst rampant immorality and a world overtaken by false peace, Elena and Eliam must navigate the fine line between hope and despair, resisting the seductive pull of an easy life under the shadow of oppression. Natural disasters grow in ferocity, the stars themselves threaten to fall, and whispers of a greater truth about the alien invaders begin to surface. Time runs out as the survivors are forced to confront what’s left of their beliefs and grapple with a world that has abandoned prayer and faith. The final countdown arrives with Xareth’s plan revealed in its entirety, leaving humanity with a singular and haunting call to action: repent, or face an unthinkable end. "In the Shadows of Rapture" is a thrilling, apocalyptic tale of survival, betrayal, and the fight for truth in a world that has lost its way. It challenges readers to consider what remains when all hope is gone and pushes them to reflect on their own beliefs when faced with a future as dark as night.

COVER COMING SOON! My teacher is submissive for me?!?... 18+ smut Updated 1 chapter minimum daily Average 500-600 words per chapter 23 yr old teacher x 19 year old student BL

Simon the future alpha of The Moonlight Pack is raised by strict parents who teach their children how to keep to time and do household tasks in order to help their mom. Evelyn the omega was abandoned on the border of moonlight pack in a basket. she was rapped in a cloth with the name Evelyn. She is the alpha's first mate.she is abused without the knowledge of the Alpha family. Joanne the submissive alpha, she was a strong alpha outside but a submissive to her mates. She is a mermaid from the Atlantic ocean. she is a well mannered and calm alpha. She is a great leader to her school since she took over at the age of 17 as per tradition. Peace is a strong and sassy alpha dragon. She does not take rubbish from people and her clan. If she wants to tell you the truth about you, she will tell it to you straight away. People think that she is rude most of the time.

One-line summary: She is his lifelong obsession, to the point where he was willing to be a third wheel, scorned by society, just to wedge his way into her relationship with her fiancé. Synopsis: Cold-hearted and indifferent female lead + Scheming and subservient CEO male lead Summary: Rong Xiu’s biggest regret in life was missing out on Fan Xia. He secretly loved Fan Xia for 7 years. Watched her go public with her boyfriend. Watched her kiss her boyfriend at their wedding. Until that man blissfully nestled in Fan Xia’s arms, obtaining everything he could only dream of. The crazy jealousy stripped away his hidden secret love, layer by layer, burning like wildfire. Fan Xia, how can I have you! 【Reading and Trigger Warning Guide】 1. Female dominant, male submissive, male pregnancy 2. Male lead schemes his way to the top, male competition Author: Hai Da Ren

BLURB: In the cutthroat world of corporate finance, one mistake can destroy everything. CEO Alex Thompson and Emily Taylor's illicit affair is fraught with danger, but their hunger for each other can't be denied.Emily finds herself working for the mysterious man she had a one-night stand with, Alex. Their secret relationship was threatened after Rebecca, Alex's fiancée, came back to the country after her studies. Explore the darker side of desire, where dominance and submission collide, and the consequences of passion are unrelenting.

The terror of ancient prophecies lies in the wait for death! The 9/11 attacks, the Indian Ocean tsunami, the Wenchuan earthquake… one prediction after another has been proven true. As 2012 approaches, are you ready? An ancient French poetry collection marked “Forbidden for Human Reading” hides an earth-shattering secret. Why have those who possessed this book met with untimely deaths? Why was Mars Barth, a once-respected prophet, expelled from the royal court? What connection does he have with the great seer Nostradamus? The tales of One Thousand and One Nights start to unfold in reality, as terrifying and bizarre events occur one after another. What deadly schemes lurk behind the world’s façade? The horrifying doomsday prophecy—2012 has become synonymous with the end of the world. Yet another prediction coincides with the mysterious prophecies of the Mayans. Will a cataclysmic disaster, tied to the fate of humanity, strike in 2012?

This is not a full on novel, rather an anthology of my poetry mostly about love over the years, Volume 1 is the better poetry and volume 2 is everything that’s not what I consider my quality poetry but still sharing it anyway. this explores mostly sad and angry themes featuring heartbreak so read at your own discretion

Spicy, domineering, cold FL X Quick, submissive, clever ML Liam considered himself cursed for he was the only man in the world who could give birth. Who knew why. It always made him feel small. His mother, disgusted by him, sold him off to a rich family where he got married. Valeria was a rich woman spoiled rotten by her family. Her unique appearance earned her criticism and unique treatment making her hate everything and everyone. Moreover, for some odd reason, she couldn't give birth at all! What will happen when they are forced into marriage? ......... "What's wrong?" she asked when she saw tears at the corner of his eyes. "You! You did it!" "Me? What did I do?" "You... you... you...!" "Oh, you mean when I made you scream my name?" She smiled proudly. ......... *mature content* FL and ML are equally strong but FL dominates the relationship.

For many years, the Carrians have lorded over Ciricos. However, their mighty legions have been stretched thin, as they have foes on multiple sides. Thus, they have hired the Maerkenien, warlike people that were far removed from mainland politics, isolated in an archipelago on the far west of the Great Ocean. They have made a grave mistake, however. They bankrupted themselves with lavish niceties, leaving none for their hired sellswords. They have appeased them with granting them land charters in the potential-full Isle, a backwater that Carrian pioneers have settled on for a century, though it is infested with the natives of the Isle, unwilling to accept civilization encroaching on their lands. However, the Maerkenien grow discontent, with no coin from the Carrians, the fuse of war have just been lit, and it is a matter of time before it goes off. (For the Royal Road staff that have rejected my submission of this story in their website, here is the link to my account in Royal Road: https://www.royalroad.com/profile/573444/fictions I hope you reconsider the rejection, as I will be updating this story on both here on WebNovel and Royal Road! :D)

Desperate circumstances force Lily Sinclair to accept an offer she can’t refuse, now she's bound to a dominating beast who ridicules her. Damian Reed, a ruthless billionaire, makes her an offer that feels like a trap in exchange for playing the role of his perfect wife— submissive behind closed doors and in public too. He manipulates her every move with a cruelty but Lily swears she won’t break, no matter how far he pushes her. How long can she resist the beast who controls her every moment? Or will she find herself falling into the very trap he’s set for her heart?

****WARNING MATURE CONTENT**** King Viktor is a tyrant ruler who wants absolute and total control over his Kingdom. He gets rid of all who are a threat to his power and all around him fear him. He forces the three most powerful nobles in the kingdom he feels most threatened by to marry his stepsister Princess Kara to keep an eye on them and to take over their possessions. To traumatize and humiliate them, so they are more submissive to his power, he instructs the idiot sex-crazed princess on what to do with them. However, things take a turn for Viktor when Kara suddenly starts to act differently. Courtney is an ordinary salary-woman who suddenly finds herself in a book she’s recently read as a character destined to die, Princess Kara. She’s mortified as she’s forced to find a way to prevent Kara’s death which entails evading the suspicious watchful eyes of King Viktor and the anger of Kara’s three husbands who hate her for all the things she’s done to them. (THIS STORY IS A PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER SO EXPECT SOME MESSED-UP STUFF) ***Cover art is not mine***

SHE USED TO LOVE HIM, IT GOT TOO MUCH FOR HER AND SHE THOUGHT THE BEST THING FOR HER WAS TO LEAVE HIM. IT WAS HER FIRST TIME LOVING SOMEONE THAT MUCH. SHE WAS SCARED HE'LL BREAK HER HEART LIKE OTHERS DID BUT SHE BROKE HIS HEART INSTEAD. SHE DIDN'T WANT TO FEEL THE HURT OF HEARTBREAK AGAIN SO WHEN HE MADE A LITTLE MISTAKE AND HURT HER, SHE TOOK IT SO GRAND AND BROKE THINGS OFF. AT THAT TIME SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS DOING THE BEST THING FOR HER, SHE DIDN'T KNOW SHE WAS PUTTING HER SELF IN YEARS OF PAIN TO COME. HE BEGGED AND BEGGED FOR THEM TO GET BACK TOGETHER BUT SHE RAN LIKE THE COWARD SHE IS AND LEFT HIM FOR GOOD. AT FIRST AFTER SHE LEFT HIM, SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS GOOD, SHE HAS ALWAYS BEEN GOOD WITH KEEPING HER EMOTIONS IN CHECK NOT UNTIL SHE COULDN'T MOVE ON. SHE COMPARED EVERY MAN WHO WAS EVER INTERESTED IN HER WITH HIM AND THEY WHERE NEVER GOOD ENOUGH.EITHER TOO AGGRESSIVE, TALL, SUBMISSIVE, ARROGANT. NO ONE WAS EVER AS PERFECT AS HE WAS, SO SHE STARTED TO REGRET HER ACTION AND WISH SHE FORGAVE HIM WHEN HE ASKED FOR IT. SO, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY MET AGAIN TWO YEARS LATER WITH HER STILL BEING SINGLE AS EVER AND HIM BEING IN A COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS THEN CLOSE FRIEND. LET WATCH THE JOURNEY OF HOW THEY MET AND SEPARATED, AND WHEN THEY MET AGAIN, IF THEY GOT BACK OR THEY ARE BETTER OFF SEPARATED? BE THE JUDGE!