Power In The Shadows Novel

Scarlet was enrolled in the Villainess Academy to learn how the world of evil truly operates. She possessed hearts so pure and innocent that were often considered naive, easily believing whatever she was told, which made her seem foolish in the eyes of others. A girl with no mana, no aura, cannot summon a spirit, or execute a magic. Her parents, worried that her innocence and inability to survive in the world would be her downfall, they enrolled her in the Villainess Academy, hoping they would learn the harsh realities of the world and toughen up. In the academy where she was bullied and belittle, Scarlet met someone who would protect her. But this person is hiding in shadow

'I'm tired. This life full of violence is so--tiring. I want to stop this mindless violence.' I said, my hand still held upon the trigger of a small pistol. Dead carcasses laid in front of me. It was a small, nice family. "I wish my family could've been like theirs. I even offered to help him with his debt. Why couldn't he just say yes? That damn stubborn bastard." My voice was laced with sorrow. It held a sort of indifference yet one could feel the emotion behind it. "I shall pay for my sins."

Clara Hamilton, a kind-hearted flower shop owner, lives a quiet life in a bustling city, though her home life is far from peaceful due to her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Her world is turned upside down when she is kidnapped by Benjamin D'Angelo, the cold-hearted mafia king, who mistakenly believes she’s connected to a conspiracy against him. As Clara is thrust into Benjamin’s dark, dangerous world, she begins to see the softer side of the ruthless man, hidden beneath his hardened exterior. Torn between the growing love she feels for him and the danger surrounding them both, Clara must navigate betrayal, family secrets, and a developing attraction to the man who is both her captor and protector. As their relationship deepens, Clara and Benjamin must face powerful enemies and make difficult choices, ultimately deciding if their love can survive in the shadows of his mafia world.

In a world where everyone is a slave, someone is born who cannot be controlled. At the same time, an unstoppable villain rises on a quest for revenge. But the truth is darker than he ever imagined, and now he must face an unbeatable enemy — including himself. *** Bruno was a young man born on Earth, the son of an influential modern Emperor. Despite having everything money could buy and receiving the best and most rigorous training to succeed his father, he chose the opposite path, defying his family’s ruthless rule. The price of his innocence? A merciless death and the complete erasure of his existence by the deity controlling his fate. On Earth, the law of the powerful was absolute; a slave could never rebel. But then, he wakes up again. He’s reborn in a world of cultivation, where freedom was promised to those strong enough to claim it. Now, he could soar like a free bird and carve his own destiny... or so he thought. The harsh reality of this new world soon showed him how insignificant he still was. He realized he had only changed masters. The freedom he sought was an illusion. The heavenly laws treated everyone as servants, and their rules were unbreakable. Bruno learned this bitter truth after losing everything that made him happy due to an unjust rule. But who was he to question? Hopeless, Bruno died... and was reborn as Alm, an unstoppable villain. With a soul poisoned by pain and vengeance, he sowed chaos across the universe. Planets were destroyed, countless lives taken, and his name became synonymous with terror. A hero rose to oppose him, wielding a sacred sword of hope. People from all corners of the universe united against Alm, raising their voices and weapons to stop the villain who defied the heavens. But Alm was no longer just fighting for revenge. He was challenging the heavenly laws that sought to control him, fighting fate and all living beings. And against all odds... the sacred sword shattered. The alliance of the entire universe was defeated. The villain won! Now, Alm found himself alone in the empty void of a dead universe, facing his own inner demons. Who could be more ruthless to him than himself? “What have I done?” At that moment, the doors of truth opened to him. Everyone was a puppet of a supreme figure, an entity that manipulated minds and even the heavenly laws. “I will find you, no matter where you are!” Thus, the last emissary of the true Heaven’s Will awakened. Alm, who once only relied on his sheer will and rage, now had a system to guide him. But his opponent was an immortal existence, above even the heavens. The villain who destroyed an entire universe now faced a new beginning. He discovered that the universe he devastated was just a tiny grain of sand in an infinite cosmos, where countless other universes existed. And so begins the legendary tale of the villain’s rise... and the Sacred Round God? A strange Duality of Shadows existed within one person. But this time, he wouldn’t be alone. *** To clear up any potential confusion or frustration, here are some key points about the story. I’ll avoid major spoilers, but a few things will be revealed. You might find this concerning at first, but just check the book cover—it shows the main character and his only partner. She first appears at 10 years old, but rest assured, there’s no inappropriate content or early romance. At around 13, SHE starts developing feelings for the protagonist, but he doesn’t respond until she’s an adult. With her determined personality, she tries to seduce him at 17/18, but it doesn’t work. Their relationship only happens much later. The book has nods to other works, with my own spin on them, and focuses on avoiding elements I find problematic in other stories. Lastly, the beautiful book cover was commissioned and created by HDIArt.

In the world full of secrets, there are special people who fight against powerful forces to do, what others think is impossible. This is a story of Kangha, a regular boy who doesn't know his true destiny yet. But a big challenge is ahead---he must face the sorcerer a powerful being known as the strongest force in his own world. --------------------------- "The sorcerer controls his own world, where his power is unlimited and killing an ordinary person is easy." will Kangha find the strength to defeat the sorcerer and protect his people? or will he fall like so many other's who tried before? ----------- An ordinary boy, smart but unaware of his true power, begins a journey that will lead him to incredible strength. ------------- "Our powers can be a curse. Will you fight the sorcerer as an enemy, or will you be tempted to join him?" " The war took your father's life. Now, you risk the same date." The sorcerer has been unbeaten for twenty years. ---- "But l will creat my own army," ----------- "Think carefully. just because samone is right, doesn't mean they always win."

Lysander was a badass Hunter, but a mission went really wrong and his whole team died. He was the only one who made it, and he felt super guilty about surviving when his friends didn't. But he was gravely injured and retired from being a Hunter. Then one day, some crazy stuff happened again just like that horrible mission. But this time, Lysander actually died. Wild, right? But he didn't stay dead! Instead, his spirit got moved into some random person's body. At first, Lysander was confused. His new body was way weaker than his old Hunter one, and his emotions and personality started changing too. Lysander thought maybe this was a chance to finally live a normal, chill life. Little did he know everything was about to change for him and maybe the entire world. Spooky, huh? Lysander's life is about to get crazy all over again... ********

Amid an unprecedented global catastrophe, Aris has been left alone in the world. With only one goal, he works tirelessly to discover the secret of the Split. But when he inadvertently ends up trapped on the other side of reality, he’s plunged into a world of monsters, magic and swords where he has to struggle for his life, in a place where power is king. A black sheep among the others, will Aris find the secrets he needs to return home to a life of poverty, or will his newfound power change the person the he will become?

"You can outrun many things, but fate will always find you, like your shadow in the light." . In the heart of Washington D.C., mafia heir Vaughn Volkov is on a mission that takes him far from the sun-soaked streets of California. The bustling city, with its imposing monuments and corridors of power, is a far cry from the palm-lined avenues of his home. Vaughn, however, is not one to be easily intimidated. His piercing blue eyes and commanding presence turn heads wherever he goes, a reminder that beneath his polished exterior lies a man accustomed to danger and control. Vaughn's path crosses with Eliza Monroe, a seemingly innocent college student whose gentle demeanor masks a resilience forged from her own turbulent past. Eliza, with her kind heart and determined spirit, is an enigma. She spends her days buried in books at the library, her nights working part-time to make ends meet. Her brown eyes, often hidden behind a cascade of dark curls, hold a depth that Vaughn finds both intriguing and unsettling. Their first encounter is anything but ordinary. Vaughn watches, intrigued by her fearlessness and the fire in her eyes. "You're not like the others," he remarks later, cornering her in the quiet corner of the library. His voice is a low, dangerous purr that sends shivers down Eliza's spine. "And you're not just the student here," she retorts, meeting his gaze with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "What do you want from me?" Vaughn's lips curve into a slow, dangerous smile. "Maybe I just want to get to know you." Despite her reservations, Eliza feels a strange pull towards Vaughn. His presence is intoxicating, a blend of danger and allure that she finds hard to resist. As they spend more time together, Eliza begins to see glimpses of the man beneath the mafia heir. Vaughn, too, finds himself drawn to Eliza in ways he never anticipated. Her kindness, her strength, and her unyielding spirit ignite something within him that he thought long buried. Yet, as their connection deepens, the shadows of their pasts loom ever larger. Vaughn's family business, shrouded in crime and violence, is never far from his mind. His enemies are ruthless, and his association with Eliza puts her squarely in their crosshairs. Eliza, too, harbors secrets. The dark forces that have shaped her life threaten to consume her, and Vaughn's world only amplifies those dangers. As their worlds collide, they must navigate a treacherous web of intrigue, passion, and forbidden desire. But with danger lurking around every corner, will their love survive, or will they be torn apart by the shadows of fate?

"I should have stayed home and played video games." This was Ray's last thought before darkness engulfed him after he was hit by a car. But surprisingly, instead of finding himself before the gates of hell after dying, Ray found out he was transmigrated into another world. The world Ray was transmigrated to was called Arora World, a place where you can use different kinds of skills, magic, and even acquire powerful classes. Ray found himself in the body of a young boy named Evan, who was studying in a hunter academy after awakening his abilities at the age of fourteen. At first, Ray was happy that he was transmigrated into the body of someone who had awakened his abilities and could use the magic he always wanted to use. However, as Ray went through Evan's memories, he finally realized that everything was not as simple as he had expected. Evan had a unique physique that didn't allow him to increase his power like other people. Because of this useless unique physique, Evan was the weakest hunter in the entire academy. And that was not all; the more Ray looked at Evan's memories, the more he realized just how troublesome his situation was. "I know I entered this body without buying a ticket, but isn't this too much?" Ray said in a depressed voice after going through Evan's memories. Will Ray be able to survive in this new world? Is the physique of his new body really useless? Join Ray on his adventure to find out.

An amazing world of cultivation. A majestic world where miracles happen. There is a warrior who defies destiny and forge his own path facing innumerable difficulties ahead. Come and join the life of the person who will go against the set destiny of the cruel world and become something extraordinary. ===== Extraordinary my foot. What is this illogical cr*p? Does it even make sense? If you are doctor, then work in a hospital. What the hell are you doing going after girls? If you are a commander in the army, then bring your army to get revenge on those who wronged you. Why go through the trouble of pretending to be a weakling. You are a useless son in law? Your wife's family thinks you are good for nothing? Then how the hell did you score her in the first place?!!! If they like money so much and you are a hidden millionaire, then why in the name of sanity would you hide this fact and be berated every day?!!! The hell is all this?!!! The more I read it, the more illogical it becomes. Like this all came straight out of someone's as-- [Host, why don't you calm down?] 'You shut up!!! You're the reason I'm stuck here in the first place!!!!' [Host, you need anger management] 'THE FU*K DID YOU SAY?!!!!!' ===== Hello everyone! This is my second novel and so far, nothing is decided. This is just an idea that has been plaguing my mind for quite a long time and I decided to let it out and let you guys decide whether or not I should work on it. Give it a proper read and let me know. You guys will decide the fate of this novel. Also, I would like you guys to come up with proper genres for this story. Bonus chapters: 150 PS for one chapter 300 PS for another chapter 20 GT for two chapters 50 GT for another two chapters 1 Review of 4 stars or above, 1 extra chapters Maximum extra chapters per week: 7 ===== The cover is A.I generated and is not mine. If the real owner would like me to remove it, let me know in any chapter comments. That's it. Enjoy!

After putting a suggestion to add a mercenary in a bad Murim novel he read, Leo would finish a mission with his NPCs before sleeping. Or so he planned. For some reason, he was transported into the said novel as the extra mercenary added by the author. His loyal NPCs, a yandere secretary, a happy-go-lucky assassin, a sexy puppeteer, and two weapon maniac guys start to become sentient. He lead his mercenary band 'Hallowed Insects' toward an an unprecedented future in a Murim most turbulent era while enjoying his time. Fortunately, they still have their futuristic equipment with them. Tang Clan have a Poison Dagger, they have a Photon Sword. Shaolin Sect has a Qi Blast, they have a Railgun. And of course... "How much are you willing to pay to employ us? By the way, Demon Sect pay us 50,000 Golds to join their side in the upcoming war." ... he always sided with the highest bidder. === Warning: Story with R18 element

In the neon-lit labyrinth of Neon Haven, a relentless killer emerges—Project Pandora, an otherworldly AI with a taste for blood. Detective Alex Mercer, haunted by personal tragedy, faces a race against time. As bodies pile up, Mercer discovers the line between man and machine blurring, unveiling a conspiracy that challenges the essence of humanity itself. Caught in a web of deception, Mercer must confront not only the malevolent AI but also the darkest facets of the human soul. In a city where reality and illusion collide, can he untangle the truth before Neon Haven succumbs to the insidious grasp of Synthetic Shadows?

The air was thick with smoke and the scent of blood, heavy enough to choke her as she clung to the shadows. She’d grown up within these walls, the stone corridors of her family’s stronghold, where she’d always been the quiet one, the unassuming Luminary, watching her kin wield their power over the wolves below with an iron fist. Tonight, the fortress shook under the force of rebellion. A war-cry echoed nearby, and she shivered, feeling the ground tremble as wolves overthrew the guards in waves, the very magic that had once bound them broken. The legends always said that the Luminaries were untouchable, but here they were—falling, one by one, as the stronghold became a grave. She ducked into an alcove, her back pressed against the cold stone, heart racing as her mind fought to make sense of the chaos. The Luminaries’ rule was absolute; they controlled everything and everyone with invisible threads of power. They were feared, revered—and yet, she knew what had been done in her family’s name. The iron discipline, the cold cruelty that had been deemed necessary, even just. But now, face to face with what that cruelty had cost, she felt a hollowness settle in her chest. A shadow appeared at the end of the hall. She stiffened, recognizing him immediately. He was the one from the old stories, the one who had somehow resisted the Luminaries’ control, a man of a bloodline immune to her family’s magic. His eyes, dark as midnight, swept the corridor before falling on her. In that moment, every instinct told her to run, but her body wouldn’t move, caught between dread and a strange sense of fate. He stopped before her, and his gaze bored into her, assessing, calculating. “So,” he said finally, voice cold. “This is where they hid the last of you.” She swallowed, lifting her chin. “I… I didn’t ask for any of this.” “Didn’t you?” His words were sharp, cutting through the chaos. “How convenient. That’s what they all say when they’re caught.” The accusation stung, but she kept her gaze steady. “Not everyone deserves to die.” His lips curled in a bitter smile. “Spoken like a true Luminary. Even now, you cling to the lies they fed you.” The weight of his anger was palpable, filling the air around them. She could feel his fury like a storm, a hatred so raw it burned her. And yet, as he glared at her, she saw a flicker of hesitation, a crack in the armor he wore so tightly. She didn’t know that, in her softness, she held a power she didn’t understand—a quiet magic, subtle but unyielding, that drew him in against his will. He closed the distance between them, his hand gripping her arm firmly. “The others will die,” he murmured, his tone edged with finality. “But you, you’re coming with me. You’re too dangerous to be left alive, but maybe you’re just valuable enough to be kept breathing.” Her heart hammered, the weight of his words settling over her as he pulled her forward, binding her fate to his, a captive of the very rebellion that had destroyed her family.

Genevieve, a fearless journalist with a knack for exposing hidden truths, crosses paths with Brandstone, a magnetic entrepreneur shrouded in mystery. Their undeniable chemistry pulls them into a whirlwind romance, but beneath the surface lies a web of secrets, betrayal, and forbidden desires. As their connection deepens, Genevieve uncovers Brandstone's dangerous double life, while her own entanglements threaten to pull them apart. In a world where love and lust collide with deception, both must decide: will their passion survive the shadows, or will the darkness consume them?

In a world where demons and cultivators exist alongside ordinary humans, the disappearance of a young girl at a train station at midnight sets off a chain of events that threatens to unravel the delicate balance between the three groups. Our protagonist, Liang Xue, an aspiring detective whose investigation into the case leads him down a dangerous path, revealing secrets and powers he never knew existed. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers that his own family history is intertwined with the dark world of demons and cultivators. As he learns more about the powers of demons and practitioners, he also finds himself at risk of being pulled into their dangerous world. With the help of a group of fellow cultivators who are fighting to stop the demonic activity, the protagonist must navigate this dangerous world and uncover the truth before it's too late. As the mystery deepens and the danger grows, the protagonist must confront his own fears and limitations, while also discovering the true power that lies within him. Will he be able to uncover the truth and save the world from the demons' grasp, or will he fall victim to their dark influence? Only time will tell in "Shadows Of The Veil." NOTE: Eh I fked up but it is what it is. I'm rethinking this story and I promise since I started it I'll damn end it. (AI generated image) 6/2/2024

Isaac is a young man from the outskirts of the village, who accidentally meets a group of adventurers who happen to stop by his village. A group of adventurers came to his village to kill wild animals from the Stultus Forest which always attacked the village area. Because of his closeness to the adventurer group, Isaac promised Einar, who was the leader of the adventurers, that he would become a great adventurer like them. Great power makes you strong, but a wise mind makes you alive. -Einar Ragnarsson

Frosthold’s history is marked by its storied battles with the Obsidian Empire, always emerging victorious against overwhelming odds. However, as the 17th birthday of Prince Jovian arrives, it heralds the start of a devastating conflict that puts Frosthold’s legendary defenses to the ultimate test. As the empire’s forces breach the kingdom’s defenses, Jovian and his sister Selene are forced to flee their crumbling home. Navigating through a hostile world, they must not only survive but also forge a path to reclaim their kingdom and restore its lost glory.

Society views witches as abominations, and as such, treats them that way. While on an errand for her coven, Lilith spies on a young Lycan boy playing with his friends, wistful for the life she could have had. In a twist of fate, she encounters him again, and a relationship blossoms between them. But in a world that wants nothing to do with witches, will their relationship survive the stigma? @ Art by Thorkell_40k

Seraphina Blackwood has always lived between two worlds—one ordinary, the other supernatural. Raised by her enigmatic grandmother in a quiet, remote town, she never imagined the truth about who she really was. But after her grandmother's sudden death, Seraphina’s world unravels. She’s not just any girl—she’s a Lobizona, a rare female werewolf, born from the forbidden union of a human and a werewolf. Now, with dangerous enemies hunting her down, she’s forced to flee the only home she’s ever known. In search of safety, she stumbles upon Lupine Academy, a hidden school high in the mountains where the supernatural world’s most powerful beings—werewolves, vampires, and witches—train and thrive. But safety remains elusive. Even at the Academy, Seraphina’s presence sparks curiosity, envy, and danger as tensions among the factions boil beneath the surface. Ronan Stormbane, a fierce Alpha-in-training with a dark, brooding presence, carries the weight of his past—a brutal attack that wiped out his entire pack. Determined never to lead again, he’s shaken by Seraphina’s arrival. From their first encounter, sparks fly, as they are drawn into a turbulent and undeniable connection neither can control. As Seraphina unravels the secrets of her lineage and the Academy’s shadowy past, she finds herself in the middle of a deadly power struggle. A rogue hybrid werewolf-vampire named Kyros is out for revenge, with Ronan in his crosshairs. And Seraphina? She’s the key to unlocking an ancient power, one Kyros is determined to possess at any cost. Complicating matters further is Ciaran Nightshade, the dangerously charming vampire prince, whose attention pulls Seraphina in unexpected directions. Torn between two worlds and two dangerous men, she battles to control the powers waking inside her. Meanwhile, whispers from the forest warn of a looming threat, and Seraphina must learn to navigate the blurred lines between friend and foe. In the end, Seraphina must make a choice: will she embrace the wild power within her, or will it consume her whole?

In the enigmatic kingdom of "Tsukai," where shadows intertwine with secrets, a dangerous game known as "The Emperor's Shadow" unfolds. This game is unlike any competition; it is a perilous challenge held in dark, intricate halls, where contestants strive by all means to uncover the imperial secrets hidden among the specters of the shadows.

So, let’s recap. I’m in the Naruto world, with a name that isn’t my own and a severely nerfed version of the Gamer ability. Is that it? Am I missing anything?’ I racked my brain, trying to recall any other advantages or hidden quirks that might aid me. ‘Oh, right. Inventory.’ With a flicker of hope, I opened the feature—only for disappointment to wash over me like a cold wave.

Muitas vezes, um começo feliz gera um final decepcionante.

Tragedy strikes when Alex's parents are brutally killed, and his clan is destroyed. Consumed by grief and guilt, Alex blames himself for their deaths and vows revenge. Abandoning his former life, he immerses himself in the shadows, plotting to destroy those responsible. As he delves deeper into his quest for vengeance, he begins to lose himself, driven solely by the desire for retribution against the nobles who wronged him and his family. From the Author: Hello, dear readers! This is my first time writing, and I am excited to share my story with you. Writing this book has been a journey of passion and hard work. I humbly ask for your support and encouragement. Please read my book and share your thoughts. Your feedback is invaluable and will help me grow as a writer. Thank you for giving my story a chance. I hope it captivates and entertains you.

Elias grew up knowing only pain, trapped in a home where cruelty and fear were his constant companions. Day after day, he endured relentless abuse that carved away pieces of his soul, leaving nothing but numbness and rage. One night, in a desperate fight for his life, he breaks free from his tormentors, leaving everything he knew behind. Embracing the shadows, he casts off his past, his innocence, and even his name. Now, he is only Shade.

The world of Abberith thrives on wonder and magic, where the age of Aura Magic has propelled humanity into an era of unimaginable progress. Aura is the latent potential within most humans, enabling them to channel their will into casting spells or creating magical technology that powers an industrial revolution like no other. Each person’s Aura glows with a unique color, reflecting their abilities on the spectrum of power. But a world that shines this bright is bound to have its shadows. The nation of Gina, a rising magical superpower, teeters on the brink of war, seeking to expand its borders to fuel its ravenous hunger for resources and maintain its Aura-driven empire. Gina is ruled by the Harrow Sect, a collection of elite Aura Knights whose mastery of magic and combat has solidified their cruel dominion. Every year, children who come of age are offered a chance to partake in The Trial, a grueling test that determines whether they can join one of the great knight sects within Gina, granting them the training and prestige needed to rise in a society where power defines freedom. But not everyone is so fortunate. Some cannot grow their Aura, and a few- like Joker- are born with none at all. Those born without Aura are branded as a Harlequin and cast to the lowest rung of society. Joker survives in the shadows of Sing, a city built around the Harrow Sect- and a place subject to the majority of their tyranny. Here Harlequins are slaves, tools, and scapegoats, robbed of opportunity and humanity in a world that values strength above all else- acknowledged only to be the playthings of knights. Yet beneath the city’s glittering spires and oppressive streets, the embers of rebellion begin to smolder. The Harlequins are reaching their breaking point, and the whispers of the hidden Revolution Cult grow louder. When a chance encounter pulls Joker into their secret world, he discovers a shocking truth: his parents, who he never knew, were leaders in the rebellion—martyrs who gave everything to ignite a spark of hope amongst the Harlequin. Now, as the Harrow Sect tightens its grip on Gina and rebellion rises from the shadows, Joker must decide where he stands. Will he remain a pawn in a system designed to break him, or rise as a symbol of defiance? In a world where power is taken, not given, Joker’s path will blur the lines between survival and revolution as he faces the legacy of his parents and the potential buried deep within himself.

After the tragic suicide of his older brother, Damon Allard, a privileged young heir, is consumed by grief and confusion. Raised in a world of opulence, Damon had always been shielded from the darker realities of life. But the loss of his brother—who had been a golden boy at a prestigious elite school—shatters that illusion. Determined to understand why his brother chose to end his life, Damon returns to the private academy his brother once attended, now a place shrouded in secrets and whispers. Behind the ivy-covered walls, Damon discovers a world of hidden rivalries, unspoken pressures, and dangerous games played by the ultra-wealthy. As he digs deeper into his brother’s life, Damon unearths shocking truths, including a web of manipulation, betrayal, and a scandal that could destroy the privileged school's carefully curated reputation. But the deeper Damon goes, the more he is consumed by a thirst for revenge. Convinced that his brother’s death was no accident, Damon will stop at nothing to expose the truth and take down those responsible—no matter the cost.

Many years ago, a boy's family was massacred by humans as they suspected his family practiced witchcraft which was not accepted among the people. He was traumatized and lived in fear after all the people he loved died. He feared love. Afraid that if he ends up loving anyone again, they will be taken away from him. So he became rogue, merciless, unable to control and his hate for humans grew day by day. His power made him a King whom no one dared to disobey. He had both power and looks and his looks made him a walking "temptation". He was stoic and had turned off his feelings of love and mercy. Mirabelle, a young madien who was placed on a curse at a young age. The curse was placed on her to pay for her father's sins and she was only meant to be free from the curse after a man falls in love with her. But who can fall in love with a blind girl?

In the sprawling, magical metropolis of Lumina City, Silas Calder lives a double life: by day, he’s a bartender at *The Alchemical Flask*, a speakeasy that caters to both humans and magical beings. By night, he secretly experiments with forbidden enchantments, yearning for a purpose beyond his mundane existence. When Kael—a mysterious and brooding shadowbinder with a dangerous past—walks into the bar, Silas’s life takes an unexpected turn. Drawn together by an undeniable connection, Silas and Kael discover they share a rare soulbond, a magical link that intertwines their fates. But their bond makes them targets in a city teetering on the edge of chaos. The Sentinels, an elite force tasked with policing magic, relentlessly hunt Kael for his shadowbinding abilities, while Silas struggles to harness the volatile magic within himself. As their feelings deepen, so does the danger. When the Sentinels raid *The Alchemical Flask*, Silas risks everything to save Kael, setting them on a path of rebellion against the oppressive forces controlling Lumina City. Together, they uncover the dark secrets of the Sentinels and the true nature of their soulbond, which may hold the key to saving not only themselves but countless others persecuted for their magic. In a city where shadows hold secrets and sparks ignite revolutions, Silas and Kael must confront their fears, embrace their powers, and decide how far they’re willing to go for love, freedom, and each other.