Koschei Complex Alpha Cluster

"I told you not to touch me," Audrey said. "In front of people," He reminded her. Audrey could feel the smirk in his voice. ~~~ Audrey's seventeen years in the Grey Blood pack were like a caged animal. She lived each day dreading the next unexpected thing the Alpha could punish her for. Audrey tried hard to understand the mysterious dream she'd been having, but nothing made sense to her, she was lost. She wished to be freed from the Grey Blood pack, but she lost all hope of survival when she found herself locked and chained in the cold dark dungeon. She hated him, she cursed him as her blood drained from her. She was happy to die and go away from that monster-alpha. Audrey awoke in a magical world where she learned everything about herself, she cultivated herself to become the strongest wolf and witch alive. One item though, led her back to the last place she wanted to be. Alpha Aloha Lake ruled the Grey Blood pack, the largest and strongest pack in the States. He was known to be brutal, even the mafia feared him. Nothing or anyone bothered him, except one; the damned bitch Audrey. He hated her, and he would make her pay for her mother's sins. But he could not kill her...yet. Alpha Lake emotionlessly stared at Audrey's bleeding body that lay on the cold dungeon floor, he ordered his beta to dispose of her without a second thought. One year later the enemies met again. Will hatred be the only emotion they share? Could they resist the fatal attraction they felt for each other?

Rejected by her mate, she had a one-night stand with a stranger the same day. Selene is ousted by her pack after she's discovered to be pregnant. She returns five years later, only for the Alpha of their pack, who happened to be her mate who rejected her, now wants her back. Will Selene forgive him and get back together? Who's the mysterious man from that night, the father of her triplets?

[Science Eliminates Immortals] Fake Qi Practicing Phase cultivators: Casting fire and water magic, controlling flying swords to decapitate enemies from several tens of steps away, and possessing a shield magic tool for both offense and defense. Real Qi Practicing Phase cultivators: Driving a Type 99 main battle tank, equipped with a 125mm magic tool main gun pulled by Divine Sense, two 12.7mm anti-aircraft and anti-field magic tool machine guns corrected by Divine Sense, nine assorted electromagnetic missiles suspended at the rear of the tank, drawn together by Divine Sense, and four reconnaissance drones, bombing enemies to ashes from 20 kilometers away. Even more real Nascent Soul cultivator: Operating an Air-Space Mothership cluster, with a combat range spanning thousands of miles...

"Ich habe dir gesagt, du sollst mich nicht anfassen", sagte Audrey. "Vor anderen Leuten", erinnerte er sie. Audrey konnte das Grinsen in seiner Stimme spüren. ~~~ Audreys siebzehn Jahre im Grauen Blutrudel waren wie die eines gefangenen Tieres. Sie lebte jeden Tag in Angst vor der nächsten unerwarteten Sache, für die der Alpha sie bestrafen könnte. Audrey versuchte verzweifelt, den mysteriösen Traum zu verstehen, den sie hatte, aber nichts ergab für sie einen Sinn, sie war verloren. Sie wünschte sich, vom Grauen Blutrudel befreit zu werden, aber sie verlor jede Hoffnung auf Überleben, als sie sich eingesperrt und angekettet im kalten, dunklen Kerker wiederfand. Sie hasste ihn, sie verfluchte ihn, während ihr Blut aus ihr herausfloss. Sie war glücklich zu sterben und von diesem Monster-Alpha wegzugehen. Audrey erwachte in einer magischen Welt, wo sie alles über sich selbst erfuhr, sie bildete sich aus, um der stärkste Wolf und die stärkste Hexe zu werden. Ein Gegenstand jedoch führte sie zurück an den letzten Ort, an dem sie sein wollte. Alpha Aloha Lake herrschte über den Grauen Blutrudel, den größten und stärksten Rudel in den Staaten. Er war bekannt dafür, brutal zu sein, selbst die Mafia fürchtete ihn. Nichts und niemand störte ihn, außer einer: die verdammte Schlampe Audrey. Er hasste sie, und er würde sie für die Sünden ihrer Mutter bezahlen lassen. Aber er konnte sie noch nicht töten... Alpha Lake starrte emotionslos auf Audreys blutenden Körper, der auf dem kalten Kerkerboden lag, er befahl seinem Beta, sie ohne einen zweiten Gedanken zu beseitigen. Ein Jahr später trafen die Feinde wieder aufeinander. Wird Hass die einzige Emotion sein, die sie teilen? Könnten sie der fatalen Anziehungskraft widerstehen, die sie füreinander empfanden?

Pierre Therma, a brilliant scientist on Granitz Island, leverages his inherited intellect to achieve groundbreaking discoveries. By day, he's a dedicated researcher, but in the shadows, he pursues a quest for vengeance for his parents' tragic fate.

WARNING! MATURE CONTENT! An accident changed everything for Stella Marquez, an Omega—when a mysterious Alpha named Lukas Monteverde forcibly marked her. The council's decree was clear: once marked, they must be married, fated mate or not. Bound by this law, they were thrust into a forced cohabitation, turning Stella's world upside down as she had to sever ties with her ex. Living together ignited an undeniable connection. The mark heightened their senses—each overwhelmed by the other's pheromones, burning with an insatiable thirst for one another. What began as rejection and resistance to their instincts slowly unraveled into understanding, then something deeper—love. Reluctantly, they opened their hearts to one another. "If I let you free, would you still choose him… or me?"

Jay, a young mixed martial arts trainer, never expected his life to change in an instant. Selected by the mysterious System as one of Earth’s eleven Alpha Chosen, he is thrust into the Trial Program; a brutal intergalactic challenge that sends him to the Trial World, a deadly planet overrun by monstrous creatures. To survive the horrors of the Trial World, the Alpha Chosen must fight, adapt, and grow stronger. Jay, however, possesses a unique talent, a game-changing edge that allows him to grow faster and stronger than anyone else. Rising rapidly through the ranks, he carves his path to the top of the Trial World’s hierarchy. Watch as Jay rises to the top and claims his position as the ALPHA PRIME among the millions of Alpha Chosen across the Milky Way Galaxy. ------------------------------------- Book Cover: Dall-E Generated Art, based on a scene in Volume 3. -------------------------------------- Hi there! I’m MN, the Author of the OMNOS REDUX Series, a story that spans 4 Mega Books (~750 Chs), with each having two or more Sub-Books (~100 Chs). The adventure begins with "EARTH’s ALPHA PRIME," the first step in a journey that has seen me grow as an author along the way. In my books, you’ll find interesting abilities, a well-designed system, consistent LitRPG elements, and well-thought-out fight sequences. If you enjoy stories that combine survival, world-building, LitRPG elements, OP MC and a fresh take on the System, then this series is for you. By joining me on PATRE0N, other than the weeks ahead of ADVANCED CHAPTERS, you have the exciting opportunity to customize various aspects of the series, including, MINOR/MAJOR Equipment, Skills, MINOR/MAJOR Monsters and RUDIMENTARY/MINOR/MAJOR Characters. You can make a ONE-TIME purchase for this in the shop section. Your support helps me bring these stories to life and share them with readers everywhere. Thank you for considering joining me. I’m excited to share the OMNOS REDUX Series with you! Any support is highly appreciated and will allow me to keep updating the story! Alright then, Cheers! Happy Reading! ----------------------------------- Chapter Release Schedule @ 23:30 [GMT+8] A total of 4 chapters every week, with 2 chapters/week for each book: Earth’s Alpha Prime – Volume 4 ~ Wednesday & Saturday ALTER REALITY: Online {1st Side Story of EAP} ~ Monday & Friday ----------------------------------- Discord Server: https://discord.gg/EmqX6fh9cV ----------------------------------- my plan for  EARTH’s ALPHA PRIME (Book 1 of OMNOS REDUX Series [ORS] ) {~ Estimated around 900 Chapters} - Total  Volumes: 7 Volume 1: Survival Arc (Completed) {Ch.1 to Ch.129} Volume 2: Tournament Arc (Completed) {Ch.130 to Ch.234} Volume 3: Obelisk Acquisition Arc {Ch.235 to Ch.372} Volume 4: Bloodline Realm Arc {Ch.373 to ~ around Ch.520} Volume 5: Earth Assimilation Arc {~ Estimated around 125 Chapters} Volume 6: Universe Expedition Arc  {~ Estimated around 125 Chapters} Volume 7: Annihilator Arc  {~ Estimated around 125 Chapters} End of the [ORS] Book 1 --------------------------------------------------

[ NSFW chapters: 5-6-7, 24-25, 63-64-65-66 ] . Alphas are naturally attracted to Omegas; that's a fact of life. Liam is an alpha male, one of the best in his generation, so why is he head over heels for another alpha male who lives next door? Alphas are supposed to be attracted to Omegas, so it makes no sense for Liam to swoon over his best friend Mar. Besides, Mar's already courting a female omega, so it's kinda hopeless. Hope came up again when the female omega broke up with Mar. Mar the alpha male is single again, so Liam's gonna shoot his shot. Wish him luck. Meanwhile, Mar is hiding secrets of his own. No matter how much he tries to deny it, he finds himself falling face first into Liam's comfort. It's both of them against the world, but they're not as alone as they thought. Will they survive as their families and their lives are slowly falling apart piece by piece? ______ A/B/O, Omegaverse, World building, Family Drama, Slice of Life ! Please keep in mind that this book's A/B/O dynamic and biology is the author's interpretation, so it might be different from what readers of this genre are used to. !

After a humiliating scandal tanks her once bright career, former child star Selene Grey gets a second chance in an highly anticipated drama. But as she’s ready to reclaim the spotlight, things go horribly wrong. Christopher Hart is everything the media claims he is, calm, composed and dangerously charming. But behind the cameras, he’s hiding something, something not quite human. When Selene is attacked and discovers that Christopher is a werewolf, her world unravels and she is trapped between the new world of supernaturals and a new change for fame. After all, everyone in this industry’s just acting. Most especially the monsters. #werewolf #vampire #scandal "Selene, I'm not trying to kill you. Just open the door so we can talk, please." "Oh wow. How generous of you." I rolled my eyes. "Hey babe, I'm not here to kill you, just to casually drink your blood and then gaslight you about it later." "Oh, so you do remember?" Shit. "You're being unreasonable." Unreasonable? Me? "You literally grew fangs and decided to have me as appetizer, now, you managed to stalk me and get my address and I'm the unreasonable one?" I heard him mutter a prayer. "Please, open the door." That sounded like a threat. I didn't like that. "Does garlic work against you?" "I'm not a freaking vampire." "Then what are you?" I yelled. "I promise, I'm not going to bite you. Please, just open the door and hear me out." "You're not going to bite me?" I asked cautiously. "No." "Are you lying?" "…No?"

Waking from a pleasant nap, Mark finds himself floating around in the cold void of outer space. However, let alone immediately expiring for exposure or waking a few minutes later from this would be fantastical dream, he quickly discovered and enjoys his fantastical abilities by flying around. That is until he discovers starlight is deadly to his new form, and the need to sustain himself off the raw essence of suffering from mortals Follow Mark and the little terminal spirit as they journey across the stars, unraveling the truth of his birth as the last Scourge of the blinded star clusters - Hi there, I will keep releasing the chapters in groups of 10 with 3 chapters a week so I can hopefully avoid burnout and keep the story somewhat consistent

Noah, the wayward and hot-headed bastard son of Alpha Adolph, a product of his one night stand with a human woman fiddles with his uncle’s—his mother's brother's—work-in-progress time machine and ends up in an alternate universe where the humans are in charge of affairs led by their Chief Scientist. The humans, dishonoring their truce, had dominated the city of Knapesville with their advanced science, and cutting edge technology but despite all their achievements, they lacked one thing; the power to extend and enhance life. What better way to achieve this than by turning the creatures renowned for their healing and regenerative abilities into lab rats? The werewolves. And so the hunt began, forcing the werewolves into hiding. Noah, ignorant of the situation, is captured by the chief scientist but rescued by the Alpha whose daughter falls in love with him. The Chief scientist’s daughter falls in love with him too after he saves her and a love triangle is born. Who does Noah end up with eventually? How does he navigate through the danger-filled city that is Knapesville? Does his redemption arc come sooner or later than expected? How does he fare when the burden of leading a pack on a foreign soil falls on his shoulders?

Woven into the fabric of society, they amble earth just like humans do. You won’t see them unless they allow it. Even the full moon can't unveil their nature like it used to. They’ll fool you; those wolf shifters. They fooled the exceptionally intelligent Rosemary Reed. Cursed or… Perhaps blessed was the day the veil dropped before her eyes, and one single date with a charming stranger was all it took, thus shattering the illusion of reality she beheld through her human eyes. Left with no other choice in order to protect herself and her loved ones, Rose leaps headfirst in the abysses of a world that stood on its own axioms. Fortunately for her, she does not have to walk that path alone. From a complete stranger to far more than she ever wanted him to be, ‘til the flames of their forbidden love burned too bright to smother. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Updating once a week for now. -The novel does include some dark themes, violence, blood and sexual content- You may contact me on discord here: mavisruss

Luke's Point of View of meeting Kira. We'll begin before he saves her.

What happened to humanity? After a blackout that affected humanity, Linus and what was left of the population awaken in sealed white rooms, forced to pass an examination to determine whether they are fit to embark on a new journey to re-establish humanity on a new land. Numerous details about what truly happened to Earth are kept hidden, and the true identity of those behind the G.O.D. Complex remains a secret. The Genetic Operation Division claims its mission is to save what remains of humanity. However, sacrifices must be made. The first batch of humans sent down are the worst of the human species. Yet, their behavior is what holds the greatest possibility of saving humanity.

A group of wolves, a gathering of witches, a trio of bears. An engaging narrative... Alpha Yona is struggling with his emotions towards Chhaya. He is hesitant to pursue a romantic connection with someone who is not his destined wolf partner. Despite his reservations, does he harbor romantic feelings for her? Cedric, Colton, and Connor are formidable bears with a significant issue involving the wolf pack. Both groups are attempting to eliminate the demons and are feeling irritated by the competition. Cedric is infatuated with Saturn, the leader of the coven, who is fixated on Alpha Yona. Can Saturn maintain focus to lead the witches effectively? Will Alpha Yona be able to navigate this complicated love triangle while maintaining order?

Rejected by her mate. Desired by another. Bound by a prophecy she never asked for. When Lina, an omega with a mysterious lineage, gives her heart to Alpha Luca, she thinks she’s finally found where she belongs. But one moment of intimacy shatters into heartbreak when he coldly denies her, leaving her alone—and vulnerable. As ancient creatures stir and a deadly prophecy resurfaces, Lina finds herself torn between the cold Alpha who rejected her and the Beta warrior who watches her too closely. Secrets unravel, trust breaks, and danger closes in from every side. But when betrayal hits closer than she ever expected, Lina must decide: fight for the mate who hurt her… or embrace the darkness rising within. Love was just the beginning. Now comes survival.

[ WARNING: MATURE CONTENT] — They were chosen to serve. Assigned to royal blood. Aurora never imagined her path to survival would begin on her knees—bowing to an Alpha prince with eyes like cold fire. Zev is silent, brutal, unreadable… and hers by command. But while the palace demands obedience and heirs, *Aurora carries something far more dangerous: a prophecy sealed in blood and fate.* She’s not just a girl trained to seduce. She’s Zev’s fated mate—**the only one who can bear the Alpha heir.** And in a kingdom where fate holds no weight and legacy rules all, that truth could be her death sentence… or her salvation. In a world where girls are bred to tempt and punished for failure, Aurora must outwit rivals, queens, and her own heart. Because in this palace, power wears perfume. And the most dangerous seduction may not belong to Zev— It might belong to her.

(DISCLAIMER! This story is original from me, but translated in english using AI. From what i´ve read, on the translation, it is properly translated, comparing it with the original material, and whoever wants to read it shouldn´t have a problem reading it. If someone is going to read it, let me know about any weird things the translation may have !) (This is also an outdated version of the novel. It doesn't change much, mostly because it only has 2 chapters, but they should be shorter and all. As soon as the Spanish novel somehow gets popular, i'll pay someone to translate it all!) Synopsis: What drives you to live? Riku, a boy like any other, will find himself involved in an accident that will change his life. What is society? Destroying the world is a mere dream, but anyone can prevent it. Who is your ally, if you yourself are an enemy? No one and everyone at the same time. What will he be able to do to face all these questions? (Any positive review is appreciated, even if you haven't read anything from the story; that can help more people discover this! Still, just the fact that you're reading this makes me feel satisfied.) (Information: Anyone can read this, I don't mind. It's not aimed at anyone or anything specific. I also emphasize here that I don't expect what I write to be read in the first place, in case there are spelling mistakes or odd decisions.) (Original work on my profile!!)

In a world where Alphas are kings and Omegas are the lowest of the low, the breeders and the slaves, Krystal Mirovich, the Alpha's daughter, found herself shifting into the latter. The world she knew crumbled overnight. An Alpha's daughter shifting into an Omega? What an embarrassment. Her friends grew distant. Her boyfriend left her for her sister who was an Alpha. And her father? He wanted to sell her off to become a breeder for some Alpha. And Krystal would never allow that. She was ready to do anything to escape this fate, so she hatched a plan. Was it successful? Probably. She planned to enter an agreement with a desperate Alpha whose pack couldn’t afford healthcare. But he actually tried to cheat her instead by forcefully making her his. Mustering all her strength, she managed to escape, but she ended up in the room of another Alpha. And this wasn’t just any random Alpha, but the man who ruled over all the packs in the northern territories. His cruel reputation had spread far and wide, and she expected to be chased out and looked down on for being an Omega. But no one ever told her he would be this… accommodating? “Please… marry me.” My voice quivered with desperation, my eyes fixed on the man's broad back. At this point, I didn’t know what else to do. But I knew the fate awaiting me if I failed to escape was far more dreadful than this. “Sure.” “S–sure?” He agreed, just like that?!

“Teach me” I said drunkenly “Teach me how to be a bad girl” “Are you sure about Tiny, there’s a tiny addiction that comes with that” he said, looking at me through the hood of his eyes. “What am I getting addicted to?” I echoed back, trying to keep my focus on his face, and not down his chest and his muscular arms. “Me” *** Cheryl Taylor had just recently divorced her cheating husband and decided to move back to her childhood town. Desperate for a room, she finds one with some weird rules and a roommate who seemed to busy to meet with her – everything comes to a shocking pause when she finds out it’s Aiden Scott – the town’s bad boy, and in fact her high school bully. Aiden Scott is now a made man and a billionaire but he’s stepped on a few toes to get there and now they’re out for his blood and he has to lay low in the town he grew up – the town that only saw him as a good for nothing bastard. He decides to get a roommate to appear normal, he takes the first one he got and only because it’s Cheryl Taylor – the one girl he had harbored a secret crush for years.

Algo como una "Vida Cotidiana" no existe, y Riku lo aprenderá de una forma radical. Una tragedia azotará su vida, poniendo en peligro todo dentro de esta. Conocidos, amigos, familia, gracias a él comprenderá el significado de estas palabras, y gracias a su hermana, podrá ver su verdadero valor. Su verdadero destino. ¿Quién podrá perdonarlo, si no puede perdonarse él mismo? (Información sobre la novela: Si tuviera que describir cómo es la novela, diría que es un "Slice of Life" y un "Coming of Age", con cierto enfoque al apartado psicológico especialmente del protagonista. Yo diría que la novela no está enfocado a ningún sexo, cualquiera puede leerlo [Webnovel no me deja elegir ambos...]. Para quienes acaben leyendo la novela de manera extensiva, agradecería oír vuestra opinión sobre qué os ha parecido, y qué creéis que debería mejorar. Al final, ¡no sabré que está bien y qué no solo También quiero recalcar que, al ser un pasatiempo, seguramente haya varias faltas de ortografía. Por el momento las ignoraré [y pido que me disculpes por ello], pero si en algún futuro imposible esta novela gana popularidad, le daré más atención y cariño [¡Eso no significa que no se lo esté dando ya!]. DISCLAIMER EXTRA: La novela es algo "no sólido", lo que se escribe puede cambiar en cualquier momento si veo que es malo, da mucho cringe, o se me ha ocurrido algo mejor. Dudo que cambie puntos principales de la historia, solo aviso para aquellos cambios menores que, de una u otra forma, creo que mejorarán la calidad de lectura. (COMO PETICIÓN PERSONAL, AGRADECERÍA UNA OPINIÓN SOBRE EL INICIO DE LA NOVELA, YA QUE SOSPECHO QUE NADIE LA LEE PORQUE TIENE UN INICIO POCO INTERESANTE.)

Elara has always known she was different. As an omega, her beauty and power make her a coveted prize, but she never expected to capture the attention of Alaric, the fearsome Alpha of the Moonstone Pack. When she comes of age, her scent triggers a powerful bond between them, and they begin a passionate affair that seems doomed from the start. But everything changes when Elara learns she’s pregnant. Alaric marries his Luna, Mira, leaving Elara behind in disgrace. Humiliated and betrayed, Elara runs, taking her pride and the baby with her. As Alaric searches for her, he discovers the truth about Elara’s role in a prophecy that could change everything. Meanwhile, a dangerous faction, led by the ambitious Dorian, has its own plans to seize power, using Elara and her unborn child as pawns. Torn between love, duty, and the fight for her own future, Elara must decide whether to accept her fate or break free from the chains of the past.

my scars my insecurities my believe is all on them my MATES

Ella Jefferson is an orphaned girl who wanted a good life, she experienced an undeniable mating bond with her mate. how will she feel getting rejected the next morning after a hot night of total intimacy? A few weeks later, she was struck with news that would change her life forever. Two years later, he discovers their twins, regretting his actions. Will Ella be able to move past her rejection and forgive him or run off to another city?

Officially done with my mate, hurting, but liberated, I get pulled to the city with my friends. I end up getting dangerously and intimately involved with a stranger who knows no limits. He's a stranger with a dangerous aura. One I can't see, only feel, thanks to my friends who make a deal with him on my behalf. No names. No personal details. No face to etch into my mind. Just him, me, and an expensive tie. What happens in the city is supposed to stay in the city. He warns me he is dangerous. I never see that side of him. All I experience is his dominance, delicious scent, and touch that lights me on fire. One incredible night turns into two. Then we go our separate ways. But fate doesn't keep us apart. When i run into my mystery man standing in my packhouse, I know it's him, even if I've never seen his electric green eyes before. AUTHOR'S NOTES--PLEASE READ ME!! !!ATTENTION!!: -- All chapters have gone through a revision and have been slightly or completely changed. There have also been some chapters added to enhance the story-- !!WARNING!! PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING: - This Story is NOT intended for those under the age 18. This story contains Strong language, violence, graphic scenes, and NSFW content. This story is considered a Dark Paranormal Romance.

To Sloane, she was a human girl who was cursed by the heavens. Death to her loved ones always seemed to follow her despite how innocent or antisocial she was. Her life had been filled with darkness ever since she was a child, and she never knew the reason why. After her encounter with the southern werewolf tribe's prince, Nathan, her life is further pulled into an inescapable abyss. She learns why her life had always been miserable and realises how much of her life had been built on lies. All her experiences while growing up as a child, had always led to life walking all over her. The more she learns, the more steps she takes which always led back to the words Nathan told her whenever she was discouraged "Turn your kindness into your greatest weapon" A fallen fighting to reclaim what she has lost. A naive girl turning into a decisive woman. That was who she was and who she slowly became. Her experiences with Nathan, became the stepping stone for her to become a powerful queen. She is the fallen alpha

Evelyn Marks, a quiet and overlooked Omega in the Blue Moon Pack, never expected to be chosen by the Alpha, Adrian Blackthorn—a man known for his power, ruthlessness, and rule of never keeping a woman in his bed for long. When her scent changes at her coming-of-age ceremony, the bond between them ignites with a passion that neither can resist. But just when Evelyn believes she’s found her place, Adrian announces his engagement to Serena, a woman of ambition and secrets, shattering Evelyn’s heart. Carrying a child she never meant to conceive, Evelyn flees under the cover of darkness, seeking a new life away from the politics and betrayal of the werewolf world. Yet the threads of fate tighten around her. Her child is no ordinary baby—she is a Moonborn, a prophesied force that could save or destroy the entire werewolf realm. As Marcus, a rogue Alpha with a hunger for power, plots from the shadows, Serena’s manipulations twist the packs into chaos. Lucas, Adrian’s cousin, confesses he is Evelyn’s true mate, but his bond to her may not be real. Caleb, a quiet elder, reveals secrets long buried—about Evelyn’s bloodline, the prophecy, and the curse that has chained Adrian to Serena. When Adrian finds Evelyn, the choices before her are no longer simple. Can she trust the man who broke her heart? Is Lucas’s bond real or a lie? And as the packs teeter on the brink of war, can Evelyn embrace her power and protect her child from a fate that was written long before she was born? In a world of bonds, betrayals, and bloodlines, Evelyn must forge her own destiny—or be consumed by the forces that seek to control her.