Ember Nijisanji

In the heart of Xiaxo, a land where magic and nature breathe as one, the tides of change threaten to engulf its people. The ancient traditions of the Xiaxoan are under siege by the sprawling Kirat Empire, whose reach extends deep into the hills and forests, reshaping the fabric of this mystical land. Yet, whispers of forgotten powers and a looming cataclysm spark embers of resistance in the hearts of the oppressed. Amid the shadow of imperial rule, a young generation stumbles upon the remnants of a time when Xiaxo’s magic was unbroken. The knowledge they uncover—mysterious, transformative, and forbidden—offers both a beacon of hope and a harbinger of upheaval. As the Xiaxoan people face impossible choices, alliances are tested, and the line between survival and defiance blurs. Xiaxo is a tale of resilience and rediscovery, where the echoes of the past call out to shape a future yet unwritten. In the battle between oppression and freedom, the land itself becomes both a battlefield and salvation.

A century has passed since Emperor Korrun's fall, yet the world remains divided. The factions of the Four Realms vie for power, their goals often at odds with the fragile peace that exists. Whispers of the Sunfire Engine resurface, claiming the ancient weapon still lies buried somewhere, waiting to be unleashed. In the Tideborn Isles, the Ocean Blades prepare for war, while the Sea Shapers struggle to rebuild bridges of peace. In the Emberlands, the Phoenix Legion marches, the Ashen Guild experiments, and the Emberkin Rebellion rises. The Skyhold Peaks are torn between Windcallers and Stormwings, and the Stonecrest Valleys hold fast against the shadows of the Hollow Syndicate. Amid this chaos, two young souls-Kaelina of the Tides and Zyric of the Emberlands-find themselves caught between these factions. Bound by fate and divided by loyalty, they must navigate a world of shifting alliances, ancient secrets, and elemental power. Their choices will determine whether the world finds balance once more-or falls into ruin. (This story was inspired by "Avatar: The last airbender")

This red dragon came from the vast wilderness, coveting all the powers of the world. He has held countless titles: Mountain Fury, Purgatorial Calamity, Red Emperor, Ember Dragon… The world trembles under the shadow of the great dragon. He ignited the surge of the magical industrial revolution. In the empire he established, wyverns roar, cannon fire resounds, steel behemoths appear in the sky and on the earth, and disasters from other worlds run rampant. “Submit, or die.” Cassius spread his sky-shading wings, looking down upon the trembling humans, elves, and dwarves beneath him, and spoke thus. ……… A story of a red dragon with a built-in player template conquering, ruling, and transforming another world. (Pseudo D&D, Fourth Catastrophe, Red Dragon)

Ember Darkthorn, exiled from the only home she's ever known in the Mystral Pack, finds herself lost and alone. In her darkest moment, she crosses paths with Nate, a stranger who becomes an unexpected and indispensable friend. Together, they embark on a journey to Moonsand City, the prestigious domain of the Alpha Prime, leader of all werewolves. Before they can reach the safety of the city, they are ambushed by rogue vampires, the Alpha Prime arrives to their rescue. Ember is stunned to discover that he is not only the powerful leader of their kind but also her true mate? [Newbie, give me some space if I have errors] [Side couple is a queer gay couple, be warned]

In a world where gods rule the skies and mortals suffer below, one maiden's defiance will ignite a war between realms-and hearts. Serena Arcane never asked to be chosen. Marked as one of six maidens sent to the fearful Sky Kingdom to wed its prince, she only wanted to protect her family from the wrath of the supernatural beings who see humans as pawns. But the moment she steps into their shimmering, dangerous world, it becomes clear the Sky Kingdom is not what it seems-and neither is its feared ruler, the Dark King Zade. Whispers of a deadly prophecy surround Serena, murmurs that she alone holds the power to unravel centuries of suffering. Yet her greatest threat-and temptation-lies in the golden-eyed king whose icy exterior conceals secrets darker than the abyss. He rules with cruelty, yet something about her stirs the embers of a long-extinguished fire within him. As tensions rise between mortal and god, Serena must navigate a court full of deceit, rivalries, and betrayals. Bound by fate but divided by hatred, she and Zade are forced into a dangerous dance where every step could mean their undoing-or the salvation of worlds. She vows to resist him. He swears to break her. But when a love this fierce burns, will it destroy them both? Bound to the Dark king is an intense high fantasy romance story packed with action, suspense and the thrill that will keep you glued till the very end. This is a standalone.

As fire rains from the sky and the world collapses around him, Kain rushes to find his brother Danté—only to discover him lying lifeless in a pool of blood. Before Kain can process the horror, a masked intruder emerges, delivering a fatal blow that leaves Kain dying and the world crumbling into chaos. But when Kain opens his eyes, he’s somewhere else entirely—alive, unscathed, and in a strange new world far removed from the fiery destruction he left behind. Struggling to understand his new reality, Kain stumbles upon a mysterious town and crosses paths with Elara, a powerful young woman with a dark legacy. Their meeting seems fated, but what secrets lie in this unfamiliar land? And could the answers Kain seeks about his brother and his own survival be tied to Elara’s hidden past?

Chase is born of no house or family to speak of, except for a sickly father, and his mother who vanished the day he was born, however years after the birth of Chase, his father still often speaks of her as if she was a true goddess. One day the story will begin, when Chase finds himself waking to the smell of embers, the screams of agony, and the beginning of chaos. For on that day, a Boy was Born...

The spectral legions of Zephyr the Abyssal, Dark Lord of the Abyss, bring an icy death to the world. Bleached bone mountains rise, a testament to his tyranny, while tormented souls, twisted into demonic servants, bolster his ever-growing army. Humanity's vibrant history is a fading memory, swallowed by the encroaching darkness. Yet, against this overwhelming despair, the sun's life-giving warmth persists, nurturing the fragile seeds of hope. The embers of peace, though faint, still glow, a defiant spark against the abyssal night. Nestled at the foot of the imposing Mount Cinderfang, within the protective circle of the ancient bronze Citadel of Whispers, lies the secluded hamlet of Whisperwind. This sacred site, home to the Celestial Monastery, is guarded by monks imbued with righteous might. Within the Monastery, these monks maintain a tireless vigil, their disciplined ranks a bulwark against the encroaching darkness. Their sacred duty: to protect the people of Whisperwind from the formidable magical forces that threaten from beyond the Citadel of Whispers. The memory of Elder Theron's stand against Zephyr the Abyssal and his legions still echoes—a battle of unparalleled ferocity that stained the autumn afternoon with the blood of countless fallen. Good and evil clashed with a rage unseen before, overwhelming the Celestial Monastery. Forced to retreat to the sanctuary of Mount Cinderfang, Elder Theron, grievously wounded, hid a peerless spiritual treasure deep within a secret chamber beneath Oracle Falls before his death. With his last breath, he merged with the surging energies... Creating the Infernal Lock formation, the people of Whisperwind, protected by the Citadel of Whispers, have withstood countless attacks from the demonic hordes over the years. This powerful shield afforded the Celestial Monastery precious time to train exceptional disciples, true paragons of martial prowess. The legend of a hero who would vanquish tyranny would remain untold were it not for the appearance of a certain individual: Drakon, an orphan boy from Whisperwind. Fate led this youth to encounter the Sunfire Drake, a divine beast hatched from a colossal golden egg, possessing the power to unleash devastating flames. Drakon's destiny was forged in three blades: Crimson Edge, a longsword representing humanity's strength; Dawnbreaker, a legendary blade imbued with divine power; and Nightshade, the infernal blade of the demonic legions, a weapon that bound the fearsome Obsidian Drake. This duality—the Sunfire Drake against the Obsidian Drake, light against darkness—mirrored the internal conflict within Drakon, the eternal struggle between good and evil, the choice between righteous and wicked paths. With his draconic companion and his ultimate weapons, Drakon ascended to the pinnacle of power, a figure who challenged both the demonic world and the forces of light. To understand better, I invite you to step into the world of mysterious stories, accompany me in this novel "Blood red sun day kill Gohts"!

In Ogun's Kingdom, gods once walked among mortals, their presence leaving echoes of power, mystery, and ambition. Now, only the masked bearers of divine blessings bridge the gap between humans and the forgotten pantheon. Thorne Ironhold, a blind boy born into the prestigious Ironhold fief, stands at a precipice. Blessed by an unknown god during the sacred mask rite, he is labeled a "Stray"—an outcast marked by powers beyond mortal comprehension. Yet beneath the shadows of his failure lies an unimaginable secret: Thorne's mask holds the power to defy the natural order. As Thorne ventures from his father's forge to the treacherous Garden of the Gods and the rigorous academy, he seeks not only to carve his own path but to uncover the truth behind his destiny. Every battle tests his limits, every limit surpassed brings him closer to the power once lost to men—and closer to the chaos lurking within. In a world where dances summon divine might and masks conceal more than they reveal, Thorne's journey becomes a quest to challenge the gods themselves. But as he walks the path they once tread, he must ask: Will he rise among the embers of forgotten legends, or be consumed by them?

Casey is a top event planner, planning events for the most elites in the city. She's now tasked with the career-defining job of planning her best friend, Kira's, wedding. However, her life turned upside down when she found out she was falling in love with Jace, her Kira's fiance! Jace is the CEO of Chillz streaming platform, one of the biggest in the country. He's also one of the most dashing bachelors, always on the news and always being hounded by paparazzi. In a desperate move too expand his company, he opted to get married to KIra. But it all changed when he met her best friend, and suddenly, even the future of his company couldn't stop him from wanting to be with her. As passion burns hot and the embers of love is fanned, Jace and Casey try to fight their growing attraction to each other to respect Kira. But with such intense feelings, there is only so much they can do. Will they be able to stay away from each other regardless of the mounting temptations? Or will they throw caution to the winds, finding happiness in each other's arms even while everything they've built and worked hard for goes up in flames?

In a world full of magic and wonder, Aisha is a girl born without a soul. Bitter and self-loathing, Aisha is unable to experience empathy, rendering her alone. But her life changes when she falls helplessly in love with a kind girl, forcing her to confront challenges she has never before, while grappling with her newfound attachments. Join Aisha as she learns to change and grow, in the midst of a world mired in conflict. Encountering monsters, demons, and worse, she must pull herself up from the depths of despair, to chase the last ember of hope and love she might ever hold. (GL Story)

Fiona, a young gamer from a poor family in Latin America, dreams of winning the world championship of the game Embers of a Wish. Her goal is to provide a better future for her daughter, despite her own poor background, social discrepancies, and invisibility to the world. She is determined to reach a happily ever after exclusive for her daughter, even if it means sacrificing her own and filling the role of a star of destiny. Fiona faces many challenges, including government corruption and the trials of being poor. However, she trains hard and competes in tournaments, all while struggling to make ends meet and survive in a corrupt society. Tianyu Star - Guardian Battle Angel © 2003 by Skyknight Beoulve is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

7 years prior to the Crisis age, humanity bore witness to an event that would forever alter the course of its history. The arrival of an earth extinguishing asteroid,the world panicked but ultimately regrouped and decided to destroy the asteroid using technological innovations,and hold and behold it worked. Celebrations broke out over everywhere as humans thought they avoided crisis but then it came,It began suddenly, without warning. Across every corner of the world, the skies darkened as a strange, otherworldly substance entered Earth's atmosphere. Upon impact the asteroid released blue shimmering crystals,Like molten embers against the night, they burned crimson and tore through the stratosphere, falling upon cities, mountains, deserts, and oceans in a shower of scarlet rain. To those who saw it, the phenomenon was unlike anything they had ever known, beautiful yet unnervingly ominous. For days, the air seemed to shimmer with an unnatural energy, and the blue-hued dust clung to every surface, seeping into the earth, flowing into rivers, and saturating the very ground people walked on. This substance would come to be known as the Energy Crystals, a silent invader whose true nature was masked by the passing days. Initially, it seemed harmless, a peculiar mystery that prompted whispers among scientists and sparked wonder in the public. But as time marched on, humanity would come to understand the terrible implications of this new presence on Earth. Soon earth entered it's Apocalyptic stage and beasts everywhere mutated as the blue crystals fueled them,by eating the crystals the beasts broke their natural limits 100 times over. Beasts developed high intelligence higher than that of normal humans and had developed one main mission,Envade.Humanity however wouldn't fall that easily and rose as warriors,as they too started to eat Energy Crystals and Mutated on their own terms. This was the begining, The Clash Of Man and Beasts. The war of Warrior and Monsters.

For years, he knew only stillness. Confined to a body that refused to move, unable to speak or act, his world was reduced to the smallest of motions—a blink, a breath. He had lived on the fringes of existence, watching life pass him by while his dreams withered, unreachable. On modern-day Earth, his broken body had long sentenced him to a life of quiet despair. Then the world changed. When the heavens split and the Cultivation Assist System descended, the rules of reality were rewritten. The Awakening brought power, opportunity, and a spark of hope to every corner of the world. For him, it brought a miracle: the chance to heal. The system mended the broken shell that had confined him for so long, restoring his strength and granting him the body he had always longed for. For the first time in years, he stood, felt the earth beneath his feet, and believed he could rise alongside the world’s new era. But even miracles have limits. While others rushed into the grand Pagodas—the centers of knowledge and cultivation where the strongest paths began—he was denied entry. Barred from the heart of the Awakening, he was forced to endure its trials on the outskirts. Every step forward came harder for him than it did for others. He clawed and fought for scraps of the opportunities others seemed to have handed to them. But he did not stop. Through sheer determination, he began to ascend. Slowly but surely, he carved out his place in the new world, defying the odds and the whispers of those who doubted him. He could see the life he had dreamed of—freedom, power, and the chance to soar—just within reach. But the world was not as kind as he believed. Just as he reached for the heights he had fought so hard to claim, betrayal struck. The knife that ended his life came not from an enemy, but from someone he thought loved him. The warmth of trust turned to the cold sting of death, and in his final moments, as the darkness took him, he wondered how he could have been so blind. But death was not the end. When he awakens again, in a new life and body, the memories of his first remain vivid and sharp. The struggles, the triumphs, and the bitter sting of betrayal—they burn within him, forging a determination that will not be silenced. The Cultivation Assist System is still there, but the rules of his second life are different, and the world he returns to is even more dangerous than before. Ashes to Apex follows the journey of a young man who rose from nothing, fought against impossible odds, and was struck down before he could truly soar. It is a tale of rebirth, ambition, and the unyielding drive to rise beyond the limits of fate. As the embers of his first life ignite a new flame, one question remains: How far can he rise before the ashes of his past threaten to consume him once more?

Orion wasn’t expecting a prophecy in the bustling market of Cerros-7, where he had been deployed on a mission, when a woman cloaked in tattered veils, her eyes glowing like embers from a dying fire suddenly appeared in front of him. With a grip as cold as death itself, she seized Orion’s hand and, in a voice that cut through him like a blade, she whispered: "The sky must fall for your star to rise, A veil of despair shrouds crimson skies. Through ash and ember, your brilliance softly flies, A light reborn where endless darkness lies."

In the kingdom of Valoria, an area the Celestial Accord unveils, there is a kingdom where a bitter wind came that carried a fierce message; there is a dragon, a legendary creature trapped within a prophecy that has awakened. High Mage pulls together Sir Elian Stormblade who is summoned to him, claiming him to be the one meant to bring together five chosen heroes and confront this ancient peril. The journey of Elian kicks off at the Emberwood where he meets an elven mage called Kaela Firethorn, well-versed with fire magic. They however get to trust each other after they perform a link through a procedure which allows them to perceive the Celestial Accord, an old magic for the need for togetherness as well as those for sacrifice. The next stop is Ironspine Mountains; as they try to find him they introduce us to Grimmir Stonejaw an exceptionally skilled dwarven forge-smith. Grimmir joins their venture following their demonstration by defeating a forge wraith and bringing back its ember. Following this success, the trio proceed to Verdant Vale where they are looking for Lira Swiftfoot a shrewd halfling scout. Though hesitant initially, Lira finally accepts after seeking guidance from an age-long sanctuary in the quest for purposeful clarity. Coming together, the heroes have individual anxieties and collective destinies become overwhelmed. Each has their own unique abilities that they bring into play as they embark on a journey that promises to be an epic of courage, and companionship against evil with the dragon looming ever closer threatening to engulf Valoria in the mayhem.

Armed with a blade too massive for mortal hands and a heart hardened by betrayal, he carves his path through a world bereft of mercy.Driven by rage and vengeance, he battles against forces that seek to consume his very soul. Yet even in the blackest night, faint embers of hope flicker—companions bound by their scars, a woman lost to madness, and a love tainted yet unbroken. Only the strength of one's will can stand against the tides of despair. It is a saga of vengeance, sacrifice, and the cursed path of a warrior who refuses to kneel. But it wasn't always like this. It is tale of a boy, a story that will soon turn into an epic. An epic that will start with just a dream of a boy named Vairagya, or as the world knows him Vulture.

[Action/Science Fantasy/Battle Academy] Updating daily through Arc 1 One hundred years ago, being diagnosed with the "affliction" was the kiss of death. Whether by mutation or firing squad, Linnaeans lived notoriously tragic lives. The few that lived suffered from irreversible mutations. These creatures, few as they were, inspired legends of werewolves, mermaids, and sirens. Then came the treatments for the Linnaean affliction. The discovery of temporary gene repression meant that the development of mutations could be slowed and managed. This created an "unholy" new race that shared the DNA of both humans and animals. Feared and hated by the outside world, they created a stronghold to develop their medicines and amass their power. Today, Linnaeans from all over the continent live in the City of Mendel and train under the renowned Professor Corax, a brilliant and eccentric geneticist. Just before her eighteenth birthday, Ember is diagnosed with the affliction. Suddenly, instead of moving into her dorms and studying with the brightest in the country, she is whisked off to the City of Mendel by government officials who are as scared of her as she is of them. As she contends with a new city and her own treatment, she'll also have to face the tension of the half-baked treaty between the Linnaean people and the outside world. There's no doubt - life won't be easy in a city where the population is able to harness the abilities (and instincts) of animals. ----------------------------------------------------- Also available on Royal Road, Scribblehub, and Spacebattles Forum. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/hekate37

In a world shattered by centuries of conflict, a prophecy whispered through the ages foretells the rise of extraordinary people known as Omnimancers, wielding unimaginable power capable of shaping the destiny of nations. Their purpose, to restore balance and usher the world into its rightful order. But when one of these enigmatic figures succumbs to corruption, the delicate equilibrium is shattered, plunging the realm into an era of unrelenting war and despair. In the midst of the ashes of once-thriving civilizations, where hope flickers like a dying ember, a remarkable discovery rattles the foundations of this war-torn land. The unearthing of Cerfryx, a rare and mystic mineral, sparks a feverish race for dominance between two mighty empires: Epher and Raylean. Amid this harrowing turmoil stands Theo, a young and unsuspecting 18-year-old, burdened by haunting fragments of a past he cannot recall. Plagued by mysterious flashbacks and enigmatic visions, he finds himself thrust into a treacherous journey of self-discovery. As Theo unravels the secrets of his origins, he becomes entangled in a perilous web of intrigue, danger, and ancient prophecies. _________________________ Disclaimer: I do not own the cover. If you are the artist and want it removed, please contact me and I will do so.

Faced with the betrayal of his people and the brutal death of his family, Prince Leo is cast into a world of shadows and blood. His father, King Hadrian, lies dead, and his kingdom is left in ruins. With every ally turned enemy and every corner filled with treachery, Leo is torn between two paths: one driven by a thirst for revenge, the other by the fragile hope of restoring peace to the land. As secrets unfold and the truth of his family’s downfall becomes ever more elusive, Leo must confront a choice that will shape the future of his kingdom. Will he let rage and vengeance consume him, or will the embers of his past ignite a new, unshakable resolve to rise from the ashes and rule with justice?

In a world where legacies are forged in fire and shadows, family is both the greatest strength—and the deadliest weapon. The Bellator brothers—descendants of a bloodline feared and revered for generations—are bound by an unbreakable bond and a shared duty. Val, the youngest, harbors a dark secret alongside the family’s famed Purple Fire: the rare, deadly power of the Void, which isolates him even from his own kin. Together with Ember and Exeo, he forms Team Unknown, an elite assassination unit that treads the thin line between loyalty and vengeance. Yet, in the brutal world of shadows they inhabit, loyalty can be a fragile thing. When betrayal threatens the family’s very core, alliances fracture, hidden truths rise, and deadly enemies close in. As they confront sinister forces that seek to unravel their legacy, the brothers discover that the most harrowing battles are not always fought on the field, but within the heart. Vol1: (Season 1) Revenge’s Poison—is a tale of blood, sacrifice, and the unbreakable ties that define true strength, even when the world—and their own destinies—turn against them. Vol2: (Season 2) Light and Dark - Clareo's Finest will face their greatest allies and worst foes yet. Vol3: (Season 3) The Final Battle -draws the Bellator brothers, and Team Unknown into a harrowing confrontation that will test not only their powers but the very fabric of their bond. Step into a world where strength is defined not just by the power you wield, but by the battles you fight within yourself. --- Author Notes: I will be posting this story on Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/story/378625781-a-tale-of-three-brothers and in Royal Road: https://www.royalroad.com/profile/377015/fictions

Ember is trying to live a normal life. Granted, his parents are gone and the entire world has powers from the elements, but he's not gonna let that stop him. He has a perfect girlfriend, a perfect best friend, and a perfect stalker. All's going well for him, I guess.

When Aadi, a young man, searches for two people who are precious to him, his efforts land him in an unexpected place with an unrelenting foe, whose blows shatter the earth and rend boulders asunder. Their conflict sparks a partnership for the ages and spurs Aadi on an adventure that he wouldn't have imagined possible. --- Disclosure: Free chapters of this novel by Windus Andar will be published on several platforms: Wattpad, Royal Road, Scribble Hub, and WebNovel. These free chapters will also be published on Angel Grove Studio's website. Premium chapters will be available on Windus Andar's Patreon page. After the novel is completed, it will be published on Amazon and Smashwords and its affiliates.

"Yu Roman is a 17-year-old prodigy attending Aetherian Academy, mentored by Xander, the strongest exorcist of today. Born with the rare Ember Eyes, Yu's journey is fraught with unknown demonic threats. Yu strives to become the greatest exorcist of all time. As he faces formidable enemies and personal challenges, Yu must learn to balance his pride and power with compassion and humility, all while carving out his own identity and path in the world of exorcism."

There are many ways to die, but few ways to stay alive. Small tragedies culminate into larger ones: plague, war, genocide, poverty, disasters, betrayal, bad luck, then despair——then extinction. The Skiva alter the chronicle, the Humans merge with the parallel, and the Elri'u'gna ordain the trinity. Together, they are the end of space and time. Apart, there is nothing. In a mad world, there are few ways to live. In a mad world, the only answer is... "There is life in death. There is death in life. Damsel of the Wilds, Lady of Catastrophe, Horizon's Notary, the Quiet Demise and Sudden Serendipity, 'O Immutable Entanglement... heed my heartfelt call and create my path. You are my way." In insanity, a soul haunts eternity. ... This is a Lovecraftian style original fiction. Other works have also inspired this piece including: Soul of Negary, Plague Doctor, The Tales of an Infinite Regressor, Deep Sea Embers, and of course, Lord of the Mysteries. Author Note: One of the genres is horror. Young or sensitive readers should give this a pass, if it is distressing.

Lilly and Stephen flee to Emberly to escape the Council. Stephen gives Lilly a pendant from their missing mother, Marelda, who had foreseen its importance. Marelda vanishes to protect them from the Council, while their father, Darick, and Sivak plan their future training. Lilly's prophetic dreams grow more intense as they prepare to harness their rare magic. Updated once a week on Fridays *Note: this is an updated reuploading of a story I began in 2017. This story is the inspiration for The Celestial Embers Chronicals that will be uploaded once a week on Thursdays

The Trials are about to begin; Seraphim looks to the past to learn about her uncertain future. Being a Celestial Arborist has never been easy; and soon she learns there are more secrets to unfold. Will she abandon everything she knows in search of the truth? Check out our other story Snow White and Her Vampire King. Updates on Mondays. http://wbnv.in/a/1dibx6X “Harriette,” she whispered, her voice trembling, “we need to go. Now.”  The temperature dropped around them, Seraphim could see her breath, and her breathing was ragged as it drew in the sharp air.  Harriette’s body began to quiver as she too, sensed the shift in the air. But before they could move, a figure emerged from the shadows of the trees. It was unlike anything Seraphim had ever seen—a towering, hunched creature cloaked in darkness. Its eyes glowed faintly, twin orbs of eerie green light. The gaze seemed to pierce through her, seeping into her very soul. “Don’t look at it!” Seraphim hissed, grabbing Harriette’s arm and pulling her back. “Whatever you do, don’t meet its eyes!” The sisters stumbled backward, the creature’s guttural growl vibrating through the air. Seraphim’s heart pounded as she tried to remember the stories she had heard—legends of beasts that roamed beyond the wall, their gaze capable of paralyzing even the bravest of souls. They turned to flee, crashing through the underbrush in a desperate attempt to escape. But the creature was fast, its heavy footsteps thundering behind them.