Pen Tattoo

The story is about a traveller named Gilgamel from Earth who was born into a noble family. However, he ran away from home after years of mistreatment from other family members. During his escape, he met a travelling female fortune teller who guided him into the world of magic. Thanks to her, Gilgamel became a wizard and acquired a magical book that bestowed upon him various abilities, including the ability to recognize everything in the world. From that point on, Gilgamel's adventure in the realm of magic commenced.

In a world bound by divine power and the unyielding rule of the Drakonhart empire, Dante Blackwell—an author—finds himself reincarnated into his own dark novel as Lucian Westwood the holy saint. Before he realizes he is trapped, it happens fourteen times over. doomed to regress forever, will Dante escape the prison written by his own pen? or will he, the creator, become a destroyer of his own creation. "I wouldn't be back here again, if there was no world left to get back to" Warning: This novel contains themes of parricide, filicide, deicide, nihilism, child abuse, suicide, and torture. note: this novel is tragic. Extra tags: #rebirth #highfantasy #graveborns #witches #nonhumans #summons #shadowmancers #bloodmages #royalfamily #wizards #mindcontrol #schemes #nobles #fantasyworld #curroption #manipulation #assassins #plottwists #waragainstggod #multipleleads

After reincarnating multiple times over several centuries, Klaus has finally returned 50 years into the apocalypse that descended on Earth, bringing with it the infamous spiritual Qi. He is a paragon, a being so powerful that the heavens want nothing more than to kill him. He doesn’t play by the rules, and he most certainly doesn’t care what the heavens think. He just wanted to live his life, make money, and keep a smile on his mother’s face. However, when memories of his past incarnations began to resurface, he was forced to resume the life of a paragon once more. Maybe for the last time. Read along as we explore the amazing and twisted lives he has lived and how they will shape his current incarnation as Klaus Hanson, the Last Paragon. ==================== 50 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapters 100 Power Stones = 2 Bonus Chapters 200 Power Stones = 3 Bonus Chapters 500 Power Stones = 4 Bonus Chapters

[Warning: Adult content 18+] "What, I have received two SSS-Ranked skills? Tower, show me" [Skill Name: Divine Pervert Touch] [Skill Name: 10,000 Ways of Pleasure Manual] "Oh my god, I am going to have so much fun on this mission. --- Kent was a handsome human male who for some reason, he couldn't get his dragon to respond. He lived his entire life as an adult movie director. Then he was killed and his soul was sucked into the realm of Hatred and Resentment. It was then everything changed for him. He received the long-lost Primordial Chaos Dragon Inheritance Tower, granting him access to the infamous Harem System. He was then assigned the mission to kill the god of alchemy by the goddess of hatred and resentment. But first, he must make the goddess his first harem member. After a whole year of sex and pleasure, he got his wish. Then he was sent to start his journey as a cultivator with a haram system and with Tower SSS-Ranked skills. With Women waiting for his rescue and a goddess who grants his every wish, watch as Kent takes on the world of Alchemy and swordsmanship while also working his way into the souls of beauties regardless of their race. A journey full of blood, pain, and Pleasure... ============ No NTR No Yuri

What would happen when the most handsome prince charming falls in love with a girl whose life has been sought after since before her birth. Would he succeeded in making her fall in love with him? Although powerful, would he be able to use his powers to save his love when her life was almost taken? Would he have to sacrifice for her life? For years he had loved her and finally he is hers. but would he be able to win her over or is her love for someone elseelse Book will be updated 4 times a week

[ADULT CONTENT WARNING!!!] [Op MC: Yes] [Harem: Yes] Karsha, a general in the United States Army, was a loving father and husband who was accused of killing his wife and two children. As a result, he was sentenced to death. However, his life took a turn when a sinister being transmigrated his soul to a world of cultivation. He awakened as a slave and slowly rose through the ranks thanks to a strange system with its own agenda. He began walking the path of cultivation and immortality, which will soon drive him into a conspiracy so grand that his understanding of who he was, who he is, and who he is to become will be put into question. =============================== 50 Power Stones: 1 Extra Chapter 100 Power Stones: 2 Extra Chapter 200 Power Stones: 4 Extra Chapter =============================== Other Names: The Last Fateless and the Seed of Time

Thomas Blackwood, a brilliant programmer, finds himself at the brink of death, consumed by a debilitating illness. Little does he know that his true journey is about to commence. The story revolves around a man who merges with his advanced AI companion, only to awaken in a mysterious realm. Here, he faces a series of trials set by a powerful entity, bequeathing upon him a unique inheritance. This gift grants him the ability to traverse diverse worlds, each offering unique experiences and challenges. But as he ventures deeper into this multiverse, he grapples with a haunting question: “Was that gift a blessing or a curse?” Thomas Blackwood's odyssey propels him through realms of enchanting magic and realms governed by relentless cultivation. He becomes a knight in one world and harnesses the dark arts of curses in another. "May the dice roll in your favor." **Author's Notes:** - I as the author have employed multiple pen names throughout my journey, including Chaos_Guide, TS Greed, and Slumbering Dragon. - This is a fantasy tale with a morally complex protagonist who does not shy away from embracing the darker aspects of his character. - The story commences in a world devoid of fantasy elements, gradually ascending through the ranks of worlds as the expansive universe unravels. - The narrative truly takes off with the onset of Volume 2, where the first fantasy world unfolds in all its grandeur. Tags: #Villain, #EvilMC, #MatureMC, #LonerMC, #AIChip, #StatusPanel, #Reincarnation, #NoRomance, #NoLovedOnes, #NoFriends, #Dragons, #WorldHopping, #MagicRealms, #Cultivation, #DarkArts, #EpicJourney

[This is the reboot of Qaya: the tale of the singular duo] In a kingdom ruled by ruthless power and shrouded in secrets, Qaya finds herself entangled in the web of King Awin’s dark ambitions. As a skilled operative coerced into destroying innocent lives, she’s promised freedom in exchange for a final act of betrayal. But just when she begins to hope for her release, fate deals a fatal blow. Awakening in the body of Mahalia Heris—a noblewoman from a family once loyal to the very king she despises—Qaya is granted a second chance. As she navigates this unfamiliar world, haunted by the past and surrounded by those who believe she is someone else, she realizes the power of her new position. With her knowledge of Awin’s treachery and the resources of the Heris family, Qaya seizes this unexpected opportunity to right her wrongs, seek redemption, and ultimately bring down the man who once held her captive. But can she balance the pursuit of vengeance with the weight of her new identity? Or will the shadows of her past consume her once more?

When the last descendant of the Black Tortoise clan was born undead, they knew their lineage was doomed. The power they held in the world would be questioned by the other elemental beasts. They needed to bend the rules to preserve their existence, even if it meant being tamed by a human. [A/N: Hi! I’ve had this story in my mind for a while, and I think it’s the perfect time to pen it down. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. Thanks for reading!] [WebNovel Rising Star II Entry] [Add to your Library]

Most people don't choose reincarnation. Reincarnation finds their way to them. Perhaps they did something great in their life. Or maybe truck-sama wasn't looking where it was going. But without fail, those who reincarnate are destined for something great. A new life where everything changes for the better. But... Reincarnation isn't always the greatest thing. Sometimes you just draw the short end of the stick. Di Tou just happens to have drawn the shortest stick. Pulled out of his life randomly. Taken by a crazy old eccentric man not as a disciple, but as a body double?! And a janitor body double no less?! Grasping a system to find... It's a JANITOR SYSTEM!? Truly, how unlucky can one get?

Declan divorced his wife for cheating on him and making a fool of him. Heartbroken, she leaves town but after some years, she is back. Declan realizes that maybe he might have misunderstood some things years ago.

Alicia had always despised writing. Her past held secrets that made the thought of putting pen to paper unbearable. Yet, when her school insisted she join the journalism club, she reluctantly agreed, unaware that this decision would change her life forever. An unknown person suddenly entered her life, a person who is a passionate writer and photographer with an eye for detail and a heart full of stories. Their worlds collide in unexpected ways, and what begins as a forced partnership soon blossoms into a powerful bond. Together, they embark on a journey through the lens of a camera and the tip of a fountain pen. But as their connection deepens, the shadows of Alicia's past loom larger. What made her hate writing so much, and will her newfound relationship with this unknown person help her confront her fears? I'll write, for you and for us is a gripping tale of love, secrets, and the power of storytelling. Dive into Alicia's world and discover how two souls, brought together by fate, can rewrite their destinies.

Tattoo of Fate In a world where dragons are extinct and the kingdom above reigns with unchecked power, Kaida, a young orphan from the forsaken undercity, carries a secret that could change everything. Marked at birth with a glowing, mystical tattoo, she is the last living vessel of the Dragon God, the ancient and forgotten deity of the now-extinct dragons. For years, she has concealed her extraordinary power, knowing that if the Surface Kingdoms ever discovered it, she would become a weapon to be controlled—or worse, destroyed. Kaida’s life takes a tragic turn when her forbidden love, Elara, a noblewoman from the Surface, discovers the tattoo and the immense power Kaida harbors. Fearing its potential, Elara betrays Kaida, selling her to the rulers of the Surface. Now hunted by those who seek to use her for their own agendas, Kaida is thrust into a deadly game where every alliance is fragile, and every step could lead to her downfall. In her flight from the Surface Kingdoms, Kaida encounters Aeron, a fierce and principled warrior from the top side, who was once sent to capture her. Disillusioned by the corrupt kingdom she serves, Aeron defies her orders and chooses to protect Kaida instead. As their paths intertwine, Aeron becomes both a guardian and an unlikely companion, offering Kaida a chance at redemption and love after the betrayal that shattered her heart. But the Dragon God within Kaida is waking, and with it, a force far more dangerous than she ever imagined. As her powers grow, Kaida must decide whether to embrace her divine heritage, risking the return of dragons to a world unprepared for their wrath, or to destroy the tattoo, ending the God of Dragons’ influence and sealing her fate forever. Caught between loyalty and betrayal, power and self-doubt, Kaida’s journey is one of self-discovery, painful choices, and the search for love in a world that has never been kind to her. In a final, heart-wrenching decision, Kaida must choose: will she let the Dragon God reignite the flames of destruction, or will she defy the fate written in her very skin to protect those she loves? --- A/N:I had some help making this book(help in polishing my vocabulary with A.I), obviously i don't know how to use big words...so. yea. Every other thing is done by me. :) Iput in effort.

Web novel writer Jin Han-sol, who had an unfortunate accident on a trip to England to clear his head, said, “This is… Big Ben?” When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the middle of the British Empire of the 19th century, where romance, literature, and racism breathed! You have to survive somehow, from the dockworker to the rich maid to the babysitter! The opportunity that came to him who had worked so hard that his feet were sweating, “Teacher! No, author! I’m glad to see you now!!” “…… You’re a writer?” “He’s the best writer of novels in London right now.” That chance, a fiction writer? At this time, the writing of the Great Moon, which will change the world with a single pen, begins to give cider to the bastards of the British Empire! _________ Release Schedule: 3 Chapters on Wednesday and 4 Chapters on Sunday

Laila Saleem, a 22 year old medical student is blown away when the same man she saved just weeks ago asks for a marriage proposal! ...... "Here, sign this contract and for the next 365 days, you'd be my legal wife". He said in a stern yet sharp tone as he handed me the documents. I slowly collected the file from him and began looking through it. 'Did I really want to be his wife?' I asked myself once more before shaking the thought away. 'You know why you're doing this'. I said to myself before picking up the pen on the table. "I'm sure you know why I'm doing this". I said, my eyes still fixated on the file as I built up the courage to sign it. "And I'm sure you too know why I'm doing this". .......... Some may call it tragedy, some may call it romance and some may even call it mystery. But don't miss the intriguing tale of Laila's story.

Dre, a young man from Calix, a deserted planet in the Andromeda galaxy, only ever wish, was to experience a lifetime adventure exploring the universe. However, after the enigmatic death of the emperor, his life took on an unprecedented turn, a perilous turn when a luminary tattoo graced his skin_a tattoo that only appeared on a selected few beings of different species in the cosmos. Signifying his worth of claiming Heaven's Throne_the highest sit in the universe, off which only one emperor could claim solely under the premonition that other worthy counterparts were dead, the crest, forced Dre to participate in the deadly wars for kingship against entire armies and beings capable of destroying planets with waves of a hand.

Elizabeth, a girl with an unusual personality is reincarnated into the body of a mute woman in what appeared to be medieval times. However, the people surrounding her seemed familiar. She had transmigrated as the dead villainess's older sister in a +19-rated novel she read long ago in her past life. Marianne, the previous owner of the body, had a tragic past. Abused by his obsessed older brother and little sister, the part of her soul left in the body doesn't give Elizabeth freedom. Now she will discover the truth behind Marianne's condition, experience unknown feelings, and recall her past to overcome these new difficulties. 'I'm gonna go crazy...how is it that this girl didn't even have her name mentioned in the novel?... some authors really are idiots...' _________________________________ Give some love to my other book too ^^~ • Barbaric Spouse, Descry the Night's Lure * To find my book you have to either search the title or my pen name. It will not show on my profile. _________________________________ TAGS: #R18 #SlowPaced, #Romance, #Smut, #Medieval, #Trauma, #Father&Daughter... (Sigh... so many tags... do emphasise #SlowPaced ^^) _________________________________ This is an original Story ^^ Author: XimenoideX

Leon had always been an unlikely romantic. Beneath his imposing frame, tattooed arms, and reputation as a street fighter, he hid a secret: a love for romance novels. In a room cluttered with stuffed toys, bookshelves stacked with novels adorned with delicate covers, and a cozy pink pajama set with pandas, Leon was lost in another world. His rough exterior belied a softer side that very few people had ever glimpsed. For Leon, life was full of contradictions. Despite his soft-hearted nature, he had been caught up in the gritty life of a gangster since he was a teenager. It wasn’t something he had sought out, but trouble always seemed to find him. With a face that looked like it was sculpted for brawls, people tended to assume he was a delinquent. Rejected by peers who feared his intimidating looks, and drawn into a gang when no one else would accept him, Leon had played the role assigned to him, even if it wasn't the life he truly desired. Then, one night, during a gang war that should have been like any other—full of swinging fists, snarling threats, and rules about keeping it to fists and blades—a gunshot echoed. Leon felt a searing pain in his head. The world tilted, then everything went black.

I just ask her to go and hear the story but she makes a mess.

Life's a bitch but I'm a bigger bitch Kesha is a difficult person to be with, she is different and hates everyone, building a fence around her heart. Painful experiences from the past, bad occurrences has made her harder and difficult to please. Sebastian moved to a new country, different and new people, he falls in love Kesha and tries to win her over. Will she accept him? Will she learn to love him? Will she be finally accept him? With the lovely childhood and all the love Kesha couldn't get, will Sebastian be able to win her over excerpt: I am not your everyday teenager. Well I am sixteen and a whore. I guess that makes me a Villain. I would look mad ass sexy in a Villain suit. "You have to learn to knock mom. You do not want to see me in bed with a boy, fucking my brain out"I snapped at her walking out of the bathroom. Excerpt : Just drive us to my sudden doom" I said and placed my legs on the dashboard. My top might have ridden up a little and I just could not possibly stop myself from grinning whenever I caught him staring "Does someone love my tattoos?" I asked with a teasing smile and a silly look plastered on my face "They are beau--ti--ti--ti--ful--ful" he stammered and held the steering wheel tighter "Cats got your tongue or are you just nervous around a sexy thing like me" I said and purred, enjoying how he was getting red. He was a tough one, he refused to stare at me, he just kept his focus on the road. "Awww, am I not tempting enough to steal your attention?" I said mocking how focused he was. I caught his eyes moving from me to the road. I have gotten a reaction "So I am tempting?" I asked with a  smirk plastered on my face. I got my legs off the dashboard and moved closer to him resting on the armrest and holding my amused face  "Do you want to see a very cute tattoo?" I asked and purred in his ears, he did not answer me but I knew I was affecting him. "So you do not want to see?" I asked faking a   frown and pouting  "I do" he said in a rushed tone, someone is excited, he turned to look at me and caught my smirk "I knew you would" I said. I tugged the neck of my shirt to make it lower to reveal the tattoo I had on my chest. "You like?" I asked He nodded and turned to look at the road. "Aww you are looking all red and stuff" I teased and poked him for added effects. "I had no idea boys could be this red" I added and continued to tease him with my laughter 'I think he has had enough teasing for a day'   my subconscious reminded me. I turned to look at Sebastian, he was red and was gripping the wheels like his life depended on it. He really makes teasing easy but not fun, he is not flirting back, making me look like a whore 'You are one' my subconscious reminded me again, I gasped and smirked 'Am I?' I wanted to laugh at my own joke but I do not think Sebastian is ready for more craziness. I sort of miss Regina, sorry my room, I might be asleep right now or trapped in a book, got to keep straight A's. I looked up and realized the dirt path we were driving through looked familiar "Sebastian?" I called, he hummed to tell me he was listening "Where are we?" I asked "I have brought you to your doom...

[Slow Burn] Beloved, Though these words may reach you beyond the veil of existence, know that my heart speaks to yours with every stroke of the pen. In this moment of reflection, I am filled with gratitude for the joy and warmth you have brought into my life. As a son, a friend, a rival, or a lover, each of you has left an indelible mark upon my soul. If the tapestry of fate should weave our paths anew in another life, let it be known that I eagerly await our reunion. May the threads of destiny guide you back to me, wherever I may be. With enduring love, Velor

Hannah is absorbed in her school project when she hears her mother calling her downstairs. However, there’s something unsettling in her mother’s tone, a growing urgency that she can’t ignore. Intrigued yet cautious, Hannah begins to make her way down the stairs. Suddenly, she’s pulled into the nearby laundry room, a hand clamped over her mouth to stifle her reaction. To her shock, it’s her mother—eyes red and filled with terror. With a trembling whisper, her mother warns, “Don’t go down there, honey. I heard it too.” A cold chill washes over Hannah as she realizes that something, or someone, is downstairs, calling to her in her mother’s voice. But if her real mother is here, then who—or what—could be waiting beneath the stairs?

Warning: Mature content, dark themes, psychological Status: Complete It all started one perfect night at the coast of the Mediterranean sea. I was standing on a beach with my feet laved in warm golden sand and my eyes fixed on the crushing waves. That is when trouble decided to walk by in a form of a handsome face with sandy blonde hair and dazzling enthralling killer smile. One look into his ocean blue eyes and I knew I wanted him as mine. And with just a touch of his lips on mine I was in love. But he belongs to her, my sister. You can call me the villain. I saw him first and he is mine to claim. I love him but he loves her. But my heart wants what is wants and that’s William Carter. When Adeline Pierce's Sister, Brittany introduce her fiancé to Adeline. Adeline had the shock of her life. Her sister’s fiancé, William Carter was the man that kissed Adeline two years ago on a beach and she is very much in love with him. Adeline vowed to make William hers at all cost. But two things stands in her way. Her sister, Brittany and her therapist Dr. Chris Owens who has sexy tattoos and a handsome face that she can't resist But William Carter has a malicious reasons for marrying Adeline's sister. He is seeking revenge. Will Adeline still go after William Carter her sister’s fiancé or would she surrender her heart to Dr. Chris Owens, her therapist ?

"Privacy" Death was not the end. It was an introduction. When I was born as a reaper, I thought my task was simple: take the hand of the fallen and guide them into the silent void. I wasn’t supposed to ask questions, wasn’t supposed to feel. But how could I not, when each soul told me stories that refused to be forgotten? A painter, whose final masterpiece drowned in the fires of war. A mother, whose hands bled for a family that barely remembered her name. A rebel, whose cries for freedom echoed in an empty, indifferent world. Through their lives, I witnessed the tragedy of human existence: a theater of dreams shattered by fate, of struggles unseen by the heavens, of lives stripped bare by the ever-present gaze of society. They lived without privacy, under the weight of expectations, systems, and destinies that did not care for their hearts. And yet, even in their brokenness, I found beauty. In their despair, I found defiance. But as I led them to their final rest, I began to wonder—was I a witness, or was I complicit? Could I, a mere shadow of death, rewrite the stories fate had already penned? "Privacy" is a haunting meditation on dreams, mortality, and the meaning of freedom in a world that never stops watching. A tale as fleeting as a heartbeat, and as eternal as the silence that follows.

In the mystical realm of Eryndor, where magic is the lifeblood of society, young Luth Hxavion, a scion of the prestigious Hxavion noble house, grapples with a debilitating condition known as Mana Invocation Disorder. This rare ailment prevents him from casting spells, rendering him an outcast in a world where magical prowess is revered above all. Despite his deep understanding of magic theory, Luth’s condition leaves him powerless, constantly overshadowed by his peers and the expectations of his lineage. One fateful day, while rummaging through the forgotten remnants of his family’s library, Luth stumbles upon an old, tarnished magic pen. At first glance, it appears to be a faulty relic of no significance. But as he grips the pen, he feels a faint, unfamiliar tingle—a spark of mana. Desperate to harness any semblance of power, Luth begins to experiment with the pen, tracing intricate patterns and symbols with his mana. To his astonishment, these symbols, though foreign and mysterious, manifest as spells. Unlike traditional magic, these symbols hold a raw, unrefined power, capable of feats beyond ordinary spellcasting. With each stroke, Luth pioneers a new form of magic, creating what he dubs "Runes." These arcane symbols become his lifeline, a way to channel his mana and assert his place in the world. As Luth delves deeper into the secrets of rune magic, he uncovers ancient prophecies hinting at a time before magic was formalized, when primordial forces shaped the world. His discovery of rune magic, it seems, is no accident. Luth's journey is intertwined with a greater destiny: to bring balance to Eryndor and restore a lost age of magic.

A life filled with hardships and betrayals was how Annabel grew up. From a young age, she faced countless challenges that tested her spirit and resilience. Love was a concept that seemed perpetually out of reach for her, as she navigated through the murky waters of betrayal and loneliness. Tragically, she met an untimely end, leaving behind a world that had been her tormentor. But instead of fading into nothingness, she woke up in a reality she knew better than anyone else. This was no ordinary world; it was a realm she had crafted with her own pen, a narrative filled with characters and plots she had meticulously woven together. However, upon awakening, she discovered she was inhabiting a body that shouldn’t exist—a character that was never in her story. Confusion swirled within her as she grappled with her new reality. What choices would she make? How would she navigate this unexpected twist of fate? Annabel found herself at a crossroads, where every decision could alter the course of her life and the lives of the characters she had created.

Adrian has always been a skeptic, a lone figure drifting through life with only his cat, Vermi which he picked up recently, to keep him company in a desolate city. But his world is shattered one snowy night when a ghostly figure cloaked in darkness appears, leading him to an ancient mystery and marking him with a strange vine tattoo. As he unravels the truth behind his haunting encounters, he discovers that this isn’t just about survival—it’s a journey to lose his sanity, piece by piece, while battling forces beyond comprehension. In a world where reality and the supernatural blur, Where his modern life in Japan is coming to an end. Adrian isn't any hero however, he's rather selfish. ____________________________________ (No romance.) There may be some gory or more like scary stuff in here so please, the ones with weak hearts (just like mine) please take precaution before reading this. I won't really add in much flash warning stuff now but in the very very near soon future I will so please, prep your hearts (I'll prep my heart and brain). The Art work isn't mine, it's from a artist/Illustrator from Twitter/X. I'll put their username so the credits shall naturally go to them. Artwork creator- Omuoic

Elena thought her marriage was a simple arrangement—until she discovered her husband is the feared Mafia boss, Damon Moon. Instead of terror, she finds herself cherished in his arms. But when Damon’s dark past and ruthless enemies resurface, their love faces the ultimate test. Will they survive the storm, or will Damon’s empire and Elena’s heart crumble under the weight of danger? ***** [SNEAK PEEK] Without hesitation, she shot back, “Want to do it?” His eyes widened, and for a moment, the powerful, composed figure seemed genuinely flustered. He coughed, fanning himself slightly, his gaze shifting away as he avoided her eyes. “What? You shy now?” Elena laughed, her boldness surprising even herself. After a few moments, he regained his composure and sat down, clearing his throat. His intense gaze returned, though a hint of something softer lurked behind it. “So, what was it you wanted to tell me that required you to take off your shirt?” she asked, her playful tone belying her curiosity. With a solemn look, he stood up again, turning his back toward her. As he did, Elena’s breath caught in her throat. His back was covered in a massive, dark tattoo—a dragon intertwined with a snake, the unmistakable emblem of the Black Serpent Mafia.

Trapped in a fantastical realm, Kiyoshi discovers a volatile magic that weakens him as it strengthens. His rented girlfriend becomes his shield against impending doom, revealing they're humanity's last hope. Amidst a web of secrets, their journey unveils a destiny intertwined with Earth's future.

Kat grumbled a little before reluctantly quieting down, allowing Lucian speak. He continued, his eyes locking onto hers. "The second thing the mark does is tie your fate to the Kelpie's. I injured it badly. stabbed it in the back and it's neck. If it dies because of those wounds, you will die too." She felt a cold shock wash over her. "What? That's insane! Why would I die if it dies?" "The mark it put on you," Lucian explained, his hands never stopping their motion with the pen. "As the Kelpie suffers, so will you. It's dying now, and if it succumbs to its injuries, you'll follow soon after." "Wow, Katherine, way to go. You really outdid yourself," Kat muttered to herself, taking a deep breath. "Seeing a wet horse despite the dry weather wasn't enough for you to think something was wrong." "You saw it wet?" Lucian asked, his eyebrows frowning slightly. "Huh?... Yeah, is something wrong with that?" Kat asked, wondering why the horse being wet was more important to him at the moment than her dying. Lucian didn't say anything but just stared at the girl in front of him. 'There is something more to her, I just can't tell what it is' he thought. To further confirm his suspicion, he moved closer to Kat, closing the distance between them. He reached for the shoulder of her dress and pulled it down. The sudden action startled Kat. She exclaimed, "What do you think you are doing, pervert? Get away from me!" She tried hitting him, but she barely had the strength to sit up, let alone push him away. Lucain paused, staring at her bare shoulder. Kat followed his gaze and gasped. "What is that?" she asked, her voice trembling. On her shoulder was a strange mark, like a tattoo of a hoof print with foreign writing within it. Lucain hummed thoughtfully, his expression still impassive. 'As I thought, she shouldn't be able to see it, but she can. That's unusual for a human.' Kat frantically tried to wipe the mark off. "Why won't it come off?" "That's the Kelpie's mark," He pointed out, his tone remained indifferent. Panic surged through Kat. She hadn't just narrowly escaped death; it was now chasing her, bound to her by an invisible tether. "Is there any way to break the bond...mark whatever it is? I don't want to die," she asked desperately, her eyes searching Lucian's for any sign of hope. Lucian's expression stayed the same. "I don't intend to let you die so soon," he said. "We can replace the Kelpie's bond with another bond." Kat clung to this glimmer of hope. "How do we do that?" she asked, leaning forward, eager for a solution. "It requires a new bond, a stronger one that can override the Kelpie's," Lucian explained, his demeanor calm and composed. Before she could ask what he meant, Lucian reached out and gently pecked her on the forehead. Kat froze, completely caught off guard by the unexpected action. The brief contact sent a jolt through her, and she barely had time to react before he pulled her into a gentle embrace, careful not to hurt her already pained body. Her mind raced, trying to process the sudden shift from their conversation to this intimate moment. The warmth of his embrace contrasted sharply with the cold fear that had gripped her moments before. She caught the scent of rosewood and felt his firm body against hers, making her heart skip a beat. "What are you doing?" she whispered, her voice shaky. Kat's heart pounded in her chest. She felt Lucian's face bury itself in the crook of her neck, his breath warm against her skin. His grip on her waist tightened slightly. She winced as she felt a sharp pain. Lucian's fangs sank into her neck, causing her to gasp and grip his shoulder, her fingers digging into his shoulder.... **** disclaimer: cover not mine.