Sunset Shimmer

During the 80th birthday banquet of the Ye family patriarch, Nan Zhifeng arrived holding her one-year-old child, searching for the child's father. The eyes of the crowd swept over the patriarch's three grandsons: the eldest had just married into the Meng family less than a month ago; the second had become paraplegic due to a car accident in his youth and lived a reclusive life; the third was a reckless playboy, racking up numerous romantic debts... Everyone suspected the child was the youngest’s. The butler readied to make arrangements for a paternity test. At that moment, a voice rang out, "No need for a test, the child is mine." Everyone looked up in shock. The speaker was none other than Ye Zhantian, the late-born son of the Ye family patriarch. The young uncles of the three lords. The current power-holder of the Ye Group.

Zhou Dao transmigrated to a world where demons rampaged and Daoist laws ruled. His sect was in straitened circumstances, and their property was on the brink of being demolished. Desperate, Zhou Dao had his eyes fixed on the coffin of the sect’s Grandmaster and decided to do something with it. A voice rang, “D*mn! You are actually plotting to steal my skull. With your attitude, Sunset Mountain has a chance of reaching its heyday again!” On that very night, the corpse of the Grandmaster moved! Moving forward, Zhou Dao would receive rewards whenever he offered up demonic beasts as sacrifices to the Grandmaster. He offered up a 1000-year zombie as a sacrifice and received the Indestructible Body of Demon Refining. He offered up a nine-tailed demon fox as a sacrifice and received a Fox Girl Puppet. He offered up a demon turtle from the Eastern Sea as a sacrifice and received a high-power muscle massage gun. … For eons, countless Daoist members meditated on The Yellow Court Classic. For years to come, Zhou Dao harvested countless demonic beasts with no intention of burying them. Many years later, in the same Daoist temple, Zhou Dao sat at the front door as he bore witness to the joy and the sorrow of all creations. He had seen birth, illness, death, and all sorts of bizarre phenomena. He put on a crooked grin as he said, “I offer up the heavens and the earth as a sacrifice.”

Love supercedes everything, right? what about sacrifice? does sacrifice means love? Nancy and Dave shared a strong bond they never imagined. But she later found some disturbing things about him which made her question her feelings for him. The more she dived into Dave's life, the more she found answers to the questions of her feelings for him. She knew about the dark moments of his childhood days, his psychological ailment, his struggles as a child with bipolar and how he struggled with amnesia. Dorcas, his ex, after leaving him when he needed her most, wanted to come back when he healed after meeting Nancy. But Nancy struggled to find answers to her questions about her love for him. did Dorcas succeed in winning Dave back? did Nancy and Dave they later end up being together? does love really supercedes everything or it's just a sentence to override the importance of sacrifice in relationship? This is a bumpy love story of two lovers who wondered if they're meant to be or not. Enjoy this Nigerian novel!

"The heavenly dog ​​rises from the earth and falls into the sunset. The sky is as red as blood, and the lucky star retreats into nothingness. In the vastness, a man stumbles forward, paving the way with difficulty, and blood is spilled with every step. Only a stalk of chrysanthemum withers behind him." This is a prophecy that no one can interpret, but some people say that this is my fate. Others say that the ritual officials are involved in yin and yang, are good at tombs, and cover up the secrets of heaven. The nobles of ancient times were all buried in their hands to protect future generations. In the end, they did not die well, and I could not escape it. But I don't accept it...

The Mayan ceremonial dagger had an inscription in the ancient language that read: "Offer thy heart". It's obviously an instruction left by the past inhabitants of this forgotten place, but who would be stupid enough to stab himself in the heart with a rusty old knife found inside a tombstone? After activating my battery pack the dagger shimmers brightly in a cyan light, the creatures are coming, I can hear their steps. 'It's do or die.'

The immense creaking of something, terrible and divine... The blooming of the blue lotus... The iridescent shimmer of a clear sky... Mystical, auspicious dreams of beastly heavens... The vespertine light of a solar past... Pale blue irises flecked in light... And history turning, blistering, churning and changing shape. All that a mage wishes for is... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is my first web novel, please have some patience. I don’t know when exactly I’ll add chapters, though for now I think I’ll stick to 2 a week, usually 2k to 4k words each. Thanks for reading :)

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

The night was cloaked in a thick fog, the city of Shanghai shimmering in the distance like a sea of broken stars. Li Wei stood at the large window of her modest apartment, cradling her daughter, Mei Ling, in her arms. The city's vibrant life seemed a world away as she gazed out, lost in her thoughts. It had been four years since Zhang Ming, the man who had stolen her heart and shattered it, walked out of her life. The man who was not just her lover but the father of her child. His sudden return had stirred up emotions she had long buried, reopening wounds she thought had healed. Li Wei's mind drifted back to the first time she met Zhang Ming. She had been the diligent HR manager tasked with onboarding the new CEO. An error in the system led her to believe he was an undercover auditor sent to evaluate the company’s practices. Determined to impress, she had gone out of her way to make his transition smooth. Little did she know, her kindness would be the spark that ignited a forbidden romance. Their love had been as passionate as it was secretive. Stolen glances during meetings, hidden kisses in the elevator, and whispered confessions late into the night. But the truth had a way of surfacing. When she discovered his true identity, the betrayal had cut deep. Zhang Ming's resignation, intended to protect her, only left her more isolated and heartbroken. In the months that followed, Li Wei discovered she was pregnant. The news had been a beacon of hope in her darkest hour. She chose to keep the child, raising Mei Ling on her own while burying herself in her work. Every day was a struggle, but Mei Ling's smile gave her the strength to carry on. Tonight, as she held Mei Ling close, the knock on the door startled her. Her heart raced as she approached, a sense of dread mingled with hope. She opened the door to find Zhang Ming standing there, older and wearier but with the same intense gaze that had once melted her defenses. He looked at her with a mixture of hope and regret, his eyes lingering on the child in her arms. In that moment, Li Wei knew their story was far from over. The past and present collided, setting the stage for a tumultuous journey of redemption, love, and second chances.

After awakening, Oliver found himself living as a poor farmer on the edge of the forests of the Kingdom of Rivendell, in a dilapidated home with scarce food. The kingdom’s forests were filled with magical beasts and toxic gases, and people believed they were perilous. However, he had awakened a super magic core that could capture creatures and endlessly transform its form. By capturing magical beasts, he gained incredible powers. He captured a Silver-Maned Boar, which granted him Superhuman Strength, enabling him to overpower foes with sheer brute force. Later, he captured a Thunderhawk, a majestic bird that soared through storms. This creature bestowed upon him the ability known as Storm's Embrace, allowing him to summon lightning strikes and control winds with a mere thought. Finally, he captured a Celestial Serpent, an immense creature adorned with shimmering scales that glinted like stars. This powerful beast endowed him with an Aetheric Shield, creating a formidable barrier that absorbed and reflected magical attacks, enhancing his own spells with celestial energy. As time flowed and the world changed, one day, Oliver, now the ruler of the earth and seas, looked up at the sky. The starry river above sparkled with unmatched beauty; it was said that within the starry sea resided deities. Having captured so many magical creatures and grown so powerful, he pondered the possibility: what if he could capture a god? What to expect: -Weak to strong male MC -Daily releases -Fast paced with frequent powerups -Fantasy setting with magic -Unique Mana Core System

Check out my new novel: My Seven Beautiful Sins! °°°°° In a distant future, seven centuries after the cataclysmic mana storm, the world of Gaïa transformed into a realm infused with magic. The fabric of reality shifted, revealing the manifestation of stats, skills, and levels through ethereal windows, visible to all. A new era emerged, where humanity awoke to the concept of Classes, bestowing upon them unique abilities and the potential for greatness. However, only the truly exceptional would ascend to seize the Throne in this extraordinary Era of Players. Noah uttered profound words, his eyes shimmering with an unearthly force. "Life itself is akin to a prison, but fear not, for I, Death, shall set you free.'' °°° Discord: https://discord.com/invite/qxK8vcpF

Felix has been carrying a torch for Gray, his childhood love, for as long as he can remember. After they graduated, Gray mysteriously cut off all communication, leaving Felix confused and heart wrenched. His friend, trying to help him move on, introduces Felix to her cousin Matthew, a silent, but charming Englishman who found his way onto Philippine soil. Matthew is everything Felix didn’t expect. As their friendship blossoms into something deeper, Felix begins to wonder if he can finally move past Gray. But just when things seem to be falling into place, Felix discovers that Gray is also attending Northerners University. Suddenly, Felix’s once-uncomplicated feelings become a tangled mess, as he finds himself torn between the nostalgia of his unspoken love for Gray and the fresh excitement of his budding romance with Matthew. With both men now a part of his campus life...things are bound to swirl around unexpected changes.

Veronica Rosenblatt is the only daughter of one of the great families of the Belsamel Empire. In the highest privileged society, where infidelity was equated with state treason, Veronica - the offspring of adultery and the dirty stain of six great races grew. Living in the cold shadows of the estate’s corridors, unloving, uncaring, on a short leash so tightly held by her father and second brother, Veronica set everything on a shimmering possibility: hatred for one’s own family. Leon Kir-Erdey is an outstanding serviceman, an aristocrat. A young man with a fine reputation without a single blemish. "Isn’t that an attractive offer? I know what you want with all your heart and I’m ready to give it to you. Is not marriage a small price to pay for the great cause?" "It’s more like a deal with the devil than a marriage proposal." The game of chess where until the last one knows who will win. Yes, and that victory will satisfy all the hidden desires? All the means are good? People, money, power, reputation, feelings and freedom. There is too much at stake. But the world outside the family estate turned out to be too intoxicating. Unknown feelings cannot turn your head. "Let’s just do what we have to do, dear. Stay out of my business, and I will stay out of yours.”

When Alex finds the book, it might be hidden, cloaked in shadows, or bound in an ancient, strange material that somehow calls out to him. The book itself could be almost alive, with pages that shimmer or change when touched, filled with secrets of cosmic proportions: the origins of the universe, the cycles of creation and destruction, and the forces that control fate. As he reads, he unknowingly unlocks a dormant magic within him—powers that connect him to the universe on a fundamental level, giving him the potential to influence reality, bend time, or defy fate itself. As he continues reading, he realizes that this power also brings responsibility. He must confront the forces of fate, which are determined to maintain the universe’s cycle, resisting any interference in its natural end. The boy’s journey becomes one of choice and courage, balancing the powers he's gained with the burden of deciding whether he can—or should—prevent the universe's eventual destruction.

In the year 2099, humanity stood on the precipice of a new frontier a shimmering threshold that bridged reality and imagination. The dawn of virtual existence was heralded by the rise of “Arcane Crusade,” a game so advanced it blurred the lines between flesh and code, creating an immersive world where dreams could be lived. until the old gods saw this artificial reality to be humanities downfall and a insult to their authority, with their own personal reason the old gods, they made the famous virtual game Real, and synchronized those who were connected toward their game Avatar , thus facing real consequences, rather than just entertaining themselves.

In the year 2127, Earth is on the brink of collapse. The world's resources are exhausted, the climate is in chaos, and humanity is divided into the rich who live in sprawling sky-cities and the poor who scrape by in the polluted wastelands below. Kiran Vallis, a 22-year-old tech scavenger, stumbles across a mysterious artifact in the ruins of Old London. It's a shimmering crystal with strange inscriptions. When he touches it, his reality shifts, and a massive rift appears in the sky, spewing creatures that defy the laws of physics. Through a chance encounter with an enigmatic traveler named Elyra, Kiran learns that the artifact is a key to the Infinite Rift, a network of interconnected worlds. Each world is governed by its own unique rules: some thrive on magic, others on advanced technology, and some on ancient, forgotten powers.

★ In the heart of a primeval forest, where the darkness cast a bone chilling glow, stood a girl of supernatural beauty and terrifying powers. Her silver hair cascaded down her shoulders like a silken waterfall, shimmering under the moonlight, crackling with raw energy. Her eyes, a piercing gold, burned with an infernal intensity, like the molten Sulphur of hell… ★★★★★ In a land where humans and supernatural beings coexist. Of the lands inhabited by humans stood one of the most powerful and greatest kingdom, Eldoria, ruled by its charming and wise king, king Aaron, the only human king with four wives, including; a vampire, a witch, a werewolf, and a human. Was it hard? Of course, it was challenging to keep his wives from ripping his and each other heads out. Raised with love and weapons, Brittany, the last child of King Aaron, half-siblings possess extraordinary abilities. However, she remains lacking in many ways. Despite her father’s unwavering love, she still endures constant bullying from her three sisters. She is kind-hearted, stubborn, shy, gentle, innocent and flawlessly beautiful. Her eyes, two enchanting amber-bluish hazel orbs and her long silky dark hair stood out of all king Aaron children’s striking appearance of raven black hair and all shades of green eyes. Only, it just happened that things stopped being weak for Brittany one fateful day as she began to undergo transformations, signalling the abeyant powers she never knew that were within her. Will this mark the beginning of a new chapter in her story? What role will this newfound strength play when darkness arises? ««« This book is splitted into two parts (or volume) including; Volume 1- Brittany's life and adventure with family. Volume 2- Married to the cold prince: a new journey begins. »»» This is a book I write in my spare time, so expect limited uploads. As always, the author is open to hearing your thoughts, so do not forget to vote and leave your sincere reviews. ♥ Midsummer07.

The future… is not a gift. It’s a reclamation.” The last thing he remembered was the explosion—a brilliant flash of light, followed by the sound of his own heartbeat slowing to silence. Dr. Elias Varen, once the world’s leading scientist, had gambled everything in his final experiment: a device that could bridge time and consciousness. Yet, as his world went dark, a singular thought burned into his mind: “I failed.” Elias awoke to a strange hum in the air, a sensation both foreign and oddly familiar. His body felt different—lighter, more responsive. He blinked, his vision greeted by a sky teeming with floating vehicles and towering structures glowing with neon lights. The city stretched endlessly, its streets alive with automated machines and holographic projections. “Welcome to Neo-Elyria,” a calm, artificial voice intoned. Elias sat up, his hand brushing against a sleek metallic surface. He looked down and froze. His body… wasn’t his. The reflection in a nearby glass panel revealed a younger man with sharp features, short-cropped black hair, and eyes that shimmered faintly with a golden hue. “Impossible…” he whispered, his voice smoother than he remembered. The voice returned, emotionless yet insistent. “Your biometric data indicates cognitive instability. Would you like assistance, Citizen Varen?” The name jolted him. “Varen…” His lips curled into a bitter smile. “So they kept it.” Memory fragments flooded back—centuries had passed since his death. His experiment had worked, but at what cost? His consciousness had been preserved, reborn in a world that had moved far beyond anything he’d imagined. Yet, he knew one truth: his genius would no longer be a relic of the past. It would be the foundation of this new era.

I am a girl who fell in love with someone who came from another world.

In the enchanting land of Serendia, where shimmering moonlight dance upon tranquil lakes and ancient forest whisper secrets, there exists a mysterious lullaby that drifts throught the hight air. Every evening, when the sun sets behind the horizon, a haunting melody emerges, soothing the heart of the restless and beckoning sleep to weary souls.

In the wake of the first wave of shadow creatures, the world was plunged into ruin, a desolate yet enchanted wasteland. Humanity, driven underground, clung to survival while desperately plotting to reclaim their shattered world. But from the abyss of darkness, something miraculous stirred—a mysterious tree, shimmering with ancient power, appeared overnight. It chose only the strongest of heart, those with unbreakable will, gifting them extraordinary abilities. With these powers, humanity rose from the depths, waging war against the shadows. Yet beneath the surface of their heroic deeds lay a hidden rot. Corruption seeped into their ranks, and arrogance clouded their judgment. As their powers grew, so did the whispers of betrayal. The true battle may not be against the creatures lurking in the shadows—but against the darkness festering within their own hearts. A question lingers: When heroes fall, who will rise to take their place?

in a world crying out for justice , the 100,000 year dormant soul of astralux, the God of rules, the punisher and law maker awakens to reimpose law and order on a world gone astray . known as the star king , this ancient deity essence now sleeps within lin Xiao, a young man of fifteen years whose life is full of problems and complications. born at the auspicious moment when sunset met moonrise. Lin Xiao's fate is intertwined with the divine soul that once made gods afraid of being gods . As the unwitting wielder of the law god's final fragment, he embarks on a treacherous journey full of trials and relevations . However, his path is soon marred by turmoil when his best friend and sworn sister accuses him of impregnating her but is it a lie or truth ? and what curse is stealing his qi continuously

The Legend Of A Powerful Phoenix Had Been Nothing But A Myth Until 100 Years Later A Storm Almost Wiped Out The Town Of Northfield But A Giant Bird Figure That Burning Through The Sky Saved The People Only To Disappear When The Sunset Arrived, Since Than The Village Has Rumours Of A Possible Phoenix To Be A Guardian When A Next Disaster Comes While A Confident Diana Being A Relative Of The Town’s Mayor Along With Her Skeptical But Kind Friend Owen Greet A New Student, Henry Wright Who Has A Spark Of Curiosity Like The Newcomers In The Town Until A Sudden Earthquake Forces The Habitants To Leave While Others Stay Behind. Things Get Even Weirder When The Group Get Struck In A Cave And A Blue Fire That Brings The Prophecy Of A New Phoenix To Life! As More Unseen Enemies And Mysterious Dark Creatures And The Choice That They Have To Make Whatever The Phoenix Is Their Protector That They Fight For Or A Fiery Beast That Would Destroy Their Home Is Something That They Have To Learn To Control.. (The Book Is Spilt Into Two Parts)

In the twilight of Divinity, where shadows lengthen and the world teeters on the precipice of oblivion, two brothers stand poised at the crux of fate. Argos, with eyes that shimmer like celestial beacons, is the last echo of the world's protectors, his essence a flickering ember of hope in a dying age. His brother, Irakes, bears the chilling weight of a different legacy.Will Argos rekindle the fading embers of Divinity within Irakes, or will the darkness extinguish the last flicker of hope? In this epic saga of good versus evil, the final chapter of a timeless war unfolds, with the fate of the world hinging on the redemption of a corrupted soul and the unwavering courage of a reincarnated protector.

Jace Elinham had died and found himself in front of a being of unbridled power and authority. a goddess! Offered a chance at a second life, Jace has to choose three cards which will follow him to the new world. In return for the second life, he has to slay Seven Great Evil Beasts! "Luck can be a fickle thing, but in a world of magic and monsters, it can often make the difference between life and death." Jace extended his hand and reached for one of the cards, feeling a slight tingle as his fingers brushed its surface. He pulled it free, and the card shimmered, then flipped itself over in his palm. [4-Star Goodluck] A radiant golden glow filled the air around him, and Jace could feel a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The card displayed a symbol of a four-leaf clover, its leaves sparkling with a bright, ethereal light. "There are five levels of luck in both good and bad," the goddess explained, "with five stars representing the highest tier." Jace smirked. "I'll take it. Better than rolling the dice on bad luck, anyway." The goddess nodded approvingly. "Now, for the second draw—your race and background." She gestured to the next set of cards, which were glowing in a deep blue. Jace reached out again, this time with a bit more confidence. He selected one of the cards, and as it flipped over, a brilliant blue light illuminated the platform. [Human – Noble Birth, Goldheart Family] The card showed a coat of arms—a golden heart emblazoned on a field of silver. Beneath it, intricate scrollwork spelled out the name Goldheart. Jace's eyes narrowed as he studied the card, trying to make sense of the symbolism. "Now, for the final draw—your skill." The last set of cards hovered before him, glowing in a mixture of silver and gold. Jace felt a surge of anticipation as he reached for one of the cards. [Skill Draw] [Fusion] He'd receive two skills in one card. Two abnormal skills! "This second chance comes with its own responsibilities. The seven great evil beasts will not wait forever. When the time comes, you must be ready to face them." Jace met her gaze, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "I'll be ready," he said. "And I'll do it my way." The goddess's smile was full of quiet pride as she raised her hand. "Then go forth, and may your journey be filled with fortune and growth." Blessed with these and reborn as Raiden Goldheart, Jace will rise to the pinnacle of magic in his own way, on his own terms, creating a path that's both Heroic and Villainous. He'll create the Path of the Villainous Hero! All so he can fulfill the Request of the Goddess.

Vlad, a destitute youngster from the slums, held an unwavering admiration for knights. Following an encounter with a bolt of black lightning, he started hearing a mysterious voice. One fateful day, a knight cloaked in the shimmering glow of the blue moonlight appeared, completely upending Vlad’s existence in the back alleys. This extraordinary event proved that even a faint star concealed among the darkest corners of the nocturnal firmament can still radiate its brilliance, should it yearn to shine. By Indra Scans Join discord! https://dsc.gg/indra

In the opulent heart of shadowbrook a city where shadows dance with secrets. Cassandra vitale stands resolute. Orphaned at the age of 20, she poured her heart into building a haven for the lost — a string of orphanages that shimmered like beacons of hope in the city’s. But fate a cruel jester, dealt a devastating blow. Her beloved father’s passing left a gaping hole in her life and a chilling truth waiting to be unearthed. Her mother died of cancer when she was ten years old. She came back from her aunt’s place and got the information and also never saw her mother’s body. Two months after the passing away of her father came Anthony Caruso one of the city’s notorious mafia don. A man as ruthless as he was powerful, his name whispered round about with a mix of fear and reverence. His world, a brutal ballet of violence and shadows that stood in contrast to Cassandra’s relentless pursuit of good. Yet Anthony arrives at her doorstep with a proposition as cold as steel, Cassandra’s world is thrown in disarray. Bound by a secret pact her father made with the Don, a pact she knew nothing about, Cassandra is forced to make a heart wrenching Decision. Submit to Anthony’s demand and become his unwilling bride or watch her life’s work — the orphanages that sheltered countless lost soul — crumble to dust.

The world changed on the day the first Gate appeared. A massive, swirling vortex of energy erupted in the heart of New York City, towering over the skyline. It was unlike anything humanity had ever seen—a shimmering doorway to the unknown, pulsing with a power that seemed to defy the laws of physics. Within days, similar gates began appearing around the globe, from the Amazon rainforest to the Siberian tundra. Scientists were baffled, governments were alarmed, and the military mobilized. These Gates, as they came to be known, allowed only a limited number of people to pass through at any given time, depending on the "level" of the Gate. The world quickly learned that beyond these portals lay realms filled with monsters, creatures straight out of ancient legends and nightmares. The monsters were deadly, their strength and ferocity determined by the disaster level of the Gate they guarded. But those who managed to defeat them found treasures of immense value—items of great power and utility, and most importantly, the Crystals.

In the year 2025, humanity bore witness to an event that would forever alter the course of its history. It began suddenly, without warning. Across every corner of the world, the skies darkened as a strange, otherworldly substance entered Earth's atmosphere. Like molten embers against the night, it 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 red-hued particles 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 SS Virus, 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 humans and beasts alike mutated, breaking their natural limits 100 times over. Beasts developed high intelligence higher than that of normal humans and had developed one main mission, kill humanity.Humanity however wouldn't fall that easily and rose as warriors. This was the begining, The Clash Of Man and Beasts.

"Who is she?" Kimi pondered, her thoughts swirling like autumn leaves caught in a brisk wind as she recalled the mysterious girl with the serpent tattoo coiling elegantly around her neck. The tattoo seemed almost alive, its scales shimmering under the fluorescent lights of the café where they had crossed paths. There was an air of intrigue about her—confidence that radiated in her demeanor, yet a hint of vulnerability hidden behind her piercing gaze. Kimi couldn’t shake the feeling that the tattoo symbolized something deeper, perhaps a connection to the girl’s own story, one that was yet to be revealed. The serpent, often a symbol of transformation and rebirth, left Kimi captivated. What experiences had shaped the girl, weaving tales of heartache and triumph into her identity? With every glance, it felt as if the tattoo whispered secrets, inviting Kimi to unravel a mystery that was more profound than mere ink on skin. The memory lingered in Kimi’s mind, igniting a curiosity that was hard to quell. Perhaps she would see the girl again, an opportunity to dive into a conversation that could lead to discovering not just who she was, but also the hidden layers of her life and the story that the serpent tattoo had to tell.