Beneath The Mask Extended

"Are you afraid?.... I would be afraid... But then again, there's nothing you can do about it is there? So while not just accept your fate and....DIE?" "ALL.... THINGS.... PERISH...." With that calm statement, a silver lightning bolt as thick as a skyscraper....if it could still be called a bolt, came crushing down. And just like that the feared by all demon lord along with his castle and everyone in it. All that was left in the area was a pit that seemed to lead into the abyss and beyond...

In a world ravaged by destruction and stripped of life's essence, Arin trudges along an uncertain path, driven by a burning desire for vengeance. As he delves into the shadows of past and present, his journey intersects with individuals facing enigmatic fates, each bearing pain and secrets that weigh heavily upon them. It is a tale where relationships intertwine, souls collide amidst fierce conflicts, and dangers lurk at every turn. In this harsh reality, no answers are clear, and survival is a privilege not granted to all.

I seriously felt like I was about to kick the bucket because of some mysterious sickness. But guess what? I snapped awake to find myself in this weird place, in some dude's body. A man? Seriously? I held my breath, and I felt something weird on my chest. "Huh? Is this... bondage? What the heck?" Then, out of nowhere, a rush of unknown memories flooded my mind. Turns out, I'm a general. Yup, that's right. And get this, I ain't no dude-I'm actually a young, stubborn lady who's playing pretend as her older brother. Crazy stuff, right?

A quiet, unnoticed student hides a shocking secret: a double life as an online sensation. When a school project forces them to team up with the school’s most popular classmate, an accidental discovery threatens to expose everything. What starts as a tense revelation soon uncovers hidden truths neither expected, leaving both questioning who they really are—and who they can trust.

In the quiet darkness of the city, where shadows stretch long and secrets linger, a charming and meticulous man prowls unnoticed. By day, he’s an unassuming professional, navigating the corridors of power with ease, his impeccable manners and handsome face concealing the predator lurking beneath. By night, he dons his most dangerous mask—a façade of warmth and intrigue that draws unsuspecting victims into his carefully woven web. Obsessed with uncovering the truths hidden in human minds, he views each person as a puzzle, their fears, desires, and vulnerabilities as treasures to exploit. But when he encounters a woman who seems perfect for his next plan, his tightly controlled world begins to fray. As his games grow darker and more daring, the question looms: will he remain the master of his deadly art, or will the mask finally crack, exposing the monster within? "The Masked" is a chilling psychological thriller that delves into the twisted mind of a man who thrives in the shadows, a story of manipulation, obsession, and the masks we all wear.

In the sprawling metropolis of Shanghai, where ancient pagodas sit beside glass skyscrapers, two lives intertwine in the relentless pursuit of success and belonging. Liu Wen, a young woman from a modest town, arrives in the city with nothing but a dream and her tenacious work ethic. Working tirelessly in a high-rise office by day and studying for her business degree by night, she aims to prove that success can be built brick by brick. Yet, the weight of urban life and the allure of easy shortcuts constantly test her spirit. On the other side of the city, Chen Kai, heir to a growing tech empire, navigates the gilded traps of wealth. His ambition has always been to prove his worth beyond his family's name, but the glitter of the city often blinds him to life’s true values. Burdened by expectations and hungry for connection, he yearns for love that transcends social status. Their paths collide in an unexpected moment—a night when city lights blur, and strangers become confidants. Through late-night conversations in hidden cafés and chance meetings in crowded subway cars, they discover a shared dream of something more profound than money and fame. Will their love survive the trials of ambition and the ever-turning wheels of the urban jungle? And can they reconcile their differing worlds to build a future together, or will the city swallow them whole, as it has countless others?

a regular man living in the darkness of his failure he wanted to be an actor but life is Harsh for him one day his friend (assistant producer) gave him a offer to work as a actor will he accept it? is the path for him will be easy? what people he going to meet? is he can become an actor?

What would you do if the person you raised, turned against you? For that person, you sacrificed your childhood but in the end, they still turned against you. It all began like a dream, a sweet dream to say, then a crack happened but she mended it, then another appeared and she mended it again until it finally broke down. Ely kept the lesson taught by life in the deepest part of her heart. She ran away because she was trying to escape from the truth but she met it again and this time, she lost her innocence, she lost the last bit of humanity she had and she lost the color of her soul and eventually, she submitted herself to the devil who used her gleefully. Silveria, a young King felt his ambitions came first before anything else. He once told a girl, that if he wanted something, he got it and it didn't matter how he got it. He was nicknamed the devil. The devil met this girl who lost the color of her soul and fed on her indifference but soon, he began to thirst for more. Is the devil going to pull her into hell with him or will both find salvation? PS:the cover is not mine so I can take it down if the owner comes by.

The First Part of The Odyssey Trilogy; The Beneath. Kicks off when all Xavier's ever known is brutally taken from him in the mass genocide and destruction of his home town, a neutral zone in the Tanggal continent called, 'The Oasis.' Cast out into the unforgiving Outer-lands... and faced with a world wholly different from his own. Can Xavier uncover the secrets that lay behind his home's destruction and survive the outer-lands??

In a world where love is narrowed down to mere societal expectation and in the quest to fulfill duties, the identity is buried, Whispers Beneath sheds light on Amara and her internal chaos, a woman torn between a life prescribed to her and one that she has recurrently been afraid to accept. Amara is a woman who seems to have followed the right path all along. In a patriarchal world, she finds solace in the love of her husband, Daniel, beneath the hope that such a conventional life would appease the storm raging within her heart. Still, Amara intuitively feels incomplete, it is a reality that she has intentionally evaded. Just as she begins to adjust to the path that she has taken, the surprise reappearance of her figure from the past Farida, reverses the clock and brings back the events that Amara valiantly sought to erase. In the course of reconciling with the past and Farida, Amara relives the agony of self-denial that had occasioned the schism. Stuck between the anguish of upbringing, allegiance to God, and the pressure from the society, she is posed with a choice of continuing to live a deceptive life or incurring the risk of being genuine. Whispers Beneath is a heart-breaking story that evokes emotion through an unforgiving plot which highlights the complexities of self-discovery, forbidden love, and tough choices. In this story, romance is a dual-edged sword, both binding and freeing, and Amara’s decision is such that will change not only her life, but the lives of everyone around her as well. Will Amara manage to break the shackles of the unuttered whispers beneath her heart that chooses to imprison her or does she possess the courage to live her life as she wills?

[not a LitRPG / isekai / cultivation.] [Espionage / Slowburn / A very human story] SYNOPSIS: A child rotting on the streets was suddenly dragged into the black car of one of the many conglomerates that rule the world from the shadows. Through golden flames and swathes of blood, he was trained and experimented on to become the perfect weapon. In this ever-changing world of conspiracy and technological marvels, Test Subject 201, now called Felix, navigates the world as the experiment's sole survivor, standing as the foundation for humanity's next step in evolution.  Armed with his gun, newfound abilities, and a memento he holds dearly, he marches through the steep path of darkness and deceit, and faces off against mafia, mercenaries, and countless criminals and corporations, to enact the organization's mantra to "protect the peace.".

When divine blood flows through your veins, monsters hunts you down until you’re dead. That’s the harsh reality each demigod has to live everyday. Marina is one of them and, because of this, she had to leave her home when she was still a child. Now she has grown up and lives in the Lilies Park, a place in the Otherworld where she meets Shirei, a mysterious demigod who has no memory. Shirei will have to deal with his hidden past to understand why the gods seem to treat him like an enemy, but Marina fears that the journey will only lead to his death. Thus begins the last act of the plan of the forgotten goddess: the queen of masks. I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad.com

> "In the shadows of Italy's underworld, betrayal threatens to dismantle one of the most powerful mafia families. Vincenzo, the ruthless yet enigmatic leader, battles not only enemies outside but also a strange illness that pushes him to the brink of madness. Vanessa becomes his unexpected anchor, a calming presence who soothes his chaos and holds the key to his survival. But as a hidden traitor lurks within their ranks, plotting against him, trust becomes the deadliest weapon. In a world where secrets are currency, can Vincenzo uncover the betrayer before it’s too late—or will the underworld claim him first?"

In a world where Fate Constellations determine one’s power, destiny, and survival, 13-year-old Cyrus was meant to inherit the legendary Solarius Constellation—a beacon of light and balance in the universe. Instead, at his awakening ceremony, the unthinkable happens. Cyrus bonds with a mysterious constellation with unknown power. All while Cyrus and his father Ezra are on the run because they are being hunted by a shadow organization that wants to rid the world of their clan and all who inherit the Solarius Constellation

Riley Kaur has always been an afterthought in her prestigious family. The illegitimate daughter of the world-renowned Chef, John Kaur. Her existence is a constant reminder of a mistake the Kaur family would prefer to forget. Growing up in a house full of wealth and privilege, Riley was treated as little more than an outsider—ignored and neglected, even by the servants who barely acknowledged her presence. To them, she was nothing but a burden, a stain on the family’s reputation. As her stepsister Anne’s wedding day approaches, Riley is resigned to her place on the fringes of family life. Anne is set to marry Spencer Adams, a once-charismatic heir whose life was shattered years ago in a devastating plane crash, leaving him crippled and disfigured. Rumors swirl around Spencer’s physical state, but his marriage to Anne is seen as the perfect union to solidify the Kaur family’s social standing. However, hours before the wedding, Anne disappears—vanishing without a trace. Panic ripples through the Kaur household as the family scrambles to cover up the scandal. With no time to waste and their carefully constructed world on the brink of collapse, they hatch a desperate plan: Riley, the unwanted daughter, must step in as the bride. Thrown into the role of a lifetime, Riley is forced into a marriage with Spencer, a man she has never met, all to preserve her family's reputation and their lucrative contracts. But as she faces the daunting task of becoming a wife to a man she barely knows, Riley finds herself at a crossroads

In the world of high-stakes power plays, manipulation, and psychological warfare, Aiden Devereux is a master of control. A brilliant strategist and manipulator, Aiden's rise through the ranks of a shadowy global organization known as The Circle is driven by one goal: to claim ultimate authority over the world's most influential networks. With his unwavering focus on power, Aiden employs every tool at his disposal—deception, seduction, subversion, and mind games—to eliminate rivals and bend the world to his will. But the path to dominance is never clear-cut. As Aiden ascends, he faces growing opposition not just from his enemies, but from the very forces within himself. His manipulations begin to take a toll on his psyche, eroding his sense of morality and forcing him to confront the human cost of his relentless ambition. The deeper he digs into The Circle’s tangled web, the more he uncovers about its dark origins and the hidden figures pulling its strings. As Aiden's mastery over others reaches its peak, he encounters new adversaries—rivals with their own formidable tactics, including a former mentor who knows his every move, and a cunning seductress whose emotional intelligence threatens to destabilize his cold, calculated worldview. But it is not just outside forces that threaten him; the very manipulation he has used to control others begins to turn inward, as he starts questioning if he has become a pawn in a much larger game. When a new figure, Julian Thorne, emerges from the shadows—a strategist with a mind as sharp and dangerous as Aiden’s—the stakes become personal. With The Circle on the brink of collapse, Aiden is faced with an agonizing choice: take control of the empire he has spent years building, or destroy it all and erase the legacy of power that has consumed him. The Serpent’s Throne is a psychological thriller that explores the depths of ambition, the cost of absolute power, and the delicate balance between control and chaos. As Aiden’s world unravels, readers are taken on a harrowing journey through deception, betrayal, and the ultimate test of one man’s will to bend fate to his design.

O'Neil Andrew Morisette was born into the Divine Empire of Titan with a silver, no, golden spoon in his mouth. Having been sent to prison at the young age of 5 for being the perpetrator of the biggest scandal of Titan Imperialty, he launched his political career after his release. He could be the Emperor's favorite minister, the Princess's husband, a Prince of the Divine Empire of Titan, or a marshal with tens of thousands of soldiers, but which persona will he choose to identify with? This is a story of choices, of intrigue, of love. Will O'Neil Andrew Morisette bow to his fate, or will he entangle himself in romance? Where does his destiny lead, and what changes will he bring to the strongest empire in Westland?

Leila Samara is a talented but struggling artist working at a small café in New York City. Her world is simple, grounded in the day-to-day hustle to make ends meet, and she’s content in her modest life—until one evening, a chance encounter with Alexander Knight, a powerful CEO of a global empire, changes everything. When Alex accidentally leaves behind his expensive watch at the café, Leila returns it to him, not expecting anything more than a brief exchange. But when he invites her to his exclusive world, she finds herself drawn into his orbit. Despite his wealth and confidence, Alex is a man burdened by isolation, haunted by past scars that even his immense fortune can’t heal. As their paths intertwine, Leila and Alex discover that despite their stark differences—her humble roots, his life of luxury—the connection between them is undeniable. But their blossoming relationship is tested by the vast gap between their worlds, their own insecurities, and secrets they both keep hidden. Navigating love, trust, and the allure of power, Leila and Alex must confront the walls they’ve built around their hearts. Will their love defy their circumstances, or will their contrasting lives pull them apart? "Beneath the skyline" is a story of two souls from different worlds finding unexpected love, healing, and the courage to break free from the expectations that bind them.

Nihongo Arata, Just a normal high school boy, living a normal untouched life, at least that's what it looked like to the outside world in Kyoto.

Beneath Secrets and Scandalous Pain When a one-night stand with a CEO results in pregnancy, a reluctant marriage binds two strangers together, but as tackle scandals, conflicts, and their own demons, they discover a love that heals their deepest wounds. ** "Why didn't you tell me?" He asked her as he began the ride to his house. "You had your men drag me out, remember?" She laughed and closed her eyes, the soft curve of her smile a stark contrast to the tension between them. Leo stared at her, his gaze lingering for a moment before he looked away, his expression unyielding. Nothing can make him fall in love with her. "Did you understand my terms?" he asked, his voice low and detached. "My lawyer will arrive soon, but first, I need you to understand." Abi's eyes fluttered open, her gaze meeting Leo's in the rearview mirror. "You told me that we are going to be married because of our scandal and the baby," she began, her voice even. "We are free to be in other relationships. We are not going to share any slightest form of intimacy, and we would go our separate ways when the baby is born. And, of course, I'll still have access to the baby." A small smile settled on his face, approval flickering in his eyes. "Seems like you're not that useless. You're a little smart." Abi's smile grew, a spark of pride igniting in her voice. "I was the most brilliant kid in my class. I had a GPA of 4.7 when I was graduating." Leo's smirk was lightning-fast. "That's so low. I would have graduated with a 10.0, but unfortunately, I was still the highest with a 5.0 in my department. You may go back to school to match my score."

Hi some of yall might recognize the cover, this is the redo of my old novel that I decided to stopped writing, I felt horrible for months after disappearing. Now I decided to continue and finish it. I hope my old readers come and find this book again. Below is the synopsis. A story of a boy name Vesper Nine who lives in a magical medieval world, dreaming of becoming a dragon knight to protect the land of Astafel from abyssal creatures and wicked dragons but after awakening his true power, the reality between worlds began to collapse. What kind of power does this boy hold to be able to bring such chaos?

In the world of high society, billionaire Devlin Saint Clair is revered for his wealth, charm, and philanthropy. But beneath the façade, Devlin harbors a dark secret: he's a demon, heir to the throne of the underworld. Bound by his father's expectations, Devlin must navigate the treacherous landscape of demon politics to claim the crown. His ruthless ambition knows no bounds, and he'll stop at nothing to achieve his goal. Detective Mirabella "Bella" Thompson is no stranger to darkness. Haunted by a traumatic past, she's built walls around her heart. Alongside her sisters, she's forged a new life in the police force. But when she stumbles upon Devlin's true nature, her world is turned upside down. As their paths collide, Devlin's determined to keep Bella silenced. But she's not one to back down. As they engage in a cat-and-mouse game, Devlin finds himself torn between his loyalty to his family and his growing obsession with the fearless detective. Bella's secrets are her own, but Devlin's determination to uncover them threatens to destroy everything she's built. Can she resist the billionaire's allure, or will his darkness consume her? As the stakes rise, Devlin must choose between his destiny and his desire. Will he sacrifice his humanity for the crown, or will Bella's love redeem him? **Target Audience:] Adult readers (18+) who enjoy paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and suspenseful stories with complex characters and moral ambiguity.

Eva Bennett, a struggling fashion designer on the brink of financial ruin, is cornered into accepting a contract marriage with the cold and powerful billionaire, Logan Montgomery. Their marriage is a business arrangement designed to bolster Logan's image for a critical merger, but Eva quickly realizes she is nothing more than a substitute for Logan's lost love, Sophia, who left him for his brother. Despite the icy reception and emotional distance, Eva harbors a deep, unspoken love for Logan, hoping that one day he might return her affections. As the months pass, Eva’s quiet resilience begins to crumble under the weight of Logan’s indifference and the constant presence of Sophia, who re-enters their lives to further complicate matters. When Eva discovers she’s pregnant, it becomes the final straw, and she decides to leave Logan, determined to reclaim her life and independence. However, fate takes a turn when Eva’s success in the fashion world starts attracting attention, including Logan’s. But as Logan tries to win her back, Eva must decide whether to trust him again.

This is a story comprising of two different stories in honor of Domestic Violence month. The stories are short and concise to draw the reader into the perspective of the character.

Caspian inched closer until his lips were mere inches away from Davina's, reeling her in to close the nonexistent gap between their mouths. "Have you ever been kissed, Dimitri?" He asked. Before Davina could lose control after Caspian's cold lips lightly grazed hers, she pushed him away and hurriedly stood up. "My Lord, this is highly unethical!" Her real voice nearly slipped out amid the chaos. "What's unethical about this?" Caspian's face lifted to form an innocent yet devilish smile, he seemed to be enjoying the reaction he got out of her. Flustered, Davina turned her back to him and took deep breaths before speaking more composedly. "We are both men and it wasn't ethical of you to try and... kiss me." The last bit came out as a whisper blown away by the wind. Caspian's chuckle echoed through the woods as he stood up from the bench and faced Davina with a smug look on his face. "Tell me, Dimitri, was I really trying to kiss a man just now?" "W-what do you mean?" Davina stumbled backward as she stared at Caspian in shock and disbelief, unsure of what to do to save herself from that situation. "Let me rephrase my question." Caspian delicately grazed Davina's cheeks with the back of his hand. "Are you really a man?" ***** With a bounty on her head and the need for a place to stay, Davina snuck into the castle of Lendorr, posing as a man in the royal army. Luckily for her, she was able to get away with her ruse easily that is, until she met the mysterious Lord Caspian. She is tasked with being one of his guards all while trying to avoid getting caught by the man who made it his life's mission to ruin her plan. Through a twisted game of deceit, Davina is forced to make a grave choice between Love and the REAL reason why she snuck into the castle.

For the sake of his family, Richard married a woman he had never met before. However, his newly wed wife was not only hideous but also viscous, which he only discovered on his wedding day. He thought he would be disgusted by her, but unexpectedly could not help but be attracted to this mysterious woman. What made Richard scratch his head even more, was that her face under the mask seems to be hiding some secret.

In a world where fate is as fickle, Pari, a once genius woman, suddenly awakens as a vulnerable fifteen-year-old girl, her spirit trapped in a body reviled by all. In a kingdom veiled in shadows, she encounters Prince Veer, a man of striking charm yet burdened by a reputation as cold as winter's bite. Known throughout the kingdom for his ruthless demeanor, he is a figure of both admiration and dread. The people speak of his heartlessness, but behind the mask lies a troubled soul concealed beneath layers of ice. As their paths intertwine, a tale of redemption, love, and the clash of destinies begins. In this realm where lives are woven together by fate, can an enduring bond rise from the ashes of scorn?

After transmigrating, discover that there is a resurgence of Qi in the East and there is a dawn of deities in the West. When steam cannons and mystery collide, the Western Extraordinaries gradually awaken. This is a world filled with a variety of advancements, class transfers, and hidden occupations, as well as never-ending exploration. As the mystery of the West gradually unfolds, the ancient deities gradually awaken, and a fresh new world draws the curtains in front of Thulhu. What should ordinary people do when old gods revive and new gods rise? Fortunately, we have a property panel!