Sekiro Shadows Die Twice

Tragedy strikes when Alex's parents are brutally killed, and his clan is destroyed. Consumed by grief and guilt, Alex blames himself for their deaths and vows revenge. Abandoning his former life, he immerses himself in the shadows, plotting to destroy those responsible. As he delves deeper into his quest for vengeance, he begins to lose himself, driven solely by the desire for retribution against the nobles who wronged him and his family. From the Author: Hello, dear readers! This is my first time writing, and I am excited to share my story with you. Writing this book has been a journey of passion and hard work. I humbly ask for your support and encouragement. Please read my book and share your thoughts. Your feedback is invaluable and will help me grow as a writer. Thank you for giving my story a chance. I hope it captivates and entertains you.

When Nathaniel Delacroix’s brother mysteriously vanishes, he returns to his family’s crumbling estate, only to discover that his family’s past is woven with dark secrets and an ancient curse. As Nathaniel searches for answers, he uncovers cryptic journals, hidden symbols, and the eerie remnants of occult rituals that hint at his family’s pact with supernatural forces. With each discovery, strange and terrifying events begin to unfold, and Nathaniel realizes that his bloodline is bound to something otherworldly—a curse that awakens with his presence. As he’s pulled deeper into a world of shadows and nightmares, Nathaniel must confront the haunted legacy that links him to his brother’s fate. But as the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, he finds himself racing against time to end the curse before it consumes him completely, bringing ancient horrors into the world once more. A tale of psychological horror, supernatural mystery, and family betrayal, The Delacroix Curse is a story of survival against forces beyond comprehension—and the dangerous lengths one must go to escape fate.

Scarlet was enrolled in the Villainess Academy to learn how the world of evil truly operates. She possessed hearts so pure and innocent that were often considered naive, easily believing whatever she was told, which made her seem foolish in the eyes of others. A girl with no mana, no aura, cannot summon a spirit, or execute a magic. Her parents, worried that her innocence and inability to survive in the world would be her downfall, they enrolled her in the Villainess Academy, hoping they would learn the harsh realities of the world and toughen up. In the academy where she was bullied and belittle, Scarlet met someone who would protect her. But this person is hiding in shadow

Elias grew up knowing only pain, trapped in a home where cruelty and fear were his constant companions. Day after day, he endured relentless abuse that carved away pieces of his soul, leaving nothing but numbness and rage. One night, in a desperate fight for his life, he breaks free from his tormentors, leaving everything he knew behind. Embracing the shadows, he casts off his past, his innocence, and even his name. Now, he is only Shade.

Kathleen Crawford wurde mit einem Mann, der nicht ihr Ehemann war, im Bett erwischt, für schuldig erklärt und schändlich aus der Familie Hudson verbannt. Obwohl sie reingelegt wurde und nichts zwischen ihnen passiert ist, aber wer wollte ihr schon glauben, wenn man bedenkt, dass derjenige, der sie gesehen hat, der allmächtige Shawn David Hudson war: ihr eigener Ehemann. Sie war nicht mehr die schwache und rückgratlose Frau, die die Familie Hudson verlassen hatte, und kehrte einige Jahre später mit einer neuen, aber starken Identität zurück. Rache war ihre Mission: Auge um Auge für diejenigen, die sie reingelegt hatten. Es machte ihr nichts aus, jeden zu vernichten, der es wagte, sich ihr in den Weg zu stellen. Aber wird Shawn sie auf ihrem Rachefeldzug ein zweites Mal vom Hocker reißen, oder ist Kathleens Herz zu kalt, um von seinem unwiderstehlichen Charme zum Schmelzen gebracht zu werden?

She had a child within her marriage, yet the child was not her husband's; she suffered abuse at the hands of her mother-in-law, her child was stolen, and her husband cheated on her. Six years later, an accident led her to intersect with the wealthiest man in the city, and his son evoked intense maternal love in her. The charming CEO started pursuing her; but her husband, whom she had loved for nine years, was also desperately trying to reconcile. What choice should she make for herself?

In a simulated reality known as the New World, Jin, a young man with extraordinary abilities, discovers the truth about his existence. He learns that the Shadow Council, a powerful organization, controls the New World and seeks to eliminate anyone with special abilities.Jin takes the Stage to Save Humanity

In a world where everyone is a slave, someone is born who cannot be controlled. At the same time, an unstoppable villain rises on a quest for revenge. But the truth is darker than he ever imagined, and now he must face an unbeatable enemy — including himself. *** Bruno was a young man born on Earth, the son of an influential modern Emperor. Despite having everything money could buy and receiving the best and most rigorous training to succeed his father, he chose the opposite path, defying his family’s ruthless rule. The price of his innocence? A merciless death and the complete erasure of his existence by the deity controlling his fate. On Earth, the law of the powerful was absolute; a slave could never rebel. But then, he wakes up again. He’s reborn in a world of cultivation, where freedom was promised to those strong enough to claim it. Now, he could soar like a free bird and carve his own destiny... or so he thought. The harsh reality of this new world soon showed him how insignificant he still was. He realized he had only changed masters. The freedom he sought was an illusion. The heavenly laws treated everyone as servants, and their rules were unbreakable. Bruno learned this bitter truth after losing everything that made him happy due to an unjust rule. But who was he to question? Hopeless, Bruno died... and was reborn as Alm, an unstoppable villain. With a soul poisoned by pain and vengeance, he sowed chaos across the universe. Planets were destroyed, countless lives taken, and his name became synonymous with terror. A hero rose to oppose him, wielding a sacred sword of hope. People from all corners of the universe united against Alm, raising their voices and weapons to stop the villain who defied the heavens. But Alm was no longer just fighting for revenge. He was challenging the heavenly laws that sought to control him, fighting fate and all living beings. And against all odds... the sacred sword shattered. The alliance of the entire universe was defeated. The villain won! Now, Alm found himself alone in the empty void of a dead universe, facing his own inner demons. Who could be more ruthless to him than himself? “What have I done?” At that moment, the doors of truth opened to him. Everyone was a puppet of a supreme figure, an entity that manipulated minds and even the heavenly laws. “I will find you, no matter where you are!” Thus, the last emissary of the true Heaven’s Will awakened. Alm, who once only relied on his sheer will and rage, now had a system to guide him. But his opponent was an immortal existence, above even the heavens. The villain who destroyed an entire universe now faced a new beginning. He discovered that the universe he devastated was just a tiny grain of sand in an infinite cosmos, where countless other universes existed. And so begins the legendary tale of the villain’s rise... and the Sacred Round God? A strange Duality of Shadows existed within one person. But this time, he wouldn’t be alone. *** To clear up any potential confusion or frustration, here are some key points about the story. I’ll avoid major spoilers, but a few things will be revealed. You might find this concerning at first, but just check the book cover—it shows the main character and his only partner. She first appears at 10 years old, but rest assured, there’s no inappropriate content or early romance. At around 13, SHE starts developing feelings for the protagonist, but he doesn’t respond until she’s an adult. With her determined personality, she tries to seduce him at 17/18, but it doesn’t work. Their relationship only happens much later. The book has nods to other works, with my own spin on them, and focuses on avoiding elements I find problematic in other stories. Lastly, the beautiful book cover was commissioned and created by HDIArt.

"I should have stayed home and played video games." This was Ray's last thought before darkness engulfed him after he was hit by a car. But surprisingly, instead of finding himself before the gates of hell after dying, Ray found out he was transmigrated into another world. The world Ray was transmigrated to was called Arora World, a place where you can use different kinds of skills, magic, and even acquire powerful classes. Ray found himself in the body of a young boy named Evan, who was studying in a hunter academy after awakening his abilities at the age of fourteen. At first, Ray was happy that he was transmigrated into the body of someone who had awakened his abilities and could use the magic he always wanted to use. However, as Ray went through Evan's memories, he finally realized that everything was not as simple as he had expected. Evan had a unique physique that didn't allow him to increase his power like other people. Because of this useless unique physique, Evan was the weakest hunter in the entire academy. And that was not all; the more Ray looked at Evan's memories, the more he realized just how troublesome his situation was. "I know I entered this body without buying a ticket, but isn't this too much?" Ray said in a depressed voice after going through Evan's memories. Will Ray be able to survive in this new world? Is the physique of his new body really useless? Join Ray on his adventure to find out.

"You are dead." said God to high school student Yuuji Takahashi shortly after he was murdered by an unknown person on his way home. Yuuji met God shortly after his death and was granted the opportunity to get reincarnated. He accepted it and woke up in a totally new world. A fantasy world! His life in this world doesn't last long, because on the same day Yuuji was murdered again, but he got one more and at the same time his last chance and got reincarnated by God for the second time. Now Yuuji has only one thing in his mind. To find his murderer! NOTE: My English is not the greatest and sometimes I tend to use the help of translators or people in order to bring the best quality and as human as possible reading experience to you all.

"You can outrun many things, but fate will always find you, like your shadow in the light." . In the heart of Washington D.C., mafia heir Vaughn Volkov is on a mission that takes him far from the sun-soaked streets of California. The bustling city, with its imposing monuments and corridors of power, is a far cry from the palm-lined avenues of his home. Vaughn, however, is not one to be easily intimidated. His piercing blue eyes and commanding presence turn heads wherever he goes, a reminder that beneath his polished exterior lies a man accustomed to danger and control. Vaughn's path crosses with Eliza Monroe, a seemingly innocent college student whose gentle demeanor masks a resilience forged from her own turbulent past. Eliza, with her kind heart and determined spirit, is an enigma. She spends her days buried in books at the library, her nights working part-time to make ends meet. Her brown eyes, often hidden behind a cascade of dark curls, hold a depth that Vaughn finds both intriguing and unsettling. Their first encounter is anything but ordinary. Vaughn watches, intrigued by her fearlessness and the fire in her eyes. "You're not like the others," he remarks later, cornering her in the quiet corner of the library. His voice is a low, dangerous purr that sends shivers down Eliza's spine. "And you're not just the student here," she retorts, meeting his gaze with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "What do you want from me?" Vaughn's lips curve into a slow, dangerous smile. "Maybe I just want to get to know you." Despite her reservations, Eliza feels a strange pull towards Vaughn. His presence is intoxicating, a blend of danger and allure that she finds hard to resist. As they spend more time together, Eliza begins to see glimpses of the man beneath the mafia heir. Vaughn, too, finds himself drawn to Eliza in ways he never anticipated. Her kindness, her strength, and her unyielding spirit ignite something within him that he thought long buried. Yet, as their connection deepens, the shadows of their pasts loom ever larger. Vaughn's family business, shrouded in crime and violence, is never far from his mind. His enemies are ruthless, and his association with Eliza puts her squarely in their crosshairs. Eliza, too, harbors secrets. The dark forces that have shaped her life threaten to consume her, and Vaughn's world only amplifies those dangers. As their worlds collide, they must navigate a treacherous web of intrigue, passion, and forbidden desire. But with danger lurking around every corner, will their love survive, or will they be torn apart by the shadows of fate?

People all over the world have begun disappearing at random. Only those who have been taken know that they're still alive, but where are they? What are the strange powers that many have developed? What is the black tower that spirals up into the heavens? Many have stayed alive long enough to make a hierarchy of power, and are content on their thrones, but will it all come falling down when Aris arrives?

Legends Never Die is a story of loyalty, self-discovery, and the bonds that define family. As Vince embarks on his journey, he learns that his home and the power he holds within himself are worth any sacrifice.

I have been close to death more times than I can count. At the time of birth, I underwent an operation almost for a month, due to a damn metal piece stuck inside my stomach. Stabbed in the ribs by a lunatic psychopath? Check. Almost crushed by a falling piano? You bet it happened with me. Heck, I have even survived a lightning strike on a clear, sunny day. But the final nail in the coffin? I choked to death on a grape. A F**ING GRAPE! Dying at 24 because of a slippery fruit, life had a terrible sense of humor. Well, joke’s on me, I guess, because now I’m here—in the fantasy world of Extra Wants to Live, the one trashy web novel I binge-read after a bad breakup. And it's my luck that, I have transmigrated into the body of a villain character, just the day before he dies in the hands of his own maid. Whether I am lucky or unlucky is still debatable though. Welp, that's how it is. And, now I have to survive, not only from the hero and his entourage, but from the actual protagonist of that web novel, who also is a transmigrator like me. I knew the ending already, but........ Would I be able to survive till the end?

In the high stakes world of wealth, philanthropy, and power plays, Shadows of Desire weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption. At the center of it all is Sophie Langston, a passionate and driven woman who co-founded a charitable foundation with her long-time business partner and lover, James Thornton. Their organization, built on the ideals of changing the world, has become a beacon of hope for struggling communities. But as the foundation grows in influence, so do the enemies lurking in the shadows. Sophie and James find their relationship and partnership tested when an unexpected visitor walks into their lives, Richard Mallory, a disgraced businessman with a tainted past. Despite having tried to undermine the foundation before, Richard proposes a substantial investment, claiming he wants to make amends. Torn between suspicion and the potential benefits for their projects, Sophie reluctantly agrees, setting off a chain of events that unravel deep-seated conspiracies and hidden agendas. Soon after, whispers of internal conflict and financial instability begin to surface. Rumors swirl about a power struggle between Sophie and James, putting their relationship under intense public scrutiny. Behind the scenes, they uncover a more sinister plot at play. Dominic Kane, a ruthless corporate raider infamous for hostile takeovers and blackmail, has set his sights on their foundation. With a history of exploiting the vulnerable for profit, Kane sees their organization as his next target, aiming to use it as a pawn in his larger schemes. As Sophie and James grapple with this new threat, they must navigate a web of deceit, power struggles, and hidden motives. Old allies resurface, trust is tested, and secrets from the past are unearthed, forcing the couple to confront their own vulnerabilities. Sophie’s resolve and James’s protective instincts are put to the ultimate test as they try to outmaneuver Kane while keeping the foundation afloat. Throughout the story, the dynamic between Sophie and James deepens. They experience moments of intense passion and tender vulnerability, strengthening their bond even as external forces try to pull them apart. Sophie’s fiery spirit and unwavering belief in their mission inspire James, while his steady support and strategic mind give her the courage to face each challenge head-on. In a dramatic twist, Sophie and James devise a plan to turn the tables on Dominic Kane. They leak false information about their foundation’s instability, baiting Kane into making a move. The gamble pays off when they gather enough evidence to expose his illegal activities. With the help of their loyal co-admin Alex and the formidable Claire, they publicly reveal Kane’s schemes, leading to his downfall. As the dust settles, Sophie and James emerge stronger, having faced their darkest fears and the shadows of their past. Their foundation, though bruised, stands tall, a symbol of resilience and the power of love. The story ends on a hopeful note, with the couple ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead, united by a deeper understanding of each other and a renewed commitment to their shared vision. Shadows of Desire is a gripping tale of billionaire intrigue, exploring the delicate balance between love and power. It delves into themes of trust, redemption, and the impact of past choices, set against a backdrop of luxury, philanthropy, and the ruthless world of corporate warfare. With steamy romance, thrilling plot twists, and a core struggle that resonates with ambition and integrity, this story is a journey of two souls navigating the treacherous waters of wealth and desire.

Society views witches as abominations, and as such, treats them that way. While on an errand for her coven, Lilith spies on a young Lycan boy playing with his friends, wistful for the life she could have had. In a twist of fate, she encounters him again, and a relationship blossoms between them. But in a world that wants nothing to do with witches, will their relationship survive the stigma? @ Art by Thorkell_40k

In a world where power determines destiny, Xie Zhen is a cultivator with a dark and ruthless reputation. Born in poverty and marked by betrayal from a young age, he has learned that the only law that matters is that of brute strength. Unlike the typical cultivation heroes, Xie Zhen is not driven by a sense of justice or a simple desire for vengeance: he is propelled by an insatiable need to control the fate of others and subjugate those who dare stand in his way. His rise is marked by calculated acts of cruelty and manipulation. He will not hesitate to use any method, whether it be theft, betrayal, or even sacrificing the souls of his allies to gain the smallest fragment of power. Xie Zhen delights in the chaos he creates, feeding off the suffering of others to strengthen his own abilities. While others form alliances out of caution, he infiltrates and destroys, using human weaknesses as pawns in a ruthless game of power. As he climbs the ranks of cultivation, Xie Zhen discovers forbidden techniques, paths that few dare to explore, which slowly transform his soul. However, his quest for infinite power draws the attention of ancient gods and malevolent entities, who see him as a threat to the fragile balance of the world. But Xie Zhen is determined to surpass even the heavens, ready to face all forces, whether divine or demonic to become the very embodiment of terror. In *The Shadows of Ascension*, the reader is drawn into a spiral of darkness and pure ambition, where the protagonist does not merely survive: he crushes, consumes, and transcends the limits of human morality to reach a terrifying peak, daring the world to bow to his will.

On his 17th Birthday, Lucatt finished his preperations to commit suicide. Leaving his family who hated him so dearly, Lucatt sat atop his schools roof. The place he loathed the most was the place where he would die. Taking his final breath, Lucatt jumped. Waking up seemingly unsathed, Lucatt's nose filled with a rotted stench as his surroundings had changed from a place of education, to a gore filled site.

After the tragic suicide of his older brother, Damon Allard, a privileged young heir, is consumed by grief and confusion. Raised in a world of opulence, Damon had always been shielded from the darker realities of life. But the loss of his brother—who had been a golden boy at a prestigious elite school—shatters that illusion. Determined to understand why his brother chose to end his life, Damon returns to the private academy his brother once attended, now a place shrouded in secrets and whispers. Behind the ivy-covered walls, Damon discovers a world of hidden rivalries, unspoken pressures, and dangerous games played by the ultra-wealthy. As he digs deeper into his brother’s life, Damon unearths shocking truths, including a web of manipulation, betrayal, and a scandal that could destroy the privileged school's carefully curated reputation. But the deeper Damon goes, the more he is consumed by a thirst for revenge. Convinced that his brother’s death was no accident, Damon will stop at nothing to expose the truth and take down those responsible—no matter the cost.

Tough teen Shoji wakes in a warped, dying world after a mysterious voice calls him “chosen.” Faced with monsters and shadowy allies, he must survive long enough to discover why Nyx, the god of shadows, has dragged him into this nightmare.

"Find the Pearl of God's Tears so that the Tiger Demon Clan will be at the highest peak of the Demon Clans on earth!" Axe is one of the Tiger Demon Clan Chiefs who must carry out his mission from the Tiger Demon Clan Supreme King to find the Pearl of God's Tears. Will Axe, who is known as the Introverted Clan Chief, be able to complete the task that was leaked from Heaven? Or will Axe get lost in... The Human World?

[A Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance] "Wherever there are shadows, there has to be a light" ~ Seraphina Winters, the Mafia Queen of the 21st century, dies at the age of 28 in an assassination attempt and finds herself facing the trial that will decide her place in the afterlife, i.e. - heaven or hell. However, a weird situation occurs when her bad deeds turn out to be equal to her good deeds performed during her mortal life. To solve the situation, the Council of Afterlife offers her a chance to increase her good deeds and secure her place in heaven. As for the offer - marry the Shadow Lords and revive the cursed land of Shadow City. The council even offers her their newly created system to help her with the impossible task. Dressed in an all-black wedding gown, Seraphina finds herself outside a haunted castle in the depths of a haunted city. From here begins Seraphina's journey of handling her four very hot but dangerous husbands while bringing a very dead city back to life with the help of the system. ----- For more updates about the story, follow me on Instagram: @nightsummer20 ******* Disclaimer: The book cover is mine.

In a world where magic is as common as the air you breathe, the kingdoms of the Great Kingdom of Colombia teeter on the brink of a devastating war. Darkness threatens to devour the light, and ancient alliances falter under the weight of millennia-old secrets. Darian, a young warrior marked by a past he barely remembers, is thrust into a desperate mission: to unite the kingdoms before an ancient force consumes them all. Guided by the mysterious Orb of Everlasting Light and accompanied by allies whose fates are intertwined with his own, Darian must face epic battles, political challenges, and the constant temptation of the darkness within him. In a world where magic can grant power or unleash destruction, the true challenge will be discovering who the real enemies are, and whether the light is enough to conquer the shadows. "The Gleam of Shadows" is an epic fantasy tale filled with intrigue, magic, and a journey that will take readers through vast realms, pit them against mythical creatures, and reveal that sometimes, the darkest shadows lie within.

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...

A strong underground group tricked and abducted Theodore Vassilakis when he was 14 years old, promising him a steady job. He was subjected to rigorous physical training, mental torture, and constant manipulation for seven exhausting years. At the age of 21, Theodore shows himself to be a fierce individual with unrivaled mixed martial arts abilities and a strong desire for justice. Theodore embarks on a journey of liberation and retribution, determined to learn the truth about the mysterious disappearance of his parents, who were connected to the same vicious group. He fights a network of former prisoners, some of whom are friends and some of whom are enemies, and he encounters strong opponents and forges alliances. He battles to restore his lost humanity as well as to destroy the organization's evil empire, driven by tenacity and rage. Theodore has to determine how far he is prepared to go in order to regain his destiny as the group's power becomes apparent. [Chained Shadows] follows Theodore as he battles past traumas and faces a web of secrets that have the power to either mold or break him. It tells a dark story of survival, retaliation, and the quest for freedom. -2 Chapters Every Week-

In a gray, rain-soaked Tokyo, Valentin Yuichi is a hitman, immersed in the city's shadows and the coldness of his work. He follows orders without question, and solitude is his only companion. But when his boss instructs him to form a forced partnership with a young thug, Valentin finds himself facing a new dynamic that challenges his control. Hiroshi Takeda, with a look of indifference and a scar across his face, is no ordinary lackey. He hides a history of pain and loss that has made him more complex than he appears. His rebellious stance and unshakable curiosity provoke Valentin in unexpected ways, while the hitman tries to keep his distance, adhering to his code of never getting involved. As the two navigate the dark alleyways of Tokyo on missions that test their limits, the tension between them intensifies. In a world where loyalties are fragile and trust is an illusion, Valentin and Hiroshi find themselves trapped in a dangerous game, where every glance and every unspoken word reveals more about who they are and what they truly seek. In Shadows of Tokyo, where the line between allies and enemies is thin, two lost souls may discover that the only truth that matters is the unexpected connection that arises in the darkness.