Dark And Darker Boss

A secret mission was all it took for Elise to gain the infamous twins, Azael and Reuel's attention and from then on, there was no stopping them. While the twins want her, Elise wants nothing to do with them. Amidst the growing infatuation and feelings, Elise has even to protect herself from the danger she has unknowingly put herself into. ---------------------------------------------------------------- “You were ours the day you stepped inside our club,” Azael said as he strode towards her and Elise took a step back instantly. “I belong to no one.” She declared as she maintained her gaze on him. But her wavering voice gave her away and Azael arched his lips, taking it as a challenge. “Are you sure, darling? Why does your heartbeat say otherwise?” Reuel approached her from behind and Elise was now trapped between the twins. “I…” Elise licked her lips as she maintained her gaze on the man before her while her mind was focused on Reuel’s wandering hands that were inching towards her waist. “You what, gorgeous?” Azael probed as he smirked at her evilly and Elise was lost in his mysterious depths instantly. “Tell us you want us, Elise.” Reuel urged from behind. “Tell us, baby. Tell us you want us as much as we want you.” Azael ran a finger along her arm and goosebumps peppered on her skin instantly. “Tell us, Elise.” And that was all it took for Elise to surrender. “I want you.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- This book contains mature content including violence and sexual themes. It is also a reverse harem romance and explores many different aspects of BDSM. Read at your own discretion.

Our story begins on a planet called Gieă in a Continent called 'Eclispe of the Oceans' where chaos slowly unfolds with its influence slowly spreading into the entire world. This is a paced story that follows multiple characters shaped ruthlessly by desires and passion. A young dragon princess thirsty for acknowledgement, A prisoner breaking free from fate, A shadow who would die for his master, A light without a source and a question without an answer. Some of these special individuals fight for power, some fight to destroy, some fight to save, some fight for freedom, some fight for love, some fight for vengeance and some fight from duty. They all bleed, some of them fall, some grow and some lose sight of their purpose while consciously or unconsciously trying to find one thing,.. Balance. In a world riddled by chaos where 'good people and bad people' have been replaced by the terms 'winners or losers', where greed determines justice and vanity replaces passion, where energies conflicts, wars emerge and ruthlessness gets imprinted by experience into the hearts of even the most innocent and brave heroes. They stand for their desire and themselves with a riddle left unanswered from the very beginning of time,.. "What truly is balance?.." Follow our main characters through their dramatic struggles for answers as the choices they make influences themselves and their world. THIS IS A SLOW-PACED STORY AND THERE WOULDN'T BE LOTS OF ACTION SCENES AT THE BEGINNING BUT AS TIME PROGRESSES, SCENES LIKE THIS WOULD BE MORE COMMON. TRUST ME, THIS IS A STORY WORTH THE INVESTMENT OF READING!.

Rule of seduction number four, set the stage and make sure it looks real, if you get caught up in your own web of lies all is lost. Walking past the said couple, accidentally my heels caught on the trail of my dress, and somehow I was in his arms, while half my wine glass emptied down the fine male specimen. Damn, what a waste of good wine. It would have done for other "coughs lightly", more sensual purpose. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Copyright Aquah-goddess Disclaimer: I do not own any of the pictures all credit goes to their rightful owner Warning: contains mature scenes enter at your own risk

From being a sex slave to the mafia lord’s favourite, follow the story of Mina Angel, from being a sassy girl to the mafia lord princess. Aaron Vertercio, the mafia Lord took a liking to Mina, he’d do anything for Mina to be his sex slave, even if he had to make Mina and her sick mom homeless and suffer. “What, I woke up like this” Mina said. “ Go back and change princess!” Aaron growled “ Why?” Aaron walked towards her, the aura was enough to send a shiver down someone's spine Mina was slammed against the wall, and Aaron locked her in his arms “Remember this, you are mine and mine alone”. You can follow me on Discord; _Mckenzie_

Dating tindera sa mall, umalis nang laitin ng manager… pero bumalik siya bilang bagong CEO ng buong chain ng malls!

In a lifeless world, where beings are called alive yet endlessly consumed, there is no escape without hope. Amidst it all, two brothers, Leo and Sai, dream of change. But will they succeed, or will they become nothing more than a cautionary tale?

Remy's world is shattered when her fiancé betrays her on their engagement day because she was disabled. Vaughn Glory, a prestigious, renowned and leading high-end fashion company- her only legacy- founded by her late mother, Adelaide Vaughn, was taken away from her. It was handed over to her step-sister as a wedding gift, leaving Remy heartbroken and bereft of her mother's legacy. She flash married Deth Kaidën, CEO of Dek Global Corp, their union being one of convenience that blurs the lines between passion and duty. As the secrets beneath the perfect facades are revealed, Remy must confront the shadows of her past. Her world is shattered, Yes! But a shattered world can still be rebuilt. [ What does it smell like.. Revenge right? Yes! That's what it is! And an intentional sweet one at that! ] Dive into a world of privilege, power struggles, and shattered illusions, where the only way to survive is to confront the broken pieces of the past.

In a world where survival means surrender, Daisy’s life is shattered when she’s sold into a human trafficking ring by her stepfather. Abused, starved, and forgotten, she’s left to fade into the shadows until Lorenzo, a ruthless mafia boss, buys her as a possession. His cruelty is unmatched, yet beneath his cold control, she begins to see a hint of something darker and more dangerous. When Viktor, a rival obsessed with destroying Lorenzo, seizes Daisy, her life takes a turn for the worse. Beaten and broken, she loses hope, praying for an end. But Lorenzo will stop at nothing to save her, and in the process, he discovers that what he feels for her is more than just ownership. As Daisy faces the aftermath of Viktor’s abuse, she’s torn between the man who owns her and the one who might finally save her, but healing isn’t easy, and their tangled bond may be their only hope in a world built on pain. Will they survive the darkness that threatens to tear them apart, or will it consume them both?

When Ada's father is framed for a crime he didn't commit, she and her four best friends set out to find the truth. But as their investigation deepens, Ada begins to unravel shocking secrets about those closest to her. The tension rises when her feelings for Luke, one of her besties, become undeniable. Though they fight against their attraction, they eventually give in, adding further complications to an already dangerous situation. The real turning point comes when betrayal strikes close to home. Nathan, a close friend she once had a crush on, reveals his feelings for her-feelings so strong that they prevent him from going through with a deadly mission. In the final confrontation, Ada is faced with a choice to kill him, but not before witnessing the tragic death of her cousin. The loss shakes her to the core and forces Ada to confront the truth about her family: they've secretly ruled the underworld for generations. This revelation sends Ada into a downward spiral, and with her family's fate hanging in the balance, she's pushed to embrace her darker side. Her softness could cost them all, and she learns that only by hardening her heart can she protect the ones she loves. The journey forces Ada to become someone unrecognizable-cold, determined, and powerful. What she doesn't know is that this dark transformation will forever change her, and those around her, in ways she could never have predicted.

Sofia, the elegant and graceful mafia princess, finds herself trapped in a world of duty and obligation. Her heart longs for freedom, but her family's honor weighs heavily upon her. Antonio Cattaneo, the notorious and feared mafioso, stands before her as the embodiment of her fate. As they stand together in the opulent ballroom, Sofia's eyes meet Antonio's piercing gaze, filled with a mixture of power and danger. The room seems to hold its breath, as if aware of the weight of their impending union. Sofia's mind races with uncertainty, questioning if there could ever be love in such a union. Will she find a way to break free from the chains of tradition and follow her heart, or will duty prevail and bind her to a life she never desired?

Maya Sinclair's dream was to work at Lexington and Co law firm but she never expected it to come with a scary complication, her boss. Damien knight is powerful, enigmatic and ruthless. He is a man of few words but rules his empire with an iron grip. He's the kind of man people fear, yet Maya finds herself drawn to him. Just one single mistake and she finds herself directly in his path. What starts as a professional boundary soon becomes a game of stolen glances, unspoken tension and emotions which they can't acknowledge. But the worst is yet to come. When a scandal happens and threatens to drag Maya's name and career down the drain with Damien's, the walls between them begin to crumble. As Maya fights to protect her career, Damien does the one thing he swore he wouldn't. They soon find themselves trapped in an irresistible obsession and risk loosing everything. Maya is forced to make a choice; stay in a game she can't win or loose herself. But happens when she's the one who holds the power to break Damien Knight? What will he do when he realizes he can't let her go?

Update 1 Chapter /Minggu. • • • Rafael Yehezkiel Saverro atau Kiel, 25 Tahun, adalah Seorang Vokalis Band Bernama Earth Boy's (EB) Yang Baru Saja Kembali Ke Indonesia Setelah Vakum Dari Bandnya Selama Setahun dan Akan Melakukan Comeback Bersama Anggota Bandnya. Pada Saat Yang Bersamaan, Kiel Terjerat Skandal Yang Membuatnya Berpikir Untuk Mengakhiri Kariernya Sebagai Musisi. Karena Banyaknya Pihak Yang Tak Menyetujui Keputusannya Tersebut. Comeback EB Pun Tetap Dilaksanakan dan Berjalan Mulus. Namun, Pada Saat EB Menyelesaikan Penampilan Terakhir Mereka, Kiel Mengalami Kecelakaan Mobil Yang Merenggut Pengelihatannya. Beberapa Minggu Setelah Insiden Kecelakaan Itu Terjadi, Kiel Bertemu Dengan Seorang Pria Bernama Vo, 26 Tahun, Yang Kala Itu Memergokinya Ingin Mengakhiri Hidup Dengan Berencana Melompat Dari Atap Rumah Sakit. Sejak Saat Itu, Kiel dan Vo Pun Sering Bersama. Vo Yang Saat Itu Diminta Oleh Biel, 31 Tahun, Saudara Kiel Untuk Merawatnya Pun Berjanji Untuk Menjadi Mata Untuk Kiel. Seiring Berjalannya Waktu, Akhirnya Muncullah Benih-benih Cinta Diantara Keduanya. Mereka Pun Memutuskan Untuk Berpacaran. Namun, Apakah Cinta Mereka Akan Bertahan? Akankah Kiel dan Vo Akan Selalu Bersama? Dan Apakah Vo Akan Selalu Menjadi Mata Untuk Kiel? • • • IG : rfael.yhzkiel ( Untuk Berkomunikasi Silahkan DM Via IG )

Shin Su Yeon's female ancestor promised the deities to only love the Nine-tailed Fox known as Gwang Hyeon Woo for 300 years. The 18-year old Shin Su Yeon then broke the said promise after learning the sly and conniving nature of the Nine-tailed Fox by wishing that she forget they ever existed and that to break the cycle of her ancestor's promise to the deities. The now 28-year old Shin Su Yeon started working at Gwang Industries and never even knew the ill-fated encounter that she will face when her boss, Gwang Hyeon Woo started a liking to her brazen nature.

In a world where memories can be implanted, edited, and even stolen, the lines between reality and fiction are constantly blurred. Julian Ross, a man with fragmented memories and a past shrouded in mystery, finds himself at the center of a catastrophic event that threatens to upend the fragile balance of power in a world controlled by powerful corporations and clandestine organizations. As he navigates the treacherous landscape of his own mind and the world around him, Julian Ross must confront the dark forces manipulating his reality and the true purpose of the mysterious facility where his journey began. With the help of an advanced AI and his own growing sense of self, he must fight to uncover the truth about his past, his identity, and the world he lives in. But as the stakes escalate and the body count rises, Julian Ross realizes that his memories, though fragmented and unreliable, may hold the key to unlocking the secrets of his world – or destroying it forever."

Pain cuts deep into our hearts and even when we heal, scars remind us of all we have had to go through. Eva has to move on when her friends help her get a new job but there's a condition that comes with it, her new boss seeks a fake wife and somehow she fits the description. And though she is hesitant, she has no idea she is about to embark on a whirlwind romance. Visit the story of a young lady that has to go through immense pain, owing to the loss of her beloved. Love scares her, she's about to try again, but life proves that the challenges aren't over yet... Follow Eva as she picks up the broken pieces of her once perfect fairytale and see if Nathan has what it takes to make her fall on in love again.

Screams. Wails. Cries. Sobs. Regrets. Punishments. Sufferings. Pain. Pain. And Pain. Hell reeks of those smells. Scratchy and dark? Emotionless and screeching like nails on a chalkboard? I smirk. You poor little, clueless souls. Tall slender, wearing a red silk suit; his eyes have pure darkness. Stare at me, and I will get you to tell me what you desire; the words spoken in a deep, soft tone make the hair stand up at the back of your neck. He has tried to make people believe that darkness and evil are all myths. That way, he lures them to his dungeon and Grins at their pain and blood splattering all over the floor as the rats feast on the remains of the dead bodies. His dark eyes mislead you into trusting him and make you feel like it's the safest place to be. Lucifer brings fear into others just by the whisper of his name. He walks across the dungeon as his slaves plead for death; the anticipation of the unimaginable makes their hearts race with fear. Lucifer Morningstar turned his son into a demon.”Love has no boundaries.” Joshua and his sister both have secrets, and the only person who knows the secret is buried six feet under. Lucifer's enemies never live long enough to tell the tale, and being the most feared and cruel person on earth makes his family a constant target. “You were a heartless asshole, and now your family will pay dearly for the lives you have ruined.” consequences of his actions will lead to death, and death will bring darkness and chaos, “You took my family; now I will make you all suffer.” Prison has turned him into the monster that he became. The shadows and tales you have heard are all actual; the bedtime stories that were read to him as a child were not just a story but a sign to prepare him for the future. Evil will always follow you wherever you go.”Dwell, but don’t dwell too far and be away for long; my shadow will draw you back to where you belong, “It's either with me, or you are dead.” The more you fight it, the weaker you become; walk carefully and look back. Those shadows aren't ordinary. It's your enemies within you, “I will trail you, I will call you, and I will kill you if you dare to ignore me.” “You feel weak as I watch your blood drip to the concrete ground; there is no giving up, for you have lives to save. “That’s enough, dad; now it's our turn.” “Your turn?” He laughs as his kids are locked in a cell; Joshua and Tiffany have had enough. It's time they go up against their father. At first, he laughs, then realizes he underestimated his own kids. “Who will get the last laugh now? Father.” “Will we love you enough to spare you? Darkness is within us; your suffering will make you heartless and merciless. We have suffered enough; now it's your turn. Father” “You have spilled enough blood, and I will stop you even if it takes everything within me; I am nothing like you.” “Your Perfect life was not so perfect, especially if you had to protect the girl you love against your father.” Welcome to Dark honor. ”A quick death is more pleasurable than being in the presence of Lucifer Morningstar.”

Samuel, son of the Shadow God and the Demon Goddess, was sent to the mortal world due to a dark plot by a forgotten god. This god planned to use Samuel's body to obtain the power he had long desired. A powerful battle between the two gods ensued, resulting in a massive explosion and Samuel's expulsion through a portal to Laguna. There, he was found by Allen Casas and Maria Jane Reyes, who became his new family. As Samuel grew, his unusual abilities became apparent. His adoptive parents realized he was no ordinary child. However, they were unaware of Samuel's true origins-his status as the only child of the Shadow God and the Demon Goddess. A mysterious destiny awaits Samuel, a destiny that will connect him to the world of the gods and his true identity. Samuel is a cheerful young man, ready to face any challenge, possessing extraordinary courage. He fears no one except a girl named Shane. He once rescued Shane from danger in the forest, forging a close friendship. However, he feels a unique fear towards Shane, especially when she's angry-a fear unlike any he's experienced before. A mystery surrounds Shane, one that Samuel can't unravel. Shane is a powerful woman, the only one who can match Samuel in combat. They often test each other's strength, a competition that sparks a unique feeling between them. Samuel's affection for Shane drives him to become stronger, to protect the girl who has left an indelible mark on his heart.

**"Leave me alone! Please, just let me go!"** My voice cracked as I thrashed in his iron grip, but it was useless. He scooped me up effortlessly, his hold unyielding, carrying me off to a fate I couldn’t escape. This can’t be happening. Not now. Not like this. "I don’t want this," I whispered, my voice raw with terror. "Please… just let me go." My pleas barely reached his ears, or if they did, he didn’t care. His silence was louder than any threat, his indifference a dagger to my chest. A heartbeat later, my body hit the softness of a king-sized bed, but there was no comfort in it. My tears had nearly dried, leaving only silent sobs wracking my frame. I forced myself to speak, desperation lacing every syllable. "Luciano, please," I choked out. "If I’ve wronged you in any way, I’m sorry. But don’t punish me like this." A deafening crack split the air, and before I could react, fire exploded across my cheek. The force of the slap sent my head whipping to the side, my skin stinging from the brutal contact. The room pulsed with danger. **"No one calls me by my name,"** he growled, his voice like crushed glass—sharp, merciless. **"And no one tells me what to do."** His fingers curled under my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. Cold, dark, and bottomless, his eyes held no mercy, no hesitation. "You will warm my bed," he murmured, his voice dangerously soft, laced with cruel intent. "You will satisfy my every craving, no matter how disastrous, no matter how dark." A wicked smirk ghosted over his lips, his grip tightening. "Because you are mine to break. And no one stops me." He leaned in, his breath fanning against my trembling lips. "Now… come here." --- Story by white pheonix

What is the one problem a god can't solve? Boredom. Jaco isn't really a god, but he's as close as any human is ever gonna get. Tall, attractive, extremely intelligent, strong, and loved by everyone, most people would consider him a god, and in rare moments of narcissistic self indulgence, so would he. So, how does he deal with the encroaching issue of boredom? He does everything, then moves on to greater things. Upon realizing that there's nothing else to do, he decides to take his leave before boredom makes him into something lesser. After going out with a bang that will be recorded in the history books (should human civilization survive), he is pleasantly surprised to realize that he's now in another world, one that seems far more interesting that the first. Lets get this out of the way. So there are no misconceptions, I am not a writer, nor do I ever plan on becoming one. The only reason I'm doing this now is because I got tired of the same cliché rinse and repeat garbage that I've found on here recently. I wanted a specific type of story and realized that I was just going to have to write it myself. That being said, I do want this to be the greatest version of this book that it can be, so any criticism is actually encouraged. Schedule wise It's up to the response I get from you guys. I'm probably gonna keep writing the book no matter what, but the frequency off chapter releases is dependent on whether or not people like the story. I'm a busy person, so even if the book gets popular there probably won't be a very high frequency of chapter releases. Here's some character knowledge for those of you who like to now what they're getting into. Jaco is a psychopathic genius with narcissistic tendencies. he is Ruthless and does whatever he likes, however, he's not stupid. He happens to be one of the most intelligent people to ever live, and uses it to his advantage. Another reason why he's a narcissist. He likes to hide the fact that he's smart all while learning everything there is to know about his enemies and obstacles. MINOR SPOILER: I plan to have him use Gravity/space based powers and a mace as his main weapon. As you may have guessed from the title, he will be considered a boss enemy by humanity and it's allies. He will also use his fists and martial arts as a way to fight occasionally. He's gonna be massive, a terror on the battlefield, something that a normal party of adventurers will see and think "Here comes a wipe". All said, thanks for checking it out! :) (Cover art isn't mine) contact for removal and all that. It isn't even what I envision the character looking like. If you can draw and feel like doing one for me, please HMU so I can get some badass cover art.

[Mature Content] "Please, call me Christian," he insists. "And I know this might be intrusive, but I can't help but wonder if there's anything I can do to help. Professionally or personally." Surprised by his offer, Marilena considers the possibilities. Here is a man she barely knows, the boss of the man who just broke her heart, extending a helping hand. Perhaps in the storm of her emotions, a strategic alliance could be forged. "Well," she begins, a spark of determination igniting in her eyes, "there is one thing you could help me with, Christian." With a newfound determination, Marilena approaches Christian with a proposition. "Help me show him what he's missing," she says, her eyes sparkling with a blend of mischief and resolve. Christian's lips curves into a wry smile. "I'm in, Marilena. Let's make him regret ever letting you go." _______ In "The Boss's Persuasion," delves into the captivating world of Marilena Chauque, a resilient woman who, after a heart-wrenching breakup with her boyfriend, finds herself entangled in a web of unexpected emotions. Desperate to make her ex-fiance jealous, Marilena enters into a fake relationship with none other than her former lover's charismatic and influential boss, Christian Ngale. As Marilena navigates the complexities of their faux romance, the lines between reality and pretence blur, leading her to question her true feelings. Christian, known for his charm and enigmatic presence, proves to be an unexpected ally in her quest for revenge and self-discovery. As the charade deepens, Marilena is forced to confront the consequences of her actions and the unexpected twists of a game that initially seemed harmless. "The Boss's Persuasion" is a tale of love, deception, and the transformative power of unexpected connections, as Marilena grapples with her emotions and the possibility that her fake relationship may lead to a truth she never anticipated. Will Marilena's pursuit of revenge ultimately become a journey of genuine love, or will the intricacies of her plan unravel in ways she never imagined?

Đây là một thế giới Dark Fantasy, câu chuyện diễn ra kể từ khi một cậu bé không biết vì lý do gì mà đã bị rượt đuổi và sau cùng chết dưới vực sâu. Nhưng một điều kỳ lạ đã diễn ra, khiến cho cậu hoàn toàn thay đổi và mất hết ký ức. Liệu cậu có còn là đứa trẻ kia không hay đã bị một thứ gì đó chiếm xác.

From the dawn of time, the boundary between Heaven and Hell had been clearly fined. Once every thousand years, the Day of Judgement - the day when supreme justice is carried out, when the souls of mortals are judged, and when the order of the world is forever altered - takes place. The gates of Heaven always remain open for righteous souls, those who hold unwavering faith in the light. Meanwhile, sinners must pay the price for their crimes, cast into the depths of Hell, whether they want to deny or escaped from the truth. However, God is merciful to those who sincerely repent and strive to refairn from committing forbidden acts. They will be considered for absolution in the next Day of Judgement. Yet, it's difficult to abandon cruelty when it has seeped into one's very blood. From desperate attempts to escape Hell to uprisings in the mortal realm and even in Heaven, chaos was inevitable. Then they appeared - the first demons born from Hell - who made the choice to fight along side Heaven. And, of course, there were conditions. They crush the rebels, asserted dominance over them and gradually became the ruler of Hell. They came to be know as a family of fierce, determined and powerful Hellborn - yet ones who still retained their conscience - the Darker Family.

Growing up on the streets of New Pandora after the usurption of Earth, John never expected anything good from life. He survived just to survive, no purpose in mind and no hope. However, even he did not anticipate Awakening and becoming a successor of the Gray Family - an elite family at the peak of the world wielding unimaginable power and wealth. He was born without a Gift and a curse that painted his hair black and filled his eyes with a bleak darkness. Watch as he reaches for the apex of existence and uncovers the hidden plot behind his curse. "In this sixth life, I will have it all!"

A boy Named Ray age 18 thought that he got betrayed by the girl who was his girlfriend but it was not the Bus crash and they both met God and Reincarnated in Another world and our he became and son of aristocrat as Hiroki Aldenridge and the the misunderstanding didn't solve and he gets an ancient power of a....what will be their fate wold they meet each other or he will still hate her he will kill all the people of an organization due to a certain reason he changes at the age of 7 he has get allied with all the kings and defeat all 3 continents of demon kings also and in the end will he become greatest, Assasin? And At the end may make a harem -this wn is written in simple words And because name is based on ability the story in not dark

Nobody knows where they came from. Their whereabouts have even less in the way of answers and theories. Answers, and Theories. That's all they are. All they want you to know. We all believed the last of the druids went out with the last purge our queen did. Something she does to cleanse the land of magic. In her words, only she could possess it. But the druids didn't go out. Not when the vines swirl around the royal guard, thorns pricking the skin deep enough to bleed. Pirates. Pirates are a threat. The land isn't safe, but neither are the seas. Not with their self appointed queen, Lull. Not with sea monsters at her beck and call. A demigod rising to divinity, her way paved with the blood of thousands. For weeks, the rivers ran red, the valley grass stained copper-crimson. And now, the kindly queen Divina has gone mad. The woods are as dark as her soul. Watch your back.

A young boy enters his mother's village, which is secluded and peculiar. People are all Catholic but they believe in superstitions like vampire, dark arts, rituals and others. The village is beautiful and works like the 18th century Britain. Their culture is also different. The boy joins the villages only academic institution and makes a couple of friends. As time passes he discovers that there has been two murders in the area from a policeman. He tries to discover the truth but as he tries hard, he encounters supernatural events which disencourages him to investigate further. Even his family and friends starts to give him cold shoulders. But the boy is determined to discover the mystery behind it. Follow the young boy as he tries his best to overcome the hardship and discover the truth. My sincerest apologies if I write anything that make any religion look down upon. I don't want any religion to look bad. I'm just writing about a village that bends the religion through superstitions, no more no less.