Ache Ache Kahani

Dosto, socho... Aap har din ki tarah raat ko aaram se so rahe ho. Lekin achanak... aadhi raat ko bahar se cheekhein aane lagti hain. Aap darwaaza kholte ho... Aur jo nazar aata hai... usse dekh ke jaan sukh jaaye. Pura shahar... monsters ne gher rakha hai. Ghar jal rahe hain... Log cheekh rahe hain... Aur har taraf sirf tabahi hi tabahi. Sochne mein hi dar lag raha hai na? Par doston... Asi hi ek kahani hai THE AGE OF IMMORTALS – RISE OF RAKSHAK Ek duniya... jahan insaniyat karib karib khatam ho chuki hai. Lekin aakhir kyun? Yeh monsters aaye kahan se? Asal mein, duniya mein achanak ek nayi energy felne lagi thi... Urja Energy. Yeh energy jaanwaron ko monsters bana rahi thi. Lekin... yeh energy aayi kahan se? Aur... kya yeh duniya ka ant hai? Nahi. Kuch log jo is energy ko kabu karne mein safal ho gaye, woh ban gaye duniya ki aakhri umeed — Rakshak. Yeh kahani hai do ladko ki... Do dost, jinhone sab kuch kho diya... Aur ab duniya ke sabse shaktishaali yodha banne nikle hain — Yash aur Ishan. Ab sawal yeh hai... Kya yeh log duniya ko bacha paayenge? Jahan har kadam pe maut ka saya khada ho... Aur sabse bada sawaal... Kya hai is Urja ka raaz? Janne ke liye padhiye — The Age of Immortals: Rise of Rakshak.

"Where did he go?" I murmured, realizing I was alone. My heart sank as I scanned the room for any sign of him. But It was just me, an empty wine bottle on the floor, and memories of the night before. I pushed myself up, feeling the dull ache in my body. The alcohol still lingered in my system, and I had no idea how many times we had... well, how many times we had done it. But despite everything, I couldn't deny I had enjoyed it. "You're such an idiot Kim!" I scolded myself, running a hand through my messy hair. "You didn't even ask for his name." I sighed, embarrassed at my recklessness. How could I let myself go low with a stranger like that? I glanced down, realizing I was completely naked. "Oh my gosh!" I yelped, grabbing my dress off the floor and quickly slipping it on... ★★ Humiliated and betrayed, Kimberly Fray's life as a powerful Alpha's daughter of the Moon Stone Pack crumbles when Alpha Derrick of the Night Walkers Pack rejects her. But as she uncovers her true identity, Kimberly finds herself caught between two powerful Alphas who desire her. Torn between Alpha Derrick, who begins to see her worth too late, and calculative Alpha Theo, Kimberly's strength and courage are tested like never before. In a world where love, revenge, and power collide, Kimberly must decide who she truly is, and who she's meant to be with between the two Alphas chosen by the Moon Goddess!

Dreams can be deadly. Art can be a weapon. And love? Love is the most dangerous masterpiece of all. Arwyn Delacroix never knew his mother. All he has are the fragments of her life. And then there’s the gift his father left him: the power to bring his darkest fears and brightest hopes to life with the stroke of a pencil. Raised by a father who drowns his grief in silence, Arwyn aches to close the chasm between them. Every sketch he creates pushes him to a world called Terra Incognita, where countless of other artist's sketches bleed into reality. But, There were others that were present in this world. Kingdoms, landscapes, allies, friends, discovery. He meets a man, a living sketch who claims to know the truth about his mother’s death. Together, they unravel secrets his family buried. And so, Arwyn must choose: Become the weapon his enemies fear, or hold onto the boy his mother loved. In a world where imagination shapes reality, the greatest danger isn’t losing his life. It’s losing himself.

>This is a GL XIANXIA NOVEL WITH QUICK TRANSMIGRATION. >No misunderstandings , Relatively fast paced romance, No other love interests. >There will be quite a few GL & BL side couples. >This is the story of our two protagonists Mo Yuxin (MC) and Su Yubing(FL) who are bound by a Bond so strong that it transcends reality itself. They are each other's one and only soulmate, their love knows no bound. This is story of their journey to cultivating immortality in a world that is unfair to women , in a world that is wholly dominated by men, where strength is all that matters. Without strength , you don't even get a chance to live peacefully. Our mc Mo Yuxin gets a legendary inheritance from a primordial god who is also one of the oldest gods to live till date and the only one in all of multiverse. This god and her already deceased soulmate decided to leave their inheritance to their only descendant to whom the god's soulmate left a piece of their soul. Watch as how their journey brings about unprecedented changes to the whole world and the multiverse and their sweet and steamy love which will make your tooth ache from sweetness. .. .. Mo Yuxin:- Are you exhausted, baby? Su Yubing:- *glares threateningly* It's all your fault. Mo Yuxin:- what do I do? You're just too delicious ~~ *licking her lips* Su Yubing:- Shameless! *a blushing mess* THIS IS MY VERY OWN WORK.

She was never supposed to love him, he was the one person she despised, but for how long could she deny the flutter and Sparks he made her feel. ******* She is an assassin, the princess of the witches, sent to marry the Vampire King with one purpose—to kill him and secure her clan’s victory in a war that has raged for centuries. He is Rhydian, the brooding king burdened by his father’s bloody legacy, forced into the alliance to protect his people from the looming Dragon Empire. Rhydian distrusts the witches, while Seraphina resents the vampires, but neither is prepared for what fate has in stall. As they face palace intrigues, ancient prophecies, and brewing rebellion, their indifference begins to shift into something neither expected—love, an emotion they both try to deny, but is impossible to ignore. I won't call this an enemies to lovers because she is the only one who hates him, also...this will contain R18 scenes, I'll always highlight that on every chapter so you can skip if you want. A/N: I hope you all will stick with me till the end, feel free to check out my other book, I'm in love with a grim reaper, you might like it, I hope you do. Excerpt; Her fingers brushed against his forehead before he could react, her warm palms cupping both sides of his face as she studied him intently. His breath hitched at the sudden intimacy, his heart giving an involuntary stutter. What the hell was she doing? His gaze traced over her face, mapping every detail—the sharp glint of her violet eyes, the delicate curve of her nose, and her lips... God, her lips. Plump, red, slightly parted as she assessed him. He wanted to taste them again, to claim them fully. "Your fever seems to be coming down," she murmured, tilting her head slightly. "My blood really did the trick, I see..." His jaw clenched. Did she have to check his temperature this way? There were plenty of other ways to do it—ones that didn't involve tempting him with that mesmerizing face of hers. She started to pull her hands away, but before she could, he caught her wrist, stopping her. She looked up at him, startled. "If you wanted to check my temperature, you could've done so in a simpler way," he said, his lips curving into a playful grin. He tugged her closer, his grip firm but gentle. "Are you trying to seduce me, Purple?" Her heartbeat stuttered against his chest. He could hear it. Feel it. Then, to his surprise, she didn't pull away. Instead, a slow, wicked smile spread across her lips. She leaned in, her body pressing against his just enough to make his muscles tense. "What if I am?" she whispered, deliberately biting her bottom lip. Rhydian's breath caught. The last of his control snapped. "You asked for it," he growled. In the next second, he crashed his lips against hers. The kiss was deep, desperate, consuming. His hand tangled in her hair, tilting her head to deepen the angle as his tongue swept into her mouth, claiming her fully. She responded instantly, matching his hunger with equal fervor. She wasn't perfect at kissing yet—he could tell she was still learning—but she made up for it with pure intensity, and damn if it didn't make his blood boil. His other arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against him as his lips moved against hers with feverish need. His tongue tangled with hers, teasing, tasting, drinking her in as if she were the only thing that could satiate him. He bit down softly, drawing a gasp from her, and that little sound sent a violent pulse of arousal straight through him. He was already rock hard, aching with need. He hadn't touched a woman since the marriage arrangement was made. Maybe that was why he was losing control so easily. Or maybe it was just her. Maybe it had always been her.

Ich bin gefangen? Na gut, ich kann nichts dagegen tun, da ich mich nicht bewegen kann. Experimente an mir? Gebt mir wenigstens etwas Betäubungsmittel. Ich bin befreit? Lasst mich etwas Rache nehmen. Willst du um dein Leben betteln? Tut mir leid, diese Dame hier ist nachtragend. Ich habe das Labor zerstört, also lasst mich diese Welt frei erkunden. Irgendwie bin ich der Gruppe von Herr Held beigetreten. Gut, er scheint Spaß zu machen. "Ach je, wie grausam. Für die Ehre, ein Held zu sein, würdest du dieses Fräulein töten, hm?" Sie lächelte, während sie verblutete. "Tze, du hast jetzt noch Lust zu scherzen?" Er sagte es mit einem finsteren Blick. "Was ist das Leben, wenn man nicht jeden Moment genießt? Da ich sterben werde und mich nicht rächen kann, hoffe ich, dass es jemand anderes tut." "Niemand wird das tun. Du warst die Einzige, die mit deiner Nanomancy mächtiger war als ich. Jetzt, wo du weg bi-" "Pst, Kind. Ich versuche hier in Frieden zu sterben." "Aber ich bin äl-!" "Ap! Gute Kinder stören ihre Älteren nicht." "Aber du-!" "Tschüss~" Sie grinste, bevor sie die Kraft verlor. "VERDAMMT!" ... Warum schlafe ich in den Schneefeldern? Herr Wolf knurrt mich an. Hungrig, hm?... Ich auch. Dies ist mein zweites Buch, bitte habt Erbarmen mit diesem Autor. Viel Spaß.

The world ended—twice. Liam should have died along with it. Instead, he woke up with a system whispering of sovereign paths he was never meant to walk, an interface bound to something far older than the Dominion’s rule. Alone, hunted, and bound by a directive he barely understands, he fights to carve a place for himself in a world where fractured gods and cybernetic overlords rule what remains. In the Genesis Protocol’s void, where reality unravels, he faces echoes of celestial experiments, shadows of himself that seek to consume him. His body is bruised, ribs aching, strength fading—but he refuses to fall. “You do not belong,” the void whispers. Liam wipes the blood from his mouth, smirking. “I get that a lot.” And then, he raises his blade. Because if the world won’t make space for him—he’ll tear one open himself.

(Mature Content) "He's a monster.... a real menace of our world" In the grand Wisteria Kingdom, Prince Ryan stands as an outcast, a royal burden shrouded in the hatred of his people. He navigates a world where every gaze is laced with disgust and every word is a reminder of his unworthiness. Attempting to escape the confines of his reality, Ryan crosses paths with Jihoon, the prince of Alyssum—a radiant force who shatters his world and rebuilds it in ways he never imagined. In a world ruled by hierarchy and primal instincts, their bond is anything but simple. As their fates intertwine, Ryan is drawn into an unfamiliar whirlwind of emotions: yearning, jealousy, and the aching desire to belong. "We need to stop this. If we don't, the prophecy that has haunted our kingdom for generations..... I fear it could become reality-.....the destruction our ancestors feared most." As Ryan struggles with these strange emotions, which are blooming inside of him for Jihoon, an old evil rises-the legend of the long-feared Alphas, that which evokes hatred by the very people he's fighting. Hints of the past begin to become more defined and threaten to become reality. What will Ryan do as he learns that the true battle is not against his people, but the existence of himself: that which is destined to be the world's overthrow? . . . . . "He was destiny, my power. I wasn’t born for this world but only for him. He was my power and death. So I shall be only for him." -Smut -Omegaverse -Royal family -Kingdoms -Modern royal family Every 2 days after the next chapter will be uploaded.

(CONTAINS R18+ CONTENT) Enemies to lovers- check Slow burn- check A cute naughty dog- check Spice? (The author is keeping her mouth zipped) No third-party breakup or misunderstanding. But there are lots of banter and witty comebacks. (The story is planned to be around 200 chapters. No drag) Mu Yiren I never imagined I'd be faking a relationship with my biggest enemy—the untamed, ridiculously charming Feng Junjie, known throughout the city as the "golden boy" of business and a billionaire playboy with a reputation for breaking hearts. But when he dangles a life-changing offer in front of me, the kind that could secure my inheritance, I find myself agreeing to be his "girlfriend." But the thing is….. What if I start seeing the real him? Pretending to be Junjie’s devoted partner is like walking on a razor's edge. He’s everything I can’t stand—sexy, cocky, and devilish, and yet a sweetheart by heart that leaves me flustered by his actions. I know better than to fall for a man like him; my mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s has convinced me to never fall in love. But Junjie isn't just any man. Beneath his easygoing charm is an intensity that leaves me breathless, and he knows exactly how to crack through the walls I have built around me, awakening a passion I never felt before. JUNJIE I need my life back. A sorry attempt at love had me question everything and forced me away from my brothers. Since my ‘ex best friend’s’ constant accusations had gotten out of control, I might as well pretend to date someone and shut her mouth. My definition of a fake date- Beautiful, sexy, tempting…..umm…. insufferable, annoying, and with a mouth that won’t stop running. The mouth with red lipstick. The mouth I want to…. This arrangement was supposed to be simple: fake dating, clear boundaries, no feelings. But the more he plays the role of her devoted partner, the more the lines between fake and real start to blur. And now, he’s no longer sure where the act ends and his true feelings begin. The catch? Mu Yiren doesn’t believe in love. And she certainly doesn’t believe a man like Feng Junjie is capable of anything but heartbreak. But Feng has never been one to follow the rules. Boundaries? He’s about to break them. Deals? They were made to be rewritten. He’s going all in, and this time, he’s not playing pretend. ******* "Are you saying you'd let any man get this close?" "ABSOLUTELY NO!" The words burst out of me, too quick, too honest. His smirk deepens. "Tell me, if I leave you like this, all wound up and aching, will you be sneaking off to use one of your little toys?" "Yes," "Tell me, were you waiting for me to initiate something this past week?" he tugs my shorts more and kisses my navel. My heart hammers and my voice comes out shaky. "N-No." I won't give him the satisfaction of knowing he's right. He chuckles darkly. "Wrong answer. Let's try again." ****

Carmela never wanted to marry Logan Cross, the cursed and forsaken fifth prince. Thrown into exile within a desolate palace, he was treated as if he didn’t exist, unloved and unwanted. When Carmela's family was forced to sacrifice one of their daughters to wed him, she was chosen against her will. Filled with resentment, she treated Logan with cruelty, neglected him, and ultimately betrayed him. She eloped with another man only to learn too late that he had used her to gain wealth and power, all while secretly loving her own sister. By the time she realized her mistake, Logan had already risen to the throne, no longer the powerless outcast she once scorned. And his first act as king? Sentencing his unfaithful wife to death. As the guillotine fell, Carmela closed her eyes, awaiting the end. But when she opened them again, she was back in her wedding gown ten years in the past. This time, she will not make the same mistakes. She will love Logan, cherish him, and protect him from the fate that once awaited them both. But will he ever trust her after everything she had done? And more importantly, is the curse truly as simple as everyone believes? --Excerpt The iron scent of blood filled the air. Carmela’s knees ached against the cold, hard platform as rough hands forced her down, the heavy chains around her wrists biting into her flesh. The crowd below roared in anticipation, their faces filled with scorn, with hatred. She wanted to scream, to tell them she wasn’t the same woman who had once scorned their king. But it was too late. Above her, the executioner stood poised, his hands gripping the lever of the guillotine. The sharp steel glinted under the dim sunlight, its edges stained with old blood. "Adulteress," the royal advisor announced. "Traitor to the Crown. Unworthy of His Majesty’s mercy." Carmela lifted her head, her tear-streaked face searching for him. And there he was. Logan Cross. No longer the outcast prince she had once abandoned, no longer the quiet, unwanted shadow that the world ignored. Now, he was a king a powerful, terrifying one. His once hollow golden eyes burned with icy fury, his lips pressed in a firm line. He sat on his throne, watching as justice was carried out, unmoved. She had done this. She had pushed him away. Betrayed him. Left him to suffer alone. And yet, she had loved him too late, far too late. "Your Majesty," the executioner spoke, awaiting his command. Logan’s gaze met hers for the briefest moment, filled with something she could no longer understand. "Proceed," he said. Carmela's breath hitched as the blade came down. Darkness consumed her. Then— She woke.

She stared at the shimmering stream, her vision blurred by the relentless flow of tears. Her chest ached, my frustration bubbling over. "You wouldn't understand!" Ginny shouted, her voice cracking under the weight of her pain. "I don’t want to." His voice was sharp, cutting through the night like a blade. She whipped around, glaring at him. Rude jerk. Ginny let out a bitter hiss, hugging her arms around myself. "I hate my life." He said nothing. That silence only made it worse. She scoffed. "Of course, you wouldn’t say anything. My life was never perfect, but now... now it can never be." "It doesn’t need to be." His voice was calmer this time, steady. I turned to him, my lip trembling. "Why not? Everyone else gets to be happy. Why can’t I?" His dark eyes softened as he exhaled. "I’m not happy. And I’m far from perfect. We’re just two imperfect people existing in the same timeline." Somehow, his words reached her, settling deep in her heart. She sniffled, forcing a shaky laugh. "Trust me, we’re not even in the same timeline to begin with." His gaze locked onto hers, unwavering, as if he saw straight through her. Ignoring her words, he stepped closer. "It’s okay." His voice was almost a whisper. "We can be two imperfect beings in this imperfect world, making imperfect choices." His hand brushed against mine—warm, grounding. "But," he continued, "the most perfect life has been is the time spent with you." Her breath hitched. Her heart stilled. Ginny blinked up at him, stunned. 'Shit.' She hissed under my breath, looking away. "What the hell am I supposed to do with that.. information?" *** Ginny was just an ordinary woman—until she woke up in a historical Korean setting as the infamous villainess doomed to a tragic fate. Trapped in a world of palace intrigue, power struggles, and an infuriatingly handsome yet equally frustrating man, she must navigate her way through a story that was never meant to have a happy ending. But Ginny refuses to let fate dictate her life. If the script says she’s the villain, then she’ll rewrite her role—one dramatic scene at a time.

Lee Wooyun had always been a fan of romance fantasy books and films, especially those set in historical times with kings and queens, dukes and duchesses, and the like. His friends were well aware of his obsession and recommended a book that had recently been making waves on social media. The book was titled My Charming Demon Lord. At first, Lee Wooyun was hesitant. Unlike the fantasies he usually read, which were often set in Western historical settings, this one was different. However, his friends assured him he would enjoy it. Not wanting to reject their gift, he decided to give it a try. That night, he found himself unable to put the book down, reading almost the entire thing in one sitting. "Those guys were right! It’s amazing! A Cinderella-like fairytale set in a murim/cultivation world? It’s too good!" He couldn't help but imagine how incredible it would be to take the female lead Han Seo-yoon’s place—starting from such a miserable beginning only to end up in the arms of the surprisingly sweet and gentle demon lord. I wish I could take her place. That night, as he drifted off to sleep, the book he had left open on his desk began to emit a golden glow. The pages flipped backward, returning to the very first chapter, and its contents began to change as well. The title My Charming Demon Lord pulsed with a piercing red light, and before Lee Wooyun could even react, his surroundings shifted. The next morning, instead of waking up wrapped in his expensive velvet duvet—the one he had spent hundreds of dollars on—he found himself in a dimly lit room, lying on a pile of hay and straw. His back ached horribly, like he had actually slept on a pile of hay and straw. "What in the world…?" he muttered, rubbing his sore muscles. "Where in the hell am I? And why does it smell like cow dung in here?!” *** This is the story of how a fantasy-genre enthusiast ended up inside one of the books he had wished for—without realizing just how dangerous that wish would be. "I guess it’s true what they say: Be careful what you wish for."

Love was never the problem—timing was. Xiang Yei, a bright and hardworking dreamer, believes in the warmth of people, even when the world proves otherwise. Zhang Yan, cold and distant, has mastered the art of pushing others away. Yet, despite the odds, their paths keep colliding. She reaches for him with laughter; he pulls away with silence. She wears her heart on her sleeve; he locks his behind a wall. But love doesn’t wait for perfect moments—it happens in glances that linger too long, in words left unspoken, in the ache of knowing that sometimes, love isn’t enough. As fate continues to twist their lives together, one question remains: Will they ever find each other at the right time, or will they always remain a love lost in between?

Senior Server Felix stood at the front of the church, his voice steady and solemn as he greeted the congregation. “Our help is in the name of the Lord,” he intoned. “Who made Heaven and Earth,” the people responded in unison, their voices matching his reverent tone. “Today, we initiate new members into this divine and holy Order,” Felix continued. “Today, we welcome new brethren into the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.” At the back of the church, Louis sat on one of the few single chairs, his posture slightly slouched as his focus remained on a sheet of music in his hands. The title read, "Brightest and Best – Key of A-flat." 'Why didn’t Gramps give me an F or G? A-flat is so difficult, and I only have three days to finish it,' he grumbled silently, his brow furrowing in frustration. But he dared not voice his complaints. He could already imagine his grandfather assigning him even more difficult pieces—F-sharps and endless A-flats—as punishment. From the front of the church, a serene voice called out, “Harry! Step forward!” Louis glanced up, momentarily pulled from his inner musings. His eyes landed on a girl stepping forward from the pews. She had black hair neatly styled in a bun and striking green eyes that seemed to shine with warmth and composure. Dressed in a modest brown dress and black sandals, with a rosary resting gracefully around her neck, she exuded a calm, dignified presence. Her tanned skin and graceful demeanor only added to the aura of reverence surrounding her, befitting an Altar server. 'Sigh,' Louis thought as he brushed a hand through his white hair, his blue eyes softening with a mix of admiration and envy. 'I wonder what it’s like to be an Altar server. They all seem so pure and divine… and powerful.' Just as he returned his attention to his music, a calm, gentlemanly voice spoke beside him. “You could also be an Altar server, if you’re interested.” “Huh?” Louis blurted out, snapping his head to the side. But no one was there. “What in the name of Jesus is going on here?” he muttered, glancing nervously around. “At least you know my name,” the voice replied again, seemingly amused. “What?” Louis whispered, his heart beginning to race. "I'm certain you will be a good server," the voice said, calm yet enigmatic. Louis narrowed his eyes, still searching for its source. "Who are you?" "I have many personalities. I have many names," the voice replied with an air of mystery. "It’s your choice which one you accept." "You’re not making any sense," Louis muttered, growing more unsettled. "Blessed are those who have not seen but believed…" Before Louis could respond, his vision blurred, and the world around him seemed to melt away. He jolted awake, gasping for air. His hands clutched the crumpled sheet of music, its corners bent from his restless grip. His head teetered precariously over the edge of his bed, a faint ache in his neck reminding him of the awkward position he’d been in. "Holy Mother of Jesus!" he exclaimed as he lost his balance, tumbling off the bed in a heap of blankets and scattered papers.

...Based on a true story... When the past refuses to let go.... Unravel Me Slowly follows Lexi, a girl who spent her entire high school life trying to piece together her shattered self-esteem, only for her to watch it crumble in an instant. Memories she really tried her best to forget still haunt her together with words she can't pretend forget. Lexi thought she could bury the hurt, smiling when her heart aches, and laughing when her confidence goes low. Let's talk about the night all this started. In a moment of weakness, she gave in to him -Theo a lost love. Hoping that maybe he would see her the way she sees him. But morning came and the bitter taste of realization that nothing would ever change. Theo had the power to tear her apart. He became a ghost that haunts her every thought, a reminder of how easily she let herself break. Then came Dave. With his quiet kindness and patience, he begins to break down the walls she’s built. But letting him in means risking everything—risking another betrayal, another wound she might never recover from. And even as her heart leans toward him, the thought of Theo still haunts her. Caught between who she was and who she’s afraid to become, Lexi battles her fears of not being enough. Every moment with Dave feels like healing, but every thought of Theo pulls her back under. Leaving her questioning her self-worth, her choices, and whether she really deserves to move on. As Lexi tries to move through this web of love and loss, she’s left with one question: Can she let herself fall apart to truly heal? Or is she destined to carry the weight of yesterday forever? To heal, she first had to fall apart. But some scars never fade... and not all stories end with closure.

Youn-Jae and Ji-Won first crossed paths as children, their lives bound together when Ji-Won's mother passed away, leaving him with no one to care for him. Taken in by Youn-Jae's mother, Ji-Won found a fragile sense of belonging amidst the struggles they both faced, particularly the oppressive presence of Youn-Jae's father, Kwang-Seok. In each other, they discovered a sanctuary-a light and hope that gave meaning to their turbulent lives. But fate was merciless. It tore them apart, leaving behind an aching void and a distance that felt impossible to close. Now, as fate continues its relentless game, pulling them further apart, the question remains: Can they defy the forces that conspire against them, or are they destined to remain forever out of reach?

They say a girl’s first love is her father. But what happens when that love is just a void? When the space he should have filled becomes an ache you carry like a scar? I grew up searching for him — in the eyes of every man I met, in friendships that drained me, in relationships that promised forever but slipped away. I wore my heart like an apology, hoping someone might see the emptiness inside me and choose to stay anyway. And every time they left, I blamed myself, quietly wondering if I was too broken to be loved. I wrote about it in my journal, words spilling out like confessions I couldn’t say out loud: I searched for you in every face, A ghost I could never touch. I watered my wounds with hope, But you never bloomed. Still, I kept loving — Not to find you, But to find myself. But this story isn’t just about absence. It’s about discovery. About the love I thought I didn’t deserve, and the man who showed me that even the most shattered hearts can learn to beat again. This is the story of how I lost myself, how I pieced myself back together, and how love finally found me — not as a replacement, but as a reminder that I was whole all along

Serafina is in a tournament to see whether she has what it takes to pass the God's trial she team up with Aiden a second year River too is a second year and Ryker decides to side with Alisha. Because his friends sides with her he isn't accepting of that so he decides not to follows them in with tournament he just stands by himself so as in a tournament Alisha sees Serafina and thinks better chance to take her out. Serafina is passing through the siren river so as she's like passing on top the tie rope while using her light magic to balance herself out. Alisha thinks perfect timing and her men aren't here to help her out Alisha who has the power of earth. Serafina sees her and tries to withdraw before the tight rope is cut she like tries to pull herself away and but Alisha make her lose her balance Serafina reinforce the tight rope just then she loses her balance and she tries focuses her magic on her balance which gives Alisha time to cut the tight rope. Sera starts to fall and the sirens are not to be messed with because immediately you fall into water. You'll be eaten up alive no one really knows why the sirens are used because 50% dies just at this race to the finish despite they usually use the siren river. Serafina starts to fall like then she sees Ryker as she's falling his face is filled with worries and he calls her "Sera" and he tries to reach for her but she's already falling and as she falls she stares at him and says so that's when he looks at her with that expression when she's about to die. She closes her eye thinking of of what happened her not still finding out who her real family is and leaving her mortal family despite her making an oath that. She's going to get back to them be it two or four years then as she falls into the water and she tries to swim but can't she uses her water magic to create a force field just then her backs begin to ache. She tries to swim but her backs feels like something is like weighing her down and the siren begins to come singing the mermaid song. Next everything brightens up then suddenly her wings sprout out and she sour's through the sky rainbow aura emanating shining over the arena.

In a realm between life and death, a nameless boy awakens amidst a sea of whispering reeds, his mind barren of memories. Above him looms a towering spire of light—Eden—calling him forward with a pulse that echoes the hollow ache in his chest. This is the Land of Reeds, a purgatory where lost souls wander, stripped of their pasts, bound by a single purpose: to gather Memory Shards and reclaim their identities.

WARNING: MATURE CONTENT I was eight when my world burned. My family was slaughtered; my home was reduced to ash. And the ones responsible? Gone. All they left behind was a black bandana embroidered with a nightshade thorn—a symbol of death. For ten years, I trained in the shadows. I became a weapon. Now, my hunt leads me to Prestige Supernatural Academy (PSA), the most elite werewolf school in the world—a place ruled by four Alpha heirs with too much power, arrogance, and dark desires. The night I arrive, I cross paths with Dristan, Kai, and Axel—heirs to the East, North, and West Alpha Kings. Arrogant. Vicious. Gods among wolves. They see me as nothing. A weak, powerless stray. They humiliate me, taunt me, overpower me— making me want to rip them apart. So, I make a vow: I’ll destroy them before they ever get the chance to destroy me. Then, on the eve of my 18th birthday, the Blood Moon rises. My wolf awakens. My power surges. And fate? That cruel, twisted bitch shackles me to all three of them. Mates. I want to reject them. I burn for them instead. And when I meet Xade, the wicked, silver-tongued heir to the Middle Belt Alpha King, the final bond snaps into place. Four possessive, dominant, and dangerously irresistible alphas. One vengeful, unbreakable wolf. And a deadly secret tying them to my past. Loving them could destroy me. Hating them could kill me. But in the end… who will ruin whom? And, fuck—why does my traitorous body want all four of them to do it? *************** “Say it.” Dristan’s voice was smooth and controlled in a way that promised devastation underneath. I swallowed hard, my pulse hammering as he cornered me against the desk. Kai was behind me, his warmth pressing into my back, his breath teasing my neck. Axel leaned in, lips curved in a sinful smirk, his hazel green eyes dark with amusement. “Say it, sweetheart. Say you don’t want us and we’ll let you be—maybe.” I clenched my fists. I wanted to tell them to fuck off—but my traitorous body? It was already betraying me.  My skin burned. My heart raced. My thighs clenched against the insufferable ache they caused just by existing. I lifted my chin, ignoring the heat curling low in my stomach. “I don’t—” “Liar.” The single word came from Xade, who had been silent until now. He was sitting in the professor’s chair, his crystal blue eyes burning into mine. He didn’t have to touch me. His voice alone was enough to undo me. He smirked, tilting his head. “You can fight it all you want, little wolf. But we can smell it.” Axel’s fingers traced the pulse at my throat. “Your heart’s pounding.” Kai’s lips brushed my ear. “Your body’s betraying you, love.” Dristan exhaled slowly, his gaze locked onto mine like a predator savouring its prey. “Your scent doesn’t lie, mate.” Fuck. My entire body was on fire. My legs trembled. My wolf purred in my head, eager to submit. I wouldn’t. I couldn’t. So, I did the only thing I could—I shoved Axel back, spun around, and tried to escape. I didn’t make it. Kai grabbed my wrist, yanking me back into his chest. I gasped, my palms slamming against his rock-solid torso. His golden eyes burned into mine. “Where do you think you’re going?” Axel was behind me now, his fingers sliding under my jaw, forcing my head up. “We’re not done with you, sweetheart.” Dristan smirked. “Not even close, mate.” "We're just getting started," Xade drawled. I was trapped. Caged. And the worst part? I didn’t want to run. ***************** Instagram: Baevidaa Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/68t5Pv3Gmn BaeVida#7176

He will always find her. In every life he will find her. He will love her. He will be her doom. This is their curse. Seri was a smalltown girl. She had a good life, loving supportive parents and friends, a bright future as an artist ahead of her. Her world abruptly changes when she meets a handsome stranger at a bar. His presence threatens to tear her heart apart as she learns the truth about herself. Her lineage. Her past. and their curse. When sudden disappearance shake her town and someone close to her disappears, Seri's world shatters. A war is brewing between Heaven and Earth, mortals and immortals. It will be the final war. Seri will embark on a journey that threatens to unravel the secrets hidden long ago. these secrets will force her to make a choice, one that could tip the scales deciding the fate of the world. This book is a bit of a slow burn but when it picks up the steam will satisfy the wait. Exerts from the book: *BANG* My ears were ringing, it suddenly got so much colder. Hard to breathe. Next to me mother shrieks in horror looking at my stomach. There’s blood. It was leaking from me. Pain slammed into me, felt like I was hit with a thousand knives. It was so agonizing I tried to brace myself back against the railing. Hard to breathe. I could feel the warmth of my blood dripping from my mouth. Looking down and a dark red color drenched me. Mother on her knees wailing uncontrollably. Detaching my clipped life vest to look at my hole. Blood now smeared my vision as I tried to wipe the red from my eyes. Screams and footsteps echoed loudly in my ears. Then suddenly I’m falling. “Hey now, hey now, fainting at the sight of me are you?” His sensual voice slipped in my ears like smooth milk chocolate. the taste of iron consumed my mouth, hot blood flooded me when I tried to laugh. It hurt. Oh god why did it hurt so bad. Tears drifted down my cheeks the salt leaving a trail of it’s path behind it. “You’re gonna be okay, I promise.” “You found me.” a smile creeped up my face. “I’ll always find you.” The ship began to lift into the air and people began to fall. I blink and then I’m falling. With one breath in I hit the ice cold water. Paralyzed. I couldn’t move. The screams and cries of woman and children pounded with water. Slipping. I was slipping under the violent thrashing waves. The air being sucked from my lungs. I try to open to breathe only got water to rush in instead. I was drowning. I was going to die. Gasping for air only to swallow more water. The water was like liquid ice touching my skin, but my lungs burned. A scream burst from my mouth only to be drowned by the water that came in after. I sank deeper and deeper.* *I saw his eyes flash a glowing white before he closed them and started kissing me again. This time it was gentler and softer than before. He tasted like warm honey biscuits. He was passionate and relaxed with his movement. I didn’t stop him. No, instead, I let him claim my lips. I run my hands though his hair pulling his face closer to mine. He rests his body on me, his weight heavy against my smaller frame, pressing me into the bed. The pressure of his body weight made me want to spread my legs and when I did a fire sparked inside me, my core was a blaze. My intimate area felt wet and hot like lava, and it was like everything around me melted away and I was lost in this kiss. This single moment in my life was undoing me. He pulled my head up sliding his arm underneath my neck to keep his body lifted slightly as he ran his fingers up my side. My body jolted; my hips instinctively lifted upwards, pushing against him. I could feel him harden between my legs and an unfamiliar ache stirred inside me, I moaned into his mouth. I could feel my body burning up again. I was getting dizzy, and I started to sweat. Or was that steam coming from us? Stars began dancing in my vision. Then a darkness swallowed me, and I was lost.* discord for this book is: https://discord.gg/Wx3RS62W

The air hung heavy with unspoken anxieties as Iris walked the sterile hospital corridors. A year. It had been a year since she’d received the devastating news: Iñigo, her beloved boyfriend, was dead. The pain still felt raw, a constant ache in her chest. She'd mourned him fiercely, the void his absence left echoing in her heart. Little did she know, the truth was far more complicated, twisted by a mother's disapproval and a desperate attempt to keep them apart. Iñigo’s mother, a woman whose disapproval Iris had always felt like a cold wind, had whisked him away to the States, a calculated move to sever their connection. She’d believed that distance, the vast expanse of the ocean, would be enough to erase Iris from Iñigo's life. But fate, it seemed, had other plans. Dr. Millie’s voice, crisp and professional, broke through Iris’s somber thoughts. "Iris, you're assigned to assist the patient in Room 208. He was recently transferred from the U.S.A." The doctor handed her the file. Iris took it mechanically, her mind already racing. The familiar chill that always accompanied thoughts of Iñigo's mother settled over her. This was no coincidence. A strange premonition tightened its grip on her, a knot of dread forming in her stomach. She felt a cold dread creeping up her spine. As she approached Room 208, a wave of nausea washed over her. She hesitated, her hand trembling as she reached for the door handle. A deep breath, a silent prayer, and then—she opened the door. The sight that greeted her stole the breath from her lungs. There he was, pale but undeniably Iñigo, lying in the hospital bed. Time seemed to stop. The world dissolved into a dizzying blur of disbelief and overwhelming emotion. A strangled gasp escaped her lips. He was alive. The carefully constructed wall of grief she’d built around her heart crumbled. A torrent of emotions – shock, relief, disbelief, and a bitter taste of betrayal – flooded her. All the pain, the tears, the emptiness… all for nothing? The file slipped from her numb fingers, landing silently on the floor. He was alive, and his mother had lied.

Annabella Feng, 'Ella' never imagined her life would crumble so completely. Once full of dreams, she was dragged into a nightmare she couldn’t escape. And instead of fighting, she let herself fall—sinking into the darkness, allowing the weight of her suffering to consume her. Broken, lost, and numb, she wandered through life, barely holding on. Even when she forced a smile, even when she laughed, the ache inside her never faded. Then came the child—the unexpected life growing within her. A cruel reminder of everything she had lost, yet the only thing tethering her to the world. On the other side of fate, Prince Liang Yichen was running—not from war, not from battle, but from the very throne that sought to cage him. The power struggles, the betrayals, the endless expectations—he wanted none of it. But destiny had other plans. When their paths collide, neither of them is ready. She is a shattered soul who no longer believes in miracles. He is a reluctant alpha prince who never wanted to lead. But in a world of hidden truths and crazy twists, their meeting is anything but coincidence. As enemies close in and fate demands its price, Ella must decide: will she remain in the ruins of her past, or will she rise back—whether she believes she can or not to Radiance?

In the enchanting, bustling city of Westford, where people pass their day thriving for success and wealth, running after their dreams and goals, a 28 years old woman named Jasmine, a hardworking editor for a renowned publishing company, pursues her flexible and peaceful life with a huge secret and burden in her shoulders. A blessing, or a curse she can never share with anyone, an ability that makes her look into facts that no one can assume, or truth that often end up being bitter. From a very young age, she could see the departed soul with lingering attachments in the world, and the red thread of fate that binds two people together. Fate, however, plays a cruel trick on her when she finds out she doesn’t have any sort of thread to her own. Jasmine, a cheerful and friendly person, believes in the power of true love, even more when she sees two people bound to each other, loving each other unconditionally, even if they face an adverse situation. But similarly, she loses hope in people to have pure love, as all she can see is betrayal, and farce, which becomes obvious to her with just those threads. After being betrayed by the very first person she ever loved, she lost all the hope for herself, and fate. Until one day, she met a guy as captivating as the morning sun in the winter. Warm, gentle, with sharp yet kindness to his light brown eyes. As she locked her eyes with those pair of beautiful ones, playfully doing their magic behind his soft, chestnut brown hair, she was forced to admit that there are people like him for whom the word ‘love’ was made. And even though their relationship started as two bickering coworkers nagging at each other at every little thing, the love bloomed in her heart for her favorite author, and the one she was entrusted to take care of professionally, Carter Klein. Once again, she let herself lose in the strength of love, despite knowing she was doomed to be with no one, only to figure out that Carter was in fact, fated with someone else. Someone who he can never get, and someone with whom he can never resolve his feelings. “I should back off, shouldn’t I?” with an aching heart, and teary eyes, she sealed those feelings in her heart forever. But destiny had some other plans, as Carter seemed to notice his editor Jasmine in a different light. She was no longer a mere work partner, but a friend to who he could see himself sharing anything and everything. “If it’s her, then maybe I could dare to walk out of the mud I am stuck in.” Will these two tear apart the firm bond of the thread tangled to Carter’s past? Or Jasmine’s love would weaken itself at the mercy of fate? Join their chaotic journey to find out how the pages of their life unfold. – – – – – – Hey people! NamCandy reporting again, with her third book. Honestly, I had this planned for a long while, even though the main concept of “Red thread of fate” was something totally new for me. Those who know me from my first book, must recognize the male lead already. That’s right, I promised there I’d bring justice to my favorite boy, Carter. So here it is. And if you have been reading my second book, I’m sure the other character ain’t new either hehe. Well then, enjoy their rollercoaster ride!

Humiliated and in heat, Idalia was forced to attend the Moonlight Masquerade in hopes of finding a mate to satisfy her body's needs. Vulnerable to her desires, she ran into the woods to escape a potential scandal. But when a masked man catches her, his touch tosses all reasoning aside. What should have been a simple humiliating event for the princess turns into a night of passion. There was one problem though: she couldn't remember who she mated with! The slave who carried her to bed. The knight who knelt before her and offered his canines for touching her. The sworn enemy Alpha Prince, who confessed his love for her. Follow Idalia as she navigates between three Weres. One is a pretty guy eager to please her to escape his fate, another trying to reclaim his honour while unable to control his desires, and the last is a villain using her for his goals, but a flame festers between them at every interaction. A slave, a knight and a villain prince, who will she choose? [ Mature Content ] "You smell like the sun." His strides are long and confident, heading in my direction like he knows exactly what he wants. He stops before me, and my head tips back. "How is that possible?" His voice drops to a rumbling whisper. Now that he was close to me, the burning ache deep within started to throb and palpitate. His body tensed, and then he was on me, nose against my neck, inhaling deeply, one hand on the side of my hair, pinning me in place with his hips. My head tilts back, unable to stop myself from giving into his touch, exposing my neck more to him, his chest rumbling as he licks the side of my skin, kissing and nipping, placing his scent over me. I am completely and utterly at his mercy. I vaguely hear material ripping, and then his warm hand cups me. "You're not finished yet," his voice is thick and deep, and it shoots straight to my tingling, pulsing core. His touch is almost possessive, and I nearly beg him to do whatever he wants with me. "Should I make it better?" His whisper is a caress against my ear before he nips the lobe, a bite promising that this would not be tender. - Daily chapter uploads -

"True love is not measured by how easily we forgive, but by how deeply we understand what needs no forgiveness. It is not in what the eyes witness, but in the quiet ache the heart feels. It is not in hearing the words, but in grasping the silence in between. And love… it is not about how we let go it is about the strength it takes to hold on when everything else is breaking." But what happens when a boy, shattered by the weight of his past, crosses paths with a girl who carries the sun within her? Will her light be enough to stitch his broken pieces back together… or will the darkness in him slowly bleed into her, dimming everything she is? Is love truly strong enough to save them both… Or is it the very thing that will destroy them?

Fragments of Us A story of love, betrayal, and redemption set in the heart of Bangkok, Fragments of Us follows the lives of two young men whose love was once their greatest refuge until one devastating night shattered everything. Arthur and Nick grew up together, fell in love in secret, and built a world where they could be themselves, away from the expectations of family and society. But when a carefully orchestrated lie rips them apart, love turns into heartbreak, trust into doubt, and a single moment destroys the years they spent holding on to each other. Now, a year later, fate pulls them back together but the truth remains that everything is still the same. Nick, who vanished without a trace, is suddenly back in Bangkok, but not as the man Arthur once knew. The warmth in his eyes is gone, replaced by a cold distance. The fake engagement Nick entered into was meant to be a shield, a way to escape his own feelings but it was also a blade, one that cut deep into Arthur’s heart. But what Nick doesn’t know is that Arthur never stopped searching for him after knowing the whole truth. And the truth is far more twisted than either of them ever imagined. Arthur and Nick’s love began in the quiet corridors of their childhood, in the stolen moments between school and home, where their feelings grew into something so powerful that it became impossible to ignore. By the time they reached university, their love was still strong, real, undeniable, and consuming. They built a life together in the bustling heart of Bangkok, balancing their dreams. Nick, ambitious and disciplined, had his sights set on business success, while Arthur, passionate and expressive, lived for his art. Despite their differences, they found home in each other. Until Tyler entered their lives. Jealousy is a slow poison, and Tyler, a new friend who never truly wished them well, made sure it spread. He watched them closely, waiting for a chance to break them apart. And then he struck. A drugged drink. A staged betrayal. A series of incriminating photographs. Nick, blinded by pain and betrayal, believed the worst. Instead of fighting for the truth, he let his hurt consume him. And Arthur was left alone, drowning in the wreckage of a love he thought was unbreakable. Bangkok became a different city without Nick. The apartment they once shared became nothing more than four walls and memories too painful to face. Arthur spiraled, searching for answers, for proof that he had not betrayed the man he loved. But Nick was gone. Disappeared. No calls. No messages. Nothing. Three months later Then came the news that shattered Arthur’s world all over again. Nick had moved on. And not just with anyone, but with an engagement to his best friend Mia. The engagement was a front, a lie that Nick told himself would make things easier and make Arthur feel his pain of betrayal too. But every day, he lived with the weight of what he had done. Because the truth was, despite his anger, despite the pain, Nick had never stopped loving Arthur. He had simply convinced himself that love was not enough. One year later, Arthur has not stopped searching for Nick. He has learned the whole truth from Tyler, Mia and Pim and so he was determined in looking for Nick and bringing them back together again It happens unexpectedly, on a busy street, in a crowded road, in the places they used to walk through. But Arthur doesn’t expect the wave of emotions that comes crashing down on him. Nick, who once disappeared, is now right in front of him but he couldn’t reach him. Nick never expected to see Arthur again. Never expected to feel the same pull, the same ache in his chest every time their eyes met. He told himself he had let go. That he doesn't deserve Arthur. But Arthur was never someone he could forget. Now, with the truth unraveling before him, Nick is forced to confront the greatest mistake of his life that is leaving Arthur behind. He has to make up for the past.

Three rejections. Three shattered dreams. That was Layla’s reality, all because she was different—a half-shifter in a world obsessed with purity. Ostracized, shunned, and finally sold off like a pawn to the most feared ruler alive—the Lycan King. He was ruthless, a king with a graveyard of brides, each one a ghostly reminder of a fate worse than death. Layla loathed him. Hated the way his gaze cold and fathomless, held no warmth for her. Hated how his touch, both thrilling and terrifying, sent an uninvited chill down her spine. --- “I hate you!” I screamed, hands clenched so tight my knuckles ached. He sighed, a smirk curling at the edge of his lips, his tone mocking as he closed his book with a deliberate snap. “Stressed, are we?” he asked, strolling toward me, each step reminding me exactly who held the power here. “Lucky for you,” he drawled, rolling up his sleeves as he stopped just inches away, “I know exactly 70 ways to ease those nerves.” His fingers brushed my cheek, a touch that seemed to burn into my skin. “The first… a hug.” His voice dropped to a rough whisper as he leaned in, breath hot against my ear. “And the rest... well, that's 69? what do you say about that?" I swallowed hard, my heart thudding wildly as he tilted his head, waiting for me to react, that insufferable smirk still in place. “What’s the matter, darling?” he murmured, a taunt lingering in his gaze. --- A Dangerous Obsession Can she resist the pull, or will she dance into the flames of her own destruction? A dark dive into obsession, raw need, and the razor’s edge between desire and devastation. --- LYCAN KING CASSIAN I will tear her apart piece by piece, feeding the wildfire that grips her with each shuddered breath. Like air to flame, I’ll claim every inch, drawing heat from her skin until it sinks into her bones. Her pulse will race under my hands, her breaths shallow, pleading. Her eyes may scream, but her lips will still murmur my name. That first taste of fear will only feed something deeper—a need that burns through her veins, molten and fierce. And just when she’s too far gone to turn back, I’ll twist the knife, giving her the pain she’s learned to crave. She’ll be the moth to my flame, helpless against the very thing that will consume her.

[Trigger Warning: Mature Content] They say the Silvermoonlight Masquerade changes fates. It did for Lydia Ashford too, but she lost more than she gained. In a world where strength defines worth, she was wolfless, but she refused to be weak. With beauty that shimmered like stardust in the midnight sky and a mind as sharp as a dagger, Lydia was a name spoken with both awe and envy. But admiration was never enough. She forged her own path, honing her combat skills, proving her intelligence, and standing beside Theodore Sinclair, the Alpha’s son, through every challenge. If she could not shift, she would rise in every other way. The Masquerade should have been another step toward securing her future. Yet fate had other plans. One sip of wine. One moment of weakness. One stranger’s touch. And everything she built turned to ash. The man she trusted turned his back on her. The pack that once praised her cast her aside. And the child growing inside her became her only reason to survive. Banished. Forgotten. A name only whispered in shame. Yet, Lydia did not break, she endured. Five years later, she returns—not as the girl they discarded, but as a woman ready to reclaim her life. But fate is not done with her. Because the man who marked her as his? The one who unknowingly fathered her child? He’s standing right in front of her. And this time, he’s not letting her go. ...... The glass hovered near her lips.  "Drink," Nickolas commanded, his voice rough with hunger.  Lydia obeyed, parting her lips as the rich, red liquid flowed onto her tongue. But before she could swallow, his mouth was on hers—hot, demanding, merciless.  The wine spilled between them, sliding over her lips, down her chin. But he didn’t stop. He deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping inside, stealing the taste straight from her mouth, devouring every shaky breath she tried to take.  By the time he pulled away, she was trembling.  His fingers tilted the glass. A slow trickle of wine spilled onto her collarbone, rolling between her breasts, gliding down her stomach.  The moment the first drop touched her skin, his mouth followed.  His lips grazed the delicate curve of her neck before he dragged his tongue along the slick trail of wine, chasing every drop as it slipped between her breasts. His teeth scraped her skin, and before she could react, he latched onto her, sucking deep, his tongue flicking and teasing before his mouth sealed around her hardened peak.  Lydia arched beneath him, her hands fisting into the sheets as heat coiled low in her stomach.  "Nickolas," she gasped, her voice breathless, desperate.  He groaned against her skin, his grip tightening on her waist as he sucked harder, the wet heat of his mouth sending pleasure pulsing through her veins. He alternated between sharp, aching nips and long, slow strokes of his tongue, drawing soft moans from her lips. "Messy," he murmured, his voice thick with satisfaction as he pulled back just enough to watch her squirm beneath him. His fingers traced the path the wine had taken, slow, possessive.  Then his lips brushed lower, over her navel, his breath a sinful caress against her heated skin.  He smirked against her. "I thought your laughter was the most beautiful sound to my ears…" His fingers slid between her thighs, teasing, coaxing, pushing her to the edge without giving her what she needed.  Then, with a slow, deliberate bite against her inner thigh, he whispered, "Until I heard your moans."  A sharp gasp escaped her lips as he kissed her again, his hands gripping her hips, holding her right where he wanted.  "Nickolas," she whimpered.  He chuckled darkly, his lips trailing back up her body, lingering at her throat before he spoke against her ear. "I could get drunk off you."  Lydia swallowed, her body burning, her thoughts unraveling.  But deep down, she already knew—she was the one drowning.