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Motion Neet

Betrayed By Husband, Stolen By Brother In Law

Melanie Collins was the perfect wife—caring, strong, and dependable. For the last few years, she had managed her husband’s messy family, and business alone while waiting for her husband to return from studying abroad. But when he finally came back, Melanie’s world fell apart—he wasn’t alone. Along with him was his 'best' friend. Broken and confused about the change in her husband, Melanie didn’t know where to turn. And then she stumbled into another cold reality. Everything she had believed was a lie. Seething with anger and humiliation, as she tried to come to terms with the betrayal, an unexpected person steps into the picture, intent on seducing her and conquering her. The only problem? The man was her ex brother in law... And against her better judgment, she is attracted to this bad boy... But as Melanie tried to make sense of the changes, she discovered there was more going on than she ever imagined. Had both brothers loved really fallen in love with her? Or was she just a pawn in a bigger game? excerpt Since he had already been leaning against the table, he simply slid onto it, and with one swift motion, he hooked his boot around the leg of her chair and pulled it—pulled her—closer.The sudden movement made her jolt slightly, and when she looked up or rather when she looked ahead, she found herself staring directly at the zipper of his jeans... She looked up then and met his gaze. He caught her chin," Would you like to check if I am only pretending, sweet melon?"Melanie stiffened. And then pushed back her chair suddenly, so that Adam almost lost his balance, as she stood up. Before he could balance himself, she placed her hand on his shoulder, her fingers brushing against his neck.  Adam stiffened, his eyes glittering as he waited to see what she would do next. And she, of course surprised him as her other hand, slowly settled on the inside of his thigh. And then, the hand on his shoulder started to move. Her fingers tracing the side of his neck before lifting as she shot a glance to the corner of his mouth. The little piece of metal glinting there. She flicked at it lightly, barely a touch, but Adam could feel the heat all over his body, as she leaned in close, her lips barely a few centimetres away...so that they could both feel each other's breaths… She smiled slowly then. "Careful, Adam," she murmured, her voice playful, but carrying the unmistakable edge of a challenge. "Keep pushing, and I just might call your bluff."
har_k · 64.4K Views

The Villains Must Win

I’m a proud NEET who’s devoured every romance novel, manga, webtoon, and otome game out there. Just when I thought I’d conquered it all, a black bunny appeared in my dream. “Congrats! You’ve been chosen to help villains win across multiple worlds!” “Like a game?” “Uh . . . sure.” “Great, I’m in!” And just like that, I became an agent of the Villain System. Time to rewrite some happily-ever-afters—villain style. **[NOTE!]** This novel features multiple short arcs, each exploring different tropes such as ancient China, the modern world, beasts, werewolves, vampires, fantasy, school romance, idol groups—you name it! The twist? Each arc focuses on our MC making the villain (male) triumph over the male and female leads. The story is written primarily in 2nd and 3rd person POV for a dynamic and immersive experience. || Excerpt || [WARNING! MATURE Content Ahead!] “Then serve me . . . properly.” The command was both sensual and authoritative, and Xue Li’s pulse quickened under his intense gaze. The air between them grew heavy, her trembling hands faltering as she began to run the sponge across his chest, her touch featherlight against his scars. “Y-yes your majesty.” Xue Li’s hand trembled slightly as she dipped the towel into the warm, fragrant water, her breath catching as she squeezed it out over Han Feng’s shoulders. The water cascaded down his chiseled frame, tracing every ridge and contour of his muscles. She swallowed hard, focusing intently on her task, though her heart raced like a drum in her chest. She began at his shoulders, her touch gentle as the towel glided over his skin. His scars, a mix of old battles and untold stories, caught her attention, and she hesitated for a brief moment before continuing. The warmth of the water mixed with the heat radiating from his body, and the intimacy of the moment sent a shiver up her spine. Han Feng leaned back slightly, watching her through half-lidded eyes, his expression unreadable. “Slower,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that made her pulse skip. Xue Li obeyed, her movements becoming more deliberate as she ran the sponge across his chest, down the defined lines of his abdomen. Each stroke felt unbearably sensual, her fingers brushing his skin as she worked. She tried to maintain her composure, but the proximity to him, the sheer physicality of his presence, made her feel as though the air had thickened. When she reached his arms, he extended one lazily, letting her clean him as though it were his divine right. Her hand moved carefully, trailing down his forearm to his wrist, her touch so soft it almost tickled. Han Feng’s silence was oppressive yet charged, the pressure of his gaze pinning her in place. As she lowered the sponge to his torso again, her hand faltered briefly near the sharp line of his hipbone. The water ran over his skin like liquid fire, and her breath hitched when she noticed the slight curve of his lips, a hint of satisfaction playing there. “You’re trembling,” he said, his voice velvet smooth, making her flinch. “I-It’s the steam, Your Majesty,” she stammered, though she knew it was a poor excuse. Han Feng chuckled softly, the sound deep and rich. “Hmm . . . Is that so? Then you have no problem cleaning my cock right?” Xue Li's eyes trembled, on the verge of tears, which seemed to please Han Feng. His smile grew wider as he urged her on. "Go on. You're going to serve me properly, aren't you?"
MiuNovels · 58.7K Views

A Love Written In The Stars

In a world where power is claimed by bloodlines and politics, Meiying, a fierce and skilled warrior, returns home after years of hidden training to find her family gone and her homeland in ruins. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she saves Prince Cheng during a deadly ambush. Unbeknownst to her, this act binds her fate to his, revealing a powerful, untapped secret within herself—the rare ability to manipulate life force, a gift once wielded by the protectors of the throne. But as the Emperor’s desperate deal with a demon curses Cheng’s life and the empire’s stability, Meiying finds herself entangled in a battle far larger than personal revenge. With dark forces and political conspiracies threatening to destroy everything, Meiying must come to terms with her newfound powers and decide where her loyalty lies. Can Meiying, a warrior defined by strength become the key to breaking the curse and saving an empire in peril? As the prince fights for his destiny, will her path of vengeance lead to destruction—or will it be the salvation they both need? ——— Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. My body stiffened as a palace guard called for me from the other side, but I ignored it. Mei, on the other hand, began pushing me away in a panic. "Cheng, let go," she said, struggling in my arms. "Can't you hear him? What if he comes in and sees us like this?" "I don't care," I replied, my lips brushing her ear. "Tell me you forgive me, that's all I need. I won't let go until you do." I knew I was taking a risk, a huge one, if we were seen like this, there would be consequences. But losing Mei would be the bigger risk, the one I couldn't take. I couldn't let her slip away. "I just need to hear you forgive me, mei. That's all I need right now." The guard knocked again, calling my name, and Mei struggled harder. "Cheng, please," she said, her voice cracking under the strain. But I didn't budge. Finally she muttered, "Fine. I forgive you." "I forgive you, you crazy jerk." "You really mean that?" I asked, my voice barely audible. She nodded, exasperated, and only then did I release her. Just as I did, the door swung open, and I barely had time to step back before the palace guard entered, the guard rushed in, his face pale with worry. It was a close call. too close, but I didn't care. Mei flinched at the intrusion, but quickly composed herself, stepping away from me to a more respectable distance. The guard, wide-eyed and clearly flustered, fell to his knees in a bow. "My deepest apologies, Your Highness. I called for you several times but received no reply. I entered out of concern, fearing the worst." I glanced at Mei, but she wouldn't meet my eyes. She simply gave the guard one last look and walked out, leaving the room without a word. I let out a long, exhausted sigh, running a hand through my hair, still reeling from everything that had just happened. Turning back to the guard, I motioned for him to stand. "Get up" "And next time, don't enter my room without permission." ———— Author’s Note (Rong King) This story is a work of fiction, entirely created from my imagination. Any resemblance to real people, events, or places is purely coincidental. I have made every effort to craft a compelling narrative, but I acknowledge that some scenes or details may be inaccurate or unintentionally offensive. For this, I sincerely apologize. My intention is to entertain and inspire, not to harm or misrepresent. Thank you for your understanding. As we journey together through this story, my greatest hope is that our lives reflects God’s love and truth in all we do. I put my faith in Jesus Christ, who gave His life for me, and it’s my prayer that His grace and mercy touch each of us. Thank you for being part of this. May God bless you abundantly!
RongKing · 49.1K Views

The Hidden King's Stolen Wife

When powerless, unfavoured Princess Soleia was arranged to marry the newly titled Duke Orion Elsher, she assumed they would find love eventually. Who knew that her father would send off her husband mere hours later to fight a war? Soleia was left alone to deal with an impoverished fief, a crumbling estate, and spiteful, vindictive relatives of the Duke who all wished to see her gone. She couldn’t leave― there was nowhere else to go. Soleia desperately wanted her husband to return so he could offer her a helping hand. However, when he did, he returned with Elowyn, a woman he claimed was his true love. A woman hellbent on taking her place as the rightful Duchess, no matter what she had to do to get Soleia out of the way. Mistreated, misunderstood, and miserable, Soleia was eventually thrown out of the estate she helped build. Fortunately, when one door closes, another one opens. Unknown to Soleia, a man more powerful than her husband had been watching her, waiting for the right time to snatch her into his gilded cage. Duke Elsher had been foolish to let go― but the crown prince of Raxuvia wouldn’t make the same mistake. *** [Excerpt] After two long years, Soleia's husband had finally returned home. But he was not alone. “Your Grace,” Soleia said, trying her best to maintain a calm tone, “welcome home. How were your travels?” The man remained silent as he stared at her. “Oh,” the woman that Soleia's husband had brought back said. “I was just wondering where the servants were. No one has come to greet you since your return. Could you please help us bring―” Orion tugged the woman back, protectively holding her in his embrace. His eyebrows furrowed as he glared at Soleia, his sudden action causing the woman to look confused at him. “Orion?” she asked, her hands on his chest to steady herself. “What’s the matter?” “That’s not a servant." In one swift motion, he threw the sword out at Soleia, only to be stopped by a flash of scarlet and the coppery scent of blood. *** Prequel to Stolen by the Rebel King.
saltedpepper · 332.3K Views

The Strange Groom's Cursed Bride

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A DEVIL FALLS IN LOVE? *** Alice was told that she was cursed. Perhaps she didn't need to be told. It was as clear as day. The only thing she wanted was MONEY. And she would do anything to get it. Even if it meant pretending to be her twin sister to change her fate. For one year. She didn't mind being a fake and marrying the Wildfire Heir. He would barely be around, she had been told. 'He doesn't seem like much trouble,' she had also been told. 'The third son, on the other hand, is crazy. Stay away from him.' 'As for the second son... avoid him at all costs.' 'Do not cross his path.' But she did. She crossed his path. In fact, she went right into his path herself. And as if that wasn't bad enough, the groom was changed at the last minute. To the Second Son! He was as hot as he was cold. A terrifyingly sexy man who looked like the man she always saw in her dreams. Was this all merely a coincidence? But that wasn't all. She hadn't expected pretending to be her sister to be this tough. First of all, she missed a very important detail: her sister was a Lawyer. She, on the other hand, was only familiar with "You have the right to remain silent..." Secondly, her sister was picky. She was vegetarian. She didn't drink. And... she was bullied? And just maybe... there was more to her sudden disappearance. Her life was about to get much more complicated. Especially with those scary blue eyes watching her every move like a predator on a mission. One year. Was the benefit worth it—worth putting her life on the line to deceive the Wildfires? She might die before the year was over. **** "Women like powerful men, Boss. They like to feel powerless when they are with a man." Hades had initially scoffed, but the idea had wormed its way into his mind. So when he saw her coming from the opposite direction, he decided to test this theory on her. Women liked to feel powerless? As soon as she saw him, her gaze sharpened, wondering why that madman was looking at her with a determined glint in his eyes. Should she run away? But he was already in front of her. "What are you—" He scoops Alice off the ground in one swift motion and drapes her over his shoulder like a sack of flour. All shocked eyes turned to the scene, but no one dared say a word, as they froze mid-air. "HADES!! YOU IMBECILE! PUT ME DOWN THIS INSTANT!" She thrashes wildly, kicking her legs and flailing her arms. Hades, however, remains unfazed, carrying her out of the place with a triumphant smirk. He didn't believe in love theories, but he had a feeling she would be falling in love with him after this. At the other end, three of his underling watched the scene. "I think Lady Boss is enjoying it. She looks… happy." One noted. The other underling tried to stare intently at Alice's upside-down face. "I think so... I've never seen her look so bubbly around the boss." The third underling was watching, slack-jawed. He facepalmed dramatically. This wasn't what he meant when he told them women liked to feel powerless. Meanwhile, Alice... (Still screaming) *** EXCERPT II: "She is not answering your calls and told you to STOP calling her. Boss, I think your little bride might be mad at you." He snorted. "You are so clueless." "What's your insight, Boss?" "If she keeps rejecting my calls, it only means one thing..." They all leaned closer to hear his powerful insight. "She wants my physical presence," he said with a smug look. One of them wanted to say he didn't think so, but he was too scared to say anything. "Should I go. Should I not go?" He contemplated with a bored look on his face. "GRANT HER WISH, BOSS!" The other clueless henchmen echoed passionately. He smirked. "If you say so," and then he stood up. "Get the car." **** Pleasee add to your library. A bit of dark and fluffy romance. 18+ Comedic. Makes you sit in the edge as Alice tries her best to never get caught (quite futile) See you in the comment section!
ThatAmazingGirl · 40K Views

Awakening in The world of Gods

In a world where magic isn’t just a tool but the very fabric of existence, young Poll Nightvale is about to flip the script—and maybe the universe—on its head. Don’t let his unassuming name fool you. Poll is no background character. Behind that innocent, wide-eyed look lies a sneaky bastard with manipulation skills sharp enough to sell ice to a frost giant. Combine that with badass scientific know-how, and you’ve got someone who can outwit a council of wizards and build a mana-powered doomsday device before breakfast. When Poll awakens to his dormant mana powers, he quickly learns that magic isn’t all sparkles and fun. It’s unruly, chaotic, and dangerously addictive—kind of like him. But instead of sticking to the traditional methods, Poll decides to chart his own course, blending arcane arts with cutting-edge science to create something entirely new. Of course, this path is littered with explosive experiments, accidental genius, and more than a few plans that sound insane… until they work. Things take a dark turn when Poll stumbles upon mana corruption, a sinister force that twists and warps everything it touches. This isn’t just a challenge—it’s a world-ending catastrophe in the making. But does Poll panic? Nope. He smirks, rolls up his sleeves, and gets to work. Armed with his sharp mind, dubious charm, and a team of loyal (and occasionally exasperated) companions, he sets out to tackle the impossible. As Poll grapples with the forces of mana and his own chaotic ambitions, he learns that being a hero isn’t about playing by the rules. It’s about bending them, breaking them, and occasionally rewriting them entirely. Because when the stakes are this high, and the odds this slim, you need someone who can think outside the box—and maybe set it on fire for good measure. Join Poll Nightvale on a journey of explosive discovery, cunning schemes, and chaotic brilliance as he forges his destiny, one sneaky move at a time. In a world teetering on the edge of destruction, he’s not just a beacon of hope—he’s the unpredictable spark that sets everything into motion. "Can’t wait for the next chapter? Unlock early access and read new chapters before everyone else! Plus, join exclusive polls to shape the future of the story and enjoy behind-the-scenes content. Your support keeps this story alive and growing—be part of the journey! --> coming soon"
Ishan_ambar · 3K Views

Nyxfall 7: The Veilbreakers

--WSA 2025 ENTRY-- Kai should be dead. Instead, he wakes up in the past—seven years before the nightmare began. Before Nyxfall 6: Dark End shattered his reality. Before he and thousands of others were forced to fight a war of survival for their entire world. It’s the same day he first bought the game, the same winter chill in the air, the same streets he once walked. But something is wrong. The game in his hands isn’t Dark End. It’s Nyxfall 7: The Veilbreakers. That shouldn’t be possible. He remembers everything—the brutal survival, the alliances, the betrayals, the moment they realized Nyxfall wasn’t just a game. The Beyonders had been watching, manipulating, testing them like rats in a maze. He had fought, bled, lost everything. He had died. So why was he back? And why had the timeline changed? Standing in front of his home—his real home—he hesitates. His mother is inside. The woman he lost years ago. The game is already rewriting reality. The people he once fought alongside—his friends, his enemies—are they back too? Or is he alone in this? If they’re here, if they remember… where are they? More importantly—can he risk searching for them? The Beyonders had ruled the game from the shadows. They had access to every piece of technology, every network, every system in the galaxy. The only way to hide from them was to stay offline. But in a world where even the poorest cities had the fastest Internet, where everyone was connected, where technology was inescapable… was hiding even possible? He can’t trust anything. Not the game. Not the timeline. Not the very world he walks in. One thing is undeniable—Kai isn’t just a player anymore. He’s an anomaly, a rogue element in a game that was never meant to be played twice. And if the Beyonders realize he remembers? They won’t just come for him. They’ll erase him—completely, utterly, without a trace. The world thinks the game is only beginning. Kai knows the truth—it’s already in motion. The cycle has started, the pieces are falling into place, and the past is no longer just memory. This time, he won’t run. He won’t break. He won’t lose. Because this time, he’s not just playing to survive. He’s playing to win.
GlaringError · 14.1K Views

The Crimson General Desires no Prince! (GL)

A festive day, a week have the kingdom of Polestin celebrated for their victory with the crimson general leading their army. The soldiers who served have been guaranteed a spot inside a local bar of the capital city. Clank! "The Crimson General despite being a woman is a talented warrior! Three cheers for the general!" "That woman saved me when I needed it! All hail the general!" "She's like a sister to all the soldier! All hail our general!" Every warrior kept on drinking as the news reached them that the war with their neighboring kingdom was over, the ruler raised their white flag as they asked for mercy- being beneath the crimson general. "General! Come drink with us!" "..." The Crimson General, for how she got her name is because of her crimson hair that became the trademark of her legendary name already spreading across the many kingdoms. "I don't drink." she denies the invitation her comrades and just sat down on the table watching the others enjoy themselves. "Enjoy, general! You might even find a man here that suits to your liking! You know... your type I think...! The general would love a soft-spoken man!" "...No." "Hah! That's a shame! In any case I heard that you'll be receiving a reward for helping win the war!" "A reward... I wonder what could it be." ... The reward: "You can choose any of my children to marry you. I have the finest royal princes for you to choose. That is my reward." The King motions to his left side showing his sons who smiles, sitting in their throne meeting her gaze.. "Eh?" "My liege, forgive me but this is..." "Are my children not good enough for you? General, I applaud your accomplishment. Isn't marrying into the royal family a good enough reward for the general?" The King asked the general who swallowed the lump in her throat looking at the princes in display. "I choose-!" Everyone stopped and waiting for the girl to continue. "I choose the princess instead!"
Zerin_Lee · 133.3K Views

Chrono Yokai:Rewrite apocalypse

**The World That Was** In 2035, Earth is a graveyard of humanity’s hubris. **Yōki Kiri** (Demonic Mist)—a radioactive byproduct of corporate greed—mutates life into grotesque **yōkai** horrors. Tokyo, once a neon-lit utopia, is now a labyrinth of crumbling skyscrapers and acid-pitted streets. Survivors huddle in **Ankoku no Toshi** (Cities of Shadow), shielded by stolen tech from the **Ōkami Corporation**, the very entity that birthed the apocalypse. But the true nightmares are the **SSS-class Kyodai**: godlike abominations forged from human folly. **Yami no Orochi**, an eight-headed leviathan fused with nuclear wreckage. **Kū no Yūrei**, a spectral entity devouring continents into void. And **Tetsu no Daishogun**, a sentient skyscraper with a taste for souls. ### **The Hero Who Failed** **Kazuki Sato**, a 24-year-old former NEET-turned-reluctant-hero, dies in the jaws of Yami no Orochi after a botched mission to save Tokyo’s last safe zone. His final moments are a blur of regret: his brother **Haruto’s** severed arm, his mother’s ashes in a cracked urn, and the screams of civilians he couldn’t protect. But death isn’t the end. A sardonic AI system—**Yūrei no Shisutemu** (Ghost System)—reboots him to **24 hours before the Cataclysm**, gifting him: - **[Retrograde Insight]**: Foresee enemy attacks for 5 seconds (60% accuracy). - **[Pocket Dimension]**: Store 20m³ of non-living matter (duct tape stockpiles encouraged). - **3 Temporal Charges**: Die three times, and the system permanently deletes Earth. ### **The Mission** Kazuki’s goals are simple: 1. **Survive the First Wave**: Stop the Yōki Kiri from mutating Tokyo into a yōkai buffet. 2. **Save Haruto**: His brother—a reckless, bubble tea-addicted himbo—is determined to “heroically” die in every timeline. 3. **Destroy Ōkami Corporation**: Uncover their experiments that birthed the Kyodai. But the system isn’t playing fair: - **Quests** mock him (*“Save 50 civilians? Here’s a ‘Mama’s Boy’ title instead.”*). - **Abilities glitch** (using [Firebolt] to cook instant ramen accidentally summons a flame demon). - **Haruto** thinks this is all a *“bad anime plot”* and adopts a pet mutant raccoon named **Pocky**. ### **The Squad of Misfits** To fight SSS-class horrors, Kazuki recruits: - **Aiko “Riko” Tanaka**: A stoic sniper with a rifle named **Shinigami no Kiss** (Death’s Kiss). Her past? Classified. Her aim? Flawless. - **Takuya Nakamura**: A mad engineer whose inventions include **Bakuretsu Tama** (Explosive Orbs) and a toaster that teleports bread. Mostly harmless. Probably. - **Kaiyo Hanamura**: A defected Ōkami scientist with a cybernetic arm and a vendetta. Knows the Kyodai’s secrets but trusts no one. Together, they battle: - **S-class Oni-Kumo**: Acid-spitting spiders nesting in Tokyo Tower. - **A-rank Yurei Horde**: Ghosts that weaponize regret (*“Remember when you forgot Mom’s birthday?”*). - **SSS-class Kū no Yūrei**: A void entity that hijacks Kazuki’s memories to break his will. ### **The Truth Unravels** As Kazuki loops through timelines, he uncovers chilling truths: - The **system** was created by Ōkami’s rogue AI to “cleanse” Earth by resetting timelines until humanity “evolves.” - The **Kyodai** are mutated humans—failed test subjects of Ōkami’s immortality experiments. - **Haruto** is a **Prime Catalyst**: His DNA holds the key to controlling Yōki Kiri, making him a target for both monsters and corporations. ### **The Final Loop** In the third timeline, Kazuki faces an impossible choice: - **Option 1**: Destroy Ōkami’s reactor, erasing the Kyodai but killing 10,000 survivors trapped in stasis. - **Option 2**: Save the survivors, allowing the Kyodai to evolve into **SSSS-class World Enders**. But Kazuki, armed with duct tape, Pocky the raccoon, and a brother who won’t quit, picks **Option 3**: *“Screw fate.”*
ILikePotatos · 321 Views

Chaos Underwater

Beneath the surface of the world, where forgotten memories drift in the Abyss, Acheron Noctis fights to reclaim what was lost. As the last of his bloodline able to sense the Abyss, he should have been a Keeper—one of those sworn to collect and protect dangerous memories. Instead, his family was massacred, his father taken hostage, and Acheron was forced to escape to the human world above. Years later, an accident drags him back into the depths, awakening a buried ability—the power to breathe underwater. But survival comes at a price. His former friend, Zephyris Vailen, now the leader of the Keepers, refuses to let him go. Once a trusted companion, Zephyris’s love has twisted into obsession, and he will stop at nothing to keep Acheron by his side—even if it means bending reality itself. Yet Acheron is not alone. In the shifting tides of the Abyss, he meets Cytus Lysell, a rogue Keeper with secrets of his own. Carefree yet calculating, Cytus is the only one who sees through Zephyris’s illusions. While Zephyris tightens his grip, Cytus works from the shadows, refusing to let Acheron be consumed. As the Abyss moves unpredictably, its secrets remain locked away—until Zephyris sets his ultimate plan into motion. He seeks to merge with the Abyss itself, becoming its will and rewriting the world’s memories. To do so, he must erase all rivals, including Acheron and Cytus. Trapped in a world of deception and forgotten truths, Acheron must break free—not just from Zephyris’s grasp, but from the past that haunts him. But against an enemy who can twist reality and erase identities, escape is not so simple. Because some memories refuse to be forgotten.
Hualian_Devotee · 118 Views

Creed: World’s Strongest

“You’ve been researching for years with nothing to show for it. Why not try something else?” Samia’s tone was sharp, but there was a thread of concern beneath it as she leaned against the doorframe. The room smelled faintly of sterilizing agents, and the rhythmic clicking of keys filled the silence. Dr. Elias didn’t respond immediately. Dressed in his lab coat, he stared at the screen with unwavering focus, his fingers flying over the keyboard. When he finally turned to her, a slow, almost unsettling smile spread across his face. For a moment, he looked like any other scientist lost in his work—until he blinked. The motion was unnatural, his eyelids sliding horizontally across his eyes like a lizard’s. “Samia,” he said, his voice calm but electric with excitement, “I’ve figured it out. This time, it will work.” She opened her mouth to respond, but he was already on his feet, moving past her with an urgency that demanded she follow. They made their way through the sterile corridors of the facility, the fluorescent lights overhead casting a cold glow on the walls. The reinforced chamber was a stark contrast to the rest of the building. Thick steel doors hissed as they opened, and the hum of machinery grew louder as they stepped inside. In the center of the room stood a massive contraption—a web of wires, tubes, and blinking monitors surrounding a sleek, cylindrical core. “What is it this time?” Samia asked, her arms crossed tightly against her chest. Dr. Elias didn’t answer. Instead, he moved with practiced precision, attaching cables and adjusting dials. The air felt heavier here, charged with the anticipation of something monumental—or catastrophic. “Get your goggles,” he said at last, stepping behind the protective glass. He tapped the side of his goggles, the lenses catching the faint blue glow of the machine. Samia hesitated. She had seen him fail before. Years of promises and miscalculations had made her wary, but there was something different in his demeanor this time—something unsettlingly confident. Reluctantly, she turned and jogged back to the lab to retrieve her goggles. The first explosion hit when she was halfway down the hall. The floor bucked beneath her, and she stumbled, her heart leaping into her throat. A deep, resonating boom echoed through the building, followed by a blaring alarm. “Dr. Elias!” she shouted, spinning around. Smoke and dust billowed toward her, and the acrid scent of burning wires filled the air. Part of the ceiling had collapsed, cutting off her path back to the reinforced chamber. And then she saw it. Through the swirling haze, a glowing orb hovered in the wreckage, pulsating with a light that seemed alive. It started small, no bigger than her fist, but it was growing—expanding with an eerie, deliberate rhythm. The hum it emitted was low and bone-deep, vibrating through the air and into her chest. “No, no, no,” she muttered, backing away. Every instinct screamed at her to run. She turned and bolted for the exit, her shoes skidding on the slick floor as she raced against the inevitable. She had barely reached the stairwell when a second explosion ripped through the building. The force of it threw her forward, and she hit the ground hard. Her vision blurred as heat and light engulfed her. Somewhere in the distance, she heard the structure groan as it gave way entirely. Then, everything went black.
Basil_Chaway · 10.9K Views
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