Hughie Saves Starlight

In a world teetering on the edge of chaos, Caius is forced to confront the unthinkable—his closest friend and brother-in-arms, Dylan, has been corrupted by a dark force. Once a beacon of hope and a defender of the weak, Dylan now stands as a twisted shadow of his former self, driven by the influence of an insidious power that preys on his doubts and guilt. When Caius confronts Dylan on the battlefield, he is torn between his duty to protect the world from the destruction Dylan could unleash and his desperate hope to save the friend he once knew. Despite Dylan’s distorted resolve to reshape the world at any cost, Caius refuses to give up on him, pleading for the spark of humanity he believes still lingers within. As their swords clash, the weight of their shared past and shattered brotherhood ignites a battle not just of strength, but of will and conviction. Caius must decide whether to fight for Dylan’s redemption or accept the painful reality that the only way to stop his friend might be to end him. This is a tragic tale of friendship, corruption, and the harrowing choices one must face when hope collides with despair.

A/N - IT'S NOT FOCUSED ON ROMANCE I REPEAT IT'S NOT FOCUSED ON ROMANCE. there is romance but not that heavily focused. PEASE GIVE IT YOUR PRECIOUS 20MIN AND WRITE A REVIEW. ___________________________________ Leon's world shatters when his beloved wife, Mia, is struck by a rare and fatal disease. Driven to desperation, he steals a priceless artifact rumored to possess healing powers. His desperate act incurs the wrath of a powerful, shadowy organization, and Leon is brutally killed. But death isn't the end. He awakens to find himself bound to a mysterious System, a powerful entity that offers him a second chance: the ability to travel back in time. His mission: save Mia, his parents, and his friends from the tragedies that await them. Armed with knowledge of the future, Leon plunges back into the past. He navigates treacherous social circles, confronts his past mistakes, and races against time to alter the course of events. He uses the System's unique abilities to gain advantages, but he soon discovers that changing the past has unforeseen and often dangerous consequences. Each life he saves creates ripples, altering the future in unpredictable ways. The organization that killed him still lurks in the shadows, their influence even more pervasive in the past. They are aware of Leon's interference and are determined to stop him at any cost. As Leon fights to rewrite his history, he grapples with the moral implications of his actions. Can he truly control fate, or is he merely a pawn in a larger game? The System's motives remain shrouded in mystery, and Leon begins to question whether this second chance is a blessing or a curse. Will he succeed in saving his loved ones and forging a brighter future, or will the darkness that claimed him once before consume him again? The past is a dangerous place, and Leon's journey is a desperate gamble against time itself. ___________________________________ okay this is my first novel so give me some slack. English is not my first language so any mistake that you have noticed please comment on that paragraph or on chapter and if you can write a review that would be awesome. ___________________________________ 50 power stone - 1 bonus chapter 10 golden ticket - 1 bonus chapter 1 castle - 1 bonus chapter

The fat and ugly Nora Smith is the laughingstock of the town when her fiancé breaks off their engagement. He says, “The sight of your gigantic face and thunder thighs disgusts me! Don't ever pester me again!" “What an idiot.” Nora scoffs and turns around, her lips curling up into a smile. Later, when Nora successfully slims down, she returns as an astounding beauty. Her ex-fiancé comes to her bearing flowers and begs, "I was wrong, Nora. I’m willing to do anything as long as you come back to me.” Nora rests her chin in her hands and smiles as she replies, “Real men don’t dwell on the past.” Angered, he says, “You’re just a dimwit saddled with baggage that I dumped, Nora. No one will want you except me!" But following that… A young and popular singer tweets: “Nora Smith is my goddess!" An internationally renowned surgeon asks, “Are you free tonight, Nora?” Even the rich and influential hotshot whom everyone is scared of comes forward and says, ”I can take care of my wife and children myself, thank you very much.”

She sacrificed her life to save others but woke up to live again. Lit-An never counted on being reincarnated into the world of the Licnine, but after she catches the attention of a powerful being she becomes a pawn in a dangerous war. The 'Others' have invaded the world of the Licnine, enslaving and killing anyone who stands in the way of their total domination. It is up to Lit-An to stop them. But can this tiny girl be the savior of an entire world?

‼️Mature contents‼️ After been dismissed and drive-out in the company of her late father by her step mother and her uncle, HYRA MILDEGARDE vowed to take her revenge. On that day, she found a mysterious pen having mysterious words on it, she took and kept it. Going back to her home, she saw a group of people that were beating a young man , instinctively she removed the pen to defend him and the pen change into a two-faced scepter. The scepter went to his proprietor and he could defend himself. It was the god of the underworld HADES that she was from saving, he told her that those people were send by Persephone, she took control of the underground with the help of Zeus. Hades proposed a mutual deal to her that was advantageous for both of them but with it the two people fall in love which was another problem because Humans and gods are not supposed to fall in love with each other. Enter in a world of Adventures, mystery, dark, revenge, love and mythology grecs gods. Follow the adventures of Hyra and hades. “How will a ‘fallen god’ help me to take my revenge of them?” “I have many tricks little human. Trust your sexy god” Hyra rolled her eyes so hard. “I have a company , one of the most influential. Marry me and you will have your revenge on them”

Ling Ye, the King of the Universe, stands at the peak of all existence. His name alone strikes terror across the heavens, his power unquestioned, his beauty unrivaled. He single-handedly crushed all gods, devils, and immortal sects, leaving none who could challenge him. But his story was never meant to be told. In a world where fate dictated a different protagonist, Ling Ye was nothing more than an invincible villain—an anomaly that should not exist. Yet, he shattered the chains of destiny, rewriting the fate of the so-called hero and seizing control of the universe itself. Just when he believes the story has ended, a terrifying truth unfolds. The universe he conquered is merely a fragment of a much greater reality. From the depths of the Forbidden Chaos Realm, ancient beings beyond logic awaken. And from the shadows of creation itself, the True Architects of Reality rise to correct a cosmic mistake—his very existence. But Ling Ye is not one to bow. He will not just defy the gods, the laws of the universe, or the fundamental truths of existence. He will break free from the very narrative that binds him. —"If fate dares to write my end, then I will burn the pages of destiny itself." The saga of the strongest villain-turned-protagonist begins now. -------------------------------------- When Ling Ye transmigrated into the body of the villain, the story had already reached the eve of the grand finale. With the protagonist on the verge of achieving full power, it seemed like Ling Ye’s fate was sealed—certain death awaited him. But in this dire moment, Ling Ye found an opportunity: the heroine. Seizing his chance, he secretly approached her and struck a deal. When the protagonist finally emerged at full strength, ready to face him, Ling Ye stood tall with a smirk. Ling Ye: “Apologies, but it seems she’s chosen my side... and now she wants to marry me.” The protagonist was left stunned, his fury erupting. “I’ve spent my entire life chasing the goddess of my dreams, only for her to end up with you?”

Cha Jae-Won, a Korean Chaebeol second in line heir finds himself in the sea of Africa. With the language barrier and with his frustration, he meets Vincent Agyemang. A Ghanaian handsome man,22, who happens to understand a few Korean when he almost hit Cha Jae-Won with his car. Vincent decides to help Cha Jae-Won by taking him home. With his new found Ghanaian friend/helper, and the moment they had. Can Vincent be able to resist the hot handsome/beautiful Korean and can Jae-Won resist the smooth black, hot and handsome Vincent.

“Who are you? A dormant were wolf or a human?” His voice broke as he spoke. His eyes were silently pleading, anxiously waiting for the answer. Deep down, he knew it already. Yet, his stubborn heart refused to concede. The silence that followed was enough to escalate the hurt he felt in his heart from a dull throb, to burning glaring pain. The bullet wound he received a year ago hurt less than what he felt at that moment. “Here you go. It’s time to end this forever. Let’s make it fun while it lasts.” He handed her a shiny golden revolver. One look and she knew, neither could survive a shot between the eyes. There was only one bullet in the gun. Her hands shook as she tried to let go, as though it burnt at her skin. Kai didn’t let her. He won’t have any of it. This was his surrender. His eyes spoke words that his lips couldn’t. They were raw with emotions both familiar and foreign to her. Her own silver eyes filled with tears as she tried not to cry. “I choose to die by your hands. You are the only one with the right to take my life. Let’s begin!” He didn’t wait for her to process his words before helping her place the gun between his eyes, which never wavered from hers. Click! Click! Click! “Noooooooo!” She screamed as she dropped the gun. ************************************************************* DISCLAIMER!! Note that the chapters are not edited as of yet. However, they have very little grammatical errors here and there Nothing major. Please show some love and support for this new piece. I hope you will enjoy reading it. Additionally, don't forget to leave an honest review behind. It helps with the rating. Criticism are welcome, if and only if, they are meant in good faith. please, avoid being extreme and harsh in your corrections. I am only human after all. Don't forget to leave your comments, votes and gifts if you can. Thanks. Enjoy Join my Discord if you wish to interact with me and discuss the characters. https://discord.gg/jJeBuJN8 If you like my writing, you can always buy me coffee. It would be appreciated. https://ko-fi.com/kittenbunny

In a fantasy world called Eldoria, a young man named Kael lived as an ordinary NPC (Non-Player Character) in the small town of Arindale. However, everything changed when he suddenly realized that his world was nothing but a broken simulation. Every 100 years, this world would reset, and the memories of all its inhabitants would be erased. Kael, who had miraculously gained awareness, discovered that he could collect Memory Fragments—pieces of memories from previous resets. With this ability, he began to uncover the horrifying truth behind Eldoria. But Kael was not alone. The Debug Knights, an antivirus program tasked with maintaining the stability of the simulation, started hunting him down, considering him an anomaly. Together with a group of heroines, each harboring their own secrets and motivations, Kael must find a way to stop the reset cycle before their world is erased forever.

Warning: This book explores dark themes, including abuse, self-harm, and non-consensual acts. It is not for sensitive readers. This is not a love story. It is a story about life, betrayal, and how nothing is as it seems. I thought I was living love story. When I returned home to start my own hospital, I met Cletus—the man who seemed like everything I had ever prayed for. He was kind, charming, and made me believe in love in a way I never had before. My parents warned me. They told me he wasn’t who he claimed to be, that he wasn’t rich like he had said. But I didn’t care. I loved him, and I thought love was enough. I was wrong. The man I married became a stranger, then a monster. He lied. He cheated. He hurt me in ways I never thought possible. But I stayed—for our daughter, for the love I once believed in, for the hope that maybe one day he would change. I learned to live in the quiet misery of my choices, convincing myself that endurance was the same as strength. And then Sam came. The president’s son. He saw me—the real me—the one I had forgotten existed. He showed me that I could heal, that I could dream again, that love wasn’t supposed to be a prison. But Cletus refuses to let me go. He would rather see the world burn than watch me walk away. Now, I have to make a choice. Do I keep sacrificing myself for the man who is destroying me? Or do I finally gather the courage to fight for the life I deserve? This was supposed to be a love story. Maybe it still is. But love should never feel like a cage.

Zhou Zeyi is a lonely ghost who tunnels from world to world to complete tasks issued by several wishers. He believed that once he completed one thousand tasks, he would be able to go back to the past and find his real self. A deceived film empress, a child bullied in school, an unfaithful wife’s husband, an abducted college student sent into a mountain village… Zhou Zeyi met various wishers and changed many lives. This is Zhou Zeyi’s tale. This is how the seemingly endless journey began.

[Ding!] [System Binding....] [10...20...30...%&...@#,,,] [Unknown Error! Unknown Error!] [System unable to bind successfully] [Invoking the emergency protocol] "Hey, System!" "System! Where are you?" [Host bound to the Lotus World Providence] [Host has gained eternal life] "Hell yeah!" Sigh! "That was me... 10 years ago..." "Now..." He took a deep breath and shook his head dejectedly. Su Yen transmigrated to the Lotus World with high hopes after receiving his system and gaining eternal life. "It's my time to rule the world!" However, his grand ambitions came crashing down when he realized his system was nothing more than a knockoff. "Who on earth created this pathetic knockoff system?!" Sigh! "At least, I can live forever and enjoy my life without ruling the world." Once again, his naive thoughts were shattered when he realized the world was not as peaceful as he thought. He needs to increase the world's providence to enjoy this life or else... He'll be damned to eternal suffering. "System! I don't want eternal life again!" "Please make me mortal!" He cried. It was then he realized the importance of power. You need strength to get what you want, but too much strength is also a curse, especially when the Bloodmoon Envoy arrives... They start killing the strongest ones. Su Yen, being immortal, wasn't scared of the Bloodmoon Envoys, but what about his loved ones? And what about the world providence? Now, in the Lotus World where everyone is terrified of breakthroughs, What can he do? Too much talent is a curse. Lack of talent is also a curse. "What kind of a messed-up world is this?" Su Yen is in a dilemma about what to do with his life in this complicated world. However, everything changes when his clan is on the brink of destruction. He must make a decision. "Who cares about the world?" "But no one dares to touch my clan and loved ones."

When 17-year-old Ava Wells discovers her mother's dark secret, she's forced to flee her werewolf pack and the boyfriend she loves. Seeking refuge with the mysterious Asher Blackwood, alpha of the Moonhaven Pack, Ava uncovers ancient prophecies, hidden agendas, and forbidden love. As she navigates the treacherous world of werewolf politics and rival packs, Ava must confront her own identity and the secrets that threaten to destroy everything she holds dear. Will she embrace her true nature and claim her destiny, or will the lies and deception tear her world apart?

This is the tale of Avon Starlight who evolves his mindset, realizes his potential and learns about the world as he discovers the universe.

The once-glorious planet of EDEN lies in ruins, its gods defeated, and its champions—the GODGEAR wearers—are all but extinct. The last hope for the dying world rests with a single, chosen human, summoned from another realm to wield the power of the gods. Bonded with the soul of the ancient Dragon God, the new GODGEAR wearer is thrust into a war against the demonic forces that have ravaged EDEN. To restore the planet, he must defeat the powerful demon generals, lords, and finally, the Demon Gods themselves. Each battle strengthens his soul, transforming him into a being of unimaginable power, but with each victory, the weight of his duty grows. As he embarks on this perilous journey, the hero must confront not only the darkness of the world but the inner struggle between his humanity and the divine power coursing through him. Can he rise above his fears, defeat the demonic overlords, and reclaim EDEN, or will the world fall into eternal darkness?

Adira, a lowly Omega with a forgotten past, has spent her life blending into the shadows of her pack. But when a tragedy strikes, the Alpha, Lucian, loses all memory of the last two years, including his bond with her. As the mysterious Selene claims his heart and Adira is thrust into the shadows once more, dark secrets unravel that tie her lineage to an ancient prophecy. With the fate of the pack hanging in the balance, Adira must decide whether to embrace her hidden power or risk losing everything she holds dear.

Lady Adelina Ruelle Hearthorne. The infamous villainess that was doomed to an end from the start. As the screen flashed dark with the option to continue the game— My mind lingered on a single thought. A woman who dedicated her whole life to love. Just to be killed by that very love. It was a tragic, but a pathetic death. But... "What is this strange feeling?" Even if she were the Glory Villainess... What if there had been another way?

In the shadows of despair, true love becomes the ultimate salvation. Lila has spent her life trapped in a bleak existence, sacrificing her dreams to care for her alcoholic father. Her days are consumed by relentless routines, and her nights are haunted by feelings of hopelessness. But everything changes when her father’s reckless behavior brings an unexpected and dangerous guest into their crumbling home: Dante, a powerful and enigmatic mafia boss. Dante’s arrival shakes the fragile balance of Lila’s life. His presence is both a threat and a promise of something more. Beneath his cold exterior lies a man carrying his own burdens a man whose path intertwines with Lila’s in ways neither of them could have anticipated. As Lila is drawn into Dante’s dark world, she discovers strength and courage she never knew she possessed. Together, they navigate a treacherous path of danger, betrayal, and redemption. However, as secrets unravel and enemies close in, Lila and Dante must decide if their love is worth the ultimate risk. True Love Saves the Day is a powerful story of resilience, healing, and the transformative power of love to conquer even the darkest nights.

Arya has lived his being pushed around and disrespected by every man he met. In his hope to rise to power, he works for the people he hates. But one day, it would all change when the red priest brings the prophecy of the doom of the world, and Arya only everyone save everyone, his life folds and changed into the dark and dangerous world of unknown dangers.

A Love Written in Starlight – A Tale of Forbidden Desire and Destiny In the heart of Paris, where moonlight weaves magic into the shadows, an impossible love story unfolds. Lucienne, a vampire cursed with an immortal existence, and Damien, a werewolf bound by duty, should have been sworn enemies. Their worlds have been locked in an eternal war, yet fate has other plans. A chance encounter in the misty alleys of the city ignites a dangerous attraction—one they cannot deny. When a rogue vampire threatens the fragile balance between their species, they are forced into an uneasy alliance. But as they battle against a common enemy, a far greater war rages within them—the undeniable pull of their forbidden love. With every stolen glance and secret touch, Lucienne and Damien defy the forces that seek to tear them apart. But love is never without consequence. Damien’s pack sees his love as a betrayal. The vampire council marks Lucienne as a traitor. And an ancient prophecy whispers of their love being the key to ending the bloodshed—or unleashing a darkness beyond their control. Betrayal lurks in the shadows, and when Damien’s secret is exposed, he is forced to flee, leaving Lucienne to face the wrath of her own kind alone. With danger closing in and the weight of destiny upon them, they must make an impossible choice—fight for a love that could unite two warring worlds, or surrender to a fate written in blood long before they met. A Love Written in Starlight is a spellbinding tale of passion, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between two souls who dare to defy fate beneath the Parisian moon.

In the jungle realm of Korvath, Kofi has always been determined to fight against Metrolia. But when soldiers from the technological superpower invade his village, he’s thrust into the battle of his life. The clash leaves his home in ruins—his people, the animals, and the land all scarred by Metrolia’s destructive force. Devastated but resolute, Kofi vows to honor the example set by his older brother Kenji and continue his legacy of strength and leadership by fighting to end Metrolia’s reign of terror. The destruction is just the beginning, and Kofi’s journey into the heart of this conflict will lead him to a fate he never expected—one where every moment counts. Meanwhile, Avalon, a brilliant scientist, secures a prestigious position under the renowned Dr. Shobli in Metrolia, a technological powerhouse that has reshaped the magical realms of Orionis. She believes her work will bring her closer to preventing the devastation that destroyed her home planet, Nova. But as Avalon uncovers more about Metrolia’s hidden agenda, she begins to question whether Dr. Shobli’s intentions align with her own. The deeper she digs, the more the truth seems to slip further from her grasp. Time is running out, and the stakes are higher than she ever imagined. When their paths cross, Avalon and Kofi—along with a group of unlikely allies—must unite to challenge Metrolia’s tyranny. Will they have the strength and the time needed to stop Metrolia’s destructive reign and restore peace to the realms before it’s too late?

As I found myself thrust into this bewildering situation, I couldn't help but wonder if fate had a strange sense of humor. Here I was, once the top A-rank agent, now trapped in the role of a notorious villainess in a reverse harem novel. But why did it had to be the villainess? Well, I don't care! But now that I'm here, I'll enjoy my life to the fullest that I couldn't before. Plus, my family is real rich. Though an issue soon occurred. The female lead keeps sticking to me! I tried to get rid of her by distancing myself since I don't want to end up in the chaos like in the novel… But the female lead is just so adorable!! What would happen if the once fearsome antagonist was now trying to protect the very person she once tormented?  "Sabiiiii!" Ann's voice chimed, her eyes sparkling with innocence. It was hard to resist her charm, and I found myself softening despite my initial intentions. And it seems the so-called main suitors are suffering from collective amnesia. They flocked to me, oblivious to the fact that Anne was the true focus of their affections. "Stay Away! I will not give you my lovely Ann," I declared, my frustration mounting. "Who said I wanted her?" The chaos continued with the supposed fiancé as well, who seemed convinced that our engagement was set in stone, "You are my soon-to-be fiancée! Please compose yourself"  "I refuse to get engaged to you and to compose, whatever that is". "Don't you think you're quite rude to your soon-to-be Fiancé?"  "I'm not rude, you're too nice! And I told you I'm not getting engaged to you" "Thank you, my Lady"  "…Are you dumb?!!!" What in the world of strawberries was going on indeed? It was a baffling and comical twist of fate. But as the days passed, I found myself navigating this bizarre world with a newfound determination. If I was going to be stuck in this story, I might as well do it my way. And who knows, maybe I could turn this chaotic tale into something truly extraordinary.

In a world where business empires thrive on secrets, betrayal, and revenge, Kieran Asher, the spoiled heir to a powerful family, is haunted by the death of Iris Moreau, a brilliant lawyer he never fully appreciated. Consumed by guilt, Kieran seeks to resurrect her through forbidden means, but with each revival, Iris returns with a new identity, and her personality becomes more innocent and detached. As Kieran fights to reclaim his family's legacy, he must navigate a web of lies, uncover dark secrets, and face the consequences of his own actions. But the price for Iris’s resurrection grows steeper, and Kieran must choose between the empire he’s been groomed to lead and the woman he’s lost—perhaps forever.

Caught in a web of unfortunate life events, A sick Eirlys is abandoned and faces domestic abuse from her father and stepbrother. After facing a life wrecking encounter with a man she liked, Eirlys swears never to fall in love again. She is forced to live in her worst nightmare by being married and sold off to her greatest enemy by her father for his own selfish gains. Her life takes an interesting turn when she finds out that the man who she had gotten married to was nothing she thought he was. Theron, a young and daring heir of a pack is repulsed by love after he finds out the woman he loved was cheating with his best friend. Forced to marry the girl he hates the most, Theron is determined to make her life a living hell for her and chase her out as soon as he becomes the pack leader. Kael, a young and fulfilling man comes back home to find out his mate, a girl he loved that had rejected him years ago, causing him to flee to another city in pain to get over her is also his twin brother's mate, the person he hates the most. They face challenges, a life filled with secrets and rough roads as couples and individuals, oblivious to what fate has in store for them.

"Suho Kim, an ordinary teenager, is thrust into a chaotic journey across multiple worlds after his sudden death. Chosen by a mysterious system, he must navigate through realms ravaged by zombies, magic, and supernatural horrors. Each world challenges him in new ways, pushing his limits and forcing him to evolve. With growing set of powerful skills, Suho's mission is clear: to survive and save humanity, one world at a time. His path is uncertain, but the stakes are always the same—save the worlds, or watch them fall."

In the world of Gandoria, magic is not just a mystical force; it's intricately linked to the fundamental laws known as "The Rules." These rules govern both the magical system and the very essence of life itself. Every spell cast is intimately tied to these rules, making them the building blocks of existence in Gandoria. However, amidst the populace of Gandoria, there exists a unique group known as "Rule Bearers." These individuals, unlike the native inhabitants, have the extraordinary ability to manipulate one or two of "The Rules" themselves. They are often seen as powerful and enigmatic figures, capable of bending reality to their will by harnessing the underlying principles of magic. One day, Lester O. Alon, a high school dropout burdened by his own anxieties and limitations, finds himself unexpectedly transported to Gandoria. Disoriented and bewildered, he adopts the new identity of "Lester Ishigami" as he struggles to navigate this unfamiliar world. Despite his initial confusion, Lester soon discovers that he possesses a unique advantage over the native inhabitants: as a "Rule Bearer" summoned from another world, he is not bound by the constraints of "The Rules" using his newly discovered abilities Lester now investigates who summoned him to this strange world governed by the "Rules"

[WSA ENTRY please support with power stones and Golden tickets or anyway you can] Ethan Cole is a nobody in a city full of stars. Fired from his job, drowning in rejection, and on the verge of giving up, he’s given one last shot at his dream when a mysterious system activates in his mind: [Entertainment Mastery System Activated] Mission: Dominate Hollywood or disappear into obscurity. With ruthless missions, game-changing skills, and an industry designed to chew up the weak, Ethan begins his climb from struggling actor to Hollywood’s brightest star. But every success comes with a price: powerful enemies, fake friends, and a world where loyalty is rare, and betrayal is common. As Ethan outsmarts rivals, shatters egos, and steals the spotlight, he’ll face the ultimate question—how far is he willing to go for fame? The cameras are rolling, the stakes are high, and the drama is just beginning. In a world of glittering lies and brutal truths, Ethan Cole is ready to take the lead. Hollywood’s never seen a star rise like this. Pizza = Two extra chapters Massage Chair = Five extra chapters Spacecraft = Ten extra chapters Golden Gachapon = Twenty extra chapters

If there was anything Adonis Vivaldi thought would tame him, it definitely wasn't matters of the heart. But when he meets a certain sweet and fiesty red head, All manner of control and restraint seems to chalk out of the picture. Fresh out of college, Yavannah Constantine moves to Italy to stay with her brother only to find herself under the sensuous and unnerving gaze of her brothers boss. She cannot explain neither can she deny her bodies reaction to this irresistible man. A unplanned encounter causing a spark that would burn for years or would the mischievous and sly hand of fate douse what was yet to bloom.