Determine The Hardness Of Water By Edta Method

This is the hidden part of the "Apocalypse: The Echoes of Madness".

Xion Aijawa thought his life was finally coming together. That is, until he tried saving a cat stuck in a tree, fell into a pit, and... died In his disoriented sate of "Freshly dead" the silly Xion accepted a strange request and ended up transmigrating into the world full of dungeons and Mana. He became illegitimate child of Marquis family hated by his three siblings. According to the memory of the original owner of the body, Xion only had a month to live if he did not manage to escape. So, taking the cover of the banquet, Xion ran away. Aided by a mysterious System Mall that allows him to buy almost anything, he makes his way to the distant borderlands, hoping to put his past behind him. But fate has other plans-. Xion ends up saving Darius Rael Darkhelm, the feared Archduke of the North, notorious for his ruthless and deranged nature. The silly Xion tried to run away but... Trapped on the Archduke's bed, Xion's heart thumped loudly when he saw the archduke towering over him. "I've heard you tried to run away," Darius gently caressed Xion's cheek, "That must be a lie... After all, I've given you things even the royal family can't have. Isn't that right, my dear healer?" Xion gulped when Darius's thumb brushed his lower lip with a chilling smirk on his handsome face. "I-I think I should leave, Your Grace. I've overstayed my welcome..." The room grew cold, and Xion shivered. He watched as Darius's green eyes dimmed before lighting up with a dangerous glint. Xion felt a pit growing in his stomach when he saw the deranged archduke smile. Darius never smiled. And whenever he did, it only meant trouble. "You're right," Darius said calmly. "So, let's get married." ______________________ This book will lean toward dark romance, but there will be no r@pe. This author doesn't like glorifying SA as romance. Please support this book with power stones and such. Your votes will be very helpful ＼⁠(⁠^⁠o⁠^⁠)⁠／

"You don't deserve to be auctioned" The Don finally said, making me stop the struggle. "Thank you" I said, cleaning my watery eyes. "Get her ready for the ritual!" The Don ordered the big man who was currently still holding me. **** "Once marked by the Don, you do not own your life anymore as you become solely his" ~ Author. ******* The minute he set his eyes on her, he knew he had to make her suffer for the sins of her sister and so he MARKED HER. Jadelyn was being used as a collateral for her father's unpaid debt, landing her in the hands of the most ruthless young don - Romano Callamore. All Romano knew was that she had to pay for the sins of her wicked sister -his ex secret lover and that he did. Just when their love was about to blossom after so many tribulations; Jadelyn's sister reappears back with a child who looked exactly like Romano Callamore. Confusion sets in as Jadelyn doesn't know how to feel considering the fact that she was pregnant and also in love with with her sister's First Love. Jadelyn was torn between letting her beloved manipulative sister have a happy life without her- Jadelyn in the picture AND fighting for what she wants What do you think her decision will be? Family Loyalty or Love?

“P-please let me go..” I stammered and before I knew it, I was word vomiting while crying. “—I won’t return. You won’t ever see me again. I know you don’t want me as a mate. You hate me, so please let me go.” I cried out. Cain’s jaw tightened with each word that left my lips “What gave you the idea that you have the power to choose what you want?” His voice was low, “You don’t get to decide what, how, and when you leave. Only I get to do that. You don’t get to leave me, you don’t get to run! You only leave when I want you to.” "I didn’t ask for this,” I whispered, trembling. “I didn’t ask to be your mate.” Cain stepped back, “Neither did I,” he muttered under his breath. “But the bond doesn’t give us a choice, does it?” ~~~~ As the only child of her late Alpha father, Avery Jae was meant to inherit her family’s legacy. But on the day of her arranged marriage to Alpha Lucian, her world crumbles. Rejected, humiliated, and cast aside for her own cousin, Avery barely escapes with her life only to find out a much deeper secret. One that changes everything. When Avery awakens, she finds herself in a foreign land, caught by the ruthless guards of the Vehiron pack, led by the infamous Alpha Cain. Tall, broad and as dangerous as the army he commands. Alpha Cain has a reputation that sends chills down the spine of even the most dangerous warriors. Haunted by his dark past, he has vowed never to take a mate, yet the moment he lays eyes on Avery, everything changes. With a single word, Avery is bound to Cain—whether he wants it or not. In a world where betrayal runs deep, can Avery ever trust the alpha who might just be her worst enemy.

Selene Valor, a pureblood vampire, entered a marriage of convenience with her husband Gabriel Valor to protect herself from relatives eyeing what was left of her family's wealth. Six months into their marriage, Gabriel is sent away to war to fight for the kingdom. As time went on, news of his victories spread across the kingdom and he was labelled a hero. Nearly six months later, Selene eagerly awaits the return of her heroic husband. Upon his arrival, Selene is faced with betrayal as he brings home a woman named Cassandra Avery, a human who he introduces as his lover. Selene is heartbroken and tries to save what was left of her marriage but soon there is news of Gabriel wanting to take Cassandra as his second wife. Selene is left with the choice of accepting Gabriel’s wishes and staying protected or seeking a divorce. After a heated argument, Selene turns to someone she never expected to be her saviour. She finds refuge with Lord Xavier Blackthorn, another pureblood who seeks her hand in marriage. Will she forgive her first love or move on to accept Lord Blackthorn’s love?

Sebastian is called by many different names: lunatic, madman, crazy, and a monster.  
Pretending to be human is an effortless task; calculating and flirtatious is a mask he carries for centuries, playing with the lives of those around him as if they’re just a game. 
His closed heart never lets anyone in, keeping a distance from anyone except for his annoying family, who live and protect each other. Despite having a dysfunctional, crazy family yet being regarded with suspicion and dread, his heart longs for more.  
On that fateful night, he never thought it was possible for him to have another emotional connection.  
A young, feral boy carrying a hunter-knife is surrounded by blood, snow, and dead wolves in the forest. Why does his youthful body carry a grotesque canvas of scars like they tell a gruesome past? Why do his eyes carry a heavy burden that's too young for a human? Or is he a human in the first place? 
As he gets to know the bratty Atlas, who angers him and challenges him, test him to the limits. If it was anyone else, he would not hesitate sending them to their grave.  Soon, he would learn that Atlas carries a heavy, dark secret, where Sebastian had to look for an answer in Atlas's past and must decide if he's worth protecting.  ***
Flirtatious, heartless, and bored gong/seme/top protagonist x clingly, bratty, and ruthless shou 
Sebastian x Atlas 
Additionally tags: dark, mysterious, BL, age-difference, thriller, psychological, supernatural creatures, slow romance, murder, dub-con, tragic past, comedy, and horror (I don’t own the picture on the cover.)

7/31/2024~ In the process of editing and updating my earlier chapters. I personally believe the story starts to improve and find it's way a bit more around chapter 50+. Hopefully can make some adjustments in earlier chapters when I have the time, but pacing slows down into a more measured rate as I start finding my groove. I give the content more time to breathe instead of going so fast. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the realm of Nexaria, where elemental spirits and divine beings shape the fate of the world as a land of mortals striving to become gods against the demons of the Abyssal universe, a young boy named Lassim Vanthar embarks on an extraordinary journey of advancement, adventure and becoming a bastion for those around him in their fight against the Dragal. Born into a noble family with a legacy of Fire elemental martial prowess, Lassim possesses an unparalleled gift on his 8th birthday—a connection to two differing elemental spirits, a feat unheard of in the history of his world. A gift and a tampering of the order until now that is an omen. It is a sign of the Gods influencing the future fate of Nexaria on a more serious level. Lassim must harness the power of his dual spirits to protect his loved ones and confront the looming threat of the Abyss' encroachment on his universe, but one step at a time as he grows from just a tool of the God's to a major power as the hero of not only Nexaria, but the entire universe. Lassim faces daunting challenges, battles fierce adversaries, and unlocks the mysteries of his own destiny that has been tampered with by the Gods of this universe. How will he react and adapt to his situations? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is my first ever novel. I’m a new author and still learning how to tell a story. Please understand that when reading. Thank you.

Sophia Reed, a sharp and fearless 24-year-old PR strategist, is used to cleaning up messy reputations. But when she’s hired to save billionaire Damien Steele’s image, she realizes this job might be her toughest yet. Damien is cold, guarded, and infuriatingly handsome—a combination that’s as dangerous as it is distracting. As Sophia digs deeper into his world, she discovers a man haunted by secrets, his icy exterior hiding a fire she can’t resist. The more she tries to keep things professional, the harder it gets to ignore the pull between them. But with the media circling and enemies waiting for their chance to strike, every step closer to Damien puts her heart—and her career—on the line.

In a world where nothing is as it seems, Arches is a young man thrust into an unforgiving journey. After a tragedy shatters his world, he finds himself caught between the fragile threads of his own humanity and the dark forces that seek to consume him. With every step, Arches is forced to confront not only the dangers of an unknown and merciless world but also the rising malice within himself. The path ahead is fraught with hidden powers, dangerous alliances, and threats that blur the line between reality and nightmare. Yet as he delves deeper into this new, chaotic existence, one question remains: can Arches hold onto what makes him human, or will he succumb to the darkness that beckons? "Malice x Determination" is a tale of resilience, a battle of wills in a world where survival means more than just staying alive—it means confronting the terrifying unknown. With each choice Arches makes, the cost grows higher, and the price of victory more uncertain. In a realm defined by shadows and secrets, his journey will push him to the very limits of his strength, willpower, and identity.

"I told you not to touch me," Audrey said. "In front of people," He reminded her. Audrey could feel the smirk in his voice. ~~~ Audrey's seventeen years in the Grey Blood pack were like a caged animal. She lived each day dreading the next unexpected thing the Alpha could punish her for. Audrey tried hard to understand the mysterious dream she'd been having, but nothing made sense to her, she was lost. She wished to be freed from the Grey Blood pack, but she lost all hope of survival when she found herself locked and chained in the cold dark dungeon. She hated him, she cursed him as her blood drained from her. She was happy to die and go away from that monster-alpha. Audrey awoke in a magical world where she learned everything about herself, she cultivated herself to become the strongest wolf and witch alive. One item though, led her back to the last place she wanted to be. Alpha Aloha Lake ruled the Grey Blood pack, the largest and strongest pack in the States. He was known to be brutal, even the mafia feared him. Nothing or anyone bothered him, except one; the damned bitch Audrey. He hated her, and he would make her pay for her mother's sins. But he could not kill her...yet. Alpha Lake emotionlessly stared at Audrey's bleeding body that lay on the cold dungeon floor, he ordered his beta to dispose of her without a second thought. One year later the enemies met again. Will hatred be the only emotion they share? Could they resist the fatal attraction they felt for each other?

The clock struck midnight when Ruelle heard the echo of footsteps. She tensed, the fine hairs on the back of her neck standing on end in the cool night air. "You shouldn't be here," Ruelle whispered, her voice a breathless murmur. The silhouette finally came to stand under the moonlight, his dark red eyes watching her and his inky black hair ruffling. "Shouldn't I?" His voice was a dark caress, and she stood there captivated by the danger he exuded like perfume. "I haven’t seen you for the last two days," his tone low. His hand reached out, fingers brushing against the silk of her nightgown, tracing the trembling outline of her collarbone. "Tell me, were you avoiding me, or perhaps... entertaining other offers?" Ruelle’s heart raced, her breaths shallow. She declared, "I don't belong to anyone.” "A bold claim," he murmured, his breath a tantalising chill against her skin as he leaned in. "Yet here you are, pulse racing, your body tensed as if in anticipation of my touch." His fingers gripped her chin, tilting her face towards his. The moonlight caught his eyes, revealing a glint of predatory intent. "Or must I remind you whose touch you truly crave?"

In the tides of struggle and power, who can reach the ultimate? In a world of factions and species, who can attain power? In a land whose past is obscured by the naivety of the present, who can uncover the hidden? Karl lives in a world of species and evolution, his path thrust upon him without his consent. Cannons, rifles, shard armor, legions, knight cities, and hive cities. Injections, grace, blood, evil, and ruinous gods... The world has forgotten a soul. A soul whose coming is unpredictable but sure like the mist. Karl has awoken, and what path will he leave behind? Would it be the same?... Like before? This is the story of the "Son of the fallen empire" or is it the living error? Or perhaps...The reaper!

Sara is a shy teenager who made a mistake a year earlier and thus lost her father's trust. She is framed for theft by her stepsister, as a result of which her father sends her to a correctional center. The first days in the new place are a real nightmare for the girl. She is bullied by her peers, and her lack of assertiveness makes Sara unable to cope with the surrounding environment. The roommate is a scrambler; however, she can always count on her help. There is also a new guy — Alan, who catches Sara's attention at the first meeting. More problems arise when the girl miraculously avoids death, and since then, she begins to see frightening phenomena. Ghosts, flashes from the past are all dark secrets that come to light over time, and this is only the beginning of the nightmare the teenager will face. (The story is fiction, invented for the novel. It has nothing to do with the history of Europe, set during World War II).

She held the blazing power, standing alone on the high pavement against the world. He held the smothering power, standing on the high pavement with the world. -- The famous 'daughter of maid' had many dreams. 1. Get into the Military Unit of Training Academy. 2. Gain respect for herself. 3. Make her mother proud. 4. Leave the town. After fulfilling all of her dreams, Junuka thought of having the happiest life but what she never expected was that happiness is a never-ending road and dreams were just it's excuses.

When book editor Liriel stumbles upon a mysterious novel in a forgotten corner of an old library, she never expects it to draw her into a world beyond her own. As she flips through the book’s pages, Liriel finds herself inside the dark world of Ashwood— a kingdom haunted by shadows. Unwillingly her path crossed with Lucian Aldric Vaelan– the antagonist of the book, the enigmatic prince who seems to know more than he lets on, whose gaze lingers a moment too long, and whose touch is a dangerous promise. Under his watchful eye, Liriel is drawn deeper into a web of political intrigue and ancient curses, Where the more she explores, the more she realizes she may be entangled in a story that was never just a story. Caught between reality and the shadowed corridors of Ashwood’s court, Liriel must choose: stay close to Lucian and risk her heart, or find a way home before she loses herself in his world entirely. But Lucian has his own plans. And in a kingdom ruled by fear and power, no one escapes the Villain Prince unscathed.

Astor was the first son of the HighFangs’ Alpha, a young man who was supposed to be the next leader of the pack if fate had not decided to laugh at him On the tragic day he was born, he brought a curse with him, that’s what everyone told him, and that’s why everyone hated him. Growing up he had never felt happiness. The abuse and loneliness made him hate his pack, his own people, but a promise to his mother kept him chained there, unable to be free. “My poor Astor, please help your brother become a good leader. My lovely child, forgive me” she had pleaded before she left him. He would always do as he was told, stay silent, and obey trying to not lose the last bit of family he had, the little purpose in his life until even his own family betrayed him. The brother he had tried so hard to support had thrown him away, leaving him in a place he did not know with a man that scared him, hovering over him like a deadly beast. “I must truly be cursed.” He had cried, wishing for his life to end. “You? Cursed? How can someone as beautiful as you be cursed?” the man told him and from that moment on his whole life changed.

The prince of Maldonia, Prince Artemis of House Arteides, the bear killer, the slayer of the elves is crowned King when his father Luca King Arteides dies. Aurora is a seer and a powerful witch who has yet to aknowledge her powers, only Artemis knows of it. Lucian Mithandir is in exile recruiting an army to fight Prince Castellan of house Taelin for the throne of Prophis. Artemis wants no parts of this war, but he is very aware whoever wins the war will later turn to Maldonia. Artemis has no clue that a bigger war is coming which will set out kingdoms on fire, Aurora has seen it in her dreams and it's for the Sweet Waters Throne in Maldonia. The end is uncertain but the ways are clearer, who will sit on the throne after the war to end all wars. The Bastard who's been denied his true claim to the Sweet Waters throne with the mighties fleet in the world and King Artemis of Maldonia who has Aurora and dragons breathing fire. ~ Excerpt Scene ~ "Are you ready? A dragon is not a horse my love" Aurora expressed her concerns. "The dragons are ready to be claimed, Your Grace. I think it’s the perfect time for Artodo to take the skies and be claimed. He and the King have great relationship. He just needs to understand the words that’s all. "Torgo explained while looking at both Aurora and Artemis. "I understand the words." Said Artemis. "Incendio for fire and Valar for him to fly. I know some Low Moor too." It seemed Aurora wasn’t easily convinced, "Knowing the language of our ancestors doesn’t mean you can hang on to the dragon and take to the skies, especially since you are not just practicing. You are taking the dragon to the Mines, in clear daylight." "Exactly, that is the only way we can silence Lord Leoric. I cannot let him take advantage of my sister, I have to try…" Visera interrupted. "He’s ready, I can see it in his eyes." She said with a smirk. Aurora ordered Torgo. "Bring him outside," in Low Moor. Torgo nodded and walked inside the darkened cave with a fire torch. All five dragons were inside the cave perfectly chained. He went after Artodo, the biggest of them all. The black beast, standing at forty feet from head to tail with a wingspan of twenty feet. A terrifying beast to even stare at. Artemis took two deep breaths. "According to my ancestors history, the youngest dragon rider to ever took the skies was ten years old. You’ll be fine." Aurora teased Artemis after she noticed how nervous he was. The dragon keepers placed a saddle on Artodo’s back and two strong handles made of iron and wood for Artemis to hang on to. Then, finally Aurora walked to Artodo — the black beast. She pulled in Artemis and they both touched the dragon’s right eye, soothing him before the take off. "This is your rider now Artodo, you are to obey him from this day forward to the last, as your mother commands." Aurora said this is Low Moor while the dragon hissed slowly. The dragon hissed and Aurora took it a sign that Artodo understood him. She took a step back and let Artemis take over. These two weren’t strangers to one another. Artemis’s touch wasn’t strange to Artodo and he silently lowered his left wingspan for Artemis to climb up. Carefully and slowly, Artemis mounted the black beast. It was no secret that he was scared. When he was on top of the dragon, Artemis smiled looking down and he suddenly exclaimed. "You all look like tiny bees from up here!" Aurora, Visera, Torgo and the dragon keepers laughed. Aurora walked to him and they looked at each other. Their dream finally came true; "Promise me, you’ll come back alive." Said Aurora. "I promise." "And that you will not burn the Mines to the ground. If she disagrees with you, perhaps it’s time to let her go." This was what Artemis truly needed to hear so he may stop his obsession with saving his sister. When he was ready, he shouted to Artodo. "Valar Artodo," and right there the dragon’s feet pounded the ground heavy as it prepared for takeoff.

In a broken world where mysterious powers influence war and politics, the time of a prosperous peace has once again come to an end. The tribes of the Vates Sandscape struggle to survive in the harsh desert as targets of the great northern powers. The Royal families of the Stradland Alliance spy on one another as they sip tea and smell flowers. A wanderer walks between them, bearing a warning for them all to heed. Everyone struggles to find what they are looking for. The world will crash once again and deaths are inevitable. Who will fight to survive the coming calamity and who will revel in the chaos? Power is wanted and determination is needed.

The ocean roared, waves surging like beasts, crashing against an ancient throne carved from blue crystal. Noel stood in the midst of the chaos, his heart pounding as voices echoed in his head. A memory surfaced—one not his own yet deeply familiar. He saw a man with a face identical to his, regal and powerful, commanding the seas with a mere flick of his hand. The man turned, his gaze piercing. "The throne of waters belongs to you now," he said, his voice calm yet heavy. "But the cost is your past, your pain, and your fears. Will you take it?" Noel woke up with a jolt, drenched in sweat. His hands trembled as he clutched his chest, struggling to slow his racing heartbeat. It was the same dream again, haunting and vivid. But Noel didn’t know the man or the throne—or why he felt both terrified and drawn to it.

Long-distance relationships never work for her since she is the clingy sort, spoilt, and enjoys her lover's undivided attention. Additionally, she tends to be flirtatious, although her intentions have never been honest. She has a way of intriguing people and then leaving them once they develop stronger feelings for her. Since she travels a lot for her job as an air hostess, most of her past relationships find it difficult to be apart from her. That all changed when she encountered someone who was just as formidable. The most ignorant woman on earth, yet the most passionate lover. She's determined to make things work this time. Regardless of the distance, that woman belongs to her.

She had just experienced the most humiliating rejection, unable to take the taunting anymore, she lashes out and runs into the woods to escape judgment. What she wasn't expecting was to run into the arms of drunk rogue wolves who wanted nothing but trouble. Fighting to survive and nearly losing the battle, she is saved by a handsome stranger who turns out to be her second mate. As the moon rises in all of its glory, they have a fiery night of passion, and by morning, he is gone. What happens when Melissa is accused of being a slut and then finds out that she is pregnant, and what happens when her stranger comes to save her but this time brings knowledge of who he was. An enemy. Her mate. How does she escape the same fate her parents had? She had a responsibility now, and that was to take care of her new family, and nothing was going to get in the way of that.

As Malu wakes up, his eyes blur. He soon looks around, seeing fire spread around him. As he adventures, he freaks out during a "fire show", but it causes the fire to spread faster. Malu soon finds out he has a cool power, one for the greater good or the worse. As Malu embarks on this journey, he finds some friendly kids, whose names are Skipper and Terios. As the group travels through this game, they find themselves facing a bigger fear. Who is the real villain?

It's the classic case of man dies and has the option to live again. But most of the details are already figured out, and all he has to do is roll a die, make an avatar, and wait. [ok, so. I was on an app, that will be unnamed (just in case). Scrolling through videos on my fyp when an edit of tonraq came up, and since I hadn't seen the show in a long time, I forgot how much I liked this character. Then all of a sudden I was like "What if I just. . . stick him in DC?" Yung Justice to be exact, and this will be the result!! I'm ready excited to see where my brain takes this, as I never really plan out my stories.]

A desert covering most of everything I saw, my village was one of many built above the endless sand. Some of the old reminisce about the stories they held about a large group of people. They had wandered and wandered, what they had looked for was a Utopia, one where it was comfortable, a place where it was safe. I didn't wish to find a place like that, I wished for a world that was only a utopia.