Under The Lantern

Priscilla, once vibrant and full of life, now carries the scars of a difficult past. The memories, like a bitter wind, constantly tempt her to retreat into solitude. She wonders if she'll ever escape the loneliness that has become her constant companion. Then, a flicker of hope. Fate, it seems, has a playful hand. Someone new enters her life, gently nudging at the walls she's built around her heart. This person offers a potential bridge back to the world she once knew, a world filled with the warmth of human connection. But will Priscilla be able to overcome her fear? Will she be able to dismantle the defenses she has put up, one by one? Will she be able to trust herself to open up to the new, to risk blooming again, even if it means facing the possibility of pain? The choice is hers: stay in the shadows or accept the promise of a new season, a season full of beauty and the possibility of love.

FIRST BOOK A little orphan girl who lives in the Barrel Zone, a place where slaves and criminals reside. «A dystopian theme story about an orphan girl who's looking for her real self while fighting against people in power» WARNING ⟩ Includes Graphic words ⟩ Bullying ⟩ Weapons ⟩ Gore Author Notes: This story is only fiction only, and not factual. It cannot apply in real life. Visit Wattpad and search "Pink Punk" for latest updates Will update once a week! Pardon my English! Have fun reading

Update: Mon, Wed, and Fri [Mature Content] Amongst the battlefield of death and destruction, a lone warrior, her body ravaged by bone charring burns. Spirits of the recently dead drifted aimlessly, and hungry Burburus devoured both souls and body, sparing only the living and strong-willed. Yet, she found herself fixated on the Demon Lord, Ose, and the fact she is convinced he is in love with her. ... A vile smell rose from the brimstone red of blood and entrails that spilled from allies, foes, and those that were supposed to be protected. Hundreds of bodies blanketed the landscape of debris that was once a great city, wails and cries of the dying were heard over the strong winds, their hands wet as they tried to hold their own life in their wounds. If only she had more training to assist with their injuries, in the knighthood she was groomed for solely combat. The spirits of the recently dead roamed aimlessly, not yet aware they were dead and that they would meet true nonexistence if they were not to seek shelter from the real horror to come. A sense in Yin energy was coming from the vast distance, but she was distracted by the smell and sight of a battle that was truly ungodly; fitting for battles between there armies led by Demons. Above, she could see the sunlight having its own battle with thick clouds that were a profane-black with only a little light caressing her skin, deep as rich earth. The lack of sunlight only made her colder, and fortunately for her more impassive to her surroundings, or that could also be because of the fact that a large part of her body weren't charred until her bones were blackened. Her skin was covered in the soot of the nerves and flesh of her right arm, shoulder, and parts of her torso that were completely disintegrated. "Dammit, Ose," she thought bitterly, her frustration boiling within with each sharp breathe in her chest. "If it wasn't for your ridiculous obsession with me, I wouldn't be here--suffering in hell and then some." Ever since he first laid his eyes on her, she was convinced the Demon Lord had secretly fallen in love with her. The threaded sigil of his eyes that seemed to hold the magic of the aurora lights remained visible on the back of her uniform, though her body was barely there. In the name of her tormentor, the 'Great' Demon Lord Ose, she walked towards the edge of the battlefield.

"He Wanted a Marriage of Convenience. She Shattered All His Rules." Arianna Costa never expected her life to be turned upside down during a routine medical check-up. Victim of a medical mistake that leaves her pregnant by a stranger, she soon discovers that the man in question is none other than Alessandro Valenti, the powerful and dangerous king of the Italian mafia. For Alessandro, scandal is unthinkable. Marriage, security, and control: he demands Arianna become his wife to protect his reputation and their future heir. But sharing her life with this authoritarian and enigmatic man will come at a cost. Thrust into a world of luxury, danger, and betrayal, Arianna begins to uncover an unexpected side to Alessandro. Beneath the mask of the mafia king lies a man torn between his need for control and his growing feelings for her. Yet danger lurks in every shadow. Alessandro’s enemies are determined to see him fall, and now Arianna and their unborn child have become prime targets. Torn between scorching attraction, conspiracies, and buried secrets, Arianna must make a choice: surrender to this forbidden love or escape a world that could very well destroy her.

Sam a high school student who is 17 this year and works as a fighter in the monster tunnels to earn money.He and his sister lost their parents in a attack of monsters.From that day he vowed to protect his only family member his little sister lily who is 13 years old.One day he was attacked and almost killed by a level 3 goblin monster but was saved by someone.From that day onwards the life of the young guy started to change.He had the ambition of becoming the strongest and protecting his little sister lily and all the loved ones around him.Watch his journey to pinnacle of life and how he protects his universe and become the king of whole cosmos. Guys this is gonna be my first novel ever.I thaught writing a novel is easy stuff but its quite tiring job.Hope you find my job interestiong. I will try to upload one chapter daily.(^_^).There will be a little bit of gore,harem or anything you want.Just comment me and I will try to add that.

The teenage life can be hard, and when your new to the area its even worse. As Charlie moves from his enclosed city life, to the open aired island life, he's welcomed by very charismatic friend group. As simple as their lives on the island might seem, everyone has their stories, and everyone has their mysteries. Follow this friend group as they find the truth about each other, and dive deeper into the ones they thought they knew.

The Lantern of Lost Wishes Deep in the heart of Luminwood Forest, where the air hums with secrets and fireflies weave trails of forgotten dreams, there is a legend of an ancient lantern that can grant lost wishes. No one knows who made it or why, but those who go looking for it rarely find their way back. For Elyra, the lantern is more than a story. It’s a chance. Haunted by a past she can’t change and a future slipping through her fingers, Elyra sets out to find the lantern, clutching nothing but a faded map and a fragile hope. But the forest is alive. It shifts and listens. Creatures of shadow, known as the Wraithbound, follow her every move, feeding on the desperate wishes of others. Elyra’s only ally is a mysterious stranger with golden eyes and a grin that hides more than it reveals. He’s cursed, dangerous, and far too familiar with the forest’s tricks—and yet, Elyra can’t shake the feeling that he’s the only one who truly understands her. With every step deeper into the woods, Elyra discovers that wishes are never free, and some are lost for a reason. The closer she gets to the lantern, the heavier the cost becomes—secrets unravel, alliances shatter, and the forest itself begins to turn on her. Elyra must decide how far she’s willing to go to reclaim what she’s lost and whether some dreams are better left untouched. Because in the Luminwood, every wish carries a price, and once the lantern’s light finds you, it’s impossible to turn back. A story of longing, sacrifice, and the magic we hold onto when all else fades, The Lantern of Lost Wishes is a journey into a world where dreams flicker like fireflies, and hope is both a blessing and a curse.

Under the white moonlight, In a world familiar and unfamiliar We travel. What adventure awaits us? Struggling with a mind that knows no limits, we walk together towards dangers. Come into the world with confidence, strengthen your resolve and raise your sword high. Standing proudly against hardships — With perseverance that knows no bounds, We explore this mysterious world. Our world is a place where the strongest rise, The most extreme, the most insane! Where all the secrets of hypocrisy and lies are destroyed, The curtain is revealed to the nature of humanity in its most beautiful form!

"Flower Blooms Under the Moonlight": _Prologue: The Moon's Promise_ Lunarhaven, 1850 Under the full moon's silvery gaze, two lovers stood before the ancient tree, their hearts entwined like the branches above. María, with skin as pale as moonlight, and Carlos, with eyes as dark as the night sky, vowed to protect the town's hidden magic. Their love was forbidden, yet they defied the conventions of their families' centuries-old feud. As they exchanged promises, the moonlit flower bloomed at their feet, its petals shimmering with an otherworldly glow. María's voice whispered secrets to the wind: "Our love will flourish like this flower, under the moon's watchful eye. Our family's legacy will thrive, hidden from those who would misuse its power." Carlos's fingers intertwined with María's: "Together, we'll safeguard Lunarhaven's magic, passing it down through generations. Our love will be the key to unlocking its secrets." As they sealed their vow with a kiss, the moon reached its zenith. The flower's glow intensified, imbuing their love with its mystical power. But fate had other plans. A rival family, fueled by ambition and greed, sought to claim Lunarhaven's magic for themselves. Shadows crept into the night, threatening to destroy the fragile peace. María's final words echoed through the darkness: "When the moon blooms again, our legacy will live on. Find the flower, and you'll find our truth." And with that, the night swallowed their secrets, leaving behind only whispers of a legendary love and the moonlit flower's promise.

[MATURE CONTENT] Enter the world of Lila Elara Forbes Montgrave, a rose with thorns, shaped by tragedy and reborn with vengeance. Betrayed by her lover and given a second shot at life, she uses her beauty as a weapon in a deadly game of love, hate, and power. But as her past and present meet, will she reshape her fate or succumb to the darkness within? Warning: Viewers discretion is advised. Read at your own risk.

Love supercedes everything, right? what about sacrifice? does sacrifice means love? Nancy and Dave shared a strong bond they never imagined. But she later found some disturbing things about him which made her question her feelings for him. The more she dived into Dave's life, the more she found answers to the questions of her feelings for him. She knew about the dark moments of his childhood days, his psychological ailment, his struggles as a child with bipolar and how he struggled with amnesia. Dorcas, his ex, after leaving him when he needed her most, wanted to come back when he healed after meeting Nancy. But Nancy struggled to find answers to her questions about her love for him. did Dorcas succeed in winning Dave back? did Nancy and Dave they later end up being together? does love really supercedes everything or it's just a sentence to override the importance of sacrifice in relationship? This is a bumpy love story of two lovers who wondered if they're meant to be or not. Enjoy this Nigerian novel!

Kenneth is the unfavored third prince of the Kingdom of Lucano, one of the largest kingdoms on the Avalanche Continent. A fierce competition is underway in his kingdom after the king issued an edict that he will appoint whichever prince can defeat the monsters that rule the Audoran Forest as the next king. As the son of a servant, conquering the forest is the only way he can save his loved ones from the harsh life in the palace. However, what happens if the monster he must kill is far different from what he expected? In the end, Kenneth must make a decision. Protect the 'monster' or betray and abandon the family he loves.

Liliam's life, defined by monotony and superficial relationships, craves genuine love and validation. This all changes when she meets the strongest Alpha in Montana, claiming to be her destined mate. Suddenly, she's thrust from her dull existence into a fantastical world where supernatural creatures pursue her, and Liliam must find her place in a world that surpasses her wildest dreams.

Ichika Scape et son frère Nerio mènent une vie ordinaire de lycéens jusqu’au jour où leur école entière, est soudainement transportée dans un univers virtuel. Coincés dans un monde de donjons et de monstres, ils découvrent que leur survie dépend de leur capacité à progresser à travers 500 vagues, chacune plus redoutable que la précédente. Dotés de statistiques et de classes assignées, les élèves doivent se regrouper, combattre des créatures terrifiantes, et affronter des défis qui mettent à l’épreuve leur force, leur esprit et leurs liens. Mais ce n’est pas tout : chaque mois, une personne disparaîtra de manière mystérieuse, et la mort dans ce jeu est définitive, les empêchant de revenir dans leur monde. Dans ce monde impitoyable, chaque décision pourrait être la dernière.

Charlotte thought she had it all...a steady job, a simple life, and three years of what seemed like a perfect relationship with the charming, successful Alexander Wallace.  But everything shatters when he suddenly breaks up with her.  Alexander's engagement to billionaire heiress Eleanor Whitmore, Charlotte friend, is splashed across every media outlet, leaving Charlotte betrayed and heartbroken. As she struggles to piece her life back together, an unexpected opportunity at one of the city's most powerful companies, puts Charlotte face-to-face with a world she never thought she'd be part of.  She becomes the Secretary of Ethan Grayson, the CEO of Grayson Enterprises, making Alexander reappear after a sudden rumored relationship news of Charlotte and Ethan broke out. Will Charlotte reclaim her life and proceed with the revenge against her ex-fiancè, or will Alexander's return pull her back into chaos after finding out about her real parents?

Selena was born in a military nation where attack magic is highly valued. As a mage who specializes in non-attack magic, she just wants to live a quiet life and study in peace. But after meeting the man with the Emperor's Eyes, she gets caught up in the dark politics of the world. With her entire life in a violent mess now, Can Selena still manage to overcome all obstacles, live her dream, and even find true love?

To save her father’s legacy, Sophia Hart signs a contract with ruthless billionaire Alexander Maddox — she’ll be his fiancée, and he’ll rescue her family’s business. Will she survive the contract, or lose her heart to the man who doesn’t believe in love?

Years after a brutal war claimed his family and tore his life apart, Liang Yi, a skilled yet penniless guard, finds himself in the cruelest of positions forced to protect the very man he despises most. Xiao Jun, the cold and ruthless king, is a ruler shrouded in blood and terror. Feared by all, trusted by none, he commands his empire with an iron fist. Whispers of his nature rumors of forbidden desires linger in the shadows, only deepening the fear surrounding him. But when Liang Yi steps into the king’s dark and twisted world, hatred becomes a dangerous weapon. Their clashing tempers ignite a battle not of blades, but of wills. Liang Yi, the kind-hearted warrior who craves peace, finds himself torn between duty and the weight of his past. Xiao Jun, behind his cruel mask, begins to see something in Liang Yi that threatens to fracture his icy façade. How can you protect the man who destroyed everything you loved? And how can a king, feared by all, lower his guard for a man who refuses to bow? In the shadows of swords and unsaid words, a forbidden bond will be forged but in a world of power and blood, can two hearts ever find their peace?

In the heart of Beijing, under the glittering skyline of progress and power, one man lives a double life. By day, he is a diligent employee in a state-owned corporation, navigating the suffocating maze of bureaucracy, hidden agendas, and tightly wound hierarchies. By night, he becomes a shadow, suppressing his true self as a gay man in a society where conformity is prized and secrets are currency. Bound by the golden chains of stability and cultural expectations, he teeters on the edge of self-destruction as his desires clash with the cold reality of corporate and societal demands. Through chaotic, erotic, and sometimes darkly humorous escapades, he discovers unexpected allies, unspoken rules, and the raw beauty of defiance. The novel chronicles his journey from being trapped—professionally, personally, and emotionally—to slowly reclaiming his freedom. Along the way, we are taken deep into Beijing's corporate culture, its forbidden love affairs, and the vibrant yet suffocating life of a man desperate to escape. This is a story of rebellion, identity, and liberation, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most enigmatic cities. It is a daring exploration of love, ambition, and the price one pays for freedom. Raw, gripping, and deeply personal, *How I Escaped from Beijing: Odyssey of a Corporate Prisoner* is not just a journey out of a city—it’s a journey toward self-acceptance and truth.

Nerissa.. a single 25 year old maiden of earth was born into the world of Magic as a descendant of Ishtar's, the supreme family on the Luna continent. Unfortunately for her, she was born without a speck of mana inside her! They tried to forcefully awaken her mana, for ten years, only to fail miserably! Infuriated by this disgrace of a child, her parent sent her to the continent of Lars, the synonym of Chaos! ... Will she be able to rise alone? Or, fall like others? Join Risa on her journey to reclaim her position!

Rose and Eva are the most popular female artists even in their young age, Eva is twenty three while Rose is twenty two,their voices,styles and everything are so catchy that people find it hard to have a favorite among them. Unfortunately they are rivals,none of them want to have anything to do each other,even when most people would do anything to see them work together but it never happened,different rumors about them beefing and neither Rose nor Eva ever made a mistake of talking about each other. They both attend the same school and it's always war back to back anytime they decide to appear on their school days. Nobody knows anything about their beef or what they have against each other. Their fanbase are not making things easy as well,always war from one part to another. They compare them with everything,beauty,fashion,voice,songs,numbers of award and all that. Even though they are both great singers and artists,still there are some things that will never be equal. In the visual part, Rose's fans believe she takes the crown as the visual queen,she's beautiful,but Eva's fans obviously would never agree to that belief,they also believe Eva is the queen of visual. A never ending arguments and saga. In the voice aspect,Eva takes the crown,no arguments But when it comes to hit songs and hot billboard entries,Rose owns that. She's a great lyricist,a song writer as well,she writes 90% of her songs. Eva writes as well but can't be compared to Rose. In the fashion aspect,both are queens but there's just something about the way Eva dresses that always drive the internet crazy,I mean she's got quite a fuller body than the usual slime type. Whereas Rose is a complete slim girl with hourglass shape,she has a model beauty,long legs and height. Their followers are different as well,on Instagram,Eva has a total number of 200 million followers while Rose got 350 million followers. Still counting. Now talking about their attitudes,Eva is the friendly one,you will forever see her smiling. But Rose is the opposite,the only time you will see her smile is when she's performing on stage in front of her fans or during her music videos,photoshoots and maybe interviews. There are countless rumors about her being rude and arrogant,proud and full of herself. Many people believe that,because she really gives off that kind of vibe with the way she acts,,,there was even a time her followers started decreasing following a scandal of how she ignored a disabled person who came to her concert. As much as Rose is loved,we can also say she's one of the most hated celebrities. They even hate her more because she doesn't seem to care,she just live her life and continue making songs and winning award amidst all. Everything was this way until a young guy came in between them,,triggering the rivalry between them even more. Just an innocent country side boy who came into the school on scholarship. Who's he and how did he make things even more crazier? Then find out more as you read this

Five centuries into the future, humanity’s mastery of space-folding technology has spread civilization across the Milky Way. But the galaxy’s unity crumbled during the Great Shattering, as corporate greed and rebellion fractured the once-mighty Union of Federated Systems into chaos. Now, countless factions—corporations, warlords, and desperate colonies—battle for survival and dominance. On the fringes of known space, the forgotten colonies begin to rise from obscurity and poverty. Facing powerful corporations and rival states, leaders of various planets aim to reunite the galaxy under a single banner. But in a universe ruled by ambition and betrayal, the cost of unity may be more than anyone is willing to pay. Can one world, one leader, bring order to a divided galaxy, or will it be consumed by the forces tearing it apart?

Alaria, a siren who has grown weary of living an isolated existence in the treacherous northern seas, luring prey with her enchanting song yet never finding true companionship. That is until one night, she encounters the kraken, an ancient sea monster known for devouring and turning over ships, caughting a glimpse within it’s ancient eyes was a profound loneliness that mirrors her own. Through her music, Alaria forges a mystical connection with this seemingly primordial monster, realising it possesses a sentience and longing for connection that defies all legends. As outsiders who find acceptance in each other, when shunned by others an intimate bond blossoms between the unlikely pair. Together they embark on a breathtaking exploration of an icy dominion and the unseen wonders it harbors, from glittering realms of Antartic Marine Life to long-buried ruins left by Civilizations lost to history. But beyond such discoveries lies a deeper quest to overcome their solitude, teach each other the truth of their misunderstood natures, and in the process, redefine what it means to find belonging against all odds.

In High school, her teacher asked everyone to write down their goals. Verena wrote two things-to keep living the life full of luxury. Who doesn't like dresses, jewellery, parties and wine. And to own Red Kite. Everything was going perfect until a handsome stranger broke in her house through her window. "Do you mind I stay here for time being?" She stared gritted teeth at the theif making himself comfortable on the armchair without waiting for her answer. She fell in self-doubt, is this his house or her's? Unfortunately, little did she knew at that time this two-faced thief did not just planned to enter her house but also in her life.

After the Mccray family was attacked and wiped out by some unknown force, Jason, his mother, and sister being the sole survival the attack had to move to the fox family for shelter. but staying in the Fox family was also a torment for Jason since he was being bullied by the kids from the fox family because he was weak compared to his peers. Jason never gives up on improving himself since he needs to take revenge against the force that invaded their family. one day when he was training in the woods, Jason came across a magical bracelet that changes his life.....

"Welcome to Hotel Oceanus. We hope you enjoy your stay." Mehar managed to say. "I'm sure I will." Replied her client. His gaze locked on hers, recognition shining in his eyes. In return, Mehar felt like clawing his eyeballs out. The chandelier playing with the lights sends it down in fragments upon them. The mirrors adorning the guest room focused on the two facing each other. They had met once, on a fateful night three years ago. The memory is still searing fresh, hasn't been that long in the first place. They meet again, for better or for worse...and as the night proceeds, their lives get tangled beyond separation. Note: The story switches betwixt two different plotlines, as indicated at the start of each chapter and in between. Each of your views and likes means so much to me. Hope the story keeps you hooked enough to follow it further.

WSA 2025 Entry What can one do against inevitability? Fate? Circumstances out of one’s control? The answer to that, for a human, is not all that much. We toil under the designs of other, pawns in their sick games, moved around while we dance under the illusion of freedom. I had resigned myself to this reality, that it was just how life went, despite my yearning to do more, be more, be above my mortal constraints, above my humanity. Emphasis on had. Fate had now become all but a footnote. ……..………………………… I am writing this book for the sole purpose of sending myself to uni.