Rough Gemstone

A girl of a rich family. A guy of a richer family. A girl who hates love. A boy who longs for it. A girl who is proper. A got who is anything but proper. One day, their parents decided to arranged the marriage of those two in an attempt to gain money and power. To their displeasure, they are forced to play the act of a loving couple in front of the public. Their take on the news was rough, but their first meeting only made it tougher. for all they know, the other is completely different from themselves, leading to conflicts and words that cannot be taken back. Conflicts meet them at every turn, some in the form of eachother, and some in the form of others. Will their act end in failure, or will it end up blooming into a blossoms more beautiful than either of them coukd hope for? Only time can tell.

I was never meant to be discovered. After my father’s death, my mother severed ties with the Jacksonville Pack and retreated into the swamps to hide a secret—me. Raised in this dangerous, isolated wilderness filled with ogres, panthers, and bog hags, I’ve never had contact with anyone except my mother. That is, until the Alpha of the Jacksonville Pack shows up, claiming that we share the rare and fated bond of True Mates. Unfortunately, my awkwardness and lack of social experience make me an unsuitable match, and he quickly breaks our bond, sending me back to the swamps.Just when I’ve given up hope, a mysterious man rescues me and brings me to his home, where I meet his two rough, biker brothers. Cast out from the pack for defying its Alpha, these triplets are also lone wolves. Unlike others, they don’t mock me for my lack of social skills—they take care of me, heal my wounds, and show me the world I’ve been kept from. But dark forces are closing in, and they’re determined to claim my life just as they did my father’s. Can these three protectors save me from the same fate?"True Mate Rejected " is the first book in a trilogy of steamy, near-future paranormal romances featuring an innocent, sheltered heroine and her multiple, tough, protective mates who share her love. There’s no choosing between them. The book contains mature scenes for readers over 18, with mild kink and an age gap. All intimate moments are consensual.

Alfred, a history teacher on Earth is suddenly thrown into the body of Prince Alfred Lindonfall, the twelve-year-old prince and heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Ammar. With the abrupt death of his father, the responsibility to rule a Kingdom falls on his shoulders. Having to navigate a medieval court and world, his journey to creating an empire and putting his knowledge into practice sees him become a man he never knew he could be, being shaped by the new world and unique circumstances he faces. There are many characters who get a lot of focus and can be called a lead in their own right, but I won't put their character descriptions in as it would be too much of a spoiler for chapters in future. A rough map of the local realm: pls don't laugh I know it's bad. https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/1064890274397856571/ If unable to see its also in the first chapter comments now. Cover Art: not mine so here is the credit. https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/351912463658203/

#Age gap #taboo #Erotica #Smut #love triangle #boyxgirl #BDSM #dominant #possessive #submissive #poortorich #billionaire #mafia WARNING!!! (THIS BOOK IS A DARK ROMANCE WITH BDSM, SLUT-SHAMING, ROUGH AND PAINFUL SCENES, AND MORALLY AMBIGOUS THEMES THAT MOST REFER TO AS DUBIOUS CONSENT. IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH ANY OF THESE THINGS THEN READ AT YOUR OWN RISK) Milo was the most dangerous mobster in Russia and I was his slave, his sex toy, and his property. He was one step closer from branding me as his. He killed anyone who got close to me or touched me in any way. He showered me with luxury and gifts that I would have never afforded myself. I didn’t care that he had many enemies who would use me to get to him. He was everything I could have dreamt of and more. The only problem was, I was 19 yrs his junior and I was his son’s ex-girlfriend. I found myself caught between father and son. Was blood really thicker than love? My name is Emilie and this is how Milomir Petrov ruined my life. {Daily updates of two chapters} As you know, my books is not a Dual POV {100 powerstones = 4 bonus chapters in Milo's POV} {50 golden tickets = 6 bonus chapters in Milo's POV} (Or any characters you may request)

This is the challenging journey of an ordinary kid born in a third world country. He transformed himself gradually into a man of unparalleled abilities with the mentor of two elderly couples who were not born on this Earth possessing unimaginable power of life forces. Filled with the most beautiful memories of upbringing from his childhood, friendship, love, laughter, and countless insults from the rough physical in his life, he took the challenges ahead with a grain of salt. He turned himself into a calculating machine, an extremely terrifying assassin that would give nightmares to the enemies and feared by the underworld including the SAS, CIA, and M16 Government. This is his story. Let’s rock on…..

Yolanda, a mystery. She seemed like just a normal girl with a family and a friend... or does she? A novel about the pain of growth, a bucket of sadness from losing things, hard quests, rough roads, and harsh conditions.Is a caterpillar become a butterfly? A thrilling adventure, filled with the pure joy of first love. A Fairytale.

Despite being groomed to be the perfect leader for his pack, Alpha Axel has never wanted a mate - belief that is solidified when his entire pack was wiped out, leaving him with absolutely nothing but an intense desire for answers and revenge. So when he meets Isla, a beautiful woman with no idea that wolf shifters existed, Axel's strong beliefs begin to falter in ways that he doesn't appreciate. His vow to never mate gets tested in that moment and Axel must decide whether to stick to his beliefs, or let love lead him in the rough path he intends to walk. What are the chances that he will succeed though?

I closed my eyes and let out a long, shuddering breath. The needle slipped through my numb fingers and clattered onto the rough pavement. Nothingness swirled around me, bringing the first peace I'd felt in my short, miserable life. No one would miss me, and if any did...? Well, there was always someone else to beat or rape. They'd move on quickly. But then...gods? Since when did nothingness have so many gods? Chosen by the goddess of Fate, I'm thrust into a world of magic and wonder alongside nine other heroes. A world where the gods reign supreme, and evil is vanquished before it can spread its blight. Can such a place truly exist? Could life really be worth living? I've heard that the brightest lights cast the longest shadows, but my life has been nothing but darkness. Perhaps this new world will be the chance I need to find the light, to see the other side. Discord: https://discord.gg/PX3xqJdZMY

Van and his friend Magus had reincarnated in another world with magic. Tasked to kill the demon lord, they set forth. Van was granted very rough skills that made life for him in that world a living hell, yet he muscled through. Magus however, was bestowed with unfair skills. Due to some of said skills, he gained a harem, which in time, included the girlfriend Van made in the world. After beating the Demon Lord, and after finding out his girlfriend had been stolen from him, he got very upset and so he went to propose to... The Demon Lord...!?

Each chapter is a short story all on its own. You can read from any point. A Dog named Jupiter: A dog has a really rough day, escaping a kill shelter and saving someone. Sacrifice: It is about a mom who would give her own life for her child. Famila Arcam: A vampire daughter versus her Vampire father to save him. Fairy and Death: A fairy meets death. She wants her friend back. Light: A soldier fighting the darkness falters. Light steps in. Atlantis: The fall of the ancient city. The Thirteen Members: A man who planed a down fall and wants a change brought to his nation. Dark: A self insert of me talking to a thing that doubts humanity. The Serenity of his death: A dying man tries to make it to his daughter. What Over Takes: A possessed woman and her demons. Voices: A woman finds herself trapped in her mind, coming to terms with her own personal horrors. The Myth of the Star Luminary: A Grand father tells his grandson the tell of Lumi the Star who fades. His grand son feels he is inadequate.

Looking for intense, bold, and wild hentai stories? Tired of short, repetitive tales that leave you unsatisfied? Frustrated by the lack of variety or long, engaging narratives? Look no further! This novel, or a world of short stories, is designed to fulfill your most intense desires. You might just find yourself adding it to your library after a few chapters. Get ready to dive into a world of relentless, thrilling scenarios with plenty of fuck and sex to keep the excitement going. What you can expect: Bdsm, rough encounters, forceful sex, rape, torture sex, fantasy sex manipulation, threesomes, multiple partners, anal scenes, and much more, all exploring the boundaries of desire. Enjoy a collection of wild and intense short stories that are sure to capture your imagination.

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

Kim Seoyul is your typical timid highschool boy who has a rough childhood due to his abusive father while Lee Hanyeol is a misunderstood kid trying to get back his smile. What happens when these two meets and are supposed to be a family?

Update: 2 Chapters Weekly! After leading a domineering life as Venerable of the main world, Xue Ritian meets his end at the hands of the strongest warrior from the Primordial Dragon Race; Long Aotian. But the strengths of a Venerable knows no bounds and Xue Ritian's soul is forcefully refined in the Cycle of Reincarnation. Now, he is reincarnated as a young Lu Zheng in China's Lu Clan and must fight his way back to the top of the cultivation ladder and exact his revenge on his foes. Embark on this journey with Lu Zheng and see what is next to come ------------- The genre is Xianxia. Characters in the novel absorb energy (Qi) from their surroundings and use it as the basis of their strength. ------------- **Character is reincarated and will receive strong powerscaling and a fair level of omnipotence at the beginning. **Contrary to the title of the book, there are will be very little amounts of sexual relations. When there are (cuz there will be), expect them not to consume too much of the chapter. **In case you are expectant of what the novel might have to offer and what it won't, - There is NO yuri, NO yaoi, NO incest - There will be NO mentions of rape (thank goodness) - MC will HAVE an harem This is my first novel so the first chapters are a bit rough but I promise, the writing gets fine tuned as the story progresses. I have received offers to go premium but I would prefer The Licentious Cultivator (LC for short) to remain free till the very end. **WARNING: LC is a product of me playing around. I can't promise regular updates but I always stock up on chapters in my drafts whenever I have the time. P.S.: Feel free to leave a review and comment. They give me that extra 'hoompf' Enjoy XD

Warning: ~SOUR RAW LEMONS~ Make no mistake, MC is a villain through and through. Story is not sacrificed for eye squinting lemons, cheek slapping lemons are not sacrificed for story. Detailed smut scenes, but I warn in advance, hold on to your pillows and be near a convenient location, only the strong can maintain calm. Your PP will definitely grow if you read this book! ----------------------------------------- It begins with a rough start, but stay with me, it only gets better!! ... Also, its not all about the lemons here, the story is just as important if not more. The lemons are an aspect of the story, not the other way round. Join my discord server:- https://discord.com/invite/Rjfy3Rkgwt You will find character illustrations there and get future updates. -SYNOPSIS- Following countless reincarnations, Aldritch had lived countless lives without any recollection of the one before. He was initially chosen by a god for a specific purpose, and for whatever reason, the god stuck with him, trying time and again to reincarnate him into a particular world, but each time, he enters a different world and loses the memories of before getting there. Just when the god was going to give up and finally search for someone else, Aldritch's reincarnation works... half works, since he still got reincarnated into the wrong world, but at least this time, it was one with a connection to the intended destination. Aldritch initially didn't wish to bother himself about this warworld, as he wanted to live a fun life, doing everything he couldn't in his previous life now that he has and can get anything he wanted, good looks, wealth, fame, and most importantly, beautiful women to carry out and fulfil all his desires and fantasies!! But then, realizing the truth about warworld might just change his mind... And what a weird start? he is starting out in the chamber of the goblin queen? ---------------------------------------------- Coming from the author to you guys, the readers, I ask for your support as I write this book, it will motivate me to write more and better. No support feels like no one is reading and kills morale and creativity. So don't be frugal at all!! Comments, Reviews, Gifts, Powerstones, Golden Tickets -- Anything & Everything. ... Information on bonus chapters: After every week; 100 power stones - 1 bonus chapter 200 power stones - 2 bonus chapters 300 power stones - 3 bonus chapters... And so on. ===== 50 Golden Tickets - 1 bonus chapter 100 Golden Tickets - 3 bonus chapters And so on. All the bonus chapters will be delivered the following week, if possible, all at once

Salvie passes away by a hit by the very people she blackmailed exploited and controlled. She finds herself in a Game of the gods in a universe with a system, in a competition that was randomized based on her personality. Watch with the gods as they entertain us for our amusement. Warning the first few chapters are a bit rough since I had just started writing for the first time. Please Enjoy. The image is not my own and will take down if asked. Support me and my works at www.Patreon.com/Madjic

Living in Tokyo, using the Mind-reading Extraction Skill, I thought I could become an all-powerful superhero, but instead, I got dragged into a twisted cycle of love?! Without even a moment to mourn my youth, the one who immediately rushed to the battlefield was— Kiryu Hina (ex-girlfriend), "Remember, this is what you owe me." Ayakoji Chiyoko (current girlfriend), "Break it off with that woman immediately!" Kohinata Motoyo (rough target), "Please, I'll do anything!" Ai Cheng Hua Lian (always losing), "Huh?" Kagura Hikaru (protagonist), "..........." My youth romantic comedy can't possibly be this twisted!!! ================ [Viewer discretion advised, the main story includes the following content:] [Heavy female roles, boomerang relationships, ex-love literature, women fighting, mental breakdowns, underdog comebacks]

Maya stepped back, her chest heaving as she avoided Damien’s piercing gaze. “I’m not yours,” she said, her voice trembling, though her words were firm. “I never was. I never will be.” He closed the distance between them in a heartbeat, his hand reaching out to grip the back of her neck, forcing her to meet his storm-filled eyes. “You are mine,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous, his breath mingling with hers. “The universe has already decided. You. Are. Mine.” Before she could protest, his lips claimed hers, rough and unyielding, stealing the words she wasn’t sure she wanted to say *********************************************************** She was just a simple village girl, living a quiet life in the heart of the countryside—innocent, kind, and completely unaware of the power her existence holds. When strangers from the city arrived in her village, seeking water and shelter, she thought she was just being hospitable. But scent sparked something primal in the heart of one visitor, her life changed forever. He was not just a man—he was an Alpha. The moment he caught her scent, he knew she was his. But She was human, untouched by the world of wolves and unaware of the dangerous power struggles in his pack. Determined to make her his, the Alpha stays in her village, weaving his way into her father’s trust to win her hand in marriage. But their union is only the beginning of her struggles. ***PLEASE NOT THAT THIS STORY ONLY UPDATES WEEKLY 3 CHAPTER************ *********THIS IS SLOW BURN ROMANCE*****************

Things go wrong after Jerry hooks up with a stranger at an all freshers party. * * * Bro, you gotta see the way your eyes were on her." He laughed, but less loudly this time." I won't lie, I've done it before, every guy does, she's beautiful, you gotta give it to her." "Well she's cute." She is! "She's beautiful, you know it, that's why you had a one night stand with her." I almost choked on my burger. I had to take a drink before I talked again. "What the hell man?!" I whispered loudly. "What?" "Why did you have to say that out loud like that?" "Oh. Chill, these people are too busy enjoying their burgers to listen to our Convo." He said really chilling about it. I remembered the main thing I was worrying about when I saw her earlier this morning. I didn't use a condom when we were grinding our bodies against each other that night! 'What was I thinking?!' That's what I would ask myself if I didn't have a chance to use one because I did. When I was carrying her, her legs wrapped around my waist tightly, into the room, through rough kisses, I had stopped our liplock, and had told her I didn't have a condom. She said she had some; both male's and female's actually but she didn't want us to interrupt what we were having at that particular moment. I would ask why she had both male and female condoms but she was right, it was too hot, too pleasurable, a moment to interrupt. "I can just take a pill after." She had said.

Earth, 1957. In a secluded and forgotten corner of the world, a being unlike any other is born — an extraordinary hybrid of bear and human. Hidden from the world, he is raised in secret by a woman who becomes his teacher, his guide, and his only family. From her, he learns the ways of humanity: language, knowledge, and emotions. His mind grows rapidly, far surpassing human intellect, and his strength is unmatched. But peace is fleeting. Their sanctuary is discovered by government forces. In the chaos that follows, he protects the woman, giving her a chance to escape. Overwhelmed by his growing instincts and the violence within him, he makes a choice. Fearing he might one day hurt her, he distances himself from her. He leaves. She disappears into the world of humans, while he is left with only the wilderness as his refuge. Alone and hunted, he vanishes into the depths of nature. Time passes, and with it, he forgets. His mind, once sharp and brilliant, is dulled by instinct. He forgets what it means to be human. One day, fate calls him back. While wandering the forest, he witnesses an attack — a wild bear mauling a man. Something stirs within him. Memories. Instincts. He intervenes. He fights. He kills. The man, paralyzed by fear, watches in disbelief. But then, something impossible happens. The hybrid speaks. His voice, rough and broken, echoes through the forest. The man collapses in shock. But this is only the beginning. Unknown to him, he is not the only one of his kind. The truth of his origins is tied to beings far older than humanity. They created him. They watch him. And they have plans for him. His journey will span centuries, through war, solitude, and discovery, as he faces the ultimate question: Is he man, beast, or something far beyond either? “Echoes from the Eternal” is a raw, powerful tale of evolution, identity, and survival. Through the eyes of the hybrid, readers experience a world both familiar and alien, brutal and profound. His story is one of silence and echoes — echoes that will reverberate across the ages.

“Do you want to know how this works?” he whispered. “Yes!” I gasped in response to his tug on my hair. “I want to know.” “Yes, what?” he asked, causing my mind to swirl with the realization of what he was into. “Yes, sir. I can be a good girl.” **** For Becca, going to Miami brought up old childhood memories with her best friend, Tally. She needed the break after a rough year attending Yale and a break-up with her boyfriend, Chad. She didn’t expect for her summer of fun to include sleeping with James, the Italian Stallion–Tally’s father. Knowing it’s wrong, she allows James to pull her into a vortex of pleasure that has her breaching the surface of reality and grasping for survival. Can Becca endure this pleasure without Tally finding out? Or will her secrets cause her world to crash around her? Submitting to My Best Friend’s Dad is created by Scarlett Rossi, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

[Alternate Title: Born In Apocalypse With True Fusion] [Alternate Title: Endless Evolution In The Apocalypse] ********** The life where Dhruv had it all – a caring family, loyal friends, and a fulfilling job. Suddenly his life took an unexpected turn for the worse, and he lost everything in his life. His family was raped and then murdered, his friends left him, and he found himself in prison for crimes he wouldn’t have even dreamed of committing. He was falsely accused of stealing from his company and then in the heat of the moment killed all his family members. He couldn’t even die in peace and was constantly getting bullied and tortured… But like everything else even his situation evolved as the ‘COSMIC EVOLUTION’ arrived on his solar system. With COSMIC EVOLUTION comes the power to evolve any and everything. Swords and Magic lays in everyone's hands as they try to clear the quest. But in this contest not everyone was equal... In this new era of evolution, Dhruv became the Chosen One. With his immense magical power, he began his journey to conquer everything there is to conquer… Ahhh! And Yes, how can he forget about getting revenge…. ********** The novel is filled with evolution, and fusion while its worlds are filled with monsters, quests dungeons, and whatnot. Whatever you need to satisfy your addiction is all here.. so be sure to enjoy it. If you are still reading then be sure to check out... the first few chapters might appear as rough but I guarantee you it will only get better and better.

Leonardo Blakes is a man with a dark dominant side. When he hires his new maid, a sweet innocent lady who has no clue about his past, their mutual attraction leads them both to desire more than either of them imagined. Claire Martin's, is broke and in need of a job, when she answers an ad as a live-in housemaid. She's shocked at the size of the mansion her new employer, Leonardo Blakes, lives in and the fact that he is the most attractive man she has ever seen. Little does she know he's got a secret that involves his desires and his need for domination.Will Claire run or will she explore a darker side to her nature?

Isabella At first, submitting to Alex's carnal demands was mere survival. But his insatiable hunger for my body awakened a primal desire within me. As his rough hands explored my curves, I felt powerless against the delicious ache he stirred. Now carrying his child, I must escape his possessive clutches before it's too late. Alex The bombshell Isabella was just some piece I used to settle a score. But damn, her body got its hooks in me deep. I can't get enough of tasting her, claiming every inch. She's mine. If she even thinks about running with my kid, I'll hunt her fine a*s down to the ends of the earth.

In a new World, in a new body, as part of a new Species. As soon as Kin wakes up, he is mercilessly thrown off a cliff by his progenitor, just like the rest of his brethren. A rough start to a new life. A rough start that makes him laugh out loud. 'Guess I'll use these dumb siblings of mine as an army.' [Amass Experience Points to gain a Class.] [Amass Experience Points to Evolve.] [Choose of the following Blessings: -Goddess of Wrath's Blessing: Obtain Skills by Defeating creatures. -Goddess of Lust's Blessing: Obtain Skills by Copulating. -Goddess of Gluttony's Blessing: Obtain Skills by Devouring creatures.] A new life with endless possibilities starts! 'As a Goblin, huh? Sure, why the hell not?! Strength, Power, Status, Women... I'll obtain everything!' With newfound greed and motivation, Kin advances into a new world and life!

Stories from different parts of the world, clashing as War unfolds. Outcasts will come together and unfold the secrets of the Gemstones. All as a darker power will infest the world with its nightmarish nature. Will these Outcasts succeed... cathedral

Magical Heritage! The world's most anticipated VR game to ever release! A game so immersive, you'll forget how much time has even passed. Our seven developers have spent long and hard working on this game. They worked tirelessly, years of labor finally about to bear fruit! Obviously some launches are rough, but if things go as they had hoped, they'll be one of the greatest companies in the world. Known as One Level, this company has expanded to all 6 continents, with company buildings being constructed in major areas. On release day however, their game ends up becoming a bit too real. As the game releases, scientists have discovered another universe colliding with our own, essentially fusing with it. Due to this change, the world was thrown into disarray. As this happens, people begin to awaken abilities, there being a variety of them. That wasn't all. Monsters, creatures, other races, and even entire kingdoms began to appear on earth, and the main company buildings began to turn into Towers, structures that can ascend an individual to the next world. With this recent and drastic change, people have no choice but to adapt. Follow our seven developers as they traverse the lands, both old and new and face the challenges of their own game, and even beyond that. Who knows what could lie beyond? As time goes on, the game could just be their new reality.

A 13-year old boy born in a small, weak village, strives against fate. At the brink of death, he merges with the last part of an Ancient Fire Based Creature. With this nigh indisputable treasure, he thrives with ease on the Martial Path to God Realm. The way is rough but his will is tougher. Dauntlessly clashing with royalty, sages, beauties, tricksters and seemingly peerless foes, he remains the dominant heir of the Dragon. This is the path of a Martial Legend.

Emma Carter has always dreamed of turning her family’s quaint bakery into the town’s most beloved spot, but when the bakery is destroyed in a mysterious fire, her dreams crumble overnight. To make matters worse, the person leading the town’s rebuilding efforts is none other than her high school nemesis, Logan Hayes—the new fire chief, and the last person she wants to ask for help. Logan has no love for Emma either. To him, she’s still the spoiled perfectionist who used to mock him for his rough edges. But when suspicions arise that the fire was no accident, Logan and Emma are forced to work together to uncover the truth. As tempers flare and old grudges resurface, so does an undeniable attraction neither of them can deny. But with secrets from the past threatening to destroy their fragile truce, can they let go of their hate long enough to find love?

“These bedchambers have missed your scent.” His voice, low and rough, made her pulse quicken. Her fear surged, boundless, as he closed the stained glass doors behind him. “Please… let me go,” she pleaded, trembling as he pulled her close, his touch burning against her skin. “You fled this place while carrying my child. Why did you come back?” he murmured, his lips trailing down her neck as they had so many times before. “I… don’t know,” she managed, her voice barely a whisper. Luciana Mircea de Amanécer, princess of the Holy Empire that ruled the skies, had once lived in a world of beauty and privilege—a devoted father, joyful sisters, wealth, and a loving fiancé. Yet that life shattered with a single conversation. One day, her father appeared in her chambers, eyes solemn, bearing news that upended her world. “You will be married,” he said, but the name wasn’t that of the man she cherished. Instead, she was to be wed to the ruthless crown prince of the rival Demon Empire, an alliance forged to quell the simmering tensions between their kingdoms. “Father, please…” she begged. “My child,” he murmured, his voice heavy with regret. “It is your duty as the firstborn princess. This marriage will protect the realm… and your little sisters.” For the first time in her life, Luciana saw him bow to her, his plea wordless but clear. Yielding to her father’s desperate request, she accepted her fate. In a single day, she went from princess to wife, her dreams abandoned and her future reshaped. But the white wedding gown was soon stained crimson, marking her descent into a life she could never have anticipated. Could she learn to accept a man for whom compassion was an unfamiliar luxury, or would the love she had left behind rise to rescue her?