Percy Is Betrayed By Everyone And Joins Chaos

“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.

--- Synopsis Angela Vaughn had everything a girl could dream of—an influential family, wealth, beauty, and a prestigious engagement to Bradley Sterling, the heir of a powerful business empire. But in one cruel stroke, the life she had meticulously built crumbled around her. Betrayed by the people she trusted most—her fiancé, her step-sister Lilian, and even her own family—Angela was cast aside like a forgotten memory. Desperate to mend her broken heart, Angela sets out on a path of rediscovery and vengeance. With the Christmas season looming as a backdrop to her turmoil, she finds herself planning the ultimate payback against those who sought to destroy her. But Angela’s journey takes a sharp twist when she crosses paths with Enzo Lorenzo—the enigmatic and feared mafia heir. Known for his cold, calculating mind and dangerous aura, Enzo is a man used to controlling every situation. But Angela’s fiery rebellion sparks an interest he can’t ignore, even as she unwittingly threatens to upend his carefully laid plans. In a world filled with lies, ambition, and hidden agendas, every character has their role to play: Lilian, the conniving step-sister who basks in Angela’s downfall; Brad, the traitorous fiancé now caught in his own web of deceit; Jonas, an FBI agent, a sharp eyed girl, who struggles to understand his sibling’s growing interest in Angela; and the Vaughn family, whose hypocritical attempts to restore their reputation add layers of tension. Amidst the glittering holiday season, Angela’s path crosses with old friends, bitter enemies, and unlikely allies as she claws her way back to the top. But in a game where everyone has something to lose, will her vengeance lead to redemption—or destruction? "Betrayed love" is a tale of betrayal, passion, and empowerment, weaving together love, danger, and the unyielding resolve of a woman who refuses to be broken.

I had it all—until I lost everything. Abandoned by my family, I’ve been forced into hiding in York, the city of a thousand ghosts. A supernatural hub teeming with creatures who could be my people—if I weren’t running from them. The only job I could find was with Jack Grimshaw, a private detective and enforcer for the covens that rule the supernatural world. The very same world I’m desperate to avoid. If I want to survive, I’ll need allies. Friends. Not an easy feat for someone like me. Not with this hunger clawing at me—a relentless urge that puts anyone close to me in danger. It’s the reason my kind are feared. It’s the reason I’m hated. But I don’t have a choice.

Chef of Chaos In a world where magic reigns supreme, one man holds a secret that could reshape everything—and he's hiding it behind an apron. Before his untimely death, he was a tech prodigy, driven by ambition and the desire for ultimate power. His crowning achievement: E.V.E., an AI so advanced it bordered on omnipotence. But when a fatal accident ends his life, he awakens in an unfamiliar realm of magic and monsters—with E.V.E. by his side, reborn as a sentient artifact. Gifted with unimaginable power in this strange new world, he could easily rise to dominate kingdoms and reshape the land. But where's the fun in that? Instead, he chooses a quieter path, disguising himself as an unassuming traveling chef. With a knack for creating dishes that enchant hearts and heal bodies, he sets out to experience life from the shadows. Yet, when disaster strikes—a dragon terrorizing villages, a kingdom on the brink of war, or an ancient evil stirring—the mysterious "Chaos Blade" appears. This shadowy figure, wielding unparalleled strength and cunning, is feared and revered by all. Unbeknownst to anyone, the legendary hero and the humble chef are one and the same. As his culinary journey intertwines with a growing legend, misunderstandings pile up. From curious kings and cunning villains to a mysterious magician who sees through his facade, his quiet life becomes anything but. And as E.V.E. uncovers shocking truths about this magical world, he must decide whether to reveal his true power—or let chaos continue to simmer. "Chef of Chaos" is a thrilling blend of magic, mystery, and mouthwatering meals, served with a generous helping of humor and heart. Will he remain a humble chef, or will the call of power—and the secrets of his AI companion—change his fate forever?

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?

A recurring nightmare afflicted Khan's nights since the Second Impact. His dreams replayed the scenes of the crash of the Nak's spaceship, an alien race that the humans had defeated five hundred years ago. Khan's life had turned upside-down after the tragedy. His mother had died during the incident, and the Nak's toxic mana had infected him. His father had managed to save him, but they ended up losing their home and name in the process. The nightmares wouldn't let Khan forget about the Nak, so he decided to join the Global Army and learn to wield mana. He had to put an end to those dreams, even if that meant hunting down that alien race through the stars. ------------------------------------- Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EoCNovels Instagram: eocnovels Discord link: https://discord.gg/fNsPwXMP7P Cover artist: https://digitalrowye.com/

The Mc reincarnates in a world of magic and adventure as a Leech, follow his adventure in this mysterious and exciting world as he goes from the weakest creature to the shadow being that everyone is afraid of. Will he pursue the path of strength alone? Or without realizing it he will become the king of the greatest empire that ever lived. ----------------------------------------------‐---------------‐-------------------------------------- This is my first story and English is not my native language, I am using Google translator to translate the story for me, I accept opinions and questions in the comments for this week's chapter.-------‐--------‐----------------------------------------------------------------- I intend to make this a long story so all the development of the Mc and the world will be slow for a proper construction, be warned. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I know the first few chapters have some errors, but I've improved my writing as I progressed through the story, after 10 chapters there won't be that many errors. ----------------------‐------------------------------------------------------------------------------‐--‐---- Please vote for the tags. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tags: Male protagonist, non-human protagonist, evolution, adventure, action, harém, fantasy.

[MATURE CONTENT] Abigail Snow accidentally caught her fiancé being intimate with her sister. She learned that her fiancé had only used her to advance his business and had never truly loved her. Heartbroken, Abigail called off the engagement and left everything behind to start a new life with nothing. At her lowest point, she met Sawyer, a hidden tycoon who helped her rebuild her life and seek justice against those who made her suffer. As Abigail begins to fall in love with Sawyer, his childhood sweetheart reappears, causing doubt and confusion for her. *** Excerpt: Whoever this man was, he was her savior. If he hadn’t held her hand and pulled her, she might have become dead meat and gone straight to the afterlife. "Thank you so much, good sir," Abigail said softly as she finally looked up to see him. Abigail was stunned. "But I'm not planning to commit suicide. I tripped over my own feet,” she continued, avoiding eye contact. She stared at his chest—her line of sight only reaching his sturdy chest. “It sounds better to hear that, Miss. Because I don’t want to go to the police station to become a witness, or they might wrongly accuse me as a suspect,” he said with a sarcastic tone that caused Abigail to stifle a laugh. "Sir, I’m so grateful you helped me. You are my savior. I owe you my life—" Abigail paused, taken aback by her own words. How could she make such a deep vow to this man!? This man might take advantage of her if he was a bad person. Right? "Alright, young lady, you’re supposed to release your tight embrace on me. You’re safe now." Abigail was utterly shocked to hear his words. She only realized she was still in his arms, her hands tightly wrapped around his waist, and her entire body pressed against him. They were so close—close enough to hear his loud heartbeat. She quickly took a few steps back. _____ Author Novel: 1. DAMN! I FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM (Completed) 2. The Bride Of Immortal Crown Prince (Completed) 3. Rebirth: Dancing In My Destiny (Completed) 4. The Billionaire's Genius Wife (Completed) 5. Rebirth As The Vampire Lord's Wife (Completed) 6. My Billionaire Ex-Husband Chase Me Back (Completed) 7. Betrayed by Fiance, Embraced by Hidden Tycoon (Serializing) _____ How to contact me: >> Instagram account: authorpurplelight >> FB Page: Author_Purplelight >> Join my Discord Server: https://bit.ly/purplelightserver _____ Notes: The book cover belongs to the author. Please don't reuse it!

Amelia Crescent's life changes for the worse after her father, the alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack, is brutally killed by rogue wolves. Struggling to reclaim her rightful place as alpha, she faces betrayal from the closest beta of her pack, and banishment, leaving her heartbroken and alone. But fate has more surprises in store for Amelia as she discovers her connection to the powerful lycan, Alexander. As love blossoms between them, Amelia finds herself entangled in a twist of love triangles, with Liam, her former mate, vying for her affection as well. But it's never going to be easy. The battle for her heart intensifies as secrets unravel and dark forces threaten their world. With danger lurking at every corner, Amelia's journey takes her through battles, heartaches, and the relentless pursuit of truth. She must prove to all that she's not worthless after all. And all who betrayed her must now pay!

Pregnany Tanin's life falls apart when she experiences betrayal from the two closest people to her. her husband and sister. But when all hope seems to be lost, she gets a second chance. a chance to live again, correcting the mistakes of her past

An ordinary boy from the ruins fights against his fate to break free and save the entire city but he stays trapped between choosing to be a good person or a bad person hated by all. He unfolds the conspiracy behind the chaos that was set to devour the entire city and pulls his best to save the entire city by himself.

Blurb: Freya Kael has spent her life on the edges of the Whiteclaw Pack, orphaned and outsider with no claim to a name or power. Her life has been one of survival, with no family, friends, or purpose. That changes the day she learns her fated mate is none other than Finnick Logan the strong and feared Alpha of the Whiteclaw Pack. Freya’s heart swells with hope, but her world shatters when Finnick openly rejects her, calling her weak and unworthy of his name. Devastated and cast aside, Freya is forced into hiding. But Freya soon finds that her fate has much more in store. Alone and fragile, she finds she holds a secret power, one linked to a famous werewolf family long thought dead. This power could tip the balance of the werewolf world. With rival packs seeking her out and her powers getting stronger, Freya must decide whether to rise to this calling or let her hate for Finnick consume her. As secrets unravel, Finnick finds himself pulled back to Freya, haunted by his past choices and family betrayals. But with a rival pack threatening their survival and an old enemy reawakening, they may have to join despite the pain between them. Can Freya forgive the mate who destroyed her, and can Finnick redeem himself before he loses everything including Freya?

Ayra Miller thought she had it all—Wealth, a loving husband, a loyal best friend, and a promising future. But when betrayal strikes from the two people she trusted the most, her world shatters before her eyes. Poisoned and cast into the sea, Ayra’s life ends in cold despair. Yet, a mysterious ruby ring grants her an extraordinary second chance, sending her six years into the past. Armed with the knowledge of her tragic future, Ayra must fight against the enemies she once believed to be allies and tread cautiously on a path filled with deceit and danger. However, she soon discovers that her actions begin to create a new future—one she cannot control and realizes that the gift of a second life comes with its own dark consequences. Can Ayra fight to overcome her tragic fate, or is history doomed to repeat itself once again?

Betrayed and shattered by the man she trusted most, Abigail is left with nothing but a burning desire for revenge. As she plots her comeback, fate leads her to a mysterious stranger—the world’s most adored yet enigmatic singer, famously known as the Masked Singer. Disguised as a humble cook, he’s hiding from his fame and haunted by a past that no one knows. Captivated by Abigail’s fierce spirit, he steps in, guiding her transformation from heartbreak to Hollywood’s rising star, helping her climb to heights she never dreamed possible. But as their alliance deepens into an undeniable romance, dark secrets linger between them, threatening to unravel everything. What will Abigail do when she uncovers the heartbreaking truth behind the man who helped her reclaim her life? In a world fueled by fame, deception, and hidden scars, can love survive once the masks come off?

Attack!!!!!!!!!!!” the leader screamed. All at once, eight of them rushed on him but fell to the ground lifeless. Carl straightened his face, his aura radiating out, and his eyes were like that of a wild beast hunting a prey at night. The red colour of his eyes shone in the darkness and the rest of the assassins couldn’t move a muscle out of fright. " Carl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Just give up, surrender and come out with your hands up. We have you completely surrounded. Give up and pay the price of your betrayal." Dean shouted. No sound could be heard. There was no fidgeting as they waited. No one moved. Many of them prayed within themselves that he would surrender, so that they would not have to engage in a fight with the Lazy General. Carl's might was well known and many stories exaggerated his conquest. Carl seethed with anger, he never, not even once betrayed the empire. His every battle and every effort was to the betterment of the empire. And here he was being accused falsely. " I must live to find out who is behind all this." He resolved.

In a planet we called earth in year 2020 a catastrophe accured in different parts of the world in which a dimensional rift opened making way for creatures which is called chaos beings to invade our planet killing millions of people along the way. inspite of the world's government successfully defending the planet they still fear the second coming of these invaders. Thus the government formed a secret organization that will one day defeat the chaos beings and they called it Defenders. In year 2030 ten years after the catastrophe that shook the world a teenager named Jhin Kaizaki a survivor of the catastrophe found himself in a peculiar situation wherein he found himself having an ability to see the future.... Follow Kaizaki everyday life as it changes and knows the reason why he can see the future (Picture not mine. but the edit is mine. just saw it on Google. if the original artist saw this. pls tell me so that I can put the credit to you)

The whispers picked up again, louder this time, like they were trying to fill the silence with stories and speculation. “Do you think she’s new?” “I heard she’s a transfer student.” “She doesn’t look like she belongs here.” “Why is Hayden even looking at her?” I clenched my pen tightly, forcing myself to take deep, steady breaths. I didn’t know what was happening or why they had singled me out, but one thing was certain—I was in over my head. When the bell finally rang, I practically bolted out of the classroom, hoping to avoid any more encounters with them. But as I turned the corner, I heard his voice, low and amused. “Leaving so soon?” I froze, my heart thundering in my chest as I turned to see Hayden leaning casually against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. His friends stood a few feet behind him, their expressions varying from curious to downright predatory. Aurora Bennett, a new transfer student at Silver Crest Academy, never expected to become the center of attention. Whispers follow her wherever she goes, especially about Hayden Carter, the school’s most notorious and mysterious student. When their paths cross, Aurora finds herself caught in a dangerous web of intrigue and power. As tensions rise and her place in the school becomes more uncertain, Aurora realizes one truth: getting involved with Hayden and his friends could change her life forever. But will she be able to handle the consequences of standing up to him—or will she regret it?

She was killed because she trusted. Life gave her another chance to live to find that person. Hello, here's the synopsis: Maya was betrayed by her trusted one and was burnt alive! But life gave her another chance to live and find the culprit and the person who betrayed her... But there was a twist, her soul entered into another body and now she has to achieve all her goals by being Raina Mittal! Raina whose life was no better than an orphan. A girl who was abandoned by her family and her own husband who got caught by Raina with his mistress!! Now, Maya was having two goals. First: To find the culprit. Second: To get justice on the behalf of Raina. But as she started living in Raina's body, many problems occured in her way and due to one mistake she fell in the world of the DEVIL himself... ABHINAV THAKUR! Who was having some unfinished business with her. What she will do after getting trapped in his world? What was that 'unfinished buisness' between Abhinav and Maya? Will she able to get out from his trap or the devil will get trapped into his own trap? Find the answers of these questions by reading the story 'A BETRAYED SOUL'. ~~**~~ -Strong Female Lead -Strong Male lead (Yet to come) -a ting of twists and turns -Enemies in the mask of friends -a little bit of humour (Hope it will at least make you smile) -Will try to update daily Be a motivator and motivate me by rating the story, writing your views in the comment section and saving the book in your library. O:-)O:-)

Alurik was a prince of the Kray Empire, when passing the test for magic, it turns out that he has no talent for magic. By the decision of the Emperor, the prince was abdicated from the throne and expelled from the Cray Empire to the academy in the direction of the swordsman. But when passing a simple test of his sword talent, a dormant talent emerges. Which will change his life and the world.

Discord: https://discord.gg/CEztj6Vurv Thomas Blackwood, a brilliant programmer, finds himself at the brink of death, consumed by a debilitating illness. Little does he know that his true journey is about to commence. The story revolves around a man who merges with his advanced AI companion, only to awaken in a mysterious realm. Here, he faces a series of trials set by a powerful entity, bequeathing upon him a unique inheritance. This gift grants him the ability to traverse diverse worlds, each offering unique experiences and challenges. But as he ventures deeper into this multiverse, he grapples with a haunting question: “Was that gift a blessing or a curse?” Thomas Blackwood's odyssey propels him through realms of enchanting magic and realms governed by relentless cultivation. He becomes a knight in one world and harnesses the dark arts of curses in another. "May the dice roll in your favor." **Author's Notes:** - I as the author have employed multiple pen names throughout my journey, including Chaos_Guide, TS Greed, and Slumbering Dragon. - This is a fantasy tale with a morally complex protagonist who does not shy away from embracing the darker aspects of his character. - The story commences in a world devoid of fantasy elements, gradually ascending through the ranks of worlds as the expansive universe unravels. - The narrative truly takes off with the onset of Volume 2, where the first fantasy world unfolds in all its grandeur. Tags: #Villain, #EvilMC, #MatureMC, #LonerMC, #AIChip, #StatusPanel, #Reincarnation, #NoRomance, #NoLovedOnes, #NoFriends, #Dragons, #WorldHopping, #MagicRealms, #Cultivation, #DarkArts, #EpicJourney

Matrhrir, un mundo mágico nacido de los dioses primordiales, era un refugio de vida y armonía, sustentado por una energía esencial conocida como Motu Proprio. Esta fuerza conectaba a todos los seres vivos, permitiéndoles moldear la realidad según su voluntad. Sin embargo, la paz se vio amenazada cuando criaturas del Vacío, una dimensión caótica, comenzaron a invadir Matrhrir, arrasando con todo a su paso. Para defender su creación, los dioses crearon a los Apóstoles, los primeros humanos, bendecidos con habilidades extraordinarias y un vínculo único con el Motu Proprio. Su misión era cerrar los portales del Vacío, proteger la vida y guiar la evolución del mundo. Sin embargo, el Motu no era una energía fácil de dominar. Su voluntad era impredecible y solo aquellos que demostraban un entendimiento profundo de la vida y la voluntad de Matrhrir podían acceder a su poder. Cuando las criaturas del Vacío atacaron, los Apóstoles lucharon en una batalla brutal por la supervivencia de Matrhrir. Cada enfrentamiento era una prueba de sacrificio y resistencia, y aunque las fuerzas del Vacío corrompieron el Motu en su contra, los Apóstoles lograron sellar los portales y expulsar a los invasores, aunque a un alto costo: muchos murieron, y el mundo quedó marcado por cicatrices irreparables. La batalla, conocida como la Gran Guerra del Año Estoico 0, dejó a Matrhrir en ruinas, pero también transformó la energía del Motu Proprio. La energía liberada durante la guerra permitió que todos los seres vivos de Matrhrir, no solo los Apóstoles, pudieran acceder a la fuerza del Motu. Las criaturas mutaron y nuevas razas nacieron, adaptándose a la nueva realidad del mundo. Con el Motu Proprio extendido, Matrhrir entró en una nueva era. Aunque el legado de los Apóstoles perduró, el Motu se convirtió en una fuerza accesible para todos, permitiendo que quienes demostraran ser dignos pudieran utilizarlo.

In a world shrouded in shadows, a young, ordinary boy named Axel discovers an extraordinary destiny. A world of ancient secrets, forbidden knowledge, and terrifying creatures, it's a place where reality is a fragile illusion "Darkness is the absence of light, not an element in itself," he was told, but he created it nonetheless. With Anya by his side, he vows "You and me against the world," as they embark on a quest to become the greatest elementalist the world has ever known. Witness the journey of a monarch in the making NOTE:"As we embark on this journey to write "Elemental Chaos", we invite you to visit the original story and share your valuable insights. Your feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the future of this tale. By taking the time to read and provide your thoughts, you'll be an integral part of this creative process. Let's work together to create a truly extraordinary reading experience"

In a world where the boundaries between heaven and hell are blurred, an ancient celestial war has left deep scars. The giants, descendants of the fallen angels, are sealed within massive monuments, their powers dormant for centuries. But when the mystical seals that hold them in place break, a horde of ancient creatures, born from the shadows, ravages the Earth, plunging humanity into unprecedented chaos. Amid this catastrophe, a small group of survivors, guided by mysterious forces, fights to preserve balance. As supernatural creatures wreak havoc, the line between good and evil becomes increasingly blurred. The protagonists must confront devastating moral dilemmas, question their beliefs, and face impossible choices. Meanwhile, Lucifer and his legions, freed by the chaos, weave their own plots, seeking to manipulate events for their own gain. But are they truly the villains, or victims of a divine game far more complex than anyone could imagine? As the fate of mankind, angels, and demons seems sealed, unexpected revelations emerge, and a truth far greater than humanity could have ever imagined may forever alter the course of history.

when xiao mei opens her eyes she found herself in a novel as a same name as canon fodder.she decided to change her fate by staying away from main characters. As time passes by why all relatives looking me so affectionately, don't they hate me . A rich young master : "xiao xiao ,can you give me your little attention ". mei mei's brothers: " get lost " citizens: looks like young master have a long way to chase his wife mei mei 's brothers: of course (laugh sinisterly)

In the heart of the empire, House Velcraven stood as a legend of power, feared for their dark blood magic and ruthless might. Their name was synonymous with strength, their red eyes a mark of nobility, and their rituals a gateway to unearthly force. At the center of their bloodline was Katherine, the youngest heir, born under a prophecy that declared her the future of her house. Her birth was marked by tragedy: her mother perished in childbirth, a sign of strength according to Velcraven tradition, for to kill in birth was to claim dominion. Yet this triumph was short-lived. When Katherine completed her Rite of Passage—drinking the blood of her ancestors—she gained the power of twenty men, but at a price: her very life would now depend on the blood she drained from others. No longer could she live in peace; she must feed or succumb to death. But the day of her ascension brought more than just power. She began seeing visions—cryptic whispers from the past, a woman shrouded in shadows, who seemed to be her long-dead ancestor. The woman shows her a vision of destruction, and of a war that would tear her house apart. Before Katherine could warn her family, the great houses of the empire, in league with the emperor himself, set their treacherous scheme in motion. Stormhold, the Velcraven ancestral castle, was engulfed in flames. Her father, seeing her gift as a sign of ancient power, managed to send Katherine away in secret, safeguarding the last hope of the Velcraven bloodline. But her family stayed behind to face the slaughter, their names lost to the ravages of war. Alone in a foreign land, Katherine must learn to survive, to feed, and to rebuild her house to its former glory. The blood of her ancestors courses through her veins, guiding her path as she seeks vengeance against the cowardly houses that betrayed her—and the emperor who plotted her house’s downfall. With visions haunting her every step and the weight of her lineage upon her shoulders, Katherine will carve her way through a world that knows nothing of House Velcraven and everything of its wrath.