Gild

Zein war ein abtrünniger Fremdenführer, der im gottverlassenen Land der roten Zone lebte und als Führer für Geld und Überleben sorgte. Bis die Gilde, für die er gearbeitet hatte, eine Tragödie verursachte. Von Trauer und Schuldgefühlen geplagt, wurde Zein ein Söldnerführer im Grenzland zur verbotenen Todeszone und arbeitete wie ein selbstmörderischer Mönch. Eines Tages tauchte plötzlich ein anmaßender Esper auf und sagte zu ihm: "Wenn du so wild auf den Tod bist, warum kommst du dann nicht mit mir in die Todeszone?" Ein seltsamer Vorschlag, ein nostalgisches Grinsen. Hatte Zein ihn tatsächlich schon einmal getroffen? Wird Zein, der dem Mann in die Todeszone folgt, dort die ersehnte Ruhe finden oder wird er von einem Sturm verschlungen? Aber so etwas wie Liebe gibt es in der Todeszone nicht... oder doch? * * * Die Geschichte spielt in einem Sentinel-Versum, also wird es sie geben: - Sentinel (Esper) und Guide - Kerker! - Romanze - Handlung - ...Schweinereien? ;) Es ist eine (Art) Liebesgeschichte, verpackt in Dungeon-System Blödsinn, mit Fähigkeiten und Action und was nicht alles

Having spent her childhood confined in chains, Alice was a child who knew neither love nor joy. Scorned by her family while being tortured in the name of the greater good for years, she grew numb to all feeling and thought. That is, until one day, a man in black offered her a chance to escape. There were once rumours widespread of an endless hell, a land of glorious death and dreadful opportunity. Fools went in search of it, and the clever never ventured into it. Only when its baleful mysteries spilled unto the earth did all hear its name — the Abyss. A single drop of its blood could give someone the power to control shadows, move faster than sound, or strength greater than the strongest man. Yet, it all came at a cost; the blood would always make sure those who consumed it became part of the Abyss, with one exception — Alice. Cast away by her own blood, it was her destiny to rot in a gilded cage. But, that fateful day changed everything. Gifted a second chance at life, a chance to turn her life around and claim vengeance against her family, a chance to dive deep into the Abyss and gain the power to govern her own fate, Alice took his hand, unaware of the destiny unfolding before her. Discord: https://discord.gg/vrdTSkj8Va Author Notes: This is my third book, going to take what I learned from before to improve. This book will be focusing on plot, action, depths of character bonds and overall a darker tone/take on this cruel fantasy world I've cooked up for this book! If you give this book a try, I hope you enjoy! A very different experience and tone to Nanomancer Reborn.

Ludwig Heart, the heir to a vast fortune and a life of luxury, craves only one thing: freedom from his gilded cage. But when a plane crash catapults him into a world of magic and danger, he awakens not as the hero he dreamed of, but as a victim in a twisted ritual. Trapped between the ambitions of dark necromancers and the wrath of vengeful gods, Ludwig must navigate a deadly new reality where his life is no longer his own. Stripped of privilege and resurrected as an undead pawn, Ludwig’s fight for survival will determine whether he reclaims his destiny—or becomes a mere footnote in a world of shadows and deceit.

In a world divided by power and blood, love is the deadliest game of all. Princess Seraphina has spent her life trapped within the gilded walls of royalty, a pawn in political alliances she never agreed to. Desperate for freedom, she dreams of a life beyond the throne—until one fateful night changes everything. Lorenzo De Luca, the infamous mafia heir, is a shadow feared by kings and criminals alike. Ruthless, enigmatic, and cold, he lives by one rule: loyalty above all.

The Peony Pavilion In a world where beauty and tradition reign, Lin Xiaohua is the obedient daughter of a noble family, her future carefully arranged to secure her family’s honor. Bound to a loveless betrothal with the ruthless General Wang, Xiaohua finds herself yearning for more than duty and appearances—a yearning for freedom, passion, and the chance to follow her own heart. When an enchanting encounter with a mysterious stranger at the lantern festival sparks a longing she cannot ignore, Xiaohua’s carefully structured life begins to unravel. His piercing blue eyes promise a life of possibilities, yet their connection remains as fleeting as the light of a lantern drifting into the night. As Xiaohua grapples with her duties and her dreams, the shadows of imperial politics and her fiancé’s dangerous cruelty loom ever larger. With her younger brother Jingwei offering innocent joy and the love of family, Xiaohua must decide whether to risk everything to defy the fate imposed on her—or resign herself to a gilded cage. A tale of love, sacrifice, and resilience, The Peony Pavilion is a poignant journey through the beauty and cruelty of a world where one woman dares to challenge her destiny.

Trapped by a generations-old marriage alliance, Princess Yetsune yearns to break free from her gilded cage. Her dream of freedom turns into a nightmare when she makes the reckless decision to embark on an escapade to the kingdom she is betrothed to and falls into a tangled web of forbidden love, political deceit and betrayal. Disguised as a commoner, a chance encounter with Callan, the Empress’s brother brings about a love at first sight that soon turns into a passionate romance. Clinging onto Callan, Yetsune decides to go against her destiny and escape the marriage alliance. But when deceit and betrayal entangles her with the Imperial Princes, she becomes a pawn in a dangerous game of power and influence. With her identity exposed too soon and factions vying for her hand and the power it brings, Yetsune's plan spins out of control. Though her heart belongs to Callan, Yetsune is forced into a marriage of convenience with the Third Prince. Their marriage as well as the military power the Third Prince yields spins her into a web of schemes to obtain the throne. Yetsune must navigate a treacherous path in a court swarming with deceit, betrayals, obsession and romance. Can she reunite with her first love or will she embrace this dangerous marriage with the Third Prince? I will be updating every day so please add to your library for steady updates. The cover is not mine but edited by me.

[discontinued] Morana Yin was a once legend. A ruthless assassin, a figure shrouded in myth and legend until she was betrayed by the person she trusted the most, leading to her gruesome death. But fate has other plans, granting her a second chance in the body of Vesna Xiao, the illegitimate daughter of the Xiao familia. Trapped in a life that bears no resemblance to her own, she must confront the ghosts that haunt her past and the demons that lurk in her present. In a world of gilded cages and veiled threats, where every smile hides a dagger, every friend a hidden foe, her new face becomes her mask, the youthful innocence becomes her shield hiding the soul of a hardened killer hungering for vengeance. --------- Ziyan Luo was a rising star, a brilliant businessman, and an heir to the capital's most influential family until one accident that left him blind during the day and haunted by nightmares at night, leading him to retreat from the world. But when fate throws Ziyan into Vesna's path, spark ignites in the shadows. Vesna becomes the first flicker of desire in Ziyan's isolated world. He wants her and makes no secret of it. Avoiding him isn't an option he offers and he's determined to prove to her she's worth every ounce of effort he's going to put into winning her heart

"When desperate circumstances force Jiang Nian to sell herself as a fake fiancée to wealthy businessman Li Zhiqiang, she expects a life of luxury and ease. But as she navigates the treacherous waters of Li Zhiqiang's family and business dealings, Jiang Nian realizes that her new role comes with a steep price. As she struggles to maintain the illusion of a perfect engagement, Jiang Nian finds herself drawn to Li Zhiqiang's enigmatic younger brother, Li Zhiyuan. But with her fake fiancé's true intentions shrouded in mystery, and her own heart torn between duty and desire, Jiang Nian must confront the darkest secrets of the Li family and decide how far she's willing to go to protect herself and those she loves. Will Jiang Nian be able to escape the gilded cage of her fake engagement, or will she become the latest casualty of the Li family's ruthless pursuit of power and wealth?"

Trapped in an abusive marriage in London, Summer's life is a gilded prison—until a violent neighborhood murder reveals her husband’s sinister secrets. When a notorious gangster from her past reappears, he offers her protection and a way out, but his shadowy world only deepens her peril. As she uncovers a web of crime and betrayal, she must risk everything to break free. Torn between love, fear, and survival, she faces a dangerous path where every choice could cost her dearly. Can she reclaim her life, or will the shadows of her past consume her forever?

Calla, the eldest daughter of a powerful but oppressive royal family, has lived her life confined within the palace's gilded walls. Known for her delicate beauty, she's treated like a rare flower—admired but controlled. But beneath her serene exterior, Calla harbors a growing desire for freedom and power, which she finds in the palace's secret garden. When a rebellion threatens the kingdom and long-buried family secrets begin to surface, Calla uncovers a dark legacy tied to an ancient curse. As she navigates the dangerous world of court politics, she faces a choice: remain the fragile, ornamental princess the kingdom expects—or defy the throne and blossom into the ruler she was always meant to be. In a realm where beauty is both a gift and a prison, will Calla bloom into something stronger, or will she wither under the weight of her crown?

"Die Menschheit war schon immer von ihrer Neugier getrieben. Egal ob an Land, zu Wasser oder in der Luft. Wir fanden immer einen Weg, nach Neuem zu suchen. Allerdings gibt es Dinge, die man nicht anrühren sollte. Mächte und Wissen, für die wir noch nicht bereit waren. Und ohne dass wir die Folgen kannten, forschten wir weiter. Immer tiefer, weiter - in alle Himmelsrichtungen. Und dann passierte es. Wir hatten SIE auf uns Aufmerksam gemacht. Wer SIE waren, wissen wir nicht. Was wir bald kennenlernen sollten, waren die Folgen. " "Herz Der Helden" - Eine Gilde welche es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht hat die Kräfte vieler zu vereinen und gemeinsam für das Wohl der Überlebenden zu kämpfen. Begleite ihre Abenteuer in dieser Geschichte.

Thrown into the world of her favorite novel, The Crown's Shadow, a modern girl wakes up as Lady Anastasia Valemont, the infamous villainess doomed to a tragic end. Determined to rewrite her destiny, she must navigate shifting alliances, a treacherous family dynamic, and a fiancé whose sudden warmth leaves her questioning everything. As secrets from the past resurface and the lines between friend and foe blur, Anastasia learns that survival in this gilded cage requires more than wit—it demands courage, sacrifice, and perhaps even love.

Born into a life of luxury and secrecy, Henry has always been confined to his father's estate, trained by elite tutors and mysterious figures like the beautiful and deadly Layla. But Henry yearns for freedom and adventure beyond the gilded cage. When his father announces that it's time for Henry to attend school, his life is turned upside down. As he navigates the challenges of the real world, Henry discovers hidden abilities tied to an ancient power that his father had hinted at. However, Henry soon learns that his world is inhabited by mythical creatures, some of which pose a threat to human safety. As he develops his powers, Henry must battle these creatures to protect himself and those around him. But Henry's greatest challenge lies ahead: breaking the curse that has haunted his family for generations. With the help of his allies and his own growing strength, Henry must confront the darkness of his family's past and shatter the curse that has held them back. On a more personal note, Henry has already set his sights on building a harem of strong, beautiful women who will stand by his side as he navigates the dangers of his world. With his charisma, strength, and determination, Henry is confident that he can win the hearts of those he desires and build a loyal following of devoted allies.

The glittering world of wealth and crime collide as Liliana Russo, an innocent, pure, and fragile soul but a fierce, defiant, and independent person, an heiress trapped in the shadows of her family's sprawling criminal empire, longs for an escape from the cold, gilded life she's forced to lead. Scarred by betrayal and bound by blood, she has learned that in her world, trust is as dangerous as love. Enter Dante Moretti, his name is synonymous with fear throughout the city's elite. Ruthless, calculating, untouchable, cruel and cold hearted, the Mafia prince with an icy calm navigates the underworld, ruling it with an iron fist. But when their respective worlds collide, sparks fly, and what began as a volatile attraction quickly spirals into a forbidden passion. Dante's charismatic presence brings forth a fire within Liliana that she had never experienced and was forbidden to; whereas her innocence, defiance, and wildness call to him in desire and in intrigue, he finds that she challenges his coldness and detachment in ways that shake his very rigid control. As the dangerous attraction continues to intensify, Liliana is thrust into a world of secrets being deadly, fragile alliances, and enemies around every corner. The distinction between love and destruction grows increasingly fuzzy as their decisions bring them closer to the precipice of betrayal that might be their undoing. In a city where danger and desire walk hand-in-hand, Liliana and Dante must navigate a labyrinth of passion and peril, but the cost of their love may be their very lives. ______________________ Please support me, this is my first time writing a novel. I'll try to post at least 1 chapter a day.

Jack Alfonso wasn’t born into a life of poverty. He was borninto a gilded cage, a prison of wealth and expectation wherehis own desires were suffocated beneath the weight of hisfamily’s legacy. He escaped, not with riches, but with aburning resentment and a meager amount of cash – enoughfor a small grocery store in the vibrant, yet treacherous,Inchoate City. What he didn't know was that his first salewould ignite a system unlike any other, a LitRPG-stylereality bender known as the "Hundred Times IncomeMultiplier." Every legitimate dollar earned would beamplified a hundredfold, showering him with instant wealth,luxury beyond his wildest dreams, and the attention of bothallies and enemies. This isn’t your typical rags-to-richesstory; it's a twisted fairytale where the prince isn't charmingand the happily ever after is replaced by a relentless pursuitof revenge. Guided by a cryptic AI named Angel, Jacknavigates the complex rules of the system, expands hisbusiness empire, and plots his elaborate campaign against hisfamily. But the system isn’t just a path to wealth; it’s adouble-edged sword, constantly testing his limits and forcinghim to make morally ambiguous choices. Prepare yourselffor a whirlwind of high-speed chases, business deals gonewrong, and encounters with the city's enigmatic underworld.The stakes are high, the consequences are severe, and thepath to vengeance is paved with luxury and a whole lot ofdanger. This is Jack Alfonso’s story; a story of ambition,betrayal, and the intoxicating power of a system that canmake or break you in the blink of an eye.

In the sprawling metropolis of Shanghai, where ancient pagodas sit beside glass skyscrapers, two lives intertwine in the relentless pursuit of success and belonging. Liu Wen, a young woman from a modest town, arrives in the city with nothing but a dream and her tenacious work ethic. Working tirelessly in a high-rise office by day and studying for her business degree by night, she aims to prove that success can be built brick by brick. Yet, the weight of urban life and the allure of easy shortcuts constantly test her spirit. On the other side of the city, Chen Kai, heir to a growing tech empire, navigates the gilded traps of wealth. His ambition has always been to prove his worth beyond his family's name, but the glitter of the city often blinds him to life’s true values. Burdened by expectations and hungry for connection, he yearns for love that transcends social status. Their paths collide in an unexpected moment—a night when city lights blur, and strangers become confidants. Through late-night conversations in hidden cafés and chance meetings in crowded subway cars, they discover a shared dream of something more profound than money and fame. Will their love survive the trials of ambition and the ever-turning wheels of the urban jungle? And can they reconcile their differing worlds to build a future together, or will the city swallow them whole, as it has countless others?

In the sprawling expanse of a realm draped in the tapestries of magic and mystery, where empires rise and fall like echoes in time, a singular figure emerges from the annals of history – Emperor Alaric, the enigmatic sovereign whose destiny intertwines with the fate of an entire world. As shadows of intrigue dance upon the gilded halls of power, the Imperial Realm stands at the precipice of unprecedented challenges ~40 years back~ Once, the Imperial Throne bore the weight of another, a wise and formidable ruler whose exploits echoed through time. The previous emperor, a figure of both reverence and mystery, had navigated the intricacies of a world enchanted and treacherous. His legacy, a delicate tapestry of triumphs and enigmas, now shapes the destiny of his progeny. As the realm braces for the challenges of a new era, delve into the enigmatic history of the imperial lineage. Explore the secrets concealed in the halls of power, and witness the indelible mark left by the previous emperor on the very fabric of the Imperial Realm. "The Sovereign's Enigma" unveils a saga where the past casts a long shadow over the present, and the enigma of a father's reign sets the stage for a new emperor's destiny. ~ Inspired by "Reincarnated as an Emperor ~ Will the Emperor at Birth Survive?" by Maseki Katasa~ On Hiatus for next 3 months. Will be back by August 2024. Got into accident....

Prologue I always hated my life. Bland, uninspired, a loop of mediocrity. My mornings started with the sound of a cheap alarm clock and ended with sleepless nights haunted by dreams of a better life—dreams that never came true. Life was cruel, unfair, and unrelenting. But even in my wildest nightmares, I never imagined that dying would be my gateway to something worse. When I opened my eyes again, I wasn’t in the comfort of my dingy apartment. No peeling wallpaper. No stack of ramen cups piled up on the table. Just a cold, cavernous room dripping with opulence, the kind only an aristocrat could afford. At first, I thought it was a lucid dream or some twisted afterlife. Then, I caught my reflection in a massive gilded mirror. Long, dark hair. Sharp features with an almost cruel beauty. Eyes that radiated arrogance and menace. I knew that face. Anyone who played "The Princess is in love with me" knew that face. Killian Nux, the Major Antagonist of the story, destined to be defeated by the plucky protagonist and his harem of magical misfits. He wasn’t just a villain—he was the villain. The one everyone loved to hate. And now... I was him. Great. Just great. If reincarnation was supposed to give me a second chance, someone really screwed up. I didn’t just end up in a fantasy world; I landed right in the middle of a sadistic dating sim known for its brutal difficulty and relentless drama. In the game, Killian Nux wasn’t just a spoiled noble. He was a monster. An overpowered, sadistic tyrant feared and hated by everyone. His fall was as inevitable as the sunrise. By the end of the story, his power, his pride, his very existence was crushed under the protagonist’s boot. If I didn’t want to meet the same fate, I needed to change everything. But fate had other plans. To survive in this world, I had to attend the Olympus Academy, the melting pot of heroes, heroines, villains, and victims. The place where the story began. The place where Killian's path to ruin was set in stone. And it gets better—or worse. Because walking into that academy means meeting him. The Protagonist. That righteous, golden-haired beacon of hope destined to unite everyone against me. Along with him come the Main Heroines—the princess, the knight, the healer, the mage—and even the Villainess, the one character I might have been able to rely on if Edward hadn’t been such a bastard to her in the original game. So what am I supposed to do? Watch the Protagonist steal the spotlight, woo every girl in sight, and forge his path to glory? No. I’m not playing by the game’s script. If I’m destined to be the villain, then so be it. But I won’t go down quietly. If Killian Nux is supposed to fall, he’ll do so as the strongest, most feared villain this world has ever seen. After all, if I’m going to live in this hellhole of a game, I might as well make it my story.

Waking up from a coma, Prince Shantanu finds himself back in a world teetering on the edge of cosmic conflict. Reincarnated with memories from a life he barely understands, he navigates the gilded halls of Astradhal, where gods, demons, and ancient powers stir in the shadows. Gifted with a knack for deception, Shantanu uncovers secrets that bind him to an ancient prophecy—one that could either save his kingdom or plunge it into chaos. As God himself intervenes, leading a demon through realms of illusion, Shantanu must decide whether he’s merely a pawn or the key to a world reshaped by fate.

|Cover image generated by me!| |Shout-out to Forteller for this amazing book cover!| [ WARNING: MATURE CONTENT, GORE] Bianca has spent her life trapped. Born into a wealthy family, she was treated more like an object than a daughter by her father. When she finally became aware of his betrayal, a fire ignited within her. Revenge became her sole purpose. For years, Bianca honed her skills, learning everything she could about the world beyond her gilded cage and cultivated a persona of elegant indifference. Finally, she felt prepared to strike. Her target: The Selvaggio Mafia family. More specifically, Achille Selvaggio, the ruthless underboss known as "The Beast in human flesh." Achille, a man as feared as he is respected, holds the key to Bianca's revenge. But getting close to him will be a dangerous gamble. Bianca hatches a daring plan. She will make Achille an offer he can't refuse - a proposal so shocking, so audacious, that it will force him to confront his own demons. A proposal that will change their lives forever.

*WARNING!!!* EXTREME LEVELS OF CULTURE!! *Lemons? - In excess!!!* *V's? - Of course yes!!* *Plot? - Divine!! ******** According to Elven tradition, every firstborn prince, upon his 18th birthday, would become husband to seven elven goddesses in exchange for blessing the land of Sylvandar with abundance. And so the cycle continued, each generation bound by an ancient promise, a marriage of duty rather than desire. That is, until the sixteenth king of Sylvandar threatened to break the cycle. Refusing to wed his only son to 'some depraved goddesses of old,' he locked the prince away in a tower right from birth. It was gilded and golden and extravagant, but it was always a cage. ___ Locked away, Ashen's fantasies of a goddess started one night, and he had an instant obsession for the goddess in his dreams. She was built like a temptress would be. She was lithe, like a reed by a calm stream. He didn't know why, but he instantly trusted this goddess. As soon as he saw her, some magic took hold of him. "Are you here to claim me?" "Your father has given you to us." "How did he give me to you? What does that mean?" "You should not fear me," She said softly, instead of answering. She held up her hand when Ashen opened his mouth, shaking her head and cutting him off. "No harm will ever come to you." The king had arrived home that night, and he was yelling, screaming. "Where is he? Where is my son!" The doorknob rattled, and the goddess could smell his fear on the other side. It was something to make her grin with pleasure. She waited for the king to kick through the door and burst the lock free, let him see her holding Ashen, let him take in the view of his son lost to tradition. "The elven tradition has been fulfilled, King Galahad," she said lightly. The shout of horrified despair was music to her ears when she willed Ashen and herself home together. ___ But as it turned out, Ashen had spent all his life in a tower and lacked the makings of a husband. To be deserving of seven beautiful elven goddesses, he had to be stripped of all innocence. And so he was kicked down the infinite corridor of carnal delight. Within this corridor, every step is a leap across universes, every breath, a taste of air from a thousand different worlds. To those who dare to tread its paths, it offers glimpses of erotic lives unlived and kinky fates unwritten. But also, those already lived and fates set in stone. It is a tapestry of many existence that span the breadth of all the 'kink' that is, was, and will be. And so, Ashen journeys down the infinite corridor of carnal delight into the erotic lives of others in order to be stripped of his innocence and become a husband deserving of his beautiful wives-to-be. ******** #No NTR *WARNING!!!* *WRITTEN BY A DEGENERATE!!!* THIS BOOK WILL CONTAIN R18 SCENES, VULGAR WORLDS, SOME INSTANCES OF ABUSE AND A WHOLE LOT. IF THIS IS NOT YOUR CUP OF TEA, I STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU AVOID IT. OTHERWISE, ENJOY!!!... DISCLAIMER: COVER ISN'T MINE.

The kingdom of Aethel shimmers under the midday sun, its opulent castle a testament to the legacy of its rulers. At the heart of this gilded fortress resides Princess Anya, a young woman sculpted into the epitome of royal perfection. From a young age, Anya's smile has been practiced to radiant precision, her every action a display of unwavering obedience. Yet, beneath the flawless facade, a flickering flame of curiosity and longing tugs at her heart, a yearning for a life beyond the carefully choreographed existence she's been forced to accept. Anya's world is upended when her father, the King, announces her arranged marriage to Prince Darius of a neighboring kingdom. Anya accepts the news with her characteristic poise, but a thrill of anticipation and unease settles over her. A new kingdom, a new life – perhaps it holds the chance for something more than just duty. However, as Anya and Darius embark on their journey to his domain, the prince's charming facade begins to crack, revealing a colder, more calculating man beneath. The veneer of a loving marriage crumbles faster than a sandcastle in a storm. Darius's indifference morphs into a calculated cruelty that thrives on Anya's silence. He revels in subtle jabs and public humiliations, chipping away at Anya's spirit with each barb. Yet, through it all, Anya remains the picture of stoicism, her smile a weapon against the emotional warfare that has become her waking life. Tragedy strikes when Anya discovers she is pregnant, a glimmer of hope in the darkness of her marriage. But this hope is shattered when she suffers a devastating miscarriage, one that is revealed to be the result of a calculated act of poison. Anya's grief is compounded by the betrayal, as she learns that Darius, with his mistress Esme, orchestrated the loss of her child. The death of Anya's unborn child marks the end of the obedient princess and the birth of a woman hardened by betrayal and determined to seek justice. Anya begins to shed her role as a passive observer, educating herself in the ways of court politics and forging alliances with disgruntled nobles. Her transformation is aided by the arrival of Princess Genevieve, Darius's younger sister, who proves to be an unexpected ally in Anya's quest for vengeance. As Anya and Genevieve's bond deepens, they hatch a daring plan to expose Darius's cruelty and corruption. During a grand celebratory feast, Anya and Genevieve orchestrate a series of revelations that shatter Darius's carefully constructed image. #Yuri #Princess #betrayl #love #heartbreak #romance #cute #lovelife #lovestory #relationship #commitment

Eve Windsor had suffered the heartbreak of two miscarriages in her three years of marriage with her cheating husband- Nathan Hathorne. Her loveless marriage led her to file a divorce after 3 years but her husband refused to sign it. Instead, he told her the truth behind their marriage that only shattered her heart. So, Eve decided to take on a solo trip to her hometown, not knowing a dark gaze was following her all along. Vincent Marotti. Heir to the notorious Marotti Empire, Vincent is a man trained to thrive in a world of darkness and deceit. What happens when her supposed solo trip turns into a sexiest, steamiest one night stand with him and she later discovers being pregnant with his child? As her heart begins to open once again, she faces the most difficult choice: to stay trapped in the gilded cage of her broken marriage, or risk everything for a future with Vincent—knowing full well that she could lose more than just her heart. In a world teeming with high-stakes power, betrayal, and deception, the most dangerous game is falling in love with the wrong man. But what if the wrong man feels like the only one who’s ever been right?

Evelyn Clarke is living in a gilded cage. As the daughter of a wealthy businessman, she has never experienced life like ordinary people-and it's not all it's cracked up to be. When her old-fashioned father arranges her marriage to the cold and brooding Kaleb Blackwell, Evelyn's life spins further out of her control. But then Kaleb offers her a deal for a price she can't refuse: her freedom. Except, everything is not as simple as she thought. Will Evelyn learn to fight for her way, or never escape the cruel clutch of patriarchy that has shaped her life? *** I do not own the cover image, sourced from Pinterest.

Angel thought the world would be hers to explore when she turned twenty. She can finally be free from the gilded cage her overprotective father built for her. But she was mistaken! Her 20th birthday marked the day she lost everything, including the freedom she so desperately craved. It was the day she fell into the hands of her father's enemy, to atone for his sins. Leoric has meticulously planned his revenge for many years. When that day came, he thought he had everything under control. The man who killed his father was behind bars, and the empire he painstakingly built fell into his hands ... including his only daughter. He planned to force his new bride to entertain his friends on their wedding night. That should force her to a status lower than an escort, which should humiliate her and shame her father. That should usher her into hell. His perfect plan of revenge was ruined by a mysterious mishap. They found themselves stranded in a desert in an unfamiliar world after their yacht was sucked into a vortex. Later, they discovered that they were in a parallel universe ruled by dark forces. The only way to return is to offer a tribute to the country's supreme leader—a virgin bride! Where would they get a virgin? Wait, isn't Angel a virgin? As Leoric and his companions traveled across the treacherous landscapes of the enigmatic Astralis, he found himself falling for his wife, who seemed to have transformed after falling into the sea on their wedding night. On a starry night on top of the peak of Mount Anabu, Leoric gazed tenderly at his wife, who looked ethereal, radiated a mystical aura, and whispered... "To hell with the supreme leader and going back. You can only be mine! Let us rule Astralis!"

When sassy, street-smart Amber from Chicago's roughest neighborhood finds herself transmigrated into Song Yanyan's curvy form, she's in for a rude awakening. Trapped in the gilded cage of Wuhan's snobby elite society, Amber must quickly adapt her gangster wit and tough spirit to this new, foreign world. However, Amber is no wilting flower. With her brave hood mentality and sharp tongue, she turns Master Wu's mission upside down. As she unravels the dark secrets behind her new identity, Amber goes toe-to-toe with the arrogant young master, their flames of rivalry soon sparking an unexpected passion. In this world of decadence and deceit, Amber must fight to replace Song Yanyan's meek persona with her bold, unapologetic flair. From intense clashes to wild romantic entanglements, she'll deliver scorching face-slaps to any who dare underestimate the transmigrated hood princess. Brimming with drama, action, laughter, and jaw-dropping revelations, one thing is certain - Master Wu's wife is no shrinking violet. Can this fish-out-of-water hood princess rise as the elite world's feistiest new queen?

Gwendolyn Breckenridge, a precious daughter of noble family from Brovodian Kingdom, wakes up to a terrifying dream come true. Injured and trapped in a carriage, she's carted away to a strange land. The awful truth hits her: she's being sold as a slave. Betrayed by both her lover and trusted handmaiden, with her parents missing in the midst of the chaos engulfing her family, she is plunged into despair. Stripped of her wealth and status, she is left to deal with a harsh reality where her once-gilded life is now in tatters. After a series of torments, she landed in a shadowland called Sotreapis Kingdom – a place she's never even heard of. One terrifying fact becomes clear: in the shadow Kingdom of Sotreapis, a cruel king named Malgarius captures beautiful women only to kill them. But he finds himself inexplicably drawn to Gwendolyn's spirit and resilience despite their different realm. Despite the danger, a forbidden attraction blossoms between them. Now, she is trapped in this deadly game, surrounded by danger and unsure of who to trust – a ruthless king captivated by her, a court teeming with suspicion, and the ever-present threat of those who wish to silence her. Can she use this unexpected turn of events to not only clear her name and find her family, but perhaps even rewrite the deadly fate awaiting her in Sotreapis? Can Gwendolyn overcome the betrayal that shattered her life? And most importantly, can she survive the clutches of a murderous king in a foreign land or fell deeper into his honey trap? *** [Disclaimer: This book is a mature content as it has some intimate and passionate scenes that explore the romantic relationships between characters. Even though these scenes are significant to the story and the characters, it is important to note that they are shown in a tasteful way and are not meant to be detailed or unnecessary. This book is mostly about the mental journeys of the characters and the problems they have to deal with. Those who might be sensitive to this kind of material should read it with care, and it is best for mature readers] This story is purely a work of fiction and is the product of the author's imagination. Some names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental. Your supports in power stones, gifts and golden tickets as well as some reviews are highly appreciated. Thank you. @Cover design and all character images by the author with AI generated image. Find me in IG @Karensiarose Discord @Karensia

The Lockwood mansion was a gilded cage. Marble floors and crystal chandeliers couldn’t mask the suffocating weight of expectations. Zane sat in his dark room, the quiet hum of his guitar the only sound in the vast emptiness. He was born into a life of privilege, destined for medical school or a corporate throne. But that world felt cold and hollow. His heart beat to a different rhythm—the pulse of a guitar, the rush of a stage, the freedom of music. Yet in this family, music was nothing more than a childish hobby, a distraction from the "real future" they had planned for him. Every note he played felt like rebellion, but the walls around him only closed in tighter. Soon, he would have to choose: the life they wanted for him, or the life he dreamed of. But in the Lockwoods household, dreams were meant to be sacrificed.

In a world where crowns weigh heavy and alliances are forged in gilded cages, two royals dare to play a dangerous game of deception. Princess Lyra of Aurell never aspired to the throne, but with her kingdom on the brink of invasion, she dons the identity of her cousin, Crown Princess Aria. Her mission: infiltrate the court of Tarragon as a potential concubine and save her people from war. King Caiden of Tarragon has worn the crown since boyhood, each year etching lines of distrust into his heart. Weary of political schemes and fearing for his life, he sheds his royal robes to masquerade as his own bodyguard during the concubine selection. As "Aria" and "Roran," Lyra and Caiden find in each other an unexpected confidant, their growing bond built on half-truths and shared secrets. But as they unravel a sinister plot within Tarragon's court, the masks they wear become both a shield and a burden. When an assassination attempt forces them to reveal their true identities, betrayal cuts deep. Trust lies shattered between them, yet the fragile alliance between their kingdoms hangs in the balance. As enemies circle and threats loom from within and without, Lyra and Caiden must decide: can they forge a future together, or will the wounds of deception destroy both their kingdoms and their hearts? "Masks of the Heart" is a sweeping tale of forbidden love, political intrigue, and the courage to reveal one's true self. In a world where every smile hides a secret, Lyra and Caiden must learn that the greatest power lies not in the face they present to the world, but in the truth they share with each other.