Draco Bound To

Clara, upon dying, found herself lying in an unfamiliar bed within an unfamiliar room, with lots of unfamiliar faces greeting her, being addressed as someone who is very important in a whole nation. Only to found out that she have entered the book she used to read when she was in her previous world. And not just that, but as someone who is fated to die and kill herself because of her family's ill treatment towards her! However, as she live with her family, she realizes something...that the things that are happening with her current life is completely different from the book! How is she going to live in that world not knowing what's going to happen next?! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Hii! Cat here! I just want to tell everyone that English is not my first language, so my choice of words may not be related to what I'm trying to imply. But, I'm sure that I'll get better as I continue writing this story. Please bear with me! By the way, the image on the book cover is not mine and I only found it from Pinterest! If the owner wants me to take it down, please notify me and I'd gladly obey! Additionally, the setting of my story is not placed in Earth but in a different world, only thought of and created by my little brain. Everything about this universe will be explained as the story goes by, so please look forward to it! Thank you! - cathcatya

"I’ll accept it. But only if you promise me two things. First, find the people who killed my parents and destroyed my village. Second, protect the woman who broke my heart." A deal made by the dying Isaac. Betrayed. Hunted. Left to die. Isaac was nothing more than a lowly Class E farm boy, deemed worthless by the world. His life should have ended in that mysterious cave… Until an ancient voice called out to him. A being sealed for thousands of years offered him a choice: Fade into nothing… or give his body to the being so its soul could enter Isaac's body and use it to walk the earth once more. Now, with terrifying powers and a system guiding his path, Isaac will carve his name into history. Those who mocked him will cower. Those who abandoned him will beg for mercy. The weak are prey. The strong rule. And Isaac? He’s done being just a farmer.

Warning: Mature content "What will you do when you find yourself trapped in a monster's life.....?" She was bounded to be with a mysterious creature of the midnight, A monster at day, a charming prince at night no one could see. Cathy a young princess was sold by her greedy and heartless father the king to a prince who was rumored to be a mysterious monster. What will she do? Will she accept it as her fate to get married to a monster or will she find a way to sabotage the plan her father has for her? Join me as I embark on this magnificent story.

Élisa had never imagined that her life would take such a turn. A father remarrying, a new family to accept, and most of all… Nasser. The arrogant boy she met by chance is now becoming her future brother. But the more she gets to know him, the more she discovers an attraction she can't explain. Between secrets, rivalries, and forbidden feelings, Élisa will have to choose between reason and her heart. A story where love and destiny dangerously intertwine.

Some agreements are meant to be broken… some destinies are hard to avoid. Ariella Brooks has faced many struggles. Orphaned early in life and forced to deal with a harsh world, she longs for a new beginning. When a prestigious surrogacy program offers her a chance to transform her life, she eagerly accepts—unaware that she is stepping into a world of lies, forbidden feelings, and hidden truths. The Armstrongs, a rich and mysterious couple, seem to have everything—except for the one thing they desire most: a child. Gabby Armstrong is charming yet chillingly controlled, while her husband, Wellington Armstrong, has an intensity that feels hauntingly familiar to Ariella. As a past love reappears and dark secrets come to light, Ariella becomes caught in a perilous game of power, desire, and betrayal. Gabby’s seemingly perfect life conceals a dangerous secret—one that could ruin her marriage and threaten Ariella’s future. Wellington finds himself torn between protecting the woman he loves and confronting a past he tried to leave behind. As emotions flare and hidden memories emerge, Ariella must fight not just for the child she carries but for her own life. In a world where love can be deadly and secrets can destroy, will Ariella find a way to escape? Or is she already trapped by fate in a future she cannot avoid? Filled with scandal, tension, suspense, and steamy romance, Bound by Fate: The Surrogate’s Secret is an addictive page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat, craving answers and wanting more.

---WSA ENTRY 2025--- Nox Sillon had lived in a world of power and chaos. Born into an empire where the strong ruled and the weak perished, he never once questioned his reality. The world was as it had always been—a place where magic reigned, wars raged, and only those with ambition could carve their own fate. Nox had no grand lineage, no divine prophecy to guide him. He wasn’t destined for greatness, nor was he some forgotten heir to an ancient legacy. But that never mattered. He didn’t need fate’s blessing—only the strength to take what was his. Through sheer will and ruthless cunning, Nox clawed his way through the ranks, navigating a world where betrayal lurked behind every smile, where strength was the only currency that mattered. But as he ascends, something feels… wrong. Events unfold in ways he cannot explain, as if an unseen force is pulling the strings. Shadows whisper of truths that should not exist. Powerful figures—ones who should have been untouchable—begin to fall as though following a script. And somewhere, in the depths of his mind, a strange thought lingers. A name he has never heard. A presence he cannot grasp. Something—someone—is out there. Watching. Waiting. And for the first time in his life, Nox Sillon begins to wonder—is he truly free, or has his path already been written? No matter the answer, one truth remains. If fate dares to stand in his way… he will tear it apart with his own hands. ——— Spin-Off series of 'The Extra's Transcension' Takes place in the same universe. Will be well thought - out story unlike extra's Transcension. ——— Discord: https://discord.gg/QYyPAxfhGH

Shirakawa Reika, heir to a noble samurai clan, and Kisaragi Ren, a streetwise thief, were born into opposite worlds—one destined for honor, the other condemned to struggle. Their fates should never have crossed. But fate had other plans. When the Mongol Empire set its sights on Japan, all hell broke loose. The samurai, once thought invincible, were crushed beneath the might of the invaders. Reika and Ren’s paths collide within the ashes of war. Forced to rely on each other, they challenge everything they once believed—honor versus survival, discipline versus instinct. Together, they must forge a new way to fight. But as the Mongols tighten their grip, one question remains: Do they have what it takes to save their home or will they fail, and fall just like the rest?

The first time they met, it felt like fate. The second time, it felt like a warning. She was running from a past that refused to die. He was chasing a future that seemed just out of reach. When their worlds collided, it was more than just love—it was an obsession, a wildfire that threatened to burn them both alive. But love isn’t always salvation. Sometimes, it’s destruction in disguise.

Darren King is as crude as they come. A tribrid - part vampire, part werewolf, part witch and bathed in angel blood. Protector of the Trifrom. War hero. First and last of his kind. And only through his progeny can there be hybrids. But he has a problem. He is bound to the Blood Moon, limiting his options of wives to the royal bloodline. Although respected in the vampire and werewolf clans, he won't be given worthy "vessels" (wives). And as the witches have ostracised him, he's running out of time. In a dark corner, demons have begun to appear, scheming to resurrect their fallen king. While Darren runs against a thousand-year-old curse, dangers are lurking for his new family. Will he be able to protect the world again, saving humans from dangers they have long forgotten? Or will he lose his family and give up on a world that never loved him?

She was never supposed to love him, he was the one person she despised, but for how long could she deny the flutter and Sparks he made her feel. ******* She is an assassin, the princess of the witches, sent to marry the Vampire King with one purpose—to kill him and secure her clan’s victory in a war that has raged for centuries. He is Rhydian, the brooding king burdened by his father’s bloody legacy, forced into the alliance to protect his people from the looming Dragon Empire. Rhydian distrusts the witches, while Seraphina resents the vampires, but neither is prepared for what fate has in stall. As they face palace intrigues, ancient prophecies, and brewing rebellion, their indifference begins to shift into something neither expected—love, an emotion they both try to deny, but is impossible to ignore. I won't call this an enemies to lovers because she is the only one who hates him, also...this will contain R18 scenes, I'll always highlight that on every chapter so you can skip if you want. A/N: I hope you all will stick with me till the end, feel free to check out my other book, I'm in love with a grim reaper, you might like it, I hope you do. Excerpt; Her fingers brushed against his forehead before he could react, her warm palms cupping both sides of his face as she studied him intently. His breath hitched at the sudden intimacy, his heart giving an involuntary stutter. What the hell was she doing? His gaze traced over her face, mapping every detail—the sharp glint of her violet eyes, the delicate curve of her nose, and her lips... Gods, her lips. Plump, red, slightly parted as she assessed him. He wanted to taste them again, to claim them fully. "Your fever seems to be coming down," she murmured, tilting her head slightly. "My blood really did the trick, I see..." His jaw clenched. Did she have to check his temperature this way? There were plenty of other ways to do it—ones that didn't involve tempting him with that mesmerizing face of hers. She started to pull her hands away, but before she could, he caught her wrist, stopping her. She looked up at him, startled. "If you wanted to check my temperature, you could've done so in a simpler way," he said, his lips curving into a playful grin. He tugged her closer, his grip firm but gentle. "Are you trying to seduce me, Purple?" Her heartbeat stuttered against his chest. He could hear it. Feel it. Then, to his surprise, she didn't pull away. Instead, a slow, wicked smile spread across her lips. She leaned in, her body pressing against his just enough to make his muscles tense. "What if I am?" she whispered, deliberately biting her bottom lip. Rhydian's breath caught. The last of his control snapped. "You asked for it," he growled. In the next second, he crashed his lips against hers. The kiss was deep, desperate, consuming. His hand tangled in her hair, tilting her head to deepen the angle as his tongue swept into her mouth, claiming her fully. She responded instantly, matching his hunger with equal fervor. She wasn't perfect at kissing yet—he could tell she was still learning—but she made up for it with pure intensity, and damn if it didn't make his blood boil. His other arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against him as his lips moved against hers with feverish need. His tongue tangled with hers, teasing, tasting, drinking her in as if she were the only thing that could satiate him. He bit down softly, drawing a gasp from her, and that little sound sent a violent pulse of arousal straight through him. He was already rock hard, aching with need. He hadn't touched a woman since the marriage arrangement was made. Maybe that was why he was losing control so easily. Or maybe it was just her. Maybe it had always been her.

After Xia Feng transmigrated, his heart was mysteriously removed. In its place, a defective demon heart capable of sustaining life only for eighteen years was implanted. This is a magical heart that can sync with the power level of its target. To stay alive, he bound himself to the ultimate villain of the future, a Destructive Witch who was destined to destroy the world. The stronger the Destructive Witch becomes, the stronger he becomes! Thus, Xia Feng realized, it's not my fault for stirring up trouble: "Miss Witch, I admit you're strong, but not strong enough!"

Gabriel, a dominant omega, is caught up in a complex web of intrigue and danger at the royal court. After uncovering the truth about Olivier, a member of the royal family, and inciting a rebellion, he is marked by an unknown alpha. As the rebellion overthrows the old order, a new empire emerges, driven by a ruthless ruler whose rise Gabriel inadvertently enabled.Haunted by the weight of his actions, he flees from his family, his past, and the dangerous ties of the court. On the run, Gabriel must deal with shifting alliances, hidden enemies, and the growing power of the mysterious alpha whose mark he carries. As the empire's grip tightens and ghosts from his past resurface, he must decide whether to confront the forces threatening to engulf him—or risk losing himself completely in a world that regards him as either a pawn or a weapon.

He walked into the café, his eyes as dark as the night, as cold as the evening breeze. It sent shivers down everyone's spine, crawling on their skin like a slug. The trench coat he wore only heightened the fear he brought. “Emily”, Anastasia whispered to her friend, tugging at her blue floral dress. “I don’t feel good about this”, she added. But Emily only gazed, her lips curved as she tracked his movement, following him until he sat at the far end of the table. “Don’t you think he looks like those royal princes in the books we read?” Anastasia couldn't believe that a man who made her feel this cold could be pictured as a romance figure to Emily. She followed her gaze, however, to him. His brown hair was sleeked back, his jaw chiseled but hard. As if sensing her gaze, he turned immediately, and their eyes locked. Time suddenly stood still. “No!”, Anastasia exclaimed breathlessly. “It can't be, no, not him. God!!!! Not him!!!”

Gu Wei, a carefree delinquent, never expected his life to change when he met Zhai Mei, a quiet and kind soul who silently stole his heart. Determined to confess his feelings, Gu Wei sets out on a heartfelt journey—only to find himself drawn to the dazzling beauty of an actress, leaving his connection with Zhai Mei behind as a bittersweet memory. Years later, fate brings Gu Wei and Zhai Mei back together through a series of unexpected encounters, each moment sparking something new between them. In the vibrant chaos of a bustling city, their story develops—two souls seen as "imperfect" by society's standards: Zhai Mei, with her hearing and speech impairment, and Gu Wei, struggling with a learning disability and a tangle of insecurities. As Gu Wei teeters between the magnetic pull of Fu Yuan and the quiet comfort of Zhai Mei, he must confront his conflicted feelings and decide where his heart truly lies. He must decide whether to embrace them and take a leap of faith or let history repeat itself.

Cassius 'Cash' Andromedus and his loyal dog Opie sit on the roof of their apartment as the death of their entire world is rapidly approaching. The inseparable duo had accepted their fate and decided to die peacefully together but moments before the meteor hurtling towards the planet impacts, everything freezes and a message appears in Cash's vision; The multiverse has arrived and with it, their savior, the System. Awakening in an unfamiliar cave, Cash and Opie are thrown into a fight for survival with no guide to introduce them to their new reality. Soul Bound Adventurers features a weak-to-strong MC who’s progression is tied hand and hand with his loyal companion. This LitRPG series contains unlimited access to classes, skills, titles, dungeons and most importantly, loot. Join Cash and Opie as they begin their journey in this new LitRPG Apocalypse!

Julian Cartwright was a dedicated employee at omnicore system, one of world’s leading tech firms, owned by the billionaire Stone family. Her work ethic earned her an exclusive invitation to a high-profile corporate event hosted by the Stone family. Julian’s life took a dramatic turn at the event when a devastating fire erupted. Her quick thinking and bravery saved the billionaire family. In gratitude, they decided to arrange her marriage to their son, Gabriel stone, who recently broke up with his girlfriend. Julian was indifferent about the marriage, she prioritized her career ambitions over settling down. Meanwhile Gabriel had no interest in getting married or settling down with one person for the rest of his life, he liked his freedom. Despite his reluctance, Gabriel’s parents announced his engagement to Julian. Julian felt compelled to go through with it, convinced it was the best decision for her future. While Gabriel planned on stopping the wedding from happening.

Veer, Rudra, Karan, and Zayan—four men feared by the world, unshaken by death, and bound by an unbreakable brotherhood. They lived in darkness, playing a deadly game where emotions had no place. But in their past, there was one exception—Avni. She was their light, their anchor, the only warmth in their cold world. Fate, however, was merciless. They lost her. Years later, on a mission, a cryptic message from a homeless man haunts them: "One day, you will find what you lost." Then, as if destiny had unraveled a cruel trick, they see her—Avni’s face on a woman they don’t know. Is she truly the girl they swore to protect, or just a painful illusion of what they once had? As danger closes in and the past resurfaces, they must uncover the truth. But some truths are meant to stay buried… Will love and destiny bring them together again, or will this second chance lead to even greater heartbreak?

❝I was supposed to be engaged to the love of my life… Instead, I was sold to a crippled stranger on my wedding day.❞ Jamie Zach had been the family’s shame—an omega male in a world where only alphas mattered. Used and discarded by his fiancé, betrayed by his own sister, and left pregnant after a night of cruelty, Jamie had lost everything. To save face, his family forced him into a hasty marriage with Sir Lucien Von Nightshade, a man who never showed his face, a crippled, masked nobleman rumored to be cursed. But his new husband was not what he seemed. Beneath the mask hid a monster… and a king. As Jamie fought to reclaim his life, Lucien watched him from the shadows, dangerous and possessive. While the world mocked Jamie, his husband silently destroyed every enemy in his path. Until one night… when Lucien’s carefully guarded secret was revealed. He was never crippled. He was never weak. He was the last of the pureblood vampires. And Jamie… Jamie was his mate. Now pregnant with a child that could change the supernatural world, Jamie is caught in a war of power, love, and obsession. And his once-crippled husband? He will burn the world down to keep Jamie by his side.

As an Alpha, Val is required to find his Luna as quickly as possible. But when he finally finds one... she seems too young to be his mate? *** Elyna thought her life was over when her pack was attacked and she was sold by hunters. With no experience mixing with humans, everything was scary for her. Only Val's presence could make her feel at ease. But unfortunately... Elyna could sense that Val secretly hated her. People said it was because she was too young for Val. But she was actually hundreds of years old though?

"Bound by Obsession" Genre: Dark Romance | Billionaire Romance | Obsession Hermione Isabelle Vale, a sharp, ambitious lawyer, never expected her life to be upended by a billionaire with a dangerous obsession. Dylan Alexander Voss, the enigmatic CEO of Voss Enterprise, becomes fixated on her after their first charged encounter at an exclusive party. But Dylan isn’t the type to let go. He wants her—body, mind, and soul. When he offers her a powerful position within his company, Hermione finds herself drawn into a web of power, control, and undeniable attraction. As Dylan’s obsession grows, so does the tension between them, blurring the lines between business and desire. Hermione’s fierce independence is tested, but Dylan is relentless—he’ll stop at nothing to make her his. In a world where obsession is the ultimate power, will Hermione be able to break free—or will she be bound to him forever?

Which man would ever allow a woman to become an alpha? The answer is simple—none. Their pride is at stake here. Born into a realm where women are nothing more than bargaining chips for power, traded, discarded, and abused by men, Evelynne has seen the brutal reality of her world. She has watched women suffer, their lives treated as mere exchange in the endless struggle for dominance among packs including her useless father. Now, with her father on his deathbed to everyone’s delight, the position of alpha should rightfully be hers. If only she were a man. But as a woman, she is expected to be nothing more than the next piece in a political marriage—a pawn for false peace. However Evelynne swore she can’t be a pawn for these old geezers to take away her right from her. She has trained for this moment since the day she understood her fate, and she refuses to accept it. Defying the law which had been before her grandfather was born means declaring war—not just against her father’s pack, where she should have been the rightful heir, but against the entire Thalvion realm. But that has been her plan from the start anyway, she knew declaring her intentions would mean conflict and the bloodshed would be inevitable won’t stop her tussling for the throne. A woman leading a pack? Unthinkable. A woman demanding power? Scandalous. But Evelynne is ready to show them just how dangerous she can be as a woman whom they had thought was only for breeding children and the satisfaction of pleasure for them. Can anyone stop her quest for the throne?

Mark's world shattered as he witnessed his parents' murder. Adding to his trauma, the murderer of his parents took him in to make him a weapon like his dad. Being weak, he did not resist. His father's dying words ached in his heart: "My son, do whatever you want... You don't owe them anything." Mark struggles through the world, his goal to end the source of strength for this world,sword bonding.

During a chance encounter with a terrifying monster, an ordinary high school boy discovers a mysterious artifact, changing the course of his life. The relic gives him an insane power: the ability to bond with monsters he's defeated, converting them into loyal pets and even merging bodies to use their destructive abilities. As the boy learns to control his new powers, he uncovers the real threat: a malevolent force raising an army of tainted beasts to throw the world into turmoil. Guided by his treacherous creature companions, he embarks on an impossible quest to maintain the safety of the ones that he loves, discover the truth about the artifact, and stop the mysterious puppeteer pulling the strings of the encroaching evil. In the process, he goes up against powerful foes, forms extremely unlikely alliances, and learns the power of trusting others. As the stakes continue to rise, however, he struggles with the true price of his abilities and the razor-thin line that separates hero from monster. And in this one boy’s epic quest of bravery, camaraderie, and even coming-of-age, the price of the world lies on the shoulders of one stuttering kid who never thought he could change destinies.

"You were never meant for this world, Alissa." David’s voice was sharp, his piercing gaze locked onto hers. "You think love is enough? In my world, love is a weakness." Alissa’s heart clenched, but she refused to back down. "Then why do you keep chasing me, David? If I’m so wrong for you, let me go." But he didn’t. He never did. From the moment Alissa Hobbs, a poor orphan from the countryside, saved an old billionaire’s life, her fate was sealed. Thrust into the ruthless world of wealth and power, she finds herself working as the secretary to David Humphrey—the cold, dangerously handsome CEO of Morgan Enterprises. David is used to control. Used to women who play by his rules. But Alissa? She’s different. Her innocence is a temptation, her defiance an addiction. His grandfather sees her as the perfect wife, but David refuses to believe in fate… until it’s too late. When jealousy turns into obsession and hidden enemies plot against her, Alissa is framed for a crime that could destroy everything. Betrayed, hunted, and heartbroken, she has no choice but to fight for her place in David’s world. But power has a price. And someone wants Alissa gone—for good.

To Love, To Lose, To Heal is a poignant journey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. It follows a soul who loved deeply, lost painfully, and is now left to pick up the shattered pieces of a heart that once beat for another. In a world where love is both salvation and destruction, the struggle with lingering emotions, haunting memories, and the weight of what could have been. Torn between holding on and letting go, between the past and an uncertain future, they must confront their pain, their fears, and the truth they’ve been avoiding, healing isn’t about forgetting; it’s about finding the strength to live again. This novel is a raw, intimate exploration of love’s beautiful agony, the wounds it leaves behind, and the resilience it takes to rise again. To Love, To Lose, To Heal is for anyone who has ever loved too much, lost too deeply, and still found the courage to heal.

Shadows Bound: A Love That Defies Fate Kael was never meant to return. Once bound to the Devil King, he was lost to the abyss—claimed by darkness, his fate sealed in chains no mortal could break. But Aeryn defied the impossible. He fought through the abyss, tore through shadows, and held Kael with a love fierce enough to challenge the gods themselves. But freedom comes at a cost. The darkness still lingers within Kael, whispering, waiting. And just as he begins to grasp the warmth of Aeryn’s touch, a ghost from his past returns—Riven, the warrior who once swore to bring him home. The man Kael had made promises to. The man who never stopped searching for him. Now, caught between a love that saved him and a love that refuses to let go, Kael must face the truth: the war for his soul is far from over. When the Devil King rises once more, when the abyss demands its price—who will Kael fight for? And more importantly… who will he choose? A dark fantasy romance filled with passion, war, and a love that defies fate. Possessive romance | Love Triangle | Betrayal & Redemption | Forbidden Magic | Epic Battles

Ethan is physically and emotionally trapped in a mansion, under the control of Adrien, an enigmatic and relentless man. With each attempt to escape, Ethan finds himself drawn back, not only by Adrien's strength but also by a deeper, darker connection he can barely understand. Adrien, with his cold, manipulative gaze, always knows how to keep Ethan close, making him doubt his own feelings and desires. In a constant struggle between hate and desire, Ethan tries to resist but realizes that, somehow, he always ends up back in Adrien's arms, questioning whether he can truly escape or if, in fact, he has always belonged to him.

A soldier dies in battle… and awakens in a world where the strong reign supreme. Qin Chen was a warrior—a man forged in the fires of war, where death lurked behind every bullet. But fate had other plans. One moment, he was bleeding out on the battlefield. The next, he was reborn into an unknown world, standing at the bottom of a ruthless cultivation society where gods walk among men, sect geniuses shatter mountains, and the weak are crushed without mercy. Waking up as a mere outer disciple in a minor sect, Qin Chen should have been destined for mediocrity… Until the system bound to him. Ding! Supreme Ascension System activated. New user detected. Granting 1x Supreme Lottery Draw and 1000 System Points. Before him, a glowing interface appeared—revealing a store of forbidden treasures, a lottery wheel of divine rewards, and locked abilities waiting to be claimed. But this world is cruel. Power is not given; it is seized. With enemies lurking in the shadows, arrogant geniuses standing in his way, and ancient forces watching from the heavens, Qin Chen must climb from the bottom step by step—turning the system from a simple tool into a weapon of absolute domination. Sect heirs, immortal emperors, godborn prodigies—none of them know what’s coming. From a soldier to a sovereign. From a mortal to the master of the heavens. The ascension begins now.

The villain wasn’t meant to be an emperor—nor was he supposed to be handsome. Yet he hates me, and I don’t know why. Attending the Academy of the Arcane—a school for the supernatural elite to hone their power—I became a rebel, untouchable and unstoppable. My beauty became both a weapon and a curse, a mocking reminder of the life I’d lost. Among the whispers and wary stares, one figure cut through the chaos: Tharros, the Emperor of Shadows. The supreme ruler of witches, vampires, werewolves, and fae alike. His cold, burning gaze seared through me, heavy with a hatred that felt almost intimate. "You made me this way," he snarled, his face a living testament to fury and torment. His presence was a storm I couldn’t escape, and his accusations pierced my soul. Yet I had no memory of him—or the crime he swore I committed. When I denied his claims, his laughter followed me like a curse. "You don’t remember? Then I’ll make sure you never forget." Days later, I awoke as his bride—bound to him by a marriage I never agreed to, shackled to his vengeance. Tharros’ darkness envelops me, threatening to consume everything I am. Now, I must unravel the secrets of his hatred, the truth about my parents’ murder, and the twisted memories he swears I’ve buried. Because in this deadly game of vengeance and power, the line between hate and something far more dangerous grows thinner with every heartbeat