Twilight Mating

Xanthe Redwood the second daughter of the second prestigious family in California who was greatly adored by her father but hated by her mother and elder sister. Lynam Morena the biggest business tycoon in the world who was just a source of material wealth to his father and younger brother. "Hey you bitch, can't you watch your steps? I don't care whose daughter you are but if you dare mess with me or ever cross my path, I'll make your life a living hell". What would happen when the arrongent Lynam Morena comes in contact with his father's rival daughter - Xanthe Redwood. Will their love ignite or will the families hatred for each other take over?

Claimed by the Alpha In a world where Lycans live hidden among humans, two packs stand divided by power and tradition. Ethan Blackwood, the confident and fiercely loyal Alpha of the Blackwood Pack, carries the weight of his pack’s legacy on his broad shoulders. Avery Silvermist, an intelligent and guarded librarian from the Silvermist Pack, prefers the solitude of ancient texts over the politics of her kind. When an unexpected encounter ignites an undeniable spark between them, both are thrust into a whirlwind of passion and peril. But their growing attraction is forbidden by the rigid rules of their packs, and a more dangerous threat looms in the shadows. Liam Stormbringer, a rogue Lycan with a thirst for power, has uncovered a dark secret in Avery's possession—an ancient text that could tip the balance of the Lycan world forever. As Ethan vows to protect Avery, the line between duty and desire blurs, forcing him to risk everything for the woman he cannot deny. With time running out and Liam’s forces closing in, Ethan and Avery must unite against a dangerous enemy who seeks to destroy everything they hold dear. Will they survive the looming battle and defy the traditions that keep them apart, or will their love be torn asunder by betrayal, secrets, and a thirst for power? Passion, power, and loyalty collide in this gripping tale of love and survival.

WARNING! -DARK ROMANCE- A shifter will only have mate from their kind, but what happens if you are the last creature of your kind? Lycan. He is the last of his kind and is the most terrifying type of shifter. But, as scary as he was, he was alone. However, in order to survive, you don’t have to be the strongest, just deadliest. *** He looked at her like he had never seen anyone before. The sight of her calmed the rush in his ears, the beat of his heart and finally he was able to focus again… “She is no longer your responsibility. She is mine to deal with now,” the lycan said.

ivy lost everything at such a young age which turned her into a cold hearted person. Alpha Jayden hated humans especially hunters who killed his sister . While on a mission ivyora crosses paths with Alpha Jaden . will she accept this relationship with one of the kind that took everything from her or ignore the bond. you must come with me you are mine. I will never be yours I hate u monsters

"she was chosen because she was his right from the very beginning..." Once on a rare occasion, the night of a blue full moon, a girl is being taken from a household to serve the beasts who call themselves werewolves. The werwolves were the one who ruled the town and controlled everything. They looked human but buried under their human facade was a ruthless monster who seeks to destroy. Everyone tried to protect themselves but deep down they knew they were no match for the werewolves. Arianne was a little girl who was born different from other people in the town. She had long red hair and she was born with different coloured eyes. One green and one brown. No one knew exactly why she was born that way and it wasn't hereditary. Her mother also died during her child birth and because of that her father, Massimo distanced himself from her and chose to remarry instead. He married a woman called Christine who already had a child out of wedlock, Rissa. Together Rissa and Christine decided to make Arianne's life hell to which her father turned a blind eye to and because of that, it affected Arianne and she decided to withdraw herself from her family and the society. The day of the selection came and Rissa was selected to go and serve the werewolves. Scared for her life, Rissa decided to persuade her mother to convince Massimo to offer Arianne up for the selection. Ignoring her screaming pleas and tears, Massimo offered up Arianne to go and serve the werewolves. No one really knows what happens to the girls that are being selected and no one bothered to ask. Not knowing the fate that awaits her, Arianne decided to go and serve the werewolf who they call Ivan Giovanni, a alpha who is known for his ruthlessness. Can Arianne survive living among werewolves? What happens when she finds out more about her identity and the only person who could help her was Ivan? What do you think will happen if she finds out that Ivan was the boy she had saved all those years ago from dying? NOTE: I DO NOT OWN THE COVER IMAGE OF THIS BOOK. IMAGE WAS FOUND ON PINTEREST.

Shiva was a 28-year-old teenager who died in a car crash and was reborn with the power of Ghost Rider in the Twilight and TVD (The Vampire Diaries) world. . . . Arthur's Note: My grammar may not be the best, but I'm working on improving it. I don't own any of the characters, only my original character (OC). I would appreciate feedback and support if you enjoy the story. I will be updating it three to four days a week.

#Rated 18-Mature Themes Violet is a spy, but not a professional one. To stop her organs from being sold to pay her father's debt she accepts to be a servant of Lord Cain: The mafia lord of her district. The problem is that he only allows male servants to work in his house. Violet cuts her hair and binds her chest, and wears a band on her neck that makes her voice sound deeper but everything goes wrong when the clearly straight man takes interest in her supposedly male figure. An interest she finds impossible to shake off when the air and the desire in her own body lights up every time he's around. 'Remember the plan violet! If you want to keep your head!' her mind reeling, heart thumping as she she watches him take off his shirt. Eyes glued to the hard and defined muscles on his chest as she feels her breath hitch, mentally urging him to tear the damn shirt off and reveal more. But what happens when she finds out that the man her heart is falling for, is truly MAD and worse, that her biological mother is the one behind his curse. {It has a slow start but trust me you’ll stick around after 10chapters}

Twilight of the Zodiac trilogy: Book 1 · Secrets of Starlit Hearts Book 2 · Shadows of Broken Oaths Book 3 · Echoes of Eternal Flames ※※※ In the mystical Zodiac Archipelago, Seventeen Whitlock faces a dark prophecy after losing her siblings. She must unite with allies, including the enigmatic Draco de Lavissaye, to combat an encroaching darkness. As they harness their magical powers, secrets and forbidden magic threaten to unravel their bond. In a world filled with peril and intrigue, Seventeen must navigate her destiny before the shadows consume her. ※※※ To the Dreamers and the Warriors, To those who dare to challenge fate, navigate the shadows, and embrace the magic of love amidst chaos. May you find your strength among the stars and discover the power of connection in a world where destinies intertwine. Welcome to the Zodiac Archipelago—where every constellation holds a secret, and every heart yearns for its true path. ※※※ The plan is for three books, each ones with around 100 chapters, without counting the auxiliary and extra chapters of additional content. Hope you like the worldbuilding here. The romance is a slowburn in book 1. Make sure to check out all the extra and additional chapters, it'll make your experience more complete and magical. ※※※ Check the auxiliary chapter of trigger warnings, your mental health matters. ※※※ #Fantasy #Romance #Dystopian #Adventure #Revenge #Slowburn #Prophecy #R18 #Magic #Supernatural #Dark #Sarcasm #Friendship #Manipulation #Betrayal #Banter #Action #YoungAdult #CharacterGrowth #ForbiddenMagic #ForbiddenLove #PoliticalIntrigue #FakeIdentities #Spy #Liar #IdentityStruggles #Soulmates #FatedLove #FoundFamily #Zodiac #Constellations #Monsters #Grimoire #ParentalConflict #MommyIssues #DaddyIssues #Loss #Trauma #PTSD #Mystery #Quest #Mythology #Forsaken #ForsakenGods #Danger #Duality #DualPov #Cursed #FatevsFreeWill #Healing #TrustIssues #EmotionalConflict #Desperation #Sacrifice #Rebellion #PowerStruggles #Survival #Frenemies #EnemiestoLovers #EnemiestoFriends #FriendstoLovers #Enchantment #Secrets #Illusions #Worldbuilding #Transformation

In the city that never sleeps, a billionaire heir and CEO, Tyson, finds himself trapped in a desperate bid to save his dying girlfriend, Lila. Driven by love and fear, he makes a shocking decision - marrying Skylar, a medical doctor who saves Lila's life with a selfless organ donation. But here's the twist: Tyson feels nothing for Skylar, and his bitter attitude towards her hides a dark secret. Unbeknownst to the world, Tyson is the Alpha of a feared Werewolf pack, a truth known only to a select few. But there's another secret, one that even Tyson himself can't recall - his childhood friendship with Skylar, the woman he once loved. Skylar, determined to rekindle their lost connection, vows to make Tyson remember her, no matter the cost. As Lila grows increasingly unhinged, she'll stop at nothing to destroy the marriage, weaving a web of deceit to fuel Tyson's hatred towards Skylar. But Lila has secrets of her own - secrets that could destroy them all. Behind her fragile beauty lies a hidden truth, a truth that threatens to upend everything. As the battle for Tyson's heart intensifies, secrets begin to unravel. What sparked Tyson's memory loss? Who is Skylar, really? And what lies beneath Lila's perfect exterior? Is she the damsel in distress she seems, or a master manipulator hiding in plain sight? In this gripping tale of love, lies, and supernatural secrets, Tyson must confront his true identity and the darkness within. But will he survive the truth about the women in his life? Dive into a world of secrets, lies, and forbidden love, where the lines between truth and deception blur. Will Tyson uncover the mysteries of his past and his heart, or will the darkness consume him? The fate of their love hangs in the balance - find out what happens next.

In the twilight realm of Ashborn, where shadows reign and light is a distant memory, Lyric awakens to find himself trapped in a crippled body, yet his soul is alive with potential. Having faced his own funeral in a previous life, he is determined to seize this second chance. Transmigrated into the world he once created, he discovers the Crystal Tree—an ancient entity that enhances his abilities and connects him to the Aether, the very essence of Ashborn. As he navigates this eerie landscape, Lyric encounters Zero, a ruthless vampire clone born of a fallen royal lineage. Shaped by her origins, Zero wields her Blood Royalty powers with little regard for the consequences, leading to a tense alliance fueled by necessity and ambition. Together, they delve into the mysteries of Ashborn, uncovering a web of political intrigue surrounding the remnants of Zero's family and the enigmatic World Expansion Project—an organization intent on harvesting the universe's Aether for its own unknown purposes. Amidst the dangers of rival factions and the moral dilemmas of power, Lyric must confront the limitations of his new life while grappling with the responsibility that comes with strength. As Zero’s ruthless tactics attract unwanted attention, their bond will be tested—pushing them to question their identities and the lengths they are willing to go for survival. In a world where authenticity is paramount and trust is a rare commodity, Lyric and Zero must forge a path through the shadows, navigating their intertwined destinies while discovering the true nature of power, loyalty, and the transformation that awaits them in Twilight Realm.

“Our union is nothing, but an allegiance to the alliance your father’s pack owes my father,” he said, glaring at her. She stood before him teary, and trembling in fear, he continued. “As long as my father’s legacy is kept, and my pack is safe, I will keep your sorry ass.” “Now, get lost!” —------------ Ivy Storm, a gifted young girl with a tenacious spirit, and a strong will. She found herself wrapped up in a twist of destiny she never desired when she was sent to go with her betrothed mate, who in turn made life a living hell for her. Luckily, for her, she met her fated mate after being banished from her former pack. Her new mate loved her. Ivy believes life has shot a good side at her, but her happiness was short-lived, as her past came haunting her. As Ivy deals with the drama from the two packs, she discovers she is more powerful than she realized. Can ivy embrace her journey as the redeemer of her time and save her father's pack? Or will she be pulled down by the forces of betrayal? Find out in this thrilling book of grievous alliance, family betrayal, and tough love.

An aftermath of an apocalypse, a broken and chilling change that occurred twenty thousand years ago when a meteorite collided with Earth, blanketing the land on every scale in snow and cold. Liam Blake, a cold, judgemental, ruthless yet kind person, emerged from the icy depths, stranded without any help. With no place to call home, he witnessed three men abusing a young girl and, driven by his own judgement and anger, he swiftly decapitated them to nil. Collapsed on the cold ground with a blood bath beneath his body, blaming himself yet still has a reason to live, an 'unknown' goal which Liam chose to endure. As his wishes to live provisioned through the cold forest, he encounters, a lady named Hailey Southwark, saving him from the near death experience as is arm was torn off. Grateful for her act of kindness, Liam though had a personal goal but decided to become Hailey's acquaintance as a Node, a person who woke beneath the ice. Liam, being haunted by mysterious dreams and soon discovered that these visions were turning into reality. Uncertain of what comes next, he decides to help Hailey with the cases that connected the mysteries tangling his dreams.

Left. forgotten. Used and Thrown away. She was the one. The one he loved. the one he used. The one he left. The one he broke. The one he forgot. His Forgotten Mate. They were brought back together by coincidence driven by courage as husband and wife. The forgotten and the forgot. The boss and his secretary.

Anne's life takes an unexpected twist when she meets her mate, the Alpha wolf prince Damien. Her world shatters when he rejects her, casting her out of the pack and into exile. To escape certain death, Anne flees to the human world, hiding her true nature and the secret she carries. Five years later, Anne has built a new life among humans, raising her son in peace. When Damien unexpectedly stumbles upon Anne and discovers their child, the heir to his pack, old wounds are reopened, and forgotten bonds are reignited. Damien is determined to reclaim what he lost, but Anne is no longer the same broken wolf who once loved him. She is stronger, fiercely protective, and unwilling to be hurt again. As Damien battles to win back her trust and integrate their son into his legacy, they must navigate a path of betrayal, redemption, and unknown enemies. Can Anne forgive the past and accept a future with the man who once shattered her heart? And can Damien prove he’s worthy of the mate and child he abandoned?

What would happen if you would go to sleep one night and woke up the next morning only to find out that the world as you know it had changed during the night? When most humans were peacefully asleep, an unknown Alien species and other kinds of Monsters had invaded earth as their new home. Would you digg a hole and jump in it and cover yourself or would you embrace the new adventures that for sure would lay ahead? Well that's exactly what had happened to Pearl. Pearl was a bright but somewhat nerdy girl, always with her nose stuck in a book, especially the kind some others found weird, like Monster Romance stories. She just loved to dream about some Big hunky Monster who would fall in love with a human girl and would ravish her with his special large....tool, wishing almost everytime it was her who was playing the female lead.... Not knowing that her wish was about to come true as she found out one morning after waking up that not only had earth been invaded during the night, by some unknown Alien Monster species but also that one of their leaders was hiding from something or someone in her garage! Now what would she do, would she run and call the authorities on him or would she help him while I'm the process trying to figure out if her dream truly could become a reality?

Pangdu refuses to accept his death and want to be free of the bonds of life in order to live freely. But his soul was unable to escape and was captured by the Hell King. "I announce you will be a breeding mare after reincarnation," the Hell King said. What exactly would Pangdu do?

Ava Delmundo! A fearless werewolf. She has pink lips, a cute smile and is always ready for adventure. Her father is the alpha of the werewolf clan. He made sure to train her every single day when she turned 4. He had a vision that she was the fated Luna and he was very happy. But that happiness died when she decided to go against him. The werewolf and the humans haven't been in good term for years now. There was a rule which said no werewolf is allowed to fall in love with either the humans or vampire but Ava broke the rules and she fell in love with a human. She got banished from the clan by her own father. She didn't beg him because she really loved the human so she packed her things and left. Ava and the human were happily married but all that changed when he saw her in the full moon transforming to a werewolf. She begged him not to tell anyone and he promised and said he loves her way too much to do that but it was all a lie. He planned with the people of the community to kill her but she escaped by the help of a guy. Not just a mere guy, but a vampire. ••••••••••••••• Lucian Delfage! The feared and most powerful vampire in the clan. He is very hot and handsome with a perfect body. He rules the clan with an iron fist and kills anyone who has connections with a werewolf or a human. He had a brother but his brother was killed by a werewolf and that's why he despises werewolves He hates werewolves and humans with all his heart but all that changed when he met her. •••••••••• Who's the vampire? Why did the vampire save the werewolf? What will happen in the vampire's castle?

A man with a bitter and painful past must tread the path of darkness and blood to exact his revenge on the Supernatural creature that slaughtered his father, mother, and little sister right before his eyes. A mysterious power awakened within him when he was on the brink of death—a power that allows him to copy the abilities of both Supernatural beings and humans alike, as long as he consumes part of their body. But each time he uses this power, he endures excruciating pain and loses a small part of his humanity. With this ability, the man walks the thin line between death and shadow, becoming a Hunter feared by both monsters and men. --- This is a grimdark fantasy—at least, that's what I’m aiming for—featuring magic and guns. Imagine a Wild West setting, but with magic, guns, and creatures of the night. Hope you enjoy it!

She was just a kid. Desperately, clinging to him. He was just a kid. Struggling to survive everyday. Their fate intertwined, design for them. "Where you running moonbeam?" " You will never be with my Phantom" For her/him , they are willing to destroy the earth.

Two people on diametrically opposed paths. The one has been looking for his Fated Mate and a former lover, while the other has been looking for someone to whom he can give his heart, trust, and give him freedom and a peaceful life. What would happen if they happened to run into each other one day? What about the secrets they've been keeping all this time? What happened in their past? What will happen to them? Will they ever find love again? Or will they be swayed by Lust? WARNING: THIS IS MATURE CONTENT. CREDITS TO THE REAL OWNER OF THE PICTURES AND ART. THEY'RE NOT MINE. I JUST EDITED SOME THINGS A LITTLE. PLS LET ME BORROW IT FOR A WHILE THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.

Crisis in the Twilight is a gripping zombie apocalypse novella that follows a group of four survivors—Jacob, Gina, Marcus, and Alex—as they navigate a world overrun by the undead. Stranded in a remote forest after a chaotic escape from a ranger station, they must confront relentless threats while grappling with their own fears and doubts. As darkness falls, the line between hope and despair blurs, and the group must rely on their wits, courage, and each other to survive. With danger lurking around every corner and the haunting shadows of the infected closing in, they face a pivotal choice: fight for survival or succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume them. Will they find a way to escape their grim reality, or will twilight be their final hour?

Savannah is a total rebel, stubborn,rude, and and all of words I'm not going to say. he, heartless,cold blooded, ruthless some say he's death himself but when he meets an out going and wayward girl will all of that change?

"But this feels real," She whispered. Curiosity got the best of her as she went around the coffin, luckily, it wasn't locked. She took a deep breath before pulling it open. "Jesus Christ!" Rose exclaimed, putting her hand over her chest as she breathed hard. She stood frozen beside the coffin, staring at a young man with the most beautiful face she'd ever seen, lying still and comfortably inside the coffin. Was he dead? He looked so pale like he was dead and yet so beautiful to be called dead. Talk about gothic beauty. Rose knew she should be running for her life at that moment, but she felt something drawing her closer to the man in the coffin, she flashed her light closer to his face as she reached her hand down and placed it right under his nose to check if he was still breathing. No air, his nose bridge was cold as ice too. Rose was still busy staring at the man's face when she felt something very icy touch her arm, she felt her heart drop to her stomach as she slowly turned her head to look at her arm, that's when she saw the white, slim, masculine fingers wrapped tightly around her wrist. Her soul left her and her heart completely stopped beating, before starting to beat like a parade band in her chest. "Hail fucking Mary!" Rose whispered in a frightened tone, her lips quivered and her eyes widened unnaturally. She felt her legs become paralyzed from fear and unable to move or run. She dared to fearfully turn around and look at the man's face again, just to find his blood-colored eyes, staring icily at her. She was about to scream when the young man suddenly pulled her into his coffin with incredible speed, and the last thing she remembered was feeling how cold his body was before she felt an unnatural sleep overtake her. *** Rose Thiago was an ordinary human girl who loved reading dark fantasies but never believed in them. She suddenly gets warned by her best friend never to read those kinds of books again if she doesn't want to make herself visible to the dark creatures or evoke their world to herself, but she calls her bluff and reads them over and over again. On a field trip, Rose suddenly finds herself falling into an endless hole, and when she finally meets the solid ground, she discovers that it is no longer familiar ground. She gravely realized that just as her friend said, she'd finally drawn the dark world to herself. She somehow manages to bump herself into a beautiful man lying inside a coffin and dared to touch him just for the dead man to suddenly hold her hands and disappeared with her. In that moment, she came to believe that magical creatures did exist. And she was about to discover that she had the blood of the sun. Two thousand years ago, to survive a dreadful poison, The prince of the dark world, Cassius Levi, sought refuge in his healing grave, only to awaken when the right time for his revenge came. What he didn't expect was to be forcefully awakened by an undeserving mortal.

In the enchanting world of Veils of Twilight, young Elena discovers her destiny entwined with the dark secrets of the Vale, a realm where vampires and loyalists battle for control. When she crosses paths with Lucian, a brooding vampire with a tragic past, sparks fly amidst the looming threat of a powerful enemy determined to reclaim the land. As their connection deepens, Elena must navigate a treacherous path filled with betrayal, sacrifice, and unexpected alliances. In a race against time, she learns to harness her own powers and confront her fears, leading to a fierce showdown that will determine the fate of her world. Will love conquer the darkness, or will the shadows of the past consume them both? Veils of Twilight is a tale of passion, courage, and the enduring strength of the human heart.

"Have some fun, love. The apocalypse has just begun," her mate chuckled as she let go of his hand and he fell down in the abyss of hell where the lifeless hands jerked him down, ripped his clothes, ruptured his frame, masticated his skin and drank his blood like a famished wild untamed beasts. "Sorry. But I need to survive this." Those reasoning barely escaped from her mouth as she toss over the scone of scorching fire on her mate's and his predator's dead bodies, completing the cremation ceremony and fulfilling the last task to survive the apocalypse and the hunt for limited breathes. A COASTAL TOWN UNKOWN SPECIES A VIRUS AN EPEDIMIC ONE SOLUTION BURN YOUR MATE -------------------- Liliane Lune Clyde works as a part-time security guard at the Northpass's archeology museum with her mate as the guide, Newt August Hawke. After the fall festival, the proposal for binding their souls by marriage was given before the satanic dead corpses rose from their graves at the strike of 12. Even though the citizens are descendants of werewolves but the dead can't be burn easily without a sacrifice. It's not a zombie hunt, rather it's a mate hunt. [TICK-TOCK-TICK] Kill yourself or your mate. Which you will choose, love? Certainly yourself...

In an attempt to surprise her mate, she didn't know she would be walking in on him cheating on her with her best friend! Heart broken and filled with despair, she rejected him and decided one night of bad decision was the revenge move she needed! However Fiona had no idea that the one night of bad decision would result in waking up next to her ex mate father!

Kyra, a mysterious young girl, suddenly finds herself transported to a strange and unfamiliar world. Lost and alone, she is saved by a silly yet adorable silver wolf. Little does she know that this is just the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Soon, she encounters a fierce feral king - snake, willing to carry her three thousand steps just to claim her as his mate. But he's not the only one drawn to her. A powerful, Mysterious dragon falls deeply in love with Kyra, sacrificing his wings to protect her. Then there's the siren—a dangerous, ruthless healer who seems indifferent to everything, yet has his own role to play in Kyra’s story. And through it all, a mysterious stalker hides in the shadows, leaving roses at her door and protecting her from afar. What does he want, and what are his true intentions? In a world filled with wild and unpredictable beasts, Kyra's journey is more than just a survival story—it's one filled with love, danger, and the unknown. Her adventure is only beginning, and with every step, she is drawn deeper into a world of Beasts, uncovering shocking secrets along the way. ⚠️WARNING⚠️ - Reverse Harem - Beast World - Mature Content (18+ Only) Ending date: 12 October 2024

Xerxes is the last of his kind, living to try and complete a promise. The last one before he can just fade off like the rest of his kind. There is nothing left here, no mate is coming. Xerxes is the last living dragon. So why when he comes across one headstrong female. It feels like there is a chance? Kendra herself feels used, lost and trapped. A prisoner of those she works with. Those that hunt down mythical creatures in the world. Kendra however is about to find out that the world is far more vast than anyone could imagine. Especially when she comes face to face with the last living dragon. A deadly creature that has set his sights on her. Volume1: Mates of Dragons Volume2: Souls of Dragons Volume3: Atlantean's Mate Volume4: Atlantean's Dragon Volume5: Atlantean Souls Volume 6: Hearts of Dragons

"You're mine!" he roared, possessive fury darkening his eyes. "If I have to brand you with my mark to keep every other wolf at bay, so be it!" Tears welled in Annie's eyes. "This marriage isn't love, it's a lie!" she screamed back. The room fell silent. "Maybe once," he conceded, a dangerous edge to his voice. "But things have changed. Now, you belong to me. You're mine, forever." Annie, the adopted daughter of a powerful pack, craves acceptance. Unlike other wolves, she lacks the full shift, a constant reminder of her difference. Then, a fated mate arrives, but instead of love's embrace, he brings a web of royal deceit that threatens to tear everything apart. Annie harbors a hidden secret, a burden that complicates everything. Can love blossom amidst manipulation and lies? Will she succumb to the alpha's possessive claim, or will she fight for a love built on truth and acceptance? In a world where loyalty is tested and alliances crumble, can Annie carve her path? Setting: it's a modern fantasy world with a focus on werewolf society and the political intrigue within it.