Abide By The Wind

He grabbed her hand and turned her to him. She tried struggling but his hold was firm, " you are mine Audrey, whether you like it or not, you are mine" He groaned the words to her. " no I'm not" That only made him chuckle and then carried her to his desk. Acting like a caveman possessed, he moved all things on his desk to the floor violently. " You shall serve your husband as you should, right on this desk" He said and smirked before pecking her on the cheek. Audrey had goosebumps from his touch but she could not summit so willingly like she craved him. " Aiden, stop" her words came out like a whisper but he heard her. " No man on earth can stop me from having you little Audrey " With that, he started ravishing her right on his desk.

"You don't deserve to be auctioned" The Don finally said, making me stop the struggle. "Thank you" I said, cleaning my watery eyes. "Get her ready for the ritual!" The Don ordered the big man who was currently still holding me. **** "Once marked by the Don, you do not own your life anymore as you become solely his" ~ Author. ******* The minute he set his eyes on her, he knew he had to make her suffer for the sins of her sister and so he MARKED HER. Jadelyn was being used as a collateral for her father's unpaid debt, landing her in the hands of the most ruthless young don - Romano Callamore. All Romano knew was that she had to pay for the sins of her wicked sister -his ex secret lover and that he did. Just when their love was about to blossom after so many tribulations; Jadelyn's sister reappears back with a child who looked exactly like Romano Callamore. Confusion sets in as Jadelyn doesn't know how to feel considering the fact that she was pregnant and also in love with with her sister's First Love. Jadelyn was torn between letting her beloved manipulative sister have a happy life without her- Jadelyn in the picture AND fighting for what she wants What do you think her decision will be? Family Loyalty or Love?

Sebastian is called by many different names: lunatic, madman, crazy, and a monster.  
Pretending to be human is an effortless task; calculating and flirtatious is a mask he carries for centuries, playing with the lives of those around him as if they’re just a game. 
His closed heart never lets anyone in, keeping a distance from anyone except for his annoying family, who live and protect each other. Despite having a dysfunctional, crazy family yet being regarded with suspicion and dread, his heart longs for more.  
On that fateful night, he never thought it was possible for him to have another emotional connection.  
A young, feral boy carrying a hunter-knife is surrounded by blood, snow, and dead wolves in the forest. Why does his youthful body carry a grotesque canvas of scars like they tell a gruesome past? Why do his eyes carry a heavy burden that's too young for a human? Or is he a human in the first place? 
As he gets to know the bratty Atlas, who angers him and challenges him, test him to the limits. If it was anyone else, he would not hesitate sending them to their grave.  Soon, he would learn that Atlas carries a heavy, dark secret, where Sebastian had to look for an answer in Atlas's past and must decide if he's worth protecting.  ***
Flirtatious, heartless, and bored gong/seme/top protagonist x clingly, bratty, and ruthless shou 
Sebastian x Atlas 
Additionally tags: dark, mysterious, BL, age-difference, thriller, psychological, supernatural creatures, slow romance, murder, dub-con, tragic past, comedy, and horror (I don’t own the picture on the cover.)

“P-please let me go..” I stammered and before I knew it, I was word vomiting while crying. “—I won’t return. You won’t ever see me again. I know you don’t want me as a mate. You hate me, so please let me go.” I cried out. Cain’s jaw tightened with each word that left my lips “What gave you the idea that you have the power to choose what you want?” His voice was low, “You don’t get to decide what, how, and when you leave. Only I get to do that. You don’t get to leave me, you don’t get to run! You only leave when I want you to.” "I didn’t ask for this,” I whispered, trembling. “I didn’t ask to be your mate.” Cain stepped back, “Neither did I,” he muttered under his breath. “But the bond doesn’t give us a choice, does it?” ~~~~ As the only child of her late Alpha father, Avery Jae was meant to inherit her family’s legacy. But on the day of her arranged marriage to Alpha Lucian, her world crumbles. Rejected, humiliated, and cast aside for her own cousin, Avery barely escapes with her life only to find out a much deeper secret. One that changes everything. When Avery awakens, she finds herself in a foreign land, caught by the ruthless guards of the Vehiron pack, led by the infamous Alpha Cain. Tall, broad and as dangerous as the army he commands. Alpha Cain has a reputation that sends chills down the spine of even the most dangerous warriors. Haunted by his dark past, he has vowed never to take a mate, yet the moment he lays eyes on Avery, everything changes. With a single word, Avery is bound to Cain—whether he wants it or not. In a world where betrayal runs deep, can Avery ever trust the alpha who might just be her worst enemy.

She was the Eldest Legitimate Daughter of the General's Mansion, treacherously harmed and died a miserable death. Perhaps moved by pity, heaven granted her rebirth. She returned to four years earlier, not only possessing heterochromia that allowed her to see what others couldn't but also equipped with a portable space. She vowed to make those who hurt her and her mother pay in this life. He was a Prince with a Different Surname from Moli Country, holding military power and commanding awe in all directions. It was said that he had conquered most of Moli Country, and even The Emperor showed him deference. Legend had it he was a bloodthirsty prince who killed without blinking an eye. One day, she encountered a ragged but handsome man on the street, who chased after her, shouting, “My wife, my wife.” The woman said, “Damn it, who is your wife? Aunt isn’t even engaged yet! Go where it’s cool and stay there.” The man responded, “You are my wife, and I've decided to follow you for life.” "A feel-good story, both leads are strong, a pampering love story with 1v1 romance."

This is the hidden part of the "Apocalypse: The Echoes of Madness".

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

The MC transmigrates into Narutoverse in the body of a civilian orphan. Luckily for him, the transmigration results in chakra being unlocked. Follow the story of the MC as he grows in power and stabilizes himself into the world of ninjas and trains to be the strongest.  Warning :  1. The MC won't be op for a long time. All his power would be gained via hard work and training over years (so if u want an op mc right from the word go, this one ain't for you) 2. No harem (probably no romance either) 3. There will be a lot of killing (maybe gore too, not sure if I can do gore right though) 4. The story will start slow. Quite a few of initial chapters will be around training, orphanage and academy life, instead of directly becoming a Genin. 5. MC is a careful person, he won't put his life at risk unless there is no other choice. 6. I haven't read (nor will be reading) Baruto. So Baruto plotline won't be considered much in here. What to expect : 1. Smart and consistent MC  2. Lots of training 3. MC manipulating the plot to his advantage 4. A lot of original arcs.  5. Plot will mostly stay the same (at least till Shippuden), but I won't repeat any scenes/dialogues that took place in the manga (as I'm assuming you've already read it). Disclaimer : I don't own Naruto or its characters (except the original characters I create). The image used in the cover isn't mine and belongs to R. J PS : It's my first fanfic, I'm hoping it turns out good. All reviews and constructive criticisms are welcome. Grammar and English should be fine, but I'm not sure how good the dialogues and scenarios will be. Hopefully I'll improve as this fanfic progresses forward.

In the tides of struggle and power, who can reach the ultimate? In a world of factions and species, who can attain power? In a land whose past is obscured by the naivety of the present, who can uncover the hidden? Karl lives in a world of species and evolution, his path thrust upon him without his consent. Cannons, rifles, shard armor, legions, knight cities, and hive cities. Injections, grace, blood, evil, and ruinous gods... The world has forgotten a soul. A soul whose coming is unpredictable but sure like the mist. Karl has awoken, and what path will he leave behind? Would it be the same?... Like before? This is the story of the "Son of the fallen empire" or is it the living error? Or perhaps...The reaper!

Loved by Logan Maverick, who is seven years younger than her, Grace finds it hard to accept his love—especially since she has been married before, while Logan is a rising model in the spotlight. However, as time passes and Logan’s persistence grows, her heart softens, and she begins to see him as her last hope. Insecurity constantly plagues her, particularly since Logan is a famous model with many fans and always pursued by paparazzi. She tries to distance herself multiple times, but Logan holds her back, even making their relationship public, leaving her with no way to escape. Yet, this only brings her waves of criticism from Logan’s fan, who mock her for her age and social status. On top of that, she must deal with Logan's childish, emotional, mischievous, and selfish behavior, making the relationship feel toxic. Will she be able to endure? Or will Logan keep holding on to her? Will his reckless behavior drive Grace away in the end?

"I told you not to touch me," Audrey said. "In front of people," He reminded her. Audrey could feel the smirk in his voice. ~~~ Audrey's seventeen years in the Grey Blood pack were like a caged animal. She lived each day dreading the next unexpected thing the Alpha could punish her for. Audrey tried hard to understand the mysterious dream she'd been having, but nothing made sense to her, she was lost. She wished to be freed from the Grey Blood pack, but she lost all hope of survival when she found herself locked and chained in the cold dark dungeon. She hated him, she cursed him as her blood drained from her. She was happy to die and go away from that monster-alpha. Audrey awoke in a magical world where she learned everything about herself, she cultivated herself to become the strongest wolf and witch alive. One item though, led her back to the last place she wanted to be. Alpha Aloha Lake ruled the Grey Blood pack, the largest and strongest pack in the States. He was known to be brutal, even the mafia feared him. Nothing or anyone bothered him, except one; the damned bitch Audrey. He hated her, and he would make her pay for her mother's sins. But he could not kill her...yet. Alpha Lake emotionlessly stared at Audrey's bleeding body that lay on the cold dungeon floor, he ordered his beta to dispose of her without a second thought. One year later the enemies met again. Will hatred be the only emotion they share? Could they resist the fatal attraction they felt for each other?

In the peaceful village of Varyndal, Ren and his friends enjoy a carefree childhood, unaware of the looming danger. Their world is torn apart when a mysterious group of invaders, marked by a black dragon crest, descends upon the village, burning it to the ground and slaughtering the Arashiro Clan, the revered protectors of the land. In the chaos, Ren manages to escape into the forest, witnessing the destruction of his home and the capture of his friends.

Two souls. Two different ways. A different world. Bai yu Chen just wanted a peaceful and successful life, but being into a different and confusing world put a stop to those plans. Now he has to find a way to survive in a harem and find a way to stay with his love. But how can you love the person who is the cause of your troubles. °°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°° I suck at discriptions but this is a transmigration novel. This is a bl/Mpreg so read at your own risk.

Twice killed and once saved. A king born to destroy the world. Another destined to save it. The deceased king from a fallen kingdom will rise to live again. Only to find love in a vengeful king. “Sing me a lullaby. One that will guide me to the heavens. Set me free from the chains wrapped around my neck.” “Why don’t you sing to me instead? Guide me to you. Let us set sail on these clouds together forever.” “Don’t you know what that means for you?” “I would do whatever it takes to live a dream with you.” “With this sword in my heart, I bleed for you.” (This is BL *BoysLove*) (Front cover photo is not mine. Please send me a message for credit.) (Criticism on the novel and tips on how to improve my writing are very much welcome.)

In a mystical world divided between two opposing nations, Umbra and Lumin, darkness and light clash in an unending balance. At the heart of this divide stand two legendary Dragon Gods—brothers bound by destiny to protect the borders between their realms. But harmony shatters when the sinister elves and goblins of Umbra launch a daring attack, kidnapping the royal family of Lumin. Now, the fate of the light rests in the hands of Prince Edward, heir to the Solaryn legacy. Joined by his loyal elf companions, Edward embarks on a perilous quest to rescue his family, forge new alliances, and uncover hidden truths about the power of light and darkness. With thrilling battles, heartfelt moments, and an unforgettable cast of characters, this epic adventure is perfect for fans of Dragon Ball and Naruto. A tale of action, comedy, and unyielding determination awaits—are you ready to dive in

In skies where heavens crack and fall, A broken immortal heeds the call. Ling Tianyi, with memories blurred, Seeks truths within a world disturbed. A demon’s laugh, both sharp and sly, Zhi Yue’s mischief masks the why. With mocking jest and secrets veiled, He walks beside the one who’s failed. A temple stands, then crumbles low, Where lotus blooms and past truths glow. A sword that sings of wars once fought, Now whispers tales of what was sought. Through flames of beasts and shadows vast, The echoes ring of battles past. In lava’s depths and tempest’s rage, Their fates are inked on destiny’s page. Mockery yields to bonds unspoken, As shattered stars leave hearts unbroken. Together bound by fate’s decree, A tale of stars, of shadows, and eternity.

Ariana, the heiress to Warwick Kingdom, rejected her childhood companion, Jasper, who returned with a pregnant Omega. Reeling from the betrayal, Ariana met a mysterious merchant from Harmonia Kingdom, a weak werewolf whom Ariana couldn't smell his scent. "Who are you?" She watched him in utter disbelief. "Your merchant and I'm here because everything about you interests me.” "Is flirting all you know how to do?” "So you admit I'm a good flirt?" His smile was wider, "That makes me happy, princess." Happy that he, being born with the devil, finally met his Mate in the last year of his 3000 yrs life. The fate bonded them, so as to twist their destiny...

Crystal couldn't believe it. The Dragon Emperor, a man of perfect form, handsome looks, and great power, was lying on top of her! And they would share this very delicate and embarrassing position for three days!   Crystal Diante was a woman cursed with terrifying Fate and Destiny. She was fated in sorrow and destined in suffering. She was captured by powerful men who sought to challenge an Ancient Dragon. But the Dragon awakened was much more than a regular dragon. It was the Ancient Dragon Emperor, Adam, the Serpent of the Perfect Morning! He was like a god of the ancient era and revealed not a dragonic form, but that of a man. He was perfect. He was arrogant. He was handsome beyond the furthest dreams that Crystal could dream of. A battle raged as Adam fought Crystal's kidnappers which ended in Adam and Crystal being buried in a mountain. The young woman found herself protected and sheltered by Adam who bore the weight of the mountain. But he, could not leave for he was exhausted. The two shared a tight space. With only little room to move, Adam was forced to lay on top of her to carry the mountain, and Crystal was forced to lie under him. Their lips were always less than an inch apart from each other. When the proud Dragon Emperor spent hours with the girl, he began to use his powers to feed her by transferring energy through the mouth. Each kiss only drew Crystal deeper to the depths of love. For three days, the god and girl talked, kissed, and shared the most joyous moments that they could possible experience. Soon, the Dragon Emperor succumbed to his emotions and betrayed the purpose of his rebirth. He bestowed a Binding Kiss to Crystal. But such heaven could not continue. The gift bestows Crystal with great power, but Adam mysteriously vanishes. Will the magical binding kiss be enough for Crystal to overcome the shadows of treachery that lurk to slay her family? Will she reunite with the perfect stranger and find answers to the mysterious kiss? Will the Pray of the Dragon become the Partner? Dive into a tale of forbidden love, tragedy, betrayal, inherited destinies, and epic battles. Dive into a world of Wizardry and Will. A world of staves of magic and Swords of Power. Journey with Crystal as her life was forever changed when she was... Kissed by the Dragon Emperor.

Sophia Reed, a sharp and fearless 24-year-old PR strategist, is used to cleaning up messy reputations. But when she’s hired to save billionaire Damien Steele’s image, she realizes this job might be her toughest yet. Damien is cold, guarded, and infuriatingly handsome—a combination that’s as dangerous as it is distracting. As Sophia digs deeper into his world, she discovers a man haunted by secrets, his icy exterior hiding a fire she can’t resist. The more she tries to keep things professional, the harder it gets to ignore the pull between them. But with the media circling and enemies waiting for their chance to strike, every step closer to Damien puts her heart—and her career—on the line.

In the heart of Japan, Kazemachi Sota was a high school football legend, the fastest and most skilled quarterback the Nishikawa Hawks had ever seen. But a devastating injury shattered his dreams, leaving him to navigate a new life of uncertainty. Labeled "the bird with clipped wings," Kazemachi struggles to find his place in a world without the sport that defines him. Just as hope seems lost, an unexpected invitation from a spirited girl named Aiko reignites his passion. She invites him to join the school’s flag football team, a game of strategy and speed, offering him a chance to redefine himself. Will Kazemachi find a new way to soar, or will the shadows of his past keep him grounded forever? This is a journey of self-discovery and triumph against all odds.

In the streets of Miami, a chance encounter between Ellis Arroyo a charming and naive bartender and Alexander ' Alex' Del Montiez the cold, ruthless and possessive Prince of the Mafia family sets off a chain reaction of passion, destruction and obsession. After a passionate one night stand ignites a fielry bond but Alex's life and possessive nature soon consume Ellis, drawing him into a world of violence, loyalty, family dynamics and making him revisit a ghost from his past, as Ellis gets entangled in Alex's web ,he finds himself torn between his love for Alex and the suffocating grip of Alex's control. meanwhile, William " Willy" Del Montiez Alex's older brother harbors a secret love for Ellis which further complicates the already treacherous family dynamics. Willy's morals is tested as he has to choose between his feelings for Ellis or his loyalty to his family. Rodrigo Gonzalez the cunning leader of a dangerous drug cartel driven by his long time feelings for Ellis and his hatred for Alex, Rodrigo is fixated on destroying Alex and claim Ellis for himself. As Ellis finds himself at the center of a love quadruple,he must confront the darkness sorrounding him. Will he succumb to Alex possessiveness, risk everything for Williams love or fall prey to Rodrigo sinister desire? Find out in this thrilling story " DESIRED BY MANY: OWNED BY HIM" This story is a work of fiction.

In a world divided by four great nations, each ruled by the dominion of a natural element, war is constant, and balance hangs by a thread. In this chaotic landscape, Ryuu, a young outcast from a coastal village, struggles to control his unstable connection with the wind, a power that has brought him more suffering than glory. His life changes forever when he receives an invitation to a mysterious tournament where the most powerful warriors compete for the greatest of prizes: the Lance of Aether, an ancient artifact capable of granting absolute dominion over the elements. Eager to find a purpose and prove his worth, Ryuu joins the tournament, only to discover that it is no ordinary competition. The battles not only test the strength and skills of the participants but also their convictions and darkest secrets. Amid unexpected allies and mortal enemies, Ryuu must confront the organization behind the tournament, led by the fearsome Red Wind, a man determined to unleash chaos and remake the world in his image. As Ryuu advances through the stages of the tournament, he is forced to make decisions that will mark him forever. Will he be able to control the power that defines him? Or will he succumb to the weight of a legacy he never asked for?

In the bustling city of New York, Emma Collins is a successful architect with a seemingly perfect life. However, beneath her composed exterior lies a heart shattered by a past love. When she unexpectedly crosses paths with her ex-fiancé, Alex, the wounds she thought had healed are ripped open once more. As Emma navigates the complexities of her emotions, she finds solace in her work and the support of her close-knit group of friends. But when a new project brings her face-to-face with Alex, she must confront the unresolved feelings that have haunted her for years. Amidst the backdrop of stunning architectural designs and the vibrant cityscape, Emma embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. She learns that love, in all its forms, is both beautiful and painful. Through heartache and hope, Emma discovers the strength to rebuild her life and open her heart to new possibilities. "Whisper in the winds, a love confession" is a poignant tale of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. It explores the delicate balance between holding on and letting go, and the power of forgiveness in finding true happiness.

Synopsis of The Call to Arms In the serene heart of Greece lies the Alexandros estate, a sprawling haven of vineyards and olive groves owned by the noble Alexandros family. Sophia Alexandros, a poised and compassionate young woman of twenty-six, has long enjoyed the comforts and privileges of her ancestral home. Her life is one of elegance and responsibility, managing the estate with grace since her father’s passing. However, beneath the idyllic surface, political unrest simmers as the Ottoman Empire tightens its grip on Greece, threatening the very essence of Greek heritage and independence. The fragile peace shatters when news arrives that Ottoman forces have seized nearby Kastoria and are advancing toward the Alexandros estate. The sudden invasion thrusts Sophia and her family into chaos, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of war. Faced with the dire choice to submit or resist, Sophia’s resolve hardens. Determined to protect her homeland and preserve her family’s legacy, she decides to join the burgeoning Greek independence movement, abandoning her sheltered life and the expectations to marry well. Leaving behind the marble halls and manicured gardens, Sophia steps into the rugged world of rebellion. She partners with Dimitri, her brave younger brother, and Kosta, the estate’s seasoned foreman, to rally the estate’s staff and nearby villagers. Together, they forge alliances with local rebels, transforming the estate into a strategic stronghold for the resistance. Sophia’s noble upbringing and sharp intellect quickly earn her a leadership role, as she devises strategies, secures supplies, and inspires those around her with unwavering courage. As Sophia immerses herself in the fight for freedom, she faces numerous challenges that test her strength and resolve. Skepticism from some rebels, the loss of comrades, and the relentless pressure from Ottoman forces weigh heavily on her. Yet, her determination never falters. Her leadership becomes a beacon of hope, uniting diverse factions of the resistance and galvanizing a movement that grows stronger with each passing day. Amidst the turmoil, Sophia grapples with personal sacrifices. Her bond with Dimitri deepens as they navigate the perils of war together, each step bringing them closer to their shared dream of a free Greece. The estate, once a symbol of privilege, transforms into a battleground where Sophia’s spirit shines brightest. Her decision to fight not only ignites a personal journey of bravery and resilience but also sparks a larger struggle for national identity and sovereignty. In pivotal moments of strategy and sacrifice, Sophia leads daring raids against Ottoman supply lines, orchestrates defensive maneuvers to protect innocent villagers, and negotiates fragile truces with neighboring factions. Her actions inspire others to join the cause, swelling the ranks of the resistance and escalating the conflict into a full-scale war for independence. Through victories and losses, Sophia remains steadfast, embodying the spirit of Greece’s fight for liberation. The Call to Arms is a gripping tale of courage, duty, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom. It delves into the complexities of leadership, the burdens of responsibility, and the transformative power of unwavering conviction. Sophia Alexandros’s journey from a sheltered heiress to a formidable leader mirrors the broader struggle of a nation yearning to reclaim its destiny. As the Ottoman threat looms ever larger, Sophia and her allies must navigate treacherous alliances, personal sacrifices, and the relentless march of war to secure a future where Greece can flourish free from oppression.

When book editor Liriel stumbles upon a mysterious novel in a forgotten corner of an old library, she never expects it to draw her into a world beyond her own. As she flips through the book’s pages, Liriel finds herself inside the dark world of Ashwood— a kingdom haunted by shadows. Unwillingly her path crossed with Lucian Aldric Vaelan– the antagonist of the book, the enigmatic prince who seems to know more than he lets on, whose gaze lingers a moment too long, and whose touch is a dangerous promise. Under his watchful eye, Liriel is drawn deeper into a web of political intrigue and ancient curses, Where the more she explores, the more she realizes she may be entangled in a story that was never just a story. Caught between reality and the shadowed corridors of Ashwood’s court, Liriel must choose: stay close to Lucian and risk her heart, or find a way home before she loses herself in his world entirely. But Lucian has his own plans. And in a kingdom ruled by fear and power, no one escapes the Villain Prince unscathed.

In High school, her teacher asked everyone to write down their goals. Verena wrote two things-to keep living the life full of luxury. Who doesn't like dresses, jewellery, parties and wine. And to own Red Kite. Everything was going perfect until a handsome stranger broke in her house through her window. "Do you mind I stay here for time being?" She stared gritted teeth at the theif making himself comfortable on the armchair without waiting for her answer. She fell in self-doubt, is this his house or her's? Unfortunately, little did she knew at that time this two-faced thief did not just planned to enter her house but also in her life.

Ryo Tanaka, a struggling college student, works tirelessly at multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet. In a bid to earn some extra cash, he volunteers for a paid drug research study, unaware that it will alter the course of his life forever. The experiment takes a disastrous turn, leaving Ryo bedridden with a high fever for several days. But when he finally awakens, he finds himself in a world plunged into chaos. A deadly virus has ravaged the city, turning its inhabitants into ravenous, flesh-eating zombies. Streets once bustling with life now lay desolate, the remnants of civilization crumbling under the weight of the apocalypse.