To Be A Power In The Shadows Web

James Castillo grew up idolizing the glamour and power of organized crime, dreaming of the day he’d lead his own empire. Obsessed with the wealth and respect he saw mob bosses command, he dives headfirst into the underworld. But as he rises, he faces brutal rivalries and the ruthless cost of power, realizing that the life he idolized is darker than he ever imagined.

[A Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance] "Wherever there are shadows, there has to be a light" ~ Seraphina Winters, the Mafia Queen of the 21st century, dies at the age of 28 in an assassination attempt and finds herself facing the trial that will decide her place in the afterlife, i.e. - heaven or hell. However, a weird situation occurs when her bad deeds turn out to be equal to her good deeds performed during her mortal life. To solve the situation, the Council of Afterlife offers her a chance to increase her good deeds and secure her place in heaven. As for the offer - marry the Shadow Lords and revive the cursed land of Shadow City. The council even offers her their newly created system to help her with the impossible task. Dressed in an all-black wedding gown, Seraphina finds herself outside a haunted castle in the depths of a haunted city. From here begins Seraphina's journey of handling her four very hot but dangerous husbands while bringing a very dead city back to life with the help of the system. ----- For more updates about the story, follow me on Instagram: @nightsummer20 ******* Disclaimer: The book cover is mine.

In a world brimming with beast tamers and quirky familiars, our hapless hero gets a second chance at life—only this time, he’s reborn as a legendary dragon! As if that wasn’t enough of a plot twist, he gets contracted to a princess of a small kingdom who’s determined to be the to make her kingdom the best in the world. Now, instead of chasing after treasure, he’s stuck attending royal functions and fending off awkward suitors. Luckily, with a quirky gacha system that rewards him for acting like the magnificent dragon he is, he’s ready to show everyone what a dragon-taming duo can really do. Join them as they navigate the ups and downs of royal life, deal with ridiculous rival tamers, and maybe even start a new species of half-dragon, half-human hybrids—because who wouldn’t want to create a little chaos in the world? ************************* New story! Please support a new author! I won't be updating my other for a while until I get a good Stockpile of this one!

Scarlet was enrolled in the Villainess Academy to learn how the world of evil truly operates. She possessed hearts so pure and innocent that were often considered naive, easily believing whatever she was told, which made her seem foolish in the eyes of others. A girl with no mana, no aura, cannot summon a spirit, or execute a magic. Her parents, worried that her innocence and inability to survive in the world would be her downfall, they enrolled her in the Villainess Academy, hoping they would learn the harsh realities of the world and toughen up. In the academy where she was bullied and belittle, Scarlet met someone who would protect her. But this person is hiding in shadow

He had returned to the past. And this time, he will live up to his role as a young master, which he lost in the past. He will use all the resources of his family to his advantage. He will cheat the world itself. He will get what he wants, and he will protect his loved one's this time.

|Mafia boss×Mafia's son| Warning: extremely mature content. - Couple one: Despite her trying to sound cool, he could hear her slight pants. "What were you doing?" He asked, forgetting everything. That's how it was for them. They could be in the middle of the most serious issue yet the slightest change in their breathing would make the other curious. "If I say that I was, or more like, am fingering myself while thinking about you, would you come here and f*ck me?" She said while putting two fingers inside of herself. A moan left her lips and his d*ck hardened on the other side. "F*ck, Andrew, ah," she was moaning on purpose, to get a reaction out of him. She wanted to test him till he broke and later fulfilled her with his entire being. She knew that she wasn't supposed to want him and so did he but the heart wants what the heart wants. And forbidden fruits always taste better. - All of a sudden, he moved a little away and by not feeling the same sensation as before, she opened her eyes with an annoyed look. She was almost about to come. "Why did you stop -" she was cut off by her own moan. He did the most unthinkable thing. He slapped her pu*sy. She thought that it would hurt her but it had the exact opposite reaction. It ended up sending an electric shock through her body but one that was filled with pleasure. She was looking at him with pleading eyes. She didn't know what she wanted him to do but she wanted something from him and he understood even though she didn't vocalize her thoughts. He made a silent promise to fulfill all of her fantasies and with that, he slapped her again. And she moaned in pleasure again. Who knew that something that counts as a punishment could bring one so much pleasure? - Tangled by an interesting past, lust, and underworld matters. And most importantly heart. Both of them refused to fall for the other again but for how long? In this twisted game called lust, would they end up falling for each other? -- Couple two: "Stars are pretty," he said. She gave him a sad smile. "But people always say that you are going to lose the moon while counting the stars but the moon got scars and you can't stare at the sun for two minutes, you are bound to get blind by its light and how can you love someone you can't even look at?" "So we shouldn't love anything at all?" "If you are willing to take the risk then sure, you can." "Maybe I am or maybe I don't have any choice of my own. If you were given a chance, what would have you been?" "Dust probably," she said, not looking at him anymore. "Dust why? Don't they fly away?" "I wish to be like the dust so that I can fly away. Everything except the dust that flies is desired in one way or another, for example: A bird is caged in the name of love, just because someone wants to keep it. A flower that was torn away from its home and later toasted away in a place where the wind makes it blown, at least one person is going to like it enough to keep it with them till they don't like it anymore. Nobody can see dust, let alone desire it. Maybe being undesired isn't always the bad thing." -- "I trusted you but you broke my trust. You could have told me the truth." "You never seemed interested enough in my truth." "I wasn't? You never bothered asking me anything, you just assumed and ruined everything because that's all you can do. You don't deserve my trust." "I know," she muttered under her breath, fully knowing that he was too good for her to ruin him. -- "Don't do this to yourself just because you hate me. Don't ruin your life, I am begging you." "Because of you? Why would you think that you deserve any of my thoughts, my emotions? You don't even exist to me." And she was again feeling unworthy, a word that was never going to leave her side. -- In the midst of misunderstanding, complications, and hate, will they find love?

Shadows In the world, in the cities of Uptown and Hollow Creek, an unexpected outbreak of immortal creatures shakes the world to its core. Vampires, led by the ambitious and powerful Deborah, seek to dominate humans, believing their supernatural strength and speed make them superior. Deborah, once human, was turned into a vampire after trying to save her twin brother Henry, the first human-turned-vampire, sparking her violent crusade. However, not all vampires share her vision. Tamara, Henry’s girlfriend, fights for peaceful coexistence between humans and vampires, aligning with the government to stop Deborah's reign of terror. As the two vampires ’rivalry deepens, a new threat emerges: the Drink-Blood Walkers—humans possessed by an ancient dark power that turns them into part-zombies with an insatiable thirst for human blood. These creatures wreak havoc, becoming a menace to both humans and vampires alike. With the world on the brink of collapse, a group of elite humans known as the Knight Warriors rises. These warriors, powered by vampire strength and advanced military technology, form a force strong enough to challenge the vampires and Drink-Blood Walkers. Driven by the pain of losing loved ones, they stand as humanity’s last hope. Henry, riddled with guilt for the chaos he unintentionally caused, embarks on a quest for redemption. With the help of an ancient vampire wizard, his girlfriend Tamara, FBI director Mrs. Charlton, and other key allies like Sarah, Richard (the mayor's son), and Elena, Henry seeks a magical solution to reverse vampirism and end the Drink-Blood plague. In an epic battle of strength, speed, and magic, the Knight Warriors and their allies must confront both Deborah’s army of vampires and the monstrous Drink-Blood Walkers. The fate of humanity and immortals hangs in the balance as Henry’s quest for a cure offers one final chance to bring peace to the world but at a grave cost.

Marcus Evans was the epitome of an ordinary guy—stuck in a dead-end job, addicted to reading webnovels for a taste of excitement, and completely invisible in the grand scheme of life. His greatest joy was escaping into the pages of Decade Long Crusade, a sprawling epic where the hero, Ash Braker, rises from weakness to ultimate power in a world of magic, technology, and danger. But when Marcus wakes up one day in a body that isn’t his, in a world that feels disturbingly familiar, he quickly realizes the impossible: he’s been transmigrated into the Decade Long Crusade universe. However, there’s a catch. He’s not the hero, nor even a notable character. He’s an unknown extra, an expendable background figure doomed to die without making a mark on the story. To survive in a world where extras are crushed underfoot by stronger powers, Marcus knows he can’t play the game like a hero. The only way to protect himself is to manipulate the plot, ensure Ash Braker’s rise to power, and play the part of the ruthless villain who pulls the strings from the shadows. As the world of cultivation, magic, and futuristic technology threatens to swallow him whole, Marcus must make hard decisions, form dangerous alliances, and betray those who stand in his way. Because in this world, it’s better to be the villain than to die forgotten.

Amelia wasn’t always Amelia. In a past life, she was a young man who chose apathy and indifference, silently recording an atrocity without intervening. For this, a secretive organization exacted a punishment as severe as it was symbolic: transforming the perpetrators into what they despised most. Turned into a woman through a dark ritual, Amelia finds herself trapped in a body she never asked for, her mind besieged by new impulses and emotions driven by an ancient and perverse power. Sold to Jason, a powerful yet enigmatic CEO, Amelia faces a heartbreaking emotional contradiction. The new sensations and desires implanted by the ritual drive her to fall in love with her master, but memories of who she once was haunt her, and the constant internal struggle threatens to consume her. Amid her personal turmoil, she discovers that both Jason and the organization's leader, Inmaculada, are disciples of a ruthless and ancient master—a sorcerer capable of altering the destiny of those who fall under his control. As she attempts to rebuild her life and prove she's more than just a pretty face, Amelia is caught in a complex power struggle between Inmaculada and Jason’s interests, family conflicts, and the master's demands. Conspiracies intensify when the mentor discovers her unexplored magical potential, demanding her surrender at any cost. To buy time, Jason and Inmaculada resort to drastic measures, transforming Amelia’s assailants into women through the same dark ritual in hopes of diverting the master’s attention. In a world where magic, manipulation, and power struggles are the norm, Amelia must find her true strength to survive and decide who she wants to be in a reality that constantly redefines her.

In a world transformed nearly two decades ago by the intervention of ancient gods, Kwame, a young Ghanaian with a passion for detective novels and a knack for disappearing into the background, is thrust into a deadly series of trials. The gods of various pantheons have bestowed powers upon chosen individuals, known as Rankers, to prepare them for a coming war against creatures from other dimensions. These creatures will emerge through mysterious gates, and only those who ascend through the trials can hope to protect their world. Kwame, chosen by the trickster god Anansi, finds himself in a web of fate far more complex than he ever imagined. His powers aren’t those of brute strength, but of deception, illusion, and fate-weaving. As he navigates the dangerous trials, Kwame must learn to master his abilities, outsmart powerful guardians, and understand the deeper connection he shares with the fabric of reality itself. With each step forward, Kwame uncovers a larger mystery: the gates he and others are being prepared to face are more than just doorways—they are tied to an ancient threat that could wipe out entire worlds. The trials are not only about survival, but about understanding the web of fate that binds all living things. Kwame’s power to manipulate these threads will determine not just his fate, but the fate of his world. However, Kwame is not the only one navigating the trials, and not everyone chosen by the gods seeks to protect their world. As alliances shift and enemies emerge, Kwame must decide whether he can trust those around him, or if his journey will lead him down a darker path, one of betrayal, power, and sacrifice. With 1300 chapters planned, "Weaving Shadows" explores Kwame’s growth from a quiet, unremarkable young man to a powerful figure capable of shaping destiny itself. Along the way, he will face trials of wit, fight powerful beings, and learn the true meaning of power—not just to wield it, but to understand the delicate balance of trickery, fate, and responsibility. As the gates begin to open, Kwame’s choices will determine whether his world stands or falls. And with each new challenge, he must face not only the monsters lurking beyond the gates, but the shadows within himself.

“ Goodbye - big brother-, I will definitely take good care of your inheritance. As your kind little sister, I wish you rest in peace. This is nothing personal, you know. He-he… And yeah, I'm sure we will meet again in the future~” This was what an eighteen-year young boy named Karl Neitherhood, heard from the mouth of his beloved little sister in his past life on the verge of death! ------------------------------ “Ding… Initializing…. ----- Supreme Overlord System------ Name: Karl Neitherhood Age : 18 years Main quest: Be the supreme overlord of the universe Timeframe : no deadline Penalty if failed: Host will permanently die and won't be able to reincarnate again. The host's soul will be damned and doomed!” ----------------------------------- The mysterious disappearance of his parents, An uncle who is hiding something from him, A gorgeous divine servant, a crazy system, a harem filled with women of divine beauty, and the successor of a lazy goddess! “ How am I going to deal with all of these?” Karl clenched his fists towards the grey sky. ‐----------------------------------------- *** Warning MATURE CONTENT included *** [R18]!

The world was once under siege by the Great Demons, extremely powerful beings, possessing magic strong enough to wipe out entire Kingdoms. But due to the intervention of the Great Spirits, humanity managed to trap all the Great Demons, ending their threat to the human world. It is now two hundred years later, and there exists a boy named Lance Grey. He has a strange power, which is almost demonic in nature. Some could say that he's cursed, or a demon in disguise. But the truth about Lance's power will make him a lot of enemies, enemies just like the Great Demons. With only his friends and this terrifying power, Lance must save the world from ruin, without losing all he cares about in the process. Join Lance Grey as he goes on a journey to learn How To Be A Great Demon.

What do you expect from the person you love? silly question isn't it , except when the person you love turns out to be the one who fucked up your whole life ..... No reward for guessing ofcourse you become a villain. This Is story of such a villain. A villain who is formed out of misery, hatred, betrayal and the last thing you can expect from such person would be mercy. What do you think will happen when such a villain and his love cross paths again. To learn more about this story join Hrithik on his journey of love, revenge and betrayal.

Rachel Jackson, the heiress to a business empire is forced into an arranged marriage with Zion Clark, a ruthlessly billionaire with a dark mafia past. Their complicated history rises a passion between them but their love is threatened by the secrets they keep. As Rachel slowly adapts into the landscape of high society, she confront Zion's family secret and his deadly enemies. With each twist and turn, Rachel's love for Zion is threatened by a few people, a wicked mother-in-law, Zion's seductive friend who will stop at nothing but to claim Zion, A mysterious assassin targeting Rachel and most importantly, her own past. Can her love survive the darkness of Zion's world or will she become the next victim of Zion's deadly legacy?

I lived happily with my family when I was young, but both of my parents disappeared without a trace. Before Dad died in a staged accident, he married a wealthy woman who had two daughters. The people who made my life a living hell, but accidentally discovering secrets I wasn't suppose to know. Leaving my hometown which I haven't ventured out since I was young, here my journey begins.

In a world overrun by infection, Kai emerges as an unlikely leader, guiding a diverse group of survivors through the ruins of their shattered reality. Among them are Rina, the nurturing heart; Asuka, the fiery rival for his affection; and Yuki, the calm strategist hiding fierce resolve. As tensions rise and trust becomes a rare commodity, Kai must navigate complex relationships and psychological games, especially with the skeptical Captain Jiro. When a horde of infected threatens their existence, his leadership is put to the ultimate test. Will Kai's cunning strategies keep his group alive—and win their hearts? Join him on a thrilling journey of survival, manipulation, and unexpected love in a chaotic world where every choice could mean life or death. Action, Romance, Harem, Adventure, Post-Apocalyptic Survival, Infected, Harem Dynamics, Psychological Warfare, Leadership, Secrets, Emotional Conflict

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?

Be someone that don't take anything granted and be content on what you have. Note: I'll be continuing the chapter upload...

In Horizon City, a city pulsing with superhuman abilities and hidden powers, Alex Mercer leads a double life. To his high school peers at Crescent High, he is just an unremarkable, introverted teenager, often labeled as a loser. However, beneath this facade, Alex harbors a staggering secret: he is the formidable boss of the world's most powerful mafia, controlling the underbelly of global crime while possessing extraordinary superhuman abilities. Alex's life of careful balance is disrupted with the arrival of Olivia Turner, a new student with her own mysterious past and vigilante tendencies. As their paths intertwine, the precariously maintained veil over Alex’s dual existence begins to slip. Olivia's presence unwittingly draws attention to Alex, making him a target in the perilous criminal world he reigns over. Caught in a vortex of escalating conflict and dangerous alliances, Alex is forced to confront the consequences of his hidden life. His struggle to maintain his anonymity becomes increasingly challenging as rival factions within the underworld sense an opportunity to overthrow him. Simultaneously, his growing bond with Olivia tests his ability to keep his true identity a secret, putting both their lives in grave danger. As tensions reach a boiling point, Alex is compelled to make a critical decision: reveal his true identity and utilize his full powers to protect his loved ones or continue concealing his dual life, risking everything he has built. This decision leads to a thrilling climax where Alex confronts his enemies, both in the criminal sphere and within the walls of Crescent High. "Shadows of Power" is a gripping tale that weaves together themes of identity, power, and the delicate line between right and wrong. It explores the consequences of living a life shrouded in secrets and the transformative journey of a young man grappling with the immense responsibility of his hidden world. The story culminates in a dramatic finale, leaving both Horizon City and Alex forever changed, as he seeks redemption and a new path forward in the aftermath of his revealed identity.

In a world where power and wealth dictate the balance of society. Leonardo stand out as the wealthiest and most feared person in the country. Were billionairs and Mafia, Rules. Not even the government dares to cross him. Leonardo felt the heat, when his wife, Elena. Was brutally murdered along with their unborn child. Knowing the dangers that come with power, he made a fateful decision to keep his son, Lucas. Hidden away from the world and even from Elena. Only his trusted uncle, Thomas, and his right-hand man, Alex. Knew the secret that could one day change everything. Lucas was raised by his uncle, Thomas. in the countryside. He is Strong and physically fit. He defends the weak and fights against corruption. Unaware of the powerful legacy and bloodline he carried. Everything changed the day Leonardo’s assassination spread. For Lucas, it was the moment his true identity was unveiled. Unknown to the world, Leonardo wasn’t dead but paralyzed and in a coma, forced to remain hidden as the world believed he had fallen. Now, Lucas must step into the city to reclaim his father’s empire. With his father's trusted man, Alex by his side. He must complete his mission before revealing who he truly is. Upon his return, Lucas caught the eyes of Sophia, a beautiful girl trapped by her family's debt. He must choose between love Or identity uncovering to save the love of his life. Lucas, raised in a quiet environment by the countryside. Faces an uncertain future. Can he stand among the ruthless power mongers and claim his father’s dark legacy, or will he choose to forge a new path alongside Sophia? only time will reveal which side of him will prevail, the darkness of vengeance or the light of love.

There is a special team operating in the shadows in the sprawling, fog-enshrouded city of Cinderfire. They’re known as the Ninth Division, a covert unit within the police force tasked with investigating the unexplained and the cases that ordinary officers can’t handle, where the rules of the supernatural apply. John Carter, a hardened war veteran and the team's newest member, is about to get his first taste of what lurks in the city's dark corners.

In a dark reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood, Selene, a model, finds herself caught in a deadly tale of destiny and ancient myth. After attending an art exhibit where her morbid photographs, including a portrayal of Red Riding Hood, are featured, Selene's life takes a terrifying turn. A werewolf emerges, hunting her through the city streets and into a forested reserve. Guided by a mysterious man named Hans, who claims to be her protector, Selene learns that her fate is tied to the legends she once dismissed. As the night unfolds, Selene must confront the wolves—and her own role in the story—if she hopes to survive the nightmare lurking in the shadows.

The heavy rain pounded on the rooftop of a modest house nestled in the quiet neighborhood of a small town. Inside, a twelve-year-old boy named Alex sat by the window, watching the droplets race down the glass...............................

Meet twenty seven year old Mattaniah Albert, a crippled man whose everyday life could also be well referred to as a diabolical nightmare. At a very young age he had lost his parents, which made life even harder for him. Growing up was like a scorpion sting. However, at some point when he eventually thought that he has found a perfect job with good earnings too and that his life would grow better from that moment onward, a strange incident suddenly occurred at his workplace. Sending him into another world entirely, where he was back to his sixteen year old self and also blessed with a system, and a chance to become strong and powerful. Ding! [Congratulations Mattaniah Albert the Time Machine has granted you a system named Hourglass!]

In a world where ancient secrets and modern ambitions collide, Dr. Ananya Sen, a renowned archaeologist from West Bengal, India, leads a groundbreaking expedition to uncover the hidden depths of Hindu mythology. Her quest begins with the discovery of a mysterious artifact that hints at the existence of a powerful and ancient wisdom, believed to be lost to history.Dr. Sen's team, a diverse group of experts including Vikram Malhotra, India’s wealthiest businessman with a vast library of historical knowledge; Kavya Kapoor, his efficient and resourceful assistant; Dr. Ravi Iyer, a distinguished historian and linguist; Aisha Khan, a cutting-edge engineer; Dr. Samir Patel, a dedicated medical expert; and Priya Sharma, a specialist in comparative mythology, embarks on a global journey to uncover the secrets embedded in ancient texts and artifacts.However, their pursuit is fraught with peril. They face opposition from Rajesh Singhania, a rival archaeologist driven by ambition and a desire for fame, who resorts to unethical means to outshine Dr. Sen. Elena Volkov, a wealthy art collector and leader of a secretive organization, seeks to exploit the artifacts for her private collection, disregarding their cultural significance. Dr. Naveen Desai, a corrupt politician, attempts to control their findings for personal gain, using his political power to manipulate and threaten the team.The team also confronts Maya Ahuja, a former member who, disillusioned and skeptical, sabotages their efforts from within. Complicating their journey is the enigmatic Shadow Consortium, a secret society with its own agenda to control ancient knowledge and influence global events.As Dr. Sen’s team deciphers cryptic texts and explores hidden temples, including a concealed sanctuary in the Himalayas, they uncover profound spiritual truths and face intense challenges. They must navigate through layers of deception and danger to protect their discoveries and preserve the integrity of their mission.Their ultimate challenge leads them to a fateful confrontation with these forces, where they must reconcile ancient wisdom with modern technology and ethical dilemmas. The journey culminates in a dramatic showdown that tests their resolve, unearths deeper truths, and determines the fate of the ancient knowledge they sought to reveal.In "The Archaeologist and the Divine: Shadows of Myth and Power," the boundaries between myth and reality blur, and the quest for ancient secrets becomes a battle against those who seek to control or destroy them. The novel weaves a thrilling tapestry of adventure, suspense, and philosophical exploration, highlighting the tension between preserving cultural heritage and the pursuit of power. Author's Note This novel is the result of a collaborative effort between human creativity and advanced technology. The concept, plot, and characters were developed by me, novelwriter123, with the assistance of an AI tool. The AI provided support in generating the text and refining the narrative based on the ideas and direction I provided. I am grateful for the role technology played in bringing this story to life, and I hope you enjoy the journey through these pages as much as I enjoyed crafting it. [novelwriter123] and comment on this novel...and thank you.