Cradle His Hands And Lift Her Up

*****Excerpt***** “Don’t,” she whispered, her words shaky and desperate. “Please, Raph, don’t.” “Don’t what?” he murmured, his lips brushing her collarbone now. “This isn’t right. We shouldn’t…” “But we have,” he countered, his voice unwavering. Her knees threatened to give way, her strength faltering against the onslaught of sensation. She felt his hands on her shoulders, firm but not unkind, as he turned her to face him. Her heart hammered wildly as he lifted her with ease, placing her on the edge of his desk. He parted her legs with his hands and stepped between them, his large hands bracketing her waist. Their faces were inches apart, his breath warm against her lips. Her senses were drowning in him, in the heat of his body and the sheer magnetism of his gaze. “Tell me to stop,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “And I will. I’ll let you go and never ask this of you again. But it’s your choice, Natalie. Only yours.” Her mind screamed at her to end it, to take the out he offered. But her body betrayed her, leaning into him, craving his touch. He held her steady, his patience unnerving, as though he knew she would falter. “I’m waiting, Nat,” he urged, his voice softening, though his grip on her remained firm. “Raphael…” Her voice was a breathless plea, her will crumbling. “Yes, sweetheart?” Her hands found their way to his shoulders, clutching at the fabric of his shirt. She couldn’t stop the words that slipped from her lips, nor could she deny the truth in them. “Make love to me.” A dark smile curved his lips as he claimed her mouth in a kiss that stole her breath. “Good choice,” he whispered against her skin. “Because I wasn’t planning on letting you go.” *****Synopsis***** Raphael Emberlin, the Duke of Barrington, and his maid, Natalie Scott, are kidnapped while on a journey. After escaping their captors, they find themselves in a strange, unfamiliar land far from home. Everything around them is different, from the language to the people, and they must find their way back, all while learning to navigate the challenges of being stuck with each other. Raphael, used to being in control, struggles to trust anyone, especially Natalie. However, as they travel together, he begins to see her in a new light—her strength, courage, and ability to handle tough situations. On the other hand, Natalie has to deal with Raphael’s arrogance and pride, but she also notices his vulnerability and starts to understand him better. As they journey through this unknown world, their relationship starts to change. What began as a forced partnership slowly grows into something deeper. They each discover new strengths within themselves and each other. By the time they finally return home, they are left wondering whether they can go back to their old lives or if the journey has changed them forever.

She was born different. He was labeled evil and cold. But they weren’t the monsters the world believed them to be. Rose was feared from the moment she took her first breath—an outcast marked by her strange and unnatural aura. Hated, hunted, and shunned, she grew up in the shadows, carrying the weight of a destiny she didn’t understand. She was special, too special, the one ordained to bring chaos to Heaven, Earth, and Hell alike—the true god the worlds refused to accept. Lucifer was the lord of Hell, feared and despised by all, a being defined by darkness and cruelty. Yet, even he wasn’t immune to curiosity. The moment he saw Rose, something shifted—a fascination he couldn’t ignore. What began as mere intrigue turned into something far more dangerous: love. But love between the devil and a girl destined for destruction was never meant to be simple. Heaven’s forces, terrified of Rose’s power, would stop at nothing to destroy her, and Hell itself began to tremble under the weight of her growing strength. As the boundaries between worlds crumble and the lines between savior and destroyer blur, Rose and Lucifer must face a truth neither of them can escape. She was born different. He was labeled evil. Together, they are unstoppable.

When he was engrossed in the Wizard World, Roger unexpectedly transmigrated to a world that seemed familiar yet strange. In this place, the legendary monsters actually existed, disguising themselves among the populace and becoming a part of this world. Starting from a deserted island, Roger began his career as a Demon Hunter. Although he had an inborn golden touch after transmigrating, what made him somewhat helpless was that it wasn't him with the cheat, but rather just a dilapidated house ready to collapse... After a long time, when Roger ascended to the castle surrounded by mountain peaks, he couldn't help but let out a sincere exclamation: “From a cabin to a castle, the house is too big and hard to manage!” ………… This is the story of a Demonic Hunter living in the modern world.

After playing a variation of the poker game, Shadow’s Hand, Damien Pearce unexpectedly awakened in an unfamiliar world. Stripped of all kinds of information in the world he was thrown into, Damien now had to navigate it through wits and guts. Amidst his search for information, he discovered that he seemed to be a part of the world as a Transcendent Investigator, otherwise known as TI. The TI seemed fearful and revered among the people in this world. They were responsible for catching Transcendent(s) who misused their power. But was that the reason for his transfer? “Do I or do I not belong in this world?” Damien questioned his presence constantly.

Michael doesn't like rain one bit, he didn't like the feeling of being cold and wet. he didn't like the aftermath of rain either, but with a certain girls wish, it seems like a 'little' rain is the least of his worries.

Sold by her father, Bella short for Arabella, was forced to live a life as a slave that would entertain the guests of the castle. The job of slaves were merely to be humiliated and to have as feast once they became a boring creature toward the guests. Arabella with her fierce attitude had only caused more trouble than good, although that helped her from being feasted by the vampires until her body dried up, the vampires also enjoy in harming her, toying with her, hoping to see that one day she would break. However she had caught the wrong attention by those crimson gaze, eventually being the toy of the one and only Mad Crown Prince of Versailles. Eventually this interest only cause her to be more tangled by the twisted and thorny battle for the Throne. Will eventually Bella concede and accept the Mad crown prince? Or will she finally succeed in running away from his grasp. Why her? *** excerpt*** Arabella felt her wrists stung as the shackle around her wrist jingled from the sudden pull. She then met with the icy red eyes that brood down upon her appearance, drinking into every inch of her figure as if he was studying her, even to how those breaths escaped her lips. "I thought we had bonded over the days we have spent together, Bella," he sang, his bright scarlet eyes betraying the singing tone he had used as it had grown so dark and filled with anger. "Yet you left so quickly as soon as I opened the castle gate." Bella gritted her teeth, her eyes glaring at him as she defiantly shook his hand off her face, "I can remind you if you have forgotten it, Your Majesty, I am kept here against my wish." Cassius' smile faded as he stared at her. The sudden pin-drop silence filled her nerves with tension as she found his smileless face the most terrifying sight. She had always known his fearsome side however, it felt scarier tonight. Bella tried to endure how loud her heart had raced against her chest, gathering her breaths together even though it remained shallow in his presence. "So cold," he muttered, his tone trying to tease her, but she could see the raw anger crossing his eyes. "You cannot run from me. Not after what we've done. Not after what you promised." Her heart faltered. She wasn't supposed to stay in this castle; she knew that the royal palace was filled with those vampire monsters who would kill for their desire, simply to have fun. She knew she should never give her heart to any of these monsters, and she had once believed she would never. But that was until Cassius came. She had made that promise because her heart had betrayed her, and she wished that she had never uttered that promise. Promises she had made to him on the call of love. Yet deep within her, a part of her still crave for him. "You're not the first one I have broken my promises with," she gritted her teeth and looked up at him, "I broke my promise the way you broke yours first, isn't it fair?" "Fair? Then was everything a lie, Arabella?" he murmured, his hands cupping her face, forcing her to meet his eyes. "You were mine the moment you entered my castle. And you will be mine until the very end." She gulped as his eyes shone underneath the moonlight, his gaze unforgiving over her, exposing his wild hunger. Her breath caught, her pulse quickening. "A human and a vampire should have never stayed together. They were all right." "I don't care," he spoke through his clenched jaw. "You're going to remain here by my side forever."

Given a second chance to relive her past life, Salmira Renee Cecily St Rose promised this time she will live a spectacular life. Her memory of dying alone in a small cold cabin, old, poor, betrayed and forgotten, made her think of a plan to avoid her fate. One, She needs money, lots and lots of it. Two, She wants a child, no husband. just a child. Three, A dog. She has always wanted one. It would be white and her name would be Kisses. Four, She needs a new home. To raise the child it would have to be a large cottage or a small state. Five, A new identity. She needs to fake her death, escape her family, and disappear into the countryside. Sierra could not wait. Nowadays, her mind was filled with daydreams of chasing her future offspring as they ran through the hills while a fluffy white cloud of a dog circles them. Ah, a life of bliss. She would finally have everything she ever wanted. At least that was everything, until one day she met Vincent Henry William St Louis. The 4rth Duke of Byrose. An event that never happened in her previous unmarried life. Oh, but he is handsome, a confirmed bachelor, Incredibly rude, appallingly sarcastic, and excitingly dangerous too. He is exactly the type of man she use to guiltily fantasize about as she lies awake in her bed at night. A real-life protagonist from those forbidden scandalous novels she kept hidden at the bottom of her trunk. As a lady, she should have run away from him, he is known to have already ruined several debutantes, instead what she did is add one more thing to her to-do list. Six, Aim for a steamy and passionate tryst with the Duke. Blackmail him into a dalliance and never ever give up. #comedy #romance #fantasy #historical #isekai

What if all the legends of the world originated from a single place? A hidden realm, with invisible borders, where the extraordinary blends seamlessly with the everyday. Welcome to Utopia a kingdom of ancient mysteries, mythical creatures, and forgotten powers. Yumé, a young man with no ties, thought he was ordinary, despite the strange abilities that set him apart from others. But when the veil between his world and Utopia is torn, he discovers that his life is only a fragment of a far greater destiny. A native of Utopia, Yumé must explore this fascinating world to uncover buried truths and embrace his heritage. Along his journey, he will encounter mythical figures, learn to master unique powers, and come to realize that even the most incredible legends… all begin somewhere. Embark on an epic adventure through Utopia a world where every answer leads to new questions, and where the mundane gives way to wonder.

Can you still love someone if you knew how horrible people died into his hands? A question in mind that cannot be answered right away by anyone. A human being know emphaty yet this human is different. He's a devil. Wendy was betrothed to this devil yet this innocent young woman knows when and where to stop. What will you do if the person your betrothed with is a Devil Mafia Boss?

Eighteen years old, worn down, and stuck in the repetitive grind of a dull college life, she’s convinced she has nothing left to offer—no energy, no joy, no hope. Life feels like one endless loop of exhaustion, dragging her through the motions. But just when she thinks she’s slipping into an abyss of monotony, her spirited little sister storms in like a whirlwind. From outrageous arguments to laugh-out-loud misadventures, their chaotic bond turns every mundane day into a rollercoaster ride. Beneath the teasing and eye-rolls lies a quiet truth: sometimes, the ones who drive us crazy are the very reason we stay sane. This is a heartfelt tale of sisterhood, resilience, and the beautiful mess that is family—a story of two polar opposites learning to survive life’s trials, one exasperated laugh at a time. Because when the world feels heavy, it’s the maddening chaos of love that keeps us afloat. "I can't even stand on my own two feet, and you want me to help you?" I grumbled. "Aww, I know you care about me! How can you not?" she teased with a sly grin. Maybe love is nothing more than chaos in disguise. Want to find out? Dive in.

Victoria Lane, the unflinching CEO of Luminex International, is no stranger to power. With a reputation forged in ambition and an empire built on ruthless precision, she thrives in a world of control—until the arrival of Ethan Ward, her seemingly ordinary new intern. Beneath his polite demeanor and sharp intellect, however, Ethan hides a dark purpose: he is here to shatter the seal binding the secrets of Victoria's soul. As Victoria navigates her corporate kingdom, she becomes increasingly drawn to Ethan’s enigmatic charm and unwavering confidence, even as her instincts scream caution. Unknown to her, Ethan’s every move is calculated, part of a larger, otherworldly plan to unlock a hidden power within her—a power tied to a family curse Victoria has spent her life suppressing. But Victoria is not a pawn in anyone’s game. With her sharp intuition and commanding presence, she begins her own investigation into Ethan's past, uncovering fragments of his true identity. Their dynamic shifts from a tense battle of wits to a dangerous dance of attraction and betrayal, as layers of mystery, power, and forbidden desire unfold. In a world where ambition blurs the line between loyalty and manipulation, who will outmaneuver whom? The Queen and Her Pawn is a tale of dominance, intrigue, and romance, where the stakes are nothing less than control over fate itself—and perhaps, a shot at love.

Lula is thrust into an unexpected journey filled with peril and intrigue, forcing her to confront the unknown and discover a strength she never knew she possessed. Thank you, Canva! Their platform has gotten better - I love what I was able to put together for this book cover.

In a quiet village, Ravi and his family lead a simple yet harmonious life, until a mysterious stranger entrusts them with an unusual lantern engraved with eight arms. The lantern, capable of revealing hidden truths, soon becomes a source of turmoil. As it exposes secrets within the family, trust begins to waver, and doubts creep into their hearts. Misunderstandings threaten to tear them apart until the youngest member, Maya, realizes that the lantern only shows fragments of the truth, not the full picture. The family embarks on a journey to uncover the true purpose of the lantern, learning valuable lessons about trust, forgiveness, and the strength of unity along the way. Ultimately, they discover that truth alone cannot sustain relationships, only faith in each other can. Choosing love over doubt, they bury the lantern and find their way back to harmony, realizing that their bond is the only light they need. A simple and basic tale of family, trust, and redemption, The Light of Eight Hands explores the power of unity in the face of uncertainty.

Two souls from different worlds met in a weird twist of fate. An antisocial male mechanic walks the path of solitude while aiming to become the top designer of giant robots of mass destruction, Doppels. However, the jealousy of his surroundings caused an unfortunate "accident," leading him to the brink of death. An evil female cultivator sets out on a path of revenge after getting betrayed by the whole world. However, she was given a chance to redo her life once again from the moment she started her journey. Both souls wandered around a pure white space and met a mysterious system before entering their bodies... But the wrong one?! Female cultivator in the mechanic's body: "Where did my cultivation go?!" Male mechanic in the cultivator's body: "Where did these melons come from?!" Follow the unfortunate love (?) story of the two, who were literally worlds apart, as it unfolds!

enemys to lovers disciple and shizun a short story inspired by 2ha fandom (:

DO ADD "Llaellen's Updates" BOOK IN YOUR LIBRARY TO GET THE LATEST UPDATES ABOUT MY PLANS FROM HERE ON OUT She was a well-made daughter - molding herself into whatever they needed her to be. A perfect doll. A flawless façade. She mastered every expression, every action, and played her role without fault, because this part of her life belonged to them. But not for long. There will come a time when she will break free. No longer will anyone dictate her path or define who she must become. She will be the sole director of her life. Yet, just as her carefully laid plans were slowly reaching their climax, her world began to turn upside down. One disruption after another—incidents she could never have foreseen—and new acquaintances who refused to stay away no matter how often she cut ties with them. Her life had always been difficult, but these unexpected twists thrust her into a roller-coaster ride she never asked for, even bringing a hesitation she had never imagined she’d feel with her plans. Like a caterpillar struggling to form its cocoon, she is fighting for her own transformation. But she knows that once she emerges, she will be a butterfly—free to soar higher than ever before. … “Your kindness? I don’t need it. What you offer? I don’t want it. And a piece of advice—be careful with your kindness. It might bring pain to those you wish to protect, rather than support.” She turned her back, leaving him standing there, watching her retreat into the distance. … "Because I was like her once—filled with guilt. Those were the words I needed to hear, the ones I gave up hoping for long ago." He looked at her, his gaze softening with sympathy. “And you don’t seem like someone who’s ready to free herself from that guilt.” “Someday, maybe. But not yet. Not just yet.” “When that time comes,” he asked gently. “Will you tell me first?” She paused, meeting his eyes before a faint smile touched her lips. “I suppose I can do that much.” … “Whatever I’ve been through, no matter how difficult, I’m proud of it. I’ll never feel ashamed of the things I’ve done to reach this point.” She cupped his cheek, her touch gentle but firm. “So don’t feel bad for me. Be proud of me. While you weren’t there, you were always on my mind. You gave me the strength to keep going. Remember that.” He leaned into her hand, his voice quiet. “Then tell me… tell me everything you’ve experienced.” 14 chapters a week... Published 1 minute apart... Another 2 for every 100 power stones mark... Do read my other stories: SHE'S THAT KNIGHT KNOWN AS ZERO (COMPLETED) VENGEANCE TO THE ROYAL ONES (COMPLETED) COMING FOR THE LAST FOURTEENTH (COMPLETED) RESTARTING CHAPTER BOOK FINALE (COMPLETED) VERACITY OF THE PAST (COMPLETED) REBIRTH: STUBBORNLY FUFILLING A PROMISE (COMPLETED) LLAELLEN'S UPDATES (NEVER ENDING)

TRIGGER WARNING!!! This is rated 18+. Alpha Parthe is as dark as described. If you are not into dark romance, please, in the name of everything holy... ***Excerpt*** "My breath just made you quiver," He leaned closer so that I could almost taste his breath, "...Then imagine what my tongue would do." "I warned you not to play with fire if you are afraid of flames," He added, his voice hoarse with need. My plump lips parted in response, "I am not afraid to burn for what I love." I had just stirred something in him that had lay dormant all his life. "Then so be it... Princess." *** She was an angel craving chaos. He was a demon craving peace. She knew he was hell, yet she chose to burn with him. It takes a special kind of woman to handle his darkness and tame his demons. Alpha Parthe comes from a bloodline of cursed Alphas. They are endlessly consumed by the need to track and kill prey and offenders, constantly plagued by the scent of blood. The more they kill, the more they want to kill. It only gets worse on every full moon. What happens when there is no prey to kill? They become a threat to their loved ones. No one mated to an Alpha from the Wild Wolf pack ever lived more than two years. And every Alpha from that lineage dies at thirty-three due to the curse. Parthe, determined to let the curse end in his own lifetime, vowed never to have a mate nor bear a son. But these vows crumble the moment he crosses paths with a girl he considers 'little and insignificant.' The fate of poor Luxuria of the Ash Mountain pack, who was set to marry the love of her life, Beta Kahel, takes a drastic turn when she finds out she was mated to this cursed Alpha, whom she dreaded with all her life. What happens when his curse gradually begins to seep into Luxuria, the one woman who was meant to be his remedy?

Salvation. Sanctuary. A safe place. Somewhere he can be safe and free. Somewhere away from abuse, from his bullies, from harassment, from false judgements... from ropes... and whips... somewhere away from pain. Somewhere they will never reach him. That is what Aqueo Harp had always been wishing for. So when he finds himself dying and waking up in a world of magic, a world completely different from the one he had, he views it as a blessing in disguise. It was the thing he had been asking for—to escape from the cruel fate of an orphan like him in his previous world—a life under the mercy of a human trafficking organization that plunged him in a cycle of recurrent depression, back-and-forth at the local detention center, and other stuff that are known to be interrelated with juvenile delinquency. With that in mind, Aqueo swears to never go back to his miserable old life and live an opposite life in the new world, one that is devoid of any trouble he had in the past. But not even a full day has passed when he finds out that his fate in this new world might end up the same as his previous one. This place is also brimming with slavery and other abuse, just as dangerous as his previous world—or even worse. But there is hope, Aqueo Harp meets a water spirit and finds new friends, something he never had for a long time. With their help, Aqueo doesn't feel as hopeless anymore.

In a city where power is currency and betrayal is inevitable, Han Yeijin’s life was never meant to be her own. The daughter of a prominent minister, she was raised in a world of privilege—one that shattered the moment she fell into the hands of Kang Minjae. A man with too many secrets and no mercy, Minjae is the name whispered in backrooms and feared in boardrooms. Ruthless, untouchable, and always in control. Until her. Bound by circumstances neither of them chose, Yeijin becomes a pawn in a dangerous game, caught between the man who holds her chains and the echoes of a life she can no longer claim as her own. But in a world built on deception, even the most carefully laid plans can unravel. Because the most dangerous lies? Are the ones we tell ourselves. __________________________ She shouldn’t want this. She shouldn’t want him. His hands are rough, demanding, as they drag her forward. His mouth grazes the shell of her ear, breath warm, voice dark and full of pure possession. “Say it.” Minjae murmurs, his fingers threading into her hair, tilting her chin up to look at him. She refuses. Her lips part—only for a sharp gasp to escape when he presses her against the desk, trapping her between his body and the cold wood. “You were mine before you even knew it.” he breathes, dragging his lips down the curve of her throat. His teeth scrape her skin, a warning, a promise. She shivers. She hates him. She wants him. “Say it.” he demands again, voice rough, almost desperate now. Yeijin clenches her fists. But her body betrays her. “…I’m yours.” The groan that leaves him is pure sin. And then? Then he ruins her all over again.

Misty just wanted to get away from her humdrum office life to see the Northern Lights, but after falling off her ship, she finds herself transmigrated to the realm of Tumult where people can shift into beasts and marriage is a magical contact between compatible souls. Now she must find her five soulmates before the foundation of this new world falls apart! With overpowered magic and a pair of divine guides, she is stuck here learning the rules of magic and society. #beastworld #reverseharem #magic #isakai #overpowered **Chapters with (M) contain mature content. **Image generated using starryai

Forced into a sudden union with D.C’s most wanted bachelor, Trinity Everton is devastated by the decision of her parents to sell her out to the complete stranger. The union between the jovial actress and the broody business mogul is a twist of toxic and passionate obsession, but all hell threatens to break loose when Trinity uninvitedly decides to dig into the past of Daniel D'alore. _____“I never told you to do this!” He barked furiously. That was the first time Trinity had truly seen Daniel this angered. He was dangerous, and if she wasn't careful, he would tear her to shreds in a split second. “I was only trying to help.” She held up her arms in defense, and his heart sunk. He would never harm her.______ When fate joins complete opposites to endure each other, how long is too long together? Follow the intriguing and suspenseful story of Daniel and Trinity, and find out if love really has no conditions.

Have you ever wondered as a child? What would we humans find, once we leave the bosoms of Earth and journey past the heavens and into the black void of space. What lifeforms would we encounter and what planets we would colonize. Well humanity had finally left Earth and was in the process of colonizing the various other worlds within the system until they came. What did people think when we finally encountered aliens from beyond our solar system? How did they look? What intentions did they have? Were they huge monstruous beings from our darkest imaginations? Nope they look just like us albeit, more like the elves of fantasy. But what did many theories and movies, produced throughout human history get right, that they would be assholes. Disclaimer artwork cover is not mine just a representation art for reference.

I never why all these things happened to me, every single time I lose someone close to me. I never really understood why, but I won't allow these thoughts hinder me. I was never taught to take revenge but after all that happened how can I sit still when THEY roam freely after ruining my life. For every loss l made I will make sure they shade a layer of skin. For death is the easiest punishment. But what I didn't know was that all these would lead to an even bigger................................ This is not just a story, my story I am the first star white witch in 500 years and this is how it all began................

*** weekly update on Wednesday *** They hurt you, they do it intentionally just to make sure you won't be better than them.  They pull you down so you can't go up.  They drown you so you don't have breath to cry. Fame has blinded them for so long, now they can't see what you used to mean to them. So they stab you and use your blood as the red carpet. And you know it, But you can't escape this torturous life. You know why? Because you still love them. What a waste of feelings, now you can't love anyone else, even yourself.