Malice Aforethought

Warning! Warning! There’s a bug in the system. There’s a bug in the system. Different participants are randomly being pulled into the System. Welcome, participant 12.3489489223823. [You are now part of the Forsaken. Your name is Xia Yunfei, and you’ve been given the chance to fight for your survival.] Xia Yunfei stood on the edge of a crumbling cliff, the ground rumbling beneath her feet. The once-familiar landscape had twisted into something menacing—a sky painted with churning black clouds, lightning cracking ominously above, and a forest now dense with shadows, every tree seeming to lean toward her, as if alive with malice. The voice of the System echoed in her mind: “You have three hours to complete your mission. Fail, and you will be eliminated.” “What kind of twisted game is this?” she muttered, her fingers tightening around the hilt of her dagger. Around her, the world pulsed with unpredictable threats: tornados could rise from nowhere, floods could swallow entire landscapes, and cracks could open in the earth itself. A faint sound caught her attention. She turned, and a figure emerged from the shadows—a man with a cold smirk, his dark eyes studying her with an unsettling amusement. It was Mo Ran, a member of the Overseers, his presence almost as foreboding as the storm-laden sky. “Are you lost?” he asked, his voice smooth and mocking, like the calm before a storm. His gaze was sharp, merciless, like someone who’d seen countless participants fall. Xia Yunfei glared at him, knowing better than to trust the Overseers. They were spectators of their suffering, observers of each desperate moment. This game wasn’t about survival; it was about entertainment, a spectacle where each twist of fate could be deadly. With her pulse racing and no choice but to press forward, Xia Yunfei stepped into the forest, every instinct on high alert. Her path would be riddled with disasters crafted by a system run amok—a world where firestorms, flash floods, and avalanches were as inevitable as the countdown in her head. Will Xia Yunfei harness her hidden powers and defy the apocalyptic odds, or will she be consumed by the darkness that threatens to swallow her whole?

After her rebirth, Rita vows not to repeat her past mistakes. This time, her first priority is to stop her brother, who is about to marry into the Lopez family, from participating in the initial game beta test. In her previous life, she was deceived by this scheming brother until her dying breath. It was only at the end that she realized she was merely a villain in a male-oriented novel about a live-in son-in-law, with all the malice and manipulation orchestrated by him behind the scenes. In this life, Rita decides to change the rules of the game. She will stay in the shadows and seize all the opportunities meant for the male and female leads. By participating in the beta test and re-selecting her abilities, she systematically dismantles the protagonists’ advantages, all while making them believe she’s on their side. Rita has no intention of harming innocent people, nor is she a selfless saint. In this game, she works with the authorities for mutual benefit, all to achieve her ultimate goal—becoming the true master of her fate. My other new book, *Rebirth: The Magician Who Masters Fate*, is something I hope all my dear readers will enjoy as well.

--- In the Roan Kingdom, within the grand mansion of the Alestra family, Aron and Alena gazed lovingly at the child in their arms. "His name will be Ryan," they declared with smiles. "Ryan Alestra." The boy smiled back, as if content with his new name. Meanwhile, the ancient ruins of a forgotten palace were uncovered deep within the Dark Forest. Standing before them was Malice, one of the most powerful witches on the continent of Syria. As she took in the sight, a wicked laugh escaped her — the promise of knowledge and power was intoxicating. This is a tale of relationships. A tale of mysteries. A tale of magic. A tale of destiny. A tale of darkness and light. ---

[Lucas Level 08] [Adam- Level 01] [Mark - Level 01] What the... Why am I seeing names and levels?" [Your true father - Level 100000..??] "What the hell is going on?" A young man feeling shocked and confused as he looked at unknown places and people. ********************************************* Asterion, or Ash, was a scammer and low-life person who had a meaningless life in a futuristic world filled with destruction and malice. But one day his life took a turn as a mysterious group of guys appeared, and he lost his life in an escape. With that, he thought finally his shitty life was over. But fate or something more mysterious had other plans for him as he awakened in a new world that was filled with secrets and mysteries that seemed to be deeply linked to his old world. Follow Ash's journey as he awakens mysterious power and finds the truth about his past and present life in a world that appears to have unspoken secrets and have an unimaginable connection with his life.

Madeline Rose had only ever worked in her father's local blacksmith shop and occasionally helped her mother at the farm. Her skin had become tanned from the hot sun, but despite all of this, she did not complain. Even though she didn't come from a wealthy home, she was content. However, her life turned upside down when she stumbled upon a darkness that refused to leave her alone. There was him, a man cloaked in mystery and malice, a presence that sent chills down her spine. His eyes, shrouded in shadows, held a depth of darkness that seemed to swallow the light around him. When their paths crossed, Madeline felt a cold dread wash over her, as if she had invited a malevolent force into her world.

In today's digital landscape, cyber threats are an ever-present danger. When a breach occurs, every minute counts. Malice Cyber Recovery is your trusted partner for swift and effective response

Wang Yu transmigrated to a world where reality and games merged and were cursed by the world. Malicious Curse: The chosen main characters will instinctively loathe you and prevent you from becoming stronger. Wang Yu awakened cheats. His own malice and negative emotions would bring him good luck. Other people's malicious behavior would bring Wang Yu constant good luck. He would pick up money on the street, fight monsters to get good items from them, and pick up treasure wherever he went. First main character Ye Fan: I have obviously replaced the awakening crystal with a broken crystal. Why did Wang Yu still awaken? And he awakened the only hidden class? D*mn! Second main character Xiao Jian: I have used a diversionary tactic and said a lot of bad things about Wang Yu, but why did the most beautiful woman in the Great Xia Country fall in love with Wang Yu? No way! Third main character Lu Changsheng: In order to slow down Wang Yu's leveling speed, I gave him a fake treasure map, but he found God's Treasure! This is driving me crazy! Ten years later, the beasts descended. The chosen protagonists all failed miserably. Wang Yu tore through the sky in people's shock and blew up the beasts, shocking the world."

BLURB Being sent back in time and given the chance to ensure the survival of the Empire from total destruction, as well as to ensure that those she held dear to her would escape the tight clutches of death, Alyssa Velcro seek the help of the infamous 3rd Alpha Prince of the Venus Empire – but the Duke of the North only agreed to go along with her plan in usurping the title of heir from his brother, the 1st Prince, if she became his wife. Alyssa accepted and this threw her usually bleak life into one of constant trouble and assassination. But Alyssa was determined to persist against all odds in order to see the survival of her family CHARACTERRIZATION ALYSSA VELCRO: The protagonist and the heir of the Velcro Pack. Due to her being underage, her uncle was the one in charge of the family affairs whilst she focused on her schooling – so since then, her uncle was the pseudo-head of the Pack and the fact that he was an Alpha made things easier on his end. However, she was a naive child who had depended on her uncle and it led to hers and her brother’s demise. She had once been engaged to the first Prince of the Vincent Pack, the heir of the Empire, and that put her in direct conflict. She’s a nice and kind person who always looked at the future possibilities of even the worst individual changing, which was why she ignored the rumours that her betrothed had been cheating on her with various women. She held a fierce love for her brother and it was partly because of him and what he’d stand to gain as the in-law of the future Emperor. When she was sent back after being executed, it took her a while to find the best solutions as to prevent the total annihilation of her already declining Pack. She decided to become the 3rd Prince’s betrothed and she used everything in her power to ensure his rise to power. LUCIEN VINCENT: The 3rd Prince and the Duke of the North and the son of the Emperor and his 2nd Consort from the North. He had the reputation of being a vagabond and a ruthless killer. He was a trained warrior and he excelled in everything than his older brothers. He was seen as a competition of the 1st Prince and fractions were created before he became of age. In order to prevent his untimely demise, his uncle, Duke Adam Cole of the North petitioned to have him housed in the North with him. He became his uncle’s heir and when his uncle passed away when he was 16 years old, he became the Duke and a great one. His actions only made his fraction stronger. He’s a cold and calculating Alpha who hides his malice and true intention behind a smile. ALAN VELCRO: Alyssa’s beloved twin brother. Like his sister, he’s a soft hearted person and he disliked conflict – but even at that he was extremely smart and it was also due to his high intelligence that he became the Emperor’s advisor. LUTHER VINCENT: The 1st Prince and the Alpha Alyssa was meant to marry. He’s an arrogant and self centered individual and a total whore. Like Lucien, he inherited the royal looks and was extremely handsome. It was he who brought the empire to its ruin due to his arrogance and inability to rule. KINGSBURY VELCRO: Alyssa and Alan’s uncle. He’s known as a kind and gentle man, always supportive of his niece and nephew, but behind his smile is a dangerous man who has been collaborating with the enemy empire to see the downfall of the empire. He’s a cunning and manipulative individual who had no qualms of killing anyone who stood in his way of his objective, even his direct family.

Li Tao is a Chinese student studying in Canada. Upon arriving, he rents a house that is inexplicably cheap. He shares the house with several international roommates: Luna, a sincere and optimistic Chinese girl; a warm and friendly Indian sibling pair; a cheerful African American youth; and an aloof French artist. However, this seemingly ordinary house conceals countless bizarre rules. The consequences of breaking these rules are unknown, but their existence seems to be a warning of the house's dark past. As a series of unexplainable incidents unfold, Li Tao and his roommates gradually realize that the house not only confines their lives but also draws outsiders into its grip. As they delve deeper, they discover that the house's rules were tampered with by a former tenant: a beautiful yet ruthless "green tea bitch" who caused a catastrophic tragedy but escaped proper punishment. Seeking revenge and driven by malice, she collaborated with a mysterious charlatan to use the house to attract equally malevolent souls, reenacting a fate of self-destruction. In this chilling game of life and death, can Li Tao and his roommates break the house's curse and escape? With goodwill and betrayal, reason and madness intertwining, how will they maintain their sanity and find the sole path to survival amidst the fog and fear? Is uncovering the house’s ultimate secret an act of defiance or submission? All answers lie buried within the eerie mist that envelops everything.

Regressing Ten years in the past, Kael finds himself in a medieval nightmare, amidst gods so mighty no one dares challenge them. Except him. These gods are able to recreate themselves eternally and also create their own gods as they see fit, making sure no human or mythical being can ever overcome them. But those deities destroyed the world once they saw Kael had the ability to challenge all the gods and goddesses they created and rebirthed. He’s got one shot to infiltrate the heart of divinity - the Gates of the Pantheon, where the eternal deities home is. But first, he needs the ultimate armor, forged from something called the Tear, mystical enough to let him survive the divine turf. He sets out for revenge. To become even stronger, and kill the gods himself. Now, here’s where it gets twisted: Our world balances on a knife's edge between The Tree of Fruit and The Tree of Decay. When good vibes and peace rule, The Tree of Fruit thrives, showering gifts on the mortals. But when the scale tips to decay, courtesy of depravity and evil, The Tree of Decay festers, corrupting everything with its grotesque rot. Each tree houses a deity—one cocooned in life, the other in decay—both bound to the fate of their respective trees. These deities symbolize the eternal battle between growth and rot, influencing the world’s balance with every act of human malice or kindness. Kael’s mission isn’t just about storming some sacred fort; it’s about tipping the balance. He plans to wield the powers of both decay and rebirth to his advantage, rewriting the rules of divine interference. This isn't just a fight to survive the gods but a war to control their very existence, with Kael etching his name across the heavens as the one who dared defy the undefiable. So, grab your weapon and brace yourself. We're not just going on a quest; we're going to tear down the gates of hell themselves.

After his village is destroyed,Ren finds himself in a series of events that involved him stabbing himself and even eating his sister. He becomes an assassin,a set of beings who harness the power of malice to perform magical skills referred to as killing techniques.

"Hai Tang? She's just the Hai family's foster daughter. I was only playing around with her. How could I possibly take her seriously? She can't even measure up to my status!" Upon hearing these words from Yu Heng's own mouth, Hai Tang finally realized how he truly saw her. She had liked this person for over twenty years. They had grown up together since childhood, with her always looking out for him, from running errands and doing homework for him to handling company affairs on his behalf. He had always accepted her kindness but pretended to be unaware of her feelings. Now, the words from his lips directly crushed Hai Tang's hopes. From that day on, Yu Heng's shadow completely disappeared. Even his friends around him were surprised. How could she let go so easily after following him for so long? At first, Yu Heng was nonchalant. In his eyes, Hai Tang's world revolved around him, and she wouldn't be able to survive without him. But as time went on and he waited, she never came back. When he started to panic and wanted to look for her, he realized that he couldn't find her, no matter how hard he looked. When they met again, his shadow was already entwined with someone else, and she had a radiant smile on her face. Yu Heng's reddened eyes were filled with tears as he asked the girl who used to belong to him, "Tangtang, I was wrong. Can we go back to the way things were?" Before the girl could speak, the man beside her stepped forward. His eyes filled with malice as he said, "I advise you to stay away from my wife."

When you see and know everything that has happened, when you can hear and see through the treacherous world, and when you know the secrets hidden deep in their memory. The more he knows, the less happy he is. Looking up at the starry sky, Huang Ji feels the malice from the entire universe and the despair that awaits mankind. He is just a small farmer in the countryside all he can do is sigh : “I know too much.” Whether it’s technology, mythology, or the hidden bugs in the universe… they cannot escape the perception of information. In the face of human beings being raised by higher civilizations without knowing it, Huang Ji is the only one who can compete with the aliens as no one knows more than him! *************************** It is a Sci-fi novel where MC can see the world as information . It makes him semi-omniscient where he can know everything about the object or person as long as he knows the basic knowledge of it. Example, as long as he understands what age is, he can see the age of anything. Read the first few chapters to understand more

What good could come out of a loveless marriage birthed from a bitter feud? Amelia Hudgens' dream of a marital bliss filled with love was shattered when she was married off to Daniel Theodore as a pawn for an ancient vendetta. Her husband, Daniel, was a cruel and abusive man who tormented her with his mistress and his fists. He shattered her dreams of happiness and freedom, leaving her broken and hopeless. Hope bloomed, fragile as a butterfly's wing, when she discovered life stirring within her, but fate had other plans. A tragic accident took away her unborn baby, leaving her shattered and alone. Daniel blamed her for everything, even in the hospital where she was recovering. He showed no mercy, only malice. Amelia wanted to end her misery, to jump from a bridge and drown in the sea. But as she was about to take the final plunge, she crossed paths with Cullen, a mysterious man who saved her from the brink of death. He was kind and gentle, a soothing balm for her wounded soul. He offered her a chance to start over, to heal from her past. But could Amelia trust him? Could she rebuild her life and find happiness again? Could she stand up against Daniel, who would stop at nothing to get her back? Was Cullen's help all genuine?

In the affluent confines of a prestigious school, a girl named Nionahlie grew up with all the riches one could dream of. She holds herself in such high regard that she doesn't even bother with her studies anymore, simply because she's already wealthy. But behind her opulent facade lay a woman cloaked in malice, arrogance, and aloofness. Her true feelings were hidden beneath layers of pretense, unknown to many. However, everything changed when she crossed paths with a nerdy boy named Jared. Hailing from a humble background, Jared was often the target of bullies at school. Yet, he possessed a quiet strength that intrigued Nionahlie. As they grew closer, Jared helped Niona discover a new side of herself-one she had long kept suppressed. He taught her to stand up for herself, not just for the approval of her mother, but for her own sake. Through his gentle encouragement, Niona learned to embrace her true identity, realizing that she didn't have to hide behind a façade of wealth and privilege. Their journey together was not without challenges, as they navigated through the complexities of their social differences and the expectations placed upon them. Will they be able to overcome this challenge despite their different social statuses? Or will this be the reason fate tears them apart?

Cyan Salvatore grew up as a normal human being in the world of mortals, not knowing that there are supernatural creatures living behind the shadows. Devastated and in pain of the sudden lost of her loving parents, alone in the world full of malice, she was left with the most cruel situation of having to find a way on how she will be able to pay all the debts that her parents have left her. What's going to happen when young, beautiful, and smart Cyan met this sinfully handsome man who didn't just managed to turn her world upside-down, her emotions inside-out, and make her feel the most unusual sensations that even her out-of-the-world imagination, wouldn't be able to form in her mind and heart? Not to mention that her body always get warm all over, even by a mere gaze he threw on her way. --------- BELOVED SERIES: BOOK ONE

The Empress Yang surmounted her throne on the swords and skulls of her adversaries she had amassed over the years, her Crown begotten of treachery and malice with her sceptre blemished with blood saw the most colossal talents corrupted by overwhelming ambitions and insatiable greed for power threatening the tranquility of the Empire, Turbulent undercurrents of revolution and insurgence ensuing, Renaissance colliding with tradition has the Mandate of Heaven compromised by fierce contentions for the Imperial Dragon Throne. When Ladies of the Palace along with Imperial Princes pull the strings, Courtiers call the shots as things start to crumble and fall apart, could this be affirmed itself sufficient a Genesis of the most appalling, most fatal, and most inglorious end? Also Known As; THE SILK CURTAIN Set in 13th Century Imperial China, The Southern Song Dynasty

To be a princess is to know which cloth to wear, know how to smile in public, be loved by everyone and most of all be perfect. Those were the principles of Princess Amanda's life, who lived in a Magical kingdom in West Africa called "MALICE". An African princess who got teleported to a foreign country "South Korea" and in order for her to go back to her perfect live, she has to change the live of "Lim Jun" a kpop idiot who doesn't believes in Love but the power of music. Will she be able to go back to her Perfect little world or become like every other Disney princess.

In the heart of the sprawling Verona Empire, Raven was born into one of its oldest and most enigmatic families. Their legacy, shrouded in mystique, bore a heavy burden - to produce tools of warfare and conquest for the empire. However, destiny had other designs for this scion. Raven, the offspring of a formidable swordsman, unearthed an unconventional talent – magic. Early on, he felt the currents of magic coursing through him, like a whisper from the arcane depths. It was a call that clashed with his lineage's destiny. Raven's father, though mighty, recognized the uniqueness of his son's gift. And so, amidst swords and strategies, Raven found himself on an unexpected path. In the hushed corridors of secrecy, he was dispatched to a covert enclave, a crucible where the empire's famed battle mages were forged. Yet, Raven's heart yearned for spells and incantations, not bloodied battlegrounds. His indifference to the empire's wars separated him from the others. His aspiration was not dominion, but to unlock magic's deepest secrets, to etch his name in the annals of time as a paragon of wizardry. Follow Raven's journey through the tapestry of his life, a life that takes him from a reluctant camp of warlocks to coveted titles, from the embrace of respect to the venomous glare of malice. In his pursuit of knowledge, he soars amidst an elite, revered by some, hunted by others. "The Magical Rise of the Magic Emperorl" is a tale woven with threads of ambition, set against a backdrop of political machinations and mystical revelations. As he defies his lineage's path, Raven strives for a legacy that transcends battles, an ambition that propels him into a world where power is measured in incantations and immortality beckons through the pages of history.

In another universe on the outer planes ,where endless variety of evil exists with its air, earth, and water reeking of toxic corruption and malice and in an eternal war and power strife between demons and devils . Kei, a former Yakuza, transmigrates in this universe of mayhem as a humanoid beast and finds himself entangled in a labyrinth of conspiracy and malevolence .He embraces his inner darkness and fights evil with evil using his criminal mind and previous life experience as he hones his domain abilities. Ruthless and sharp as a dagger, he cuts through enemies and obstacles in his way as he pierces through layer after layers and delves into greater depths to seek his goals. He is helped in his journey by Epoch , an artificial intelligence installed in his brain , who is both an asset and a liability. A ticking time bomb .. "If I can not upgrade ...I will take over your brain and body....your existence will cease forever." "The Cradle rocks above an Abyss and our existence is nothing but a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness" - Vladimir Nabokov. (The MC is neither a hero nor or a villain , he is a survivor . And in order to survive he will perform heroic deeds or show the world true villainy , whatever is the call of the hour. He is a true rogue at heart. ) Author here : I am a fan of world building and character caricature so if you expect action at initial chapters you wont find any until you read a bit more . You will find action in the later chapters , that will take your breath away. Its my first book so need some motivation. You can motivate me through comments or show your support . I welcome everything with open arms . How can you show your support? Gift Power Stone! 2=1 bonus chapter 4=2 bonus chapters 6=3 bonus chapters Bonus release will drop the following week . (The cover is not mine. If the owner wants me to remove it please contact me )

Hush now, little one, don't you dare peep, Eidolon's here, the Soulweaver so deep. In mirrors he dwells, a realm of despair, Trapped souls he ensnares, in darkness they snare. Eidolon, the Soulweaver of Reflections, his name, With sinister smile, souls tremble in shame. His eyes gleam with malice, his touch cold as ice, As he weaves his web, entangling their cries. Beware his presence, for he's not alone, A shadowing demon, his inner self, grown. Twisted and vile, a wicked entity, Together they're one, a malevolent unity. In mirrors they dance, their wicked embrace, Whispers of torment, in hushed, haunting grace. The souls shiver and quake, their essence forlorn, In the clutches of Eidolon, forever torn. His smile, like a dagger, fills souls with dread, As they gaze upon him, filled with silent dread. The mirror's reflection, a twisted facade, Revealing the depths of their suffering, so sad. In the dead of night, when the world slumbers deep, Eidolon creeps forth, his vigil to keep. The shadowing demon, a sinister guide, Leading him onward, where lost souls reside. Hush now, little one, don't let him near, For his touch brings torment, your deepest fear. Keep your gaze averted, avoid his snare, Lest he captures your soul in the mirrors' glare. But beware, dear child, the line grows thin, Between light and darkness, where nightmares begin. Eidolon's power, his malevolent art, Can turn even the purest soul black and tart. So hush now, my dear, and pray for reprieve, From Eidolon's clutches, his grasp, don't receive. For the souls trapped in mirrors, their fate is sealed, In a realm of shadows, forever concealed. ~~~~~~~ This is the story of Light, a man whose life was plagued with failure and disappointment. Despite his best efforts, he could never seem to catch a break, and his frustrations grew with each passing day. As his anger and bitterness festered, he began to develop a psychopathic nature, and his desire for revenge against humanity consumed him. Through a series of events, Light eventually becomes the Demon Lord, feared and revered by all who knew of him. His newfound power and status gave him the means to exact his revenge on those who had wronged him, and he reveled in the destruction and chaos he wrought upon the world. Despite his success, however, Light remained plagued by his past failures and the pain they had caused him. His rage and psychopathic tendencies continued to drive him, and he became known as one of the most ruthless and feared beings in existence.

A young man finds himself in a land thick with malice and violence, the graveyard of a fallen civilization being picked apart by scavengers. Resolve and determination he didn't know he had has granted him another day, another breath, but this place is relentless. Even as he begins to unravel the mysteries of an ancient world, great powers rally to crush the invader, the stranger. Only raw power can save him, but power always has a cost, and even as he finds his footing, he may lose his mind.

"Would you like to come with me?" the gorgeous one asked. "Why yes..." he replied, licking his lips as if this was a meal being offered. "In answer to /both/ your questions…" There lies a different turmoil beyond the usual stunning battle between Trinity and Darklings. It is something altogether filled with intrigue, and malice, and secrets that could make one think twice about the King and all that he's done to get to where he now sat. Maybe he wasn't as righteous as most believe? Surely he was no saint... In a Kingdom where the many variants of adventure are never-ending, we meet the extraordinary Men and Women that roam these lands and control its inner machinations, and the contradictory Denizens that write and tell their stories. Welcome to the Trinity Realms.

Hades, a man well known for his malice was finally put to an end. Even in his dying breath, he laughed yelling that he had won. Expecting eternal darkness, Hades opened his eyes and found himself in a peculiar situation.

A new Hunter gets whisked away to another world on the way back home. Leaving his wife and daughter to fend for themselves in a world filled with malice and violence both from humans and monsters. With a skill that can only be used for healing, he will fight in this strange new world with every ounce of strength he can muster. Even though there is no possible way back home he will gamble with his life and plunge forward into the unknown, to his beloved wife and daughter, no matter the cost.

Mark was just a tool created for the sole purpose of protecting his Young Miss. But what if he got betrayed, and killed, what can he do? Wait, he actually got into some other world? And there are Alpacows here? Join Mark on his journey in this new world as he attempts to understand how he got here and to what purpose. This story is for other lovers of stealthy characters and sneaky, stabby stabby people. The main character will try to resolve most of his encounters before his prey knew what hit them. I will try to portray his expertise as best as I can. If that's what you like? You're welcome to try. The story is also uploaded on Royal Road. Posted as The Umbra Bear

World War III caused by a genetically engineered virus named 'Mary's Hoax' created a new type of species reduced the world's human population to 1.56 billion. This war which continues, divided the world into six factions and each faction has a ruler. Akane Kojou, an average teenager who experienced a tragedy gets involved with a rebel corporation infamously called 'Joules'. He learns that he is immune to the virus and there might be a chance for him to save the world. This quest involves love, loss, hatred, malice and truth

Elinora’s mother informed her of a mysterious inherited power hours before her death. Monumental details of this ancestral magic became lost in the same fire that took her parents’ lives. With no godparents or cordial familial bonds, Elinora found herself left to her own devices at the age of 17. Five years later, Elinora uses her unique ability to understand and manipulate emotions as a career advantage. When bubbly coworker, Holly, coerces the introverted Elinora into a frivolous party, an undiscovered facet of her personality freely gives itself to the loving community of misfits that Holly calls family. Elinora will find everything she understands of reality tested and warped on a journey toward self-understanding and acceptance. With help from her new kinship to Holly’s pack of gypsies and the undeniable pull she feels toward their declared leader, Alec, she uncovers the power of her assumed weakness. Before accepting an intricate, unconditional bond she never thought possible, Elinora must face the demons that walk the earth. Taken, bound, beaten, and unleashed, she must fight her way back to the home she found within Alec. It's sink or swim as Elinora faces an enemy from a part of reality she thought only existed in movies and books. Will she be overcome by the malice lurking in plain sight or master her gift and seal her fate?

"Sold?" I repeat. “You are selling me? To whom?" Alpha’s eyes instantly darken. I have broken the rules of our society by questioning him. But how can I not? How can he expect me to stand there and say nothing? Did he really expect me to accept my fate without any push back? I brace myself for a blow for my subordinance. Instead, Alpha watches me with a sparkle of malice in his eye. I realize in an instance there is more to the story. He has more news for me. The matter of me being sold is just the tip of the iceberg. "They do not have a pack name,” he says finally. My heart starts to beat wildly. It hammers in my chest, threatening to break my ribs. This can only mean one thing. "A rogue?” I stammer, light-headed with breathlessness. “You have sold me to a rogue?"