Ash And Greninja Betrayed

"Dead men don’t stay dead... unless they’re forgotten." Once, Dominic "Dom" Ricci was the untouchable kingpin of the underworld—a man whose empire stretched across neon-lit streets and shadowy alleys. But betrayal cuts deeper than bullets, and when Dom's trusted right-hand man, Vincent "Vinnie" Costa, orchestrates his downfall, everything he built comes crashing down in a storm of blood and fire. Now, presumed dead by the city he once ruled, Dom emerges from the shadows—not as a victim, but as a predator. With nothing left to lose, he begins to rebuild his empire, one dangerous move at a time. Recruiting allies old and new, navigating shifting loyalties, and unraveling a web of deceit that runs deeper than anyone imagined, Dom wages war against the man who stole his throne—and the corrupt system that let it happen. In this game of power, every step forward could be his last. As alliances fracture, secrets unravel, and enemies close in, Dom must decide what kind of ruler he wants to be: ruthless or redeemed. Because in a world where loyalty is currency and betrayal is inevitable, even kings can fall. And sometimes, rising again means burning brighter—or burning everything to ashes. Betrayal sparks the flame. Power fuels the fire. In the Empire of Ashes, survival is the only rule.

“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.

~ Rowena "My ancestors stood shoulder to shoulder with the founders of Glenmorvane, centuries ago. Yet, in a cruel twist of fate, my family and I have been reduced to nothing more than hunted prey, subjected to unimaginable torture and brutality. My kind has been all but exterminated, and my sister was burned alive at the stake. Consumed by a burning desire for vengeance, I now live for one purpose alone: to unleash my wrath upon the world that wronged me, one devastating spell at a time." ~ Emris "We're the blighters responsible for the utter misery and suffering that's ravaging the globe, old chap. I've got everything one could possibly desire - wealth, power, the whole shebang. And yet, my dear, all I seem to be hankering after is... you. I daresay you must be wondering why on earth I've chosen to spare your life. Why I haven't, shall we say, indulged in your... particular brand of sustenance. Well, my dear, it's quite simple really. There's something dashedly special about you, and soon you’ll find out." ~ Irene "I'm so... done. I should've ended it all when I had the chance. But no, I hesitated. And now... now I'm paying the price. We've always been prey to them, and I'm no exception. I'm just a fragile, foolish, complicated thing... and I'm so tired of fighting. Tired of running. Tired of being hunted. I can’t wait for him to kill me and task my body with the rest… I’m exhausted

In a world where the dead cling to the living through malevolent spirits called *Shades*, 19-year-old **Jin Soel** harbors a cursed gift: he can resurrect the dead, but each act of defiance against death exacts a gruesome toll. A degenerative curse known as **the Rot** consumes his body, crumbling it piece by piece. Torn between desperation and guilt, Jin uses his power to dig up graves, seeking answers about his mother’s mysterious death years ago—and the monstrous Shade she became when he first unknowingly resurrected her. When Jin revives **Min-ah**, a murdered classmate, her soul erupts as a ferocious Shade, forcing him to destroy her corpse again to survive. Bloodied and crumbling, Jin is confronted by **Yuri**, a cryptic woman with one ghostly eye and a vial of temporary salvation. She drags him into the **Hollow Market**—a macabre underworld where the damned trade secrets, memories, and flesh. There, Jin learns Min-ah’s death was no random tragedy but part of a sinister *harvest* to breed powerful Shades. As Jin navigates this shadowy realm with Yuri—whose motives blur the line between ally and manipulator—he uncovers threads linking Min-ah’s murder to his mother’s past. But every resurrection Jin performs to unravel the truth accelerates the Rot, edging him closer to becoming one of the very monsters he hunts. With Shades growing stronger and his body failing, Jin must decide how much of himself he’s willing to lose to protect the living… and outrun the ghost of the mother he doomed to eternal torment. **Dark, visceral, and morally tangled**, *Bleeding Shadows* weaves a tale of cursed power, haunted legacies, and the price of clinging to those already gone. Perfect for fans of *Chainsaw Man*’s existential grit and *The Girl from the Other Side*’s eerie melancholy.

Pregnany Tanin's life falls apart when she experiences betrayal from the two closest people to her. her husband and sister. But when all hope seems to be lost, she gets a second chance. a chance to live again, correcting the mistakes of her past

After an unexpected death, a man finds himself reborn in a world completely unlike his own. Trapped in the body of an infant, he must navigate a new life in a medieval society where magic is real. Unable to act, he observes—learning the language, the customs, and most importantly, the existence of magic within himself. As he slowly uncovers the rules of this unfamiliar world, one thing becomes clear: if magic is real, he has to understand it.

En un oscuro mundo navega la magia y la espada en un vals de potencia y ambición. La Academia Elysium se alza torre al cielo, donde se templan los elegidos en magos y guerreros extraordinarios. Ambos, nobles como plebeyos se unen para ocupar un lugar en las clases prestigiosas, sometidos a retos que ponen a prueba tanto sus talentos como esfuerzos. Nuestro personaje, muerto miserablemente despierta, reencarnando en una realidad antes escrita por el mismo. ¿El problema? Esta novela la escribió hace mas de 10 años y apenas recuerda, nada, por si fuera poco, parece que en esta historia... Los dioses no lo respaldan....

Fame, Power, Money... All were worldly desires that couldn't even make him, Mason Goldenheart, the strongest warrior under God, blink. After fighting in the tumultuous Holy War against the Devil Djall, and his lackeys for half a century, Mason, with the sacrifice of those he held dear, was finally able to vanquish the Demon king. This in turn released the pressure off of God, allowing him to finally put the Devil Djall to rest, and bring about an end to the Holy War. However, all was for nought in Mason’s eyes, as decades passed, and an incessantly seeping venom continued to poison his heart due to his biggest regret: Not being strong enough... Not only had he, the most beloved Hero, failed to save his loved ones, but he'd also fruitlessly fought, and tried and struggled to save the now billions lost across the ravaged Earth. Finally, at the turn of the century, the anniversary of the Devil Djall and his Demon King's defeat arrived. And it was on that fateful day that Mason would finally know the truth, a truth which would forever alter his fate and push him along an unimaginable path.

Selene Valor, a pureblood vampire, entered a marriage of convenience with her husband Gabriel Valor to protect herself from relatives eyeing what was left of her family's wealth. Six months into their marriage, Gabriel is sent away to war to fight for the kingdom. As time went on, news of his victories spread across the kingdom and he was labelled a hero. Nearly six months later, Selene eagerly awaits the return of her heroic husband. Upon his arrival, Selene is faced with betrayal as he brings home a woman named Cassandra Avery, a human who he introduces as his lover. Selene is heartbroken and tries to save what was left of her marriage but soon there is news of Gabriel wanting to take Cassandra as his second wife. Selene is left with the choice of accepting Gabriel’s wishes and staying protected or seeking a divorce. After a heated argument, Selene turns to someone she never expected to be her saviour. She finds refuge with Lord Xavier Blackthorn, another pureblood who seeks her hand in marriage. Will she forgive her first love or move on to accept Lord Blackthorn’s love?

In the realms above, supernatural beings of unfathomable magnificence exist, far beyond mortal comprehension. These divinities wield unimaginable power, capable of obliterating worlds with a mere breath. However, what unfolds when these gods meet their demise? Set in a remote corner of the vast universe, long after the apocalyptic Thousand Millennium War of the Heavenly Beasts and Deities, this tale delves into a forgotten world. Here, the ashes of fallen gods descend upon an insignificant pebble, adrift amidst the cosmic tapestry of space and time. Their impact alters the life of a proud young man, who embraces the abrupt changes thrust upon his world. Refusing to yield to the clutches of fate and karma, he dares to defy the heavens themselves. Will he triumph over an insurmountable destiny, or succumb to fate like gods of unimaginable might did before him? The dreams of a deceased deity and the fate of a dying world hang precariously, hinged upon the future of this young man. He treads upon an endless bridge, forged from the corpses of the fallen. Unlock this epic saga of death, sorrow, war, blood, love, vengeance, and triumph with your own eyes. *** You can also reach out to: Discord:https://discord.com/invite/QQ3vybav Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=9xjl0tq1cs3e&utm_content=qx5nrdu

"If the world stands in my way, if people threaten me or those who are dear to me, then I shall become the true darkness, the fear in their hearts that haunts them forever!" Lee Gaon was a professional gamer until one day she was framed as a cheater by a big gaming company and betrayed by those she held dear. Now she is known as Death Eater, a powerful dark entity in the game system world, slicing her enemies in half if they dare mess with her. Her path is now filled with blood and adventure as she desperately tries to find all who were dragged with her into this world—those who destroyed her life. She has only one goal now... "Revenge!" Content Warning: This work contains scenes of gore, violence, and strong language. Reader discretion is advised.

“I don't like judging people, but sometimes I can't help it. I don't like talking behind people's backs, but sometimes I do. I just want to live a good life, but sometimes I can't.” Love, Betrayal, Blood, but not Hatred. Only cold revenge, and a son to complete the family. "D" Section, a nonexistent military unit. "D" for dark, "D" for depth, "D"... for death. It demanded no attachment, and Daemon sacrificed love for it. Years later, the death of his teammates made him feel that he had done enough for the country, so he came back to the city he grew in. But can what has been forsaken be gained back? Because now Evelyn, the one to have breathed vitality in his numb, orphaned heart, had her own life, and a little boy calling her mother. And while he left his life full of dead bodies behind, did that life really let him go? From the ashes, will it love or... ? _ _ _ First draft of characters image on my discord, a channel for fans to get together: https://discord.com/invite/C86EJvCJdd Comment and review, don't forget.

Discord: https://discord.gg/XuCwbVEh Nevalis, a nobleman from the Kingdom of Phillirion, thought of nobles as the ones he read about in books. A noble title did not mean money or power, but rather had deeper, higher values symbolizing responsibility and honor, for those who lived with the saying "with power comes responsibility ".  But when Nevalis went out into the world, he did not find it as he had imagined. Reality hit him in the face. Those bastards aren't nobles! Who do they think they are? They tarnished the noble title! They don't deserve that title anymore!" "I will be a true nobleman, a nobleman of all the nobles who have passed this world!" Nevalis seeks to truly redefine nobility, to fulfill his dream of becoming a true nobleman, more noble than all those who held the title before him. The plot revolves around his personal journey, which brings a combination of suffering, sacrifices, and ascent towards his goal, in the face of a cruel world full of illusions and deviations. The novel combines the profound lessons of honor and responsibility, and the challenges faced by humans in their quest for perfection.

Melanie Collins was the perfect wife—caring, strong, and dependable. For the last few years, she had managed her husband’s messy family, and business alone while waiting for her husband to return from studying abroad. But when he finally came back, Melanie’s world fell apart—he wasn’t alone. Along with him was his 'best' friend. Broken and confused about the change in her husband, Melanie didn’t know where to turn. And then she stumbled into another cold reality. Everything she had believed was a lie. Seething with anger and humiliation, as she tried to come to terms with the betrayal, an unexpected person steps into the picture, intent on seducing her and conquering her. The only problem? The man was her ex brother in law... And against her better judgment, she is attracted to this bad boy... But as Melanie tried to make sense of the changes, she discovered there was more going on than she ever imagined. Had both brothers loved really fallen in love with her? Or was she just a pawn in a bigger game? excerpt Since he had already been leaning against the table, he simply slid onto it, and with one swift motion, he hooked his boot around the leg of her chair and pulled it—pulled her—closer.The sudden movement made her jolt slightly, and when she looked up or rather when she looked ahead, she found herself staring directly at the zipper of his jeans... She looked up then and met his gaze. He caught her chin," Would you like to check if I am only pretending, sweet melon?"Melanie stiffened. And then pushed back her chair suddenly, so that Adam almost lost his balance, as she stood up. Before he could balance himself, she placed her hand on his shoulder, her fingers brushing against his neck.  Adam stiffened, his eyes glittering as he waited to see what she would do next. And she, of course surprised him as her other hand, slowly settled on the inside of his thigh. And then, the hand on his shoulder started to move. Her fingers tracing the side of his neck before lifting as she shot a glance to the corner of his mouth. The little piece of metal glinting there. She flicked at it lightly, barely a touch, but Adam could feel the heat all over his body, as she leaned in close, her lips barely a few centimetres away...so that they could both feel each other's breaths… She smiled slowly then. "Careful, Adam," she murmured, her voice playful, but carrying the unmistakable edge of a challenge. "Keep pushing, and I just might call your bluff."

On the engagement night, after being betrayed by her fiancé, Ye Shu decisively turns around to marry Shen Shaochen, the number one abstinent male god of Jin City, in a flash marriage. After marriage, she thought that just by quietly giving birth to an heir to the wealthy family, all would be well. Little did she know that serving the great demon king would be so frustrating. Quit smoking, quit drinking, quit gaming! Ye Shu silently grits her teeth and endures, and on the day the baby is born, she brings the divorce agreement, "Mr. Shen, the task of bearing a child is completed, please sign the divorce." Shen Shaochen: "Mrs. Shen, the agreement didn't say that only one child would be enough..." Ye Shu begs for mercy, "Husband, I was wrong! I won't divorce anymore." (1V1, both male and female leads are clean and committed.)

This world is sick, and it must be cured with swords and forged with iron and fire. To slay tyranny, to cut down the unrighteous. To overturn heaven and earth, to mold the human world. All shall begin with the sword in hand. ====== When the Innate Wisdom Bearer An Jing received aid from the ancient Sword Spirit, allowing him to traverse various realms, he knew that his future would inevitably lead him down a path full of hardships and difficulties, hard to be understood by others, yet capable of changing this wretched world. And on this path, he would also crush many deserving scum underfoot. “Heh heh, the Myriad Tribes of this world shall greet the birth of this epoch-making giant like me with fervent wishes. World, I'm coming to save you!” Noble Officials/Demon Sect/Heavenly Demon: “Alas, is reconciliation possible?” Elements: Chaotic times of Martial Arts, cyber cultivation, gates between two worlds

(WSA 2025 ENTRY) Betrayed, rejected and humiliated in front of the council and seven kingdoms, Dahlia stood between life and death. Her mate, Prince Damian, had rejected her during their mating ritual and she had till sunrise to find a mate or she would be bound to Hades- the god of death. While Damian celebrated his engagement to her sister, Gwendyln, Dahlia was slowly dying. The sun was about to rise and no man was interested in mating with a rejected human girl. It was too late and she was bound to Hades for eternity. Fate throws an opportunity to Dahlia and she wakes up in the body of a girl that had drowned in the Cyre river several weeks ago. She had been given a second chance at life but at the cost of the souls of the people that had killed her and many others. ~~ "You're mine. Every single part of you yearns for me" he whispered against the nape of my neck. "I want you to crave my touch. Your insides will  throb at the sound of my voice" he growled as he sucked on my bare skin. "I'd rather die" I spat. "Death will never stop me" he boasted aloud. "I'll bring you back again so I can reclaim you till every inch of you belongs to me"....... Hey loves, this is my first book and I'm competing in WSA. I'm pretty nervous and would be extremely grateful if you support me.. Feel free to stalk me IG/Facebook: @Zee's Archive email: Autumnfever12@gmail.com

[MATURE CONTENT] Abigail Snow accidentally caught her fiancé being intimate with her sister. She learned that her fiancé had only used her to advance his business and had never truly loved her. Heartbroken, Abigail called off the engagement and left everything behind to start a new life with nothing. At her lowest point, she met Sawyer, a hidden tycoon who helped her rebuild her life and seek justice against those who made her suffer. As Abigail begins to fall in love with Sawyer, his childhood sweetheart reappears, causing doubt and confusion for her. *** Excerpt: Whoever this man was, he was her savior. If he hadn’t held her hand and pulled her, she might have become dead meat and gone straight to the afterlife. "Thank you so much, good sir," Abigail said softly as she finally looked up to see him. Abigail was stunned. "But I'm not planning to commit suicide. I tripped over my own feet,” she continued, avoiding eye contact. She stared at his chest—her line of sight only reaching his sturdy chest. “It sounds better to hear that, Miss. Because I don’t want to go to the police station to become a witness, or they might wrongly accuse me as a suspect,” he said with a sarcastic tone that caused Abigail to stifle a laugh. "Sir, I’m so grateful you helped me. You are my savior. I owe you my life—" Abigail paused, taken aback by her own words. How could she make such a deep vow to this man!? This man might take advantage of her if he was a bad person. Right? "Alright, young lady, you’re supposed to release your tight embrace on me. You’re safe now." Abigail was utterly shocked to hear his words. She only realized she was still in his arms, her hands tightly wrapped around his waist, and her entire body pressed against him. They were so close—close enough to hear his loud heartbeat. She quickly took a few steps back. _____ Author Novel: 1. DAMN! I FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM (Completed) 2. The Bride Of Immortal Crown Prince (Completed) 3. Rebirth: Dancing In My Destiny (Completed) 4. The Billionaire's Genius Wife (Completed) 5. Rebirth As The Vampire Lord's Wife (Completed) 6. My Billionaire Ex-Husband Chase Me Back (Completed) 7. Betrayed by Fiance, Embraced by Hidden Tycoon (Serializing) _____ How to contact me: >> Instagram account: authorpurplelight >> FB Page: Author_Purplelight >> Join my Discord Server: https://bit.ly/purplelightserver _____ Notes: The book cover belongs to the author. Please don't reuse it!

#Dark Fantasy #Psychological Thriller #Mystery Synopsis: Samuel died. And then, he woke up—in the body of a boy named Theo. A boy with parents who hide their past, a priest who fears his power, and enemies who want him dead before he even understands why. Worse, something deep inside him stirs—an Archetype tied to Scorpio’s relentless trials of survival. It pulls at him, reshaping his existence in ways he doesn’t understand. When a dead man rises from the earth just to kill him, Theo realizes that his second life isn’t just strange—it’s cursed. And in the shadows, Silent Veil, a black market empire trading in stolen Archetypes, watches him. Goldman, its mastermind, sees him as the perfect offering for the Eclipse Rite. Theo must unravel the mysteries surrounding his rebirth, his power, and his parents' sins—before the past consumes him. Because in this world, nothing stays buried forever.

Growing up is a symphony of endings and beginnings, a delicate balance between heartbreak and self-discovery. "Ashes and Echoes" is a collection of poetry that captures the raw, unfiltered emotions of young adulthood: the first loves that set your world on fire, wishful thinking, and the bittersweet journey of finding yourself in the wreckage of the world. Through lyrical verse and intimate storytelling, these poems explore the restless nights, the unanswered messages, the weight of the world, and defiant hope and nostalgia that comes with healing. Each page is a reflection of what it means to love recklessly, to break beautifully, and to rise from the ashes of who you once were. For anyone who has ever felt lost, for those learning to stand on their own, "Ashes and Echoes" is a reminder that this is not the end, but it’s the beginning of something even more powerful: you.

Thrown into an unfamiliar medieval world with nothing but his wits and a cryptic Survival System, a man awakens in the filth-ridden alleys of a ruthless kingdom. Unlike the heroes of countless legends, he possesses no overpowered skills, no divine blessings—just the brutal reality of survival. With hunger gnawing at his stomach and danger lurking at every corner, he must navigate a world where the strong rule and the weak are discarded. His Adaptive Growth skill grants no shortcuts—only hard-earned progress through pain, struggle, and sheer determination. As war brews between noble houses, mercenaries thrive, and criminals prey on the desperate, he must learn to fight, adapt, and outthink those who seek to crush him. With no past to cling to and no destiny to guide him, he carves his own path—one battle, one lesson, and one choice at a time. Survive. Adapt. Rise. In a world that refuses to give second chances, he must make his own.

A king reincarnated into a new world dominated by magic, This is a story of myths and tales, a story of knowledge. Knowledge is Key!

In the nation of Avrael, power is both a blessing and a curse. Sixteen-year-old Ayato Daath, a poor orphan, had always hoped to live unnoticed in the shadows of the city. But when he is forced to undergo The Rite of Manifestation, the ritual that determines one’s magical potential, his worst fear comes true—he is an Elite. Now torn from the only life he’s ever known, Ayato is thrust into a brutal world of magic, bloodshed, and treacherous politics. In a society where the strong prey on the weak, where rival factions scheme in the dark, and where a single misstep could mean death, Ayato must quickly learn one thing—adapt, or perish. And one thing Ayato already knows is that in Avrael, only the ruthless survive.

Zane Thaleward has always lived in the shadow of his powerful family. Born into the famous Thaleward clan, known for their unbeatable magic barriers and legendary sealing spells, Zane is a disappointment. With the lowest potential ever recorded in the family, he’s been labeled the weakest - a title he can’t escape. Now in his third year at the prestigious Arcana Magic Academy, Zane struggles to survive among proud nobles and talented students who look down on him. Bullied and ignored, he feels trapped in a life where he’s expected to fail.

The world is ruled by two forces—gods and kings. For centuries, divine beings have shaped the fate of nations, granting their champions power while mortals fight and die in their name. But one man seeks to change everything. Aurelian Valerius, warrior-king and master tactician, refuses to be a pawn in the gods’ eternal game. From his first battle as a young commander to his rise as a ruler, he has crushed enemies through a blend of brutal strategy and unmatched skill in combat. He does not kneel before gods, nor does he fear their chosen champions. When war erupts between empires, Aurelian sees an opportunity—not just for conquest, but for revolution. As he marches across the lands, he wages war not only against rival nations but against the very foundations of divine rule. Alongside his elite warriors and powerful sages, he challenges the might of celestial beings, proving that gods can bleed—and if they bleed, they can die. But war is never simple. Corrupt nobles plot in the shadows, rival warlords seek to betray him, and the gods themselves whisper from the heavens, weaving schemes to reclaim their power. As Aurelian builds his empire, he faces a choice: will he remain mortal, or will he seize the throne of the gods themselves? Steel clashes with sorcery, armies rise and fall, and a new age dawns—an age where mortals decide their own fate.

Kieran Valtheris awakens to the stench of blood and the roar of an execution crowd—only to realize that he has been reborn in a body that isn’t his own. Sentenced to death for crimes he never committed, he fights his way to freedom, escaping into the shadows of a city that should not exist. The memories of his past life are fractured, glimpses of a war that already happened—or should have happened. The kingdom he remembers falling still stands. The people he once knew are gone, their legacies erased. Something is deeply, horribly wrong. As Kieran navigates a world both familiar and foreign, whispers follow him, voices of something watching, waiting. With no allies, no power, and an identity that isn’t truly his, he must unravel the truth before history itself collapses around him. Because if he was reborn in the wrong time—what else has been changed?

Empress of Ash and Frost: In a world ruled by dragon riders, power is everything. And Faye has none. Born with the blood of exiled nobility and a forbidden heritage, Faye has spent her life on the run, hunted for what she is. But when fate binds her to the last **Frost Dragon**, an ancient and undefeated legend, everything changes. The bond grants her unparalleled power—but at a devastating cost. Each time she wields her strength, she risks losing herself to an ancient curse buried deep in her bloodline. With war looming, rival dragon riders vying for dominance, and powerful factions seeking to claim her dragon for themselves, Faye must navigate a world of treachery, alliances, and deadly rivalries. She is pursued not only by those who would see her dead but also by powerful warriors drawn to her strength, each with their own ambitions, loyalties, and desires. But Faye refuses to be a pawn. As she masters her abilities and uncovers the truth behind the hidden forces shaping the world, she will carve her own destiny—one forged in **ice, fire, and blood**. **The hunt has begun. The Empress of Ash and Frost will rise.**

A choice was given—one power, one path. Shadow or Flame. In that fleeting moment, he made his decision, never questioning what became of the path left untaken. He walks the world now, bound to the power he chose, facing trials that test the very fabric of his soul. Yet, a lingering dread follows him, an unshakable omen of something—someone—waiting at the end of his journey. When that moment comes, the truth is not what he imagined. The battle he feared is unlike any other, defying the very nature of fate itself. Because some choices are never truly left behind. Some echoes refuse to fade. And in the end, the greatest enemy he will ever face… is one he should have never met.

Asche has only one goal: protect his younger brother from a world built to break them. Raised by a deadbeat father who sells him to the highest bidder, Asche dreams of escaping the cycle of fear and control. And on his sixteenth birthday—he finally can. But freedom comes at a price. One of his "clients" harbors a dangerous secret, and his best friend turns out to be heir to a powerful duchy. Suddenly, Asche isn't just fighting for survival—he's playing a game of power, manipulation, and deception. With nothing but his wits and an unyielding will to protect his brother, Asche will bend the system to his will—no matter what it takes. But how long can he keep defying the forces that rule this world before they strike back?