Naruto Earth Bloodline

Join Kaelen, a ruthless conqueror from a broken world, as he embarks on his inevitable rise to power in a new, unforgiving dungeon-infested Earth. Reborn as Noah Alaric, a seemingly ordinary level 1 hunter, he quickly uncovers his legendary **Night Lord** class, tied to his dark vampiric bloodline. With abilities that bend the very fabric of the world's mana, Noah hides his true strength while navigating the treacherous hunter academy, building his power in the shadows. As Noah levels up, mastering his vampire abilities and swordsmanship, his feats start to catch the attention of powerful figures. However, unbeknownst to his foes, the true danger lies in his unwavering ambition—to conquer not just the dungeons, but the world itself. With enemies lurking and his past never far behind, Noah’s path is one of ruthless manipulation, strategic brilliance, and unrelenting dominance. But in this new world, nothing is what it seems, and even a legendary vampire might find his darkest ambitions tested. Will Noah become the king of this world, or will the weight of his past and the enemies he makes along the way bring him to his knees? Join Kaelen on his journey—where power, betrayal, and blood are the ultimate currencies—and witness the rise of a conqueror who will reshape fate itself. P.S. I aim to declare that the MC is at Fang Yuan's level of complexity and competence—but let’s be real, Fang Yuan is a once-in-a-millennium anomaly. Still, I give it my best shot.

In his previous life, Kaelen was an ordinary man with a troubled past. Abandoned by his parents and shuffled between foster homes, he worked tirelessly to survive, graduating college and seeking a better life. But after a failed job interview, fate intervenes when a disaster strikes, and he dies while heroically saving others. Given a second chance by a god from another realm, Kaelen is reincarnated into a world of dragons and magic—on a mission to restore balance and peace to a kingdom on the brink of destruction. Waking up in a new body, Kaelen finds himself once again abandoned—this time in the aftermath of a brutal attack on his village. Now driven by a deeper purpose and haunted by his past, he must embrace his destiny as the last heir of the Dragon's Bloodline. Will he rise to reclaim his rightful place and stop the forces of darkness, or will his will to survive be tested beyond its limits?

Leonard, a 22-year-old office worker, felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. After a long, exhausting day filled with endless deadlines and demanding clients, he trudged home one evening, the stress of his life pressing down on him. As he walked, lost in thought, he didn’t see the manhole cover ahead. With a sudden, jarring slip, he tumbled into darkness. When he finally regained consciousness, Michael found himself in a strange new world. Confused, he looked around and realized he was in a completely different body. A surge of excitement coursed through him. As a lifelong manga enthusiast, he had always dreamed of being reborn as a powerful protagonist in a fantastical realm. But his hopes were quickly dashed as he took in his surroundings. This world was ruled by vampires and werewolves, powerful beings who held dominion over humanity, reducing them to mere slaves. Michael’s heart sank at the realization: he was now among the oppressed, and freedom seemed like a distant dream. Determined to change his fate, Michael resolved to earn enough money to buy his freedom from slavery. He found work in a dark, oppressive mine, toiling long hours alongside others who shared his plight. One day, while digging deep in the cold earth, he stumbled upon an ancient, glowing orb. Intrigued, he reached out to touch it, but as he did, a surge of energy coursed through him, draining almost half of his life force. But rather than succumb to despair, Michael discovered that the orb had unlocked a mysterious Bloodline system within him. This newfound power surged through his veins, awakening something deep inside. Fueled by determination, he vowed to harness this strength and become the strongest warrior, just like the protagonists in his beloved manga. With each passing day, Michael trained harder, learning to wield his abilities and navigate the treacherous world around him. He formed alliances with other slaves and began plotting a way to rise against their oppressors. As he ventured into the unknown, he encountered formidable foes and breathtaking landscapes, each challenge pushing him closer to his goal of freedom. Join Leonard on his incredible journey filled with wonder, danger, and the quest for liberation in a world where hope seems lost. Will he become the hero he always dreamed of being, or will he be consumed by the darkness that surrounds him?

Being an alien field researcher stranded on Earth really made survival quite difficult. "Me, an alien, give me money!"

#Top 20 Webnovel Best Sellers 2021, 2022, 2023, and in 2024 #### History is said to be written by the victors. If so, how about Earth's history? Two millennia ago, a young boy named Emery met a tragic fate. In his final moments, he was transmigrated and accepted into the Universe's most prestigious school of magic. “You are among the chosen few from thousands of human worlds. Whether you seize this opportunity or not, is up to you. You are at Magus Academy, the pinnacle of humanity's ingenuity. Magic, science, and might are all within reach for those who dare to pursue them." [Scan complete - Quadruple affinity. Water, Earth, Plant, and Darkness.] "A quadruple acolyte! Only one in tens of thousands of acolytes possess this!" Thus began Emery’s journey together with his 4 friends from the furthest corner of Earth. Each year they returned to Earth to grow, seek revenge, save the princess, conquer the world, and become Earth's Greatest Magus. Their names are still etched in our history books to this day. Authors Note: I have always been fascinated by writing fantasy relating to historical facts. In this story, you will find characters inspired by real-world myth and legend. The universe I created hopefully will make the reader's imagination excited and logically plausible. I hope you enjoy it. ### Here are some key aspects you'll encounter: MC: The protagonist follows the classic weak-to-strong arc. World: Picture a blend of Harry Potter and Star Wars. System: While it's primarily a magic-based story, there's a structured system in place that's easy to follow. Additionally, elements of cultivation. Harem: No, there are several female interests. But I enjoy romance first. So even if there will be more than one love interest it will be deep. Note: English is not my first language, but you'll notice that my writing and English skills gradually improve throughout the chapters. Other: The novel delves into deep research on science and history, enriching the storyline with factual and intriguing details. Give it a read—you might be pleasantly surprised by what unfolds. Check Out the Video Trailer on youtube type "Earth's Greatest Magus"

After 10000 years, something interesting appears. bystander, the son of Raizen comes into focus as the world comes ever closer to extinction

24 year-old Richter Maier stands at the pinnacle of Swordsmanship — a competitive sport, whose former glory was stolen by the first-ever immersive VR fantasy game: Mirage. Richter was at a loss as his disciples and competitors quit to pursue a career in-game... Until the line between fantasy and reality blurred. Now Richter has a chance to regain his fame, and even more ways to gain strength. But he'll have to combat betrayal, interstellar beings, revenge, and his own lack of knowledge before he gets anywhere close. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Mirage is only used for some setup, this is not a VR game novel.) Thanks for reading!

"Where is this place?" A man was suddenly back to his old world. It was supposed to be a homecoming, there should have been hamburgers and French fries paired with a glass of cola after coming back, but he was met with a terrible truth. A Ruined Earth. "The Earth is actually evolving. Dammmn, is that actually a zombie?!"

"How long has it been since I transmigrated?" Owen thought. After many trials, he finally woke up in a new world. His long-held wish—eighteen years in the making—to reincarnate with all his memories had finally come true. But life here was more tedious than he’d imagined. As the son of a noble, his days were filled with training and keeping up appearances. Freedom was a distant dream. Until his sixteenth birthday, when a soft voice whispered in his ear: [Congratulations, you've awakened the Supreme Gacha system.]

Four centuries after humanity abandoned Earth for a new beginning, Xavier, a young man burdened with protecting his two younger sisters after the murder of their parents for political views, fights for a brighter future in a world governed by mysterious energy called Ziy. When fate takes an unexpected turn, Xavier’s journey of survival uncovers hidden truths about himself, his family, and the world humanity left behind. https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.royalroad.com%2Fprofile%2F590884&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl1%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4

A ruthless war breaks out between the gods of Heaven and Earth. The struggle ensues because there are key mythical resources that would grant them godlike powers, and each side must have them for itself. Invading the Earth, Heaven's forces bring ruin and cause a rupture in its delicate balance. The mayhem sees the mighty god Sheng struck down by Prometheus, cast into the void, his body lost, his soul locked in a dragon's locket, forgotten by time. Centuries pass. until one fateful day, the curious boy finds the locket. As he wears it, Sheng's soul stirs, stirring inside of him dark forces. With this power comes a deadly secret. What happens when a boy's destiny intertwines with a god's thirst for revenge? The war is far from over.

Yasenia is a child born different from the rest, her mother, Tatyana, used an ancient technique she found to absorb the world's energy to get pregnant instead of having regular intercourse. Her objective was to create a lover for herself since the endless years of solitude and all the heartbreaks covered her heart with eternal ice. While pregnant, a strange soul seems to try to seize the body of her child to be reborn; a shame that Tatyana is someone not to be messed with. In her rage, she destroys the sense of self and memories, leaving only a husk of the soul, and uses it to nourish Yasenia. What Tatyana didn't know at that time was that this would change Yasenia in ways she never expected. Consider supporting me on Patreon.com/Mortrexo Or donating on Paypal.com/paypalme/Mortrexo Uploading on Wattpad Uploading on Scribblehub Uploading on Archive of our own (AO3). Discord: https://discord.gg/RsEAYd6Xak Novel Cover: https://www.patreon.com/posts/novel-cover-2-86054319 Artist: https://twitter.com/_taaakaaaa

A Sky God’s Spiritual Foundation. It was the greatest natural treasure in all of existence, but the sacrifices one must make to gain the approval of such an entity was unimaginable. Ryu is a genius amongst geniuses. He was born with the four Grand Ancestral Bloodlines. The Lightning Qilin. The Fire Dragon. The Ice Phoenix. The Fire Phoenix… He was blessed with an Ancestral Grade Bone Structure and Ancestral Grade Meridians. The Ice Jade Crystal Bones. The Chaotic Silk Meridians… He was bestowed the First Ranked Heavenly Pupils. The Mysteries of Heaven and Earth Pupils… However, none of it mattered. Born with a False Spiritual Foundation, it seemed that all of his talent would go to waste. Unless… Unless he was willing to grasp his Fate in his own hands. ==== **This novel once went by another name 'Rise. Rising. Risen.' So, the wiki is still under this name https://rise-rising-risen.fandom.com/wiki/Ryu_Tatsuya

In a world that is full of beast tamers, Samuel who lives with his sole parent, his father, is faced with a crisis when their village is attacked. It's on this occasion that he finds out that his father was also a beast tamer. But his strength was not capable of dealing with the beast that had attacked. His beast is killed and he suffers a backlash that leads to him being bedridden. As for the beast that attacked, it retreated after killing almost all the villagers. During his father's dying moments, he reveals that Samuel held a deep power within him and that he should go out and explore it. They had hidden in that village for over 18 years, to avoid the exploitation of his talent. As he finally leaves the village for the first time as long as he could remember, he finally ventures into the world, with a big secret hidden within him.

After the Guardian God's demise. Zack inherited his legacy. Zack is a driven individual who wields a lot of power. Will he follow the Guardian God's trail of footprints? Or Will he continue to forge his own legacy? He is intelligent, calm, and composed. When it comes to making decisions, He is decisive. In the world of Humans, Monsters, and other unknown species, He learns and grows. "I know you were the most powerful bloodline warriors dispatched to assassinate me. However, in the end, it makes little difference." With a slight smile on his face, Zack ridiculed. "Anything that stood in my way will be obliterated by my lightning," I commented in my heart. "Lightning is Absolute!" ****************************************************** Current Plan- 7chaps/week. For more release, Vote with Power Stones. Target: 1st level- 100PS/Week. Result- 14chaps/Week. ******************************************************* Support me via: https://www.paypal.me/AravindS9356 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AravindS9356 Disclaimer: This is a Fantasy novel. Everything about this novel is Fictional. *******************************************************

In the dark underbelly of New York City, a young hustler from Detroit escapes his broken past only to be drawn into the violent currents of the city’s criminal underworld. Driven by a need to carve out his own path, he joins a gang that teaches him both the art of survival and the brutal cost of loyalty. As he rises through the ranks, he faces deadly power struggles, tests of trust, and the haunting threat of betrayal, all while confronting the ghosts of a fractured family he left behind.

In the mystical land of the Eclipse World, an unfortunate soul named Raven is born, bearing the dubious distinction of being the 66th Prince of a vast Empire. Yet, his destiny takes a cruel turn as he is inexplicably shunned for lacking even a whisper of any elemental affinity. Cast out from the grandeur of his birthright, Raven stands at the precipice of an uncertain future. Will he, against all odds, face the treacherous challenges laid before him and ascend to the position of Emperor, defying the very forces that sought to kill him? Or will he give in to the storm of political chaos, caught up in the complex power struggles as people compete for important positions? [Cover Pic. Credit: Paras Kumar.] For advanced chapters, visit my patreon account: patreon(.)com/Akauthor

Bloodlines Online, a game world where only those who learn to play can actually prosper. With a realistic skill leveling system and a deeply fleshed out system for handling statistics every player must learn that they either develop their skills or they fall behind. Ezekiel is a young man barely approaching graduation and working at his uncle's restaurant, The Chateau. Like many others he chose to buy Bloodlines Online just to explore a new game in the revolutionary field but just like every other player he was unaware of the significant role this game would play in the future. Streaming, currency exchange, information, all sorts of methods to make money on Bloodlines would soon rear their head and anyone who had even a small advantage could soon rise to glory. Will you rise through the honor of raiding dungeons to sell information? Will you gain wealth by selling your services as a power leveling carry? Will you become a wealthy entrepreneur in the game? Blacksmithing, alchemy, enchanting, class unique boons, all of it will become a players easily obtained income. The game hides a terrible secret though, a secret known to another player named Alexander. Follow the path of Bloodlines Online whether you wish to learn magic, martial skills or simply like the characters, it is all up to you. I do not own the cover art used and if the creator would like me to remove it i will do so.

In a distant future where humanity thrives in the far reaches of space, the Skeld II, a colossal research and exploration vessel, serves as a beacon of hope and progress. Manned by a diverse crew of scientists, engineers, and military personnel, the ship’s mission is to push the boundaries of human knowledge. But beneath its polished exterior lies a creeping darkness—a sinister force that threatens not only the Skeld but the fragile fabric of human civilization. When a series of gruesome murders shatters the ship’s tranquility, rookie crew member Jean finds himself thrust into a nightmare of betrayal and fear. As paranoia spreads, Captain Max must rally his dwindling team against an unseen foe. Meanwhile, Kenneth, a trusted officer, descends into madness, invoking ancient powers and summoning the Dark One, a malevolent entity from a forgotten age. As alliances crumble and the body count rises, the survivors must confront the truth: the parasite that plagues them isn’t just physical—it’s spiritual, tearing apart their minds and sowing distrust. Their mission becomes clear: unite or perish. But in the face of overwhelming darkness, sacrifice becomes inevitable, and each character must wrestle with their own humanity. Hell on Earth is a gripping tale of survival, betrayal, and redemption, blending visceral horror with intense action. In a universe where shadows linger and light feels scarce, the Skeld’s crew must fight not only for their lives but for their souls. For on this ship, even the stars can’t save you from what lurks in the void.

"Crimson Tides: A Royal Bloodline" is an epic tale of duty, love, and the bridges built between two vastly different worlds. In the isolated mountain kingdom of Solaria, Princess Elara lives a life of privilege and purpose, beloved by her people but constrained by royal expectations. As a devastating drought threatens to destroy everything she holds dear, Elara finds herself at the center of a desperate gambit for survival. Across the misty borders, in the shadowy realm of Nocturn, the vampire king Darion rules with cold efficiency. His kingdom thrives in eternal night, but ancient prophecies speak of a union that could change the fate of both realms forever. When vampire envoys arrive in Solaria with an unprecedented offer - the kingdom's salvation in exchange for a royal bride - Elara must make an impossible choice. Agreeing to marry the fearsome Vampire King, she leaves behind everything she's ever known, venturing into a world of darkness and blood that both terrifies and intrigues her. But Elara harbors a secret that threatens to unravel everything: she faints at the mere sight of blood. In a court where bloodlust reigns supreme, her weakness could mean her doom. As she navigates treacherous politics, ancient rituals, and her growing feelings for the enigmatic Darion, Elara must find the strength within herself to bridge two worlds on the brink of war. Darion, initially frustrated by his unusual bride, finds himself drawn to Elara's compassion, wit, and unwavering spirit. Together, they face threats from without and within - power-hungry nobles, ancient prophecies coming to life, and the shadows of their own pasts. As Elara and Darion's relationship deepens from reluctant allies to true partners, they uncover long-buried secrets that connect their kingdoms in ways they never imagined. Their union awakens dormant magic and stirs forgotten legends, setting in motion events that will reshape the destiny of both vampires and humans alike. "Crimson Tides" is a sweeping saga of personal growth, political intrigue, and the transformative power of love. It explores themes of overcoming prejudice, finding strength in vulnerability, and the courageous act of opening one's heart to the unknown. As Elara and Darion fight to unite their people and fulfill an ancient prophecy, they discover that the greatest magic of all lies in the power of understanding, acceptance, and love that transcends all boundaries.

On a peaceful planet filled with magic and power, Kyle's life was lazy and ordinary, but little did he know, he possessed something extraordinary. He lived his life with his family like any other lazy human, or so he thought, unaware that everything happens for a reason. However, everything changed when he turned sixteen. His older brothers, who were fed up with his laziness, came up with a ridiculous plan to teach him a lesson. They asked him to take the entrance test for one of the biggest academies. They thought this would knock some sense into their lazy brother. Kyle was stunned, but because of their coordinated planning, he reluctantly agreed with a hint of resignation. "I don't think I'll pass the test anyway. So, trying it for the experience isn't a big deal." "The only problem is, I can't guarantee that all my body parts will stay intact until the end of the entrance test." But to Kyle's shock, he passed the test without even lifting a finger! Still, he was convinced that he would eventually be kicked out of the Academy due to his lack of strength. But the moment he set foot in the Academy, he discovered something incredible about himself. He was special and nature's favorite. . . . ______ (#It's my first time writing. So, support me with ps, gt and gifts. Hehe, THANK YOU) (Note: The cover is not mine, found it from pinterest. All credits go to the owner who can ring me up in the comment section if he/she wants me to remove it.) It might be empty right now and maybe needs more work, but there's finally a Discord server! ^^ Link; https://discord.gg/eBBXatxWVb

[The System is assimilating Earth with the rest of the vast Universe.] [Congratulations! You are one of the 11 Chosen individuals out of 7.8 billion for the Alpha Program.] [As one of the 11 chosen members of the Alpha Program, you will be among the first from your planet to embark on the Trial Program.] [When the Trial Program concludes, Earth's assimilation with the Universe will commence. Your mission is to survive, overcome the dangers, and grow stronger. Best of luck to you.] ------------------------------------- Book Cover: Dall-E Generated Art, based on a scene in Volume 3. -------------------------------------- Hi there! I’m MN, the Author of the OMNOS REDUX Series, a story that spans 4 Mega Books (~750 Chs), with each having two or more Sub-Books (~250 Chs). The adventure begins with "EARTH’s ALPHA PRIME," the first step in a journey that has seen me grow as an author along the way. In my books, you’ll find interesting abilities, a well-designed system, consistent LitRPG elements, and well-thought-out fight sequences. If you enjoy stories that combine survival, world-building, LitRPG elements, OP MC and a fresh take on the System, then this series is for you. By joining me on PATRE0N, other than the weeks ahead of ADVANCED CHAPTERS, you have the exciting opportunity to customize various aspects of the series, including, MINOR/MAJOR Equipment, Skills, MINOR/MAJOR Monsters and RUDIMENTARY/MINOR/MAJOR Characters. You can make a ONE_TIME purchase for this in the shop section. Your support helps me bring these stories to life and share them with readers everywhere. Thank you for considering joining me. I’m excited to share the OMNOS REDUX Series with you! Any support is highly appreciated and will allow me to keep updating the story! - Note that the 'Charge Up Front' is enabled. Meaning, PATR0NS are charged upfront and then on the first of every following month. Alright then, Cheers! Happy Reading! ----------------------------------- Chapter Release Rate: 4 Chs/Week.  [Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat] @ 23:30 [GMT+8] Discord Server: https://discord.gg/EmqX6fh9cV ----------------------------------- my plan for  EARTH’s ALPHA PRIME (Book 1 of OMNOS REDUX Series[ORS]) {~ Estimated around 750 Chapters} - Total  Volumes: 6 Volume 1: Survival Arc (Completed) {Ch.1 to Ch.129} Volume 2: Tournament Arc (Completed) {Ch.130 to Ch.234} Volume 3: Obelisk Acquisition Arc {~ Estimated around 125 Chapters} Volume 4: Earth Assimilation Arc {~ Estimated around 125 Chapters} Volume 5: Universe Expedition Arc  {~ Estimated around 125 Chapters} Volume 6: Annihilator Arc  {~ Estimated around 125 Chapters} End of the [ORS] Book 1 --------------------------------------------------

Sylvi Hartmann wakes up from cryosleep to find herself alone in a dilapidated spaceship on a planet light-years away from Earth. The ship's control room revealed that a few years had passed since the SS Pacific's journey to save the human race from the threat of extinction. As Sylvi explores the desolate ship, she discovers her parents' cryo-chamber missing, leaving her truly alone in an alien environment. Sylvi must confront the unknown dangers lurking there to search for her missing parents and the rest of the crew. Amidst the uncertainty, Sylvi hears approaching chants and a forceful crash. The ship's door is opened by a group of humanoid figures with unusual features—tall, muscular, and eerily perfect. Could these beings be a friend or a foe? Would Sylvi save the human race? or would she ultimately be the last girl on Earth?

[Warning!!!] . [Risk of Danger!Alert!] . . [High levels of poison detected in the blood system] . [Countermeasures activated] With those words in a robotic voice. I felt my head ache then I collapsed due to all the pain.

Leonard, A 22 years old which was pressured by work walking home one evening accidentally fell into a Manhole. Next thing he knew he was in another world in a new body so him being a manga enthusiast felt like finally he would become like those reincarnated protagonist but that wasn't the case for him cause he entered a world where vampires and Werewolf are the Ruler of the world while humankind are the slaves of the rulers. So now he wants to make enough money to buy himself out of slavery. While working in a mine one day he stumbled upon and orb that drained almost half of his life force but opened up a Bloodline system now he wants to use this new found power to become the strongest like other protagonist from manga. Now accompany him to his life of wonders and adventure.

In a future timeline, the earth was visited by a species known as the Slarkovs. Having lost their home planet and in search of a new one, the Earth was the next habitable planet for them. Humans and Slarkovs made a deal with each other in return for the Slarkovs living on Earth. The Slarkovs traded their technology and knowledge for a new home. They were similar to humans except for some of them who had slight differences, so fitting into society wasn't a problem. Over the years, Slarkovs and humans began to mate with one another and reproduce offspring. This, in turn, created new species known as the mixedblood. Centuries later, mixedbloods could tap into their bloodline and perform unimaginable feats. Gustav was born into an age where bloodline determines everything and struggles to fit in with a useless bloodline. His bloodline only grants him the ability to change his hair colour, destroying his hopes and dreams for a great future. His fate is turned around when an unexpected situation leads to him finding a system that grants him the power to unlock and upgrade bloodlines by completing quests, but he's baffled by two quests with a five-year deadline. Success will grant him unimaginable rewards... But only one thing awaits him if he fails... Death! Follow Gustav on his interesting journey filled with unprecedented adventures, danger, and death, maybe? PS: The MC's character growth happens more than once in this story. Join my discord server » https://discord.gg/kSde8pwr

In a world where people awaken different bloodline a man named Luo Yan finds himself back in the past in his fifteen year old body which was sitting next to his little brother who had been hospitalized due to the severe injuries he got after he was beaten by the school bullies. Finding himself back in the past he swore to destroy anyone that would try to harm his family in this life.

Being a bottom feeder in society is an unpleasant experience. That's how Kiro felt after being left for dead in a back alley. Abandoned and disappointed by the 'work hard' ethic his parents left for him. 'At least the heavens are weeping for me.' As the light from his eyes faded, he declared as the last act of defiance. He awoke in a room he hadn't seen in ten years. Whether it was due to sheer luck or divine intervention, he was grateful. 'Through the VR game, Asgard, I'll become filthy rich in this life time.' Kiro was blissfully unaware that his return was a cry for something greater, for the underlying threats that hovered over his world.

Hannah is absorbed in her school project when she hears her mother calling her downstairs. However, there’s something unsettling in her mother’s tone, a growing urgency that she can’t ignore. Intrigued yet cautious, Hannah begins to make her way down the stairs. Suddenly, she’s pulled into the nearby laundry room, a hand clamped over her mouth to stifle her reaction. To her shock, it’s her mother—eyes red and filled with terror. With a trembling whisper, her mother warns, “Don’t go down there, honey. I heard it too.” A cold chill washes over Hannah as she realizes that something, or someone, is downstairs, calling to her in her mother’s voice. But if her real mother is here, then who—or what—could be waiting beneath the stairs?