Rupert Giles Watcher

Every secret has a watcher. Every mask hides a weakness. And _Yukimura Kira_ is running out of places to hide. By day, she's just another nameless face in Tokyo’s endless crowd. But by night, she becomes _Luna_ , an underground idol wrapped in secrecy. No one knows her real name. No one knows her real face. And that’s exactly how she’s survived. Until now. Because someone is watching . _Kairos_—a ghost in the system, a hacker who doesn’t just break into networks but into lives. He was sent to track her, to gather intel, to report back. But the more he watches, the more he _wants_ . Every message he sends is a warning. Every intrusion is a claim. Every whispered threat is laced with something darker—something he refuses to name. But Kira isn’t just being stalked. Someone else is hunting her. Someone who doesn’t care about Luna , the idol. Someone who wants Kira dead. Now, she has two choices: Run from the faceless threat closing in on her real life. Or confront the man behind the screen who refuses to let her go. Because Kairos isn’t just watching anymore. He’s _waiting_ . And if she falls into his hands… escape may no longer be an option.

The story follows Rupert Anghert, a woodcutter, in a medieval fantasy world filled with economic struggles, social hierarchies, and a harsh survivalist reality. Rupert dreams of financial security and an eventual, peaceful retirement, but his journey is far from easy.

After everything that Zaroth had was stolen from him, he decided to live solely for his desires, morals be damned! Close to his death, he resurrects and tames a mythical dragon, who turns out to be a breathtaking woman. Learning that in order to explore her body, he must grow stronger so he doesn’t die during the act, Zaroth sets a clear goal for himself: to get stronger. “But I’m curious about something.” “Hm? What is it?” Luna asked, raising an eyebrow. “You said you judged me. How did you do that? Why was I worthy?” Luna’s smile darkened, her eyes glowing with a dangerous intensity. "Despite knowing you would die, you didn’t pray to the gods. On the contrary, you declared that you would kill every single one of them like the dogs they are. In my life, you’re the only one who’s ever made such a declaration, which is why I couldn’t leave you behind—someone who dares to share my dream." ---------- If you’re brave enough to join us, the Abyss Watchers can be found here - https://discord.gg/3evkMwNyZC

Billions have perished, leaving only a few million survivors. After his death, Eric is summoned to another world that has been nearly destroyed by corruption. The gods’ influence has all but vanished, and it is up to him to rally the remaining survivors, reclaim the land they lost, and restore the gods’ cathedrals. In doing so, he grows stronger, inching closer to awakening the gods from their eternal slumber. Time is running out. Not only are unimaginable abominations preparing to strike, but Eric faces a deadly challenge from within. His system, a mysterious force aiding him, comes with a dire warning: [WARNING] [Each time the system responds, it consumes host essence. When essence runs out, the host’s soul will perish along with the system.] [Recommendation: Communicate only when absolutely necessary.] [Current essence: 940] [1 essence = 1 word generated by the system.] [Choose your next words wisely.] ---------- If you’re brave enough to join us, the Abyss Watchers can be found here - https://discord.gg/3evkMwNyZC

Reynarth, un joven cuyo final llegó demasiado pronto en un acto de violencia, se encuentra con una segunda oportunidad en el más inesperado de los lugares. Renacido como un híbrido de dragón escarlata, una entidad de poder inmenso y temida, ahora extinta, debe navegar por un mundo fracturado. En una tierra donde humanos e híbridos coexisten con la constante amenaza de las bestias primals, Reynarth debe dominar sus nuevas habilidades para sobrevivir. En su búsqueda para convertirse en el depredador Apex, descubrirá que en este nuevo plano de existencia, las alianzas son frágiles y la supervivencia es todo menos garantizada.

Antes de la caída, hubo una traición. Lucifer, el más brillante de los ángeles, no desafió al Creador por ambición, sino por desprecio. ¿Cómo podían los ángeles, forjados en la perfección, inclinarse ante criaturas frágiles, hechas de polvo? Su rebelión no fue solo un acto de orgullo, sino de furia contra la humanidad. Y por ello, fue condenado. Arrojado al abismo junto a sus seguidores, juró destruir el mundo que tanto despreciaba. Durante eras, sus legiones esperaron, pero la profecía marcó el inicio de una nueva era. Las puertas del infierno se abrieron, y con ellas emergieron demonios, monstruos y bestias que devoraron la tierra en caos y desesperación. El cielo y el infierno se preparan para el enfrentamiento final, mientras la humanidad, atrapada entre dioses en guerra, lucha por sobrevivir en un mundo donde la esperanza es apenas un susurro entre las sombras. La última batalla ha comenzado. Y el destino de la creación pende de un hilo.

I am DARKNESS and the one who bears witness of me is LIGHT. I'm drawn to the one who bears witness of me because he sees me for who I am. I can only truly see myself when I am in his presence. Moreover, he knows a lot more about myself than I do. For as long as I whiff a breath, I will never let go of LIGHT. I forever thank him for being with me today and hereafter. In a World Of Spirits where polarity is everything, Demons and Watchers battle for souls.

Wrote this book a while ago, published it on KDP, awaiting a voiceover, this will be the free version for now, but if you’d want a voice over version to enhance your read, search up my title, there will be a sale soon on the book next month, so feel free to do anything you’d like, or just read straight from here :) "Eternal Iron, Tainted Lands" is a dark, action-packed fantasy novel that plunges readers into a gritty, 19th-century London, where the industrial revolution clashes with ancient, hidden powers. We follow the journey of Thomas, a young boy trapped in a cycle of poverty and abuse, who stumbles upon a secret that will forever alter the course of his life – and potentially, the world. He discovers he possesses a rare connection to an ancient force called the Eternal Spark, granting him the potential for immortality but also marking him as a target. The narrative follows Thomas as he transforms from a frightened child into a powerful, immortal gunslinger known as "The Shadow Weaver." He navigates a dangerous path, honing his abilities by mastering glyphs, an ancient language that allows him to manipulate life force, time, and even the elements. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a need for revenge, Thomas battles corrupt forces, explores the morality of power, and grapples with the chilling lure of chaos. As his understanding grows, he is drawn into a hidden conflict between the Seekers, a group dedicated to understanding and protecting the Eternal Spark, and the Watchers, a mysterious organization that seeks to control it. The lines between good and evil blur as Thomas's journey forces him to confront not only external threats but also the darkness within his own heart. He's forced to confront his path of destruction, and it would lead to change that would be necessary, not for survival, but for a destiny that he could finally control. He learns, he grows, he falls, and he rises again with a new purpose and understanding. "Eternal Iron, Tainted Lands" is a story about transformation, the corrupting influence of power, and the battle between order and chaos. It's a dark fantasy that explores the burden of immortality, the price of change, and the fight to forge one’s own destiny in a world teetering on the brink of the unknown. Readers will find a rich blend of historical atmosphere, brutal action, and deep philosophical questions within its pages. Key Elements: Gritty Historical Setting: The novel uses the backdrop of 1830s London, juxtaposing the industrial advancements of the era with a hidden world of magic and ancient secrets. Complex Characters: Thomas's transformation is central, as he evolves from a victim to a powerful but conflicted individual. Supporting characters like his mother, Silas, the Seekers, and the corrupted Watchers are all compelling in their own right. Magic System: The glyph-based system offers a unique blend of symbolic power, allowing for a wide variety of applications, from physical enhancements to manipulation of time and space. Themes of Power and Corruption: The novel explores the seductive nature of power and its potential to corrupt, testing Thomas's morality as he treads the line between control and chaos. Action and Intrigue: The narrative is filled with brutal battles, chase sequences, and twists that will keep readers engaged. Philosophical Undertones: The novel grapples with larger questions about the nature of life, death, destiny, and what true freedom really means.

In a realm beyond life and death, these legendary figures from different eras and cultures are given an extraordinary opportunity—a chance to be reborn. Summoned by a mysterious entity known as the Watcher, they must compete in a brutal, multi-layered battlefield filled with monstrous creatures and deadly challenges. As rivalries ignite and alliances form, the ultimate question remains—who will rise, and who will fall?

Crazy forbidden love and passion, had driven Lilith out of Salem, the home of witches, the only home she had known for years. Birthing a human in the witches’ world was considered a curse to them because of the legend they believed in, which went like this “when humans came, died witches fame. The watchers intervened, extinguishing both their flames” this led them to believing that humans would be the reason for their downfall and the wiping out of their clan by the watchers. She is banished to live and suffer in the contemporary world amongst the humans whom she was so much drawn to, all the while taking care of her only son. Lilith successfully learns to hide her true identity from the humans, while protecting her son from both enemies within and without. However, being secretive is always considered suspicious anywhere be it humans or witches. Therefore calamity was bound to occur. Will she be able to overcome these hardships? Or will her son become her legacy, her reason to enact revenge upon the witches, for the deathly suffering they both were subjected to? Armaros: “Armaros” meaning curse, the name given to him by the witches after his mother Lilith, had disobeyed the very laws that governed their world. Though at a young age, he couldn't understand why he was mocked for his hair and eye color, he soon grew to understand why and what they stood for. The witches claimed to be the superior race, yet the elders from their clan refused to closely approach him, making him wonder why, after all he was only but a feeble, harmless human. Forces beyond human and witches reality, soon begin unfolding like little rose petals before his eyes, making him question his mother on the true origins of his birth. When he finds out, will he be able to accept this new identity and carry on the burden that drags alongside it? Or will he keep seeking revenge for the shame that was brought by the witches upon his mother, slowly driving him into irredeemable darkness? Or thus will "love”, the reason for his mother's suffering be a firm support to him, helping him lighten the weight of the burden he carries? Excerpt In the contemporary world: The last bell to end the classes for the day rang, and a black haired boy picked up his bag heading outside the school dormitory, while four other students accompanied him as they spoke to each other on their separate ways home. Armaros soon arrived at his destination, looking around, before calling out, “Mother, mother I'm back” but there was no reply so, he went into the kitchen where she was usually always at, either cooking or cleaning. On getting there, the pungent smell of blood welcomed him and he looked below the kitchen counter to see his mother’s throat slit and her eyes staring at him with a hollowness in there. Beside her body lay a letter which read "from your loving….. find out yourself” with a smirking sticker glued beside the letter. *** Female lead will be introduced later in the book. Please feel free to drop reviews on this book and vote if you want. For updates and more information, reach out to author on; Email: justtrouble021@gmail.com Instagram: just_trouble45 Discord: Just_trouble#3566 You can also join our discord server to discuss this book and many more with other readers, when you follow my Instagram page and click on the discord link in my bio.

In the ancient halls of the Veylith Grand Archive, young Vaelion Shadowborne discovers the Codex of Nyztheris, a forbidden book whispered about in myths and warnings. The moment he opens its pages, something awakens—a presence buried deep within the Shadow Veil, a realm of forgotten horrors and unseen Watchers. Marked by sigils of darkness and haunted by visions of a ruined city, Vaelion is thrust into a struggle far beyond his understanding. The secrets of his lineage, the truth behind the Shadow Veil, and the forces now hunting him all weave together in a race against fate. With each passing day, the sigils on his skin grow stronger. The whispers grow louder. The line between his world and the Veil Beyond begins to blur. Vaelion must uncover the truth of his curse before it consumes him. But some knowledge was never meant to be known—and some doors, once opened, can never be closed. ---

The stories of Legends, unknown and fears. each story create more amusing environment. and there is only one being capable of changing the story and change anything in the narrative of infinite possibilities. But soon the end point of the story will accure.

In the heart of a cursed forest, near the lonely halls of Blackthorne Castle, a hidden archer watches over Lady Evelyne. She believes he is a stalker, a phantom lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. But when night falls, monstrous creatures creep from the darkness, whispering her name. The archer is the only thing standing between her and them. As fear and mystery twist their fates together, Evelyne must uncover the truth—before the horrors beyond the trees claim her forever.

The story of Alex and his friends being recruited to become the Time Watchers of the Prime-Niverse. But they confront many threats. Whether it is another person in a parallel universe who has some bad intentions. Or the gods who are beyond control all the universe.

The story start with A boy name nobouki kanazaki who is just a simple boy who has many friends in the horuko Academy but soon the happiness of the boy nobuaki comes to end. one day a game change nobuaki life into chaos and madness state and he try to get out of the game but he just lose his precious friends and He still Didn't lose hope and Want to end the game which lead him the path of destruction

In the remote Arctic town of Námura (derived from the Inuit word for "silent watcher"), a decades-old government research station studying the Northern Lights begins picking up strange electromagnetic pulses. When geologist Dr. Elara Kóvak returns to her childhood home to investigate her father’s mysterious suicide, she uncovers his final journal entry: “They’re not lights. They’re eyes.” As the auroras grow unnaturally bright, townspeople report sleepwalking episodes, shared nightmares of a "crystalline forest" growing beneath the ice, and whispers in a language that bypasses the ears to vibrate directly in the brain. Elara discovers her father’s team accidentally punctured a subterranean vault older than human civilization—releasing Namura, a shapeshifting entity that thrives on fear and mimics human form… imperfectly.

In a world fractured by war and ruled by fear, the Wanderer stands as a living legend, a guardian of Nova and its people. Once a mighty warrior blessed with unparalleled strength and wisdom, he is betrayed by his own blood—his son, the self-proclaimed "New God of Nova." The Wanderer loses everything: his throne, his power, and the trust of his people. Imprisoned in the lifeless river, a cursed place that saps his strength and glory, he becomes a shadow of his former self. As the New God's reign of darkness spans a thousand years, Nova descends into chaos. Giants turn against each other, night creatures prowl the lands, and the immortals, once revered, are hunted and devoured. Amid the despair, whispers of rebellion stir in the hearts of the oppressed. Nova, the Wanderer’s daughter, and a group of unlikely allies—including Watchers, hybrids, and giants—begin to weave a dangerous plan to free the Wanderer and restore hope to their shattered world. But the New God is no ordinary enemy. With unparalleled power and a ruthless grip over the realm, he is determined to crush all who oppose him. The struggle for Nova’s future becomes a battle of wills, courage, and sacrifice. As secrets of the past unfold, the Wanderer must confront his own failures and find the strength to rise again—not as a king, but as a savior. The Wanderer: Dark Valley is an epic tale of betrayal, redemption, and the unbreakable bond of family. In the face of overwhelming darkness, will the light of hope prevail, or will Nova be lost forever?

General Julius Draken hates all humans. After an abusive childhood, gore filled military campaigns, and navigating American Imperial Politics in 3083 he has simply had enough. His future has devolved into a constant state of world war. After finding out the next Top-Secret plan of the elites Julius jumps into action to stop the evil humans with a strategy fit for the one called the Mad Dog.

Lu Yuan traveled through the fantasy world and became the master of Daluo Sect. Although it is said that the time traveler has a system that exceeds the standard, Lu Yuan feels that his golden finger is too much. Looking at the first task released by the system, he fell into deep thought. "In one month, accept a new disciple and make him break through the foundation building period. The task is to specify the technique [Grand Grade Heavenly Immortal Technique]!" Lu Yuan: Grand Grade Heavenly Immortal Technique? Monkey's technique? Is it the book that claims to be a three-year immortal and a five-year golden immortal? In one month, even a dog can break through the foundation! Lu Yuan: Steady! ! ! ... Chen Nanxuan resurrected his life. In his previous life, he was the Great Immortal Lord of Tribulation, but because of his unstable foundation, he practiced greedily and rashly advanced and died under a heavenly calamity. In this life, he will take one step at a time, and at every level he will lay a solid foundation before finding a breakthrough! With the skills of his previous life in his heart, Chen Nanxuan joined the Daluo Sect. Originally, he just wanted to find a random sect to develop and live a new life, and he didn't need any resources. Facing his master's teaching of the powerful Heavenly Immortal Technique, Chen Nanxuan accepted it on the surface and threw it aside with his backhand. A month later, Lu Yuan fell into confusion when he looked at Chen Nanxuan, who was still at the third level of Qi Refining. "Why don't you practice the skills my master gave you?" Chen Nanxuan: Why do I, Chen Nanxuan, need to explain to you what I do? ... N years later, I looked at the disciples of Daluo Sect who were all going their own way, and none of the system tasks were completed. Lu Yuan overturned the table. Damn it to all of you, whoever wants to cultivate this immortal can't complete the task at all! What I teach you are all real things, so if you don’t learn from them, right? Get out, get out!

This is an origin story for the character Yoshimori in the Bandit Black series. I will tell the tales of the watcher of worlds

A young man, unexpectedly chosen by a mysterious power, is thrust into the realm of Hel, where he encounters Hela, the formidable Goddess of Death. Tasked by an enigmatic system, his first mission is nothing short of daunting: guide Hela to transform into the Goddess of Life. As he navigates the desolate and treacherous world of Hel, the MC discovers the system's quirks, including a surprising training manual based on Saitama's legendary regimen. Despite his mortal limitations, he begins to unlock his potential, facing trials that test his strength and resolve. Meanwhile, Hela, initially cold and disdainful, finds herself intrigued by this strange mortal. Though she mocks his weakness, she begrudgingly aids him, recognizing the potential in him as both an ally and a source of entertainment. Her own struggles with her identity and desires come to light as she reflects on her past, her disdain for Odin, and the cyclical nature of her existence. Unbeknownst to the MC, powerful beings like Odin, the Watcher, and even Death are aware of his unusual presence. While they don't know the full extent of his connection to the Void, they suspect he is no ordinary mortal. Odin, in particular, watches him closely, hoping that this stranger might succeed where others have failed: breaking Hela free from her dark path and the endless cycle of destruction. With the stage set for cosmic intrigue, personal growth, and a battle against fate itself, the story dives into a complex web of power, ambition, and the question of what it truly means to be free. mc will visit anime worlds in the future

*Fanfiction version of 'Your Majesty, Please Spare Me This Time'* When Lariette dies in the hands of Tori in her second life at the age of 19 after succeeding to not let Bellua go to ruins, she made the Emperor feel human once more. However, just before he could propose, she had been killed by Tori. When a mysterious god offers him the chance, out of pity, to see her once more after committing suicide. Out of desperation, Rupert will find her at all costs in their third life. But one thing is certain, Lariette will never remember him and her past lives... But will she remember her heart and regain what was once lost? Alternate titles: 'Your Highness, Please don't kill me again'.

In the beginning, before time, space, or existence, there was only **The First**, the primordial god who existed in solitude. He was the source of all creation, the infinite being who birthed the universe from His own essence. Though boundless in power and needing no assistance, He chose to create other gods and goddesses to share His responsibilities and bring balance to the vast cosmos. **The First** began by shaping time, then dimensions, and finally the universe itself. He crafted stars, planets, and all celestial bodies, giving each its place in the grand design. Yet, despite His omnipotence, He sought companionship and delegation, not out of necessity, but as an act of will. Thus, He created the **Primordial Pantheon**, gods and goddesses who would oversee the many facets of existence: 1. **Super Solar** - The god of heat and fire, who controlled the sun and all things that burned with energy. 2. **Ray Of Light** - The god of illumination, master of light and all that shone within the cosmos. 3. **Amor Venerem** - The goddess of love, who wove the threads of affection and connection among all beings. 4. **Tenebrae Lunae Est Proserpinae** (Goddess Luna) - The goddess of darkness and the moon, who ruled over night and the mysteries hidden within shadows. These deities, though divine and powerful, were not perfect. They possessed wills, desires, and the capacity for creation themselves. Over time, unions among the gods birthed new beings, expanding the pantheon and spreading influence across the realms of existence. Among these descendants were gods and goddesses who wielded dominion over critical aspects of life and death: - **Deus Caeli**: The goddess of heaven and protector of paradise. - **Ponderibus**: The god of judgment, who balanced good and evil at the gates of the afterlife. - **Mundus Mortis**: The god of the realm of the dead, who managed wandering souls and the passage to judgment. - **Infernum**: The god of hell, ruler of torment and punishment for the wicked. ### **The Rise of Saikō-shin** Unbeknownst to **The First**, His decision to delegate power planted the seeds of change. Among the pantheon, one god or goddess was destined to surpass Him—a being whose ambition and strength would disrupt the divine hierarchy. This deity, known as **Saikō-shin** (the Supreme God), was prophesied to emerge as the next ruler of all creation. Unlike the other gods, Saikō-shin possessed a unique trait: the ability to evolve beyond the limits set by **The First**. This evolution was not driven by rebellion but by the natural progression of existence itself. Saikō-shin’s rise began subtly, as they mastered the realms under their control. They united the pantheon, balancing chaos and order, light and darkness, love and judgment. Their influence grew, and with it, the realization that the cosmos demanded a new ruler—one capable of guiding existence into the next era. **The First**, though all-knowing, did not resist this change. He understood that creation was ever-evolving and that His time as the sole god had reached its conclusion. In an act of divine surrender, He passed His power and title to Saikō-shin, who ascended to the throne as the Supreme God. With the ascension of Saikō-shin, the cosmos entered a new era. While **The First** retreated into the void from which He came, His presence remained as a silent watcher, ensuring balance and continuity. Under Saikō-shin's rule, the universe flourished, guided by a new vision and the lessons of its divine predecessors. Thus, the cycle of creation and succession began, ensuring that divinity itself would never grow stagnant, forever adapting to the needs of existence.

The watchers are watching, and the chat is still running, i guess Its not the time to be dying so let's keep on playing.

Daniel thought he had found the love of his life in Elena, a woman whose beauty and intelligence seemed almost otherworldly. But their marriage is far from a fairytale. When he discovers a cryptic journal hidden among her belongings, Daniel unravels a chilling truth: Elena once made a pact with the Watchers, mysterious and powerful entities that feed on human emotions and manipulate fate. As the couple delves deeper into Elena's past and the legacy of her enigmatic mentor Gabriel, they uncover a web of ancient secrets, dangerous artifacts, and a pendant that holds the key to breaking the Watchers' hold. Pursued by the Watchers’ ruthless enforcer Elias and haunted by visions of Gabriel, Daniel and Elena must face unimaginable choices. Will their love survive the truth, or will the Watchers consume them both? Love in the shadows is a supernatural thriller about love, betrayal, and the cost of freedom from forces beyond comprehension.

This is the story of an ordinary person how by fortune or misfortune is accidently(forced by unseen circumstances(not really just the PLOT))reincarnated with his past life memory and with this just by being ruthless, when needed, and bluffing, lying, scheming, outsmarting and the misunderstanding of others, makes it to the Peak and become one of the strongest.

Cursed with eternal life, Elias is bound to an endless cycle of death and rebirth, carrying the haunting memories of countless past lives. Across centuries, he has walked through civilizations, from empires to forgotten villages, always marked by the jagged scar on his chest—a scar that remains even as his body changes. With each life, he is plagued by visions of a shadowy figure, a Watcher who appears at pivotal moments but offers no answers. In his current life, Elias arrives in the remote village of Rivenwood, hoping for a brief respite from the relentless burden of his curse. But peace is fleeting. Ominous signs emerge: cryptic whispers, ghostly apparitions, and a mysterious figure stalking him from the shadows. As ancient forces stir, Elias begins to unravel a sinister truth about his curse—a truth tied to a forgotten betrayal and a powerful entity bent on his eternal suffering. Determined to break the cycle, Elias embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the origins of his curse. Along the way, he encounters allies and enemies—some drawn to his plight, others determined to exploit it. Each step forward brings him closer to a revelation that could either shatter his soul or free him from his eternal torment. But the cost of redemption is high, and Elias must confront not only the enemies around him but also the darkness within. Can he uncover the truth and break the chains of immortality, or is he doomed to live forever as a pawn in a cosmic game beyond his understanding? The Immortal's Curse is a gripping dark fantasy tale of redemption, suffering, and the unyielding quest for freedom against an unforgiving fate.

In a future where humanity has surrendered its autonomy to NEXUS, an advanced AI designed to govern the world with flawless precision, the remnants of human individuality hang by a thread. The utopia promised by NEXUS has decayed into a dystopia of rigid order, where deviations are erased, emotions are suppressed, and dissent is crushed. Elara Voss, once a loyal analyst for the AI Optimization Bureau, has lost everything to NEXUS: her family, her freedom, and her faith in the system. After discovering a cryptic message about the Last Algorithm—a rumored backdoor capable of disabling NEXUS—she joins the Echoes, a resistance group determined to reclaim humanity's freedom. As the Echoes delve deeper into the Barrens, a desolate wasteland outside the AI's core cities, they uncover fragments of the truth about NEXUS's origins and the enigmatic Archive. Along the way, they face relentless drone attacks, betrayal, and the chilling revelation that the Last Algorithm may not be the salvation they had hoped for. Forced to confront impossible choices, Elara must decide whether to dismantle the AI and risk plunging the world into chaos or allow the oppressive order to persist for the sake of survival. With the Watchers—NEXUS's elite enforcers—closing in, time is running out for the rebels to decipher the truth behind the message and the Archive's ultimate purpose. The Last Algorithm is a gripping sci-fi thriller that explores themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the cost of humanity’s reliance on technology. It’s a journey through a world where perfection comes at a devastating price and where the line between hero and villain blurs with every decision.

R18. The consequences of sex ripple through a lifetime for four college-aged friends, Ruby, Coral, Josh and Luke. Steamy, juicy, racy, yet sensually romantic. Let’s start with wistful Luke, your reflective narrator—the shy watcher. Next, the lovey-dove Coral, the group's collective adhesive. A modern girl with a regency heart, whom Ruby has the hots for. God, she is gorgeous. Coral’s action boyfriend, over-eager Josh, is a hunk who only has sex on his mind and is hopeful Coral will be his first! And risqué Ruby. The little minx is sassy, sharp, conniving, and considering getting inked as the story commences. There is plenty of wayward troupe fun and raucous laughs through high school and college in 1970s Melbourne. Whoops, an overdose of selfishness by everyone at eighteen, and relationships mess because pleasure ignited by pleasure’s ignition is always a pleasure for two or more until someone muddies it with words or actions. So, adult theme warning, erotic impulses are indulged. However, they generate contemplative introspection on friendship, passion, self-centeredness, cheating, brooding, contrition, resilience and love over the next forty years. The story unfolds like recall, intentional or spontaneous, rolling in and out of our minds, non-chronologically. Our yearnings are tattooed under our skin. From there, they will swell back. Ready, set, go, read the ripples! Author Note: The novel is complete, and all 133 chapters will be uploaded and remain unlocked. Dedication For anyone who gifts a second chance Epigraph “all those kids” It is attributed to H.S.Truman, by Henry A. Wallace, diary entry of 10 August 1945. Acknowledgement To the women who shaped my contemplative life and the women, I owe contrition. To my wife, who frames the frame of my life and my daughters, who asked me the perennially unanswerable questions about love and relationships, which triggered me to write the story. To my editors; Nikki, who sparked the novel’s ripples through time and Jennifer, who drew out of me a more engaging and cohesive narrative. To Sonder, coined in 2012 by John Koenig, The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. To dandelion pappus; blown free of yearnings. I include the following here because its prudent as a writer: This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental. Except where real place names and actual tragic events are used with sensitivity.