Ash Slave

Growing up in poverty, Sunny never expected anything good from life. However, even he did not anticipate being chosen by the Nightmare Spell and becoming one of the Awakened - an elite group of people gifted with supernatural powers. Transported into a ruined magical world, he found himself facing against terrible monsters - and other Awakened - in a deadly battle of survival. What's worse, the divine power he received happened to possess a small, but potentially fatal side effect... Character art by @Catphinee Discord: discord.gg/guiltythree Wiki: shadowslave.fandom.com OST: youtube.com/@skeuzmusic Reddit: reddit.com/r/shadowslave

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

In a world where the pen is mightier than the sword, Alistair becomes a knight — only to discover that knighthood is about choices, not honor. Sent on his first mission, with Selene, a prodigy with a sharp tongue and sharper instincts, he starts to piece together a past the kingdom attempted to obliterate. The further down they go, the more he realizes — they’re not alone. There are those who watch. Those who remember. As whispers of an ancient power awaken and long-forgotten knights rise again from history’s grave, Alistair must confront the question that has haunted him since the first battle he ever fought: When the moment arrives, will he be able to kill? Or does his hesitation spell doom for them all?

"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.

"From Ash to Aetherblade": Ackah Emile lives in the sprawling city of Veridia, a place where the gap between the awakened Hunters and the powerless unawakened is a chasm. Struggling to support his mother, Abelema, and younger sister, Aya, after the death of his father, Ackah faces a daily battle against poverty and despair. The world beyond Veridia is a dangerous place, swarming with monsters, labyrinths, and dimensional rifts, where only the strong survive. When a sudden, violent awakening transforms Ackah into a "Sword Ascendant," he is granted the power to wield a blade of pure aetheric energy and transcend the limits of mortal swordsmanship. This newfound power offers a chance to escape his desperate circumstances, but it also thrusts him into a world of cutthroat guilds, powerful nations, and ancient threats. Ackah must learn to master his abilities, navigating the treacherous political landscape of the twenty superpower countries, each vying for dominance. He faces monstrous hordes, battles corrupt guild leaders, and confronts the ever-present threat of void invasions. Along the way, he forms alliances with other Hunters, uncovers ancient secrets, and faces moral dilemmas that test his resolve. As Ackah rises from the ashes of his past, he amasses wealth and power, establishing his own guild, the "Rift Walkers," and forging a legend that will echo through the ages. "From Ash to Aetherblade" is a tale of action, adventure, and the transformative power of will, where a young man, armed with a blade of pure energy, carves his own destiny in a world teetering on the brink of chaos.

“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.

"I will be posting this story on Royal Road.com " In the enchanting realm of the Forest Empire, a war hero named Maximilian and a captivating noble lady, Sienna, fell deeply in love. Their romance blossomed amidst the chaos of battle, their bond forged through shared triumphs and sorrows. However, their happiness was not destined to last. Bitter betrayals and misunderstandings tore the lovers apart, leaving Sienna to reluctantly accept an unhappy marriage to a man she did not love. Maximilian, heartbroken, turned to his loyal comrade-in-arms, Amara's, and the two wed. Though Amara's faced hostility from those who coveted Maximilian's affections, her unwavering devotion never wavered. She cherished her husband, determined to mend the rift that had formed between them. Tragically, Amara's one day witnessed Maximilian and his former lover in a passionate embrace. Consumed by the agony of betrayal, she demanded a divorce, leading to a violent confrontation that left her confined and isolated. In this state of duress, Confined and isolated, Maryanna gave birth to twins. Due to the medicine someone was feeding her, she had a mental break and attempted to harm her own children before narrowly escaping her imprisonment. Wracked with the anguish of her actions, she believes her twins are dead because of her. Amara's ultimate fate remains shrouded in mystery, her disappearance leaving those she left behind haunted by whispers of her tragic demise. Will Amara's find the strength to overcome her anguish and reclaim her life? Can Amara's love for Maximilian withstand the tempestuous storms that have battered their union? is she going to be happy ? or she will go back to her old life ? ( it contains violence) •••••••••••• story "I made a mistake; that's all it was." ~~~~~ "You cannot force me to sleep with you, even if I am your wife." ~~~~~ "No! Please, untie me now!" ~~~~~ " will you marry me?" "Yes." ~~~~~ "He doesn't love you; he loves me!" ~~~~~ "Max, please let me go. I don't want to live like this." ~~~~~ "Do you love me? My love, I know you don't, so please sign this paper." ~~~~~ "Mother-in-law, I did not kill my children! I did not hurt them. Max, please believe me!"

Synopsis of "Empire of Ashes and Vows" Sasha once stood by Matteo, a powerful mafia boss, building an empire with him from the ground up. Their love was intense, their bond unbreakable, until the day betrayal tore them apart. A tragic betrayal, a shattered heart, and a burning desire for revenge drove Sasha to leave the empire she helped create. For ten years, she disappeared into the shadows, nursing her wounds and plotting her revenge against the man who destroyed her life. Now, Sasha returns to the world she once ruled, but everything has changed. The empire Matteo built is crumbling under his leadership, his once unshakable power now a shadow of its former self. Despite the anger that fuels her every step, Sasha can’t ignore the lingering feelings for the man who once held her heart. Her revenge, however, will not be as straightforward as she thought. Rather than destroying Matteo outright, Sasha begins to sabotage his operations from within, causing a dangerous power struggle. Each move she makes brings her closer to him, and she soon realizes that her hatred is rooted in something deeper—a love she cannot forget. As the battle for control intensifies, Sasha is faced with a choice: to destroy Matteo completely and take her vengeance, or to give him a chance at redemption and reclaim the love they once shared. But in the ruthless world of the mafia, every decision has consequences, and betrayal runs deeper than they ever imagined. In a world built on loyalty, power, and broken vows, Sasha must decide what truly matters in the end—revenge or redemption, love or destruction. As the empire crumbles around them, their choices will determine not just their futures, but the fate of everything they once fought to build.

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.

He was born a stain in the werewolf code, a phantom in human society. He learned the rules of survival in the rust-stench of junkyards. When three women reached into the abyss to save him: One with ink-stained hands, offering a dagger of salvation; One with a serpent’s silver bracelet, gripping a bloodied scepter; The last with ballerina gauze, hiding a poison-dipped rose. He paid in scars to understand: The cages woven from gold by humans, the thrones forged from bloodlines by wolves—they were all the same prison. When the crimson moon rises, the new king must choose: Let three loves become claws to tear the world apart, Or shatter his pride to forge a path never seen— A third road between species.

In a world teetering on the edge of oblivion, the Black Maw has become more than a whispered legend—it is a trial that grants power at an unfathomable cost. When the sky cracked and the forgotten world began to awaken, humanity found itself caught in the grip of forces beyond comprehension. Those who survive the Maw’s trials return irrevocably changed, marked by power and burdened by the weight of their choices. Kael was not a hero. He was selfish, ruthless, and driven only by his own survival. But when he enters the Maw seeking strength, he is forced to confront something even more terrifying than the horrors lurking in the ruins: himself. In a place where morality is measured in sacrifice, Kael meets someone who forces him to question everything. When the trial reaches its crescendo, he makes a decision that no one before him ever has—killing one to save another, only to die himself in the ultimate act of selflessness. But death is not the end. Resurrected with both the greatest reward for good and the darkest power granted to the wicked, Kael emerges into a world that can no longer perceive him in absolutes. To some, he is a savior, a beacon of hope against the encroaching nightmare. To others, he is a monster whose existence threatens to unravel the fragile balance between the survivors and the unknown forces stirring in the dark. His power is bound to perception—he can only heal those who believe in his goodness, only destroy those who see him as evil. Yet even this ability is a double-edged sword, for he may shift perception at a cost that eats away at his body, mind, and soul. As war brews between those who thrived in the Maw through cruelty and the few who emerged through sacrifice, Kael stands at the precipice of a conflict that will determine the fate of both humanity and the world that seeks to reclaim its forgotten dominion. The remnants of the past whisper warnings in the ruins, and a hidden enemy—one who first awakened in the Maw’s depths—watches his every move. Haunted by his choices, hunted by those who fear or worship him, Kael must carve his own path between ash and shadow. Will he become the hero the world desperately needs, or will he be consumed by the very darkness he once embraced?

Lorenzo De Luca "The Beast" thought she was only a new prey, but he realized too late that he was the one who was trapped. Signing a contract with the beast was supposed to be the worst thing that happened to Summer, and she wouldn't have done that if she had any other options, but the more she tried to struggle out of the deal, the deeper the beast found himself falling for her. ... I nodded, feeling grateful, and bolted toward the door. Without knocking, I burst inside. "You jerk!" I yelled. “Don’t you know how to knock? and I warned you not to call me that.” His voice was low, irritated. "Your terms are absurds, I have my own terms also." I said as I closed the door. The minutes I turned to him, I screamed. Lorenzo was standing by the window, wearing nothing but a towel, water dripping from his freshly showered body. His broad shoulders glistened in the light, and his defined abs led down to... "A slave speaking of term, Hmm. Tell me about it." He said. "Damn, he is fucking hot!" I said, not realizing I said it out. "Excuse me?" He raised his brow. "huh." I said. "You were talking about terms." He asked, moving closer to me. I couldn’t remove my eyes away. His body was perfection, every inch of him sculpted like a living statue. The towel hung dangerously low on his hips, and for a moment, I forgot why I had come in. My heart pounded faster with every step he took, my legs were shaking. "Don't come near!" I yelled at him, covering my face with my hand. "What's the problem?" He asked. I froze, my eyes wide, my cheeks flushed. “Put some clothes on!” I shrieked. “This is my room,” he said, turning toward me with a slow smirk. “I see no reason to.” "Well.. I'm here and I'm not comfortable with you like this." “You’re staring,” he teased. “No, I’m not!” I shot back, flustered. “You want me,” he said casually, stepping closer. “What? No!” I stumbled backward, heart pounding. “You want to feel me inside you.” “God forbid! Hell no!” I shouted, but my voice wavered, betraying me. "Hell yes" He said with a smile. I swear, despite his face is partially covered with mask, I could see the beauty of his face. His smile is so beautiful... it's choking. He closed the distance between us, his eyes locked on mine. “Your body says otherwise,” he whispered, his hand brushing a strand of hair from my face. The heat of his skin sent a shiver down my spine. Then he whispered into my ears "I can show you what I'm made of, if you want." His voice was slow, deep and arousing. My legs were trembling, I could hear my heartbeat. “Stay away from me!” I pushed him back, panic setting in. But he only laughed, a deep, rich sound that sent my pulse racing. “You don't know what you are missing.” he murmured, his voice low and dangerously seductive. He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear. “Just say the word.” I snapped. “Get lost!” I pushed him and bolted out of the room, my heart pounding in my ears. I could hear him laughing behind me, enjoying the moment. His laughter was cut short by the sound of water splashing.

For centuries, witches and vampires have been bound by a blood-soaked feud, each side sworn to destroy the other. But when Selene Moreau, a powerful witch from an exiled bloodline, is captured by the ruthless vampire king, Damien Valcourt, their fates become entwined in a way neither could have foreseen. Selene is no ordinary witch—her magic is rumored to be the key to breaking an ancient curse that weakens Damien’s kind. Instead of killing her, he offers her a dangerous deal: if she helps him unravel the spell that keeps vampires bound to the darkness, he will spare her coven. But as Selene spends time within the vampire court, she begins to realize that everything she’s been taught about their kind is a lie. Worse still, she finds herself drawn to Damien—his cold cruelty masking a tragic past, his touch igniting a forbidden fire within her. As enemies plot against them from the shadows and the fragile peace between their worlds begins to crack, Selene and Damien must decide: betray their people for love, or destroy each other before destiny does it for them.

In a world where magic dictates destiny, your worth is determined by two things—Talent and Bloodline. Asvorn has neither. Branded as worthless from birth, he was abandoned by his parents and cast out of his village, left to survive on scraps and endure a life of scorn. For twenty-two years, he lived on the outskirts of society, invisible, unloved. But when starvation and despair push him to his limit, he makes a choice—to leave his wretched life behind and seek a future in the capital of Vaelthorin. Armed with nothing but sheer will and a makeshift weapon, he embarks on a journey riddled with danger, where even the weakest creatures could end his life. Yet, beneath his frail exterior, something stirs—something unseen, something forgotten. Is he truly worthless? Or is there more to his fate than what the world has decided for him? Asvorn’s journey has begun, and with it, the first embers of a fire long thought dead.

"Some betrayals can be forgiven. This one cannot." Lukas was a ghost. Buried. Forgotten. Erased. Until now. Serena Hawthorne built her life on a lie-one that kept her safe, powerful, untouchable. But the past has sharp edges, and when it returns, it doesn't knock. It tears through the walls, leaving no escape. Because Lukas is back. He doesn't want apologies. He doesn't want suffering. He wants control. And he will take it. What begins as a calculated game of vengeance soon turns into something far more dangerous. Hate tastes like desire. Obsession feels like fate. Every touch, every whispered command, every cruel smirk pulls her deeper into the trap-until she can't tell if she's lost in him or if she wants to be. But Lukas isn't here for pleasure. He's here to destroy her. And when he's finished, there will be nothing left. No mercy. No escape. Nothing but ashes.

Harsh, a modern-day science student, is thrown into the era after the Mauryan Empire’s fall when an experiment with quantum fields goes wrong. Born as a minor noble, he faces a world bound by rigid traditions, religious conflicts, and a caste system so ingrained that the oppressed see rebellion as immoral. His modern ideals meet constant resistance, not just from the elite but also from those he wishes to help. As internal and external threats push the empire toward chaos, Harsh must decide—will he change history, or will it change him?

Quinlan, a simple office worker finds himself transmigrated to an extremely dangerous fantasy land as a level 1 Commoner with nothing to his name but his wits - and a unique gift that accompanied his teleportation. No one in Thalorind could have predicted that this unassuming arrival would one day rise to the top, redefining the very meaning of the term 'power'... And that he may have achieved said result by joining a criminal organization and clawing his way through its ranks. In the beginning, Quinlan was painfully weak and alone but thanks to his severe trust issues, joining a team was... hard. However, he soon noticed that a lot of people have collars around their necks in this world... People that couldn't exactly betray him. Follow Quinlan's journey as he grows in strength, amasses wealth, fights to the death, and meets lovely ladies. ... Discord: https://discord.gg/bjunEkswQ3 ... Disclaimer: I'd received a few complaints from some readers that my MC is not a real villain, and I have to agree; if you're looking for some complete psycho MC who burns random farmer villages down just for fun then don't read. The MC is a ruthless man who does evil things from time to time, but only to his enemies or those he considers to be true scum. He gains no joy from tormenting strangers. Also don't read if you want a story about buying s*x slaves and r*ping them, that doesn't happen in this novel. He will treat the women he wants to be with as if they were normal people, whether they're slaves or not.

Samantha never expected to find magic in her hometown, let alone in a dimly lit bar on a rainy Tuesday night. Yet here she was, perched on a barstool at the Black Swan, her world about to tilt on its axis. The air thrummed with an otherworldly energy she couldn't quite place. Ethereal dancers moved like smoke across the floor, their bodies fluid and mesmerizing. As Samantha nursed her drink, she felt the weight of curious stares prickling her skin. That's when she saw him. Marcus. A name she didn't know yet, but one that would soon be etched into her very soul. Their eyes locked across the crowded room, and Samantha's breath caught in her throat. He moved with predatory grace, all lean muscle and barely restrained power. Their first interaction was as intoxicating as it was bewildering. One moment, he was her gallant protector, rescuing her from an overly aggressive drunk. The next, his eyes hardened to chips of ice as he snarled, "Stupid girl," before melting into the shadows. Samantha's mind reeled, but her body hummed with an excitement she couldn't explain. Little did she know, this encounter was merely the first step into a world beyond her wildest fantasies – a realm where vampires ruled the night and pain blurred exquisitely with pleasure. As she delved deeper into this hidden society, Samantha found herself drawn to the intoxicating blend of power, submission, and supernatural allure. The crack of a whip, the whisper of leather, the exquisite sting of fangs – each sensation pushed her boundaries and ignited desires she never knew existed. But with every ecstatic high came the sobering reality of danger. Vampire politics were as deadly as they were intricate, and Samantha soon realized she was a pawn in a game where the stakes were life, death, and eternal servitude. As she left the Black Swan that night, Samantha couldn't shake the feeling that she stood on the precipice of something life-changing. She had no idea how right she was, or how deeply she would fall into a passionate, dangerous dance with forces beyond her imagination. The real question was: in this world where pleasure and peril intertwined so intimately, would she emerge empowered... or lose herself completely?

- WSA 2025 - 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.

In a world where the strong reign and the weak are left behind, Riven is nothing more than an afterthought—a boy overshadowed by his powerful allies, mocked for his insignificance. Yet, beneath his seemingly ordinary exterior lies a strength he dares not unleash. When a devastating battle sends him plummeting into a forbidden land where no one survives, his allies mourn his death, believing their weakest link is gone forever. But Riven’s fall is only the beginning. Rescued by a mysterious figure, he endures a year of relentless training, forced to confront the truth about himself, his power, and the unseen forces shaping his destiny. Now, when his friends stand on the brink of destruction, Riven returns—not as the weakling they once knew, but as a force beyond their comprehension. The world will soon learn that the boy they overlooked is the one who will burn through the shadows and reshape their fate. But will his newfound strength be enough to stand against the unseen forces pulling the strings from the dark? The battle for survival has begun. And in the end, only ashes will remain.

Gods, it was boiling in this useless excuse for a kingdom. Or maybe it felt that way because Celaena Sardothien had been lounging on the lip of the terra-cotta roof since midmorning, an arm flung over her eyes, slowly baking in the sun like the loaves of flat-bread the city’s poorest citizens left on their windowsills because they couldn’t afford brick ovens. And gods, she was sick of flatbread—teggya, they called it.

A cursed soul trapped on a battlefield seraching for the sun. Rumors has it that a demon in a black armor appeared on the field, many stated than even if you killed it, he came back to haunt you until your last breath. You may not remember it, but your soul was doomed from the beginning if you crossed path with him in another life. If you crossed path with me.

A romantic story stuck between revenge and love. King Aldric marrying forcefully with Prince Seraphina and she hates him because he marry her without her willing.

In a world where power dictates status, Toshi Igasaki is just another face in the crowd—silent, unnoticed, and uninterested in the world around him. Drifting through life with no attachments, he moves from place to place, avoiding attention. But fate has other plans. A mysterious past lingers just beyond his reach, and the world around him begins to shift in ways he can't ignore. As whispers of legends and unseen forces stir, Toshi finds himself walking a path he never intended to take. Some things are meant to stay forgotten. But the past has a way of catching up. Warning: This story contains graphic violence, gore, dark themes, and disturbing imagery. Reader discretion is advised. If you are sensitive to such content, please proceed with caution.

{Warning: Mature content} The World called me an abomination, a freak of nature, a stain from my mother's legs. Even after righting their wrongs with my blade, it was still the same. However, in the midst of my despair, one person reached out his warm hand for me. Lucifer Morningstar. Even though he is the Devil spoken of in Legends, I shall take the leap of faith and do his bidding. To take breath in reincarnation in another world and Slaughter my foes: Demons, Angels, Devils, gods, and everything I consider EVIL in my PATH Don't get me wrong, my blade is a respecter of neither man nor beast. All that stand in my way shall FALL to the recreation of a world in the image I see fit. ............ If you want to know how sick this book is, read the first chapter. I still don't know how the idea for this book came out of my head. (Heaven! please forgive me) ..... Demons, Devils, Fallen Angels, Angels, Soul Eaters, Cursers, Witches, Dark elves, Hell beasts, Heaven Beasts, Death Beasts... Practically, Every sick, both rosy and terrible thing of the underworld will be found in this book. My research is deep. (Note: Sick Shit happens here. If you don't have stomach for it, please run. You still have time.)

In a dark world, dominated by vampires; a world in chaos due to countless wars. Now all that remains is blood and vampires, the remnants of human civilization are only treated as pets and food. A noblewoman of impure blood, today as her 100th birthday she allowed herself to buy a bag of blood. He, a boy who wishes only peace for himself. Their destiny today brings them together, to support each other and to face this world where blood is the most important thing. ------- A/N: I've been thinking about the novel for a while now. So I'll clarify this so that no one is surprised, the romance is late The ending? It's good I liked the first day I have to change it, yes, but it doesn't change the outcome. The ending will be happy

This story revolves around a girl named Lilly who has been betrayed by her family, her best friend and her fiancé, Rayan for many years now. Even after years, things have not turned better for Lilly who was kidnapped by a stranger, Aaron after her family was thrown out of their position by her grandfather. Aaron may be a good person in front of society, a gentleman, a billionaire but reality is far from what they say. In reality, Aaron comes from a family that indulges in both the business world and the mafia world. After years of suffering and dying for unknown reasons in one lifetime, Lilly was pulled back in time but this time she decided to use her past life memory and take revenge on people who did wrong to her for years. She decides to go back to college and take back what was rightfully hers. Will Lilly be successful in taking her revenge? and who is Aaron? why did he kidnap her? And most importantly who killed her?

The story about a family's struggle to ensure that, above all else, their youngest escapes from the mines where he was born into slavery. Follow Alistar as he struggles through terror and tragedy, embarking on a road to discover himself and his heritage.