Candle Cove

"I'm one game away from reaching the master rank! I'll do it tomorrow, though. A true gamer knows when to refresh his mind and increase his victory chances!" Adam smiled in anticipation as he went to sleep on this special day. However, he could never have imagined the surreal awakening that awaited him. "What's wrong with my voice?!"  "Claws? A tail and horns, too?" [Welcome to the demon realm. You have been selected to reincarnate as a Lord. Conquer this realm of fire and ashes, become its uncontested ruler... or die trying.] Reincarnated as an imp in the cruel demon realm, at the borders of the mythological demon Baal's territory, his life seemed doomed from the start. However, determination sparkled in his eyes as against all odds, he defiantly proclaimed. "No matter who decided to make me start as an imp, watch as I turn into a veritable devil. Even Baal won't hold a candle against me in the future!" Equipped with his unique talent, he started his lord's journey, ready to evolve and prove to those strange realms that demons were more than violent and deceptive creatures... at least he would try. ----------------------- Welcome everyone! This is my second book and my WPC entry. I hope you'll enjoy the journey. You can expect a mix of gods/demons from almost every pantheon and mythological figures, like Heracles, Wukong, Muramasa, Achilles, Merlin, Cu Chulainn, and many others! Please do check out my first book if you enjoy fantasy stories. :)

In the distant and mysterious interstellar world, ancient civilizations have faded like a dying candle in the wind, with shattered ruins and lost traditions lingering only in vague historical records. In this era, Dream Forgers, with their powerful mental abilities, construct dreams and engage in fierce battles with dream beasts, becoming revered figures. They are the spiritual backbone of the interstellar world, weaving dreams that connect people to the distant echoes of past civilizations. Lily, a graduate student in dream studies from Earth, found her fate dramatically altered in an unexpected twist. She was transported into the world of an interstellar romance novel, only to become the tragic side character. Despite possessing mental power, her lack of imagination became her fatal flaw in her quest to become a Dream Forger. During the Dream Forger assessment battle, other competitors showcased incredible creativity, with dreams filled with dazzling starlight and wild beasts galloping through fantastical landscapes. However, Lily could only struggle within the confines of her own mind, ultimately being eliminated for her inability to craft dreams. But the story did not end there. After her elimination, Lily did not succumb to despair; instead, she awakened in the face of adversity. As the curtain rose on the interstellar dream streaming battle, a legendary journey that would the entire interstellar world began. During the Beast Summoning Exam, while other competitors summoned common interstellar pets to engage in standard battles with dream beasts, Lily closed her eyes and took a deep breath. In an instant, a gigantic flying beast appeared out of nowhere, casting a shadow that seemed to cover the entire sky. With its wings spread wide, it looked as though it could tear the universe apart, and with each beat, the winds and clouds shifted. The interstellar audience was left speechless, their gasps of amazement echoing through the air. Lily smiled gently, silently reciting an ancient verse: "The great roc rises with the wind, soaring to ninety thousand miles in a single day." Then, in the vast sea of stars, the mythical creatures Xuanwu and Tengshe emerged, their massive forms churning the waters as if telling the tales of ancient myths. Amidst the swirling clouds, the Azure Dragon weaved through them, sometimes summoning rain and clouds, nourishing the mysterious dream world. And upon an ancient phoenix tree, a phoenix sang loudly, surrounded by fierce flames, its rebirth through fire a magnificent sight that left all who watched in awe. The interstellar people had never witnessed such a strange and culturally rich dreamscape. For a moment, the entire interstellar network erupted in a frenzy of excitement.

While they mine for gold, I dig graves. While they use healing ointment, I munch on graveyard grass. While they take Mana Potions, I light incense and candles. While they meditate to recover, I rest in a coffin, While they attack with magic, I retaliate by tossing paper money. ... Let's see how a skeleton turns the tables in an online game, stirring up chaos to become the ultimate boss!

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The Raptors know how to heal, and the ambiguity can't be stopped! Qin Tian found that his beautiful wife actually had nine marriage books, and a group of powerful people wanted to rob him of his wife. On the night of the candles in the cave room, Qin Tian got the inheritance of Fuxi gossip, opened the eyes of the sky, and since then the dragon has crossed the river and crossed the world!

A sense of unease settled over the community as reports began to surface of students vanishing without a trace. The alarming trend soon revealed a disturbing connection: all the missing students had, at some point, attended Summer Cove High. This erstwhile institution had been a beacon of academic excellence, boasting a robust student body and a financially stable foundation. Yet, in a baffling move, the school's owner had abruptly shut down the establishment, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. As the spy squad delved deeper into the mystery, they uncovered a complex web of secrets and lies. The case of the missing students took a darker turn, as the team discovered the existence of a clandestine organization that had been operating in the shadows for years. This secret society, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, seemed to be linked to the disappearances, and the spy squad was determined to expose its inner workings. The revelation sent a chill down the spines of the spy squad, as they realized that they were dealing with a far more sinister force than they had initially anticipated. The disappearance of the students was no longer just a simple case of missing persons; it had evolved into a full-blown conspiracy, with the secret society at its epicenter. As the spy squad continued to dig deeper, they couldn't shake off the feeling that they were being watched, that unseen eyes were monitoring their every move. The air was thick with tension, and the team knew that they had to tread carefully, lest they become the next victims of the secret society's sinister plans.

Michael thought a hike on the Appalachian Trail might clear his head, not turn his life upside down. Stumbling upon the Infinity Dungeon, he discovers a realm of magic—his ticket to a new life. But as Michael battles his way through the dungeon and gains magic [Skills], he realizes that the whole world is about to change forever. Other delvers with dangerous powers, hungry beasts, the awakening of old monsters. Dangers are everywhere. Friends are now enemies, abusing their power and even the Italian mob wants a slice of the pie. In a world where anyone can wield power, Michael knows he’s going to have to devise a way to get stronger. To deal with this he creates a megacorporation, and its Candle Light division is starting to look awfully similar to a certain foundation that deals with magical anomalies. LitRPG with lots of blue boxes, grounded in a real world that feels ever more dangerous, and a main character who will have to learn how to exploit his powers quickly, before events slip out of his grasp. The world is vast and full of dangers, after all, and magic only makes things worse.

"Candles by design burn, and life by design ends. In the meantime doesn't it smell nice?" - Lola Viktor "Me personally, I never bust…” - Tyde Viktor "I have watched the heavens fall as a child. All of its splendor rained down on us and blessed us with its fertility. The demigods frequented my mothers tent, she was our village whore. I had too many siblings to count and none of us knew of our father. The village elders didn't know what to do with us so he made us follow the shepherds hunt, hoping we would die off on our own." - Dior Vain ************************************** [R18+] (For violence and profanity. I don't write lewd content unless it's for comedy)

Emma, ​​a 20-year-old policewoman from the Paranormal Investigation Department with the power to advance time thanks to her Advance Moment ability from her right eye, given to her by the Guardian of the World, has the goal of ending the 7 Candles, a criminal organization dedicated to scams, kidnappings, rapes, murders and more crimes category A threat, together with her colleagues and friends from the division, they will face each other, without fear, risking their lives so that peace returns to this world.

Sophie Hartwell returns to the coastal village of Greystone Cove to take up her late grandfather’s role as the keeper of a mysterious lighthouse. But the lighthouse holds dark secrets—spirits of sailors lost in a shipwreck haunt its beam, and a powerful, ancient ritual lies hidden within its walls. As Sophie uncovers the truth about her family's connection to the wreck and the restless souls bound to the lighthouse, she must confront chilling messages from the dead, including one from Alistair, a sailor trapped in time. With the spirits reaching out for help, Sophie discovers that breaking the curse is the key to freeing them—and herself. In a battle against time and supernatural forces, Sophie must unlock the lighthouse’s secrets before it’s too late. The Keeper's Legacy is a gripping tale of mystery, ghosts, and family secrets, where the past refuses to stay buried, and the future depends on facing the unknown.

For millennia, humanity has pondered the mysteries of the soul. Is it a wisp of energy carrying our essence, or merely a byproduct of the brain's intricate machinery? Does it persist beyond the veil of death, or does it extinguish like a spent candle? In an unexpected twist of fate, it appeared the answers to these profound questions possibly could be provided by a very unique story belonging to a man whose fate is very interesting itself. Originally, he was a famous gangster by trade where he had carved his path through violence and fear.Yet, in a surprising turn, he found himself sacrificing his life to protect someone he loved and cared dearly, With a wry smile playing on his lips, he met the gazes of his former underlings and fought with all his might until he lay dying in the grimy alleyway. Despite the darkness that had shrouded his life, there was a flicker of peace – the comfort of choosing love over the ruthless world he belonged to. As darkness finally claimed him, he expected oblivion or hell at the very least as his final rest but as the owner of an interesting fate, itself seemed, had other plans for him.

In an extremely mysterious fantasy world, the fates of various races are like candles flickering in the wind, on the verge of being extinguished at any moment. A huge disaster is looming, and the source of this disaster is like a demon lurking in the darkness. Its power is so great that it can destroy the stars and disrupt time and space into a complete mess.

As a princess who could not wield magic, Princess Daphne’s only value to her kingdom was her arranged marriage. The task was simple, but when Daphne was kidnapped and brought to the cold mountains of Vramid, she realized that she was in over her head. She had heard of these cursed mountains before― rocky terrain, freezing temperatures, and the land was ruled by a man feared by many within the continent. King Atticus Heinvres, the blood-thirsty ruler of the North. Even though she had never met him before, tales were spread of King Atticus’s ruthlessness. Some said he was a monster, others claimed he was the devil himself, but whatever the story was, everyone knew of the man who had powers beyond anyone’s imagination. He could topple armies and crumble nations with just one wave of his hand, aided by what others rumored to be a cursed obsidian ring. No one outside of Vramid had ever met the fearsome king before. Not until Daphne. However, upon meeting the formidable man, Daphne found out that the king might not really be the monster others had claimed him to be. In fact, what was hidden under that obsidian shield could just be a diamond in the rough. ― [Excerpt] “Now… where should I put you both?” he asked casually, not expecting a reply. “It’s regretful that I only have one chandelier.” “Underneath my bed? No, no, too dirty. My dust bunnies don’t deserve this,” Atticus mused to himself. “The mantlepiece? How about the vanity table? I suppose if I lop off one of your heads I could mount it over… Wife, which head do you want to stare at while you do your hair?” “Atticus!” Daphne screamed. “I don’t want any heads! Let them go.” “Fair enough.” Atticus shrugged, and flicked his fingers. There were two identical cracks as both necks snapped at once. Daphne gasped, horrified. This man, her husband, had just killed two men with a flick of his finger, as though he was snuffing out candles. “I told you to let them go!” Daphne cried out. “Yes, I let them go,” Atticus said. Then, his eyes darkened. “To receive divine judgment from the heavens.” ― Discord Server: https://discord.gg/7HAMK2bRYU Spin-off/Prequel: The Hidden King's Stolen Wife (WIP)

Orphaned Alex, a young man with a past shrouded in complete mystery – not even a whisper of family memory – stumbles upon truth as shocking as it is burdensome: he's the last scion of Eldoria, heir to a throne steeped in a truly ghastly curse. Imagine, if you will, the weight of that revelation – a kingdom in ruins echoing in his mind's eye, a legacy of darkness clinging to him like a second skin. He’s not just any prince; he’s the last hope, a flickering candle in a storm. Lord Marcellus, a viper in human clothing, currently holds the reins of power in Eldoria. Ruthless and ambitious, he'll stop at nothing to keep Alex from claiming his birthright, pursuing him with the relentless fervor of a bloodhound on a scent. Alex's escape becomes a desperate flight across treacherous landscapes, a perilous odyssey alongside a motley crew of companions, each with their skeletons rattling in their closets – their own carefully guarded secrets. Guiding him, a spectral whisper in the wind, is the spirit of his mother, Queen Elara. She's a constant, ethereal presence, offering cryptic guidance through the maelstrom. And then there's Raven, an enigmatic thief whose skills prove invaluable, a shadowy figure who adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the already tangled narrative. Their unlikely alliance is forged in the crucible of shared danger, a testament to the strange bonds that can bloom in the face of adversity. But the path to reclaiming his throne isn't merely a physical journey; it's a descent into a family history as dark and twisted as any gothic novel. To break the curse that has blighted his lineage for generations, Alex must confront the vengeful specter of a sorcerer betrayed, a malevolent entity whose rage echoes through the ages. Unraveling the truth about his ancestors, peeling back layer after layer of deceit and treachery, will be a harrowing experience, testing his very soul. The journey is fraught with peril; loyalty is tested, betrayals sting like scorpion bites, and sacrifices must be made. Will Alex succumb to the throne's insidious power, becoming another pawn in the cycle of vengeance? Or can he transcend the darkness, forge his path, and finally break free from the suffocating grip of his family's cursed legacy? "Legacy of the Lost Throne" isn't just a fantasy adventure; it’s a poignant exploration of identity, redemption, and the enduring struggle to escape the long shadow of the past. It's a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, a tale as captivating as it is unsettling.

This shouldn't be my life. None of these work like that. And if the magic continues to destroy me, I may have to take matters into my own hands. When a new friend from all over the country in need of help knocks on the door, I seize this opportunity myself. Better than staying here and dealing with my problems. So we go to Laurel Cove, where we can make lots of enemies for me and my two friends who haven't committed murder. Or friends for life. Can I accept Danica as my wife? Frankly, I don't know. But I guess we'll find out.

A remake of another novel I created. Kazuki Takumi Amagiri was always a kid with a troubling life, abusive parents, poverty, being bullied at school you know the usual sob story that probably goes in a documentary for the early life of a serial killer or something. Throughout his life he's always wondered if maybe the reason world hates him was because he had the audacity to exist. But through a series of events he met his best friend and was introduced to a series of games where he found his spark of resilience to carry on in life in a character named Markus one of the main antagonists of the book. And ten years later he's a university student, dormmates with his best friend and is just about to finish getting his degrees. He'd also just finished playing the third installment in a his favorite video game franchise All was going well in life, things were looking up until in one cruel twist it was over, no fanfare, no "going out with a bang", Kazuki's life just fizzled out like a candle in the wind. Curiously though, Kazuki's story was not over as he found himself in the body of "Markus" at the start of his story. How will this strangely ironic twist of fate change the world at large? And more importantly how will it change our main character?

Gifted a candle that was said to make wishes come true, Alice Clemente burned it to find herself awake in a different world. She had wished for a life of adventure away from the city and its routine. With her wish granted, she was no longer in the 21st century and was instead lost in the middle of the Kingdom of Gladiolum, a place reminiscent of the 1800s. With luck, she soon gained connections to the rich and powerful of this new world— the nobility. However, how much of it was good and how much of it would eventually be detrimental? After all, mingling with royals not only meant extravagance and daily parties. It also meant warfare and death. Caught in the middle of the two princes and other nobles, Alice would soon have to face the battle between those two royal brothers― a fight for the throne. She had wished for adventure, after all, and she received just as such. Kept in the center of all this, would Alice be able to emerge from the rabbit hole unscathed? Or will the overwhelming troubles of love and war be too much for her to bear? *** “And what if you, too, are unable to help?” Alice threw the question back. “What if helping would risk everything?” Spade didn’t miss a beat. “You are everything.” “Don’t say things that you don’t mean,” Alice chided. “You’ll leave a trail of broken hearts.” “And would you believe me if I say that I have no intention of breaking yours?” Spade countered. “However, mine is yours to play with. Shatter it, fix it, do anything you desire. As long as it feels the warmth of your hand, I am content.” *** Image used in cover not mine.

[TERRIA] [2075] Humanity lost... Humans at the brink of extinction fled underground. While the vile Creatures claimed the surface. Astonishingly the human population of 9.8 billion dwindled to a mere 300 thousand in only 25 years after those creatures appeared. The dilemma of humans continued for another 20 long and dreadful years, The hope in the hearts of survivors was flickering like the dying embers of a candle. Two fates never to meet were intertwined to change the fate of humanity's certain {END}. The intertwined fates created a ripple in the vast web of fates creating an entirely new fate for humanity. In their journey through the calamities of future, they sparked the dying embers of hope and resilience in the hearts of many. The stories of their tales never to be forgotten and never to be erased. This is the story of {HIRO} and {SAKI}. This is the story of [LOVE] and [SACRIFICE].

"It’s not the people who claim they are evil you should worry about, it’s the ones that claim they are good". . . What would a modern-day earthling do if they suddenly open their eyes to find themselves in a cultivation world? Suffering from an incurable disease since young, Yang Chen’s life came to an end due to the malicious stratagems of his relatives. Life, youth, love, wealth, family, he got to enjoy nothing. Bitter at the injustice he suffered, Yang Chen's soul was reincarnated into a whole new world where immortals and divine beings weren’t just myths. This time, he vowed to live a whimsical, self-serving, materialistic life. But what’s this? His starting point was the lowest of the low, a slave that was at the mercy of the Zhang clan. Can this still be called living? Raising a cry in defiance against his destiny, what appeared before him was the Greedvil system. Heaven-Defying Battle Skills, Supreme Pills, Weapons, Armours... anything that Yang Chen wants, can be purchased from the shop. In return, all Yang Chen had to do was commit evil acts. The Greedvil System ran on mischief points, his actions determined the points he earned. The greater the degree of evil, the higher the points!!! Hehe… Now wasn’t that great? Even the heavens want him to become a villain. Equipped with a healthy body and a powerful system, what kind of storms would Yang Chen create? . . "What’s that, a heavenly constitution? I, your grandfather can buy dozens of them. Beauties? The more the merrier. Villains? Who can hold a candle against me?" This is the story of a villain who sets on a journey to reach the martial peak. He will stomp on all the heavenly sons and pick up beauties on his way. ------ Join our discord for Q&A and to chat with fellow members- https://discord.gg/bXexmSNeqn You can also support the novel on Patreon by simply copying the link below:- patreon.com/ViciousPepper.

After a painful breakup, Emily Wilson escapes to Ocean Cove, Maine, to revive her grandmother's beloved bakery, Sweet Delights. Determined to start anew, Emily faces the challenges of small-town life, rediscovering her passion for baking and love. When Emily meets Max Harris, a charming and successful businessman, she's hesitant to open her heart. As they work together to restore the bakery, Emily's defenses crumble, and she finds herself falling for Max's kindness and warmth. As Emily confronts her past and learns to trust again, she must decide whether to stay in Ocean Cove or return to her old life. Will Emily and Max's blossoming love flourish, or will fears and doubts tear them apart? Love in Bloom is a heartwarming romance about second chances, self-discovery, and the power of love to transform lives.

After being stripped of everything including a home during a massacre, ten years down the road, Alpha Alex, is still trying to find a safe haven for the remaining pack members. He led his remaining pack members and learned to live among humans while carrying the burden of who they were. Along with the responsibility on his back, he struggles with accepting that maybe there was no mate for him. But after spending a night with a lady who left her scent on his bed and mind. A scent he regrets not understanding earlier. Being rejected was like carrying a dark mark on her forehead for Malia; her mother did it first, and her father held the painful candle longer, which became such a big scar for her. But when she wakes up in a stranger's bed after making a bittersweet decision, she will either regret it, or it could be a path she was searching for. She is with a piece of him, and he with her scent. Malia tries to come to terms with her new life, not knowing that her life had changed when she gave herself to him. She is the ONE, is all Alex sings, but he doesn't know where to find her. She could be the second chance for him to find happiness again, and him, a home she never had. If it's fate, it could be it for both Alpha Alex and Malia. Read the story to follow Alpha Alex and his Luna as they try to find a safe home for the wolves while fighting every thread on their way to happiness

In an unexpected twist of fate, Long Yuan finds himself jolted awake in a world brimming with ancient magic and martial arts, far removed from his mundane life on Earth. The first sight that greets him is a shimmering interface floating in the air—an enigmatic system known as the Strongest Butler System. With a mixture of confusion and excitement, Long Yuan realizes that this new existence offers him a chance to forge his own destiny. (The Cove isn't mine)

"The Candle And The Boy" is a profound psychological drama that tells the story of Ren, a young man living in a reality intertwined between life and death. After facing a mysterious death, Ren begins to search for the truth behind his demise, uncovering painful secrets about his life and family, particularly his mother. Throughout his arduous psychological journey, he encounters "the man with the red face," who seems to lead him toward the truth. However, with every step Ren takes, the illusion he lives in becomes increasingly evident. The novel explores philosophical concepts of death, truth, salvation, and illusion, transcending the traditional boundaries between life and the afterlife. The story raises deep questions about the relationship between personal pain and the search for meaning, and how the past can manifest in frightening forms that compel us to confront deadly truths about ourselves and those we love.

Time travelling from the majestic era after the Recuperation of Reiki, he became Kimura Kazuki, a 16-year-old high school student in Japan, one year before the Reiki Recuperation. Tentatively, he set out to hone himself to the bone, burning candles at both ends to stockpile resources in preparation for the imminent Recuperation of Reiki. His goal was to be many steps ahead of all humanity when the time comes. However, it seemed like fate had decided to play a cruel trick on him. One year later, the Recuperation of Reiki... did not happen as expected.

Ranked 79th in fantasy carnival. My second work although first isn't finished. I hope you guys give it your love as readers. Synopsis:- A teenage boy died. The End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Just kidding And he got reincarnated in Pokemon world as son of the richest parents in that world. But this world is a lot cruel then what is shown in anime will our mc can survive with is kind behaviour? Read to find out more My entry for fantasy carnival. (Begging) Please show some love, Please. Tags:- Comedy, crossdressing(only in volume 1 and may come in further chapters), romance, harem, R-18, ecchi, rich mc, evolution, possesive characters, slice of life Note: English is not my first language Catching girls will be more easier for mc than Pokemon The Biggest Harem ever in the Universe of Pokemon Cove art doesn't belong to me.

If life could repeat itself, what would you do? Would you repeat your first life and stay a normal average joe? Perhaps your gaze will betray the life you’ve already lived, but you remain insignificant and unknown, stretching your neck up high to watch the furling clouds roll by? Or will you make the world your stage, stir up every cloud and wind under all the heavens, making the entire world your captive audience as you dance, making people’s hearts pound with your every move? Composing my own laws, establishing the order I desire…a human life is a measly ten decades, so why don’t I light the candle that is my life and set this world ablaze!! for latest chapter discussion, you can join my discord: https://discord.gg/xgjKg7G

Sins? I’ve committed many. Faults? I won’t deny them. Regrets? Well, there is one. It’s that I wasn’t greedy enough! Cyril is a dead man walking. No, literally. After a lively but short life, like a fiery candle’s flame, he has been sent to Hell to be judged on Heaven’s authority. His sins aren’t few, and he was truly prepared to burn for what he had done. But little did he know, his death would only be the beginning of his true life – a potentially eternal one – and it all begins with a system. ******** Disclaimer: This novel isn't meant to lecture you on morality or religious beliefs, and everything is written with respect. It's meant solely to be an entertaining novel. Tags: Fantasy, Dark, System, Swords & Magic, Transmigration, World-hopping, Demon MC. Non-human MC, Afterlife

*art in cover not mine. no copyright infringement intended* Once when she was young, Temari sneaked out to fulfill her dream to see the world outside the walls of the orphanage where she grew up. It was the night when King Maximus died. In that expedition she met a boy a few years older than her. They were young but their connection was strong. Before they part ways they promised to see each other again. They never did. Ten years later, Temari is now an infamous thief, known for fulfilling the requests of rich clientele. This time a mysterious client came to her. She was tasked to steal her greatest bounty to date: a royal family heirloom. Getting caught means automatic death. Just in time for her new adventure, the Kingdom of Mowsland opened the castle doors for women of marriageable age. It is time for the crown prince to choose his future wife. Temari took this opportunity to infiltrate the castle and steal the royal heirloom. Pretending to be one of the women vying to become a princess, she met Rhys Mospick, the crown prince of Mowsland – and the boy she once met when she was young. Stuck in the drama of the competition to become the next queen and confused because of her heated encounters with the crown prince, Temari realized that this mission is more dangerous than she thought. Danger is in every corner of the castle hallways and a shadow has been lurking in the dark, watching her every move. When Temari learned that her mission is actually not just a simple act of theft, that she was just a pawn in a more complicated scheme … it was too late. note: this is a royal romance story with fantasy and adventure. But I would like to inform the readers that this is going to be romance focused. THERE WILL BE CHEMISTRY AND TENSION AND SEXY TIMES ALONG THE WAY *********** ~EXCERPT~ “YOU ENTERED THE WRONG ROOM, MY LADY." Temari felt like a bucket of ice was thrown at her. She froze and her stomach clenched painfully when she heard that voice. She looked at the direction where it came from but it was too dark for her to see anything. “W-where are you?” “Where are you, not who are you, huh. Either you recognize my voice or you know whose room you entered without permission,” he commented. Temari gasped at the implication of his words. “I didn’t enter this room thinking that you will be here! I just…” “Got lost again?” Before she could think of a good excuse, she already saw a shadow move from the darkness. She stopped breathing when she finally saw the Crown Prince walking like a panther toward her, quiet but predatory. Temari’s eyes widened when the light of the lone candle in the corner of the room finally illuminated him. Rhys got rid of his extravagant prince outfit from the royal ball. His shoulder-length blond hair is wet, most of the strands were sticking to the sides of his face and neck. He looked like he just finished his bath. Not only because of his wet hair but because he was only wearing a long white robe, silk pants and nothing else. He was also barefoot. The robe was loosely tied on his waist so his whole muscled chest and abs were exposed. The pants were too thin and hanging low on his hips. Every time he takes a step forward, the material of his pants hugs his thick thighs and – “Loving what you see?” the Crown Prince asked mockingly. Temari quickly lifted her gaze to his face. “Not at all, Your Highness.” Rhys smirked but his forest green eyes remained cold and cruel. “Lying doesn’t suit a well-bred aristocrat’s daughter, my lady.” That was the problem, isn’t it? Temari is not a well-bred lady. She is an orphan and an infamous thief.

"Are you going to hate me, little girl?" the man asked with a flat, emotionless voice that made Annica's mouth taste bitter with fear and hatred. Annica remained silent. She just stared at the frozen face without blinking, ignoring his increasingly blurred gaze. The man laughed. "What are you going to do? This is your fate. Accept it." The monster turned his body around and walked away, leaving Annica alone in her cold room. The gust of wind rushing in through the door extinguished the light from the remaining short candles in the room. But Annica could still gaze at the man's back. Tonight, the moon seemed brighter than usual. Tonight, Annica's world split in two. Tonight, the 14-year-old girl lost everything.