Fuuka Execution By Kiss

“P-please let me go..” I stammered and before I knew it, I was word vomiting while crying. “—I won’t return. You won’t ever see me again. I know you don’t want me as a mate. You hate me, so please let me go.” I cried out. Cain’s jaw tightened with each word that left my lips “What gave you the idea that you have the power to choose what you want?” His voice was low, “You don’t get to decide what, how, and when you leave. Only I get to do that. You don’t get to leave me, you don’t get to run! You only leave when I want you to.” "I didn’t ask for this,” I whispered, trembling. “I didn’t ask to be your mate.” Cain stepped back, “Neither did I,” he muttered under his breath. “But the bond doesn’t give us a choice, does it?” ~~~~ As the only child of her late Alpha father, Avery Jae was meant to inherit her family’s legacy. But on the day of her arranged marriage to Alpha Lucian, her world crumbles. Rejected, humiliated, and cast aside for her own cousin, Avery barely escapes with her life only to find out a much deeper secret. One that changes everything. When Avery awakens, she finds herself in a foreign land, caught by the ruthless guards of the Vehiron pack, led by the infamous Alpha Cain. Tall, broad and as dangerous as the army he commands. Alpha Cain has a reputation that sends chills down the spine of even the most dangerous warriors. Haunted by his dark past, he has vowed never to take a mate, yet the moment he lays eyes on Avery, everything changes. With a single word, Avery is bound to Cain—whether he wants it or not. In a world where betrayal runs deep, can Avery ever trust the alpha who might just be her worst enemy.

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

This book… well, let’s just say the upload might be unstable, and honestly, I hope you don’t read it. Readers, I know you have the freedom to choose what you read, but trust me—I'm writing this mainly for myself to revisit later. So, any suggestions will likely be ignored. Very much so. But still… I’m honestly speechless and deeply grateful that you’re willing to give this a try.

Betrayed by her mate, Justina runs away for a fresh start and discovers she is pregnant, but then her mother who had abandoned her shows up unexpectedly promising her a glamorous life. Confused and torn, she agrees and returns to the pack glamorous. She discovers her mate didn't abandon her because he wanted to, but to protect her. Justina's second chance mate arrived as a savior but unfortunately turned out to be the monster behind her problems. Justina discovers that everyone she trusts is all after one thing. Now there is only one person who can help her but will he agree to it?

Aleksasha was born to be the perfect noblewoman—until her world was shattered by scandal and ruin. Cast aside as the cursed survivor of a fallen house, she was swiftly married off to the brooding Duke Matias Volkov. After the two exchange vows, Matias leaves for war not to return for 10 years. Matias returns victorious and a war hero bearing both scars and the spoils of war including a stunning and enigmatic woman named Selene. As Aleksasha’s hard-won position as the lady of the estate is threatened, she must confront deepening betrayal. Torn between reclaiming her rightful place and the dangerous allure of a new rival, Aleksasha battles her darkest fears. Will she fight to ignite the passion between her and Matias, or will their hearts be consumed by the flames of jealousy, misunderstandings, and desire? In a world where loyalty is fleeting and love is a battlefield, can they repair their fractured bond, or will they be torn apart forever by the ghosts of the past?

A random story which doesn't really follow one specific plot, might also not follow a time frame but I don't know Chapter Length will be around 100-200 words, ideally around 150, I will try to upload content daily If there is any questions suggestions for the novels content please put it in the end of vol chapters I kind of forgot what else I wanted to add to the synopsis, sooo uhhhhhh, comment a suggestion with what to replace this section with??

In a time long forgotten, Serena stood as a valiant knight, her heart brimming with courage and loyalty to the kingdom she fiercely protected. With gleaming armor that reflected her unwavering spirit, she faced countless battles, often placing herself in perilous situations to shield her fellow citizens from harm. As she fought bravely, her very essence was intertwined with the fate of her realm. However, as fate would have it, her life came to a heroic end, and it was in that final moment, beneath the somber sky, that she whispered a silent wish—a longing to escape the burdens of duty and carve a path of her own choosing. When the veil of death lifted, Serena found herself awakening in a fantastical world, vibrant and teeming with magic. Here, she was not merely a fallen knight but a werefox, a reincarnated hero, gifted with the ability to confront a looming disaster that threatened to engulf this new realm. The echoes of her past life still resonated within her, but now she was faced with an extraordinary destiny: to emerge from the shadows of obligation and embrace a calling that promised both peril and the chance for self-discovery. With the weight of her previous life behind her, a spark ignited within Serena, urging her to rise and confront the ancient calamity that awaited her. She is a fox woman now, a werefox with supernatural strength and power. What happened when Serena found herself in love with a werewolf guy? In the realm of a fox, it’s forbidden for a werefox to fall in love with a werewolf. What do you think would happen to her love with the werewolf man? Do you think their love will bring the end of her or there is still more to know about the mysterious werewolf man she is in love with? Let’s find out all the answers to our curiosity in this wonderful story that is about to begin.

Ryu has sworn to avenge the death of his parents and kill whosoever killed them but unfortunately they turn out to be the parents of the girl he loves so dearly...

Crystal couldn't believe it. The Dragon Emperor, a man of perfect form, handsome looks, and great power, was lying on top of her! And they would share this very delicate and embarrassing position for three days!   Crystal Diante was a woman cursed with terrifying Fate and Destiny. She was fated in sorrow and destined in suffering. She was captured by powerful men who sought to challenge an Ancient Dragon. But the Dragon awakened was much more than a regular dragon. It was the Ancient Dragon Emperor, Adam, the Serpent of the Perfect Morning! He was like a god of the ancient era and revealed not a dragonic form, but that of a man. He was perfect. He was arrogant. He was handsome beyond the furthest dreams that Crystal could dream of. A battle raged as Adam fought Crystal's kidnappers which ended in Adam and Crystal being buried in a mountain. The young woman found herself protected and sheltered by Adam who bore the weight of the mountain. But he, could not leave for he was exhausted. The two shared a tight space. With only little room to move, Adam was forced to lay on top of her to carry the mountain, and Crystal was forced to lie under him. Their lips were always less than an inch apart from each other. When the proud Dragon Emperor spent hours with the girl, he began to use his powers to feed her by transferring energy through the mouth. Each kiss only drew Crystal deeper to the depths of love. For three days, the god and girl talked, kissed, and shared the most joyous moments that they could possible experience. Soon, the Dragon Emperor succumbed to his emotions and betrayed the purpose of his rebirth. He bestowed a Binding Kiss to Crystal. But such heaven could not continue. The gift bestows Crystal with great power, but Adam mysteriously vanishes. Will the magical binding kiss be enough for Crystal to overcome the shadows of treachery that lurk to slay her family? Will she reunite with the perfect stranger and find answers to the mysterious kiss? Will the Pray of the Dragon become the Partner? Dive into a tale of forbidden love, tragedy, betrayal, inherited destinies, and epic battles. Dive into a world of Wizardry and Will. A world of staves of magic and Swords of Power. Journey with Crystal as her life was forever changed when she was... Kissed by the Dragon Emperor.

In a world governed by dynamics of Alphas, Betas, and Omegas, 25-year-old Kian Vale, a fiercely independent Omega, has always lived by one rule: never depend on anyone but himself. Tired of the relentless cycles of his heat, Kian has mastered the art of enduring it alone. Working as a marketing strategist at a prestigious firm, he thrives on logic, discipline, and control. But when his carefully constructed world shatters during an unexpected heat at the office, everything changes. Enter Adrian Blackwell, his cold, dominant Alpha superior who seems to exude power with every step. When Kian’s heat spirals out of control, Adrian intervenes, igniting a relationship that is as consuming as it is destructive. With a toxic blend of passion, possessiveness, and manipulation, their connection tests the limits of desire and control. As Kian wrestles with his growing dependency on Adrian and the darker sides of their dynamic, he must ask himself: Is he willing to lose himself entirely for love, or can he reclaim his independence without losing the bond they share?

La mente es un mundo completamente diferente a lo que podemos ver, nos hace pensar, crear, vivir, pero tiene un lado oscuro y es que nos puede engañar, hacernos creer en lo inexistente, nos hace crear ilusiones que nos pueden destruir de manera tan cruel nuestro corazón, así como la realidad destruye nuestros sueños. La trama gira en torno a Laura Christina Truinstra Lostwood, una chica de 19 años con un pasado tan oscuro como una noche sin estrellas. Su vida da un giro inesperado cuando se encuentra con Erick Vries Janssen, una criatura que alguna vez creyó inexistente. No solo este encuentro altera su percepción de la realidad, sino que también pone en marcha una serie de eventos que involucran a sus amigos más cercanos. A medida que se enredan en una red de secretos, se ven expuestos bajo la luz de la luna roja. Si tienes curiosidad por explorar las vueltas y revueltas que darán forma a la vida de nuestra protagonista, ¡mantente atento y descubre los intrigantes escenarios que te esperan en esta cautivadora novela web! By: Yileidi Pinales Ig: @551_cccy

[Mature - no rape] Willow Creek was supposed to be her refuge. It was supposed to be a quiet town where Isabella could rebuild her shattered life. After being humiliated, she was determined to remain hidden and start a new life. But when she meets Noah, a low-key, dangerously handsome man with haunted grey eyes, she is drawn into him instantly. What Isabella doesn’t know is that Noah is no ordinary man. A centuries-old vampire kind who has abandoned his throne after the loss of his beloved. Noah has spent years hiding in willow creek, and after meeting her, he vowed to keep his distance but her intoxicating presence awakens desires he thought was long buried. As their love grows stronger, ghosts of their pasts begins to awaken. In a town where vampires, witches, and fae collide, will their love be enough to defy all odds?

Mula sa masakit na karanasan sa unang pag-ibig, tatlong taon ang lumipas nang mapagpasyahan ni Celestine na ituon na lang ang sarili sa kompanyang naman mula sa nagretiradong ama. Sa mga papeles at tanging sa trabaho na lamang niya ibinuhos ang buong atensyon upang makalimutan ang masalimuot na karanasan mula sa dating nobyo na nangloko at ginamit lang siya para sa pera niya. Hindi naging madali para sa kaniya ang lahat ngunit minabuti niyang huwag nang pagtuunan pa ng pansin ang paghanap ng lalaki na para sa kaniya o kung meron ba talaga. Ngunit nagbago ang lahat nang makilala niya ang isang lalaki na bigla na lamang sumulpot sa kaniyang buhay. Hindi niya inaasahan na makakatagpo ng isang gwapo at matipunong nilalang na kahit ang ipis ay maaring mahumaling rito. Sa bawat araw na magkasama sila sa isla ay hindi mapigilang mas nahulog pa ang kaniyang loob sa lalaki. Paano na niya mapipigilan ang malalim na nararamdaman gayung alam naman niyang hindi rin magtatagal ay maghihiwalay rin sila ng landas dahil aalis rin siya sa lugar na iyon matapos magbakasyon? Kakayanin niya kayang mawalay sa piling nito o hahayaan na lamang ang kung anuman ang nararamdaman para sa binata?

Kai's life has been nothing short of brutal ever since his parents were killed. It's a life filled with constant torture and forced labor while constantly being ridiculed. He can no longer handle it... until one day he doesn't have to, Kai dies and much to his surprise he's been given a second chance at life after being reincarnated into a new magic filled world. Will he use this as a chance to live the life his parents always wanted him to live? or does fate have something else in store for Kai?

Amara Kingsley has until midnight to save her future. Facing her family’s ultimatum to marry or lose everything, she makes a desperate move—proposing a deal to the one man no one would expect: Ronan Blackwood, her family’s greatest rival. Ruthless, enigmatic, and dangerously alluring, Ronan agrees to her terms, but his conditions are as binding as the vows they’ll exchange. What starts as a fake marriage for convenience quickly spirals into a game of power, secrets, and undeniable attraction. As Amara steps into Ronan’s world of wealth and deception, she realizes that he may hold the key to her freedom—or her downfall. When midnight strikes, will their fragile alliance unravel, or will they discover that love might be the most dangerous gamble of all?

Elara flecther, a physician tended to the queen of Mieven, Mrs rose colvin who was sick, during the absence of the king, Mrs Eldric colvin and the prince Aleric colvin, as they went for diplomatic travels when the king arrived home, he made Elara the new physician/ doctor of the palace. the prince of Mieven had taken a liking to her during her times in the palace , he would always seek opportunities to meet or speak with her any means possible, Elara viewed her attention towards the prince to be professional and nothing more as her eyes were drawn to the royal guard of the Mieven palace, Jace, who she had few talks with him and even having secret meetings. ____ "LET GO OF ME.."Elara yelled as she tried releasing herself from the prince grip. "why do you find it so hard to love me, WHY HIM" aleric said not letting go of her. "I would never love you, the only reason I'm here are my duties and loyalties to the king and queen and you should respect that" Elara says glaring at the prince to before releasing herself from his grip.

Eira's life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers she has the unpredictable power to time-travel to the past. But there's a catch - she can't control it. Her life becomes entwined with Keith, a mysterious stranger who possesses the ability to see the future and travel back in time. However, after sharing a passionate kiss with Eira, Keith loses his power to manipulate time. Desperate to regain his ability and prevent his impending death, Keith searches for Eira. But their reunion comes with a complication: Keith's powers can only be restored if he kisses Eira without emotional attachment. The challenge? Eira has fallen deeply in love with him. As they navigate their forbidden feelings, Eira and Keith must confront the danger lurking in Keith's future. Will Eira find the strength to let go of her love, or will their emotions seal Keith's fate?

Laila Saleem, a 22 year old medical student is blown away when the same man she saved just weeks ago asks for a marriage proposal! ...... "Here, sign this contract and for the next 365 days, you'd be my legal wife". He said in a stern yet sharp tone as he handed me the documents. I slowly collected the file from him and began looking through it. 'Did I really want to be his wife?' I asked myself once more before shaking the thought away. 'You know why you're doing this'. I said to myself before picking up the pen on the table. "I'm sure you know why I'm doing this". I said, my eyes still fixated on the file as I built up the courage to sign it. "And I'm sure you too know why I'm doing this". .......... Some may call it tragedy, some may call it romance and some may even call it mystery. But don't miss the intriguing tale of Laila's story.

In the vibrant realm of Azhagi, a land where light and darkness are locked in an eternal struggle, an ancient prophecy foretells the rise of heroes destined to protect their world. Arjun, a mortal with a sharp intellect and exceptional storytelling abilities, finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the heart of this conflict when dark forces begin to threaten the peace of his homeland. Joined by his steadfast companions-Meera, a skilled archer whose keen eye never misses a target; Arjun, a warrior with a heart of gold and unmatched strength; and Tara, a mystical guardian with the power to commune with ancient beings-they embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the rising darkness. As they traverse the enchanting landscapes of Azhagi, they encounter mythical creatures, uncover ancient lore, and face powerful adversaries. Arjun must rely on his intelligence and creativity, crafting tales that inspire hope and rally allies, even as he struggles with his inadequacies in combat. Together, the heroes will forge powerful bonds, face daunting challenges, and ultimately awaken their true potential. As the shadows loom ever closer, can Arjun and his friends harness the strength of their unity to confront the dark forces threatening to consume their world? "Azhagi: The Awakening of Heroes" is a tale of bravery, friendship, and the enduring power of hope in the face of despair.

In the streets of Miami, a chance encounter between Ellis Arroyo a charming and naive bartender and Alexander ' Alex' Del Montiez the cold, ruthless and possessive Prince of the Mafia family sets off a chain reaction of passion, destruction and obsession. After a passionate one night stand ignites a fielry bond but Alex's life and possessive nature soon consume Ellis, drawing him into a world of violence, loyalty, family dynamics and making him revisit a ghost from his past, as Ellis gets entangled in Alex's web ,he finds himself torn between his love for Alex and the suffocating grip of Alex's control. meanwhile, William " Willy" Del Montiez Alex's older brother harbors a secret love for Ellis which further complicates the already treacherous family dynamics. Willy's morals is tested as he has to choose between his feelings for Ellis or his loyalty to his family. Rodrigo Gonzalez the cunning leader of a dangerous drug cartel driven by his long time feelings for Ellis and his hatred for Alex, Rodrigo is fixated on destroying Alex and claim Ellis for himself. As Ellis finds himself at the center of a love quadruple,he must confront the darkness sorrounding him. Will he succumb to Alex possessiveness, risk everything for Williams love or fall prey to Rodrigo sinister desire? Find out in this thrilling story " DESIRED BY MANY: OWNED BY HIM" This story is a work of fiction.

Loved by Logan Maverick, who is seven years younger than her, Grace finds it hard to accept his love—especially since she has been married before, while Logan is a rising model in the spotlight. However, as time passes and Logan’s persistence grows, her heart softens, and she begins to see him as her last hope. Insecurity constantly plagues her, particularly since Logan is a famous model with many fans and always pursued by paparazzi. She tries to distance herself multiple times, but Logan holds her back, even making their relationship public, leaving her with no way to escape. Yet, this only brings her waves of criticism from Logan’s fan, who mock her for her age and social status. On top of that, she must deal with Logan's childish, emotional, mischievous, and selfish behavior, making the relationship feel toxic. Will she be able to endure? Or will Logan keep holding on to her? Will his reckless behavior drive Grace away in the end?

After a long and hard war, General Kael comes back home a hero. But things aren’t as simple as they seem. The Princess offers him a marriage proposal, making Kael choose between his love for his wife, Lila, and his duty to the kingdom. Caught between the two, Kael decides to marry the Princess, leaving Lila heartbroken and forced to run away for her safety. As Lila tries to escape, she hears that Kael has married the Princess. But then, something unexpected happens: Kael starts searching for her. Why is he looking for her? And why is he bringing her back to his estate? This story is full of love, betrayal, and the choices that can change everything.

After the death of his fiancée, Noah struggles to move forward, haunted by grief and regret. When Emma, a woman with her own painful past, enters his life, she offers him a chance at healing. As their friendship deepens, Noah learns that moving on doesn’t mean forgetting the past, but finding a way to live with it. Together, they discover that love, music, and shared moments of understanding can guide them toward a future where the shadows of loss no longer define them. Kisses Under the Moonlight is a story of healing, hope, and the quiet beauty of second chances.

No woman can resist Damian Cross. Billionaire, seducer, and untouchable, his kisses are a weapon—and he wields them mercilessly. With a single touch, he can unravel even the most guarded hearts. But when he meets Ava Sinclair, everything changes. She’s the first woman to deny him, to look him in the eye and say no. And he’s never wanted anyone more. Ava isn’t like the others. She’s bold, unyielding—and hiding secrets that could destroy him. Sent to expose Damian’s darkest sins, she vows to resist his charm, even as every heated glance and stolen touch threatens to break her resolve. But Damian doesn’t give up. He plays to win. And this time, his prize is her. When one night of passion shatters every rule they swore to keep, Ava is left carrying more than just regret—she’s carrying Damian’s child. Now, trapped between desire and deception, Ava must face the man she betrayed, even as enemies close in and lies unravel. But Damian isn’t ready to let her go. Not when her body still remembers his touch. Not when their future—and their child—hangs in the balance. He’ll burn down his empire to protect her, but some betrayals cut too deep. In a world where secrets are deadly and passion is dangerous, can their love survive the fire—or will it consume them both?

Eat. Sleep. Work. Repeat. Lee Woohyun is a 29-year-old office worker who is tired of his life, and just waiting for the time that he disappears from this world. Then here’s Park Mingjung, a 25-year-old newbie in the office, brimming with positive energy. Woohyun sees his old self in him, making him sad a bit, but he has no idea that Mingjung has known him for a long time. However, everything changed when they accidentally kissed. Starting that day, he gained the power of shouting whatever came into his mind. His boring life began to be filled with excitement, embarrassment, guilt, and happiness--all because of Mingjung, who turned out to be a non-human?!

Excerpt: "Just strip, will you.." Hearing her command, he smiled viciously. Stepping closer to her, he whispered, "Why don't you do the honors and satisfy yourself? This body and my whole existence are now all yours!" *Book 1: Kiss Me Not, My Prince* (Completed - Chapters 1 to 273) Brione Yu was a successful model/actor with philemaphobia (fear of kissing). She had everything one could ever dream of, but her world crumbled when she lost the most important person in her life. He was not only her best friend but also the man she loved with all her heart. While she spent her days missing him and longing for him, she had an unexpected encounter with a recluse Prince who resembled her best friend substantially. Though their characters were contradictory, he reminded her of the man she loved every time she set her eyes on him. Was fate playing some kind of cruel game with her? Or was she being played by the Prince? ********************************** Book 2: Kiss Me Not, My Princess (completed - Chapters 274 to 382) “You took all my firsts, so take responsibility for it.” Did she hear it right? This was the height of shamelessness! “Your firsts? What about me then? You took all my firsts away!” “And I’m willing to take responsibility, my Princess.” he firmly stated with a devilish smile on his face. Kimmy was a Princess who ran away from an arranged marriage her mother set up for her. Years passed, and she came home with a broken heart. On her return home, she met the man she was supposed to marry. The man who surprisingly could make Kimmy's body tremble with desire for him. But, what would happen if the first love she used to chase before showed up before her just as she was about to move on? Who would the Princess choose to spend the rest of her life with? =========== Other Books: The Crown's Entrapment (in writing) The Untamed: Game of Hearts (completed) The CEO Who Hates Me (completed) The General Who Hates Me (completed) The Doctor Who Loves Me (completed) The Law of Attraction (completed) contact me at: Discord Link: https://discord.gg/PNGkTUy twitter: @EUSTOMA_reyna instagram: eustoma_reyna Facebook Page: @eustoma.reyna **** PS: Commissioned Book Cover owned by the Author! Do not use it!

Could waking up in a body not your own be the worst thing to happen? Perhaps not, or possibly yes. After all, a Prince is after me, and a Duke wants to marry me, but do I want either of them? And if everyone loves me, why did I die in the first place? Oh, and to add to it, the High Mage insists on unlocking my grand potential, but I've never been able to use magic. What to do?

Due to being accidentally bound by a pact, Emily and Christ are forced to meet often. But they don't know that a secret will make their relationship chaotic. He is a nice guy. I know he treats me well just to make someone happy. But slowly I started to fall for him.When I realized my feelings, he came to introduce his fiancée. ~ Emily ~ I don't know why, but when I first saw that woman, my heart started beating faster. I feel like I've known that woman for a long time. I once asked my friend if I had ever experienced amnesia so that maybe I forgot someone in my past. Because I had an accident before. I have to find the reason why my heart beats faster when I'm with that woman. ~ Christ ~ Finally I met a good man. I want that grown man to accompany me. I want to be like my friends, they have a grown man who is always there to protect them. ~ Abigail ~