The Daily Stoic

As my blade pierces the base of his neck, the silver sizzles against his skin. His cold blue eyes open wide. The grim reality of his situation sets in. He gulps hard and shakes his head in fear. "I repent." He squeaks like the coward he is. "Forgive my crimes. Let me face the Council." "You'll find no mercy here, Sin." Blood gushes down his bare chest freely. "You will be judged by the Goddess." His expression quickly changes to one of anger, exposing his ruse. "I see you in the Palace of the Goddess, I will kill you again." I growl. "And if she casts me out, I will meet you on the edge of the River Styx and kill you in Purgatory over and over until the Ferryman come to collect us. And if Hades allows, I will continue to kill you in the Underworld until the end of time." "I underestimated you." He chokes. "Everyone does." I whisper as I lay my full weight against the pommel.

Quinn Holstin is the daughter of Liam and Angel Holstin and the twin sister of Malin. They are the 5th and 6th children born to their parents. After her brother took over as Alpha, her older sister became the acting Luna until Rich found his mate. Quinn has led a charmed life, always protected by her father and three older brothers, never needing to take on a role in the pack since first Leana, then Emlyn, took the role of Luna. Emerson Gunnar is the Alpha of Safe Haven and son to Eli and Grace Gunnar. He took over as Alpha for his father nearly two years ago, however, his father still struggles with letting go. Their pack is well established and continues to take in those who need refuge as their name implies and Emerson is ready to have his father let go. The only thing Emerson is missing is Quinn. He’s been waiting for her to turn eighteen since he did two years ago when he recognized her as his mate. However, Emerson is still reeling from the problems that occurred with his sister and his sister’s mate, Richard, the Alpha of a neighboring pack in their alliance. Emerson is unwilling to do anything that could be considered inappropriate with Quinn, wanting her to know that he respects her. However, Emerson’s unwillingness to show any sort of intimacy to Quinn causes her to feel as though Emerson doesn’t want her as a mate. Can Emerson relax his rigid ways before he hurts his mate beyond the ability to repair it? Will he be able to show Quinn exactly how much she means to him, sealing their bond and bringing them together as partners and lovers, rather than Guardian and Alpha?

Hypatos My life has always belonged to House Ares. Every battle, every scar, even the arm I lost, was given in its name. Loyalty forged me into a weapon, and I never questioned it… until I loved the one woman I could never claim. Losing her left me hollow, a man shaped by duty and nothing more. Then Saea steps into my world, sharp-tongued and fearless, seeing through every wall I’ve built. She doesn’t belong in my world, and I shouldn’t want her. But for the first time, I do. Even if choosing her means betraying everything I’ve ever sworn to protect. Saea I’ve always known my place, pouring drinks in an Olympian tavern where warriors and gods look right through me. Men like Hypatos don’t see women like me, even when I’ve been quietly watching, quietly caring, learning the weight of his grief from a distance. Wanting him is reckless. Believing he could ever want me back is worse. But when fate pulls us into the same fight, something changes. For the first time, I’m not invisible to him. For the first time, I dare to want more. A future where we stand as equals… if Olympus doesn’t destroy us first.

Seven years after my cursed exile, Ethan—the man who swore an oath to me on the River Styx—returned to his estate at the foot of Mount Olympus. And he brought his new girl. The Fates had finally given their verdict: the "Wither" curse on me was incurable. I had no choice but to return to the mortal realm and wait for my soul to fade. I only had three days left to live. When he saw me leaning weakly against the porch pillar, supported by my mother, his lips curled into a cold, ruthless smirk—a smirk that truly belonged to the Lord of the Underworld. "Well, Elara," his voice was low. "It seems living in the sunlight hasn't exactly made you glow." I calmly pulled my cashmere shawl tighter. I needed to hide the black, branch-like veins spreading across my arms from the curse. "It's nothing. Just caught a chill. My body isn't really listening to me." He let out a scornful scoff and wrapped his arm around his companion's waist. "In that case, why don't you be the witness for my mating ceremony with Sierra? Come and see what a real divine couple looks like." I kept my smile and shook my head. "No, thanks. I'm going somewhere far away soon. For an eternal date." With that, I gently patted my mother's arm, signaling her to help me leave.

In the madness of life, we find the madness of life in ourselves. We are a reflection of the madness of life. We are the embodiment of a crazy life.

I thought I was happy. I thought my life was perfect. I realised how wrong I was when I met her.~~~Melody started a new school 3 years ago and since then she's had a near-perfect life. An amazing group of friends, top grades and a loving, caring boyfriend. But when Thalia shows up and their paths collide her whole world starts to come crashing down.Now only one question is standing in her way. Are you happy?