Comforting Messages

Iris moves to the small town of Thornwick after inheriting her eccentric grandmother's property, including a sprawling greenhouse filled with rare and seemingly impossible plant varieties. When she touches the plants, she begins hearing whispers - the flowers are trying to tell her something urgent. The town's mysterious benefactor, Damien, appears at her door claiming her grandmother promised him access to the greenhouse. He's desperate because the plants in his hidden garden - which have sustained his humanity for centuries by feeding on moonlight instead of blood - are withering. Only someone with Iris's rare gift can save them. As Iris learns to interpret the flowers' messages, she discovers they're warning about an ancient curse. Damien's maker, the vampire Evangeline, cursed the garden out of jealousy when Damien chose botanical sustenance over embracing his dark nature. The curse will kill both the plants and Damien unless it's broken by the summer solstice. Working together in moonlit gardens, Iris and Damien develop feelings for each other. But the flowers reveal a devastating truth: breaking the curse requires a life force exchange. Iris must choose between her mortality and saving the man she's falling for, while Damien must decide if he can ask her to make such a sacrifice. The climax involves a confrontation with Evangeline in the original cursed garden, where Iris's connection with the plants becomes the key to not just breaking the curse, but transforming it into something that protects rather than destroys.

It's a typical day in Sunhill, a small town in America, until a body is found in a dark alley. The death is ruled a homicide, and the investigation begins. As the police try to uncover the truth, more bodies were discovered. The whole town is suddenly in the grip of fear as their once peaceful home is long gone and now a place of tears and sorrow. It became clear that there's a serial killer on the loose. As the bodies pile up, fear grips the town of Sunhill. No one feels safe anymore. They're afraid to leave their homes at night, and parents keep a close eye on their children. Everyone is on edge, and it seems like the killer could strike at any moment. The police seem to be trying their best but they couldn't apprehend the killer. A group of high schoolers, who were sad about the events occurring in their hometown were determined to find the truth, but they have no idea what they're up against. They may be in over their heads, but they can't give up now. The high schoolers decide to launch their own investigation. They know they have to work together if they want to solve the murders. But as they delve deeper into the mystery, they find themselves being targeted by the killer. They start to receive threatening messages, and one of them even disappears without a trace. They're running out of time, and they must find the truth before it's too late. Some of them start to suspect that the killer could be someone they know. Will the killer be caught before they strike again? Will they be able to solve the case before they become the killer's next victim?

The evening air was biting cold, sending shivers down Cole's spine. She was sure she'd turn into an icicle when, without warning, Vincent gently scooped her up. A soft gasp escaped her lips as he settled them both across the length of the bed, pulling her close as he draped an extra blanket over their entwined forms. A warm blush bloomed across Cole's cheeks as she became acutely aware of their intimate position. But Vincent, with his steady composure, seemed entirely unbothered, simply relaxing into the bed’s softness. "Get some sleep," he murmured, his voice a soothing rumble that resonated in her chest. Sensing her gaze, he added, "The power will be back on once the damage is repaired. So… just stay close to me until then." Cole took a deep breath, willing her racing heart to calm. Slowly, she let herself melt into his embrace, resting her head on his broad chest. The faint scent of spring blossoms and cypress swirled around her, a fragrance that felt both comforting and familiar. She nestled closer, the warmth of his body chasing away the chill as sleep began to tug at her eyelids. With each steady beat of his heart, Cole felt a sense of peace she hadn't known she needed. She smiled softly, the rhythm of his heartbeat the most beautiful melody, lulling her into the comfort of dreams. As survivors of a collapsed society, a group of doctors are the world's last hope for a cure. In order to protect each other and the future, they've worked in secret. Preserving resources which become scarcer year after year. Among these survivors, a pair of doctors endure challenges as a deadly contagion spreads. Against better judgment, an unexpected bond develops between them and their patient.

My fated mate, Alpha Kaelen, rejected me seven times. The first time we bonded, he whispered against my ear, his breath hot. “From now on, my soul sings only for you.” But then his first love, the Omega Seraphina, came back for him. And just like that, he rejected me. They shared a mate’s mark from their past. It left her hopelessly addicted to his scent. “I’m sorry,” he’d said. “I have to be with Seraphina. The scent addiction is destroying her. She can’t even shift. Her wolf is weakening.” The first time he rejected me, I slashed a silver dagger across my wrist. I let the blood flow, hoping the pain would make him look at me. It worked. Kaelen was horrified. He left Seraphina for a moment and rushed to my side, holding me, comforting me. The third time, I disguised myself as an ordinary pack wolf. I got an internship at his pack headquarters, just to breathe in the air he breathed. But this time, he looked right through me, as if we were strangers. By the sixth rejection, I had learned how to calmly erase my scent from his suite. I left without a sound. My screams. My surrender. My begging. And what I got in return? Every time he was with her, the full moon would rise, and he’d call me back. Just to play the same sick game all over again. Until now. I heard Seraphina was coming back again. So I handed him the ceremonial dagger myself. He set the date for my return, just like always. He had no idea. This time, I'm the one severing the bond for good. And I am never coming back.

The crowd starts a countdown to midnight like New Year’s Eve. I close my eyes and smile, holding Liam’s hand tightly. Everyone yells “ONE!” and cheers. I open my eyes and see the iridescent liquid light of the full moon pouring out of the giant orb flowing down over us. People around us ooh and ahh at the beautiful sight.  When the first rays of moonlight cascade over my skin, I feel a heat inside me turn into a burning fire. I gasp and look up at Liam. He looks at me with wide, surprised eyes. “Mate,” he murmurs and squeezes my hand tighter. It isn’t a comforting feeling. There are no sparks like people describe when they touch their mate. Maybe it takes a few minutes to develop. I smile and try to admire Liam, but I don't want to say it back. Nothing feels different. I still love him, but he’s not the one. Liam is looking at me, but it isn’t a look of true love. It’s lustful and carnal. I feel a pit in my stomach. Liam isn’t my mate. How can this be? And how was he able to call me his mate if he’s not mine? “Zara,” a woman’s voice says in my head, “My name is Lavender. I’m your wolf and you’re in grave danger, my dear. You need to run. You need to run now. Your life depends on it.” “My… wolf?” With everything that happened the past couple of hours, I forgot she was waking up. “L-Lavender, what’s happening? What do you know?” Lavender repeats her order. “Zara, you need to run. I can explain later. I’m so sorry this is happening to you, sweet girl.”

Based on the untrue writings of the Satanic Panic. The Satanic Panic was a moral outcry in the United States over supposed “satanic” influence in media that were warping the youth of America. Claims that playing an elf in Dungeons and Dragons could lead to demonic possession, that playing heavy metal music backwards would reveal satanic messages, and that therapists could uncover repressed memories of satanic ritual abuse, were all too common. Volumes and volumes of material were produced on this fake subject. These texts lead to What Hell May Come, which takes a look at what the world would actually be like if all of the claims of the satanic panic were true. Set in 1986, Jon St. Fond’s life is a living Hell. Deliberately abused and neglected by his parents, the only joy he has in life is an escape into a fantasy land of role playing games. Soon he discovers that his parents are part of a secret occult religion with hidden ties all across the world. As Jon and his friends dig, they learn more of the secret history of the world and discover the power of making deals with creatures from Beyond. However, power has its price, as Jon and his friends quickly discover. One-by-one they begin to become consumed by their own desires and hatreds. Jon learns there is method behind the madness of his life, as his Father begins to bring him closer and closer into the ways of the cult. Ultimately, Jon must make a choice between all the pleasures of the earth and the future of his soul. ©️ Crystal Lake Publishing

Selene, the Moon Goddess, has made a vow to one day bring the human race and werewolves together again after centuries of persecution. Selene loves her children, gifting them soul mates, so why does she put the destiny of their race in the hands of 2 teenagers? Predestined for one another, a high school alpha meets his mate for the second time. The problem is his Luna is human and doesn't believe in the supernatural. She’s a track star who knows she can only go off to college if she gets an athletic scholarship. After her father's untimely death, her mom and her are forced to move in with the odd, old, and lives like a hermit, aunt Ginny, that believes in all things paranormal. Max, the newest Alpha of then Red Moon Pack, has no patience left. He’s lost his father and Alpha well before it was his time, but takes on his Alpha duties, turns 18 years old, and has eagerly awaited his human mate. Selene starts sending messages to Tara in her dreams telling her who she really is and the importance of her mate; but will destiny be fulfilled especially since these 2 can't seem to get along? They aren't friends. They both have lost their fathers and are bitter about it. And Tara doesn't have time for something that she swears isn't even real.

“I know exactly who you are,” I whispered. He took a step forward and I took one back until my back hit the wall barely leaving any space between us. His eyes bore into mine,“Then tell me.” “You are the Demon wolf.” “And yet you dare to defy me?” His tone was almost playful, but there was an edge to it that made the hair on body stand. “Yes,” I swallowed hard. “I dare.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When Melody stands up to Carmine Moreno, the ruthless mafia werewolf lord, to save her father's life, she never imagined the dangerous path it would lead her down. Bound by a desperate deal, she becomes Carmine's 'pet' for a year, thrown into a world where power, betrayal, and passion collide. Carmine's presence sets her soul on fire, his touch sparking a desire she never knew existed. Yet, as she navigates her new life, she finds herself drawn to Carmine's close friend, Luther a man whose loyalty to the alpha is as strong as his surprising kindness to her. Amidst this confusion, Melody's hidden powers begin to awaken, powers that Carmine's pack has long wanted to use. As she deals with her growing abilities, she uncovers dark secrets that could destroy everything she cares about. The lines between friend and enemy blur, and Melody must decide who to trust in a world where everyone has their own hidden plans. Caught between Carmine's magnetic charm and the comforting strength of Luther, Melody's heart is torn. With danger lurking everywhere, she must harness her new powers to protect herself. In a story where love, betrayal, and survival are intertwined, Melody is forced to chose. Will she give in to the powerful pull of the mafia lord, or will she end up being consumed?

It was our wedding anniversary when my husband's high school sweetheart posted a sonogram picture on her social media, with her captioning a public thank-you to my husband: [Thank you to the man who's been there for me for ten years, and for giving me a son.] The room spun, and anger surged through me as I quickly commented: [So, you're proud of being a homewrecker?] Almost immediately, my husband called, his voice full of rage. "How can you think such disgusting things? All I did was help her with IVF, fulfilling her dream of becoming a single mom. "And by the way, Ruby only needed one try to get pregnant, while you’ve been through three rounds with nothing. Your body is useless!" Just three days ago, he told me he was going abroad for business—ignoring my calls and messages the entire time. I thought he was just busy. However, it turned out he was with her, attending her prenatal checkup. Half an hour later, Ruby posted again, showing off a table full of delicious food. [I got tired of French food, so Ash made me all my favorite dishes. He’s the best!] I stared at the pregnancy test in my hand, the joy I had felt earlier now completely gone. After eight years of love and six years of swallowing my pride just to keep the marriage alive, I’m finally ready to let go.

I raised my eyebrow, a soft “hmmm” of skepticism escaping my lips. I slowly turned away to leave, but he grabbed my hand, his fingers wrapping around mine. I tried to pull away, but he held fast, his eyes pleading me to stay. The warmth of his hand enveloped mine, a comforting sensation that gave me pause. As his fingers intertwined mine, a gentle pressure seemed to anchor me. The softness of his palm contrasted with the firmness of his grip, sending a shiver down my spine. Camilla shifted her gaze and locked it onto our intertwined fingers, her lips pursed, a gentle frown tugging at the corners of her mouth. Liam locked his eyes onto Camilla, “why do you want to leave me behind”, he said as he shifted his gaze towards me, he stared right into my eyes and said, “You should never leave your man with another woman”. A faint smile played on my lips, “I trust my man”, I whispered gently. He smiled back and replied, “But you should never trust these women”. Despite the loving beginning, Harrison's behavior towards Emily changes right after their marriage and situations became worse after they had their daughter Mia. Her biggest fear being losing her marriage, Emily faces the greatest challenge of her life when her husband Harrison divorces her. Luck befalls her as she crosses paths with Liam Grant a divorced billionaire looking for a nanny for her daughter, Emily is offered the job. Emily and Liam's relationship later develops into romance, However, her ex-husband comes back into her life claiming to be a changed man and wants to mend their broken family, Emily is caught between starting her new life with Liam and giving Harrison a second chance for the sake of her daughter.