Raising The Bar

The darkest corners of the world hold the secrets the leaders want you to forget. Deep inside a cabin covered with moss and shadows, those secrets are not yet forgotten. Under the moon, light glistens off of shining stones lining the porch and bundles of herbs drying from the rafters. Candlelight emanates from the interior and warmth surrounds the occupant. Inside this cabin was a forrest witch who was chanting a spell as she added herbs to a small caldron. Smoke rises and electricity fills the room. Her raven hair started to rise and the smoke turned glowing green. Leaves outside the cabin started swirling in the air raising around the cabin forming a circle. “None may find me where I reside, safe in the forrest this witch hides. Safe from the evil doers and safe from their men. None may ever find me again.” Cold. Like ice from an iceberg, his skin molded smoothly across his frame. The envelop in his hands was sealed by the Elder Lords sigil pressed into blood red wax. Slipping his long pale finger, breaking the seal, one word was inside. “Urgente.” His particular talents were once again needed.

SIS (Social Issue Series) #4: Bullying They say that beauty is a luxury. That good looks is the only privilege that matters. That the world is only in favor of those who were born pretty.Sa panahon nga raw ngayon, parang kasalanan na ang pagiging less attractive. You're unappealing? Emotionally weak? Naive? How pathetic. Now you gotta deal with the consequences, loser. Sounds like bullshit? Yup. The truth may be harsh but it is what it is. Once you failed to reach the very high standards set by the society, you're doomed. Yara Isabelle got the deadliest combination of being unattractive, soft-hearted and innocent. But she used to get by and survive the bullying just fine. Because she got her knight-in-shining armor. Her childhood sweetheart. Not until he stopped saving her. Not until he stopped caring. Not until he got fed up of everything.Sky Edison used to be full of compassion. But that was before something terrible happened within their family. His perception had changed. He now finds it ridiculous that people let themselves get treated badly.However, the downside is that for some significant circumstances, these two have to share a condo as they enter senior high school. What could possibly happen given their situation?How would it feel like living under the same roof not with your bully but your former superhero who's now just a witness of your despair? How would it feel like going home to a place with a person who gets to see you getting bullied everyday at school?

The handsome and compassionate Baron Fabian Deschamps took pity on a bride callously treated by her old and ugly groom on the day of their wedding, so he invoked his right to her first night. He wanted to give the arrogant husband a lesson and his virgin wife a pleasurable seduction she hopefully will never forget. But as soon as her lips touched his, he realizes he also has a lesson to learn. Not all virgins are innocent. Adalene Duvre is a smart, curious, beautiful young woman. And there is the danger he’s the one who might never forget her… if he could still let her go. As soon as Adalene gets the chance to fulfill her curiosity about the matrimonial bed and the anatomy of a man, she wanted to know more. Fabian is finding it hard to think about the day he is bound to give her back to her real husband...

Amaya Rosario - Moving to New York was supposed to be all about independence—college, city life, making my own way. But then there was Alan Chambers: quiet, kind, and impossible to read. And then there was his dog, Rufio, who seemed determined to make us happen. I didn’t mean to fall for the guy who doesn’t talk about himself. I just wanted to help out and do something meaningful. But now, between dog walks, city strolls, and a park worth fighting for, I can’t stop wondering if there’s more to Alan than he lets anyone see—and if maybe that something more could include me. Alan Chambers - I’ve built a quiet life in the city—just me, my dog, and the kind of peace that comes from staying in your own lane. I don’t talk about my past. I don’t let people get too close. And I certainly didn’t plan on Amaya Rosario. She’s bright, bold, and keeps showing up in places I never expected. I should keep my distance. I’ve got too many reasons to stay in the shadows. But something about her makes me want to step into the light—for the first time in a long time. Book 7 in the Ravenwood Series. It can be read as a standalone. However, to learn about the characters and past events that may be referenced, you should check out the rest of the series. Book 1 - The Princes of Ravenwood Book 2 - Chasing Kitsune Book 3 - Expect the Unexpected Book 4 - Out of My League Book 5 - Man's Best Wingman (starring Amaya's sister Xenia and introduced Alan and Amaya as side characters) Book 6 - Troubled Heart (Alan appears as a cameo)

Quinn, a sweet, social and bubbly turned cold and became a badass. She changed to protect herself caused of the dark past experience with guys she once trusted. Evander will come into her life will become her greatest enemy, the villain of her life, but fate brought something for them, she fell for him but too late before she found out a devastating truth about him. What dirty secret of the villain is about to unfold? And how will it affect the badass?

On my twenty-third birthday, my brother, Zackary Dixon, became the wealthiest man in the country. He threw a grand birthday party for the nanny's daughter, saying that she would be the Dixon family's favorite. At the same time, something went wrong with my artificial heart. I couldn't find a suitable one, only one month left in my life. Due to the torture of illness and great pressure, I had no choice but to call him. Hearing my cough, he coldly said, "At that time, you were afraid to get involved, and now you regret it?" My throat was sore. I stared at his expressionless face through the phone and laughed bitterly. "Zackary, three hundred thousand dollars is no big deal to you. Help me, OK?" Zackary sneered. I could hear his warm voice comforting Lillianna, "Voice phishing. It's fine." Of course, he was fine, because his sound beating heart was mine.

Damien pur secretly coveting the role of Alpha for the powerful Silverwood Pack. However, as an outsider from the Blackwood Pack, he knew he needed to gain the trust and approval of Lyra's father, Rowan, the current Silverwood Alpha. With his charming and manipulating skills, Damien seduced the kindhearted Lyra, preying on her gentle nature. He convinced her that having a child together would solidify their union and ensure Rowan's blessing for Damien to become the next Alpha after being accepted as Lyra's mate. Blinded by her deep love and trust for Damien, since he's the only one who accepts her. Lyra agreed to undergo artificial insemination, believing this would start their family and lead to the future Damien had promised her. For months, they tried, with Lyra remaining hopeful despite the difficulties.

Emily, a young woman, found out she was pregnant for Brian, a powerful billionaire, so she confronted him about her pregnancy. To her surprise, he accepts responsibility and they agree to marry. As they prepare for their wedding, Emily's aunt and cousin, Julie and Elise, arrive, causing tension. Elise's schemes to steal Brian away from Emily are eventually revealed, and Brian stands by Emily's side, kicking Elise out. As they face the challenges of their new life, Emily encounters pregnancy complications and Brian struggles with his mental health. Just as things improve, Brian is in a car accident, leaving Emily devastated. Eventually, Brian recovers, and Emily gives birth to their baby. Through it all, their love grows stronger, and they build a new life together.

Sharon Miles fled a toxic ex, but found an empire with billionaire CEO Xavier Combs. He's not just a handsome powerhouse – he's her partner in revenge. Together, they'll crush her past ghosts and build a luxe, liberated future. With Xavier’s wealth and influence backing her, Sharon’s got the upper hand.

Alexander witnessed with his own eyes how Felix, the Alpha of the Blackclaw Pack, killed his parents. Swearing vengeance, he never forgot the little girl from the pack who had once saved him. When he finally overthrew the tyrant and seized power, he unleashed all his hatred on Melodie, Felix’s illegitimate daughter. Yet, only as she lay dying in despair did he realize—she was the very girl who had rescued him long ago.