river of shadows

Through the darkness he will rise. James Olympia has spent his life moving from one foster home to the next, viewing himself nothing more than an orphan making his way through high school. That is until a stranger appears on his doorstep offering him the chance of a lifetime. Suddenly, his world is turned upside down as he's whisked away to a new and exciting environment. He soon learns nothing is as it seems. Truths long buried are discovered, and a great destiny looms before him. With each choice made, his path becomes clearer. But, waiting for him, is unimaginable darkness.

She never imagined her life would end because of a poisoned 30ml of jelly, but this was not the end of her life, but the beginning of a new one. M awoke in the body of an abandoned child who had been despised by everyone and had a criminal record, having been given a new life and a second chance in life. M was blessed and binds herself to a Tycoon System that will take her to a higher level, allowing her to accomplish things she couldn't in her previous life. M will go to any length to pursue her romantic interests, her family, and to become the best of the best.

Bianca’s childhood was marked by loss and hardship. After her father’s sudden death when she was young, she was forced to live with her cruel aunt, enduring years of mistreatment and neglect. Despite the darkness surrounding her, Bianca’s resilience and strength carried her through the years. In high school, Bianca found solace and love in Ethan, a kind and caring boy who saw her for who she truly was. Their deep connection blossomed into a passionate relationship, but just as things seemed to be falling into place, Ethan disappeared without warning. His abrupt departure was driven by a secret threat that he believed could destroy Bianca’s life. Heartbroken and confused, Bianca never knew the real reason for his departure, and worse, she was left with a life-altering secret—she was pregnant with Ethan’s child. Years later, as an adult, Bianca applies for a job at a prestigious company, unaware that it belongs to none other than Ethan. Their reunion is charged with unresolved emotions and painful memories, and neither is sure how to navigate the stormy waters of their past. As they are forced to work together, they begin to confront the hurt, secrets, and love that never truly faded. Slowly, they rebuild their trust, facing the painful truths that kept them apart. Together, they fight for their second chance at happiness, but Bianca must decide if she can truly forgive Ethan and embrace the love they once shared. In the end, *Depth of Pain* is a story of healing, redemption, and the power of love to overcome even the deepest wounds. Bianca and Ethan’s journey is one of rediscovery, where they learn that the only way to move forward is to face the past head-on.

{Completed}(Previously called Keenan Hiltons Chaos) The room is awfully quiet except for Keenan's laboured breath and my heavily pounding heart. His hands are planted on his hips and his eyes fixated on the ceiling as if he's thinking about all the regretful things he's done in his life. Why does this feel like the beginning of another disastrous road? “What's wrong?” I ask in a panic because I wonder if he's also recollecting the events that happened last night in part like I am and regretting it. “Apparently we did more than get drunk last night,” He lifts the paper certificate from the bar counter and shows it to me, “we got married.”

Welcome back to Clifton Heights. Sheriff Chris Baker and Father Ward meet for a Saturday morning breakfast at The Skylark Diner to once again commiserate over the weird and terrifying secrets surrounding their town. Sheriff Baker shares with Father Ward the story of a journal discovered in the ruins of what was once an elaborate koi pond and flower garden, which regales a tale of regret, buried pain, and unfulfilled debt: “Sophan” – Jake Burns has always been a bit...off. Rude, awkward, sometimes brutish, he's tolerated by Nate Slocum and his friends because he hits a mean line drive, and because they all know but don't discuss the abuse he faces at the hands of his troubled father, a Vietnam veteran consumed by his demons. But Jake is suffering something far worse than domestic abuse, and when Nate discovers what, he faces an impossible choice: help Jake and put himself in the path of evil, or abandon him, only to damn himself in the process. ©️ Crystal Lake Publishing

Growing up, Alassandra Khairi always had a passion for law. Following the death of her parents, she decides to study law to honor her father's memory. While attending one of the most exclusive colleges in the Ivy League, she meets Ikaris, whose fate is intertwined with hers. As Alassandra and Ikaris begin to uncover the school's secrets, something dark and ominous begins to emerge. They soon realize that the only way to save themselves and their love is to uncover the truth and face the darkness. What secrets are hidden in the night? Will Ikaris be able to choose between his mate or his destiny? Will Alassandra choose to bring the truth to light, or will she remain silent and keep her secrets in the shadows?

Brigette does not want a mate, and her plan of abandoning their supernatural world is threatened once she discovers she is mated to an Alpha. As her family celebrates the good news, and as her newly-found mate orders her to leave with him, Brigette can't decide whether to attempt an escape or power through an unwanted life as a Luna.

Isabella Moretti is known to be the best among the rest. A deadly rose amongst a field of daisies. A strong ripple in calm waters. A killer seeking revenge, finds two allies more than willing to lend her a hand. Will she trust them both? Or will she trust neither?

What do you do when all comes crashing down? How do you react when you realize the maze is gone and the truth is what you can't handle? Love, pain, betrayal;... To what extent are you willing to go? The wedding picture Cassandra held fell to the floor shattering into thousands of pieces just like the state of her heart. ‘’My heart is in just as same state as this picture” She crawls her way to the balcony overlooking the beautiful city. A life of a perfect housewife, a perfect wife and partner, now she looks back and it had been nothing but a joke. She stares one more time at the beauty of the city beneath her. ‘’What a waste”’ she spat angrily. Letting her fragile body fall from the 8 floors of an apartment bought with her own money. ‘’Time is all I wish for’’ she whispers. Falling and letting her blood graze the hard tar. Frank and Kelly watched with a satisfied look, not seeing the third eye from the corner who watched with pain written all over him. 6 years is what she offered, standing before two men on her wedding day, Cassandra wakes up. She had to choose a groom, will she go back with this man or would she take her chances into finding out what another 6 years would be in the hands of those longing eyes that watched her fall to her death or the hands that pushed her?’’

The Worst Nightmares...Are Born From Within His name is all but lost, and for good reason. Those who dare to speak of him refer to him only as the Darkness, and those who hear his whispers are doomed to insanity. Young sisters Lyda and Adea of the Ravennite civilization are plagued by nightmares of the darkness, until they dabble in an archaic ritual with the intent to stop the dreams. Unbeknownst to them, they may have catalyzed a chain of events that threatens to turn them against one another and send their minds spiraling into madness...unless one of them finishes the ritual before it's too late.