testing waters

Two souls, forged in suffering, would collide in a dance of darkness and desire, testing the limits of love and redemption. Their paths meet when Asher's sister becomes the target of a predator, and Kaidën sees an opportunity for justice. As they navigate their dark worlds, they must confront the demons that haunt them. Will Asher's desire for protection and Kaidën's quest for vengeance spark a twisted romance, or will their shattered reflections destroy them? *** “You killed my mother.” Asher's voice trembled with fury. Kaidën's smile was cold, almost mirthful. “Who gave your sister to her husband who sold her to pay off his debts.” “I watched you murder her in cold blood!” Asher’s fists clenched around the gun he held pointed at the killer, memories of that night flooding back. Kaidën leaned closer, a sinister smile creeping onto his face. "I remember begging you to look away. But you didn’t. Did you enjoy it, Asher? Watching the woman who shattered your world writhe in agony? Or would you prefer to keep that little secret buried deep? Ah, but don’t answer that. Come, help me gather the pieces of your father's remains. It’s time to tidy up this little mess." Asher’s eyes widened in horror, realization crashing over him like a wave. All this time, he had been unaware that he was not only a witness to his father’s murder, but had watched it unfold until the very end, just like he had done that night when he watched his mother’s murder. Nodding, he picked up the severed hand of his father—the same hand that had beaten and broken him until his skin grew numb to pain. ‘Oh, sweet Emily, if only you could see our father now. How the mighty have fallen.’

In the shadowy depths of Italy's criminal underworld, Lucas Firmino is well known for being ruthless. Feared by all rival mafias, he eliminates threats without hesitation and acknowledges no authority. Successfully reclaiming his seat as the tough mafia boss, Lucas is a force to be reckoned with. On the other side, Camila is a committed carer, willing to go to any lengths to protect her baby brother, Camillo. Her sole aim is to ensure his happiness, and she remains resolute in her commitment, even if it means sacrificing her own well-being. Caught in a complex web of loyalty and betrayal, Camila's world is upended when her father, known as Papa, engages in concealed dealings that lead to her being pushed into an arranged marriage with Lucas. The unexpected union between Camila and the ruthless mafia boss sets the stage for a tumultuous journey. As Camila steers the disloyal waters of her forced union with Lucas, the promise she made to protect her brother hangs in the balance. Will she find a way to uphold her commitment amidst the chaos, or will Lucas's influence force her to break the very promise she made to protect her brother? Find out more in the story.

In her last life, she was dealt a card of betrayal, hurt and abandonment, but in her new life she was going to be dealing the cards. Isabella devised a cunning plan and turned the tables. With calculated moves and unexpected twists, she set in motion a game of revenge. The stakes were high and the consequences were unforeseen. But she was determined to go for it still. Because she had no intention of letting herself be betrayed twice. She navigated the dangerous path, testing the limit of her own morality and discovering the true power of vengeance. However, there were chances for her to be consumed in this game of revenge, she could even turn into a monster lacking morals. Will Isabella succeed in her quest for retribution, or will the game consume her in the process after she gets an arranged marriage with Douglas waltar? A thrilling journey of deceit, manipulation, love and the art of revenge.

In a whirlwind of passion and secrets, Chloe's life takes an unexpected turn after a chance encounter with Nathan. What begins as a night of reckless abandon turns into a series of events that intertwine their lives in unimaginable ways. Chloe grapples with the consequences of her actions and finds herself drawn deeper into Nathan's mysterious world. As their bond grows stronger, Nathan's hidden identity as a werewolf is revealed, testing Chloe's understanding of love and acceptance. But when tragedy strikes during a full moon night, Chloe is left questioning her place in this new reality and the lengths she will go to protect her newfound love. As she seeks answers and attempts to escape the looming threat, Chloe discovers a shocking betrayal that forces her into a dangerous game of revenge. Will she find the strength to overcome the darkness surrounding her and rewrite her own destiny, or will the consequences of her choices prove to be too much to bear? "Lunar Seduction" is a captivating tale of love, loyalty, and the struggle between the human and supernatural worlds.

Fire and plague. Certainly no strangers to London Town.But when legions of living dead rise from the Thames’ fetid waters to feast upon the living, the city teeters on the brink of antihalation. And while floaters seek blood, another army takes advantage of the chaos. Boiling out of their rookeries of crime, marauders swarm through London’s affluent neighborhoods looting and burning.©️ Crystal Lake Publishing

Upon learning the news of her elder twin sister's accidental pregnancy, eighteen-year-old Skye Valiant was forced to face an unexpected marriage contract between their family and the Alpha of the strongest pack in their country. Realizing it would now fall upon her, to deal with the agreement for the sake of her family's protection, all hell broke loose, not for her but for her future husband. With her dreams of world traveling becoming unfulfillable, Skye's unexpected personality kept the Alpha on his toes, proving that she was not just someone that he could simply consider as his subordinate or his follower. She had defied his every wish whilst also lashing out at the Alpha, at every possible moment, testing the Alpha's patience and control. Alpha Hakan Knox was a twenty-year-old dominant Alpha. Unlike the norms, he had earned his position upon challenging his father at the age of eighteen, leading his more than 500+ pack members ever since. His possessive and protective nature continued to be challenged as he spent his every waking moment with a disputatious wife, as they both learn how to respect each other in their arranged marriage.

Step into a world where reality and fantasy collide in the thrilling continuation of an epic gaming saga. In a virtual underground game devoid of safety nets, players battle for power, wealth, and their very survival. Mike's desperate bid to escape the clutches of death leads him into this treacherous realm, but the line between life and death blurs as the game's dangers loom large. Amidst the chaos, Mike must make allies, confront enemies, and decipher whom to trust in this high-stakes digital universe. Join Mike and his eclectic party as they embark on a gripping journey, where self-discovery and growth mix with every level gained. Will he find a way to cheat death in both the game and the real world, or is his fate sealed? Prepare for an adventure like no other, where destiny hangs by a thread, and the murky waters of the Game hold the key to Mike's salvation.

Maxine waters is a young girl of twenty one who works towards her dream of becoming a professional in photography but that was before she met Edward Hanks professionally known as Dan. Edward is a popular actor in the country and he contracted Maxine to be his fiancee because of some family issues. Both of them are cruel to each other and become worse enemies. Their relationship unraveled alot of deep secrets and mysteries that had been buried for years. What happens when fate changes all their plans and casts a natural and unbreakable spell on them ?? * * * * * * " So you believe true love exists" Edward smirked and i felt my blood boil. "Ofcourse it exists, money isn't always everything" I said calmly but deep down i felt like digging my hands into his face. "Money can buy everything" he said confidently and i started to laugh, I never knew rich people could be this dumb. "Money can't buy love or happiness or peace of mind, it can't buy me either" I said and walked out of the cafe with a mischievous smile.........

For as long as he can remember, Ashwin Lockwood has been haunted by dreams—dark waters, silver eyes, a whisper of something lurking just beneath the surface. But dreams are just dreams… until his boyfriend, Dr. Hayden Hayes, vanishes without a trace. Mount Haven is the kind of town where people don’t just disappear. And yet, they are. Then comes Ishaan Arthava—a stranger too mesmerizing to ignore who offers to help Ashwin search for Hayden. Ishaan always there, always watching. Too close. Too familiar. And when he says Ashwin’s name, it feels like a memory he can’t reach. And then the bodies start appearing. The deeper Ashwin is drawn into Ishaan’s orbit, the more his reality fractures. His world—his past, his future, his very identity—is slipping through his fingers like water. Sweet, steady Hayden. Deadly, intoxicating Ishaan. One is missing. One is inevitable. One holds his heart. The other holds his fate. But some bonds are too strong to break. And Ashwin’s destiny with Ishaan? It was never a choice. WARNING: 18+ , Hints of Omegaverse. THREAD CAREFULLY.

In a world where destiny is written in the stars, the Moon Goddess holds the power to bind hearts. Selene, a young werewolf, finds herself at the centre of a controversial love triangle. Kidnapped by a vengeful Lycan Lord who is responsible for the massacre of her family, Selene's life takes an unexpected turn. She is rescued by the enigmatic Lycan King just before her eighteenth birthday. Her physical and mental strength have been obliterated at the hands of her abuser and she needs time to heal. But fate hasn't finished dealing her hand. A cruel twist is in store for Selene. As her wolf form awakens she discovers her true identity. She is destined to be bonded to not just one, but two powerful men. The ruthless Lycan King and the High Alpha who rules over the six werewolf packs of the South. As she grapples with her own desires and the complexities of her newfound bond, the High Alpha's attention is captured by Nerissa. She is a captivating Siren with her own agenda, who is being hunted by a ruthless gang of bounty hunters called the Siren Sisters. With the moon goddess's plans in jeopardy, Selene embarks on a soul-searching journey, fighting against the prejudice and doubts of a supernatural world that questions the legitimacy of her controversial fated mate bond. Moonbound Destiny: The Lycan king and his two Alpha Mates, is a spellbinding werewolf fantasy brimming with passion, intrigue and the eternal battle between love and duty, good and evil. Selene must navigate the treacherous waters of desire and acceptance, while the world around her teeters on the edge of chaos. Will she find the strength to embrace her fate and unite a divided supernatural world or will the forces conspiring against her love tear everything apart.