A troubled knight losing his grip on reality searches for a purpose in life. When he stumbles upon a young noblewoman named Esfir in the grips of a dilemma, he finds a memory of an old flame. In his quest to help Esfir, will he find his purpose or will he lose what remains of himself?
Some people find themselves with a purpose early on in life; others, find it so much later. But, me? I don't think there's a purpose for me anymore.
One morning, I just woke up staring at myself in the mirror, wondering what kind of person I had become. I couldn't recognize myself anymore, and to tell you the truth, my thirteen-year-old self would be disappointed in the man I am today.
I used to be a wide-eyed young lad; driven, passionate, and willing to work for the betterment of the country. Sadly, I had become a completely different person.
The rain kept on pouring outside. I pressed my hand against the windowpane, waiting for it to let up so that I could drop by the bar and drink my weariness away. Only then could I forget... only then could I escape.
Minutes later, the downpour of rain had turned into a drizzle. I grabbed my coat, and hid a small blade in the inner pocket, ready to head to Maggie's bar.
Only I and a few others dared walk amidst the rain. It had been days since it rained in our town, and it hadn't stopped since then. Puddles of water stained my boots as I walked along the nearly empty streets until I found myself standing in front of Maggie's once again.
The bright light coming from inside illuminated the dreary darkness of its surroundings. Chatter, laughter, and voices of merry men could be heard from inside. I entered the door, sweeping my eyes across the room for an empty seat and making sure not to make eye contact.
When the bartender saw me, he urged me to sit by the bar counter and offered me my usual drink on the house. He said it was thanks for helping him out the other night, so I just nodded at him and accepted the whiskey.
In this bar, some were thrilled to see me, while others were apprehensive. Though I cared not for either opinion, it was understandable for some people to be unnerved around me, given that I used to be a knight in service to the crown.
Thereafter, I drank in silence and hoped that this day would bring me closer to the end than my last. The rain continued to pour as I drank glass after glass of whiskey until my vision blurred and I blacked out.
All of a sudden, I was awakened by a startling noise. I opened my eyes, feeling like my head was splitting apart. The bartender was cowering behind the counter, ducking as low as possible to hide from would-be assailants.
As I turned my gaze behind me, I noticed a young woman being dragged away by two men. They wore armor that I'd never seen before, and each was armed to the teeth.
I noticed that some of the diners and patrons of the bar were bloodied and unconscious, which led me to believe that there had been an altercation.
Normally, I would just go about my day and forget that I saw anything because I didn't want to stick my nose into other people's business. But for some reason, when my eyes met with the young woman's, I was drawn to her.
Soon, I found myself, dropping a few copper coins on the bar counter and giving the bartender a nod before heading towards the door. Outside, I saw that there were more than two men who were abducting the young lady.
Her auburn hair gleamed brightly amidst the dim surrounding as she sat on the ground, refusing to be taken away. The men tried continued to drag her towards a carriage, until she managed to bite the arm of the man on her left and kick the crotch of the poor bastard on her right.
Shortly thereafter, she ran toward me and hid behind my back. One glance at her and her assailants was all I needed to know that I had been dragged into whatever conflict this was.
The armed men tried to reason with me first. "Oi! This is none of your business, lad. Just give us the girl and we won't hurt you," said the first man. "She's a fugitive, lad. Just give us the girl and be on your way. Don't poke your nose where it doesn't belong," the other remarked.
I didn't respond, for I knew it was futile. I had already seen their faces, and I knew enough to know that they wouldn't leave any witnesses. Thus, I reached for the blade inside my coat and steeled myself for what was about to come. "Hide," I said to the girl.
She looked at me, grateful but somehow agitated. She nodded in response before going back into the bar, where Maggie, the owner stood at the door.
I glanced over at Maggie and saw the way she was looking at me. She didn't even need to talk to her to tell me that I should do what must be done.
The armed men ran after the young lady, but I got in their way. They warned me one last time, but even then, I didn't budge. My refusal to move was all the answer they needed to attack me. Soon, I found sword after sword being swung at me from different directions, but none were successful in reaching me. I was sidestepping, bobbing, and weaving to avoid every strike.
I could tell that the wet ground was slightly muddling their movement and balance, so I took advantage of that weakness and swept the legs of two hapless bastards. Shortly after they fell, I stomped on their helmets to knock them out and incapacitate them. Their comrades were enraged that I made short work of them, so they attacked me on all fronts.
Not to be outdone, I grabbed the sword from one of the fallen men and disarmed all three that were attacking me. Their swords were flung away and planted onto the ground. Without their weapons, they looked at me warily; hesitant to attack. One was foolish enough to try and pummel me, but just a kick to his shin and a knee to his throat was enough to knock him out.
By now, the other two were slowly backing away from me, while I just stood in front of the bar, looking at them with my unfazed gaze. "You'll regret this!" they said, leaving their comrades and heading to the carriage.
Once I had defeated the men, I took what I could find from their coin purses, for in my head, it was payment for the trouble they caused me. The little lady didn't look like she would've paid me anything, so I thought looting the unconscious soldiers' coin purses was payment enough.
Maggie and the young lady looked at me in silence until I approached them. I said to the young lady, "Leave town before they come back." Then, I went on my way back to my house to prepare for departure. From what I could tell, those men must've been hired by some merchant or noble, so there were probably more of them coming in a day or two.
Just as I reached my house, the young lady grabbed my wrist and said, "Take me with you. Please."
"No. Leave me alone," I answered, heading into my home. But then, she followed me inside without my permission. "Can I at least stay the night? It's almost midnight and going out there would be suicide."
I shook my head and let out a sigh. "Fine, but you're sleeping on the couch. I don't intend to share my bed with you."
A moment of silence ensued between us. Thinking that she had no arguments to be made, I headed toward my room. But then, she said loudly, "Esfir."
I looked back, confused by what she meant. "That's my name. Esfir," she repeated.
"Rain," I answered as I headed back to my room.
Atreus has reached the height of success, building a vast conglomerate that brought him wealth and recognition. Yet, even with everything he ever dreamed of, he feels a void that nothing seems to fill. One evening, while taking a walk, he becomes a witness to a mugging and nearly loses his life in the chaos. When he wakes up in the hospital, he sees the woman he saved sitting by his side. In her presence, he feels a strange familiarity that pulls him back to his past, to the days when he first learned what it meant to love. "A Last Letter for My Stargazer" follows Atreus as he confronts the emptiness within him and uncovers the lost pieces of his heart.
In the post-apocalyptic wasteland known as The Black Spot, hope is a scarce commodity. Arslan, a hardened survivor haunted by a traumatic past, wanders through the desolate ruins with only his cynicism and combat skills as companions. But when he crosses paths with Nova, a quick-witted thief, and Leona, a relentless fighter with a strong sense of justice, their fates become entwined. Together, they form an unlikely alliance in a world where trust is a luxury. As they navigate the treacherous terrain and encounter ruthless factions, their shared objective emerges: to piece together the fragments of hope amidst the chaos. Arslan's unwavering determination to find his lost love, Clarisse, propels them forward, as they uncover secrets that shake the very foundations of their shattered world. In 'Fragments of Hope,' survival means more than just staying alive—it means finding the strength to fight for a better future. As alliances are tested, loyalties are questioned, and sacrifices are made, these survivors must rise above their own demons and forge a path toward redemption. Will their shared resilience be enough to rebuild what has been lost, or will they be consumed by the darkness that surrounds them?
"When Ryle, a royal knight, stumbles upon a plot by the Queen to overthrow the King, he must choose between his loyalty to the crown and his sense of justice. As he assembles a secret unit of skilled warriors to stop the Queen and protect the kingdom, Ryle faces danger, political intrigue, and the challenge of coming to terms with his own beliefs. "The Soldier's Minute: Fall of Rosetta" is a gripping tale of dark fantasy, romance, and coming of age set in a medieval world where technology and magic collide. Join Ryle on his quest to save the kingdom in this action-packed and emotionally charged novel."
Arcturus, a Royal Knight of the kingdom of Lumiere, recalls the days of his time with his first love when he finds himself fighting against Claire on the battlefield. Will he live up to his duty as a Royal Knight of the kingdom or will he succumb to his emotions and lose his heart?
Terraria, a world governed by the six elemental knights. They bring balance, stability, and life to this world. But legend has it that one day, a seventh knight will appear, wreaking havoc and destruction wherever he walks. A man named Sigurd embarks on a quest to find The Seventh Knight and do whatever it takes to kill him.
My name is Katia, and I am just trying to survive until my fated mate arrives. Which may be easier said than done. Rejectection is the last straw. Whispering my acceptance of his rejection. I run through the pack house, out across the manicured lawn into the forest. "I'm sorry, my sweet girl," I say to my wolf. I'm sorry you have been stuck with me and have had to suffer everything I have. She whispers," it's not your fault, Katia. We came to a cliff with a waterfall. The hurt keeps pounding at me. I need it to stop. My sweet girl, and I just want peace, I keep running and leap off the cliff. Spreading my arms wide, with tears streaming down my face, I fall, not making a sound, waiting for sweet oblivion where we feel nothing ever again. "I love you, my sweet girl! Until we meet again, "My wolf replied just before we hit the water, "I love you too, Katia. I have never regretted a moment with you." The Snow Moon pack is having their last barbecue of the summer next to the waterfall on their land. The adults are laughing and joking while watching the pups play. The alpha, beta, and gamma are swimming with some of the older children and playing a game of Marco Polo. Someone yells, "Oh my goddess, someone just jumped over the waterfall!" Everyone is frozen as they watch what looks to be a child falling arms spread wide, no one makes a sound. The small body hits the water like a plane crashing into the side of a mountain. The alpha, beta, and gamma, spring into action, swimming towards the area the person went under. The alpha is screaming his wolf is going crazy repeating, "Find her. Find her...find her!" They dive and the beta surfaces with a small person in his arms. Alpha takes the girl from his beta, laying her on the ground. The men are shocked by what they see. She is covered in scars and injuries. Her body is twisted and broken. The Beta asks, "Who could have done this to someone so defenseless?" Alpha drops to his knees, repeating, "MATE...MATE...MATE!"
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, “Who will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.”
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
There was only one man in Raegan's heart, and it was Mitchel. In the second year of her marriage to him, she got pregnant. Raegan's joy knew no bounds. But before she could break the news to her husband, he served her divorce papers because he wanted to marry his first love. After an accident, Raegan lay in the pool of her own blood and called out to Mitchel for help. Unfortunately, he left with his first love in his arms. Raegan escaped death by the whiskers. Afterward, she decided to get her life back on track. Her name was everywhere years later. Mitchel became very uncomfortable. For some reason, he began to miss her. His heart ached when he saw her all smiles with another man. He crashed her wedding and fell to his knees while she was at the altar. With bloodshot eyes, he queried, "I thought you said your love for me is unbreakable? How come you are getting married to someone else? Come back to me!"
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
22-year-old Evelyn Carter is attempting to start over in California while avoiding her past. She will be embarking on a new career path as a private school teacher. She is smart, attractive, and doesn't put up with nonsense. Who wouldn't notice her? However, what happens when she attracts the attention of someone unwilling to let her go? Who wants her and nothing else after falling in love at first sight? A 25-year-old billionaire CEO and single father, Lucian Carrington. He takes what he wants and he is also a very dangerous man. All it needed was one look at a stunning woman to realize she was HIS, even though he doesn't believe in relationships because they always end. Preview: Miss Carter, you will be mine. I say firmly. "Release my arm, Mr. Carrington, before I force you to." She says, seeming to smile at me. I give her a sly smile. Squeezing my wrist with her other hand, she twists it uncomfortably. I gave a painful hiss. "Don't underestimate me, Mr. Carrington." "This is the only time I will allow you to walk away from me, Miss Carter." She glared at me as she turned. "Mr. Carrington, I am no possession of yours." I was left standing there when she opened the classroom door and left.