In the kingdom of Altheris, a brutal war has claimed countless lives, including the king's only heir. With no successor to the throne, the kingdom falls into despair. The royal witches reveal a prophecy: The gods will choose a savior to rise from the shadows and lead the realm to peace. Kael, a boy from a humble village, is sent to train as a warrior after the war leaves the kingdom vulnerable. Weak and overlooked among his peers, Kael struggles to prove himself. But his life changes when he meets Lyra, a mysterious and wise young witch with a deep connection to the prophecy. Guided by Lyra, Kael begins to uncover his true strength and destiny. Despite the danger, he sneaks away from the training camp each night to meet her, their bond growing deeper with every encounter. As love blossoms between them, Lyra becomes his anchor, helping him see the greatness within himself and the path he must take. When Kael's identity as The Special One is revealed, the kingdom is thrown into upheaval. With Lyra by his side, Kael must face enemies who seek to destroy him, forge alliances to unite a fractured land, and fulfill a destiny that demands courage, sacrifice, and unshakable love. Together, Kael and Lyra rise to overcome every obstacle, proving that their love is not only eternal but also the key to the kingdom's salvation. In the end, they ascend the throne as king and queen, ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity, fulfilling the prophecy of the Crown of Destiny.
Chapter 1: Whispers of a Lost Kingdom
The wind carried a somber chill as it swept through the quiet village of Ashwood. Nestled at the edge of the Wyrmspire Mountains, the village was a place of simple folk, where life moved at the pace of the seasons. Far removed from the politics of the capital and the ravages of war, the people of Ashwood lived humbly, though whispers of uncertainty had begun to creep into their lives like a growing shadow.
Kael sat on the edge of the old stone bridge that spanned the Serpent's Brook, a shallow but swift-moving stream that wound its way through the heart of the village. His reflection in the water below wavered as he dipped a stick into the current, lost in thought. A boy of fifteen, Kael had unruly brown hair, curious green eyes, and the lean frame of someone accustomed to hard work. In his hand, he clutched a wooden training sword, battered and chipped from years of practice.
"Kael!" a sharp voice called from behind him.
Kael turned to see his younger sister, Elira, standing on the path leading to their family's cottage. Her dark braid swung over her shoulder, and her tunic was dusted with flour from the morning's baking. She planted her hands on her hips and glared at him.
"Mother's looking for you," she said impatiently. "You were supposed to bring in the firewood hours ago!"
Kael sighed and set the stick down. "I was just taking a break."
Elira's eyes narrowed. "You're always 'just taking a break.' Do you think the firewood will chop itself?"
"I'm coming," he muttered, standing and brushing off his tunic. He trailed after her as they walked back toward their home, the sound of the brook fading behind them.
Ashwood was alive with its usual morning bustle. Villagers moved between thatched-roof cottages and market stalls, bartering for goods or tending to their animals. The warm scent of fresh bread wafted from the baker's shop, mingling with the earthy aroma of the fields. Yet, despite the familiar sights and sounds, Kael noticed an unease in the air. Conversations were hushed, and the villagers cast furtive glances toward the horizon, where dark clouds gathered.
---
The village square was unusually crowded as Kael and Elira passed through. A man in a crimson cloak stood on a raised platform near the old oak tree, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd.
"Hear ye! Hear ye!" the man bellowed, striking a large iron bell with a hammer. "News from the capital! The king has fallen, and the line of succession is broken!"
A collective gasp rippled through the villagers. Kael froze mid-step, his heart pounding. The king-dead? He exchanged a glance with Elira, who looked just as shocked.
The man continued, "The royal witches have declared a prophecy! The gods will choose a savior to rise, one destined to unite the kingdom and lead us to peace! The Crown of Destiny shall be theirs to claim!"
A wave of uneasy whispers swept through the crowd. Some villagers murmured prayers to the gods, while others stared at the ground, their faces etched with worry.
Kael's mother appeared at his side, her expression grave. "Come," she said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We should return home."
---
That night, Kael lay awake on his straw-filled mat, staring at the wooden beams above. The words of the crier echoed in his mind. The chosen one. The Crown of Destiny. It all sounded like something from an old legend, a story told by the elders to entertain restless children.
But this wasn't a story. The king was dead, and the kingdom's future was uncertain. Could there really be someone destined to unite the land?
A faint sound outside broke his thoughts. Kael sat up, listening. It came again-a soft rustling, like footsteps on dried leaves.
He crept to the window and peered out. The moonlight bathed the village in a pale glow, and the trees swayed gently in the breeze. At first, he saw nothing. Then, near the edge of the forest, a shadow moved.
Gripping his wooden sword, Kael slipped out of the house. The cool night air bit at his skin as he followed the figure into the woods. His heart raced with a mix of fear and curiosity.
"Who's there?" he called, his voice barely steady.
The figure paused and turned. For a moment, Kael thought he might flee, but instead, the figure stepped into a patch of moonlight. It was a young woman with violet eyes that seemed to glow in the dark and long silver hair that shimmered like starlight. She wore a flowing cloak, and in her hand, she held a staff topped with a faintly glowing crystal.
"You're braver than I expected," she said, her voice soft and melodic.
Kael tightened his grip on the sword. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The woman tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "I could ask you the same, Kael of Ashwood."
His heart skipped. "How do you know my name?"
"I know many things," she replied, stepping closer. Her movements were graceful, almost otherworldly. "But the question is, do you know who you are?"
Kael frowned, lowering the sword slightly. "What do you mean?"
The woman's eyes softened, and she raised a hand, gesturing toward him. "There is more to you than you realize, Kael. A path lies before you, one that will shape the fate of this kingdom. But the journey will not be easy."
Kael shook his head. "You've got the wrong person. I'm no one special."
Her smile deepened. "That's where you're wrong. The gods rarely choose those who seek greatness. They choose those who can endure it."
Before he could respond, she turned and began to fade into the shadows. "Remember, Kael," her voice echoed, "the gods have chosen you. Your destiny awaits."
Kael stood frozen, staring at the spot where she had disappeared. The forest was silent once more, but her words lingered in his mind.
When he returned to Ashwood, dawn was breaking over the horizon. The village was beginning to stir, but Kael felt like a different person. The mysterious woman's words had planted a seed of doubt-and hope-within him.
---
Kael hurried back to the cottage, his mind racing. Who was the woman? How did she know his name? And what did she mean by the gods have chosen you? He slipped through the door as quietly as he could, careful not to wake his family.
The familiar warmth of the hearth greeted him, the embers glowing faintly in the darkness. Elira stirred in her bed, muttering something unintelligible before turning over. Kael eased onto his straw mat, his heart still pounding.
He lay there, staring at the faint glow of the fire, trying to make sense of what had happened. Part of him wanted to dismiss it as a strange dream, but he couldn't shake the memory of her glowing violet eyes or the weight of her words.
Could she be one of the witches from the capital? he wondered. The villagers spoke of witches with both reverence and fear-powerful beings who communed with the gods and wielded magic beyond comprehension. But what would a witch be doing in Ashwood? And why would she seek him out, of all people?
Kael's thoughts swirled until exhaustion finally claimed him, pulling him into a restless sleep filled with fleeting images of silver-haired figures, glowing crowns, and a kingdom in flames.
---
The next morning, Kael was awakened by the sound of raised voices outside. He rubbed his eyes and stumbled to the window, peering out into the early light. A group of villagers had gathered in the square, their faces anxious and their tones hushed but urgent.
"Elira, wake up," Kael said, shaking his sister's shoulder.
She groaned, swatting at his hand. "What is it?"
"There's something happening in the square. We should go."
Elira sat up, yawning. "Probably just more bad news. You know how people get after the criers come through."
"Maybe," Kael said, though his instincts told him otherwise.
The siblings quickly dressed and made their way outside. The crowd had grown larger, and Kael caught snippets of the conversation as they approached.
"...said they saw her by the edge of the forest..."
"...a witch, no doubt. Why else would she be here?"
"We should report this to the council!"
Kael's stomach dropped. They're talking about her.
An elderly man named Harvin, one of the village elders, raised his voice to address the crowd. "If there's a witch among us, we must tread carefully. The king's death has stirred unrest, and we cannot risk drawing the attention of the capital. We'll send word to the neighboring villages and see if they've heard anything unusual."
The crowd murmured in agreement, but Kael felt a pang of unease. He knew he should step forward and tell Harvin what he had seen, but something held him back. The woman's words still echoed in his mind. Your destiny awaits.
"Kael?" Elira's voice broke through his thoughts. "You're staring off again. What's wrong?"
"Nothing," he said quickly. "Let's head back. We still have chores to do."
Elira gave him a skeptical look but didn't press the matter.
---
Throughout the day, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. Every shadow seemed to hold a pair of violet eyes, and every rustle of the wind reminded him of her soft voice. By the time night fell, he felt like a tightly wound spring, ready to snap.
He waited until his family was asleep before slipping out of the cottage once more. This time, he didn't bother with the wooden sword. He followed the same path into the forest, his heart pounding as he reached the spot where he had first seen her.
"Are you there?" he called into the darkness.
For a moment, there was only silence. Then, a faint light flickered between the trees. Kael stepped forward, his breath hitching as the silver-haired woman emerged from the shadows.
"You came back," she said, her lips curving into a knowing smile.
"I have questions," Kael said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Who are you? What do you want from me?"
The woman tilted her head, her violet eyes gleaming in the moonlight. "I am Lyra," she said simply. "And as for what I want... I am here to guide you."
"Guide me?" Kael echoed, frowning. "To what?"
Lyra stepped closer, her cloak billowing behind her like liquid shadow. "To your destiny, Kael of Ashwood. The gods have chosen you for a great purpose, though you may not see it yet. But be warned-your path will not be an easy one."
Kael clenched his fists. "Why me? I'm just a farm boy. I'm not strong or brave or..."
"Or ready?" Lyra interrupted gently. "No one ever is. But you have a spark within you, Kael. A spark that can become a flame if you let it."
He stared at her, struggling to process her words. Part of him wanted to laugh, to dismiss her as a madwoman. But another part, a deeper part, believed her.
"What do I have to do?" he asked finally.
Lyra smiled, and for the first time, Kael thought he saw a hint of warmth behind her mysterious demeanor. "For now, listen. There are truths you must uncover and trials you must face. And when the time comes, you will understand."
She reached out, pressing something into his hand. Kael looked down to see a small, intricately carved stone, glowing faintly with a golden light.
"Keep this with you," she said. "It will guide you when you need it most."
Before he could ask her more, she turned and disappeared into the forest, leaving Kael alone with the stone and the weight of her words.
Kael stood alone in the clearing, the cool night air brushing against his skin as he stared at the glowing stone in his hand. Its faint golden light pulsed rhythmically, almost as if it were alive. The weight of Lyra's words settled heavily on him-truths to uncover, trials to face. He had always dreamed of adventure, of being more than just a boy from Ashwood, but now that the possibility loomed before him, it felt overwhelming. The stone's warmth seeped into his palm, and for the first time, a flicker of determination ignited within him. Whatever lay ahead, Kael knew his life in Ashwood would never be the same.
Synopsis: Marked by the Rogue King Princess Celeste has lived her whole life as the Alpha King's daughter, believing she will one day rule beside a strong Alpha mate. But everything changes when she is kidnapped by the Rogue King, the most feared leader of the outlawed werewolves. Celeste expects pain and suffering, but instead, the Rogue King marks her as his mate. She refuses to accept it. To her, he is nothing but a monster, an enemy of her pack. But as she tries to escape, she learns shocking truths. The Rogue King was once her father's most trusted warrior, but he was betrayed and cast out. Even worse, Celeste was never supposed to be born. The Moon Goddess forbade her existence, yet her father went against fate to have her, causing a terrible curse. Now, the werewolf world is falling apart, and Celeste is at the center of it. She is caught between two mates-the Rogue King, who fate has given her, and Prince Adrian, the mate she was supposed to have. War is coming between the rogues and the kingdom, and Celeste must choose where she belongs. But as she unlocks hidden powers, she realizes there is an even bigger danger. A forgotten god has been waiting for her to awaken so he can use her to take over the world. Celeste doesn't know who to trust. The true enemy has been in the shadows all along, controlling everything. She has two choices: Accept her fate and risk losing herself forever. Fight against destiny and watch the world fall apart. Time is running out. Will she save her people, or will she become the reason they fall?
In a world where witches and werewolves are sworn enemies, love is the most dangerous magic of all. Raven, a powerful witch exiled for practicing forbidden magic, has spent years in solitude, hiding from a past filled with betrayal. Lucian, an alpha werewolf scarred by treachery within his own pack, is hunted by those who fear his strength. Their worlds collide when Raven saves Lucian, and the spark between them ignites a love neither can deny. But their union is no accident. A prophecy foretells the birth of a child born of magic and moonlight, destined to unite the warring factions. This child is both a beacon of hope and a target for powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to prevent its arrival. As Raven and Lucian fight for their love and their unborn child, they face overwhelming odds-a war brewing between witches and werewolves, betrayals from within, and the burden of their forbidden bond. Yet, when their child is born, the world changes forever. This extraordinary being wields power beyond imagination, defying all expectations and challenging centuries of hatred. Under the silver light of the moon, Raven, Lucian, and their child embark on a journey to unite their fractured worlds. Together, they must prove that love and sacrifice can overcome even the deepest divides, creating a legacy that will endure for generations. Will their love survive the trials of destiny? Or will their enemies succeed in tearing their family apart before the prophecy can be fulfilled?
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.
Three years ago, Cecilia was left battered and alone by the man she loved most, Alston, yet she bravely completed the wedding ceremony while pregnant. Three years later, although they were married, they grew apart over time. Cecilia focused on her career, no longer foolishly believing in love. But her transformation instantly threw Alston into a panic... And what is the secret from 11 years ago that Cecilia has always been reluctant to reveal? *** "She went to a law firm, met with a lawyer..." A lawyer? Is Cecilia suing someone? Who? Is there any recent litigation against the company? Alston suddenly chuckled coldly, "Who could she sue? I'm the CEO of this company. How come such a matter doesn't come to me first?" The assistant swallowed nervously, speaking softly, "Sir, there's no litigation against the company. She met with... a divorce lawyer."
When Zora was sick during the early days of her pregnancy, Ezrah was with his first love, Piper. When Zora got into an accident and called Ezrah, he said he was busy, when in actual fact, he was buying shoes for Piper. Zora lost her baby because of the accident, and throughout her stay at the hospital, Ezrah never showed up. She already knew that he didn't love her, but that was the last straw for the camel's back, and her fragile heart could not take it anymore. When Ezrah arrived home a few days after Zora was discharged from the hospital, he no longer met the woman who always greeted him with a smile and cared for him. Zora stood at the top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, "Good news, Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us anymore, so let's get a divorce." The man who claimed not to have any feelings for Zora, being cold and distant towards her, and having asked her for a divorce twice, instantly panicked.
"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?"
"Who is she?" I asked, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "He met her at the Alpha training camp," he said. "She is a perfect suitor for him. It snowed last night, indicating that his wolf is happy with his choice." My heart sank, and tears made their way down my cheeks. Alexander took my innocence last night, and now he is taking that thing in his office as his Luna. **** Emily never shifted on her 18th birthday and became the laughingstock of the pack. When her old crush, Alexander Black, returns from Alpha Training, she never expected him to be her mate. After a night of passionate love, Emily finds out that young Alpha Alexander has taken a chosen mate. Heartbroken and humiliated, Emily runs off and disappears from the pack. Now, five years later, Emily is a high-ranking warrior in King Alpha's army, specializing in sensitive matters. When her best friend invites her to a night of music and laughter, she never expects to run into her mate, Alexander. Will Alexander figure out it is Emily? Will he chase after her, and most of all, will Emily be able to keep her secrets safe?
Eliana was framed by her best friend and her fiance into sleeping with a boy toy in the club and getting impregnated by him. Five years after she had given birth to twins, she returned home and worked under the Moran Group, where she met the CEO-- Maurice. Maurice was a brilliant businessman who did his job well. But in order to stay under the radar, he lived a double life. One as Maurice, and one as Preston. Fate brought the two together again, roping them in on an exciting love story. It all became more complicated when Eliana faced Preston, the man she had slept with before, once again. Now that she was being pursued by two men, how could she ever choose? When would Eliana uncover the secret of Maurice's identity? When was Maurice going to know that he already had two children of his own? How would Eliana face this man when the truth came to light one day? Come and find out.