Duty and Redemption: Odyssey of Elias is a powerful military drama/psychological thriller featuring Elias Janovich, a soldier forged by war, weighed by loss, and burdened by the ghosts of battles long lost. Set in glittering Las Vegas, the novel muses on duty, trauma, and redemption as Elias faces his own haunted past and the lingering specters of war. Having retired, Elias finds himself pulled back into the life of a covertist when an old friend stumbles onto something that could make Elias feel the ice beneath his feet once again. What starts as an ask for a favor quickly escalates into a high-stakes game against a rogue faction with connections to his previous life. With each harsh battle, ethical challenge, and emotional struggle, Elias must also battle the threat within that could destroy him. While he wrestles with dangerous allies, a broken team, and a conspiracy that's deeper than he believes humanly possible, Elias stumbles down a road of rediscovery-seeking meaning that exists beyond duty, and an opportunity to heal. His odyssey is the story of resilience, of brotherhood, and of hope in the ruins of war. Full of emotional depth and thrill, this action-packed story culminates into a poignantly told narrative about the indomitable human spirit and the long road to redemption. Main Characters 1. Elias Janovich: The protagonist, a retired soldier forged by war and weighed by loss. 2. Clara: Elias's love interest, a source of comfort and support. 3. William David (Elias's father): A voice of reason and wisdom, who provides guidance and support to Elias. Supporting Characters 1. John Deere: Elias's former companion and antagonist, who has a complicated past with Elias. 2. Superior/Command Officer: Unnamed, this character is Elias's superior in the military, who informs him of the recall. Mentioned but Unseen Characters 1. Elias's mother: Mentioned in a memory, but not physically present. 2. Brevoort: Mentioned as a war elder, but not physically present.
Elias Janovich gripped the steering wheel of his battered pickup truck as if it was a lifeline, careening through the sun-drenched streets of Las Vegas. The bright neon lights that once glimmered in his heart now felt like a mockery and a reminder of a happy life he lost after serving in the fields of war. It was late afternoon, and the Strip was gently awakening from its lazy siesta, tourists emerging like butterflies hungry to sample the delights the city promised.
As he navigated through the thickening traffic, Elias felt pressure on his chest, a sense of responsibility and a simmering anger that stuck to him like a second skin. For even when he caught a glimpse of himself in the rearview mirror, he could see the tired eyes ringed with dark circles that do not scream "hero" as one might expect. Once a proud soldier, now a man returning home with mind frayed and heart sullied, he wasn't exactly making an entrance on a winning note.
The sight of Clara waiting on the porch swelled warmth of familiarity up, when he finally rolled into his driveway. Her auburn locks fluttered with the soft wind and her face was that of the warm meal waiting at the end of an arduous journey. Clara had been the rock over the years, the steady lighthouse pulling him back to safety and her calming light.
"Elias!" she exclaimed, her voice piercing through the haze of his troubled mind while she all but dashed towards him and wrapped her arms around him. It was the first time in his, at best complicated and, at worst, well-worn relationship with her that his demons fell back for an instant, and he reveled in his touch. "I was getting worried! You took longer than usual."
"Traffic," he stammered, managing a grin that was as much gritting his teeth. Just then, his phone buzzed angrily in his pocket, an unwanted intrusion into this peaceful moment. He looked over at the screen and nearly froze at the message: *Military Recall. *
He broke free of Clara and fumbled with the phone. Clara's smile vanished and concern washed over her like the darkness of a storm cloud on a bright spring day. "Janovich, back at base, you are needed. We have a situation, coordinates and orders will be sent shortly. "This isn't going to be pretty," said the serious voice on the other end.
"What's the mission?" The words got stuck like obstinate rice in his throat and Elias felt a knot tightening in his stomach as he asked.
"Just follow the orders. We can't discuss it at this time." Just like that, the call was off, and Elias found himself holding the phone and a maelstrom in his heart. He had wanted a peaceful return, a chance to be "normal" again, but destiny had other plans, pulling him back just when he started to breathe again.
"Elias?" Clara moved closer, a reassuring hand on his arm, her eyes searching his as if with a child for Easter eggs. "What did they want?"
He sighed and shook his head, as if he had just tossed off a heavy blanket. "It's nothing good, Clara. I'll have to go back.
Before he finished his thought, he noticed a light-haired figure loitering at the end of the block. Was that John Deere? Unwelcome memories spilled over the edges, flooding his mind with evidence and truth and the heart-stopping betrayal that had almost destroyed their friendship. John, previously his companion, had plummeted into an abyss following a botched police raid. Seeing him now was like meeting a ghost from a vanquished chapter of his life.
Before him, the room held its breath, stagnant air pool of unsaid sentences. Clara's hand fell away, and a chasm opened that only widening eyes could fill. "Elias," John said quietly and guardedly, "I hoped I'd find you here.
"I guess you've heard," Elias said, squinting. "What do you want?"
"I..." John stammered, looking over at Clara as if he had done something wrong, before shoving his hands into his pockets. "I wanted to check on you. I know shit's been tough..."
That sent Elias's anger flaring like a spark igniting dry grass. "You've no idea how rough it's been," he snapped, his words imbued with a bitter history that left a sour taste.
"Enough!" "Clara!" she said, stepping between them. "He just got home! Can't we focus on that? Please?"
Then there was Elias's father, William David, showing up and handling the moment like a great tree in a blustery storm. He would always be the voice of reason, the one who could gracefully ride storms. "Elias, I know it's difficult," he said softly, placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "But mental health is important, just remember that. This is more than duty. It's your life."
At his own crossroads, he could feel his cracks deepening; here was the way of duty, and there was the way of untangling these emotions. He looked back at Clara, whose worried eyes seemed to beg for comprehension, and saw John's frantic effort to close the gap between them.
"Maybe," he thought, "this is when I resolve not just to act but to really feel.
And so, as the sun sank below the tapestry of heights, its last colors sprinkling across a burnt rainbow over the meticulous MIDI towers of Las Vegas, Elias stood on the edge of the first day of the rest of his life with joy and fear coursing through him in equal measures.
He was caught in the tangle between two worlds and the day had only just begun to congeal its intentions. Under the heavy strip of neon glow, his internal crisis had truly began in the pursuit of purpose, cause and duty trumping the pitiful claw of redemption.
Protagonists 1. Astrid: The initial leader of the pack, known for her wisdom, bravery, and compassion. 2. Luna: Astrid's successor and the new leader of the pack, who is determined, courageous, and loyal. Supporting Characters 1. Nova: A strong and capable wolf who plays a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. 2. Scarlett: The leader of a rival pack who poses a threat to Astrid's pack. 3. Thorne: The leader of a rogue pack that threatens the stability of the region. 4. Orion: A young wolf who is part of Astrid's pack and plays a key role in the battle against Thorne's pack. 5. Atlas: A wise and experienced wolf who serves as a mentor and advisor to Astrid and Luna. Historical Characters 1. Alessandro: A legendary leader who founded the pack and established its traditions and values. 2. Leonardo: A brave and loyal wolf who played a key role in the pack's early history. 3. Luca: A wise and compassionate leader who guided the pack through a period of great change and challenge. Description: In a world where wolves live and thrive in packs, a young wolf named Astrid rises to leadership and must navigate the challenges of protecting her pack and maintaining peace in the region. As Astrid grows old and passes on the leadership to her successor, Luna, a new era begins, marked by new challenges and opportunities. Through their journeys, Astrid and Luna must confront rival packs, rogue leaders, and internal conflicts, all while remaining true to the values and traditions of their pack.
"Forbidden Feelings" sounds like a psychological romance about the romantic relationship that develops between a psychologist, Emma, and her patient Ryan. As Emma learns more and more about Ryan's past, she finds that she has growing feelings for him, even if it is immoral to do so. Ryan copes with them, but not without the lifeline that is Emma's friendship and support. They must deal with the ramifications of their illicit feelings as they walk the thin line between therapist and patient.
Lindsey's fiancé was the devil's first son. Not only did he lie to her but he also slept with her stepmother, conspired to take away her family fortune, and then set her up to have sex with a total stranger. To get her lick back, Lindsey decided to find a man to disrupt her engagement party and humiliate the cheating bastard. Never did she imagine that she would bump into a strikingly handsome stranger who was all that she was currently looking for. At the engagement party, he boldly declared that she was his woman. Lindsey thought he was just a broke man who wanted to leech off her. But once they began their fake relationship, she realized that good luck kept coming her way. She thought they would part ways after the engagement party, but this man kept to her side. "We gotta stick together, Lindsey. Remember, I'm now your fiancé. " "Domenic, you're with me because of my money, aren't you?" Lindsey asked, narrowing her eyes at him. Domenic was taken aback by that accusation. How could he, the heir of the Walsh family and CEO of Vitality Group, be with her for money? He controlled more than half of the city's economy. Money wasn't a problem for him! The two got closer and closer. One day, Lindsey finally realized that Domenic was actually the stranger she had slept with months ago. Would this realization change things between them? For the better or worse?
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
"I heard you're going to marry Marcelo. Is this perhaps your revenge against me? It's very laughable, Renee. That man can barely function." Her foster family, her cheating ex, everyone thought Renee was going to live in pure hell after getting married to a disabled and cruel man. She didn't know if anything good would ever come out of it after all, she had always thought it would be hard for anyone to love her but this cruel man with dark secrets is never going to grant her a divorce because she makes him forget how to breathe.
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
For ten years, Daniela showered her ex-husband with unwavering devotion, only to discover she was just his biggest joke. Feeling humiliated yet determined, she finally divorced him. Three months later, Daniela returned in grand style. She was now the hidden CEO of a leading brand, a sought-after designer, and a wealthy mining mogul—her success unveiled at her triumphant comeback. Her ex-husband’s entire family rushed over, desperate to beg for forgiveness and plead for another chance. Yet Daniela, now cherished by the famed Mr. Phillips, regarded them with icy disdain. "I’m out of your league."
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."