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In a world where supernatural beings live in an uneasy hierarchy, prophecy speaks of a Silver Wolf whose choices will determine the fate of all. When Princess Angelica is stolen as a child and her true nature magically bound, the careful balance between purebloods and hybrids begins to crumble. Eleven years later, nineteen-year-old Angel has no memory of her royal heritage. Raised in a remote wolf pack, her unexplained inability to shift forms is the least of her concerns as she approaches her twentieth birthday. But when Commander Zephyr of the Royal Guard arrives at her pack's borders, everything changes. The spell binding her true nature begins to crack, revealing not just her identity as the lost princess, but awakening powers that no Silver Wolf has ever possessed. Now Angel must navigate court politics, ancient prophecies, and the growing tension between pure blood traditionalists and the hybrid communities they despise. With her newly discovered wolf and a court composed of unlikely allies, she faces impossible choices that could either unite the supernatural world or tear it apart. As dark forces led by the mysterious witch Morgana gather strength, Angel discovers that recovering her identity is just the beginning. Each new power she manifests comes with a price, and the fate of all supernatural beings rests on her choice between three paths: unity through sacrifice, destruction through fear, or transformation through choice. Royal Blood is the first installment in a sweeping fantasy romance that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of choosing one's own destiny. Perfect for readers who love complex supernatural politics, fated mates, and stories about finding strength in unexpected places

Corporations own your contract based on how useful your Gift is and how valuble that makes you. Humans born without a Gift are refused Citizenship and there are many Corporations that are working towards eliminating the rights those 'Duds' retain, turning them into expendable chattel. The Military has sent Olivia and four other soldiers undercover at the University for Wanted Gifts, a prestigeous private University in the hopes that these soldiers will return with information that the Military can use to regain control of all the Corporations. But they are also using this chance to exerpiment on these undercover soldiers to see how prototypes work under real life conditions. Can Olivia survive the machinations of those supposed to watch her back, or is this a situation where the devil you know is worse than the one you don't?

* An outcast rogue must break a curse put on his fate, or die on his nineteenth birthday. To survive, he'll need the sword of a maiden, the aid of an immortal, and the power of forbidden magic that could cost him the only girl he ever loved. **** *** THE JACK OF SOULS won a Silver IPPY this year! *** THE JACK OF SOULS won 1st place in the PNWA Competition in Fantasy! * *** THE JACK OF SOULS won 1st place in the Southwest ��������rs competition! * *** A "Featured Book" on ��������! * *** Now a "Staff Pick" on Kickstarter! * *** Available on Amazon in paper, hardback, and ebook ! * *** My contract with Kindle Select won't allow me to post more than 3 chapters here, but... *** Sign up for my newsletter on stephenmerlino.com for alerts when it's free on Amazon! * MY INSPIRATION I wrote this out of pure love of trickster rogues; I love the wit over brawn motif -- Odysseus over Achilles, Raven over Eagle -- so I like to play with it in my stories. In JOS I set the rogue and con-artist Harric against a foil of warriors in a land threatened by magic and civil war. Whenever possible I turn familiar tropes on their heads: instead of a handsome young Lancelot, I cast a broken-down ex-champion addicted to pain-killing herbs; instead of a dashing Squire Brian, the old knight reluctantly takes an ambitious young woman as squire. Similarly, I re-imagine the standard medieval milieu by infusing aspects of two of my favorite historical periods, Elizabethan England, and The American Frontier. Both eras boast a kind of nationalistic arrogance that borders on hubris, and a magnificent spirit of resourcefulness and re-invention that is fun to play with. SERIES The Jack of Souls is first in a series. I am posting parts of the sequel here now (The Knave of Souls), to help me refine the story.

In the beginning, our universe was dark and cold, with no life. Until the creator of the outerverse, Nova, breathed life into existence, bringing balance into all universes. Until Nova grew tired of the world's evil behavior, to see if the world he created was worth it, he split into 5 separate beings of uncontested power known as destinies. These destinies were tasked with the mission of keeping peace within the outerverse, they each found suitable realities that housed creatures that would eventually harbor their power. These beings became known as creations, immortal heroes that serve Nova, with this miracle, each Creation that is born, was gifted with a women that they would come across in their lives, that no matter how far they were from each other, would unknowingly still be destined to meet each other and find love in each other's presence, these women were known as fates, immortal creatures who would bring out the hidden potential within a Creation, and stand by their side until the end of time. ••• "Who are you... What are you?" I say as I step closer to the black cage. "No one in particular." The entity says in a bone-chilling tone. "Why are you here?" I ask as I try to look at whatever this creature is residing in my mind. "Question's, questions, questions...." It says as it comes closer to me. "The real question is. Will you Unleash The Darkness?" ●●● Ever since the dark ages, humanities fight against the demons was all but lost. Only a few strong holds remained around the world, and Alose, a land heavily populated by demons, was one of them. The Prince of these lands, Drake Vulcan, is the creation of this world, and it is his destiny to protect his world against the forces of darkness... Not knowing he will become that darkness. This is the 2nd book in the United Legacy...

Phoenix, a quiet candle maker and devoted follower of Hecate, never imagined his craft and rituals would tie him to the fate of multiple realms. But when a vision from Hecate declares him the chosen gatekeeper, his life takes a dramatic turn. Entrusted with maintaining balance between light and darkness, Phoenix is thrust into a battle against the Brotherhood of Adar, a cult bent on unleashing an ancient, apocalyptic entity. Accepted by the Watchers-ethereal beings of immense power who safeguard the realms-Phoenix is tasked with wielding a talisman that could lock or open the gates of reality. His journey takes him through shadowed realms, where his destiny intertwines with an unlikely group of allies: Astrid, an angel who becomes burdened by her own darkness; Lilith, a demoness who is bond by loyalty; and a band of elemental beings whose ties to the mortal world run deeper than they appear. As Phoenix navigates the delicate balance between opposing forces, he forges bonds that challenge his preconceptions of good and evil. These relationships grow from mere alliances into something more profound, as trust, loyalty, and sacrifice deepen the connections among them. But these bonds come at a cost-temptation, betrayal, and the looming shadow of his own humanity threatens to unravel everything. Phoenix's trials with the Watchers reveal unsettling truths: the ancient entity the Brotherhood serves seeks not just destruction, but to merge with him as a vessel, giving it direct access to the realms he is meant to protect. To survive, Phoenix must embrace both light and darkness, not as opposites, but as necessary forces within himself.

The world’s old Gods lie dormant, imprisoned for centuries in a timeless rift. For many years they have accepted the fate of their actions, yet the people who still roam freely have not. A small sect of fanatical magicians, led by Bellack, a sinister and heartless spell weaver have not forgotten the powers that the old Gods once possessed and seek to secure their God Queen’s release to gain both her love and immortality. With the discovery of a large crystal deep in the Tanarian mines, the sect believes it has found a catalyst for their powers to break free their Queen. They will stop at nothing to acquire the crystal and, after their offers are refused, drag nations to war for their dark aim. Using their magic to tip the scales of war in their favour they force an order of Generals, the Su-Katii warrior elite to their will, as they alone will hold the key to victory in this war. Only Barrad a new initiate to the Su-Katii luckily escapes the brotherhoods control. The stage is set, but Tamar a renegade wizard, has subtly been working for years against their cruel plan. He recruits Barrad and an escaped slave Tress to aid his cause, she is a highly resourceful and accomplished thief with the ability to destroy the brotherhood’s dreams. Bellack’s magic unwittingly reveals a new possibility to achieve his goal – Athene, a sweet young girl oblivious to her past and the power that surrounds her. Realising her potential, Bellack unleashes an unstoppable warrior from a forgotten time to hunt down and apprehend Athene. Following their hearts, an unusual alliance is formed to struggle against the forces tearing their world apart. An enemy can be a friend, and a friend, an enemy.

Season 1 of The Gilded Throne After the war, the Elven Queen rose to power by declaring peace. Centuries later, an ancient magic emerged. Now Izogie and her friends must race to the north to reveal the truth behind the Mysterious War. The Arcane Uprising is a war long buried with the Azgeda empire. At that time, mankind fought and won a battle to protect the North. However from the ashes of the war the Elven Queen rose to power with a name declaring peace. Victoria Penance forced the children of mighty warriors to abandon their heritage for a life of servitude. During the child's eighteenth year the perfect soul was given to five victors after they conquered their humanity. For centuries the nation of Penance laid quiet until the day Izogie Knight, the last descendant of a powerful bloodline was destined to forsake her royal lineage. Instead of renouncing her ancestral connection to magic Izogie does something far worse. She defies the kingdoms control by awakening an ancient power. Her actions trigger a ripple effect among the next generation, unleashing a clash between freedom and reign. Amidst the struggle for dominance and societal upheavals Izogie and her companions must race to Kushlite to urge the emperor that still sits on the gilded throne to fight. But Queen Victoria may already have the keys to unlocking absolute control over the North. Soren released the Astral Steel from its sheath, and the blade glistened like a distant galaxy. "I promised your father I would keep you safe, so if you want to leave, you have to go through me." "Are you ready," He stepped away from his horse, summoning his magic. "You can't fathom the power you have denied, but soon, you'll have a choice. Either consume under the Dragmus banners or die as a Netherborne." [The Game of Thrones meets The Last Kingdom and Into The Badlands.] WARNING: NO NUDITY, OR SEX SCENES WILL BE PRESENT IN THIS BOOK. VIOLENT SCENES AND GORE WILL BE DISPLAYED. READ WITH CAUTION.

Ella has been a mercenary her whole life. All she's ever wanted is a little bit of fun and a lot of money. She's just looking for a job that'll land her some cash. Cedric has just recently begun to learn the magic of the wild, just as the other members of his druidic circle begin to mysteriously disappear. Ara'Sei has just begun to scratch the surface of the divine power within her. However, as her power grows, she finds her life becoming progressively more perilous. Eris has run from their problems their whole life. But no matter how agile or fast or cunning you are, you can't outrun your past. This story is inspired by dnd, and is told through the eyes of a party that consists of... . A human champion fighter (she/her) . A circle of the forest wood elf druid (he/him) . An aasimar divine soul sorcerer (she/her) . A half-orc arcane trickster rogue (they/them) They all start the story as level 3 characters. Here are the first 200 Chapters of the story. The chapters are around 500-800 words (usually) because it's easier for me to write that way. This story continues in Converging Destinies Part 2, but this part of the story is complete. I will be posting this as well as part 2 over to AO3.

Rael Thorne was never meant to ascend. A rogue knight with a past as fractured as the illusions he wields, he has always been an outsider among the celestial warriors of Eden. But when the abyss comes for him, it does not take his life. Instead, it takes his heart. And yet... he still breathes. The divine halls of Valkyria Academy have fallen, overrun by an unfathomable darkness that Eden's warriors could not stop. Forced into exile, the surviving Archangels and Valkyrie knights retreat to Avalon, where druids weave life into the land itself. But even in the sanctuary of the wilds, Rael is an impossibility-a man who should be dead, carrying something unseen in the empty space where his heart once was. Something only the darkness can recognize. As whispers in a forgotten tongue begin to speak clearly in his mind, Rael realizes he is no longer the man he once was. The very warriors who once stood at his side now watch him with suspicion, none more than Aetheriel, the Frostbound Archangel, who believes Rael should have been executed the moment he survived. But even Aetheriel cannot deny the truth-Rael's survival was no accident. Something ancient has chosen him. Something terrible has already begun. And as Heralds of the abyss awaken, whispering of a prophecy long buried in time, Rael must answer the question that haunts them all: Was he spared to save Eden? Or to end it? A dark epic fantasy of celestial warfare, eldritch horror, and the thin line between fate and damnation. Fans of morally complex heroes, divine magic, and the creeping dread of the unknown will find themselves drawn into a world where light and darkness have never been more uncertain.

Credits: 'MsChallenjour' for the amazing yet beautiful book cover and 'Daring2BeMe' for trying to edit the first few chapters of the book. Also, the tons of readers reading this. The Noble Academy has a group of people that are born with special abilities besides the other humans. They are called Elementals. These people are at the top of the school. So far, the known abilities are fire, water, earth and air. These people wear red cloaks and mask to protect their identities. What happens when there is a person that has all the abilities and more? Meet Winter Valentine. She knows what she is and she knows it must be kept as a secret. The elders of the Academy keep a close eye on her. Fearing that she can be a dangerous threat as she controls very strong powers. A dangerous power is approaching and not all the Elements can defeat them. They need Winter to fight with it but how can they do so if they don't know Winter? (It isn't fully edited. I wrote it when I was 14 so be aware it's probably not going to make a lot of sense) - 18 year old self