Predatory Marriage - Chapter 7 - Long, Restless Night (2)

“Evil God of the Universe, You are in every space and time. Present in every dimension of reality and govern the darkness of our world.Oh, almighty Atticus! Hear our plea and grant us your presence tonight, awaken my Lord!”The rain had completely stopped and the strong gale had subsided into the fading raindrops. The night had turned eerily silent and only the sizzling and cackling of the fire entered their ears.Suddenly, they all felt like floating from their feet despite setting foot on the watery, hard ground, as if they were traversing into space. The darkness of the night gradually turned darker, enveloping them, morphing into everyone, like a void eating them slowly. Sequentially, their breathing turned oddly slower. Despite exaggeratedly inhaling air to breathe, it was to no avail, as if a higher entity was limiting them from breathing.Nolan felt his throat and tried to open his mouth to gasp more air but failed. Everyone but him was in a state of indignation and panic as they struggled to breathe to fill their lungs with air. Nolan tried to calm his heart. He closed his eyes and stopped inhaling air in pure panic, instead, he put his heartbeat and breathing into a rhythm. It was hard at first, but after a minute, he found his breathing gradually went stable.His whole being was in pure anticipation of what was going to happen next.After a couple more minutes, the storm completely subsided, the night turned to normal. Nolan remained standing, taking in his surroundings with his eyes closed. Everything turned silent. The eerie atmosphere and the crackling of the fire from the hay figure didn’t even enter his ears. Nolan waited for a couple more minutes, his breathing turning normal. He was reluctant to open his eyes, afraid he might ruin their ritual.“It’s alright now, Young Master. You can open your eyes now.”Nolan’s breathing hitched. He jolted on his feet as he fluttered his eyes open.“Atticus? W-why are you here?”The butler, standing in front of him, a raincoat hung on his arm, smiled. “I am everywhere, Young Master, in order to best serve you.”****Atticus, a demi-god from the underworld, was cast out of his parents' realm and banished to the human world. The reason? He had yet to give them any grandchildren.Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction and is purely the product of my imagination. Any resemblance to real people, events, or beliefs is entirely coincidental. The intention is not to disrespect or diminish any faith or tradition, but rather to explore ideas within a fictional context. Reader discretion is advised.

Under the moonlight, a city stands in the shadow of gangsters that have been making trouble and disturbing the public. The gangsters are consisted of strong men who are good at fighting. Unexpectedly, they are actually the young people who are crazy for money and power. The city has become a battlefield for them.

Emma Hilland moved alone to a city miles away from her home where she grew up as a princess. Because of a problem, she decided to move and continue her study in this city. This time, she would try to be a normal girl. But, just like a fire, she would burn whatever she touched.

This is the story of how The Black Swan group was formed in the City of Handway. Behind the beautiful legs that jump amidst the flower field, the deadly poisonous thorns are hiding. But, could the swan’s heart be conquered?

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This story contains action and martial arts topics. Some have mature content. If you are looking for a romance story, then this book isn’t suitable for you. Because this is MORE than that! Try if you DARE!

Ethan Blackwood wasn’t used to being defied. As the CEO of a global empire, he crushed obstacles with a single glance. But when Lily Anderson stood before him, her chin lifted in quiet defiance, and something in him snapped. “Sign the contract,” he said, his voice like ice. “30 days. You’ll obey every command. After that, you’re free.”She hesitated, her fingers trembling as she gripped the pen. “And if I refuse?”His smirk was cold, but his eyes burned. “Then you’ll spend the rest of your life paying off your father’s debts. Your choice.”Trapped, Lily signed. But she vowed one thing: she wouldn’t let him break her.From the first day, their clash was electric. He demanded perfection; she gave him rebellion. “You think you can control me?” she spat, after he criticized her for being late.Ethan stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “I don’t just control you. Lily, I own you.”But as the days passed, the lines between them blurred. Late nights in his penthouse turned into whispered conversations. His cold demeanor cracked, revealing glimpses of a man haunted by his past. One night, after a heated argument, he pinned her against the wall, his breath hot against her ear. “Why do you fight me so much?”Her voice trembled. “Because I’m afraid if I stop, I’ll lose myself to you.”Their connection deepened, but danger loomed. Secrets from Ethan’s past resurfaced, threatening to destroy everything. When Lily discovered the truth behind his obsession with her, she confronted him. “Was I just a pawn in your game? A way to settle an old score?”His eyes darkened with pain. “You were never just a game, Lily. You’re the only thing that’s ever felt real.”As the final days of their contract approached, their bond was tested like never before. Enemies closed in, and trust hung by a thread. Could they overcome the shadows of their pasts, or would their love crumble under the weight of secrets and pride?

Luck is limited and when villains and heroes hoard it, extras lose it.An ambitious villain defeated and killed far too soon, and a heroic group that couldn't prevent humanity's extinction, find themselves back in the past.Their battles and stolen opportunities cause consequences unknown to them, impacting the lives of all those around them, especially extras, moreso one named Neville. Unbeknownst to him, his fate is greatly influenced by the 'main characters'.He'd seen it all, gangsters, politicians and their mistresses, arrogant celebrities, even bratty heirs. But nothing prepared him for the night his client was involved in an 'accident'.Right after he was summoned by his boss who fired him and accused him of being involved but since they couldn't prove it only his license was revoked.After getting out of the building, his boss tells him that the client's family demanded to meet thehim, hoping for some answers and closure.But before going there he needed to pick up the client's eldest daughter...After that encounter his world went through changes his family pushed him to the edge and the supernatural became natural and he had to adapt to his strange new abilities!