modesty is the best policy

Astrid has never stepped out her house. She didn't know that her parents hitting her wasn't right. She always thought that's how it works. So what happens when her mother dies and step father runs away.

In a distant realm where magic thrives, ferocious beasts shake mountains and rivers with their mighty roars, and individuals wield superhuman strength capable of reshaping their surroundings. It is a magical world where the strong rules.But rampant corruption and chaos exist, where slavery, rape, murder, and discrimination against the weak were all but common. The magically superior people trample over the lesser unfortunate folks, using them as stepping stones and disposable assets. All hope for these downtrodden souls seems lost, but the wheels of fate have other plans for them.In a faraway ocean, one that is filled with demons and sea monsters, a great technological civilization suddenly appeared, one that came from a world that is only filled with chaos and destruction. This civilization became the heaven for people seeking a stable and peaceful life. The Earth rose and seas parted ways, and the environment had totally changed for its adaptability.Unfortunately, the inhabitants of this great technological civilization are all but manaless, arriving in a world where they are seen as inferior and as slaves. How will they react of finding themselves in a world where people can split mountains or bend the fabric of space, and where beings exist that even conventional weapons cannot defeat? How will they survive against deadly monsters, magical beasts, and superhumans that could threaten entire nations?And how will the other powers that exist in this world react to a powerful, advanced nation filled with a race they deem inferior?This is the story of one of the most powerful empires on Earth, and how it broke the balance of power and rose to the top.

A guide to manipulation people.

*Fourth book in "The Deal Maker" series* Joanna has been living the seemingly blissful life as the wife of Matthew Foster; making friends with vampires, attending every event as the perfect trophy wife, and going on the occasional romantic getaway. Her life has been so blissful, she has almost forgotten everything Matthew has done. But Joanna quickly is reminded of Matthew's dark and deceitful ways after a horrific discovery that completely changes everything. After uncovering Matthew's dark secrets, Joanna must decide whether to use them against Matthew or to continue the blissful lie of a contracted marriage. But will Joanna's feelings create further complications?

Jewel Gregory's life in the cozy beach cottage was filled with both the tranquility of the ocean waves and the echoes of past heartbreaks. She had weathered the storms of her first crush and the ensuing heartbreak with a resilience that belied her kind and naive nature.On a stormy night, as the angry waves crashed against the shore, Jewel was preparing to close up her diner, Burger Waves. The sign outside creaked ominously in the wind, foretelling the approaching tempest. With a heavy sigh, Jewel turned the key in the lock, ready to retreat to the safety of her cottage for the night.But fate had other plans in store for her that night. Just as Jewel stepped outside, a flash of lightning illuminated the beach, revealing a figure washed ashore by the relentless waves. Her heart leaped into her throat as she rushed towards the mysterious creature lying motionless on the sand.Azuren Vadimir, the son of Neptune, heir to the throne of Atlantis, opened his eyes to the concerned face of Jewel Gregory. His aquamarine gaze bore into her soul, sparking a connection that transcended the boundaries of their worlds.As Jewel tended to Azuren, she couldn't help but feel a sense of both fear and fascination. Here was a being unlike any she had ever encountered, with a presence that seemed to command the very elements themselves.Azuren, for his part, was equally captivated by the beauty and kindness of the woman who had saved him. He had always wondered what lay beyond the ocean depths, and now, in the form of Jewel, he found a glimpse of a world he had never known.

"The Tell-Tale Heart" is a short story by American writer Edgar Allan Poe, first published in 1843. It is relayed by an unnamed narrator who endeavors to convince the reader of his sanity while simultaneously describing a murder he committed. The victim was an old man with a filmy "vulture-eye", as the narrator calls it. The narrator emphasizes the careful calculation of the murder, and he hides the body by dismembering it, and hiding it under the floorboards. Ultimately, the narrator's feelings of guilt, or a mental disturbance, result in him hearing a thumping sound, which he interprets as the dead man's beating heart.Cover by the lovely @FayLane.

Olivia Davis loves two things most- Bella Donna (her lovely bernedoodle) and her job.(Don't tell her longtime boyfriend Adam-)~But when her sudden breakup wrecks havoc in her work life, she lands herself in a highly unprofessional situation with the stick-up-his-ykw CEO of her company.~Nikolai Ashford a sinfully attractive speciman of male species happens to be looking for a girlfriend (not his choice but by situational demands). His search stops when a fiery 5'2 talkative employee ends up ranting about her recent breakup in an eventful elevator ride. ~He needs a fake girlfriend, She needs a vacation. Both of them together need to fake love.TW: Mental health themesCopyright ©PnachiWal 2024 All rights reserved.

Nakamura Kazuki, the son of one of Japan's wealthiest families, has everything: good looks, fame as a successful model, and the image of a perfect man. But beneath this flawless exterior, Kazuki hides a dark secret he is a psychopath. For him, killing isn't just a crime; it's a source of comfort and a twisted form of therapy.Despite being involved in various crime cases, Kazuki has never been caught. He meticulously cleans up every trace of evidence, leaving no one, not even his busy parents, suspicious of his dark nature. Living a perfect life on the surface, Kazuki continues to balance his public persona with his private, violent urges.This long crime and psychological story is told entirely from Kazuki's point of view, offering a deep dive into his disturbed mind. The story explores his calculated actions, his inner thoughts, and the delicate balance he maintains to keep his twisted secret hidden.