gulf coast toads

A decade after the last invasion of the Blue Gulf and the city built on a cliff edge, life has returned to normal. Kim Na, a young barrel scraping city agent struggles to keep her job in amidst being bullied, learning about herself and navigating conspiracies. Even if she can't find happiness, Kim just wants to survive and live a stable, peaceful life where she is not useless, but things keep happening and spiralling out of her control. (Story currently under revision and editing, there may be changes.) **** This work of fiction is not related to any real people or events in any shape or form, and if it is, it is purely coincidental. Reader discretion is advised and this story is recommended for mature audiences only. Read at your own risk. Don't mistake this as a romance novel in any way. This story includes violent themes, death, non-consensual acts, gaslighting, suicide and more but does not condone them. Consider this your trigger warning.

*** Trigger Warning*** *This story contains mature themes, strong language, psychological tension, and scenes of sensuality and violence. Reader discretion is advised.* "I'm a vile man. I know it. But I'm honest. They both deceived you. I didn't. I show you exactly who I am: no mask, no pretense. And that, little strawberry, is why you can't look away from me."

Anilao, a young man from the neglected coastal city of Iloilo in the Philippines, witnesses the destruction of a Spanish galleon by a fierce storm. While scavengers seek gold, Anilao craves knowledge. He salvages a collection of books from the wreckage—not just sailor's journals, but the work of a scholar, perhaps even a cartographer. Fueled by newfound knowledge and a burning ambition, Anilao embarks on a quest to build something extraordinary on the forgotten coast. He envisions a kingdom—a haven that thrives on knowledge and prosperity—in stark contrast to the Spanish rule that has marginalized Iloilo. "Anilao: King of the Forgotten Coast" is a tale of resilience, leadership, and forging a path to greatness amidst neglect. It explores themes of cultural identity, the pursuit of knowledge, and carving one's own destiny. The novel promises adventure, political intrigue, and the rise of a unique kingdom on the fringes of Spanish colonial power.

"History is just a collection of lies I allowed humans to write while I slept." In 1789, a clan was wiped out. In 1800, an immortal was born. The world calls these 'Mysteries.' I call them insignificant. I am Han Jeongwoo. Ten thousand years ago, before the first pyramid was built, before the first God was named, I was the Original Sin. I didn't just witness the Void; I became it. Now, I have returned to modern-day Seoul. I don't want vengeance. Vengeance is for the weak. I just want two things: 1.To protect the only warmth I've ever known—my sister, Yuna. 2.To remind this world that silence isn't the absence of sound... it's the presence of Me. If you are an Exorcist, run. If you are a King, kneel. If you are a God... pray that I don't find you boring. "The Gulf is not a distance. It's the difference between your 'immortality' and my 'existence'." [No System. No Regressors. Just the Lord of Sin.]

Truth Truth is a bitter, harsh reality— sought only when absolutely necessary. If it were up to most, they’d choose to live within lies. The best lies carry a sliver of truth, enough to make them believable. Death Much like truth, death is rarely desired. Only those weary of life seek it out. But for many, it feels like a curse— a curse they long to break. Immortality A sweet lie that countless souls chase. Yet death, with its bitter truth, has claws that may be delayed but never denied. In the end, death is the truth that all living beings shall acknowledge whether one wants or not… ... after running away... why did I come back? ... Discord server link: https://discord.gg/htcCHBHjXd

Long-time loner and party girl Marty Pendleton has finally fallen in love. The problem: Marty lives in Seattle, and her new girlfriend Taylor lives in Boston. Her best friend Elaine and her brother Sean are worried that, as usual, Marty will blow it.<br><br>Taylor is everything Marty could want in a woman: sexy, confident, and successful. But how will Taylor handle Marty’s penchant for over-reacting and drinking a bit too much?<br><br>When Marty makes assumptions, she risks losing everything. Can she convince Taylor she’ll change for the better and make this work, even long-distance?

On graduation night, I gave my first time to Leonardo. The pain was real, but so was my joy, believing my devotion had finally been seen. But I never imagined that at the bonfire party the next day, I would hear his teammates joking with him. That night after graduation, Leonardo took everything from me. "Nice work, man, you finally sealed the deal with your little shadow." And Leonardo, who had been so gentle the night before, replied with a lazy drawl. "Jessica is the real prize. I’m just getting in some practice with Kira, don't want to fumble in front of the queen." I said nothing, just turned and walked away. Then, before the final deadline, I changed my college choice from Seattle to Los Angeles.

In the grand ceremonial hall, the "Moon's Kiss" dagger—cold, heavy, and a symbol of a future Luna's honor—was placed in my hands. His Alpha aura crashed over me, making my heart hammer and my skin tingle. I held my breath, waiting for him to touch the dagger's tip to my brow and, in the presence of the Moon Goddess, declare me his eternal mate. The Crimson Rock Pack’s howls echoed through the hall, a thunderous chorus urging their Alpha—my fated mate, Corbin Shaw—to complete the sacred ritual. But instead, he took the cold, sacred object from my trembling hands, turned, and with the very tip that should have blessed me, gently drew a rune of blessing—a rune meant for me—on the forehead of his beautiful Beta apprentice, Tamsin. My inner wolf recoiled with a howl of anguish. Ice flooded my veins, and the world seemed to gray out. And then he was there, his deep voice a familiar, devastating rumble in my ear. "Just a reward for her hard work, my dear. Our moment has to be perfect. Next time, I promise." Always, next time. What he didn't know was that there would be no next time. Because my bonding ceremony was next week, and the one waiting for me at the altar was not him.

153 days since I’ve been missing. 153 days since the horrible night. I used to think I’d be a well-established professional when I’d be 25, but life did a 360 and now I can barely figure anything. Being known is the last resort. I’d rather live. No, thank you. I’ve been keeping voice memos. I won’t forget things, but it’s good to have things noted.

When she opened her eyes, she had inexplicably returned to twenty years ago, the first day of the apocalypse escape. "Classmate, you're a Superpower User, right? How about considering joining our special operations squad?" Looking at the man opposite her with sparkling, charming eyes, Xie Ning heartlessly refused: "Thanks, I have a team." "Ah, what team do you have?" "No team." "Right, you're beautiful, so whatever you say is right. How about this, you join our squad, and I will accompany you through wind and rain, and go through fire and water with you to clear dungeons and kill monsters." "Every single day, year after year?" "Mhm! I will work hard to make money, and only for you. How does that sound?" Xie Ning: ... After being reborn, her small Space has turned into a large, mobile villa, and she originally just wanted to live her own quiet little life in peace. Never did she expect to attract such a clingy, devilishly charming man. Question: How does one heartlessly and coldly reject a charmer? Waiting online for an answer, it's quite urgent...