From a Beggar to a Bastard
Elian, a beggar with nothing to lose, died tragically, only to awaken in the body of the despised bastard son of a powerful Grand Duke in the Arcanoria Empire. His second chance at life quickly turned into a nightmare when the Grand Duke’s household was executed, and Elian was sold into servitude as a courtesan. In this cruel new existence, Elian crossed paths with Izan, the enigmatic crown prince who harbored dark secrets of his own. As they grew closer, a forbidden love began to blossom, one that could upend the delicate balance of power in the empire and destroy them both. Torn between survival, betrayal and desire, Elian and Izan faced impossible choices. Could they defy the forces threatening to tear them apart, or would the empire crush their love before it even had a chance to begin? --- Warning: This book contains mature themes. Join my Discord server: https://discord.gg/NJJKETf4
Ruthless Rumors (3)
Elian's hands cradled his growing belly, as tears streamed down his face freely onto his tunic. The cruel speculation about his unborn child, and the haunting shadow of Cedric, his tormentor, even in death, crushed him under their weight.
"Why won't he leave me alone?" Elian choked out between sobs, clutching his stomach as if to shield his child from the cruel world outside. "Even in death, Cedric won't stop haunting me..."
Aria and Niko exchanged worried glances. For a long moment, they had stood in silent hesitation, unsure how to approach him. But the sight of Elian crying so helplessly broke their heart and they couldn't take it anymore.
Aria was the first to move, her soft footsteps bringing her to Elian's side. She knelt before him, her voice gentle but firm.
"Elian," she said, her hand hesitantly reaching out to cover his. "Please, don't do this to yourself. You're stronger than this, stronger than the lies they're spreading."