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
The Burden of Betrayal
Elian sat heavily in one of the ornate chairs, his eyes locked on the untouched tray of food before him. The luxury that surrounded him felt cold, suffocating.
Nothing about this grand palace felt welcoming. He wasn't supposed to be here. He wasn't supposed to be anyone important. And yet, the emperor's reaction earlier, the hushed respect from the servants, the fine clothes now hanging on his body, none of it made sense.
Was he being toyed with? Or was there something more going on, something hidden beneath the surface? He felt like a pawn in a game he couldn't yet understand, and the uncertainty gnawed at him.
As he sank deeper into confusion, the door creaked open behind him. Footsteps echoed softly across the polished floor.
"Elian."
The voice was soft, hesitant, and far too familiar.