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
Too Late
Izan paced back and forth in his chambers, his fingers brushing against the half-pendant resting on his chest. His heart raced, weighed down with an overwhelming sense of worry.
Every step he took was fueled by thoughts of Elian. How was he now? Was he even awake? The uncertainty gnawed at him. Izan's mind spun with images of Elian lying helpless in the pavilion, surrounded by people who didn't care whether he lived or died.
"Enough of this shannigans," Izan thought fiercely, his brows knitting together in determination.
"I'm telling him everything. No more secrets. No more lies. I'm taking him out of that wretched place on my next visit, even if he hates me for it. I don't care, as long as I keep him safe."
His feet moved faster, his pacing more frantic.
The weight of his guilt pressed heavily on his chest, nearly crushing him.