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
For heaven sake
The night had settled in, quiet and still, as Elian lay comfortably in bed, cradled in Izan's arms. Elian was now laying on Izan's chest as he traced small circles on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing. He could tell what happened between Izan and his step-family was weighing on his mind, even as he held him close.
The silence between them was not uncomfortable, but heavy with unsaid things.
Izan tightened his grip on Elian, drawing him even closer. His eyes were open, staring at nothing in particular, but his mind was far from the present moment. The day had been long, filled with revelations that had left him hollow inside. Finally, after what seemed like hours, he broke the silence.
"It's been a terrible day, Elian," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His breath hitched as he spoke, the words catching in his throat. "I thought... I thought I was prepared for whatever came, but nothing could have prepared me for this."