[COMPLETE - Bronze $2,000 Winner WSA 2021] Elreth is a Princess in the world of Anima—where humans can shift into the form of their animal ancestors. As the Lion King's daughter, Elreth breaks a thousand-year tradition when she challenges her father for dominance—and wins. But as the first known dominant Alpha Female, she faces a lonely, and dangerous Rule. Aaryn, Elreth’s best friend, has always secretly loved her beauty, and her strength. But as a member of the wolf-tribe, and unable to shape-shift, he is not viewed as the right Mate for Anima's first Dominant Queen. When events force Aaryn to admit his feelings, for the first time, Elreth's eyes are opened to Aaryn not just as a friend, but as a male--and her True Mate. But Aaryn also has secrets. Secrets spanning decades, that open Elreth's eyes to the threats against her people, and threaten to tear down the royal family, and the Anima as a whole. Can love really conquer all? Can Elreth convince a prejudiced people to accept Aaryn as her mate before these secrets threaten not just her rule, but her life? [Mature Content: No sexual violence] ***** Then, as Aaryn stared at Elreth, his scent changed. Which only confused her more, until something flashed behind his eyes. Something she’d only ever seen in her father’s face when he was staring at her mother. Desperation. Joy. Hunger. But that was crazy. Why would—? And suddenly, like a cub tumbling down a grassy hill to land on its feet, everything fell into place. Everything. Her mouth dropped open. She blinked. And blinked again. And for the first time in a very long time, she looked at him. Not at her confidante. Not at her closest ally. Not at the friend who’d been present for every major milestone in her life. She looked at Aaryn. The male. The wolf. She stared at his silver-white hair, that scattered over his ice-blue eyes, fixed on her, and created a barrier between them. She looked at the strength in his jaw, shadowed because of the late hour. She let her gaze drift down the cords of his neck, and his broad shoulders and the wide, smooth expanse of his chest that rose and fell rapidly. And she let herself remember the ladders of muscle that painted his torso—hidden by the white shirt he wore. She swallowed. She’d seen every inch of him at some point. Well, almost. Her mouth went dry. (Cover Art used by paid copyright permission. Illustrated by Aenaluck--see more gorgeous art and support them on DeviantArt and www.patreon.com/aenaluck)
Countless worlds span the universe! Hundreds of planets are civilized. Thousands are uncharted or unexplored. And all of them offer death to unwelcome visitors. But where to go? What to do? Need the best weapons and armaments modern technology can offer? Visit Alforro, where elves run the largest manufacturing companies this side of the known universe! Want a custom ship with mods unavailable anywhere else in the universe? Hurry over to Verrgal, home of the legendary dwarven engineers! Searching for the best organic, farm-grown steel? Then the hills of Buurzeim are a must-see, but make sure to offer a hefty tip to your giant tour guide! With so many worlds to manage, only the most vast and powerful planetary councils can do the job. But with all the varied opinions and agendas spanning the universe, it’s only natural that no single regime has managed to control it all. And always keep an eye open for outlaws. Whether you’re in the outer corners of the known universe or in the center of an intergalactic capital. Outlaws are everywhere… especially with the Mob Lords controlling the universal underworld. Luckily, the last Outlaw Overlord, the most wanted man in the universe, was done in less than two decades ago! In such a vast, chaotic universe, who would dream of adventuring as an outlaw? Why not become a bounty hunter in search of prestige and wealth? And there’s always an opening among one of the many intergalactic patrols, offering promotions to the most dependable, powerful soldiers! Then again, with no other option available, that’s everything Ayse can possibly dream of. To be an outlaw on the run! To see every sight imaginable! To explore an entire universe of fantastic worlds! Even if he has to avoid possible capture and death at every turn. But can Ayse survive that long? Will Ayse be able to dodge his unavoidable past without consequences? Can Ayse successfully form his own outlaw posse with his recruited, self-founded family? Or will Ayse drag his newfound friends into the deadliest conflict the universe will ever face, risking the total extinction of sentient life? ****************** A Sci-fi/Fantasy Epic!!! ~ BULK RELEASES! Every Tuesday & Wednesday! ~ Discord: https://discord.gg/akzn9SM5k9 Art by @itsjustfroggy, found on Youtube, Twitter, or Twitch! *Want YOUR name (or a name of your choice) in OoO? Gift a Magic Castle, Spacecraft, or Golden Gachapon. I'll reach out via Discord after you join the server, then we'll chat about your character/name ;) Join the server to chat with me or to vote in regular polls. Help improve the story while it's still being written!