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
No Escape
Izan burst through the heavy door of the chamber, his sword already drawn, his heart pounding in his chest.
The dimly lit room reeked of incense, the thick, cloying smoke hanging in the air, but it couldn't mask the more grotesque smell, the metallic, sickeningly sweet scent of blood and something else. Something vile.
His stomach churned as his eyes locked onto the scene before him.
At the far end of the room, Lucian stood with his back to them, dressed in a dark, flowing robe. His long, greasy hair hung limply over his shoulders, and he was too caught up in his sick pleasure to notice the intrusion.
Kneeling in front of him were two children, barely twelve years old, a boy and a girl, both trembling, their eyes wide with terror. The boy's small hand was on Lucian's private parts, while the girl tried to fit Lucian into her mouth.