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 Weight of Guilt
Izan couldn't find peace. His thoughts churned like a violent storm, and his emotions were a tangled mess of guilt, anger, and confusion.
His usually composed demeanor was shattered, replaced by a whirlwind of emotions that left him disoriented and overwhelmed. He had always prided himself on his ability to remain calm under pressure, but now, all he felt was the crushing weight of guilt and shame.
He had wanted revenge, no, he had craved it. The need to bring justice to those responsible for his mother's death had consumed him. But in his blind pursuit, he had hurt an innocent, someone who, like him, had been a victim of Duke Marcelo's sins. And now, the truth bore down on him like a leaden weight, suffocating him with its finality.
"Where is he?" Izan's voice was a strained whisper, a plea wrapped in desperation.