All the Dust that Falls - Chapter 289: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

I see dead people.But hey, it’s the zombie apocalypse, everyone is seeing dead people, including a blind girl. It’s not like I am that special.For a while, I thought I was going to be Cinderella, complete with the cruel stepfamily and the little mice for helpers. But instead of mice, I got demons from hell with a taste for chaos.Then again, there is nothing wrong with a little chaos in the middle of the apocalypse. It’s what makes life worth living.Unfortunately for others, they don’t quite see it that way. You see, I have a gift. One that isn’t exactly mine, but I can use it however I see fit.My gift is granting wishes.I'm a genie without a bottle, but it would be nice if people appreciated me more. All the humans ask for is the same thing… more food here, shelter there, kill these people, torture those. And I do it all, for a small price.I don’t ask for money or food, I can get that on my own. No, I want favors, souls, something that means everything for the other person. And they give it to me. Their momentary desire worth their long term happiness.But by the time they discover that, I’m long gone, already moved on to my next… client.I know I look young, starvation and abuse will do that to a girl. Humans tell me that I shouldn’t be wandering out there alone. Some try to help me… most don’t. But whoever said I was by myself? Just because others couldn’t see them didn’t mean my demons ever left. I still hear their voices in my head, whispering words of encouragement and love. For them, I’d do anything. Kill anyone. Destroy anything.After all, life is just a game, right? Those still alive at the end of the day were the lucky ones. Those who died were not. Everything is just a game of chance, all a human has to do is roll the dice.My only word of advice is to be careful what you wish for… you just might get it.My name is Hattie, welcome to my world.Would you like a cup of tea?

Greed, envy, anger, gluttony, lust, sloth, prideThe 'Black Book' records seven sources of sin, which are also seven steps to ascend to godhoodOnce, I thought there would always be one sin suitable for meBut I never expectedEvery volume of the twelve military letters bears my name!

“Two bonds, two brothers, and one broken girl caught in the middle of it all.”Haelyn's life was never her own. Sold by the very family that should have protected her and thrust into a world of Alphas and power, into the arms of Archer, the cold, ruthless Alpha King, who only needed her as a pawn in a bigger game. His dominance is overwhelming, his fire undeniable, his presence impossible to ignore.But then there's Artemis, Archer's twin and the calm to his storm. Compassionate, steady, and kind, Artemis offers her a glimpse of the freedom and love she's always yearned for.“I won't hurt you like he does,” Artemis whispers, his touch light against her trembling hand.“And yet I'm still chained to both of you,” Haelyn replies, shaking, her eyes darting between the brothers.Torn between two Alpha brothers and fighting the scars of her past, Haelyn must draw strength from herself to fight against her family's betrayal and the bond that connects her to two strong men. It is a choice, though, that could unwind it all and make her heart possibly what she needs to save herself and the pack.MATED TO THE BEAST ALPHA BROTHERS is a hot paranormal romance about betrayal, passion, and a heroine who will never break, no matter the odds.

-- WSA 2025 Entry --“Five… Four… Three… Two… One…”As the countdown towards the new year went on to the last second, Miles looked up to the sky, just as everybody else did.In the middle of the crowded street, Miles for once felt like he belonged. Being a teenage gamer, living with his parents, and trying to build a life as a streamer, he did not feel like leaving his room every day.But there, in the middle of that crowded street, with everyone around him paying attention to the sky, the countdown on the digital billboard, and mostly anything else but him., Miles felt like a ghost.A welcomed ghost, but a ghost, after all.With a smile on his unseen face, he looked up as the countdown reached one, and everybody sang in unison.‘HAPPY NEW YEAR!”But Miles’ eyes widened as he watched in utter horror, and curiosity, even, hovering above him, a holographic screen with a few lines of text written in it.All around him, although he did not pay much attention to it, a few other people seemed to experience the same situation.[Updating home-world 39515’s version][Version 20.25 update brings a lot of fun and games with the new and improved survival mode][Do you want to convert your previous avatar to home-world 39515’s latest version?][Yes] [No]“Survival… Mode?” Miles’ lips quivered.Before he could think of anything else, though, the people around him began to scream…