Anthesis of Sadness - Chapter 3: Awakening in Hostile Lands

The age of darkness has arrived.

Vampire Slave Number 43, or the self-named, Azriel Ruinous, learned about the history between the humans and the Vampires and it filled him with rage and hatred.

Nonetheless, he was helpless to do anything.

After years and years of suppression, the Vampires have become the weakest race in the world.

However, lady luck seemed to be on his side as Azriel found an ancient jar filled with mysterious blood that will not only change his, but his race's destiny as well.

This, will be the story about the rise of the self-named, Azriel Ruinous, and the Return of the Forgotten Blood Empire.

...

“Have you heard about the rumour?”

“What rumour?”

“They say that there's a Vampire on the loose, he's out there killing humans mercilessly”

“Hahahaha! That's the funniest joke I ever heard! Vampires? Those Slaves? Hahaha!”

“Yeah, I feel the same! I think someone just started this rumour as a joke! Hahaha! How can those weaklings kill us, humans?”

“True True…”

In a bar, two middle-aged men talked and laughed as they discussed the recent rumour they heard.

Seeing those two, a drunk old man shook his head as he sighed.

“Ignorance is bliss indeed…”

“These younglings do not know what the real fear is…

The vampires may have fallen… but my old bones still remember the days when they were in their prime…”

The old man sobered up in an instant and his body shuddered in fear as the memories of the long-forgotten horror appeared in his mind.

He then took a deep breath as he patted his trembling body and muttered.

“I just hope that they are not back…”

After being betrayed by her fiancé and cousin on her wedding day, Zara, reborn with memories of past mistakes, vows to rewrite her destiny. Impulsively, she marries a stranger to keep her ex at bay, not realizing Snow is far from a mere call boy.Snow Zephyr, a wealthy CEO and alpha of the Ivory Crescent Pack, needs a contract wife to appease his father and secure his position. When a bold, determined woman proposes a marriage of convenience, Snow agrees, unaware of the chaos she will bring into his life.Zara's defiant choice provokes her parents' fury, leading to her being cast from the company and forcing her to find work elsewhere. She lands a job at Aurora Conglomerate Inc., only to discover that her new boss is Snow, the very man she married—and her ex's uncle. Sparks fly as their mutual attraction grows amidst the darkness of his family's secrets and looming threats.Zara’s strength and independence captivate Snow, who begins to see her as the potential Luna his pack needs. Together, they face vengeful ex-lovers, kidnapping plots, and deadly rivalries. As Zara's powers awaken, she must confront the reasons behind her family's disownment, the hidden clauses in her marriage contract, and her ultimate role in Snow’s world.When their marriage of convenience deepens into a genuine partnership, a new challenge emerges in the form of a fated mate. Will Zara fight the dangers that await or embrace her true destiny?**EXCERPT**“I... didn't want to be late for work. You seemed busy, so I thought I'd get a head start.”Snow raised an eyebrow. “Really? Or is it because last night affected you so much that you couldn't stand being around me?”“Don't flatter yourself, Snow. You didn't affect me at all.”He smirked, stepping closer. “Is that so?”His fingers brushed my chin, tilting my face up. My pulse quickened. “We're at work,” I snapped, swatting his hand away. “This isn't professional.”“You're my wife,” he murmured. “You're supposed to obey me at all times.”I bit back a retort, a hint of rebellion flaring within. Slowly, I stepped closer, letting my fingers graze his chest. His smirk wavered for a second when his wolf reacted and Snow bit his lips.“Careful, Boss,” I purred seductively. “Don't hurt those lips. I'm sure plenty of girls would love to kiss them.”Snow leaned down, his lips brushing my ear. “And you? Are you dying for a taste?”Caught off guard, I hesitated, then regained my composure as I looked him in the eyes. “Unlike other girls, I have strong resistance against—”I didn't get a chance to finish when Snow's lips crashed onto mine with a fierce kiss that left me breathless.***************MATURE CONTENTParticipating in the Viral Book Call Contest. Kindly Support Me!

Arthur Ventrike, a genius second-year at the prestigious Wolkan Royal Academy, hailed to be the most talented in his generation, reaches the Swordsman stage of Knight at just 15 under Grandmaster Thorne Bladesong. But envy strikes when a fifth-year student tries to poison him. Though the plot fails, Arthur is left crippled, his dreams shattered. Just when all hope seems lost, he inherits a Great Sage’s legacy and sets out to become the greatest wizard along with the blessing of an indecent goddess and save the world from an ancient evil.