Before the Fall: Rise of the Apocalypse King - Chapter 3: The First Judgment — Stepmother

Xia Lei, whose parents were no longer around, had to work hard to support himself and his sister. One day, he got into an accident at work which burnt his left eye. After he awoke in the hospital bed, he discovered that his eye was not blind – it gained abilities! Now, he is using these abilities to right wrongs and make a better life for himself and others. Will Xia Lei triumph over the corrupt and privileged with his newfound power?

I am destined to be the protagonist of this era!

She was kicked out of the house shortly after coming of age because she was found to be the fake daughter.Everyone said she was so unfortunate that she had fallen from a wealthy family to an unknown poor and remote village.It was heard that her new family was extremely poor. She had to feed chickens in the morning, grind feed at night, and might even be sold by her family to finance her brothers' weddings.However, what was going on?Her eldest brother is a business elite and a financial tycoon;Her second brother is a medical genius;Her third brother is an award-winning actor and a super idol;Her fourth brother is the most powerful lawyer.It was said that her grandfather with poor health was a big shot only seen in the news...Her father, who dominated half of the business world, said, “My real daughter had returned! I was going to give her pocket money to let her spend freely!”A certain incredibly wealthy CEO said, “Baby! I will follow you wherever you go!”She replied, “Go away, or I'll kill you!”The CEO said, “She told me to go away! She must love me!”

Elia is a poor university student until the night she’s taken to the world of the Anima—ruled by humans whose ancient hearts pulse with the blood of animals. There she’s forced into a battle to the death. But when Elia survives, and refuses to kill her final opponent, the King must either kill Elia himself, or take her as his mate.

Reth, the brutal King of the Beasts with the blood of lions, shocks everyone when he chooses the weak, human Elia to become his Queen. He promises her every comfort of his wealth and position—but he is clear: She will not warm his bed. He chose her to defeat those that were trying to corner him into blending his Leonine line with the Wolves.

Elia needs the help of the Anima to become stronger and rule them well. But the vengeful Wolves see only a weak human that brought them shame. As Elia and Reth grow closer, the wolves are determined to destroy her. Will Reth and Elia admit their feelings for each in time to fight for the Kingdom—and their lives—against the villainous wolf-tribe? Or will the wolves kill Elia and steal the throne?

[Mature content - no sexual violence]

*****

He stalked towards her, chin low so the shadow cast by his hard jaw cut across the thick fur collar of his vest. His hair had fallen over his eyes in the scuffle, so he peered at her through it like a lion in the grass. With each step, his graceful, rolling gait reminded her of a predator stalking its prey. Despite the forest floor littered in twigs and leaves, he didn’t make a sound.

“Wh-who are you?” Elia stammered, backing away, her hands up. He met her step for step until she came up hard against the tree behind her—and didn’t stop until he loomed over her, so broad his shoulders and chest made a wall in front of her. She could feel the heat rising off his skin in the cool, night air.

“I am the Leonine King.” His voice was a dark, husky gravel. Behind him a chorus of wheezes, howls, and chirps of agreement rose from the people watching. “And you are?”

“Elia,” she breathed.

“Elia,” he growled, leaning in closer, bringing with him the scent of pine and rain and the musk of something distinctly male. “I am Reth.” He said the name with a strange, guttural roll in his throat. “I am King of Beasts. I am Clan Leader, and I am Alpha of WildWood.” Several snarls rose from the crowds behind him then, but he ignored them.

Elia swallowed as he leaned in until the scruff on his jaw rasped her cheek. “I am the King,” he said, “And you will be my mate.”

The forest behind him erupted.

Alix, a devoted player of Strongest Kingdom, finds himself reincarnated as his in-game avatar—the powerful and fearsome Demon King—in a mysterious and unfamiliar world. Armed with his gaming prowess and a penchant for stirring up trouble, Alix must navigate a realm fraught with danger, intrigue, and opportunity.As he discovers the secrets of his new domain, forms alliances, and faces relentless foes, one thing becomes clear: chaos follows wherever he goes. Will Alix rise to become the ultimate ruler, or will his wild antics lead to his kingdom's downfall?Join him in this thrilling, action-packed adventure where strategy, humor, and epic battles collide!