Iron Blooded - Forty Two: Root of Evil

“I was nothing... and now, I have one chance to steal everything.”In his previous world, Ethan was just another failure. No talents, no dreams, no hope.But death wasn’t the end it was a new beginning.He wakes up in the body of “Valerian Lucard,” the son of a great family... but the weakest among them. Neglected, shunned, broken.But this time, things are different.He has an unbelievable ability:Fate Theft.Skills, talents, future opportunities... he can steal them, but at a heavy price.And the worst part? What’s stolen... never lasts.Now begins his race against everyone: the elites, the geniuses, the chosen heroes.Not because he's strong, but because he refuses to be nothing... ever again.In this world, either you steal glory... or everything gets stolen from you.

The Sect Leader has taken in a new female disciple.She is very beautiful, causing countless people to be enchanted by her.Until Zhou Qing finally activated the entry, seeing a golden tag flashing above many people's heads.According to the hint, that was others' inner notes about him.The chief of the neighboring peak's note on him was [A lecherous pervert playing dumb chicken].Yan's note on him was [Junior brother who is both lustful and daring].Shi Zhen's note on him was [Junior brother Zhou with worsening sleepwalking condition]…When Zhou Qing looked at this new junior sister, her note was[So handsome][So powerful][So domineering].At this moment, it could basically be confirmed that she liked him.So, Zhou Qing gathered the courage to confess.“I... like you.”But she laughed heartily: “Dad, you were so funny when you were young.”

Marrying her best friend was a dream come true for Kelly, but everything truly has a limitation.Pierce is Kelly’s first love, but as his best friend, she knew well there was always another woman deep in his heart.Lexi Gilbert. The woman Pierce could never forget even if he had already been arranged to marry Kelly.***Kelly finally realized their happy marriage of the last three years was just a beautiful dream when Pierce asked for a divorce just because Lexi returned.She could only be his best friend even if she was carrying his baby.***Since their friendship had become a cage, Kelly chose to set him free, as well as the miserable herself.But why then, it was Pierce who became the one who refused to move on?To make matters worse, her devil stepbrother also domineeringly stepped in at the same time, asking her to be his.***Her Prince Charming vs. Her Devil Stepbrother?How could Kelly save her heart in this battle of love and hate?

[COMPLETE] Can a royal Romeo and Juliet find their happy ending?

Ayleth, Princess of Zenithra, is secretly trained in hand-to-hand combat, and collects swear words she doesn't know how to use. During the Festival of Peace, in which every royal son on the continent will be at the castle for a month, she is instructed by her parents to find a husband. Yet, Ayleth has never even been kissed—until the very first ball, when she meets the man in the Lion mask.

Etan is a seasoned warrior, and the Prince of Summitras. He attends the Festival hoping to find a powerful wife who will help him conquer the dark sorcery of their bloodsworn enemies, the Kingdom of Zenithra. But at the very first ball, he discovers the masked woman who captures his heart is the Heir to the evil empire.

Ayleth and Etan face an impossible battle. Will their love survive? Or will their parents' dark dealings keep them apart forever?

[Mature content. No sexual violence.]

******

“You…” She stepped back. Then back again, her mouth dropped open. “You… You cannot be…”

“I am,” Etan said, and his hair raked back as he pushed his mask off his handsome face. So handsome her heart raced.

His hair was ebony black, his skin a warm brown that threatened to fade in in the winter months. He stared at her with glittering green eyes, over high cheekbones and a noble nose, his jaw tight and shadowed this late in the day. His chin was high over the pillar of his neck that she’d just touched with its hard lines and steel strength, so different to her own. And his chest... She gasped and covered her eyes. She’d humiliated herself revealing her stupid, childish curiosity.

“No, Ayleth. This changes nothing.”

“How can you say that? It changes everything!” She was horrified to realize she was crying.

“Ayleth, please.” His voice cracked on the plea and she stared at him, shoving her mask up and off, despite how it would pull her hair out of the beautiful twist the maid had managed for her.

His eyes locked on hers and she couldn’t think. She couldn’t breathe.

She had met her One. And he was the son of her bloodsworn enemy.

She stared at him as he stepped forward again, offering both hands, palm up. “Touch me,” he whispered. “Hold my hands. This is real, Ayleth. I don’t know how it happened, but this is real. Please don’t deny it.”

She couldn’t resist. She raised a trembling hand to his cheek, letting her palm catch on the scruff of his jaw. He blew out a breath and put his hand over hers, and that jolt that happened whenever they touched shivered through her again.

“Please, Ayleth.”

“I cannot deny it,” she whispered.