Lord of Glory - Chapter 51: Princess Lucia

“Isn't this the weak young master of the Valhalla family?”“Hahaha! I heard he only knows how to waste money... Completely useless.”Another voice, dripping with false pity, chimed in.“Both his sister and brother are Tamers, strong ones at that. While him... the eldest... pathetic!!”The final word, spat out like a curse, hung in the air: “Useless!”In this world, where the bond with powerful Beasts dictated one's standing, where strength was synonymous with the ferocity and strength of your companion.Christopher Valhalla was an anomaly. He found solace not in the thrill of battle or the acquisition of monstrous power, but in the simple, fleeting joys of life. He enjoyed partying, clubs, and women.He offered no retort to the cruel rumors that trailed him like a shadow. Because, truth be told, a knot of fear tightened in his stomach at the mere sight of the majestic, often terrifying, creatures that others commanded.But every life, regardless of its perceived worth, eventually finds its end. For Christopher, it came not in the jaws of a wild Beast, nor in a duel he was ill-equipped for, but in the insidious grip of a rare and incurable sickness.Some days later his flame flickered and he died, leaving behind a void filled with the echoes of scorn.Yet, where one life ended, another began. In the silent stillness of Christopher's vacant shell, a new consciousness stirred. A soul, bearing the weight of unmatched power and a reputation that sent shivers down the spines of even the most formidable Tamers, had arrived.This was the Supreme Tamer, a legend whispered in hushed tones across the world, a force of nature who had inexplicably perished at the hands of betrayal.Given this unexpected second chance, the Supreme Tamer, now inhabiting the frail form of Christopher Valhalla, felt a strange sense of acceptance. He looked upon the unfamiliar yet familiar faces of his new family – the concerned worry etched on their features – and a flicker of something akin to kinship sparked within him.A silent vow formed in his mind, hardening into an unbreakable resolve.The rumors that clung to this body like a shroud would be torn away. And the five Master Tamers who had orchestrated his demise in his previous life… They would learn the true meaning of fear.Their betrayal would be answered, not with petty revenge, but with the full, terrifying might of the Supreme Tamer, reborn. The world was about to discover that “useless” could be the most dangerous disguise of all.

'Nina?'The thought hit me before I even really processed who it was. Nina Shoka from my class. She was just walking along, probably listening to music, totally unaware that this car had lost control and was sliding right toward her.I didn't think about it. Didn't weigh the pros and cons or consider my options. My legs just started moving.I dropped my phone and sprinted toward her. The car was maybe three seconds away from hitting her when I slammed into her side, pushing her as hard as I could toward the sidewalk.She went flying, landing hard on the concrete but definitely out of the car's path.Me? Not so lucky.The impact felt like getting hit by a train. One second I was pushing Nina to safety, the next I was flying through the air. Then I hit the ground and everything went wrong at once.I couldn't move my legs. Couldn't really move much of anything, actually. There was this weird warm feeling spreading across my chest and stomach, and when I tried to breathe, it felt like drowning.'Well, this sucks,' I thought, staring up at the sky. 'Guess that's what I get for being a hero.'My vision started getting all swimmy and weird, but I could make out Nina crawling over to me. She had pulled out her earbuds and there were tears streaming down her face.“Why did you do that?” she kept asking, over and over. “Why would you do that?”I wanted to shrug, but my shoulders weren't really cooperating. It seemed pretty obvious to me - she was in trouble, so I helped. That's what you do, right? Nothing fancy about it.She was talking to me, saying my name a lot. I didn't realize she even knew my name, to be honest. We had been in the same class for like three months and I don't think we had ever actually had a conversation.“Kofi, stay with me, okay?” she was saying. “You're gonna be fine. The ambulance is coming.”

He was a Martial Arts prodigy, a master of using poisons!He descended the mountain to search for his junior sister but unexpectedly became the School Beauty's bodyguard… From then on, a demon-like student was born! He pursued the School Beauty, took down bullies, and was revered as the supreme ruler of the city! He cultivated Ancient Martial Arts, annihilated formidable enemies, and swept across all directions to ascend to the Peak.

Nora is shattered a month before her wedding when she uncovers her fiancé's deceitful affair. As she manages this betrayal, she discovers a deep ploy to hinder her from claiming her rightful inheritance. Devastated but determined, Nora takes a daring step to regain control of her life. Enter Demetri 'The Demon' to those who know him, a formidable man barely known to her, who offers her protection and support in return for a contract marriage to satisfy him. In a twist of fate, Nora marries Demetri to claim her inheritance and fight those who plotted against her. But as she battles her own family and Demetri's many rivals, will she be able to keep from falling for the man known to crush people beneath his booted heel.Excerpt:She had forgotten that the man was intimidating and directly challenged him.Rather than speaking, Demetri rose from his seat and approached her deliberately. Although it was a mere few steps, time seemed to stretch for Nora. When he was almost within touching distance, his hand gently landed on her knee, moving it sideways. His touch moved with a hint of a caress, and he stepped between her open legs. Nora sat there in frozen silence, her eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights.Catching her chin between his fingers, he tilted her face upwards and spoke unhurriedly,“ You are my wife.”She nodded her head slowly in affirmation while his thumb slowly traced her lip. “I have given you time to gather your emotions.”Another nod. Nora's nervousness made her lick her lips, acutely aware of his intense gaze fixed upon them.“Your reason for the marriage was to secure your inheritance and get away from under your mother's thumb.”“Yes...” Nora whispered in confusion. Her confusion was not about his statement but about the bewildering sensations coursing through her. What was happening with her?”It's time for you to fulfil your end of the contract, yes?“ He continued.”Yes,“ Nora whispered breathlessly. Why was she breathless? Had the oxygen level in the house dropped? Was the air suddenly thinning?Abruptly, his hand left her face, and she watched as he drew closer. It was then that Nora comprehended what was unfolding. All those tantalizing, heart-pounding kisses she had read about in novels were about to possibly become her reality.But the anticipated kiss didn't happen. Instead, he paused near her and commanded, ”Kiss me.“