----- Lucy hoped to find herself. She gets a job in Italy and she moved halfway across the globe, away from her friends and families. All her dreams of being successful came in picture when she meets a young business owner. Austin seemed like a good guy but she didn't see the monster that hides inside him. And the deeper she gets into Austin's life, the more she begins to lose the picture of herself. *WARNING* Sexual content

In the world of Ardor, in the realm of Otana Ma, where ancient magic flows through the veins of noble houses, young Utahis Aayu steps into the hallowed halls of the Utalan War Academy. Determined to uphold his family's legendary name, he faces grueling trials that will push him to his limits and beyond. As Utahis hones his skills in combat and sorcery, he forges unbreakable bonds with fellow students Leisan, Kaiden, and Zalish. But the Academy holds more than just lessons in warfare; dark secrets lurk in its shadows, whisperings of a curse that has haunted House Aayu for generations. When tragedy, begetting treachery strikes at the heart of his family, Utahis finds himself thrust into a world of political intrigue and ancient magic far beyond his years. With his homeland under siege and a malevolent force awakening within him, he must draw upon everything he's learned to save not just his loved ones, but the very legacy of House Aayu. In this epic tale of coming-of-age amidst chaos, Utahis will discover that the greatest battles are not always fought on the field, but in the depths of one's own soul. As the ashes of the old world fall around him, can he rise to become the leader his house needs, or will he be consumed by the very power he seeks to control? "Ashes" is the first installment in the gripping "Last Aayu" series, blending high fantasy with political intrigue and personal growth in a world where duty and destiny collide. ____________________________________________________________________________ This is a completed first draft. Kindly let me know if you see any inconsistencies, errors, or issues.