Rise...or be bound forever. Upon nearing adulthood, citizens of Aegia face the choice to risk it all. For some, it's all about the glory, and living up to their family name. For others, it's an offer of security, of knowing where their next meal is coming from. And so they make the choice to enroll in one of several Academies, where they are taught the ancient texts, the history of the realm, and the sacred runes handed down by the gods themselves. At the end of their time there, they face a series of tests to be sorted into two castes: 𝗔𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀, the elite rulers, advance to the top positions in their field, deciding what is built, what is destroyed, where taxes go...and who lives and dies. And 𝘀𝘆𝗹𝗿𝗮, the servants bound by magic to their Aelaris. Seen as little more than an appendage and status symbol, they spend their days following their Aelaris and living for their demands, completely devoted and content in their role. The bond is considered sacred. It prevents the Aelaris from ever harming their sylra while ensuring the sylra is happy to serve. It is the Rite of Ascension that determines who belongs where, a process that measures worth and potential, through the power of the gods. Rian Argon-son has always believed he was destined to join the ranks of the Aelaris, working tirelessly to prove himself worthy. Meanwhile his nemesis Ileana, born into wealth and privilege, has always seen herself as a true heir to power. Their rivalry has simmered in all their time at the Academy, and now the final testing is upon them. They may be both top of their class, but ultimately the Rite of Ascension will decide everything. Both have prepared. Neither are ready. Cover by @Merlyn_Fereira

【Gilbert Cocteau, you were the greatest flower to ever bloom in my life. In the faraway dreams of youth, you were a bright red flame, blazing so fiercely... You were the wind that stirred my branches. Can you hear the Poem of the Wind and Trees? Can you hear the tumult of our youth? Ooh there must be others who so remember their own days of youth.】

When 26 year old Hazel's boss is replaced by Mr. Jackson, the two bond over similar struggles. The two form a budding romance but poor Hazel's head threatens to spin clean off of her shoulders when the situation becomes much more complex than she could ever imagine.

[𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗗]☕︎ ♔︎#1 in Mafialove [3 Feb 23] ♔︎#1 in Newadult [2 June 23] ♔︎#1 in Affection [15 Sep. 22] ♔︎#2 in Eroticromance [16 April 23] ♔︎#3 in Mafiaboss [28 May 23] ♔︎#20 in Power [1 July 23] DAVIDE was arrogant, the worst nightmare, short-tempered, and a #Crave for Love Devil 🖤 with an attractive, and majestic face. Also, he was a Man of honour, a man of respect, a man of loyalty, mostly a man of family, and a romantic man with dark brown eyes filled with desires. DAVINA was an elegant, stubborn, and sarcastic woman. Also, she was a woman with a beautiful face, a kind heart, her dad's treasure, and a #familyislove🤍 woman with her deep brown eyes finds true love with the prettiest heart hanging on her sleeve. •°•°• ✎Preview✎ •°•°• I smirked as I began to slowly slide the rifle from his stomach to his hardness. He briefly turned away from me to gaze down, and then he sharply exhaled while turning to face me again. He is facing straight in front of me as I watch him bend. I unintentionally licked my own lips while catching a glimpse of his rough, pink lips. ❝You don't want children's later on, do you?❞ As I asked, I this time turned off the gun's safety. He has both of my hands behind me in a flash. He nuzzled his nose into my neck while holding it tightly with one hand and grasping my hair with the other, making me gaze up at him. ❝Would you like to be the mother of my children?❞ My horrified gaze was drawn to his when he said that. _ 💕 ꧁❤︎𝑨 𝑴𝒂𝒇𝒊𝒂 𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆❤︎꧂ 💕 _ ✔︎✴[Some extra] 𝗪𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀✴✔︎ #1 | Fondness [20/9/22] #1 | Warmness [29/9/22] #1 | Tenderness [29/9/22] #1 | Heartwarming [29/9/22] #1 | Damaged [29/9/22] •Finished on - 26th Jan 23•