She wants to die. He wants to live. Will a Christmas miracle bring them to the same middle ground?

Two Lives. A Thousand Lies. Nina left behind the shores of Carmel and the chaos of Los Angeles to chase the New York dream. Now, she lives divided between two worlds that couldn't be further apart. On one side is the whirlwind of high-profile Manhattan: she works for a prestigious agency managing the image of world-famous supermodel Sienna Fox-a reality defined by celebrities, glamour, and breathtaking luxury. On the other side is her "real" life: her lifelong friends and her boyfriend, all recent graduates struggling every day to find their place in the world. For six years, Nina has tried to keep these two universes separate, convinced she could belong to both without ever betraying herself. But balance is a fragile illusion. When the crystal kingdom of her career begins to shatter, her two worlds enter a collision course, dragging her into a vortex of secrets and poor choices. Between the blinding lights of Manhattan and the shadows of desires she never knew she had, Nina will lose her way. Trapped in a system that knows no mercy, she will discover that the line between loyalty and betrayal is as thin as a silk thread. And once it snaps, nothing will ever be the same. Because in New York, the truth is the only luxury no one can afford.

In the realm of Aegia, everyone has one chance to rise. With it comes the risk of being bound forever. Upon nearing adulthood, citizens of Aegia can choose to enroll in one of the 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 at the Academy, 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. The Rite of Ascension 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

It started with a cigarette she shouldn't have lit and a girl she shouldn't have looked at twice. One drag, one glance, and suddenly her whole life unraveled like smoke in a red room. Riley is the type of girl your mother warns you about: soft voice, sharp smile, danger disguised as something gentle. Morgan knows she should walk away, but every time Riley leans in, the world tilts and her pulse betrays her. Their chemistry isn't cute; it's volcanic. Addictive. The kind of spark that turns steady hearts reckless. What begins as one stolen kiss becomes a habit Morgan can't kick. Late-night meetups. Shared lighters. Secrets whispered too close. Two girls tangled in something that feels like love, tastes like trouble, and burns just sweet enough to crave again. Some addictions start small. This one starts with a kiss.

He left Hollow Creek chasing the spotlight. She stayed-and survived the dark. When Nathan West, a rising Hollywood star, returns to his small Pennsylvania hometown just days after Christmas, everyone assumes he's home for the holidays. No one knows the truth: fame cost him everything he loved. Hannah Collins never planned to see him again. Now twenty-six, living with her parents, and raising her one-year-old daughter, she's rebuilding a life shattered by a past no one knows about. Not the town. Not her friends. And definitely not the boy who once promised her forever. As snow falls and old memories resurface, Nathan is forced to face the life he missed-and the woman who became stronger without him. But some wounds run deeper than regret, and love doesn't erase the scars of survival. © 2025 V. Noire. All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction created by the author. Please don't copy, repost without my permission.

Rex Nelson tries to start a new life after his parents died. Just when he thought his life was good enough, he saw someone sleeping on his bed. #WITWContest

A really popular actress career turns upside down when her hair starts falling. [Weekly Update]