"Ah Grayson," He drawled as he extended an arm with sharp claws to lean against the tree, "you finally stopped ignoring me. Do you know what this means?" The demon's smile only seemed to get wider, the eyes following suit. In a blink of an eye he was in front of Grayson, grabbing his throat. He brought Grayson's ear closer to its mouth, the smell of sulfur filled his nose making him cough and struggle against the demon's grip. "Your true self is finally coming alive." The demon's teeth clicked as he spoke. "This is going to be so much fun." Grayson is a troubled soldier who cannot remember anything about his past beyond the war. Eleanor is his wife who has kept her illness a secret, and will continue to until the day she dies. When Eleanor disappears, Grayson goes on a quest to find her, trying to find any kind of clue to point him in the right direction. But the deeper he dives into his search, the stranger things become. A new realm, suppressed memories, odd companions, and an old acquaintance that lives within him, all will either eat away at his sanity or have him become something darker. Something sinister. Something evil. **TRIGGER WARNING** This story will have rape, attempted rape, torture, and violence. May not be suitable for some readers.

In a world where innocence is shattered, in the darkest corners of her young life, a twelve-year-old girl named Penelope Reed endures a heart-wrenching journey of abuse inflicted by those closest to her. Trapped within her own home, she faces unimaginable challenges and trauma as she navigates a toxic relationship with her controlling mother. With her new homeschool teacher and her mother unleashing cruelty upon her fragile spirit, and her alcoholic father casting shadows of despair, she is trapped in a suffocating existence and a broken home. This moving story will transport you to a world where hope, love, and courage flicker like a fragile flame, urging you to witness a child's fearless spirit, as Penelope battles against the odds, seeking peace amidst the chaos. --- Started: June 5, 2023 Status: Under Revision --- #1 in family dysfunction (17/7/2023) (8/6/2024) (28/3/2025) #1 in emotional journey (20/7/2023) --- This story is intended for mature audiences aged 18 and older. It delves into dark and sensitive themes, including: - Domestic violence - Child abuse - Self-harm - Sexual assault - Substance abuse - Alcoholism - Mental illness - Suicide attempts These topics are integral to the narrative and may be disturbing or triggering for some readers. Please proceed with caution, especially if you have experienced similar trauma. Reader discretion is strongly advised.