Book One of the Shadowbound Trilogy by Elias Gray Some destinies aren't written in light. They're carved in shadow. Bel never asked to be special. Haunted by mirror dreams and hunted by celestial forces, he's spent his life trying to disappear, to stay quiet, stay safe, and stay far away from the fire burning beneath his skin. But fate has other plans. When a tragic accident forces him to flee with his best friend Jace and the fiercely brilliant Erica, Bel is thrust into a world of ancient rites, forbidden magic, and secrets buried deep within his own bloodline. He doesn't know why the Council wants him, only that their eyes burn with fear... and that his very existence could tip the balance between worlds. As the trio races across cursed forests, crumbling villages, and shattered memories, Bel must confront a truth he was never ready to face: He was never just running from something. He was being called to something greater. Something darker. In a world where shadows hold the truth and light can lie, Bel must decide what kind of monster he's willing to become, to save the people he loves. Shadowbound is a journey of identity, survival, and self-acceptance, the first step into a trilogy where destiny wears a broken face... and hope is found in the dark.

When I first set foot in the Shivering Woods, I was looking for answers - a scientific explanation for the disappearances, the strange rumors, the unnatural cold that seems to seep from the trees. What I found was something far older and far darker than I ever imagined. The forest doesn't just hide secrets; it feeds on them. Time bends. Memories bleed into the bark and the soil. And something watches from the shadows - faceless, patient, and knowing exactly who you are. As the woods close in, whispering in voices meant only for the lost, I had to face a terrifying truth buried beneath the roots. One wrong step, and you become part of the forest itself, trapped where dead leaves don't fall. This is the story of what I saw - and what I barely survived.

✨First Place + Grand Winner of ONC 2025✨ (thank you!) In the wake of her estranged mother's death, Maricel Ferrer returns to her childhood home to confront the dark secrets she left behind. 🪞 Maricel has spent years trying to forget the house she grew up in - the house where her mother's mental health slowly unraveled. But after receiving unexpected news, she has no choice but to return. The old fears should be gone, just like her childhood "imaginary friend" who liked to appear in her reflection. At first, it's easy to dismiss the strange occurrences: a flicker in the glass, a movement that doesn't quite match hers. But then the reflection smiles when she doesn't. Moves when she's still. Whispers things she doesn't want to hear. By the time Maricel realizes the truth - that the thing in the mirror has been waiting for her return - it's too late. Because now, it wants out. And it wants to take her place. ONC 2025 | Exclusively on Wattpad Prompt 55: What if the person you see in the mirror isn't really you, but something that's been watching you this whole time? Prompt 105: Your childhood imaginary friend, who disappeared years ago, suddenly returns - only this time, they're real. © 2025 Darly Jamison. All Rights Reserved. This work is protected under international copyright laws.

Being hopeful that seclusion, nature and a fresh start can bring peace to newly divorced Travis, he begins to live out the next chapter of his life settling into a remote cabin hours from his hometown. A surprise visit from his closest neighbor, Genevieve, seems to be just what he needs to move on. But, Travis isn't the only one on this mountain that wants her and she has a secret she's taking to the grave. In his pursuit of Genevieve, Travis uncovers the mysteries buried in these woods and a love that will haunt him forever. But, his courtship is put on hold when the small town sheriff makes him the number one suspect in a murder investigation. While he's desperately trying to prove his innocence, he has to survive the real killer. Whoever, or whatever, that may be. This is a story of brutality, heartbreak, terror and mystery. It is filled with blood, humor, romance and more. Including a huge, surprise, twist-ending that even the most dedicated horror fans will not see coming.

Heather has lived her entire life believing her mother is crazy. She doesn't believe the stories that were told to her as a child, the stories about men descending from the sky to take her. She rejects the false narratives and tries to help her mother the best she can even if that means constantly moving and preparing for the men to come back. She doesn't envision a life beyond this, never expected to leave her mother until she is forced to in the most unexpected way. When the men from the sky take her instead. *** It was a short debate but enough to push me over the edge. Pher was right. I was making this too difficult. I should just do it. I had been fighting myself on this for too long. I didn't care what he was, I wanted this. I stared at his lips as he spoke, my own tingling in response. "I could show you that if you wanted. Most of the other things you can do are outside of the esta-" I pushed up on my toes and crashed my mouth to his. My actions were unexpected and rushed. I could tell by his reaction. He reared back but not enough to separate us. His hand flashing to my arm to still us and then he froze. I thought for a second, based on his lack of response, I had picked the wrong time. Or maybe he had changed his mind from two days ago. I went to pull away, flushing lightly with embarrassment. I didn't get to disconnect our lips before he unfroze and reacted. His grip tightened, his other one going to my hair to hold my head in place as he kissed me back with more intent than I even had started with. My body flushed for a different reason now.