Aria has always been in love with Rehansh secretly, even when their relationship has merely been friendship in his eyes. So, when she receives an invitation to his wedding, she can't pretend that it doesn't almost kill her to return to her hometown to attend it. But fate, it seems, has other plans. In a twist of cosmic cruelty, Aria met with an accident on the day of Rehansh's wedding falling into the depths of darkness. Yet, Aria wakes up to find herself in a world that defies all logic - a perfect replica of her own, down to the last detail. Is this a cruel trick of fate, or a second chance to live the life she has always yearned for? The cost, however, is a heavy one: to embrace this new reality, she must sever all ties to her former existence, never to return. *** This story is part of ONC2025. Prompt #15: A mysterious tea shop suddenly appears, and you can't help but wonder: what's its true purpose, and why does it seem so important? Prompt #54: One part of the galaxy claims that you and your soulmate aren't compatible, but another part says you're perfect for each other. Which will you believe? *** Disclaimer: This story is exclusively published on Wattpad. If you see it somewhere else, please do inform me.

Set in a charming, rural Japanese village, Hana and The Dragon follows Hana, a curious and spirited young girl living a peaceful life surrounded by familial warmth and deep culture. As her village prepares for the annual summer festival, Hana becomes fascinated by local legends about a mysterious dragon rumored to dwell in the nearby Shimizu-gawa river, a guardian figure who hasn't been seen for many years. Driven by her curiosity, Hana uncovers subtle yet puzzling clues suggesting that the dragon might soon return. Unusual occurrences in nature further heighten her suspicions, signaling significant changes in the mortal and supernatural worlds. Determined to unravel the mystery, Hana embarks on an adventurous journey into the heart of her village's history. Along the way, she learns of deep connections linking her family and her community, to the legendary dragon itself. With a thoughtful blend of fantasy, Japanese local folk religion, Japanese Chūbu region cultural traditions, and coming-of-age themes, Hana and The Dragon beautifully captures the essence of family bonds, the importance of bravery, and the richness of cultural legacy through the eyes of an adventurous young protagonist.

~ONC 2024 Honourable Mention~ ~~~ Alaric, the King of Silmarea, recently married to his beloved husband, needs an heir of his own blood to secure the throne. With the help of Emrys, his court magician and best friend, he recalls his youthful escapades and discovers a daughter he once had with a woman he had loved in The World Beyond The Stones (our world). He sends an unlikely but trusted trio on a quest to find her and bring her home-- a brooding dragon shifter and Highlander who owes him a favor, a dashing elf whom he loves like the son he never had, and a loyal, kindhearted dwarf, the elf's best friend. Alaric, the last scion of the old gods, weary of ruling the country and ready to retire and enjoy his love life, doesn't know that this quest will bring much more than he ever bargained for, setting in motion events plotted by the destiny that will challenge his kingdom and legacy. ~~~ Cover: My own picture.

In a single Mumbai apartment building, lives intertwine in unexpected ways - 💌 A shy chef and a bubbly baker discovering first love after heartbreak. 💍 Newlyweds who were strangers yesterday, now learning what marriage truly means. 💔 A lawyer and a surgeon fighting to save their fading bond before divorce tears them apart. 🌹 An elderly couple proving that forever love still exists. 🌌 And a silent neighbour carrying the shadow of a love lost too soon. Through laughter, festivals, quarrels, and midnight confessions, they all learn that love changes with time... but it never truly fades.

Would it make any difference? If we knew that it was the last time we would see each other again?