[Book 1 - Completed ✔] She escaped a house of cruelty and silence only to seek refuge in the tower of a man the world calls a monster. The Ridley girl cannot speak. Her past is a secret written in scars. When she escapes her father's estate, she expects death... not the cold mercy of Archmage Evior Asmodeus Malficar. The Archmage is powerful, reclusive, and feared throughout the land. His name alone keeps kingdoms trembling. But within the wards of his ancient tower, nothing is as it seems... least of all him. As strange magic stirs in the air and light itself begins to answer her presence, she must decide whether her silence will protect her... or destroy them both. #1 in magic out of 297K stories on Nov 11, 2025!!! #1 in mage #1 in archmage #1 in magicalworld #1 in chosenone #1 in fantasyromance

It all began with a lullaby. Something ancient answered, awakening a monstrous shadow that could either save the world... or destroy it. Years after fleeing her shattered past, a young huntress named Lily Holloway returns to her hometown seeking only peace and her mother's memory. But when she reunites with her childhood friend; the one person who can calm the darkness within her, Lily dares to dream of a normal life. With new friends and a found family in the guild, she finally begins to taste a fragile sense of home. Until the powerful king who once destroyed her life returns, determined to drag her back into the nightmare. Now, Lily must choose: Protect the people she cherishes... or embrace the terrifying destiny she was born to fulfill. Note to Readers: I only published my work on Royal Road, Wattpad, and AO3. If you find this story on any other platform, it is an unauthorized pirate copy. Please kindly report it to help keep my writing safe. Thank you! © 2025-2026 HobbyistRelapser