"You either play by the rules, or you die." Grace Ridley's main purpose in life is soccer. She plays on the field like her life depends on it, but what happens when her life literally hangs in the balance? A threatening note is left outside her dorm. She feels someone watching her during soccer practices. Soon she learns she has to choose between playing by the rules or playing with integrity. Appleton Hall, the prestigious university in Boston, is the place where every soccer protégé, competitive academic, or rich kid of private billionaires wants to be. But danger and secrets are hiding within the beautifully haunting Appleton Hall. _________________________________ UPDATES ON THE 1ST and 3RD FRIDAYS OF THE MONTH. Add to your library and keep reading if you enjoy: ✨️short thrilling chapters🤯😏 ✨️dangerous secret societies🤐💣 ✨️a sweet romantic subplot💋💌❤️‍🔥 ✨️a fierce, strong female lead🌟⚡️🔥⚽️ DISCLAIMER: This is an unedited first draft. I am sharing this so I keep writing forward instead of getting stuck with perfectionism. I want to build this story with community to hear what's working and what needs strengthening. You are my beta readers, enthusiastic fans, and constructive critics who get to witness the good, the bad, and the ugly of writing a story I absolutely love! I'm so excited to go on this journey with you! Trigger Warnings: Violence: mild thriller violence, blackmail, murder/threats/fear. Romance: kissing, handholding, flirting, longing, and attraction - nothing explicit. Language: No explicit language Age: 15+ _________________________________ Rankings: #1 in #unedited (8/22/26) #1 in #firstdraft (8/22/26) #4 in #sportsfiction (8/22/26) #5 in #secretsocieties (8/22/26) #8 in #cleanromance (8/22/26)

In a world divided by seven powerful clans, centuries of hatred have kept the people trapped in an endless cycle of conflict. When Kai is chosen to reunite the clans and bring peace to the world, he quickly learns that fate has other plans for him. As war, betrayal, and hidden forces begin moving in the shadows, Kai is forced down a path filled with pain, sacrifice, and loss. Yet through every hardship, a mysterious voice continues to whisper: "One world. One people. One law."

A fish cannot live without water. But water can exist without fish.