Ashley is basically the Queen of Nerds at her stereo-type filled high school, and being abused at home doesn't really help. But what happens when the most popular boy at school sees her bruises? ______________ "Here let me help." It was Jason. He was in the girls bathroom, the girls bathroom. "That's ok." I mumbled turning away. The bruise was starting to show. "No I insist." He grabbed my arm and turned me around. I winced and looked up at him. He started to dab like I was doing, then he started to rub. He stared at my arm intently. "Is that a bruise?" He asked looking at me then the bruise and back and forth. "Yeah, I, um fell off my um...bike! Yeah my bike!" I said. He rolled his eyes and let go of my arm. "Well whatever just get that checked out." He said smiling. "Why do you care?" I asked. "Because I'm trying to be nice," Then he mumbled, "It's not like you have friends anyway." "Hey! That's not nice." I said furrowing my eyebrows. He held up his hands in a no offense motion. "I'm just saying you could use some friends." He said. -------------- Cover by @QueenCourtneyLynn

Celeste is the daughter of the Citizen Principia, but when she stumbles upon a conspiracy and is kidnapped by rebels, the future of Verium rests in her hands. ***** Celeste Navarie is the sixteen-year-old daughter of the Citizen Principia, which means she lives a life of privilege in a dystopian world that allows no personal freedom. Celeste dreams of adventure and smuggles herself beyond the walls regularly, to purchase books and documents from the outside world. During her journeys, she uncovers a conspiracy: members of the palace staff are part of the rebellion, and she finds evidence her father is a murderous tyrant. Not sure who to trust, Celeste is kidnapped and has no way to escape. The future of Verium rests on Celeste's shoulders, and if she makes a mistake it will doom not just her, but everyone. [[word count: 50,000-60,000 words]]