By what right do the talented answer the call to greatness?
Talent is latent; skill is practiced. Thus, we are born into our strength, and we need but find it. Many, however, find their strength in the many contracts offered by Astral and Hellish beings seeking to Sponsor a human. Just as humans need talent to ascend in society, so, too, do demons need the souls of the talented to become legitimized in Hell.
Alicia of Redwater, fearing the fall from grace into poverty, takes extreme measures to maintain her way of life, even dreaming of greater heights. To do it, she needs a soul -- a powerful soul, one she must mold and refine, herself.
Killian is a fencer residing in a small town, dueling with other local swordsmen in a labor to earn a sponsor which will take him beyond the reaches of his dull birthplace. Expecting money, fame, and glory, he trains and trains and trains, waiting for the day he can catch the world's attention and go national. Little did he know, however, his sponsorship came in the form of a temptress with dubious benevolence and a thousand secrets.
In a world where darkness and light entwine, Josephine's Journey begins. With each step, she enravels secrects, confronts her destiny, and confronts the true meaning of beauty, power and the darkness that lies within. Dive into the a tale of self-discovery, magic and the unlickiest of loves.
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As I stood beside Rigel in the moonlit garden, I felt the air thicken with tension. His gaze burned into mine, and I sensed the struggle within him to maintain control.
His eyes, like dark pools, drew me in, and I felt myself drowning in their depths.
My breath caught as his gaze lingered on my face, and I knew he was fighting the urge to reach for me. My own desire rose to meet his, and for a moment, we simply stood there, our hearts pounding in unison. Then, with a visible effort, he tore his eyes away, his voice low and husky as he spoke.
"We should go inside."
The words were a thin veil over the raw passion that threatened to consume us both. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized how close we were to surrendering to our desires.