Gilded Ashes: When Shadows Reign - Chapter 317: Harmony And Dissonance

In a world torn apart by rifts that release dangerous monsters, Espers—humans imbued with powerful abilities—serve as humanity's last line of defense. But the power of an Esper comes with a price. Overuse of their abilities leads to dangerous corruption, a force that can destroy them from the inside out. This is where Guides come in: individuals with the unique ability to calm the corruption within Espers and restore their balance.Rowan Mercer, an S-class Guide, is one of the best in his field, capable of stabilizing even the most dangerous Espers. He has worked quietly behind the scenes, helping those in need, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he is called to work with Lucian Vaughn, an S-class Esper whose immense power and unstable corruption levels make him a dangerous threat to himself and others.Lucian, a tall, stoic, and enigmatic figure, has long fought against the growing corruption within him. At first, his relationship with Rowan is purely professional—Rowan as his Guide, helping him to stay in control. However, as their interactions grow more frequent, their bond deepens in ways neither expected. What started as a simple duty soon turns into a complex relationship where power, trust, and vulnerability collide.As the world around them faces escalating threats from rifts, Rowan and Lucian must navigate not only their personal challenges but also the dangerous world of Espers and Guides. Their bond will be tested as they fight together against the corrupting forces that threaten them both.In Corrupted Bonds, survival isn’t just about battling monsters from the rifts—it's about fighting the darkness within themselves and finding a way to stay connected in a world that’s constantly pulling them apart.

Revenge is the only thing she wants after knowing the truth.

-I could hurt them. I could kill them all, but not you. If it were up to me, you'd never see a drop of your own blood again.–***Destiny is an unpredictable force that no one can control.This is especially true for Tyler, a homeless omega who lives in shelters and works odd jobs to get by.When a rogue Alpha attempts to kill him, Tyler's life takes a turn for the worse.However, things get even more complicated when Sasha, an Alpha, and powerful figure in the mafia, takes an interest in him.Despite Tyler's reservations, he is forced into an arrangement with Sasha, and over time his initial distrust begins to fade.But their relationship is tested when the rogue Alpha reappears, revealing secrets that threaten to tear them apart.Caught in the middle, Tyler and Sasha must choose between confronting the demons of their past or risking everything they've built together.

Ashton is an Alpha who hides who he is due to the fear of being feared, and Caleb is an omega who hides his identity since he hates the way omegas are mistreated. Both of them gave up on the thought of ever having a relationship, even if they find their fated mates.

What happens when these two meet and their biggest secrets unfold. Will this bring them closer? Can they fight their feelings despite not wanting to?

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“The way spoke in front of them, you almost had me convinced that you liked me”, Ashton snorted.

“I do”. Caleb confessed.

With widened eyes, Ashton struggled to ask, “Is this… another one of you jokes”?

“No. I really like you. I have liked you for a long time”. He said, biting his lips, awaiting the rejection.

“I thought you hate Alphas”. Ashton wondered.

“Not you”. Caleb declared.