Master of Dominion - Chapter 13: Predicament

After being torn from the only life she knew, 16-year-old Margo is forced into a new home with strangers who call themselves her parents. Haunted by memories of her past and consumed by feelings of isolation, she struggles to adapt to her unfamiliar surroundings. School offers little relief—until she meets Lucien, a mysterious boy who appears just when she needs a friend the most.Gabriel is everything Margo needs: kind, attentive, and always ready to whisk her away from her troubles. Each night, he invites her to secret places—an abandoned playground, a fog-choked garden, a crumbling train station at the edge of town—each more unsettling than the last. Yet with every chilling rendezvous, Margo feels more alive... more seen.But something isn’t right. Gabriel never comes to school during the day. Her adoptive parents never see him. And when they catch her talking to thin air, their concern deepens into fear. They say Gabriel isn't real—that he’s a figment of her imagination. Margo wants to believe them, but Gabriel feels real. More real than anything else in her life.As the nights grow colder and more twisted, Gabriel’s true nature begins to surface. Shadows move where they shouldn’t. Time warps in his presence. And the places they visit seem to echo with whispers from another world. Margo is forced to ask herself: Who—or what—is Gabriel? Why does he only want her? And what will happen on the final night he asks her to come with him?As the line between reality and delusion begins to crumble, Margo must make an impossible choice: stay in a world where she feels loved, or return to one that barely feels real.But one thing is certain—some friendships never let go.

In the wake of the first wave of shadow creatures, the world was plunged into ruin, a desolate yet enchanted wasteland. Humanity, driven underground, clung to survival while desperately plotting to reclaim their shattered world.But from the abyss of darkness, something miraculous stirred—a mysterious tree, shimmering with ancient power, appeared overnight. It chose only the strongest of heart, those with unbreakable will, gifting them extraordinary abilities. With these powers, humanity rose from the depths, waging war against the shadows.Yet beneath the surface of their heroic deeds lay a hidden rot. Corruption seeped into their ranks, and arrogance clouded their judgment. As their powers grew, so did the whispers of betrayal. The true battle may not be against the creatures lurking in the shadows—but against the darkness festering within their own hearts.A question lingers: When heroes fall, who will rise to take their place?

After three years of struggling in the big city, Chu Zhishui finally managed to save enough money to buy a home. However, she discovered that she was the only human in her new workplace?Chu Zhishui: Are even supernatural creatures seeking stable jobs with iron rice bowls now?–In the office, Chu Zhishui gradually adapted to working at the supernatural bureau. Despite her diligence and dedication, she couldn’t escape the gossip and social niceties of a small town, facing the enthusiastic attention of the matchmaking department head.Supernatural Department Head: “Little Chu, you’re doing so well at work. Have you considered settling down and starting a family? Let me set you up with someone. Do you have any requirements?”Chu Zhishui silently recited the mantra of singlehood in her mind, but not wanting to dampen the mood, she decided to be deliberately demanding: “I don’t ask for much in a partner. Just someone good-looking, filial to my parents, capable of doing housework, and able to earn money to support the family…”The supernatural department head replied readily: “Great, I’ll find someone for you!”Chu Zhishui steeled herself and added with gritted teeth: “…and they must be able to bear children!”Just as she thought the department head would give up, the other party had a sudden realization: “The one in your office can bear children! Why don’t you just admit you like him?”Chu Zhishui: ???–Chu Zhishui: I thought I could slack off at my job in the supernatural bureau, but it turns out that was just wishful thinking.

One night of spring breeze, stirring the white window screen fluttering in the air.Only a nightstand lamp is on in the room.The light is a soft, dim yellow.......