Shop of the Dead: Shattered Souls - Chapter 8: Fire and Grief

Time is an illusion, and reality is a fragile thread in Kael's fractured world.Kael's life is defined by darkness, memories that flicker in and out like glitching shadows. Struggling with haunting nightmares and terrifying hallucinations, he finds himself trapped in a reality that doesn’t make sense—a reality where time is breaking, and nothing is as it seems.When a mysterious red notebook, filled with cryptic symbols, falls into his hands, it opens a gateway to a world where the laws of time no longer apply. Every hour, every minute, every second twists and warps, and Kael begins to realize that something—or someone—is manipulating time itself, pushing him to the edge of his sanity.But he's not alone. A girl, whose existence is as twisted as the world around them, seems to be connected to his suffering. Kael's bond with her grows as they both search for the truth behind their disturbing experiences, yet the more they uncover, the deeper they fall into an abyss of despair and madness.The Pulse, an unfathomable force that distorts time and reality, pulses through their very existence. As Kael inches closer to the truth, he faces a devastating choice—one that could either save them or shatter everything they hold dear.Time is collapsing, the Pulse is awakening, and Kael must confront the horrors lurking in the fractured timeline before it consumes them all.

I was sixteen when the gods abandoned me.The Blessing Ritual was supposed to grant me power, a divine gift to carve my future. Instead, I received nothing. No abilities. No hope. Just another nameless soul left to rot in a world ruled by strength.Fine. If the gods wouldn’t bless me, I’d make my own power.For ten years, I clawed my way forward, experimenting with forces no human should touch. I pushed too far—and it killed me.Then I woke up.Sixteen again. Back at the Ritual. But this time, something changed.Time bends at my will. Blood moves when I command it.The gods still won’t acknowledge me, but it doesn’t matter. This world isn’t fair, and I’ve stopped playing by its rules. Faith and Chaos clash in my veins, and I will use them both.They wanted a Chosen Hero, someone to dance to their tune.Well, too bad for them—I’ll carve my own fate.

[WARNING: MATURE CONTENT 18+. Contains Netori, No rape. No Yuri]

Perfect. That’s what people call Princess Elysia. Blessed with rare red fire magic and trained by the best, she’s the shining jewel of the kingdom of Arvandor. But perfection has a price. When the ruthless Demon Queen Malvoria sets her sights on Elysia, all hell breaks loose—literally.As Malvoria’s army lays waste to Arvandor, Elysia’s life is shattered. Her beloved father, the king, is slain, and her once-peaceful home becomes a battlefield. Forced to flee with her girlfriend, Zera—the fierce daughter of her magic teacher—and her mentor, Lady Seraphina, Elysia’s journey of survival begins.But Malvoria wants more than just a kingdom. She wants Elysia, and nothing will stand in her way. As Elysia’s hidden powers awaken, an unexpected and dangerous attraction sparks between her and the demon queen.