The Villains Must Win - Chapter 187: (18+) Lyander Wolfhart 37

I have given up power that can make the strongest of men tremble. I bore scars very few can imagine; loved women, very few had the gall to talk; and tread paths with chaosfiends.

“And I'm still standing.”

- - -

Gale was summoned into a mysterious world of magic and monsters for no particular reason. Thrown into squabbles of beings vastly higher than him, Gale strived to make a place for himself in the vain dream of immortality and a better world.

That was six years ago.

Beaten and battered from years of brutal war, Gale finally had enough and resolved to start over a new peaceful life in a totally unremarkable town with his trustworthy companion, Vale. Give up the weapon of slaughter and take up a hoe? That seemed like a fine deal to him.

Unfortunately, the valley wasn't as unremarkable as he thought it to be. Dictatorial governing bodies, suspicious practitioners, an exceedingly unwelcoming guest, and a secret that would change the entire world, all impeded his peaceful life. Gale will need all his mental stability to keep his temper in check, lest he brutalises his way out of trouble. Again.

A conversation with a handsome stranger leaves Ariane chained in a cellar with a strange affliction. She soon discovers that the darkness of the nineteenth century’s Deep South hides many dangers. Mages, wolf shifters and the humans who hunt them play a risky game where to stumble is to die, all under the amused gaze of the apex predators of the supernatural world: vampires.

It is never healthy to attract the gaze of the aristocracy of the night. It takes much to survive in this merciless world, but Ariane will not let that deter her. The southern belle has a bite, and she is willing to learn and to grow in this hostile new world. She will use whatever means necessary to reclaim her freedom, be it guile, charm, or those intriguing new instincts that make blood so delectable.

This is a story of vampires as I believe they should be, with their strengths and weaknesses, with their remnants of humanity and the beast inside. Updates every Friday. Mind the tags.

Cover by Antti Hakosaari: https://www.artstation.com/haco

Special thanks to Svensonsen for getting me started, as well as Omi Nya, Hesketh, Rhaegar, Yaksher, Selkie and Raven for proofreading my stuff. Thanks to my patrons and you dear readers, for the support. I could not do it without you.

Journey is on Amazon, both in ebooks and audio. here is a link to the first one:

https://www.royalroad.com/amazon/B08DK6G8Y8

The story probably exists in your local marketplace as well of I can tempt you.

Takahiro Nao, a 25-year-old drowning in debt and despair, lives only for his struggling family. Every sacrifice he makes is for them—until a selfless act costs him his life. Instead of the end, Nao encounters a Goddess of Benevolence who offers him a miraculous deal: “Live in a new world, and your efforts there will support your family back on Earth.”Reborn into the dead body of Naoki von Blackmore, the so-called “Failed Hero,” he finds himself burdened with the daunting task of saving the world by defeating the Demon King—all while supporting the family he cherishes. Armed with formidable powers yet haunted by his past failures, Nao steps into a dangerous realm of swords, magic, and ferocious monsters. Facing relentless enemies, harrowing trials of life and death, and an unyielding fate, he’s forced to confront the ultimate question: how far is he willing to go to protect the people he loves?Filled with emotional struggles, determination, unexpected humor, and a touch of romance, this story asks a powerful question to the readers: What would you sacrifice for the people you love?

Sang Qianqian, the eldest daughter of the Sang family, was eighteen when she fell in love with Shen Hanyu at first sight.”I love you, Shen Hanyu.” “But I don’t,” Shen Hanyu replied ruthlessly, his every word determined. “Not now, not ever.”

Furious, the wealthy daughter planned her revenge against Shen Hanyu but somehow discovered that he would eventually become a cold-blooded, tyrannical big-shot who would destroy her family! Her spite towards him skyrocketed, but after she left, he missed Sang Qianqian like crazy, who was now leading a carefree life after moving far away and faking her death. Suddenly, she heard the news that Shen Hanyu, now a magnate and seemingly crazier, had her grave exhumed and was now on the search for her. Alarmed, she quickly packed up her things to go on the run again… only to find the man himself standing outside her door, breathing through gritted teeth, “Running again? Go for it.”Knowing that escape was futile, Sang Qianqian changed her approach and tried to charm her way out of the dangerous situation, only to fail and end up submitting herself.***

Years later, realizing she had been tricked, Sang Qianqiang threw the divorce papers in front of Shen Hanyu. “I want a divorce!”Shen Qianyu simply pulled her into his arms and leaned in for a kiss. Pulling away after a long while, he asked hoarsely, “Still want a divorce?”Left dazed by the kiss, Song Qianqian mumbled, “N-No…” “Then call me darling.” “D-Darling…”Shen Hanyu nodded in satisfaction. “Good girl.”