Heart Over Sword - Chapter 23: Cold Baths

You Liangxing would never open the speech function in game.

The universe is big, and Hayden’s about to invade it. Being drafted into a demon army wasn’t on Hayden’s bucket list. But when his soul is shoved into a human soldier on the eve of a new invasion, it’s not exactly like he can appeal the decision. Surrounding Hayden are demons, excited and ready. For them, the invasion promises a feast of souls and new growth. Their target? Berlis — a sword and sorcery realm straight out of classic fantasy. Hayden’s human status puts him at the bottom of the totem pole, meant to be cannon fodder that soaks up damage and dies first. But as he plunges into the carnage, he’s learning that he was born for the madness. Readers can expect: + Grimdark action and violence + Fighting, lots of it + Multiple worlds and magic systems + Slow burn

“I betrayed the only man who stayed faithful to me, and died by the hand of the father I worshipped.”​Olivia Luceron was the perfect tool. For years, she acted as a spy within her own marriage, feeding her father secrets to dismantle her husband’s power. Her reward? A cold dungeon, a mutilated body, and a walk of shame through the empire’s streets.​Her husband, Duke Matthias, whom she treated with nothing but icy indifference, died protecting her. Her father, whom she gave her soul to, was the one who ordered her torture.​Now, Olivia has returned a year before her death.​The platinum hair she lost is back. The scars on her chest have vanished. And Matthias—the man who kissed her forehead in a dark cell before facing the executioner—is still alive.​She doesn't seek his forgiveness. She doesn't even seek his love. In this life, Olivia has only one goal: to use her position as the Duchess to systematically destroy the Locron family from within.​She will be the “Perfect Wife” this time—a mask of ice to hide a heart of fire.“Dear Father, you taught me how to be a monster. It’s only fair that I show you what I’ve learned.”

(WARNING: MATURE CONTENT AND DARK THEMES AHEAD)“Odessa...” His whisper brought me back to reality, causing me to flutter my eyelids as I brought my gaze back to his eyes. “Focus. Tell me to shove it in.”Argh, what's his fucking problem?We were having some fun and he's suddenly acting like he's all about consent?“Since when do you care about what I think?” I couldn't help but ask, arching an eyebrow.He stared at me for a good few seconds, forcing me to divert my gaze back to his dick.Yup... Still harder than a rock.“I don't.” He suddenly responded, causing me to clench my jaw as I brought my gaze back to his annoyingly attractive silver eyes. “If I wanted to, I'd simply tie you up without saying a thing and then fuck you until the entire pack hears you screaming my name. But...”He paused, his smirk turning into a grin as he brought his mouth to my ear and whispered. “... I want to see you beg for it. I want to see you grovel at my feet, pleading for the sweet release of me fucking you. The mate bond has heightened your sex drive, hon. And I'm the only one capable of taming it.”*****In a modern Earth torn by war between the werewolves and witches, the life of Odessa Pierce, the lowest ranking witch of her coven, is changed forever when her coven surrenders her to the Alpha King of the North American region himself to be his bride as a symbol of a “truce”.However, in a shocking twist, she discovers that she's mated to the ruthless Alpha King and now has to navigate her growing feelings for a man she thought she'd hate, while still trying to survive in a world that's out to eliminate her kind.As ancient prophecies and hidden agendas arise, will she be able to pierce through the dark veil clouding the Alpha King's heart and make him accept her? Or will their relationship ultimately crumble under the brunt of the hidden secrets and revelations that begin sprouting? And what will be her role in this never-ending war? Follow Odessa and Kaelos's story to find out.