The Absolute: Humanity's Second Chance - Chapter 8 Superhuman Strength

Edmund Oakforest is expelled from his family after having a relationship with the king's daughter, who was already engaged to the navy commander. To avoid his execution, he is exiled to the unknown with 10 ships and 100 elite soldiers from the oakforest family, with other workers included. After days of travel, he finds himself in an unknown archipelago. Follow Edmund on his great explorations and the rise of a new empire.

Elia is a poor university student until the night she’s taken to the world of the Anima—ruled by humans whose ancient hearts pulse with the blood of animals. There she’s forced into a battle to the death. But when Elia survives, and refuses to kill her final opponent, the King must either kill Elia himself, or take her as his mate.

Reth, the brutal King of the Beasts with the blood of lions, shocks everyone when he chooses the weak, human Elia to become his Queen. He promises her every comfort of his wealth and position—but he is clear: She will not warm his bed. He chose her to defeat those that were trying to corner him into blending his Leonine line with the Wolves.

Elia needs the help of the Anima to become stronger and rule them well. But the vengeful Wolves see only a weak human that brought them shame. As Elia and Reth grow closer, the wolves are determined to destroy her. Will Reth and Elia admit their feelings for each in time to fight for the Kingdom—and their lives—against the villainous wolf-tribe? Or will the wolves kill Elia and steal the throne?

[Mature content - no sexual violence]

*****

He stalked towards her, chin low so the shadow cast by his hard jaw cut across the thick fur collar of his vest. His hair had fallen over his eyes in the scuffle, so he peered at her through it like a lion in the grass. With each step, his graceful, rolling gait reminded her of a predator stalking its prey. Despite the forest floor littered in twigs and leaves, he didn’t make a sound.

“Wh-who are you?” Elia stammered, backing away, her hands up. He met her step for step until she came up hard against the tree behind her—and didn’t stop until he loomed over her, so broad his shoulders and chest made a wall in front of her. She could feel the heat rising off his skin in the cool, night air.

“I am the Leonine King.” His voice was a dark, husky gravel. Behind him a chorus of wheezes, howls, and chirps of agreement rose from the people watching. “And you are?”

“Elia,” she breathed.

“Elia,” he growled, leaning in closer, bringing with him the scent of pine and rain and the musk of something distinctly male. “I am Reth.” He said the name with a strange, guttural roll in his throat. “I am King of Beasts. I am Clan Leader, and I am Alpha of WildWood.” Several snarls rose from the crowds behind him then, but he ignored them.

Elia swallowed as he leaned in until the scruff on his jaw rasped her cheek. “I am the King,” he said, “And you will be my mate.”

The forest behind him erupted.

“First, a hidden marriage.”“Second, the marriage period is one year.”“Third, you are not allowed to have any feelings for me!”These were his three stipulations to her at the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau.She readily agreed and adhered to them one by one.But a year later, is the man holding onto her tightly and refusing to let go still the same cold person from a year ago?“Could you let go, please? Our one-year term is up.”“Wife, the contract you signed is indefinite!”

It is said that the second daughter of the Yu Family is an Unlucky Star who only appears once in ten years, born with a lowly status and astonishing stupidity.Everyone mocks and bullies her, avoiding her like the plague, except for Master Shi, the famously aloof and distant ice sculpture of the Imperial City, who believes he has found a treasure.The first time Yu Zhi met Shi Wei, she thought he was a cold and abstinent CEO.After spending more time with him, she realized he was actually a paranoid, cunning, possessive, and childish scoundrel.One day, while they were watching an idol drama together, Shi Wei suddenly asked, “Why have you never cried for me?”Yu Zhi replied, “My tear glands aren't very active.”Shi Wei said, “Really?”Later, every night when Yu Zhi was bullied into crying, he would whisper eerily yet contentedly into her ear, “Zhizhi cried for me, I'm so happy.”