In a universe where steam-powered ships sail the stars, a young mechanic named Jasper LaBrant joins the crew of the HMS Protea, hoping to find his place among the cosmos. There, he meets Thaddeus Beaufort, the vessel's blind chief engineer, whose brilliance is matched only by his biting wit and closely guarded heart.
Thaddeus's brilliant mind is often overshadowed by his ethereal beauty—a beauty that seems to captivate and ensnare the heart of anyone who crosses his path, whether he wills it or not.
As Jasper and Thaddeus navigate the complexities of their growing connection, an attack by the notorious pirate Captain Silas Vex tears them apart. With Thaddeus taken captive and the Protea crippled, Jasper must embark on a desperate rescue mission with the aid of an unlikely ally.
On a distant, alien world, Thaddeus finds himself ensnared in a web of ritual and politics, facing an obsessive prince determined to possess him body and soul. To survive, he'll need to rely on his unparalleled intellect, his knowledge of forbidden xenobotany, and the very allure he's always seen as a curse. Above all else, Thaddeus must hold fast to his unshakable belief that Jasper will find him.
Visceral and passionate, this steampunk space opera weaves a tale of love, survival, and the unbreakable bonds that draw us together in the face of impossible odds. Set in a richly imagined universe filled with alien wonders and dark delights, it's a story that explores the power and peril in being seen, desired, and ultimately claimed by those who would possess the brightest among the stars.
THIS IS RATED 18 FOR A REASON.
Trigger warnings:
Violence
Alcohol use
Injury
Emotional abuse
Captivity/Imprisonment
Implied Forced Marriage
Molestation/Unwanted touching
[BL] In a captivating saga that spans multiple generations and realms, this tale weaves together the lives of extraordinary beings in a celestial world of gods and immortals. Drawing inspiration from Chinese mythology and popular culture, including the movie featuring Ne Zha and Ao Bing, this narrative reimagines and expands upon the stories of these deities and their descendants.
Through the generations, the story follows the trials, triumphs, and relationships of these divine beings and the mortals who become intertwined with their destinies. It is a tale of love, family, duty, and the unbreakable bonds that connect souls across the boundaries of time and realm.
As the narrative unfolds, readers will find themselves immersed in a world where the lines between the celestial and mortal realms blur, and where the actions of gods and humans alike shape the course of destiny. From the heavenly courts to the modern streets of the mortal world, this epic saga promises to captivate and entertain, inviting readers to embark on a journey filled with magic, mystery, and the eternal struggle between the forces of good and evil.
The portrayal of the Chinese gods and goddesses in this tale may be simplified or altered for narrative purposes, it is essential to note that this is a work of fiction and not intended to be a comprehensive or accurate representation of traditional Chinese beliefs or mythology.
This story contains the following that may warrant trigger warnings:
Physical abuse (not graphically depicted but implied)
Social ostracization
MPreg
Child kidnapping
Supernatural/horror elements including ghosts, a ghostly realm, and a malevolent ghostly entity
Violence
For years, Norman Carter has been content to toil in relative obscurity as a diligent office assistant, his life a carefully structured routine. But all that changes the day he crosses paths with Simon Heath, the charismatic president of his company.
At first, Simon's unexpected kindness and attention seem like a blessing. The lavish gifts, the extra attention from a superior - Norman tells himself he's imagining the subtle undercurrents, that he's simply unused to such generosity from a superior.
Yet as Simon's presence in Norman's life grows, so too does the younger man's creeping unease. The way the younger man seems to anticipate his every need, the unsettling intensity that sometimes flickers in his gaze - it all sets off alarm bells that Norman struggles to silence.
Trapped between his growing dread and Simon's unrelenting kindness, Norman finds himself questioning everything. Are his suspicions justified, or is he simply misreading harmless actions through the warped lens of his own insecurities?
As Norman is drawn deeper into Simon's gilded world, the line between reality and imagination begins to blur. What truly is the machinations of Simon, and what isn't? The more he tries to uncover the truth, the more he finds himself ensnared in a web of his own making.
Will Norman find the courage to confront his fears, or will he fall victim to the danger that may be hiding in plain sight?"
Trigger Warnings:
Themes of obsession, stalking, and psychological manipulation
Descriptions of unease, paranoia, and feelings of being trapped/unsafe
Imbalance of power dynamics in a workplace/professional relationship
Subtle emotional/psychological abuse and gaslighting
Alcohol use
References to financial insecurity and personal loss
Stalker to Lover trope
This story explores complex themes of trust, power, and the blurred lines between perception and reality. Readers sensitive to narratives involving stalking behaviors, coercive control, or the exploitation of vulnerabilities may find some scenes unsettling or triggering. Discretion is advised.