Goodnovel: An Online Writing Platform
Just after I signed my second book in Novelcat entitled Stolen Crown, I came upon another online writing platform called Goodnovel. After seeing their benefits and the reviews of writers signed with them, I also decided to publish my story in their platform. And I also eventually joined the Goodnovel Ph team as one of their acquisition editors.
Compared to Novelcat, Goodnovel's span of reviewing takes longer that can take up to 4-8 weeks. You are lucky if you get results within less than a month. But when it comes to their benefits, they are not that bad as well. They do not have much conditions you have to meet in order to avail the bonuses unlike Novelcat.
This platform is more focused on female-centered novels, especially in the romance genre that involves werewolves, CEO/billionaire, mafia, and vampires. They also welcome fantasy, horror, thriller, and LGBTQ+ genre. They also have a sister company, Meganovel, that caters to novels that are more male-centered and had lesser romantic content.
When it comes to signing contracts with them, it is best to look for an acquisition editor who is under a team because they were trained first before becoming an acquisition editor. They will be the one to do some initial reviews on your submissions before the review team would get to go over your entry. Other than reviewing your story, they will also guide you through the process from submission until you sign a contract.
As for the contracts they offer, they also have exclusive and non-exclusive contract. Exclusive ones are given more benefits such as signing bonus, monthly attendance bonus, and completion bonus, plus, the 50% profit share. In order to get the signing bonus, you must publish 30k words first. While in getting the monthly attendance bonus, you must publish 50k words within a month and you are only given 5 maximum days of absences. In that 50k words, the initial 30k words you published is not included. Completion reward, on the other hand, depends on the total word count of your story once it is completed. As for non-exclusive, they offer a completion reward for novels meeting the minimum word count requirement and 50% profit share as well.
When it comes to language of novels, they accept not only English ones but also Filipino, Indonesian, French, Russian, and Portuguese.
In receiving your salary, you can choose between three mode of payments—Paypal, bank, or Payoneer. But I highly recommend Payoneer since it has the lowest rate of transaction fee among the three. You must also earn at least $100 in order to receive your salary and if you did not hit $100, it will be carried over to the next month. You don't have to apply for withdrawal since upon reaching the minimum threshold, it will be sent to you automatically within the 10th to 25th of the month.
And if you are a reader, you can also use bonus coins or coins in order to unlock the premium chapters. Bonus coins can be earned through logging in every day, watching videos, reading within a certain number of minutes, adding a book in your library, and by inviting your friends to join Goodnovel. Coins, on the other hand, can be earned through recharging or top up. With just $0.99, you can get 100 coins and pay via Google Pay or Paypal.
If you wish to publish your works in this platform, feel free to contact me and I will guide you.
For more questions, do not hesitate to drop them in the comment section.
Novelcat: An Online Writing Platform
I actually started writing my own original novels just last year, 2021, when an acquisition editor from Novelcat contacted me. At that moment, I was simply writing fan fictions of my favorite anime and Mobile Legends characters. But since there was nothing much going on with my life around that time, I thought of giving it a try. If I get rejected, that's okay, if I get accepted, then, that would be great. Though, I had no hopes of getting accepted back then since the plot I have submitted was written in a rush and it was not the genre I was accustomed to—mafia romance.
So back to Novelcat. It is an online writing and reading platform where you pay novels in order to read them. You can pay them by either chapters or by bulk through the use of vouchers or gems or coins that you can earn by completing tasks or by recharging.
If you are a writer/author who wishes to publish your works in this platform, you can contact their editors listed on Novelcat's website. Editors review your work and would offer you a contract, either exclusive or non-exclusive. They will also be the ones to help and guide you in publishing your work and attend to your concerns.
Regarding their contracts, they have two. First is the exclusive contract wherein you are only allowed to publish your work in their platform but you would get to avail higher bonuses such as signing bonus, updating bonus, and completion bonus. You will receive these bonuses once you meet their pre-conditioned requirements. Second is the non-exclusive contract. Unlike exclusive, you will get the chance to publish your work in other paid writing platforms. However, the bonus you can only avail is the First Release reward wherein you must publish new chapters in Novelcat first before in any other platforms.
About their mode of payments, you can choose between bank or Paypal depending on which works best for you.
If you are a reader in sought of steamy romance about werewolves, CEO/billionaires, and/or mafia, this platform may be a good choice for you. They also have stories about LGBTQ+, fantasy, teen fiction, and young adult. You can browse several stories in their homepage.
Most of the time, the first five chapters are for free, depending on the writer's choice of which chapter to start locking his/her story. You can earn vouchers, gems, and bonus coins by watching videos, logging in every day, reading within a given time, and unlocking locked chapters. As for coins, you can also recharge or top amount with at least $7 or more, depending on the number of coins you wish to purchase.
If you wish to know more about Novelcat, you can leave questions in the comment section and I will answer them.
Dancing Silver Blade
Heavy treads of footsteps resounded at the streets of Darven City even before dawn, it was a sound that no civilian was ignorant of. Peeking through the small holes on their windows and doors, they watched the battalions of armies marching towards the gigantic gates that separated their city from the forest of troubles.
Among all the thousands of armored soldiers, one person stood out. Riding on her white horse, Aloisa led the armies of Helios to the prospering empire of Chrysafenios. Her red cape that signified her power and strength, fluttered with the wind, intuitively raising the flag of war and bloodbath. Her silver armor that everyone thought to represent her sophistication, was actually a symbol of her sullied reputation from her past life, which up until that moment, haunted her to no end.
Her eyes were fixed on the distant horizon and her thoughts may be filled with her bitter past but she was fixed on one goal—conquer the Chrysafenios Empire.
After marching for hours, Aloisa raised her arm with a clenched fist that halted the soldiers like a domino effect, from up front going to the back, and made them rooted right where they stood. From afar, she could see the blue flag of Chrysafenios, raised up high as if claiming the vast savannah as their own.
Aloisa needed not to shout a command or instruct her right-hand-in-command to tell the soldiers to draw out their swords, prepare their spears and shields, and catapults. Her gestures alone were enough to make her army move.
There was an audible clink as she unsheathed her sword that was just resting on her hip. Lifting her weapon, its well-crafted edges down its very tip, glimmered under the now rising sun who shall witness how the war unfolds. The archers, standing at the back, nocked their arrows ready and stood their ground.
Aloisa whipped her horse with the reins and first she went as though she was asking to be killed, with the cavalry and infantry troops charging towards their upcoming enemy just behind her.
A princess she used to be in the past; wealth and beauty she owned, kindness and tenderness she showed but just alike that of silver, she corroded and was corrupted by greed.
Given another chance to live, she became a general, a leader that every soldier looked up to and even the very emperor of Darven trusted her. A still good life, one could say for it seemed like her cheating and lying in the past didn't affect her current way of living; still extravagant, dignified and a person with power.
Each gallop of her horse drew her closer to the enemy. And not for long, she struck one soldier dead with one swing of her blade. Metals clanged—swishing and clashing—against another metal. Her horse neighed and raised its forelimbs forward, making Aloisa tighten her grip on the reins. One strike of spear into the horse's neck forced her to keep her feet on the ground, leaving her bloodstained horse behind. One swing forward, trickles of blood stained her sword. She turned on her heels, ducked for a quick second and another swing of her weapon made one soldier lose his hand, spurting scarlet liquid on the ground.
If one sees her from above, one would think she was a great performer, dancing on the stage with only one blade and captures her audience with her grace. She moved with precision; each strike must end a life and/or make them scream with demise. The dying people's agony was her music, making her move with the rhythm of their bellowing calls.
Aloisa danced through the sea of soldiers, leaving scarlet trails instead of footsteps and increasing the numbers of lives she had taken. Forward she went, driven by courage, pride, strength and will to live.
Like a play in a theater, she came to a halt when the red curtain unveiled a new act—an act she wasn't prepared for and an act that she must dance to until the very end.
Clad with gray armor, signifying freedom with tarnished dignity, was a man she knew, not in the present but a man from her past life. He was the man she protected before, she tainted her hands with blood to never let a single hand harm him. She planned different stages of sabotage to let him sit on the throne and had him as her rightful king on the throne.
However, destiny sure was harsh and wouldn't let her get away without paying for the crimes she committed. The man whom she gave her heart to, whom she protected with her life was also the man she was set to kill in this very stage of war.
Aloisa's choice now was to kill or be killed, a choice for a general like her who sought after survival in the brutal world of soldiers and fighters. And also, it was a punishment for a murderer and cheater and a liar like her.
No words were needed to be said between them, only their weapon and fists communicated. For Aloisa, who fully remember her past life, meeting that man meant overcoming her fears yet in return, she will be rewarded not with a good life after, but with guilt and regret still following her.
Almost out of breath, Aloisa knelt on one knee with her sword trickling with blood planted on the ground. She still stood and moved forward, forward into the greater stage, leaving the lifeless body of her past lover, who was fighting for his empire's freedom. And there she was, still dancing in the waves of enemies for she was chosen by destiny to rise from the ground and suffer with no happy ending guaranteed for her.
"I am the villain who'll bring death as I await the hero who shall end my breath."
- Aloisa
Strip Me Naked
When I woke up, I found myself displayed in a huge store where countless of people going about their way. I did not like the sight of them taking their time to walk in slow paces—it made me anxious and scared.
Strangers passed me by and everytime they set their eyes on me, I wished that I'd simply disappear rather than have them look at me with discerning eyes and touch me with their bare hands. Just by thinking of that, it made me shudder and waves of chill would run down my spine.
I didn't know how long I was displayed to be scrutinized by eyes full of curiosity at first, but the next minute would only be disappointment. I just felt harassed and then rejected.
Just when I thought that no more people would touch me as they pleased, one guy walked towards my direction as he spoke on his phone.
“I'll meet you next week. My schedule's packed today so I cannot meet up with you.”
His words were so familiar. It was so similar to the line spoken by a boyfriend cheating on his lover. Could he be like Rebal, the very first jerk I came to know?
But my thoughts shifted to how his features were soft and alluring, unlike Rebal whose character was sharp and intimidating. He had this double eyelids that would show up every time he fluttered his deep blue ocean eyes. His lips would become a thin line even though only a smirk would curve at the edge of his lips. He kept his phone and there he was... his gaze settled on me.
Just as many people I encountered before, the curiosity in his eyes frightened me. After he would touch my spine and know the tidbits of what I keep inside, would he reject me as well? Would I also see a hint of disappointment from him?
That would be heartbreaking.
I flinched when his hand touched my spine and for some reason, there was this thought in mind that wished he would like me and get me out from this place. When he turned me around, I felt embarrassed as his eyes moved from left to right just to know who I was and get some ideas about the secrets I hid.
“Luciana,” he mumbled.
His husky voice that just pronounced my name was so sexy, it made me desperate to wish he would take me with him. Cocking his head to the side, he narrowed his eyes on me and bit his lower lip.
The next thing I knew, he was holding me with one hand and walked away from the place of long humiliation I stayed at for who knows how long.
I just could not wait. I could not wait for him to strip me naked and know everything about me up until to the smallest details. He wanted me and all I could do to pay him back for getting me out from that prison-like store was to offer myself to him.
When we were alone in a room, which I believed was his, he laid me on his bed that was of the same manly scent as him. His ambrosial smell was as addictive as Rebal's kisses, just as how Kiana described him.
I watched him take off his shirt and I almost let out a gasp when his perfectly shaped abs greeted me. Oh, heavens! I must be the luckiest one to witness such heavenly sight! I could faint in any moment with this situation but I must not for it was now my duty to pleasure him.
He walked towards me and every step closer, it made my heart pound crazier than the past seconds. But our moment together was interrupted when his phone rang. Damn it! Who would call him at such a crucial time?
I pouted since the heated atmosphere was gone... gone because of that stupid phone call.
“Hey, babe, did something happen?” he asked the caller.
Babe, hah! Way to go and shatter the freaking moment!
I stared at his gorgeous face that seemed to be molded according to the godly looks of the ever playboy Zeus. He looked worried after hearing a reply from his so-called babe as his bewitching eyes gazed at me as if telling to wait for him patiently. I did.
“Okay, I'll see you tomorrow, then.”
Tomorrow, huh. Then, I only had this night to have him take me for the first time. When he set the phone aside, he got on the bed with me. His penetrating gaze almost melted me in his hands, making me blush in no time. I've never felt like this before, I never thought such a time would come that I'd yearn for a person's touch.
Within a minute, he unclothed me with so much care and caution as to not hurt me in anyway. Every touch from his hands exuded warmth that was so hard to reject. A few minutes turned to hours, and yet he still pleasured me in every way I had not think of.
His deep blue eyes were only set on me as if I was the greatest creation he ever beheld. It was something I could say to be proud of.
Once in a while, his lips would become a thin line drawn on his already handsome face. It was a great sight. If I were to choose which moments I enjoyed with him, I would choose the time he combed his hair with his fingers and let out sigh of frustration. He looked more handsome when he did that and his expressions were something I could not forget.
It was probably because we felt the same way.
“Shit,” he mumbled as he shut his eyes.
I could not help but smile at his reaction. He just... he just looked so cute.
As we enjoyed each other's company, I lost track of time and before we knew it, it was already dawn. Looking at his face, he seemed to still be okay and no hint of tiredness or sleepiness was plastered on his face. I guessed we were too hyped for the whole night.
Just then, he let me lie flat on the bed when the doorbell rang. He turned his back on me and left his room. A few minutes later, I could hear some muffled voices coming from him and from a woman.
“What?! You stayed up all night?! Tell me you're lying, Crater,” the woman gasped as they entered the room.
Crater chuckled as he sat on the edge of the bed and held me, showing me off to the woman whom I think was his babe.
“I ain't lying, babe. This magical story of Rebal and Kiana is just too fascinating. The action and romance would give you a somersaulting ride. It's hard to stop yourself from reading. You've got to try, trust me,” Crater responded.
His girlfriend, which I thought was as beautiful as Kiana, sat down beside Crater and took me from his grasp. I was a bit embarrassed when she looked at my back and read the gist of what her boyfriend was saying.
“I'll read it, then. I'm going to see the real reason why you didn't sleep all night. I like the title though. Luciana.”
"It means light in Italian."
I was more than happy when I heard what his girlfriend just said. I mean, what else could a book like me, who had been staying in the bookstore for so long and got rejected many times, could ever ask for?
Of course, it was my greatest pleasure to share the feelings I have with the people who read me towards the story inscribed in every pages of mine.
My Beloved Emperor
In the arena surrounded by thousands of people cheering for their chosen gladiator, I stood at one of the corners waiting for my opponent to show up on the opposite door.
Wearing only a silver breastplate that had grown tarnished over the years, I gripped my newly polished sword as I lifted my gaze on the platform where the a man of power sat.
"Win the fight and I shall have you as my wife."
His words rang in my ears that it almost made me lose my mind. It was a tempting offer for a gladiator like me who had been fighting in this arena countless times for several years.
Helios was no simple man with authority but he was a conqueror of many lands. His handsome face and lean body that seemed to be sculpted like that of the gods enchanted many women. And I was no different. I loved him. And before I knew it, he destroyed my kingdom.
And here I was, in this very stadium under his watch to see if I was worthy to be called his empress. And given this only chance, I would never let it slip away.
The horn was blown as my fated enemy came to sight. Compared to me, she had the body of a man—muscular and huge. Her weapon was a double-blade axe—its sharp edges reflecting the scorching sun—that, for sure, would cut my head off if I was not careful enough.
I returned my gaze full of determination at Helios before walking towards the woman whose face I cannot remember because of the stitches. She came charging first with a loud cry and swung her weapon at me. I took a quick step on the side and saw the split on the ground where the axe landed. While she pulled her weapon to make another swing, I grabbed a handful of dust and threw it right on her face.
She let out a bellowing scream as she stumbled backward rubbing her eyes. This made the crowd go crazy.
Before she could regain her sight, I ran towards her and with one swift swing of my sword, her blood rained on me. The scarlet liquid trickled from forehead down to my cheeks, marking my victory. A thud resounded in my ears as she fell on the ground, writhing and gasping for air as her eyes begged me to spare her. However, she could only die and become one with the dust.
As the crowd went wild, my eyes settled on Emperor Helios who was now walking towards me as if he had already predicted the outcome of the fight. With his white and red robes, he looked more dignified and handsome that even the blazing sun could shy away from his attractiveness.
"You made it, Felicia," he said with open arms.
I handed him my sword as a sign of surrender, wrapped my arms around him and buried my face onto his chest.
"I made it," I whispered.
As he had his guard down, I grabbed that chance to avenge my people, my kingdom and my pitiful self. I clutched his hand that held the bloodstained weapon and plunged the sword right into my abdomen. For the first time, I saw his baffled and shocked expression. At last, I was able to take away the person he claimed as his most precious possession.
I cupped his cheek and leaned my forehead onto his. With my last breath, I claimed with a devious smile, "You do not deserve happiness, my beloved emperor."
An Ex-wife's Last Wish (Chapter 3)
The very next day even before the sun showed itself, Mavis returned to the Briar's mansion. One of their caretakers told her that Lansford and Venice were still asleep so she took that chance to sneak in.
“They're not in the master's bedroom so it's okay for you to go.” That was what she was told so she was a bit relieved to enter the room.
Upon entering, her heart felt heavy because what she saw the other day was still vivid in her mind. She wanted to bury it at the back of her mind but it was hard to do it. Nevertheless, she went in her walk-in closet and packed up all her important things. All the things that she could not bring with her, she gave it to the caretakers who had been helping her ever since she became the wife of Lansford.
She already decided to leave and just let her sister and Lansford be together. They were supposed to be the ones who had gotten married five years ago but because of Venice's condition, she was not able to attend her own wedding. Mavis was simply a substitute. And now that she was back, Mavis couldn't do anything at all because it was clear to her that she was the third party among them.
When she was all ready to leave, she saw the divorce paper on the table just beside their bed.
Looking at the signature of Lansford, Mavis could only smile bitterly.
Taking the pen, she gripped it tight and took a deep breath.
“At least, I had his last name with me for five years,” she muttered. She was simply trying to soothe herself to ease the pain she was feeling that moment.
With a heavy heart, she signed the document before wiping off the tear that rolled down her cheek. She looked at her hand and saw her wedding ring. She slowly took it off and put it on top of the divorce paper.
She wanted to leave, her mind demanded her so. However, her heart thought otherwise.
“Leave everything behind, Mavis,” she whispered.
But even before she could leave the master's bedroom, she snatched her wedding ring back and put in her finger.
“Just this ring... just this one,” she chanted in her mind.
She was willing to leave the mansion and divorce Lansford but she was not yet prepared to totally forget everything. She had only two months and those precious memories she had with her first love, even if it could only be counted with her fingers, she wanted to treasure them.
Not wanting to stay there any longer because the two might wake up, Mavis grabbed her only luggage and left the mansion. Standing by the gates, she looked back with her lips pursed.
“I love you,” she whispered to the wind before walking away.
Since she still had an appointment with her counselor that day, Mavis rented a small room in a little hotel just beside the hospital. She was to get her weekly check-up as well so she postponed finding an apartment where she could stay temporarily.
Entering the hospital, she headed to the room of her doctor.
“Mrs. Briar, I thought you weren't coming,” Ms. O'Brian stated as she stood from her seat.
“Sorry for not coming on time like usual. I had to do something really important,” she responded.
“No worries about that. I don't have much of an appointment today so I'm glad you came. So...” The doctor stared at her with a meaningful look.
“I did not tell him,” she said with a weak smile plastered on her lips.
“Why?”
“We're divorced.”
Ms. O'Brian wanted to complain but seeing the seemingly lifeless Mavis, she chose to walk towards her and give her a hug. They had grown quite fond of each other that it made the doctor feel too sorry for her patient. She couldn't do anything to fully cure her and now, she heard that she was even separated from her husband.
“I'm sorry,” she whispered. “Is there anything I can help you with?”
“I am actually looking for an apartment where I can stay until you know... I travel to the other side.”
Ms. O'Brian felt a pang of pain in her chest upon hearing those words. And it urged her to speak out what she had in mind.
“You should tell Sir Lansford about this. If he comes to know about your condition, he might change his mind of leaving you.”
But Mavis only shook her head.
“I do not want him to feel guilty. Besides, he already decided to be with my sister. It's a reality I have to face.”
Her doctor could only nod her head before running a few more tests on her. Giving her a few medicines she could take, she could not help but feel worried about her.
“I actually have a friend who is looking for tenants. The apartment is just near here and it isn't that very grandiose but it's more than a decent place. You probably want to go and see the room.”
Mavis immediately agreed. But before she could leave the hospital, she went to see the counselor she had an appointment with. It probably took her almost half an hour speaking with her since she felt uncomfortable talking about her personal problem with her.
When she was all done with her meetings, she walked to the exit to go and get her baggage before meeting up with Ms. O'Brian again. On her way out, she did not notice that Lansford and Venice just entered the premise. Venice had to see her doctor as well for weekly check-up and the CEO accompanied her to make sure she won't pass out anywhere.
“Mrs. Briar!” one of the nurses called out, making Mavis stop in her tracks and, at the same time, getting the attention of Lansford.
“You forgot your medicines in the doctor's office,” the nurse added as he handed her the medicines.
“Oh, thank you for bringing it to me. I really appreciate it,” Mavis responded before she strutted her way out of the hospital.
Lansford, on the other hand, grew curious of what could have been the illness of his now ex-wife. As far as he knew, she was never sick. He was about to follow Mavis but Venice held his hand and dragged him away.
“It's probably some sleeping pills,” he thought to himself. “She always had a problem with insomnia. That was probably it.”
Even though he wanted to convince himself to believe that thought, there was still a few strings of doubt tugging at him.
A Gladiator's Cry (Part 2)
"24 hours left," she told herself.
Her blue dress trimmed with gold fell down to her ankles, her hair was tied in a messy bun and few curly locks of her hair was let loose beside her ears. Karina, the princess of the fallen Chrysafenios Empire, had become the great conqueror's sole courtesan after winning the battle as a gladiator.
She stepped inside the great hall of banquets that was already filled with people; the place reeked with the smell of alcohol and disgusting hypocrite elites. As she walked across the hall, the guests set their eyes on her as if getting under the spell of her beauty. Yet her eyes could only reflect one person; the man who annihilated her family and people, the man who conquered her kingdom, Helios.
"You look more civilized with that dress, Karina," Helios stated with a grin curved on the edge of his lips. Before a word could be spoken of, Helios dragged Karina and let her sit on his lap which made her heart thump.
But it was no longer out of love, instead, it was because he might find the daggers she was hiding. It took her a hard time to hide that weapon on the side of her both legs and she won't let it be found out. For that night, Karina planned to assassinate the greatest conqueror to avenge the countless deaths he had done and to end his ruthless reign.
Yet in order to do so, she must get his trust back even if it would just be for a few minutes. It would be enough to slit his throat if he has his guard down.
"I feel quite embarrassed to be showed off like this, my king," Karina said with her soft voice. She looked down on the ground and slumped her shoulders forward, feigning her timidness.
Helios felt proud upon hearing her address him king, but he knew that she had something up from her sleeves. He grabbed her by the waist and with his other hand, he forced her to face him. Their eyes met at a close distance that their noses almost touched.
"Being obedient is not your thing, Karina," he whispered, "and I know those eyes. They show me nothing but vengeance, ain't it?"
Karina always hated it, she had always hated it when Helios could read her so easily yet she could never understand him.
"Being a gladiator for a long time, ain't that enough to make me obedient?" Karina asked, wanting to convince him that she meant no harm. With a chuckle, he let her go and faced the people having their fun in his banquet.
"In your case, I doubt it," he said while shaking his head.
Karina bit her lower lip, indecisive if she would go with her original plan or her backup one. If she goes with the backup plan, Helios would surely overpower her again and she might not get out from the great hall alive. So she heaved a long exhale before cupping Helios' cheeks and slowly made him turn to her.
"Seduction won't work on me," he told her yet it did not stop her from sealing his lips with hers. With her eyes closed and her cheeks burning, Karina did not move her lips for that was her first and she did not know what else to do.
Unable to contain the swirling mixed emotions inside her, Karina distances herself and retreated her hands from touching him. Yet the moment she did that, Helios pulled her for a kiss. It was not gentle, it was as if he was a monster savoring his dinner.
Not long after, he backed off with a victorious smirk plastered on his face. The party was proceeding accordingly but Karina was having a hard time in keeping herself behave properly. Time was ticking and the night deepened, if she won't succeed tonight, she might lose her life before she could have her vengeance.
Helios noticed how she looked around the hall as if Karina was anticipating something. But when she turned her attention to him, she flashed one of her sweetest smile.
"My king, the look in your eyes tells me that the kiss a while back didn't satisfy you." And she was right. Before the party could end, she was brought into his private quarters.
He laid her down, planting soft kisses down her neck and his hands snaking around her back that sent shivers down her spine. Karina, not wanting him to take the lead, she moved to her right and pushed Helios so he could be under her, shifting their position. This time, she was the one initiating the kisses yet her heart almost skipped a beat when Helios almost held her leg where her dagger was kept. Before he could even do that, she slid her hand on his and put it back on her waist.
Slowly, with her other hand, she reached down her dress and held the hilt of the dagger. Her heart beat faster and tears welled up in her eyes.
"My vengeance, I shall have it," she thought before unsheathing her dagger and almost had it cross against Helios' neck. But the great conqueror held her wrist with a smirk plastered on his face.
"I knew you were aiming for this," he commented before throwing Karina off the bed. She rolled on the ground, the dagger still on her hand. Now that they were alone, she would no longer hold back and kill him at all cost. As she stood, Helios got off from the bed as well as if welcoming her attacks and she did not hesitate to do so. With gritted teeth, she charged forward yet it was easy for him to dodge her attack.
"You are wasting your time, Karina." He gripped her arm and pushed her towards the wall. "If you killed me, would your kingdom go back to the way it used to be?"
His remark made Karina rage in fury and it gave her more determination to slay him.
"You killed everyone!" she hissed, "You killed those who I hold dear!"
Her past came crashing back to her, making her burst into tears. Instead of attacking Helios again, she broke down. Her sobs were overwhelming her; her parents, her friends and her people won't be brought back to life. Killing Helios won't bring them back, it would not change anything.
With a small clang against the floor, Karina dropped the dagger as she fell on her knees, crying her heart out. Helios took that chance to kick the dagger away from her reach before kneeling in front of her and lifting her chin up to meet her gaze.
"Forget about them," he said, "for you can always lean on me."
Instead of a reply, Karina returned a glare at him and before another word could escape his mouth, she swung her second dagger across his throat.
A spurt of his blood stained her cheek as Helios' eyes stared at her with shock before dropping on the floor. Karina wiped off the blood on her dagger with the clothes of the dying conqueror. She stood up and looked down on him.
"No more lives shall perish on your hands," she said before turning on her heels and walked out of the room, heading to the terrace.
She had the vengeance she ever wanted for years yet one question remained; what awaits her after this?
-End-
An Ex-Wife's Last Wish (Chapter 2)
Since it was their 5th anniversary, Mavis reserved a table for their dinner date in the favorite restaurant of her husband. She also ordered the wine that Lansford often drinks to make sure that he would at least enjoy the food even if she was not Venice.
Wearing a red slitted dress that fell down to her ankle, she was more than ready to meet with him. Just like usual, she was the very first one to show up. She did not mind waiting for Lansford since she enjoyed the night view of the city from the tall building she was in.
“Madam, would you like to take your order now?” a waitress asked.
Mavis hesitated to reply but after a few seconds of silence.
“I'll take my order after an hour, please,” she replied.
The waitress flashed her a small smile before taking her leave and her co-workers gave her a small shake of the head. No staff in that expensive restaurant who did not know who Mavis Lionheart Briar. She and her husband had been one of their loyal customers but seeing the set-up of their relationship, they could only feel sad for them. Most especially when they see Mavis all dressed up and is always on time for their date but Lansford would fail to show up.
Mavis, on the other hand, kept repeating to herself that Lansford was probably busy at work. She looked at her phone and was tempted to call him but fear was once again taking over her. It was because most of the times that he called him, it was Venice who answered the call. And there was even one time that she heard them doing it so she had become hesitant to dial his number.
Biting her lower lip, she took a deep sigh and grabbed her phone. This was already their last anniversary so she should go all out in order not to regret anything in the future.
Dialing his number, she slowly lifted her phone to hear ear. For the next few seconds, only the ringing of her phone was all she could hear. Shifting her gaze outside the glass window, she wished so hard that the person who would answer the call was Lansford. Even if he stands her up that night as long as he would answer the phone himself, it would be fine for her.
She was preparing herself on what was going to happen next but before she could even do so, her call was answered. She straightened her back in no time and beamed with delight.
“Lansford, I thought you were not going to answer. Anyway, I am here in Night's View Rest–”
She almost choked on her own words when she heard the annoying giggle whom only one person could manage to do—Venice.
On the other side of the line, Venice was wearing her robes and her hair was wrapped with a towel. With Lansford's phone on one hand, she rested her other hand on the armrest before puffing out the smoke from her mouth.
“You really don't learn, do you, Mavis Lionheart Briar?” she asked, reiterating her sister's name as if it was a poison in her mouth. “You once heard us doing it but it seemed it is not yet enough. Lansford's in the shower and if you wanna watch us do it, you can drop by here in Golden Laurel Hotel.”
Mavis' confidence and motivation were immediately shattered in seconds. She did not spit another word and simply ended the call.
“I give up,” she muttered to herself and let out a heavy sigh. She grabbed her purse and left some money on the table before making her way to the elevator.
For some reason, she managed not to shed a single tear as if her tear ducts grew tired of her shedding a bucket of tears every anniversary. Mavis also wished that her heart should have gone numb because the pain she was feeling right at that moment was simply indescribable. This was their last anniversary and yet Lansford did not consider celebrating it.
When the elevator doors opened, Mavis immediately changed her expression into a confident look. She strutted her way out of the building and drove back home. Shutting the door behind her, the deafening silence dawn on her again. She never got used to it.
The very first thing that Mavis did was to head to the kitchen and grab a new bottle of wine before deciding to go to their room. She might as well drown herself again in alcohol and recall the little memories she had that Lansford had ever been good to her. That was she had been doing ever since their vert first anniversary and it was still the same until their last.
Humming a song to herself, she held the doorknob and used her body to push the door open. She was about to take another step forward but the very next thing she saw froze her in place.
Her chest felt like it was being squeezed tight as her feet grew heavy that running away seemed impossible. Seeing Venice on top of Lansford all naked and sweaty right on the bed she shared with Lansford for five years, Mavis was beyond surprised and hurt and disappointed.
She dropped the bottle of wine and it caught the attention of the two people making love.
Her eyes locked with Venice who was never shameful enough to even cover herself.
She flashed a smirk at her and said, “Oh, you really came to watch.”
Mavis seemed to have lost her ability to speak so she remained quiet as she slowly took a few steps backward and shut the door closed. Her hands trembled as she covered her mouth where her first sob escaped from. One step at a time, she walked away from that place and when her feet no longer felt heavy, she ran out even though she had no idea where to go. She simply told herself to get away from that place.
Running to the gates, thunders and lightnings crossed the skies which was already covered by dark clouds. For sure, it would be going to rain and if Mavis stays out there and gets soaked wet, it'd definitely be bad news for her. But turning around and going back to the mansion would suffocate and kill her all the same.
But before she could even step out from the gates, she was grabbed by the arm and was forced to turn around.
Lifting her gaze, Lansford gazed back at her.
“Mavis.” That was all he could manage to say.
The moment her first tear fell, the rain poured down on them. It was as if the weather felt her pain and was being empathetic.
“Lansford, I didn't complain before, right?” she cried. “I know you have been fucking my sister but I did not say anything because I know that between the two of us, you will always choose her.”
Lansford couldn't say a thing because it was true. But seeing her like this somehow made him feel a bit guilty. He reached out to her and pulled her into a hug.
“She always had your heart for years, Lansford. All your time, your attention, all of them was hers. But what about me? That room... that bed where we sleep on together was all the territory I have but... but why did you have to do it there.”
She wanted to speak more but her sobs took over her.
“Lansford.” It was Venice and she was making a pained expression.
Seeing that she was on the verge of crying, Lansford did not hesitate to let go of his wife and ran to her side. He knew that she was a sickly person ever since they were young so letting her get soaked was not a good idea. Without turning around to see Mavis, the two of them left her alone under the pouring rain.
Since Mavis no longer felt that she even had the right to return to the mansion, she chose to leave. She returned to the mansion where she and Venice grew up.
“Mavis, look at you. Why are you in such a mess? Go and get changed!” Mrs. Lionheart said upon seeing the state of her adopted daughter.
She already had an idea what might have caused her to be in such a state but she chose not to act on it. She simply brought dry towels for her and helped her fix her old room where she can stay for the night.
“Another fight?” Mrs. Lionheart asked.
Mavis simply shook her head.
“It's just a hard day, mother.”
Mavis knew too well that telling her the truth would do nothing. As their adopted daughter, she had always been second to Venice and no matter how much she wanted to get mad at them, she couldn't. Giving her mother a peck on the forehead, she was left all alone in her room.
For the nth time, she was once again crying for the same reason. It seemed that even if she were to ask for a day from her husband, he would still not agree as long as Venice was there.
“Sign the contract.”
Those three words were all she could think of until she fell asleep that night.
A Gladiator's Cry (Part 1)
The prison was a bit noisy that day. The clanging of metals echoed in Karina's ears as she watched the other gladiators prepare for their fight. She glanced across her cell where her sword was currently lying down on. She held the armor that was prepared for her, it was not the same armor that she used to wear back at their kingdom. Her attention was suddenly caught by the loud banging of the steel bars that kept her inside the dusty room.
"Get ready. This will be your only chance to either die in vain or with pride," her lanista said, the person who owns her. He was an old man yet he still moved like a man at his prime. He was also the one who kept her after the fall of her family's empire.
Karina could still vividly remember how their kingdom fell under the invasion lead by Helios, the man whom she thought as her knight-in-shining-armor. Three long years had passed yet the memories seem like yesterday and the pain was still fresh, broken heart and lost dignity.
"You seem to be in deep thoughts, my love," a familiar voice came greeting the quiet gladiator. She gazed at the man and his lean body was still the same as before. His mischievous smirk and good-looking face would make any woman fall for him in no time. And until now, despite trying to hate him and scorn him for betraying her, Karina could still feel her heart beating for him. A foolish woman she was.
"Why are you here?" she simply asked as she grabbed her armor and wore it without any problem. She adjusted it so she could fight at her best at the stage where countless people would be watching.
"I will be presiding the fight," Helios replied with his grin still carved on his lips. His arms were crossed and he was leaning on the prison bars with his eyes glued on Karina who grabbed her sword that screeched against the floor. "And since you're a bit special, there will be a special offer for you. Win the fight, become my woman or die on the sand and be forgotten."
After her talk with Helios, Karina was now walking towards the battleground, she could hear the cheers of inhumane people who find joy in watching gladiators kill each other. She gripped her sword tighter as her determination became stronger, she has to win, she has to free herself from the ties of being a gladiator whose fate was to entertain people through fighting and would eventually die.
"Bring the princess of the fallen Chrysafenios Empire!" the announcer yelled which hyped up the audience. Karina could hear their chants, their screams of joy, their shouts as they bet on who will win that day. It blazed her anger, her sense of vengeance levelled up as her eyes were set on the naive people.
Karina now stepped foot on the battleground, her eyes looked around and the seats were all filled, a lot of people were raising their money, their alcohols as they go wild upon her entrance. The horn was blown which was the signal of the beginning of the fight. Karina gritted her teeth as she came face-to-face with her opponent.
Her heart twitched as she saw her smile bitterly, she was against her most trusted friend. She looked thinner and paler than before, her cheeks became prominent and her lips were cracked. Her friend was not treated right by her lanista, that was for sure.
"The one who dies shall pass away with honor," they both said in chorus and each of them raised their weapons against each other. One of them has to die for if they let their emotions rule over them, they'll be both killed and no one would avenge the death of their kinsmen. As Madeline swung her ax towards her, Karina swooped down and with her foot, she shifted position and tripped her. She stood up immediately and attempted to hit her with the sword but Madeline raised her leg and kicked her on her abdomen.
Karina has not yet recovered but her opponent came lunging at her and with just one swing, she was thrown to the side with her armor broken and left chest bleeding. There is no time to show her pain so she stood up on both feet despite the excruciating pain. She used her sword as a support to keep her balance and when Madeline came attacking again, she swiftly moved to the side, dodging the blood-stained ax. She stepped behind her and kicked the back of Madeline's knees causing her to kneel down.
Karina yelled so loud it echoed throughout the place, it was her cry, her cry of pain and agony and heartbreak. Killing Madeline was the most painful decision she had made, and it shall always haunt her until she finds herself in the grave.
The crowd went wild as Karina raised her sword dripping with her friend's blood, her face kissed by the sun. She just slit her throat and watched Madeline's body fall onto the ground. But to give honor to her, Karina ran her bloodstained thumb across Madeline's forehead, a sign of peaceful depart in their empire.
After doing such, she glanced at Helios' seat and saw him stand to make his declaration on what is next to happen on her.
He raised his hand with a closed fist and the crowd went quiet to wait for the decision. The loud cheers came booming again as Helios gave a thumb up, meaning that Karina is released from being a gladiator. Unknown to the audience, she shall also become the greatest woman who will seat beside their ruler, Helios.
Though it is forbidden for a Roman leader to fall in love with a barbarian like Karina, Helios would step on that so called golden rule just to take Karina back.
"I shall make you suffer in the most painful way," Karina mumbled as she strutted across the ground, taking her exit. Her next journey shall be walking on thin ice with her eyes set on Helios' death by the end of the line. And, of course, deal with the love that has long been forbidden to bloom from the very beginning.
"This shall be the last time you hear a gladiator's cry."
An Ex-Wife's Last Wish (Chapter 1)
Mavis Lionheart Briar clutched at her purse as she stood before her husband for five years. Even though they had been living together under the same roof and even share a single bed, her husband's feelings towards her remained unchanged.
Lansford Briar, the CEO of Golden Laurel Corporation, slid the document he just signed towards the edge of his table and set a pen beside it.
“Just as what we had agreed upon before, we will divorce each other in our 5th anniversary. Keep your words, Mavis,” he stated with his usual calm yet indifferent tone of voice.
Mavis remained quiet as she stared at the divorce paper that was already signed by her husband. She knew that this was going to happen and she had been preparing herself for this moment, but it seemed that it was not enough. Her heart still ached like some vines filled with thorns were starting to grip her heart. She did not want to divorce him at all because she would not know what else to do besides being a full-time wife of her first love.
“Mavis,” Lansford called her attention since he noticed that his wife was starting to space out.
“Two months,” Mavis responded.
This confused the CEO so he raised an eyebrow at her as he leaned back on his leather chair. They were both in his office because he thought that ending their relationship in the same room where they were forced to signed their marriage contract would be a proper closure for the two of them.
“Please,” Mavis begged, “be my husband for another two months. After that, I promise to divorce you.”
“What difference will it make? Why do you want to prolong this relationship that did not even work?”
Gathering her courage, Mavis lifted her gaze towards her husband and looked directly into his dark eyes.
“It will make a huge difference. And...” She paused for a while to breathe because her heart was racing like crazy. She never asked anything from him before because she was scared that he would see her as some greedy person and leave her in a snap. But now that they will divorce each other, she wanted to speak for once.
“And?” Lansford asked.
“Within those two months, let's go on dates, cook dinner together, eat breakfast at the same time, and... let's go on a honeymoon.”
Saying those words were a bit too much for Mavis that her blood rushed up to her cheeks and painted them crimson out of embarrassment.
“We never got the chance to spend our honeymoon so I want to experience it before we separate,” she added.
Lansford heaved a heavy sigh because doing those things would be a handful. Plus, he already had some appointments planned out for the next two months. Besides, even if they were to still be husband and wife for another year, nothing would truly change. They would be the same just like what they had been for the past years.
“No, Venice and I have plans together so it's impossible to do that. Don't worry, I already bought you a luxurious apartment where you can permanently stay and you won't be leaving the mansion empty-handed. Mavis, don't drag this and sign the document,” Lansford replied, suppressing the lurking impatience trying to come out from him.
Venice Lionheart. She is the first love of Mavis' husband and the also the biological daughter of her adoptive parents. Even before their wedding day, Mavis heard the promise of Lansford towards her sister which was to divorce her after five years and marry Venice after. She was hoping that it would not happen because she thought she would be able to change his mind within their five years of marriage, but she was wrong.
Mavis leaned forward with desperation in her eyes.
“I... I don't need a huge amount of money or a luxurious apartment, Lans. I... simply want some of your time. T-That's all. I am still your w-wife so please...”
Lansford was hesitant. This was the only time that his wife asked something from him so he wanted to grant it for her but he did not want to cancel his plans. Venice always comes first before anything else.
“Stop making this hard for the both of us. Sign that today or you won't get anything from me at all.”
Mavis pursed her lips and lowered her gaze back to the divorce paper. She dug her nails into her palm to stop herself from shedding a tear in front of him. It simply scared her that he might think of her as a weak woman that would be too much of a hassle to handle.
“I am not signing it,” she managed to say without looking at him.
“Mavis.” His voice was stern as he stared at the woman in front of him.
“No.”
“Sign it.”
“No!”
Holding the bridge of his nose, Lansford stood from his seat and walked towards Mavis whose immediate reaction was to take a few steps away from him. Even though she started to receive his deadly glares, she tried her hardest to ignore them rather than have him force her into divorce.
“Mavis,” he called with a low tone of voice which immediately froze her in place. She knew too well that if he calls her like that, it was already a sign that his patience snapped.
“Just one month,” she stated, hoping that he would agree with her condition.
But instead of complying with her, he outstretched his hand in her direction and said, “Come here.”
Mavis looked at him with doubt but the darkness in his eyes seemed to have vanished. His pair of silver orbs reflected her image just as how it did during their wedding ceremony. Remembering that moment, Mavis walked towards him and accepted his hand. The gentleness and warmth she felt from his large hand was enough to make her feel even more motivated to convince him.
But then, when she let her guard down, Lansford pushed her down on the table with him hovering over her from behind. He put his arms on both of her sides to show that she has no way out from this situation.
Leaning down, he whispered in her ear, “Don't test my patience, Mavis. Sign that and we're done.”
Their close proximity could almost make Mavis pass out, especially that she could feel his chest behind her back.
“I said no,” she insisted. “If a month is too much then, I'm asking for two weeks extension. Take it or leave it.”
“Don't be stubborn, I said that I have plans so just sign the document.”
Mavis had already gone this far so backing down was scratched out from her list. Besides, she won't be living long enough so before she lies down in her coffin, she should at least do all the things she listed in her bucket list.
Turning around, she looked up to him and clutched at his coat.
“Two weeks,” she reiterated, her eyes locked onto his. “Take it or leave it.”
“One night,” he responded.
This caught Mavis off guard that her grip loosened as she stared at him both in shock and disbelief.
“W-What?”
Lansford leaned closer and snaked his arm around her. That seemed to he still unsatisfying for him so he pulled her close that their lips almost touched.
“I'll sleep with you tonight and after that, sign the divorce paper. Deal?”
Mavis felt her cheeks burning like hell that she immediately looked away, afraid that her legs might give up on her. He was too close, just too close that it was hard for her to breathe.
“T-That's not what I mean. What I want is that we should act like a couple for two weeks. That's all. Besides, I don't want to bear your child,” she muttered.
It was already too late to have a child for Mavis. She only had two months and if she did bear a child like what she wanted for years, it would only pain her because she won't be able to even give birth.
Her last words, however, puzzled Lansford. As far as he knew, Mavis had mentioned several times before that it would be great to have even one child to take care of. But since he was divorcing her, he did not agree so it was a bit puzzling why she suddenly changed her mind.
Before he could say a word, the door of his office opened and a blond woman showed up. Upon seeing how close Mavis and Lansford were, her expression grew dark in no time.
“I suppose your business here is done, sister,” she stated.
Mavis did not want to brew another fight with her sister so she grabbed the divorce paper and faced her husband.
“L-Let's talk at home,” she said before rushing out of the office.
Venice did not want to just let her go so as intentionally got close to her and hit her by the shoulder.
“Slut,” she hissed and rolled her eyes.
Mavis chose to ignore her because it would only be a waste of time if she fights back. And it was most likely that Lansford would choose her sister's side. Thus, she walked out and simply headed back home where she received a call from her doctor.
“Mrs. Briar, would you like to set an appointment to the counselor I mentioned to you previously?”
“Yes, of course. I'll see her any time by tomorrow,” she replied.
Since things had been rough for her for the past few months, her doctor suggested that she should consult a professional to help her get through all these. She was not really interested but she should at least try.
Going to their shared bedroom, Mavis took another look at her medical result. She thought she was doing just fine but never did it ever occur to her that she would be seriously sick.
“Acute leukemia, huh.”
@Emina_Daisuki