"In the Shadow of Forbidden Love" tells the story of Angela, a teacher, as she embarks on an inner journey and discovers an unexpected love. Set in a classroom filled with the sound of rain, Angela's life begins to change with the presence of a new student, Carter. However, the depth of their connection adds complexity to her situation. As this story unfolds the traces of forbidden love, it explores the fragility of hearts and the pursuit of hope.

The short story "Under the Northern Lights" depicts an internal conflict within a family, as experienced by two sisters, Aisha and Zahra. Aisha expresses her desire to pursue education instead of marriage, conflicting with the traditional expectations of their family. Despite their father's firm stance, the girls find solace in their mother's supportive words. However, it becomes evident that Aisha is filled with a desire to oppose her father's decision to leave school. The story highlights the family's internal and cultural conflicts, as well as Aisha's feelings of uncertainty.

The Crown Prince of Culla, Dihojad Fellmore, and his guard, Atreyu Thorn, have been inseparable since the prince picked Atreyu out. They have always been together and Atreyu has done his job well of protecting Diho from harm. One day, something makes Atreyu leave but Diho insists on coming, repaying the loyalty his guard showed him. But things don't turn out well when they get to their destination and they are held prisoner there for a few months with no one in Culla the wiser of what's happened to their prince and his guard.A few months later, they return but Diho has some interesting secrets that only he and Atreyu really understand. The only thing Diho will say was that he had to help Atreyu through something but the details don't seem to make things clear. What exactly happened those months they were gone?

Elisabetta may be a cop's daughter, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have secrets. Feeling trapped in a perfect world, she fights the urge to spread her wings and fly. When she finally does, it might be her biggest secret yet. Diego longs for a sense of belonging. Despite his contrary beliefs about business, Diego still strives for his father's approval. But in order to have peace with himself, he must be willing to forsake his father's path and forge his own. Elisabetta and Diego are from very different worlds. When feelings develop between them it becomes apparent that one of them will have to leave their world behind if they want to build a new world together.

A shifter, shunning society as a human and living through his feral form, finds the light in humans again through a simple offering of soup and the kindness of a heart not wanting to give up on it.

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This story is published and copyrighted as part of a shifter competition.

"Romance Under the Dark" takes place in a world where shadows rule the night and a young shadow child named Luna defies the norms of her kind by craving the brightness of the world beyond. When she discovers a hidden realm filled with enchanting luminescence, Luna meets a mysterious shadow boy named Leo. Together, they possess powers that create a harmonious balance between light and shadow. However, their love is forbidden, and they must overcome obstacles and the wrath of the Queen of Shadows to be together. Determined to reunite with Leo, Luna embarks on a perilous journey, guided only by her unwavering love and determination. "Romance Under the Dark" explores the themes of forbidden love, bravery, and the lengths one will go to protect their love.

Forbidden Love in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, amid bustling streets, two young women, Ada and Camilla , found solace in their budding romance. Their love bloomed in secret, hidden away from the judgmental eyes of society that thought their affection forbidden. Ada, a lawyer at a prestigious firm, found solace in Camilla laughter, while Camila, a journalist at a popular magazine , cherished Ada's unwavering support. Their clandestine meetings beneath the shade of an ancient baobab tree offered moments of fleeting bliss in a world where their love was condemned.

Yue Ai is determined to get revenge for the unjust murder of his father. He refuses to let anyone stand in his way, including the emperor himself. He is set on making all those who caused his father's death suffer for their misdeeds. But what if he has to sacrifice the one he loves to gain his goal?

Zhao Qiangwei has her life set up for her, her fate has been decided. She is destined to become the future empress. But she is not satisfied. She wants to achieve her dream of becoming a female physician. Will she sacrifice her entire family for her dreams?

!!TRIGGER WARNINGS!!

Death

Depression

Self Harm

Austin Isaac.

The most sought out actor and model in the country. Maybe even the world. He has anything he wants at the click of his fingers. But all he wants is to be normal. His mother has other ideas though.

Can he break free of his mother's control and live a normal life? Or he will be stuck in the spotlight for the rest of his life?

A Caribbean cruise ship = a perfect family getaway. This means Uni student Maeve Hart must share a cabin with her parents, babysit her nieces and nephews and attend offshore excursions as one big happy family. Did knowing she wasn't allowed stop him? No. Did it stop them both from breaking ALL the rules? No. Will it be worth it in the end? They are about to find out...

*Course language contained*

This is a poem about my friend who is a lesbian stuck in an abusive, homophobic, misogynistic home. Please give her some love.

Avaz is a poetry book dedicated to love, i.e. disappointment with the fragments that love can leave us as a legacy, but it is also directed towards warm emotions towards dear people without whom one cannot live.. Thus, the author, guided by the youthful poetic arm of the male-female poetic dialogue, balances the conflict between these two opposing camps.. Her poetry is sometimes inspired by the philosophical questions of the existence of Pandora's boxes in each of us, and sometimes they are just short notes, lines, dashes caught in the passage of time around space.