Gardenia's Heart - Chapter 45: Whispers

“How did it go?” Lily asked the next morning when Ava got to the living room.“Terribly.” Ava replied flatly, dropping into one of the sofas.Sarah entered almost immediately and sent Ava a teasing and wicked smile.“Really? That bad? Lucas is really great in matters of the bedroom. Did you do something wrong?”“Our little new concubine here is a virgin.” Sarah announced. Lily gasped and covered her mouth.“Oh God. That is not the kind of man you want to lose your virginity with,” Lily said.Sarah burst into laughter at Lily's comment.“It's not funny,” Ava scowled.“Actually it is. Better warm up to the idea because when Alpha Lucas Raventhorn wants to take you, he will in the roughest way possible.” Sarah advised.“You mean like last night? I thought he was going to rip you in half.” Ava rolled her eyes.“I like my men rough.”“Well, I don't.” Ava retorted.“If you are looking for flowers, love, and vanilla sex. You are a concubine to the wrong alpha.”“Ain't that the truth.” Ava murmured under her breath

Sometime after ‘Gates’ appeared in this world, humanity was divided into two: [User] and [ordinary human beings] Lee-kyung was able to awaken into a user and choose a [Class]…but, in momentary misjudgement, chose to be a [Necromancer], the worst of all classes.

Lee-kyung, searching for the materials to evolve his skeletal servant, ‘Lackey,’ was barely able to participate in a high-level raid for [Tower of Command] Dungeon. In an accident, he falls down alone to uncover a hidden conspiracy.

Injured and desperate to survive, Lee-kyung called out to anyone…and reached a vengeful spirit. “Please, I’ll do anything….Please form a contract with me and save me!”

–-You’ll do anything?….

TW: Depictions of mental health

A powerless woman’s worst nightmare is marrying someone against her will. When those who are supposed to protect her betray her in the vilest of ways, Leonor is forced to marry a Duke known for his cold nature and repulsive appearance. After a miserable childhood, it shouldn’t have been a surprise to her that her future was never truly in her hands in the first place.Duke Desmond de Montclair was nobody before the war. He garnered the King’s favor by doing the impossible in battle. Unfortunately, any achievement is eclipsed by his appearance and unbearable personality. In a kingdom that idolizes beauty, there is no room for someone like him.At first, Leonor finds life with the Duke to be what she’s used to - walking on eggshells and never speaking what’s truly in her heart. Eventually, things slowly start to change as the Duke learns about the horrors she faced while living with her family. His power becomes the key to her revenge.However, in a moment where she feels cornered, Leonor confesses to the Duke that she’s in love with someone else. The progress she has made with the Duke comes crashing down around her.Will her magic abilities be enough to convince the Duke not to throw her out? If she can make herself useful to him, perhaps she can gain his sympathy somehow…