Return of the Runebound Professor - Chapter 8: Moxie

This story is set during the end of the Sui Dynasty, a time where multiple powers struggled for supremacy and power.

Into the fray enters two orphans Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling; these two youths by many chances and luck obtain ‘The Secret to Long Life’ allowing the two to obtain profound martial abilities and a chance to rise to the top in this age of turmoil.

Though it may be a dream weathered, crumpled, fading,I held on without surrender.Through each repeated day, running toward tomorrow’s light,I became a knight, resolute and bright.

He is one of the most feared Mafia Don, built on blood, vengeance and silence. She is someone from a world he never planned to enter, or so he thought.Nero has a simple plan. Never fall in love. Never show weakness. And avenge his mother's death.He has been living according to his plans until he met her, Zoe Dean. A girl that shouldn't matter to him, but eventually she did.And now, with enemies closing in, and his past catching up. He must choose: Forgiveness or VengeanceLove or LegacyRise or FallKill or Be Killed.BOOK TROPESDark romanceTouch her and you dieBeauty and the beast vibesLove at first sightHe falls first but denies itPast traumaFeared DonForced ProximityLove Redeems the AntiheroRival Gangs.WARNINGThis book contains themes suited for mature readers only, including:Violence and organized crimeGun and knife use, murder, bloodKidnapping / captivity dynamicsProfanity and dark mafia languagePower imbalances (emotional and physical)Mentions of past traumaExplicit romantic/sexual contentThemes of obsession, vengeance, and betrayalNOTE: Although this is a dark mafia romance, the relationship between Nero and Zoe develops consensually. The story contains intense themes but ultimately centers on healing, redemption, and love.

“How did you know? I’ve been careful so that no one could find out.”Adrian Kaiser von der Palzgraf, the heir of the Pa...