Short, Light, Free - Chapter 86: The Value of Art I

Mara and Maria-Isabel have always been best friends. But while Mara is happily married to Ethan, Maria-Isabel is trapped in an abusive relationship. When Mara and Ethan help her escape, they never expect what happens next.One night, Mara walks in on a moment she never should have seen her husband and her best friend, locked in an intense, lingering gaze.“Tell me it’s not what I think,” Mara whispers, her voice shaking.Maria-Isabel looks away. Ethan stays silent.Their friendship was meant to save Maria-Isabel. Instead, it may have destroyed them all.A story of love, betrayal, and a choice that will change everything.

In the shadow of Silver Peak Mountain, the Winter Moon Festival approaches - a party where wolves find their true mates. For 18-year-old Lily Carter, being an omega means living on the edges of pack life, watching others find love while she expects to be paired with another forgotten omega. All her life, she's watched Luna, the Beta's daughter, receive admiration from everyone - especially from the Alpha's triplet boys who will one day lead the pack.But on the night of Lily's 18th birthday, which falls during the festival, her world shatters when her fated mate mark shows - linking her to one of the three powerful brothers. Now Lily must manage jealousy, dangerous pack politics, and her own insecurities as she tries to discover which brother is truly meant for her. As threats emerge from within and outside the pack, Lily discovers hidden strengths that show she's far more than “just an omega.” With three potential mates - the charming diplomat, the fierce warrior, and the thoughtful scholar - Lily's destiny is far greater than anyone could have dreamed.

In a world of brooding heroes and dark justice, one mercenary stands out—not for his skill, but for his relentless sarcasm and love for chaos. A self-proclaimed anti-hero, he finds himself working with the Titans, much to their frustration. While undeniably skilled in combat and nearly impossible to kill, his real talent lies in driving his teammates insane with endless jokes, fourth-wall breaks, and questionable decision-making. Whether it’s swapping Robin’s gadgets with toy versions, turning serious battles into slapstick comedy, or giving monologues mid-fight, he thrives on pushing everyone’s patience. But beneath the humor, there’s a sharp mind, a tragic past, and a surprising willingness to do what others can’t. While the Titans may roll their eyes at him, they also know that when things get truly dire, he’s the wildcard they need. Love him or hate him—he’s here to stay, and he’s having way too much fun.

In a shocking turn of fate, Jack Anderson's life is brutally cut short. But death isn't the end for Jack; instead, it marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey.Reincarnated in a mystical realm, Jack discovers he's been gifted with incredible powers and an enigmatic system that guides his every move. As he navigates this unfamiliar world, Jack must confront formidable enemies, unravel ancient mysteries, and unravel the secrets of his own destiny.With the undead system as his trusted ally, Jack embarks on a perilous quest to unravel the truth about his past, his newfound abilities, and the hidden forces manipulating this strange new world.Will Jack master the undead system and unlock its full potential, or will the shadows of his own mortality consume him? Dive into the world of 'The Undead System' to join Jack on his heart-pumping, action-packed adventure through the realms of the unknown.