Miayun

In a world where everything is meant by power, Kael Draven, once a talented nobleman, is betrayed by his family and thrown into a magical prison. But instead of dying, he is reborn with a forbidden force - the Shadow Bond, an ability that makes him the ruler of the darkness.

Now Kael is looking for revenge. But his enemies are not only the traitors of his past, but also the most powerful clans in the empire and a secret organization that fears him. On his way, he gathers unstoppable allies - including a mysterious assassin with her own bloody past and a fallen war hero who knows the true face of the Empire.

While Kael is torn between power, loyalty and his own dark desire, he must face an even greater threat: an ancient prophecy that the Shadow-Bounded Ruler will either save the world or plunge into eternal chaos.

Will he become the dreaded tyrant or the unexpected savior? The line between hero and villain blurs - and Kael is ready to break every rule to write his own destiny.

 I upload 5 new chapters every Saturday ;)
and…tx to Lilas

Shadowbound: Rise of the Cursed Lord

The elder's words echoed in Elara and Kael's thoughts. An old threat that could return? They had thought they had restored the balance, but now it seemed as if their mission was not yet over.

"What exactly do you know about this dark power?" Elara asked in a serious voice.

The elder sighed. "It's a legend that goes back a long way. Centuries ago, a magician named Malakar ruled, who made darkness his own. He was once a guardian of balance, but he fell into the temptation to gain absolute power. It took the united forces of the greatest warriors and magicians of the time to defeat him. They banished him to another dimension – a shadow world from which he should never return."

Kael crossed his arms. "Does that mean he could reappear?"

The elder nodded. "The signs indicate this. Since you restored the crystal, strange things have happened. Nocturnal shadows rushing through the village. Nightmares that torment people. And there are reports of a gloomy figure seen on the edge of the forest."

Elara felt an icid shiver in her back. "If Malakar really returns, we must stop him before he can unfold his power again."

"But how?" Kael asked. "If the most powerful warriors could only banish him back then, what can we do?"

The elder looked at her seriously. "There is a way. But he's dangerous."

Elara tightened her shoulders. "Tell us."

"The only way to destroy him once and for all is to destroy the source of his power: the heart of the shadows. It is located deep in the ruins of Valtor - a lost city once inhabited by dark magicians. But only those who carry the balance of light and darkness can survive there."

Kael looked at Elara. "That means we're the only ones who can do it."

The elder nodded slowly. "Yes. But be warned. Malakar is feared for a reason. If his soul has indeed found a way back into this world, then he will do everything to stop you."

Elara clenched her fists. "Then we shouldn't waste time."

Kael grinned slightly. "I was hoping we'd have some peace after the last fight. But apparently our destiny is to get into trouble all the time."

Elara smiled askance. "Then let's get started before the difficulties find us."

Together they got ready for their next journey - to the ruins of Valtor, where the heart of the shadows was hid. But in the depths of darkness, something was already watching them ...

Chapter 31: The Curse of the Exited