Ghostwriterr

"They say power corrupts... but what if corruption was the price of power?"

Lucian never sought power—he only wanted to save his grandfather. But when he inherits the Book of Envy, a cursed tome that grants desires at a terrible cost, he is thrown into a world where the strong devour the weak.

To master the book, he must train under Veyren, the twisted holder of the Book of Lost. Along the way, he meets Kael, a skilled swordsman with the Book of Blades—a boy whose abilities Lucian secretly covets.

Betrayal, obsession, and an unstoppable hunger for strength drive Lucian down a path of no return.

But what happens when he faces a power too great to steal?

A dark fantasy tale of ambition, sacrifice, and the descent into power.

Hollow Crown: The Book of Envy

The night air was sharp, laced with the scent of iron and dust. Lucian moved through the empty streets of the ruined district, Veyren's latest lesson still fresh in his mind.

"You do not take from the weak. That is wasteful. You take from the worthy."

Lucian barely had time to react before a silver arc of steel flashed toward him.

He twisted, barely dodging as the blade carved through the air where his neck had been.

Lucian landed a few feet away, his breath steady but his muscles tensed. His eyes locked onto the figure before him.

A boy—maybe a year older than him—stood in the street, his posture relaxed but deadly. He held a katana, its edge gleaming under the moonlight. His grip was effortless, practiced—dangerous.

"You're not from here." The boy's voice was calm, but his eyes held an edge. "What do you want?"

Lucian narrowed his gaze. "That's my question."

The swordsman tilted his head, studying him. Then, with the same fluidity as breathing, he lifted his sword.

Lucian barely had time to brace before the boy vanished.

The first strike came from above, steel slicing downward. Lucian dodged, but the air pressure alone left a burning sting on his skin.

The second strike came before he even regained footing—a side slash aimed at his ribs. Lucian twisted, but the boy was already adjusting, his movements flowing like water.

Lucian reached for the Book of Envy—

A sudden shift—the blade stopped.

The swordsman stood before him, his katana inches from Lucian's throat.

Lucian exhaled, forcing his muscles to relax.

The swordsman smirked. "Not bad. Most don't last that long."

Lucian didn't reply. His mind was racing, analyzing.

The boy was strong. His swordplay was near-perfect. Instinctive. Effortless.

Lucian could feel it—envy creeping in.

The boy sheathed his sword, nodding slightly. "Name's Kael."

Lucian kept his expression neutral. "Lucian."

Kael studied him for a moment longer before speaking.

"You're looking for power, aren't you?"

Kael smirked, glancing toward the distant ruins beyond the city.

The Blade That Cuts Envy