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Frida's library, Port Harcourt (2026)

25/08/2026

Big shout out to my newest top fans! Charity Chidinma, Adeola Bashorun, Euphemia Ekezie, Orji Somtochukwu Sarah, Bonie Kombo

25/08/2026

♠️Shadows of Desire 📌

[ His obsession. His fire ]

Genre: Billionaire romance

Tags: mafia, forbidden love, power, wealth, billionaire, revenge, betrayal, kidnap.

Written by: Chacha tren.

Warning: No part of this book should be copied, published else where without my permission or Authorization.

💘 Chapter 63 💘 64 💘

Dominic's chains rattled as he tried to lift his head. He was burning with fever, his wounds festering. The door groaned open. Marcus entered, carrying the glowing brand in tongs. Dominic's heart pounded, his muscles straining against the chains.

Marcus smirked. "Do you hear them, Dominic? My soldiers crying out in the distance. Something's stirring. Your little dove thinks she can fight me."
He raised the brand, the glow searing Dominic's vision. "This mark," Marcus hissed, "will remind you every moment of who owns you."

Dominic's bared his teeth, forcing his cracked lips into a smile. "She's coming and when she does, you'll be the one screaming."
Marcus eyes flashed with fury, his fist connecting with his jaw, snapping his head back. "Stubborn dog. We'll see how long you can keep that tongue."

He turned, leaving the cell with a cruel laugh, the iron doors slamming shut behind him. Dominic sagged in his chains, his chest a blazing agony. But through the haze, he closed his eyes and saw her. Ariella. Her face, her fire, her promise. It was enough to keep him breathing.

Ariella sat by the crackling fire, her cloak still smelling faintly of smoke. Around her, the rebels sharpened blades, prepared arrows and muttered in low voices. The leader Garrick _watched her closely. "You burned Marcus soldiers. Impressive. But fire only frightens men for a night.
To strike him down, you'll need more than fire. You'll need strategy."

Ariella straightened. "Then teach me. Show me how to fight him."
Garrick's scarred lips twisted in a half smile. "Eager, I like that. But understand this...if you falter, you'll drag us all down with you.

"I won't falter," Ariella sat firmly. "Dominic is still alive. I can feel it and I will tear Marcus's kingdom apart stone by stone. If that is what it takes to free him."
Clara shifted nervously at her side. "Ariella, please... what if he's already __"

"He's not," Ariella's voice cracked like steel. "He's alive. I'd know if he wasn't."
Silence followed, heavy with unspoken doubt. Elias finally spoke, his voice low. "The more chaos we sow, the weaker Marcus becomes. If we strike his supply lines, his soldiers will starve. If we free his prisoners, they'll rise against him.”

Ariella nodded, fire blazing in her eyes. "Then that's where we start. No one else will live in chains the way Dominic does."

Garrick pulled her aside. His gaze was sharp, weighing her. "Tell me, dove. Why risk your life for him? Is he truly worth all this?"
Ariella didn't hesitate . "He's worth everything. He risked his life to free me. He saw me as more than a possession. More than Marcus's pawn. He made me believe I could be free."

Garrick studied her for a long moment, then gave a rough laugh. "Foolish. Dangerous. But maybe that's what this fight needs."

The forest road was dark, swallowed by trees that whispered in the night wind. Ariella crouched behind the thickets, her dagger gripped tight, her cloak brushing the dirt. Beside her, Elias checked the string of his bow. "Convoy should be here soon. Two wagons, ten men, maybe more. If we strike fast, we'll cripple Marcus's supplies for a week."

Ariella nodded, though her heart thudded against her ribs. This wasn't just sabotage anymore. Tonight, blood would be spilled and she would lead it.
Clara whispered nervously behind them, clutching the edge of,Ariella's cloak. "Are you sure about this? You're not a soldier."

"I don't need to be," Ariella whispered bay, eyes fixed on the road. "I just need to be faster than my fear."
The sound came then _hoof beats, the creak of wheels, men's rough laughter drifting through the night.

Torches flickered, their glow bobbing through the trees. Elias tensed. "This is it."
Ariella raised her hand, and the rebels hidden among the brush _tightened. Grips on swords, bows, and diggers. The forest held it's breath. When the wagons entered the clearing, Ariella dropped her hand. "Now!"

Arrows hissed through the air, striking torches and plunging the convoy into sudden darkness. Horses reared, soldiers shouted, confusion bursting like thunder. Ariella sprinted from the trees, cloak flying, and drove her dagger into the side of the nearest wagon.

With one shove, she sliced the ropes securing the crates. Supplies tumbled into the dirt. A soldier swung at her, blade flashing. Ariella ducked, heart hammering, and Elias arrow dropped the man before he could strike again. "Stay focused!" Elias barked.

Ariella darted forward, kicking over a barrel of dried grain. It split open, scattering across the road. Another soldier lunged, grabbing her arm. "Got you, w***h__"
Her dagger flashed, catching his shoulder. He screamed, stumbling back, for the first time, Ariella didn't flinch at the blood.

She felt alive. The rebels swarmed, blades clashing, voices echoing through the night. Clara huddled by the trees, wide eyed, whispering prayers.

Ariella's cloak caught on a wagon wheel. She yanked free, turning just in time to see a soldier raising his sword above her. "Ariella," Elias shouted, loosing another arrow. It struck the soldier in the chest, dropping him inches from her.

The battle field reeked of smoke, sweat and blood. The rebels moved like shadows, overwhelming Marcus's men with ruthless precision. Finally, the last soldier fell, the road littered with the groans of the wounded and the silence of the dead.

Elias lowered his bow, breathing hard. "It's done,"
Ariella stood in the middle of the road, chest heaving, dagger slick with blood. Her hands trembled but she forced herself to straighten. "We've shown Marcus," she said, her voice louder than she felt. "His grip weakens. He bleeds, and we'll keep cutting until he falls."

The rebels murmured in approval, some clapping her shoulder as they passed. Clara rushed to her, grabbing her arm. "You could've died!"
"I didn't," Ariella said softly, staring at the blood on her dagger. "And everytime I don't, it brings me closer to Dominic."

TBC. Please make sure to like, comment and share after reading.

20/08/2026

chapter 61 � 62 posted

20/08/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Muffie Jones, Nneka Elem Azubike, Mprêz Dhêë, Ogbole Grace, Justin Waweru Karuiru Karuiru, Anita Emmanuel, Mathew Dorcas, Mpho Mphoza, Nombi Selo, Chinemerem Lucy, Elizabeth Olamide, Angel Emmanuel, Purity Munachi, Arike Ade, Eufemia Delilah, Okorie Praise

20/08/2026

♠️Shadows of Desire 📌

[ His obsession. His fire ]

Genre: Billionaire romance

Tags: mafia, forbidden love, power, wealth, billionaire, revenge, betrayal, kidnap.

Written by: Chacha tren.

Warning: No part of this book should be copied, published else where without my permission or Authorization.

💘 Chapter 61 💘 62 💘

The silence that followed was heavy. Finally, the leader barked a laugh. "You've got fire, dove. Fire burns bright, but it also burns out fast. If you want our blades, prove yourself."

Elias stepped forward. "Enough games __"
But Ariella raised her hand, cutting him off. Her eyes locked on the leader. "Tell me what I must do."
The man grinned, revealing broken teeth. "There's a camp of Marcus soldiers a mile east. Burn it to the ground. Do that, and maybe we'll talk."

Clara, who had followed despite protest, gasped. "Ariella, that's su***de!"
Ariella's hands trembled under her cloak, but her voice was steel. "Then I'll risk death. Because living in Marcus's shadow is worse than dying free."

The Hawthornes laughter rang through the forest, but the leader gave her a nod of respect. "We'll be watching, dove. Don't disappoint us."

Dominic's eyes fluttered open, fever burning through him. The chains felt heavier now, his body weaker. But still, he clung to one thought. Her. Ariella. He imagined her voice, her touch, her promise. It was the only thing keeping him from collapsing entirely. And when Marcus entered with the glowing brand in his hands, Dominic gritted his teeth and whispered to himself. "She is coming."

The forest smelled of damp earth and smoke from distant torches. Ariella crouched low in the shadows, her cloak blending into the night. Her hands trembled around the small flask of oil Elias had pressed into them. "Remember," Elias whispered, crouching beside her. "You don't have to do this. I'll finish it."

Ariella's eyes flashed. "No, if i don't, the Hawthornes won't follow me. Dominic's life depends on this."
From the hill above, they could see Marcus soldiers encamped in a clearing. Rows of tents, fires glowing, laughter and drunken singing echoing into the night. The guards were lax, their weapons leaning against logs, their discipline forgotten in comfort.

Clara clutched Ariella's arm. "Please, this is madness. If they catch you __"
"They won't," Ariella said, more to herself than to Clara. Her voice shook, but her eyes were steady. "They can't."

Ariella crept down the slope, every step calculated, every breath shallow. She poured oil on the fabric of the nearest tenth, her fingers slick and trembling. Her heart hammered so loudly she feared the soldiers would hear it.

A drunk guard stumbled past, humming. Ariella pressed herself against the shadows, holding her breath until he passed. Only when his laughter faded did she dare strike the flint Elias had given her.

The spark caught. The oil hissed and roared to life, flames devouring canvas. "Fire!" A soldier shouted, jolting the camp into chaos. Ariella didn't wait. She darted to the next tent, her cloak whipping behind her, igniting another canvas before the first blaze had even spread.

Screams and shouts filled the night. Soldiers scrambled, some trying to douse the flames, others grabbing weapons. Elias appeared in the smoke, cutting down a soldier who charged toward her. "Run, Ariella!"

But she didn't. Not yet. Her blood surged with something unfamiliar but intoxicating... power. For once, she wasn't the hunted. She was the fire. She hurled another flask into the flames, and the explosion sent soldiers sprawling, the camp was burning.

The night was alive with chaos. When they finally reached the edge of the woods, panting, Ariella turned to look back. The camp was a blazing inferno, the soldiers shouts carrying into the night. Clara was pale, clinging to Ariella's cloak. "You could have died."

Ariella's chest heaved, her face streaked with ash, but her voice was steady. "I didn't and now they'll know I'm not afraid."

Elias studied her, something like respect flickering in his eyes. "You've earned their attention. Let's see if it's enough."

At the Hawthornes strong hold, the leader was waiting. He sat by the fire, sharpening a blade, his men gathered around. When Ariella entered, still streaked with soot and smoke, he looked up. "Well?"
Elias tossed a charred soldier's insignia onto the table. "Burned to the ground. No survivors."
The Hawthornes murmured, some in shock, others in approval. The leader rose, stepping toward Ariella. His eyes scanned her as though seeing her for the first time. "The dove spread her wings."

"I told you," Ariella said firmly. "I'm not afraid of Marcus. I'll fight him until he falls."

The leader studied her, then gave a slow, wolfish smile. "Then the Hawthornes fight with you."
A cheer went up among the rebels, though some voices remained cautious, skeptical.

Clara squeezed Ariella's hand in disbelief. "You did it."
But Ariella's mind was already else where. "This is only the beginning."

TBC. Please manage it, I know the chapter is small.

17/08/2026

Guess what!!!!

I bagged another contract. On Rocnovel. non exclusive.

17/08/2026

♠️Shadows of Desire 📌

[ His obsession. His fire ]

Genre: Billionaire romance

Tags: mafia, forbidden love, power, wealth, billionaire, revenge, betrayal, kidnap.

Written by: Chacha tren.

Warning: No part of this book should be copied, published else where without my permission or Authorization.

💘 Chapter 59 💘 60 💘

Dominic lunged against the chains, his voice a growl that echoed through the dungeon. "Touch her, and I will tear you apart with my bare hands!"

The guards tensed, but Marcus only smiled. "There it is. That fire, that's what will destroy you."
He leaned close, whispering near Dominic's ear. "Do you know where she is right now? Running, hiding, crying and do you know what she's thinking? That you're already dead."

Dominic's nostrils flared, but he said nothing. His silence was defiance. Marcus straightened, flicking his wrist dismissively. "Chain him tighter. No food, no water. Let's see how long his love keeps him breathing."

The guards shoved Dominic back against the wall, securing the iron cuffs so tight his skin split. Dominic gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out. His thoughts were only of her. Ariella. Her touch. Her voice begging him not to become the monster Marcus wanted. He closed his eyes, and despite the pain, whispered into the darkness. "Hold on, Ariella. I'll come back to you."

Miles away in the small safe house Elias had led her to, Ariella paced the floor with frantic steps. Her gown was torn , her hair wild, her eyes red from tears.
Clara sat nearby, wringing her hands. "You're lucky Elias got you out when he did. If Marcus had..."

"Don't say it," Ariella cut her off sharply. "Don't. Dominic is alive. I felt it."
Elias leaned against the door frame, arms crossed, his face was grim. "Alive, yes. But for how long? Marcus won't kill him quickly. He'll break him piece by piece. That's what men like him do."

Ariella's hands fi**ed at her sides. "Then we don't waste time. We go back for him."
Elias shook his head. "Not without a plan. If you rush in now, you'll only hand yourself back to Marcus __and Dominic will die for nothing."

"I can't just sit here!" Ariella's voice cracked, her chest heaving with desperation. "He bled for me. He nearly died for me and now he's suffering because of me!"

Clara rose and took her hands gently. "He chose that. Don't dishonor his choice by throwing yourself into Marcus's hands."
Ariella's tears spilled, but her voice hardened. "Then help me both of you. Help me free him."

Elias studied her, the fire in her eyes undeniable. Finally he sighed. "We'll need allies. More than me, more than Clara. Marcus has an army. We'll need one too."

Ariella nodded fiercely. "Then we build one."

Marcus watched Dominic sag against the chains, blood dripping steadily from his wounds. "You will beg, Dominic," Marcus said softly, almost tenderly. "You'll beg me to let you live. And when you do, I'll make sure Ariella watches."

Dominic lifted his head, eyes blazing through the haze of pain. His voice was hoarse but steady. "You'll never have her."

Marcus smile faded, just for a second. Then he turned sharply, storming out, his cape swirling behind him. In the silence that followed, Dominic let out a ragged breath, his body trembling. But his will remained unbroken. "Ariella..." He whispered into the darkness. "I'll survive for you."

The safe house felt too small, too suffocating. Ariella stood by the window, staring into the night as though sheer will power could pierce the distance between her and Dominic. The storm that brewed outside mirrored. The turmoil raging inside her. Elias set down a map on the table, his tone sharp. "Marcus has tightened his patrols. He knows Dominic means too much to you.
Every road, every alley, every dock is crawling with his men."

Ariella turned, her eyes blazing. "Then we'll find another way. There has to be someone willing to stand against him."
Clara bit her lip, hesitant. "Ariella... Marcus owns the city. The merchants, the guards, even the noble houses__most of them bow to him. Anyone who dares to oppose him...." She trailed off, shuddering.

Ariella's voice cut through fierce and unyielding. "Then we find those who haven't bowed. Someone out there hates him as much as I do. Someone must want him destroyed."

Elias studied her, arms crossed. "You're not the same girl I met in chains."
She looked at him sharply. "Because of Dominic. He risked everything for me. Now it's my turn."

For a long moment, silence stretched between them. Then Elias sighed and tapped the map. "There are whispers. A smuggler's crew on the docks __men who lost brothers to Marcus soldiers. And the Hawthorne rebels in the northern woods. They've been waiting for someone brave enough to light the spark."

Clara's eyes widened. "The Hawthornes? They're killers."
"They're survivors," Elias corrected coldly. His eyes flicked back to Ariella. "But approaching them is a risk. If they don't see strength in you, they'll hand you over to Marcus for coins."

Ariella's jaw tightened. "Then i will make them see my strength."

Two days later, cloaked in shadows, Ariella rode with Elias into the northern woods. The air was sharp with pine, and every crack of a twig sent shivers down her spine. "They'll test you," Elias warned. "Don't flinch."

"I won't," she said, though her heart raced.

A whistle cut through the night. Shadows detached from the trees_armed men and women, their eyes sharp and hungry. The leader stepped forward, scarred and broad shouldered, with a gaze that pinned her like prey. "Who dares walk into Hawthorne ground?"

Elias dismounted first. "Friends, seeking allies."
The man's eyes slid to Ariella. "And who is this? She looks more like a pampered dove than a fighter."

Ariella lifted her chin, her voice steady despite the quiver in her chest. "I'm Ariella Montgomery. Marcus Blackthorne stole everything from me. He holds the man I love in chains. And I won't rest until he's destroyed."

The Hawthornes chuckled, low and mocking. But the leader's eyes narrowed with interest. "Bold words but words don't win wars. What do you offer us?"

Ariella met his gaze unflinching. "Hope. A chance to take back what he's stolen from you too. Together, we can break him."

The leader circled her like a wolf. "And why shouldn't I deliver you to him now? Marcus would pay handsomely."
Her pulse hammered, but she stood firm. "Because I'm worth more to you free. I know his weaknesses. I've lived in his cage, I've seen how he rules through fear. With me, you'll know where to strike. With me, you'll have something Marcus can't buy__his undoing."

To be continued. Complete the requirements on the last post.

15/08/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Layo Joseph, Frida Kanyenze, Opey Akins, Karimot Adeniyi, Aduagba Abdulbasit, Bonita Peterson, Christopher Igbinidu, Petty Iheanacho, Joy Iretioluwa, John Elizabeth, Meenah's Book, Pre Cious, Ife Oluwa

13/08/2026

♠️Shadows of Desire 📌

[ His obsession. His fire ]

Genre: Billionaire romance

Tags: mafia, forbidden love, power, wealth, billionaire, revenge, betrayal, kidnap.

Written by: Chacha tren.

Warning: No part of this book should be copied, published else where without my permission or Authorization.

💘 Chapter 57 💘 58 💘

Dominic's eyes blazed. "And I will tear you apart to keep her."
The tension snapped like lightning. Guards lunged forward, Dominic swinging his chain in a deadly arc.
The clash of metal rang out as Ariella screamed his name.

The chamber erupted into chaos. Steel clashed, boots thundered, and the air filled with the acrid tang of gun powder as guards surged forward. Dominic swung his chain in a deadly arc, the links cracking against a guard's temple with a sickening crunch.

The man dropped like a stone. "Stay behind me!" Dominic roared, pushing Ariella back even as another guard lunged. She clutched the bed post, her heart in her throat. Every movement Dominic made was raw fury and precision __ a wolf unleashed in human skin.

Two rifles fired. Dominic twisted, the bullets grazing his arm but missing his heart. He seized one gunman by the throat and hurled him into the other. Marcus didn't flinch. He leaned against the door frame, watching the carnage with a twisted smile. "Ah, there's the beast I've heard so much about. Tell me, Dominic...does she know how much blood stains those hands?"

"Shout your mouth!" Dominic snarled, swinging the chain. It coiled around a guard's wrist, wrenching the rifle free. He snapped it in two across his knee, his eyes burning into Marcus. Ariella cried out. Marcus, stop this! You'll kill him!"

Marcus smile widened. "That's the point, my sweet."
He drew his own weapon..a silver edged blade glinting in the candle light.

Dominic's eyes locked on it, his voice low and murderous. "Come at me, coward."
Marcus lunged. Their weapons collided with a metallic scream, sparks flying. Dominic's chain lashed out, wrapping around Marcus arm. He yanked, dragging him forward, then slammed a fist into Marcus jaw. Marcus staggered back, blood smearing his lip but he laughed. "Yes... that's it. Show her who you really are. A Savage."

Dominic's chest heaved. He wanted to end him, right there, but Ariella's terrified face held him back. "Dominic, please!" She begged. "Don't lose yourself to him."

Her voice steadied him, but Marcus saw the hesitation and pounced. His blade slashed across Dominic's side, crimson blooming instantly. Ariella screamed, breaking free of her restraints and running forward. "No!" Dominic gritted his teeth, staggering but refusing to fall.

He grabbed Marcus's wrist, twisting until the blade clattered to the floor. His chain snapped tight around Marcus throat. One pull, and it would be over.
Marcus eyes bulged, his hands clawing at the iron links. "Do it!" Marcus spat, his voice hoarse. "Kill me in front of her. Let her see the monster she's chained to."

Dominic's muscles trembled with rage. His grip tightened... then faltered. Because Ariella was there, her hands pressed to his bloodied side, her eyes pleading. "Don't, Dominic. You're not him. Don't let him turn you into what he wants."

The words cut deeper than any blade. Dominic shoved Marcus away, the chain slipping free. Marcus crumpled against the wall, coughing violently, his smirk twisted but alive. Guards swarmed in, filling the chamber again. Dominic swung his chain wildly, fighting them off, but blood loss made him stumble.

Elias appeared in the door way then, loosing an arrow that struck one guard squared in the chest. "Dominic, move!"
But Dominic was staggering, Ariella clutching at him.

Marcus recovering, pointed at them, fury consuming him now. "Don't let them escape! I want Dominic alive __i will break him myself."

The guards closed in, rifles raised. Elias grabbed Ariella's arm, dragging her toward the hidden passage. "Go!"
"No!" She cried, clinging to Dominic. "I won't leave without him!"
Dominic coughed, blood staining his lips, but his eyes burned into hers. "Go with him. Live."

"I can't __"

"You must!" He growled, shoving her toward Elias with the last of his strength.
Tears streak her face, but Elias pulled her through the passage just as more guards crashed into the chamber.
The last thing Ariella saw before the panel slammed shut was Dominic collapsing to his knees, chain still clutched in his hand as Marcus loomed over him. And his voice, hoarse but unbroken, echoed through the stone. "I'll find you, Ariella...no matter what."

Her sobs drowned out the sounds of the fight as Elias dragged her into the dark. Behind them, Marcus voice rang out, cold and triumphant. "Bind him in chains. Break his bones if you must. But keep him breathing."

And Dominic, bloodied but defiant, spat crimson at Marcus feet. "You'll never have her. Not while I draw breath."

The dungeon was damp and reeking of rust. Chains clinked, when ever Dominic moved, the iron biting into his raw wrists. Blood still seeped from the slash across his side, staining the filthy stone floor beneath him.

But his eyes... his eyes were still sharp, unbroken, fixed on the man who stood across from him. Marcus Blackthorne. Dressed in immaculate black, Marcus paced leisurely as though this were nothing more than a game of chess. "You fight like a beast, Dominic. I'll give you that." He smirked, stopping just out of reach. "But beasts can be tamed."

Dominic let out a low laugh, even through his pain. "You'll die trying."

Marcus crouched down, bringing himself eye level. His voice dropped, venomous. "You think strength will keep her with you? No, my dear Dominic. Strength is fleeting. Fear....fears lasts."

He motioned to a guard, who brought forward a silver brand glowing red hot from the forge. The hiss of the metal filled the air. Dominic's jaw clenched, but he didn't look away.

Marcus studied his face, then chuckled. "Not yet. I want her to see it, when I burn my mark into you. I want her to know you belong to me."

Dominic lunged against the chains, his voice a growl that echoed through the dungeon. "Touch her, and I will tear you apart with my bare hands!"

TBC. Likes 1k, 50 comments and 15 shares to unlock next chapter .

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