Born In Ashes

Seventeen-year-old Ash Vale has nothing—no family, no power, no future. In the slum depths of Vanta’s Reach, the only thing that keeps him alive is desperation. In a world rebuilt after the World Pulse, only one percent of humanity awakens supernatural powers known as Marks—the rest are left to rot beneath the boots of those who did. Ash isn’t one of the lucky few. Until he is. After a fatal encounter in the gutter streets, something ancient stirs inside him. A shadow that should not exist. A Mark long forgotten. Power floods through his veins, dark and hungry, marking him as something other—something voidborn. But awakening is only the beginning. His power is forbidden. His existence, illegal. The Aegis Concord, enforcers of the global order, dispatch Inquisitors to hunt down those who awaken outside their control. Now Ash must survive the hunt, master his shadow-born abilities, and uncover the truth behind the force whispering in his mind. Because power comes with a cost. And in the depths of the void… nothing is ever truly free. _________ Themes & Features: Dark Progression Fantasy: Leveling system, ability evolution, and tiered power (Tier 0–9). Gritty, Post-Apocalyptic World: Urban dystopia where only the Awakened matter. Shadow-Based Abilities: Stealth, manipulation, summoning—at a cost. Mystery & Lore: Unravel the secrets behind the World Pulse, the Void, and the origin of Marks. Slow-Burn Romance: Emotional and character-driven relationships that evolve with the story. Long-form Epic: 2,000+ chapters planned. Daily updates.