Uncrowned Love

Uncrowned Love

London Love · Ongoing · 38.5k Words

722
Hot
722
Views
102
Added
Share:facebooktwitterpinterestwhatsappreddit

Introduction

In the picturesque town of Willowbrook, there lived a bright and ambitious college student by the name of Lily. Having lost her parents at a young age, she had always longed for a fairytale love story that would whisk her away to a world of magic and wonder. On one fateful day, as she hurriedly made her way to her next class, she stumbled upon a charming young man named Alexander.

From the moment they met, they felt an instant connection, and their bond only grew stronger with each passing day. Unknown to Lily, Alexander was actually Prince Alexander of Eldoria, the neighboring kingdom. Disguising himself as a college student, he sought to experience life as a regular person.

As they spent more time together, their love for each other blossomed, but Alexander struggled with revealing his true identity to Lily. Fearing that it would complicate their relationship and unsure of how she would react, he kept his royal heritage a secret.
Despite Alexander's reservations, Lily's friends encouraged her to pursue this budding romance with all her heart.

Does true love really know no bounds? Lily and Alexander were destined to be together, right?

With betrayal and hidden agendas coming into play. Will this future King have what it takes to run his kingdom and recognize true love?

Chapter 1

I can't believe I'm six months into my freshmen year of college. Lily muttered as she rolled over in bed.

I took the cold pillow and buried my face in it.* I'm just ready for everything to come together. It was a hard couple of years before school but now I'm here. *

My thoughts were interrupted when my phone went off besides my pillow. I rubbed my eyes and it took about half a minute for me to see clearly.

The text came from Knox. My heart instantly started beating faster. We hadn't talked that much and whenever he did call me, he had to rush off somewhere. I felt guilty, because honestly- in the midst of everything that has been going on, I managed to forget that he was coming to visit me.

" Good morning, beautiful! What time will you be home today? I want to see you.", said his text.

"Hey, baby! Around 6pm . I have to go to library to study. " I texted back with a smile on my face

"Can't wait to see you! :) "

I changed into black skinny jeans and a red casual tee.

As the sun rose over the bustling campus, casting a golden glow on the vibrant autumn leaves, my heart raced with anticipation and nervousness.

I felt like a small fish in a big pond. It still feels like the first day.

The other students seemed to exude confidence, effortlessly navigating through the sea of unfamiliar faces.

They had an air of self-assurance that made my insecurities feel even more pronounced.

Doubt crept into my mind - what if I didn't belong here? What if I couldn't keep up with my peers? Even though it was mid semester.

Although I was 20 years old. I had always struggled with feelings of inadequacy. I constantly compared myself to others along with the feelings I was not good enough.

As Lily sat in her seat, anxiously waiting for the professor to begin the lecture, her mind was consumed with thoughts of her boyfriend.

The weight of impending deadlines and assignments added to her mounting anxiety, making it difficult for her to focus on anything else.

But as soon as the professor started speaking, a remarkable transformation took place within Lily.

The soothing voice of the professor washed over her like a gentle wave, calming her racing thoughts and bringing her back to the present moment.

With each word spoken by the professor, Lily's worries began to fade away.

She found herself captivated by the knowledge being shared, completely engrossed in the subject matter at hand.

The once chaotic jumble of thoughts about her boyfriend now seemed distant and insignificant compared to the wealth of information being presented.

The professor's passion for teaching was contagious.

It ignited a spark within Lily that she hadn't felt in a while.

As she listened intently to every word spoken, she realized that this lecture was not just about academic content; it was a reminder of why she had chosen this field of study in the first place.

Still she knew today was going to be a long day.

Lily had always been a bit of an introvert but in that moment, Lily's anxiety melted away completely.

Usually the thought of being surrounded by so many people made her anxious.

She had chosen Sylvania University because of its reputation for excellence in the field of literature, but now she wasn't sure if she was ready for the challenge.

In class, Lily observed how her peers eagerly participated in discussions, answered questions with conviction, and formed study groups as if they had been friends for years.

Meanwhile, she hesitated to speak up, fearing judgment and criticism from others.

Thinking to herself. "I'm glad I only have one more class thank God for Mondays."

As she walked back to her dorm room, she decided to stop by the neighboring coffee shop.

It was a small, cozy place with a warm atmosphere that made her feel at home. She ordered her usual latte and sat down by the window, watching the people passing by.

As she sipped her coffee, she noticed a young couple sitting across from her, holding hands and laughing.

She couldn't help but smile at their happiness.

It reminded her of her own boyfriend, who was currently on his way to see her.

She missed him terribly. They had a long distance relationship and was determined to make this last.

After all, he was the one who found in her that deadly day in the woods. A thought that she wanted desperately not to remember.

They had agreed to stay in touch through video calls and messages.

She took out her phone and sent him a message, telling him about her day, how much she missed him and how much she can't wait to see him.

Taking a seat at the far end of the coffee shop, where the windowns were directed to a beautiful lake.

The sky that was earlier filled with blue skies and sunshile was now charcoal. There were cracks in the cloud layers where the sun shone through.

*I had always enjoyed watching storms. Somehow it made me feel at relaxed. *

Finishing up her coffee. She gathered her bag to leave the shop.

As she put her phone away, she noticed an elderly man struggling to carry his groceries.

Without hesitation, she got up and offered to help him.

He gratefully accepted, and they walked out together.

As they walked, the man told her about his life and his struggles, and she listened attentively. The rain continued to pour but he didn't live far from the shop.

"I'm sorry deary that you got wet. I didn't count on it to rain. I guess the weatherman doesn't know what he is talking about", he laughed.

"No need to apologize. I love rain. It washes everything away and makes it clean again."

There was a crash of lightning as the rain started to pour heavily from the sky.

About time we reached his apartment building, I quickly helped him carry his groceries to his door, and he thanked me warmly.

Lily made her way back to her dorm room with a vibrant smile danced accross her face, she decided to call Knox to let him know she was home.

The excitement of her day was bubbling over, making her fingers practically itch to dial her boyfriend's number.

With a quick tap on the screen, the call connected and she eagerly began recounting every thrilling detail.

Her boyfriend, always attentive and understanding, listened intently as she painted a vivid picture of her experience.

Knox didn't interrupt or rush her; instead, he patiently let her pour out all the exhilaration that filled her heart.

With each word she spoke, his support and admiration for her grew stronger.

He offered words of encouragement and congratulations, his voice radiating genuine excitement. "That's amazing!" he exclaimed.

A knock was heard at the door.

Lily looked at the phone, "is that you?", she asked.

"Open the door, babe", Knox said through the call.

Another crash of thunder made us both jump, as I opened the door wide for him to walk in.

Kissing Lily sweetly on the cheeks, "how have you been?" He asked, while taking off his hoodie.

"I've been great. How was football camp?"

"We won, as always," he said with a smug smile on his face.

Taking a step back to admire him. She admitted he looked good. More than good actually.

He was wearing a dark blue t-shirt that fitted his body perfectly.

I could feel my face growing scarlet red. There was an awkward silence as I waited for my pulse to return back to normal,again.

We slowly made our way to the sofa to continue our conversation.

Knox told me all about his football camp and he wants to be a football coach someday.

I told him about dreams of becoming a writer and how class was going so far this semester.

"I'm sorry you got caught in the rain, Knox. I hope coming to see me was worth you getting wet."

Knox was laughing so hard I swear there were tears in his eyes, even though he could blame them on the rain.

When I realized what had come out of my mouth, my jaw dropped to the floor.

"Stop that! I didn't mean it like that!"

"Oh, you were defintely worth me getting wet for. I bet you are wet right now", he smirked.

"You have a dirty mind," I responded. "I didn't mean it sexually by the way."

"Maybe I can change your mind," he said before pulling me against his chest and crashing his lips with mine.

His lips were as soft as velvet and his hands were wrapped around me as he kissed me slowly. The kiss was sweet, too sweet.

I needed for hiim to make me feel something. I wanted the butterflies, the raw passion to rip each other's clothes off.

I grabbed his face and inserted my tongue in his mouth while pushing my body against his.

He returned the kiss and kissed me hungrily.

He moaned into my mouth which gave me more courage to press myself against him even more.

Pulling me tighter against him, while leaning back into the sofa.

He lifted my right leg and I wrapped it around him. Leaning against his chest and reaching his lips.

I could feel the heat from his body turning me on.

We were interrupted when my phone started to vibrate in my pocket. He pulled away and rested his forehead against mine, "I'm sorry I lost control."

I looked him into his eyes and answered, "I'm not."

He linked his fingers with mine and said, "I'm really glad I'm spending time with you." He traced his fingers on the palm of my hand and looked me in the eyes.

"I enjoy spending time with you too."

He looked around and turned back to me, "let's go to bed, Lil."

"I'm tired and I know you are."

I giggled at the sudden change of topic and replied, "you're right. I am tired."

An hour later.

Lily crawled into bed, where Knox awaited. Looking at a couple of videos on his phone.

Skipping the read for tonight. I kissed Knox on the jaw. Turned off the lamp and closed my eyes, letting myself drift into a deep sleep.

A couple hours later...

I woke up drenched in sweat, my heart pounding in my chest. It took me a few minutes to realize that I had just had a nightmare, a lucid one at that. I was back in my childhood home, in my old bedroom, and it was pitch black. I couldn't see a thing, but I knew that something was there with me, something malevolent.

I tried to move, but my body was paralyzed. I tried to scream, but my voice was stuck in my throat. I felt the presence getting closer and closer, and I knew that it was going to harm me. I closed my eyes and prayed for it to go away, but it didn't.

Suddenly, the room was flooded with light, and I saw what was haunting me. It was a figure, tall and cloaked in black, with glowing red eyes. It reached out for me, and I felt a surge of fear that was beyond anything I had ever experienced before.

But then, I remembered that I was dreaming.

I woke up feeling shaken and disoriented. It had been years since I had experienced a lucid nightmare, and this one had felt so real. I was glad Knox was here. This time...

I turned back over and faced the wall. The darkness continued to take on different shapes as the dim light from the alarm clock aided my imagination. "I have class tomorrow."

Last Chapters

You Might Like 😍

Lita's Love for the Alpha

Lita's Love for the Alpha

623.2k Views · Completed · Unlikely Optimist 🖤
"Wait, she's YOUR mate?" Mark asked, "That's...wow... I did not see that coming..."
"WHO did that to her?!" Andres asked again, still staring at the girl.
Her injuries were darkening with the passing of each minute.
Her skin even seemed paler in comparison to the deep browns and purples.

"I called the doctor over. You think it's internal bleeding?"
Stace addressed Alex but looked back to Lita, "She was fine, I mean flustered and bruised but fine, ya know. And then boom, she was passing out. Nothing we did would wake her up..."

"WILL SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHO DID THIS TO HER?!"
Cole's eyes shifted deep red, "It's not your fucking concern! Is she YOUR mate now?!"
"See that's what I mean, if she'd had THAT man protecting her, maybe this wouldn't have happened," Stace yelled, tossing her arms into the air.
"Stacey Ramos, you will address your Alpha with his due respect, are we clear?"
Alex growled, icy blue eyes glaring at her.
She nodded quietly.
Andres also lowered his head slightly, showing submission, "Of course she's not my mate Alpha, however..."
"However, what, Delta?!"

"At the moment, you haven't rejected her. That would make her our Luna..."

After her brother's sudden death, Lita picks up her life and moves to Stanford, CA, the last place he lived. She's desperate to cut ties with her toxic family and her toxic ex, who happens to follow her straight to Cali. Consumed with guilt and losing her battle with depression, Lita decides to join the same fight club her brother belonged to. She's looking for an escape but what she finds instead is life-changing when men start turning into wolves. (Mature content & erotica) Follow the writer on Instagram @the_unlikelyoptimist
Pampered by Billionaires after Being Betrayed

Pampered by Billionaires after Being Betrayed

353.5k Views · Ongoing · FancyZ
Married for four years, Emily remained childless. A hospital diagnosis plunged her life into hell. Unable to conceive? But her husband was rarely home during these four years, so how could she get pregnant?
Emily and her billionaire husband were in a contractual marriage; she had hoped to win his love through effort. However, when her husband appeared with a pregnant woman, she despaired. After being kicked out, homeless Emily was taken in by a mysterious billionaire. Who was he? How did he know Emily? More importantly, Emily was pregnant.
The Pack: Rule Number 1 - No Mates

The Pack: Rule Number 1 - No Mates

611.9k Views · Ongoing · Jaylee
Soft hot lips find the shell of my ear and he whispers, "You think I don't want you?" He pushes his hips forward, grinding into the back of my ass and I groan. "Really?" He chuckles.

"Let me go," I whimper, my body trembling with need. "I don't want you touching me."

I fall forward onto the bed then turn around to stare at him. The dark tattoos of Domonic's chiseled shoulders, quiver and and expand with the heave of his chest. His deep dimpled smile is full of arrogance as he reaches behind himself to lock the door.

Biting his lip, he stalks toward me, his hand going to the seam of his pants and the thickening bulge there.

"Are you sure you don't want me to touch you?" He whispers, untying the knot and slipping a hand inside. "Because I swear to God, that is all I have been wanting to do. Every single day from the moment you stepped in our bar and I smelled your perfect flavor from across the room."


New to the world of shifters, Draven is human on the run. A beautiful girl who no one could protect. Domonic is the cold Alpha of the Red Wolf Pack. A brotherhood of twelve wolves that live by twelve rules. Rules which they vowed could NEVER be broken.

Especially - Rule Number One - No Mates

When Draven meets Domonic, he knows that she is his mate, but Draven has no idea what a mate is, only that she has fallen in love with a shifter. An Alpha that will break her heart to make her leave. Promising herself, she will never forgive him, she disappears.

But she doesn’t know about the child she’s carrying or that the moment she left, Domonic decided rules were made to be broken - and now will he ever find her again? Will she forgive him?
My Dominant Boss

My Dominant Boss

277.1k Views · Ongoing · Emma- Louise
I have always known my boss, Mr Sutton, has a dominant personality. I have worked with him for over a year. I am used to it. I always thought it was just for business because he needed to be, but I soon learned it is more than that.

Mr Sutton and I have had nothing but a working relationship. He bosses me around, and I listen. But all of that is about to change. He needs a date for a family wedding and has chosen me as his target. I could and should have said no, but what else can I do when he threatens my job?

It is agreeing to that one favour that changed my entire life. We spent more time together outside of work, which changed our relationship. I see him in a different light, and he sees me in one.

I know it is wrong to get involved with my boss. I try to fight it but fail. It is only sex. What harm could it do? I couldn’t be more wrong because what starts as only sex changes direction in a way I could never imagine.

My boss isn’t only dominant at work but in all aspects of his life. I have heard about the Dom/subs relationship, but it isn’t something I ever thought much about. As things heat up between Mr Sutton and me, I am asked to become his submissive. How does one even become such a thing with no experience or desire to be one? It will be a challenge for him and me because I don’t do well at being told what to do outside of work.

I never expected the one thing I knew nothing about would be the same thing to open up an incredible brand-new world to me.
Four or Dead

Four or Dead

286.6k Views · Ongoing · G O A
“Emma Grace?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry to tell you this but he didn’t make it.” The doctor says offering me a sympathetic look.
“T-thank you.” I say with a trembling breath.
My father was dead, and the man who killed him was standing right beside me this very minute. Of course, there was no way I could tell anyone this because I would be considered and accomplice for even knowing what happened and doing nothing. I was eighteen and could be looking at prison time if the truth ever got out.
Not long ago I was trying to get through my senior year and getting out of this town for good, but now I have no idea what I will do. I was almost free, and now I would be lucky to make it another day without my life completely falling apart.
“You’re with us, now and forever.” His hot breath said against my ear sending a shiver down my spine.
They had me in their tight grip now and my life depended on them. How things got to this point it's hard to say, but here I was…an orphan…with blood on my hands…literally.


Hell on earth is the only way I can describe the life I have lived.
Having every bit of my soul being stripped away each and every day by not only my father but by four boys called The Dark Angels and their followers.
Tormented for three years is about all I can take and with no one on my side I know what I have to do...I have to get out the only way I know how, Death means peace but things are never that easy, especially when the very guys who led me to ledge are the ones who end up saving my life.
They give me something I never thought would be possible...revenge served dead. They have created a monster and i am ready to burn the world down.

Mature content! Mentions of drugs, violence, suicide. 18+ recommended. Reverse Harem, bully-to-lover.
The Lycan King and His Mysterious Luna

The Lycan King and His Mysterious Luna

222.1k Views · Completed · Nina Cabrera
My mate was coursed to forbidden to meet me before I turned 18.

The smell of sandalwood and lavender invades my senses, and the smell is getting stronger.
I stand up and close my eyes then I feel my body slowly start to follow the scent.
I open my eyes to meet a pair of gorgeous grey eyes staring back into my green/hazel ones.
At the same time the word “Mate” comes out of our mouths,
and he grabs me and kisses me until we must stop for air.
I’ve found my mate already. I can’t believe it.
Wait. How is this possible when I don’t have my wolf yet?
You can’t find your mate until you have your wolf.
This doesn’t make any sense.

My name is Freya Karlotta Cabrera, daughter of Alpha of the Dancing Moonlight pack, I am ready of coming of age, get my wolf and find my mate. My parents and brother constantly push me to be together with our pack’s Beta. But I know he is not my mate. One night, I fall asleep and meet my fated mate in my dream, his name is Alexander, I don’t know which pack he belongs to, maybe this is just a dream and when I wake up, everything will disappear.

But when I wake up in the morning, I somehow know the dream is true, I find my mate before getting my wolf.

I am Alexander, the Alpha Lycan King, and my mate Freya calls me Alex. After a century’s looking, I finally meet my mate, but I have to wait until she turns 18 or gets her wolf(whichever one comes first) before, I can present myself to her in person. The whole thing is because of something my 10x great-grandfather did that offended the Moon Goddess.

I know Freya is very special, maybe she is one of ours, everything will be known on the night of her shift.

Will Freya be able to handle everything?
With her birthday approaching so does the dangers lurking?
A pack of their own

A pack of their own

247.3k Views · Ongoing · dragonsbain22
Being the middle Child ignored and neglected, rejected by family and injured, She receives her wolf early and realizes she is a new type of hybrid but doesn't know how to control her power, she leaves her pack with her best friend and grandmother to go to her grandfather's clan to learn what she is and how to handle her power and then with her fated mate, her best friend and her fated mate little brother and grandmother start their own pack.
Shattered Girl

Shattered Girl

204.9k Views · Completed · Brandi Rae
Jake's fingers danced across my nipples, squeezing gently and making me groan in pleasure. He lifted my shirt and stared at my hardened nipples through my bra. I tensed, and Jake sat up and moved back on the bed, giving me some space.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Was that too much?” I could see the worry in his eyes as I took a deep breath.

“I just didn’t want you to see all my scars,” I whispered, feeling ashamed of my marked body.


Emmy Nichols is used to surviving. She survived her abusive father for years until he beat her so severely, she ended up in the hospital, and her father was finally arrested. Now, Emmy is thrown into a life she never expected. Now she has a mother

who doesn't want her, a politically motivated stepfather with ties to the Irish mob, four older stepbrothers, and their best friend who swear to love and protect her. Then, one night, everything shatters, and Emmy feels her only option is to run.

When her stepbrothers and their best friend finally find her, will they pick up the pieces and convince Emmy that they will keep her safe and their love will hold them together?
The Alpha King's Human Mate

The Alpha King's Human Mate

201.2k Views · Ongoing · HC Dolores
“You must understand something, little mate,” Griffin said, and his face softened,

“I have waited nine years for you. That’s nearly a decade since I’ve felt this emptiness inside me. Part of me began to wonder if you didn’t exist or you’d already died. And then I found you, right inside my own home.” 

He used one of his hands to stroke my cheek and tingles erupted everywhere. 

“I’ve spent enough time without you and I will not let anything else keep us apart. Not other wolves, not my drunken father who’s barely holding himself together the past twenty years, not your family  – and not even you.”


Clark Bellevue has spent her entire life as the only human in the wolf pack - literally. Eighteen years ago, Clark was the accidental result of a brief affair between one of the most powerful Alphas in the world and a human woman. Despite living with her father and her werewolf half-siblings, Clark has never felt like she really belonged in the werewolf world. But right as Clark plans to leave the werewolf world behind for good, her life gets flipped upside down by her mate: the next Alpha King, Griffin Bardot. Griffin has been waiting years for the chance to meet his mate, and he's not about to let her go anytime soon. It doesn't matter how far Clark tries to run from her destiny or her mate - Griffin intends to keep her, no matter what he has to do or who stands in his way.
Shadows In Durango

Shadows In Durango

183.1k Views · Completed · Bethany Donaghy
Sofia's life is a constant shuffle, hopping from town to town, always looking over her shoulder. Haunted by a dangerous past and the looming threat of her family, she finally lands in the gritty underbelly of Durango, Colorado. With an empty apartment and a burning determination to survive, Sofia enrolls in a new school and starts the hunt for a job in order to stay in town for as long as she can.

But Durango brings its own set of challenges. The first being Vincent Walker: the school's intoxicating bad boy who taunts her relentlessly yet sends mixed signals with his unexpected moments of protection and flirtation. Rumours swirl about his family's deep ties to the criminal underworld, only adding to the mystery that surrounds him and the town.

As Sofia navigates through her new life, she also meets Vincent’s best friend, Daryl— a total sweetheart who offers a stark contrast to Vincent's dangerous allure. Drawn into their world, Sofia's secrets begin to unravel. When Vincent and Daryl discover the truth about her living situation, they demand that she moves in with them, promising her safety and a place to belong.

Torn between the enigmatic Vincent and the endearing Daryl, Sofia finds herself falling for both. But her newfound stability is shattered when her past catches up to her, bringing her toxic ex-boyfriend Ashton back into her life. With his relentless apologies and attempts to win her back, Sofia is thrust into a tumultuous love triangle, all while fearing the return of her father and brother who are determined to take her back home.

Caught between three loves and the ghosts of her past, Sofia must navigate a treacherous path to find where her heart truly belongs. Will she choose the dangerous allure of Vincent, the sweet safety of Daryl, or the familiar yet toxic pull of Ashton? And can she ever truly escape her horrifying past?
Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem)

Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem)

155.1k Views · Ongoing · Pippa moon
"I, Charlotte Jane Attwood of the Crimson Moon Pack, reject you, Knox and Kane Maddox, as my mates and sever my bond to you both and your pack!" I recited, my eyes dancing with my unspoken pain seeing my mates entwined together with a female! A female who was not me! Shaking my head of the tears I felt threatening to fall from my icy hues. I straightened and waited for them to accept my rejection! But the words that left their lips left me stunned. "I, Knox Maddox and Alpha to the Crimson moon pack refuse to accept your rejection!" He snarled, slipping from the bed, naked and unashamed to step into me, the female sprawled out on the bed forgotten. Kane was quick on his heels, the pair caging me in a wall of muscle and testosterone. "You belong to us, Lottie! I, Kane Maddox, Alpha of the Crimson Moon Pack, refuse to accept your rejection." "Ours!" Knox repeated anger swimming in his baby blues. *** Follow the story of Charlotte, Knox and Kane as they try to find their footing in a cruel world filled with betrayal, heartbreak and secret obsessions that threaten to destroy the bonds of brotherhood and love!
Strings of Fate

Strings of Fate

181.6k Views · Completed · Kit Bryan
I'm an ordinary waiter, but I can see people's fate, including Shifters.
Like all children, I was tested for magic when I was only a few days old. Since my specific bloodline is unknown and my magic is unidentifiable, I was marked with a delicate swirling pattern around my upper right arm.

I do have magic, just as the tests showed, but it has never lined up with any known Magic species.

I can't breathe fire like a dragon Shifter, or hex people who piss me off like Witches. I can't make potions like an Alchemist or seduce people like a Succubus. Now I don't mean to be unappreciative of the power I do have, it's interesting and all, but it just really doesn't pack much of a punch and most of the time it is just pretty much useless. My special magical skill is the ability to see threads of fate.

Most of life is annoying enough for me, and what never occurred to me is that my mate is a rude, pompous nuisance. He's an Alpha and my friend's twin brother.

“What are you doing? This is my home, you can't just let yourself in!” I try and keep my voice firm but when he turns and fixes me with his golden eyes I shrink back. The look he gives me is imperious and I automatically drop my eyes to the floor as is my habit. Then I force myself to look back up again. He doesn't notice me looking up because he's already looked away from me. He's being rude, I refuse to show that he's scaring me, even though he most definitely is. He glances around and after realising that the only place to sit is the little table with its two chairs he points to it.

“Sit.” he orders. I glare at him. Who is he to order me around like this? How can someone this obnoxious possibly be my soul mate? Maybe I'm still asleep. I pinch my arm and my eyes water a little from the sting of pain.