[Greek Mythology] Goat Hooves and Donkey Ears

[Check out my next book, Barren Paradise. Please add it to your wish list! Planned launch next March.] Midas, the beautiful and kind king of Phrygia, had long white hair like snow and deep blue eyes like the sea. The golden crown of thorns on his head symbolized supreme power and wealth. After being terribly hurt by the wine god's golden touch, Midas grew disgusted with all the riches of the world. He decided to retreat into the mountains and live a poor, busy, yet free and happy life. Every day, Midas clumsily tended sheep, sowed wheat, grafted olive trees, and built grape trellises. He even took in a little goat. One of the goat's horns was broken. It was lying by a stream, barely alive. Kind Midas couldn't bear to watch it die, so, at the hunting goddess's direction, he fed it his own blood until it grew up. Strangely, the orchard and wheat field Midas tended into a mess flourished. The grapevines gradually took on a clear sheen, and a flock of goats appeared from nowhere. Led by the little goat, they were docile and obedient, growing plump by the day. At harvest time, Midas happily rolled around in the wheat field and ran with the flock along the mountaintops. Just as he was about to scoop up the little goat and cheer, the sweet, docile creature in his arms suddenly vanished with a pop. In its place stood Pan, the handsome, cloven-hoofed god of shepherds. In Midas's eyes, Pan was unlike any other god. He was mysterious and powerful. No one knew his origins or past, yet all the forests, fields, and flocks were under his care. He was gentle and quiet, living for ages in the deepest part of the Arcadian Forest, fulfilling his duties as a shepherd god in solitude and ease. The gods all said Pan was evil and ugly, bringing terror and war to the world, a scourge upon the gods. Only Midas knew that whenever Pan's heart stirred, every beast in the Arcadian Forest leaped for joy and every flower bloomed. Zeus passed through Arcadia and noticed Midas, wearing a wreath of grapevines and playing with the shepherd god in the mountains. At once, he fell in love with this human more beautiful than Aphrodite. Just as he was about to repeat his old trick and turn into a golden bull to approach Midas, Pan kicked him in the groin and severed his manhood. Afraid Zeus would punish Pan, Midas was willing to give up his happy life and flee with him. But Pan merely licked the deep blue eyes of his lover, trembling with fear, and murmured eerily, his voice echoing through an empty valley "All gods were born beneath my hooves." "Zeus is nothing but an insect." Reader's guide: 1. Inspired by Greek mythology, but with plenty of original worldbuilding. It's fine if you haven't read Greek mythology; the author has taken plenty of liberties. 2. Gentle, beautiful little moon-sweetheart bottom x wild, doting lord of the gods top. 3. The little goat is the top's form when his divine power is depleted. Check out my next book, Barren Paradise. In a tenement on the east bank of Yichun River lives a couple who have been married for ten years. The alpha husband is a local thug, spending his days lazing around and making a living by extorting protection money. His beta wife is named Chen Cuo. He's very handsome, but always covered in bruises. Chen Cuo leaves early and comes home late each day, working at a nearby construction site. He's quiet and withdrawn, and only ever smiles at the high school student next door. The new student is named Yin Shu, and he becomes Chen Cuo's companion on his commute. He's different from Chen Cuo. He's an alpha, tall, gentle-voiced, and good with words. He likes cheering people up. As time passes, Chen Cuo starts waiting at the intersection for Yin Shu to skate past. He listens to him talk about school and, through him, gets a glimpse of another world. The news soon reaches Chen Cuo's husband. One night, after losing at gambling and drinking himself into a rage, he stabs Yin Shu. There isn't a cent left in the household to pay compensation. Chen Cuo kneels before the high school student ten years his junior, kowtowing and begging him to forgive them. But Yin Shu says it isn't his fault. While in the hospital, Yin Shu asks him if he can get a divorce. Chen Cuo tells him sadly, "I can't." Ten years ago, to raise the money for his mother's medical treatment, his creditor sold him to the man who is now his husband. His husband is always drinking, and whenever he's drunk, he beats Chen Cuo. Chen Cuo accepted his fate long ago. But one day, the faint scent of lime lingering on his shoulder seemed to give him a special kind of courage. He picked up a knife and stabbed an enraged alpha. He's so brave, Chen Cuo thought in a daze, tears running down his face. But how would they pay the hospital bill? That night, a brand-new envelope was slipped into the crack in the doorframe. Chen Cuo opened it and found a check for an enormous sum. There was also a heart-shaped card, bearing Yin Shu's handsome, elegant handwriting Leave the rest to me. I'll take you away from hell. Reader's guide: 1. Melodramatic, new love interest, pregnancy. Younger Doberman alpha x slender, brokenhearted beta Lime-scented alpha x scentless beta 2. ABO setting; the sentinel-guide tag is subject to change. 3. Happy ending. A heart reduced to ashes rekindles. Theme: Hard work creates a better life.