Heartbound

Twenty-five, and Leo Chen's world crumbled entirely on his birthday. His boss stole years of his architectural work, ignored and forgotten by everyone, he trundled home through pouring rain - until he spotted a woman stalked by two violent men. Defenseless and outmatched, he still chose to stand between them. The faded locket left by his long-lost father burned against his skin, awakening the ancient Heartbound System. The Veil unfolded before his eyes: hidden thresholds, corrupted wraiths, and the Obsidian Circle, a ruthless elite hunting thirteen seal keys to unleash an apocalyptic monster under New Harbor. Seventeen years ago, Leo's father sacrificed himself to guard the beast. Now Leo, the seventh heir, bears the weight his dad left behind. He's joined by Elena, a sharp, Veil-sensitive journalist bound to him by a quiet, unbreakable soul bond, a wise old mentor, and his loyal lifelong best friend. Once a quiet, overlooked office drudge who shrank from every fight, Leo now wields power forged from selfless courage. The Circle marches closer each day. He can no longer stay invisible. Win, or lose everything.