Forest of Shadows

Daman, a lonely orphan, survives in the haunted forests of ancient Dacia, shunned by villagers and befriended only by ghosts and his sickly friend Lycus. The forest, feared by all, is Daman's sanctuary, a place where he feels both invisible and strangely at home. He senses envy in others, a curse that isolates him further. When he stumbles upon a mysterious man in a cave after a near-fatal fall, he receives a cryptic prophecy: a serpent will rise, darkness will come, and Daman's choices will shape the world's fate. The man warns of a key, a future war, and a love that will save Daman from himself. The memory of this encounter will haunt Daman for centuries, shaping his destiny.

Orphaned and Unseen

Daman's life is a daily struggle for survival. He cares for Lycus, stealing and working odd jobs to keep them alive. The world is harsh, and Daman's ability to sense envy in others makes every interaction a burden. The only kindness comes from Morys, a local physician, and the fleeting warmth of the forest spirits. Daman's bond with Lycus is deep, forged in hardship and mutual dependence. Their small joys—stories of wolves and dragons, stolen toys, and shared meals—are overshadowed by Lycus's worsening illness and the ever-present threat of the outside world.

The Prophecy's Whisper

The mysterious man's prophecy lingers in Daman's mind: a serpent, a key, and a choice that will decide the fate of seven brothers. But as the Roman legions invade Dacia, the prophecy is nearly forgotten. Daman's world is shattered when a demon-possessed soldier attacks, seeking the "key's essence." Lycus is gravely injured, and Daman's latent power erupts—black wings burst from his back, saving them both. A white-winged angel, Lazarus, appears, taking Daman away and leaving Lycus behind. The prophecy fades into a half-remembered dream as Daman is thrust into a new, brutal life.

The Fall of Dacia

Daman is forced to leave everything behind—his home, his only friend, his humanity. Lazarus brings him to a hidden stronghold, where he meets other boys like himself: the sons of fallen angels, each cursed with a deadly sin. Lycus dies, and Daman's heart hardens. Training is relentless, designed to break and rebuild them as weapons. Bitterness and envy take root in Daman's soul, shaping him into a cold, distant warrior. The prophecy's warning is buried beneath centuries of pain and loss.

Wings of Envy

Centuries pass. Daman and his brothers—each embodying a deadly sin—become a found family, bound by shared trauma and supernatural power. Daman, the avatar of Envy, is the most aloof, haunted by his inability to connect and his fear of loss. The brothers settle in Echo Bay, a modern mansion where they try to build a semblance of normalcy. Yet Daman remains on the fringes, his envy poisoning every relationship, his heart guarded against hope. The world is changing, and a new threat is rising: Asa, the son of Lucifer, gathers an army of demons, and the brothers are called to war once more.

Brothers in Exile

Thanksgiving at the mansion is a bittersweet affair. The brothers, joined by their mates and friends, try to celebrate, but Daman feels more isolated than ever. The happiness of others—especially the newlyweds—stings like a wound. He is reminded of Lycus, of all he has lost, and of the prophecy he cannot quite recall. When news arrives that Daman must marry Prince Warrin of the ice dragons to secure an alliance, he is torn between duty and resentment. The prospect of leaving his brothers and marrying a stranger fills him with dread.

A Bitter Thanksgiving

As the wedding approaches, Daman seeks solace in the chaos of a nightclub, indulging in fleeting pleasures and reckless abandon. His brother Bellamy tries to comfort him, but Daman's envy and fear of abandonment are overwhelming. The night before his departure, he is wracked by memories of loss and the ache of leaving his only found family. Yet beneath the bitterness, a flicker of hope remains—a longing for connection, for a place to belong.

The Dragon's Proposal

In the frozen kingdom of the ice dragons, Prince Warrin prepares for his arranged marriage with Daman. Warrin is disciplined, honorable, and untouched by love—a virgin prince who has dedicated his life to duty. The two meet, their first interactions awkward and fraught with misunderstanding. Daman's envy is triggered by Warrin's past engagement, and Warrin is bewildered by Daman's coldness. Yet beneath the surface, a strange attraction simmers, complicated by the weight of expectation and the scars of the past.

Cold Hearts, Warm Fires

As Daman and Warrin spend time together, their defenses slowly erode. Daman is surprised by Warrin's kindness and vulnerability, while Warrin is drawn to Daman's hidden gentleness. They share stories, reveal old wounds, and discover unexpected common ground. The ice of Warrin's kingdom is mirrored by the walls around Daman's heart, but warmth begins to seep in. The wedding approaches, and both men are forced to confront their fears: of being unlovable, of being abandoned, of never finding a true home.

The Wedding Pact

The wedding is a grand affair, blending dragon and Nephilim traditions. Daman is stunned by the care Warrin's family shows him, and the ceremony is unexpectedly moving. Their first kiss is hesitant but electric, and the night that follows is a revelation—Warrin's innocence and Daman's experience collide in a moment of vulnerability and passion. For the first time, Daman feels truly seen, and Warrin discovers a longing he never knew he had. Yet doubts linger, and the shadow of the coming war looms over their fragile happiness.

Ice and Emerald

Married life is awkward at first, filled with misunderstandings and the ever-present threat of envy. Daman's jealousy flares, and Warrin's inexperience leads to insecurity. But as they navigate their new life—decorating for holidays, sharing quiet mornings, and facing the challenges of the ice kingdom—they begin to trust each other. Daman's envy is soothed by Warrin's steadfastness, and Warrin is emboldened by Daman's passion. Their bond deepens, transforming a marriage of convenience into something real.

The Prince's Secret

Warrin reveals his deepest secret: he is a virgin, untouched by love or desire until Daman. This confession shatters Daman's defenses, and their intimacy becomes a source of healing for them both. They share their scars—literal and emotional—and find acceptance in each other's arms. Yet the threat of Asa grows, and the prophecy's shadow lengthens. Daman's envy is both a curse and a shield, and Warrin's honor is tested by the demands of war and love.

The Dance of Jealousy

As the brothers and their allies gather for the winter solstice, tensions rise. Daman's envy is triggered by old wounds and new fears, leading to a violent confrontation with Warrin. The power of their bond is tested as Warrin is forced to fight the spell of Asa's blood magic, nearly killing Daman in the process. Only love—and the memory of their shared moments—can break the spell. The battle leaves them shaken but more deeply connected, their love forged in fire and ice.

The Mate's Mark

In the aftermath of battle, Daman and Warrin fully accept their bond as fated mates. They mark each other, sharing blood and soul, and their connection becomes unbreakable. The ritual is both ecstatic and terrifying, binding their lives together through blood magic. Yet even as they find happiness in each other, the world outside grows darker. Asa's army gathers, and the prophecy's warning becomes urgent: a key, a serpent, and the fate of seven brothers.

The Battle for the Key

The search for the key leads Daman and his brothers back to the haunted forests of Dacia, where ghosts and wolves guard ancient secrets. They discover Gusion, a fallen angel and the keeper of the celestial key—a stone that can open the gates of heaven or hell. Asa's forces attack, and a brutal battle ensues. Allies fall, and the cost of victory is steep. Daman is mortally wounded by a celestial blade, and the key is nearly lost.

Wolves and Ghosts

In the heart of the forest, Daman is reunited with Lycus, now a wolf shifter and guardian of Dacia. The spirits of the past guide them, and the prophecy is finally understood: the key is bound to Gusion's life, and only self-sacrifice can save the world. The brothers face their own mortality, haunted by the question of what awaits their souls. The battle is won, but at a terrible price—Daman's life hangs by a thread, and the future is uncertain.

The Fallen Gatekeeper

As Daman lies dying, Warrin is faced with an impossible choice: let his mate go, or share his own life force to save him. Guided by ancient magic and the memory of Gusion's sacrifice, Warrin gives half his heart to Daman, binding their souls forever through blood magic. The ritual is agonizing, but love prevails. Daman is saved, and the key is secured, but the war is far from over. The brothers are left to ponder the fate of their souls and the meaning of sacrifice.

The Price of Sacrifice

The brothers return home, changed by battle and loss. Daman and Warrin's bond is stronger than ever, but questions linger: what is the true cost of their power? Are their souls damned by their fathers' sins, or can love redeem them? Lazarus offers no answers, and the threat of Asa remains. Yet in the quiet moments—shared meals, laughter, and the warmth of home—hope endures. The prophecy is not yet fulfilled, and the brothers must prepare for the final confrontation.

Home Is a Person

In the end, Daman and Warrin find peace not in victory or power, but in each other. Their love, forged in pain and tested by war, becomes their true home. The haunted forest, the prophecy, and the weight of envy are all part of their story, but they are no longer defined by them. Together, they face the future—uncertain, but no longer alone. The snow falls outside, and in each other's arms, they are finally, truly home.

Characters

Daman

Daman is the avatar of Envy, a Nephilim marked by bitterness, isolation, and a deep fear of abandonment. Orphaned in ancient Dacia, he survives through cunning and theft, his only solace found in the haunted forest and his friendship with Lycus. Daman's ability to sense and amplify envy in others is both a curse and a shield, shaping his relationships and fueling his self-loathing. Forced into exile by Lazarus, he becomes a weapon, his heart hardened by loss. Yet beneath the cold exterior lies a desperate longing for connection and love. His journey is one of painful self-discovery, as he learns to trust, to love, and to accept that he is worthy of happiness. His bond with Warrin is transformative, offering him the home he has always craved.

Warrin

Prince Warrin of the ice dragons is a study in contrasts: stoic, honorable, and fiercely loyal, yet untouched by intimacy or desire. Raised for war and duty, he is a virgin at the start of the story, his life defined by sacrifice and self-control. The arranged marriage to Daman is both a burden and a revelation, awakening feelings he has long denied. Warrin's journey is one of vulnerability—learning to open his heart, to accept love, and to fight for his own happiness. His devotion to Daman is unwavering, and his willingness to share his life force to save his mate is the ultimate act of love. Warrin's quiet strength and gentle dominance are the anchor that grounds Daman, and together they forge a bond that transcends fate.

Bellamy

Bellamy, avatar of Lust, is the golden-haired seducer of the brothers. Outwardly flirtatious, witty, and irreverent, he uses sex as both shield and weapon. Beneath the bravado lies a deep loyalty to his family, especially Daman, whom he understands better than anyone. Bellamy's power to sense and manipulate desire is both a gift and a burden, complicating his search for genuine connection. His humor masks a fear of being unlovable, and his support for Daman is unwavering, even as he struggles with his own insecurities. Bellamy's arc is one of self-acceptance and the realization that love, not lust, is the true source of fulfillment.

Castor

Castor, the avatar of Greed, is brash, materialistic, and fiercely protective of those he loves. His love for Kyo, a water dragon, is a source of both joy and pain, complicated by the scars of war and the trauma of being forced to kill his own father. Castor's greed manifests not just in possessions, but in his desperate need for love and security. His humor and bravado hide a deep vulnerability, and his loyalty to his brothers is absolute. Castor's journey is one of healing, learning to let go of the past and embrace the possibility of happiness.

Gray

Gray, the avatar of Sloth, is the youngest and most innocent of the brothers. Small, sleepy, and endlessly affectionate, he is underestimated by many. Yet beneath the surface lies a deadly assassin, capable of swift and silent violence. Gray's power is paradoxical—his lethargy is both a weakness and a weapon. His sweetness is a balm to his brothers, and his bond with Daman is especially strong, reminding Daman of the friend he lost. Gray's arc is one of quiet resilience, proving that gentleness and strength can coexist.

Alastair

Alastair, avatar of Pride, is the eldest brother and their de facto leader. Cold, commanding, and often intimidating, he carries the weight of their survival on his shoulders. His power to compel obedience is both a blessing and a curse, isolating him from his siblings. Alastair's pride masks a deep love for his family, and his decisions are driven by a desire to protect them at all costs. His arc is one of humility, learning to trust his brothers and accept that vulnerability is not weakness.

Lycus

Once Daman's frail, sickly companion, Lycus is transformed into a powerful wolf shifter and guardian of Dacia. His reunion with Daman is bittersweet, a reminder of all that was lost and all that endures. Lycus embodies the theme of found family, offering Daman forgiveness and acceptance. His loyalty to Gusion and his new pack is unwavering, and his presence is a bridge between Daman's past and present.

Gusion

Gusion is a fallen angel, once the gatekeeper of the celestial realm and now the reluctant guardian of the key that can open heaven or hell. Haunted by visions of the future and the loss of his mate, Balaur, Gusion is both wise and weary. His self-sacrifice is the linchpin of the story's climax, and his struggle with cowardice and redemption mirrors Daman's own journey. Gusion's arc is a meditation on the cost of power and the possibility of forgiveness.

Asa

Asa, son of Lucifer, is the story's primary antagonist—a charismatic, ruthless leader determined to claim the key and conquer both heaven and earth. Haunted by his father's legacy, Asa is driven by insecurity and a desperate need to prove himself. His power to freeze time and manipulate minds makes him a formidable foe, but his greatest weakness is his inability to inspire true loyalty. Asa's interactions with Daman and Warrin are charged with envy, desire, and the shadow of prophecy.

Lazarus

Lazarus is the enigmatic angel who shapes the destinies of Daman and his brothers. Cold, calculating, and often cruel, he is both savior and tormentor. His motivations are inscrutable, and his actions are guided by a vision of the greater good that often comes at great personal cost. Lazarus's relationship with the brothers is fraught with tension, and his refusal to answer questions about their souls is a source of ongoing pain. He is a symbol of the ambiguous nature of fate and the limits of redemption.

Plot Devices

Prophecy and Foreshadowing

The story is anchored by a prophecy delivered to Daman in his youth: a serpent will rise, a key will be sought, and the fate of seven brothers will decide the world's future. This prophecy is both a source of hope and dread, driving the narrative forward and shaping the characters' choices. Foreshadowing is woven throughout—visions, dreams, and cryptic warnings hint at future betrayals, sacrifices, and the ultimate cost of power. The prophecy's ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations, keeping both characters and readers in suspense.

The Seven Deadly Sins as Character Arcs

Each brother embodies a deadly sin, which serves as both a source of power and a psychological burden. These sins shape their personalities, relationships, and conflicts, providing a framework for character development. Daman's envy is particularly central, driving his isolation and his journey toward self-acceptance. The interplay of sin and virtue is a recurring motif, exploring the possibility of redemption and the complexity of human nature.

Found Family and the Power of Love

The brothers' found family is a bulwark against the world's cruelty, offering solace and strength in the face of loss. Their relationships are tested by jealousy, pride, and the scars of the past, but love endures. The romance between Daman and Warrin is the heart of the story, transforming a marriage of convenience into a bond that defies fate. The theme of home—as a person, not a place—recurs throughout, culminating in the realization that love is the true sanctuary.

Blood Magic and Soul-Binding

Supernatural rituals—weddings, mate-marking, and the sharing of life force—are central to the plot. Blood magic is both a weapon and a means of connection, with the act of sharing blood symbolizing trust, vulnerability, and the merging of souls. The final act of sacrifice—Warrin giving half his heart to save Daman—serves as the ultimate expression of love and the story's emotional climax.

Dual Narrative Structure

The story alternates between Daman and Warrin's points of view, allowing readers to experience both the internal struggles of envy and the external pressures of duty. This dual structure creates dramatic irony, as each character misunderstands the other's motives, and heightens the emotional stakes as they move from strangers to soulmates.

The Haunted Forest as Symbol

The forest of Dacia is both a literal and symbolic setting—a place of ghosts, prophecy, and transformation. It represents the past that cannot be escaped, the secrets that shape the present, and the possibility of renewal. The return to the forest is a journey into memory, a confrontation with loss, and a reclamation of identity.

Analysis

Daman is a sweeping, emotionally charged fantasy romance that explores the interplay of trauma, love, and destiny through the lens of supernatural mythology. At its core, the novel is a meditation on the nature of envy—how it isolates, corrodes, and ultimately drives the search for connection. Jaclyn Osborn uses the framework of the seven deadly sins to craft deeply flawed, relatable characters whose struggles mirror universal human fears: the longing to belong, the terror of abandonment, and the hope for redemption. The romance between Daman and Warrin is both a subversion and fulfillment of the fated mates trope, showing that true intimacy requires vulnerability, sacrifice, and the courage to confront one's own darkness. The novel's use of prophecy and foreshadowing creates a sense of inevitability, yet the characters' choices remain central, emphasizing the power of agency even in the face of fate. The haunted forest, the spectral presence of the past, and the looming threat of war serve as metaphors for the internal battles each character faces. Ultimately, Daman is a story about the transformative power of love—not as a cure for pain, but as a light that makes survival possible. The lesson is clear: home is not a place, but the person who sees and accepts you, envy and all.

Last updated: September 11, 2025