Murder at Elancourt Manor

Néomi Laress, a celebrated ballerina and former burlesque dancer, hosts a lavish party at her newly restored Elancourt Manor in 1927 New Orleans. Her ex-fiancé, Louis, obsessed and enraged by her rejection, murders her in front of her guests, then kills himself. Néomi's dreams and life are brutally ended, but her spirit lingers, bound to the manor, unable to leave or interact with the living. Her afterlife is one of isolation, longing, and the agony of reliving her death, her home transformed from a symbol of achievement to a prison of memory and regret.

The Mad Vampire's Captivity

Centuries later, Conrad Wroth, a notorious, blood-mad vampire assassin, is hunted and subdued by his three brothers. Once a warlord and now a killer for hire, Conrad is tormented by the memories of his victims and his own descent into madness. His brothers, desperate to save him from bloodlust and insanity, chain him in the abandoned Elancourt Manor, hoping isolation and mystical restraints will restore his mind. Conrad's rage and confusion are palpable, his sanity fraying as he battles both his inner demons and the literal chains that bind him.

Ghostly Prisoner, Haunted Home

Néomi, now a ghost for eighty years, observes the arrival of Conrad and his brothers. She is both fascinated and horrified by the violent, tormented vampire imprisoned in her home. For the first time, someone seems to sense her presence—Conrad, in his madness, glimpses her spectral form. Their shared captivity in Elancourt, both trapped by forces beyond their control, forges a strange, silent bond. Néomi's loneliness is pierced by curiosity and hope, while Conrad's fractured mind is haunted by the ghostly presence he cannot explain.

Brothers' Desperate Intervention

Conrad's brothers—Nikolai, Murdoch, and Sebastian—take turns trying to reach him, using drugs, blood, and conversation to draw him back from the brink. They reveal their own histories, regrets, and the pain of having turned Conrad into what he most despised. The brothers' love is fierce but fraught with guilt and frustration. Their efforts are met with Conrad's resistance, rage, and threats, but also with fleeting moments of lucidity, especially when the ghostly Néomi is near. The manor becomes a crucible for family, forgiveness, and the hope of redemption.

Chains, Drugs, and Despair

Conrad's captivity is marked by violent outbursts, hallucinations, and the torment of memories not his own. The chains and drugs weaken his body but begin to clear his mind, especially in the presence of Néomi. The ghost's influence is mysterious—her nearness brings Conrad moments of clarity and peace, even as he doubts her reality. Néomi, in turn, is drawn to Conrad's suffering, recognizing in him a fellow victim of violence and fate. Their interactions, at first tentative and one-sided, grow into a lifeline for both.

The Ghost and the Madman

As Conrad's sanity flickers, he and Néomi begin to communicate—first through fleeting glimpses and sensations, then through words and shared secrets. Néomi's loneliness and longing for touch are mirrored by Conrad's desperate need for connection and understanding. Their conversations reveal their pasts, vulnerabilities, and desires. The boundaries between ghost and vampire, sanity and madness, begin to blur. Each becomes the other's anchor, their unlikely companionship offering hope for healing and the possibility of love.

Unlikely Companions, Growing Connection

Conrad and Néomi's relationship deepens as they share stories, fears, and dreams. Néomi's playful spirit and sensuality coax Conrad from his shell, while his strength and vulnerability awaken her long-dormant desires. They find solace in each other's company, their banter and flirtation a balm for old wounds. The manor, once a place of death and despair, becomes a sanctuary for their growing affection. Yet, the threat of Conrad's bloodlust and the limitations of Néomi's ghostly form loom over their fragile happiness.

Secrets, Scars, and Sanity

As trust builds, Conrad and Néomi reveal their deepest secrets—his vow to destroy vampires, her shame and pride in her burlesque past, the traumas that shaped them. Conrad's scars, both physical and emotional, are laid bare, as is Néomi's eternal longing for life and touch. Their honesty brings them closer, but also exposes the chasm between their worlds. The question of whether Conrad can be saved, and whether Néomi can ever be more than a ghost, becomes central to their journey.

The Dance of Healing

Néomi's monthly compulsion to dance—reliving her death on the sliver moon—becomes a turning point. Conrad witnesses her agony and is moved to protect her, even as he is powerless to stop her suffering. Their shared appreciation for art, music, and beauty becomes a source of healing. Néomi's dance, once a symbol of her curse, becomes an expression of hope and resilience. Conrad's growing clarity and self-control are mirrored by Néomi's renewed sense of purpose and agency.

Temptation and Touch

The sexual tension between Conrad and Néomi reaches a breaking point. Through playful seduction and vulnerable honesty, they explore the boundaries of their desire—he, unable to physically touch her; she, unable to feel. Their longing is both poignant and erotic, a testament to the power of connection beyond the physical. When Conrad finally acknowledges Néomi's reality, their intimacy deepens, culminating in a night of passion that transcends the limitations of ghost and vampire.

The Key to Freedom

The question of Conrad's freedom becomes a crucible for their relationship. Néomi, torn between protecting Conrad and fearing his relapse, withholds the key to his chains. When he discovers her deception, his sense of betrayal explodes into rage, shattering their trust. Both are forced to confront the cost of love, the pain of vulnerability, and the necessity of forgiveness. Their separation is marked by regret and longing, each realizing how much they have come to need the other.

The Sliver Moon's Curse

Néomi's monthly ordeal—her forced dance and relived murder—serves as a reminder of the inescapable pain of the past. Conrad, now free but wounded by betrayal, is haunted by dreams of Néomi's suffering. Both are trapped by cycles of memory and regret, unable to move forward without each other. The sliver moon becomes a symbol of both curse and hope, its light illuminating the path to healing and reunion.

The Gathering of Lore

The narrative expands to the wider Lore, introducing powerful beings—Valkyrie, witches, demons, and more—at a grand gathering. Conrad's presence draws the attention of enemies and allies alike, while Néomi, newly embodied by a witch's spell, experiences life and sensation for the first time in decades. Their reunion is passionate but fraught, as the dangers of the Lore and the limitations of Néomi's new body threaten their fragile happiness.

Blooding and Betrayal

At the gathering, Néomi's presence bloods Conrad, restoring his heart and breath, but also unleashing his most dangerous instincts. A violent confrontation with demons and old enemies tests Conrad's control and Néomi's faith in him. Their love is both a source of strength and a liability, making them targets in a world where weakness is exploited. The boundaries between savior and destroyer, lover and monster, are tested as they fight for survival and each other.

The Witch's Bargain

Néomi, facing the limits of her temporary embodiment, bargains with the witch Mariketa for a chance at true life. The spell is risky, costly, and comes with no guarantees. As Conrad and Néomi cling to each other, the specter of loss hangs over them. The witch's magic, fueled by love and sacrifice, becomes the catalyst for transformation—but also for tragedy, as fate and the Lore exact their price.

Mortal Once More

Néomi's return to mortality is brief and bittersweet. A violent attack leaves her dying in Conrad's arms, her secret revealed too late. Conrad's anguish and desperation drive him to seek help from powerful allies, risking everything to save the woman he loves. The boundaries between life and death, mortal and immortal, are shattered as love proves both a blessing and a curse.

Love, Loss, and Sacrifice

With the help of Mariketa and the intervention of the Lore, Néomi is resurrected—her spirit anchored in a new, immortal form. The process is perilous, nearly costing the witch her life, and leaves Néomi changed in ways she cannot fully understand. Conrad's devotion and willingness to sacrifice everything for Néomi are rewarded, but their happiness is tempered by the knowledge of what they have lost and the uncertainty of what they have become.

Resurrection and Reunion

As Néomi and Conrad rebuild their lives—literally, as Elancourt burns—they embrace their new existence as partners, lovers, and equals. Their love, tested by death and betrayal, emerges stronger and more resilient. The Lore, once a source of danger and division, becomes a community and a home. Together, they face the challenges of immortality, family, and the ever-present threat of the past, determined to seize happiness and build a future.

Phantom's New Beginning

Néomi, now a powerful Lore phantom, and Conrad, healed and redeemed, find peace and purpose in each other. Their marriage, once impossible, becomes a reality. They dream of children, a home filled with laughter, and a life unbound by the pain of the past. The story ends with hope, humor, and the knowledge that love—no matter how haunted or hard-won—can conquer even death itself.

Characters

Néomi Laress

Néomi is the heart of the story—a vivacious, sensual, and fiercely independent woman whose life is cut short by violence. As a ghost, she is both a prisoner and a survivor, her longing for touch, connection, and meaning undiminished by death. Her wit, resilience, and compassion shine through her isolation, making her both relatable and tragic. Néomi's journey is one of reclaiming agency, embracing vulnerability, and daring to love again. Her relationship with Conrad is transformative, offering her the chance to heal old wounds and, ultimately, to be reborn—not just as a lover, but as a powerful, immortal being with a future of her own making.

Conrad Wroth

Conrad is a study in contrasts: a once-noble warlord turned assassin, a man tormented by guilt, rage, and the memories of countless victims. His descent into madness is both self-inflicted and the result of betrayal by those he trusted most. Yet, beneath his violence and fury lies a deep capacity for love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Conrad's journey is one of painful self-discovery, as he battles his own nature, the expectations of his family, and the dangers of the Lore. His love for Néomi is both his salvation and his greatest vulnerability, forcing him to confront the possibility of hope, healing, and a life beyond blood and vengeance.

Nikolai Wroth

Nikolai is the leader of the Wroth brothers, a man defined by responsibility, honor, and the weight of past decisions. His choice to turn Conrad into a vampire is both a source of guilt and a catalyst for the story's events. Nikolai's love for his brothers is unwavering, but his methods are often harsh and pragmatic. He represents the struggle between loyalty and necessity, tradition and change. His interactions with Conrad are fraught with tension, regret, and the hope for reconciliation.

Murdoch Wroth

Murdoch is the most enigmatic of the Wroth brothers—a man of charm, wit, and hidden depths. His own romantic entanglements and secret Bride add layers to his character, while his loyalty to his family is steadfast. Murdoch serves as both a foil and a confidant to Conrad, offering support, challenge, and the possibility of forgiveness. His presence underscores the importance of family, love, and the choices that define us.

Sebastian Wroth

Sebastian is the most introspective of the brothers, a man marked by loss, longing, and the search for meaning. His own journey from isolation to love mirrors Conrad's, making him both a guide and a cautionary tale. Sebastian's wisdom, patience, and empathy are crucial in the family's efforts to save Conrad, and his relationship with his Valkyrie Bride, Kaderin, exemplifies the transformative power of love.

Mariketa the Awaited

Mariketa is a force of nature—brilliant, ambitious, and fiercely independent. Her magic is both a gift and a burden, her willingness to bend the rules a testament to her compassion and courage. Mariketa's role in Néomi's resurrection is pivotal, her actions driven by empathy, debt, and the desire to do what is right, even at great personal risk. She embodies the complexities of power, responsibility, and the cost of defying fate.

Nïx the Ever-Knowing

Nïx is the Lore's enigmatic oracle, her madness masking a mind of unparalleled insight and foresight. She is both a trickster and a guide, her actions shaping the destinies of those around her. Nïx's interventions are often cryptic, her motives inscrutable, but her influence is undeniable. She represents the unpredictable, often paradoxical nature of fate, and the possibility of hope in the midst of chaos.

Louis Robicheaux

Louis is the catalyst for Néomi's death and the embodiment of toxic love and entitlement. His inability to accept rejection, his violence, and his ultimate self-destruction serve as a dark mirror to Conrad's journey. Louis's actions haunt Néomi, shaping her fears and her understanding of love, trust, and vulnerability. He is a reminder of the dangers of obsession and the necessity of agency.

Tarut

Tarut is both a literal and symbolic antagonist—a demon whose curse marks Conrad and sets the story's events in motion. His pursuit of Conrad, his role in the climactic battle, and his connection to the Lore's cycles of violence make him a formidable foe. Tarut represents the inescapable consequences of the past, the dangers of unchecked power, and the necessity of confronting one's demons.

The Lore (Collective)

The Lore is more than a setting—it is a living, breathing character, filled with factions, histories, and the ever-present threat of the Accession. Its rules, alliances, and enmities shape the destinies of all who dwell within it. The Lore's complexity and unpredictability mirror the internal struggles of the protagonists, making it both a source of danger and a community of belonging.

Plot Devices

Dual Imprisonment and Redemption

Both Néomi and Conrad are prisoners—she, a ghost bound to her home; he, a vampire chained by his brothers and his own madness. Their shared captivity creates a space for vulnerability, honesty, and healing. The narrative uses their parallel struggles to explore themes of trauma, agency, and the possibility of redemption. Their journey from isolation to connection is mirrored in the physical and emotional breaking of their chains.

The Supernatural as Metaphor

The story's supernatural elements—vampirism, ghostliness, witchcraft, and the Lore's intricate rules—serve as metaphors for psychological wounds, longing, and the struggle for self-acceptance. The boundaries between life and death, sanity and madness, are blurred, allowing the characters to confront their deepest fears and desires in heightened, fantastical ways. The magic is both a source of danger and a tool for transformation.

The Power of Touch and Sensation

The inability to touch or be touched is a central motif, symbolizing both Néomi's ghostly isolation and Conrad's emotional numbness. Their yearning for sensation drives the narrative, making their eventual union all the more powerful. The story uses eroticism not just for titillation, but as a means of exploring vulnerability, trust, and the healing power of intimacy.

Cycles of Memory and Trauma

Néomi's monthly reliving of her death, Conrad's torment by memories, and the recurring motifs of dance and violence underscore the inescapability of the past. The narrative structure uses these cycles to build tension, deepen character, and ultimately to break the patterns through acts of love, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

The Bargain with Fate

The story is driven by bargains—Néomi's deal with the witch, Conrad's vows to his brothers and to Néomi, the unspoken contracts of love and loyalty. Each bargain comes with a price, often unforeseen, forcing the characters to confront the limits of their power and the necessity of letting go. The narrative uses these deals to explore themes of agency, destiny, and the willingness to risk everything for love.

Resurrection and Transformation

The motif of resurrection—Néomi's return to life, Conrad's restoration of sanity, the rebuilding of Elancourt—serves as a metaphor for healing, growth, and the possibility of new beginnings. The story's structure, moving from death and despair to hope and renewal, mirrors the emotional journeys of the characters and the promise of a future unbound by the past.

Analysis

Dark Needs at Night's Edge is more than a paranormal romance—it is a meditation on the scars of violence, the longing for connection, and the courage required to embrace vulnerability. Through the intertwined journeys of Néomi and Conrad, the novel explores how trauma can imprison us, but also how love—messy, imperfect, and hard-won—can be the key to freedom. The supernatural elements are not mere window dressing, but serve as metaphors for psychological wounds and the struggle for self-acceptance. The story's willingness to confront darkness—madness, obsession, betrayal—is balanced by its celebration of resilience, humor, and the possibility of joy. In a world where the past is inescapable and the future uncertain, Dark Needs at Night's Edge offers a vision of hope: that even the most haunted souls can find peace, purpose, and a love that endures beyond death.

Last updated: September 23, 2025