Scent of Lies

Vinna, a powerful Sentinel, and her mate Torrez, work together to root out threats among the lamia. Their magical senses reveal lies, leading to swift, brutal justice. Amidst the violence, their banter and sexual chemistry offer moments of levity. The group's camaraderie is tested as they prepare to leave the nest, ensuring its safety before moving on. Vinna's leadership is clear, but so is her vulnerability—she's haunted by the weight of responsibility and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. The chapter sets the tone: danger, loyalty, and the struggle to balance love and duty in a world where trust is rare and every decision could mean life or death.

Blood and Banter

As the group prepares to leave, Vinna navigates heartfelt goodbyes with her found family. The sisters' warmth and humor ground her, while Sorik, a father figure, offers support and wisdom. Vaughn, Vinna's catatonic father, is a silent presence—his fate uncertain, his relationship with Vinna fraught with longing and regret. The group's dynamic is playful yet tense, with sexual innuendo and inside jokes masking deeper anxieties. The journey ahead is daunting, but the bonds between Vinna and her companions—her Chosen and Shields—are a source of strength. The chapter captures the bittersweet nature of change, the pain of leaving, and the hope that comes with forging a new path.

Farewells and New Roads

The group sets out for Sentinel City, leaving behind friends and unresolved grief. Vinna reflects on the meaning of family, recognizing the love and support she's found in unlikely places. The journey is both literal and emotional—a trek into the unknown, fueled by hope and haunted by loss. The camaraderie among the group is palpable, but so is the tension: old wounds, rivalries, and the fear of what awaits in the city of her people. Vinna's leadership is tested as she balances her own doubts with the need to inspire confidence in others. The chapter is a meditation on belonging, resilience, and the courage to face the future together.

Rivalries Unleashed

As the group camps on their journey, simmering tensions between Vinna's Chosen and Shields explode into open conflict. Unable to mediate further, Vinna forces them to fight it out, hoping violence will purge the mistrust and resentment. The brutal, cathartic brawl exposes deep wounds but also paves the way for healing. Vinna herself confronts Knox, her mate, in a raw, emotional showdown—laying bare the pain of his doubts and the necessity of trust. Their reconciliation is passionate and transformative, setting a new foundation for the group. The chapter explores the necessity of facing conflict head-on, the pain of vulnerability, and the power of forgiveness.

Fists and Forgiveness

After the group's physical and emotional battles, Vinna confronts her own pain and the fractures in her relationships. She challenges Knox, demanding honesty and trust, and their reconciliation is both physical and emotional. The group's dynamic shifts as old grievances are aired and new understandings forged. The process is messy and imperfect, but it marks a turning point: the group is stronger for having faced their demons. The chapter is a testament to the necessity of communication, the courage to admit fault, and the healing that comes from true forgiveness.

Runes and Revelations

As the group continues their journey, they experiment with new runes and abilities, seeking to understand the extent of Vinna's powers. The playful banter masks deeper questions about identity and belonging—what does it mean to be a Sentinel, a Chosen, a Shield? Vinna's relationship with her father is explored through tender, mundane acts of care, highlighting the complexity of love and loss. The group's unity is tested by uncertainty, but their willingness to adapt and support each other is a source of hope. The chapter delves into the mysteries of magic, the importance of self-discovery, and the bonds that hold people together.

Night Runs and New Bonds

Vinna and Torrez share a night run through the snow, reveling in their supernatural abilities and the thrill of the chase. Their playful competition turns passionate, underscoring the deep connection between them. The group's camaraderie is on full display, with teasing, laughter, and shared vulnerability. The chapter is a celebration of life's pleasures—sex, friendship, the beauty of the natural world—even in the face of uncertainty and danger. It's a reminder that joy and connection are acts of defiance in a world that often seeks to break them.

The Barrier Beckons

The group finally reaches the barrier protecting Sentinel City, a shimmering wall of magic that calls to Vinna and her companions. The barrier is both a literal and metaphorical threshold—crossing it means confronting the unknown, the possibility of acceptance or rejection by her own people. The group's unity is tested as Vinna impulsively steps through, triggering a cascade of magical events that mark them as outsiders and potential threats. The chapter is a meditation on risk, the allure of the unknown, and the courage required to step into a new world.

Sentinel City's Hostility

The group is ambushed by Sentinels, their arrival seen as a threat rather than a homecoming. Prejudice, arrogance, and fear define the city's response, forcing Vinna and her companions to fight for their lives. The battle is brutal, exposing the city's deep-seated divisions and the cost of isolation. Vinna's power and leadership are on full display, but so is her vulnerability—she is not immune to the pain of rejection or the weight of responsibility. The chapter explores the dangers of insularity, the necessity of challenging prejudice, and the resilience required to survive in a world that fears difference.

Clash of Magic and Prejudice

The group is brought before a tribunal to answer for their "crimes," facing a system designed to exclude and punish outsiders. Vinna's Shields are marked by another Sentinel, deepening the sense of violation and loss. The city's politics are revealed to be as treacherous as any battlefield, with alliances shifting and motives obscured. Vinna must navigate a web of power, prejudice, and personal pain, fighting not just for her own survival but for the future of all Sentinels. The chapter is a study in the corrosive effects of fear, the importance of solidarity, and the possibility of change.

Tribunal and Truths

Vinna is subjected to a series of tests—physical, magical, and emotional—designed to determine her worthiness. She faces her own doubts and insecurities, confronting the fear that she will never be enough for her people or herself. The tests are both literal and symbolic, forcing Vinna to reckon with her past, her power, and her place in the world. The chapter is a meditation on self-acceptance, the courage to claim one's own worth, and the realization that true strength comes from connection, not isolation.

Worthiness Tested

Vinna's journey reaches a low point as she is forced to confront her deepest fears and insecurities. She is tested by Getta, an ancient Sentinel, and fails—not because she lacks strength, but because she cannot see her own worth. The experience is shattering, but it also marks the beginning of healing. With the support of her mates and friends, Vinna begins to rebuild, recognizing that her value lies not in perfection but in her willingness to keep fighting. The chapter is a testament to the power of vulnerability, the necessity of community, and the hope that comes from being truly seen.

Lost and Found

Vinna is reunited with her Sentinel family, but the experience is fraught with tension and disappointment. Her grandparents see her as a replacement for her mother, burdening her with expectations she cannot fulfill. Vinna must assert her own identity, refusing to be defined by the past or by others' dreams. The chapter explores the complexity of family, the pain of unmet expectations, and the freedom that comes from choosing one's own path. Vinna's decision to walk away from the role of Sovereign is an act of self-definition, a refusal to be anything but herself.

Family and Expectations

The city's politics reach a boiling point as the Sovereign's true nature is revealed—corrupt, cruel, and willing to sacrifice anyone for power. Vinna and her companions are caught in a web of intrigue, forced to fight not just for their own survival but for the soul of the city. The chapter is a study in the dangers of unchecked authority, the necessity of resistance, and the power of collective action. Vinna's refusal to play the Sovereign's game is a declaration of independence, a commitment to building a better world.

The Sovereign's Game

Vinna realizes that her strength lies not in individual power but in the bonds she shares with her mates and friends. Together, they are able to face challenges that would be insurmountable alone. The chapter is a celebration of unity, the recognition that worth is not a solitary achievement but a collective one. Vinna's journey from isolation to connection is complete—she is worthy because she is loved, and she is loved because she is willing to fight for others.

Worthy Together

The Sovereign unleashes a devastating magical assault, forcing Vinna and her companions to confront their worst fears and memories. Illusions blur the line between friend and foe, love and hate, life and death. The battle is both physical and psychological, a test of will and identity. Vinna's ability to see through the illusions and rally her companions is a testament to her growth and resilience. The chapter is a meditation on the power of memory, the necessity of facing pain, and the triumph of reality over deception.

The Illusion War

In a final, brutal confrontation, Vinna sacrifices herself to save her friends and end the Sovereign's reign. Her death is both literal and symbolic—a passage through darkness to a new beginning. With the help of her mates, she is resurrected, her power and purpose renewed. The city is transformed, old wounds begin to heal, and a new era of hope and possibility dawns. The chapter is a celebration of rebirth, the power of love, and the promise of a better future.

Death and Resurrection

With the Sovereign defeated and Suryn crowned, Vinna and her companions are free to chart their own course. They reject the trappings of power, choosing instead to build a new kind of community—one based on justice, compassion, and mutual aid. The chapter is a vision of what is possible when people refuse to be defined by the past, when they choose connection over isolation, and when they dare to imagine a better world. Vinna's journey is complete, but the work of building that world has only just begun.

Characters

Vinna Aylin

Vinna is the heart of the story—a powerful Sentinel marked by trauma, resilience, and a deep longing for belonging. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to balance strength with vulnerability, leadership with humility, and love with loss. Vinna's relationships—with her mates, her Shields, her family, and her people—are complex and evolving. She is haunted by the fear of not being enough, but ultimately finds worth in connection and the courage to choose her own path. Her arc is one of transformation: from outcast to leader, from survivor to savior, from lost to found.

Torrez

Torrez is Vinna's anchor—a shifter whose strength and humor provide stability in chaos. His relationship with Vinna is passionate and teasing, marked by deep trust and mutual respect. Torrez's loyalty is unwavering, but he is not without his own insecurities and wounds. He struggles with the demands of leadership and the fear of losing those he loves, but ultimately finds purpose in supporting Vinna and the group. His arc is one of growth: learning to trust, to forgive, and to embrace vulnerability as a source of strength.

Sabin

Sabin is the group's heart—a wizard whose empathy and intelligence guide the others through conflict and uncertainty. He is deeply attuned to the emotions of those around him, often serving as mediator and peacemaker. Sabin's relationship with Vinna is tender and supportive, marked by a willingness to challenge and be challenged. He struggles with the weight of responsibility and the fear of failure, but ultimately finds confidence in his own worth and the strength of his bonds. His arc is one of self-acceptance and the courage to lead with compassion.

Knox

Knox is both a source of tension and a catalyst for growth—a mate whose doubts and insecurities threaten to tear the group apart, but whose willingness to confront his own flaws ultimately brings them closer together. His relationship with Vinna is passionate and tumultuous, marked by jealousy, fear, and the need for reassurance. Knox's journey is one of learning to trust—not just Vinna, but himself and the group. His arc is a testament to the power of forgiveness, the necessity of vulnerability, and the possibility of redemption.

Ryker

Ryker is the group's healer—a mate whose calm presence and nurturing spirit provide comfort in times of pain. His relationship with Vinna is marked by tenderness and mutual care, a safe haven in the storm. Ryker struggles with the burden of responsibility and the fear of not being enough, but ultimately finds purpose in supporting and healing those he loves. His arc is one of quiet heroism, the recognition that strength is found in gentleness and that love is an act of courage.

Valen

Valen, one of the twins, brings levity and warmth to the group. His relationship with Vinna is marked by humor, affection, and a deep desire for connection. Valen struggles with the loss of his old life and the uncertainty of the future, but finds meaning in the bonds he forges with Vinna and the others. His arc is one of adaptation, learning to embrace change and to find joy in the present.

Bastien

Bastien, Valen's twin, is fiercely protective of Vinna and the group. His relationship with Vinna is intense and grounding, marked by a willingness to challenge and support her. Bastien struggles with the need to control and the fear of loss, but ultimately learns to trust in the strength of the group. His arc is one of letting go—of old wounds, of the need for certainty, and of the fear that love is not enough.

Siah

Siah is a lamia whose past is marked by loss and trauma. His relationship with Vinna is transformative—a chance to find belonging and purpose after years of isolation. Siah's journey is one of healing, as he learns to trust, to love, and to accept himself. His arc is a testament to the power of found family, the necessity of vulnerability, and the hope that comes from being truly seen.

Enoch

Enoch is one of Vinna's Shields—a figure caught between loyalty to his coven and the pull of new bonds. His relationship with Vinna is complex, marked by rivalry, respect, and the possibility of something more. Enoch struggles with ambition, the desire for power, and the fear of being left behind. His arc is one of reconciliation—learning to honor the past while embracing the future, and to find strength in connection rather than competition.

Suryn

Suryn is Vinna's mirror and foil—a Sentinel marked by pride, prejudice, and the burden of expectation. Her journey is one of transformation, as she moves from antagonist to ally, from isolation to leadership. Suryn's relationship with Vinna is fraught with tension and misunderstanding, but ultimately becomes a source of mutual respect and collaboration. Her arc is a testament to the possibility of change, the necessity of humility, and the power of shared purpose.

Plot Devices

Found Family and Chosen Bonds

Vinna's journey is defined by the relationships she forges—with her mates, her Shields, her friends, and her people. The bonds between characters are both magical and emotional, providing strength, healing, and purpose. The story explores the idea that family is not something you are born into, but something you build through love, loyalty, and shared struggle. This device is reinforced through the magical system of Chosen and Shields, the rituals of bonding, and the repeated emphasis on unity as salvation.

Magical Realism and Runes

The runes that mark Vinna and her companions are both literal abilities and symbols of their connections, traumas, and growth. The evolution of Vinna's magic mirrors her journey of self-acceptance and the group's movement from isolation to unity. The magical system is used to explore themes of worth, belonging, and the dangers of unchecked power. The runes also serve as a narrative device for foreshadowing, transformation, and the resolution of conflict.

Rivalry and Reconciliation

The story is structured around cycles of rivalry, confrontation, and reconciliation—between Vinna's Chosen and Shields, between Vinna and her mates, between the group and the Sentinels of Tierit. These conflicts are not just obstacles, but opportunities for growth, healing, and the forging of deeper bonds. The narrative uses these cycles to explore the necessity of facing pain, the courage to forgive, and the possibility of building something new from the ashes of old wounds.

Thresholds and Barriers

The barrier protecting Sentinel City is a central plot device, representing the limits of identity, community, and belonging. Crossing the barrier is an act of courage, a step into the unknown, and a challenge to the status quo. The story uses thresholds—magical, emotional, and relational—as moments of transformation, forcing characters to confront their fears and choose who they want to be.

Foreshadowing and Cyclical Structure

The story repeatedly foreshadows the possibility of death, rejection, and failure, only to subvert these expectations through acts of love, sacrifice, and resurrection. The cyclical structure reinforces the themes of rebirth, the persistence of hope, and the belief that every ending is also a beginning. The use of dreams, visions, and magical tests serves to foreshadow future challenges and to prepare characters (and readers) for the transformations to come.

Analysis

At its core, the novel is about the journey from isolation to connection, from trauma to healing, from survival to flourishing. Vinna's story is both deeply personal and universally resonant—her struggles with worth, belonging, and the fear of not being enough mirror the anxieties of a generation seeking meaning in a fractured world. The book's magical system is both a source of wonder and a metaphor for the bonds that hold us together, the wounds that shape us, and the hope that drives us forward. The narrative's emphasis on found family, the necessity of facing conflict, and the possibility of building a better world is both timely and timeless. In a world marked by division and uncertainty, Found and Forged offers a vision of hope: that we are not defined by our past, that we can choose our own future, and that together, we are worthy.

Last updated: September 26, 2025