1. Southern Roots, Supernatural Storm

Medley Bell is a delivery driver in Sweetgreen, Georgia, scraping by with a tough job, a sharp tongue, and a loving but eccentric family. Her life is a patchwork of Southern grit, family loyalty, and a persistent sense of not quite fitting in. She's haunted by mysterious blackouts—her "tribulations"—and a feeling that something is missing. Her parents, who adopted her after she was left on their porch as a baby, are her anchor, teaching her resilience and humor. But beneath the surface of her ordinary life, something strange is stirring, and Medley's world is about to be upended by forces she never imagined.

2. The Package That Changed Everything

On a sweltering Georgia day, Medley's last delivery takes her to the Hairy Dog Tavern, a bar she's never heard of, deep in the swamp. After a disastrous encounter with a monstrous dog and a run-in with her spiteful boss, she's late for the drop-off. Inside the bar, a series of bizarre events unfold: she's injured by a mysterious stick, meets the enigmatic Alder, and is fired for her tardiness. Seeking solace, she orders a drink, only to find herself seeing impossible things—tree-bartenders, faceless patrons, and more. The stick she tripped over seems to have a will of its own, and Medley's reality begins to unravel, setting her on a collision course with the supernatural.

3. Bar Brawls and Bewilderment

Medley's drink triggers a vision: the bar's patrons morph into supernatural beings, and her stick becomes a weapon. Accused of being drugged, she panics, but the truth is stranger—she's seeing through magical wards. Alder and Flint, the bar's owners, recognize something in her. As Medley's fear spirals, her tribulation takes over, and she blacks out, unleashing chaos. When she wakes, she's home, unsure what happened, but the stick—her scythe—remains by her side. The boundaries between her mundane life and the supernatural have been shattered, and Medley is left with more questions than answers.

4. Blackouts and Family Ties

Medley's parents provide comfort and unconditional love, helping her process her latest blackout. Their quirky warmth grounds her, but Medley can't shake the feeling that her tribulations are getting worse. Fired from her job, she faces her failures and insecurities, but her parents' unwavering support reminds her of her worth. As she prepares to confront her boss and collect her things, Medley is determined to face whatever comes next, even as the supernatural world edges closer to her reality.

5. Fired, Flustered, and Found

Medley's confrontation with her boss is both cathartic and humiliating, but she stands her ground. Unexpectedly, Alder and Flint appear at her family's trailer, seeking her out. Their presence is both alluring and unsettling, and Medley's attraction to them is undeniable. They reveal that she's not human, but a demon—like them—and that she's been called to something greater. Medley's world tilts on its axis as she's offered a job at the bar and a chance to discover her true nature.

6. Unexpected Visitors, Unveiled Truths

Alder and Flint's visit to Medley's home is both awkward and revelatory. Her mother's Southern hospitality disarms them, but Medley is wary. The demons explain that she's like another woman, Delta, who discovered her own demon heritage. Medley's ability to see through magical wards and wield the scythe marks her as special. Though skeptical, Medley is drawn to the truth of their words and the sense of belonging they offer. Her family's acceptance gives her the courage to consider a new path.

7. Demons at the Doorstep

Medley grapples with the revelation of her demonhood and the offer to work at the bar. Alder and Flint explain the dangers she faces from other demons and the importance of the Hellgate they guard. Medley's skepticism gives way to curiosity, and her family's nonchalance about her origins helps her accept her new reality. When she's attacked at a club by a demon named Morax, and then rescued by Alder and Flint, Medley realizes the stakes are higher than she imagined. She chooses to trust her new allies, setting her on a path toward her true destiny.

8. Revelations and Reluctant Acceptance

Medley moves in with Alder and Flint for safety, and begins working at the bar. She's drawn to the Hellgate, feeling its call deep in her bones. Training with her scythe and learning about her powers, Medley's attraction to her demon guardians intensifies. The trio's chemistry simmers, but Medley is cautious, unsure if she can trust her feelings or her new identity. As she grows stronger, she realizes that her tribulations are not a curse, but a manifestation of her true self.

9. Night Out, New Dangers

A night out with friends turns deadly when Medley is targeted by Morax, who uses his powers to try to abduct her. Rescued by Alder and Flint, Medley learns that she's not the only one of her kind. Delta, another woman with similar powers, is her twin sister. Together, they are part of a rare bloodline with the power to reset the balance between Heaven and Hell. The revelation of a third sister, Sable, lost and possibly in danger, raises the stakes even higher.

10. Angels, Demons, and Decisions

Medley and Delta meet their birth parents—an angel and a demon—who reveal the truth of their origins. The sisters are Annuli, beings capable of resetting the Hellgate and restoring balance. The supernatural community is divided over how to handle the threat of Morax and the missing Sable. Medley and Delta must train, learn to wield their powers, and navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries among angels, demons, and Guardians. The sisters' bond deepens as they prepare for the coming conflict.

11. The Offer and the Aftermath

Medley's relationship with Alder and Flint blossoms into a passionate, unbreakable bond. As mates, they share not only desire but purpose. Training intensifies, and Medley's confidence grows. The trio's love is a source of strength, helping Medley embrace her identity and her role as a Guardian. The search for Sable continues, and the threat of Morax looms ever larger. Medley's family—both blood and chosen—rallies around her, ready to face whatever comes next.

12. Sisterhood and Scythes

Medley and Delta's training pushes them to their limits, but their determination and sisterly bond carry them through. Together, they learn to wield their scythes and harness their Annulus powers. The sisters' unique abilities are the key to stabilizing the Hellgate and thwarting Morax's plans. As they grow stronger, so does the connection between them and their mates. The family they've built—across bloodlines, realms, and species—becomes their greatest weapon.

13. Training, Temptation, and Tribulations

Medley's relationship with Alder and Flint deepens, blending passion with partnership. The trio navigates jealousy, vulnerability, and the challenges of being mates. Training with Delta and her Guardians reveals the importance of trust and communication. Medley's tribulations become a source of power, not shame, as she learns to control and channel them. The sisters' unity is tested, but their love and loyalty prevail.

14. The Hellgate's Call

Medley and Delta descend into Hell to reset the Hellgate, using their blood and Annulus abilities to restore balance. The experience is harrowing and transformative, revealing the true extent of their power and the sacrifices of those who came before them. The sisters' actions stabilize the portal, but the threat of Morax remains. As they return to the surface, they are stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever.

15. Bloodlines and Broken Wards

The search for Sable leads to devastating revelations: she was abandoned, institutionalized, and ultimately captured by Morax. The sisters' anguish is palpable, but their resolve hardens. Morax's power is growing, and his plans threaten the balance of all realms. Medley, Delta, and their allies must unite, drawing on their love, strength, and the legacy of their bloodline to confront the darkness.

16. Sable's Shadow

Medley is captured by Morax, imprisoned alongside Sable, who has been broken by years of torment. The sisters' reunion is bittersweet, marked by grief and determination. Medley's mates and family rally to rescue her, but the cost of victory is high. The battle for Sable's soul—and the fate of the Hellgate—hangs in the balance. Medley's courage and compassion become her greatest weapons.

17. The Battle for Balance

In a final confrontation, Medley, Delta, and their allies face Morax and his minions. The sisters' combined power, forged through love, loss, and relentless training, is the key to restoring balance. The cost is great, but the victory is hard-won. As the dust settles, Medley embraces her identity as an Annulus, a Guardian, a sister, and a mate. The family she's built—across blood, love, and destiny—stands ready to face whatever the future holds.

Characters

Medley Bell

Medley is a tough, witty, and fiercely loyal woman shaped by her small-town Southern upbringing and the love of her adoptive parents. Plagued by mysterious blackouts and a sense of not belonging, she's thrust into a world of demons, angels, and ancient power. Medley's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns her true identity as an Annulus—a being capable of resetting the balance between Heaven and Hell. Her relationships with Alder and Flint are passionate and transformative, grounding her as she navigates supernatural threats and family secrets. Medley's resilience, humor, and compassion make her a natural leader, and her bond with her sisters is the key to her strength.

Alder

Alder is a powerful demon Guardian, marked by his lavender skin, floral tattoos, and quiet strength. He is both Medley's protector and partner, offering stability and wisdom as she discovers her powers. Alder's past is shaped by duty and sacrifice, and his relationship with Flint is built on hard-won trust. As Medley's mate, he is fiercely devoted, balancing tenderness with authority. Alder's ability to manipulate plants and his deep sense of responsibility make him a formidable ally and a grounding force in Medley's life.

Flint

Flint is a Nacre demon with a hard exterior and a passionate heart. His journey from reluctant Guardian to devoted mate is marked by loss, guilt, and redemption. Flint's past is haunted by family rejection and the burden of responsibility, but his love for Medley and Alder brings him healing and purpose. His playful banter and fierce protectiveness mask a deep vulnerability. Flint's musical talent and indomitable spirit make him both a source of comfort and a force to be reckoned with.

Delta

Delta is Medley's long-lost twin, a fellow Annulus with a parallel journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Raised human, Delta's life is upended by the revelation of her heritage and the dangers that come with it. Her bond with Medley is immediate and profound, and together they unlock the secrets of their bloodline. Delta's resilience, humor, and determination mirror Medley's, and her relationships with her four demon mates provide both strength and complexity.

Sable

Sable is the third Annulus sister, abandoned and institutionalized as a child. Her life is marked by trauma, isolation, and the torment of Morax. Sable's suffering is a stark reminder of the cost of secrecy and the dangers of unchecked power. Her fate becomes the catalyst for Medley and Delta's final confrontation with Morax, and her redemption is central to the restoration of balance.

Morax (The Ophidian)

Morax is a demon of immense power and cunning, capable of influencing free will and orchestrating chaos. His obsession with the Annuli sisters and the Hellgate drives the central conflict. Morax's cruelty and ambition make him a formidable antagonist, and his ability to exploit weakness and sow discord tests the limits of the sisters' strength and unity.

Nefta

Nefta is the mother of Medley, Delta, and Sable, an angel who made impossible choices to protect her daughters. Her decisions—separating the sisters, hiding their heritage—are driven by fear and love, but have devastating consequences. Nefta's leadership of the Legion and her contentious relationship with Tazreel add layers of complexity to the sisters' story.

Tazreel

Tazreel is the Abdicated demon of Pride, the sisters' biological father. His arrogance and power are matched by a surprising protectiveness toward his daughters. Tazreel's rivalry with Nefta and his command of a demon army create tension and, ultimately, a necessary alliance in the battle against Morax.

Medley's Parents (Mama and Daddy)

Medley's adoptive parents are the heart of her human life, providing warmth, humor, and unwavering support. Their acceptance of Medley's supernatural identity is both touching and grounding, offering a model of love that transcends blood and destiny. Their presence is a constant reminder of the power of chosen family.

Jerif, Rafferty, Crux, Echo

Delta's four demon mates each bring unique abilities and personalities to the group. Jerif is fiery and protective, Rafferty is strategic and calm, Crux is playful and supportive, and Echo is mysterious and nurturing. Together, they form a powerful unit, supporting Delta and, by extension, Medley and the larger family.

Plot Devices

The Scythe and Tribulations

Medley's scythe is both weapon and symbol, representing her Annulus heritage and her ability to reset the balance between realms. Her tribulations—blackouts that unleash destructive power—are initially a source of shame and fear, but become a tool for growth and self-acceptance. The scythe's evolution from mundane stick to supernatural artifact mirrors Medley's journey from ordinary to extraordinary.

The Hellgate and Guardianship

The Hellgate is the linchpin of the supernatural world, its stability essential to the balance between Heaven and Hell. Guardianship is both a burden and an honor, demanding sacrifice and cooperation. The struggle to protect and reset the Hellgate drives the plot, forcing characters to confront their fears, forge alliances, and embrace their destinies.

Sisterhood and Bloodlines

The revelation of Medley, Delta, and Sable's shared bloodline is the emotional core of the story. Their bond—tested by separation, trauma, and loss—is the key to their power and the restoration of balance. The consequences of Nefta's secrecy and the sisters' reunion underscore the importance of truth, forgiveness, and chosen family.

Love Triangles and Mating Bonds

The complex relationships between Medley, Alder, and Flint (and Delta's own polyamorous dynamic) provide both heat and heart. The concept of mates is both a supernatural bond and a metaphor for trust, vulnerability, and partnership. The evolution from attraction to deep love is mirrored in the characters' growth as individuals and as a team.

Foreshadowing and Parallelism

The story uses foreshadowing—visions, warnings, and repeated patterns—to build tension and connect the sisters' journeys. The parallels between Medley and Delta's experiences, and the echoes of their ancestors' sacrifices, create a sense of destiny and inevitability. The threat of Morax and the search for Sable are both literal and symbolic, representing the ongoing struggle to heal old wounds and forge a new future.

Analysis

Grave Decisions is a Southern-fried urban fantasy that blends humor, heart, and high-stakes supernatural drama. At its core, the novel is about identity—how we define ourselves, the families we choose, and the power of embracing our true nature. Medley's journey from small-town misfit to world-saving Annulus is both a personal and cosmic transformation, driven by love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of belonging. The story explores the cost of secrets, the necessity of forgiveness, and the strength found in vulnerability. By centering sisterhood and chosen family, the book challenges traditional notions of power and destiny, suggesting that true balance comes not from rigid hierarchies but from unity, compassion, and the willingness to fight for those we love. The blend of romance, action, and Southern charm makes Grave Decisions a celebration of resilience, self-acceptance, and the messy, beautiful work of building a life—and a world—worth saving.

Last updated: September 26, 2025