Asylum of Monsters

Dahlia Moore, a romance writer with a traumatic past and psychic abilities, finds herself committed to Blackwood, a remote asylum for supernatural beings. The institution is a gothic fortress, filled with dangerous residents—shifters, fae, vampires, and more—each with their own secrets and curses. Dahlia is haunted by her own powers, especially a scream that can kill, and is drawn into a web of therapy sessions, mysterious doctors, and a group of men who are both her protectors and potential threats. The asylum is both a sanctuary and a prison, its walls echoing with secrets, violence, and the promise of transformation.

Scream That Shatters

When a riot breaks out in the asylum, Dahlia is trapped with Tor, a cursed Viking shifter on the edge of losing his humanity. As monsters attack, Tor transforms into his beast form to protect her, but loses control. Dahlia's only defense is her banshee scream—a psychic wail that incapacitates or kills. The scream knocks out everyone nearby, including Tor, and leaves Dahlia traumatized and guilt-ridden. The aftermath is carnage, and the true danger of her power is revealed, setting the tone for her struggle with her identity and the consequences of her abilities.

Pirate's Key Unleashed

Caspian Hook, a fae pirate with a penchant for chaos, orchestrates a prison break as a distraction to free Dahlia. His actions unleash dangerous creatures and set off a chain of violence, including the fire that threatens the asylum. Hook's recklessness exposes his own vulnerabilities and the depth of his feelings for Dahlia, but also makes him a pariah among the group. His guilt and need for redemption become central as the group grapples with the fallout of his actions.

Dragon's Jealous Fire

Kai, a fae dragon shifter, is fiercely protective of Dahlia and struggles with jealousy as she forms bonds with other men, especially Tor and Hook. His dragon side is both a source of power and a curse, threatening to consume him if not controlled. The tension between Kai and the others escalates, especially as Dahlia's relationships deepen. Kai's internal battle mirrors the external conflicts, and his need to protect and possess Dahlia drives much of the emotional drama.

Banshee's Secret Revealed

Through therapy and the investigation of her past, Dahlia learns she is part banshee—a rare and powerful supernatural being whose scream heralds death. This revelation explains her connection to ghosts, her deadly scream, and her role in her father's cult. The knowledge is both liberating and terrifying, as Dahlia must come to terms with her identity and the responsibilities it brings. Her banshee heritage becomes a key to understanding the threats facing her and the asylum.

Ghosts and Hauntings

Dahlia is haunted by a persistent, vengeful ghost that grows stronger and more violent with each encounter. The spirit's attacks escalate from psychological torment to physical harm, leaving Dahlia bruised and terrified. Cain, a mysterious resident with shadow powers and a forgotten past, is the only one who can see and banish the ghost. Their shared ability to interact with the dead forges a reluctant bond, and the haunting becomes a metaphor for Dahlia's unresolved trauma and the dangers lurking within Blackwood.

Blood and Bonding

Dahlia's relationships with Tor and Kai intensify, culminating in supernatural mating bonds. Tor claims her in a primal, violent ritual, while Kai marks her with a magical tattoo that serves as both birth control and a symbol of their connection. These bonds are both empowering and fraught, as Dahlia navigates the expectations and jealousies of her mates. The physical and magical connections blur the lines between love, possession, and survival, and force Dahlia to confront her desires and fears.

Beast in Chains

After losing control and succumbing to his beast form, Tor is imprisoned and chained, considered too dangerous to be released. His curse—a magical countdown marked by falling petals—means that each transformation brings him closer to permanent monstrosity. Only Dahlia's presence soothes him, but the staff refuses to risk her safety. The struggle to save Tor becomes a test of love, trust, and the limits of redemption, as Dahlia and her allies fight to prove he can be tamed.

Pirate's Guilt and Games

Isolated by his own actions, Hook spirals into guilt and self-loathing. His attempts to win back Dahlia's trust are clumsy and desperate, revealing a vulnerability beneath his bravado. Therapy sessions and confessions expose his fear of madness and his need for connection. Hook's journey is one of atonement, as he seeks forgiveness and a place in Dahlia's heart, even as he battles his own demons and the suspicion of others.

Therapy and Confessions

The residents of Blackwood are forced into group therapy sessions led by Dr. Temperance, where secrets, traumas, and desires are laid bare. The sessions are both cathartic and explosive, as rivalries flare and alliances shift. Dahlia's confessions about her fantasies and fears become a catalyst for deeper intimacy and understanding among the group. The therapy scenes serve as a crucible, forging bonds and exposing the psychological wounds that drive each character.

Succubus in the Tower

The arrival of Lilith, a powerful succubus, and her entourage—including another succubus, Merri—throws the asylum into chaos. Their pheromones and seductive power ignite uncontrollable lust among the residents, leading to orgies and loss of control. The succubi's presence forces the group to confront their own desires and boundaries, and Merri's struggle with her powers mirrors Dahlia's journey of self-acceptance. The newcomers also bring new dangers and secrets, hinting at larger threats beyond Blackwood.

Cursed Love Triangle

Dahlia's entanglement with Tor, Kai, and Hook becomes a crucible of fate and free will. The revelation that Tor's curse was a mistake, and that only Dahlia can save him, raises the stakes. Therapy, magical interventions, and emotional confrontations test the limits of their bonds. The love triangle (or quadrangle) is fraught with jealousy, sacrifice, and the need to balance personal desire with the greater good. The characters must decide what they are willing to risk for love and redemption.

The Test of Control

To prove he can control his beast, Tor is subjected to a test: he must witness Kai pleasuring Dahlia without succumbing to rage or violence. The scene is both erotic and tense, as Tor battles his instincts and the group watches for any sign of failure. His success is a triumph of love and willpower, and he is finally released. The test is a turning point, demonstrating the power of trust, vulnerability, and the possibility of healing even the most broken souls.

Escape and Aftermath

With Tor freed and the group's bonds stronger than ever, there is a brief respite of happiness and sexual exploration. Yet the threat of the Ripper—a supernatural serial killer—remains, and the asylum's true nature as a prison is revealed. The residents realize that escape may be impossible, and that their fates are intertwined with the dark forces gathering around Blackwood. The sense of safety is shattered, and the group must prepare for new battles.

Haunted by the Ripper

The Ripper's attacks escalate, targeting both staff and residents. Hook is nearly killed in the forest, and the group is forced to confront the reality that the killer is among them—or perhaps something even more sinister. Ghostly warnings, cryptic clues, and the growing power of the spirits suggest that the Ripper is connected to the larger supernatural apocalypse brewing. The hunt for the killer becomes a race against time, with Dahlia at the center of the storm.

Forbidden Fantasies

Dahlia's exploration of her sexual fantasies—especially those involving consensual non-consent and somnophilia—becomes a source of both empowerment and danger. Hook fulfills her secret desires, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. The group's willingness to embrace their own darkness, and to trust each other with their vulnerabilities, becomes a source of strength. The eroticism is both a coping mechanism and a form of rebellion against the forces seeking to control them.

The Power of Shadows

Cain, tormented by amnesia and haunted by visions, finally unlocks the truth of his past: he is Hades, lord of the underworld, and Dahlia is his lost Persephone. Their reunion is both passionate and tragic, as the weight of their history threatens to overwhelm them. Cain's mastery of shadow and fire magic becomes crucial in the battles to come, and his acceptance of his identity is mirrored by Dahlia's own journey. Their love is both a curse and a salvation, binding the group together.

Death's Looming Game

In the shadows, Death herself manipulates events, gathering the horsemen and setting the stage for the end of the world. The group's struggles, triumphs, and heartbreaks are revealed to be part of a larger cosmic game. As the book ends, the threat of apocalypse is imminent, and the group must prepare to face not only their personal demons but the ultimate battle between life and death, love and chaos.

Characters

Dahlia Moore

Dahlia is the emotional and narrative center of the story—a romance novelist with a traumatic past, psychic abilities, and a banshee's deadly scream. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to accept her supernatural heritage and the power it brings. Dahlia is both vulnerable and resilient, struggling with anxiety, guilt, and the fear of hurting those she loves. Her relationships with Tor, Kai, Hook, and Cain are complex, blending desire, trust, and the need for belonging. Dahlia's ability to see and interact with ghosts makes her both a target and a savior, and her willingness to confront her darkness is key to the group's survival.

Tor Nordson

Tor is a Novasgardian shifter cursed to become a monstrous beast, marked by a magical tattoo that counts down his transformations. Fiercely protective and deeply loyal, Tor's love for Dahlia is both his salvation and his undoing. His struggle to control his beastly nature is a metaphor for trauma and the fear of losing oneself. Tor's journey is one of sacrifice, as he risks everything to protect Dahlia and prove he can be more than a monster. His relationships with Kai and Hook are fraught with rivalry and reluctant respect, and his eventual acceptance of sharing Dahlia is a testament to his growth.

Kai Nash

Kai is a fae dragon shifter whose power is both a gift and a curse. His possessiveness and jealousy are matched by a deep need to protect and nurture. Kai's internal battle with his dragon side mirrors the external conflicts of the group, and his journey is one of learning to integrate his dual nature. His magical tattoos, artistic soul, and Scottish brogue add layers to his character, making him both fierce and tender. Kai's willingness to share Dahlia and work with his rivals is hard-won, and his acceptance of his dragon is crucial to the group's strength.

Caspian Hook

Hook is the wild card—a fae pirate whose mischief and recklessness often cause more harm than good. Beneath his swagger and bravado lies a deep well of guilt, loneliness, and a desperate need for connection. Hook's journey is one of atonement, as he seeks forgiveness for his mistakes and a place in Dahlia's heart. His willingness to fulfill Dahlia's darkest fantasies reveals a surprising tenderness, and his struggle with madness and the loss of his home adds poignancy to his arc. Hook's rivalry with the others is both comic and tragic, and his redemption is hard-earned.

Cain Alexander / Hades

Cain is the most enigmatic of the group—a man with no memory of his past, haunted by visions, and gifted with shadow and fire magic. His gruff exterior hides a deep well of pain, guilt, and longing. As his memories return, Cain is revealed to be Hades, lord of the underworld, and Dahlia his lost Persephone. Their love is both epic and tragic, spanning lifetimes and realms. Cain's struggle to accept his identity and his capacity for love is mirrored by his mastery of his powers. His role as both protector and destroyer makes him a pivotal figure in the coming apocalypse.

Dr. Elizabeth Masterson

Dr. Masterson is the chief administrator and therapist at Blackwood, guiding Dahlia and the others through their traumas and transformations. Her sessions are both nurturing and challenging, pushing the characters to confront their deepest fears and desires. Masterson's own secrets and relationships add depth to her character, and her willingness to bend the rules for her patients makes her both an ally and a wildcard. Her near-fatal attack by the Ripper raises the stakes and exposes the dangers lurking within the asylum.

Dr. Nathaniel Temperance

Dr. Temperance is Masterson's colleague and occasional rival, leading group therapy sessions and overseeing the more dangerous residents. His approach is more clinical and strategic, often blurring the line between therapy and manipulation. Temperance's willingness to use the residents' powers for his own ends makes him both a protector and a potential threat. His relationship with Masterson is complex, blending professional respect with personal attraction.

Merri Deveraux

Merri is a young succubus whose uncontrolled powers ignite uncontrollable lust among the residents, leading to chaos and loss of control. Her struggle to master her abilities mirrors Dahlia's journey, and her presence forces the group to confront their own desires and boundaries. Merri's innocence and guilt make her both a victim and a catalyst, and her integration into the group adds new layers of complexity.

Asshole (the dog)

Asshole is Cain's small, fiercely loyal dog, who serves as both comic relief and a symbol of unconditional love. His ability to communicate telepathically with Cain, and his role as a protector and guide, make him more than just a pet. Asshole's presence grounds Cain and provides moments of levity amid the darkness.

The Ripper

The Ripper is the unseen antagonist, stalking the grounds of Blackwood and targeting powerful supernaturals. His attacks are brutal and precise, and his true identity remains a mystery. The Ripper's connection to the larger apocalypse and the gathering of the horsemen suggests that he is both a symptom and a cause of the coming end times. His presence forces the group to unite and confront the darkness within and without.

Plot Devices

Therapy as Transformation

The narrative is structured around therapy—both individual and group—as a means of character development and plot progression. Sessions with Dr. Masterson and Dr. Temperance force the characters to confront their traumas, desires, and secrets. These scenes serve as both exposition and emotional climax, revealing backstory, foreshadowing future events, and catalyzing change. The use of therapy as a plot device blurs the line between healing and manipulation, and raises questions about agency, consent, and the nature of transformation.

Magical Bonds and Curses

The story is built on a web of magical bonds—mating rituals, tattoos, curses—that both empower and endanger the characters. These bonds are both literal and metaphorical, representing love, possession, trauma, and redemption. The countdown of Tor's curse, the magical tattoos, and the banshee scream are all plot devices that create urgency, raise stakes, and force characters to make impossible choices. The interplay of fate and free will is a constant tension, with characters struggling to break or accept the bonds that define them.

Hauntings and Ghosts

The persistent haunting of Dahlia by a vengeful ghost serves as both a literal threat and a metaphor for unresolved trauma. The escalation of the ghost's attacks mirrors Dahlia's internal struggle, and the ability of Cain and others to see and banish spirits becomes a symbol of empathy and shared pain. The ghosts also serve as messengers, warning of greater dangers and connecting the personal to the cosmic.

Erotic Power Dynamics

The exploration of forbidden fantasies—consensual non-consent, somnophilia, dominance and submission—is both a source of tension and a means of healing. The characters' willingness to trust each other with their darkest desires becomes a form of rebellion against the forces seeking to control them. The eroticism is not just titillation, but a way to reclaim agency, process trauma, and forge deeper bonds.

Apocalypse and Cosmic Stakes

The looming threat of the apocalypse, orchestrated by Death and the gathering of the horsemen, provides a cosmic backdrop to the personal dramas. The narrative structure weaves together the intimate and the epic, with the fate of the world hinging on the healing and union of broken souls. Foreshadowing, cryptic warnings, and the escalation of supernatural threats build tension and set the stage for future battles.

Analysis

Hunted Beast is a genre-bending blend of paranormal romance, psychological thriller, and gothic fantasy. At its core, the novel is about broken people—monsters, outcasts, and survivors—struggling to find love, acceptance, and redemption in a world that fears and confines them. The asylum setting is both a metaphor for trauma and a crucible for transformation, forcing the characters to confront their darkness and forge new identities. The use of therapy as both healing and manipulation raises questions about agency, consent, and the nature of change. The erotic power dynamics are not just titillation, but a means of reclaiming agency and processing pain. The looming apocalypse and the gathering of the horsemen elevate the stakes, connecting the personal to the cosmic. Ultimately, the novel suggests that love—messy, dangerous, and hard-won—is both the greatest risk and the only hope for salvation. The story's willingness to embrace darkness, desire, and vulnerability makes it a compelling meditation on what it means to be monstrous, and what it takes to be whole.

Last updated: September 12, 2025