Prophecies and Prisoners

In the aftermath of a bloody coup, Lonnie Skyeborne, a human kitchen maid, finds herself imprisoned in the obsidian palace of Elsewhere. The Everlast family, ancient Fae rulers, are fractured by the death of their king and the rise of rebellion. Lonnie's fate is tangled with prophecy: the last words of the late Queen Celia foretell the end of the Everlast line. As Lonnie endures the darkness of her cell, she is haunted by visions and the knowledge that her mere survival threatens the Fae's ancient order. The palace above is a nest of intrigue, where power is measured in secrets, bargains, and blood. Lonnie's only hope lies in the bargains she strikes and the secrets she keeps, even as the world outside burns with unrest.

The Queen's Hunt

Lonnie is thrust into the deadly Wilde Hunts, a brutal tradition where the monarch must survive a night of pursuit by any who would claim the crown. As a human, she is outmatched by immortal Fae hunters, but her will to survive is fierce. The Everlast princes—Scion, the cold and ruthless heir, and Bael, the enigmatic youngest—circle her with motives of their own. Bael offers protection in exchange for the crown, while Scion's threats mask a dangerous fascination. The hunt is not just a test of strength, but of cunning, alliances, and the ability to navigate the treacherous political intrigue of Elsewhere. Lonnie's victory is as much about outwitting her enemies as it is about escaping their blades.

Blood and Bargains

In the aftermath of the hunt, Lonnie's survival is bought with a bargain: Bael's protection in exchange for her promise to give him the crown. Their pact is sealed not with a name-oath, but with a kiss and the sharing of Bael's blood, awakening dormant magic within Lonnie. The Everlasts' curse—no true happiness lest the family perish—hangs over every interaction. As Lonnie navigates the palace's shifting alliances, she is drawn deeper into the web of Fae politics, where every favor has a price and every secret is a weapon. The lines between enemy and ally blur, and Lonnie must decide whom to trust as her own power begins to awaken.

Monsters in the Shadows

The palace is haunted by more than political intrigue. Shadows move with a will of their own, and monsters—both literal and metaphorical—prowl the halls. Lonnie's unique scent and resistance to Fae magic draw dangerous attention, and she is stalked by both the living and the dead. The Everlasts themselves are not immune to darkness: Bael's monthly disappearances and the cage in his room hint at a monstrous secret. As Lonnie delves into her sister's journals and the mysteries of her own past, she discovers that the greatest threats may come from within, and that the monsters she fears are not always the ones with claws.

The Everlast Curse

The Everlasts are bound by a curse: if any member experiences true happiness, the entire bloodline will wither and die. This curse shapes every relationship, every ambition, and every betrayal. Scion, the Prince of Ravens, is driven by duty and the prophecy that he will be the last king. Bael, marked by chaotic magic and monstrous transformations, seeks both freedom and connection. Lonnie, caught between them, becomes both a threat and a hope for the family's future. The curse is not just a backdrop, but an active force, warping love into danger and making every bond a potential death sentence.

The Serpent's Bargain

During a hunt, Lonnie encounters a monstrous serpent in the depths of the quarry. The creature recognizes her as both human and not, and warns her against using her hidden magic, lest she call forth even greater horrors. In a moment of desperation, Lonnie strikes a bargain: she will bring the serpent royal blood in exchange for her life. This pact, sealed with her true name, binds her fate to the ancient, wild magic of Elsewhere. The encounter forces Lonnie to confront the truth of her heritage and the dangerous power simmering beneath her skin.

Mates and Magic

The connection between Lonnie and Bael deepens, revealing itself as a fated mate bond—an instinctual, magical tie that promises both ecstasy and destruction. The Everlast curse makes such bonds deadly, and the family's history is littered with tragedy. Bael's monstrous side is both a danger and a comfort, and Lonnie's own magic begins to surface in moments of crisis. Scion, too, is drawn into the web, his hatred masking a fascination that borders on obsession. The lines between love, lust, and power blur, and the three are bound together by forces beyond their control.

The Afflicted Unleashed

The fragile peace is shattered when the afflicted—monstrous, Wilde-magic-twisted Fae—are unleashed upon the land. Their arrival is heralded by tremors, fire, and death. The Everlasts' enemies, both mortal and magical, seize the chaos to strike at the heart of the kingdom. Lonnie's own actions, bargains, and awakening power may have played a role in calling these nightmares forth. As the afflicted spread, the palace becomes a battleground, and survival depends on alliances that are as dangerous as the enemy.

The Thieves' Den

Fleeing the chaos, Lonnie and Scion seek refuge in Inbetwixt, a city ruled by guilds of thieves, assassins, and pleasure-mongers. Here, power is fluid, and loyalty is bought and sold. Cross, the charismatic king of thieves, offers aid—at a price. The den is a place of secrets, where information is currency and every alliance is temporary. Lonnie must navigate new dangers, from seductive incubi to the machinations of the pleasure guild, all while searching for clues to her sister's fate and the rebellion's true goals.

Lust and Loyalty

In the den of thieves, lust and loyalty are tested. Lonnie and Scion's relationship erupts in passion and violence, their hatred transforming into something more dangerous. Bael's return brings both relief and new complications, as the mate bond threatens to consume them all. The lines between friend and foe blur, and every touch, every secret, is fraught with risk. The pleasure guild's enchanted dust unleashes uncontrollable desire, forcing Lonnie and Scion to confront the truth of their connection. In the aftermath, trust is fragile, and betrayal is always a heartbeat away.

Fire in the Palace

The rebellion strikes at the heart of Elsewhere, setting the obsidian palace ablaze. The Everlasts are scattered, wounded, and forced to confront their own mortality. Lonnie, separated from her allies, must use her newfound magic to survive and save those she can. The fire is both literal and symbolic, burning away the old order and forcing every character to choose where their loyalties lie. In the chaos, secrets are revealed, bargains are broken, and the future of the kingdom hangs in the balance.

The Beast Uncaged

In the burning palace, Bael's monstrous nature is fully unleashed. Transformed into a beast, he becomes both savior and threat, slaughtering enemies and risking the lives of those he loves. Lonnie's acceptance of his true self cements their bond, even as it marks them both for destruction. The Everlasts' secrets—of blood, magic, and monstrous heritage—are laid bare. Survival demands embracing the darkness within, and the line between hero and monster is erased.

The Rebel's Bargain

As the palace falls, Lonnie finally meets Ambrose Dullahan, the enigmatic leader of the rebellion and Scion's estranged brother. Ambrose offers her a bargain: answers in exchange for her allegiance. He reveals the tangled history of the Everlast curse, the true nature of Lonnie's heritage, and the role she is meant to play in the fate of Elsewhere. The choice before her is stark: become a pawn in another's game, or seize her own destiny, no matter the cost.

Ashes and Aftermath

The obsidian palace is reduced to ashes, the Everlasts scattered and wounded. The survivors—Lonnie, Bael, Scion, and their allies—flee into the wilderness, pursued by enemies and haunted by the consequences of their choices. The old order is dead, and the future is a blank page. Lonnie must decide where to go, whom to trust, and what kind of queen she will become. The bonds forged in fire—of love, loyalty, and power—will shape the fate of Elsewhere.

Choosing Sides

In the aftermath, Lonnie chooses to return to Aftermath, the ruined birthplace of both her and the rebellion. The Everlasts must decide whether to follow her, pursue their own ambitions, or continue the cycle of violence and betrayal. The lines between enemy and ally are forever blurred, and the true battle for the soul of Elsewhere is just beginning. As Lonnie steps into her power, the question remains: will she be the hero the kingdom needs, or the nightmare it deserves?

Characters

Lonnie Skyeborne

Lonnie is a human thrust into the heart of Fae politics, marked by her uncanny ability to survive and her talent for deception. Raised by a mother who taught her to always lie and never trust the Fae, Lonnie's life is a constant negotiation between fear and defiance. Her relationships are shaped by trauma, loss, and a desperate need for control in a world that seeks to use or destroy her. As she navigates the deadly games of the Everlasts, she is forced to confront her own power, her tangled heritage, and the possibility of love in a world where happiness is a curse. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns that survival is not enough—she must choose who she wants to become.

Prince Scion (The Prince of Ravens)

Scion is the cold, ruthless heir to the Everlast throne, shaped by war, prophecy, and the burden of his family's curse. His magic is pain and illusion, and his reputation as the Queen's Executioner is well-earned. Scion's relationships are defined by duty and suspicion, but beneath his armor lies a deep well of longing and vulnerability. His fascination with Lonnie is both a threat and a salvation, forcing him to confront the possibility of happiness—and the destruction it could bring. Scion's arc is one of reluctant transformation, as he is forced to choose between the kingdom he was born to rule and the love that could end his line.

Prince Bael

Bael is the youngest Everlast prince, marked by chaotic magic and a monstrous secret. His angelic appearance hides a beast within, and his monthly disappearances are a source of fear and speculation. Bael's bond with Lonnie is instinctual and dangerous, a fated mate connection that promises both ecstasy and doom. He is both protector and threat, torn between his desire for freedom and his need for connection. Bael's journey is one of self-acceptance, as he learns to embrace his darkness and the love that could save or destroy him.

Ambrose Dullahan

Ambrose is Scion's estranged brother and the enigmatic leader of the rebellion. Gifted with prophecy, he moves through the world as both puppet and puppeteer, orchestrating events from the shadows. Ambrose's motivations are complex: he seeks to end the Everlast curse, but his methods are ruthless, and his loyalty is to the future, not the present. His relationship with Lonnie is one of manipulation and revelation, offering her answers at the price of her freedom. Ambrose embodies the dangers of knowledge without compassion, and his actions force every character to confront the cost of destiny.

Lady Aine

Aine is Bael's sister, a sharp-tongued princess who despises her title and the constraints of her family. She is a voice of reason and skepticism, often serving as a counterpoint to the ambitions and delusions of those around her. Aine's loyalty is to her siblings, but she is not above self-preservation. Her arc is one of reluctant involvement, as she is drawn deeper into the conflict and forced to choose between family and survival.

Gwydion

Gwydion is Bael's older brother, known for his healing magic and affable demeanor. Beneath his friendly exterior lies a cunning mind, capable of manipulation and strategic alliances. Gwydion's relationship with Lonnie is transactional, but not without empathy. He represents the complexities of power in Elsewhere, where even kindness is a form of currency.

Thalia Overcast

Thalia is Gwydion's fiancée, brought to the court as a political bride. She is an outsider among the Everlasts, her own family's ambitions shaping her fate. Thalia's role is often that of observer, offering insight into the dynamics of power and the costs of loyalty. Her quiet strength and resilience make her a stabilizing force amid chaos.

Iola

Iola is Lonnie's former maid and one of the few humans to survive the palace's upheavals. Poisoned and healed, she is a reminder of the collateral damage wrought by the games of the powerful. Iola's loyalty to Lonnie is steadfast, and her presence grounds the story in the realities of those who serve and suffer.

Cross

Cross is the charismatic leader of the thieves' guild in Inbetwixt, a man who thrives in chaos and profits from secrets. His relationship with Lonnie and the Everlasts is pragmatic, offering aid in exchange for favors. Cross represents the shifting alliances of Elsewhere, where loyalty is always negotiable.

Ambrose Dullahan (as Dullahan)

As Dullahan, Ambrose embodies the role of necessary villain, burning cities to force change. His actions are both monstrous and visionary, and he serves as a mirror to Lonnie's own potential for darkness. His bargains are always double-edged, and his presence forces every character to confront the cost of survival.

Plot Devices

Prophecy and Curses

The narrative is driven by prophecy—Queen Celia's final words, Ambrose's visions, and the ever-present threat of the Everlast curse. These elements create a sense of inevitability, where characters are both actors and pawns in a larger design. The curse, in particular, is a plot device that transforms love into danger, making every relationship fraught with risk. Prophecy is used to foreshadow events, create tension, and force characters to confront the limits of their agency.

Bargains and Name-Oaths

In Elsewhere, bargains are binding, and names hold power. Characters navigate a world where every promise is a potential trap, and the act of giving one's true name is an act of vulnerability. Bargains drive the plot, from Lonnie's pact with Bael to her deadly deal with the serpent. Name-oaths are used to seal alliances, threaten betrayal, and explore themes of trust and autonomy.

Duality and Transformation

The story is rich with dualities: human and Fae, love and hate, protector and monster. Characters are constantly transforming—Bael's literal shapeshifting, Lonnie's awakening magic, Scion's journey from executioner to lover. These transformations are both physical and psychological, exploring the idea that identity is fluid and that survival often requires embracing one's darkness.

Erotic Tension and Power Dynamics

The narrative uses erotic tension not just for romance, but as a means of exploring power, vulnerability, and the dangers of intimacy. Sex is never just sex—it is a negotiation, a battle, a surrender. The mate bond is both a source of ecstasy and a potential death sentence, and every touch is fraught with meaning. The interplay of desire and danger heightens the stakes and deepens character relationships.

Unreliable Narration and Memory

Lonnie's perspective is shaped by lies, trauma, and unreliable memory. The story frequently blurs the line between dream and reality, past and present. Journals, prophecies, and dreams are used to reveal and obscure truth, forcing both characters and readers to question what is real. This device deepens the psychological complexity and keeps the reader off-balance.

Political Intrigue and Shifting Alliances

The world of Elsewhere is one of constant political maneuvering, where alliances shift with the wind and loyalty is always conditional. The introduction of the thieves' guild, the pleasure guild, and the rebellion expands the scope of the conflict beyond the palace, making every character's choice a potential turning point. The narrative structure uses multiple settings and factions to create a sense of a living, breathing world where no one is ever truly safe.

Analysis

Lady of the Nightmares is a masterful blend of dark fantasy, romance, and political intrigue, set in a world where every relationship is a negotiation and every act of love is a potential act of destruction. The novel interrogates the nature of power—who wields it, who suffers under it, and what it costs to seize or surrender it. Through Lonnie's journey from servant to queen, the story explores themes of trauma, agency, and the search for identity in a world that seeks to define and confine her. The Everlast curse serves as both metaphor and plot engine, turning happiness into a threat and forcing characters to confront the dangers of intimacy. The erotic tension is not mere titillation, but a lens through which to examine vulnerability, trust, and the ways desire can both empower and endanger. The use of prophecy, unreliable narration, and shifting alliances creates a narrative that is as unpredictable as it is compelling, inviting readers to question the nature of fate, choice, and the stories we tell ourselves. Ultimately, Lady of the Nightmares is a story about embracing one's darkness, forging one's own destiny, and finding connection in a world built on secrets and lies.

Last updated: September 24, 2025