Shadows in the Snow

Dawson Black, a Luxen alien living in rural West Virginia, faces a deadly Arum—his race's ancient enemy—near his home. The Arum, shadowy beings who hunt Luxen for their power, have come dangerously close, threatening the fragile safety of Dawson's family. In a fierce battle, Dawson is nearly killed, only to be saved by his twin brother, Daemon. The encounter is a stark reminder of the constant danger lurking just beyond the ordinary world, and it cements Dawson's resolve to truly live, even as he remains bound by the secrecy and rules of his alien existence. The siblings' bond is unspoken but deep, forged in the crucible of shared peril.

New Girl, New World

At school, Dawson's life takes a turn when Bethany Williams, a new student from Nevada, enters his class. Her beauty and warmth immediately captivate him, and he's struck by a longing to be seen as himself, not just as Daemon's twin. Bethany, adjusting to a new town and family circumstances, is equally drawn to Dawson, sensing something different beneath his charm. Their first interactions are electric, filled with mutual curiosity and a sense of possibility. For both, the ordinary routines of high school suddenly feel charged with new meaning, as if fate has set them on a collision course neither fully understands.

Unseen Connections Spark

Dawson and Bethany's connection deepens quickly, surprising them both. Dawson, usually careful to keep his distance from humans, finds himself unable to resist Bethany's openness and humor. Bethany, still reeling from her family's upheaval and her uncle's illness, is drawn to Dawson's kindness and the sense of belonging he offers. Their conversations are effortless, and a shared sense of being outsiders brings them closer. Yet, beneath the surface, Dawson's alien nature and the dangers it brings threaten to upend the fragile happiness they're building together.

Secrets Beneath the Surface

As Dawson and Bethany grow closer, the secrets Dawson keeps become harder to maintain. The Luxen community, including his siblings and friends, watch with suspicion and concern. Tensions rise as Dawson's relationship with Bethany draws unwanted attention from both humans and Luxen, especially the hostile Andrew and the jealous Ash. Meanwhile, Bethany senses there's more to Dawson than meets the eye—his uncanny reflexes, the strange energy between them, and the way his friends react to her presence. The pressure mounts, and the cost of discovery looms ever larger.

Forbidden Attraction Grows

Despite warnings from friends and family, Dawson and Bethany's relationship intensifies. They share stolen moments, secret lunches, and late-night phone calls, each encounter deepening their bond. The risks are real: Luxen are forbidden from revealing their true nature, and the Department of Defense (DOD) watches closely. Yet, the pull between them is undeniable, and both are willing to defy expectations for a chance at happiness. Their love becomes a quiet rebellion, a refusal to let fear dictate their lives, even as the dangers around them multiply.

Alien Truths Revealed

The truth can't stay hidden forever. In a moment of passion, Dawson loses control and reveals his true form—a being of living light—to Bethany. The revelation is shocking, but Bethany's response is acceptance, not fear. She learns about the Luxen, their history, and the constant threat of the Arum. The knowledge binds them even closer, but it also marks Bethany with a trace of alien energy, making her a beacon for enemies. Their relationship, once merely risky, now becomes a matter of life and death, as the consequences of their love ripple outward.

Trace of Danger

Bethany's exposure to Dawson's true form leaves her glowing with a trace only Luxen and Arum can see. The Luxen community is thrown into turmoil, fearing for their safety and the risk of exposure to the DOD. Dawson is forced to defend his choices to his family and friends, while Bethany faces hostility from Luxen like Andrew and Ash. The threat of the Arum grows more immediate, and the couple must navigate not only the dangers from outside but also the fractures within their own circles. Every moment together is shadowed by the possibility of disaster.

Love Against the Odds

Against mounting opposition, Dawson and Bethany refuse to be torn apart. Their love becomes a source of strength, helping them weather the judgment of others and the ever-present threat of the Arum. They find allies in Dee and Adam, but the community remains divided. As they share more of themselves, their connection transcends the boundaries of species and circumstance. Yet, the cost of their defiance grows, and the shadow of tragedy looms ever closer, testing the limits of their courage and commitment.

The Arum Threatens

The Arum, drawn by Bethany's trace, finally strike. Dawson is forced into a deadly confrontation to protect her, risking everything. The battle is brutal, and Dawson is injured, but his determination to keep Bethany safe is unwavering. The fight exposes the true stakes of their relationship—not just personal happiness, but survival itself. In the aftermath, both are left shaken, and Bethany's health begins to falter, a mysterious side effect of her exposure to Luxen energy. The couple realizes that their love, while powerful, may not be enough to shield them from the dangers closing in.

Healing Light, Mortal Wounds

During a hike, Bethany slips and suffers a fatal fall. Dawson, desperate and grief-stricken, unleashes the full extent of his powers to heal her, pouring his life force into her broken body. Against all odds, Bethany is revived, but the act leaves her glowing brighter than ever—a beacon for the Arum and a violation of every rule the Luxen live by. Their bond deepens, now threaded with something beyond love: a shared essence, a connection that transcends the physical. But the miracle comes at a terrible cost, setting the stage for the final reckoning.

Bonds Beyond Species

The aftermath of Bethany's resurrection ripples through the Luxen community. Dawson's actions force Daemon and Dee to confront their own beliefs about love, loyalty, and the price of defiance. The DOD grows suspicious, and the Luxen are divided between those who support Dawson and those who fear the consequences. Dawson and Bethany's bond, now stronger than ever, becomes both their greatest strength and their greatest vulnerability. As they cling to each other, they know that the world is closing in, and that their time together may be running out.

The Cost of Defiance

The pressure on Dawson and Bethany mounts from all sides. The DOD's scrutiny intensifies, the Luxen community fractures, and the Arum grow bolder. Friends become adversaries, and even family ties are strained to the breaking point. Dawson is forced to choose between his love for Bethany and his duty to his people. The couple's defiance becomes a rallying point for some and a threat to others. As the dangers escalate, Dawson and Bethany are forced to confront the reality that their love may demand the ultimate sacrifice.

Enemies Within and Without

Not all threats come from outside. Andrew and Ash, driven by jealousy and fear, undermine Dawson and Bethany at every turn. The DOD's agents close in, and the Arum's attacks grow more frequent and deadly. In a final confrontation, Dawson must fight not only for Bethany's life but for the future of his family and friends. The battle is fierce, and the cost is high. In the end, it is not just the strength of Dawson's powers but the depth of his love that determines their fate.

Love's Ultimate Sacrifice

In a desperate bid to save Bethany from the Arum, Dawson gives everything he has. Their bond, forged in love and sealed in sacrifice, becomes their undoing. The Arum are relentless, and the DOD's intervention is merciless. In the chaos, Dawson and Bethany are separated, their fates sealed by forces beyond their control. The aftermath is devastating: both are lost, their bodies disposed of, their love story ending in tragedy. For those left behind, the loss is a wound that will never fully heal.

Grief and Vengeance Ignite

Daemon and Dee, reeling from Dawson's death, are consumed by grief and rage. The loss of their brother is a blow from which they may never recover. Daemon, in particular, is transformed by the experience, vowing never to let a human endanger his family again. The Luxen community is shaken, and the fragile peace they maintained is broken. The tragedy becomes a catalyst for change, hardening hearts and deepening divisions. The legacy of Dawson and Bethany's love is both a warning and a beacon—a reminder of what is possible, and what is lost.

Never Again

In the aftermath, Daemon swears to protect his family at any cost, even if it means closing himself off from love and hope. The story ends not with resolution, but with a promise: never again will he allow himself or those he loves to be vulnerable to the dangers of the human world. The memory of Dawson and Bethany lingers, a bittersweet echo of what might have been. Their love, though doomed, leaves an indelible mark on all who knew them, shaping the future in ways none can yet foresee.

Characters

Dawson Black

Dawson is a Luxen, an alien being of living light, who longs for freedom and genuine connection in a world defined by secrecy and danger. Unlike his twin Daemon, Dawson is open-hearted, empathetic, and drawn to the human world. His relationship with Bethany awakens a fierce desire to live authentically, even as it puts him and his family at risk. Dawson's journey is one of defiance—against the rules of his people, the expectations of his siblings, and the threats of the Arum and DOD. His love for Bethany is transformative, pushing him to acts of courage and sacrifice. Ultimately, Dawson's willingness to risk everything for love becomes both his greatest strength and his undoing, leaving a legacy of hope and heartbreak.

Bethany Williams

Bethany is the new girl in town, uprooted by family illness and thrust into a world she doesn't understand. Artistic, compassionate, and quietly resilient, she is drawn to Dawson's kindness and mystery. Bethany's journey is one of discovery—of love, of alien truths, and of her own strength. Her acceptance of Dawson's true nature is remarkable, and her willingness to risk everything for their relationship speaks to her deep capacity for love. Bethany's transformation, both literal and emotional, is at the heart of the story. She becomes a bridge between worlds, her fate entwined with Dawson's in ways neither could have foreseen. Her ultimate sacrifice is a testament to the power of love to transcend even the most insurmountable barriers.

Daemon Black

Daemon is Dawson's identical twin, fiercely loyal and deeply protective of his family. His initial hostility toward Bethany stems from fear—of exposure, of loss, of the dangers that come with loving humans. Daemon's journey is one of reluctant acceptance, as he grapples with his brother's choices and the consequences that follow. The loss of Dawson is a shattering blow, transforming Daemon from a wary guardian into a figure consumed by grief and vengeance. His vow to never again let a human endanger his family sets the stage for future conflicts, and his complex relationship with love and loyalty is a central theme of the narrative.

Dee Black

Dee is the third Black sibling, a fraternal triplet who embodies warmth, energy, and empathy. She is the emotional heart of the family, striving to keep her brothers connected and grounded. Dee's support for Dawson and Bethany is unwavering, even as she fears for their safety. Her own struggles with the expectations of the Luxen community and her feelings for Adam mirror the central conflict of the story: the tension between duty and desire. Dee's grief at Dawson's loss is profound, and her journey is one of resilience in the face of heartbreak.

Andrew Thompson

Andrew is a Luxen who embodies the community's suspicion and hostility toward humans. Jealous, aggressive, and quick to threaten, he serves as an internal antagonist, challenging Dawson at every turn. Andrew's actions are motivated by fear—of exposure, of change, of losing control. His confrontations with Dawson and Bethany escalate the stakes, and his willingness to betray his own for the sake of security highlights the divisions within the Luxen community.

Ash Thompson

Ash is Andrew's sister and Daemon's on-again, off-again girlfriend. Beautiful, sharp-tongued, and fiercely loyal to her own, Ash views Bethany as a threat to the Luxen way of life. Her hostility toward Bethany is personal and ideological, rooted in jealousy and a deep-seated fear of change. Ash's actions, while antagonistic, are driven by a desire to protect her family and preserve the status quo, making her a complex and ultimately tragic figure.

Adam Thompson

Adam is Andrew and Ash's brother, a Luxen who sympathizes with Dawson's plight. More open-minded and compassionate than his siblings, Adam serves as a bridge between the warring factions. His support for Dawson and Bethany is cautious but genuine, and his own feelings for Dee add depth to his character. Adam's struggle to balance loyalty to his family with his sense of justice mirrors the larger conflicts of the story.

Matthew

Matthew is the unofficial guardian of the Black siblings, tasked with keeping them safe and ensuring they follow the rules. Wise, patient, and burdened by responsibility, Matthew represents the voice of caution and tradition. His role is to mediate conflicts and protect the community from both internal and external threats. Matthew's struggle to reconcile his affection for the siblings with his duty to the Luxen and the DOD adds complexity to his character.

Officer Lane & Officer Vaughn

Lane and Vaughn are representatives of the Department of Defense, the human authority tasked with monitoring the Luxen. Their presence is a constant reminder of the precariousness of the Luxen's existence. Lane is more familiar, while Vaughn is new and openly hostile. Together, they embody the external pressures and dangers facing Dawson and his family, enforcing the rules with cold efficiency and little empathy.

The Arum

The Arum are the ancient enemies of the Luxen, beings of living shadow who hunt and kill for power. Their presence is a constant, looming danger, driving much of the fear and secrecy that define Luxen life. The Arum's attacks are brutal and relentless, serving as both literal and symbolic representations of the forces that seek to destroy love, hope, and difference.

Plot Devices

Dual Worlds, Hidden in Plain Sight

The narrative is built on the tension between two worlds: the hidden society of the Luxen and the ordinary human world. The Luxen live among humans, adopting their forms and customs, but are bound by strict rules of secrecy enforced by the DOD. This duality creates constant tension, as characters must navigate the demands of both worlds while hiding their true selves. The collision of these worlds—through love, conflict, and revelation—drives the plot and shapes the characters' journeys.

The Trace

The trace is a unique plot device: when a human is exposed to a Luxen's true form or powers, they are marked with a visible (to Luxen and Arum) glow. This mark serves as both a symbol and a practical danger, making the human a target for the Arum and a liability for the Luxen. The trace escalates the stakes, forcing characters to confront the consequences of their actions and the limits of their love.

Forbidden Love

The central romance between Dawson and Bethany is both a source of hope and a catalyst for conflict. Their love defies the rules of both their worlds, challenging the boundaries of species, community, and authority. The forbidden nature of their relationship heightens the emotional stakes and drives the narrative toward its tragic conclusion.

Sacrifice and Resurrection

Dawson's ability to heal Bethany after her fatal fall introduces a supernatural element that deepens their bond but also increases the danger. The act of resurrection is both a miracle and a transgression, marking Bethany more indelibly and setting off a chain of events that leads to their downfall. This device explores the limits of love and the price of defiance.

Internal and External Antagonists

The story is shaped by threats both internal (Andrew, Ash, the Luxen community) and external (the Arum, the DOD). These antagonists represent different facets of the central conflict: fear of exposure, resistance to change, and the dangers of difference. The interplay of these forces creates a web of tension that propels the narrative forward.

Tragic Foreshadowing

From the opening pages, the story is suffused with a sense of impending tragedy. The dangers are ever-present, and the characters' choices—however brave or loving—are shadowed by the knowledge that happiness may be fleeting. This foreshadowing heightens the emotional impact of the climax and underscores the themes of sacrifice and loss.

Analysis

Jennifer L. Armentrout crafts a narrative where the extraordinary is hidden within the ordinary, and where the greatest risks are not just from external enemies, but from the choices we make for love. The story interrogates the costs of defiance—how breaking the rules, even for the noblest reasons, can have devastating consequences. Through Dawson and Bethany, Armentrout examines the transformative power of love: its ability to bridge worlds, to heal, and to demand sacrifice. Yet, the novel is unflinching in its portrayal of loss and the hardening that follows. The aftermath of Dawson and Bethany's doomed romance is not just personal grief, but a communal reckoning, as those left behind vow never to be so vulnerable again. In a world increasingly defined by boundaries—of race, class, and identity—"Shadows" is a poignant reminder of both the beauty and the danger of reaching across divides, and the enduring human (and alien) longing for connection, acceptance, and hope.

Last updated: October 17, 2025