Orphaned Origins and Awakening

Josephine "Jo" Doe wakes in a morgue, realizing she's died and become something other—ghost, vampire, and outcast. Her only anchor is her little brother, Thad, whom she's protected since they were found as children with no memory of their past. Jo's feral instincts and fierce love for Thad drive her to survive on the streets, but a violent encounter awakens her supernatural powers. She discovers she can become intangible, possess others, and, after a vengeful act, craves blood. Her transformation is both a curse and a liberation, setting her on a path of self-discovery and separation from the only family she's ever known.

Ghost, Vampire, Outcast

Jo's new existence as a ghostly vampire forces her to leave Thad in the care of a loving foster family, believing he's safer without her. She haunts his life from afar, torn between longing and the knowledge that her presence brings danger. As Thad thrives, Jo's loneliness deepens, and she becomes a mythic figure among the city's vulnerable, a shadowy protector and avenger. Her powers grow, but so does her isolation, and she clings to mementos of her lost life, haunted by the choices she's made and the hunger that defines her.

The Møriør Assemble

Across dimensions, the Møriør—an alliance of primordial immortals—awaken and gather, led by the enigmatic Orion. Rune Darklight, a half-demon, half-fey assassin, is tasked with hunting the soothsayer Valkyrie, Nïx, whose machinations threaten to upend the balance of power. Each Møriør seeks something from Earth, and Rune's own past as a slave, whore, and killer shapes his cold, detached approach to life and love. The stage is set for an Accession, a mystical event that will force all immortals into conflict.

Bourbon Street Encounters

Jo, now known as Lady Shady, stalks the night, punishing predators and searching for answers about her nature. Her path crosses with Rune, whose sexual exploits and supernatural allure draw her attention. Their first encounter is a battle of wits and wills, each recognizing the other as something unique and dangerous. Jo's curiosity and Rune's arrogance spark a volatile attraction, but both are wary—she of his poison, he of her unpredictability. Their banter is laced with challenge, desire, and the promise of something neither has ever known.

Predator Meets Predator

Rune and Jo's mutual fascination escalates as they test each other's boundaries. Jo's theft of Rune's cherished talisman provokes a confrontation that turns violent, then intimate. When Jo bites Rune, drinking his forbidden baneblood, they experience a connection that shatters their defenses. For the first time, Rune's poison doesn't kill, and Jo is transformed by his taste. Their encounter is both a battle and a surrender, leaving them both changed and craving more. The rules of their world no longer apply, and a dangerous new bond is forged.

Blood, Sex, and Secrets

The aftermath of their bite leaves Rune and Jo reeling. Their physical attraction is undeniable, but trust is elusive. Rune, ever the secrets master, fears Jo has stolen his memories, while Jo grapples with the consequences of her hunger and the taboo of their union. Their power struggle continues, each trying to maintain control even as they are drawn deeper into each other's orbit. The threat of betrayal and the specter of past wounds haunt them, but neither can resist the pull of the other.

The Thief and the Archer

Rune imprisons Jo, determined to extract her secrets and protect his own. Their captivity becomes a crucible for desire and dominance, as Rune uses pleasure and denial to break her will. Jo, however, is no ordinary captive—her resilience and wit match his every move. Their battle of bodies and minds blurs the line between torment and ecstasy, and both are forced to confront the truths they hide. In the end, it is vulnerability, not victory, that brings them closer, as they share a kiss that is both a promise and a surrender.

Unlikely Allies, Unspoken Truths

Freed by a wager, Jo and Rune become reluctant partners in the hunt for Nïx. Their alliance is fraught with jealousy, misunderstandings, and the ghosts of their pasts. As they travel through realms and face supernatural threats, they begin to share pieces of themselves—Jo's lost childhood, Rune's tortured history, and the pain that shapes them. Their connection deepens, but old habits die hard, and the specter of betrayal looms. Each must decide what they are willing to risk for the chance at love and belonging.

The Bite That Changes Everything

Jo's dreams reveal Rune's darkest memories—his abuse, enslavement, and the vengeance that made him a killer. As she absorbs his pain, she understands the depth of his wounds and the reasons for his detachment. Their shared blood becomes a conduit for healing and intimacy, but also for fear. When Rune's mission and Jo's need to protect Thad collide, they are forced to choose between duty and desire. The revelation of Jo's true nature—a rare vampire/phantom hybrid—raises the stakes, making her a target and a prize in the coming war.

Captive Hearts, Dangerous Games

The quest to rescue Thad from Nïx's clutches tests Jo and Rune's fragile trust. When Rune's old habits threaten to destroy their bond, Jo is forced to confront the reality of loving a man who cannot change. Their confrontation is raw and devastating, each accusing the other of betrayal and selfishness. In the end, Jo chooses self-respect over longing, walking away from Rune and the future she dreamed of. Both are left shattered, haunted by what they've lost and what they cannot undo.

Past Hauntings, Present Desires

Jo's reunion with Thad brings both joy and pain, as they piece together the truth of their origins and the sacrifices that shaped their lives. The siblings confront their shared trauma, the loss of their mother, and the burden of survival. As Jo tries to build a new life, Rune is forced to reckon with his own failings and the cost of his choices. Their paths diverge, but the bond between them endures, offering hope for healing and redemption.

The Price of Power

The Accession erupts into open conflict, with the Møriør and Vertas armies facing off at Val Hall. Jo unleashes her full power, becoming a force of destruction and change. Rune, torn between duty and love, must choose where his loyalty lies. The battle is both physical and emotional, as old wounds and new alliances are tested. In the aftermath, nothing is the same—Val Hall is destroyed, the balance of power shifts, and the future is uncertain.

Reunion and Ruin

In the quiet after the storm, Jo and Rune are given a second chance. Both have changed—Jo, no longer willing to surrender her dreams; Rune, finally ready to let go of his past and embrace love. Their reunion is tentative, marked by apologies, promises, and the hard-won understanding that true connection requires vulnerability and change. Together, they face the challenges of family, forgiveness, and the possibility of a future built on choice, not fate.

The Phantom's Fury

Jo's recovered memories reveal the truth of her origins—her mother's sacrifice, the destruction of their world, and the journey that made her who she is. With Thad by her side, she claims her place as a primordial hybrid, no longer defined by loss or fear. Rune, too, finds peace in his identity, accepting his worth and the love he shares with Jo. Together, they forge a new path, anchored by each other and the family they choose.

The Ball and the Betrayal

A fey ball becomes the crucible for Jo and Rune's relationship, as old temptations and new threats converge. Surrounded by enemies and haunted by the past, they must decide what they mean to each other. Betrayal and forgiveness become intertwined, and the choice to love is both a risk and a reward. Their bond is tested, but in the end, it is their commitment to each other that prevails.

War at Val Hall

The final battle at Val Hall is a maelstrom of power, loss, and transformation. Jo's fury and Rune's skill turn the tide, but victory comes at a cost. The old world is destroyed, and a new one rises from the ashes. In the aftermath, Jo and Rune must navigate the consequences of their choices, the demands of family, and the promise of a future together.

Siblings, Memories, and Forgiveness

Jo and Thad, reunited at last, confront the ghosts of their past and the challenges of their future. With the support of found family and the hard-won wisdom of survival, they begin to heal. Rune, too, finds his place, no longer defined by pain or duty, but by love and the family he chooses. Together, they build a life anchored in forgiveness, hope, and the freedom to choose their own destiny.

Love, Change, and Choice

In the aftermath of war and heartbreak, Jo and Rune embrace the possibility of happiness. They choose each other, not because fate demands it, but because love is the greatest power of all. Their journey is one of change, growth, and the courage to let go of the past. Together, they face the unknown, anchored by the bonds they've forged and the promise of a future they will shape—side by side, forever.

Characters

Josephine "Jo" Doe

Jo is a complex blend of vulnerability and strength, shaped by trauma, loss, and an unbreakable bond with her brother, Thad. Her transformation from orphaned street kid to ghostly vampire/phantom hybrid is both a curse and a liberation, granting her powers that set her apart and isolate her. Jo's psyche is marked by a deep fear of abandonment and a desperate need for connection, driving her to both push others away and yearn for belonging. Her relationship with Rune is a crucible for growth, forcing her to confront her own worth, desires, and the possibility of love. Through pain, betrayal, and forgiveness, Jo learns to claim her identity, embrace her power, and choose her own destiny.

Rune Darklight

Rune is a study in contrasts—cold, detached, and ruthless, yet capable of deep loyalty and passion. His past as a slave, whore, and killer has left him scarred, mistrustful, and convinced of his own unworthiness. As a member of the Møriør, he is both weapon and strategist, wielding power with precision and detachment. Jo's arrival shatters his defenses, awakening emotions he believed long dead. His journey is one of painful self-examination, as he confronts the cost of survival, the possibility of change, and the risk of love. Through Jo, Rune learns to forgive himself, embrace vulnerability, and choose a future defined by hope rather than fear.

Thaddeus "Thad" Brayden

Thad is Jo's younger brother and the emotional anchor of her life. His innate goodness, resilience, and adaptability contrast with Jo's feral intensity. As he comes into his own powers and learns the truth of his origins, Thad becomes both a source of strength and a vulnerability for Jo. His journey is one of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the forging of new bonds—with Jo, with found family, and with his own identity as a hybrid. Thad's presence humanizes the supernatural stakes, grounding the story in the universal longing for love and belonging.

Nïx the Ever-Knowing

Nïx is the primordial Valkyrie, a soothsayer whose actions drive the plot and shape the destinies of all immortals. Her motives are enigmatic, her methods unpredictable, and her power immense. She is both ally and adversary, guiding, testing, and tormenting Jo and Rune. Nïx's madness is both a mask and a weapon, concealing a mind that sees the threads of fate and pulls them to her own ends. Her interest in Jo and Thad is both personal and strategic, making her a catalyst for transformation and conflict.

Orion the Undoing

Orion is the leader of the Møriør, a being of immense power and inscrutable motives. He is both mentor and judge, shaping the destinies of his followers with a mix of guidance and manipulation. Orion's ability to see and exploit weaknesses makes him both a force for order and a harbinger of destruction. His relationship with Rune is complex, marked by loyalty, expectation, and the ever-present threat of disappointment. Orion's presence looms over the narrative, a reminder of the cost of power and the burden of destiny.

Sian, King of Hells

Sian is a primordial demon, tormented by loss, transformation, and the weight of leadership. His journey mirrors Rune's in many ways—marked by longing, betrayal, and the search for connection. Sian's struggle with his own monstrous nature and the loss of his twin brother add depth to the story's exploration of identity and change. His loyalty to the Møriør and his friendship with Rune provide moments of camaraderie and insight.

Blace, the Oldest Vampire

Blace is the oldest vampire, a figure of calm, intelligence, and subtle power. His role as advisor and confidant to Rune and the Møriør is crucial, offering perspective and stability amid chaos. Blace's own history and motivations are hinted at, adding layers to the story's exploration of immortality, memory, and the cost of survival.

Allixta, Overlady of Witches

Allixta is a powerful witch, both ally and antagonist within the Møriør. Her rivalry with Rune and her own ambitions add tension and complexity to the alliance. Allixta's pragmatism, cunning, and willingness to challenge authority make her a formidable presence, while her interactions with Rune reveal the shifting dynamics of power, loyalty, and trust.

Dalli, Nymph Confidante

Dalli is a nymph and Rune's longtime friend, offering counsel, comfort, and a sounding board for his struggles. Her perspective on love, sex, and change provides a counterpoint to Rune's cynicism and Jo's idealism. Dalli's own history and desires add nuance to the story's exploration of freedom, commitment, and the search for meaning.

Deshazior "Desh"

Desh is a storm demon whose warmth, humor, and open-mindedness make him a rare source of comfort and support for Jo. His willingness to help, his respect for boundaries, and his genuine affection for Jo highlight the possibility of friendship and trust in a world defined by suspicion and betrayal. Desh's presence underscores the story's themes of found family, loyalty, and the power of kindness.

Plot Devices

Dual Protagonist Structure

The narrative alternates between Jo and Rune, allowing readers to experience both the external action and the internal struggles of each character. This dual structure deepens the emotional impact, highlighting the ways their pasts shape their present choices and the obstacles they must overcome to find connection. The interplay of perspectives creates tension, empathy, and a sense of inevitability as their stories converge.

Blood as Connection and Memory

Blood is both a literal and symbolic link between Jo and Rune. Their bites not only provide sustenance and pleasure but also transmit memories, pain, and understanding. This device allows for the gradual revelation of backstory, the deepening of intimacy, and the blurring of boundaries between self and other. Blood becomes a metaphor for vulnerability, trust, and the possibility of healing through shared experience.

The Accession and Immortal Politics

The Accession serves as both backdrop and catalyst, forcing all immortal factions into conflict and cooperation. The looming war, the gathering of armies, and the machinations of leaders like Nïx and Orion create a sense of urgency and high stakes. The political intrigue, betrayals, and shifting loyalties mirror the personal struggles of the protagonists, reinforcing the story's themes of power, choice, and the cost of survival.

Memory Loss and Recovered Identity

Jo's lost memories and gradual recovery of her origins drive much of the plot's emotional arc. Flashbacks, dreams, and the transmission of memories through blood allow for a layered exploration of identity, trauma, and the possibility of change. The device of amnesia heightens suspense, deepens empathy, and underscores the story's central question: can we choose who we become, or are we forever shaped by our past?

Vows and the Lore

Vows to the Lore are unbreakable, shaping the choices and fates of the characters. The tension between desire and duty, freedom and obligation, is embodied in the use and abuse of vows. This device raises questions about agency, trust, and the power of words to create or destroy. The breaking and remaking of vows mirror the characters' journeys toward self-acceptance and authentic connection.

Power as Both Gift and Curse

Jo's powers—ghosting, telekinesis, blood-drinking—are both a source of strength and a barrier to intimacy. The story explores the double-edged nature of power, the fear of being used or hunted, and the longing for acceptance. The evolution of Jo's abilities parallels her emotional growth, culminating in the choice to use her power for love, not just survival.

Analysis

Sweet Ruin is a dark, sensual, and emotionally charged exploration of trauma, transformation, and the redemptive power of love. At its core, the novel is about two broken souls—Jo, the feral survivor desperate for connection, and Rune, the haunted assassin convinced of his own unworthiness—who find in each other the possibility of healing and hope. The story interrogates the cost of survival, the burden of memory, and the courage required to change. Through its supernatural lens, Sweet Ruin examines universal themes: the longing for family, the fear of abandonment, and the struggle to reconcile past wounds with present desires. The use of blood as both a literal and metaphorical bond underscores the risks and rewards of intimacy, while the backdrop of immortal war amplifies the stakes of personal choice. Ultimately, the novel argues that destiny is not a prison, but a possibility—one that can only be realized through vulnerability, forgiveness, and the willingness to choose love, again and again. In a world where power isolates and wounds run deep, Sweet Ruin offers the radical hope that even the most broken can be made whole, not by fate, but by the choices we make and the bonds we forge.

Last updated: September 23, 2025