Bones on the Table

Lennox Osseous, bone-tired from her mundane job, returns home to find a velvet pouch of bones on her table—a sign that her grandmother, the family's powerful Bone Witch, has died and the ancestral magic has chosen Lennox as the next Osteomancer. The weight of legacy, grief, and unwanted responsibility crashes down on her, shattering her plans for a normal life. Family calls confirm the truth, and Lennox is forced to confront the reality that her life will never be the same. The bones' presence is both a curse and a calling, and Lennox's reluctant acceptance is laced with sorrow, fear, and the ache of loss.

Bloodlines and Burdens

Lennox's family history is steeped in magic, rivalry, and expectation. The Osseous line is rare and revered, but also fractured by jealousy and ambition. As Lennox seals herself to the bones, she's flooded with ancestral memories, knowledge, and the crushing sense of duty. The process is agonizing, both physically and emotionally, as the magic brands her as the new Bone Witch. She's haunted by the legacy of those who came before, the sacrifices they made, and the knowledge that the bones choose not for comfort, but for necessity. The burden is immense, and Lennox's self-doubt grows as she faces the enormity of her new role.

The Reluctant Heir

Lennox's initiation into her new life is chaotic and overwhelming. She must quickly bind a familiar to stabilize her magic, a task she approaches with humor and dread. Her search leads her to Hoot, a lazy, flatulent dog who becomes her unlikely companion. The process of binding is awkward but successful, and Lennox's connection to Hoot is both grounding and comical. Yet, the reality of her inheritance looms—she must take over her grandmother's shop, guide those the magic chooses, and navigate a world that is suddenly full of danger and expectation. Her reluctance is palpable, but so is her determination to survive.

Sealing the Legacy

The act of sealing the bones is a violent, transformative experience. Lennox is assaulted by visions of her ancestors, the weight of their knowledge, and the raw force of the magic. The process leaves her battered, glowing with new power, and deeply uncertain of her ability to live up to the legacy. The bones demand respect and obedience, and Lennox's irreverence is met with magical backlash. She's forced to accept that the magic is not a gift, but a contract—one that demands sacrifice, humility, and strength. The legacy is sealed, but the cost is high.

Familiar Ties

Lennox's journey to find a familiar is fraught with mishaps and humor. She rejects cats, is terrified by a monstrous dog, and finally connects with Hoot, a dog as lazy and indifferent as she is reluctant. The binding ritual is simple but profound, and Hoot's presence becomes a source of comfort and comic relief. Yet, the familiar bond is more than companionship—it's a magical anchor, a source of power and vulnerability. Lennox's relationship with Hoot mirrors her own struggle with responsibility: reluctant, messy, but ultimately loyal.

The Bone Witch Chosen

Lennox steps into her grandmother's shop, The Eye, and is confronted by the tangible presence of her legacy. The shop is both a sanctuary and a prison, filled with memories, expectations, and the scent of magic. Lennox's grief is raw, but so is her resolve to make the space her own. Her plans for modernization are interrupted by the arrival of Rogan Kendrick, a stranger with a desperate request and a dangerous agenda. The collision of their worlds sets the stage for conflict, attraction, and betrayal.

Rogan's Arrival

Rogan Kendrick enters Lennox's life with urgency and secrets. He seeks her help to find his missing brother, but his methods are coercive—he binds Lennox to him as a familiar, violating magical law and her autonomy. The act is both a violation and a desperate gamble, and Lennox's fury is matched only by her fear. Their magical connection is volatile, fraught with power struggles, mistrust, and a reluctant, growing bond. Rogan's presence upends Lennox's world, forcing her to confront not only external threats but the limits of her own power and trust.

Bound by Blood

The magical bond between Lennox and Rogan is unstable and dangerous. Their powers feed and clash, creating a feedback loop that threatens them both. The tether is more than a familiar bond—it's a two-way conduit, making them vulnerable to each other's pain, power, and secrets. As they struggle to navigate the consequences, they're drawn into a deeper mystery: witches are disappearing, and the Order—the magical authority—may be complicit. Lennox's role as Bone Witch becomes central to unraveling the plot, but her trust in Rogan is shaken by his secrecy and the violation of her will.

Tethered and Betrayed

The search for Rogan's brother leads Lennox into the heart of magical politics and family feuds. Her own family is divided, with rivals seeking to steal her power and destroy her legacy. The Order's shadow looms, and Lennox is forced to confront the reality that she is both a target and a tool. Rogan's past is revealed—he and his brother are outcasts, renounced by the Order for a crime shrouded in mystery. The bond between Lennox and Rogan is tested by betrayal, necessity, and the growing threat of those who would use them for their own ends.

The Missing Witches

The disappearances of Bone Witches and other magical practitioners are part of a larger, more sinister plot. Lennox's readings reveal clues—ashes, rowanberries, and a name: Nik Smelser. The investigation leads to confrontations with family, the Order, and the magical underworld. Allies and enemies are hard to distinguish, and Lennox's power becomes both a beacon and a liability. The stakes rise as it becomes clear that the missing witches are being used in a ritual to restore or reshape the branches of magic, and Lennox may be the key to stopping—or enabling—the plot.

Family Feuds and Power Plays

Lennox's family is torn apart by ambition and resentment. Her aunt and cousin steal the grimoire, planning to destroy the family's magical legacy. Lennox confronts them with newfound power, wielding the bones to assert her claim and mete out justice. The confrontation is both cathartic and tragic, as family bonds are severed and the cost of power is made clear. Lennox's victory is bittersweet, marked by loss, betrayal, and the realization that her greatest enemies may be those closest to her.

The Order's Shadow

The Order, the governing body of the magical world, is revealed to be as corrupt and self-serving as any mundane institution. Their interest in Lennox is not protection, but exploitation—they see her as a bargaining chip in the larger game. The Order's agents are both allies and threats, and Lennox must navigate their demands, deceptions, and the ever-present risk of being sacrificed for the greater good. The lines between friend and foe blur, and Lennox's autonomy is constantly under threat.

Reading the Ashes

Lennox's power as Bone Witch is tested as she reads the ashes of a familiar, seeking clues to the missing witches. The process is intimate and harrowing, connecting her to the pain and loss of others. Her readings become acts of healing as well as investigation, offering comfort to the grieving and hope to the lost. The magic is both a tool and a burden, and Lennox's empathy becomes her greatest strength—and vulnerability.

Lycan Deals and Dangers

The search for magical ingredients leads Lennox and Rogan to a lycan clan, where alliances are forged and dangers lurk. The lycans are both business partners and potential threats, their own history of marginalization making them wary but willing to help. The encounter is marked by humor, flirtation, and the ever-present risk of violence. Lennox's ability to navigate these relationships is tested, and the cost of trust becomes clear.

The Grid Attack

Lennox and Rogan are ambushed by a coven of Circummancers—elemental witches—who use a magical grid to trap and attack them. The battle is brutal, forcing Lennox to wield her power in ways she never imagined. She uses bone magic to suffocate her attackers, teetering on the edge of lethal force. The experience is traumatizing, leaving her shaken by both the violence inflicted on her and the violence she is capable of. The aftermath is a reckoning with the price of survival and the darkness within.

The Summoning

Lennox is summoned by the bones to help a grieving man in a bar. The reading is a moment of grace and healing, as she helps him find hope after loss. The experience is transformative, reminding Lennox of the true purpose of her magic: to guide, to comfort, to heal. The contrast between the violence of the magical world and the intimacy of her calling is stark, and Lennox is reminded that power is not just for battle, but for service.

The Price of Magic

The deeper Lennox delves into the mystery of the missing witches, the more she uncovers about the true nature of magic and the sacrifices it demands. The legacy of the Bone Witch is not just power, but pain—the cost of protecting the magical world is borne by those chosen, often without their consent. Lennox's struggle is not just with external enemies, but with the expectations and burdens of her own lineage. The price of magic is steep, and the debt is never fully paid.

The Truth of Immortality

Rogan's past is revealed: he and his brother survived a ritual that should have killed them, making them effectively immortal and outcasts from the magical community. The truth is both a curse and a weapon, and the Order's interest in Lennox is tied to her connection to this forbidden power. The revelation shakes Lennox's trust in Rogan and in herself, as she grapples with the implications of their bond and the danger it brings.

Severing the Tether

Lennox and Rogan seek to sever the magical tether that binds them, turning to a coven with experience in such matters. The process is fraught with risk—separation could damage their magic, their minds, or their souls. The decision is complicated by growing feelings, mutual betrayals, and the realization that their bond may be the only thing keeping them alive. The attempt to sever the tether becomes a crucible, testing their trust, their power, and their willingness to forgive.

The Final Betrayal

In a final act of desperation, Rogan betrays Lennox, handing her over to the Order as part of a bargain to find his brother. Lennox's autonomy is stripped away once more, and she is left powerless, paralyzed, and heartbroken. The cycle of betrayal, sacrifice, and survival comes full circle, leaving Lennox at the mercy of forces beyond her control. The story ends on a note of uncertainty and pain, with the promise that the struggle for power, trust, and freedom is far from over.

Characters

Lennox Osseous

Lennox is thrust into a legacy she never wanted, inheriting the power and burden of the Bone Witch after her grandmother's death. She is sarcastic, self-deprecating, and deeply empathetic, using humor to mask her fear and grief. Her relationships are fraught—with family, with her familiar Hoot, and especially with Rogan, whose betrayal wounds her deeply. Lennox's journey is one of reluctant acceptance, as she learns to wield her power, navigate magical politics, and confront the darkness within herself. Her greatest strength is her compassion, but it is also her greatest vulnerability, making her both a healer and a target in a world where power is currency and trust is rare.

Rogan Kendrick

Rogan is a man marked by loss, betrayal, and forbidden power. Renounced by the magical community for surviving a ritual that should have killed him, he is both immortal and untouchable. His love for his missing brother drives him to desperate measures, including binding Lennox to him against her will. Rogan is fiercely protective, but his methods are often coercive and secretive, making him both ally and antagonist. His relationship with Lennox is a crucible of trust, attraction, and mutual pain. Rogan's journey is one of redemption—seeking forgiveness, connection, and a place in a world that has cast him out.

Hoot

Hoot is a lazy, flatulent dog who becomes Lennox's familiar. His indifference and odd habits provide both humor and grounding for Lennox as she navigates her new life. Hoot's presence is a reminder that magic is not always grand or glamorous—sometimes it's messy, inconvenient, and unexpectedly loyal. He is a symbol of Lennox's own reluctance and eventual acceptance of her role.

Grammy Ruby

Though deceased, Grammy Ruby's presence looms large over the story. Her legacy, wisdom, and choices shape Lennox's journey, and her memory is both a comfort and a challenge. Ruby's teachings, secrets, and sacrifices are revealed through ancestral visions and the magic of the bones, guiding Lennox even in death.

Tad

Tad is Lennox's cousin and closest friend, providing support, humor, and a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. His loyalty is unwavering, and his perspective helps Lennox navigate the complexities of family, magic, and loss. Tad's presence is a reminder of the importance of chosen family and the power of laughter in the face of adversity.

Aunt Hillen

Aunt Hillen is a stabilizing force in Lennox's life, offering guidance, tough love, and a connection to the family's magical heritage. Her concern for Lennox and Tad is genuine, and her willingness to confront danger head-on is both inspiring and grounding.

Magda and Gwen

Magda and her daughter Gwen represent the darker side of family—ambition, jealousy, and the willingness to destroy legacy for personal gain. Their theft of the grimoire and attempts to undermine Lennox are both a source of conflict and a catalyst for Lennox's growth. They embody the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrosive power of resentment.

Marx

Marx is a member of the Order, tasked with investigating the missing witches. His relationship with Rogan is complex—marked by history, suspicion, and reluctant trust. Marx's role is that of both investigator and potential betrayer, embodying the ambiguity of authority and the difficulty of discerning friend from foe in a world of secrets.

Prek

Prek is a Circummancer with a personal vendetta against Rogan. His actions are driven by both duty and resentment, making him a dangerous and unpredictable adversary. Prek's presence heightens the stakes, forcing Lennox and Rogan to confront not only external threats but the consequences of their own choices.

Nik Smelser

Nik Smelser is the shadowy figure behind the disappearances of the Bone Witches and others. Her motives are unclear, but her actions drive the central mystery of the story. Nik represents the unknown dangers lurking in the magical world, and her demand for Lennox as a trade raises the stakes for everyone involved.

Plot Devices

Magical Inheritance and Selection

The story's structure is built around the inheritance of magical power—specifically, the bones choosing the next Osteomancer. This device allows for the exploration of legacy, duty, and the burden of expectation. The process of selection is both mystical and traumatic, serving as a rite of passage that shapes Lennox's journey and the conflicts she faces.

The Familiar Bond and Tethering

The familiar bond is a central plot device, symbolizing both partnership and vulnerability. The act of tethering—making the bond two-way—serves as a metaphor for trust, intimacy, and the dangers of forced connection. The consequences of this bond drive much of the story's tension, as Lennox and Rogan must navigate the risks and rewards of their magical and emotional entanglement.

The Missing Witches Mystery

The disappearances of Bone Witches and others provide the central mystery, driving the plot forward and connecting the personal struggles of the characters to larger, systemic dangers. The use of divination, readings, and magical investigation allows for the gradual revelation of clues, red herrings, and the ultimate conspiracy at the heart of the magical world.

Family Rivalry and Betrayal

The fractured Osseous family serves as both a source of support and danger for Lennox. The theft of the grimoire, the power plays, and the willingness to betray blood for power mirror the larger themes of trust, legacy, and the cost of ambition. Family is both sanctuary and battlefield, and the resolution of these conflicts is central to Lennox's growth.

The Order and Magical Politics

The Order functions as both protector and oppressor, embodying the dangers of centralized power and the difficulty of discerning right from wrong in a world of competing interests. The Order's shifting allegiances, secret agendas, and willingness to sacrifice individuals for the greater good create a constant atmosphere of suspicion and danger.

Foreshadowing and Ancestral Memory

The use of ancestral memory, visions, and magical foreshadowing allows the story to explore the cyclical nature of power, the lessons of history, and the inevitability of sacrifice. Lennox's connection to her ancestors is both a source of strength and a reminder that the struggles she faces are part of a larger, ongoing battle.

Betrayal and the Limits of Forgiveness

The repeated betrayals—by family, by Rogan, by the Order—serve as crucibles for Lennox's character. The story interrogates the limits of forgiveness, the cost of survival, and the difficulty of rebuilding trust in a world where power is always at stake.

Analysis

The Bone Witch is a contemporary fantasy that uses the trappings of magic, inheritance, and secret societies to explore deeply human themes: grief, autonomy, betrayal, and the search for belonging. Lennox's journey is emblematic of the millennial struggle with inherited burdens—be they familial, societal, or existential. The story interrogates the price of power, the dangers of unchecked authority, and the corrosive effects of secrecy and betrayal. Magic, in this world, is not a simple gift but a contract—one that demands sacrifice, humility, and the willingness to confront both internal and external darkness. The novel's humor and irreverence serve as coping mechanisms for trauma, while its moments of intimacy and healing remind us that even in the most dangerous worlds, compassion and connection are possible. Ultimately, The Bone Witch is a story about the cost of survival, the limits of forgiveness, and the ongoing struggle to claim agency in a world that would rather use, bind, or betray. It asks: What do we owe to those who came before? What do we owe to ourselves? And at what point does the price of legacy become too high to pay?

Last updated: September 26, 2025