Cursed Blood, Broken Magic

Ryxander, known as Ryx, is the granddaughter of the immortal Witch Lord of Morgrain, but her magic is a twisted, deadly version of her family's life-giving power. Instead of nurturing, her touch brings death, isolating her from her family and the world. Despite this, Ryx has carved out a place for herself as the Warden of Gloamingard Castle, using diplomacy and intellect to protect her home. Her life is a careful balance of duty, shame, and longing for connection, always haunted by the knowledge that her very presence is a threat to those she loves.

The Door's Forbidden Secret

At the heart of Gloamingard stands the Black Tower, sealed by a massive obsidian Door inscribed with warnings: "Nothing must unseal the Door." The family's ancient lore revolves around guarding this Door, but no one knows what lies beyond. Ryx's curiosity is matched only by her fear, as the Door's power is palpable and its secret a constant, ominous presence. The castle's architecture, a chaotic blend of generations, mirrors the tangled history and the burden of keeping the Door's secret safe from outsiders and even from themselves.

Guests, Spies, and Shadows

Ryx prepares for tense peace talks between Alevar and the Serene Empire, but the arrival of envoys and a troupe of traveling players brings more than negotiation. Among the guests is Kessa, a spy from the Rookery, an organization that investigates magical threats. Ryx's grandmother, the Lady of Owls, is wary of outsiders, especially those who might uncover the truth about the Black Tower. As political tensions rise, Ryx must navigate suspicion, family expectations, and her own dangerous magic, all while keeping the castle's greatest secret.

The Black Tower Opens

When the Alevaran envoy Lamiel, driven by ambition and disregard for warnings, manipulates Ryx's blood to open the Door, the Black Tower's secret is revealed. Inside, a black obelisk radiates overwhelming power, sealed by ancient wards. In the ensuing struggle, Ryx's deadly touch kills Lamiel, and the obelisk's magic is unleashed. The Door is closed again, but not before something escapes. Ryx is left reeling with guilt, the threat of war, and the knowledge that she has broken the family's most sacred commandment.

Death's Unwanted Touch

The aftermath of Lamiel's death is a storm of political and personal consequences. Ryx's magic, always a source of shame, is now the cause of a diplomatic crisis. The Shrike Lord of Alevar demands vengeance, and Ryx's family is thrown into turmoil. The castle's staff and guests are on edge, and Ryx's isolation deepens. The weight of her curse, the fear of accidental harm, and the threat of war press in from all sides, forcing Ryx to confront the limits of her power and her place in her family.

The Demon's Bargain

The opening of the Black Tower has consequences beyond mortal politics. Whispers of demonic power and ancient evil begin to surface. Ryx's grandmother disappears, leaving Ryx to manage the crisis alone. The Rookery, now revealed as more than mere spies, becomes essential allies. As Ryx and the Rookery investigate, they discover that the obelisk is not just a source of power but a seal on a gate to the Nine Hells. The true danger is not just what has escaped, but what might yet come through.

The Rookery's Arrival

The Rookery—Kessa, Foxglove, Ashe, and Bastian—arrive to help contain the magical disaster. Each brings unique talents and perspectives, challenging Ryx's assumptions and offering her the possibility of friendship and acceptance. Together, they unravel the mysteries of the Black Tower, confront the threat of demonic possession, and face the political fallout of Lamiel's death. For the first time, Ryx finds herself part of a team, valued for her abilities rather than feared for her curse.

The Gate's True Nature

Through research and magical experimentation, the Rookery and Ryx discover that the obelisk is not a gate to the Nine Hells, but a seal holding back a tear in reality. The wards and protections are all that prevent the demons from returning to the world. The family's ancient duty is not just to guard a secret, but to keep the world safe from apocalypse. The realization brings new urgency, as the seal is now weakened and the threat of demonic incursion is real and immediate.

War and Grievance

The Shrike Lord's demand for vengeance over Lamiel's death escalates, and the Serene Empire's warships gather. Ryx's family is divided, her aunt Karrigan steps in as a forceful but divisive leader, and the threat of invasion looms. The Rookery's presence is both a blessing and a complication, as their international ties draw more attention to Gloamingard's secret. Ryx must balance diplomacy, family loyalty, and the need to keep the seal intact, all while the world teeters on the brink of chaos.

The Rite of Blood and Water

To resolve the Shrike Lord's grievance and the question of the gate, the parties agree to the Rite of Blood and Water, a Vaskandran tradition for settling disputes. Each side presents their case: destroy the gate, study it, or claim it as compensation. Ryx, forced to make impossible choices, reveals the truth about the demon's escape to sway the assembly. The rite ends with a fragile consensus to destroy the gate, but at the cost of Ryx's own safety and the stability of her home.

Betrayal and Possession

As the Rookery prepares to destroy the gate, betrayal strikes from within. Aurelio, Ryx's friend and Falconer, is revealed as a member of the Zenith Society, a faction seeking to control the gate's power. Worse, he willingly allows himself to be possessed by a demon, becoming a vessel for Hunger. The Rookery is attacked, and Kessa is briefly possessed as well. The battle in the Black Tower is desperate, and Ryx must use her deadly magic to save her friends, risking everything.

The Demon Within

The greatest blow comes when Ryx learns that her beloved grandmother, the Lady of Owls, has been possessed by the Demon of Discord. The Witch Lord's power, combined with demonic cunning, makes her nearly unstoppable. Ryx is forced to confront her grandmother, torn between love and duty. The family's ancient protector is now the world's greatest threat, and Ryx must find a way to save both her home and her grandmother's soul.

The Witch Lord's Fall

The murder of Aunt Karrigan, the attempted assassination of Ryx, and the exile of the family from Gloamingard mark the collapse of the old order. The castle is evacuated, and Odan, the loyal steward, is left to hold what remains. Ryx's sense of belonging is destroyed, and she is forced to flee with the Rookery. The family's legacy is in ruins, and the future of Morgrain is uncertain.

The Price of Power

In the final confrontation, Ryx must use her deadly, unraveling magic to fight the demons and protect her friends. The cost is high: she risks losing her jess, her only safeguard against harming others, and must accept the full weight of her power. The Rookery, battered but alive, stands with her, and together they manage to reseal the gate—at least for now. But the victory is bittersweet, as the threat of the demons remains, and Ryx's place in the world is more uncertain than ever.

The Shattered Family

With the castle lost and the family scattered, Ryx must come to terms with her failures and losses. Messages from her father offer some comfort, but the burden of responsibility weighs heavily. The Rookery becomes her new family, offering acceptance and purpose. Ryx's journey is one of grief, but also of growth, as she learns to accept herself and her power.

The Rookery's Choice

The Rookery, recognizing Ryx's value, offers her a place among them. She is given a new jess, the promise of friendship, and the chance to use her magic for good. Severin, exiled from Alevar, joins them as well. Together, they face the future as a team, ready to confront whatever new threats may arise. Ryx, once an outcast, finds belonging at last.

The Seal or the Hells

The story ends with the knowledge that the seal is only a temporary solution. The demons are still a threat, and the world is not safe. The Rookery's mission is far from over, and Ryx's journey is just beginning. The choice between sealing the Hells and unleashing them is a constant, looming danger, and the cost of failure is unthinkable.

Exile and New Beginnings

Though exiled from her home and haunted by loss, Ryx embraces her new life with the Rookery. She is no longer defined by her curse, but by her choices and her courage. The bonds of friendship and found family offer her a path forward, and the promise of redemption for herself and, perhaps, for her grandmother. The story closes on a note of hope, as Ryx and her friends prepare to face the challenges ahead—together.

Characters

Ryxander (Ryx)

Ryx is the granddaughter of the Lady of Owls, born into a family of powerful vivomancers but cursed with a magic that kills rather than nurtures. Her touch is deadly, making her an outcast even among her own kin. Despite her isolation, Ryx is intelligent, resourceful, and deeply committed to her duty as Warden of Gloamingard. She craves connection and acceptance, and her journey is one of self-discovery, learning to accept her power and find belonging. Her relationships—with her grandmother, the Rookery, and Severin—are marked by longing, guilt, and the hope of redemption. Ryx's greatest strength is her refusal to give up, even when faced with impossible choices and overwhelming loss.

The Lady of Owls (Grandmother)

The Lady of Owls is the ancient, powerful Witch Lord of Morgrain, whose magic is tied to every living thing in her domain. She is wise, cunning, and fiercely protective of her family and land. Her love for Ryx is genuine, but she is also ruthless and secretive, willing to make hard choices for the greater good. After the Black Tower is opened, she is possessed by the Demon of Discord, becoming a being of both human and demonic nature. This transformation makes her unpredictable and dangerous, torn between her old loyalties and the chaos of her new existence. Her fate is a tragedy, and her relationship with Ryx is the emotional heart of the story.

Kessa

Kessa is a vivomancer of minor power and a member of the Rookery, skilled in diplomacy and subterfuge. She first appears as a friendly outsider, but is soon revealed to be investigating the Black Tower. Kessa's warmth and acceptance offer Ryx a glimpse of the friendship and connection she has always longed for. Her own past is marked by loss and trauma, making her both compassionate and determined. Kessa's brief possession by a demon is a turning point, and her survival is a testament to the strength of her bond with Ryx and the Rookery.

Foxglove

Foxglove is the leader of the Rookery's field team, a Raverran artificer with a sharp mind and a talent for navigating political and magical crises. He is pragmatic, charismatic, and sometimes ruthless, but deeply committed to his team. Foxglove's past as an imperial assassin gives him a unique perspective on loyalty and trust. He recognizes Ryx's value and offers her a place in the Rookery, helping her find purpose and acceptance. His leadership is essential to the group's survival and success.

Ashe

Ashe is a former member of the Furies, an elite order of chimera hunters, and now the Rookery's muscle. She is tough, blunt, and fiercely protective of her friends, especially Kessa. Ashe's lack of magic is a point of pride, and she challenges the assumptions of those who rely on power. Her relationship with Kessa is a source of warmth and humor, and her willingness to risk everything for her friends makes her an indispensable ally.

Bastian

Bastian is the Rookery's alchemist and magical scientist, brilliant but haunted by a traumatic past. He was experimented on by the Zenith Society, leaving him part-chimera and deeply scarred. Bastian's intellect and curiosity drive much of the group's research, and his compassion makes him a quiet source of support for Ryx. His struggle with identity and acceptance mirrors Ryx's own journey, and his friendship is a source of healing for them both.

Severin

Severin is the brother and heir of the Shrike Lord of Alevar, caught between loyalty to his cruel family and his own sense of honor. He is charming, intelligent, and deeply wounded by years of abuse and manipulation. Severin's relationship with Ryx is complex, marked by attraction, rivalry, and mutual respect. His decision to defy his brother and help Ryx is a turning point, leading to his exile and a new beginning with the Rookery. Severin's journey is one of self-liberation and the search for belonging.

Aurelio

Aurelio is a Falconer from the Serene Empire and Ryx's friend, but his secret allegiance to the Zenith Society leads him to betray her. Driven by fear, loyalty, and desperation, Aurelio allows himself to be possessed by the Demon of Hunger, becoming a formidable enemy. His actions are tragic, shaped by manipulation and the belief that he is serving a greater good. Aurelio's fall is a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and the cost of compromise.

Voreth

Voreth is the Shrike Lord's second, a mage without the mark but with a talent for manipulation and violence. He is ruthless, loyal to the Shrike Lord, and a constant threat to Ryx and her allies. Voreth's actions drive much of the conflict, from the demand for vengeance to the pursuit of Ryx. He embodies the dangers of unchecked ambition and the brutality of Vaskandran politics.

Whisper

Whisper is a chimera who has haunted Gloamingard for generations, serving as both protector and enigma. He is wise, aloof, and bound by a mysterious promise. Whisper's true nature is revealed to be that of a demon, but his neutrality and loyalty to Ryx make him a unique ally. He offers guidance, warnings, and occasional intervention, always walking the line between friend and force of nature.

Plot Devices

The Black Tower and the Sealed Door

The Black Tower, sealed by an obsidian Door, is the story's primary symbol and plot device. It represents the weight of family legacy, the danger of forbidden knowledge, and the thin barrier between order and chaos. The Door's warnings and the family's duty to guard it create a sense of inevitability and dread. Its opening is the catalyst for the story's central conflict, unleashing demonic power and forcing Ryx to confront her own nature and the world's fragility.

Demonic Possession and the Nine Hells

The possibility of demonic possession is hinted at from the beginning, with the family's fear of Skinwitches and the warnings about the Door. When the Black Tower is opened, the threat becomes real: demons escape, possessing mortals and corrupting even the most powerful. The Nine Hells are both a literal and metaphorical danger, representing the consequences of hubris, the cost of power, and the struggle between order and chaos.

The Rookery and Found Family

The Rookery serves as both a plot device and a thematic counterpoint to Ryx's family. Their arrival brings new skills, perspectives, and the possibility of acceptance. The group's dynamic—marked by loyalty, humor, and shared trauma—offers Ryx a path to belonging and self-acceptance. The Rookery's international ties and expertise also drive the investigation and resolution of the magical crisis.

The Rite of Blood and Water

The Rite of Blood and Water is a Vaskandran tradition for settling grievances, providing a formal framework for the story's central negotiations. It raises the stakes, forces characters to make binding choices, and serves as the climax for the political and personal conflicts. The ritual's symbolism—blood for unbreakable vows, water for promises—echoes the story's themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the cost of peace.

Betrayal, Sacrifice, and Redemption

The story is driven by betrayals—Lamiel's, Aurelio's, even Ryx's grandmother's—and the sacrifices characters make for duty, love, or survival. Ryx's willingness to risk her life and power for her friends, Severin's defiance of his brother, and the Rookery's loyalty to each other all serve as moments of redemption and growth. The narrative structure uses these moments to build tension, deepen character arcs, and explore the meaning of family and belonging.

Foreshadowing and Revelation

The story is rich with foreshadowing: the repeated warnings about the Door, the hints of demonic power, the family's history of tragedy. Revelations—about the true nature of the gate, the identity of the demons, and the characters' pasts—are carefully timed to maximize emotional impact and drive the plot forward. The interplay of secrecy and discovery is central to the story's suspense and emotional resonance.

Analysis

Melissa Caruso's The Obsidian Tower is a masterful blend of political intrigue, dark fantasy, and psychological depth, exploring the consequences of power, the burden of legacy, and the search for belonging. At its heart is Ryx, a protagonist whose curse is both her greatest weakness and her unexpected strength. The novel interrogates the nature of monstrosity—what it means to be feared, to be different, and to be responsible for dangers beyond one's control. The Black Tower and its sealed Door serve as potent metaphors for the secrets we inherit and the costs of breaking them. The story's emotional arc is one of isolation to found family, shame to acceptance, and fear to courage. The Rookery's camaraderie and the complex, often painful relationships within Ryx's family highlight the importance of chosen bonds over blood. The threat of the Nine Hells and demonic possession raises questions about the limits of control, the dangers of hubris, and the possibility of redemption even for the most broken. Ultimately, the novel suggests that true strength lies not in power, but in the willingness to face one's own darkness, to make hard choices, and to trust others. The ending, with Ryx exiled but embraced by her new family, is both a promise of hope and a warning: the seal may hold, but the struggle between order and chaos is never truly over.

Last updated: October 29, 2025