Grove of Grief and Ash

The story opens in the aftermath of a catastrophic fire at the Grove of the Gods on Mount Ulra. Nephele, her friends, and the enigmatic wolf-god Neri search for her missing sister, Raina, among the charred remains. The grove itself mourns, its wailing echoing the grief of the survivors. Nephele's pain is raw, her ankle injured, her heart heavier still. Neri, both beast and man, offers his strength and warmth, but his presence is fraught with tension and unspoken promises. The group is fractured by loss and uncertainty, each clinging to hope that Raina survived. The grove's destruction is not just physical—it signals a deeper unraveling of the world's balance, and the cost of vengeance and forbidden magick.

Bargains with the Wolf

Nephele and Neri negotiate a fateful bargain: she will resurrect him, and in return, he will serve her, help find her sister, and bring vengeance to their enemies. Colden, Nephele's closest friend and protector, is wary of the wolf's intentions, but Nephele is resolute—she will wield any weapon, even a god, to save her people. The tension between Colden and Neri is palpable, old wounds and rivalries surfacing. Nephele's agency is clear; she refuses to be a pawn, even as she enters a pact with a being far older and more cunning than herself. The cost of this alliance is unknown, but the need for power in a world unraveling by war and betrayal outweighs her fear.

Sifting Shadows and Secrets

Colden departs on a secret mission, his true intentions hidden even from Nephele. Neri, in his wolf form, transports Colden to Quezira, the heart of enemy territory, while Nephele prepares for the resurrection ritual. The group's unity is tested as old loyalties and new suspicions collide. Nephele is left to confront her own doubts and the growing, unsettling connection she feels to Neri. The world is shifting—alliances are fragile, and the boundaries between friend and foe blur. The sense of impending doom is heightened by the knowledge that the gods' power is returning to the world, and with it, ancient curses and consequences.

Resurrection's Price

Nephele performs the forbidden ritual, singing the ancient song that calls Neri's soul back to his body. The earth trembles, the grove wails, and the cost of resurrection is felt in blood and bone. Neri emerges whole, beautiful, and more dangerous than ever—his return is not without consequence. A strange, intimate bond forms between Nephele and the wolf, one that allows him to hear her thoughts. The curse in the blood, whispered in old legends, begins to manifest. Nephele's power grows, but so does her vulnerability. The world has shifted, and the price of breaking sacred laws is only beginning to reveal itself.

Queen's Fury, Witch's Resolve

Nephele faces Queen Fia Drumera, who is furious at the resurrection and the breaking of sacred law. The queen's scholars warn of a curse that will fall on those who disturb the gods' rest—a curse in the blood. Nephele stands her ground, defending her choices and her right to wield Neri as a weapon against the greater threat of Thamaos and the Prince of the East. The political landscape is treacherous, alliances shifting as the true cost of power becomes clear. Nephele's resolve hardens; she will not be cowed by queens or gods.

Lost Sisters, Found Truths

Fleurie, long thought lost, returns with crucial knowledge: Raina has been sent back in time, her fate entwined with the origins of the current conflict. Memories and bonds are revealed to have been stolen by Thamaos, the ancient enemy, who manipulates the past to control the present. The group is shaken by the realization that their lives have been shaped by forgotten love and orchestrated tragedy. Nephele's grief for her sister deepens, but so does her determination to fight for the future.

Memories Stolen, Time Unraveled

Fleurie recounts the story of Raina's journey into the past, her love affair with Alexus, and the machinations of Thamaos. The revelation that the Prince of the East is Elias Gherahn, an old friend whose memories were stolen, reframes the entire conflict. Nephele and her allies must confront the reality that their enemy's power lies not just in brute force, but in the manipulation of memory and fate. The emotional toll is immense, as love, loss, and identity are all called into question.

Curses in the Blood

Nephele's mysterious illness intensifies—she is unable to eat, plagued by cravings she cannot name. Neri, too, finds his powers faltering, his godhood slipping away. The curse in the blood, spoken of in ancient warnings, is revealed to be a literal hunger for blood, a transformation that blurs the line between witch and beast. The bond between Nephele and Neri deepens, both sensual and dangerous, as they struggle to control their new natures. The curse is not just a punishment, but a new form of power—one that may be the key to survival.

The Wolf's Hunger

Nephele and Neri's relationship becomes increasingly intimate, their connection fueled by the curse and their mutual need. Neri's healing touch and Nephele's growing power draw them together, even as they resist the pull. The boundaries between dominance and submission, predator and prey, blur in their encounters. The wolf's hunger is not just for blood, but for Nephele herself. Their alliance becomes a partnership of equals, forged in passion and necessity.

Blood and Betrayal

The group returns to the Northlands, only to find their home infiltrated by traitors and enemies. Nephele's power is tested as she defends her people, wielding both magick and violence. Neri's beast is unleashed in battle, revealing the full extent of his power—and his vulnerability. The curse's effects grow stronger, threatening to consume them both. Betrayal is everywhere, and trust is a rare commodity. The cost of survival is paid in blood.

The Northland Awakens

Nephele, Neri, and their allies work to unite the Northland Break against the coming threat of Thamaos and the Prince of the East. Old wounds are reopened, and new alliances are forged. Nephele steps into a leadership role, her resolve and power inspiring those around her. The Northlands, long neutral, are forced to choose a side in the war to come. The stakes are higher than ever, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

The Witch's Cage

Trapped in a deadly blizzard, Nephele and Neri are hunted by monstrous Great Horns possessed by wraiths. Neri's beast is unleashed in full, and Nephele must use all her magick to survive. The battle is brutal, the cost high. The curse's true nature is revealed as Nephele and Neri are forced to feed on each other's blood to heal and survive. Their bond is cemented in violence and intimacy, a partnership forged in the crucible of battle.

The Beast Unleashed

Neri's struggle to control his beast reaches a breaking point. Nephele, now fully transformed by the curse, must choose whether to fear him or embrace the monster within. Their relationship becomes a dance of dominance and surrender, love and hunger. The boundaries between god and witch, beast and woman, are erased. Together, they find a new kind of power—one that is both terrifying and beautiful.

The Secret Room

Nephele and Neri discover a hidden room filled with relics and secrets from Nephele's father, a time-walker who foresaw the coming war. Among the treasures are stolen memories, the key to restoring what Thamaos has taken. Nephele learns that her family's legacy is one of sacrifice and vision, and that her own power is rooted in a history she is only beginning to understand. The past and future converge, offering hope and purpose.

Bloodgood's Legacy

Nephele returns the stolen memories to Alexus and the Prince, restoring their identities and healing old wounds. The truth of the Bloodgood family's role in the world's fate is revealed. Nephele embraces her destiny as a leader and a witch, her power now fully awakened. The curse is no longer a burden, but a gift—a new form of magick that may be the key to defeating Thamaos.

The Curse Deepens

Nephele and Neri are forced to part, each carrying a piece of the curse and the hope of reunion. Nephele's leadership is tested as she prepares the North for war, her power and resolve growing with each challenge. Neri's journey is perilous, but his determination to return to Nephele never wavers. Their bond, forged in blood and fire, is unbreakable.

Lovers and Monsters

After weeks apart, Nephele and Neri are reunited in the Northlands. Their love is fierce, their hunger for each other undiminished. Together, they embrace the monstrous and the beautiful within themselves, finding strength in their union. The world may see them as lovers or monsters, but they are both—and more. Their partnership is a promise to face whatever comes, together.

War's Red Promise

The peace of Winterhold is shattered as Thamaos sends a gruesome message: a rain of doves, their blood spelling out the names of Nephele's family. The veil protecting the North is tested, and the promise of war is made in blood. Nephele and Neri stand together, ready to face the coming storm. The story ends on the cusp of battle, with hope and fury burning in their hearts—a promise that they will not be broken.

Characters

Nephele Bloodgood

Nephele is the heart of the story—a witch marked by loss, love, and a relentless drive to protect her people. Her relationship with her sister Raina and her best friend Colden shapes her early choices, but it is her alliance with the wolf-god Neri that defines her transformation. Nephele is both vulnerable and formidable, her power growing as she confronts ancient curses and the machinations of gods. Psychologically, she is torn between fear and desire, agency and surrender, but ultimately emerges as a leader who embraces both her humanity and her monstrous new nature. Her journey is one of self-acceptance, sacrifice, and the forging of a new kind of power.

Neri, the Wolf God

Neri is a being of contradictions—ancient, powerful, and yet deeply wounded by centuries of imprisonment and betrayal. His relationship with Nephele is fraught with tension, desire, and a growing sense of loyalty. Neri's struggle to control his beast mirrors his struggle to reclaim his godhood, both of which are threatened by the curse in the blood. He is both protector and predator, his love for Nephele transforming him as much as the curse itself. Psychologically, Neri is haunted by loss and driven by a need for connection, his arrogance tempered by vulnerability. His development is a journey from isolation to partnership, from monster to lover.

Raina Bloodgood

Raina's disappearance and journey into the past are the catalyst for much of the story's conflict. Her unique power to traverse time and her love for Alexus make her both a target and a savior. Though often absent, her presence is felt in every decision Nephele makes. Raina embodies sacrifice and the burden of destiny, her silence a symbol of both trauma and strength. Her fate is intertwined with the world's, and her actions in the past shape the present.

Alexus Thibault (Un Drallag)

Alexus is a figure of strength and sorrow, his memories stolen by Thamaos, his love for Raina both a source of pain and hope. As the Witch Collector, he is a symbol of duty and sacrifice, but also of the cost of power. His relationship with Nephele is one of deep trust and mutual respect, though tested by the traumas they endure. Psychologically, Alexus is marked by loss and a desperate need to reclaim his identity. His development is a journey toward healing and the reclamation of agency.

Colden Moeshka

Colden is Nephele's closest friend and confidant, his loyalty unwavering even as he harbors secrets of his own. His relationship with the Prince of the East complicates his loyalties, forcing him to choose between love and duty. Colden is a figure of strength and vulnerability, his bravado masking deep wounds. Psychologically, he is torn between past and present, self-sacrifice and self-fulfillment. His development is a testament to the complexity of love and the pain of impossible choices.

Fleurie

Fleurie is a bridge between worlds—part god, part human, her existence a testament to resilience and the cost of immortality. Her knowledge of the past and her ability to portal make her invaluable, but her trauma and isolation shape her actions. Fleurie's relationship with Alexus and Raina is one of deep love and shared suffering. Psychologically, she is marked by loss and a longing for freedom. Her development is a journey from silence to agency, from victim to hero.

Thamaos

Thamaos is the story's primary antagonist, a god whose power lies in manipulation, memory theft, and the orchestration of fate. His actions shape the lives of every character, his presence felt even when unseen. Psychologically, Thamaos is driven by a need for control and vengeance, his cruelty matched only by his cunning. He is a symbol of the dangers of unchecked power and the cost of forgetting.

The Prince of the East (Elias Gherahn)

The Prince is a tragic figure, his identity stolen by Thamaos, his power both a weapon and a curse. His relationship with Colden and Alexus is central to the story's emotional core, his journey one of reclamation and redemption. Psychologically, he is marked by emptiness and a desperate search for self. His development is a testament to the resilience of the soul and the possibility of healing.

Queen Fia Drumera

Fia is a formidable leader, her anger at the breaking of sacred law matched only by her determination to protect her people. Her relationship with Nephele is adversarial but rooted in mutual respect. Psychologically, Fia is driven by duty and a fear of losing control. Her development is a study in the complexities of leadership and the cost of power.

Zahira

Zahira is a grounding presence, her loyalty to Nephele and the Northlands unwavering. She is a figure of strength and compassion, her actions guided by a deep sense of duty. Psychologically, Zahira is marked by loss but refuses to be defined by it. Her development is a journey of resilience and hope.

Plot Devices

Curses and Consequences

The central plot device is the breaking of sacred law—resurrecting a god without the proper sanction—which unleashes a curse in the blood. This curse manifests as a literal hunger for blood, transforming both Nephele and Neri, blurring the lines between witch and beast, human and god. The curse is both a punishment and a new form of power, driving the narrative's emotional and physical stakes. It serves as a metaphor for the cost of agency, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the transformative power of love and sacrifice.

Memory Manipulation

Thamaos's ability to steal and manipulate memories is a key plot device, shaping the lives and relationships of the main characters. The restoration of these memories is both a literal and symbolic act of healing, reclaiming agency, and confronting the past. The manipulation of memory serves as a commentary on trauma, the construction of identity, and the power of truth.

Time Travel and Fate

Raina's journey into the past and the revelation that the Prince of the East is an old friend reframes the entire conflict. The manipulation of time and fate is a recurring motif, raising questions about destiny, agency, and the possibility of change. The narrative structure weaves past and present, using foreshadowing and revelation to build tension and deepen emotional resonance.

Enemies to Lovers

The evolving relationship between Nephele and Neri is driven by the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, heightened by the supernatural bond forged by the curse. Their dynamic is one of power struggles, mutual need, and eventual partnership. The slow-burn romance is both a source of tension and a vehicle for character growth, exploring themes of trust, vulnerability, and the acceptance of one's own darkness.

Found Family and Leadership

The story is populated by a diverse cast of allies, each with their own wounds and loyalties. The formation of a found family, united by shared trauma and purpose, is central to the narrative. Nephele's journey from reluctant participant to leader is mirrored by the group's evolution from fractured survivors to a united front against a common enemy.

Analysis

Charissa Weaks' The Wolf and the Witch is a lush, emotionally charged fantasy that explores the cost of power, the complexity of agency, and the transformative nature of love and trauma. At its heart, the novel is a meditation on what it means to break the rules for the greater good—and the price that must be paid for such defiance. The curse in the blood is both literal and metaphorical, a manifestation of the dangers and possibilities that come with seizing forbidden power. The story's use of memory manipulation and time travel deepens its exploration of identity, loss, and the possibility of healing. The romance between Nephele and Neri is a masterclass in slow-burn tension, using the enemies-to-lovers trope to interrogate questions of trust, surrender, and the acceptance of one's own darkness. The novel's world-building is rich and immersive, its characters deeply human even in their monstrosity. Ultimately, The Wolf and the Witch is a story about forging one's own destiny in the face of fate, about the power of found family, and about the courage it takes to embrace both the monstrous and the beautiful within. The lessons are clear: true power comes with sacrifice, love is both a weapon and a balm, and the future belongs to those brave enough to claim it.

Last updated: September 23, 2025