Awakening in Blood and Shadows

Luna regains consciousness in a haze of agony, her body wracked with unfamiliar sensations and her memories fragmented. She finds herself in Sebastian's arms, covered in blood, and realizes they have survived a deadly attack by a vampire cult. The trauma of near-death and the sight of Sebastian as a killer should terrify her, but instead, she feels safe. As she struggles to recall what happened, she discovers her senses are heightened, her thirst unbearable, and her body changed. The truth dawns: she is no longer fully human. The bond between her and Sebastian, forced upon them by a magical Tether, pulses with new, ominous energy. Luna's world has irrevocably shifted, and the darkness within her is only beginning to stir.

The Choice of Immortality

Confronted with her transformation, Luna learns she is a fledgling vampire, Made by Sebastian to save her life after a brutal attack. The revelation is both a violation and a gift, and she is given a harrowing choice: feed and complete her transformation, or refuse and die. The decision is complicated by her scientific mind, her fear of becoming a monster, and the trauma of nearly killing an innocent in a blood frenzy. Sebastian's love and regret are palpable, but the urgency is real—she has only days to decide. In the end, Luna chooses life, not out of blind love, but with the hope that she can retain her humanity and find purpose in her new existence.

Hunger, Guilt, and Control

Luna's first days as a vampire are a battle between overwhelming hunger and her desperate desire not to become a killer. The bloodlust is nearly uncontrollable, and she comes close to murdering a human maid, only stopped by Sebastian's intervention. Wracked with guilt and self-loathing, Luna is terrified of what she might become. Sebastian introduces her to a community of vampires who refuse to drink human blood, offering hope that she can choose a different path. Through trial, error, and Sebastian's patient guidance, Luna begins to learn the techniques of self-control, but the threat of losing herself to the monster within is ever-present.

The Holistic Vampire Sanctuary

Sebastian takes Luna to Rivin, a hidden town where vampires live in harmony with nature and abstain from human blood. The community's Charter, their rules, and their peaceful existence offer Luna a vision of what her life could be. She meets Émile and Celeste, who show her that not all vampires are monsters, and that self-restraint and compassion are possible. The visit is a balm to her soul, but also a reminder of the dangers outside—Rivin is isolated for a reason. The experience plants a seed of hope in Luna, but also foreshadows the violence and intolerance that threaten any deviation from the queen's rule.

The Tether's Double-Edged Bond

The magical Tether that binds Luna and Sebastian is both a blessing and a curse. It means they cannot be apart, and that only each other's blood can truly satisfy their hunger. This forced intimacy deepens their emotional connection, but also traps them in a web of obligation and vulnerability. As Luna learns to feed from Sebastian, their relationship becomes a source of strength and comfort, but also a target for the queen's suspicion. The Tether's rumored power to allow soul sharing and amplify magic makes them dangerous in the eyes of the court, and the queen's paranoia grows. Their love, once a refuge, becomes a liability in a world ruled by fear.

The Queen's Deadly Games

Queen Marguerite, Sebastian's mother and the tyrant of Eleyta, summons Luna and Sebastian back to court. She is furious at Sebastian for Making Luna without permission and views their bond as a threat to her power. To test their loyalty and entertain her court, she announces a deadly tournament: a hunt, a game of riddles, and a trial by poison. Each round is designed to break them, force them to betray their morals, and prove their subservience. The queen's manipulations are relentless, and her hatred for Luna is personal. The games are not just about survival—they are about eroding hope and crushing rebellion.

The Hunt for Humanity

The first trial is a hunt, where pairs of vampires and other supernatural beings must capture or kill a group of terrified humans. Luna and Sebastian are horrified, refusing to become murderers. They use persuasion and cunning to spare three siblings, letting them escape, but the cost is high. The violence of the hunt, the deaths of innocents, and the queen's delight in suffering leave deep scars. Luna's guilt is compounded when one of the humans is later paraded as a Favorite, a living trophy of the queen's power. The trial cements Luna and Sebastian's resolve to resist, but also marks them as enemies of the crown.

Riddles, Poison, and Betrayal

The second and third trials are games of intellect and judgment, but the stakes are no less lethal. In the riddle contest, a wrong answer means death by staking, and the queen herself rigs the game against Luna and Sebastian. Only Luna's quick thinking and knowledge save them. The final trial is a deadly tasting of plants, where only one is safe and the rest are poison. With the help of a sympathetic witch, they survive, but others are not so lucky. The games are a spectacle of cruelty, and the queen's paranoia about the Tether and soul sharing grows. Luna and Sebastian's survival is seen as both a miracle and a threat.

The Prophecy of the Sunwalker

Haunted by visions and cryptic warnings, Luna and Sebastian seek answers in the abbey's library. There, they discover an ancient prophecy: when the harbinger is born, the Sunwalker will rise. Luna is identified as the Sunwalker, a vampire who can walk in the sun, and her brother Marius is the harbinger. The prophecy speaks of a coming darkness, a queen of shadows, and the need for a new era. The revelation is both a burden and a call to action. Luna's unique powers, the Tether, and their love are not accidents—they are the key to breaking the queen's reign. But the cost will be high, and the path is fraught with danger.

Fire, Loss, and Grief

As Luna and Sebastian struggle to find hope, tragedy strikes. Rivin, the sanctuary town, is burned to the ground on the queen's orders, and Luna's family is killed in a fire. The grief is overwhelming, and Luna is nearly broken by the weight of loss. The queen's message is clear: no one is safe, and any challenge to her rule will be met with annihilation. The destruction of Rivin and the deaths of innocents galvanize Luna and Sebastian. Their personal pain becomes a rallying cry for resistance, and they vow to fight for a better future, even if it means sacrificing everything.

The Power of Soul Sharing

In the arena, as Sebastian faces certain death, Luna discovers the true power of the Tether: soul sharing. By channeling her magic through the bond, she gives Sebastian the strength to defeat his opponent and survive the queen's final test. The act is a revelation, proving the legends true and marking them as a force the queen cannot control. The experience is both exhilarating and terrifying, as it exposes them to new dangers and makes them targets for the queen's wrath. Their love, once a private sanctuary, is now a weapon—and a beacon of hope for a world in darkness.

The Arena of Death

The queen's final gambit is a public execution disguised as a duel. Sebastian is drugged and forced to fight a legendary vampire, while Luna is caged and powerless. The crowd bays for blood, and the queen revels in the spectacle. Through sheer will and the power of the Tether, Luna breaks free of her bonds and channels her strength to Sebastian. Together, they turn the tide, defeating the champion and exposing the queen's cruelty. The victory is pyrrhic—the queen's hatred is now absolute, and escape is their only option. The arena becomes a crucible, forging their resolve to end the queen's reign.

The Queen's Wrath Unleashed

In the aftermath of the arena, the queen's mask drops completely. She accuses Luna and Sebastian of treason, reveals her role in the destruction of Rivin, and attempts to kill Luna herself. The confrontation is brutal, with the queen's power on full display. But Luna and Sebastian, united by the Tether and soul sharing, fight back with a force the queen cannot match. They escape, wounded but alive, and realize that there can be no peace while the queen lives. The time for hiding is over—they must confront the darkness head-on, or be destroyed by it.

Flight, Defiance, and Destiny

On the run, Luna and Sebastian find brief sanctuary in their cabin, but nowhere is truly safe. The queen's reach is long, and her vengeance is relentless. Yet, in their flight, Luna discovers the plant that may cure the Wasting Illness, a sign that their struggle has meaning beyond their own survival. The prophecy, the Tether, and their love all point to a singular destiny: to end the queen's reign and bring hope to Eleyta. The decision is made—not to flee, but to fight. Together, they will challenge the darkness, whatever the cost.

The Plant of Hope

Amidst the chaos and fear, Luna finds the plant Syndra spoke of, sprouting in the snow outside their cabin. It is a symbol of hope, a potential cure for her brother and the afflicted humans. The discovery is a turning point, reaffirming Luna's belief that their suffering has purpose. The plant is fragile, but it represents the possibility of healing and renewal. As Luna and Sebastian prepare for the final confrontation, the plant's growth becomes a metaphor for their own resilience and the promise of a better world.

The Final Stand

With the queen's forces closing in, Luna and Sebastian gather their strength and allies. They embrace the power of soul sharing, accepting the risks and responsibilities it brings. The prophecy, once a source of fear, becomes a guide. They are no longer just survivors—they are leaders, chosen by fate to challenge the darkness. The final stand is not just a battle for their own lives, but for the soul of Eleyta. As they face the queen's army, they know that victory is uncertain, but surrender is not an option.

Love Against the Darkness

In the face of overwhelming odds, Luna and Sebastian's love is their greatest weapon. The Tether, once a curse, is now a source of unimaginable power. Their unity inspires others, and their defiance shakes the foundations of the queen's rule. The story ends on the cusp of revolution, with Luna and Sebastian ready to fight for a world where love, compassion, and freedom are possible. The darkness is great, but together, they are greater. Their journey is far from over, but for the first time, hope shines in the night.

Characters

Luna

Luna is the heart of the story—a fiercely intelligent, analytical woman forced into a world of violence and magic. Initially a human, she is Made into a vampire against her will to save her life, and must grapple with the loss of her humanity, the terror of bloodlust, and the guilt of survival. Her relationship with Sebastian, arranged and then deepened by love and the Tether, is both her anchor and her greatest vulnerability. Luna's scientific mind drives her to seek understanding and control, but her compassion and sense of justice set her apart. As the Sunwalker, she is marked by prophecy to bring change to Eleyta, and her journey is one of self-acceptance, resilience, and the courage to fight for a better world.

Sebastian

Sebastian is the Prince of Darkness, a centuries-old vampire shaped by trauma, duty, and the manipulations of his mother, Queen Marguerite. Forced into an arranged marriage with Luna, he finds unexpected love and redemption in their bond. The Tether that binds them is both a source of strength and a shackle, making him fiercely protective and sometimes overbearing. Sebastian is tormented by guilt over his past, especially the violence he has committed at the queen's behest, and fears becoming a monster. His love for Luna is transformative, giving him the will to defy his mother and fight for freedom. As a leader, he is both ruthless and compassionate, willing to sacrifice everything for those he loves.

Queen Marguerite

Marguerite is the antagonist—a vampire queen whose paranoia, power, and hatred of humanity drive the story's conflict. She is both a political mastermind and a sadist, using fear, violence, and manipulation to maintain her rule. Her relationship with Sebastian is toxic, marked by control and emotional abuse, and her hatred for Luna is personal and unrelenting. Marguerite's obsession with power and her fear of the Tether's potential lead her to commit atrocities, including the destruction of Rivin and the murder of innocents. She is a symbol of the old order, a darkness that must be overcome for Eleyta to have any hope of renewal.

Marius

Marius is Luna's beloved younger brother, afflicted by the Wasting Illness that plagues humans in Eleyta. His sickness is both a personal tragedy and a mystery that drives Luna's quest for a cure. Identified by prophecy as the harbinger, Marius's fate is intertwined with Luna's and the future of the kingdom. His vulnerability and innocence are a stark contrast to the violence around him, and his survival becomes a rallying point for Luna and Sebastian's resistance.

Phyrra

Phyrra is Sebastian's trusted spymaster, a vampire of formidable skill and intelligence. She is instrumental in uncovering the queen's plots, rescuing Marius, and providing critical information about the threats facing Luna and Sebastian. Phyrra's pragmatism and loyalty make her an invaluable ally, and her presence grounds the story in the realities of political intrigue and war. She is a survivor, shaped by hardship, and her friendship with Sebastian is one of mutual respect and shared trauma.

Émile

Émile is the mayor of Rivin, the sanctuary town where vampires live without preying on humans. He represents an alternative to the queen's tyranny, showing that compassion and coexistence are possible. His kindness to Luna and Sebastian offers them hope and a vision of a different future. The destruction of Rivin is a devastating blow, but Émile's legacy endures as a symbol of what Eleyta could become.

Zephyra

Zephyra is the head priestess at Shadowmere Abbey, a figure of wisdom and spiritual authority. She guides Luna and Sebastian in their search for answers, helping them uncover the prophecy of the Sunwalker and the secrets of the Tether. Zephyra's faith and scholarship are a counterpoint to the queen's brutality, and her support is crucial in preparing Luna and Sebastian for their destiny.

Bertrand LeClaire

Bertrand is the queen's chosen champion in the arena, a legendary vampire warrior. He is a formidable opponent, embodying the violence and ruthlessness of the old order. His duel with Sebastian is a test of strength, will, and the power of love. Bertrand's defeat marks a turning point, proving that the queen's reign is not unassailable.

Abigail

Abigail is one of the humans spared by Luna and Sebastian during the hunt, only to be later paraded as a Favorite by the queen. Her fate is a stark reminder of the cruelty of the world and the cost of defiance. Abigail's suffering haunts Luna, fueling her resolve to fight for change.

Syndra

Syndra is the witch who betrays Luna and Sebastian to the People of the Night, setting in motion the events that lead to Luna's transformation. Her cryptic warnings about the harbinger and the Fourth Order of Isvana's Chosen are both a curse and a clue. Syndra's actions are driven by motives that remain mysterious, but her role as a catalyst is undeniable.

Plot Devices

The Tether and Soul Sharing

The Tether is the central plot device—a magical bond that forcibly links Luna and Sebastian, making them unable to be apart and tying their fates together. It is a source of both intimacy and conflict, amplifying their emotions, hunger, and magic. The Tether's rumored ability to allow soul sharing—transferring power, magic, and even life force—becomes reality in the arena, turning the tide of battle and marking them as a threat to the queen. The Tether is both a metaphor for the complexities of love and a literal weapon against tyranny.

Prophecy and Foreshadowing

Prophecy is woven throughout the story, from the cryptic warnings of Fortune Elves to the discovery of ancient texts in the abbey. The prophecy of the Sunwalker and the harbinger foreshadows Luna's unique powers and the coming revolution. The use of dreams, visions, and riddles creates a sense of destiny and inevitability, while also raising the stakes and deepening the mystery. The prophecy is both a burden and a beacon, driving the characters toward their fate.

The Queen's Tournament

The queen's tournament serves as the backbone of the plot, providing a series of escalating challenges that test Luna and Sebastian's strength, intellect, and morality. Each round is designed to break them, force them to betray their values, and prove their loyalty. The tournament is a crucible, forging their bond and exposing the corruption of the court. It also serves as a vehicle for character development, as Luna and Sebastian are forced to confront their fears, guilt, and the limits of their power.

The Plant and the Wasting Illness

The search for a cure for the Wasting Illness is both a personal quest for Luna and a symbol of the possibility of change. The plant, gifted by Isvana and found growing in the snow, represents hope, renewal, and the potential for a better world. The illness itself is a metaphor for the rot at the heart of Eleyta, and the quest for a cure drives the characters to seek knowledge, challenge authority, and embrace their destiny.

Narrative Structure and Perspective

The story is told through alternating perspectives, primarily Luna and Sebastian, allowing for deep psychological insight and emotional resonance. The use of first-person narration, present-tense immediacy, and internal monologue creates a sense of intimacy and urgency. The structure mirrors the push and pull of their relationship, the tension between love and duty, and the constant threat of violence.

Analysis

Tormented is a dark, romantic fantasy that explores the cost of survival, the complexity of love, and the struggle for self-determination in a world ruled by fear. At its core, the novel is about transformation—physical, emotional, and societal. Luna's journey from reluctant victim to empowered Sunwalker mirrors the larger struggle against tyranny and the hope for renewal. The Tether, both a curse and a blessing, symbolizes the duality of love: it binds, but it also empowers. The queen's cruelty and paranoia are not just personal flaws, but reflections of a system built on violence and control. The story interrogates the nature of monstrosity, asking whether it is defined by hunger, by power, or by choice. Through its use of prophecy, soul sharing, and the motif of the plant, Tormented suggests that change is possible, but only through sacrifice, unity, and the courage to defy the darkness. The novel's emotional arc is one of loss, grief, and ultimately, hope—a testament to the resilience of the human (and inhuman) spirit.

Last updated: January 18, 2026