Cursed Shadows, Forbidden Desires

Westlyn Avery, a powerless witch, is forced into a marriage to save her father from crushing debt. But her would-be groom is not what he seems. As the wedding approaches, Westlyn's sense of dread grows, and her only solace is the mysterious man who once saved her in the park—Jude, whose nightly presence haunts her dreams. Unbeknownst to her, Jude and his brothers are not men at all, but ancient gargoyles cursed to walk the night. Their fates are entwined, and as Westlyn's world collapses, the shadows around her pulse with forbidden promise and danger.

The Wedding That Wasn't

On her wedding night, Westlyn is paraded as a pawn, her family's last hope for salvation. The ceremony, meant to bind her to Hunter Forsythe, heir to a powerful mage family, turns sinister as the blood ritual begins. The pain is excruciating, and Westlyn realizes too late that her groom is a demon in disguise. Betrayed by her own family, she finds the courage to fight back, stabbing the demon and fleeing the cathedral. Her desperate escape is aided by a flock of ravens—her only true friends—while the guests look on in horror, and the world she knew burns behind her.

Gargoyles in the Night

Jude, Draegan, Augustine, and Rook—immortal gargoyles cursed by the dark fae—watch the city from the shadows. Their existence is a secret, their power immense, but their curse is closing in. Jude is obsessed with Westlyn, drawn to her vulnerability and fire. When she flees the wedding, the gargoyles intervene, saving her from certain death. Their motives are tangled: they need her, desire her, and see in her a possible key to their own salvation. As Westlyn collapses into their arms, the lines between protector and captor blur.

Blood, Betrayal, and Flight

Cornered in the cathedral's bell tower, Westlyn faces a choice: surrender to her enemies or leap into the unknown. Draegan, in his true gargoyle form, answers her silent plea for help. Together, they soar into the night, escaping the clutches of the Forsythes and the demon. Westlyn's world is upended as she's whisked away to Blackmoor Manor, the gargoyles' secluded stronghold. Here, she is both guest and prisoner, her fate now tied to the men of shadow and stone.

The Men of Stone

At Blackmoor Manor, Westlyn meets the true faces of her rescuers: Draegan, the stoic leader; Jude, the wild enforcer; Augustine, the charming manipulator; and Rook, the brilliant hacker. Each is bound by the same ancient curse, doomed to turn to stone by day and hunted by the fae who created them. Their only hope lies in the mysterious Cerridwen Codex, a dark fae grimoire rumored to hold a spell of unmaking. Westlyn, with her unique bloodline, may be the missing piece they need—but trust is hard-won, and desire even harder to resist.

Bargains and Bone Rings

Westlyn, reeling from betrayal, strikes a bargain with the gargoyles: she will help them steal the Codex from the Forsythes in exchange for protection and vengeance against those who wronged her. Jude, unable to hide his obsession, gifts her a ring carved from human bone—a token of both warning and devotion. As Westlyn navigates her new reality, she finds herself drawn to the darkness within her protectors, and to the dangerous power awakening inside herself.

Secrets in the Cathedral

The gargoyles and Westlyn dig into the tangled histories of the Forsythes, the Averys, and the shadow magic society. Rook's research uncovers disturbing connections: Hunter Forsythe is adopted, his body possibly a vessel for the demon Zorakkov. Westlyn's own bloodline is revealed to contain traces of dark fae, explaining her rare abilities and the interest she commands. The group realizes that the marriage was never about love or alliance, but about power—Westlyn's blood is the key to unlocking ancient magic.

The Demon's True Face

As the truth about Hunter and the Forsythes comes to light, the stakes escalate. The demon Zorakkov's plan is revealed: to use Westlyn as a conduit for power, binding her life and magic to his own. The Forsythes' obsession with the Codex and their willingness to sacrifice Westlyn expose the depths of their corruption. The gargoyles, once content to remain in the shadows, are forced to act, risking exposure and war to protect the woman who has become their anchor.

Rescue from the Bell Tower

Westlyn's escape from the wedding is only the beginning. Pursued by mages and demons, she is cornered in the cathedral's highest tower. Draegan, compelled by a vision and an unexplainable bond, transforms before her eyes and carries her to safety. The flight cements a new alliance: Westlyn and the gargoyles are now bound by shared enemies and a common goal. But trust is fragile, and the price of protection is steep.

Sanctuary at Blackmoor Manor

At the manor, Westlyn struggles to adjust to her new life. The gargoyles' world is one of secrets, rituals, and unspoken longing. Augustine's charm, Rook's intellect, and Jude's intensity pull her in different directions, while Draegan's authority both infuriates and reassures her. As they plan the heist of the Codex, Westlyn's presence stirs old wounds and new hopes. The boundaries between captor and companion blur, and desire simmers beneath every interaction.

Unveiling the Monster Within

Jude's obsession with Westlyn reaches a fever pitch. Their connection, forged in danger and longing, explodes into passion. Westlyn, for the first time, finds pleasure and power in her own body, unashamed of her desires. The other gargoyles are drawn in, each finding in her a mirror for their own loneliness and hope. But the darkness within them is never far away, and Westlyn must decide if she can accept the monsters as they truly are—and if she can accept the monster awakening within herself.

The Witch and Her Ravens

Westlyn's bond with her ravens—Lucinda, Huxley, and Jean-Pierre—proves to be more than mere companionship. The birds become her eyes and ears, helping her navigate the dangers of Blackmoor and the outside world. Their presence is a reminder of the life she left behind, but also of the new magic stirring in her blood. As she grows closer to the gargoyles, Westlyn begins to reclaim her agency, refusing to be a pawn in anyone's game.

The Codex Heist

With the Forsythes distracted, Westlyn acts as bait, luring them away from their brownstone so Draegan and Rook can infiltrate the ritual library. The heist is fraught with peril—wards, magical traps, and the ever-present threat of discovery. The Codex, when found, radiates a dark power that nearly overwhelms Draegan. The theft is successful, but not without cost: the Forsythes are now certain of Westlyn's betrayal, and the war for the Codex—and for Westlyn herself—has truly begun.

Tangled Loyalties, Tangled Sheets

The aftermath of the heist brings the group closer than ever. Westlyn's relationships with Jude and Augustine deepen, passion and trust intertwining in ways none of them expected. The boundaries between protector and lover dissolve, and Westlyn finds herself at the center of a web of devotion, jealousy, and longing. The gargoyles, once isolated by their curse, begin to hope for a future beyond stone and shadow.

The Curse and the Codex

With the Codex in hand, Rook and Westlyn work to unlock its secrets. The book resists them, its dark fae magic lashing out and leaving Westlyn with searing headaches and visions. The group uncovers more about the origins of the curse: a pact between fae and demons, a betrayal that doomed the gargoyles to their half-life. Westlyn's unique bloodline may be the key to breaking the curse, but using the Codex could come at a terrible price.

The Price of Protection

The Forsythes retaliate, sending agents to kidnap Westlyn. Jude and Augustine unleash their full fury, protecting her with brutal efficiency. The violence shakes Westlyn, but also reveals the lengths her new guardians will go to keep her safe. As the group closes ranks, the cost of their alliance becomes clear: to survive, they must embrace the darkness within themselves—and within each other.

Shadows Closing In

The Forsythes, the demon Zorakkov, and the shadow magic society close in on Blackmoor Manor. Westlyn's past and the gargoyles' curse are revealed to be inextricably linked, with Eloise and the hospital at the center of a decades-old conspiracy. As the group races to unlock the Codex and prepare for the coming storm, old wounds are reopened and new betrayals threaten to tear them apart.

Revelations and Reckonings

In a final, shattering revelation, Westlyn's deepest scars—physical and emotional—are laid bare. The word "WICKED" carved into her back is a testament to the cruelty she has endured, but also to her resilience. The gargoyles, now fully bound to her by love and loyalty, vow to protect her at any cost. As the sun rises, the group stands on the brink of a new war, armed with the Codex, their newfound bonds, and the hope that together, they can break the curses that bind them all.

Characters

Westlyn Avery

Westlyn is a young witch born without active magic, long treated as a burden by her family and the magical community. Her life is defined by sacrifice—her own happiness traded for her father's debts, her body offered as a pawn in a political marriage. Despite her lack of power, Westlyn is fiercely resilient, compassionate, and resourceful. Her bond with her ravens and her Tarot cards hint at a deeper, untapped magic. Betrayed by those she trusted, she finds unexpected strength in her alliance with the gargoyles, discovering both her own agency and the capacity for love and desire. Her journey is one of reclaiming self-worth, confronting trauma, and forging a new destiny.

Jude Hendrix

Jude is the most volatile and passionate of the gargoyles, driven by a centuries-old hunger for violence, pleasure, and connection. His obsession with Westlyn borders on predatory, but beneath his rough exterior lies a deep well of loyalty and vulnerability. Jude's darkness is both a weapon and a shield, forged by the curse that binds him. He is the group's enforcer, unafraid to get his hands bloody to protect those he loves. His relationship with Westlyn is intense and transformative, forcing him to confront his own capacity for tenderness and redemption.

Draegan Caldwell

Draegan is the oldest and most disciplined of the gargoyles, their de facto leader and the architect of their survival. Haunted by guilt and the weight of responsibility, he is both protector and jailer, struggling to balance his need for control with his growing feelings for Westlyn. Draegan's authority is both a comfort and a source of conflict, especially as Westlyn challenges his rules and awakens desires he thought long buried. His journey is one of learning to trust, to let go, and to accept that vulnerability can be a source of strength.

Augustine Lamont

Augustine is the group's social chameleon, adept at extracting secrets and manipulating situations to the gargoyles' advantage. His wit and charm mask a deep loneliness and a longing for connection. Augustine is the first to embrace Westlyn as more than a pawn, drawn to her spirit and resilience. His playful exterior hides a fierce protectiveness, and his relationship with Westlyn is both sensual and healing. Augustine's arc is one of moving beyond surface pleasures to seek genuine intimacy and belonging.

Rook Van Doren

Rook is the gargoyles' spymaster and technological genius, more comfortable with books and computers than with people. His analytical mind is essential to the group's survival, but his emotional distance often leaves him isolated. Rook is fascinated by Westlyn's unique magic and her ability to bridge the gap between worlds. As he works with her to unlock the Codex, he finds himself drawn out of his shell, discovering new depths of empathy and courage. Rook's journey is one of opening up to connection and embracing the messiness of human (and gargoyle) emotion.

Hunter Forsythe / Zorakkov

Hunter is the adopted son of the Forsythe family, his body used as a vessel for the demon Zorakkov. Outwardly unremarkable, he is the linchpin of the Forsythes' plan to gain ultimate power. Zorakkov's presence is a constant threat, his hunger for Westlyn's blood and magic driving the central conflict. Hunter's fate is tragic, a reminder of the cost of ambition and the dangers of treating people as means to an end.

Lennon and Celine Forsythe

The Forsythe patriarch and matriarch are ruthless, cunning, and utterly devoted to their own advancement. Their willingness to sacrifice Westlyn—and even their own son—for power reveals the rot at the heart of the magical elite. They are formidable adversaries, wielding both political influence and dark magic, but their arrogance blinds them to the consequences of their actions.

Brian and Eloise Avery

Brian Avery is a once-powerful mage undone by grief, addiction, and cowardice. His decision to sell Westlyn to the Forsythes is the ultimate betrayal, a desperate act that shatters any remaining trust. Eloise, his second wife, is cold, manipulative, and complicit in the scheme. Her history as a nurse at the hospital where Westlyn and Hunter's fates were sealed hints at deeper involvement in the conspiracy. Together, they embody the dangers of familial loyalty twisted by fear and self-interest.

Lucinda, Huxley, and Jean-Pierre

Westlyn's ravens are more than pets—they are her guardians, confidants, and a link to the natural magic she thought she lacked. Their presence is a source of comfort and strength, and their intervention at the wedding is pivotal to her survival. They symbolize the power of chosen family and the magic that exists outside traditional structures.

Zorakkov

Zorakkov is the true antagonist, a being of immense power and malice. His plan to use Westlyn as a conduit for his return to the mortal realm drives the central conflict. Zorakkov's presence is felt in every shadow, his influence corrupting those who seek power at any cost. He represents the ultimate danger of unchecked ambition and the seductive allure of darkness.

Plot Devices

The Cursed Gargoyle Trope

The novel reimagines the classic gargoyle myth, blending elements of urban fantasy, romance, and gothic horror. The curse that binds the gargoyles—turning them to stone by day and dooming them to eventual oblivion—serves as both a literal and metaphorical prison. Their quest to break the curse is the engine of the plot, driving their alliance with Westlyn and their willingness to risk everything for a chance at freedom.

The Blood Ritual and Magical Marriage

The blood binding ceremony at the heart of the story is a potent symbol of control, sacrifice, and the dangers of tradition. Westlyn's forced participation and ultimate rebellion highlight themes of autonomy and resistance. The ritual's perversion by the Forsythes and Zorakkov underscores the novel's critique of power structures that exploit the vulnerable.

The Heist Structure

The theft of the Cerridwen Codex is structured as a classic heist, complete with reconnaissance, misdirection, and high-stakes risk. The heist serves as a crucible for the characters, testing their trust, skills, and willingness to sacrifice for one another. The aftermath of the heist propels the story into its final act, as the group must face the consequences of their actions and the wrath of their enemies.

Found Family and Reverse Harem

At its core, the novel is about the creation of a new family—one forged not by blood, but by choice, loyalty, and shared trauma. The reverse harem dynamic allows for multiple explorations of intimacy, trust, and healing, with each gargoyle representing a different facet of love and protection. Westlyn's journey from pawn to partner is mirrored in the gargoyles' journey from isolation to connection.

Trauma, Scars, and Reclamation

The recurring motif of scars—both literal and metaphorical—underscores the novel's exploration of trauma and recovery. Westlyn's "WICKED" scar is a mark of past abuse, but also a symbol of survival and defiance. The gargoyles' curse is both a punishment and a call to action, forcing them to confront their own pain and seek redemption. The story's resolution is not the erasure of scars, but their integration into a new, self-defined identity.

Foreshadowing and Interwoven Mysteries

The narrative is rich with foreshadowing—visions, Tarot cards, and cryptic warnings hint at deeper connections between characters and events. The mysteries of Westlyn's ancestry, the origins of the curse, and the true nature of the Codex are revealed gradually, keeping tension high and rewarding attentive readers. The structure allows for both immediate emotional payoffs and the promise of further revelations in future installments.

Analysis

Wicked Conjuring is a dark, sensual, and emotionally charged reimagining of the urban fantasy romance, blending the grit of modern New York with the mythic weight of ancient curses and forbidden magic. At its heart, the novel is a story of reclamation—of agency, desire, and identity. Westlyn's journey from powerless pawn to empowered partner is mirrored by the gargoyles' struggle to break free from the chains of their past. The book interrogates the costs of survival in a world that commodifies bodies and magic, offering no easy answers but insisting on the possibility of found family and healing. The reverse harem dynamic is not just titillation, but a vehicle for exploring the many faces of love, loyalty, and trauma recovery. The plot's intricate mysteries and high-stakes heist structure keep the narrative taut, while the lush, character-driven prose ensures that every emotional beat lands. Ultimately, Wicked Conjuring is a celebration of resilience, the power of chosen bonds, and the courage it takes to face the darkness—both within and without—and demand a future on one's own terms.

Last updated: October 23, 2025