Midnight Reckonings Begin

Jude and Augustine, two immortal gargoyles, break into a shadow mage's lair, driven by their fierce loyalty to Westlyn, the witch they love. Their mission is brutal and personal: extract information about the demon Zorakkov and the sinister plans binding Westlyn to a fate she never chose. The violence is raw, the humor dark, and the stakes are life and death. As they torture and interrogate, the lines between justice and vengeance blur, revealing the deep scars left by centuries of betrayal. The chapter sets the tone: this is a world where love is as fierce as hate, and every secret uncovered is paid for in blood.

Crash, Capture, and Chaos

Westlyn's world shatters in a heartbeat. A calculated car crash leaves her and Draegan, her gargoyle protector, fighting for survival. As she crawls from the wreckage, the true horror unfolds: the crash was no accident, but a trap set by shadow mages and orchestrated by her stepmother, Eloise. Westlyn's desperation is palpable as she searches for Draegan, only to be confronted by enemies who want to claim her for their own dark purposes. The sense of isolation and dread is overwhelming, but so is her determination to survive and protect those she loves.

Secrets of the Demon Vessel

Jude and Augustine's interrogation yields chilling revelations. The shadow mages, led by the Forsythe family, have been grooming Hunter as a vessel for the demon Zorakkov since infancy, subjecting him to unspeakable experiments. The process is both physical and psychological, designed to create a perfect host for demonic possession. The mages' twisted logic is exposed: they see their cruelty as a noble cause, a sacrifice for power and immortality. The chapter is a study in moral ambiguity, as the gargoyles confront the monstrousness of their enemies—and the darkness within themselves.

The Moon Blessed Revealed

The mages' obsession with Westlyn is finally explained: she is the Moon Blessed, the Peacebringer, a prophesied figure whose bloodline and magic are key to a demonic-fae alliance. The revelation is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Westlyn's very existence is a threat to the balance of power, and everyone—mages, demons, fae—wants to control her. The prophecy is a double-edged sword, offering hope of salvation but also the promise of destruction. The emotional weight of destiny presses down on Westlyn and her protectors, binding them together even as it threatens to tear them apart.

Shadows and Betrayals

Westlyn is captured by Eloise and a cadre of shadow mages, her fate seemingly sealed. But the bonds of love and loyalty prove stronger than any spell. Draegan, in his true gargoyle form, and a flock of ravens led by Westlyn's familiars, launch a daring rescue. The battle is fierce, the magic wild and unpredictable. In the chaos, Eloise escapes, but Westlyn is saved—though not unscathed. The trauma of the ordeal lingers, deepening the emotional bonds between Westlyn and her gargoyles, and setting the stage for even greater challenges ahead.

The Fae's Marked Witch

Back at Blackmoor Manor, Westlyn's recovery is marked by strange new magic. Runes appear on her skin, and a fae-crafted amulet pulses with power, hinting at her true heritage. Rook, the scholarly gargoyle, helps her unlock the secrets of the Cerridwen Codex, a magical tome that only she can read. The amulet and the Codex are keys to understanding her magic—and her destiny. The chapter is a turning point, as Westlyn begins to embrace her power, even as she fears what it might mean for her soul.

Gargoyle Blood and Stone

Draegan finally reveals the truth of the gargoyles' curse: once human, they were transformed by the dark fae king Verrick as punishment for resisting his conquest. Their immortality is a prison, their stone forms a constant reminder of all they've lost. The curse is not just a magical affliction, but a wound that never heals—a source of guilt, grief, and longing. Draegan's confession is raw and vulnerable, exposing the deep scars that bind the gargoyles to each other and to Westlyn. The emotional stakes are raised, as love becomes both a blessing and a curse.

Runes, Riddles, and Rook

Rook's research uncovers the true nature of Westlyn's rune: it is not just a binding, but a mark of ownership, a claim by the Wintermoon fae. The rune is both a beacon and a shackle, tying Westlyn to a father she has never known. As Rook and Westlyn grow closer, their intellectual partnership blossoms into something deeper, more intimate. The library becomes a sanctuary, a place where knowledge and desire intertwine. But every answer brings new questions, and the sense of impending doom grows ever stronger.

Love in the Ashes

In the aftermath of trauma, love becomes a lifeline. Westlyn and her gargoyles find solace in each other's arms, their passion a balm for old wounds. The boundaries between friendship, love, and lust blur, creating a new kind of family—one forged in fire and blood. The emotional intensity is matched by moments of humor and tenderness, as the characters cling to each other in a world determined to tear them apart. The chapter is a celebration of resilience, of the power of love to heal even the deepest scars.

The Curse's True Cost

Draegan's fears come to a head: breaking the curse will not restore the gargoyles' humanity, but end their existence. The revelation is devastating, casting a shadow over every hope and dream. Westlyn refuses to accept this fate, vowing to find another way. The tension between hope and despair is palpable, as the characters grapple with the true cost of freedom. The chapter is a meditation on mortality, on the pain of loving what you cannot keep, and the courage it takes to love anyway.

Letters from the Past

Rook cracks the encryption on a mysterious SSD, revealing a trove of letters from Westlyn's mother. The truth is shattering: Westlyn's real father is not Brian Avery, but a highborn dark fae of Wintermoon. The letters are a mix of love, regret, and warning, painting a picture of a woman ensnared by fae magic and desperate to protect her child. The past becomes a living force, shaping the present and threatening the future. Westlyn's sense of self is upended, but her resolve only hardens.

The Wintermoon Heir

The full horror of Westlyn's heritage is revealed: she is not just marked by the fae, but claimed as an heir by the Wintermoon king himself. The rune on her neck is a royal brand, a magical tracking device that has allowed her father to find her at last. The prophecy of the Moon Blessed is not just a story—it is a plan, and Westlyn is at its center. The sense of inevitability is crushing, but so is the determination to fight back. The chapter is a reckoning with destiny, as Westlyn prepares to face the king who would claim her soul.

Prophecy and Peril

The threads of prophecy, magic, and blood converge. The shadow mages, the demon Zorakkov, and the Wintermoon fae are all revealed to be working toward a single, apocalyptic goal: the unification of their lines through Westlyn, and the destruction of the human world. The stakes are nothing less than the fate of all realms. The gargoyles and Westlyn must forge new alliances, confront old enemies, and prepare for a battle that will test the limits of their power and their love. The sense of impending doom is overwhelming, but so is the hope that they can change their fate.

The Codex Unlocked

With the help of Rook and the fae amulet, Westlyn finally unlocks the secrets of the Cerridwen Codex. The book reveals not just the history of the curse, but the possibility of breaking it—a spell of unmaking that could free the gargoyles, but at a terrible cost. The process is fraught with danger, as the magic threatens to consume Westlyn from within. The chapter is a race against time, as knowledge becomes both a weapon and a burden. The hope of salvation is tempered by the fear of what must be sacrificed to achieve it.

Family, Feasts, and Fears

In a rare moment of peace, the found family gathers for a feast, celebrating small victories and the bonds that hold them together. The meal is a symbol of hope, of the life they are fighting to protect. But beneath the laughter and warmth, old wounds and new fears simmer. Draegan's emotional distance, Westlyn's unresolved feelings, and the ever-present threat of the curse cast long shadows. The chapter is a bittersweet reminder that even in the darkest times, love and joy are worth fighting for.

The King's Claim

Draegan and Westlyn's tumultuous relationship reaches a breaking point. Their love is fierce, but so are their fears and insecurities. In a storm of passion and anger, they confront the truth of their feelings—and the impossibility of their future. The emotional intensity is matched by physical desire, as they surrender to each other in a moment of vulnerability and need. But the specter of the Wintermoon king looms ever closer, threatening to claim what they have fought so hard to build.

Devouring Flames

Westlyn's dreams turn prophetic as the magic within her awakens fully. Guided by visions and the voice of the dark fae king, she unwittingly unleashes a spell that calls him into the mortal realm. The boundaries between dream and reality blur, as fire consumes the library and the prophecy is set in motion. The sense of helplessness is overwhelming, as Westlyn realizes she has become the instrument of her own undoing. The chapter is a descent into darkness, as the true power of the Moon Blessed is revealed.

Father of Nightmares

Westlyn awakens, bound and helpless, in the ruined cathedral where her nightmare began. The dark fae king, Verrick of Wintermoon, stands before her—real, powerful, and claiming her as his daughter. The prophecy has been fulfilled, and the final battle is about to begin. The sense of dread is absolute, but so is the resolve to fight. The story ends on a cliffhanger, with everything—love, freedom, the fate of the world—hanging in the balance.

Characters

Westlyn Avery

Westlyn is the emotional and narrative heart of the story—a witch marked by trauma, hunted by enemies, and burdened by a destiny she never asked for. Her journey is one of self-discovery and resilience, as she uncovers the truth of her heritage: the daughter of a powerful witch and a highborn dark fae, marked as the Moon Blessed, the Peacebringer of prophecy. Westlyn's relationships with her gargoyle protectors are complex, blending love, lust, and deep emotional need. She is fiercely loyal, stubborn, and compassionate, but also haunted by self-doubt and the fear of her own power. Her arc is one of transformation, as she moves from victim to agent of her own fate, determined to save those she loves—even if it means facing the darkness within herself.

Draegan Caldwell

Draegan is the stoic, brooding leader of the gargoyles, burdened by centuries of guilt and loss. Once a human blacksmith and war hero, he was transformed into a gargoyle by the dark fae king as punishment for resisting conquest. Draegan's sense of duty is absolute, but it comes at the cost of emotional isolation. His love for Westlyn is both a source of strength and a wound that never heals, as he fears that breaking the curse will mean his own death. Draegan's arc is one of vulnerability and acceptance, as he learns to let others in and to hope for a future beyond pain.

Jude Hendrix

Jude is the wild card of the group—a violent, irreverent gargoyle with a twisted sense of humor and a heart fiercely loyal to those he loves. His past is marked by loss and rage, and he channels his pain into brutal action against the enemies who threaten Westlyn. Jude's relationship with her is passionate and possessive, but also deeply tender. He is the first to confess his love, and the first to risk everything for her. Beneath his bravado lies a profound vulnerability, a longing for connection and redemption.

Augustine Lamont (Auggie)

Augustine is the most nurturing of the gargoyles, a chef and artist whose warmth balances the darkness of their world. He is deeply empathetic, often serving as the emotional glue that holds the group together. Auggie's love for Westlyn is expressed through acts of care—cooking, comfort, and quiet support. He struggles with the violence required by their circumstances, but never wavers in his loyalty. His arc is one of healing, as he learns to reconcile his gentle nature with the harsh realities of their fight.

Rook Van Doren

Rook is the intellectual powerhouse of the group, a master of research, technology, and magic. His calm, analytical mind is a counterpoint to the others' passion, but beneath his reserved exterior lies a deep well of feeling. Rook's connection with Westlyn is built on shared curiosity and mutual respect, blossoming into a love that is both tender and intense. He is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the Codex and the prophecy, but also the one who most fears what those answers might mean. Rook's arc is one of courage, as he steps out of the shadows and claims his place in the found family.

Eloise

Eloise is the embodiment of cold ambition and cruelty. As Westlyn's stepmother and a high-ranking member of the shadow magic society, she orchestrates much of the suffering in Westlyn's life, driven by a desire for power and control. Eloise's relationship with Westlyn is toxic, marked by betrayal and emotional abuse. She is a master of manipulation, willing to sacrifice anyone—including her own family—to achieve her goals. Her arc is one of escalating villainy, as she aligns herself with ever darker forces.

Hunter Forsythe / Zorakkov

Hunter is the product of a lifetime of manipulation and experimentation, groomed from infancy to serve as the vessel for the demon Zorakkov. His identity is subsumed by the demon's will, making him both victim and villain. The tragedy of Hunter's fate is a recurring theme, highlighting the cost of power and the loss of innocence. Zorakkov, in contrast, is pure ambition and malice, seeking to use Westlyn as a means to permanent manifestation and dominion.

Lennon and Celine Forsythe

The Forsythes are the masterminds behind the shadow magic society's schemes, driven by a hunger for power and immortality. They are ruthless, cunning, and utterly devoid of empathy, willing to sacrifice anyone—including their own son—to achieve their ends. Their relationship to Westlyn is one of exploitation, seeing her not as a person but as a tool. Their arc is one of hubris, as their machinations set in motion forces beyond their control.

Verrick of Wintermoon

Verrick is the ultimate antagonist—a being of ancient power, cruelty, and cunning. As the king of the Wintermoon fae and Westlyn's biological father, he is both a personal and existential threat. Verrick's motivations are complex: he seeks to reclaim his daughter, fulfill the prophecy, and unite the demon and fae lines in a new era of domination. His presence is felt long before he appears, a shadow looming over every choice and every hope. Verrick embodies the seductive danger of power unchecked by conscience.

Madison Strauss

Madison is the ghost at the heart of Westlyn's story—a powerful witch whose love affair with the Wintermoon fae set the prophecy in motion. Her letters are a lifeline and a warning, offering both comfort and terror. Madison's arc is one of regret and sacrifice, as she tries to protect her daughter from a fate she cannot escape. Her legacy is both a blessing and a curse, shaping Westlyn's identity and destiny.

Plot Devices

Prophecy and Bloodline

The central plot device is the prophecy of the Moon Blessed, which ties Westlyn's bloodline to the fate of all realms. The prophecy is both a motivator and a source of tension, driving the actions of every major faction—mages, demons, fae. It is revealed in fragments, each new piece raising the stakes and deepening the mystery. The prophecy's ambiguity allows for twists and reversals, keeping both characters and readers guessing about its true meaning and cost.

The Curse and Its Consequences

The gargoyles' curse is a masterful device, blending personal tragedy with epic stakes. It shapes every relationship, every choice, and every hope. The curse is not just a magical affliction, but a metaphor for grief, guilt, and the longing for redemption. The threat of death—or worse, eternal stone—hangs over every moment, infusing the story with urgency and poignancy.

Magical Artifacts and Runes

Physical objects—Westlyn's fae amulet, the runes on her skin, the Cerridwen Codex—serve as keys to unlocking both magic and memory. Each artifact is layered with meaning, serving as both a source of power and a symbol of identity. The Codex, in particular, is a narrative engine, its secrets revealed only as Westlyn comes into her own power.

Found Family and Polyamory

The unconventional family formed by Westlyn and her gargoyles is both a source of strength and a site of conflict. Their polyamorous bonds challenge traditional notions of love and loyalty, creating a dynamic that is as emotionally rich as it is fraught. The found family is a bulwark against the darkness, a reminder that love is the greatest magic of all.

Foreshadowing and Dream Sequences

Westlyn's dreams and visions are used to foreshadow coming events, reveal hidden truths, and heighten the sense of inevitability. The line between dream and reality is porous, reflecting the story's themes of destiny and free will. These sequences are both beautiful and terrifying, immersing the reader in the emotional and magical stakes.

Narrative Structure

The story unfolds through multiple points of view, each offering a unique lens on the action and deepening the psychological complexity. The nonlinear structure—moving between present action, flashbacks, and letters from the past—creates a tapestry of memory and prophecy, binding the characters' fates together.

Analysis

Wicked Devouring is a dark, sensual, and emotionally charged fantasy that explores the intersections of power, trauma, and love. At its core, the novel is about the struggle to reclaim agency in a world determined to define you by your blood, your past, or your pain. Westlyn's journey from hunted victim to empowered witch is mirrored by the gargoyles' quest for redemption and freedom. The story interrogates the costs of immortality, the weight of destiny, and the possibility of hope in the face of overwhelming darkness. Through its polyamorous found family, the novel challenges traditional narratives of love and belonging, offering a vision of connection that is as fierce as it is tender. The use of prophecy, curses, and magical artifacts grounds the epic stakes in deeply personal terms, making every battle—internal and external—feel urgent and real. Ultimately, Wicked Devouring is a testament to the power of love to heal, to defy fate, and to create new worlds from the ashes of the old.

Last updated: October 23, 2025