Cult on the Hill

Beryl lives in the Order of the Greater Beings, a cult that worships demiurgus—mysterious, powerful beings who emerged from underground centuries ago. She and her aunt Violet are not true believers; they're pragmatic survivors, using the cult's resources for a comfortable life after difficult pasts. Beryl's childhood was marked by neglect and abandonment, and the cult, for all its strangeness, offers stability. The compound is luxurious, the food is good, and her only family is there. Yet, beneath the surface, Beryl feels the weight of a life half-lived, haunted by the knowledge that she's coasting, playing it safe, and hiding her true self among people obsessed with becoming demiurgus mates.

The Awkward Arrival

Greid, a demiurgus with social anxiety and a history of rejection, arrives at the cult's compound, hoping to find a human companion. He's immediately overwhelmed by the cult's reverence and sexualized expectations. Greid is not the dominant, virile demiurgus of legend; he's awkward, introverted, and craves gentle connection. The cult's members, dressed in beige and desperate for demiurgus attention, make him deeply uncomfortable. He's not there to choose a mate, but the high priest and followers are determined to offer him one, convinced he's a godlike being come to bestow blessings.

Sex Cult Realization

As Greid is given a tour, he realizes the cult is a sex cult, obsessed with demiurgus virility and mating. The compound is filled with erotic art and myths about demiurgus anatomy—most of it wildly inaccurate. Greid is horrified by the cult's misconceptions and the pressure to choose a mate. He's not interested in sex with humans, and the idea of being worshipped for his supposed sexual prowess is both alienating and embarrassing. He tries to extricate himself, but the cult's rituals and expectations trap him in a surreal, uncomfortable situation.

The Chosen Outcast

During a public "choosing" ceremony, Greid is pressured to select a mate from the assembled cultists. Overwhelmed, he impulsively points to Beryl, the only person not participating in the spectacle. Beryl, with her vibrant hair and visible skepticism, stands out as an outsider. The cult erupts in celebration, but both Beryl and Greid are mortified. Beryl is forced into the spotlight, her carefully maintained low profile shattered. She's given the option to accept or reject Greid, but the social and personal stakes are high—her home, her aunt's safety, and her own autonomy hang in the balance.

Reluctant Mates

Alone together, Beryl and Greid confess their mutual lack of interest in the cult's expectations. Greid admits he only wanted a companion, not a lover, and Beryl reveals she's not a true believer. They bond over their shared discomfort and outsider status. Beryl's medical record—her vaginismus and aversion to penetration—becomes a potential escape route, but Greid surprises her by proposing a platonic arrangement: she can live with him in the city, free from the cult, as his roommate. For the first time, Beryl glimpses a way out, and a chance at real freedom.

Unlikely Confessions

Beryl and Greid open up about their pasts—her childhood neglect, his social anxiety and failed relationships. They share their fears of loneliness and inadequacy, and the ways they've both hidden their true selves to survive. Greid's desire for gentle companionship, not dominance, resonates with Beryl's need for safety and control. Their honesty creates a foundation of trust, and a tentative friendship begins to blossom. Both are surprised by how easy it is to talk to each other, and how much they crave genuine connection.

Roommates, Not Lovers

Beryl leaves the cult, saying a bittersweet goodbye to her aunt and the only home she's known. Greid brings her to his city townhouse, a dark, cluttered, and comforting space filled with art and personal touches. He gives her a room of her own, encourages her to make herself at home, and reassures her that there are no expectations beyond companionship. They settle into a routine—sharing meals, watching TV, and exploring the city together. Beryl is overwhelmed by the freedom and possibilities, but also by the challenges of starting over.

Escaping the Compound

Leaving the cult is both exhilarating and terrifying for Beryl. She's unprepared for the outside world, lacking experience and confidence. Greid supports her, offering practical help and emotional reassurance. Their first days together are filled with small victories—trying new foods, navigating the city, and learning to trust each other. Beryl's sense of self begins to grow, and she starts to imagine a future beyond the cult's narrow confines. The safety net of Greid's home allows her to take risks and explore her identity.

City of New Beginnings

As Beryl adapts to city life, she and Greid develop a comfortable, supportive partnership. They share household responsibilities, encourage each other's growth, and find joy in simple pleasures. Beryl begins searching for a job, determined to contribute and gain independence. Greid, meanwhile, continues his jewelry-making business, finding inspiration in Beryl's presence. Their friendship deepens, marked by laughter, shared secrets, and a growing sense of belonging. Both are surprised by how much they enjoy each other's company, and how natural their connection feels.

Settling In Together

Beryl and Greid fall into a rhythm—morning coffee runs, shared meals, evenings spent watching TV or talking late into the night. Small acts of care—Greid buying Beryl slippers, Beryl cooking for Greid—become expressions of affection. They support each other through moments of doubt and anxiety, offering reassurance and understanding. The boundaries between friendship and something more begin to blur, as physical closeness and emotional intimacy grow. Both are hesitant to acknowledge their feelings, afraid of ruining the fragile peace they've found.

Secrets and Vulnerabilities

As trust deepens, Beryl and Greid share more of their vulnerabilities. Beryl confides her struggles with vaginismus and her aversion to penetration, expecting rejection. Instead, Greid is understanding and relieved—his own desires don't align with the cult's myths of demiurgus dominance. He reveals his preference for submission and gentle intimacy, shaped by past relationships that shamed him for it. Their mutual acceptance becomes a turning point, allowing them to imagine a relationship built on honesty, consent, and shared pleasure.

The Comfort of Routine

Their days together become a source of comfort and joy. Beryl finds a job at a local bar, gaining confidence and independence. Greid's loneliness eases as he welcomes Beryl into his world. They celebrate small milestones—Beryl's first paycheck, Greid's jewelry featured in a magazine, shared holidays with Greid's family. Their friendship is marked by laughter, teasing, and a deep sense of safety. The line between platonic and romantic blurs further, as desire and affection simmer beneath the surface.

Growing Closer

Physical intimacy grows naturally—shared blankets, casual touches, lingering glances. Both struggle with their feelings, afraid to risk the friendship they cherish. A series of vulnerable confessions and gentle experiments—cuddling, hand-holding, playful teasing—culminate in a night of mutual pleasure, where they explore each other's bodies with care and respect. Their sexual dynamic is shaped by consent, communication, and a shared desire for gentle dominance and submission. The experience is transformative, deepening their bond and opening new possibilities.

Facing the Past

Encounters with the past—Beryl's cult history, Greid's ex Agma—threaten their newfound happiness. Beryl struggles with shame and fear of judgment, while Greid confronts the pain of past rejection and betrayal. Together, they face these challenges with honesty and support, refusing to let old wounds define them. Beryl stands up to Agma, defending Greid and reclaiming her own narrative. Greid supports Beryl as she navigates her complicated feelings about the cult and her aunt. Their love becomes a source of healing and strength.

Finding Purpose

With Greid's encouragement, Beryl pursues her interests—cooking, collecting art, building friendships outside the cult. She finds purpose in her work and pride in her independence. Greid, inspired by Beryl's bravery, reconnects with his family and embraces his own needs and desires. They support each other's growth, celebrating successes and comforting each other through setbacks. Their home becomes a sanctuary, filled with warmth, laughter, and the freedom to be themselves.

Becoming More

The slow burn of their relationship culminates in mutual confessions of love. Both are nervous, unsure if their feelings are reciprocated, but the relief and joy of being truly seen and accepted is overwhelming. They move in together fully, merging their lives and routines. Their love is marked by acceptance, playfulness, and a deep sense of partnership. They imagine a future together—holidays with family, shared traditions, and the promise of always having each other's backs.

Love and Acceptance

Beryl is welcomed into Greid's large, chaotic family, finding the sense of belonging she's always craved. She navigates the complexities of her past with honesty and courage, supported by Greid and new friends. Together, they build a life defined by love, acceptance, and mutual respect. Their relationship challenges traditional expectations, but they find happiness in their unique dynamic. The story ends with the promise of a future filled with love, laughter, and the freedom to be themselves—together.

Family and Future

Beryl and Greid's journey is one of healing, growth, and transformation. They've overcome loneliness, shame, and the weight of the past to build a life rooted in honesty and love. Surrounded by family and friends, they look to the future with hope and excitement. Their story is a testament to the power of vulnerability, the importance of chosen family, and the beauty of finding someone who accepts you—completely, flaws and all. Together, they step into a new chapter, ready to face whatever comes next, hand in hand.

Characters

Beryl

Beryl is a resilient, pragmatic woman shaped by childhood neglect and abandonment. Raised in a cult that worships demiurgus, she's always been an outsider, playing along for survival while secretly yearning for more. Her relationship with her aunt Violet is her anchor, but she's haunted by the sense that she's wasting her life. Beryl is fiercely independent, witty, and skeptical, with a deep need for safety and control. Her struggles with vaginismus and aversion to penetration are sources of vulnerability, but she refuses to let them define her worth. Over the course of the story, Beryl grows from a cautious survivor to a confident, loving partner, embracing her desires and building a life of her own choosing. Her journey is one of self-acceptance, healing, and the discovery of true belonging.

Greid

Greid is a demiurgus who defies every myth about his kind. Socially anxious, introverted, and deeply sensitive, he's spent his life feeling like an outsider—rejected by family, friends, and lovers for not fitting the dominant, aggressive mold. His submissive nature and desire for gentle intimacy have been sources of shame, especially after a painful breakup with Agma, who betrayed his trust. Greid is creative, nurturing, and quietly funny, finding solace in his art and the comfort of routine. His loneliness is profound, but he's brave enough to seek companionship, even at the risk of humiliation. With Beryl, he finds acceptance and the freedom to be himself. Their relationship allows him to heal old wounds, embrace his desires, and imagine a future filled with love and safety.

Violet

Violet is Beryl's aunt and surrogate mother, a survivor who's learned to play the system for survival. She's fiercely protective of Beryl, guiding her through the cult's dangers and shielding her from indoctrination. Violet's own past is marked by hardship—prison, addiction, and estrangement from family—but she's found peace in the cult's stability. Her love for Beryl is unconditional, and she supports her niece's journey toward independence, even when it means letting go. Violet's presence is a source of wisdom, comfort, and grounding for Beryl.

Agma

Agma is Greid's former partner, a demiurgus who embodies the dominant, aggressive expectations of her kind. She's critical, dismissive, and ultimately betrays Greid's trust by sharing his vulnerabilities with others. Agma's inability to accept Greid's submissive nature leaves him wounded and isolated. Her reappearance in the story forces both Greid and Beryl to confront the pain of past rejection and the importance of self-acceptance. Agma is not a villain, but a product of her culture's rigid norms, serving as a catalyst for Greid's growth.

Mani

Mani is the manager of the bar where Beryl finds work. She's shrewd, compassionate, and unflappable, offering Beryl a chance when others might judge her for her past. Mani's acceptance and encouragement help Beryl build confidence and find purpose outside the cult. She becomes a mentor and friend, providing a safe space for Beryl to grow and heal. Mani's own relationship with her partner Ron models healthy, supportive love.

Kiti

Kiti is Greid's sister, a vibrant, mischievous presence who brings humor and warmth to the story. She's fiercely loyal to her family, quick to defend Greid, and eager to welcome Beryl into the fold. Kiti's teasing masks a deep affection, and her support helps Beryl feel at home among the demiurgus. She's a bridge between past and future, embodying the messy, loving chaos of chosen family.

Laki

Laki is Greid's nonbinary sibling, a laid-back, creative soul with a talent for gardening and a knack for making others feel at ease. Laki's acceptance of Beryl is immediate and unconditional, offering a model of open-mindedness and quiet strength. Their presence in the family underscores the story's themes of diversity, acceptance, and the importance of forging one's own path.

Una

Una is Greid's mother, a force of nature whose love for her children is boundless. She's overbearing, sentimental, and fiercely proud, creating a home filled with warmth, food, and tradition. Una's acceptance of Beryl is immediate, and her embrace of chosen family offers Beryl the sense of belonging she's always craved. Una's presence is a reminder that love can heal old wounds and create new possibilities.

Corva

Corva is Beryl's first true friend outside the cult—a sophisticated, bisexual demiurgus with a sharp wit and a generous heart. She encourages Beryl to explore the city, try new things, and embrace her desires. Corva's acceptance and friendship help Beryl build confidence and expand her world. She models the possibility of healthy, supportive relationships beyond romance.

The High Priest

The high priest is the embodiment of the cult's power and expectations—a figure of authority, ritual, and manipulation. He enforces the cult's rules, orchestrates the choosing ceremony, and polices dissent. His presence is a constant reminder of the dangers of conformity and the importance of autonomy. For Beryl, he represents the past she must escape to find freedom.

Plot Devices

Subversion of Power Dynamics

The story upends traditional power dynamics, both in the cult's mythology and in romance tropes. Greid, a demiurgus expected to be dominant and virile, is instead gentle, submissive, and craving care. Beryl, shaped by trauma and a need for control, finds empowerment in gentle dominance. Their relationship is built on consent, communication, and mutual respect, challenging the cult's—and society's—expectations of gender, sexuality, and power.

Found Family and Chosen Bonds

Both Beryl and Greid are outsiders, rejected by their families and communities for failing to conform. The story uses the motif of found family—through Greid's siblings, Beryl's friendship with Corva, and their shared home—to explore the healing power of acceptance. The narrative structure moves from isolation to community, from survival to flourishing, as both characters build a life rooted in love and chosen bonds.

Escaping and Reclaiming the Past

The cult, with its rituals, authority, and sexualized myths, is both a literal and symbolic prison. Beryl's journey is one of escape, but also of reclaiming her narrative—facing shame, fear, and the weight of her upbringing. Greid's past—marked by rejection and betrayal—must also be confronted and healed. The story uses foreshadowing (the threat of being chosen, the specter of Agma) and parallel arcs to show that true freedom comes from honesty, vulnerability, and the courage to be oneself.

Humor and Domesticity as Healing

The narrative is laced with humor, domestic rituals, and the pleasures of ordinary life—shared meals, TV marathons, inside jokes, and gentle teasing. These moments are not mere filler; they are the foundation of healing and intimacy. The story uses these plot devices to show that love is built in the mundane, and that safety and joy can be found in the smallest acts of care.

Narrative Structure and Pacing

The story unfolds as a slow burn, allowing trust and intimacy to develop organically. The dual perspectives of Beryl and Greid offer insight into their inner worlds, fears, and desires, creating dramatic irony and emotional depth. The pacing mirrors their journey—tentative steps, setbacks, and breakthroughs—culminating in mutual confessions of love and a shared vision for the future.

Analysis

"Berries and Greed" is a subversive, tender exploration of love, healing, and the power of chosen family. At its core, the novel dismantles the myths of dominance, virility, and conformity—whether in cults, relationships, or society at large. Through Beryl and Greid, Lily Mayne crafts a romance that is both deeply personal and quietly radical: a story where vulnerability is strength, and where true intimacy is built on consent, communication, and mutual care. The narrative challenges the idea that worth is tied to sexual performance, gender roles, or the ability to fit in. Instead, it celebrates the messy, joyful process of self-discovery and the courage it takes to claim happiness on one's own terms. The lessons are clear: healing is possible, love is transformative, and the families we choose can be more powerful than the ones we're born into. In a world obsessed with power and perfection, "Berries and Greed" offers a vision of love that is gentle, honest, and gloriously imperfect—a reminder that we are all worthy of acceptance, just as we are.

Last updated: January 7, 2026