Bloodlines and Curses

In a world ruled by the secretive Society, the Delacroix and Wildblood families are bound by a centuries-old curse. The Delacroixs, descended from the Penitent who condemned the first Wildblood witch, and the Wildbloods, marked by the crescent moon, are locked in a cycle of sacrifice and tragedy. The Society, with its own brutal laws and rituals, demands a Tithing: every generation, a Wildblood woman is chosen to be sacrificed to a Delacroix heir. The curse, born from Elizabeth Wildblood's execution, ensures that neither family can escape their fates. The story opens with Azrael Delacroix haunted by ancestral nightmares, and Willow Wildblood, the latest marked daughter, preparing for the inevitable.

The Chosen Wildblood

Willow Wildblood, surrounded by her loving but anxious family, faces her twenty-second birthday with dread. The crescent moon birthmark on her breast marks her as the next Sacrifice, a role she cannot escape. Her family's attempts at normalcy—cake, gifts, and affection—are overshadowed by the knowledge that she will be taken by the Delacroixs. Willow's mother pleads for her to run, but Willow refuses, unwilling to endanger her sisters. She accepts her fate with stoic resolve, determined to protect her family even as she is offered up to their enemies.

Nightmares of the Past

Azrael Delacroix is tormented by vivid dreams in which he becomes Isaiah Delacroix, the original Penitent, reliving the execution of Elizabeth Wildblood. These nightmares blur the line between past and present, filling Azrael with guilt and dread. The Delacroix family, led by the cold and manipulative Salomé, is fractured by loss and the weight of tradition. Azrael's siblings, Emmanuel and the frail Rébecca, depend on him to uphold the family's legacy, even as the curse threatens to destroy them all. The past is never far, and Azrael's sense of duty wars with his growing sense of horror.

The Tithing Ceremony

The Tithing ceremony is a spectacle of power and humiliation. The Delacroix brothers arrive at the Wildblood home to select the Sacrifice. The Wildblood sisters, dressed in black and painted in defiance, stand together as Azrael inspects them for the mark. One by one, he dismisses them until he finds the crescent moon on Willow. Their eyes lock, and a dark, electric connection passes between them. Willow is claimed, her fate sealed. The ceremony is both a public shaming and a private reckoning, as both families confront the cost of their ancient pact.

Bound by Duty

Azrael and Willow are bound together by forces beyond their control. The marriage is not one of love, but of necessity and survival. Azrael, torn between his duty to his family and his revulsion at the curse, tries to maintain distance. Willow, equally determined not to be broken, meets his coldness with her own strength. Both are haunted by the knowledge that their union is a prelude to sacrifice. The Society's rules are clear: Willow must be marked, claimed, and ultimately destroyed to appease the curse. Yet, beneath the surface, a dangerous attraction simmers.

The Sacrifice Claimed

The wedding is a grim affair, witnessed by masked members of the Society. Willow, refusing to wear white, walks the aisle in black, asserting her identity even as she is given away. After the vows, she is taken to the Society's compound, where she is bound, collared, and branded with the Delacroix insignia. The ritual is both physical and psychological, marking her as property. Azrael, performing his role with grim efficiency, is unsettled by Willow's defiance and vulnerability. The witnesses are titillated by the spectacle, but for Azrael and Willow, it is a moment of profound violation and reluctant intimacy.

Marriage of Enemies

In the Delacroix mansion, Azrael and Willow's relationship is a battlefield. Their first night is a collision of dominance and resistance, pain and pleasure. Azrael, driven by duty and desire, claims Willow's body, but is unsettled by her innocence and the unexpected tenderness that surfaces. Willow, terrified but unbroken, finds herself drawn to the man she should hate. Their physical connection is electric, blurring the lines between captor and captive. Both are changed by the encounter, and the seeds of something deeper—trust, perhaps even love—are sown amidst the violence.

Marked and Branded

Willow's days in the Delacroix house are marked by constant surveillance and subtle rebellion. She befriends Rébecca, the sickly sister, and decorates her rooms with witchy artifacts to provoke Salomé. Azrael, torn between his grandmother's demands and his growing feelings for Willow, struggles to maintain control. The house is haunted by secrets, and Willow's presence stirs old wounds. As she learns more about the Delacroix curse and the true nature of the Sacrifice, Willow begins to question her own beliefs. The boundaries between enemy and ally blur, and both she and Azrael are forced to confront uncomfortable truths.

The Beast's Claim

The relationship between Azrael and Willow intensifies, oscillating between cruelty and tenderness. Azrael's need to dominate is matched by Willow's refusal to submit, creating a volatile dynamic. Their encounters are charged with violence and passion, each trying to assert control. Yet, in moments of vulnerability, they find solace in each other. Azrael is haunted by guilt and the fear that he is becoming the monster of his nightmares. Willow, despite her hatred, cannot deny the pull she feels toward him. Their connection becomes a lifeline, even as it threatens to destroy them both.

Secrets and Shadows

The Delacroix house is a labyrinth of secrets. Rébecca's mysterious illness worsens, and Willow suspects Salomé of poisoning her. Azrael, blinded by loyalty and fear, refuses to see the truth. The Society's rituals and the curse's demands weigh heavily on everyone. Willow's sisters visit, bringing news of threats from the outside world—letters from the Disciples, a group of witch hunters. The danger is no longer confined to the Delacroix estate. As the storm gathers, Willow and Azrael are forced to choose between loyalty to their families and the possibility of breaking the cycle of violence.

The Witch's Awakening

Willow's connection to her ancestor Elizabeth deepens, manifesting in dreams and warnings. She begins to trust her intuition, sensing the evil that lurks in the house and the true nature of the curse. Her bond with Rébecca grows, and she becomes determined to save the girl from Salomé's clutches. Willow's magic is subtle but potent, a force of protection and healing. As she claims her power, she becomes a threat to the status quo. The Society, Salomé, and even Azrael are forced to reckon with the possibility that the Wildbloods are not so easily destroyed.

Sisterhood and Betrayal

The bonds of sisterhood are tested as Willow and her sisters plot to protect each other from the Disciples and the Delacroixs. Betrayals come from unexpected quarters—Salomé's machinations, Azrael's secrets, and the Society's relentless demands. Willow discovers the Book of Tithes, a record of every Wildblood sacrifice, and learns the horrifying truth: each Delacroix Penitent has murdered his Wildblood bride. The realization shatters her trust in Azrael and forces her to confront the reality of her fate. Desperate, she plans an escape, determined to save herself and Rébecca before it is too late.

The Delacroix Curse

Azrael is consumed by guilt and the burden of his family's legacy. The anniversary of his twin brother Abacus's suicide brings old wounds to the surface. The curse, once an abstract threat, becomes personal and immediate. Azrael's love for his sister and his growing feelings for Willow are at odds with the demands of the Society and his grandmother. The past is inescapable, and every attempt to break free only tightens the noose. The Delacroixs are trapped by their own history, and Azrael must decide whether to perpetuate the cycle or risk everything for a different future.

The Demon's Bargain

Salomé, the architect of much of the family's misery, strikes a bargain with Willow: the truth about the Sacrifice in exchange for a lock of her hair. Willow, desperate for answers, agrees. The Book of Tithes reveals the full horror of the Delacroix legacy—every Wildblood bride has been murdered by her husband, and Azrael has signed the contract to continue the tradition. The betrayal is devastating, and Willow's faith in Azrael is shattered. Salomé's power is at its zenith, and the forces of darkness seem unstoppable.

The Price of Protection

The Disciples, emboldened witch hunters, close in on the Wildbloods. Letters and threats escalate, and the Delacroixs realize that the danger is not just from the curse, but from the outside world. Emmanuel and Azrael scramble to protect their families, but the Society's rules and their own secrets hinder them. Willow's sisters are targeted, and the sense of impending doom grows. The price of protection is steep, and sacrifices must be made. The lines between friend and foe blur, and survival becomes the only goal.

The Gathering Storm

Rébecca's illness reaches a crisis point, and Willow suspects Salomé of poisoning her. Azrael, torn between loyalty and love, locks Willow away, refusing to believe her accusations. Willow, with the help of her sisters, plans a daring escape, determined to save Rébecca and herself. The storm outside mirrors the chaos within, as secrets are revealed and alliances shift. The Society's grip tightens, and the threat from the Disciples becomes imminent. The stage is set for a final confrontation, and the cost of freedom is higher than ever.

The Anniversary of Loss

On the anniversary of Abacus's death, Azrael is haunted by memories and the knowledge that he may soon lose his sister as well. The curse demands a sacrifice, and the pressure from Salomé and the Society is relentless. Azrael's love for Willow and Rébecca is at war with his sense of duty. The past and present collide, and the choices he makes will determine the fate of both families. The weight of loss is crushing, and the possibility of redemption seems distant.

The Book of Tithes

Willow, betrayed by Azrael and armed with the truth from the Book of Tithes, makes her escape with Rébecca. The Disciples strike, capturing Willow, her sister, and Rébecca. The cycle of violence threatens to repeat, and the curse looms larger than ever. Azrael, realizing too late the depth of his love and the cost of his choices, is left to confront the consequences. The story ends on a cliffhanger, with Willow and her loved ones in mortal danger, and the fate of the Delacroix and Wildblood families hanging in the balance.

Characters

Azrael Delacroix

Azrael is the reluctant head of the Delacroix family, burdened by the legacy of the Penitent and the curse that demands a Wildblood sacrifice. He is tall, imposing, and marked by both physical and emotional scars. Azrael's psyche is fractured by guilt, nightmares, and the weight of tradition. His relationship with his siblings, especially the frail Rébecca, is protective and loving, but his interactions with his grandmother Salomé are fraught with tension. Azrael's development is a journey from cold duty to conflicted passion, as his feelings for Willow force him to question everything he has been taught. He is both captor and captive, struggling to break free from the cycle of violence that defines his family.

Willow Wildblood

Willow is the latest in a long line of Wildblood women marked for sacrifice. She is strong-willed, intelligent, and fiercely protective of her family. The crescent moon birthmark on her breast is both a curse and a badge of honor. Willow's relationship with her sisters is the emotional core of her character, and her bond with Rébecca becomes a source of hope and vulnerability. Psychologically, Willow is shaped by trauma, intuition, and a deep connection to her ancestor Elizabeth. Her journey is one of resistance, awakening, and ultimately betrayal, as she learns the true cost of the curse and the depth of Azrael's deception.

Salomé Delacroix

Salomé is the cold, calculating grandmother who rules the Delacroix family with an iron fist. She is obsessed with the curse, the Society's rituals, and the power of Shemhazai, the demon-angel. Salomé's relationship with her grandchildren is toxic, especially with Azrael, whom she seeks to control. She is the architect of much of the family's misery, orchestrating the Tithing and manipulating events to ensure the curse is fulfilled. Psychologically, Salomé is driven by fanaticism, a need for control, and a willingness to sacrifice anyone for the family's survival.

Rébecca Delacroix

Rébecca is Azrael's younger sister, physically weak and mysteriously ill. She is gentle, kind, and largely sheltered from the horrors of the family's legacy. Her relationship with Azrael is one of dependence and trust, while her bond with Willow becomes a source of comfort and strength. Psychologically, Rébecca represents innocence and the possibility of redemption. Her illness is both a literal and symbolic manifestation of the family's curse, and her fate is a driving force for Azrael's actions.

Emmanuel Delacroix

Emmanuel is Azrael's brother, pragmatic and fiercely loyal to his family. He is less burdened by the curse than Azrael, but still shaped by the family's history. Emmanuel's relationship with his siblings is protective, and he is often the voice of reason. He is skeptical of the Society's rituals and Salomé's fanaticism, but ultimately bound by loyalty. Psychologically, Emmanuel is a survivor, navigating the treacherous waters of family, tradition, and danger.

Raven Wildblood

Raven is Willow's closest sister, sharing a deep bond forged by shared trauma and love. She is bold, outspoken, and unafraid to challenge authority. Raven's relationship with Willow is one of mutual support, and she becomes a key ally in the fight against the curse and the Disciples. Psychologically, Raven is driven by loyalty, a sense of justice, and a willingness to risk everything for her family.

Cordelia, Winter, and Aurora Wildblood

The younger Wildblood sisters are less directly involved in the central conflict, but their presence is a constant reminder of what is at stake. They are innocent, loving, and supportive, forming a tight-knit unit with Willow and Raven. Psychologically, they represent hope, the future, and the cost of sacrifice.

Elizabeth Wildblood

Elizabeth is the original Wildblood witch, executed by Isaiah Delacroix. Her spirit haunts both families, appearing in dreams and visions. She is both victim and avenger, her curse shaping the destinies of her descendants. Psychologically, Elizabeth is a symbol of resistance, trauma, and the enduring power of memory.

The Disciples

The Disciples are a group of religious zealots dedicated to hunting and destroying witches. They represent the external danger that threatens both the Wildbloods and the Delacroixs. Psychologically, they are driven by hatred, fear, and a perverse sense of righteousness.

Caleb Church

Caleb is Willow's former tormentor, a member of the Disciples who attempted to rape and murder her. His return signals the resurgence of external threats and the persistence of past trauma. Psychologically, Caleb is a predator, driven by obsession and a desire for control.

Plot Devices

Generational Curse

The central plot device is the generational curse that binds the Delacroix and Wildblood families. This curse, born from the execution of Elizabeth Wildblood, ensures that every generation, a Wildblood woman is sacrificed to a Delacroix heir. The curse is both literal and symbolic, representing the inescapable weight of history, the transmission of trauma, and the destructive power of tradition. It drives the narrative, shaping the characters' choices and the structure of the story.

Dual Perspectives

The story is told through the alternating perspectives of Azrael and Willow, allowing readers to experience the conflict from both sides. This narrative structure deepens empathy, reveals hidden motivations, and heightens the tension between captor and captive. It also allows for dramatic irony, as each character withholds secrets from the other, and the reader is privy to both.

Ritual and Symbolism

Rituals—the Tithing, the branding, the marriage, the offering—are central to the plot, reinforcing the power of tradition and the Society's control. Symbols such as the crescent moon, the Delacroix insignia, and the Book of Tithes carry deep meaning, representing identity, ownership, and the inescapability of fate. These devices are used to explore themes of power, submission, and resistance.

Foreshadowing and Dreams

Azrael's nightmares and Willow's dreams of Elizabeth Wildblood serve as foreshadowing, linking past and present and hinting at the unfolding tragedy. These visions blur the boundaries between reality and memory, creating a sense of inevitability and doom. They also provide insight into the characters' psyches and the true nature of the curse.

External Threats

The introduction of the Disciples and the escalating threats from outside the Delacroix estate add a layer of suspense and urgency. The letters, attacks, and eventual abduction of Willow and her sisters raise the stakes and force the characters to confront dangers beyond their own making. This device serves to unite the families against a common enemy, even as internal conflicts persist.

The Book of Tithes

The Book of Tithes is a key plot device, containing the recorded history of every Wildblood sacrifice. Its discovery by Willow is a turning point, revealing the true horror of the Delacroix legacy and shattering her trust in Azrael. The book serves as both evidence and indictment, forcing the characters to confront the reality of their actions and the possibility of change.

Analysis

The Tithing is a dark, atmospheric exploration of inherited trauma, the weight of tradition, and the struggle for agency in the face of overwhelming forces. At its core, the novel interrogates the ways in which families and societies perpetuate cycles of violence, often under the guise of protection or duty. The curse that binds the Delacroix and Wildblood families is both literal and metaphorical, representing the inescapable grip of history and the difficulty of forging a new path. Through the dual perspectives of Azrael and Willow, the story examines the psychological toll of being both victim and perpetrator, and the ways in which love, loyalty, and resistance can coexist with hatred and fear. The novel's use of ritual, symbolism, and foreshadowing creates a sense of inevitability, yet it also offers glimpses of hope—the possibility that cycles can be broken, that agency can be reclaimed, and that even in the darkest of circumstances, connection and compassion can endure. The cliffhanger ending underscores the precariousness of survival and the ongoing struggle to define one's own fate.

Last updated: January 7, 2026