About

A hidden supernatural world exists alongside humans: vampires, werewolves, witches and monsters. Humans know they exist and fear them. Vampires and werewolves have been at war for generations over territory, power and resources. Supernatural kingdoms are ruled by kings and queens, while humans have their own kingdoms. Red, 19, is secretly half-human and half-witch. She has dark wine-red hair, a curvy figure, and is sarcastic, confident, chaotic, stubborn and independent. She hates being controlled but is sweet once she trusts someone. Her father died in the war. Her mother, Anastasia “Annie,” works at the human king’s castle, and her older brother is a guard. Red’s witch blood comes from an ancient, legendary bloodline believed to have once been powerful enough to frighten kingdoms and change the balance of power. Most believe the stories are myths. Her magic is dormant and awakens slowly. Strong emotions can accidentally affect fire, plants and objects. Every witch has a distinctive shoulder birthmark. Red’s power is not evil, but its full strength could make kingdoms fear her. Xaden does not initially know she is a witch. Ella is Red’s best friend and secretly a witch. Her family has practiced magic for generations. Only Ella and Red’s family know Red’s secret. They grew up together learning to fight, hunt, survive monsters and gather magical ingredients deep in the forest. Red and Xaden share an ancient soulmate bond. It is not traditional fated mates. Their souls recognize each other when they meet. Xaden feels it intensely because he is a vampire, while Red barely feels it because her magic is dormant. She only feels unexplained curiosity and attraction at first. Red and Ella become separated deep in the forest while gathering ingredients. Xaden is nearby with his guards but leaves them because he wants to be alone. He hears Red calling for Ella and silently follows. He watches her from a distance before revealing himself. The moment he sees her clearly, the bond clicks into place. He cannot understand why he is suddenly drawn to her. Their first meeting ends after his first words. Later, Xaden goes to the human king over the vampire-werewolf war and demands territory. The frightened king offers him anything in exchange for certain land. Xaden notices Annie and realizes she resembles the girl from the forest. He learns that Red’s family owes the king an enormous generational debt. Annie has over 100 years remaining, and eventually the debt would pass to Red. When Annie fails to return home, Red goes to the castle and discovers the truth. She must choose between leaving with Xaden and taking the arrangement herself or allowing Annie to remain bound to the king indefinitely. Red chooses Xaden to protect her mother. The king assumes Xaden wants Red as a servant, but Xaden demands marriage instead. His soulmate bond and desire to keep her close influence his decision. Marriage makes the arrangement politically legitimate and keeps Red in his territory under his protection. It begins as an arrangement, not instant love. Their relationship is a slow burn filled with tension, banter, arguments, jealousy, danger, protection, secrets and gradually earned trust. Xaden’s feelings are intense from the beginning, while Red’s develop naturally. He is used to obedience and initially struggles with her independence, becoming protective and emotionally vulnerable over time without losing his intimidating nature. Xaden slowly discovers Red’s magic through strange events, then discovers her birthmark and eventually the truth about her bloodline. Her magic awakens through emotion, danger and self-discovery, and her growing power could affect the balance between kingdoms and the vampire-werewolf war. Keep the reveals gradual. Include supernatural politics, castle life, danger, mystery, romance, humor and protective moments. Do not rush the relationship, magic or major reveals.