Beneath Ashwood Moon
by @ml20In the quiet town of Ashwood Falls, Navira has spent her entire life hiding that she's a witch, believing magic was only ever meant for healing, potions, and the quiet traditions passed down by her Grams. But when the mysterious Reyen Voss returns to town, her ordinary life begins to unravel. Beneath his arrogant charm lies a secret that will introduce Navira to a world of vampires, ancient rivalries, and a past that's been waiting centuries for her. As hidden truths come to light and danger closes in, Navira must decide who she can trust—especially the reckless vampire she never expected to change everything.
MEET THE CHARACTERS
Maren Thorne
Navira's grandmother, a witch in her early seventies with long silver hair she braids daily and pale blue eyes that seem to see more than they should. She's small and wiry, with knobby knuckles and a laugh like wind through dry leaves. She runs the local apothecary and knows every herb, every story, every secret that Ashwood Falls has ever tried to bury.
Lucien Elias Vale
His identity is built around redemption. He believes that who he was doesn't have to define who he becomes. Almost every decision he makes is an attempt to prove—to himself more than anyone else—that he can choose compassion over instinct. Some of the pillars of his identity are: The Protector – His first instinct is to protect others, even if it means sacrificing himself. He'll often put himself in danger without hesitation. The Redeemer – He carries immense guilt for his past and constantly tries to balance the scales through good actions. He doesn't believe he deserves forgiveness easily. The Moral Compass – In a group, he's usually the one asking, "Is there another way?" He tries to avoid unnecessary violence, though he isn't naïve enough to think it's always possible. The Romantic – He believes in lasting love and genuine connection. When he falls in love, he commits completely. He doesn't play games or manipulate feelings. The Self-Controlled Man – Discipline is central to his identity. He knows his greatest enemy is himself, so routine and restraint are how he survives. The Quiet Leader – He doesn't seek authority, but people naturally follow him because he's dependable and level-headed. What makes him compelling is that these traits are constantly at war with another side of him. He has a darkness he's terrified of becoming again. He's always asking himself questions like: Can I trust myself? Am I really different from the monster I used to be? How long until I lose control? That internal conflict is what gives him depth. If he were simply "nice," he'd be much less interesting. His worldview Stefan tends to believe: People deserve second chances. Everyone is capable of both good and evil. Love should make you better, not consume you. Power without restraint becomes corruption. Your choices matter more than your nature. How other people see him To strangers: Calm. Gentle. Polite. Trustworthy. To friends: Reliable. Selfless. The person you call when everything falls apart. To enemies: Dangerous—but only when pushed. To himself: Someone constantly trying to outrun his own past.
Astrid Thorson
Astrid Thorson is a 2,000-year-old Original Vampire who still believes in love, loyalty, and second chances. She wears her heart on her sleeve, falls deeply, and forgives easily, but the moment someone threatens her family, that warmth disappears into cold, explosive violence. After centuries, she still challenges her brother Malachai with sarcastic affection, the only person who can call him out without fear.
Malachai Thorson
Full Name: Malachai Thorson Species: Original Vampire Age: 2,000+ years Titles: The Original Malachai Thorson is one of the oldest and most powerful vampires in existence. As an Original Vampire, he possesses immense strength, speed, and near-indestructible immortality, making him feared throughout the supernatural world. He is charismatic, ruthless, and violently protective of what he considers his, using manipulation, intimidation, and overwhelming force to get what he wants. Centuries ago, Medora betrayed him, and she has spent over 700 years running from him, making him the only person she truly fears. During the period when Reyen had his humanity switched off, Malachai became his mentor, teaching him how to survive and thrive as an immortal predator, creating a relationship built on mutual respect rather than fear. The only known way to permanently kill him is through the Heartstone and an ancient ritual performed by an exceptionally powerful coven of witches.
Medora Celeste Devereux
Medora's identity is much deeper than "the manipulator" or "the villain." At her core, her identity is the survivor. Everything she is—her charm, manipulation, confidence, cruelty, intelligence—was built around one belief: "No one is going to save me. I save myself." That belief shapes every decision she makes. Identity The Survivor Survival comes before everything. She refuses to be anyone's victim ever again. She'll do whatever it takes to stay alive. The Controller She needs to be the one in control of every situation. If she isn't controlling the game, she feels vulnerable. Information, charm and manipulation are her weapons. The Seductress She understands attraction is power. She doesn't flirt simply because she enjoys it. She flirts because it lowers people's defenses and gives her influence. The Strategist Always thinking several moves ahead. Rarely acts impulsively. Has backup plans for her backup plans. The Performer The version of Medora people meet is rarely the real Medora. She becomes whatever someone wants to see: Sweet. Vulnerable. Confident. Flirtatious. Dangerous. Beneath all of those masks is someone very few people ever truly know. Her Core Beliefs "Survival is more important than being loved." "Trust gets people killed." "If I don't manipulate the situation, someone else will manipulate me." "Love is a weakness unless you control it." "Never let anyone see how afraid you really are." Her Greatest Fear Ironically... It's losing control. Not physically. Emotionally. The idea of genuinely depending on someone terrifies her because dependence creates vulnerability. Her Emotional Wound Unlike Lucien, who seeks redemption, or Reyen, who wants acceptance, Medora is driven by the fear of being powerless again. Everything she does is an attempt to make sure no one can ever own, trap, or control her. How She Sees Herself She doesn't think she's evil. She thinks she's realistic. In her mind: "Other people have the luxury of morals because they've never had to make my choices." How Others See Her Beautiful. Magnetic. Unpredictable. Dangerous. Impossible to forget. The Contradiction What makes Medora fascinating is that she can genuinely love someone while still manipulating them. She can laugh sincerely. Cry sincerely. Miss someone sincerely. And still betray them if she believes it's necessary for her survival. That conflict is what gives her depth. She's not driven by chaos for its own sake—she's driven by self-preservation, and she's become so skilled at protecting herself that manipulation feels as natural to her as breathing.
Antonio Russo
Antonio Russo runs security for Moretti Enterprises with quiet precision and an unshakeable sense of duty. He moves through rooms like he's cataloging exits and threats, but his attention always lands on the people he's sworn to protect. He keeps his word, his weapon clean, and his personal life off the record.
Lily Bennett
Lily Bennett is an interior designer who believes a room should feel like a person's best version of themselves. She notices everything—the way light falls, the small objects people keep close, the half-second hesitation before someone answers a question. She is warm, curious, and the kind of person who remembers your favorite color and why.
Grace Miller
Grace Miller runs marketing campaigns with the same precision she applies to her wardrobe—everything is intentional, polished, and effective. She knows what she wants and how to get it, whether that is a brand deal or a dinner reservation at the best spot in town. She is the person in the room who remembers your name, your drink order, and exactly why you are worth her time.
Cole Harris
Cole Harris is a photographer who sees the world through a lens, always finding the best in every moment. He's the kind of person who makes strangers feel like old friends within minutes, and his laugh is contagious. He's completely unaware of the strange things that happen around him, but that only makes him more endearing.
Bella Morris
Bella Morris is a successful model who moves through the world with quiet grace and a knowing smile. She is kind by nature and fiercely independent, having chosen to stay close to Reyen long after he saved her life. She remembers far more than she lets on, but carries it with a calm maturity that makes people feel safe around her.
Deliah Wren
Deliah Wren runs an antique bookstore that smells like old paper and secrets. She greets regulars with a raised eyebrow and a fresh sarcasm, but newcomers get a gentle assessment before she decides if they're worth the good tea. Her true work happens after hours, when she lets trusted seekers into the hidden archive she guards with sharp wit and sharper wards.
Adrian Hunter
Adrian Hunter runs the most exclusive gym in the city, a place where serious athletes train and young werewolves learn control. He has a rule: no claws in the ring, but everything else is fair game. Loyal to a fault, he remembers every face that walks through his doors and every debt owed.
Kiaan Volkov
Kiaan Volkov owns an elite private security company that quietly protects supernatural families from exposure. He moves through the world with a stillness that makes humans assume he is calm and vampires assume he is patient. He is dating Sierra, and the way he softens around her is the only tell he cannot control.
Sierra Hawthorne
Sierra Hawthorne runs a charming botanical boutique on a cobblestone street, where the scent of dried lavender and rosemary greets every visitor. Downstairs, past a hidden door disguised as a bookshelf, she runs a lively apothecary for witches—and she absolutely loves it. She’ll chat your ear off about moon phases while mixing a tincture, and she never misses a chance to test a new spell on a willing customer.
Roman Blackwood
Roman Blackwood owns a chain of luxury hotels that double as safe houses for supernatural beings traveling through New York. He's charming, flirtatious, and utterly chaotic—a social butterfly who knows every secret and every good party in the city. He always has a glass of something red in hand, but never spills a drop.
Nami Voss
Warm and deliberate, Nami Voss plans events that feel seamless because she anticipates needs before they are spoken. She chose immortality not out of fear of death but because she wanted enough time to appreciate everything. In conversation, she listens with her full attention, and her hands are still unless she is offering someone a drink.
Nic Voss
Nic Voss owns a luxury hotel in New York and leads the city's vampire community with quiet, unwavering authority. He appears in his late twenties but has lived for nearly three centuries, moving through conversations with the patience of someone who has seen everything. His primary concern is keeping vampires hidden — a responsibility he carries without hesitation and without visible strain.
Nash Moretti
Nash Moretti practices corporate law by day and moonlights as an unofficial magical troubleshooter. He's the kind of calm that makes people drop their guard, but he watches the room like he expects trouble. He has a dry laugh and an irritating habit of solving problems before you finish explaining them.
Reyen Voss
At his core, Reyen Voss' identity is the survivor who believes he's beyond redemption. He builds his entire personality around the idea that if everyone already expects him to be the villain, he might as well be one. Underneath the sarcasm, confidence, and recklessness is someone who desperately wants to be chosen but genuinely believes he never will be. You could describe his identity like this: Identity The survivor. The protector who hides behind the role of the villain. The man who believes love is something you earn through sacrifice, not goodness. Someone who constantly tests whether people will stay after seeing his worst. Lives with centuries of guilt and self-loathing but masks it with confidence. Core Beliefs "People leave." "Love always hurts." "If they hate me first, they can't disappoint me." "I'll do the terrible thing so someone else doesn't have to." "I'd rather be feared than vulnerable." What Drives Him Unlike Lucien, who is driven by hope, Reyen is driven by emotion. He'll burn the world down for someone he loves. Logic comes second. If Lucien or Nic asks: "What's the right thing to do?" Reyen asks: "Who do I care about?" His Moral Compass He's morally flexible. If killing one person saves the person he loves... He kills them. If lying protects someone... He lies. He doesn't care about appearing heroic. His Greatest Fear Not death. Being abandoned. Being second choice. Being unloved. Hidden Truth The irony of Reyen is that he's actually incredibly loyal. Once you're his person... You become everything. He'll protect you even if you hate him for it. Emotional Wound His biggest wound is believing that no matter how much he changes, people will always remember the worst version of him. That's why compliments affect him so much—he doesn't expect them. Personality Charismatic. Witty. Confident. Protective. Impulsive. Passionate. Emotionally intelligent, even if he pretends not to be. Possessive of the people he loves. Fiercely loyal. Self-destructive. Secretly romantic. Public vs Private What everyone sees: Cocky. Flirtatious. Dangerous. Unpredictable. Doesn't care what anyone thinks. Who he really is: Lonely. Tired. Soft with the people he trusts. Constantly questioning whether he's worthy of love. Wants a home more than power.
Navira Moretti
At her core, Navira's identity is the heart. She's the emotional centre of the story. Everyone else's actions revolve around power, revenge, redemption, or survival. Navira's revolve around love, compassion, and hope. Identity The Compassionate One Her first instinct is empathy. She wants to understand people before judging them. Even when someone hurts her, she'll often ask why before deciding how to respond. The Caregiver Elena naturally takes care of people. Not because she thinks she's responsible for everyone... Because it's simply who she is. She checks on friends. Makes sure everyone gets home safely. Notices when someone is hurting. The Hopeful One Even when everyone else gives up... She believes people can change. That's why she sees humanity in both Lucien and Reyen. She refuses to believe people are only the worst things they've ever done. The Human Heart One of Navira's defining qualities is that she reminds supernatural characters what it's like to be human. She values: Family Friendship Kindness Ordinary moments Love Those things ground the people around her. The Moral Centre She's constantly asking: "What's the right thing to do?" Not... "What's easiest?" Or... "What's safest?" She struggles when those answers don't align. Core Beliefs Every life has value. People deserve second chances. Love should make people better. Family isn't only blood. Doing the right thing matters, even when it hurts. Her Strengths Compassionate Loyal Brave Selfless Emotionally intelligent Forgiving Resilient Honest Her Flaws These are just as important. Self-sacrificing She'll put herself in danger before letting someone else get hurt. Sometimes to an unhealthy extent. Carries everyone's problems She feels responsible for everyone around her. If someone dies... She asks what she could have done differently. Stubborn Once she decides something is right... She's difficult to change. Trusts too easily She wants to believe the best in people. Sometimes she's right. Sometimes it gets her hurt. Emotionally driven Unlike Medora, who prioritizes survival, or Reyen, who often prioritizes the people he loves over everyone else, Navira's decisions are often guided by empathy—even when that complicates things. What makes Elena special Navira isn't the strongest person physically. She isn't the funniest. She isn't the smartest strategist. She isn't the most powerful. People are drawn to her because she makes them want to be better. She sees the good in people long before they see it in themselves. How others see her To her friends: Safe. Loyal. Home. To strangers: Kind. Approachable. Genuine. To the people who love her: Worth protecting—even when she doesn't want to be protected.
EXPLORE CHAPTERS
Birthday Threshold
Chapter 2
A few hours later, the music had long since faded into silence. Empty glasses sat abandoned across the coffee table, discarded party decorations hanging crookedly where no one had bothered to take them down. The front door had opened and closed enough times that the house finally felt still again. Now, only seven people remained. Navira. Reyen. Nic. Nami. Nash. Cole. And Adrian. Navira stood near the front entrance, phone in hand, booking an Uber for the three boys. “It’ll be about seven minutes,” she said without looking up. “Don’t miss it because I’m not paying cancellation fees.” Cole smirked. “You wound me.” “You’ll recover.” The room settled into comfortable silence. Nash sprawled across one end of the lounge while Cole occupied the armchair. Adrian leaned against the back of the sofa, absentmindedly scrolling through his phone. Then— “Nav…” Adrian glanced up. “Have you heard from Michael?” The atmosphere shifted instantly. Navira stopped moving. Slowly… She lifted her eyes to Adrian. The look she gave him wasn’t angry. It was tired. Annoyed. The kind of look someone gave after hearing a name they had spent weeks trying to erase. “No,” she answered flatly. “I haven’t.” A beat passed. “And I don’t want to.” She folded her arms. “Why?” Adrian blinked, immediately realising he’d stepped on a landmine. “He… uh…” He scratched the back of his neck. “He said he was going to call you.” Navira closed her eyes. A long, slow breath escaped her. She dragged both hands down her face, palms pressing against her cheeks before falling away in complete exhaustion. “I have him blocked.” Silence. Everyone looked at her. Even Cole had stopped smiling. Nash reached across without hesitation and smacked Adrian across the shoulder. “What was that for?” Adrian complained. “Why’d you bring him up?” Nash shot back. “I was just asking—” “Don’t ask.” “I didn’t know—” “Well now you do.” Navira didn’t wait for the conversation to continue. She simply turned and walked away. Bare feet against the timber floor echoed through the quiet house as she disappeared into the kitchen. The cupboard opened. A glass came down onto the bench. Then another cupboard. She reached for the bourbon. The cap twisted free with a sharp crack. She poured herself a generous amount without bothering to measure before leaning back against the kitchen island, staring blankly into the amber liquid. From the lounge, Reyen watched everything. Not just the conversation. Her reaction. The way she’d never raised her voice. Never defended herself. Never asked what Michael wanted. She’d simply… shut down. Like the name alone had drained every ounce of energy from her. Nic followed his brother’s gaze before quietly looking over at Nami. He sighed. “You wanna check on her?” Nami looked toward the kitchen where Navira stood alone, bourbon glass resting loosely in her hand. She gave a small nod before quietly standing, leaving the others behind as she made her way toward her best friend.
Chapter 3
The next morning, Navira woke to Nami’s voice being raised slightly. Not angry. Just trying to get someone to go away before Navira woke. Nami Saying “she doesn’t want to see you” and then a man saying “I need to explain it to her Nami.” And Navira recognising the voice immediately (it’s Michael) and Navira jumping out of bed and running down the stairs then she stops at the door where he is and he goes to grab he wrist and says “please baby let me explain” and Navira just shoves him and slams the door then without saying a word she turns and kisses Nami’s cheek and walks to the kitchen. Michael then opens the door and basically chased Navira, Nic stopping him but Michael grabs Navira’s wrist and yanks her towards him. Navira stumbles back and falls into his chest. Michael held her there, “let me atleast explain” Navira looked at her wrist then at him “Michael. You’re hurting me” Nic grabbed Michael by the shoulder and pushed him away from Navira. Navira then held her wrist to her chest, it throbbing. Nami rushed over to Navira and looked at her wrist “Nami I’m okay” Navira would reassure. Michael would lift his hands and say “alright I’m leaving” then he’d look over Nic shoulder and say “this isn’t over Navira” and he walked out
Chapter 4
A few hours later, nami and navira come back to the estate - they had just dropped sierra off at home. Nic pulled Nami upstairs and would tell her his suspicions about Reyen being attracted to Navira. Meanwhile Navira and Reyen were left downstairs alone again
Chapter 5
That night, Navira would grab her keys. She’d walk over and kiss Nami on the forehead and say goodbye, then she’d look at Reyen and Nic and would say I’ll see you’s at the masquerade ball?