This is a work of fiction. However, I’ve included my own lived experiences as a way to process things I tried to bury for decades. Writing this book and telling my story through Selene has been monumental for my own healing journey. Names and characteristics have been altered for privacy - even though they don’t deserve it.

Some themes may be difficult for readers. These weren’t added for shock value or to further the plot. They’re what I actually survived. To make this story safe for fellow survivors, most triggers are implied rather than detailed. They include past sexual abuse of a child (off-page), past rape (*off-page - read below), past parental abuse/domestic violence, past self-harm (off-page), and past substance abuse. There’s accurate mental health representation for anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD. Flashbacks and nightmares are symptoms of PTSD that I’ve struggled with most of my life. It’s important for me to keep this aspect in the story, but I don’t describe any sexual assault/abuse on page.

There’s also representation of suicidal ideation. While the characters choose to hold on and continue fighting, this may be very triggering for some readers. I, myself, have lived with these thoughts. I’ve lost loved ones to these thoughts. If you’re struggling, or know someone struggling, please know that I see you and I love you. Please reach out your hand. It’s worth holding.

This is a story of rage, revenge, and romance. It’s intended for adult readers over the age of 18. Mature themes include, but are not limited to, consensual sexual encounters, death (including death of a parent/sibling), gore, violence, and witchcraft. There’s also a brief conversation that mentions the death of a child. Reader discretion is advised.

*While I kept most of the details off-page, there’s a chapter where readers learn about Selene’s assault through a flashback. This isn’t just Selene’s assault - it was my assault. It’s an experience that caused me to live with PTSD for the rest of my life. I don’t depict the act of rape itself, only sharing the events before and after the assault. Writing this chapter was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was incredibly healing and helped me to finally have the empathy for myself that I have for others. I understand how reading about such a traumatic event can impact readers, especially for fellow survivors of rape and/or sexual assault. For that reason, the entirety of Chapter 50 is in italics and has an author’s note at the beginning. You won’t miss any key storyline details by skipping this chapter.