Shadowbook

Prologue

𝕮𝖆𝖗𝖕𝖊 𝕹𝖔𝖈𝖙𝖊𝖒
"Seize the Night"
☽

AN: Shadowbook is getting an update!

I'm currently in the process of rewriting it from scratch, again, so if you notice inconsistencies in story, lore, or quality, that's why. The plot is staying mostly the same but I'm adding a ton of new worldbuilding, some new characters, and some new subplots. The end result will probably be a bit more mature, and much higher quality. New worldbuilding includes a more detailed setting and political system (I have the beginnings of a world map!), a much better religion, some history, monsters, and a more coherent magic system. New characters include Astor's boyfriend, Nicki, and the other members of Astor's court. Nyx's friend Atra is now called Amaya, and Atra is now the name of a separate character. New subplots include more detail about Nyx's friends' processes of Shadow work, Nyx assimilating herself into courtly life, and Nyx and Senka learning magic from Hecate. Some of Nyx's backstory (though probably not all of it) will appear, too.

It already feels more fleshed-out, so I'm really excited about it! As of now, I have up to chapter 6 posted. Updates will not be regular and I'm sorry about that. This will be a long process, so bear with me. In the meantime, I'm sharing some of the new lore in my journal. I'd be happy to hear any feedback on the new stuff.

You can ignore this prologue. I'll probably replace it with something better.

-Nyx

For those of you who don't know me, you should first know that I like an easy life. Doesn't everybody? You should also know that I am a non-conformist. I always have been. Life is boring if you're doing what everyone else is doing. Know that I don't like change. No one likes change, but I detest it more than most people, even though I am used to it by now. I have to deal with it constantly.

I'm not an orphan, but I don't have parents— not anymore. I'm in foster care, and it's awful. Parents often impose strict rules on me the moment I walk in the door. I told you I'm a non-conformist; I break every rule I can break if I don't agree with it. I've had to sleep in sheds, take cold showers, and even wear collars. Parents grossly favor their own children. I'm often underfed, and beaten. Foster siblings bully me, and even use me as a scapegoat to get away with misbehavior. Parents sent me back to the shelter after about a week, saying that I was "difficult" and "defiant".

Not that all my foster experiences have been bad, but most have, and all of them have ended. "Cinderella" was my favorite fairy tale as a little kid. I'm sure it's obvious why. As a child I would dream that a handsome prince would come and rescue me from my terrible new parents and take me away with him to live in his palace. I thought I knew that it would never happen. I tried to change my existence on my own, as much as I could. I became tough, tougher than I'd like to be.

My life was prison.

All of that's changed now.

My real name is Alexandra Wilson, but I'd like you to call me Nyx, at least while I'm in Shadow form. In these more-than-likely ink-splotched pages, I will tell you my story. Whether it's true or not, you'll have to decide for yourself.

☽