An inheritance, a labyrinth, and seven monsters who all want something from him.
Who drives the story
A broke city nephew who inherits a monster labyrinth and the debt of desire that runs it. He answers riddles, sings for his life, takes the succubus's bargain, and ends up the newest Keeper—horned under a full moon, human the rest of the month.
Radley's dead uncle, the previous Keeper, who chose the beast so his nephew could choose the man. His ghost, journals, and chore wheel run the book even after he's gone.
The succubus on the altar at the labyrinth's heart, who favored Mortimer and now tests Radley. Her bargain—command of the labyrinth for one night—sets the transformation and the moon-cycle in motion.
The housekeeper who's been waiting for the next Thorn. She hands over the iron key, the tea, and the lunar calendar that explains Radley's new schedule.
Grizzlehorn, Seraphina, Screechclaw, Glorp, Cinderbrow, Drippetta, and Lilinara—one per ring, each with a toll. By the end they're less guardians than tenants with complaints.
Also in the story
Ashwood's general store proprietor, who keeps the open tab for labyrinth supplies and confirms the town always knew what lived under the manor.
Radley's roommate, who calls the inheritance a haunted house or cursed object and is, for once, exactly right.
How they are connected
Radley's dead uncle, the previous Keeper, who chose the beast so his nephew could choose the man.
The succubus on the altar at the labyrinth's heart, who favored Mortimer and now tests Radley.
The succubus on the altar at the labyrinth's heart, who favored Mortimer and now tests Radley.
She hands over the iron key, the tea, and the lunar calendar that explains Radley's new schedule.
Grizzlehorn, Seraphina, Screechclaw, Glorp, Cinderbrow, Drippetta, and Lilinara—one per ring, each with a toll.
Radley's roommate, who calls the inheritance a haunted house or cursed object and is, for once, exactly right.
Go deeper
Desire as stewardship, not slavery · Inheritance as a job you didn't apply for · The price of passage · Knowing the town that knows
Themes explainedThe full story act by act, the ending explained and a quick quiz.
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