Here's a snippet of Thorn from the new book:

The cabin loomed empty and hollow. He usually found it warm and inviting, but there was something off about everything where it felt like a paper-thin copy of life instead of reality. Thorn shoved the feeling away. It was probably due to the gaping hole in his mind where the connection with Victor would normally reside.

As he stepped into the cabin, he felt a familiar feeling in his mind. Victor, is that you?

Only silence met his question. Whatever was touching his mind felt empty, cold, and emotionless. Thorn slammed down his mental barriers and made warding sigils that his father had taught him for self-defense in the air in front of himself. The intruder was there, banging on his barriers... It screamed wordlessly as it tore at the outskirts of his mind.

(This pre-editing and revision. So it is subject to change)

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Let's talk Thorn!

Visual Inspiration:
image:

Music and Themes

Special by Shinedown

Torn to Pieces by Pop Evil

Dangerous by Shinedown

Full Name: Thorn Gregory Durant
Age: 30
Occupation: Musician/Caretaker of the family lands

Physical Attributes
Height/Build: 6’1” tall, Strong/Fit, Medium Build
Hair: Blond, Long (below shoulders)
Eyes: Grey

Mannerisms and Habits
Sarcastic, withdrawn. Distrustful. Always goes first in danger. Easily irritated. Sees himself as the protector of all those around him. Taking on risks to keep others safe.

Mental Issues and Internal Conflicts
Struggles with keeping a balance between his duty/family, his career, and protecting his secret. Keeps people at a distance by wearing masks and pushing them away. There are so many layers to Thorn that he often forgets who he really is too. Control issues, letting go. Has trouble admitting when he needs help.

Backstory: Grew up in Carver’s Corner, Colorado. His mother married Gabriel Durant after her husband died leaving her and Thorn's older brother destitute. The Durants were a generally happy family. A couple of years after they were married, Thorn was born. His grandmother was a fortune-teller before her death in a town steeped with rumors of a river that lures people with the promise of power hidden somewhere in the mountains around Maiden's Peak. Thorn was raised to be the last protector of the sacred river and takes his job very seriously. He is the last of the Durant family line, in the magical lineage.

Relationships:
Victor - Soul-bonded to Victor. Mystically bound together since before they were born, but were unaware of each other until Victor followed a dream and found Thorn. The relationship is often too intense and volatile, but they need each other. Thorn is very protective of Victor and seeks to protect Victor no matter the personal costs.

Oliver - Oliver is Thorn's older brother and two people could not be more different. Despite their oil and water personalities, the two siblings support each other come hell or high water.

Magical Abilities and Powers:
Telekinesis - Thorn's most powerful offensive ability is his ability to move things with his mind. It's a secret he keeps close and his family has traditionally hidden to make themselves appear weaker than they are/less useful to those around them.

Psychic/Connection to the Spiritual Plane: Thorn can sense the emotions of those around him, he can sense when someone is being deceitful, etc. Has a close connection with the spiritual plane and can sense spirits/see things others can't. He carries a tarot deck that was his grandmother's and has used them on occasion.

Soul Bond: Through the soulbond, Thorn can access some of Victor's powers, such as dream walking to communicate with Victor when Victor was knocked unconscious during the first book. Due to the bond, Thorn has a much stronger and more immediate connection to Victor, even over long distances.

Weaknesses
Using his powers, especially telekinesis tires him out quickly. His main weakness is Victor.

Strengths
Is immune to charms and compulsions. He is offensive and defensive. A stalwart ally in dangerous situations.


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READER QUESTIONS

Was Thorn inspired by someone in your life?
He was in part inspired by my husband. At least in appearance and some of his personality.

Who came first Victor or Thorn?
This is a bit like the chicken and the egg, but Victor came first. Thorn originally was my way of holding Victor in check... or the character would have fallen to pieces and met a horrible fate long ago. Victor was always trying to kill himself off in early drafts. Once Thorn was in the story though he took on a life of his own and it was clear there never could be Victor without Thorn.