Underground Fights and Family Ties

In the dazzling, dangerous world of the Underground—a demon-run Las Vegas beneath the city—Harper Wallis, a sphinx raised by a notorious family of imps, watches brutal demon duels while worrying about her cousin Khloë's upcoming fight. The Wallis family, infamous for their criminal cunning, is tight-knit and fiercely loyal, but Harper is an outsider among them, lacking their impish breed but not their skills. When Khloë is attacked by rivals, Harper steps in, revealing her own formidable powers and setting the stage for a confrontation with the city's most powerful demon, Knox Thorne.

The Prime's Invitation

After Harper's decisive victory in the combat circle, she draws the attention of Knox Thorne, the enigmatic and feared Prime of the Las Vegas lair. Knox, a billionaire and the creator of the Underground, is both intrigued and unsettled by Harper's strength and independence. He summons her for a private meeting, where their mutual wariness and attraction spark. Knox's reputation for ruthlessness and mystery—no one knows his true breed—adds tension to their encounter, but it's clear that Harper is not easily intimidated.

Duel of Demons

When Harper substitutes for her injured cousin in a duel, she faces Mona, a vindictive harbinger demon. Harper's unique ability to infuse objects with hellfire and cause soul-deep pain surprises the crowd and cements her reputation as a force to be reckoned with. The duel is personal, and Harper's victory is both a warning and a declaration: no one messes with her family. This public display of power further entangles her fate with Knox, who is both impressed and challenged by her.

Knox Thorne's Proposition

Knox, fascinated by Harper's abilities and defiance, invites her to his office. Their conversation is a battle of wills, with each probing for the other's secrets. When they touch, a powerful psychic bond is triggered—they are "anchors," predestined psychic mates who stabilize each other's inner demons. This revelation is both a blessing and a complication, as neither is eager to accept the bond's implications. Their connection is undeniable, but both are wary of the vulnerability it brings.

Anchors and Psychic Bonds

Harper reflects on the anchor bond, its benefits, and its dangers. Anchors provide strength and stability, preventing demons from going rogue, but the bond also brings possessiveness and psychic pain if broken. Harper's independence and history of abandonment make her reluctant to accept Knox as her anchor, while Knox's controlling nature and mysterious past make him a daunting partner. Both must confront their fears and the expectations of their respective lairs.

Reluctant Connections

Harper's friends and family react to the news of her anchor bond with Knox, offering advice, warnings, and meddling. Her ex-boyfriend Royce's jealousy and Knox's possessiveness highlight the challenges of demon relationships. Knox's relentless pursuit and Harper's resistance create a charged dynamic, with both drawn together by desire and the psychic pull of their bond. Their relationship is further complicated by the presence of enemies and the politics of the demon world.

Power, Politics, and Primes

As strays go missing and rumors of a new power structure circulate, Knox and other Primes gather to debate the possibility of electing a Monarch to rule all U.S. demons. Isla, a cunning and ambitious Prime, pushes for a hierarchical system, while others resist the loss of autonomy. Harper is drawn into the political intrigue, attending high-stakes meetings and witnessing the rivalries, alliances, and manipulations that define demon leadership. The threat of violence and betrayal looms over the proceedings.

The Anchor Bond Deepens

Knox and Harper's relationship intensifies, both psychically and physically. Their anchor bond brings new strength but also exposes old wounds—Harper's fear of abandonment and Knox's need for control. As they navigate their growing feelings, they must also contend with jealous exes, family drama, and the ever-present danger of being used against each other. Their sexual connection is explosive, but it is their mutual respect and acceptance of each other's darkness that cements their partnership.

Enemies in the Shadows

Harper becomes the target of dark practitioners and a mysterious demon posing as Kendra, a member of Knox's lair. Attacks escalate from psychological manipulation to physical threats, including a deadly spell that destroys Harper's home. The true enemy remains hidden, using compulsion and magick to orchestrate events from the shadows. Knox's protectiveness and Harper's resourcefulness are put to the test as they try to uncover the culprit before it's too late.

The Monarch Debate

The campaign for Monarch reaches its climax, with Isla, Malden, and Dario each presenting their vision for the future. Promises of order, protection, and power sway the demon public, but the whisper campaigns and personal vendettas muddy the waters. Harper's unique position as Knox's anchor and mate makes her a symbol of both strength and vulnerability. The vote is tense, and the outcome will determine the balance of power—and the safety of everyone involved.

Seduction and Secrets

As the political drama unfolds, personal secrets come to light. Harper learns the truth about her mother Carla's betrayal and the real identity of the Kendra impersonator. Knox finally reveals his true nature as an archdemon, born from the flames of hell, capable of unimaginable destruction. Harper's acceptance of his darkness—and her own—deepens their bond. In a climactic confrontation, Harper's latent powers are unleashed, granting her wings and the ability to withstand hellfire.

The Truth About Carla

The exposure of Carla's past—her attempt to abort Harper and her subsequent abandonment—forces a reckoning within both lairs. Harper confronts her mother, choosing understanding over bitterness, and finds closure in the support of her chosen family. The revelation ripples through the demon community, challenging notions of loyalty, shame, and the meaning of family. Harper's resilience and refusal to be defined by her parents' failures inspire those around her.

Kidnapping and Hellfire

Harper is kidnapped by dark practitioners and used as bait to trap Knox. The practitioners, aided by the Kendra impostor, believe they can contain Knox's power, but they underestimate the depth of his rage and the strength of his bond with Harper. As Knox unleashes the flames of hell, the line between man and monster blurs. Harper's ingenuity and courage help her escape, but not before she is pushed to her physical and psychic limits.

The Flames of Hell

Knox's transformation into a being of pure fire threatens to consume everything, including Harper and his own sentinels. Harper's desperate psychic connection and her leap into the flames awaken her dormant wings, allowing her to reach Knox and pull him back from the brink. Their reunion is both a testament to their love and a warning of the destructive potential they wield together. The aftermath leaves the demon world forever changed.

Wings Unfurled

Harper's emergence as a winged sphinx marks a turning point in her journey. No longer an outsider or an oddity, she embraces her unique heritage and the strength it brings. Knox and Harper's relationship, now forged in fire and tested by adversity, becomes a model of partnership and mutual respect. Together, they face the challenges of leadership, love, and the ever-shifting landscape of demon politics.

Aftermath and Acceptance

With the threat of the practitioners ended and the Monarch debate resolved, Harper and Knox return to their lair and family. Old wounds are healed, new alliances are formed, and the couple's mating is celebrated with joy and mischief. Harper's acceptance of Knox's true nature—and his of hers—cements their place as leaders and protectors. The demon world, though still dangerous and unpredictable, is a place where love and loyalty can triumph over darkness.

Love, Loyalty, and Power

Harper and Knox's story is one of embracing both power and vulnerability. Their journey challenges the idea that strength means isolation, showing instead that true power comes from connection, trust, and the willingness to face one's own darkness. The support of friends, family, and chosen allies proves as vital as any supernatural ability. In the end, it is love—fierce, flawed, and unbreakable—that shapes their destiny.

A New Order

The events of the novel leave the demon world forever altered. The failed bid for a Monarch, the exposure of corruption, and the rise of new leaders signal a shift toward greater accountability and unity. Harper and Knox, now co-Primes, stand as symbols of change—willing to fight for their people, each other, and a future where strength is measured not just by power, but by compassion and resilience.

Characters

Harper Wallis

Harper is a rare sphinx demon raised by a family of imps, making her both an insider and an outsider in her own world. She is fiercely loyal, stubborn, and resourceful, with a deep sense of justice and a quick temper. Her unique abilities—infusing objects with hellfire and causing soul-deep pain—set her apart, but also make her a target. Harper's psychological complexity stems from her history of abandonment by both parents, leading to a reluctance to trust and a fierce need for independence. Over the course of the story, she learns to accept love, vulnerability, and her own power, ultimately embracing her role as Knox's anchor, mate, and co-Prime.

Knox Thorne

Knox is the Prime of the Las Vegas lair, a billionaire, and the creator of the Underground. His reputation for control, power, and mystery is well-earned—he is, in fact, an archdemon born from the flames of hell. Knox's psychological landscape is shaped by a traumatic childhood in a cult-like environment, leading to an obsession with control and a reluctance to trust. His attraction to Harper is both a challenge and a salvation, forcing him to confront his own vulnerabilities. Knox's journey is one of learning to balance power with compassion, and to accept that love does not diminish strength, but enhances it.

Khloë Wallis

Khloë is Harper's cousin and closest friend, embodying the Wallis family's mischievous, chaotic energy. She is fiercely protective, quick-witted, and unafraid to meddle in Harper's life. Khloë's loyalty and humor provide both support and levity, helping Harper navigate the complexities of demon society and her relationship with Knox.

Jolene Wallis

Jolene is the formidable Prime of the Wallis lair and Harper's grandmother. She is a master manipulator, fiercely protective of her family, and unafraid to use her power to defend those she loves. Jolene's wisdom and ruthlessness are tempered by genuine affection, making her both a mentor and a force to be reckoned with.

Carla Hayden

Carla is Harper's biological mother, whose abandonment and later revelations about her attempts to harm Harper cast a long shadow over her daughter's life. Carla's actions are driven by bitterness, jealousy, and unresolved trauma, but her eventual confrontation with Harper allows for a measure of understanding and closure.

Isla Ross

Isla is a Prime with a talent for political maneuvering and a hunger for power. Her campaign to become Monarch and her personal vendetta against Harper and Knox make her a central antagonist. Isla's psychological complexity is rooted in her own history of abuse and her inability to accept rejection, leading to increasingly desperate and destructive actions.

Kendra / Jeanna

Jeanna, posing as Kendra, infiltrates Knox's lair as a plant for dark practitioners. Her actions—spreading rumors, orchestrating attacks, and ultimately confronting Harper—are driven by envy, spite, and a desire for power. Her ability to manipulate fear and her willingness to betray anyone for the right price make her a dangerous adversary.

Tanner

Tanner is one of Knox's trusted sentinels, a hellhound demon with a dry sense of humor and unwavering loyalty. He serves as Harper's bodyguard and confidant, providing both protection and perspective. Tanner's own psychological wounds mirror those of his Prime, making him both empathetic and fiercely protective.

Levi

Levi is another of Knox's sentinels, a reaper demon known for his calm demeanor and strategic mind. He serves as a stabilizing force within the lair, offering counsel and support to both Knox and Harper. Levi's loyalty and pragmatism are essential in times of crisis.

Larkin

Larkin is the female sentinel of Knox's inner circle, a harpy demon with a warrior's spirit and a sharp tongue. She is both a protector and a friend to Harper, providing backup in battles and a sounding board for her struggles. Larkin's own experiences with prejudice and power inform her loyalty and her willingness to fight for what's right.

Plot Devices

Dual Protagonist Perspective

The narrative alternates between Harper and Knox, allowing readers to experience both characters' psychological journeys. This dual perspective deepens the emotional stakes, highlights their contrasting worldviews, and underscores the challenges of trust, vulnerability, and power in their relationship.

Anchor Bond as Metaphor

The anchor bond is both a literal and metaphorical device, representing the tension between independence and connection. It forces both Harper and Knox to confront their fears of abandonment and control, serving as a catalyst for personal growth and mutual acceptance.

Political Intrigue and Power Struggles

The campaign for Monarch, the debates among Primes, and the manipulation of public opinion provide a backdrop of political intrigue. These plotlines explore themes of power, corruption, and the dangers of unchecked ambition, while also serving as a crucible for the characters' development.

Foreshadowing and Revelation

The novel employs foreshadowing through rumors, mysterious abilities, and hidden motives. The gradual revelation of Knox's true nature, Harper's latent powers, and the identity of their enemies creates a sense of mounting tension and inevitable confrontation.

Found Family and Chosen Loyalty

Harper's journey is shaped by the contrast between her biological family's failures and the loyalty of her chosen family—her friends, lair, and eventually Knox's sentinels. This device reinforces the theme that true strength comes from connection, not isolation.

Analysis

by Suzanne Wright is a dark, sexy, and emotionally charged urban fantasy that explores the intersection of power, vulnerability, and love in a supernatural world. At its core, the novel is about two damaged souls—Harper, a sphinx who has never truly belonged, and Knox, an archdemon who has never truly trusted—finding strength in each other. The anchor bond, with its promise of stability and its risk of pain, serves as a powerful metaphor for real-world relationships: the fear of dependence, the struggle for control, and the courage required to accept love. The book's political intrigue and demon society's hierarchies mirror human systems of power, exposing the dangers of ambition and the necessity of accountability. Ultimately, Burn