Chrysanthemum Willow, known to her friends as Chrys, is a thirteen-year-old girl whose life has been irrevocably changed by the dark magic she inadvertently unleashed upon her beloved cousin, Rosa Willow. Standing at a modest height for her age, Chrys has a slender frame, her limbs long and slightly awkward, hinting at the growth spurts yet to come. Her hair, a cascade of dark curls, often falls wildly around her face, framing her expressive hazel eyes that flicker with a mixture of determination and fear. Dressed in a mix of modern teenage fashion and the odd, mystical trinket—a nod to her family's legacy—she carries herself with a nervous energy, as if constantly on the brink of flight or fight.
Chrysanthemum's world has been shattered by the revelation of the Willow family's magical heritage, tracing back to the ancient powers of Hecate and Circe. The burden of this legacy, coupled with the guilt of endangering Rosa, drives Chrys to seek a cure hidden somewhere within the labyrinthine streets of London. Her quest is not just about saving her cousin; it's a desperate attempt to piece together her shattered life and to understand the mysterious powers that now course through her veins.
Despite her youth, Chrys exhibits a sharp wit and a keen intellect, often seen scribbling notes in a worn leather journal or poring over ancient texts at the local library. Her unique quirk is her habit of speaking to herself in whispers, as if conferring with an unseen advisor, a trait that both unnerves and intrigues those around her.
The conflicts in Chrys's life are manifold. She grapples with the fear of her own powers, the pressure of her family's expectations, and the looming threat of those who might seek to exploit the Willow legacy. Her journey through London's underbelly, filled with both allies and adversaries, tests her resolve and her burgeoning magical abilities. As she navigates this perilous path, Chrys learns the true depth of her courage and the strength of her bond with Rosa, ultimately finding a cure that not only saves her cousin but also begins to mend the fractures in her own soul.