Oliver Barnette loves his family. That is the problem. Raised in the palace of Fedji, Oliver learned devotion before morality and obedience before choice. He loves his queen. He fears her power. He worships his father’s approval. And he would do anything for his stepsister, Princess Dianastace—even when love turns into something twisted, painful, and impossible. When Diane returns from her Vigil, Oliver hopes for redemption. For forgiveness. For a chance to become someone worthy of her trust. Instead, the palace closes in tighter than ever, and Diane makes a decision that fractures Oliver’s world: she takes a companion. A prisoner. A rival. A man Oliver cannot control.

As Queen Filia’s enchantments tighten their grip and loyalties blur into manipulation, Oliver must confront the truth he has avoided his entire life: love can be weaponized, family can be poison, and wanting something doesn’t make it right. Trapped between desire and conscience, Oliver faces an impossible reckoning—remain loyal to the family that shaped him… or break free before he becomes the monster they raised him to be. Child of Family is a dark fantasy novella about obsession, inherited corruption, and the terrifying cost of confusing love with ownership.