The Poison Daughter

Sheila Masterson

The Poison Daughter

Sheila Masterson
68 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2025

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Harlow is the youngest daughter of the ruling Carrenwell family in the walled city of Lunameade. She possesses a magic blessing from the Divine Harvain that causes her kiss to kill instantly. Forced into an arranged marriage with the heir of a rival fort, she secretly operates as the "Poison Vixen," a vigilante who targets abusive men. She suffers from chronic pain episodes and hides physical and emotional scars resulting from her harsh upbringing.

Key Relationships

Arranged fiancee of Henry Havenwood

Sister of Able Carrenwell

Sister of Electra Carrenwell

Daughter of Harrick Carrenwell

Daughter of Liza Carrenwell

Despised sister-in-law of Rafe Mattingly

Protected client of Gaven Pomeroy

Friend and accomplice of Bea Grange

Henry is the heir to the ruling family of Mountain Haven. He carries deep resentment toward the Carrenwell family following the destruction of his home ten years prior. Possessing healing magic from the Divine Elvodeen, he initially views his arranged marriage to Harlow as a strategic move. He acts fiercely protective of his people and is dedicated to securing his family's future against outside threats.

Key Relationships

Arranged fiance of Harlow Carrenwell

Son of Philip Havenwood

Son of Evangeline Havenwood

Brother of Holly Havenwood

Friend of Carter

Friend of Bryce

Bonded companion of Kyrin

Aidia is Harlow's older sister and the wife of Lunameade's mayor. She endures severe domestic violence, which she often refuses to hide completely. Her suffering drives Harlow's vigilante mission. Aidia shares a deeply protective bond with her sister and serves as Harlow's emotional anchor in their oppressive family environment.

Key Relationships

Sister of Able Carrenwell

Sister of Electra Carrenwell

Daughter of Harrick Carrenwell

Daughter of Liza Carrenwell

Rafe is the powerful mayor of Lunameade and Aidia's husband. He possesses manipulation magic from the Divine Polm, which he uses to maintain his political dominance. He presents a charismatic public image that conceals his abusive and cruel private behavior. His actions directly motivate Harlow's secret life as a vigilante.

Key Relationships

Husband of Aidia Carrenwell

Brother-in-law of Harlow Carrenwell

Political rival of Harrick Carrenwell

Son-in-law of Liza Carrenwell

Brother-in-law of Kellan Carrenwell

Employer of Paul

Kellan is Harlow's favorite older brother and the captain of the Lunameade city watch. He wields powerful compulsion magic. He is tasked with investigating the city's vigilante murders while trying to protect his sisters from their harsh family dynamics. He balances his duty to the city guard with his genuine concern for his siblings.

Key Relationships

Brother of Aidia Carrenwell

Brother of Able Carrenwell

Brother of Electra Carrenwell

Son of Harrick Carrenwell

Son of Liza Carrenwell

Husband of Libby

Wary ally of Henry Havenwood

Harrick is the ruling patriarch of Lunameade and the head of the Carrenwell family. He wields holy fire magic and prioritizes his family's political dominance above all else. He treats his children as assets to secure alliances, maintaining strict control over them through fear and manipulation.

Key Relationships

Husband of Liza Carrenwell

Father of Able Carrenwell

Father of Electra Carrenwell

Father-in-law of Rafe Mattingly

Employer of Gaven Pomeroy

Liza is the matriarch of the Carrenwell family. She possesses retro-cognition magic that helps uncover the secrets of political rivals. She prioritizes public appearances and the family's power over the well-being of her children, consistently enabling her husband's strict and calculating methods.

Key Relationships

Wife of Harrick Carrenwell

Mother of Able Carrenwell

Mother of Electra Carrenwell

Supporting Characters

Gaven is Harlow's lifelong bodyguard. He is a quiet observer who struggles to balance his loyalty to the Carrenwell parents who employ him and his protective duty toward Harlow. His presence provides Harlow with a constant shadow as she travels through dangerous political and supernatural environments.

Key Relationships

Bodyguard of Harlow Carrenwell

Employee of Harrick Carrenwell

Employee of Liza Carrenwell

Bea is the pragmatic owner of the Guardian's Crossing pub. She acts as an accomplice for Harlow's vigilante work, vetting clients and providing a safe operational base. She grounds Harlow by offering a rare, genuine connection outside of the highborn magical families.

Key Relationships

Friend and accomplice of Harlow Carrenwell

Partner of Josie

Able is Harlow's older brother, who is suffering from a rapidly deteriorating mental state. His family suspects his condition is linked to his heavy use of the family's magical well to power city defenses. His decline adds urgency to Harlow's political mission.

Key Relationships

Son of Harrick Carrenwell

Husband of Sierra

Philip is Henry's father and the patriarch of Mountain Haven. He focuses on rebuilding his fort's strength following a devastating attack ten years prior. He views the alliance with the Carrenwell family as a necessary, if distasteful, step for survival.

Key Relationships

Husband of Evangeline Havenwood

Father of Henry Havenwood

Father of Holly Havenwood

Future father-in-law of Harlow Carrenwell

Evangeline is Henry's mother and the matriarch of Mountain Haven. She possesses rare magical abilities and is fiercely protective of her remaining family. She participates in the strategic planning for the fort's future while keeping a watchful eye on Henry's emotional state.

Key Relationships

Wife of Philip Havenwood

Mother of Henry Havenwood

Mother of Holly Havenwood

Carter is a huntsman and one of Henry's closest friends in Mountain Haven. He acts as a voice of reason within their group, offering level-headed advice and participating in reconnaissance missions within Lunameade.

Key Relationships

Friend of Henry Havenwood

Friend of Bryce

Husband of Naima

Bryce is a huntsman and a trusted friend of Henry Havenwood. He assists with intelligence gathering and security for their group. He is quick to appreciate Harlow's combat skills and presence, often adding levity to tense situations.

Key Relationships

Friend of Henry Havenwood

Friend of Carter

Stefan is a resident of Mountain Haven who harbors deep suspicion toward Harlow and resentment toward Henry's leadership decisions. He frequently challenges Henry's authority and actively attempts to provoke Harlow, escalating tensions within the fort.

Key Relationships

Antagonist of Harlow Carrenwell

Nephew of Nicolina

Nicolina is a storyteller and resident of Mountain Haven who entertains patrons at local taverns. She possesses extensive knowledge of local lore, poisons, and magical theory, eventually providing Harlow with crucial information about the contaminated wells.

Key Relationships

Aunt of Stefan Laurence

Informant to Harlow Carrenwell