Some doors aren't knocked on—they're opened with blood, ambition, and a whispered dare.
Elena Moreau didn’t come to St. Gabriel’s to play by the rules. As a scholarship student at an elite university built on legacy and manipulation, she’s spent her life climbing toward power. But when a velvet-sealed envelope appears beneath her door, she’s offered something far more dangerous than prestige—an invitation to the Hollow.
What begins as a test of obedience inside the seductive shadows of the Velvet Room quickly becomes a crucible. Under the watchful eyes of masked elites and the devastating authority of Professor Adrian Blackwood, Elena must decide how far she’s willing to go to belong… and how much she’s willing to give up to survive.
But in Hollow, desire is weaponized, submission is strategic, and power is never handed over—it’s taken.
This is her initiation. And she intends to burn through every rule they wrote.
Initiation is the first book in an ongoing novella series set in the Dark Dynasties universe. This dark college erotica blends high-stakes tension with forbidden desire and morally gray characters.
While Initiation can be enjoyed as a standalone, it kicks off the unfolding tale of a secret society.
Dark academia, a secret society, and spice that makes thighs clench? Hell yes! Initiation is the first book in Elle Kay's new series and it did not disappoint! I loved the main character, Elena, as she delved into the alluring world of Hollow. Elena is unapologetic and fiercely bold, entering the Velvet Room night after night to become a member of Hollow. I loved Elle Kay's descriptive prose and how immersive the story was.
The chemistry between her and Adrian Blackwood, a professor, was super hot. As she progressed further into the trials, I loved how Elena knew what she wanted, basically flipped off the unseen puppet masters of Hollow, and took control. Initiation is a great novella and has an amazing FMC. I can't wait to read the next book in the Hollow Halls series!