Duskborn

Widdershins Supernatural Academy #4

by Blake R. Wolfe

A forgotten witch. A dark elf prince. A bond written in the stars… and a love forbidden by the crown.


I was born into destiny—the Twilight prince with white hair and violet skin, heir to a kingdom that never lets me forget who I am. At Widdershins Academy, I’ve tasted magic, sports, friendships that let me pretend I’m just another student. But as my senior year comes to an end, so does my time.

The crown is waiting. So is the bride chosen for me. A woman I’ll never love. Because I don’t love women—I never have.

And then Ash Vale appears.

A quiet witch from a family so low they’re barely remembered, with eyes like sapphires and magic he doesn’t even realize is extraordinary. He shouldn’t matter. He shouldn’t even exist in my world. But the first time we touched, I knew—he’s the one I called to me years ago with a forbidden childhood love spell, the one fate promised would be mine.

He’s everything I want. Everything I can’t have.

Loving him means betraying my family, my kingdom, and the crown itself. But I’m not sure I can let him go. Not this time.


Witches like me aren’t meant to be noticed. I came to Widdershins to build a future out of scraps, to prove I could belong despite my tarnished family’s name. I never expected him.

Silver—a dark elf, popular, beautiful, carved from another world. He should be nothing but a reminder of the gulf between us. But when his gaze lingers on me, when his hand brushes mine, the truth is undeniable.

We’re bound.

I don’t know how. I don’t know why. But my magic flares for him, my soul reaching like it’s been waiting all along. And that terrifies me. Because Silver belongs to the Twilight Realm, to a throne that will never accept someone like me.

Giving in means daring to love the impossible. But walking away feels like tearing my own heart in half.

Duskborn is a spellbinding, fated-mates romance filled with star-crossed desire, royal intrigue, and a love strong enough to challenge destiny itself. Perfect for readers who crave forbidden passion, dark academy vibes, slow-burn heat, and the kind of bond that refuses to be broken.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Paranormal, Magic

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2026

About the author

Blake R. Wolfe has adored werewolves and monsters since he was a child growing up in a small rural Michigan town. Now he lives near the shores of Lake Michigan with his two partners, two cats that need to be fed every three seconds, and a dog that is very spoiled. He spends most of his free time hiking through the nearby forest, thinking up the next great romance story for his readers.

Blake writes under three separate Pen Names:

--Blake R. Wolfe -- Gay Paranormal Romance

--Atreus Rosewood -- Gay Contemporary Romance

--Eoghan R. Cunningham -- LGBTQ+ Fantasy

Sign up for Blake’s newsletter for exclusive discounts and special editions at www.blakerwolfe.com

Get access to exclusive short stories on Blake’s Patreon!
www.patreon.com/blakerwolfe

Reviews

[Luca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings, nice plot but little bit boring. It started cool and got stuck in the middle, ending very politely and “easy”. I don’t know if I’d recommend it or not

[Axalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver (22) et Ash (20) avec un Culomètre à 🥵

Ash cherche à refaire sa vie à Widdershins malgré la réputation de sa famille. Il rencontre Silver, un elfe noir populaire, et ressent une connexion magique et émotionnelle intense. Cette relation l'effraie car Silver appartient à un royaume qui ne l'acceptera pas, le plaçant face à un dilemme déchirant.

- Encore une fois, même si ce n'est pas ce que je lis d'habitude, c'est que du kiff, tout est fait pour que ça soit addictif du début jusqu'à la fin avec un smut de qualité, comme d'habitude.
- On a deux protagonistes que tout oppose avec une relation qui ne peut pas exister. Silver est un elfe, prince héritier, qui doit prétendre au trône et à un mariage arrangé à la fin de ses études et Ash est un sorcier, avec une magie des ombres surpuissante, qui a perdu sa bourse à l'issue du conflit avec la secte suprémaciste.
- Comme d'habitude, l'attirance entre les deux est instantanée, avec un lien d'âme sœur qui ne devrait pas exister et pourtant, ils vont se jeter l'un sur l'autre.
- On a des rebondissements, des vérités qui éclatent, des pouvoirs qui se développent et une fin explosive pour finir en beauté !

Bref, je ne sais pas encore une fois ce que l'auteur met dans ses romances, mais c'est à chaque fois addictif ! Heureusement qu'il reste encore pas mal de tomes derrière, que je continue à me régaler dans mes lectures !

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's "Duskborn" by Blake R Wolfe. It's the fourth novel in his Widdershins Supernatural Academy series.

["A forgotten witch. A dark elf prince. A bond written in the stars… and a love forbidden by the crown.

I was born into destiny—the Twilight prince with white hair and violet skin, heir to a kingdom that never lets me forget who I am. At Widdershins Academy, I’ve tasted magic, sports, friendships that let me pretend I’m just another student. But as my senior year comes to an end, so does my time.

The crown is waiting. So is the bride chosen for me. A woman I’ll never love. Because I don’t love women—I never have.

And then Ash Vale appears.

A quiet witch from a family so low they’re barely remembered, with eyes like sapphires and magic he doesn’t even realize is extraordinary. He shouldn’t matter. He shouldn’t even exist in my world. But the first time we touched, I knew—he’s the one I called to me years ago with a forbidden childhood love spell, the one fate promised would be mine.

He’s everything I want. Everything I can’t have.

Loving him means betraying my family, my kingdom, and the crown itself. But I’m not sure I can let him go. Not this time.

Witches like me aren’t meant to be noticed. I came to Widdershins to build a future out of scraps, to prove I could belong despite my tarnished family’s name. I never expected him.

Silver—a dark elf, popular, beautiful, carved from another world. He should be nothing but a reminder of the gulf between us. But when his gaze lingers on me, when his hand brushes mine, the truth is undeniable.

We’re bound.

I don’t know how. I don’t know why. But my magic flares for him, my soul reaching like it’s been waiting all along. And that terrifies me. Because Silver belongs to the Twilight Realm, to a throne that will never accept someone like me.

Giving in means daring to love the impossible. But walking away feels like tearing my own heart in half."]

I love how devastatingly adorable this series is. Each book is all so unique while maintaining the same general awe of fated mates, the same adorable sense of falling in love, the same you're-more-powerful-than-you-know magic. Not to mention all of the the-world-will-end-because-of-you, Council needs called drama.

These two were adorable. You could just see them falling in love from that first meeting and hating that they haven’t met on campus before this, all of the little moments and the big moments, all of the silly teasing from friends, all of the deep talks. All of the self-sacrificing.

Trigger Warnings: toxic parents, discrimination, violence, torture, and more.

#hexmate #faeheart #beastkin #duskborn #undertow #nightbound #evergreen #hearatflame #blakerwolfe #widdershinssupernaturalacademy #widdershinssupernaturalacademyseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is book four in the author’s Widdershins Academy series and features a VERY friendly dark elf Prince set on enjoying his last year of freedom before being forced to settle down and marry someone of his father’s choosing and a shy, human shadow witch whose family had been cursed centuries before with a lack of power. Except, somehow, that same cursed witch was one of the most powerful witches at Widdershins Academy and THE most powerful shadow walker in centuries.

Ash, the human shadow witch, found out on his first day of school that his scholarship had fallen through and, in order to remain at Widdershins, he had to supplement his last minute funding by cleaning the locker rooms for the school’s sports teams. Enter Silver, the dark elf football quarterback, well known for his fast and loose reputation… until sparks began to fly between them immediately and his past pursuits were completely forgotten.

These two were so sweet together with their fated mates bond and the imagery of Ash’s shadows always reaching for Silver was so vivid and heart meltingly beautiful; I absolutely loved it! And don’t even get me started on Ash’s selflessness on Silver’s behalf—I couldn’t help it, I started bawling my dang eyes out! Silver’s father on the other hand, I could’ve definitely done without him. Cold and unfeeling, he made the perfect semi villain and I was hoping to see him to get his just desserts but unfortunately, although I didn’t get my wish, he didn’t get away with everything completely either.

This book had so many exciting things going for it; tons of magic (and magical beings), fated mates, love spells, teleportation, needy shadows and probably a lot more but that’s all I can think of right off hand. I’d say it’s probably considered a low/medium angst read (thank goodness for faithful butlers—that’s all I’ve got to say about that!); at least it wasn’t so much that it put me off though there was a fair bit of drama but thankfully, it served to facilitate the story line and wasn’t just drama for the sake of drama, which I can’t stand. If anything I’ve said makes you curious, you should give it a try, it’s a really good book!

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kurohagi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this universe, and it's a pleasure to be back at Widdershins Academy.
Ash is a powerful mage who doesn't know it. Coming from a family with very little power, his magic is not only rare but powerful. I enjoyed seeing him realize the extent of his power, discover it, and learn to control it. I particularly like the slightly dark and controversial type of magic he possesses.
I like how the attraction between Ash and Silver is immediate and how it is totally unexpected and unpredictable. Two men from two worlds, two completely opposite universes, who are linked by a connection that should be impossible.
Ash must learn to control his magic and navigate his new reality as a mage, while Silver must face his own difficulties with his father.
I loved the adventure, the discovery of a new universe, a new mage

----

J'adore cet univers et c'est un plaisir de se retrouver de nouveau à la Widdershins academy.
Ash est un puissant mage qui l'ignore, issu d'une famille avec très peu de pouvoir, sa magie est non seulement rare mais puissante. J'ai aimé le voir réaliser l'étendu de son pouvoir, le découvrir et apprendre à le maîtriser. J'aime particulièrement le type de magie un peu sombre et controversée dont il est doté.
J'aime comme l'attirance entre Ash et Silver est immédiate et comme elle est totalement inattendu, imprévisible. Deux hommes issues de deux mondes, deux univers totalement opposés, qui sont liés par une connexion qui devrait être impossible.
Ash doit apprendre à contrôler sa magie, naviguer dans sa nouvelle réalité de mage, quand Silver doit affronter ses propres difficultés face à son père.
J'ai adoré l'aventure, la découverte d'un nouvel univers, d'un nouveau mage.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really captured my interest from the start with main characters that are intriguing on their own, but only become more fascinating once they meet and develop an instant attraction that quickly leads to a solid and unbreakable connection, and on to a true, I-would-die-for-you love. The world building is amazing, as is the action, struggles, danger, and surprising events that our MC's must endure and work through before their quick, but hard earned and genuine HEA.
This new year at Widdershins isn't starting out how either Silver or Ash expected, but together, and with the help of some amazing secondary characters, they manage to figure everything out. I really like both MC's, they each had their own struggles that they had to deal with outside of the Academy, as well as new ones that surface once they become a couple. Their relationship may go from zero to one hundred in a short time frame - which is typical of fated mates - but it didn't feel rushed or fake.
I really enjoyed this entertaining and captivating book. I feel it could be read as a standalone. The rest of this series is really good and worth reading as well, and would give you more insight into the Academy and some other characters.

I received an ARC from the author, this review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Steve Pardue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Widdershins Academy is a remarkable school specifically created for 'monsters.’ Filled with fantastical creatures such as werewolves, witches, and vampires, this world offers a unique setting for exploring supernatural themes. The fourth book in the series, “Duskborn,” introduces an intriguing plot that blends romance and drama against an enchanting backdrop.

This installment brings to life Ash, a young witch from a disgraced family with special powers, who receives a scholarship to Widdershins Academy. Unfortunately, his hopes quickly fell apart due to the fallout from his scholarship. Alongside him is Silver, a dark elf who harbors a royal secret that adds depth to the story. As a prince hidden among his peers, he complicates the sweet and sometimes humorous narrative that unfolds.

Unlike earlier books filled with intense action and intrigue, “Duskborn” emphasizes the developing romance between Ash and Silver. Their relationship is charming but filled with challenges, including Ash’s struggle to control his powers and the complexities of school politics. Moments of action and drama punctuate the story, ultimately reinforcing themes of love and personal growth. We are also reintroduced to familiar characters from previous books, making the experience feel like a reunion in this engaging saga.

[JOELLE SAMYN · Rating 5 out of 5]

D'un côté, Silver, prince elfe noir du royaume du Crépuscule, secret sur sa vraie vie et son futur, adulé à l'Académie de Widdershins.
De l'autre, Ash, sorcier des ombres, pauvre, subit la faute des aïeux et veut avoir un avenir meilleur.
Devenu préposé aux tâches ménagères des vestiaires sportifs, Ash va rencontrer Silver.
Les deux univers vont se télescoper violemment.
Ils vont se découvrir petit à petit.
Et comme si le destin en avait décidé autrement.
Des secrets vont être decouverts.
Seulement voilà, comme toujours, la réalité va révéler d'autres secrets qui peuvent détruire tout en quoi ils ont cru.
Des personnages qu'on aime tout de suite.
On retrouve des personnages du tome trois. J'en étais très contente.
Une histoire pleine de compréhension, d'amitié, d'admission, de loyauté et surtout d'amour.
J'ai adoré ce tome.
Vivement la suite de superbe série.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new year begins at Widdershins Academy. "Duskborn", series book four, features another unusual pairing, Ash a witch and Silver, a dark elf. Ash comes from a disgraced witch family. Silver has some familial pressure in regards to the fae succession.
Between school and court politics, the fact that Ash is a scholarship student and his inability to control his powers there's lots of drama. There's danger, all the Widdershins books have that in common. But the relationship between the two gets equal page time.
Steamy and sweet, this is a quick read. Totally engaging, I really enjoyed the twists and turns in the plotline. Fun, fun.
I received an advanced copy of this e book and this is my review.

[Simera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Silver and Ash. I really enjoy this series and seeing what will happen at Widdershins.
Silver is the Twilight crown prince and all he wants is to finish his late year before all the responsibilities take over his life. Which includes an arranged marriage.
Ash is a shadow witch that comes from a family that has been outcast. There on a scholarship and now he has to also clean the locker rooms to even stay. He is trying to learn control over his power all while falling for Silver.
Fated mates, love spell, dark elf and shadow witch, family drama, and a few twist and turns along the way.

[Blanca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cursed witch and a hidden prince

Ash grew up being degraded, despised, and depressed. After centuries of being despised for dragon hunting by his great, great grandfather, his poor cursed family barely survived. They scraped enough money for Ash to attend school. After Ash’s scholarship disappeared, he was given alternative ways to attend. Silver, a prince just wanted to feel normal during his academy years. A chance encounter changed everything, and they were drawn to each other, creating a chaotic and impossible love.

[la review bleu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, what else can I say? I was highly entertained, it was spicy, dramatic, and had a hard-earned HEA. The world-building, as in the whole series, is just next level. The characters have to stand up and fight for love. I like the masculine elements in this story, the political obstacle, and how precious love it. That the path of love, is not the easy one. 5 Stars.

[Jimbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It still amazes me that all books under different names by Wolfe are exceptional entertaining. Makes no difference e if it cowboys, werewolves, or magical fantasy. He manages to create a very good read.

[Cristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tenía muchas ganas de conocer la historia de Silver y me ha gustado mucho.
Silver es el príncipe del reino de Crespúsculo y ya tiene su vida organizada por su padre. Este es el último año en la escuela antes de tener que volver y casarse con una mujer.
Ash es un brujo de una familia que fue desterrada. Él pierde la beca que le permite estudiar en la escuela y la profesora le busca un trabajo para que pueda seguir allí.
Ash es un amor y muy dulce. Aunque está decepcionado porque todo el tiempo que dedicaba a estudiar y practicar para mejorar su magia y lograr controlarla ahora lo tiene que dedicar a trabajar intenta hacer un gran trabajo, aunque su magia haga de las suyas y rompa algunas cosas.
Silver se enfrenta a su ultimo año de libertad. Nadie sabe quién es. Cuando conoce a Ash nace un sentimiento de protección e intenta ayudarlo.
Me ha encantado esta pareja y como va evolucionando su relación.
Una historia que me ha hecho pasar un buen rato con su lectura.

[Kristara · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Imagine_withV · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunning read in this truly rich and wonderfully written series.

[Elise H · Rating 3 out of 5]

The purity front disappeared??

[Billy Gene]

Great read

This is a slow burn book. It's a great read and a perfect extension to the series. The characters work perfectly together.