Authors’ Note

Dear readers,

Welcome to Unsettled Accounts: The Thing He Called Love.

This project is the result of collaborative work between creators who share a deep love for meaningful stories: Tempest, as the artist responsible for the cover and character design, and myself, Audrina, as the author of the novel.

For those who had the opportunity to read our previous works, Tempest was always in charge of the creative aspects as well as narrative construction. Unfortunately, on this occasion she will not be sharing much of her artwork, as she suffered a serious injury while we were working on this story.

Even so, Tempest has remained closely involved in the development of this project and has delegated her role in editing and revision to LysanderVale6, a writer we deeply admire. We are truly grateful for her immense support and dedication.

This work was born from the desire to explore an emotional story, uncomfortable at times, but necessary. Unsettled Accounts is not a conventional romance nor an idealized love story. It is a narrative about control, manipulation, and emotional abuse, as well as the long (and sometimes painful) process of reclaiming autonomy and self-love.

Through Noah Harper, Sebastian Cross, Nicholas Lawson, and Damien Sinclair, the novel examines different kinds of bonds: those that are mistaken for love, those built on power and manipulation, and those that grow from respect and consent. This story does not seek to justify or romanticize toxic or abusive relationships; on the contrary, it emphasizes the real consequences of such dynamics and the importance of recognizing and breaking them in time.

We understand that this is not a light or comfortable read, and we know it will not appeal to every reader. However, our goal is to tell an honest story, rooted in emotional reconstruction.

Thank you for giving this work a chance. We hope Unsettled Accounts: The Thing He Called Love invites you to reflect, to question normalized narratives, and above all, to recognize the difference between what is called love and what love truly is.

With affection,

Tempest & Audrina

Our thanks to:

LysanderVale6: for her work on the editing and creative ideas behind this project.

Disclaimer and Content Warning

This work is intended primarily for an adult audience and contains material that may be disturbing or sensitive for some readers.

Unsettled Accounts: The Thing He Called Love addresses complex themes related to emotional abuse, psychological control, and the lasting effects these experiences can have on individuals. The events and relationships portrayed in the story are meant to provide narrative depth and character development, not to glorify or justify harmful behavior.

The novel includes references to the following themes:

Violence and abuse: Emotional and psychological abuse, manipulation and coercive control, non-graphic physical violence, abusive power dynamics.

Mental health: Trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness.

Social prejudice: Homophobia, bullying, mobbing (workplace harassment), discrimination.

Other elements: Occasional strong language, consensual sexual content, death, legal and criminal conflicts.

These topics are treated with respect and responsibility, emphasizing their consequences and the impact they have on the characters, without romanticizing violence or abuse.

Reader Advisory

If you are sensitive to any of the themes mentioned above or prefer to avoid emotionally intense content, reader discretion is advised.

This novel is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real persons, living or deceased, as well as to actual events or locations, is purely coincidental.