The Dark Lord's Bed & Breakfast
"Where darkness meets comfort"
Welcome to The Moonlit Haven
When the infamous Dark Lord finds himself forced into early retirement, he converts his ominous fortress into a bed and breakfast. What follows is an unexpected journey as the former villain navigates the hospitality industry, deals with quirky guests, and perhaps discovers that providing comfort can be as satisfying as spreading fear.
About The Moonlit Haven
Perched atop Raven's Peak, overlooking the Kingdom of Brightdale, Castle Grimshaw has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once the imposing fortress of the feared Dark Lord Malgrimm, it now welcomes guests as The Moonlit Haven Bed & Breakfast.
The castle's black stone towers and jagged spires remain, but now they're softened by climbing roses in various colors. Warm golden light emanates from windows that once glowed with ominous magic. The moat that once deterred heroes now serves as a reflecting pool with luminescent fish.
Inside, you'll find a perfect balance of the castle's dark history and new cozy comforts. The Great Hall features a reception desk made from a section of Malgrimm's old throne, while magical fireplaces display scenes from across the kingdom.
Castle Grimshaw
- Imposing black stone towers
- Perpetual storm clouds
- Thorny vines with midnight-blue roses
- Intimidating runes on the gates
The Moonlit Haven
- Climbing roses in various colors
- Warm golden light from windows
- Welcoming sign that changes greetings
- Reflecting pool with luminescent fish
Magical Accommodations
The Hero's Rest
Decorated with (fake) memorabilia from famous quests, this room offers a comfortable retreat for adventurers seeking respite from their journeys.
The Enchanter's Dream
Furniture that rearranges based on guest preference, this magical suite adapts to your desires for the perfect magical experience.
The Forest Haven
An indoor/outdoor space with a living tree growing through the center, bringing the magic of nature into your stay.
The Shadow Sanctuary
Designed by Whisper, this room features gentle plays of light and shadow for a mysteriously comfortable experience.
The Lunar Suite
Malgrimm's former observatory, featuring a ceiling that shows a magnified view of the moon and stars above.
Magical Dining Experiences
Meet the Staff
Malgrimm
Former Dark Lord, Reluctant Innkeeper
Tall and imposing with sharp features, pale skin with faint arcane markings, and a streak of silver in his long black hair. Speaks formally and often in the third person out of habit.
Lily Brightwood
Hero of Light, Rehabilitation Supervisor
Warm brown skin with freckles, curly auburn hair, and bright green eyes that seem to see through deception. Optimistic but pragmatic, believes in second chances but isn't naive.
Griselda
Witch with Culinary Aspirations
Short and round with wild gray hair, colorful mismatched clothing, and green-tinted skin. Approaches cooking like potion-making with mixed results.
The Dark Lord's Bed & Breakfast
A Novel by Andrew Wooldridge
Genre: Fantasy, Humor, Dark Fantasy
Publication: 2025, Self-published
Pages: 320
When the infamous Dark Lord finds himself forced into early retirement, he converts his ominous fortress into a bed and breakfast. What follows is an unexpected journey as the former villain navigates the hospitality industry, deals with quirky guests, and perhaps discovers that providing comfort can be as satisfying as spreading fear.
Follow Malgrimm as he transforms from feared tyrant to reluctant innkeeper, with the help (or hindrance) of his former minions: Griselda the witch, Howl the werewolf butler, Pebble the rock golem gardener, and Whisper the shadow creature housekeeper.
Under the watchful eye of Lily Brightwood, Hero of Light, Malgrimm must learn to welcome rather than terrify, to serve rather than command, and perhaps to find a new purpose in creating a haven for travelers from all walks of life.
Key Themes
- Redemption through service to others
- Finding identity beyond labels and past mistakes
- The meaning of home and community
- Transformation (both physical spaces and people)
- Acceptance of one's true self
Read the Book
Read an Excerpt
"Do it then," he said, glaring up at Lily who stood over him, sword raised. "End the terrible reign of Malgrimm. Strike me down and claim your place in the tedious ballads they'll undoubtedly compose about this moment."
Lily studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, to his astonishment, she lowered her sword.
"No," she said.
Malgrimm blinked. "I beg your pardon?"
"I said no." She sheathed her weapon. "I'm not going to kill you."
"But... that's what heroes do," Malgrimm protested, genuinely confused. "They vanquish the dark lord. It's traditional."
"I'm not much for tradition," Lily replied. She knelt beside him, just out of reach should he try anything desperate. Not that he could, with the dwarf's contraption pinning his arms. "Death is... final. Unimaginative."
"Unlike life imprisonment?" Malgrimm asked dryly. "How creative."
"Who said anything about imprisonment?" There was a strange gleam in Lily's eyes that made Malgrimm distinctly uncomfortable. It wasn't hatred or vengeance—those he understood. This looked distressingly like... inspiration.
"What exactly did you have in mind?" he asked, suddenly wary.
Lily smiled. "Something far worse than death, Lord Malgrimm. Rehabilitation."