Character Interview – Maddison Wood from The Contract by Melissa Barker-Simpson

Today I am bringing you an interview with Maddison Wood who resides in the story The Contract by author Melissa Barker-Simpson.

ABOUT MADDISON

Name: Maddison Wood

Sex: Female

Age: 28 (born 2018)

Eyes: Green

Hair: Midnight blue

Body Type: Tall, and lithe

Facial features: Upturned eyes, oblong face, high cheekbones, and full lips.

Skin type/tone: Warm brown

Ears: Small, round ears

Interesting physical characteristics: I can focus power into my hair and use it as a weapon

Background:

Hi Maddison and welcome, can you tell us where and when were you born?

My actual place of birth is unknown. I was found at the edge of Blackbush forest in a shallow, unfinished grave and taken into foster care.

Tell us some of the places where have you lived?

I lived in many foster homes in and around London until I was 13, at which point I ran away. I found my way into the Enchanted Realm and was discovered by Tristan Thorne, a vampire and member of the Enraptured. He took me in, gave me a family and trained me to become a warrior. Since then I have lived across the UK.

Tell us about your family members?

Triston’s son, Zachariah Thorne and Michael Gilliford from the House of Gilliford are my brothers. They are my family.

Where did you go to school?

I have no formal education. I was homeschooled (or at least that’s what it said on the paperwork) until the age of 13. After that, the Thornes took over my training.

Can you tell us how you feel about the ending of the book, without giving too much away?

It was unexpected. As a hunter I often take dangerous assignments, but things reached a whole new level of complicated this time around.

What words of wisdom would you give Melissa if she decided to write another book with you in it?

She already has and, if I have anything to do with it, we’ll take many more adventures together. My advice would be to let go of the reins a little – I’m not easy to control!

How does Melissa see you?

Stubborn, I imagine. Hopefully fun, because I have a few tricks up my sleeve and enjoy taking her by surprise. Unpredictable, definitely. It’s a safe bet to say I amuse her, because I’ve heard her laugh out loud!

Do you think Melissa portrayed you accurately?

Absolutely. We had a few battles in the beginning, but she gets me. Ultimately it’s all that matters.

Was there a major turning point in your life?

It was certainly a shock when I hit puberty and discovered my powers. The family I was living with at the time kept me in an attic. I know, it sounds so cliché, and I still don’t know why they took me in (except from the financial gain of course). I was discarded, like all the other trash they stored up there. They weren’t stupid, or physically abusive, just neglectful. My foster mother enjoyed to torment me, she called me Rapunzel; the attic was presumably my tower. When she brought my daily rations she would open the hatch and make a crack about my hair. She probably regrets it now, because I showed her exactly what I could do with my hair!

Was there ever a defining moment of your life?

I was captured during the Demonic War and forced into slavery. It took me years to break free, but when I did – when I learnt to truly control my power – I swore nobody would ever chain me again.

What is your most closely guarded secret?

I wouldn’t be guarding it very well if I answered that!

What is your most prized possession? Why?

My suit. It was a gift from Michael and it’s the only thing I wear. It is a kind of uniform, imbued with the power of the elves.

How do you envision your future?

I try not to think about it too much. I prefer to live in the moment. Wherever I am, I’ll never stop fighting – not as long as there’s someone to protect.

In what situation is your self-esteem most at risk?

Usually when I’m around Orion Reece. Orion is a god, one of unrivaled power. I have strong natural defenses so I’m not easy to manipulate. But Orion weakens those defenses, and though most of his tricks don’t work on me I have a healthy dose of fear where he’s concerned.

Is there anyone in your life that you are attracted to?

That’s up there with guarding those secrets. I have a strange connection to the Hympe King, Tobias Locke. He drives me insane, most of the time.

What scares you about him?

His ability to get under my skin. Nobody does that quite like Tobias.

What does he know about you that no one else does?

He knows more than most about my past.

How do you decide if you can trust someone?

Trust has to be earned. I trust only a handful of people with my life, though that number is growing.

How do you know you love someone?

When I let them in, and allow them to see who I truly am.

How would you change the world? The things around you? The people around you?

That’s a tough question, because the world is a dark place and has been since the war. It’s not easy once you know the monsters are real. Until things change for the better, I’ll continue to do my job, so others can sleep easier at night.

How do you learn best?

By observing and then doing things my way.

What are your goals in life?

To rid the world of filth, and when I say filth, I mean the demon scum who prey on humans. There’s no way to truly eradicate the darkness, because life couldn’t exist without it. But one of my ongoing life goals is to cause as much trouble for the Fractured as I can – those beings who live in the shadows, intent on destruction.

What unusual hobbies or interests do you have?

Does fighting count? I guess I enjoy movie nights at Merc Hall. Not necessarily for the films. When a large number of hunters gather together, trouble ultimately arises. Okay, I’m usually at the centre of it, but a girl has to find her fun somewhere!

What are you most afraid of?

Losing my independence.

If you had one wish, what would it be?

To find out who my parents are.

What do you like best about yourself?

My skills as a hunter.

What do you like least about yourself?

My distrustful nature.

What do you like best about your best friend?

I have two best friends – Zachariah and Michael. I like knowing I can count on them. Their friendship strengthens me. They are my true home.

What do you like least about your best friend?

Michael is too hard on himself, and Zachariah has a tendency to shut people out. We’re a lot alike in that way, so I’m usually the one to challenge him on it.

What do you think other people think of you?

In general, people probably don’t know what to make of me. They’re curious about the suit, especially as the elves rarely open their ranks to outsiders. I scare some people, which isn’t a bad thing in my line of work. But I’d like to think I’m respected for my skills.

What’s your greatest source of frustration?

Tobias Locke.

What’s your greatest source of joy?

Knowing I have people I can count on when all hell breaks loose.

What are you especially proud of in your life?

That other hunters come to me when they’re in a tight spot.

If you could change anything about your life what would it be?

My experiences make me who I am, so I wouldn’t change anything.

What is your most prized possession? Why?

My rings. They’re made from aquilliam, a rare elfin metal. They were a gift from Michael’s father. I use them in a variety of ways, and they easily absorb my power.