Goddess of Love, Fertility, and Beauty (in Blood and Ash timeline) Court: Kithreia

Hair: Red.

Eyes: Citrine with thick lashes that turn silver after Ascension. Facial features: Plump lips. High cheekbones. Heart-shaped face. Personality: Cheery and bright. Worrier.

Habits/Mannerisms/Strengths/Weaknesses: Is a hugger. Wears a silver chain around her neck.

Preternatural features: Powers of life, love, and birth.

Other: Can create many beautiful things with her touch—like the trees of Aios. Voice like spun gold and windchimes. Slumbers in the Skotos Mountains in Blood and Ash timeline.

Background: Was very young when Kolis killed Mycella. Was one of Kolis’s favorites at one time—kept in a cage of gilded bones until she gutted a guard and escaped.

Family: Cousin = Mycella †. Second Cousin = Nyktos.

AIOS’S JOURNEY:

When Sera arrives in the Shadowlands, Aios is called to take her to her chambers and have food sent up. She’s startled when she feels an electric jolt when her skin touches Sera’s. She reveals that Sera’s room has been ready for a while and was dusted frequently just in case. She tries to settle Sera by telling her that she trusts no one in either realm more than she does Nyktos and wouldn’t feel safer anywhere else. She leaves to get what Sera needs and returns with food and a belted chenille night rail.

Bringing clothing for Sera, she tells her more about godlings and the Culling. She asks Sera if she previously knew about the deal. As talk turns to her, she reveals what Court she once served and says that she came to the Shadowlands because it was where she knew she would be safe.

Sera watches Aios help Reaver learn to fly. Later, Aios helps Sera after the Gyrm attack and brings her a robe and some whiskey. She informs Sera that Veses is gone and then leaves when Nyktos arrives.

As she and Sera spend time together, Aios tells her that Mycella used to tell her about Veses being kind. She also reveals details about stasis and

Arcadia. When Rhahar and Bele return, she gives them both hugs.

After Gemma is hurt, Aios arrives just as Ector brings her inside the palace. She asks if Shades got her and runs off to get supplies. She returns just as Sera starts glowing and watches in awe as Sera brings Gemma back to life. She checks on the girl and declares that she’s definitely alive.

Talk turns to the deal and the Rot, and Aios thinks Rhain is on to something about the deal and the Rot being linked. The mortal realm is more vulnerable to the actions of the Primals and should have been affected long before now. She wonders if maybe the ember being in the Mierel bloodline protected it in some way, but once Sera was born, it was in a vulnerable vessel that carries an expiration date—Sera’s death. Or maybe it’s weakened in a mortal body and can no longer hold off the effects of what’s been done.

When Gemma wakes, Aios comes to tell Sera. She says that Gemma claims to have no knowledge of what Sera did, but she thinks the girl is lying. She wants Sera to confront her. Aios tells Sera it’s clear that she didn’t want to do what she believed she had to do—make Nyktos fall in love and then end him. She adds that she disagrees with her actions and is disappointed but that everyone has experience carrying out terrible deeds because they believed they had no choice. She says she’s done worse than Sera—all of them have.

Aios takes Sera to see Gemma and learns what she told Hamid and why.

The girl says that Sera is who Kolis has been looking for.

As they talk about Kolis more, Aios tells Sera that graeca also means love, and she’s afraid that Kolis somehow found a way to create life.

When the murderous gods attack, Cressa throws a bolt of eather at her and takes her down. When she wakes, it’s to go to Bele. She removes the dagger and cries as she rocks the goddess. She begs Nyktos to let Sera try to heal her, shaking as it appears not to work. But then it does. She stays with Bele as the now-Ascended goddess recuperates.

Aios continues watching over Sera, doing everything she can to ensure everyone is safe. When Sera starts fretting, Aios tells her she did nothing wrong by bringing Bele back and asks if knowing the outcome will change her actions in the future. She imagines that Sera doesn’t really have a choice. It’s part of her makeup and driven by instinct.

Later, in the throne room, Aios stands next to Paxton as Nyktos tells them how Sera tried to go after Kolis on her own to protect the

Shadowlands and that her bravery is unmatched.

When the Cimmerian arrive, Nektas brings Reaver and Jadis to Bele and Aios for safekeeping.

Aios spends time with Sera and the younglings, talking about how draken only sleep in their mortal forms when they feel safe, and the coronation being delayed. They gush as Reaver is sweet, bringing Jadis a blanket, and then discuss Aurelia and what being sweet on someone—as Reaver put it—means. Aios blushes when Reaver insinuates that Bele is sweet on her.

Later, Aios asks Nyktos if he thinks Kolis will be able to sense the embers in Sera. Before they leave, she helps Sera pick out an appropriate gown for her meeting with Kolis and remarks that she is like Bele in stashing weapons everywhere. Aios inquires whether Sera will go after Kolis while she’s there and asks why she thinks she can take the Primal. Sera tells her that she’s Kolis’s graeca. She is Sotoria. As they talk more, Aios asks Sera why killing Kolis and being Nyktos’s Consort can’t both be her destiny. Then, she reveals details about her time in Dalos when she was Kolis’s favorite and kept in a cage.

Sera apologizes and tells her how strong she is. As the discussion wraps up, Aios tells Sera that she’s wrong about what she can do because Kolis has no weaknesses—he’s incapable of love.

Aios and Bele have dinner with Sera and Reaver in the receiving room.

Before the coronation, Aios does Sera’s hair and makeup. Later, she takes Sera from Rhahar and escorts her to Nyktos with the guard, Kars. She asks if Sera has any questions. Sera asks her if she’s been in love, and Aios says she doesn’t think it feels the same for everyone. For her, it was like feeling at home in an unfamiliar place. Like being seen, heard, and understood for the first time in a way you never were before. She tells Sera that you know you’re in love when you’d do anything for someone. Then she hands Sera off to Nyktos.

During Kyn’s attack, the Primal kills her. She had just gone outside to help when he takes her down. Despite her mangled chest, Sera restores her. She wakes and is confused. Kars helps her inside.

Eons later, when the gods sleep, Aios comes to Poppy in a dream and keeps her from falling from a cliff in the Skotos Mountains.‌

PENELLAPHE

‌Goddess of Wisdom, Loyalty, and Duty (in Blood and Ash timeline) Court: Unknown

Hair: Honey-colored.

Eyes: Bright blue—like sapphires that become silver in Blood and Ash timeline.

Facial features: Light brown skin.

Preternatural features: Powers of intelligence and will.

Other: In a relationship with Holland—an Arae. Slumbers under the Great Atheneum in Carsodonia in Blood and Ash timeline.

Background: Was young when she had her first vision. The source of Poppy’s prophecy and her namesake.

Family: Mother was a God of Divination.

PENELLAPHE’S JOURNEY TO DATE:

Penellaphe goes to the Shadowlands with Holland to discuss Sera.

When she arrives, she bows to Nyktos and tells him she’s come about Sera and brought an Arae.

As the group chats, Holland tells Sera that he’s ageless because of all the liquor he drinks, making Penellaphe laugh. When they discuss what she saw and what has happened, she tells Nyktos that Holland didn’t technically intervene by being Sir Holland to Sera and that their years together were very long.

I feel this deep in my soul. Being away from those you love can feel unending, indeed.

They talk more, and Penellaphe tells Sera the Arae can’t do anything to affect her fate. At least, not anymore. But she clarifies that Sera has the essence of Eythos’s power, and it could be recognizing its source in Ash, signifying soul mates.

Penellaphe reveals that she had a prophetic vision before Eythos made the deal with King Roderick. It had never happened to her before, and she wasn’t sure what she saw or heard. And while she didn’t understand the words, she knew they carried purpose and were important. She told Embris, and he took her to Dalos. Kolis questioned her extensively as if he could force understanding or clarification. Eventually, he gave up. Afterward, she

went to Lotho, figuring if anyone could make sense of what she had seen, it was the Fates.

The prophecy:

From the desperation of golden crowns and born of mortal flesh, a great primal power rises as the heir to the lands and seas, to the skies and all the realms. A shadow in the ember, a light in the flame, to become a fire in the flesh. For the one born of the blood and the ash, the bearer of two crowns, and the bringer of life to mortal, god, and draken. A silver beast with blood seeping from its jaws of fire, bathed in the flames of the brightest moon to

ever be birthed, will become one.

When the stars fall from the night, the great mountains crumble into the seas, and old bones raise their swords beside the gods, the false one will be stripped from glory as (NOT UNTIL) the great powers will stumble and fall, some all at once, and they will fall through the fires into a void of nothing.

Those left standing will tremble as they kneel, will weaken as they become small, as they become forgotten. For finally, the Primal rises, the giver of blood and the bringer of bone, the Primal of Blood and Ash.

Two born of the same misdeeds, born of the same great and Primal

power in the mortal realm. A first daughter, with blood full of fire, fated for the once-promised King. And the second daughter, with blood full of ash and ice, the other half of the future King. Together, they will remake the

realms as they usher in the end. And so it will begin with the last Chosen blood spilled, the great conspirator birthed from the flesh and fire of the Primals will awaken as the Harbinger and the Bringer of Death and Destruction to the lands gifted by the gods. Beware, for the end will come from the west to destroy the east and lay waste to all which lies between.

While talking to Sera, she offers her some information about her paths, saying that knowledge is power, and then reveals that Sera always dies before the age of twenty-one. She says there are many ways she can die, several at Ash’s hands. She then tells them the only way for Sera to survive is with the blood of the Primal the ember she carries belonged to—Ash— and remarks that it’s unfair to both of them but that love, life, and fate are rarely fair.

As talk turns to Eythos, Penellaphe tells them that he wanted to keep Ash safe but also save the realms and take his revenge. So, he stashed the ember, hoping it would grow until a new Primal was ready to be born, and hid it with the one thing that could weaken his brother.

When Nyktos and Holland say that Sera is the Primal God of Life, Penellaphe confirms it and tells Sera she can’t afford to deny it. She reveals that other than Eythos, only Embris and Kolis knew the prophecy. Then she says that prophecies are confusing, even to those who receive them, and mentions the Gods of Divination and the oracles, explaining to Sera who and what they were and are.

Penellaphe offers that her mother was a God of Divination, which is likely why she could share a vision. However, she doesn’t have any of her mother’s other skills like the ability to see what is hidden or unknown and has never received any additional visions. She assumes that with the passing of the oracles and most of the Gods of Divination, that other visions have either been lost to time or are only known to the Ancients since prophecies are their dreams.

The group discusses what may come, and Penellaphe tells Sera that Bele’s Ascension would have been felt. She also says that if she looked like Sotoria and Kolis already saw her, he would have taken her on the spot. As they discuss how to keep her safe, Penellaphe says that becoming Nyktos’s Consort will offer some protection, but until then, any god can make a move against her, and he’ll have no support from others if he retaliates.

Even the coronation poses a risk since some like to push the limits, though Kolis doesn’t usually make a habit of attending such events.

And if it was done in the Shadowlands, he may not have been able to attend anyway.

Penellaphe remarks that Kolis sending the dakkais was a warning, letting Nyktos know that he knows something in the Shadowlands can create life. She believes he hasn’t responded to Bele’s Ascension because it caught him off guard. She then asks Nyktos if he’s been summoned yet.

They discuss Kolis’s quest to create life, and Penellaphe says that’s not their biggest concern right now. What they should be worrying about is that he will do anything to get the embers of life, and if he finds out that Sera has Sotoria’s soul, he will stop at nothing to have her. He’ll burn the Shadowlands to the ground if that’s what it takes. She knows precisely how cruel Kolis can be.

When it’s revealed that Nyktos had his kardia removed, it stuns Penellaphe. She tells Sera that it is the piece of the soul that allows others to love irrevocably and selflessly. Then she says that having it removed must have been terribly painful and that he is genuinely unable to love.

Penellaphe offers to help prevent Sera from being taken from the Shadowlands against her will. As the Goddess of Wisdom, she knows things others do not, like spells that can prevent that. When she brings in Vikter to help with the charm, she reveals that he was the first viktor and is the only one who remembers his past lives. When Vikter shrugs off some praise, Penellaphe tells Sera he’s too humble and says that he saved the life of someone very important and paid a steep price for doing so. The Fates decided to reward him and later realized they could give aid without upsetting the balance. Wishing there was more she could do, Penellaphe apologizes and then leads Nyktos away to speak to him privately.

The next time we see her is at the coronation, wearing white and speaking with Keella.‌

RHAHAR

‌The Eternal God (in Blood and Ash timeline) Court: Originally, the Triton Isles

Hair: Dark. Cropped short.

Eyes: Silver in Blood and Ash timeline.

Facial features: Rich brown skin. Body type: Broad shoulders and chest. Personality: Impetuous.

Habits/Mannerisms/Strengths/Weaknesses: Uncomfortable with hugs. Often speaks before thinking.

Preternatural description: In Blood and Ash timeline, he is said to oversee deity and Atlantian afterlives and have the powers of death.

Background: Left the Triton Isles after Phanos destroyed Phythe.

Nyktos found him in Dalos awaiting sentencing for defection shortly after Eythos was killed. His soul was taken with his cousin’s, saving him from punishment.

Other: Slumbers in Stygian Bay.

Family: Cousin = Saion.

RHAHAR’S JOURNEY TO DATE:

Rhahar isn’t a prominent feature in my visions—or in my research, truth be told. I don’t even know what he represents in present days, even though it’s clear from depictions that he became an important figure since he appears with others such as Saion, Aios, and more. His Temple is located in the foothills of the Undying Hills, and he is often depicted in artwork and literature with Ione.

As for his history…

Rhahar arrives at the House of Haides with Bele after Nyktos brings Sera to the Shadowlands. He’s impressed that she is a fighter and admits that Saion told him what Sera did with the whip and Tavius.

When Gemma gets hurt, he brings her to the palace and sends Orphine to get Kye, the Healer. Inquiries arise, and Rhahar confirms that Shades attacked Gemma. He goes to get Nyktos to tell him what happened, thus missing the miracle that is Sera restoring Gemma’s life.

Later, in the war room, Rhahar stares openly at Sera, not hiding his curiosity or wariness. During discussions, he wonders aloud if mortals would be so afraid of death if they viewed it as a beginning, not an end. When they discuss Kolis, Eythos, and the embers, he says there’s more to Eythos’s actions than giving life a chance.

The battle with the dakkais commences, and Rhahar is sent to retrieve Odin for Nyktos before joining him, Saion, and Rhain as they ride into the fight. He engages the dakkais as they advance toward homes, crouched on horseback and firing arrows.

When the Arae arrives, Rhahar waits outside the throne room with Nektas, Reaver, Ector, Ward, and Penellaphe.

Rhahar interrupts Sera and Nyktos in the Primal’s office to let him know there is trouble at the Pillars. He then accompanies Nyktos to deal with that.

Rhahar witnesses Nyktos telling everyone that Sera tried to go after Kolis on her own and that her bravery is unmatched among them. Like the others, he draws his sword and bows, saying he will endeavor to be deserving of such an honor.

As the time for the couple’s meeting with Kolis approaches, Rhahar finds the idea of Sera playing nice with Kolis amusing and tells her that she can’t threaten Kolis like she did with Attes.

Before the coronation, he remarks that Sera’s gown looks like starlight.

After the ceremony, Rhahar stands by Nyktos’s side as the couple meets with the revelers.

When the dakkais infiltrate Lethe, Rhahar fights them with Bele. As he attempts to return to the House of Haides, he joins the others in the courtyard just after Sera’s outburst and swears when he sees there’s no safe path to the palace.

Bleeding from a wound on his face, he and Saion go to help Nyktos as the dakkais swarm him.

That’s about all I know when it comes to Rhahar. I’m actually a bit anxious to find out more. I would like to know which Primal’s seat he assumes—if he does. Given that most of the gods of present times have taken the titles of the Primals of yore, it stands to reason. But one never knows.‌

RHAIN

‌God of Common Men and Endings (in Blood and Ash timeline) Court: The Callasta Isles to The Shadowlands

Hair: Golden red.

Eyes: Dark golden-brown that become silver in Blood and Ash timeline.

Facial features: Wheatish skin tone.

Personality: Purposefully contrary at times. Loves to push people’s buttons. Easily amused. Sarcastic.

Habits/Mannerisms/Strengths/Weaknesses: Can’t use compulsion.

Can use thought projection.

Preternatural features: Powers of death in Blood and Ash timeline.

Other: Said to sleep deep below Stygian Bay. Queer. Has a home in Lethe.

Background: One of Nyktos’s guards. Was born after Eythos died.

Family: Father = Daniil †. Brother = Mahiil †.

RHAIN’S JOURNEY TO DATE:

When Nyktos returns to Iliseeum with Sera, Rhain meets them by the stables and knows who Sera is. He inquires about the incident that led to Sera being there. When he is asked why he’s still there, he says that he decided to annoy Ash in Saion’s absence but came to talk to Nyktos about something important. He finds it highly amusing how Sera and Ash bicker.

As Ash holds Court, Rhain hangs out with Sera, teasing Ector about fearing that Daddy Nyktos will send him to bed with no dinner. When Gemma goes missing, Rhain leaves with Saion to investigate.

Just as Gemma dies, Rhain arrives from Court. He then watches Sera bring her back to life.

The story of what Kolis did to Eythos is shared, and Rhain is in the war room for it. Learning that Sera reminds Ash of temperamental poppies makes him laugh. As talk turns to the Rot, he says that it’s likely just coincidence that it showed up after Sera was born, though the ember could be triggering something. However, he has no idea why it’d cause that.

After Sera’s secret comes to light, Rhain becomes extra protective. At one point, he tells Sera not to die because Nyktos wants the honor of killing her.

When the dakkais attack, Rhain is the first to see them emerging from the pitch-black water. He tells Sera that Kolis sent them, and they’ve come for her. When Bele executes one of her amazing feats during the battle, he calls her a showoff. Then, he switches his attention to Theon as he fights and remarks that he thinks he’s in love. As he runs out of arrows and the dakkais continue to come, he realizes there are too many.

The draken get involved, and Rhain grabs Sera, shielding her as the draken rain fire down on the dakkais. He then explains that the draken aren’t bonded to all Primals and can attack other Courts, especially since not all Primals play by the rules.

After the fight, he takes Sera back to the palace, wanting to put her in a cell. He’s relieved when Ash at least takes her dagger from her. When he asks Nyktos why his wounds aren’t healing, Ash asks him if he wants to die. He then tells Sera that they can’t get Ash to feed and that he just hopes the Primal rides it out.

Hamid attacks Sera, Ector kills him, and Rhain arrives just after.

Stunned, he asks what happened and remarks that he’s surprised there wasn’t a guard outside Sera’s door. He adds that there is no way anyone betrayed Nyktos and says Hamid likely learned of Sera plans. She corrects him and tells him it’s planned, past tense; it is no longer the case. He has Aios sit with Gemma and then searches Hamid’s house and the bakery.

Just as Nyktos engages the murderous gods in the throne room, Rhain enters. Bele is injured in the melee and Rhain tells Nyktos, only to find out that she’s dead. When Sera brings her back to life, Rhain can only stare in wonder.

Rhain thinks about how many Primals would actually be bold enough to pull a stunt like the attack. When they discuss Veses, he implies that she knows what Sera looks like, and Nyktos confirms. He then tells Sera that Hamid was different. He was trying to protect the Shadowlands. Lailah agrees with him. Despite what Sera has done, he still feels a certain way about her and openly glares when she touches Nyktos.

After Sera tries to go after Kolis on her own, Rhain is in the throne room, witnessing Nyktos tell everyone that her bravery is unmatched among them.

When the Cimmerian attack, Sera saves Rhain’s life. Later, he begrudgingly thanks her, but it’s clear that he doesn’t care that she doesn’t actually plan to kill Nyktos. She’s not the true Primal God of Life, she’s a

vessel. He then mentions what Nyktos has endured and sacrificed for her but won’t go into detail. Ector finally de-escalates things between them before Rhain offers to go and get supplies for Nyktos and makes himself scarce. He asks if Ector wants to go and get scarce with him.

It surprises Rhain when Sera disarms Saion and asks to spar with Nyktos. Still, he settles in to watch, reluctantly amused.

When Sera loses control below the House of Haides, he tells Nyktos to stop her before she brings down the palace and kills herself, urging him to use compulsion on her.

Later, as Sera wakes, Rhain is in the room with Bele. He asks Bele to grab water and juice. She flips him off but goes to get them. He helps Sera sit up and is obviously concerned. Their touch creates a shock, and he’s surprised by its strength. It makes him hiss and jerk away.

Sera jokes about him trying to get her naked, and he replies that he has no interest in that. Saion or Ector, on the other hand…

I have to admit. I’ve seen depictions of those two and I’m utterly on board with that, as well.

Rhain then tells Sera he’s never seen anyone do what she did—not even a Primal in their Culling. He says she’s powerful and asks her what happened.

She asks him why he’s being nice to her since she knows he doesn’t like her. He doesn’t exactly address that, just tells her not to lose her shit like that again or she might not wake up. When Bele returns and begins oversharing, he gets annoyed and knocks her feet off where the goddess has them resting on him. He then goes on to relay that Nyktos has been worrying. To the point Rhain thought the Primal might kill Ector—at least five times. After, he brings Sera bath water and has food sent up.

When Sera comes to see Nyktos in his office, Rhain is there. He’s concerned by how polite she’s being since it is utterly against her nature. He thinks she’s unwell and says as much before heading out to the Rise.

Later, when Kolis summons them to Dalos, he tells Sera that she must do whatever Kolis demands of her, no matter how distasteful or vile, and adds that there are only a few things Nyktos can refuse on her behalf. He also makes it known that delaying in answering Kolis’s summons will make Kolis incredibly angry, and it will cost them.

Rhain goes to check on Sera and finds Veses in Sera’s chambers. He apologizes and offers to let Nyktos know that she’s arrived, trying to lead

the Primal away. She tells him that she’s not there to see Nyktos and it scares him a bit. After she attacks Ector, Veses sends Rhain skidding out of the room with her power, along with Ector’s unconscious body. He rushes off to find Nyktos and inform him of Veses’ attack on Sera.

Before the coronation, Bele retrieves him at Sera’s request so he can be her escort. He confirms that, as the Consort, she will have authority over Nyktos’s guards, and he has to answer her honestly. Therefore, when Sera asks what he meant by Nyktos having to sacrifice, he first tries to backpedal but ends up telling her about Veses and her deal with Nyktos. He’s concerned the Primal of Death will murder him for sharing that and is not convinced he won’t find out.

He goes on to say that Eythos kept his deal with King Roderick a secret for a long time, and so did Nyktos. Still, it was discovered a few years back, and he doesn’t know how. Somehow, Veses found out about Sera but nothing else and threatened to tell Kolis. Rhain tells Sera the price Nyktos paid for Veses’ silence. He adds that he believes Veses may have tried to take Sera out to prevent blowback on Nyktos, but it was more likely because the agreement was about to end. He also tells her that only he and Ector know about the deal with Veses because they found Nyktos in bad shape once after a feeding.

As he feels Sera’s fury build, he tries to calm her by grabbing her face and making her focus on him. He knows he can’t stop her like Nyktos did before without hurting her and is stunned when Sera claims she’ll kill Veses.

He blocks her from going to the Primal and tells her that Veses will be dealt with. The moment the embers are in Nyktos and he Ascends, Veses is done for. Then, he stuns Sera by calling her Your Highness and saying she will be and has been his Queen.

When he asks Sera if she loves Nyktos and she can’t answer, he realizes what it means and confesses he thinks he was wrong about her.

On the way to the coronation, he falls into step behind Rhahar and Sera with Ector, followed by Saion and the twins. As Nyktos and Sera enter, he addresses the crowd and tells them to bow. During the ceremony, he hands Sera’s crown to Nyktos. Afterward, he appears at the door to their carriage with the shadowstone box for the crowns. When they arrive at the House of Haides, he takes them to put them away.

When Kyn attacks with his dakkais and draken, Rhain leads the guards on the Rise. He sees Ector taken down and kicks away a dakkai, only to see the mess that is left of his friend. He can’t hold back and vomits. At one point, he grabs Sera and asks if she’s okay after her blast of power, only to swear when he sees Nyktos drawing the dakkais away with Primal mist.

Sera tears free of his hold.

After Sera is taken to Dalos, Kyn captures Rhain and brings him to Kolis. Kolis taunts him about his father and brother and susses out that he has the same gifts. He figured it would happen, but he still manages to talk to Sera in her mind and tell her to take the palace down like she did at the House of Haides.

Sera makes a deal with Kolis to spare his life, and they return him to the Shadowlands. He isn’t sure he’ll ever be able to repay her. When she’s finally free, he makes sure everyone understands that she’s the reason many of them are still alive and free.

When it’s time for Nyktos to take Sera to her lake to extract her embers, he kneels and extends his sword, drawing blood before destroying the weapon, pledging himself to her forevermore.‌

SAION

‌God of Sky and Soil—is Earth, Wind, and Water (in Blood and Ash timeline)

Court: The Triton Isles to The Shadowlands

Hair: None. Bald.

Eyes: Black that turn silver in Blood and Ash timeline.

Body type: Tall.

Facial features: Deep black skin.

Personality: Snarky.

Habits/Mannerisms/Strengths/Weaknesses: Doesn’t believe that anyone is genuinely benevolent throughout their lives and thinks that long life contributes to that benevolence waning.

Preternatural features: Powers of elemental control.

Other: A seasonal god. Temple in Saion’s Cove off the Cliffs of Ione.

Older than Nyktos.

Background: Born in the Triton Isles. Helped to create the pool under the House of Haides. Left the Triton Isles five decades after his Culling, so about two hundred and fifty years before Sera comes to the Shadowlands. Was in Dalos awaiting sentencing for defection from Phanos’s Court after Eythos was killed. Nyktos saw him in a cell and took his soul so no other Primal could claim him.

Family: Cousin = Rhahar.

SAION’S JOURNEY TO DATE:

Saion accompanies Nyktos—then going by Ash—to the mortal realm to retrieve Sera when the Primal feels her distress. When he sees what’s going on, he remarks that calling Tavius an animal is an insult to animals. He notices no blood despite the brutal appearance of what Tavius had been doing and then laughs when Sera remarks that Tavius is too weak to break the skin.

Saion frees Sera of her bonds by simply placing his hand over them, then settles in to get his daily dose of entertainment. When Nyktos makes his move, and Ector comments on the Primal of Death seeming angry, Saion replies that he has been moody lately and they should let him have his fun.

After Sera kills Tavius with the whip, Saion is hard-pressed to contain his surprise. As he escorts the mortals out of the Great Hall, he remarks that he’s in the mood for whiskey and then finds a cloak for Sera.

In the Shadowlands, Saion retrieves Sera to take her to breakfast with Nyktos. He mentions that he told Nyktos that the Primal should be watching over his Consort himself and then reveals that he was threatened and told Nyktos would feed him to Nektas.

Later, Saion waits for Nyktos when they exit the dining hall. He takes Jadis and is told to rock her but warned that she’s been able to cough up sparks and flames lately. He awkwardly soothes her as best he can.

As Nyktos holds Court, Saion waits with Sera and teases her about fidgeting. He tells her that no part of Nyktos doesn’t know exactly where she is at all times. When word comes that Gemma is missing, Saion joins Rhain and leaves after a signal from Nyktos.

When Sera attempts her escape, Saion escorts her back and is told to grab Rhahar to check the tombs. While they’re returning to the palace, Saion realizes she’s hurt and sniffs her wound, snarling.

Saion reappears just after Gemma dies, his head jerking up when he hears Ector remark that Sera is glowing. He then swears and asks the room at large if they can sense what he’s feeling. Finally, he watches as Sera brings Gemma back to life.

Afterward, Saion stares openly at Sera in the war room and tells her that the power to give life is both a blessing and a curse. He acknowledges that it’s a strength and not a weakness because most would not realize how quickly that power can turn on them. He then adds that bringing back the dead doesn’t just sound impressive; it is impressive. As they discuss the past, Saion agrees with Rhahar that there was more to Eythos’s actions in putting the embers in a mortal line than just giving life a chance.

Saion, Bele, and Rhahar go to check on word of a disturbance and find that something is happening along the bay. He informs everyone that a ship capsized. He adds that anyone who goes into the water usually doesn’t return.

Later, he, Rhahar, Theon, and Nyktos ride out of the gate and head down the bluffs, engaging the dakkais as they advance toward the homes. They all crouch deftly on horseback, firing arrows.

Saion arrives at the House of Haides with Nektas and Nyktos and states that at least twenty died, but they’re still checking to see if any in Lethe

perished. He also shares that Nyktos was swarmed at the docks and the dakkais got a lot of hits in. When Sera leaves to try to feed the Primal, he flashes her a thumbs-up and tells her she has his thoughts and prayers.

Smartass.

After Hamid attacks Sera in her bathing chamber, Saion arrives with Ector and Nyktos and hands Nyktos a towel for Sera—one that wasn’t touched. He tells Rhain that Hamid tried to assassinate Sera and questions if the mortal’s motives may have to do with what Sera planned.

As Nyktos deals with the murderous gods, Saion checks on Sera, and she tells him to go to Bele. Once Taric moves his attention to Sera after being told not to look at her, Saion remarks that the fallout will be good.

Sera Ascends Bele following the attack, and Saion paces in Nyktos’s office with her and Ector. He mentions that he wasn’t around when the Primals Ascended, then tells Sera that not every god she brings back will Ascend. They’d have to be fated to hold that position. Nyktos agrees. He then learns that Sera may have had viktors, though it’s been a long time since he’s heard anything about them. He states that it would make sense if she did have them given what Eythos did.

Escorting Sera back to her chambers, she asks him if he wants revenge for what she had planned. He tells her that if he thought she was a real threat to Nyktos, he’d snap her neck, even knowing he’d be killed for it. He adds that Nyktos is attracted to her, but that’s as deep as it goes.

Sera reminds him that she’s a threat to all the Shadowlands while she’s there, and he asks her if he should snap her neck, then. She invites him to try and urges him not to be a coward and wait until her back is turned. She adds that she won’t make it easy, and he replies that he wouldn’t expect her to.

Saion reminds Sera that she’ll be the Consort in a few days. She asks him if she’ll be his Consort, and he doesn’t answer her. He then introduces her to Orphine, who’s there to make sure Sera is safe in her chambers—it’s protection more than punishment.

He joins the others in the throne room when Nyktos shares that Sera tried to go after Kolis to protect the Shadowlands and says her bravery is unmatched. He mirrors Ector, drawing his sword, bowing, and saying he hopes they deserve such an honor.

When the Cimmerian storm the gates, Saion interrupts Nyktos and Sera in the Primal’s office and tells them about it, adding that they’re from

Hanan’s Court and there are about a hundred of them.

He’s ordered to stay with Sera and make sure she doesn’t leave, and he responds that he’s honored to obey such a command. He then ribs Sera by talking to her like a child, mentioning snacks and naps.

Saion asks if she really tried to go after Kolis. When she confirms, he states it’d be dishonorable to talk about harming her now and suggests that he should bow to her since she’s technically the Primal God of Life—but he won’t.

He wonders how good Sera is with a bow and then orders her to remain unseen, telling her that the Cimmerian don’t know what’s inside her and will kill her. He adds that if Nyktos is overpowered, she is to go inside to Aios and Bele. He also says that Dorcan would take her head to Hanan on a spike without hesitation. He then leaves to join the fight, jumping off the Rise. Later, he tells Nyktos that Dorcan saw Sera.

Saion takes his turn guarding Sera’s room and then goes to breakfast in the first-floor receiving room with Reaver. Sera asks him if the other rooms are ever used, and he tells her that other than Jadis and Reaver exploring them, they aren’t. She asks him who keeps them so clean, then, and he tells her that Ector does, in memory of Eythos. When Sera asks Saion where he’s from originally, he tells her about his past and how Nyktos saved both him and Rhahar.

He informs Sera that they train for a few hours every morning but says he won’t train with her. When he reiterates that and she disarms him, he’s shocked. He confesses he’d have to think about which he’d prefer: babysitting Jadis and Reaver or following her around. As Sera spars with Nyktos, Saion takes a seat on a nearby boulder to watch and then escorts her to her room afterward.

Following Veses’ attack on Sera, Saion is ordered to keep an eye on the Primal with Theon and tells Sera that Ector will be okay.

The day of the coronation, Saion remarks on how pretty Sera looks in her gown and then drives the carriage to the ceremony. After, he falls into step behind Rhahar and Sera with Ector, Rhain, and the twins. Still later, he opens the carriage door for Nyktos and Sera, addressing them as Your

Highnesses, ending with a bow and a wink.

After Kyn’s attack, Saion informs Nyktos of what happened and tries to block them from seeing the bodies in the west courtyard. He tells Sera that

she’s starting to glow and points out to Nyktos where Kyn is. He’s ordered to summon the armies and runs to guard on horseback.

Later, Sera has him help her get Aios down from the pike. He tells her it’ll make it worse and orders Sera to grab her head before it detaches.

When Sera seethes and says, “Fuck the dakkais,” when she’s warned not to use eather, he tells her that he likes her.

Saion watches in amazement as Sera restores life to Aios and is relieved to see the goddess once again alive. He orders Kars to take Aios inside and then informs Sera that the dakkais are over the wall. He tries to stop her from saving Ector, knowing it’ll just make things worse with the dakkais, and physically keeps her away.

The battle rages against the dakkais, and Saion is injured. He tells them they need to get inside and then goes with Rhahar to help Nyktos when he’s swarmed by dakkais.‌

LAILAH

‌Goddess of Peace and Vengeance (in Blood and Ash timeline) Court: Vathi to The Shadowlands

Hair: Shoulder-length. Braided straight back.

Eyes: Wide-set. Gold. Become silver in Blood and Ash timeline.

Facial features: Deep, rich brown skin.

Preternatural features: Powers of strength, tactical prowess, and logic.

Other: Wears white armor.

Background: Said to be Nyktos’s child—proven untrue. Said to rest with Theon beneath the Pillars of Atlantia in Blood and Ash timeline.

Family: Twin = Theon.

LAILAH’S JOURNEY TO DATE:

When Nyktos arrives with Seraphena, it takes Lailah aback a bit. Like her twin, she immediately teases Nyktos about taking Sera against her will, asking if he’s taken up his ancestor’s habits of kidnapping young women.

While Reaver is learning to fly, Lailah takes him for his airtime with Theon. It’s absolutely adorable.

After Gemma gets injured, Lailah enters the room and witnesses Sera glowing as she brings Gemma back to life. She then follows Theon with a basin to clean the girl as he carries Gemma to recovery.

Lailah isn’t present when Sera’s original motives are revealed, she just hears about it later. From what I saw of her, she didn’t seem to hold it against Sera quite as much as some of the others. Perhaps that’s because of the Court she originated from. Who knows?

When draken from outside their Court enter the Shadowlands, Lailah asks Nektas if he recognizes the tan draken. She also agrees with Rhain about Hamid: that his attack on Sera wasn’t to protect the Shadowlands; it was to threaten it.

Later, after Nyktos calls them all together and announces that Sera tried to go after Kolis to save the Shadowlands and states that her bravery is unmatched, she—like the others—bows, saying she hopes to be deserving of such an honor.

Lailah tells Seraphena how Attes told Theon that Sera threatened him. It seemed to tickle her. And I think it might, given her chemistry with the

Primal of War and Vengeance.

On coronation day, Lailah exits Sera’s room and asks Sera and Rhain if they felt the manor shake.‌

THEON

‌God of Accord and War (in the Blood and Ash timeline) Court: Vathi to The Shadowlands

Hair: Braids along scalp.

Eyes: Wide-set. Gold. Become silver in Blood and Ash timeline.

Facial features: Deep, rich brown skin.

Personality: Funny. Sarcastic. Flirty.

Preternatural features: Powers of strength, tactical prowess, and logic.

Other: Slumbers with his sister below the Pillars of Atlantia in Blood and Ash timeline.

Family: Twin = Lailah.

THEON’S JOURNEY TO DATE:

When Nyktos arrives with Seraphena, it surprises Theon—he knew nothing about her. He and his sister immediately tease Nyktos about kidnapping her and tells Sera to blink twice if she’s a captive.

He takes Reaver for his airtime. I just love watching him with his sister and the youngling. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

When Veses arrives at the House of Haides, Theon announces her arrival.

After Gemma gets injured, Theon enters the room and witnesses her passing. He also sees Sera start to glow and watches as she brings Gemma back to life. After, he carries Gemma to recovery.

Theon isn’t present when Sera’s original motives are revealed, but when the attacks start, he’s there to tell Nyktos which direction the water attack came from and what happened and then joins Bele, Nyktos, Saion, and Rhahar as they fight the dakkais.

When draken from outside their Court enter the Shadowlands, Theon announces that three gods were involved and states that he didn’t recognize the two he saw. He theorizes that Sera’s been seen, and it wouldn’t be a stretch for anyone to deduce that she’s the Consort. He also states that Hanan could have given the order to take Sera and Bele.

Later, after Nyktos calls them all together and announces that Sera tried to go after Kolis to save the Shadowlands and states that her bravery is

unmatched, Theon draws his sword and bows, saying he hopes to be deserving of such an honor.

Theon reveals that Attes told him about Sera’s threat and that he was both amused and turned on by the news. He quickly apologizes when Nyktos gets prickly over the comment.

Reaver sticks up for Sera with Nyktos, and Theon comments that it’s wrong for the draken to take her side.

When Nyktos orders that Veses be kept under guard, Theon and Saion assume the responsibility.‌

IONE

‌Goddess of Rebirth Court: Thyia Plains

Hair: Chin-length. Reddish brown. Eyes: Silver in Blood and Ash Timeline. Body type: Tall. Slender.

Facial features: Medium brown, beigy skin tone. Sharp features.

Preternatural features: Powers of life and birth. Can root out memories.

Habits/Mannerisms/Strengths/Weaknesses: Can see into thoughts. A bit shy.

Other: A seasonal goddess associated with spring. Temple is in the foothills of the Undying Hills. Often depicted with Rhahar in artwork.

IONE’S JOURNEY TO DATE (AS KNOWN):

I didn’t see much of Ione, truth be told. Not until Sera ends up in Dalos.

Kolis summons Ione and brings her to Sera’s cage. She has a rare gift to sift through and root out memories from someone’s brain, and Kolis wants to know the truth about Sotoria.

Playing both sides, she does as she’s told, but makes sure to stretch the truth when relaying what she saw in Sera’s head. In her mind, Seraphena is Nyktos’s Consort and that’s the way it should be.

She hates that she had to put Sera through the pain of doing what she had to do, but she hopes that putting herself on the line will make up for it.

I imagine I’ll see much more of Ione soon. All the gods and goddesses are waking up, and there is too much backstory still buried.

I can’t wait to find out more.‌

PERUS

‌God of the Rite and Prosperity*

Here is what people think they know about the god, Perus…

Hair: White.

Facial features: Fair.

Background: Perus didn’t exist. The Ascended created him, though nobody knows why.*

‌

A NOTE FROM MISS WILLA

‌

So, that’s as much as I’ve been able to amass thus far. New things come to me almost daily, and I pick up information tidbits in my travels, as well, so I don’t expect this story to end anytime soon.

Big things are on the horizon for Poppy, Cas, and their allies, not to mention the fact that the gods are waking, and timelines are about to converge in a way nobody expected, uncovering fallacies and fleshing out prophecies even more.

Enemies still lurk around every corner, and I have a feeling the Primal of Life is about to make her opinion known on how things unfolded while the gods rested.

For now, all we can do is prepare—for the best, the worst, and the unknown—and wait to see how things play out.

And despite being a Seer, I have a feeling even I will be surprised.

~Willa

DISCOVER MORE JENNIFER L.ARMENTROUT

From Blood and Ash

Blood and Ash Series, Book One Available in hardcover, e-book, and trade paperback.

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Captivating and action-packed, From Blood and Ash is a sexy, addictive, and unexpected fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa.

A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart.

And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through

violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred.

Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

* * * *

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire

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Is Love Stronger Than Vengeance?

A Betrayal…

Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.

A Choice…

Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended.

Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their

lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.

A Secret…

But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late.

* * * *

The Crown of Gilded Bones

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Bow Before Your Queen Or Bleed Before Her… She’s been the victim and the survivor…

Poppy never dreamed she would find the love she’s found with Prince Casteel. She wants to revel in her happiness but first they must free his brother and find hers. It’s a dangerous mission and one with far-reaching consequences neither dreamed of. Because Poppy is the Chosen, the Blessed. The true ruler of Atlantia. She carries the blood of the King of Gods within her. By right the crown and the kingdom are hers.

The enemy and the warrior…

Poppy has only ever wanted to control her own life, not the lives of others, but now she must choose to either forsake her birthright or seize the gilded crown and become the Queen of Flesh and Fire. But as the kingdoms’ dark sins and blood-drenched secrets finally unravel, a long- forgotten power rises to pose a genuine threat. And they will stop at nothing to ensure that the crown never sits upon Poppy’s head.

A lover and heartmate…

But the greatest threat to them and to Atlantia is what awaits in the far west, where the Queen of Blood and Ash has her own plans, ones she has waited hundreds of years to carry out. Poppy and Casteel must consider the impossible—travel to the Lands of the Gods and wake the King himself.

And as shocking secrets and the harshest betrayals come to light, and enemies emerge to threaten everything Poppy and Casteel have fought for, they will discover just how far they are willing to go for their people—and each other.

And now she will become Queen…

* * * *

The War of Two Queens

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War is only the beginning…

From the desperation of golden crowns…

Casteel Da’Neer knows all too well that very few are as cunning or vicious as the Blood Queen, but no one, not even him, could’ve prepared for the staggering revelations. The magnitude of what the Blood Queen has done is almost unthinkable.

And born of mortal flesh…

Nothing will stop Poppy from freeing her King and destroying everything the Blood Crown stands for. With the strength of the Primal of Life’s guards behind her, and the support of the wolven, Poppy must convince the Atlantian generals to make war her way—because there can be no retreat this time. Not if she has any hope of building a future where both kingdoms can reside in peace.

A great primal power rises…

Together, Poppy and Casteel must embrace traditions old and new to safeguard those they hold dear—to protect those who cannot defend themselves. But war is only the beginning. Ancient primal powers have already stirred, revealing the horror of what began eons ago. To end what the Blood Queen has begun, Poppy might have to become what she has been prophesied to be—what she fears the most.

As the Harbinger of Death and Destruction.

* * * *

A Soul of Ash and Blood

Blood and Ash Series, Book Five Available in hardcover, e-book, and trade paperback.

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Only his memories can save her…

A great primal power has risen. The Queen of Flesh and Fire has become the Primal of Blood and Bone—the true Primal of Life and Death. And the battle Casteel, Poppy, and their allies have been fighting has only just begun. Gods are awakening across Iliseeum and the mortal realm, readying for the war to come.

But when Poppy falls into stasis, Cas faces the very real possibility that the dire, unexpected consequences of what she is becoming could take her

away from him. Cas is given some advice, though—something he plans to cling to as he waits to see her beautiful eyes open once more: Talk to her.

And so, he does. He reminds Poppy how their journey began, revealing things about himself that only Kieran knows in the process. But it’s anybody’s guess what she’ll wake to or exactly how much of the realm and Cas will have changed when she does.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout revisits Poppy and Casteel’s epic love story in the next installment of the Blood and Ash series. But this time, Hawke gets to tell the tale.

* * * *

A Shadow in the Ember

Flesh and Fire Series, Book One

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns with book one of the all-new, compelling Flesh and Fire series—set in the beloved Blood and Ash world.

Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort.

However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania—she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission—one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot.

Sera has always known what she is. Chosen. Consort. Assassin.

Weapon. A specter never fully formed yet drenched in blood. A monster.

Until him. Until the Primal of Death’s unexpected words and deeds chase away the darkness gathering inside her. And his seductive touch ignites a passion she’s never allowed herself to feel and cannot feel for him. But Sera has never had a choice. Either way, her life is forfeit—it always has been, as she has been forever touched by Life and Death.

* * * *

A Light in the Flame

Flesh and Fire Series, Book Two Available in hardcover, e-book, and trade paperback.

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The only one who can save Sera now is the one she spent her life planning to kill.

The truth about Sera’s plan is out, shattering the fragile trust forged between her and Nyktos. Surrounded by those distrustful of her, all Sera has is her duty. She will do anything to end Kolis, the false King of Gods, and his tyrannical rule of Iliseeum, thus stopping the threat he poses to the mortal realm.

Nyktos has a plan, though, and as they work together, the last thing they need is the undeniable, scorching passion that continues to ignite between them. Sera cannot afford to fall for the tortured Primal, not when a life no longer bound to a destiny she never wanted is more attainable than ever.

But memories of their shared pleasure and unrivaled desire are a siren’s call impossible to resist.

And as Sera begins to realize that she wants to be more than a Consort in name only, the danger surrounding them intensifies. The attacks on the Shadowlands are increasing, and when Kolis summons them to Court, a whole new risk becomes apparent. The Primal power of Life is growing inside her, pushing her closer to the end of her Culling. And without Nyktos’s love—an emotion he’s incapable of feeling—she won’t survive her Ascension. That is if she even makes it to her Ascension and Kolis

doesn’t get to her first. Because time is running out. For both her and the realms.

* * * *

A Fire in the Flesh

Flesh and Fire Series, Book Three Available in hardcover, e-book, and trade paperback.

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The only thing that can save the realms now is the one thing more powerful than the Fates.

After a startling betrayal ends with both Sera and the dangerously seductive ruler of the Shadowlands she has fallen madly in love with being held captive by the false King of the Gods, there is only one thing that can free Nyktos and prevent the forces of the Shadowlands from invading Dalos and igniting a War of Primals.

Convincing Kolis won’t be easy, though – not even with a lifetime of training. While his most favored Revenant is insistent that she is nothing more than a lie, Kolis’s erratic nature and twisted sense of honor leave her shaken to the core, and nothing could’ve prepared her for the cruelty of his Court or the shocking truths revealed. The revelations not only upend what she has understood about her duty and the very creation of the realms but also draw into question exactly what the true threat is. However, surviving Kolis is only one part of the battle. The Ascension is upon her, and Sera is out of time.

But Nyktos will do anything to keep Sera alive and give her the life she deserves. He’ll even risk the utter destruction of the realms, and that’s exactly what will happen if he doesn’t Ascend as the Primal of Life. Yet despite his desperate determination, their destinies may be out of their hands.

But there is that foreseen unexpected thread—the unpredictable, unknown and unwritten. The only thing more powerful than the Fates…