A Shadow in the Ember

Sera is overwhelmed by the strange darkness of the Shadowlands, and Ash explains there is never day or night there. As they journey deeper into the realm, they encounter several draken, dragon-like shapeshifters. Sera is terrified, but Ash assures her that they won’t harm her. He says the nearby draken’s name is Nektas and encourages her to pet him, which she does. He explains draken are the result of a deal that dragons made with the Primals long ago, that they can shift between dragon and god forms at will, and that the draken flying overhead are his protectors.

Ash and Sera arrive at a palace called the House of Haides, his palace. As they pass through the gate, she sees several gods impaled on the walls, which he says is to serve as a warning. She’s disturbed by the cruelty of this, only to be taken aback by the beauty of the palace’s interior. Sera is introduced to twin gods, Theon and Lailah, who tease Ash and ask if Sera has been kidnapped. He assures them that she is his Consort, and Sera is puzzled by the twins’ behavior. The twins have a young draken with them named Reaver.