The Blood Shrike, Helene Aquilla, is assailed on all sides. Emperor Marcus, haunted by his past, grows increasingly unstable, while the Commandant capitalizes on his madness to bolster her own power. As Helene searches for a way to hold back the approaching darkness, her sister's life and the lives of all those in the Empire hang in the balance. Far to the east, Laia of Serra knows the fate of the world lies not in the machinations of the Martial court, but in stopping the Nightbringer. But while hunting for a way to bring him down, Laia faces unexpected threats from those she hoped would aid her, and is drawn into a battle she never thought she'd have to fight. And in the land between the living and the dead, Elias Veturius has given up his freedom to serve as Soul Catcher. But in doing so, he has vowed himself to an ancient power that will stop at nothing to ensure Elias's devotion--even at the cost of his humanity. Laia – Laia is a Scholar, a once-great race that was crushed by the Martials. She is trying to thwart the plan of the Nightbringer. Elias – Elias is the current Soul Catcher. The Soul Catcher passes the souls of the dead from the Waiting Place. Helene – Helene Aquilla is the Blood Shrike. She executes the will of the emperor. Commandant – The Commandant, Keris Veturia, is the cruel head of the military academy, Blackcliff, as well as the mother of Elias, and is considered "one of the most powerful people in the Empire." Marcus Farrar – Emperor Marcus is a sadistic man and former classmate of Helene and Elias. He is married to Helene's younger sister, Livia. Nightbringer – The old king of the jinn. Avitas Harper – The second of the Blood Shrike and half brother of Elias. He has romantic interest towards Helene. Musa – The Beekeeper. He has the magical ability to control lesser fey creatures. He is also the prince consort of princess Nikla of Marinn. Arhopala davaona  Arhopala davaona is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It was described by Georg Semper in 1890. It is found in the Indomalayan realm where it is endemic to the Philippines. Wang Xiaojing  Wang Xiaojing (born 3 May 1992) is a Chinese sport shooter.