Caesar al-Zebiy is the second son of Sultan Zebiyah and one of the contenders for the throne. While his brothers are gathering armies and plot...

The High Priest Azriel is the "Silver Serpent of the Temple"

Sylvester Carrion is a werewolf man, the future head of the Black Fangs, whose community includes werewolves.

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Bleil is convinced that he is a monster, unworthy of love and happiness, poisoned by blood and ether.