Blood and Ash, #1
From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Six
Overview
After a woman is found drained of blood, Poppy, Tawny, Rylan, and Vikter question the official claim that Descenters are responsible. Poppy’s research and observations point to an Atlantian. She finds a stray jasmine petal in the scene, then later witnesses Rylan felled by an arrow in the garden, escalating the threat.
Summary
In the aftermath of discovering a woman’s body, Poppy is escorted back to her room as Castle Teerman goes on lockdown. With Tawny and Rylan, she reviews the wounds: two precise punctures, pallor, a broken neck, and no blood—unlike Craven attacks. Vikter returns, reporting no other victims found, and privately agrees the scene matches nothing he’s seen.
The Duke claims Descenters are responsible, but neither Rylan nor Vikter finds that plausible. Poppy discreetly eases Vikter’s headache with her gift. The victim is identified as Malessa Axton, a young Lady connected to Radiant Row. Poppy and Vikter discuss the implications; both conclude the wounds most resemble an Atlantian’s fangs, not a Craven or Descenter staging.
At dawn, seeking confirmation, Poppy slips to her lesson room and rereads history on Atlantians: their fangs, thirst, longevity, and ability to create Craven. The text reinforces her suspicion that an Atlantian fed on Malessa. Still unsettled by motive—why snap the neck afterward—she enters the cleaned scene, noting coldness, no blood, and finding a single jasmine-scented white petal, an oddity among lilies.
Later, Poppy remains sequestered, realizing the Duke may be hiding the truth to prevent panic, risking Guards’ preparedness. Near dusk, Rylan encourages fresh air, and they walk to the Queen’s Garden. Among night-blooming roses, calm briefly returns—until an arrow strikes Rylan in the chest. Bleeding, he orders Poppy to run, revealing a hidden assailant and an imminent danger inside the castle grounds.
Who Appears
- Poppy (Penellaphe Balfour)The Maiden; investigates Malessa’s death, eases Vikter’s pain, researches Atlantians, finds a jasmine petal, and witnesses Rylan shot.
- RylanGuard assigned to Poppy; doubts Descenter theory, escorts her to the garden, and is struck by an arrow, urging her to run.
- Vikter WardwellPoppy’s primary guard; assesses the scene, rejects the Descenter claim, suffers a headache she eases, and suspects an Atlantian.
- Tawny LyonPoppy’s friend; discusses the wounds and Malessa’s identity, worries over the implications and safety in the castle.
- Malessa AxtonVictim found drained with twin punctures and a broken neck; her death triggers the investigation and lockdown.
- The Duke of MasadoniaInsists Descenters are responsible, likely to curb panic, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
- Lord MazeenPredatory courtier; present at the death scene and earlier harassed Poppy, underscoring her vulnerability.
- Commander JansenDeclares the grounds relatively safe after the search, though the threat remains.
- Priestess AnaliaHer lesson room houses the history text Poppy consults on Atlantians.