Blood and Ash, #1
From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Five
Overview
Poppy and Hawke’s intimacy escalates under the willow before Hawke pulls back, but Vikter catches them and confronts Hawke. Poppy breaks down, admitting the burden and emptiness of being the Maiden. Screams interrupt; in the Great Hall they find the Duke murdered, his cane through his heart, and the Dark One’s bloody proclamation.
Summary
Hidden beneath the willow, Poppy asks Hawke to kiss her. Their gentle kiss turns urgent, and Hawke positions Poppy astride him before forcing himself to stop, warning he was moments from becoming a “very bad guard.” Poppy admits she wouldn’t have stopped him, and they hold each other quietly until deciding to return.
Outside the willow, Vikter confronts them, immediately recognizing what happened. He and Hawke nearly come to blows as Vikter accuses Hawke of risking Poppy’s fate, while Hawke insists Poppy is a person, not an object. Vikter orders Hawke away and escorts Poppy, tense and humiliated.
Pressed for answers, Poppy confesses she asked Hawke to kiss her. The confrontation triggers a torrent of frustration: she condemns the constraints of being the Maiden, the secrecy around her purpose, and the abuse she endures from the Duke. Overwhelmed, she blurts that she wants to be found unworthy, shocking them both, then asks to return to her chambers.
Screams from the Great Hall interrupt. Poppy rushes inside, worried for Tawny, and finds the Rite banner rod cracked and the Duke’s body strung up by rope, arms outstretched. His own cane is driven through his heart, and above him, written in blood, is the Dark One’s mark and the vow, “From Blood and Ash… We Will Rise.”
Who Appears
- Poppy (Penellaphe)The Maiden; initiates intimacy with Hawke, argues with Vikter, and confesses resentment toward her role.
- HawkePoppy’s guard; passionately kisses her, restrains himself, clashes with Vikter, and pointedly defends Poppy’s personhood.
- VikterSenior guard; catches Poppy and Hawke, confronts Hawke, then hears Poppy’s anguished confession before discovering the murder.
- The DukeFound murdered in the Great Hall, hanged with arms outstretched, his cane driven through his heart.
- The DuchessStands shocked in the Great Hall as the crowd screams at the Duke’s displayed corpse.
- TawnyPoppy’s companion; remains inside the Great Hall, prompting Poppy to push through the panic to check on her.