Blood and Ash, #1
From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Sixteen
Overview
On the Rise, Hawke disarms and corners Poppy, revealing he recognized her as Penellaphe when she removed her veil. He threatens to expose her rule-breaking to the Duke to keep her safe but ultimately releases her. Back in her chambers, Poppy tells Tawny the Craven reached the wall and many died, before Hawke arrives to continue the conversation.
Summary
On the Rise after the attack, Hawke seizes Poppy’s wrist and pins her against the wall, calling her “Princess” and pressing her to admit she is the girl from the Red Pearl. Their heated exchange blends accusation and attraction as Poppy insists she can protect herself, while Hawke rebukes her recklessness and blocks her attempts to break free.
As the tension escalates, Hawke reveals he returned to the Red Pearl for her and finally speaks her name, Penellaphe, proving he recognized her the night she unveiled. He argues that exposing her to the Duke and Duchess would end her dangerous outings, effectively making his job easier. After a long pause, he releases her and tells her to hurry back to her chambers.
Poppy sneaks in via the servants’ access and finds Tawny waiting. Shaken, Poppy reports there were dozens of Craven and that several reached the top of the Rise before being stopped, with many guards killed and likely bitten. They brace for black flags and pyres as the city mourns.
A knock interrupts them. Expecting a guard, they instead face Hawke, who enters and declares it is time for their talk, setting up an immediate confrontation in Poppy’s chambers.
Who Appears
- Poppy (Penellaphe)The Maiden; fights on the Rise, resists Hawke’s interrogation, is unmasked, and reports the breach and losses to Tawny.
- Hawke FlynnPoppy’s new guard; corners and disarms her, reveals he knew her identity, threatens exposure, then seeks a private talk.
- TawnyPoppy’s companion; anxiously awaits her return and learns the Craven reached the wall and many guards died.