Blood and Ash, #1
From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Three
Overview
Poppy and Hawke’s encounter intensifies, but Kieran interrupts with news of an arriving envoy, forcing Hawke to leave. Poppy slips away and later admits to Tawny that she went to the Red Pearl, grappling with fear of Ascension and guilt over risking Tawny. That night, Vikter summons Poppy to address a cursed, shifting the story from forbidden desire to looming danger.
Summary
Poppy, weighed by fears of being found unworthy at Ascension, chooses not to stop Hawke. Their encounter escalates as Hawke asks to remove her mask and explores her body, while Poppy struggles with shame over her scars and the danger of being recognized.
Hawke discovers Poppy’s hidden bloodstone-and-wolven-bone dagger, questions her skill, and grows more intrigued. Just as they are about to continue, Kieran pounds on the door with urgent news: an envoy with long-awaited supplies has arrived. Hawke arms himself and promises to return; Poppy promises to wait but secretly plans to leave—and does.
The next morning, Tawny confronts Poppy about not being in her room. Poppy admits she went to the Red Pearl but conceals Hawke’s involvement. They discuss the Rite gown, rumors of the mist near the Blood Forest, and Poppy’s dread of Ascension. Tawny expresses faith and excitement for her own future, while Poppy resolves not to risk Tawny’s worthiness with further transgressions.
That evening, Vikter arrives with grave news. He and Poppy are summoned because there is a cursed, pivoting Poppy’s day from secret defiance and longing to immediate, external threat.
Who Appears
- Poppy (Penellaphe)The Maiden; engages in an intimate encounter with Hawke, secretly leaves, confides partially in Tawny, and is summoned to face a cursed.
- Hawke FlynnGuard intrigued by Poppy; escalates intimacy, notes her dagger, is interrupted by Kieran’s news, and departs promising to return.
- Tawny LyonPoppy’s companion and closest friend; hears about the Red Pearl visit, encourages faith in Ascension, and shares excitement for the Rite.
- KieranHawke’s associate; interrupts with news of an envoy’s arrival, halting Hawke and Poppy’s encounter.
- VikterPoppy’s guard and mentor; later summons her with urgent news that there is a cursed.