Blood and Ash, #1
From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Seven
Overview
Rylan is killed by a marked arrow, and Poppy narrowly survives an abduction attempt, wounding the hooded assailant before a whistle recalls him. Vikter and the Duchess conclude the attack bears the Dark One’s promise and likely Atlantian ties. Security tightens, and Poppy may be moved to the capital for protection.
Summary
Poppy cradles Rylan as he collapses, realizing he is already dead from an arrow shot. A hooded man with a bow confronts her, ordering her compliance. Fueled by grief and rage, Poppy draws her dagger and strikes, injuring him near the heart before he counters with brutal blows.
His inhuman growls and pale, luminous eyes unsettle Poppy as he threatens to mutilate her. A sharp whistle from the trees recalls him, and he retreats, promising to return. Poppy steadies herself, wipes the blood from her dagger on Rylan’s clothing, and moves toward the castle, where Royal Guards and Vikter find her.
In a receiving room, a Healer tends Poppy’s minor injuries as Duchess Teerman demands to know how the attacker breached the grounds, ordering the ancient jacaranda trees removed for security. Vikter keeps Poppy’s counterattack secret but plans to alert Healers to watch for a matching wound.
The Duchess presses Poppy on the stakes of her role as Maiden and criticizes Rylan’s complacency. Vikter reveals the arrow bore the Dark One’s promise—“From Blood and Ash, We Shall Rise”—linking the attack to Descenters and likely Atlantians.
The Duchess explains they believed the prior intruders had left after Malessa’s murder but now accept the threat remains in the city. She warns that the Dark One has come for Poppy and that the King and Queen may take drastic measures, including summoning her to the capital.
Who Appears
- Poppy (Penellaphe)Maiden; grieves Rylan, wounds her attacker, and faces rising threats linked to the Dark One.
- Vikter WardwellMentor guard; locates Poppy, manages the fallout, and identifies the Dark One’s marked arrow.
- Duchess Teerman (Jacinda)Authority figure; interrogates events, orders tree removal, and warns the Dark One targets Poppy.
- Tawny LyonPoppy’s companion; assists the Healer and keeps confidences during the debrief.
- RylanPoppy’s guard; killed instantly by a marked arrow during the garden attack.
- Unknown hooded assailantArcher with inhuman growls; wounded by Poppy, retreats after a whistle, likely Atlantian or Descenter.
- HealerTreats Poppy’s bruises and provides a sedative powder.