Blood and Ash, #2
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Four
Overview
Casteel intercepts Poppy’s escape and goads her into a duel, exposing both their anger and attraction. A sudden Craven onslaught forces them to fight side by side, proving Poppy’s capability. Afterward, Poppy discloses surviving a past bite; Casteel confirms her half-Atlantian heritage. They return to the keep, with Poppy still defiant.
Summary
In the snowy forest, Casteel confronts Poppy after her escape. He offers a deal: duel him for her freedom. Kieran withdraws to ensure fairness. Provoked by his taunts and determined not to return quietly, Poppy accepts, discarding her cloak and taking his bloodstone sword.
They fight in earnest. Poppy leverages surprise and agility to land hits and even draw blood, while Casteel’s restraint shows he won’t let her die. Their sparring exposes raw emotions—his protectiveness over the Landell incident and her resentment at captivity—alongside a charged attraction he openly acknowledges.
Mist rises, heralding Craven. The pair arm themselves as a horde rushes them. Poppy kills multiple Craven with the bloodstone blade, channeling fury and refusing to be prey. Casteel cuts through others, and together they clear the threat. The attack underscores the lie that the Dark One controls Craven and the dangers Poppy ignored by fleeing unprepared.
Afterward, Poppy reflects on the dead, recalls surviving a past Craven bite, and confesses it. Casteel confirms a Craven’s bite doesn’t curse Atlantians, identifying her as half-Atlantian and noting her hidden traits. He admits this knowledge wouldn’t have changed his plans.
They agree to return. Poppy declares she will keep fighting, refuse marriage, and attempt escape again. Casteel accepts her defiance, urging rest for coming battles, as they head back through the snow.
Who Appears
- Poppy (Penellaphe)Escapes into the woods, duels Casteel, fights Craven fiercely, reveals surviving a past Craven bite, learns it marks her half-Atlantian.
- Casteel Da'Neer (Hawke)Intercepts Poppy, offers a duel, balances restraint and desire, battles Craven with her, confirms her half-Atlantian nature, insists they return.
- Kieran ContouWolven companion; withdraws to make the duel fair, present at interception but absent during main fight.
- CravenDecayed, feral attackers drawn by mist; swarm the clearing and are slain by Poppy and Casteel.