Blood and Ash, #2
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Forty-Four
Overview
Poppy arrives in Saion’s Cove, awed by Atlantia and publicly acknowledged as Casteel’s wife. Alastir warns that Casteel’s parents are present. Separated from the group, Poppy is led by Beckett to the Chambers of Nyktos, where zealots ambush and stone her. Under attack, Poppy’s power surges, and the skies begin to bleed.
Summary
Passing through the Pillars into Atlantia, Poppy sees Guardians and Saion’s Cove sprawling below, its sun-bright architecture and mountain of torch-bearing gods. Casteel points out the sea and the Chambers of Nyktos. A bell tolls the hour. Alastir rides out, relieved they survived, but warns that Casteel’s parents are already in the city and know of their arrival. He notices their rings and asks to speak privately.
Casteel insists Poppy hear all matters, but Poppy defuses the moment and agrees to step away. Beckett volunteers to show her the Chambers. Before she leaves, Casteel reassures her of their marriage’s reality and promises to come for her.
At the Chambers, Poppy is moved by the view of the sea and thanks Beckett for letting her help him before. When she turns back, Beckett is gone. A mixed group of Atlantians and mortals blocks the exit, armed with golden daggers and radiating hostility. They accuse Poppy of being an Ascended tool, a Soul Eater who manipulated Casteel to destroy Atlantia from within.
Poppy tries to deescalate, denies their claims, and warns them not to insult her further. The zealots reveal knowledge of her past actions and begin pelting her with rocks to incapacitate her without touching her. Injured and bleeding, Poppy’s control shatters as their hatred slams into her. The marble trembles under her blood, roots briefly vein the stone, and her power hums to life.
As the storm gathers overhead, Poppy whispers “Enough.” Her rising power answers the assault, and blood begins to fall from the sky—the heavens themselves bleeding over the Chambers of Nyktos.
Who Appears
- Poppy (Penellaphe Balfour)Amazed by Saion’s Cove, separated from allies, ambushed and stoned by zealots; her power surges, making the skies bleed.
- Casteel Da’NeerWelcomes Poppy home, publicly stands by her, confronted by Alastir, promises to retrieve her after a brief separation.
- BeckettYoung wolven who offers to guide Poppy to the Chambers, then abandons her to an ambush.
- AlastirAdvisor who greets the party, warns Casteel his parents are present, notices the marriage, seeks a private discussion.
- Zealots at the Chambers of NyktosMixed Atlantians and mortals who accuse Poppy of being a Soul Eater and stone her.
- JasperExplains the bell tolls the hour and accompanies the group into Atlantia.
- KieranCompanion who quips about Poppy’s questions and travels with the group.
- DelanoWolven companion, lightens the moment as they enter Saion’s Cove.
- QuentynMoves to Beckett’s side before Beckett escorts Poppy to the Chambers.