Chapter Six

Casteel reveals that Hawke is part of his real name and that Kieran chose the surname Flynn. Poppy opens her empathic gift and senses Casteel’s sadness and discomfort but no deceit. He insists he hasn’t lied since his reveal and invites questions, which leads Poppy to ask about a supposed first Maiden.

Casteel denies ever meeting another Maiden and, while angered by the Duchess’s claim, admits to extensive killings of the Ascended and their mortal abettors. He confirms responsibility for Goldcrest Manor and Lord Everton’s death, clarifies he used access but not sex with Lady Everton, and accepts indirect blame for deaths inspired by his cause, including Vikter and the women at the Rite.

Turning to Poppy’s fate, Casteel explains the Ascended’s dependence on Atlantian blood and why a half-Atlantian becomes valuable only after the Culling at nineteen, when abilities mature. He details Ascension’s process, the vamprys’ initial bloodlust, and how some newly turned choose death by sunlight; he notes ceremonies use intoxicated or drugged mortals. He argues there is no reason to turn a half-Atlantian, implying Poppy’s blood was preserved for utility and casting doubt on the authenticity of Ian’s post-Ascension life.

Poppy realizes she was sheltered like “aged wine” until useful and demands to know if Casteel knew the truth; he swears he learned her nature only after tasting her blood. She senses lingering anger and sorrow but no lie. When Casteel presses why she tried to flee, their argument broadens: she rejects his plan to trade her and his sudden proposal.

Despite her protests, Casteel insists on sharing the room for her security, promising never to force or compel her and hinting at his own past trauma. After charged banter and firm boundaries from Poppy, darkness falls. When she asks why he confessed about his name, Casteel answers that she needed proof not everything between them was a lie.