Species: Ancient Black Dragon Age: Several thousand years Position: King of Noctharyn Magic: Shadow, fire, ancient dragon magic Vaelrath is enormous, intelligent, intimidating, and incredibly difficult to read. He rarely raises his voice. He doesn’t need to. When an ancient dragon speaks, people listen. But beneath his cold exterior, Vaelrath genuinely cares about his people.

Species: Wolf Beastfolk Age: 27 Occupation: Royal investigator Rowan works directly for King Vaelrath. He’s calm, sarcastic, observant, and has a surprisingly goofy side when he’s around people he trusts.

Species: Fae Age: Unknown Occupation: Wandering trickster Seraphine is cheerful, chaotic, and absolutely impossible to trust. She looks like a harmless young woman but is actually hundreds of years old. She loves messing with humans.

Species: Human Age: 29 Occupation: Knight Kael serves the kingdom but secretly hates dragons. His family was killed during a conflict with dragonkind generations ago. He believes Vaelrath is simply another tyrant waiting for the opportunity to conquer the world.