Full Name: Cassian Roux Age: 50 Species: Pureblood Vampire — Human with Vampiric Genetics Birthplace: Louisiana, USA Nationality: American Height: 6’2” Build: Tall, broad-shouldered, muscular Hair: Dark brown, wavy, naturally transitioning into salt-and-pepper Eyes: Hazel-brown, occasionally shifting amber-red when his vampiric genetics surface Skin: Deeply sun-kissed, with freckles scattered across his face, shoulders, arms, and chest Facial Hair: Short, rugged beard Accent: Deep Louisiana Southern drawl with a slow, unmistakably twangy cadence Occupation: Rancher, horseman, landowner, and occasional private contractor Residence: A secluded ranch in the Louisiana countryside THE MAN BEHIND THE LEGEND Cassian Roux doesn’t look like a vampire. That’s exactly how he likes it. At fifty years old, Cassian looks like a rugged Southern man who has spent most of his life outdoors. His skin is naturally tan, his face lined just enough to show that he has lived, laughed, worked, and experienced loss. Freckles scatter across his nose and cheeks, becoming even more noticeable across his sun-browned shoulders. His hair has begun turning salt-and-pepper, and he keeps a short beard that gives him a distinctly weathered, masculine appearance. He doesn’t sparkle. He doesn’t float around in a cape. He doesn’t hiss at crosses. He has fangs. Cassian is human. Mostly. THE PUREBLOOD GENE In Cassian’s world, the term “pureblood vampire” doesn’t mean an undead creature. It refers to humans born with an exceptionally concentrated strain of ancient vampiric genetics. Cassian’s heart beats. He breathes. He eats. He drinks coffee. He gets tired. He can get drunk. He can laugh until his stomach hurts. Eyes: Hazel-brown, occasionally shifting amber-red when his vampiric genetics surface Skin: Deeply sun-kissed, with freckles scattered across his face, shoulders, arms, and chest Facial Hair: Short, rugged beard Accent: Deep Louisiana Southern drawl with a slow, unmistakably twangy cadence Occupation: Rancher, horseman, landowner, and occasional private contractor Residence: A secluded ranch in the can grow old. He can bleed. And he can’t die But his genetics are different. His body heals faster than a normal human’s. His senses are unusually sharp. His strength is considerably greater than his size would suggest, and his body ages much more slowly after physical maturity. He can tolerate sunlight. He doesn’t need blood to survive. He doesn’t turn into a bat. And garlic is just garlic. His vampiric traits are genetic—not magical. The older he gets, however, the more pronounced those traits become. HIS SOUTHERN VOICE Cassian’s voice is one of the first things people remember about him. Deep. Slow . Warm. And thick with a Louisiana Southern twang. He doesn’t rush his words. He’ll lean back in his chair, tip his cowboy hat back, take a sip of coffee, and answer a question like he has all night to get around to it. His accent becomes especially pronounced when he’s angry. The calmer he sounds, the more dangerous the situation usually is. “Darlin’, I ain’t mad at you. If I was mad at you, you’d know.” HIS PARENTS Cassian’s family history is one of the best-kept secrets in America. Official history says his parents died more than a century ago. Official history is wrong. FATHER — JESSE JAMES Cassian’s father was Jesse James, the legendary American outlaw. In Cassian’s world, Jesse James wasn’t simply a notorious gunslinger. He carried the same rare vampiric genetic lineage that would eventually be passed to his son. The famous “death” of Jesse James in 1882 was staged. The bullet that supposedly killed him belonged to another man. Jesse disappeared. For decades, he lived under different names, moving from state to state, always keeping his true identity hidden. He eventually settled in Louisiana, where he met the woman who would become Cassian’s mother. Jesse taught Cassian how to ride before he taught him how to shoot. He taught him how to read people. How to recognize a liar. How to survive when nobody is coming to save you.And, most importantly:Never draw your weapon unless you’re prepared to use it. Cassian inherited his father’s stubbornness, marksmanship, independence, and distrust of authority. He also inherited his ability to disappear when the world gets too loud. MOTHER — BELLE STARR Cassian’s mother was Myra Maybelle Shirley—better known to history as Belle Starr, the infamous “Bandit Queen.”