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He’s ordered to fetch a bowl of water and a towel so Sera can clean up and does, then leaves to wait for Nektas. Later, he waits outside the throne room with Nektas, Reaver, Rhahar, Ward, and Penellaphe—the Arae have answered.

When the next big attack comes, and Davina is struck down, Ector stops Sera from reviving the draken. Then, he curses when Sera admits that she finds Nyktos ripping a god in half hot.

In discussions later, Ector wonders how a god was looking for Sera when no one knows what she looks like. But then Rhain implies that Veses does, and things become clearer.

After Sera tries to leave to take on Kolis by herself, Ector is with Orphine when Nyktos returns with her and is subsequently stunned when he hears the specifics. But maybe not as surprised as he is when he finds out that Sera and Nyktos are lovers. Later, when Nyktos tells them all that Sera’s bravery is unmatched, he draws his sword and bows to her.

Ector fights with the others against the Cimmerian and then joins Rhain and Sera in the office after the battle. He tells Rhain that Sera saved his ass outside.

Tensions arise between Rhain and Sera, and Ector tries to defuse the situation. He says that she’s not the enemy. When talk turns to the things Nyktos has sacrificed for Sera, he brushes aside the topic and then leaves quickly when Nyktos arrives, donning his scary face.

Ector enters Nyktos’s office just after Attes leaves and reveals that Attes told him about Kolis making Nyktos get permission for the coronation. When they discuss what happened, Ector realizes that Attes’s presence had no effect on Sera and tells her that gods and godlings are not immune to a Primal’s influence. Only three things are: the Arae, the draken, and another Primal.

The time approaches for them to head to Dalos, and he is confused why everyone is so nervous. He says it’s how they get permission. Though he does worry about something: not Nyktos but rather Sera not playing nice with Kolis.

After Sera’s dinner with Bele and Aios, Ector escorts her back to her room. He tells her that Orphine is with Nyktos and remarks that he’ll lose an eye to a draken someday, given how little awareness they have of where they are in a space. He goes on to say that there are Shades at the edge of the Dying Woods, too close to Lethe, and Nyktos and Orphine are dealing with them. He adds that the Shade issue is an infrequent one, but something that is becoming a bigger problem.

When Veses arrives, Ector refuses her entry into Sera’s chambers and is thrown inside by her power, landing on and crushing a table.

Once he recovers, he rides outside Sera’s carriage with Saion on the way to the coronation, until the end, when he enters the carriage with her. He notices she’s pale and nervous and says she reminds him of his sister on her wedding day. He adds that he didn’t believe Bele when she told him that Sera was anxious. He tries to comfort her, telling her that nothing will happen to her, and is taken aback—and thrilled—when she blurts out that she wants to be Nyktos’s Consort.

After the coronation, Ector tells Sera that the cheers and shouts are for her and then stands by her side as the revelers greet her and Nyktos.

During the next big battle, Ector moves to protect Aios from the Primal Kyn and dies. Sera goes to save him, but Saion stops her when her power starts drawing the dakkais. She backs off, and the dakkais swarm him, drawn to the eather Sera released, leaving nothing of Ector behind but a mess.

Let me tell you, viewing that last battle and Ector’s tragic end was enough to bring even me, someone who has seen and experienced much, to tears.

BELE

Goddess of The Hunt (in Blood and Ash timeline)

Court: Sirta to The Shadowlands

Hair: Midnight black. Shoulder-length. Often braided.

Eyes: Became silver after Ascension.

Body type: Tall. Lithe.

Facial features: Light golden-brown skin. Round cheeks and chin.

Distinguishing features: Paints her fingernails black. Wears no bands on her arms like others.

Preternatural features: After Ascension, she can conjure a bow and arrow made of eather, and her bolts of eather kill rather than wound. Powers of prosperity and fortune in Blood and Ash timeline.

Personality: Nosy. Flippant. Nonchalant. A bit of a showoff.

Habits/Mannerisms/Strengths/Weaknesses: Doesn’t like crowds. Usually wears a short sword on her hip and a bow over her shoulder. Often speaks without thinking. Huntress of information. Has a knack for moving about unseen. Is often in other Courts trying to uncover information that might be useful. Helps the Chosen get out of Dalos. Has a thing for Aios. Loves fighting. Always armed.

Background: Knows many Consorts but none who are mortal. Was born after Eythos died. During her Culling, she shattered windows every time she got upset.

BELE’S JOURNEY TO DATE:

Okay, I’m just going to say it. I love Bele. She’s absolutely delightful. I only wish she played a more prominent part in my visions because I enjoy viewing her every time she appears.

When Sera comes to the Shadowlands, Bele is the first to bow to her and explains why it’s so important. She also reveals that some Courts are betting on how long Sera will live. After it’s shared how Sera killed Tavius, Bele is delighted, impressed, and a bit surprised that a mortal Consort has a violent side.

She gives Sera advice, like not to show fear during the coronation.