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After Isbeth stabs Malec and the resulting fight ensues, Naill tries to save a Royal Guard from a dakkai but isn’t fast enough. He does scruff and save Rune as the draken fire rains down on the Temple, however. Eventually, he’s taken down by a dakkai and dies with his chest ripped open. When he revives, it’s to find everyone alive and healed but with evidence of the fight still very much present.

As they’re told the story of the realms, Naill knows it’s only the beginning.

We all do.

Naill then leaves to try to find Malik and Millie.

DELANO AMICU

Click here to see a full-size image of Delano and Perry by art.bymikki.

Delano is one of my favorites to see in my visions. He’s not only adorable in his mortal form, he’s also resplendent in his wolven form. A caretaker at the core, he’s incredibly loyal and always there for whoever needs him.

Hair: White-blond.

Eyes: Pale, wintery blue.

Body type: Tall. Heavy and strong as an ox.

Facial features: Pale skin. Boyish appearance.

Distinguishing features: Near-constant crease in his brow.

Preternatural appearance: White fur.

Other: Imprint is springy and featherlight.

Personality: Reserved.

Habits/Mannerisms/Strengths/Weaknesses: Very fast. Loyal to a fault.

Background: Not bonded to an Elemental Atlantian. Whole den was killed by the Ascended, including his mother, father, and sisters. In a relationship with Perry.

Family: Mother †, father †, and unknown number of sisters †. Sister = Preela †. Partner = Perry.

DELANO’S JOURNEY TO DATE:

When he was young, the Ascended murdered Delano’s entire den, including his parents and sisters—though the vamprys waited a while before killing them. His other sister, Preela, was later killed by King Jalara in front of her bonded Elemental Atlantian, Malik.

After the Blood Crown captured Casteel and he later escaped, Delano helped him remember who he was and reminded him that he wasn’t a thing. He became part of Cas’s inner circle and isn’t very far from him at any given moment if he can help it.

Delano accompanies Emil to Masadonia when the Atlantian goes to feed Cas, but the next time he sees the Prince and Kieran isn’t until they reach New Haven with the Maiden. They conduct several meetings to discuss plans and strategy and Elijah calls Delano a marshmallow. When he gets riled later, the Descenter says the marshmallow is getting crispy. Delano threatens him—as he should.

I absolutely love Delano being a marshmallow, though. It makes me smile.

A guard tries to leave Haven Keep with Poppy, and Delano ends up killing one of the Huntsmen in the stables during the escape attempt. Even though he doesn’t know everything that happened in Masadonia—Kieran is supposed to update him later—he escorts Poppy to the dungeon.

While she’s down there, he brings her cheese and bread and remarks that he’d bring her stew if he thought she wouldn’t throw it at him. He also tells her that she would be dead if she were meant to be or they intended her to be.

Delano stays with her until Hawke arrives and then leaves to get some first-aid supplies, but a bit later, Jericho and his cohorts attack. Delano and Naill were about to take Poppy somewhere more comfortable, so they witnessed it all. Delano protects Poppy, even going so far as to throw her his sword so she can fight.

After her escape attempt and Cas chasing her to the woods, Casteel reveals that Poppy is part Atlantian, and it shocks Delano to the core. He wonders how the Prince knows but then sees the bite mark on Poppy’s neck.

After switching locations and Poppy’s most recent escape attempt, Delano stands guard outside her room and replies with the most snark he can muster every time she demands to be released. At one point, he rushes into her chambers, swearing he heard her screaming for help and calling his name. When she swears she was only screaming internally, Delano is confused.

He would find out later that it was the Primal notam.

The Ascended arrive, and Delano remains in wolven form, lurking in case he’s needed. Then, he and Naill go to check the western roads, returning to tell everyone they are safe enough to travel.