Chapter 31 (CHAPTER 20) – The Ascended’s End and Kolis’s Threat
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Over dinner, Poppy, Casteel, and Kieran debate the fate of the Ascended. Poppy struggles with the decision to eliminate them, realizing her reluctance stems from hopes that Ian might have been different. She finally accepts that the Ascended cannot be saved and insists that she, Casteel, and Kieran carry out the executions themselves rather than delegate to others. The conversation shifts to governance: town halls have informed the people about the Blood Crown, but Kolis’s name remains unmentioned. Poppy reveals that Kolis wants to absorb her essence to become the true Primal of Life and Death. Casteel’s rage manifests as ravens and shadowy power, frightening both Kieran and Poppy. After calming down, they discuss forming an Inner Council. Reaver arrives and announces he needs Poppy’s help to free Jadis, confirming the draken still serve her.
Key Events
- Poppy decides the Ascended must be killed quietly, refusing to let others bear the moral weight.
- Casteel unintentionally summons a flock of ravens while his primal essence of ruin surfaces.
- The trio agrees to include Malik and other allies in a Shadow Council.
- Reaver reveals that Seraphena’s awakening does not release the draken from their pledge to Poppy, unless Nektas falls.
- Reaver asks for Poppy’s aid in freeing Jadis.
Character Development
- Poppy: Confronts her emotional attachment to Ian, compartmentalizes the decision to end the Ascended, and asserts her leadership by not delegating the executions. She grows more comfortable with her godhood while still preferring not to be treated as a deity.
- Casteel: Shows the volatile side of his primal heritage—his anger over Kolis’s plans nearly levels the city and manifests physically through ravens and shadow. He relies on Poppy’s touch to regain control.
- Kieran: Remains the practical advisor, urging calm and noting the strategic need to shape public opinion. He is visibly unsettled by Casteel’s display of power.
- Reaver: Reveals a shift in his loyalty: he now acknowledges Poppy as meyaah Liessa (Queen of the Gods) only when she is awake, confirming the draken’s continued service.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Compartmentalization: Poppy consciously sets aside her emotions to make the hard choice about the Ascended, a theme of leadership requiring personal sacrifice.
- Ravens as Omens: The sudden appearance of ravens mirrors Casteel’s unleashed primal power and foreshadows death and ruin.
- The Burden of Choice: The chapter contrasts Poppy’s reluctance to kill with Casteel’s quickness to destroy, highlighting different approaches to power.
- Cold vs. Warm Kiss: Casteel’s icy kiss after his outburst tastes of “bone and ash,” linking his primal essence to the destruction he threatens.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is pivotal for establishing Poppy’s growth as a decisive ruler and showing the dangerous extent of Casteel’s primal nature. The revelation of Kolis’s goal (absorbing Poppy’s essence) raises the stakes, while the new alliance with the Shadow Council and Reaver’s request for help sets up the next mission. The raven scene also hints that Casteel’s transformation into something ancient may be accelerating.
Study Questions
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Why does Poppy initially hesitate to order the destruction of all Ascended, and what realization helps her move forward?
Answer: She hesitates because she clings to the hope that Ian—her brother—might have been different after Ascending. Casteel’s gentle comment “They are not Ian” forces her to see that her sentimental attachment is dangerous. She decides that doing what is right often does not feel good, and compartmentalizes her emotions to accept the necessity. -
What evidence in this chapter suggests Casteel’s primal side is growing stronger and more uncontrollable?
Answer: When Poppy says Kolis wants her essence, Casteel’s skin thins, shadows pulse under his flesh, eather fills the air, and a flock of ravens appears. His voice echoes with the essence of ruin. He later confesses he was focused on not leveling the entire city. This indicates his primal power is manifesting beyond his conscious control. -
How does Reaver’s conversation clarify the draken’s allegiance now that Seraphena is awake?
Answer: Reaver states that the draken’s pledge to Poppy remains unchanged unless Seraphena specifically summons them. He says that would only happen if Nektas has fallen, meaning the draken are still committed to aiding Poppy. He also now calls her meyaah Liessa only when she is awake, marking a change in recognition of her active reign.