Nektas: The First Draken – Guardian, Advisor, and an Unwavering Ally

Overview

Nektas is the first and most powerful of the draken—the ancient dragon-like beings bonded to the Primals. In Born of Blood and Ash, he emerges as a steadfast protector, wise counselor, and emotional anchor for both Sera and Nyktos. His presence carries the weight of millennia, yet he remains grounded by deep loyalty and an understanding of pain. Unlike many ancient beings in the series, Nektas does not seek power; he seeks to safeguard the true Primal of Life and those she loves.

Plot Role

Nektas serves multiple critical functions in the story:

• Emotional support: He offers Sera unconditional acceptance, especially after she reveals her darkest secret (an attempted suicide). He does not judge but simply asks if she is okay. This creates a bond that transcends the typical draken-Primal connection.
• Strategic advisor: In war councils, Nektas provides measured perspectives. He advises peace first, reminding both Sera and Ash that Eythos would have chosen that path (outline chapter 27). He also warns of the fine line between justice and vengeance ([chapter 37 evidence]).
• Physical protector: He accompanies Sera to the mortal realm in chapter 31 and positions himself before her to shield her from Kyn’s threats ([chapter 34 evidence]). He restrains Ash from attacking Aydun when the Ancient summons Sera ([outline chapter 17]).
• Steadying presence: After Sera’s destructive rampage following the deaths of her family, Nektas physically holds her all night to calm her down ([outline chapter 44]). He stays with her until Ash returns.

Motivations and Traits Shown Through Actions

Nektas is driven by a sense of duty, love, and an ancient understanding of balance. His actions reveal the following core traits:

• Unwavering loyalty: He never once wavers in his allegiance to Sera and Ash, even when faced with Kolis’s overwhelming power.
• Emotional intelligence: He senses when Sera needs space or comfort, choosing his words and gestures carefully. After the test in the Abyss, he does not press her but offers a quiet reassurance.
• Patience and wisdom: As the first draken, he has witnessed countless cycles of power and suffering. He knows that peace is rarely achieved through vengeance alone.
• Parental tenderness: Despite his ancient power, he shows gentleness toward his daughter Jadis and young Reaver. He tucks Jadis into a blanket and speaks with pride about her.
• Restraint: He advises against killing Veses, not out of mercy, but because he understands the consequences of war.

Chronological Arc

1. First appearance (outline chapter 7): Nektas reports to Ash about the realm and reveals that the draken bonded to Sera at birth. He promises the couple privacy.
2. After the Abyss test (outline chapter 10): He confirms that Sera passed the trial by blood and praises her and Ash for their love. He reveals that Eythos’s monster was his own ego.
3. War council (outline chapter 11 / evidence chapter 18): He attends strategy meetings, offering to speak for the draken. His presence alone gives the Court credibility.
4. Dealing with Kyn (outline chapter 34): He physically stands between Sera and Kyn, ready to act.
5. Confronting Veses (outline chapter 37 / evidence): He arrives to talk Sera down from killing the goddess, reminding her of the line between justice and vengeance.
6. Mortal realm journey (outline chapter 31–35): He accompanies Sera to Lasania, showing patience with her family’s questions and warmth toward her sister Ezra.
7. Comforting Sera after the battle (outline chapter 44): When Sera shifts into her draken form in grief, Nektas holds her, restoring her calm with his steady presence.
8. Final preparations (outline chapter 46 onward): He continues to advise and protect as the final confrontation with Kolis approaches.

Relationships

With Sera

Nektas shares a unique bond with Sera—not the standard draken-Primal bond, but one forged through trust and vulnerability. He heard her whispered confession about wanting to end her life and never weaponized it. He calls her Meyaah Liessa and she allows it. He is one of the few beings she completely trusts.

With Ash (Nyktos)

Nektas has known Ash since birth and acts as a surrogate father figure. He restrains Ash when rage takes over and advises him on leadership. Ash respects Nektas enough to call him a true confidant.

With Reaver and Jadis

He is a loving father, both proud and protective. He watches over Jadis with tenderness and treats Reaver as his own. When Jadis sleeps, he covers her wings.

With other characters

He interacts with Attes, Rhain, and the Primals as an equal, rarely deferring. His age and power command respect even from deities.

Key Decisions and Consequences

• Choosing peace: When Sera proposes offering Kolis a deal, Nektas supports a diplomatic first step. This aligns with his belief that Eythos would have done the same. The consequence is a temporary truce (eirini) that buys time but also allows Kolis to regroup.
• Protecting Sera at all costs: He does not hesitate to shield her from harm, even if it means physically confronting a Primal. This deepens the trust between them and ensures Sera has a steadfast ally.
• Speaking truth about vengeance: He warns Sera that no one walks the fine line between justice and vengeance without stepping over it. This warning echoes throughout her subsequent actions and helps her reflect.

Themes and Symbolism

Nektas embodies the theme of trauma and healing (related theme page). He offers Sera a safe space to process her past, never rushing her recovery. His steady presence symbolizes the possibility of recovery even after centuries of pain.

The theme of justice versus vengeance (related theme page) is directly addressed by Nektas. He does not condemn Sera’s desire for vengeance but warns of its cost.

As the first draken, he also represents the theme of power and responsibility (related theme page). He has immense power but chooses to serve rather than rule.

His love for his daughter and his acceptance of loss connect to love and sacrifice (related theme page). He lost his mate Halayna to Kolis’s cruelty, yet he continues to fight for a better world.

Finally, Nektas comments on the prophecy and fate (related theme page) by confirming that the original prophecy was hidden and that Sera and Ash’s bond may alter destiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did Nektas bond with Sera at birth?
According to the outline, the draken instinctively bonds to the true Primal of Life. Sera’s birth marked her as such, so the draken connected to her from the beginning ([outline chapter 7]).

2. What was Nektas’s role in the Abyss test?
He did not administer the test but explained its meaning afterward. He told Sera that Eythos also passed the trial and that her refusal to kill her own monstrous representation proved her worthiness ([outline chapter 10]).

3. How does Nektas view the deal with Kolis?
He believes peace should always be attempted first. He reminds Ash and Sera that Eythos would have chosen that path. However, he acknowledges that Kolis may not honor a truce and supports preparing for war ([outline chapter 27]).

4. Does Nektas ever lose his temper?
He rarely shows anger, but he becomes protective when Sera or his younglings are threatened. When Kyn insults Sera, Nektas physically steps in. He also restrains Ash from attacking the Ancient Aydun out of respect for the summons, not rage ([outline chapter 17]).

5. What is the significance of Nektas calling Sera “Meyaah Liessa”?
The term means “My Queen” in the draken language. Nektas is one of the few beings she allows to use this title, signaling their deep trust and her respect for his ancient status. He addresses her this way publicly, reinforcing her authority in front of other Primals ([evidence chapter 18]).