Nona Grey
A novice with rare Path abilities, fierce loyalty, and a demon amplifying her anger.
Abbess Glass
Sweet Mercy’s political strategist, willing to risk reputation and life to constrain Sherzal.
Sister Kettle
A Grey Sister and one of the book’s viewpoints, who drives the covert thread and the Tetragode rescue.
Sister Apple
A poisoner, teacher, and Kettle’s partner, whose investigation opens the novel’s covert thread.
Zole
A powerful ice-triber whose rivalry with Nona develops into trust.
Clera
Nona’s former friend, compromised by money, resentment, and Sherzal’s influence.
Yisht
A formidable fighter who stole the shipheart and serves Sherzal’s plan.
Keot
A demon within Nona who urges violence while exposing desires she would rather deny.