Nona Grey
A fierce, secretive child rescued from execution and trained at Sweet Mercy. Her hunska speed, marjal power, and unusual relationship to the Path make her valuable and dangerous.
Abbess Glass
Head of Sweet Mercy. She protects Nona through political foresight, carefully staged risks, and an ability to make opponents misread her intentions.
Arabella “Ara” Jotsis
A highborn novice and one of Nona’s closest friends. Ara’s ability and apparent connection to prophecy initially make her a rival before trust develops.
Clera Ghomal
Nona’s first close friend at the convent. Clera is funny, practical, and affectionate, but poverty and ambition make her vulnerable to bribery.
Hessa
A physically disabled novice with exceptional sensitivity to the Path. She becomes Nona’s teacher, confidante, and moral anchor.
Raymel Tacsis
The nobleman Nona nearly kills while defending Saida. His family’s power and the unnatural means used to preserve him turn private revenge into a continuing threat.
Sister Tallow
Sweet Mercy’s demanding combat instructor. She teaches the novices to make action precise rather than letting fear or rage choose for them.
Sister Kettle
A Grey Sister associated with covert work and the convent library. Her mixture of warmth, secrecy, and competence makes her an important adult ally.
Sister Pan
The convent’s Path instructor. Her apparently eccentric methods conceal deep knowledge of quantal practice.
Sister Apple
The convent’s poisoner. She teaches that preparation, dosage, and observation can matter as much as speed with a blade.
Zole
A formidable girl from the ice tribes whose power attracts political and prophetic interest.
Yisht
Zole’s guardian and a dangerous warrior. Her covert search beneath the convent places the novices in conflict with a much more experienced opponent.
Sherzal
The emperor’s sister. Her interest in Zole, the shipheart, and Sweet Mercy connects the school’s secrets to imperial politics.