Staked characters

Appears from the start

An ancient Irish Druid preparing an offensive against the vampire network that has repeatedly targeted him and his allies. He plans to use long experience, trusted contacts, and the vampires' own rivalries to reach their oldest leadership.

First appears in chapter 2

A fully bound Druid carrying a magical mark left by Loki. Accompanied by Orlaith, she pursues a separate route toward removing that vulnerability before the trickster can use it to track or manipulate her.

First appears in chapter 3

Atticus's archdruid, adapting to the modern world after two thousand years of magical confinement. Rather than join Atticus's vampire campaign, he turns toward preserving Druid knowledge by seeking people who might form a new grove.

Appears from the start

Atticus's telepathic Irish wolfhound. He accompanies the campaign against the vampires, using his senses to warn Atticus while remaining a loyal counterweight to plans shaped by ancient grudges.

First appears in chapter 2

Granuaile's Irish wolfhound and telepathic companion. She travels with Granuaile on the attempt to escape Loki's mark and shares the dangers of a mission conducted apart from Atticus and Oberon.

First appears in chapter 6

An ancient vampire at the top of a far-reaching hierarchy. He treats Druids and younger vampires as pieces in a durable system of control, making him the central target of Atticus's effort to end the organized attacks.

First appears in chapter 6

An Icelandic vampire whose long association with Atticus includes friendship, bargains, and the disastrous expedition against Thor. His knowledge of vampire politics is essential to reaching Theophilus, though his interests are not identical to Atticus's.

First appears in chapter 9

The leader of a Polish coven and one of Atticus's established allies. Her knowledge of European magic and hostile supernatural powers gives Granuaile an informed contact while she searches for a way to counter Loki's mark.

First appears in chapter 9

A Tempe werewolf who knew Atticus before his staged death and understands how supernatural communities survive in the modern world. She helps Owen find practical footing as he considers gathering and training new Druids.

First appears in chapter 12

The escaped Norse trickster moving steadily toward Ragnarok. The mark he placed on Granuaile makes him an immediate danger to her even while Atticus and Owen concentrate on vampires and the future of Druidry.