In the Veins of the Drowning

Kalie Cassidy

In the Veins of the Drowning

Kalie Cassidy
53 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2025

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Imogen is a 26-year-old Siren living in secret on the isolated isle of Seraf. As the supposed orphaned ward of King Nemea, she spends her days adhering to his strict commands and hiding her true nature. She longs for personal freedom and a safe home, though her prolonged isolation causes her to doubt her own strength.

Key Relationships

Ward of King Nemea

Friend of Agatha

Reluctant Ally of Theodore Ariti

Symbolically Connected to Ligea

Theodore is the 27-year-old king of Varya and the grandson of the God Panos. He inherits magical abilities to mend and grow flora from his divine lineage. He firmly believes in prioritizing his royal duties over personal desires, making him highly critical of corrupt or selfish rulers.

Key Relationships

Reluctant Ally of Imogen Nel

Friend and Commander of Commander Lachlan Mela

Arranged Match of Princess Halla

Son of King Athan

Grandson of Panos

Political Rival of King Nemea

King Nemea is the dictatorial ruler of the isle of Seraf. He openly hunts Sirens and forces his court into dangerous blood rituals. He maintains strict control over his kingdom and his ward, using intimidation to keep his subjects in line.

Key Relationships

Guardian of Imogen Nel

Political Rival of Theodore Ariti

Worshipper of Eusia

Eusia is a sinister water deity who accepts blood sacrifices in exchange for magical favors. She commands a horde of undead sea creatures known as nekgya. Her influence corrupts those who seek power through her rituals.

Key Relationships

Worshipped by King Nemea

Worshipped by Empress Nivala

Supporting Characters

Agatha is Imogen's former governess and closest confidant. She is a secret Siren in her mid-thirties who fled a painful past in Varya to find refuge on Seraf. She acts as a fierce protector for her young friend, sacrificing her own happiness to ensure Imogen stays safe.

Key Relationships

Friend and Protector of Imogen Nel

Former Romantic Partner of Commander Lachlan Mela

Evander is a captain in King Nemea's Siren-hunting forces and Imogen's arranged fiancé. He presents a chivalrous and attentive exterior during their early courtship. Beneath this polite facade, he harbors intense ambition and a desire for elevated military influence.

Key Relationships

Fiancé of Imogen Nel

Subordinate to King Nemea

Lachlan is the trusted naval commander and right-hand man to Theodore in Varya. He approaches his military role with pragmatism, masking his internal heartbreak with a lighthearted demeanor. He remains highly protective of his king and suspicious of outsiders.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to Theodore Ariti

Former Romantic Partner of Agatha

Suspicious of Imogen Nel

Empress Nivala is the calculating ruler of Obelia. She travels to Varya to secure an advantageous political marriage for her daughter. She prioritizes the strength of her empire and holds dark secrets regarding her rise to power.

Key Relationships

Mother of Princess Halla

Political Ally of Theodore Ariti

Worshipper of Eusia

Princess Halla is the polite and dutiful daughter of the Empress of Obelia. She feels the heavy pressure of her royal obligations and strives to honor her mother's expectations. She leaves her homeland to secure a political alliance through marriage.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Empress Nivala

Arranged Match of Theodore Ariti

Ligea is the Great Goddess of the Sirens, honored by many kingdoms outside of Seraf. Statues of her likeness exist throughout Varya. She represents the divine heritage of the Sirens.

Key Relationships

Symbolically Connected to Imogen Nel

Panos is a Great God known for his restorative magic. He passed his abilities of growth and healing down through his family line.

Key Relationships

Grandfather of Theodore Ariti

King Athan is the late ruler of Varya and Theodore's father. He lived an indulgent lifestyle, keeping a Siren mistress and bringing tragedy upon his family in his desperate search for magical supremacy.

Key Relationships

Father of Theodore Ariti

Rohana is the current Mage Seer, an ancient Siren corrupted by dark magic. She trades powerful draughts and prophecies for steep physical payments. Her ravaged appearance serves as a warning against unnatural spellcasting.

Key Relationships

Magical Practitioner for Imogen Nel

Magical Practitioner for Theodore Ariti

Hector is a kindly older caretaker who lives quietly near the sea. He holds deep loyalty to the Varyian crown, having previously rescued the king from a near-fatal magical incident.

Key Relationships

Husband of Antonia

Loyal Subject and Friend of Theodore Ariti

Antonia is Hector's wife and a hospitable caretaker. She offers a safe haven and maternal warmth to those seeking refuge along the rocky coastline.

Key Relationships

Wife of Hector

Loyal Subject and Friend of Theodore Ariti

Eftan is the meticulous chancellor of Varya. He handles domestic affairs and oversees the administrative preparations for royal events.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to Theodore Ariti

Antheia is the skilled palace dressmaker in Varya. She quickly equips the king's unexpected guests with proper attire.

Key Relationships

Dressmaker for Imogen Nel