In the Wake of the Ruined

Kalie Cassidy

In the Wake of the Ruined

Kalie Cassidy
58 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2026

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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 powerful, winged Siren who has just claimed the throne of Seraf after killing her abusive father. She is physically weakened by an infected magical stab wound and bound by a parasitic connection to the monstrous deity Eusia. Fiercely protective of her loved ones, she risks her own safety and freedom to rescue her kidnapped former governess. She works to control her destructive magical abilities while resisting the corrupting influence of her forced bond.

Key Relationships

Friend and Former Ward of Agatha

Romantic Interest of Theodore Ariti

Reluctant Ally of Lachlan Mela

Daughter and Usurper of King Nemea

Magically Bound to Eusia

Captor and Rival of Halla

Daughter of Ligea

Theodore is the King of Varya and a descendant of the Great God Panos, possessing innate divine healing abilities. He is austere, controlled, and deeply dutiful to his kingdom, yet harbors an intense love for Imogen that conflicts with his responsibilities. He faces mounting pressure from his manipulative council to solidify a political marriage with Princess Halla of Obelia.

Key Relationships

Romantic Interest of Imogen Nel

Political Husband of Halla

Ruler of Chancellor Eftan Zervas

Ruler and Friend of Lachlan Mela

Grandson of Panos

Halla is the Princess of Obelia and the politically arranged bride of King Theodore. Her body is covered in scars from the flesh offerings her mother forced her to make for magic. Though she appears fragile, she carries a deep resentment and a desperate need for validation from the forces that have historically rejected her.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Empress Nivala

Political Wife of Theodore Ariti

Devoted Worshipper of Eusia

Hostage and Rival of Imogen Nel

Eusia is an ancient, physically ruined water-deity who resides on the blighted island of Anthemoessa. Born without innate divine gifts, she relies on consuming the life force and blood of others to sustain her immense magical power. She maintains a parasitic hold over Imogen, hungering for more strength and control to compensate for her original lack of divinity.

Key Relationships

Parasitic Master of Imogen Nel

Sister and Captor of Ligea

Divine Patron of Empress Nivala

Object of Worship for Halla

Lachlan is the pragmatic and highly capable Commander of the Varian guard. Though sworn to serve King Theodore, his unwavering devotion to his abducted love, Agatha, pushes him to commit treason. He forms a desperate alliance with Imogen, agreeing to extreme measures to ensure they can rescue the woman he loves.

Key Relationships

Romantic Devotee of Agatha

Reluctant Ally and Protector of Imogen Nel

Subordinate and Friend of Theodore Ariti

Agatha is Imogen's former governess and closest confidante, characterized by her steadfast, uncompromising resilience. She has been kidnapped by Empress Nivala to serve as a living sacrifice. Her capture serves as the primary catalyst for the dangerous rescue mission undertaken by Imogen and Lachlan.

Key Relationships

Former Governess and Friend of Imogen Nel

Romantic Interest of Lachlan Mela

Prisoner of Empress Nivala

Nivala is the cold and calculating Empress of Obelia, who uses political manipulation and dark magic to maintain her reign. She has spent decades indebted to Eusia and treats her own daughter, Halla, as a tool for her ambitions. She orchestrates Agatha's abduction to lure Imogen into a trap.

Key Relationships

Mother and Oppressor of Halla

Captor of Agatha

Indebted Servant to Eusia

Supporting Characters

Nemea is the abusive former King of Seraf who actively hunted Sirens while secretly forcing his daughter, Imogen, to make blood sacrifices. His recent death at Imogen's hands leaves a power vacuum and a legacy of trauma that continues to haunt her.

Key Relationships

Father and Abuser of Imogen Nel

Eftan is King Theodore's devoted but highly manipulative chancellor. He believes entirely in the preservation of the Varian crown and the necessity of political ruthlessness, openly challenging any of Theodore's decisions that prioritize personal feelings over state security.

Key Relationships

Chancellor and Advisor to Theodore Ariti

Enemy of Imogen Nel

Markis is King Theodore's steward aboard the Eleuthios. He holds a transactional view of relationships and advises the king to prioritize practical alliances over fleeting romantic attachments.

Key Relationships

Steward to Theodore Ariti

Aleka is King Theodore's trusted marshal, who outwardly projects calm loyalty amidst the council's frequent panic. She commands respect among the Varian forces and is expected to execute the king's justice.

Key Relationships

Marshal to Theodore Ariti

Ligea is a Great Goddess and the former queen of Anthemoessa. She is Imogen's mother and Eusia's sister, whose divine power contrasts sharply with the parasitic magic her sister relies upon.

Key Relationships

Mother of Imogen Nel

Sister of Eusia

Rohana is the ancient Mage Seer of Della, a desiccated and withered woman who lives among swarms of insects. She possesses extensive knowledge of magical bonds and the severe physical costs associated with casting spells.

Key Relationships

Adversary of Imogen Nel

Devotee of Eusia

Captain Doxa is the commanding officer of King Theodore's warship, the Eleuthios. She is responsible for navigating the vessel through dangerous and unnaturally blighted waters.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to Theodore Ariti

Carras is the healer aboard the Eleuthios. He provides Imogen with pain-dulling nepenthe and correctly identifies that her injury is magical in nature and resistant to traditional healing.

Key Relationships

Healer to Imogen Nel

Panos is a Great God and Theodore's grandfather, whose innate divine abilities included growing and healing flora. His enduring devotion to his late wife serves as Theodore's model for true love.

Key Relationships

Grandfather of Theodore Ariti