Nineteen-year-old Aelin is the rightful Queen of Terrasen. She recently reclaimed her Fae heritage and fire magic in Wendlyn, but loses access to her powers upon returning to the magic-suppressed continent of Erilea. Adopting her former identity as the deadly assassin Celaena Sardothien, she actively schemes to rescue her cousin from execution and retrieve her family's stolen heirloom. She carries heavy guilt over past tragedies but moves forward with calculated ruthlessness to build her court.

Chaol is the former Captain of the Guard who abandoned his position at the glass castle. He now works with rebel groups in Rifthold to smuggle magic-wielders out of the city before the king's forces can execute them. He carries immense guilt for leaving his best friend Dorian behind and harbors severe distrust toward Aelin's newfound magical abilities. His strict honor code frequently clashes with the bloody realities of rebellion.

Dorian is the Crown Prince of Adarlan. He is currently imprisoned by his father and forced to wear an obsidian Wyrdstone collar that allows a Valg prince to possess his body. Stripped of his autonomy, he spends his days fighting a desperate internal battle to remember his own name and the faces of his loved ones.

Rowan is a 300-year-old Fae Prince and seasoned warrior. He features silver hair, a harsh face, and an extensive tattoo that tells the tragic story of his deceased mate. Having sworn a blood oath to Aelin in Wendlyn, he travels to Erilea to protect her and assist in her campaign, even without access to his wind magic in the suppressed continent.

Aedion is a Terrasen general known as the Wolf of the North. He shares Aelin's golden hair and turquoise eyes. After secretly working with rebels to undermine the King of Adarlan, he is captured and sentenced to public execution. He views his life as entirely secondary to Aelin's survival and the restoration of Terrasen.

Manon is the 117-year-old heir of the Blackbeak Witch-Clan. Known as the White Demon for her lethal efficiency, she features iron teeth, iron nails, and burnt-gold eyes. She serves as the Wing Leader of the king's aerial host, riding a wyvern named Abraxos. Stationed in Morath, she begins to internally question the brutal and degrading orders handed down by Duke Perrington.

Arobynn is the wealthy, manipulative King of the Assassins. He is a man in his late thirties with fine aristocratic features, silver eyes, and countless scars. He raised Aelin from childhood, molding her into a killer through emotional abuse, and later betrayed her by stealing her family's royal heirloom, the Amulet of Orynth. He seeks to assert dominance over everyone in his orbit.

The King of Adarlan is a ruthless conqueror who outlawed magic across the continent a decade ago. He operates out of a massive glass castle in Rifthold, from which he commands a growing army infused with demonic Valg forces. He uses Wyrdstone rings and collars to enslave the minds of his soldiers and his own son.

Duke Perrington is the cousin and chief ally to the King of Adarlan. He commands the forces stationed at Morath, where he conducts horrifying experiments by breeding Valg demons with captive witches. He treats the witches as expendable tools and maintains a sinister grip on the fortress's operations.

Elide is the eighteen-year-old rightful heir to Perranth. Following her father's execution, her cruel uncle Vernon stole her title and brought her to Morath as a servant. She wears chains around her ankles and walks with a mangled foot that her uncle refused to have healed. To survive the brutal environment, she feigns a stutter and extreme docility to hide her sharp intelligence.

Lysandra is a stunningly beautiful courtesan working in Rifthold to pay off exorbitant debts held by Madame Clarisse and Arobynn. She and Aelin share a bitter history as childhood rivals vying for favor in the Assassin's Keep. Despite her glamorous exterior, Lysandra harbors deep traumas and relies on her wit and hidden abilities to protect the young girl under her care.

Nesryn is a twenty-two-year-old city guard in Rifthold who secretly operates as a rebel agent. Originally from the Southern Continent, she possesses icy calm and lethal martial skills. She works closely with Chaol to smuggle magic-wielders out of the city and is deeply skeptical of Aelin's violent methods.

Lorcan is an ancient Fae warrior belonging to Queen Maeve's elite Cadre. Over 500 years old, he travels to Erilea in search of Aelin and the magical Wyrdkeys. He is motivated by an absolute, unwavering loyalty to his queen and operates independently of Rowan's new allegiances, making him a dangerous wild card in the city.

Asterin is the golden-haired second-in-command of the Thirteen. Unlike the stoic Manon, Asterin is driven by fierce passion and a rebellious streak. She frequently clashes with the Ironteeth Matron's brutal rules and harbors a tragic past involving a mortal hunter, which heavily influences her protective attitude toward her coven.

Kaltain is a former noblewoman who has been reduced to a seemingly vacant companion for Duke Perrington. She bears a vicious scar on her arm and is kept constantly beside the duke. Though she appears devoid of personality, she occasionally exhibits terrifying bursts of dark shadowfire magic when commanded.

Vernon is the current Lord of Perranth, having stolen the title after his brother's execution. He is an ally of Duke Perrington and resides at Morath, where he keeps his niece Elide in a state of constant fear and servitude. He is eager to assist the duke in his dark breeding experiments.

Evangeline is an eleven-year-old girl under Lysandra's protection. She bears extensive scarring across both cheeks, an injury inflicted by Lysandra to render her undesirable to the brothel madams and save her from a life as a courtesan. She is quiet but deeply devoted to her guardian.

Sam was a fellow assassin at the Keep and Aelin's first love. His brutal murder years prior was orchestrated by Arobynn Hamil. His memory haunts Aelin's return to the city, serving as both a source of deep grief and a catalyst for her vengeance against her former master.

The Blackbeak Matron is the ancient, terrifying leader of the Blackbeak Witch-Clan and Manon's grandmother. She demands absolute obedience from her coven and fully supports Duke Perrington's horrific breeding programs, punishing any witch who displays hesitation or empathy.