Byx is a ten-year-old dairne, a dog-like creature with opposable thumbs, a pouch, and skin folds that allow her to glide. As the runt of her family pack, she struggles with intense feelings of inadequacy and fears she might be a disappointment to her parents. Despite her small physical size, she possesses the innate dairne ability to instinctively distinguish spoken truth from lies.

Kharassande is a fourteen-year-old human who disguises herself as a boy to work as a guide and hunter. Hardened by the necessity to provide for her family, she is a skilled tracker and swordswoman operating in a society that restricts girls from such martial roles. She carries an old, rusted sword that holds deeper secrets than its appearance suggests.

Tobble is an eleven-year-old wobbyk, a small, round creature with big ears and three tails. Kidnapped by pirates before escaping, he operates under a strict cultural honor system and attaches himself to Byx out of duty. This obligation quickly blossoms into genuine affection and determination to help her.

Gambler is a felivet, a massive, predatory cat-like creature belonging to one of Nedarra's six governing species. Despite his terrifying reputation and formidable size, he is a thoughtful conversationalist. He seeks to uncover the truth about the systematic extermination of his species and others.

The Murdano is the human tyrant and supreme ruler of Nedarra. He maintains control through violence and political maneuvering, defying the ancient laws that established equality among the six governing species. He is a power-hungry leader obsessed with expanding his territory into neighboring lands.

Renzo is a young human thief who makes a living through unapologetic robbery. He possesses a charismatic demeanor and openly admits to his dishonest profession. He has some knowledge of theurgy magic and travels with his dog, displaying a keen eye for valuable artifacts.

Luca is a young scholar and Ferrucci's assistant at the Imperial Academy in Cora di Schola. He is deeply interested in studying endangered and extinct species. He possesses a silver fish pendant and knows rudimentary theurgy.

Araktik is the Murdano's official seer and a powerful political figure in Nedarra. She possesses significant influence over the kingdom's policies regarding the governing species. She acts as an authority on species extinction, officially declaring the dairnes gone.

The Knight of the Fire is a fearsome, heavily armored warrior serving the Murdano and his seer. He wields theurgy to control sentient fire, using it as a deadly, tracking weapon against his targets. He is a relentless pursuer driven by duty and vengeance.

Ferrucci is a scholar residing in Cora di Schola, specializing in Nedarra's various species. He is well-known within academic circles but lives in fear of the Murdano's political wrath, especially regarding his official certifications of extinct species.

Rorid is a massive raptidon, a giant, bird-like creature belonging to one of the six governing species. He resides in a rookery in the Infina plains and maintains a keen awareness of the political movements and dangers in Nedarra.

Maia is Byx's mother, a dairne who cares deeply for her family's safety. She adheres strictly to the pack's survival protocols, ensuring they only travel under the cover of darkness to avoid poachers.

Jax is Byx's older brother. He is a strong and supportive dairne who promises to always protect his smaller sibling when she expresses fear about her physical limitations.

Dalyntor is a dairne and Byx's teacher. He is responsible for educating the young dairnes in the pack about the history of their world, the six governing species, and the ancient poetry concerning the First Colony.

Myxo is the pathfinder for Byx's dairne pack. He listens to rumors and guides the pack's movements, attempting to navigate them safely toward rumors of other surviving dairnes in the north.

Vallino is Kharassande's loyal horse. He serves as the primary mode of transportation for Kharassande and her companions, carrying them through treacherous terrains and outrunning danger.

Dog is an actual canine companion belonging to the human thief Renzo. He travels with Renzo and assists in his various schemes and escapes.