A Shadow in the Ember

“You may not be Chosen, but you were born into this realm, shrouded in the

veil of the Primals. A Maiden as the Fates promised. And you shall leave this realm touched by life and death.”

This quote from Sera’s nursemaid Odetta foreshadows Sera’s role in A Shadow in the Ember. She is destined to be connected to the Primal of Death, being born with a crescent moon birthmark which marks her as the Maiden (killer of the Primal of Death), while also being the true Primal of Life.

“Tonight, she had looked at me. She had spoken to me. And this was what she

wanted.”

This quote shows the strain between Sera and her mother, Queen Calliaphe, due to Sera resembling her late father—the Queen’s first husband. Sera longs for her mother’s approval, but is only acknowledged when the Queen needs something. In most cases, her requests are morally reprehensible and threaten to twist Sera into a weapon.

“One such as he was dangerous. He was a predator, no matter how beautiful

or benevolent he was.”

Sera’s framing of Nyktos (Ash) as a “predator,” a creature who hunts others, is fitting considering both gods and Primals consume blood to survive. Despite her initial caution, she still acknowledges the first hints of good to him.