Brimstone Arc I
Chapters: Prologue - 8
Welcome to the Brimstone Deep Dive
Welcome back to Yvelia! This deep dive is our space to explore it together in real time, to linger on the details, to follow the threads, and to unravel the lore as it unfolds. Whether you’re returning with fresh memories or starting your adventure by reading Quicksilver on the blog, you’re invited to step into the fire with us. Join in the conversation. I would love to yap about this book with you. Comments section is at the end of the blog post.
Prologue
Before we even step fully into Brimstone, the prologue makes one thing clear: this world hasn’t stopped moving since Quicksilver. The dust never settled and the consequences of book one is still rippling outward.
A Return to What Book One Broke Open
Brimstone wastes no time. Just like Quicksilver, it opens in motion. We’re dropped straight into action but what is different is what matters here. In Quicksilver we are following Saeris’s POV. In Brimstone we are in Kingfisher’s POV. And that choice matters. If Quicksilver was Saeris’s awakening, Brimstone signals that this book may be Fisher’s reckoning.
Right away, the prologue reminds us of the seismic shifts from book one:
Carrion Swift is fae and he’s royalty. Also important to remember that he wields a god‑sword. That detail tells us his lineage and his weapon are going to matter even more here.
Saeris’s transformation: She is now a fae-vampire hybrid and Queen of the Blood Court.
She defeated Malcom, the first vampire and King of the Blood Court. A victory that should have ended a war, but you can feel the narrative hinting that killing a king doesn’t kill a kingdom and she and Fisher have their work cut out for them.
Fisher and Saeris are soul‑bound, marked by God Bindings. Their connection isn’t romantic fluff. It’s divine architecture.
And then there’s Onyx, the fox, whose bond with Saeris is still mysterious to me. The prologue nudges us to pay attention to him.
Foreshadowing: The First Crack
The biggest piece of foreshadowing hit me quietly but hard: Fisher’s healing magic is finite — and he used all of it saving Onyx.
Fisher mentioned that its small magic, but I have the feeling that he will need it, and now it’s gone.
It also raises a question the prologue doesn’t answer: Why didn’t he take Onyx to Te Lena? Her healing magic replenishes. Why did it have to be what little healing magic Fisher had left?
What I’m Watching For
Fisher’s depleted magic — I get that he healed Onyx FOR Saeris, but
Onyx’s importance — the fox is becoming more than a companion; the narrative keeps circling him.
Saeris’s transformation — how is she going to navigate her new identity and role as Vampire Queen?
Carrion Swift’s god‑sword — repeated details are never accidental.
The Blood Court fallout — Malcom’s death ended a reign, not a legacy. These vampires are about to give Saeris a run for her money.
As the prologue settles, it leaves us with more questions than answers which is fair. It’s the prologue after all. The pieces are moving. This is just the spark at the edge of Brimstone, and I’m excited to keep unraveling it with you. Chapter One is coming soon, and we’ll dive into it together the moment it arrives.
What stood out to you most in the prologue — a moment, a detail, or a character beat?
What do you think Fisher losing his healing magic might mean for him moving forward?
Tell me what you’re thinking so far, and let’s keep the conversation going. Chapter One arrives next.
Chapter 1: Hell’s Teeth
Taladaius’s Role
I’m not even going to hold you. I cannot, for the life of me, remember why this vampire is important. He was introduced so late in Quicksilver, I didn’t even register him as a major player. What’s important here right now is that Taladaius is her maker, and he continues to position himself as a stabilizing force. His knowledge of vampire law and court politics makes it feel inevitable that he’ll become her most trusted advisor as she steps into ruling the Blood Court.
Solace & the Quicksilver
In Quicksilver, Saeris claimed the god‑sword Solace which incidentally is Fisher’s father’s blade, and it was used to still the quicksilver and seal the portals between worlds. Solace is the same sword she drew from the stone. I don’t recall if Quicksilver really got into the nitty gritty with just how important it is that this particular sword is tied to Saeris’s future, and I can’t wait to see how she will wield it.
The Laws of the Five
We are still expanding the world and we finally get structure: Five vampire lords rule beneath the monarch. They are bound by the Law of Ascension — meaning they must acknowledge and obey Saeris before they can even attempt to usurp her crown. Taladaius is one of the Lords of Midnight.
Saeris Hearing the Quicksilver
Is this still important?
Fisher’s Overprotectiveness
Fisher’s behavior in this chapter is…a lot. Saeris’s postion as Queen of the Blood Court is fragile, and Taladaius is trying to teach her and her companions the rules. Fisher is going against the grain. He’s not new to court politics, being a prince himself, which makes it even more frustrating.
Saeris’s Immunities
She’s immune to silver and iron now. It would appear that she has all of the power of Fae and Vampire and none of their weaknesses. Interesting.
Her Weak Proclamation
Her proclamation of being queen feels weak when she entered the Hall of Tears. Not because she lacks power, but because she hasn’t stepped fully into the identity yet.
What I’m Watching For
There are few things that I am looking to be answered or expanded on in the upcoming chapters.
Saeris’s Power vs. Her Confidence
She’s god‑touched, immune to silver and iron, and wielding Solace, but her proclamation as queen still feels shaky. I’m watching to see when her confidence catches up to her power.
Taladaius’s Influence
He’s positioned perfectly to become her closest advisor. I want to see how much of Saeris’s rule becomes shaped by his guidance…or his agenda.
From the Desk of The Lords of Midnight
As you’re reading Chapter 1 with me, I’d genuinely love to know how all of this is landing for you. What did you think of Saeris stepping into her crown for the first time? Did it feel strong, shaky, or somewhere in between? And Fisher… whew. His overprotective hovering is driving me up a wall, so I’m curious if you felt that too or if you’re reading his behavior differently. I’m also wondering how you’re feeling about Taladaius. Do you trust him as her advisor, or does he give you “too much power, too quietly” vibes? Mostly, I just want to know: do you think Saeris is going to grow into this crown, or is she going to fight against it every step of the way? Let’s talk about it.
Chapter 2: Hall of Tears
The Lords of Midnight Assemble
The moment all five Lords of Midnight gather, the energy shifts. A dangerous group with their own rules and loyalties.
Zovena, Keeper of Missives
Zovena is the first to stand against Saeris’s ascension, and honestly? She makes a compelling argument.
Ereth, Keeper of Evenlight
Ereth enters the scene like a walking red flag. Everything about him screams menace. Evenlight sounds beautiful, but he does not.
Hazeax, Keeper of Silence
Hazeax claims he “only wants to watch,” which is exactly the kind of thing someone says right before doing something deeply unhinged. I don’t trust him. At all.
Algat, Keeper of Records
Algat is a former witch, which already makes her dangerous, but the way she carries herself? Problematic. She feels like someone who knows too much and enjoys it.
Rethinking Taladaius
With all the Lords assembled, it’s impossible not to wonder if Taladaius is just as bad as the rest of them, if not worse. His readiness to help reads differently when surrounded by monsters who wear their danger openly.
Saeris Stops Her Heart
Saeris making her heart stop beating had me clutching my robe. Cause, why is she even able to do that?
The Curse Echoes
This whole scene brings back the ostory: the fae were cursed to drink blood like the vampires and they were in a frenzy when it came to feeding. Their teeth are what remains after the curse broke. With a witch in the mix and Saeris’s transformation is she going to bring the curse back?
Saeris Drinks Blood — From Fisher
Her first drink is from Fisher, and there’s so much happening here. She bites him, instinct tells her to wait, and then she feels a new tattoo transfer from Fisher to her, and it settles on her chest. She realizes she’s giving something to him — please let it NOT be the curse — and when she finally drinks, it’s erotic for both of them. Is it like this for all vampires? Or is this because of their bond?
A Blood Fiend?
Oh goodness… is Saeris a blood fiend now? Because the way she reacts: the hunger, the clarity, the weird ass erotica. Don’t forget that Fisher is acting a bit different too. I’m telling you…It’s the curse.
The Hall of Tears Changes
After drinking, her perception shifts. The Hall of Tears becomes beautiful to her. That’s not normal.
All Hell Is About to Break Loose
“She is leashed by the blood. Bound to it, as we all are”
What I’m Watching For
The Lords of Midnight Dynamic
Zovena’s objection sets the tone. She’s sharp, strategic, and not afraid to challenge Saeris. I’m watching how the other Lords respond to her defiance and whether Taladaius’s calm hides something darker.
The Witch’s Influence
Algat’s presence makes me nervous. A witch among vampires feels like a recipe for chaos, especially with the curse lore being the only thing I can think about. I’m watching for any hint that she’s manipulating the blood magic behind the scenes.
The Curse
The fae’s ancient curse is making me nervous. I’m watching to see if Saeris’s transformation or her bond with Fisher starts to awaken that old magic.
The Blood Bond
Saeris drinking from Fisher changes everything. The tattoo, the exchange, the erotic charge — it’s too deliberate to be just instinct. I’m watching to see what that bond means for both of them, and whether it’s power or danger.
From the Desk of The Lords of Midnight
Okay, besties, I need to know how you felt reading this chapter because I was sitting here with my hand over my mouth like… hello? The Lords of Midnight are unhinged, every single one of them, and I swear Zovena almost had me agreeing with her. And Fisher letting Saeris drink from him? That whole scene was a lot — the instinct, the tattoo, the giving‑and‑taking, the way the Hall of Tears suddenly looked beautiful to her. I’m still trying to decide if she’s becoming a blood fiend or if this is just part of her god‑touched evolution. And don’t even get me started on the curse. I’m dying to know what parts made you pause, what made you nervous, and whether you trust any of these Lords… because I absolutely do not. Ok. I take it back. I kind of trust Taladaius. He’s her maker. BUT! Zovena has a point. Is Saeris his puppet?
Leave a comment below. I’m excited to hear your thoughts!
Chapter 3: Dose
Anathema Appears Again
This is the second time this word: anathema stuck out to me and the story is clearly saving its meaning for something big.
⚔️ Ereth’s Crown… and Betrayal
Ereth places the crown on Saeris’s head and immediately tries to assassinate her. The audacity. Fisher gets to him first and cleaves him in two, but Ereth’s dying words hit hard: “The gods denounced her.” Fisher shows Ereth their bonded tattoos, proving Saeris is god‑touched. And then Ereth twists the knife further. The vampires have different gods. Well, shit.
Saeris’s First Laws
Saeris officially passes her first laws. She forbids any subjects from the Blood Court of Sanasroth from harming, hindering, or killing her, Fisher or anyone of her friends. She also decommissioned the feeder army. (Ya’ll know: This sounds way too easy.)
The Dose
Ren and Loreth give Fisher hell about his pent‑up… frustrations… after Saeris accidentally dosed him. Lorreth tells Fisher that he had mentioned what drinking blood does to them and Fisher’s thoughts on it? Honestly? I'm learning that I’m not liking the unreasonably jealous mated male trope in this story.
Searching for Foley
The trio is looking for Foley, who is a battle buddy/brother of theirs as wells as another vampire Taladaius turned. Foley matters to this story because his grandfather was one of the last alchemists — meaning he carries knowledge of the lost science. Saeris needs to learn from him.
What I’m Watching For
The Meaning of “Anathema”
It’s being seeded deliberately. It’s possible that I’ve missed it already, but I’m watching for the moment the story finally reveals what it means, and why Saeris is being labeled as one.
Divine Politics
The vampires having their own gods? That’s huge. Who are they?
From the Desk of The Lords of Midnight
I need to know how you felt about this chapter. I feel like nothing is really happening just yet. We are still within the first 100 pages, so nothing juicy has happened yet. Ereth crowning Saeris and then immediately trying to kill her was wild, and Fisher cleaving him in half was even wilder. The vampires having their own gods? I’m spiraling. And then we jump straight into Renfis and Loreth clowning him about being dosed, which honestly had me cackling. And Foley the friend that don’t want to be found being tied to the last alchemist? That’s a plot thread I’m grabbing with both hands.
Chapter 4: 114
The Feeders Arrive
There’s a new enemy in play! Feeders that feed on magic instead of blood. The moment Fisher used Nimerelle and she screamed after touching their blood? Chills. These creatures are immune to iron and silver… just like Saeris. Which has me asking: when she became queen and drank from Fisher, did she accidentally create a new kind of monster?
Unstoppable Beasts
These things are practically unstoppable. Everything they thought they knew about fighting them has been thrown out with the bathwater! No silver, no iron, no magic. And let’s be clear. This fight was practically devastating for the Kingfisher crew. Only 8 feeders crossed the lake, and they killed 114 of Kingfisher’s warriors.
What I’m Watching For
Saeris’s Influence
Did her transformation ripple through the world and birth these creatures? I’m watching for any hint that her blood magic is rewriting creation itself.
The Feeders’ Origin
I’m watching for who or what made them.
Chapter 5: Deadstock
Back at the Blood Palace
Everyone’s back at the Blood Palace, and the heads of the Feeders are… still alive. Beheading doesn’t kill them. They’re trying to gnaw their way out of the bag like something straight out of a bad 80’s horror film. It’s grotesque and hilarious at the same time.
Carrion’s Revelation
Carrion points out that these Feeders aren’t from Yvelia. They’re from Zilvaren. One of the females has a sterilization mark, and their ears are round.
Madra
I was wondering when she was going to make herself known. Madra is over there being messy.
What I’m Watching For
Zilvaren
The new big bad are from Zilvaren. I’m watching to see where this takes our party. Saeris is from Zilvaren, born and raised. Carrion may be fae and from Yvelia, but he spent a very long time living in Zilvaren. They will not let this stand.
From the Desk of The Lords of Midnight
These chapters had me pacing. Feeders that absorb magic? Immune to silver and iron? Are still animated after beheading? That’s terrifying. I’m screaming. Carrion’s revelation about them being from Zilvaren changes everything. I’m starting to think the alchemy and the blood curse are two sides of the same coin.
Chapter 6: Titles
Onyx
I’m telling you, Onyx is not just a fox. We can start with the treacherous journey he took to get back to Saeris during the prologue. And now he “happy” to see her when she enters the dining room. I’ve never had a fox as a pet, so maybe I’m grasping at straws.
Danya and Carrion
Not Danya looking for Carrion. I laughed out loud. But wait… does she even know who he really is yet? That reveal is going to be messy, and I’m here for it.
The Hair Inconsistency
Okay, I think I found an inconsistency. Danya went up like a tiki torch during the fight with the Feeder and lost her hair. She said a warrior’s hair is directly tied to their skill in battle — so explain Kingfisher’s hair, which is waaaaaaay shorter than everyone else’s. Is his short hair another testament to what he endured in Malcom’s maze?
Lady of Cahlish
Why did I just have a megawatt smile when Fisher declared Saeris as Lady of Cahlish? That moment was pure pride. I was over here kicking my feet. But Saeris doesn’t seem comfortable with another new title. I guess I understand where she is coming from. Not that long ago she was practically dying from dehydration and hunger, practically living on the streets. Now she is Royalty. It’s a lot to get used to. For her. Not me. 😊 Just saying.
The Marriage Question
Once again, the topic of a wedding between Fisher and Saeris comes up. And once again, Fisher shuts it down. Saeris doesn’t seem eager either. He’s fine proclaiming her as Lady of Cahlish, but not announcing it to the world? What is Fisher afraid of?
What I’m Watching For
Onyx’s True Nature
There’s more to him than meets the eye. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is one of the gods in disguise.
Lorreth and Iseabail’s Past
I know that some things were revealed in Quicksilver, but Saeris had asked Iseabail for more info about why Lorreth is still so pissy with her even after all the help she has given them. Iseabail told her to ask Lorreth. It definitely sound like love to me.
Saeris’s Titles
Her discomfort with titles fascinates me. I’m watching to see if she ever claims them all. Queen, Lady, Mate and Wife. It certainly is a lot.
Fisher’s Fear
He’s fine with titles but not vows. I’m watching to see why he’s so apprehensive on marriage.
From the Desk of The Lords of Midnight
Okay, bestie, Chapter 6 had me giggling and side‑eyeing in equal measure. Onyx is definitely not just a fox. I’m convinced he’s something ancient. Possibly one of this world’s gods. Lorreth and Iseabail’s? I need to know more. Danya trying to bang Carrion? Comedy gold. The topic of marriage keeps circling back, but Fisher’s refusal feels fearful. What do you think he’s afraid of?
Chapter 7: Home
Why Fisher Fears the Ceremony
We finally get a glimpse of why Fisher is so against a wedding ceremony. It’s not that he doesn’t want to get married. It’s sacred. The couple gives each other their true names. But Kingfisher never received his. By fourteen, the age when children are given their true name by their parents, Fisher was already an orphan. Red flags are whipping in the wind for me. His mother was clairvoyant. She left Saeris an entire wardrobe and even drew her. Are we really supposed to believe she didn’t leave his name behind? He says he searched every document and found nothing.
Not Fisher talking Saeris through it! 🥰 And then she passes out? Lol. Okay, Fisher. I see you.
Every time Saeris drinks from him, I wonder if she’ll go too far. If one day she’ll drain him past the point of return. She’s still very new to all of this.
What I’m Watching For
The Missing Name
If Fisher’s mother was clairvoyant, she knew what was coming. I’m watching for the reveal of his true name.
Saeris’s Control
Her bites are making me nervous. Just saying.
Chapter 8: Make Your Peace
A Mother’s Love
The love Fisher’s mother had for him radiates through the pages. She left his mate an entire wardrobe, left drawings for him to find. Even in death, she’s guiding him toward the life she foresaw. I think it’s beautiful.
The Ruins of Irrín
Ren and Fisher head to Irrín only to find devastation. The camp is gone, the warriors vanished, and the ground itself poisoned. The Feeders they tied to the tree have fused with it; their corruption spreading.
What I’m Watching For
Fisher’s Mother’s Legacy
’m watching to see if what she left behind for Fisher - as far as Saeris is concerned - hold more secrets. My fingers are crossed that his name is revealed.
The Feeders’ Mutation
The fusion with the tree and the devastation left at camp suggests evolution. I’m watching to see if the Feeders are becoming something new. They are already a difficult enemy. If things keep going the way they are, they could become unstoppable.
Let’s Talk About It
I always thought “Kingfisher” felt like a nickname. It’s heartbreaking that he was robbed of receiving his name, and in esscence being able to participate in a marriage ceremony. His mother’s clairvoyance, as well as all the clues about Saeris that she left behind, makes me think she did leave it somewhere. What do you think? Did Fisher’s mother hide his name so well that even he can’t find it, or did she go against tradition and give it to someone she trusted?
Arc I Conclusion
We watched Saeris rise from poverty to a queen navigating titles that is overwhelming her. We saw Fisher cleave enemies, deny marriage, and reveal the heartbreaking truth that he never received his true name. We met new big bads and witnessed their corruption spread. Arc I ends with devastation: warriors vanished and the ground poisoned.
Thank you for joining me for the first 8 chapters of Brimstone. Join me in Arc II where we are reading chapters 9-16.
