Darkstalker

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, death by suicide, mental illness, ableism, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.

Although Darkstalker alternates between three narrators, Darkstalker himself is the titular character and the novel’s flawed central protagonist. A NightWing-IceWing hybrid, he appears to be a pure NightWing at first glance, with ebony-black scales and a hidden line of white where his wings meet his body. Darkstalker’s story is a study in contradictions: He is powerful yet vulnerable, compassionate yet ruthless, and loving yet deeply self-centered.

Darkstalker is the most gifted dragon in Pyrrhian history, possessing mind-reading powers, prophecy, and animus magic. He loves fiercely and unconditionally, but even at his hatching, his selfishness and arrogance emerge: He chooses not to help his sister, Whiteout, hatch under the three full moons in order to monopolize Foeslayer’s love for a day and keep the power of the moons for himself rather than sharing them with a sibling. His early spells—such as creating a comfort object for Whiteout, a plate that keeps food warm for Foeslayer, a bell that rings when Fathom is sad or lonely, and a bracelet shielding Clearsight from mind readers—reflect his genuine care for those he loves.