Equally uncommon is his allegiance to Clan Sion—his mother’s side of family, who deem him one of their most respectable members in service of Rayan’s throne.

Known as the Black Fox among his clan brothers, Zakane is the liaison officer for Raven Blades and Blood Blades alike. His firm hand shapes aspirants of both orders into lethal weapons of the Rayan empire. The Draq’Enar Arena is his personal training ground, where he teaches bold novices the most important lesson for any young warrior: humbleness.

​Now, practising and teaching Rayan’s martial arts might be Zakane’s main profession. His side hustle though lays in coordinating Rubinburgh’s crime department. His olfactory senses are more than worthy of a fox blood. Following the scents associated with perpetrators, he is able to solve even the trickiest of cases with nothing but his nose. A trait that makes the Black Fox a valued detective for the crown.

​​About his father, Zakane never talks much. His old man is said to be a powerful blood shaman, who has fallen out of favour with Nemesava’s council. But there is more to this story than the Black Fox is willing to admit to himself. Eager to find out, he is not…

​

…to be continued.

“True strength is only ever gained by fighting your own shadows. Most people fail halfway through already.”