Legacy Interviews
These interviews originally appeared in the newsletter.
Any new interviews will be added a week after the newsletter goes out.
Before the books...
The interviews listed below, take place before the events of Rain of Shadows and Endings.
Tessa
This interview takes place at the beginning of Rain of Shadows and Endings.
Q: What is your current role in Devram?
A: I guess I'm the Source of power to the Arius Heir.
Q: What is one of your hobbies?
A: Fae don't get hobbies.
Q: For fun. What is something you like to do for fun?
A: I guess I like to kick around a Chaosphere ball. Really, anything I can do outside. I used to sneak off the Celeste Estate with others, but obviously that's not an option anymore. (Glaring at Theon.)
Q: What is your favorite Chaosphere team?
A: The Whirlwinds. Their offensive line is the best in the league. Now if only the defensive line could get their heads out of their asses. I mean, what the fuck was Evanson doing last season? He missed countless tackles, and don't even get me started on Quin.
Q: Describe yourself in three words.
A: Others call me reckless, impulsive, and wild. I just call myself... Well, nothing.
Q: Where is your favorite place in the kingdom or even just at home?
A: Anywhere outside, preferably around trees and nature. Anywhere I can breathe. Anywhere not dark.
Q: Describe your perfect evening.
A: Sitting in a tavern with Dex and Lange and the others, getting drunk on agaveheart before finding my way to a mortal's bed.
Q: What is the one thing that makes you feel safe or content?
A, with a harsh laugh: The Fae are never safe in Devram, and contentment is a luxury afforded only to the Legacy.
Q: If you weren’t the Source of the Arius Heir, what would you want to be doing?
A: I don't understand.
Q: If you weren't serving in the Arius Kingdom, what would you want to be doing?
A: The Fae don't get to think about that. We're here to serve the Legacy. But I suppose, if I had a choice as to where to serve... It is said the forest in the northern part of the Anala Kingdom is pretty. It's far away from the Celeste Estate, and it's not dreadfully hot. So I suppose being assigned to a position there wouldn't be so bad, especially if some of my friends wee assigned there with me. But none of that will ever happen. The Anala Kingdom only assigns Fire Fae to that section of their Kingdom, and I'm already...claimed.
Q: But what if you didn't have to serve the Legacy?
A, blinking slowly: This entire conversation is pointless. I've already been Selected, and my fate has been decided.
Q: Last question: Describe your perfect mate.
A: Someone who hates the dark. Who likes to watch the sunrise and drink coffee on a balcony. Someone who loves to watch Chaosphere while eating pizza and doughnuts. He likes to walk barefoot along streams, and he makes me laugh, never cry. No expectations or demands. Affection not given based solely on what I can give in return. Content to just...be us. (Clears throat, before blinking innocently at Theon.) Oh, and he's a mortal and owns ten pairs of flip-flops.
Theon
This interview takes place at the beginning of Rain of Shadows and Endings.
Q: What is your current role in Devram?
A: I am the Heir to the Arius Kingdom.
Q: What is one of your hobbies?
A: Researching the true history of Devram.
Q: The true history?
A: There are a lot of theories about what Devram was meant to be, especially in regards to the Revelation Decree. I simply enjoy reading them.
Q: What is your favorite Chaosphere team?
A, with an annoyed look: Chaosphere is a waste of time.
Axel: Because you're terrible at it?
A, grumbling: It's not that hard to play.
Q: Describe yourself in three words.
A: Disciplined, Determined, Astute.
Tessa, huffs a derisive laugh.
Q: Where is your favorite place in the kingdom or even just at home?
A: Anywhere with history books. In particular, I enjoy the Archives at the Pantheon. They hold texts that cannot be found in any of the kingdoms. I once found one there that--
Axel: No one cares about the random books you find, Theon, or the theories you come up with because of them.
Theon, glaring at his brother: Some of those theories have proven to be true.
Axel: Fine. Let me rephrase that. We do not have time for you to go on and on for hours about your theories just because they were right once or twice.
Q: Describe your perfect evening.
A: A night with Luka, Axel, and Tessa. It would include an evening ride with the horses. Afterwards, some cards or darts with liquor and good food. A night away from expectations and responsibilities and... Just a night away from everyone and everything.
Q: What is the one thing that makes you feel safe or content?
A: Safety is only guaranteed by power. Once Tessa and I are fully bonded and she has received all of her Source Marks, I will be one of the most powerful in the realm. Even then, I may be content, but never safe. Not when the realm is full of villains.
Q: If you weren’t the Heir of the Arius Kingdom, what would you want to be doing?
A: Ruling the Arius Kingdom.
Q: Is that what you want to be doing?
A: It's what is required of me. It is my purpose. I don't question Fate, only those who try to twist it.
Q: Last question: Describe your perfect mate.
A: Why? I will enter into a Match Contract. It will have nothing to do with a mate.
Q: Does that bother you?
A: It is how things are done to ensure the ruling families maintain power.
Q: Just for fun, describe your perfect mate anyway.
A: Tenacious. Clever. Someone intriguing. Someone I can stand to spend more than an hour with. Someone who constantly makes me wonder what she's going to say or do next. Someone people fear as much as they fear me, but she would never fear me. She would look stunning wearing my shirt, sitting in the middle of my bed in the morning with a cup of coffee in her hands and messy hair. A look only I get to see because she would be only mine and-- (Sitting up straighter and straightening his shirt cuffs.) This is a moot discussion. A Match ensures that power is strengthened and thrives. That's why they are arranged. Besides, a mate seems impractical. It would complicate matters and get in the way of what needs to be done.
Luka
This interview takes place at the beginning of Rain of Shadows and Endings.
Q: What is your current role in Devram?
A: I will be Theon's advisor when it is time for him to take over as Arius Lord.
Q: What is one of your hobbies?
A: Training.
Q: As a hobby?
A: Yes.
Tessa, brow creasing: Like running?
A, with a small smirk: Something like that.
Q: What is your favorite Chaosphere team?
A: The Firewings.
Tessa, scoffing: They are not.
Luka, arching a brow: Yes, they are.
Tessa: The Firewings are terrible.
Luka: They beat the Whirlwinds.
Tessa, bristling: Because Evanson can't get his head out of his ass!
Luka, shrugging: Still a win.
Tessa, scowling and lifting her middle finger.
Q: Describe yourself in three words.
A: Intuitive, goal-oriented, irritable.
Axel, huffing a laugh: At least he admits to the last one.
Q: Where is your favorite place in the kingdom or even just at home?
A: The Ozul Mountains. Lots of open air there.
Q: Describe your perfect evening.
A: A night of peace and solitude under the stars.
This interview takes place at the beginning of Rain of Shadows and Endings.
Q: What is the one thing that makes you feel safe or content?
A: Myself. My safety is my own concern, and my contentment is my responsibility. No one else's. No one else will fight for those things like you will when you come to terms with that.
Q: If you weren’t Theon's advisor, what would you want to be doing?
A, after a long uncomfortable pause: I don't know.
Q: You've never thought about it?
A: No. I focus on the tasks at hand. I focus on the goals and the best ways to obtain desired outcomes. It doesn't leave much time for entertaining ideas of irrelevant thoughts.
Q: Last question: Describe your perfect mate.
A, shifting uncomfortably: As others have stated, this is irrelevant. I'll be assigned a Match.
Axel, with narrowed eyes: But you've thought about this before?
A: No.
Axel, a smirk growing: You answered too fast. You've totally thought about this. Tell us all about your perfect mate.
A, with an annoyed sigh: She's fierce and confident. She doesn't need anyone to protect her because she can protect herself, and she doesn't need anyone's approval. She's driven, and she's not afraid of a challenge. She doesn't mind the quiet, and she likes mountain air and solitude as much as she likes being in the middle of chaos. There's compassion, but it's not a weakness because it drives her actions.
After a long stretch of silence, Tessa tsks: There's no one like that.
Luka, with another irritated sigh: Obviously. That's why it's s perfect mate. Not someone who actually exists.
Axel
This interview takes place at the beginning of Rain of Shadows and Endings.
Q: What is your current role in Devram?
A: Behind the scenes stuff.
Q: Like what?
A, fiddling with something in his pocket: As the younger Arius Heir, I'm delegated all the tasks that would be beneath my older brother.
Theon, sighing: For fuck's sake.
Axel, smirks.
Q: What is one of your hobbies?
A: Music. I like anything to do with music. Discovering new songs and musicians. Putting together playlists. Anything like that.
Q: What is your favorite Chaosphere team?
A: The Everflames.
Tessa, sitting up straighter: They're good.
Axel, with a wink: I know,
Tessa: Really good.
Axel: I have season passes.
Tessa: Really?
Axel, nodding and his smile faltering: I rarely get to go, but I do have them.
Q: Describe yourself in three words.
A: Strategic, charming, depraved.
Q: Where is your favorite place in the kingdom or even just at home?
A: Literally anywhere away from Arius House.
Q: Describe your perfect evening.
A: Gambling, drinking, and a little debauchery.
Q: What is the one thing that makes you feel safe or content?
A: It's all about the company you're with. Certain...environments make me feel more at home than others.
Q: If you weren’t doing "behind the scenes stuff," what would you want to be doing?
A: The same thing I'm doing now. My work behind the scenes is fulfilling, and I wouldn't change it.
Q: Last question: Describe your perfect mate.
A, staring into his liquor glass: Someone who surprises me. Someone who doesn't mind an adventure every once in a while, but someone who's just as content to listen to music while drinking good wine. Someone that sees me as more than... Just someone different from all the posturing and scheming of our world.
before the end...
The interviews listed below take place after the events of Tempest of Wraith and Vengeance and before Dawn of Chaos and Fury. Please be aware of spoilers!
Axel
This interview may contain spoilers for books 1-3
Katya: This is kind of weird.
Axel: Right? I definitely thought Theon would be the first interview since he’s the actual heir. Or Lord. Or…whatever he is right now.
Katya: I meant that I’m the one interviewing you.
Axel: Who else would do it?
Katya: Theon? Or Luka? Or—
Axel, darkly: They’re busy with Tessa. Hopefully trying to stop her from killing our bloodline. Besides, neither of them know about the babe or the marriage yet. What’s the first question?
Katya, with a sigh: If you could have had any career, regardless of your upbringing, what would it have been?
A: Something with music. Opening a record label of some kind would be cool. Finding all the small hidden bands and singers that are overlooked. I would have loved to give them a chance. It’s depressing there’s so much talent we’ll never know about.
Q: What is your biggest hope for your future?
A: I guess that we survive, right? I’ve basically started a war with Bree for the Underground. Not that I want to rule it. That’s what my father always wanted, but those here? They’re people too. They don’t deserve to be ruled by a Legacy or one power-hungry Night Child. So, I guess, the hope is that if we all survive, there are changes made. Because most of the people here don’t deserve to be here. So many were simply born here and how is it fair that they have to stay in the dark simply because of where they were born? (Pauses.) What?
Katya, smiling softly at him: Nothing. What was one of the most significant ways you noticed Theon trying to shield you from your father?
A, eyes darting away from her: Theon did…a lot. I know how the world sees him, but he’s only ever wanted to do what is best for the people of Arius Kingdom. Yeah, he can be an absolute dick sometimes, but he’s always been willing to be the bad guy as long as those in his charge were cared for. Growing up, that was me. And Luka. But mostly me, and I… He took the blame for a lot of shit I did. Even when I was old enough to realize what was happening, he still wouldn’t let me take the fall for anything. I know that made his punishments so much worse. My father would have viewed it as weak and only added to the torture. There was one time, I didn’t see Theon for nearly three months. I asked where he was when he came back, but he never answered.I still don’t know, but he disappeared the day after I had accidentally broken several bottles of rations while trying to get some ice cream from the freezers. I knew I wasn’t supposed to be in there, but I was only nine years at the time, and… (Clears throat.) Next question.
Q: What is the most creative punishment you would like your father to receive?
A: Bloodlust. Excruciating bloodlust for years and years. Even better if he’s turned to a vampyre first. Losing all his power? Being a slave to bloodlust and locked up, with only his own madness to consume him? Yeah, that’d be all right.
Q: Tell us about a funny story from your childhood with Theon.
A, snorts a laugh: He came bursting into the room one night about seeing a female in the mirror. Now we know it’s Scarlett, but gods, did Luka and I have fun teasing him about that for years. We knew he probably saw something in the mirror, but it was a lot more entertaining to tell him he was crazy and irritate him with sarcasm.
Q: What about Luka? Do you have a funny story about him?
A, rolling his eyes: Gods, all you have to do get a funny story about Luka is steal something, particularly from his cave. Oh! Or tell him about something shiny. One time, I told him I thought I saw something in mud on my morning run, but it’d been raining so I hadn’t stopped to see what it was. Told him it was small. Ring sized. (Laughing.) That fucker was out there digging in the gardens all damn day. In the rain.
Tristyn
This interview may contain spoilers for books 1-3
Tessa, doubtfully: So I just ask you these questions?
Tristyn, with a wink: That’s it, wild fury.
Tessa: And you’ll just answer them? Based on past experience, I somehow doubt that.
Tristyn: That’s not… This is different.
Tessa: Hmm. If you say so. What is your favorite magical ability?
A: I obviously favor my Pax lineage more than my Witch side, but there is something to be said for being able to use nature around you. When my reserves are low or drained, I can still make potions, use Marks, and more.
Q: How is it that you, as a male witch, are here? We find in other worlds that most male-born are sacrificed in order to avoid the curse Achaz put on the witches.
A: I suppose that’s your answer. Most male-Witches are sacrificed in some worlds. But when your father is a god, that complicates things. More than that, not even the Witches want to lose that kind of power when males are born.
Q: What is your relationship like with your parents? It has to be just like some of the other beings we know who have a parent that is a god.
A: I haven’t seen them in centuries. But Pax is… Like most of the gods and goddesses, he’s a god first and a father second. And my mother is like most Witches, I suppose. The only difference was she had a powerful male Witch, and while males are not necessarily welcomed, powerful ones are valued just like any other being… (Lips press into a thin line.) I guess we can say I haven’t hated being in a different realm from both of them.
Q: What was it like growing up with Cienna as a sister?
A, with a huff of laughter: She’s older and far more…serious than I am. Which has honestly bitten me in the ass on more than one occasion. But she clearly embraces her Witch side and all that entails. Despite that, she’s also still a deity, and that is something we share and bond over. When I had to come here, she came with me without hesitation, even if I annoyed her beyond reason while growing up.
Q: Speaking of coming here, has everything in Devram shifted your perspective on anything? Even life?
A: I can only say so much here without tempting the Fates, but every world has its own vices. Devram just has more than others with their way of doing things. Admittedly, I came here for my own purposes, but the longer I was here and the more I observed, the more I realized I could try and make a difference. Dancing around fate is tricky, but I did what I could. I… (Looks away from Tessa.) I do what I can to make a difference for as many as I can.
Q: How do you keep the balance of protecting and revealing things that are fated? Seems like a pretty thin line to walk. What happens if you cross it?
A, features darkening: The Fates aren’t beings you mess with. They were wronged once before and refuse to ever be taken advantage of again.
Q: Does telling us about something in regards to the Arius and Achaz conflict fall into revealing too much on the balance?
A: By the time I was born, that portion of the Everlasting War had long passed, and history changes depending on who’s telling the tale. But as with all beings of Chaos, the draw to wanting more power is never ending. Achaz and Arius were once allies in seeking more.
Q: If you got the chance to change the outcome of a small event or choice you’ve made, what would it be and why?
A: I think we all have regrets about past events, but changing one thing, even something that seems irrelevant, can alter history. I have too much Witch blood in my veins to think about changing something that could alter fates that much. The best I can do is learn from past mistakes and try to keep others from making the same.
Tessa, eyes narrowing: Do you regret not being 100% honest with me from the start?
Tristyn: Is this your question or theirs?
Tessa: Does it matter?
Tristyn, sighing: Until you learned certain things, I couldn’t reveal anything. Not just because of the Fates. You were processing a lot. Revealing too much at one time could have pushed you over an edge I was trying to keep you from toppling over. Obviously things could have been differently, but balance is…
Tessa: An illusion?
Tristyn: No, wild fury. I was going to say balance is tricky, but it’s not impossible.
Q: What eats at you the most when you think about your lost love?
A, fiercely: She’s not lost.
Tessa: Then you know where she is?
A: I have some ideas, thanks to you, but she’s never been lost.
Q: What's one thing about you no one knows?
A: I hate grapes.
Tessa, huffs a laugh: You do not.
Tristyn: I do. And anything grape-flavored, including wine. I’ll take agaveheart any day of the week.
Q: What is your go-to pizza order?
A: Barbecue chicken and pineapple.
Tessa, nose wrinkling: You hate grapes, but you put pineapple on pizza? Gross.
Tristyn, with a smirk: I didn’t say I don’t like a good old pepperoni pizza every once in a while. The question was what’s my go-to.
Tessa, deadpan: And you said pineapple.
Tristyn: The next time we get pizza—
Tessa: Absolutely not. If you could smoke lull-leaf with one being alive or dead, who would it be?
A: Lilura.
Q: Did you bring any lull-leaf with you? And do you share?
A: I always have lull-leaf with me, and I only share with people I like.
Q: For the sake of fun and because I guess this is common for interviews - time for a little FMK. Gia, Katya, and Tessa.
A: Cienna would kill me if I fucked or married Gia, so I’m going to have to kill her. Katya is too innocent, so I’ll marry her. That leaves you and me to fuck, wild fury.
Tessa, mulling that over: Yeah, all right.
Tristyn: Just don’t tell your brothers.
Tessa, smirking: I have no regrets about that night.
Tristyn: Same here. Is that it? No more questions?
Tessa, flipping over the paper to double check and shrugging: I guess so.
Tristyn, tsking and pulling out a roll of lull-leaf: There were some real missed opportunities here.
Evianna
This interview may contain spoilers for books 1-3
Eviana: What is the point of this again?
Tessa, pouring them both wine: It’s just for fun I think.
Eviana, flatly: So it’s actually pointless?
Tessa: I guess you could look at it that way. They do have lots of questions for you though.
Eviana, stares back in silence.
Q: What was life like before you became a Source?
A: I was at the Serafina Estate, so I suppose like every other Fae’s. Only I wasn’t allowed to interact with the others. As soon as I was of age, I was Selected. It was as lonely then as it is now.
Q: What did you dream about as a young girl? Before Valter came into the picture?
A: Dreams are also pointless. Valter was always in the picture. I don’t remember a time when he wasn’t.
Q: How did you feel when Valter first picked you for his Source? And how do you feel now about being his Source?
A: It doesn’t matter how I feel. I learned that long ago. My fate was decided before I entered this world. I understood survival was dependent on submission, and then I learned that even submission didn’t guarantee survival. That still stands.
Q: Do you wish another Legacy would have chosen you as their Source? If so, who?
A: Wishes are pointless, but all the Lords and Ladies are the same. It makes no difference to me who holds my leash in their hand.
Q: Theon once asked you, “How long did it take for you to completely give in to the bond?” I’d like to hear an answer to that question.
A: I did whatever was needed to survive and giving in was easier in the end.
Q: If you could break your source bond with Valter, would you?
A, staring intently: Of course not. I would never willingly choose to be separated from my Master.
Tessa: Those Marks are a bitch, aren’t they?
Eviana, staying silent.
Q: How did you feel about helping Valter torture his kids, and what thoughts were going through your mind throughout? What are your thoughts and feelings about Theon, Axel, and Luka?
A: It is not my place to question my Master. My thoughts and feeling on any of it are irrelevant, but they are Legacy in the end, so I suppose I’m indifferent either way.
Q: What is the worst thing Valter has made you do?
A: It’s not my place to judge my Master’s actions.
Q: What’s Valter’s biggest secret?
A: I can’t reveal my Master’s secrets.
Q: What was Valter's plan for Axel?
A: I can’t reveal my Master’s secrets.
Q: What's one of the most shocking things you learned about Devram (that most people may not know) while being Valter's source?
A: I can’t reveal my Master’s secrets.
Q: What are the three biggest secrets you learned sitting in on centuries of meetings?
A: I can’t reveal my Master’s secrets.
Tessa, smirking: I’m sensing a theme here.
Eviana: You know what the Marks and the Source bond entail. Not to mention all the Bargains he forced me into.
Q: So let’s switch it up a little bit then. What is Cressida like inside of Arius House?
A: She is rarely around us, and she has secrets of her own that are none of my concern.
Q: Knowing how locked down sources typically are, how did you get involved in a/the revolution?
A, deadpan: I would never betray my Master in such a way.
Q: Why did Valter separate Luka from Xan? And why did they lock Xan up? Beyond simply being a dragon, there's gotta be more to it?
A: It’s not my place to know my Master’s motives or reasoning nor would I reveal them if I did.
Q: Do you consider Tessa an ally?
A: There are no allies in Devram.
Q: How do you truly feel about Tessa? Has it changed from when you first met her?
A, sighing: Feelings are irrelevant. She is not Fae, so her experiences differ from mine. She has the opportunity to accomplish things none of the rest of us can.
Q: If you could have a conversation with anyone without the risk of Valter knowing, who would you talk to and what would you tell them?
A: It doesn’t matter. I can’t, so I don’t entertain such things.
Q: What do you have planned for Corbin and Lange?
A: I don’t have anything planned for them. They can decide their own fates and what that means for their survival when the time comes. If they choose poorly, then their usefulness will have passed.
Tessa, pausing: You know they’re my friends, right?
Eviana: They’re not mine. Besides, there are no true friends in Devram. Allies are fleeting and will turn on you as soon as something more enticing comes along. Certainly you’ve learned this by now.
Q: If you could have one hobby or pastime just for yourself — with no expectation of service — what would it be?
A: Once again, I can’t have one, so why entertain the ideas of things I cannot have?
Q: Do you appreciate anything about being a Source?
A: Do you?
Tessa: Fair point. What are your plans in life if you're able to be reunited with your daughter?
A, going still: Death follows wherever I go. I would never risk her life by reuniting with her.
Q: Tell us one rumor about yourself that’s true and one that’s a lie.
A: There are no lies; they’re all true.
Q: What’s the ugliest truth you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a Source?
A, quietly: That all the rumors are true.