Hunted in the Skies

Falon, a woman with a gryphon spirit named Pigeon, is hunted through the skies by Avowed gryphons. Their desperate flight ends in a trap, as nets ensnare them and send them crashing into a lake. Falon's struggle to survive is visceral—she nearly drowns, loses her precious map, and is captured by strange gryphon shifters. The terror and confusion of being hunted, the pain of the crash, and the loss of control set the tone for Falon's journey: she is a stranger in a dangerous land, forced to rely on her wits and the fragile bond with her gryphon. The chapter pulses with adrenaline, fear, and the first hints of the world's brutal rules.

Captured by the Avowed

Dragged from the water, Falon is surrounded by gryphon shifters—naked, powerful, and suspicious. She's interrogated, her body inspected for marks, and her story doubted. The blue-eyed Altern, Treno, and the imposing Syta, Lazza, are introduced, their interest in Falon tinged with both threat and curiosity. Ryn, a familiar face, appears but does not acknowledge her, deepening Falon's confusion and sense of betrayal. The Avowed's society is revealed as hierarchical and suspicious, with unmarked shifters like Falon seen as both opportunity and threat. Falon's fear, anger, and resourcefulness are on full display as she tries to navigate this new captivity.

Ryn's Betrayal and Secrets

Ryn, once an ally, now acts as captor and interrogator. Falon is choked into unconsciousness, her pleas ignored, and her sense of safety destroyed. In her delirium, she recalls childhood memories of her parents' desperate attempts to hide her true nature, hinting at a legacy of secrets, betrayal, and hidden agendas and pain. When she awakens, she finds herself in a familiar place, watched by Zeph, another figure from her past, whose anger and grief are palpable. The emotional whiplash—betrayal, longing, and the ache of lost trust—drives Falon deeper into isolation, even as she clings to the hope of understanding her origins.

Dungeon Deals and Deceptions

Imprisoned in Kestrel City, Falon is visited by Ryn, who reveals he is a spy for the Hidden, the Avowed's enemies. Their conversation is fraught with anger, mistrust, and the need for secrecy. Ryn warns Falon to hide their connection and stick to her story, as exposure would mean torture and death for them both. The tension between them is electric—old feelings war with new wounds. Falon's isolation is compounded by the absence of Pigeon, her gryphon, who remains silent and hurt. The chapter is a study in survival: Falon must balance truth and deception, trust and self-preservation, in a world where every alliance is dangerous.

The Syta's Judgment

Dragged before the Syta and his council, Falon is judged by a society that values control above all. She is questioned about her origins, her abilities, and her intentions. The Syta, Lazza, is both charismatic and menacing, wielding power with casual cruelty. Treno, revealed as the Altern, shows unexpected kindness, but the threat of the Vow—a magical mark that binds and controls—looms over Falon. The Syta's Council's decision is swift and impersonal: Falon will be marked and made one of the Avowed, her freedom and identity subsumed by their will. The sense of powerlessness and impending violation is overwhelming.

Marked Against Her Will

Falon is taken to be marked, but a sympathetic seer intervenes, giving her a false Vow that mimics the real mark but does not bind her will. The process is agonizing, dredging up nonlinear memories and dream sequences of childhood pain and her parents' desperate measures to hide her true nature. The seer warns Falon to avoid Lazza and his advisors, as discovery would mean death for many. Falon's relief is tempered by the knowledge that she is now living a lie, her safety dependent on secrecy and the goodwill of strangers. The chapter is a crucible of pain, fear, and the fragile hope of resistance.

Healing, Memories, and Loss

Falon is placed under Treno's care, her body battered and her gryphon, Pigeon, unresponsive. Treno's kindness is a balm, but Falon's sense of loss is acute—without Pigeon, she is incomplete. A healer is summoned, and the process of mending body and spirit is both physical and emotional. Falon's dreams are haunted by nonlinear memories and dream sequences of Zeph, Ryn, and her parents, each representing a different kind of loss or betrayal. The healing is not just of wounds, but of the fractured bond between Falon and Pigeon, and the tentative trust she begins to place in Treno.

Treno's Kindness, Pigeon's Pain

As Falon recovers, Treno becomes a steady presence, offering support and understanding. Their relationship deepens, complicated by mutual attraction and the ever-present influence of their gryphons. Pigeon's recovery is slow, and her pain mirrors Falon's own emotional wounds. The two begin to train together, learning to fight and fly as a team. The process is messy and often comical, but it forges a new sense of partnership. Falon's search for answers about her past continues, driving her to the archives and into the heart of Avowed society, where every step is fraught with danger.

Searching for Answers

Falon's quest for the truth leads her to the archives, where she searches for any trace of her parents or her own origins. Bureaucratic obstacles and unhelpful archivists slow her progress, but Treno's support and the occasional intervention of sympathetic guards keep her going. Falon discovers a journal that may have belonged to her mother, filled with cryptic entries about forbidden love, the dangers of being Ouphe-tainted, and the pain of being forced into alliances. The revelations are both illuminating and heartbreaking, deepening Falon's sense of isolation and her determination to find her place in this world.

Bonds, Battles, and Revelations

Falon's days are filled with training—learning to fight, fly, and shift with Pigeon's help. She forms bonds with Treno, Sice and Dri, finding moments of laughter and friendship amid the tension. A night of drinking reveals the tragic history of the Avowed and the Hidden, the schism that tore families apart, and the personal losses suffered by those around her. Falon's own relationships grow more complicated as she navigates her feelings for Treno, Ryn, and the ever-present shadow of Zeph. The truth of gryphon mating bonds begins to surface, hinting at deeper connections and greater dangers.

The Truth of Mating

A series of intimate encounters and revelations force Falon to confront the reality of gryphon mating. The magical bonds and mating formed are not just emotional, but magical and irrevocable—once sealed, they cannot be broken except by death. Falon realizes, too late, that she is bonded to multiple gryphons: Zeph, Ryn, and Treno. The discovery is devastating, a betrayal by both her own ignorance and the silence of those around her, including Pigeon. The weight of these bonds threatens to crush her, as she grapples with the loss of agency and the fear of what it means for her future.

The Web of Betrayal

Falon's world collapses as the truth of her bonds becomes public. Treno is hurt and betrayed, Ryn is exposed as a spy, and Lazza, the Syta, seizes the opportunity to use Falon as a weapon in the war against the Hidden. Loa / Raquel, revealed as Ryn's long-lost sister and a traitor, manipulates events to her advantage, framing Falon as a spy and sowing discord among the Avowed. The council chamber becomes a battleground of accusations, revelations, and shifting loyalties. Falon's sense of self is shattered, her trust in others—and in herself—irreparably damaged.

The Trial and the Knife

Falon is dragged before the council, accused of espionage and treachery. Ryn, beaten and broken, is used as leverage. Treno's attempts to defend Falon are thwarted by Lazza's ruthlessness and Loa / Raquel's machinations. In a moment of chaos, Loa / Raquel reveals her true identity as Raquel, Ryn's supposedly dead sister, and stabs Falon in the throat. The attack is brutal and shocking, a culmination of all the betrayals and violence that have haunted Falon's journey. As she bleeds out, the bonds she shares with Treno and Ryn echo her pain, and the world around her descends into chaos.

Blood, Power, and Flight

As Falon hovers on the brink of death, her latent power explodes, sending a shockwave through the council chamber and breaking Lazza's magical hold. In the chaos, Pigeon—her gryphon—emerges, massive and furious, fighting to save her. Falon's consciousness drifts, caught between life and death, as she is carried away by an unknown rescuer. The chapter is a maelstrom of pain, power, and the desperate will to survive. Falon's journey ends as it began: hunted, wounded, and uncertain, but with the faint hope that she may yet find a way to reclaim her life and her freedom.

The End and the Beginning

Falon's fate hangs in the balance as she is spirited away from the carnage of the council chamber. The bonds she shares with Treno, Ryn, and Zeph remain, their consequences yet to be fully understood. The war between the Avowed and the Hidden rages on, with Falon now a pivotal figure in the struggle for power and freedom. The story closes on a note of ambiguity and anticipation: Falon's journey is far from over, and the choices she makes will shape not only her own destiny, but the fate of two worlds.

Characters

Falon Solei Umbra

Falon is a woman out of place, thrust into a world of gryphon shifters, magic, and war. Her defining trait is resilience—she survives betrayal, captivity, and the loss of agency with a stubborn will to endure. Her relationship with Pigeon, her gryphon spirit, is both a source of strength and pain, as their bond is tested by secrets, betrayal, and hidden agendas and conflicting desires. Falon's journey is one of self-discovery: she seeks answers about her origins, her family, and the true nature of her power. Her psychological arc is marked by trauma, trust issues, and the struggle to reconcile her autonomy with the magical bonds and mating that tie her to others. Falon's development is a testament to the cost of survival and the hope for belonging.

Pigeon

Pigeon is more than a magical companion—she is an extension of Falon's psyche, embodying her instincts, desires, and fears. Their relationship is fraught with conflict, as Pigeon's actions often reflect the parts of Falon she cannot accept or control. Pigeon's silence and pain after their capture mirror Falon's own emotional wounds, and their eventual reconciliation is both healing and fraught with new challenges. Pigeon's role in the magical bonds and mating and her withholding of crucial information are sources of betrayal, but also of growth, forcing Falon to confront uncomfortable truths about herself and her world.

Ryn

Ryn is a complex character, torn between loyalty to the Hidden and his feelings for Falon. His role as a double agent places him in constant danger, and his actions—choking Falon, then trying to protect her—are driven by desperation and love. Ryn's psychological landscape is marked by guilt, secrecy, and the burden of impossible choices. His bond with Falon is both a source of strength and a curse, as it ties him to a woman he cannot fully protect or possess. Ryn's development is a study in sacrifice, regret, and the hope for redemption.

Treno

Treno, the Altern of the Avowed, is a rare figure of kindness and stability in Falon's tumultuous world. His attraction to Falon is immediate and genuine, and he becomes her protector, confidant, and eventual mate. Treno's own burdens—his role as second-in-command, his strained relationship with his brother Lazza, and the weight of war—make him both empathetic and vulnerable. His bond with Falon is complicated by secrets, betrayal, and hidden agendas and the revelation of multiple mates, leading to feelings of betrayal and heartbreak. Treno's arc is one of hope, loss, and the struggle to reconcile duty with desire.

Zeph

Zeph, the enigmatic leader of the Hidden, is a looming presence in Falon's life, even in his absence. Their bond is fraught with pain, misunderstanding, and unresolved longing. Zeph's actions—banishing Falon, threatening her life—are driven by a complex mix of fear, love, and the scars of past trauma. His psychological profile is marked by isolation, the burden of leadership, and the inability to trust. Zeph's connection to Falon is both a source of power and a curse, shaping her fate even from afar.

Lazza

Lazza, the Syta of the Avowed, is a master of control and cruelty. His charisma masks a deep-seated need for power, and he is willing to sacrifice anyone—including his own brother—for victory in the war. Lazza's psychological makeup is defined by arrogance, paranoia, and a willingness to use others as pawns. His interactions with Falon are predatory, seeing her as both a threat and a tool. Lazza's development is a cautionary tale of power unchecked by empathy.

Loa / Raquel

Loa / Raquel, revealed to be Raquel—Ryn's supposedly dead sister—is a master of deception and survival. Her actions are driven by a twisted sense of loyalty and vengeance, as she manipulates both sides of the conflict for her own ends. Loa / Raquel's psychological profile is marked by trauma, resentment, and a desperate need for validation. Her betrayal of Falon and Ryn is both personal and political, and her ultimate act of violence is a culmination of years of pain and manipulation.

Sice and Dri

Sice and Dri provide moments of levity and camaraderie in Falon's otherwise grim journey. Their loyalty, humor, and willingness to treat Falon as a person rather than a pawn make them invaluable allies. Psychologically, they represent the possibility of normalcy and friendship in a world defined by suspicion and betrayal. Their development is subtle but important, as they help Falon find moments of joy and connection.

Noor Solei (Falon's Mother)

Noor Solei (Falon's Mother)'s presence is felt through her journal, which reveals the pain and danger of being Ouphe-tainted in a world that fears and exploits difference. Her choices—to hide, to run, to love—shape Falon's fate long after her death. Noor Solei (Falon's Mother)'s psychological arc is one of resignation, hope, and the desperate desire to protect her child. Her story is a mirror for Falon's own struggles, and her secrets are both a burden and a guide.

The Syta's Council

The Syta's Council members—advisors, seers, and commanders—represent the entrenched power structures of the Avowed. Their roles are defined by loyalty to Lazza, fear of change, and the willingness to sacrifice individuals for the greater good. Psychologically, they embody the dangers of conformity and the cost of war. Their interactions with Falon and each other reveal the fractures and tensions that threaten to tear their society apart.

Plot Devices

Duality of Self and Gryphon

The narrative uses the bond between Falon and Pigeon to explore themes of identity, agency, and self-acceptance. Their relationship is both literal and metaphorical: Pigeon is a separate consciousness, but also a mirror of Falon's instincts and desires. The struggle for control, the pain of betrayal, and the eventual reconciliation are all played out through their shifting dynamic. This device allows the story to externalize internal conflict, making psychological growth a matter of survival.

Magical Bonds and Mating

The concept of magical bonds and mating—formed through instinct, sealed through pain, and unbreakable except by death—is central to the story. These bonds are both blessing and curse, granting power and connection but stripping away agency. The revelation that Falon is bonded to multiple gryphons is a turning point, forcing her to confront the consequences of ignorance and the cost of trust. The bonds serve as both plot engine and thematic core, exploring the tension between love, autonomy, and fate.

Secrets, Betrayal, and Hidden Agendas

The story is built on secrets, betrayal, and hidden agendas: Falon's hidden origins, Ryn's double life, Loa / Raquel's true identity, and the machinations of Lazza and the council. Foreshadowing is used to build suspense—childhood memories, cryptic warnings, and the gradual revelation of the truth about gryphon bonds all hint at deeper dangers. The constant threat of exposure, the shifting alliances, and the ever-present possibility of betrayal keep the stakes high and the reader on edge.

Nonlinear Memories and Dream Sequences

Falon's journey is punctuated by nonlinear memories and dream sequences—some triggered by trauma, others by magic or pain. These sequences provide crucial backstory, reveal hidden motivations, and deepen the emotional resonance of the narrative. The use of nonlinear storytelling allows the reader to piece together the truth alongside Falon, creating a sense of discovery and immersion.

Political Intrigue and War

The backdrop of war between the Avowed and the Hidden shapes every aspect of the story. Power struggles, shifting loyalties, and the cost of leadership are explored through the actions of Lazza, Treno, Ryn, and Zeph. The personal relationships between characters are inextricably linked to the larger conflict, making every choice a matter of life and death. The narrative structure weaves together intimate moments and epic stakes, grounding the fantastical in the deeply human.

Analysis

Ivy Asher's The Avowed is a dark, emotionally charged exploration of identity, agency, and the cost of survival in a world defined by power and betrayal. At its heart, the novel interrogates what it means to belong—whether to a family, a lover, a society, or even to oneself. Falon's journey is a crucible: she is stripped of agency, forced into bonds she does not understand, and betrayed by those she trusts most, including her own gryphon. The magical bonds and mating serve as both metaphor and mechanism, raising questions about consent, fate, and the possibility of self-determination in a world that seeks to control and define. The story's structure—fragmented, nonlinear, and deeply psychological—mirrors Falon's own fractured sense of self. The war between the Avowed and the Hidden is not just a backdrop, but a reflection of the internal wars waged by every character: between duty and desire, love and loyalty, hope and despair. Ultimately, The Avowed is a story about reclaiming power in the face of overwhelming odds, about the courage to seek truth, and about the possibility of forging new bonds—not just of magic, but of understanding, forgiveness, and hope.

Last updated: September 26, 2025