INTERVIEWER: Hi, I’m Elene, and I’m here to talk with you today about life, loyalty, and the Hunt they say is coming. Oh, and also here to find out whether the rumors about you are true. Welcome.
IZMER: (Chuckles softly) Oh, the rumors are probably understated. But by all means, try me.
INTERVIEWER: Thank you for joining us today, Izmer Castellane. It’s not every day we get to sit down with someone of your…reputation. You’ve been described as a shadow-wielder, a master Hunter, and, by some, a professional provocateur. How would you introduce yourself?
IZMER: ‘Provocateur’, I like that. It implies I have an audience worth provoking. (a faint smirk playing on his lips) If you’re asking for titles, I suppose ‘observer’ will do. I watch. I learn. And on particularly interesting days, I… intervene.
INTERVIEWER: You once said you assume someone’s always two steps from betrayal. Has that ever saved your life?
IZMER: More times than I can politely recount. Let’s just say it’s kept my back un-stabbed and my wine un-poisoned. Paranoia isn’t a flaw, it’s a survival skill. I am sure Damien can relate.
INTERVIEWER: Nyxaria is known for taming Tameables in ‘unconventional’ ways. What does that mean, exactly?
IZMER: It means we don’t jump with our Aether at the first sight of a Tameable. We listen to them, observe first. While Atlassians use fire and force, we use silence and suggestion. A Tameable isn’t a slave; it’s a partner. You don’t break its will, you align with it.
INTERVIEWER: Why did you agree to join this Hunt of Atlassian? What’s in it for you?
IZMER: The Breach doesn’t care about borders. If Atlassian falls, the silence won’t stop at their wards. Besides…(smirks)…their Hunts have been failing for years. Someone has to show them how it’s done properly.
INTERVIEWER: You seemed to enjoy getting under Damien’s skin.
IZMER: (A slow, lazy smile) Someone has to. The man’s so tightly wound, you could use him as a bowstring. Watching him choose between protocol and the urge to strangle me is one of life’s simple pleasures.
INTERVIEWER: And Mirabelle? You seemed to enjoy that even more.
IZMER: (Chuckles) Oh, she was a surprise. Wandered into a Hunter’s camp looking like a drowned sparrow who’d fought a briar patch and lost. Claims she’s a ‘reporter.’ (He scoffs, amused.) I’ve seen mushrooms with more convincing backstories.
INTERVIEWER: You were rather hard on her.
IZMER: Was I? That was me at my best behaviour. I didn’t tie her up and leave her for the serpents, now, did I? Though, speaking of strange behaviour: I heard a rumour she calmed a storm-fur in the Aetherium Hold just by being near it. Why do you suppose that is?
INTERVIEWER: I was hoping you could tell me. You’re the expert on Tameables.
IZMER: (Leans back, expression turning thoughtful) I’m an expert on the ones you can predict. She…complicates everything. But I can vouch: anything that complicates Damien Azarios’s perfectly ordered world is worth a front-row seat.
INTERVIEWER: Speaking of Mirabelle, you called her Damien’s “baby sister.” Did you really believe that?
IZMER: (Grins) Not for a second. But the look on her face was worth the lie. She went red straight to her ears and looked ready to either slap me or set me on fire. Delightful.
INTERVIEWER: You told Damien you trust his Hunters “less than you trust the Elders.” That’s not saying much. Who do you actually trust?
IZMER: Myself. The edge of my blade. And the certainty that everyone has a price, a fear, or a secret. Trust is a luxury for people who can afford to be betrayed. I suppose I’m not that rich.
INTERVIEWER: You have a unique way of flirting, if that’s what it is. What do you enjoy most about it?
IZMER: (Leans in slightly, a glint in his eye) The moment they think I’m not entirely joking. That fine line between a threat and an invitation…it’s where they are most honest. You, for instance, are blushing just a little. And you haven’t thrown anything at me yet. Progress.
INTERVIEWER: (Laughs while shaking head)* If you weren’t a Hunter or a Nyxarian Royal, what would you be?
IZMER: A problem. Preferably a well-dressed, well-armed one with a decent vintage and a terrible influence on polite society.
INTERVIEWER: How do you feel about Thralls? Do you have intimates?
IZMER: No. I prefer my companions to have teeth and the freedom to bite. Literally and figuratively.
INTERVIEWER: Last one: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
IZMER: Observant. Unburdened. Necessary.
INTERVIEWER: Any final thoughts for your readers?
IZMER: (Stands, adjusts his cloak) If you like your fantasy with a side of danger and a dash of wit, you’re in the right place. And who knows? By the end, you might just wish you were on the Hunt with us. I’d save you a spot by the fire…but try not to fall for the side character. Aka Izmer Castellane.
(Winks, turns to leave, then pauses at the door)
Too late already? Thought so.
Want more of Izmer? Check out Aether and Ash, releasing January 27th!
I defied him before the court-now he’s determined to own my fate.
Born without Aether in a realm carved by it, I was never meant to matter. While others rose as Hunters, binding Telmoria’s Aether-born creatures to their will, I scrubbed their halls and learned that hope was its own cruelty.
Until the Trial.
When a royal showcase of power spirals into chaos, a beast no Hunter can command turns on the crowd-and chooses me. To survive, I do the impossible: I defy the Heir of Atlassian himself.
My defiance should have ended in death. Instead, it binds me to Damien Azarios-the Realm’s coldest blade, a sovereign-in-waiting who bows to no one. He should despise me. He should destroy me.
But he cannot stop wanting me.
As ancient beasts rise and Atlassian power trembles, our forbidden bond may become the spark that burns the world-or remakes it.
If you love Carissa Broadbent’s high-stakes tournaments (The Serpent and the Wings of Night), Danielle L. Jensen’s ruthless royals (The Bridge Kingdom), and the lyrical magic of Margaret Rogerson (An Enchantment of Ravens), you’ll be swept away by Aether & Ash, the first book in the Reigns of Telmoria series.
Meet Fabins:
Fabins is a fantasy romance author with a weakness for slow burns and a fierce love of character-driven stories. A software engineer by day and a storyteller by obsession, she balances logic and longing with the careful precision of someone who has probably overthought both.
When she isn’t drafting, she is likely halfway across the world, gaming past midnight, arguing passionately about things that don’t pay bills, or reading (either swooning over fictional characters or hurling the book at the nearest cushion after a terrible twist).
You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, or find her on her website. If you want to stay up to date with everything she has going on, you can also sign up for her newsletter!
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