Character Q&A: Everly from Arena of Ash

Welcome back to another behind-the-scenes moment from the world of Arena of Ash. Today, we’re settling in for a rare, fireside glimpse into Everly’s mind — the leader who never asked for the mantle but refuses to set it down. From battles and burdens to the quiet hopes she keeps tucked away, here’s Everly answering your questions in her own voice.

A Conversation with Everly

Recorded in Aki’s home, in front of the fireplace. Aki’s chair sits empty, and Everly sits cross-legged in the chair beside it. Shadow sleeps in wolf form on the rug in front of the fire. A kettle hisses somewhere off-screen, and the light patter of a misty rain sounds outside the windows.

Interviewer: Thanks for taking a break from… y’know… saving the city. Could you introduce yourself for any newcomers?

Everly: I’m Everly. I didn’t ask for the job I have, but I’m holding it anyway. I grew up in Seattle, learning how to keep my head down. Now I keep an entire city standing. Life’s funny like that.

Q1: What does an average day look like for you right now?Everly: “Average” left Thios a while ago. Mornings are all strategy—maps, supply counts, who needs shoring up on the walls. Afternoons are training and convincing people to stop doing heroic, incredibly foolish things without telling me first. Evenings… that’s when the doubts get loud, so I keep moving.

Q2: What’s your biggest strength—and what do you wish people understood about it?

Everly: I didn’t grow up here, but my life in Seattle taught me to survive. That kind of persistence seems small, but it’ll be everything in the fight that’s coming.

Q3: What scares you most—really?

Everly: Making a decision that costs the lives of my friends. Of the Fae who live in this city.

Q4: Thios is under siege. What keeps you hopeful?

Everly: The little things: Mina slipping loaves of bread to the warriors on patrol; Kiera and Saoirse teaching other kids how to tie a better knot; a sentry humming so the night doesn’t feel so big.

Q5: If you could send one message to your enemies, what would it be?

Everly: We may be outnumbered, but we won’t be defeated.

Q6: And to your allies?

Everly: I see you. Even when I’m too stubborn to say it out loud, I’m grateful.

Q7: What’s one choice you’re not willing to make, no matter the cost?

Everly: Trading someone else’s future for my comfort. If we win that way, we didn’t really win.

Q8: When you picture the end of this war, what do you see first?

Everly: A door left open. Laughter in the streets. The right to be unafraid is the thing I fight for.

Q9: People whisper about your power. How would you describe it?

Everly: It’s not much of a weapon if I can’t use it. But hopefully a certain goddess will get off her high horse and help me with that, before it’s too late.

Q10: You’ve had complicated feelings about certain people—one in particular. Has the war clarified anything?

Everly: War clarifies stakes, not hearts. Some things you only learn in quiet. I’m… working on finding some.

Q11: What’s something readers don’t know about you?

Everly: I keep a list of names in my pocket. Not enemies, but people I’ve promised to check on when this is over.

Q12: For readers stepping into Arena of Ash, what should they brace for?

Everly: Consequences. The kind that ask for full payment. But also—mercy, in places you’d stopped looking.

Lightning Round

Favorite time of day?

Dawn.

Weapon of choice?

Anything that’ll end the fight before it starts.

Least favorite chore of command?

Meetings about meetings.

Secret indulgence?

Mina’s bread, a cup of coffee, and five minutes with my boots off.

One Last Thing

Interviewer: If you could ask the readers for one thing before they open the book, what would it be?

Everly: Give the people of Thios your patience. We’re trying. And maybe save a little courage for yourself—you’ll need it as much as I do.

End recording. The kettle finally whistles. Outside, thunder echoes through the trees.

And that’s our time by the fire with Everly — leader, survivor, reluctant hero, and the steady heart at the center of Thios. Her answers offer a glimpse of the weight she carries, but also the grit, humor, and fierce love that drive her forward. As you step into the pages of Arena of Ash, I hope this Q&A helps you see the world through her eyes and feel the stakes pressing in around her. The war may be closing in, but so is the promise of hope, sacrifice, and hard-won triumph. Thank you for spending this moment with her — and may you save a little courage for yourself before turning the first page.