Characters & Their Roles in the World
Main Characters:
Aria Sterling (The Rebel with a Cause)
A troublemaker, but not in the way most think. She stands up for those who can't stand up for themselves, which puts her on the gang's hit list.
She's fast, smart, and good at escaping trouble, but she isn't invincible.
She has a brother, Ryder Sterling, who is strong, skilled in fighting, and one of the few students the gang truly hates.
Cassian Wolfe (The Untouchable & Reluctant Protector)
The most respected and feared student outside of the gang.
Unlike others, he doesn't abuse power—he maintains his reputation without unnecessary cruelty.
He doesn't care about most people, but Aria's defiance catches his attention.
The only one strong enough to challenge the gang, but he avoids unnecessary fights—until Aria drags him in.
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Side Characters:
Ryder Sterling (Aria's Older Brother)
One year older than Aria.
A natural fighter who protects his sister at all costs.
One of the few people the gang openly despises because he's fought them before and refused to submit.
Tries to keep Aria out of trouble, but she never listens.
Jaxon Reid (Cassian's Best Friend & the Observer)
Cassian's only real friend in Avalon High.
Smart, sarcastic, and always watching—he knows everything happening in school.
Unlike Cassian, he enjoys stirring trouble just for fun.
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The Shadow Reapers (Gang Members & Their Personalities):
1. Vance Holloway (Leader, The Mastermind)
Cold, calculating, and controls everything from the shadows.
Never gets his hands dirty—he lets others do his work for him.
Sees Cassian as a threat and Aria as an inconvenience to be dealt with.
2. Damon Cross (The Enforcer, Vance's Right-Hand)
The most brutal of the gang. Loves fights and has zero remorse.
Has a personal grudge against Ryder and Cassian.
Takes pleasure in making people suffer.
3. Zane Mercer (The Strategist & Hacker)
The brains of the gang, handling their secrets and manipulation.
Knows how to dig up dirt on anyone—blackmail is his weapon.
4. Griffin Tate (The Brawler, The Muscle)
The strongest fighter in school, physically unbeatable.
Loves fights but isn't very smart.
Takes orders from Damon and Vance.
5. Elias Wolfe (Cassian's Estranged Cousin, The Betrayer)
Cassian's own family, but working for the gang.
Jealous of Cassian and wants to prove himself as stronger and more ruthless.
Knows Cassian's weaknesses and isn't afraid to use them.
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The Core of the Story:
At Avalon High, power rules everything. The Shadow Reapers don't just own the school—they decide who survives it.
Aria never meant to stand out, but when she challenges the wrong people, she's marked as a target.
Cassian doesn't want to get involved, but Aria's defiance drags him into a war he never wanted to fight.
Ryder and Cassian, both strong in their own ways, must protect Aria while dealing with their own battles.
The Shadow Reapers will do anything to keep their power intact, even if it means breaking Aria beyond repair.