Astrid (she/her) is one of the two main characters in One for Ahl, alongside Jane. While her origins are largely a mystery throughout the first book, they are fully explored and explained in its upcoming sequel, Fielle's Legacy. For the sake of avoiding spoilers, this profile will focus on what the reader understands within One for Ahl's confines. Be aware, there are unavoidable spoilers below by the nature of discussing Astrid.
At the start of One for Ahl, it's revealed that Astrid and Jane share a single body. Jane controls the body during the day while Astrid is in full control at night. Jane is at first entirely unaware of Astrid, whereas Astrid discovered a way to access Jane's memories many years before the start of our story.
Astrid is far more instinctual than Jane, and faces the conflicting emotions of wanting to watch over Jane and the other heroes versus wishing to avoid danger altogether. While she was able to watch Jane's memories through a portion of Jane's education, Astrid herself never received an education and struggles with reading or writing. Moreover, Listuan's treatment of "elemental" faerie results in Astrid needing to hide herself altogether from the humans in Jane's life. She longs for companionship and light whilst being trapped in the shadows of the night.
While Astrid shares Jane's proportions by the nature of sharing a body, much of her appearance shifts when she wakes at night. Her skin is rough and patterned like the bark of a yew tree, and her brunette hair is long and straight. Her eyes aren't human, with the green iris replacing much of the white in Jane's eyes. While she is awake, wispy "shadows" are drawn towards her. She is capable of collecting these shadows and merging them with her own skin to turn them solid, giving herself wings or else changing her body entirely. Later on it is revealed that her true form is close to that of a wyvern.
In One for Ahl, it's determined that Astrid is a demon. This is a loose term within the series, covering any spirit or fae creature which possesses another. If you wish to know more about her, follow for updates on Fielle's Legacy, or apply to be a beta reader on the "Interact with the Author" tab!
Beta readers get free early access to my work before publishing in trade for input and discussions, allowing me to make adjustments before sending the novel into the world. I consider my current beta readers to be good friends after finishing One for Ahl, but I could use more input moving forward.
P.S. While I will be including most characters' sexual preferences in these profiles, Astrid is never given the chance to explore her sexuality. If I had to put her anywhere during One for Ahl, I would say she's demisexual/demiromantic, but the reality of her character is that she simply refrains from imagining any relationship in a world where she finds herself isolated. I'll leave it to you, readers, to consider AU's in which she does get that chance.
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