Livia

Livia is a young mage aspirant whose healing ability draws the attention of powerful political actors. She studies alongside Flora under High Mage Zyna, then is assigned to an expedition whose risks prove fatal. (Chapters 186–199, 206, 238)

Biography

An aspirant in Zyna’s household

Livia first appears with Flora after Eryk becomes Zyna’s sentinel. The two aspirants visit the alchemy lab, help with work around the household, and discuss their lessons with Eryk. Livia is reserved but attentive, and she is eager to prove that she can contribute through healing magic. (Chapters 186–193)

As the College prepares students for field work, Livia demonstrates a promising healing ability. Eryk sees her heal an injured person and helps her prepare for the expedition, while Zyna explains that the assignment is connected to Antonia’s plans. Livia’s skill gives her a place in the expedition, but it also makes her vulnerable to decisions made by people with more power than she has. (Chapters 194–199, 206)

The cost of the expedition

Livia’s assignment ends in tragedy. The later account confirms that she dies after being used in the Empire’s plans, cutting short the ordinary life she had hoped to build. Her death affects the people who knew her and becomes one of the consequences Eryk carries as he learns how political expeditions can turn young mages into expendable tools. (Chapters 238, 240)

Appearance and personality

Livia has green eyes and is described as lively and enthusiastic about food and company. She is younger and less experienced than the people directing her, but she approaches her studies with energy and wants to become useful through healing. (Chapters 191–193, 238)

Magic and abilities

Livia is a healing mage aspirant. Her ability to heal injured people is the reason she is selected for Antonia’s expedition; the chapters do not establish a broader combat spell repertoire. (Chapters 197–199)

Relationships

• Eryk Marko: Sentinel who helps Livia study and prepares her for field work; he is deeply affected by news of her death. (Chapters 186–199, 238)
• Flora: Fellow mage aspirant who studies and trains alongside Livia. (Chapters 186–199)
• Zyna: High Mage who instructs Livia and assigns her to the expedition. (Chapters 186–199)
• Antonia Segreto: Political organizer whose plans use Livia’s healing ability. (Chapters 191, 197, 206, 238)