The North Star. Guardian of the Skyspark. Eagle Shifter

Who is Aros?

Aros Aquillo is the Guardian of the Skyspark, and the eldest sibling of the Guardian quartet. It’s hard to miss this Guardian when he arrives. From his stark, white hair to his tall, broad frame, he sticks out.

This Guardian is a natural leader and knows it. He expects to be obeyed when an order is given, and can become short-tempered when that doesn’t happen, especially if it involves his son-in-law, Teague—because no one is good enough for his daughter.

When the world of Zephralos was created, Aros was the first to set foot on it. He made the air to breathe, the weather patterns, and when his brother, Tellen, came along, aided in the creation of birds.

Over time, Aros developed the ability to shift into a great white eagle with a massive wingspan and the ability to carry heavy loads through “the feather-weight touch.” Other Sky abilities include bending air particles to create illusions, mastering the winds, and sending messages over long distances.

These abilities are highlighted in The Raider’s Curse with its aerial battles, lightning magic, and wind demons. The other defining ability of the Skyspark for those closest to Aros is to transform into a variety of raptor birds, such as eagles, hawks, kites, and falcons. We also see these powers again in The Queen of the Night when Nienna joins Aros’s Flock, and the chaos of wielding dual powers that ensues.

When we first meet Aros in the Earthspark, he doesn’t mince his words when Tellen asks for his help. He cuts through what Tellen isn’t saying, nor wanting to face, when it comes to his growing feelings for Nienna.

However, if you get to know Aros better, you’ll find that he is a fiercely loyal and caring father. He loves his family above all else, and would do anything to see them safe. He also expects a lot from his children. As many fathers believe, Aros is confident his children can do anything, and he pushes them hard to achieve it.

But also like many, he doesn’t always show his love in the best ways, and can sometimes be seen as unfeeling and disdainful for things he believes are beneath him.

Fun facts: 

1 – Aros’s original name had been Caelum, latin for “Sky.” However, I ended up naming one of his sons Cael, and that was too close. So I went with Aros, which originated in Greek, but is considered more of a Norse name, meaning love.

2 – His surname is latin and means “eagle.” In Roman mythology, Aquillo is also the god of the North Wind, storms, and winter. This name helped shape the shifter abilities prominent in the series, as well as define the idea that the Guardians represent compass points on a map.

3 – Most of the names in my series are based on latin words that embody what that thing or character represents.

4 – This character is meant to embody those fathers who are strong, quiet, and don’t always know how to express themselves. They say the wrong things at times, and can be harsh with their children, but deep down, they just want to be a good dad and love their and protect their family.

5 – I won’t give away any spoilers, but in this series, Aros has been one character that has constantly surprised me. He was supposed to just be Tellen’s brother and control the weather. However, over the course of writing, Aros has evolved. He gained a family, and became more three-dimensional when he helped Nienna gain her Skyspark. He made me cry outright when he seemed to stand behind me while I was drafting The Siren’s Call and dictate when what happening in the scene I was working on. (If you’ve read the book, you might know which one I refer to.)

You can check out one of my favorite scenes from The Raider’s Curse when Aros first showed me, and Nienna, that he had a heart. Leading up to this scene, Aros and Nienna are flying together as they continue their rescue mission to save his wife and daughter. As they cross a great chasm on the Glacial Plains, called “The Trench,” they are struck by lightning and fall in. Nienna wakes up with a broken leg and finds Aros, who had been in his eagle form when hit by lightning. Nienna attempts to heal him.

“To Have a Heart”

[Nienna] flinched as the icy fingers pressed uncomfortably into her palm. The force of his gift hit her like the bolt that brought them down. Any time Tellen used the Earthspark on her, it was always warm and gentle. Like liquid light seeping into her bones and healing every pain she had.

Aros’s gift was like being caught in the middle of a thunderstorm. It was a wonder she didn’t disintegrate. She tried to pull away, putting up mental barriers to block the onslaught.

You need to understand. I need my family. Aros’s voice floated into her mind like a whisper. Its commanding presence invaded her thoughts. The sizzling energy pushed harder on her mind and body. She’d be electrocuted if she didn’t escape.

Nienna gripped his arm in one hand and fell forward, catching herself with her other. The phantom pains of the Earthspark medallion pulsated on her chest. She was going to be burned alive if Aros didn’t let go. She needed to get away. To hide where no one would ever find her or her gift again.

Please, Aros whispered in her mind. He lessened the force of his assault. I need you to know. Please.

His bright crystalline eyes cracked open to peer at her. Tears formed in the corners. Images of his wife, Gaela, floated in her vision. His love for her burned brighter than all else.

Aros showed Nienna the first time he’d met the tribe girl. She was headstrong, beautiful, and more gifted than anyone else in her tribe. It didn’t take long for Aros to decide to marry her. His wife twirled around the bonfire at a village of the northern tribes. Her blonde hair flared as she held a hand out to Aros.

He showed [Nienna] the day he became a father. His unfiltered joy at the sight of his new son, Corwin. Cael soon followed, and last of all was Cyra. Aros loved his sons, but his tender affection for his daughter was unrivaled.

Nienna watched in awe as a more human version of Aros emerged. With the little girl in his arms, he showed Cyra the midnight-blue sky. The dark expanse glittered with stars as he pointed out the various constellations. The vision then morphed into Cyra as a teenager standing in the courtyard of the crystal palace before transforming into a white falcon for the first time. Aros had rarely been prouder of the girl. Nienna had witnessed the same level of pride in her own father when she first learned to ride a horse.

She might not get along with Aros most times, but the purity of his love for his family was undeniable. And strangely enough, she found that a small measure of that love extended to her.

She’d bought him time with the ice spider, allowing him to get back on his feet. Nienna had sacrificed her safety to help the others get away from the danger. Also, she’d come on this crusade willingly when he knew she held no love for him.

His piercing eyes bore into her. You may not be a formal part of my flock, but I would claim one as valiant as you.

Nienna’s expression softened. 

The austere Guardian had a heart after all, and one that held more love than she expected. And that love had turned into an unbridled worry that caused him to lash out at everyone. Then she finally understood. Aros was apologizing for how he’d treated her; begging for her forgiveness and help. How could she deny him?

The muscles in her back relaxed, and she closed her eyes, surrendering to the power of the Sky. The white light engulfed them both, filling her with the heady rush she associated with using an elemental power. Then something strange happened. Her Earthspark shifted, making room for the white light, and soon the twin powers hummed beneath her skin. 

A gasp escaped Aros, and she saw why as her eyes flitted open once more. Cords of green and white light twined themselves around her and Aros’s gripped hands. The Earthspark continued to ease away the Guardian’s pain, while the white light fortified them both with electric force.

“You carry both gifts,” Aros whispered in awe, and perhaps fear. “That’s not possible.” 

He searched her for something, but seemed unable to find it.

Nienna stared in shock as the twin powers rippled up and down her arm. He was right, but how? Tellen said it was only possible to have one gift at a time, and she wasn’t replacing the Earthspark with the Skyspark.

The Guardian fell unconscious again with a long exhale. Nienna lunged forward, checking for his pulse. It beat a steady rhythm, but Aros did not wake. The cords of light slowly dissipated, leaving her sitting beside the large, unconscious man in a very dark chamber.

Now what?