Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, mental illness, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.

The novel opens with a description of the seven dragon tribes of Pyrrhia: NightWings, SandWings, MudWings, SkyWings, SeaWings, IceWings, and RainWings. Each tribe lives in a region that suits them best. For example, SandWings live in the desert-like Kingdom of Sand, and SeaWings live in the ocean-filled Kingdom of the Sea. A queen rules each tribe. Some dragons are born with rare animus magic, which allows them to enchant objects, but using this magic can damage their soul.

NightWings have dark purple or black scales with silver specks under their wings. They have forked black tongues. Some NightWings can read minds or see the future. Their queen is Queen Vigilance.

SandWings have pale gold or white scales, forked black tongues, and a deadly barb on their tails. They can survive without water, breathe fire, and blend into sand, and their tails are poisonous. Queen Scorpion rules them. Jerboa is their animus dragon, though no one knows where he is.

MudWings have thick brown scales and flat heads. They are strong and sturdy. MudWings can breathe fire, hold their breath for an hour, and hide in mud.