Maverick Blackfair

## Maverick

by @saramirza\_art

**Maverick Blackfair** is a dark fae firewielder and the delegate of the Blackfairs. Born as the Prince of Dalrune, he was transitioned from a fae into a dark fae. Known as one of the most powerful dark fae, he is Zaiana Silverfair's lover.

## Biography

### Early life

Born a fae, Maverick was transitioned into a dark fae and thus is a part of the Blackfair bloodline. He was captured from the kingdom of Dalrune, along with ten other fae. Mordecai made the fae drink spiritual blood from a chalice during the eclipse while killing a human to fulfill the take a life to create a life rule. Maverick drank the blood and Mordecai snapped his neck. It took nearly a week for the transformation to happen and out of the ten fae, only three survived.

Maverick held onto his ability, and came back stronger than ever. He didn't remember anything past waking up in a dark room, feeling alone and different. Maverick felt wings on his back when he knew he shouldn't, but he didn't know why. He is one of the most successful transitions in dark fae history, having not just survived, but also keeping the ability of fire he was born with.

### A Throne From the Ashes

Maverick goads and riles Zaiana and she attacks him leading to a power battle between the two delegates of dark fae. Mordecai announces a trial between Zaiana and Maverick, a war game of their choosing upon the trial grounds with a team of six others. He states that the winner of the battle would be the one to lead the quest.

Maverick joins Zaiana in the baths and they hold each other's stares in a silent challenge to see who would balk first. He reveals that he knew if she attacked first, she would be far less likely to be given a death sentence as compared to him. He adds that he overheard Mordecai and when he realized it was important enough that even the masters volunteered for it, he orchestrated their fight by goading Zaiana so out of all names, theirs were the only ones that stuck around for consideration after seeing their display of power and ability. Maverick sees the scars on Zaiana's back and asks which of the masters hurt her to which she replies all of them and leaves.

Berrik Blackfair illegally smuggles a Niltain Steel dagger onto the field and injures Amaya, leading to a furious Zaiana. A power battle ensues as the two seek to find the final flag. After a series of attacks, Zaiana rips the flag and wins the trial.

When Zaiana spots Maverick, she slams him to the wall and settles her blade across his throat. There is nothing taunting or teasing on his face, as he reveals that Berrik and Rex are dead. He adds that he told Mordecai he has no plans of challenging their deaths as they were killed by Amaya during fair game. Maverick adds that he brought Nerida, a healer from Fenher for Amaya. Shocked, Zaiana asks the reason behind it and he responds that Amaya was impressive on the field and it would be a shame to see such talent go to waste. According to Nerida, Maverick was kind and calm when approached her in Fenher. He explained that he was a dark fae and that he needed her to heal another. She did not believe him until he showed his wings. Mordecai reveals that the quest is Dakodas' ascension. He orders him to accompany Zaiana under her authority.

Zaiana finds Maverick basking in the waters of the baths with his head tipped and eyes closed as the moonlight highlights every contour of his bare chest and arms. He asks Zaiana to join him if she wants any answers out of him. She steps into the water and settles opposite him.

Nerida is terrified when she sees the dark fae kill three humans and steal their horses in a forest. She starts fidgeting when she sees the route is not the same as she was told. Maverick explains to her how the Blackfairs drink human blood to function and apologises that she had to see it happen leaving Zaiana surprised.

The others give Zaiana solitude and space as per her detached demeanour but Maverick sticks close by. Zaiana and Maverick follow Faythe and Kyleer while Tynan, Amaya and Nerida leave for the other underground route. Stopping their trek for a night, Zaiana and Maverick scout a deep enough carving in the mountainside to shield against the weather and the cursed creatures of the Fire Mountains known as Skailies.

Maverick sits beside Zaiana and lights a discreet fire to keep them warm because she refuses to risk a proper fire. Despite knowing that Maverick is far more loyal to the masters, Zaiana tells him that she not going back to be shackled to the Mortus Mountains. He responds that he admires how she never shies away from defying orders. They share a rare smile and Zaiana asks him if he remembers his life in Dalrune before he was turned into a dark fae. He replies that he doesn't remember anything and Zaiana reveals that she was forced by the masters to see him transform and narrates what she saw.

Zaiana and Maverick's solitude and proximity leads to a heated confrontation and their want for each other overshadows all else. They kiss passionately and make love under the night sky. The next morning, Zaiana detaches herself from everything she feels for Maverick and convinces herself that nothing more can happen between them. Maverick looks defeated and hurt which leads to an argument. Zaiana tells him that she does not regret any of it but knew it was nothing more than a night of fantasy and release.

Zaiana and Maverick track Faythe and Kyleer and attack leading to a long battle between the fae and the dark fae. In the template at the Niltain Isles, Zaiana feels heartache on seeing Reylan's love for Faythe and removes her blade from her throat. Maverick doesn't hesitate as he plunges his sword through Faythe's chest after which he completes Dakodas' ascension.

## Personality

Maverick is smart, cunning, determined, wicked and relishes in petty remarks.

## Physical description

Maverick is slender and tall with pale skin, black hair, large taloned wings, broad shoulders, and a small dimple indenting his cheek. He had blue eyes when he was a fae, but has depthless onyx eyes ever since he turned into a dark fae.

## Powers and abilities

**Firewielding**: Maverick has firewielding powers. He can emanate heat, conjure blue flames, fire darts and the heat of fire without flames. His ability is adaptable and not affected by water but it isn't immune to the rain.

Maverick can defuse his fire's burn and call it at his command. He can amplify the heat of his flames without creating a blazing beacon. He attacks with darts and sheets of blue flame.

**Sword Fighting**: TBA

## Relationships

### Zaiana Silverfair

Zaiana and Maverick met when he was captured from the kingdom of Dalrune and brought to the Mortus Mountains to transform from a fae into a dark fae. Zaiana was the only one forced to see the transition happen, in the hope that it would make her stronger, more ruthless. Right before Maverick was forced to drink the spiritual blood, he looked at Zaiana. There was something about him that gave her slight hope he would make it.

Zaiana was not allowed to, but she checked on Maverick every day out of curiosity to see how it worked and because she wanted to be correct. That the defiance she saw in Maverick's eyes will make him one of those who survived and lived.

After his transformation, Zaiana and Maverick grew up side by side but always in competition as they belonged to different dark fae bloodlines. She bested him at many things, but he wasn't above cheating or lying to get his way, which Zaiana had no time or respect for.

Maverick delights in anything he can get out of Zaiana, whether its good or bad so she tries not to feel anything toward him. Both of them relish in competition. It is fun for them, even when it involves pain and brutality regardless of whether they win or lose. It's a guilty pleasure they share. When Maverick sees the scars on Zaiana's back and asks which of the masters hurt her, there is a coldness and chilling wrath to his voice.

Zaiana is aware that Maverick is the only worthy opponent under the mountain. Before the trial, she tells him she is looking forward to seeing him kneel before her to which Maverick replies that he would get on his knees for her anytime. Zaiana wins the trial and is shocked on realising that Maverick placed a blanket on her when she was sleeping, and got a healer for Amaya.

She despises him for so many wicked reasons, some not even his own fault. But she respects him as sometimes, she can't deny they are one and the same. Zaiana smiles at one of Maverick's quips and feels a flutter of unusual warmth that acknowledges her genuine amusement. Most of the times, Zaiana thinks Maverick can see past the cracks of the hard expression she tries to maintain while they stare off against each other.

> **Maverick**I sometimes think I know you better than you know yourself.**Zaiana**Then you'll know my only thoughts of you are about how painful I can make your death.

When Zaiana steps out of the water, she feels Maverick's stare like a branding. He watches her every movement, devouring every piece of her. She sees understanding beneath the coldness of his gaze sometimes. When the underpasses dredge up panic and past trauma, Maverick is the one to wrap his hands around her forearms, his whole body pressing to hers offering a short moment of relief and awareness, that she is not alone in a stone cage. He explains to Nerida that they are creatures of the air and sky, and thus confinement is a form of torture. Zaiana tries to brush it off, not wanting to pay attention to the spark of gratitude flaring in her.

Nerida blushes when it's time for Maverick to fly carrying her. Zaiana keeps her face unbothered and cold despite noticing Nerida's closeness to him. When Zaiana shifts to get a better view of Faythe and the others from a rooftop, his hand braces her hip before she can slip. Maverick's fingers brush her bare skin where her leathers lift from her stretched-out position. Zaiana finds Maverick's face dangerously close to her own, so much so they're almost grazing lips. He doesn't step back, his eyes holding hers, as she feels a pull in those black eyes. A shiver trails down her spine as she risks tunneling into their depthless voids, never to see light again. It is a harrowing thought, but still very alluring.

Once they reach the Fire Mountains, Maverick notices how cold and exhausted Zaiana is and sits next to her, lighting a flame to keep them warm. She tells him that she not going back to be shackled to the Mortus Mountains and is very surprised at the softness in his black eyes and the concern in his voice when he responds. He adds that both of them will be hunted and killed if they don't return which shocks her since she didn't think he would risk his standing with the masters for her. When Zaiana tells him that she doesn't plan to hide from them any longer, they smile and exchange a look of agreement.

Zaiana wonders how Maverick's heart beat when he was a fae. If it was filled with love, hope and everything that was robbed from him. A part of her mourns what Maverick once had. He muses how they used to tolerate one another, how he used to consider her an ally and then wonders what happened to them. She says they grew up and were always destined to be enemies with a common purpose. When his fingers inch towards her face, Zaiana pulls her dagger free and spins to straddle him, angling it against his throat. She threatens to kill him but it lacks the promise she spent a century building upon. Maverick leans into the blade and asks her to kill him. Zaiana is shocked that he is offering his life to her as if it were a gift. She can't understand her hesitance despite imagining this moment multiple times.

Maverick's hands graze Zaiana's thighs while he muses that when she looks at him, she pauses to look deeper, through the thick darkness, and wonders if there is something in the depths of a wicked soul that can be saved, if there is a light. They don't break eye contact as his palms trail spread over his thighs. Higher and higher, and she says nothing to stop him. He pulls her flush to his chest and her dagger cuts into Maverick's skin, leaking black blood down his neck. Zaiana watches it, thinking it will snap her back to her senses and remind her that he is her enemy.

Maverick asks Zaiana to tell him to stop. It is an opening, a chance for her to stop this but she doesn't want him to stop. His gentle touch is so unlike the male she thought she knew. Maverick asks Zaiana what she wants and she replies she wants him, for one night. She looks at him and sees vulnerability, because Maverick doesn't look at her with the victory she expects from winning her body, she isn't a conquest to him.

She whispers that she hates him but it holds no meaning. She doesn't hate Maverick, she hates how much she wants him. Zaiana feels like she is alive and for just one moment, one night, she wants to pretend she is. Their lips collide like the moon and stars, like a merger of darkness. When he tugs her clothes its slow and deliberate, as if he believes she will change her mind with one wrong move. There is nothing soft or searching in the way they move; it is anguish and hatred. It is long and barricaded emotion unleashing like an angry storm. It is raw, and furious. His hands trail over her scarred skin, unflinching.

Maverick muses over the depraved things he has dreamed of doing to Zaiana and she asks him to do them all. Seeing him as unusually free and unburdened as the wind, a warmth passes through her chest. Maverick replies they will not have enough time in a single night to do them all. Zaiana doesn't want to remind him this night is all they have and with the rise of the sun, this fantasy would be over. Maverick pauses on his knees before her and looks at every inch of her body with a dark, claiming hunger. She kisses him fiercely, with a passion so all-consuming as if releasing months, years, decades of fighting herself, denying a longing she refused to admit she has harboured for so long.

Any other day, a command from Maverick would have her flaring in lethal challenge but it was a completely new feeling to want to obey him. He mentions how she has always wanted him on his knees before her as he removes her under wear and she stands before him fully bare. He calls her beautiful before his mouth meets the softest part of her. Maverick calls her a goodess and submits himself to her willingly. She thinks of tomorrow when they'll go back to how things were, and how they will always be while blood divided their species. Tonight she is forgiving him for the wicked past they shared; the cruelty that is often forced between them. Zaiana and Maverick sink into each other and move, passion clouding any thought. In that moment, nothing mattered but him and her together.

Maverick asks Zaiana to unleash herself and take what she wants and needs. She whispers that she still hates him and he replies that he would be concerned if she didn't. Their lips collide and something bursts in her heartless chest. Zaiana doesn't fight it as Maverick passionately kisses her and lays her down. He gives her a kiss on her shoulder and asks her to sleep. Something warm covers her as she falls asleep with no regrets.

Zaiana wakes up feeling free and light. And even when the sun has replaced the moon, she does not regret the passionate night. When she hears nothing, she gets up in anger and panic on not finding Maverick. She curses herself for believing that he was any different to his ruthless, self-serving and uncaring self. She assumes he left her after they made love and feels a sting in her eyes thinking of how easy it had been for him to abandon her. When Maverick comes back, she feels a strong wave of relief but forces it back with a surge of anger. Surprised by her reaction, Maverick realizes that she thought he had left her and there is a note to his voice that sounds like pain. Zaiana responds she would not have been surprised if he actually did.

Maverick explains that he found a nearby lake for her to bathe in after their night together but Zaiana warns him not to speak of it. He flinches, looking conflicted while she looks at his lips and recalls how they felt like against her skin. Zaiana halts him from saying something that might ruin her cold facade and adds she has no regrets but she convinces herself there cannot be anything more as affection, love and promise will kill them quicker than any fae or human could.

Maverick looks like he wants to protest and she has never seen him look so defeated before. But the crestfallen look is gone as quickly as it came. Zaiana leaves for the lake, needing to convince her own self that they were not capable of more. She slips into her cold persona but cannot stand to look into Maverick's eyes whirl something very unexplainable emits a current between the two. There is a small glimmer in her heart that thinks of their passion to be treasured and protected, and that is as much emotion she yields to the memory before storing it behind a steel barrier in her mind where anything warm is abandoned.

When Zaiana says she needed every second to erase his scent of herself, Maverick flinches and she knew her words had hit. It was surprising as even in their most wicked moments Maverick is never one to give a reaction. His face becomes ice cold and angry as he tells Zaiana she cannot pretend she didn't want the passion they shared and she replies that she did want it but knew it was nothing more than a single night of release. Zaiana adds that want is not a luxury they can afford and they are the monsters who don't get the happy ending even if they want it. Maverick twitches to respond but leaves in silence.

During the battle, Maverick calls out Zaiana's name with terror and desperation at her cry of pain. He drops his focus and begins advancing to her aid. Kyleer takes advantage and causes a long gash across Maverick's abdomen. Kyleer is about to plunge his sword through the chest but Zaiana presses her blade against Faythe's throat and warns him to not even dare. Zaiana finds her eyes sliding towards Maverick and feels a want for him to be okay as he meets her eyes through his pain. Dakodas ascends and Zaiana clenches her fists, infuriated by the spirit's desirous gaze on Maverick. She feels a small drop in her gut at witnessing the subtle flirtation. Zaiana hesitates when Dakodas asks them to follow her. Maverick calls out her name like a dark caress with a slight note of plea wavering in his eyes.

## Gallery

***Category: Images of Maverick Blackfair***

by @saramirza\_artby @bethgilbert\_art
## Trivia

### From the book

* Maverick wasn't born a dark fae but was transitioned into one. Thus, he is a Blackfair, and his blood is black.
* Zaiana Silverfair and Maverick Blackfair are two of the very few who possess any magick among the dark fae.

### From the author

* Maverick's soundtrack is Arcade by Duncan Laurence.
* Maverick reminds Chloe C. Peñaranda of Damon Salvatore from Vampire Diaries, played by Ian Somerhalder.
* Ian is also Chloe's fancast for Maverick.

## References

1. ↑ Author Art Board
*A Throne From the Ashes*, Chapter 5
*A Throne From the Ashes*, Chapter 19
*A Throne From the Ashes*, Chapter 26
*A Throne From the Ashes*, Chapter 54
*A Throne From the Ashes*, Chapter 39
*A Throne From the Ashes*, Chapter 53
*A Throne From the Ashes*, Chapter 19
*A Throne From the Ashes*, Chapter 22
*A Throne From the Ashes*, Chapter 19
11. ↑ Instagram live by @ccpenaranda.author