Among the vibrant characters of The Darkangel, Aeriel stands out as the most pivotal. Initially portrayed as a humble and awkward slave girl, she lacks physical beauty but possesses a steadfast loyalty to her mistress, Eoduin, who is only slightly older than Aeriel herself.

As the story unfolds, Aeriel finds herself serving not only the vampire but also the wraiths, ethereal beings who offer only cryptic guidance. This new role challenges her and sparks the beginning of her independence. By the time Aeriel completes her quest for the starhorse's hoof, she has transformed, gaining practical skills and learning to rely on her own intuition. Her physical metamorphosis mirrors her inner growth, as she emerges graceful and attractive.

The vampire, also known as the Darkangel, captivates with his striking appearance, a stark contrast of pale skin and jet-black wings. To Aeriel, he is a vision of beauty. As the narrative progresses, he evolves from a mere embodiment of evil into a moody, lonely youth, disillusioned and cruel.

Eoduin, hailing from a noble lineage, exudes authority and commands respect. However, her penchant for reckless adventure sets the tale in motion, particularly when she persists in scaling the treacherous mountains. Yet, when Eoduin succumbs to becoming a wraith, she forfeits her power and identity. Aeriel, once wholly devoted to her mistress, discovers her own strength as Eoduin fades into a mere shadow.

In the austere environment of the castle, Talb the duarough stands as a comforting presence—solid and warm. Aeriel instinctively trusts him, drawn to his down-to-earth essence that starkly contrasts with the spectral surroundings.

The Old Ones, in their departure from the moon, left guardians such as the lion Pendarlon. With his might, wisdom, and sacrifice, Pendarlon aids Aeriel, imparting lessons of selflessness. While Aeriel may question the advice from others like the duarough, Pendarlon's words remain unquestioned, save for her desire to ease his suffering.

Loyalty and Relationships

Pierce delves into themes of loyalty through her characters' actions. Aeriel remains steadfast to Eoduin, even as she becomes a mere shadow of her former self. Her dedication to the vampire wavers only slightly, despite his lack of virtues she so admires in others like the duarough and Pendarlon. The duarough's unwavering support, along with Pendarlon's universal compassion, fortify Aeriel in her journey.

Aeriel's admiration for the vampire's once-glorious power evolves into a reflection on servitude. It is through Eoduin's dependency on her that Aeriel blossoms, moving beyond the subservient roles of her past. Now, she stands strong, befriending gargoyles and earning the vampire's reluctant respect upon returning from her desert odyssey.

Compassion and Intrigue

Compassion forms the core of Aeriel's character, extending to both the kind-hearted and the cruel, the mighty and the weak. As she matures, her empathy deepens, allowing her to transcend self-doubt and more keenly perceive others' needs. Through lessons from Pendarlon and the duarough, Aeriel learns the value of kindness to self and others, a lesson crucial for survival in the harsh desert. Pendarlon embodies the ultimate self-sacrifice, a testament to true compassion.

Yet, Aeriel harbors complex feelings towards the vampire, drawn by both his dark allure and the mystery of his malevolence. Fascinated by the perilous allure of evil, she is enticed by the challenge it presents as well as the potential rewards, even as she risks her own purity for the vampire’s enigmatic charm.