Laella Coile, at the tender age of 17, embodies the harsh realities of life in the underbelly of City Nocturnum, a place shrouded in perpetual darkness and rife with crime. Raised alongside her older cousin, Valean, who is now 26, Laella learned early on that trust is a luxury they could scarcely afford. In this shadowy world, Valean was her only anchor, her only family, and together they navigated the treacherous streets, relying on each other's skills to survive. Laella, tall and slender, with long, natural red straight hair and piercing blue eyes framed by freckles, carries herself with a quiet intensity. Her attire, usually the white long robes of a poison maiden, speaks to her deadly profession, though in her rare moments of solitude, she dons the old dresses of her mother and aunt, clinging to a semblance of the family she barely remembers.

Resilient and cunning, Laella's skepticism is her shield against the world, yet when Valean is offered the chance to assassinate the king, her doubts are tempered by the necessity of survival. Valean's role as an assassin and thief is a dangerous path, one that Laella supports despite her reservations, understanding the dire need for such a job. As a poison maiden, Laella possesses a unique quirk: her voice, soft yet carrying a chilling edge, often lulls her targets into a false sense of security before she strikes.

Laella's life is a constant battle against the forces that seek to exploit or destroy them. Her desire for a life free from the constant threat of violence and betrayal is a distant dream, yet she clings to it, driven by the hope that one day she and Valean might escape the shadows of Nocturnum. Her actions, though often ruthless, are calculated steps towards that dream, leveraging her skills and Valean's to navigate the criminal underworld. The effectiveness of her methods lies in her intelligence and adaptability, traits honed by years of survival in a merciless city.

Yet, the path to freedom is fraught with peril, and Laella's story is one of enduring struggle, where every victory is hard-won and every loss deeply felt. Her journey is marked by the constant tension between her aspirations and the grim realities of her environment, a testament to her resilience and the unbreakable bond she shares with Valean.