| Name | Catriona (Cat) Cordella |
|---|---|
| Age | 22 (Iron Flame) |
| Species | Human |
| Status | Alive |
| Quadrant | Fliers Branch, Riders Quadrant, Basgiath War College |
| Rank/Title | Cadet, Viscount’s Niece |
| Gift | Emotion Heightening |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Gryphon Bond | Kiralair |
| Family | Syrena Cordella (sister), King Tecarus (uncle), Drake Cordella (cousin) |
| Love Interests | Xaden Riorson (ex-betrothed), Trager † (relationship) |
| Appears in | Iron Flame (2023), Onyx Storm (2025) |
Contents
Biography
Catriona “Cat” Cordella is the younger sister of Syrena Cordella and the niece of King Tecarus. Raised in privilege, she first trained at Cliffsbane Flight Academy before being sent to Basgiath War College, where she bonded the gryphon Kiralair and joined the Riders Quadrant.
In Iron Flame, Cat is introduced as Xaden Riorson’s former betrothed. Though the match was political, she remained bitter after its dissolution, often using her gift of emotional heightening to needle Violet Sorrengail and test her confidence in Xaden. Her sharp tongue and talent for manipulation quickly made her a polarizing figure among the riders and fliers.
By Onyx Storm, Cat’s role shifts as she joins the quest squad alongside Violet, Xaden, and others. Forced into close cooperation, she begins lowering her guard, forming a tenuous but growing respect for Violet despite their history of rivalry. At the same time, she develops a genuine romantic bond with Trager, a fellow flier, revealing a more vulnerable side than she had previously shown. His death marks a turning point for her, softening some of her harder edges and drawing her closer to her allies in Aretia.
Physical Description
Body & Build
- Lithe build
- Stands at least five inches taller than Violet Sorrengail
Hair
- Glossy black hair
- Typically kept braided over her shoulder
Eyes & Skin
- Eyes slightly larger than her sister Syrena’s
- High cheekbones enhancing her sharp features
- Fair skin with flawless symmetry
- Striking beauty; Violet notes she is beautiful from a distance but devastatingly perfect up close
Clothing & Gear
- Bonded gryphon rider
- Wears the standard dark brown flight leathers of the fliers
Powers
Lesser Magic
Through her bond with Kiralair, Catriona can perform lesser magic like all fliers. This includes unlocking and locking doors without touching them, moving with preternatural speed, manipulating mage lights, powering ink pens, and placing runes.
Gryphon’s Gift
Heightened Emotions: Kiralair grants Catriona the ability to heighten the emotions of those around her. She cannot create or alter feelings outright, but she can amplify what already exists—fear, jealousy, anger, or desire. Her gift proves especially disruptive in tense situations, such as when her remarks provoke Violet’s insecurity about Xaden. Catriona’s strength in this ability is considered exceptional.
Her power weakens over distance and at higher elevations, is blocked entirely by Navarre’s wards, and can be countered with a specific rune.
Abilities
Languages
Catriona is skilled at manipulation, using calculated words and behavior to spark the emotions she wishes to magnify with her gift. This tactical blend of psychological pressure and magical amplification makes her a dangerous opponent both on and off the battlefield.
Relationships
| Xaden Riorson | Catriona was once betrothed to Xaden Riorson, though the engagement was arranged for political reasons rather than love. Their betrothal was later broken, though lingering tension remains whenever they interact. |
|---|---|
| Maren Zina | Maren is her best friend and squadmate. |
| Syrena Cordella | Syrena Cordella is Catriona’s older sister. |
| Trager Karis | She later formed a genuine romantic relationship with Trager, another flier, though it ended tragically with his death. |
Gryphon
Catriona Cordella is bonded to Kiralair, a powerful gryphon with glossy feathers and a commanding presence. Through this bond, Cat channels Lesser Magic and receives her unique gift of emotion heightening, allowing her to amplify the feelings of those around her.
