Copper Dragons are masters of stealth, slipping silently and swiftly through the forests and jungles where they live. Often hunting in groups, their prey rarely know they are being stalked until the dragon’s at their throat. In the air they are agile and skilled. Copper Dragons prize family groups, spending large amounts of time teaching their young skills. So great is their love of life and family that they will sometimes adopt orphaned dragons of other breeds to raise.

Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling’s wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.

To most, this Copper comes across as quite the charmer. Suave and endearing, he seems to be the ideal of every female in the flock, and quite a few males too.

But what most don't realise is that it's nothing but an act. In truth, Darkholder is possessed of a soul so black and corrupt, even the Detested One admires his cruelty. His duty is to bring the Traitors new blood or new victims: first he marks out a particular dragon, usually one who seems lonely or upset, and worms his way into their life, either by seduction or by offering an ear to listen.

Once he has cemented his place, he starts to lie and deceive, trying to turn the victim against the rest of the flock. Those that are successful are introduced to the Detested, and most inducted. Those that don't, some are left behind as lost causes, but others are lured away, because the Mad Almerald is always needs new test subjects.

But Darkholder doesn't know his days are numbered, for he has been noticed by the eyes in the dark...