A century ago, one Priestess left for the surface world. She vanished. This is her story.
Irrwaer is an acolyte serving the Priestesses, yet she lacks the consuming urges which drive their ambitions. She would rather stay small, quiet, and avoid the bottomless appetites of her matriarchy but understands passively hoping leads to a short, miserable life. Or worse: a long one.
In the Sanctuary of the Spider Queen, the only way to keep any choice for herself is to gain power over others without becoming addicted to them. As the healer works among meek males, rowdy Red Sisters, and the sinister sons of demons, she asks a troubling question.
In a place where power passes through daughters, why are the Priestesses only competing for sons?
Even asking this question is dangerous.
Sooner or later, everyone disturbs the Queen's web.
In Sons to Keep, Etaski introduces the political sphere of Sivaraus through the eyes of the least ambitious.
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These events occur one hundred years before the birth of the protagonist Sirana in Sister Seekers #1: No Demons But Us.
Their effects still ripple out from the center of a vast, interconnected story.