Emily Stewart was born into a modestly wealthy family in the unique city of Brighton, where the vibrant convergence of three rivers creates a tapestry of lush landscapes and fertile land. Her father is a successful merchant dealing in fine fabrics, while her mother is an accomplished painter renowned for her depictions of the local flora and the enchanting views along the riverbanks. Growing up in a household filled with art and commerce, Emily was encouraged to explore her interests and engage with the diverse world around her.
From a young age, Emily received a solid education, with lessons in literature, mathematics, and languages. Her parents emphasized court etiquette and politics, believing that understanding the complexities of social dynamics would help her navigate her future, especially in a city rich with cultural and political intrigue.
At age ten, Emily crossed paths with Serena Walkerton, the daughter of a local noble family, when Emily shared several classes with Serena. Emily appreciated Serena’s spirited nature and often admired her confidence, even if they did not spend much time together outside school. They interacted during lessons, exchanged pleasantries, and occasionally collaborated on projects, enough to build a rapport but not a deep friendship.
The girl was a tad shorter than Serena, with dark hair held in a tight arrangement and a face Serena thought pretty, even without the light blush on her cheeks. She was alone. Serena didn’t know if she had been one of the worst of the gigglers, but Serena nevertheless braced herself for the tirade about to come.
“My name is Emily Stewart,” the girl said. “You’re Serena Walkerton, aren’t you? I don’t know if you remember me. We learned our letters together. Oh, but that was a while ago, so I don’t expect you to know who I am.”
Serena, mildly stunned by Emily’s cordialness, proceeded with caution. “Of course, I remember you. We both used to sit at the front of the class, right?”
“Yes, we did,” Emily said, smiling.
- THE NULLIFICATION ENGINE
Two years ago, everything changed. During the Inferno of 537, Brighton was thrown into chaos when the sorcerer Persimmius unleashed a hellstorm on Brighton when he could not contain one of his experiments. Flames spread rapidly through the streets. Caught in the heart of the disaster, Emily and her family fought to escape their home as flames licked at their heels.
Just when despair threatened to steal away any hope, Serena, wielding her burgeoning magical abilities, appeared like a beacon of light. Serena managed to douse the encroaching flames, saving the Stewart family and many others. Emily watched in awe and gratitude as her acquaintance faced the inferno, showcasing a maturity and power that left a lasting impression on her.
The Inferno marked a significant turning point for Emily. The aftermath left Brighton scarred, no more so than at the Burning Block, where the fire was centered, and the trauma deeply affected Emily’s outlook on life. With her family safe but many of their friends and neighbors suffering losses, Emily developed a profound sense of empathy and an appreciation for the fragility of existence. She found herself drawn into volunteer efforts to aid the families displaced by the fire, gaining a firsthand understanding of the hardships faced by others.
Though the incident had taken Emily’s childhood innocence away, it also forged a new resolve in her. She vowed to honor Serena’s bravery by using her advantages—education, social connections, and knowledge of court politics—to make a difference. This drive pushed Emily to delve deeper into the world of governance and philanthropy, seeking ways to rebuild the community and support those in need.
Now, as a teenager navigating the complexities of newfound maturity and societal expectations, Emily is torn between the life laid out for her and her desire to be an active participant in shaping a better future for Brighton. With Serena’s act of bravery always at the forefront of her thoughts, Emily strives to balance her upbringing with her evolving identity, determined to honor her experiences and contribute positively to her community.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Emily first appears in The Nullification Engine (The Alchemancer Book Two).