Shield of Sparrows · Character
Odessa Cross
Also known as Sparrow, Dess, Mae Cross
- Major
- First seen · Book 2
A petite 23-year-old woman with short stature and a slender frame featuring scrawny arms that show growing definition from combat training stands with refined posture. Her fair skin is dusted with freckles across the bridge of her nose and cheeks, complementing a tapered nose and pointed chin. Vibrant red curls interwoven with orange, copper and caramel tones tumble in unruly spirals, most often captured in a thick braid draped down her spine or pinned at her nape with loose tendrils escaping to frame her face. Her solid gold eyes lack any starburst pattern, creating an intense and distinctive gaze. She wears practical Turan-style clothing of caramel or dark brown leather pants cinched with a matching belt, loose ecru or colored tunics embroidered with flowers, leaves or stars that allow full movement, sturdy black boots of scale-like texture that add an inch to her height, and a shoulder harness crisscrossing her spine to hold sheathed knives. A warm metal pendant necklace rests against her skin. She presents as a warrior princess who has shed her former disguise to embrace her natural coloring and combat-ready appearance.
- Gender
- female
- Age
- 18
- First appears
- Book 2
- Books
- 1
Description
A human woman with unruly, naturally curly hair dyed brown, often braided or pinned up with loose curls escaping. Her eyes are solid gold, with gold striations and no starburst; freckles cross her nose. She is shorter and weaker than her sister Mae. Her clothing varies between gray dresses and practical leather pants, tunics, and boots; as a bride she wears a pale gray embroidered gown with elaborate braids and gold accessories.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Margotstepmother
Margot is Odessa's strict stepmother who controls her wardrobe, dyes her hair brown, and chastises her for being late and reckless, but shows moments of care like preparing her for the wedding.
Ransom Wolfehusband (real)
Ransom is Odessa's true husband, the crown prince; their relationship evolves from antagonism to deep love, marked by passion and mutual protection.
Zavier Wolfehusband (pretend)
Zavier pretends to be Odessa's husband as part of the ruse; their interactions are formal and distant, with no romantic connection.
- KC
King Crossfather
King Cross is Odessa's distant father who favors Mae, uses Odessa as a spy despite doubting her capabilities, and shows rare tenderness before sending her away.
- AC
Arthalayus Crosshalf-brother
Odessa is affectionate toward her young half-brother Arthalayus, hoping to protect him from royal pressures and promising to hug him often.
Luella Turanmother-in-law
Luella is Ransom's mother and queen; she created the elixir leading to Lyssa, showing complex maternal protectiveness.
- B
Bannerfiancé
Banner is Odessa's arranged fiancé and general, loyal to her father; their relationship lacks love or friendship, marked by his temper and her indifference.
Briellelady's maid
Brielle is Odessa's loyal lady's maid who accompanies her to Turah, providing support and companionship despite homesickness.
- C
Cathlinlibrarian/ally
Cathlin provides Odessa with books and subtle information, acting as a supportive friend.
Jocelynlady's maid
Jocelyn serves as Odessa's lady's maid but betrays her by spying for Banner, engaging in an affair with Zavier.
- T
Tilliatrainer/ally
Tillia trains Odessa in combat, becoming a friend and ally who shows kindness and respect.
Story so far
BOOK 2Rites of the Starling
Key events
- Book 2
Ch. 3The Forced Marriage DeclarationIn the throne room of Roslo Castle, the Guardian declares that Odessa, not her sister Mae, must marry Prince Zavier to fulfill both the Shield of Sparrows treaty and the Chain of Sevens bride prize for slaying seven female marroweels. - Book 2
Ch. 7The Wedding CeremonyOdessa reluctantly marries Prince Zavier in a terse ceremony beneath Quentis Castle, signing the ancient Shield of Sparrows treaty with their blood, sealed by Voster magic that binds their fates and enforces peace between kingdoms. - Book 2
Ch. 22The Library Burning at TreowKing Ramsey's soldiers arrive at the Treow treehouse encampment, ransack the settlement, burn Cathlin's library books, and violate Odessa's treehouse by stealing her crown and scattering her belongings. - Book 2
Ch. 29The Bariwolf Attack on AshmoreA pack of deadly bariwolves attacks the town of Ashmore, killing 17 people including Sariah. Odessa assists in the defense by using a crossbow from a tavern balcony while the Guardian fights the monsters directly. - Book 2
Ch. 36The Tarkin Attack and RescueA Lyssa-infected tarkin attacks the Treow encampment, killing eight people. Odessa risks her life to rescue two children from the beast, battling it until the ladder collapses and she shields them on the ground. - Book 2
Ch. 44The Revelation of True IdentityRansom reveals to Odessa that he is the true crown prince of Turah who impersonated Zavier during their marriage vows, binding her to him as his queen while the real Zavier (Dray) serves as his double to protect him. - Book 2
Ch. 53The First KillWhile walking through Ellder after consummating her relationship with Ransom, Odessa is attacked by a feverish, Lyssa-infected man who chokes her while ranting about serving his king. She kills him in self-defense with her dagger. - Book 2
Ch. 56The Lyssa Origin RevelationLuella confesses to creating an alchemical elixir from monster byproducts to enhance human strength, which accidentally combined with Ransom's bariwolf bite to create the Lyssa infection, making him the origin of the plague threatening Turah. - Book 2
Ch. 60The King's Arrival and BetrayalKing Ramsey arrives at Ellder with a massive legion including General Banner and the spy Jocelyn, revealing a crux scout sighting that demands mobilization to Allesaria while seizing his hidden wife Luella and exposing multiple betrayals. - Book 2
Ch. 61The Crux Attack on EllderA massive female crux descends on Ellder's courtyard during King Ramsey's arrival, slaughtering soldiers and civilians including Jocelyn and Luella, while Ransom battles it futilely and Zavier is fatally wounded protecting Odessa from Banner.
Appearances
Meet Odessa Cross in Bookworm
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