To celebrate the release of The Moth and the Flame, The Wrath and Dawn e-novella that focuses on Despina and Jalal’s complicated relationship, we’re sharing our top moments between these two! After you finish reading The Moth and the Flame, get ready for even more Despina and Jalal in the sequel to The Wrath and the Dawn, The Rose and the Dagger.

**spoilers ahead!! If you haven’t read The Wrath and the Dawn, go read it and come back.**

When Despina straight up told Shazi that she’s a spy.

Not even James Bond displays this level of style. Despina is upfront with Shazi from the moment the two meet, and we can tell that she’s going to play a huge role in story—even if most of her impact happens off the page. As Shazi notes, it’s clear Despina is a force to be reckoned with.

When Jalal winked at Despina and made the whole world blush.

Both Despina and Jalal aren’t afraid to show their true colors when they meet Shazi. And that says something about their confidence seeing as Shazi’s their new queen and all. Jalal smirks his way through his introduction, offering Despina a mischievous wink. From that small gesture it’s obvious that these two have an . . . interesting history.

When Despina and Shazi fangirled over the swordsmanship tournament together.

Nothing brings friends closer than watching (shirtless) soldiers battle each other in a competitive arena. We love the way Despina taunts Shazi when Khalid struts his stuff, hinting that she understands what’s going on in Shazi’s very confused heart.

When Jalal assured Shazi about Khalid’s true nature.

Jalal is basically Khalid’s wing man. He’s known the Caliph his whole life and understands the twisted torment he undergoes as Khorasan’s ruler. As Shazi starts to question her feelings for Khalid, Jalal acts as his advocate, reminding Shazi that every story has a story. Just like Despina, Jalal quietly brings Shazi and Khalid together like the unsung hero he is.

When Shazi found out about Despina’s delicate condition.

Despina is the farthest thing from sentimental, and it truly adds to her unique charm. This is most evident when Shazi puts the pieces together about Despina’s pregnancy and who the father is. Despina briefly lets her guard down, allowing Shazi to console her on the matter. We admire the way their relationship shows that leaning on a friend doesn’t mean that you’re weak.

When Jalal and Shazi play truth during target practice.

Neither Jalal nor Shazi are the type to walk away from a challenge. As the two practice shooting arrows, they ask each other personal questions, carefully maneuvering to discover the truth about each other. In this game, we learn how cunning and intelligent both Jalal and Shazi are. And though they might not know it as this point, is also shows that they are bound to end up loyal to one another.

When Despina and Shazi teased each other about their love lives.

Like two old pals swapping date stories over brunch, Despina and Shazi use their wit to get the dirt on each other’s love lives. Though their relationships with men cover only a small fraction of what these two, now friends, share, we love how lighthearted Despina and Shazi can be. Their friendship provides joy to each other as they both battle impossible challenges.

When Jalal sends Shazi away from the palace.

On one hand we totally hate Jalal for letting Shazi leave the palace with Tariq, but on the other hand we know it was the right move. And when he asks Tariq if he still loves Shazi, it shows us how deeply Jalal cares about her wellbeing. Jalal is the noblest of characters, the moral compass of The Wrath and the Dawn, and we can’t wait to see what is next for him in The Rose and the Dagger.

Want more? Download The Moth and the Flame here!