Whenever an ancient Mesopotamian god shows up to cause trouble in modern times, each member of Sikander Aziz’s crew contributes something invaluable to the business of saving the world. Ishtar’s adopted daughter Belet has been trained in combat since she was a child. Rabisu fights like a demon because, well, she is one. Kasusu is literally a talking sword. Sik himself is immortal, and he’s not too bad in a scrap, either.

So, where does that leave Daoud? He has no powers, wields no weapon, and is generally useless against evil gods and monsters. What does he bring to the table?

Well, just look at that face. That hair. That smolder. What more needs to be said?

From Flowers and Falafel to Fame and Fortune

Daoud has come a very long way in a very short period. Last year, he was just another aspiring actor living in Manhattan and “working” at Mo’s Deli. These days, you can catch him in movies, shows, and on the cover of Vogue magazine. Rumor has it he’s even on the shortlist to star in a certain big-budget spy film.

But just in case you’re worried that all that fame and recognition has gone to Daoud’s head, we’re here to assure you that success hasn’t changed Daoud’s fundamental nature.

He’s just as vain, high-maintenance, and image-conscious as he was before. The only difference is, now he’s being paid for it!

London Calling

A huge perk of being the hottest face of the season? Your agents will send you all over the world to attend fancy parties and charity events. This time around, he’s been sent to London. Sounds like a good reason for Daoud to invite his pal Sik for a relaxing vacation across the pond.

What’s first on the agenda? Well, Daoud just happens on the guest list for a very private, very exclusive auction at a castle outside London.

But what’s going up for sale, exactly? Oh, nothing too exciting. Just a few priceless artifacts from the beginning of civilization that were plundered from the Iraq Museum at the start of the war. Including an ancient tablet that once passed through the hands of Cleopatra, Saladin, Mehmet, and Alexander the Great.

Oh, and if it falls into the wrong hands, we’re all doomed. Surprise, Sik! Turns out your vacation is another life-or-death quest to save the world. But hey, at least you’re staying at the most expensive suite in the Ritz. Seems like a pretty fair trade-off to us.

Demon Daze

Daoud couldn’t be happier to see Sik and Belet again after so many months apart. But something has changed for Sikander over the past year as well: he has a new companion. A near-feral companion straight from the depths Netherworld who goes by the name Rabisu.

To Daoud’s credit, he isn’t at all fazed when Rabisu shows up at the Ritz, too. Maybe after a year of dealing with film agents, producers, and executives, Nergal’s demons don’t seem so scary anymore.

If we’re worried about anyone, it’s Rabisu herself. She seems uncharacteristically concerned about making a good impression on the “Handsome One.” Sure, everyone stares at Daoud. But not everyone clicks their claws together when they do so.

Either Rabisu has developed a strange little crush on the famous mortal, or she’s sizing him up for her next meal.

Lonely No Mo

Alas, Rabisu, Daoud hasn’t formed a deep connection with anyone since the death of his best friend, Mo. Or maybe Daoud and Mo were a little more than friends?

Regardless, the loss left Daoud with a deep emotional scar. Not to be confused with the swoon-worthy scar visible under his left eye.

But in a world of ancient magic, powerful gods, and portals to the netherworld, could there exist the possibility of a reunion? And if so, at what cost?

Daoud may be able to afford to stay in the most expensive hotel rooms in the world, but can he—or anyone—afford the potential annihilation of reality as we know it if he does get his wish?

We’re not sure. You’ll have to ask his agent.

Want to see more of Daoud? And let’s be real, who doesn’t? Be sure to pre-order your copy of Fury of the Dragon Goddess today!