Melissa Zosimus was an Alucar woman from Tyr. By her husband Gavin Zosimus she mothered Galahad and the future queen Laura Stirling.
Originally a servant at Isidore, the estate of the Zosimus family, she was discovered by a young Gavin while she worked in the gardens. He was immediately smitten with her, but she refused his offer to become his mistress on the grounds that they would not be equal. Gavin finally agreed to marry her, knowing his father Hugh would disinherit him.
However, before they could elope, Gavin's elder brother died unexpectedly, and Gavin became the sole heir of the family fortune. Hugh was infuriated when he learned of Gavin's plans to marry a peasant, and threatened to disown him. Gavin still eloped with the pregnant Melissa in spite of these threats.
Gavin and Melissa in the forest after his return to Tyre.
The two wandered from city to city, eventually encountering Vormund and his followers. Upon learning of their situation, the prophet allowed them to stay at Arza Kell. As Melissa's time drew near, they traveled with Vormund to the nearby city of Bodai, planning to seek the help of Dr. Lucassen.
Melissa went into labor and was taken to the physician, but before she could give birth, the police arrived with orders from the governor to banish Vormund and his cult from the city. Melissa was thrown out with the others, but found help in Rowan Renard, who led them to the house of his aunt, a midwife. There, Melissa gave birth to twins, Laura and the stillborn Ilena.
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During the War of Succession, her husband sided with Claudius Stirling. Angry at this betrayal, Aldous sacked the Zosimus' home and took the family captive after Gavin's death in the Battle of Duat.
Melissa was separated from her children shortly after. Her fate is unknown, although it is presumed that she was killed or died not long after her disappearance.
After bidding goodbye, Melissa and Gavin's final kiss is interrupted by a messenger.