Does The Darkling die at the end of Shadow and Bone?

The Black Heretic, the Darkling, General Kirigan, or Aleksander, whatever name he chooses to go by, the Shadow Summoner in the Netflix original series Shadow and Bone isn't someone to trifle with if you know what's good for you.

Ben Barnes‘ take on the complicated character, who originated in Leigh Bardugo‘s Shadow and Bone trilogy, is one that plays with the Darkling's vulnerability and his desire for control.

Charismatic and influential, the Shadow Summoner has the Grisha within his hold through their loyalty and gratitude for his dedication to their survival.

But, the lines he's willing to cross for power includes the mass murder of innocents and the abuse of Alina Starkov, the Sun Summoner and the partner he's been waiting centuries for.

What's next for The Darkling in Shadow and Bone season 2?

Season 1 of Shadow and Bone saw the Darkling stripped of everything he'd come to be known as. The carefully crafted image he'd constructed of himself as a protector and leader cracked and shattered when he forced Alina under his control and destroyed a town using the Fold.

Banding together, Alina, Mal, Zoya, and the Crows manage to defeat him, but he's not dead despite being attacked by a Volcra. In fact, Kirigan discovers a new ability after his losing battle. He's now able to control the creatures of the Fold, it's a power that's sure to swing the inevitable stand-off between him and Alina in his favor.

While Shadow and Bone season 2 has yet to be officially announced, fans are already excited for the next installment of the series. Based on the first season's ending, the Darkling is going to be out for blood, though it's unclear who will face his wrath first.

Kirigan's ire was stoked by the West Ravkan rebellion that sought to secede and establish their region of the country as the true Ravka. He could spend his time snuffing out those who wish to shake his influence over the throne and the Grisha in the nation.

Or Kirigan could immediately start trying to track down Alina in an attempt to drag her back to his side. He is, after all, convinced that they're meant to be together.

We'll have to wait to find out what direction the wind blows for Kirigan in season 2 on Netflix, but we do know we haven't seen the last of the Darkling in this series.