Shylah was born in the Ossan Quarter to a single working Seraph mother. She never knew her father, but knew that he was a Vigil Warrior whom her mother had a fling with. When she was 10 years old, her mother left to fight in the Centaur Wars, leaving Shylah in the care of her Aunt Livia. Despite her Aunt's patient and loving nature, Shylah grew to resent her aunt for "replacing" her mother.  Her mother died when Shylah was 16. 

When she turned 18, Shylah joined the Vigil in part to look for her birthfather. Though she did find him and they developed a bond, she found it difficult to tell him that she was his daughter, fearing that he might abandon her. He was later killed in the Pact Fleet crash in Verdant Brink where his body was found by Shylah. Enraged at the Sylvari who had turned to Mordremoth and the Commander who had led them into the jungle, Shylah stabbed Commander Talæesyn through the chest in an attempt to kill him. Though she was chased down by Cadteryn, Gwyn and Mercer, she was spared by Mercer's untimely Mordrem transformation.

Later in Season 3, after being forced to leave the vigil for her traitorous behavior, she learns of the revitalization of the White Mantle and takes action against them, reuniting with the newly formed Dragon's Watch and saving Talæesyn's life. She then more formally joins up with Dragon's Watch to confront Balthazar in Path of Fire.