the bear lived.
        caiaphas did not.
        how many times as of late had he wanted to go after her, to see if he might tether old soul to old body? had she died on her own terms? had she given up the ghost before her mortal form would succumb? did she know suffering?
        merrick was tormented.
        he wandered long hours alone; he trudged near long-empty dens and across frozen streams from which he knew his mother had once supped.
        his birthplace, and merrick had never felt so alone. pausing to leave bodily against a sprawling, ancient willow, the boy sighed, wilting into himself even as the bear spread jaws inside his heart.