Blackfeather Woods only this & nothing more

the ghoul and his bird remained, a fact that astara ruminated over with some suspicion. many of blackfeather’s ilk had fled — or worse, died — so why had he remained?

the nightcub kept close, wary of any shade that walked through her home unbidden. it did not help he lurked by her mother’s altar, a habit that caused astara perpetual misgiving. 

one unwelcome stranger was frustrating enough, but to find two — the girl’s eyes flashed as she saw another move through the shadows, ready to encounter him with the same frosty treatment. 

but this was no stranger. her posture softened, but her eyes remained sharp. mou had left her and averna for dead, too .. so why was he here as well?