Ankyra Sound a bruise upon the silent moon

the sylph assisted where she was able or allowed, her falcon yellow eyes flitting from dam to dam as they fought to bring new life into the world. if there was any higher order, it surely had a sense of humor -- for both became mothers that night.

the crone's attention flitted from the small miracles erzulie and rosalyn had whelped to the entrance; a shade had briefly darkened their doorstep, and just as quickly stole away. in the siren a sense of furor kindled -- coward, she thought -- in spry steps the siren was across the door and watching his receding form with burning contempt.

she spat into the sand with rueful vigor, biting her tongue despite the wish to cast his name to hell -- either he would come back, or he wouldn't. as shameful as firefly's leaving was, the grim reality was neither rosalyn nor erzulie truly needed him. he had done his part. she did not speak of his betrayal, knowing it would darken a room that needed no misery introduced to it.

stepping back into the den, now crowded with several lives, caiaphas' features broke into a haggard grin. "five new whelps to strengthen rusalka. you two should be proud. rest, and i will keep guard outside."