Sawtooth Spire It's only been about a couple of days

Mahler was correct to worry about resentment—she would always hold disdain in her heart for the children born of his promised trysts, and for the women responsible for pulling him in so many directions. The children would suffer for the absence of a stable father. Mahler could do everything in his power but he could not be with them all the time like they would want. And every second he spent with his bastards elsewhere was less time spent with hers, which was a reality she did resent. His actions in the coming months would solidify her opinion on the matter, no doubt.

Although she thought she already partially knew the reason Takiyok was not being asked to lead, it nevertheless came as a shock when he said she wanted nothing to do with him. What'd you do? Wylla wondered, perhaps inappropriately. It wasn't her business, but she couldn't help but to ask. Especially because there was a tiny seedling of hope that sprouted when he mentioned that he only had two obligations left.

Maybe those would wither and die, as well, leaving Mahler free for Wylla and her cubs, and only them.