Jade Fern Grove hauntings

astara was stupid to only think it was women, but she did not know that. her paranoia was well-founded, but it did not spring solely from merrick's actions. in truth, she had little evidence her bear was a flagrant cheater -- it was the emptiness of her own guarded heart that made her insecure and volatile.

her bear kicked at a bone, coming back to her with his tongue between his teeth. something was there -- something intangible and yet briefly visible like a peek of brilliant sky through dark clouds. what was it, what did it mean? astara watched him warily, the walls slowly melting as she saw him pin her with a naked stare she had never seen before.

was it in her head? was she just some bitter old bat, driven by her own hate and jealousy? was it her own insecurities that had her thrusting distrust on her bear -- did he not deserve jealousy's hateful knife?

the blackbird quailed then, and the stony palisades between them came toppling down. that she had been the progenitor of such strife and unrest in her crow cut her deeper than any betrayal on merrick's end could. she nosed him desperately, unaware of the confession that lingered just out of reach.