Bearclaw Valley the masque of the red death

she is rapt, fixated upon Merrick's face as he tells the tale. she is thinking of her own mother as he describes Indra's weak decision to follow her sister.

what would she do if Astara left her behind? Avicus loves her mother more than anything, more than anyone. killing her is unfathomable. what would it take to reach the level of bitterness that Merrick had found in order to slay Indra? how long must the anger foment before it boils over into matricide?

she does not blame him. she, too, has reacted out of anger. has killed (albeit small, inconsequential creatures) out of anger. 

but to kill one's mother?

Aunt Laurel, she starts, wincing preemptively as she thinks she may face his wrath for saying another forbidden name. why did she call me In— nope. . . .her name?