Bearclaw Valley There is nothing more lonely than an action taken quietly on your own

Aventus felt his gut twist with sour fear for the length of time that Merrick's singular eye was trained on him. Fleetingly, he thought he might have misunderstood his parents' desire that Evien be put down so Aventus might take his place through blood. His sire's anguish was real. That made things confusing. If he wanted Evien to die then why did Merrick mourn so greatly?

He remained unflinchingly submissive as Merrick drew close, but his sire might catch the stench of reverent fear from his withers as he pressed his tail against his hindquarters and snatched his ears down. Aves expected teeth in his neck, but the Bruin-witch offered a whispered question instead.

Avicus left Ursus, said Aventus lowly. The bear punished her for leaving and deemed her unworthy. And if that was not enough of a reason why Aventus deserved to rise over her, he added, she wished for my death.