Emberwood if he's a king, he's a priest and god too

she is furious and frustrated with Ashlar; her opinion of him sinks low, low, almost to that of Karst's status in her mind—and even he had redeemed himself somewhat by fighting back the other day. but the singer does nothing, even when commanded.

and by his leader, his better, to boot!

the coyote is dying. she sees the light slipping from its gaze, and loosens her grip on the blood-matted dusty-brown pelt, and the body starts to ease toward the ground. Avicus takes a step back, then another. she looks at her father.

your kill, she says mildly, as if forking over the last bit of dessert at a meal. and then sits, watching, losing herself in Merrick's fervent violence rather than dwelling on her friend's cowardice.