Ouroboros Spine My atonement lasts the best part of eternity.

She called to him; a name she had bestowed, which somehow held power.

The boy stopped pacing long enough to snap back, Don't call me that!

He stared at her without fear, because she was not frightening. He traced the cut on her face with a modicum of pride that he would not shelter from her; she was not as blood-hungry as the wolves he had grown up with and so Nuak felt powerful.

The witch was ugly because Avicus had made her so.

If she returns, we will take her life. Kukutux promised.

Not if I take yours first! Nuak volleyed back. It had been days since the fox had been driven from Moonglow, though. Days of waiting, watching, pacing; Nuak refused to eat and so he had begun to weaken, his denial only feeding his rage.

He stared down the witch and her offering — the threat hanging uselessly between them. Nuak could no sooner strike her down than leave this place.