Dawnlark Plains the pit and the pendulum

the doe takes off, leaving nothing between them.

something within Avicus snaps.

she has never had a solid grasp on her base instincts to begin with, often giving into violence, but had always managed a tenuous hold for one reason or another. but Aventus's ascent, Moonwoman's feigned magic, and now Laurel's attack—

it all built up. spilled over. tumbled out, in snarling and spitting, raving and drooling, a girl turned to fire.

she launches herself at the woman, grasping for her throat, reaching to pummel her sides, hoping to drive her aunt into the dirt until she is no more, no more, NO MORE

she sees nothing, lost in rage, and blood more or less literally blinds her soon, anyway

she'll pull the spine out of her, present her head to Father,

then who is the better of them?

who is the best of all of them?

she bites down in giant snaps, tasting empty air, hoping one of them will strike true and snap Laurel's neck in two.