Lion Head Mesa pestilence

Tavina. Her gentle voice, soft twilight eyes.

Kill me, Maegi whispered, lashes heavy with tears. Find someone else for them. . . I cannot go on. Find a poison—

"NO!"

Her body constricted, sending the pups to tiny, desperate yelps. 

She sobbed. I have been possessed by the gods of my family, she explained, and she was lucid enough to know how insane she sounded. These children belong to them, not me.

Sobs broke down, desperate, wailing. Help me. HELP ME!

It was like a mighty tower, struck at its midsection, buckling and then crumbling, tumbling, ash and dust and fire rising all up around it.