Bearclaw Valley a chalice of pastel blood

amused by earp, merrick licked his own scarred lips. "easier said than done," came his gentle purling. "first, ah, we has to get close." this coalstained man and his sooty knowing stare; what had he seen? what had he become?
the boy pulled ahead, catching a glimpse of a shadow beyond them, and hungers whetted, began to stalk.