Tamed Lamentation
Tia’hin faces the end of her family, at the teeth of her childhood friend, K’oughser. Joella has to take the prophecy that has formed her life and accept it. Four bites have happened, and many deaths abound throughout the forest. Vital questions are answered and beliefs are challenged. Death is coming, not on wings but on paws that move through the deep forest. Everything is changing. There’s no certainty that anyone will see it.
Tia’hin told her pups a story of kin living beyond reach. She doesn’t know if she truly does have mountain-kin, but she can try to find them. Only the two she sent after the dim rumours will find out. If she doesn’t survive the approaching battle, repercussions will spread — not just among her own kind. If the story turns out to be false, who will support those she loves and is there truly something waiting for her afterwards? Her family will need to survive without her guidance, kindness and generous nature. Does her mate even survive this battle, and if so, will he be able to cope without her?
K’oughser is struck by sanity, for the first time in years. These bouts break through his aggressive rage and abusive relationship with his stolen pup/mate — L’iaer, daughter of Tia’hin. Will his kh’in’sha support him as they finally take on the humans? He hopes he has succeeded in corrupting them all — he needs them to help empty the forest of humans. K’oughser is determined to be ruler of all. And he doesn’t care about the cost.
Joella is facing the toughest option yet. Will she face possible death to bring peace to the village that rejects her? She’s not sure she can cope with a broken heart again. Fate drove her from love once, she isn’t sure she can take it a second time. Marlon, a conduit between animals and humans seeks the end of the prophecy, to open her heart again. If they both survive the seething violence an unexpected solar eclipse promises, they could have a new life. As deaths mount up, will Joella’s dog and lyko’a friend stand at her side? She believes that they should defend the vulnerable lives that could bridge species.
Only time will tell — time, and fate. Magical forces are working together against an evil that has spread throughout a group. Death will see either light triumphing — or death reigning supreme throughout a forest beleaguered by death. Death brought Tia’hin and K’oughser into the world, and only death can remove them. Will either of them survive? Prophecies bind the pair of them together, promising death to one. Watched over by enigmatic felines, the battle is drawn and blood will spill. Blood-bonds of family are forgotten and all combatants fight for themselves.
A line has been marked between humans and animals. Peace is the aim for one faction — for the other, total annihilation. Blood will spill and scar the earth. Magic will spring forth unbound. Lives will change. A lamentation will sound.
