Contents
18 Meryn
Overview
Meryn endures Izabel’s funeral, where Tomison’s grief turns violent and forces Meryn to dismiss him. She later admits fault for killing Gerhold’s family, then appoints Igor interim councilor while Siegrid returns to the front. A psychic rupture ends the meeting with the shocking defection of the entire Phylax pack to Killian.
Summary
Two days after the poisoning, Meryn watches nobles depart, numbed by grief. She rides with Stark and Anassa to Izabel’s funeral, where Venna delivers a eulogy and the Bonded honor Izabel and her wolf Asteio with a pyre and howls. Meryn struggles to remain composed and to lead despite crushing guilt.
As mourners disperse, Tomison confronts Meryn, blaming her for Izabel’s death. His wolf, Filikos, lunges for Meryn, prompting Cratos to pin Filikos and Stark to restrain Tomison. Alpha Egith exerts dominance, forcing both to submit. Meryn relieves Tomison of duty and sends him home to heal, while Venna insists on continuing her work after brief time with family.
At the Council Palast, empty chairs mark their losses. Meryn admits she was wrong to kill Councilor Gerhold’s family and vows not to rule by fear. Though some Bonded approve of her ruthlessness, Igor voices disappointment. To stabilize governance, Meryn appoints Igor interim Councilor of Sturmfrost until a vetted noble replacement is found; Siegrid plans to return to the front at Linsfall.
During routine business, a violent shock tears through the Bonded link. Siegrid, Nevah, and Meryn sense a severing, and Egith and the wolves react. Siegrid identifies the calamity: the entire Phylax pack has defected to Killian, escalating the threat and destabilizing the Bonded forces.
Who Appears
- MerynGrieving queen; attends Izabel’s funeral, restrains retaliation, dismisses Tomison, apologizes for excess, appoints Igor interim councilor.
- StarkGuard and anchor; restrains Tomison during the confrontation and supports Meryn throughout.
- AnassaMeryn’s direwolf; counsels restraint, shields Meryn during the attack, echoes leadership imperative.
- VennaIzabel’s sister; delivers eulogy, mourns deeply, chooses to continue palace duties after brief leave.
- TomisonIzabel’s lover; grief-stricken, confronts Meryn, fails to stop his wolf’s attack, is dismissed from duty.
- FilikosTomison’s direwolf; grief-fueled attack on Meryn, subdued by Cratos and Egith’s dominance.
- EgithAlpha of Strategos; imposes dominance to end the confrontation and later escorts Tomison away.
- SiegridCommander; guides council, plans return to Linsfall, senses rupture, announces Phylax defection.
- IgorMeryn’s confidant; condemns her excess, accepts interim Councilor role to stabilize the city.
- AlienorCastle Matron; present at council, supports guard appointments, sober witness to Meryn’s admission.
- NevahCouncil member; attends funeral and council, senses the psychic break with the others.
- GenicosSiegrid’s direwolf; responds to the sudden rupture, standing guard during the crisis.