The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

Atlantians. “And things that have happened have aided in
that sense of unease.”
“What things?”
“From what I heard from my sister and father, there
have been a few unexplainable incidents. Crops destroyed
overnight, sheared and trampled. Homes inexplicably
catching fire. Businesses vandalized.”
Stunned, I lowered the pillow to the space between us.
“Other than the fires, none of that sounds exactly
unexplainable. Those aren’t natural incidents.”
“True.”
“Has anyone been injured?”
“Not seriously.”
Yet went unsaid. “Casteel hasn’t mentioned any of this.”
“I don’t think he—”
“Wanted me to worry?” I finished for him, irritated.
“That is going to need to change.”
“In his defense, a lot has happened.”
I couldn’t argue with that. “Does anyone have any idea
who is behind this or why?”
“No. And it is bizarre.” Kieran sat up. “Everyone who
lives in Atlantia believes in community, the strength and
power in that.”
“Obviously, someone doesn’t believe in the strength
and power of community,” I remarked, and he nodded. We
hadn’t even had time to discuss what happened in the
Temple. “Do you think Alastir was involved in any of that?”
“I don’t know.” Kieran exhaled heavily. “I’ve known that
wolven my entire life, and I never expected him to do what
he did. I haven’t always agreed with him. Neither has my
father. But we always thought he was a good man.” He
dragged a hand over his head and then looked at me again.
“But if he and the others acting on his belief believed they
were protecting Atlantia, I don’t understand how damaging
crops and businesses would help their cause.”