The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

unheard. It has only happened twice before, and the end
results were not favorable.”
“When Malec Ascended Isbeth, and the others started
following suit?” I surmised.
Casteel nodded. “The Council was against allowing it to
occur, having the opinion that Malec should apologize, make
what he did right, and forbid future Ascensions.”
“And what do you mean by make things right?” I had a
sinking feeling I already knew.
“He was advised to rid himself of Isbeth, one way or
another,” he said. “He did none of those things.”
“And so, here we are,” Kieran murmured.
I swallowed. “And what of the other time?”
A thoughtful expression pinched Casteel’s features. “It
was back before Malec ruled, when there were other deities.
The Council was started then, when the bloodlines began to
outnumber the deities. The Council suggested that it was
time for the crown to sit upon the head of one of the
bloodlines. That was also ignored.”
Alastir hadn’t mentioned that in his cruddy history
lesson. If they had listened to the Council, would the deities
have survived?
A couple with two young children hastily bowed as we
rounded a corner. Their shock at seeing us was evident in
their widened eyes. As Casteel and Kieran greeted them
with a smile and words of hello, I saw that they were most
likely mortal. I followed suit with the greeting, hoping I
didn’t come across as stiff.
Moving onto a case containing what appeared to be
some sort of clay vase, I said, “Can I ask you two a question
and have you give me an honest response?”
“Can’t wait to hear what this will be,” Kieran murmured
while Casteel nodded.
I shot the wolven a dark look. “Do I seem awkward when
I meet people?” I could feel warmth suffusing my cheeks.
“Like back there, when I said hello? Did it sound right?”