The Raven Scholar (Eternal Path Trilogy, #1)

by Antonia Hodgson

Houndsight. A rare, innate ability to read a person’s thoughts and feelings with uncanny accuracy.

An inheritance from their ancestor Yasthala the Great, the last Raven empress.

Like most of life’s observers, the thought of being studied in turn made her intensely uncomfortable.

It is one thing to admit to being feared, or hated. Quite another to admit that you are unloved, and lonely, and that it is taking all your strength to hide it.

Cain for the Fox, Gaida for the Raven, Ruko for the Tiger, Tala for the Ox, Katsan for the Bear, Havoc for the Monkey, Shal for the Hound.

The throne is a burden to be carried, not a prize to be won.”

Once, when she caught a fever, he had appeared at the end of her bed and said, “Your sickness impedes my work.”

Respect, that’s all we demand. Recognition of our magnificence. Offerings. Love. Fear. Trembling awe. Worship. Shiny things. Blood sacrifice, some of us very much enjoy blood sacrifice. Truly, we ask for so little.

There was a certain liberty in being unvalued.