The Wolf and the Woodsman

by Ava Reid

“You don’t understand. They’re one god—two halves of the same whole. Godfather Life is the bestower of mercy, and Godfather Death is the arbiter of justice. Both justice and mercy have their place, and I know Godfather Life would grant the latter to you and your kind if you wished to change your ways.”

All that talk of quiet obedience is for their benefit, not yours. They don’t have to go to the effort of striking you down if you’re already on your knees.”

There is no remedy for what will be.’”

Creation can only exist alongside destruction, peace alongside pain. Wherever there is life, I will also be.’

“Would you let me destroy you, then?” “It would be just as well,” Gáspár says miserably. “I should be struck dead, for wanting you the way I do.”