Chapter 8: The Burning of the Mutts

At this point, Delphine has consented to return to work for Fidelis and continues caring for the boys, and her constant worrying has left little time to consider the private direction her life might take. However, when she finds that her relationship with Cyprian might take a different direction, perhaps toward an altar of some sort, she finds herself completely and utterly incapable of saying yes. Something has happened to her in those seemingly endless months and days that has transformed her private wishes into impossible fantasies. She realizes the futility, the complete emptiness that marrying Cyprian would bring, because her life is different now; what she chooses to identify herself with is different. She has become such a part of the Waldvogel existence that her life with Cyprian has been put on the back burner in her mind. And, although he is shocked into reality by her response, it is not surprising. I found that even as the reader it is impossible to entertain the idea of her marrying Cyprian. What is left now is the question of what will become of Cyprian, and also will Delphine choose to take Eva's place in the family permanently? She is so independent and powerful a figure that it is hard to make such a prediction. However, it has been hinted at and no doubt we will see a resolution very shortly.