The ​Crown of Gilded Bones

“They were brothers, if not by blood then by friendship, and I knew they loved each other.”

This passage emphasizes that Cas and Kieran’s choice to remain loyal is far more significant than their destiny of being bonded to each other. Their unshakable friendship further explores The Evolution of Identity and Destiny and reiterates the importance of proceeding on the assumption that individual choices are significant despite the overarching power of destiny that influences the course of broader events.

“Kieran’s growl deepened, and an emotion I’d never felt from him before poured into me. It was like anger, but older. And it felt like that buzz in my blood had. Ancient. Primal.”

This observation of Poppy’s demonstrates that Kieran’s bond causes him to undergo drastic changes. Typically level-headed, Kiernan adopts more of Cas’s hot temper as the wolven bond compels him to protect Poppy. The author’s offhand yet strategic use of the world “primal” also foreshadows Poppy’s own future revelation that she has “Primal” blood within her, fueling her own powers.

“I tasted bitter, sweat-drenched fear and the hot acidic burn of hatred. I didn’t try to stop it.”

Poppy’s ability to feel people’s emotions materializes through her senses. Unlike Cas, who rarely uses compulsion to control those around him, Poppy uses her abilities at will, wanting to understand and empathize with others.