I wouldn't be doing my due diligence as an author if I didn't piss off my readers by killing off a main character. Kage's death was predestined. Period.
I've said it before and I'll say it again...
As an author I want to get feedback when my readers have strong reactions to a chapter. I want to hear if they think something is funny, if they're angry or enraged, if they cried tears of joy or tears of sadness. If I can make a few readers cry and laugh in the same chapter... bonus. One of the biggest compliments an author can get is to know his/her readers have been provoked into commenting because of a strong emotional response.
I absolutely hated sacrificing Kage, but for the sake of the story, it had to happen. All I can do is ask my readers to trust me, to trust the process.
Just like Spirit Wolves this story won't get tied up in a neat little bow. That's what the next story will do. I promise. ❤