The Kindred's Curse Saga, #2
Glow of the Everflame
by Penn Cole
Contents
Chapter 8
Overview
Diem, spiraling with fury and the insistent call of her magic, secretly meets Teller in the dungeon before Luther finds them. Luther provokes Diem into releasing her suppressed power, revealing overwhelming light and shadow. After the catharsis, Diem confronts her immortality’s cost and agrees to claim House Corbois if Luther protects her mortal loved ones; he promises.
Summary
Diem returns to the palace hunting for Luther, barely restraining the violent chant of her newly awakened magic. Lily secretly leads her to the unused dungeon, where Teller waits. They discuss the Corbois offer, the Challenging rules, and the upcoming Ascension Ball, noting that a Corbois claim could deter challengers.
Luther discovers them and identifies Diem’s mounting rage as unspent “godhood.” He orders Lily and Teller away and forces Diem to fight with magic only, hounding her with attacks and accusations until she snaps. Diem erupts, levitating within a blazing sphere as light-vines and shadow-seas flood the dungeon, shattering his shields and scarring the chamber.
When the power crests, Diem collapses, and Luther—burned and awed—admits he expected her strength. The release quiets the voice and clears her mind, but the clarity exposes a deeper grief: as Descended, she will outlive her mortal family and fiancé. The realization leaves her desolate.
Seeking control over what she can, Diem demands Luther’s sworn protection for her loved ones, even if she dies in the Challenging. In return, she will claim House Corbois. Luther promises. Diem withdraws to her chambers and weeps, resolved yet grieving the loneliness her immortality promises.
Who Appears
- DiemQueen-to-be, overwhelmed by raging magic; unleashes immense power, then bargains to claim Corbois if her mortals are protected.
- Luther CorboisRegent’s son; goads Diem into releasing magic, survives the blast, and promises to protect her loved ones.
- TellerDiem’s brother; meets her in the dungeon, explains Challenging rules, retreats before the confrontation.
- Lily CorboisHelps hide Teller in the dungeon; trained by Luther; withdraws when danger rises.
- SoraeDiem’s bonded gryvern, sensed raging and roaring in response to Diem’s escalating power.