The Kindred's Curse Saga, #2
Glow of the Everflame
by Penn Cole
Contents
Chapter 32
Overview
Diem holds a symbolic funeral for Andrei, burying his daggers as mortals and Corbois pay respects. She secures Maura’s promise to care for Teller if she dies in the Challenging and eases tension with Lana. Henri arrives with Vance; Diem defends her actions, offers conditional help to the Guardians, and sets a clandestine meeting. A charged kiss with Henri, witnessed by Luther, fractures fragile trust and sends Diem fleeing to the palace.
Summary
Diem and Teller bury their father’s twin daggers at a makeshift grave where their home once stood. Maura leads the forbidden Rite of Endings as Corbois and mortals watch from a respectful distance. Army friends offer aid and warn of spreading conflict, but Diem refuses militarization.
Diem checks on the healers’ center, secures Maura’s promise to care for Teller if she dies in the Challenging, and reassures a fearful Lana, admitting she averted bloodshed at the ball and urging caution about Guardian methods. Henri’s father mourns his son’s growing anger, intensifying Diem’s guilt.
When Diem joins the Corbois—who wear black in solidarity—Henri arrives with Vance. Diem argues she acted to save mortals from slaughter and explains the Regent overrules her orders. In private, Henri wavers; Diem offers to help the Guardians access the Crown’s boat under strict conditions: pursue justice, not murder. They plan to meet at their old cove at sunset.
Henri kisses Diem; Luther witnesses, visibly hurt. Overwhelmed by divided loyalties and grief, Diem abruptly leaves and runs back to the palace, recognizing truths she cannot outrun as the Challenging approaches.
Who Appears
- DiemQueen in mourning; buries her father’s daggers, refuses army aid, secures Teller’s care, offers conditional help to Guardians, kisses Henri, flees.
- HenriGuardian and Diem’s betrothed; confronts her, wavers, accepts conditional plan, kisses Diem, plans secret meeting.
- Luther CorboisDescended ally; offers quiet support, sees Diem and Henri kiss, visibly pained, further straining trust.
- TellerDiem’s brother; participates in the burial and is embraced by Corbois kin.
- MauraHealer and family friend; conducts the Rite, promises to care for Teller if Diem dies.
- LanaNewly promoted healer and secret Guardian; fearful, then reassured by Diem’s motives and warned about methods.
- VanceGuardian leader; condemns Diem’s ball intervention, suspects her loyalties, shadows Henri.
- Eleanor CorboisDescended cousin; offers condolences and visible support at the funeral.
- Taran CorboisDescended cousin; restrains Luther after witnessing the kiss.
- Alixe CorboisDescended cousin; mourns at the site, symbolically handling scorched earth.
- Lily CorboisDescended cousin; comforts Teller among the Corbois.
- Mr. AlbanonHenri’s father; worries about Henri’s anger and hopes Diem can steady him.
- GavertMortal army officer; urges enlistment and warns war is already here.
- SoraeAttendant who witnesses Diem’s distressed return to the palace.
- PertheGuard who chases after Diem as she flees to the palace.