The Kindred's Curse Saga, #2
Glow of the Everflame
by Penn Cole
Contents
Chapter 19
Overview
Reeling from the pyre, Diem reunites with her father, Andrei, and they reconcile over past hurts and secrets. He admits ignorance of her sire and her mother’s mission, but agrees to advise Diem. Diem confirms Luther knows of her mother’s whereabouts. Alixe arrives and uses light magic to invisibly escort Andrei home.
Summary
Sorae rushes Diem back to the palace after the disastrous pyre. Exhausted and shaking from unchecked power, Diem rests under Sorae’s watch. Luther returns with a cloaked visitor—Andrei Bellator. Father and daughter confirm her Crown, argue over years of secrecy and flameroot, then apologize and embrace.
Diem presses Andrei about her sire. He insists he does not know and explains Maura conceived Diem during a final, confidential mission whose details only the King of Fortos could share. They discuss the impending Challenging; Andrei frames it as a battle of will, while Diem reveals her bargain with Remis Corbois to claim his House for support.
Seeking trustworthy counsel, Diem asks Andrei to join her Crown Council as military advisor. He warns Descended will resent his presence but, weighing her vulnerability against the risks, reluctantly agrees. Andrei meets Sorae; the gryvern warms to him, easing the tension and briefly restoring joy.
Diem confronts the mystery of Maura’s disappearance. Andrei shares that Maura planned a long, silent trip but vanished without warning. Diem reveals Luther knows where Maura is yet refuses to break his promise; he will retrieve her by year’s end if needed. Andrei observes Luther’s desperate concern for Diem, hinting at a deeper history, but they are interrupted.
Luther returns with Alixe Corbois. Diem introduces Andrei formally. Diem invites Andrei to stay at the palace, but he declines, wanting to be home if Maura returns. Alixe demonstrates light manipulation, rendering Andrei invisible to escort him safely. Andrei encourages Diem to be strong and remember she is a Bellator before departing under Alixe’s illusion.
Who Appears
- Diem BellatorQueen recovering from shock; reconciles with her father, seeks truth about her mother, recruits him as military advisor.
- Andrei BellatorDiem’s father; apologizes and supports her, admits ignorance about Maura’s mission, agrees to advise, then departs home.
- Luther IgniosPrince who brings Andrei to Diem; knows Maura’s whereabouts but keeps his promise not to reveal them.
- SoraeGryvern who shelters and comforts Diem; bonds with Andrei during their first meeting.
- Alixe CorboisRemis’s kin and light-mage; uses illusions to render Andrei invisible and escorts him safely home.