The Kindred's Curse Saga, #3
Heat of the Everflame
by Penn Cole
Contents
Chapter 45
Overview
Luther awakens miraculously healed by the Arboros tonic, leading to an emotional reunion and Diem and Luther confessing their love. The group debriefs recent revelations, tensions ease, and small alliances deepen. Diem and Luther plan to rescue Diem’s imprisoned mother in Fortos, agreeing Luther must rest first. Their private resolve marks the war’s true beginning.
Summary
Diem awakens on Luther’s chest, dreading the worst, only to discover Luther alive and rapidly healing. Her magic confirms the toxin is retreating and the godstone damage finally mends. The group erupts in relieved celebration as Diem reveals she used the Arboros Queen’s tonic; Luther recognizes her Fortos magic and teases her care, while Diem silently braces for any divine cost.
The day becomes a soft reunion: stories are shared, Diem admits her past with the Guardians and her parentage, and Teller grows distant. Zalaric integrates with the group as Eleanor, Lily, and Taran fuss over lodging and needs. Remis and Avana visit briefly; Remis’s guarded care for Luther contrasts with old wounds.
As the others clear out, Luther and Diem finally speak openly. Luther confesses love and remorse for past harshness; Diem reciprocates, vowing partnership. They nearly give in to passion, but Diem halts to protect Luther’s still-healing body. They agree Luther must rest, even as he argues strategy for rescuing Diem’s mother; Diem insists they cannot risk him weakened or magicless in Fortos.
On the balcony, Diem learns through their bond that Sorae longs for Tybold, the Ignios gryvern, and vows to find a way to reunite them. Returning, Diem playfully torments Luther with proximity while enforcing his rest. Their talk turns to the found family Diem has built—Eleanor’s confidence, Alixe’s growth, Lily’s courage, Taran’s steadiness—and Luther credits Diem with forging them into a true family.
Together they reaffirm trust, trade apologies and hopes, and choose restraint for one night so they can fight for many nights to come. They fall asleep in each other’s arms, resolved: tomorrow they will move to free Diem’s mother from Fortos. Tomorrow, their war begins.
Who Appears
- Diem BellatorProtagonist; uses Arboros tonic and magic to save Luther, confesses love, plans to free her mother.
- Luther CorboisRevives healed from godstone poisoning, professes love, urges strategic rescue but agrees to rest.
- LilyOverjoyed at Luther’s recovery; emotional support, shares tender moments and growing closeness with Teller.
- EleanorBuoys spirits, organizes care and space, shows growing leadership and sensitivity to Diem and Luther.
- TaranComic relief and steadfast friend; helps Luther, pushes Diem to confess love, hints of feelings for Zalaric.
- AlixeSupportive ally; processes Diem’s revelations and joins the group’s quiet celebration and regrouping.
- ZalaricNewly accepted among them; dry wit, quickly integrated, potential mutual interest with Taran.
- TellerWrestles with Diem’s revelations; tender with Lily; helps secure rooms, mood darkens with new truths.
- SoraeGryvern bonded to Diem; saved Luther; reveals love for Tybold, inspiring Diem’s vow to reunite them.
- Remis CorboisLuther’s father; guarded care, brief reconciliation gestures; his support remains conditional and complex.
- AvanaRemis’s partner; appears weary, offers quiet presence during Luther’s recovery.