The Kindred's Curse Saga, #3
Heat of the Everflame
by Penn Cole
Contents
Chapter 57
Overview
Diem, Luther, and Diem’s mother reach frigid Montios and take precarious shelter with Sorae. Diem’s magic will take days to return, deepening their vulnerability. Diem rejects her mother’s plan to seek a Guardian camp that would exclude Luther, reaffirming her allegiance to him. Intimacy grows as Diem confronts guilt over recent killings and chooses rest over rash action.
Summary
Arriving in a bleak Montios valley under storm clouds, Diem, Luther, and Diem’s mother take cover beneath Sorae’s wings. Sorae’s wound heals quickly, but Diem’s injuries persist; Luther has given her his remaining magic at the border, leaving her arm useless and pain high.
Discussing recovery, Luther estimates Descended replenishment time and warns Diem’s could take three to four days or more. Diem’s mother proposes a nearby Guardian camp for food, shelter, and protection, but Diem refuses, citing past harm there and refusing to abandon Luther.
Luther produces Diem’s enchanted warming cloak from the Montios ball, revealing he prepared for exile. He tells Diem she is his home, strengthening their bond. Diem thanks him for stopping her from a tragic mistake with Teller and for standing by her despite disagreement.
Diem reflects on commitment and begins to imagine a future with Luther. Conscious of her mother watching, Luther shields their intimacy. Diem confesses the weight of killing the king and compelling the High General’s suicide, and betraying her brother; Luther insists she saved lives and did what was necessary.
To break from spiraling guilt, Diem jokes about fetching firewood to steal time with Luther, but her mother interrupts, postponing their first time together. Despite turmoil and looming threats, Diem falls asleep smiling, warmed by the cloak and Luther’s vow to face consequences together.
Who Appears
- DiemWounded and drained, refuses a Guardian camp to protect Luther, grapples with guilt over recent killings, grows closer to Luther.
- LutherGives Diem a warming cloak, reassures her about hard choices, declares she is his home, stands watch and supports her.
- Diem’s motherUrges going to a Guardian camp for safety, clashes with Diem over Luther, then yields and encourages rest.
- SoraeGryvern companion; shelters the group under her wings, healing well from a wound and unfazed by the cold.