The Kindred's Curse Saga, #3
Heat of the Everflame
by Penn Cole
Contents
Chapter 38
Overview
Diem resolves to confront Luther and commit to him despite recent distance and secrets. In his disordered room, she confesses trust and love, but Luther collapses mid-embrace. Diem discovers a concealed, infected wound and spreading godstone poisoning from Arboros, reframing his behavior and escalating the personal stakes.
Summary
Unable to sleep, Diem debates whether to confront Luther after days of his withdrawal. She chooses to separate their titles from their relationship and crosses the hall to speak with him in the middle of the night.
Luther answers looking disheveled and strained, his room in chaos. Diem insists they talk. She explains how his recent distance since the compass revelation has hurt her, yet affirms that no explanation will change her decision. She confesses that he makes her feel safe, seen, and hopeful, and vows to trust him even if he keeps some secrets.
As Diem leans in, affirming that Luther is worth fighting for and offering him space until he is ready to share, Luther embraces her. When Diem’s hand brushes his hip, he groans in pain and collapses, blood staining her hand.
Diem tears open his clothing and discovers a bandaged, infected wound on his hip and a web of blackened veins spreading across his torso and neck. Luther admits it was not from the bathhouses but from Arboros. Diem recognizes the spreading corruption as godstone poisoning, transforming her fears about his distance into an urgent, life-threatening crisis.
Who Appears
- DiemDetermined to address Luther’s distance; confesses trust and love; discovers his concealed, worsening godstone poisoning.
- Luther CorboisDisheveled and evasive; collapses during Diem’s confession; reveals infected wound and spreading godstone poisoning from Arboros.