Chapter 65

Diem enters Sophos and is overwhelmed by its dual magic: violent spark convulsions and an onslaught of perfect-memory thought, supported only by Luther from the Montios border. Regaining control by day three, they ride into Sophos City, observe its technology and fashion, and debate mortal history and culture as they pass the ruins of a demolished mortal temple.

To force an audience, Diem breaches the warded temple site, walls off guards, and examines a fresco of the Everflame. Crown Doriel arrives, and Diem proposes a trade: her cooperation for coronation. In a private library, they spar verbally over stolen mortal heritage, legitimacy, and records. Diem demonstrates her power by flooding the room with darkness and by absorbing Doriel’s spark, revealing functional immunity to magic.

Diem outlines Ophiucae’s threat and claims only she can kill him, pressing for coronation and full pardons for herself and her mother. Doriel lies about archival knowledge, worries about troop strain and Coeurîle, and balks at pardoning Diem’s mother. Diem counters with Guardians’ access and threatens exposure of Sophos’s lethal “research.” Cornered, Doriel requests two days to decide; in return, Diem accepts archive access and hints at sealing terms with a bonded bargain.

Luther rejoins them, needling Doriel about his locked magic and the Forging spell. Assigned a guide, Stuart, Diem tours the archives and greenhouse, where an ominous aura keeps brushing her senses. There, she encounters Guard Perthe—still honoring his oath—and is stunned to find her brother, Teller, studying in Sophos.