The Kindred's Curse Saga, #3
Heat of the Everflame
by Penn Cole
Contents
Chapter 26
Overview
Diem confronts Luther, Taran, and Alixe, confessing withheld truths about her mother, visions, and a prophecy that matches her blood cracking the heartstone. As magic flickers across realms, she suspects Lumnos spoke through Ulther. A fierce dispute over risk and command ends with Diem naming Alixe High General and agreeing to return to Lumnos.
Summary
Diem reels from Luther’s intimate refusal, fearing a finality in his distance, yet resolves to lead by example. She gathers Luther, Taran, and Alixe, noting their intermittently returning magic and reports that it’s happening elsewhere. Tension spikes as Luther stays withdrawn.
Diem confesses: her mother leads the Guardians; her unknown father lives; the Umbros Queen urged her off flameroot; Centenaries accessed her memories; she still works with some Guardians; and she and Luther share war-tinged visions. She adds a prophecy and that at her coronation her blood cracked the heartstone. The group infers breaking borders could explain magic’s return.
Diem recalls Ulther speaking ancient words commanding her—“Daughter of the Forgotten”—to give a “gift” to a faithful heir when blood is spilled. Luther suspects the voice was Lumnos. Diem balks at any fate implying her death and wants to consult the Umbros Queen; Luther deems it too dangerous and insists on returning to Lumnos.
The argument explodes over Ignios and the role of protection versus obedience. Luther claims the right to overrule to save Diem’s life; Diem counters she needs her orders followed despite risk. She removes Luther as High General and appoints Alixe, while asking Luther to remain by her side in a different capacity.
Shaken but resolute, Luther insists they still depart for Lumnos. Wearied by conflict and guilt, Diem agrees and promises no tricks, even as unresolved questions about the prophecy, Lumnos’s “gift,” and collapsing borders loom.
Who Appears
- DiemQueen of Lumnos; confesses major secrets, connects prophecy to cracked heartstone, challenges Luther, appoints Alixe High General, agrees to return home.
- Luther CorboisProtective commander and lover; distant, opposes meeting the Umbros Queen, argues over obedience, removed as High General but stays determined to get Diem home.
- Alixe CorboisCousin and ally; reports magic flickers, accepts appointment as High General with quiet resolve.
- Taran CorboisCousin; magic returns, provides levity, mediates briefly, accepts Diem’s apology for Coeurîle.