Chapter 66

Diem and Teller are stunned to meet in Sophos. Teller demands news of their mother, bristles at Diem’s secrecy, and tries to leave with his Descended escorts. Luther presses about Lily; Teller reveals he left Lumnos by choice after ending their relationship, influenced by Remis’s suggestion.

Diem drags Teller into a private office despite his protests. Teller accuses Diem of lying and centering everything on herself. He explains Sophos offers anonymity and safety compared to the scrutiny in Lumnos. Diem warns Sophos is dangerous, but Teller insists she keeps secrets.

Teller reveals the Sophos Crown invited him months ago; Diem admits she forgot and hid it, fearing he’d be used against her. She cites rumors of mortals vanishing and experiments. Teller counters with what he’s learned: strict admissions, faked deaths to deter thieves, and paid, voluntary trials that fund families and lifesaving research.

Diem condemns the exploitation of desperate mortals; Teller acknowledges the unfairness but argues the people here are trying to do good within a broken world. He notes the Descended seem eccentric, not murderous, and many mortals are happy with their work. Diem wavers, questioning morality within corrupt systems.

When Diem slips that Lily knew of the invitation, Teller is hurt but reaffirms the breakup as final. Diem seeks forgiveness; Teller half-yields, teasing that her fear for him requires it. He worries the Crowns will execute Diem for Fortos; she hints at a plan for pardons tied to killing Ophiucae.

Teller notices a glow on Diem’s neck. As Diem touches the hot mark, she realizes it’s intensifying—the same signal as before. The chapter ends with Diem understanding that Ophiucae is approaching.