Chapter 39

Diem realizes Luther has been hiding a worsening godstone wound from Arboros. She uncovers his festering injury and blackened veins and learns he already tried her poultice, made more himself, and consulted mortal and Descended healers, who agreed nothing works once the poison reaches the heart.

Refusing despair, Diem forces a promise from Luther to keep fighting and summons Sorae across their bond to extract them to Lumnos. She races to rouse Taran, who, with Zalaric’s help, alerts Alixe. Diem’s fury at Yrselle’s manipulation simmers as they prepare to flee without the Queen’s leave.

Back with Luther, Taran is devastated. Luther asks Taran to protect Diem; Diem rejects any farewell and insists she will heal him. Taran, torn between grief and rage, goads Luther to live. Alixe arrives, assesses the dire state, and reports Sorae is hours away; the flight home will be hard but possible.

As they gather belongings, Taran finds Luther’s goodbye letters and pockets them despite Diem’s protest. He checks the compass, hides his reaction, and places it with Luther via Diem to steady him. Diem maintains contact with Sorae, who speeds toward Umbros.

They debate escape routes and risks, acknowledging Yrselle’s power could crush them. Diem briefly considers staying behind to buy time, but Luther begs her not to deny him her presence. They settle on Yrselle’s private dining room terrace as Sorae’s landing point to avoid patrols.

When pressed to flee with them, Zalaric agrees on the condition he hides nothing of his identity or past. Diem promises him her protection as Queen to the extent she can, and the group commits to the nighttime escape, bracing for a confrontation with Yrselle’s forces.