The Kindred's Curse Saga, #3
Heat of the Everflame
by Penn Cole
Contents
Chapter 72
Overview
Luther surprises Diem with exclusive access to Sophos’s library and a sealed archive of banned mortal texts. At the Everflame door, Diem’s godhood activates the relic and commands her to restore balance, hinting at a larger destiny. Diem and Luther consummate their bond, vow equality in private, merge their magic, then spend the night studying and planning for what comes next.
Summary
Night falls on Sophos as Diem and Luther walk through a relieved, grateful city. After a playful, jealous exchange with Stuart, Luther carries Diem to the closed public library, revealing a private surprise arranged with Doriel’s staff: the vast stacks are theirs alone to explore.
He leads Diem to a sealed bronze door shaped like a jeweled tree honoring the Everflame. When Diem touches the door, the stones blaze and her godhood speaks: “Restore the balance, Daughter of the Forgotten.” Luther’s touch does nothing, prompting questions about why a relic of the Old Gods responds to Diem. He opens the archive, revealing a cozy chamber of banned mortal texts and artifacts.
Seeing how precisely he understood her, Diem realizes the depth of her love. They discuss roles, agreeing that in private they will be equals—Diem and Luther, not Queen and Prince. Luther drinks a contraceptive tonic, they exchange vows of devotion, and Luther explains he kept his scar as a pledge once made to Lumnos and now to her.
They finally consummate their relationship, alternating tenderness and ferocity, trusting each other’s boundaries. Their godhoods slip free and mingle, healing marks and filling the room with the Kindreds’ magic. The intimacy deepens their commitment and steadies their resolve for the coming trials.
Afterward, Luther tends to Diem and sets out tea and food. Diem devours the archive’s forbidden histories while Luther watches over her; they intermittently return to each other until exhaustion. Near dawn they fall asleep by the fire, newly bonded, with Diem ready to claim a shared future and the riddle of “balance” ahead.
Who Appears
- Diem BellatorQueen of Emarion; activates the Everflame door, hears a call to restore balance, affirms love and equality with Luther, and studies banned texts.
- Luther CorboisPrince and lover; arranges private library access, vows devotion, drinks contraceptive tonic, consummates with Diem, merges magic, supports her research.
- StuartMortal teen of Sophos; briefly greets Diem, provoking Luther’s jealousy before they depart.
- Doriel’s attendantAids Luther’s preparations at the library and provides the contraceptive tonic.