Chapter 22

Dianna attacks Kaden on sight, only to discover he is an incorporeal projection. She dismisses Roccurem and confronts Kaden, who taunts her and admits he can watch through obsidian-lined mirrors. Their verbal spar reveals Kaden is moving large amounts of iron and holds the book of Azrael but lacks a final ingredient.

Probing his motives, Dianna deduces he is stalling because he needs her. Kaden counters by needling her about Samkiel, then claims Samkiel is betrothed to Imogen. To prove it, Kaden uses an obsidian mirror to show the Hand’s council room where Imogen tenderly supports a weary Samkiel.

The sight crushes Dianna’s remaining hopes. She concludes Samkiel deserves a brighter destiny with Imogen and that she cannot be part of his family or future. She hardens emotionally, accepting that what she shared with Samkiel was brief and not meant to last.

Kaden then offers to bring Gabby back if Dianna helps open the realms after Samkiel dies. Realizing she is the missing key in his plan, Dianna rejects the manipulation, condemns his lack of love, and promises to kill him.

Dianna declares he will never have her again and that she will burn everything to reach him. She departs the factory in wyvern form, resolved to end Kaden while leaving Samkiel and his betrothed to build their world without her.