Chapter 70

Dianna meets Samkiel for a clandestine outing and leads him to an ice rink during the Celebration of the Fall. She coaches him through skating, and they share banter and tenderness as she reframes the holiday as gratitude for survival and connection, not destruction. Their talk turns intimate—matching clothes, handholding, and mutual vulnerability.

While circling the rink, Dianna asks about children. Samkiel explains a reversible procedure common on Rashearim, admits he had it, and shares his refusal to sire heirs after witnessing his mother’s suffering. Dianna doubts she should ever have children, and Samkiel counters with affirmation. They skate quietly, Dianna wrestling with grief and guarded hope.

Spotting a hidden food truck, Dianna mischievously enlists Samkiel to break in and “borrow” it. They cook desserts together, laughing through failed attempts until they succeed, and the shared effort briefly restores their ease.

The mood shifts when Samkiel mentions Yejedin. Dianna realizes he secretly went there during his six-day absence to find and kill Kaden. An argument erupts over secrecy, autonomy, and vengeance. Samkiel insists he acted to protect Dianna from confronting Kaden without powers and admits he cannot lose her again. Dianna confesses the need to claim vengeance for Gabby as the last thing she feels is hers.

They deescalate, acknowledging exhaustion and strain. Dianna reveals she intended the outing as a date, and they agree they still want one good day. Samkiel reiterates her safety comes first but, after considering her need for agency, agrees Dianna may deliver the final blow once he has incapacitated Kaden. The tension eased, Dianna tells him she brought him here to show him something more.