Chapter 36

Samkiel, trapped in a forced dream, relives memories of Dianna and hears an unfamiliar voice praising his devotion. The illusion shifts from tender recollection to confrontation, showing Dianna’s fear of his past violence. Pain crashes through his mind as Baku—dreameaters—dig into his subconscious while Roccurem’s telepathic voice names and explains them.

Roccurem admits he is helping the Baku restrain Samkiel so Dianna can “see and feel” and make her own choice before the One True King arrives. Samkiel rages, demanding release to protect Dianna, but Roccurem refuses, urging him to use the power of love. In despair and fury, Samkiel focuses on the ember of Dianna’s fire within him and unleashes it.

The blast incinerates the Baku holding him and tears open his chamber. Realizing Dianna has been in his room and taken her ring, Samkiel portals through the darkened building. He kills Baku feeding on Logan and Vincent, rousing them, then breaks into the cells, finding Nym drained and Dianna’s bars gone.

Samkiel destroys another Baku, drives off one over Cameron, and pulls Xavier from a scovverg nightmare with healing light. With Logan, Vincent, Cameron, and Xavier recovering, Samkiel concludes that Dianna escaped and reveals the worst truth: Roccurem allowed the dreameaters into the Guild.