Gods & Monsters, #2
The Throne of Broken Gods
by Amber V. Nicole
Contents
Chapter 11
Overview
Dianna confronts Samkiel aboard Santiago’s cargo ship, mixing taunts with buried grief. She reveals a Camilla-forged ring that summons a forsaken blade, proving her escalating power and stealth. After a brutal duel and argument over keeping Santiago alive for information, Dianna lets Santiago slip away, impales Samkiel, steals his blood for an unknown plan, and disappears.
Summary
On a storm-lashed deck, Samkiel faces Dianna as she arrives by wyvern. Their banter exposes jealousy, grief over Gabriella, and Samkiel’s insistence that Dianna still cares. Dianna pushes him away emotionally, claiming their time was a mistake, while Samkiel vows not to abandon her.
Dianna reveals a ring that summons a serrated forsaken sword—crafted by Camilla—signaling newfound, dangerous power. She attacks, forcing the fight below deck. Dianna’s speed and strength overwhelm Samkiel as they trade blows and accusations about his public composure and her mounting rage.
Realizing Dianna is hunting Santiago, Samkiel portals to the cell, yanks Santiago free, and tries to flee. Dianna appears, somehow masking her presence. Samkiel argues to keep Santiago alive for Kaden intel and the claim Azrael may live; Dianna, wounded by the mention of priorities, hesitates but ultimately toys with the standoff.
As Samkiel argues procedure and Council justice, Dianna quietly allows Santiago to escape, then turns fully on Samkiel. She vanishes and reappears through shadow, carves him down to his knees, and disarms him with ruthless precision.
Dianna lifts Samkiel by the throat and drives the forsaken blade through his midsection, pinning him to the hull. She collects his blood in a vial, hinting at a new plan requiring it. After a final, intimate taunt, she dissolves into black mist, leaving Samkiel impaled and alone as Santiago disappears into the ship.
Who Appears
- SamkielNarrator; confronts Dianna on the ship, tries to protect and use Santiago for intel, is overpowered and impaled as Dianna steals his blood.
- DiannaArrives by wyvern, taunts and grieves, wields a Camilla-forged ring-blade, masks her presence, lets Santiago escape, stabs Samkiel, bottles his blood.
- SantiagoPrisoner and informant; feared by both, slips away during the standoff while Dianna and Samkiel argue over his fate.