Gods & Monsters, #2
The Throne of Broken Gods
by Amber V. Nicole
Contents
Chapter 72
Overview
Cameron steals Elianna’s journal, but it is in the old language, slowing the team’s research into the hidden kings and prison dimensions. Speculation about rituals stalls until Roccurem arrives, declaring texts useless and urging them to stay their course. He confirms Samkiel is with Dianna and delivers a dire prophecy of impending loss, unsettling Cameron as Xavier pointedly withdraws.
Summary
Cameron returns to the council hall with books, revealing the prize: Elianna’s journal. Tension flares over how he obtained it, and Xavier reacts coolly. Imogen takes the journal but finds it written in the old language, requiring transcription, while the group resumes combing texts for prison-dimension leads.
They debate why the hidden kings have gone undetected and consider rituals that might require sacrifice or rare celestial events. With no major event imminent, their speculation stalls. Vincent argues the crisis may be ending with Alistair and Tobias dead, leaving only Kaden.
Roccurem materializes, stating their needed answers aren’t in their texts and that they must remain on their current path. Amid relieved banter, he confirms Samkiel is with Dianna, prompting jokes and bets as the group decides to eat, while Xavier abruptly departs to “take care of something.”
Cameron doubles back to invite Roccurem, who instead delivers an ominous warning: what must occur will be painful, they will lose much, and Cameron should treasure his family. Roccurem vanishes, leaving Cameron fearful and rattled by the prophecy.
Who Appears
- CameronNarrator; steals Elianna’s journal, jokes to defuse tension, then is shaken by Roccurem’s prophecy of great loss.
- ImogenTakes Elianna’s journal to transcribe the old language; analyzes ritual possibilities; banters with Cameron.
- LoganSuggests ritual theory; supports Imogen and Neverra; joins the group’s banter and betting.
- VincentSkeptical and snide; believes the crisis may soon end; shows irritation at Cameron’s antics.
- NeverraRecovered from Yejedin’s trauma; helps steer the group; shares a light moment with Logan.
- XavierGuarded toward Cameron; offers theories, then abruptly leaves to handle something unspecified.
- RoccuremAppears unannounced; says texts won’t help, confirms Samkiel is with Dianna, and warns of imminent, painful loss.