Chapter 68

In Yejedin, a massive giant is dragged into a fortified cell while Cameron, Xavier, and celestials struggle to restrain it. Samkiel ignites binding runes, sealing the gate and asserting control. The giant identifies himself as Porphyrion, a king among giants, and challenges Samkiel.

Samkiel unmasks himself and questions Porphyrion. Porphyrion senses Samkiel’s old blood and reveals he has been imprisoned for 3,742 years. He claims Samkiel’s birth coincided with the realms’ volatility and recounts hearing rulers speak of a boy who would unseat them. He describes Yejedin shaking as “winged death” ravaged the realm—matching Dianna’s recent onslaught.

Leaving Porphyrion secured and guarded, Samkiel returns to the council chambers before dawn. He and The Hand scour texts on realms and prisons but find almost nothing about Yejedin’s true origins. Logan brings food from Neverra and assures Samkiel that Dianna has eaten.

Samkiel voices strategic concerns: Kaden may have long hidden in Yejedin and could require a ritual—sacrifice or celestial timing—to reopen the realms and end Samkiel, mirroring the ritual used to seal them. This reframes the urgency of their search.

Pressed by Logan, Samkiel admits personal anxiety: Dianna asked for a day alone together, and her feelings seem to be returning. Logan teases him, explains the idea of a “date,” and suggests simple signs and gestures. Samkiel resolves to keep his promise for tomorrow despite the looming crisis.