Gods & Monsters, #2
The Throne of Broken Gods
by Amber V. Nicole
Contents
Chapter 52
Overview
Samkiel convenes the council, asserts absolute authority, and publicly claims Dianna while revealing she has burned out her powers. Tensions flare with Elianna and Vincent; Vincent is dismissed. The Hand debates Dianna’s threat versus mercy. Roccurem counsels Samkiel on Dianna’s looming grief and warns that Samkiel’s open favor makes him vulnerable.
Summary
During a tense council session, Leviathan and others demand Dianna face consequences and transparency about the Ig’Morruthens. Samkiel reasserts supremacy, rebukes Elianna’s insults, and briefly shatters and remakes the chamber to remind them of his power. He declares there are two Ig’Morruthens left and pointedly states that Dianna is his concern alone.
Pressed about her threat, Samkiel reveals Dianna has burned out her power and may not recover it, then explicitly claims her, invoking ancient law that makes harm against her an act of war. The Hand exchange wary humor, but Vincent argues Dianna’s destruction outweighs any mercy, citing her past violence. Logan counters with her saving him and Neverra.
When Vincent questions Samkiel’s judgment and invokes Samkiel’s father, Samkiel’s temper snaps and he dismisses the room, sending Vincent away and releasing the others. Logan urges understanding, framing Vincent’s hostility as fear shaped by Nismera’s past.
Alone, Samkiel confronts his jealousy as Roccurem appears. Samkiel allows Roccurem to answer Dianna if she calls first, not wanting her isolated. Roccurem outlines the stages of grief, warning Dianna’s emotions will surge and that only Samkiel can currently reach her. Samkiel vows not to abandon her despite her anger.
Roccurem cautions that love’s power is dangerous and that the council views Dianna with fear; Samkiel’s overt protection will be read as a threat. Samkiel swears none will touch her, and Roccurem leaves with a final warning: the greater danger may be to Samkiel himself.
Who Appears
- SamkielGod King; dominates the council, claims Dianna, reveals her burnout, dismisses Vincent, wrestles jealousy, vows to protect her.
- VincentMember of The Hand; condemns leniency toward Dianna, clashes with Samkiel, dismissed after invoking Unir.
- EliannaCouncilor; derides Dianna as a beast, sharply rebuked by Samkiel after overstepping.
- CameronMember of The Hand; banters, notes Samkiel’s claim, warns revealing burnout makes Dianna a target.
- LoganMember of The Hand; defends Dianna for saving him and Neverra, later explains Vincent’s fear.
- RoccuremFreed entity; advises on Dianna’s grief, cautions that Samkiel’s open favor endangers him.
- NeverraAlly; arrives late scented of Dianna, supports Logan, quietly present during debates.
- XavierMember of The Hand; banters through tension, acknowledges Samkiel’s impact on the council.
- ImogenMember of The Hand; cites the oldest law about royal claims, goes after Vincent.
- LeviathanCouncilor; demands Dianna face consequences and timely disclosures.
- ToraCouncil scribe; records proceedings, voices concern Dianna may rival Samkiel.
- JiraiyaCouncilor; reminds Samkiel of the council’s established role and continuity.
- RolluseCouncilor; queries whether Dianna is included among remaining Ig’Morruthens.