Chapter 2

Samkiel embraces Dianna, desperate for connection after weeks apart, but Dianna rebuffs him with cold detachment. She dismisses their bond, claims there is no “us,” and mocks his concern, signaling she intends to kill those responsible for her sister’s death. Samkiel senses she is forcing distance to wage her own war.

When Samkiel notices the scent of mortal blood, Dianna shows alarming strength, pinning him to a desk and warning him to stay out of her way. She threatens his friends and followers if he interferes, revealing a plan to slaughter those behind her sister’s demise. Samkiel insists the compassionate Dianna he knew still exists and tries to reach her.

Gregory enters with an update, and Dianna instantly kills him by hurling a pen into the back of his skull, proving her resolve and newfound ruthlessness. Alarms trigger and anti-Otherworldly defenses activate, but Dianna—unmoved—declares she tried to be good and vanishes in dark mist.

Left amid the chaos and a dead celestial, Samkiel confronts the reality that Dianna has embraced vengeance and is stronger and more dangerous than before. He is terrified by her threats against his circle and the scale of violence she promises.