Chapter 76

Neverra and Dianna reach the palace exhausted after fleeing Irvikuva through Vincent’s building. Though the raid seemed futile, Neverra reveals she stole documents; among them, Dianna finds family records and a child ownership document proving she was adopted. Reeling, Dianna isolates, then resolves to tell Samkiel rather than hide it.

When Samkiel returns, Dianna confesses she went to Onuna with Neverra and shares a dream of chanting, a blood-red moon, three crowned figures, and the word equinox. Samkiel admits he has seen the same visions. They consider Neverra’s report of a looming “big happening,” but find no natural celestial trigger, leaving the omen unresolved.

Dianna shows the adoption papers, fearing what it means for her bond with Gabby. Samkiel asserts that blood does not define family. He also reveals he killed Porphyrion and, from the giant’s account, that Kaden was once one of his father’s generals who created the Kings of Yejedin—explaining Kaden’s power and vendetta.

After reaffirming their trust and intimacy, Samkiel confides a plan: to consult a deity tied to the Formless Ones via a mental realm accessible through the council halls. The journey carries risks, unknown costs, and requires intense focus, but he promises to return quickly. Dianna accepts the plan despite jealousy over Samkiel’s prior brief encounter with the entity.

The chapter closes with their bond steadied—Dianna anchoring Samkiel’s doubts about his violent legacy, and Samkiel grounding Dianna after the adoption revelation—while they prepare for his dangerous search for answers beyond the physical realms.