Chapter 20

Hearing screams from the medical wing, Samkiel storms in to find Cameron eviscerated and Xavier holding the wound. Accused that his "new girlfriend" Dianna attacked, Samkiel heals Cameron and immediately forbids anyone from harming Dianna, igniting hostilities with Vincent and Xavier.

As Vincent argues Dianna must be put down, Samkiel’s temper flares, the room shorts out, and he insists the violence is not who Dianna truly is. Pressed about his secrecy, Samkiel erupts, confessing centuries of sacrifice, failure, and isolation since Rashearim fell, and condemns their prejudice toward Dianna.

Samkiel draws the Oblivion blade, forcing the others to confront the hypocrisy of hailing him a savior while his weapon ends worlds. He equates his and Dianna’s bloodshed, declaring that if she is a monster, so is he. The room falls silent.

Imogen arrives, notes the damage, and delivers the council’s command: Gregory is dead, she has been appointed Samkiel’s advisor, and the council demands Samkiel immediately. She also reports that Dianna has taken Roccurem. Samkiel, after assigning Cameron to rest and Vincent to brief the others, accepts.

Imogen opens runes and transports herself and Samkiel to the ruins of Rashearim to face the council.