Chapter 60

In the aftermath of a violent encounter, Dianna sits bruised and bloodied while Samkiel pulls glass from her back. They spar verbally over jealousy and Cameron, both acknowledging Cameron’s feelings for Xavier. Tension escalates as Dianna jokes, and Samkiel’s simmering anger erupts, rooted in her risk-taking and his absence.

Confronted, Dianna admits she left the palace to feel normal, not to die. Samkiel counters that she endangered herself and others. When Dianna apologizes, Samkiel reveals the truth beneath his fury: he was terrified of losing her and would tear realms apart to save her. This confession reframes his rage as fear.

Pressing further, Samkiel asks why Dianna didn’t fight back. He argues she has subconsciously turned off her powers—burying them under grief and guilt—and allowed herself to be hurt as punishment. A brief anecdote about an old scar underscores his point about self-inflicted penance.

Overwhelmed, Dianna retreats to bed but asks Samkiel to stay the night and return after his council meeting. He agrees, signaling a fragile reconciliation and renewed closeness.

Left with her thoughts, Dianna recognizes her profound loneliness easing in his presence. The scene closes with a foreboding sound: a lock rattling somewhere in the house.