Gods & Monsters, #2
The Throne of Broken Gods
by Amber V. Nicole
Contents
Chapter 83
Overview
Samkiel performs a dangerous rite to consult the Higher One and uncovers shattering truths: Kaden is Unir’s son—Samkiel’s brother—and Dianna is Samkiel’s fated amata. Unir’s earlier god-children sparked the Gods War, and the fates are divided.
The Higher One reveals the meeting was a stalling tactic. Samkiel snaps back to find himself bound in a rune circle as Elianna and the council betray and imprison him.
Summary
Samkiel prepares gifts for Dianna, then enters a blood-drawn circle in the quiet council hall to seek answers from the Higher One. In her realm, the Higher One taunts him by wearing Dianna’s form, prying out his fear that Dianna might not love him. He demands information about the breach at Yejedin.
The Higher One reveals the core truth: Kaden is not merely a former King of Yejedin or Unir’s general—he is Unir’s son, making Kaden Samkiel’s brother. She explains that, long before Samkiel’s birth, Unir created powerful god-children in secret—some of light and some of darkness—three defined by blood: one who sheds it, one who bends it, and one who consumes it. Their existence seeded the Gods War. Unir hid them, and one lived under Samkiel’s nose. Samkiel realizes Kaden’s power and actions now make sense.
The Higher One also reveals Dianna is Samkiel’s amata, the soul-bond explaining their volatile pull and why their powers do not harm each other. She adds that Roccurem serves Unir, while the other two Moirai serve the One True King, and that the equinox nears.
As Samkiel strains to remain in the realm, the Higher One admits the meeting is a deliberate distraction to keep him immobile while The Order works, promising freedom after Samkiel’s death. His control collapses; he is wrenched back into his body.
Samkiel awakens on the council hall floor inside a rune-sealed circle, wrists chained to the stone. Elianna and the council stand outside the barrier and announce the beginning, revealing their betrayal as they prepare to act against him.
Who Appears
- SamkielGod King protagonist; seeks the Higher One, learns Kaden is his brother and Dianna his amata; returns to find himself chained by the council.
- The Higher OnePowerful being who taunts and informs Samkiel, revealing Kaden’s parentage, Dianna’s bond, Unir’s creations, and the fates’ alignments.
- EliannaCouncil leader present at the end; part of the group that traps and chains Samkiel within a rune circle.
- DiannaOffstage; revealed as Samkiel’s amata, explaining their bond and matching powers.
- KadenAntagonist; revealed as Unir’s son and Samkiel’s brother, the blood consumer tied to Yejedin’s secrets.
- UnirSamkiel’s father; secretly created powerful god-children, hid them, and locked many beings away to prevent catastrophe.
- RoccuremFate aligned with Unir; contrasted with the other Moirai serving the One True King.
- The OrderAntagonistic force working while the Higher One stalls Samkiel; aims for his death.
- CouncilSamkiel’s supposed allies; stand with Elianna and imprison him inside a rune-sealed circle.
- The One True KingDistant power; two Moirai serve him, opposing Unir’s designs.