Gods & Monsters, #2
The Throne of Broken Gods
by Amber V. Nicole
Contents
Chapter 53
Overview
Dianna spends three days sunk in grief until Samkiel intervenes, forcing basic care and coaxing her toward normalcy. Their charged flirtation resurfaces as Samkiel sets boundaries and reaffirms his feelings, while Dianna’s guilt over Gabby resurfaces. He insists she eat, hinting at plans to get her moving again.
Summary
Dianna drifts through days of grief, sleeplessness, and numbness, clinging to Gabby’s note and a cracked photo. Samkiel arrives, removes her covers, and matter-of-factly notes she has been in bed for three days. He mends the broken frame, signaling his intent to fix what he can, then hauls Dianna to the bathroom when she resists.
In the opulent bath, Samkiel prepares scented water and teases about washing her. Dianna seizes control of the moment by undressing and provoking him, then pointedly withdrawing with a “maybe another time,” choosing the bath over intimacy. Samkiel, affected but composed, retreats to make food.
Downstairs, he uses magic to prepare a simple meal. Their banter turns to her lack of sleep and his offer to help. Samkiel states clearly that his feelings since Chasin remain unchanged and warns that teasing is not a game for him, setting emotional boundaries.
Dianna’s arousal gives way to guilt as she remembers falling for Samkiel while Kaden took Gabby, and she lashes out to shield herself. A tense silence follows. Samkiel ends the standoff by insisting she eat for what he has planned, indicating a next step to move her out of stagnation.
Who Appears
- DiannaGrief-stricken and powerless, bedridden for three days; provokes then withholds intimacy; wrestles with guilt over Gabby; reluctantly faces care.
- SamkielTakes charge of Dianna’s care, restores the photo, prepares a bath and food; reaffirms feelings, sets boundaries, and readies a plan to help her recover.
- GabbyDianna’s sister; appears via a photo and note, triggering Dianna’s grief and guilt.