Gods & Monsters, #2
The Throne of Broken Gods
by Amber V. Nicole
Contents
Chapter 26
Overview
Cameron and Xavier, exhausted from searches and council fallout, sense an ominous quiet before Dianna arrives at a public cafe. Dianna disarms, confirms mutual surveillance, and pointedly says she needs Samkiel closer, implying an imminent move.
The encounter raises civilian stakes and signals Dianna’s confidence and control heading into the looming siege.
Summary
A few days later, Cameron and Xavier sit outside a bustling Silver City cafe, exhausted from days of hunting Dianna and probing for Neverra. They discuss Samkiel’s sleepless urgency, his apparent love for Dianna, and the council’s resolve to execute Dianna for stealing a fate and attacking gods. Cameron admits respect for Dianna’s sacrifice for her sister but recognizes the danger she poses.
The city’s lively normalcy contrasts with their dread as the sky darkens and the air stills. They note weeks of uneasy quiet except for livestock shortages and fear Dianna is preparing a larger strike. Xavier tries to broach a personal matter when the atmosphere shifts ominously.
Dianna appears without warning, triggering Cameron’s rings. She theatrically proves she carries no weapons—save a small blade hidden in her hair—then lounges and orders them to sit. Bantering edges into threats as Dianna reveals she knows Samkiel is about two hundred miles away and says she needs him closer, confirming she has been tracking him.
Cameron counters that Samkiel tracks her as well. Dianna coolly remarks that a next fight would light the sky, signaling her willingness to harm those Samkiel cares for. A nervous waitress approaches, and Dianna’s tone turns menacingly playful, underscoring the danger to nearby mortals as the scene ends in taut suspense.
Who Appears
- CameronPOV narrator; weary from the search; debates Dianna’s threat versus sacrifice; confronts Dianna at a public cafe.
- XavierCameron’s close ally; discusses council’s stance and looming danger; prepares to fight when Dianna arrives.
- DiannaIg’Morruthen queen; arrives disarmed in public, confirms mutual surveillance, and demands Samkiel be nearer, hinting at imminent escalation.
- WaitressNervous mortal who interrupts, highlighting the civilian risk as tension with Dianna peaks.