Gods & Monsters, #2
The Throne of Broken Gods
by Amber V. Nicole
Contents
Chapter 62
Overview
Samkiel returns after six days and pushes Dianna to confront the grief underlying her suppressed powers. He takes her to a secluded beach tied to memories of Gabby, provoking a fierce argument that becomes a breakthrough. Sharing vulnerabilities, they reconcile, and Dianna chooses to begin healing and work toward regaining her powers.
Summary
Dianna stews in isolation for six days, haunted by nightmares warning she is running out of time. Samkiel arrives without warning, and anger flares. He deflects questions about his absence, feeds her, and proposes refocusing on restoring her suppressed powers.
They hike through the forest. Dianna opens up about Kaden—how early guidance curdled into betrayal and objectification—and Samkiel admits his own loneliness behind a crown, seen as power rather than a person. Their banter softens the tension, and Dianna recounts killing Tobias by recalling Samkiel’s lesson.
Samkiel leads her to a secluded ocean shore, knowing it will trigger memories of scattering Gabby’s ashes. The waves shatter Dianna’s composure; she lashes out and accuses him of manipulation. Samkiel insists he wants nothing but her healing and refuses to let her erase her sister’s memory, revealing how his father destroyed his mother’s remembrances.
Faced with the choice to feel or keep burying pain, Dianna hesitates until Samkiel offers his hand and the promise she will not be alone. She takes it. They walk the beach as she steadies herself and reclaims small joys.
The mood lightens; Samkiel conjures swimwear, and they play in the water. Trust rebuilds through simple companionship. As dusk approaches, Dianna admits she thought no one would notice if she vanished. Samkiel assures her he would have. The admission breaks through her defenses; she weeps in his arms, accepting his care and the first steps of healing, resolved to try regaining her powers.
Who Appears
- DiannaNarrator; isolated and haunted by grief. Confronts trauma tied to Gabby at the ocean, opens up about Kaden’s abuse, and chooses to begin healing and regain her powers.
- SamkielReturns exhausted after six days; guides Dianna to face her grief, shares his own loneliness, offers steadfast support, and rekindles trust through care and play at the beach.