Empire of the Vampire, #2
Empire of the Damned
by Jay Kristoff
Contents
I. Hell Divine
Overview
Gabriel, still Jean-François’s captive, nearly gives in to bloodlust and desire when Meline answers his summons, but Jean-François interrupts before Gabriel crosses that line. After taking sanctus to quiet the craving, Gabriel is pressed to resume his testimony, shifting the story back to what happened after Celene dropped him at Cairnhaem.
The chapter emphasizes Gabriel’s dependence, shame, and self-loathing while setting up the next stage of his past narrative: his impossible survival after the fall. Jean-François’s interview also confirms that Celene has spoken to him and remains a disruptive influence on the truth being recorded.
Summary
Gabriel sits locked in Jean-François’s rooms, holding a golden bell he has been told to ring if he needs anything. He is wracked by withdrawal and thirst, haunted by the inner voice of his addiction and by memories of feeding, until he finally rings the bell.
Meline answers. Gabriel tells Meline he is not thirsty for wine, and the encounter turns charged and dangerous as Gabriel’s hunger and Meline’s conflicted desire draw them toward blood and sex. Gabriel pushes Meline to ask for what Meline wants, but Jean-François suddenly interrupts, amused by the scene and unmoved by Gabriel’s shame and anger.
Jean-François says he has just spoken with Celene, who has sent Gabriel kisses but mostly preached at him. Gabriel warns Jean-François not to trust Celene and immediately asks what Celene revealed, especially about the Blackheart and the consequences of Celene’s choices for Dior. Jean-François refuses to be diverted and instead calls for supplies.
Dario brings Monét, a bone pipe, and a lantern. Jean-François provides sanctus, and Gabriel smokes it rather than giving in to the stronger urges stirred by Meline. The sacrament eases Gabriel’s thirst, but Gabriel recognizes that the craving will return and that the thing sustaining Gabriel is also destroying him.
After Meline and Dario leave, Jean-François shifts the conversation back to Gabriel’s account. Jean-François says Celene remains uncomfortable elsewhere and asks what happened after Gabriel was dropped from the bridge at Cairnhaem. Gabriel begins by describing a long fall through wind and thunder, a brutal impact into snow, and darkness, then rejects Jean-François’s suggestion that survival was a divine miracle.
Who Appears
- Gabriel de LeónCaptive silversaint battling blood craving, shame, and memories before recounting his fall after Cairnhaem.
- Jean-François ChastainVampire historian who interrupts Gabriel, provides sanctus, and steers the testimony toward Cairnhaem’s aftermath.
- MelineJean-François’s thrall who answers Gabriel’s summons and becomes the focus of his dangerous hunger.
- DarioYoung thrall who brings wine, pipe, and lantern for Gabriel under Jean-François’s orders.
- CeleneAbsent but influential; she has spoken with Jean-François and remains distrusted by Gabriel.