Empire of the Vampire, #2
Empire of the Damned
by Jay Kristoff
Contents
VIII. Lioness
Overview
Phoebe rescues Gabriel from the Inquisition's camp, wounding Robin and helping Gabriel escape, though Ashdrinker remains with Xavier. While hiding in the woods, Phoebe reveals the grief, wars, lost husband, lost child, and prophecy that led her to Dior's quest.
The chapter shifts Phoebe from dangerous ally to emotionally central companion, binding her hope to Gabriel's despair. Its final revelation—that Gabriel can no longer feel Dior—turns their fragile respite into a new crisis.
Summary
Phoebe attacks Gabriel de León's captors in the clearing, wearing the dress Dior once took from Jènoah's wardrobe. Gabriel helps by tripping Robin, and Phoebe wounds Robin badly, but Gabriel stops Phoebe from killing the young silversaint because Gabriel believes Robin does not deserve death. Gabriel strangles and batters Thibault long enough to steal the keys and free himself.
As shouts approach through the woods, Gabriel knocks Robin unconscious, gathers what supplies he can, and realizes Xavier has taken Ashdrinker. Gabriel takes Robin's greatsword instead, scatters the captors' horses rather than killing them, and rides away with Phoebe on Argent and Valya's mare. The pair travel until the next dusk to put distance between themselves and Valya's party.
Gabriel and Phoebe shelter inside a lightning-hollowed oak and speak by a small fire. Gabriel praises Phoebe's deception of the Inquisition and asks why Phoebe returned, but Phoebe gives no direct answer. Their conversation turns more intimate as Gabriel apologetically reaches toward their earlier conflict, and he calls Phoebe a lioness.
Phoebe explains the brutal customs and history of her people: children carry seeds into battle so something may grow where they die, and her childhood was shaped by war. Phoebe tells Gabriel that her mother died in battle, awakening the duskdancer gift in Phoebe and her sister Torrii; that Lilidh and the Untamed later plagued the Highlands; and that Phoebe married Connor of Clan Lachlainn as part of an alliance meant to preserve the Dúnnsair.
Phoebe recalls growing to love Connor through war, then losing Torrii to the Untamed, Connor to the Wolves, and her unborn daughter Catir to grief. Phoebe says a shared prophetic dream with Saoirse sent them after the Godling, and despite all her losses, Phoebe rejects hatred as poison and clings to hope as salvation. Gabriel reflects on his own dead family and the fear that fading grief will mean losing what remains of them.
The moment between Gabriel and Phoebe deepens, and Gabriel wonders whether he needs something more to live for beyond vengeance and Dior's mission. Then the scent of silverbell, ghostly impressions of his past, and Phoebe's pulse disturb him. Gabriel reaches for his bond to Dior and discovers with terror that he can no longer feel her.
Who Appears
- Gabriel de LeónEscapes captivity with Phoebe, reflects on grief and hope, then loses his sense of Dior.
- Phoebe á DúnnsairRescues Gabriel, reveals her losses, faith, and reasons for pursuing the Godling.
- RobinYoung silversaint wounded by Phoebe and spared by Gabriel during the escape.
- ThibaultCaptor overpowered by Gabriel, allowing Gabriel to steal keys and free himself.
- DiorAbsent captive whose connection to Gabriel suddenly vanishes at chapter's end.
- ConnorPhoebe's dead husband, remembered as brave, noble, and murdered by the Wolves.
- SaoirsePhoebe's dead cousin, shared the prophetic dream that sent them seeking the Godling.