Gods & Monsters, #1
The Book of Azrael
by Amber V. Nicole
Contents
Chapter 15 – Liam. A Few Hours Prior.
Overview
A few hours before the transport, Liam prepares to move Dianna while struggling with sleeplessness, headaches, and fear of what he becomes when his control slips. Vincent confronts him over his mercy toward Dianna and his emotional distance, exposing fractures within The Hand and Liam’s uncertainty about his own leadership.
On the road, Liam and Neverra discuss Dianna’s unknown origins, her dangerous powers, and the possibility that the Ig’Morruthens have evolved into an organized threat. Liam’s willingness to use Oblivion, a weapon of permanent death, raises the stakes and shows how far he may go to prevent another war.
Summary
A few hours before Dianna’s transport, Peter reports to Liam that the convoys are ready. Liam notices something subtly wrong about Peter and some other newer celestials but cannot identify the problem. Exhausted, sleepless, and suffering worsening headaches, Liam wants to finish matters on Onuna and return home before his night terrors overtake him.
Logan, Vincent, and Neverra join Liam in new armored suits ordered to protect them from Dianna’s fire. As the group heads out, Vincent challenges Liam for giving Dianna food and clothes after torturing her. Vincent insists Dianna is only a monster responsible for the council massacre, burn victims, and Zekiel’s death, while Liam argues that Dianna must be kept alive and that there may be more to her than simple destruction.
The disagreement becomes personal. Vincent accuses Liam of failing to mourn Zekiel, abandoning his friends, becoming cold, and resembling Liam’s father, Unir. Liam lashes back that Vincent failed to keep order while Liam was gone, with Onuna in turmoil and legendary creatures attacking celestial sites. Logan intervenes before the confrontation escalates further, and Liam assigns Logan to escort Dianna to Silver City while Vincent and Neverra accompany Liam.
As Liam’s convoy departs for Hayyel and then Silver City, Liam reflects on his isolation, his fear of sleep, and his uncertainty about whether he knows how to love. He recognizes that Vincent was right about his coldness and compares himself to Dianna as another kind of monster. Neverra gently reminds Liam that his friends missed him and that The Hand still values what he gave them during and after the war.
During the drive, Liam admits that Dianna nearly escaped and that he doubts his own fitness to lead. He tells Neverra that Dianna’s command of darkness and fire, her resistance to torture, and her hidden identity suggest a much larger threat than ordinary Ig’Morruthens. Neverra says Dianna Martinez has no records and that the stolen materials seem to concern Rashearim’s history. Liam warns that evolved, intelligent Ig’Morruthens could mean another war, and when Neverra asks whether he will use Oblivion if Dianna will not speak, Liam says he will if necessary.
Who Appears
- LiamSleepless leader preparing Dianna’s transfer while doubting himself and fearing another war.
- VincentLiam’s friend and subordinate; confronts Liam over mercy, grief, and cold leadership.
- NeverraLiam’s companion in the convoy; comforts him and discusses Dianna’s threat.
- LoganAssigned by Liam to escort Dianna to Silver City during the prisoner transport.
- Dianna MartinezImprisoned Ig’Morruthen whose powers, loyalty, and missing records alarm Liam.
- PeterNewly promoted celestial who reports the convoy is ready and subtly unsettles Liam.
- ZekielDead member of The Hand whose loss fuels Vincent’s anger at Liam.
- UnirLiam’s father; invoked as the cold, authoritarian figure Vincent fears Liam resembles.