Heat of the Everflame

In the latter half of Part 2, Diem’s experiences in Umbros and Lumnos reiterate the challenges of Navigating Loyalty and Betrayal During Wartime. Her frustrated dynamic with Luther particularly complicates her sense of goodness, trust, and responsibility. Ever since leaving Arboros, Luther’s emotions have vacillated between affection and apathy. Diem knows that she cares about Luther and he cares about her, but is unsure how to reconcile their attraction with Luther’s seemingly inconsistent emotionality.

The lovers engage in repeated conversations about their relationship in an attempt to recreate the parameters of their dynamic. Since the characters are in the midst of political turmoil, the rockiness of their relationship feels that much more upsetting to Diem. If she can’t count on Luther, Diem begins to wonder who she can trust. At the same time, if Diem works hard on repairing and cultivating her and Luther’s relationship, she knows she will have a lifelong confidante, friend, and partner. This is also true of Emarion’s future: If Diem makes sacrifices to reunite the kingdom, her hard work will pay off and guarantee security for all inhabitants of all the realms. The complicated dynamics in Diem’s romance with Luther thus compel Diem to reflect on what she wants for herself and her kingdom. She learns that she will have to set difficult boundaries and make heavy sacrifices to find lasting romantic happiness and political peace.

The recurring scenes of dialogue between Diem and Luther reiterate the work it takes to establish and maintain loyalty in intimate relationships. In Chapter 38, for example, Diem makes the hard decision to confront Luther about his odd behavior and the secrets he has been keeping from her: “You’ve been different this past week,” she tells him bluntly, “after you told me about the compass, everything changed. You started pulling away” (357). Diem uses clear language to express her feelings and to identify her frustrations with Luther. In doing so, she is conveying her desire for a reciprocal, trusting dynamic. Luther doesn’t immediately reveal the truth of his godstone injuries—the secret he has been keeping from Diem which has inspired his strange behavior—but Diem’s openness helps him to admit his faults and make amends with her.

These repeated interactions reify the lovers’ willingness to make sacrifices to strengthen their bond. Their slow-burn dynamic mirrors Emarion’s ongoing political conflicts. Just as Diem and Luther must acknowledge the uncomfortable facets of their relationship to foster communication and trust for the future, the Emarion realms must confront their history of inequality so they can pursue healing and unity together.

Luther’s illness marks a turning point in his and Diem’s relationship and in the overarching narrative plot line. As soon as Diem unwraps the gauze on Luther’s chest and encounters the godstone infection “stretching up his scarred chest and circling his neck” (360), she realizes everything she has to lose. She is so upset at the prospect of losing Luther that she cannot even express her feelings in words: “Only it wasn’t a scream—no sound came out at all. Because it wasn’t my voice. It was my hopes, my joys, my every happiness fleeing my soul at once” (360).

Diem thus associates Luther with her future, making him an essential part of how she navigates The Challenges of Claiming Identity and Autonomy. He is a vital part of how she understands herself. If he dies, Diem fears she will not be able to go on. His injuries, illness, and recovery usher her back to Lumnos, and thus towards change. As she devotes herself to Luther’s healing process, Diem also begins devoting herself more concertedly to Emarion’s healing and future. Again, her and Luther’s romance is a reflection of the Descended and mortals’ relationships with each other. Diem realizes that if she is able to devote herself to Luther’s care, she can and must also devote herself to Emarion’s recovery.