Heat of the Everflame

A few hours later, Diem is still reeling from her encounter with her father. She and Auralie discuss who he is and what happened between them. Diem and Ophiucae became involved when Auralie was working as a spy for the Crowns. Many “powerful Descended” had “a fetish for mortal women” (612). At first, Ophiucae was affectionate with Auralie. He was thrilled when she became pregnant, too. However, he became increasingly violent in the days leading up to and immediately following Diem’s birth. He wanted Diem’s blood to make himself more powerful and to become immortal.

A terrified Auralie finally fled with Diem. She hid Diem’s paternity to protect her. With Andrei and Teller, Auralie felt she was giving Diem the happy life she deserved.

That night, Diem and Luther share a passionate exchange. They initiate sex, but a furious Auralie finds them together and interrupts. They inform Auralie they’re in love. Diem also reminds her she’s grown and changed since her disappearance. They finally reach an understanding.

Diem, Auralie, and Luther spend the night talking. The conversation turns to Ophiucae. Finally, Auralie reveals that they can trust the Arboros Queen as she’s supported the Guardians for years. They make plans to continue their journey. Luther reiterates his devotion to Diem.

Luther remains “on the Montios side of the border” (636) so his magic doesn’t fade in the Forgotten Lands and he can protect Diem and Auralie. Meanwhile, Diem and Auralie venture into Sophos, desperate for the Sophos Crown Doriel’s support.

Diem secures an audience with Doriel. She confronts Doriel about the Sophos temple, which was built by mortals; the Descended stole it. In the temple, she learned curious information about the Crowns and Emarion. She explains all that has happened in recent weeks and reveals her immunity to others’ magic, eager to know if Doriel can explain what it means. She also requests Doriel’s support. She already rules three realms and hopes she can get Arboros’s and Sophos’s support, too. She insists that without her help, Sophos will be at the mercy of Ophiucae’s tyranny.

Finally, Doriel agrees to let Diem explore the library to look into her questions. On the way, Diem discovers that Teller is now studying in Sophos.

Diem and Teller meet up and talk in private. Diem is anxious that Teller isn’t safe as a mortal in Sophos. She’s particularly concerned when she discovers that Remis arranged for him to move there. Amidst their conversation, a mark on Diem’s neck starts to glow. It’s a magical signal that Ophiucae is approaching.

Diem instructs her friend Perthe (who’s also in Sophos) to guard Teller while she faces off with Ophiucae. She then warns Doriel of what’s going on and begs for help. Doriel’s guards join in the fight, throwing up magical shields against Ophiucae. He arrives on his gryvern. Diem realizes that Ophiucae gave her the mark on her neck to protect her, but knows she must fight him anyway. A battle ensues, the mortals joining in the fight.

Ophiucae insists that Diem doesn’t have to fight him, as they’d be stronger if they joined forces. A conflicted Diem fights back. Mortals wage battle against Ophiucae, too. Diem is devastated by the death surrounding her.

Luther gets injured. Diem rushes to his side, but discovers he’s still alive. Ophiucae temporarily retreats, while Vance continues fighting Diem and Luther. She considers killing him, but ultimately lets him flee.

Afterwards, Diem and Luther share an intimate conversation. Diem remembers how much she loves him. Ophiucae resurfaces and warns Diem if she fights him again, he will kill her. He flies off on his gryvern.

Diem and Luther meet with Doriel after the battle. Doriel is grateful that Diem saved Sophos but fearful that Diem will steal her Crown. Luther assures Doriel Diem has a right to the other Crowns. Finally, they strike a deal: Diem won’t replace Doriel as Queen if Doriel and Sophos work with her.

Doriel also reveals that there was a 10th Crown, Omnos. After Omnos’s death, the Crowns took his land (now the Forgotten Lands) and gave it to Montios. They also erased Omnos’s name and heritage from history and the maps, convinced he had no offspring to inherit his name. The Crowns lured Omnos to Coeurîle (where his powers didn’t work) and murdered him to prevent him from remaining immortal and taking his siblings’ magic. A horrified Diem realizes she is Omnos’s descendant.

Luther arranges a dinner for him and Diem. They explore Sophos in the meantime, eventually running into Teller. The siblings share a difficult exchange; Diem realizes Teller is heartbroken and alone.

Back in their chambers, Luther and Diem talk. Then they communicate telepathically. Luther uses his magic to show Diem what happened during the fight with Ophiucae from his perspective. Luther was overwhelmed by fear for Diem, but proud of her strength and resilience. After the vision, the two stand in the mirror together. Diem finally sees the Queen Luther sees.

Diem and Luther bathe and engage in sexual foreplay that evening. Diem feels different than she’s ever felt.

Diem and Luther visit the Sophos library. Their explorations move Diem. She realizes her role as Daughter of the Forgotten is to restore order and balance to Emarion. Luther interrupts Diem’s reading. The two kiss and have sex in the privacy of the stacks. Diem is overwhelmed by love and hope.

In the morning, Diem and Luther continue discussing their next steps. They need to unseat Remis and conquer Ophiucae. Later that day, they reconvene with Doriel about their plan to take down Ophiucae together. Diem is sad that Ophiucae is beyond saving and that she must follow through with this arrangement.

Per Diem’s request, Doriel calls a meeting with the other Crowns. Diem stresses the importance of working together to conquer Ophiucae. Many of the Crowns agree, but not everyone. Even Doriel and Yrselle don’t support the arrangement and declare Diem an enemy of the Crowns. Diem realizes they see her as a threat, a belief that originates with their fear of Ophiucae. A fight ensues, in which Yrselle dies and Diem assumes her Crown.

The Crowns realize Diem is in control of four Crowns and can make decisions on her own behalf. Diem only needs one more Crown to control the realms’ votes. To prevent her from gaining more power, the remaining Crowns seize Diem and consign her to Coeurîle where she can’t use her magic. Unsure what to do, Diem wonders if this is in fact the best arrangement, as at least her family and friends will be safe.

She then sees the Crowns’ guards seizing Teller, Luther, and Perthe. Just as Diem is about to give up hope, Sorae appears. A battle ensues. Teller rescues Luther, but leaves Perthe behind and he is killed. Diem is glad Luther is okay. The Ignios King appears and stabs her. Diem feels herself dying, but also feels hopeful and warm.