Glow of the Everflame

Diem, Teller, and Maura stage a makeshift funeral for Andrei. Luther, Eleanor, Taran, Alixe, and Lily attend. Because Andrei’s body is gone, Diem and Teller bury his daggers in the ruins of their old house. Maura says the Rite of Endings. Afterward, Diem goes to see Henri. Mr. Albanon invites Diem inside, but Henri isn’t there. Mr. Albanon reassures Diem that Henri loves her. He also admits that he is worried about the person his son is becoming.

Diem and her friends head away from the Albanons’ home. Suddenly, Henri and a Guardian leader named Vance arrive. They are still upset with Diem for compromising their attack and siding with the Descended on the night of the ball. Diem tries to explain herself, terrified at the thought that she might lose Henri forever. She insists that some of the Descended “are good people” and declares that she wants to help them (413). Henri suggests that they let their past misunderstandings go and start afresh. She agrees, proposing that they meet for a private conversation the next day. Henri kisses her, but Diem feels suddenly trapped. She pulls away from Henri and races into the forest and toward the palace.