I really like this game's story. Carl and Zelphryna are so goddamn untrustworthy that it is almost funny.
James is heads deep into a mess with those two always manipulating him. Before via darklight to make it look like he was schizophrenic and now by always directing his actions to the results either Carl or Zelphryna desire. Like how Zel doesn't want Carl in jail so she likely betrayed James's plan to him.
And now i admit that was one great cliffhanger with the apparison of the God of Death, Thainendra. I sure wasn't expecting the old man to be him. Now i wonder what he will promise James to try making him change sides.
By the way interesting to see that Ashley is going around with her girlfriend playing Harley Quinn against the mafia goons. Can't rally blame her there.
I agree with most of what you said. But considering how manipulative Zelphryna is I wouldn't be surprised if she knows that to be true (Ellie as the Lightbringer) but is simply hiding it from James so that he won't falter and mess with her plans.