King in the Mists - Gembloom Skull missing

I killed the King in the Mists in Act 1 on cruel, but died at the same time as the boss. Loot showed on the ground, respawn put me just outside the boss zone with a quest completion, but all the loot was missing.

I ran a fresh instance, killed the boss again, but the Gembloom Skull didn't drop the 2nd time.

Is there any way for me to get this item drop back, and the permanent spirit buff? Without this, my character build isn't viable endgame. There is no way this is an intended outcome right?

Please help!

King in the Mists in Act 1 Cruel does not drop a spirit item. Only in Act 1 Normal.