Walker bares his teeth. “Answer my question, TIM-29.”
“Because I know who this one really is.” Tim points his bony finger toward Mom. “You’d never accept being a seamstress, Senator. You’re plotting against the ghoul government, you and that witch you call a daughter. I chose to side against my people once, when I decided to work for you. I won’t make that mistake twice.” He tells a good story, but the tremor in his voice hints at a different tale. For Tim, this is about more than being a patriotic ghoul. He still cares for my Mom and he’s pissed she doesn’t like him-like him. He wants revenge.
Tim spins Cissy around. He holds a short spear against her spine. “This weapon’s covered in poison. Make no mistake; one scratch will kill her. None of you move.”
Oh, damn. And here I thought Tim was so adult for helping out even though Mom loved Xavier. My wrath demon spews fire into my veins. What a whiny little loser! I glare at his bony hand on Cissy’s arm. So help me, if he hurts her, I’ll rip his head off. And that’s just for starters.
Lincoln speaks in a low and deliberate voice. “We came from the Arena. The demons attacked everyone, ghouls included. The Oligarchy barely escaped with their lives. We’re on the same side, friend.”
“The demons attacked, eh?” Tim scowls. “And whose fault is that? You forget, I worked with the Senator for years. She’d never give up on the republic. She’s still scheming and fighting, mark my words.”
Mom’s voice is calm and soothing. “Please understand, Tim. I’m not the same–”
“Spare me.” He turns to Mom, eyes blazing. “I’m not sure how you’ve angered Armageddon, but you’ll pay for it. The Oligarchy are coming.”
A new portal opens; through it steps the Oligarchy in their deep red robes. The Scala lies on a stretcher between them, the old thrax’s eyes closed in deep sleep. The portal disappears.
Bands of anxiety bind my shoulders and neck. The Oligarchy are here? The whole reason for this little bunker excursion was so I could hide from power-freaks like them. Once they know who I am, they’ll try to control me. Rage and frustration careen through my body, tension coils through every muscle. Damn, damn, damn!
I grit my teeth, forcing my breathing to slow. Stay calm, it’s only the Oligarchy. These aren’t the scariest monsters in town, by far. It’s not like Armageddon’s here.
Tim’s sneer melts into a look of awe. “Mighty Oligarchy, I bring you a prisoner to appease our invaders.” He gestures to Mom. “Senator Lewis.” Next, he points directly at me. “And that one may pretend to have special powers. Don’t be fooled.”
The Oligarchy set down the Scala’s stretcher. “Excellent work.” Their heads swivel in unison as they survey the room. “And this place is safe from demons?”
“Yes, it’s surrounded in angelfire.” Tim nods his head so vigorously, I’m shocked he doesn’t get whiplash. “It’s the perfect place to conduct your negotiations.”
The Oligarchy nod. “And you’re certain this plan will work?”
Tim’s huge black eyes beam with pride. “Yes, it’s like I told you. Senator Lewis would never really become a seamstress. She’s been planning to restore the old republic. Believe me, this is why Armageddon invaded. Get rid of the Senator, you’ll get rid of him too.”
I sigh. Tim doesn’t know how Mom changed after she lost Xavier. He can’t imagine Senator Lewis doing anything but fight. My mouth droops into a frown as I stare into the Oligarchy’s open, gullible faces. They’re grasping at any straw rather than face the truth about Armageddon.
The Oligarchy let out a low hiss, then speak in unison. “The King of Hell arrives any moment.” Their heads turn in a single motion, scanning the room. “Let us hope that handing over the Senator is enough to appease him.”
My jaw drops. Armageddon invades Purgatory and this is the master plan to drive him out: hand over my mother? Talk about living in a dream world. My insides twist with worry at the thought of Mom in the hands of that fiend. Who am I kidding? Any of us could be handed over to the King of Hell. It’s across-the-boards terrifying.
“You told Armageddon where we’re all hiding?” Mom rolls her eyes. “He’ll come here all right, but not just for us.”
The Oligarchy look around the room, their gaze pausing on the Scala and then Adair. “We see the Scala Heir is here as well.”
Tim rushes to Adair’s side, pulling her up from the floor. “Yes, mighty Oligarchy. She’ll be useful to you. If the Senator isn’t enough, you can negotiate with her as well.”
The Oligarchy’s eyes flare bright. “Yes, most suitable.”
Adair struggles under Tim’s grip. “I’m not the Scala Heir. It was all a fake.” She points directly at me. “She’s the one. She’s the Heir.”
My back teeth lock. Now she decides I’m the Scala Heir.