For a long time, my mind hovers in an empty space between sleep and dream. The pain in my back is gone. The tournament and stables seem a thousand miles away.
My dreams finally come into focus. I find myself standing on the windy floor of the Gray Sea. Dreamscape. A circle of white flame flickers on the ground by my feet. Within the fire, sand rises into the form of my mother in her senate robes. The ring of flames flares higher, then disappears. Mom’s sand-made body transforms into living reality.
Mom sits on a bench in the marble senate chamber. She clasps her hands tightly in her lap, her back is stiff and straight. Around her, senators, aides, and ambassadors cram onto benches and crowd along the walls. There’s hardly room to breathe, let alone move. At the front of the chamber, Senator Adams stands before the speaker’s podium, his elephant tail swinging slowly behind him. He speaks in a low and craggy voice.
“None wish to see Senator Lewis impeached, but her words against Ambassador Armageddon show a tenuous grip on reality. She needs treatment, not a role in government.”
A handful of Senators leap to their feet, shouting for Mom’s impeachment.
A stunned gasp escapes my lips. They’re really going to do it: impeach my mother for telling the truth about Armageddon.
“Now, now.” Senator Adams raises his withered hands to shoulder height. “Let’s give Senator Lewis a chance to explain. Perhaps her words have been taken out of context.” He gestures to Mom. “If you please.”
Mom slowly rises to her feet, her mouth set into a firm line. “Thank you for the opportunity to speak before this chamber.” She scans the room, her brown eyes filled with steely resolve. Xavier leans against the back wall in his crisp gray suit, his face pale with worry. Tim hovers by the chamber’s exit. A muscle twitches along his gray neck.
Mom inhales slowly. “I’ve been asked to recant my words about Armageddon and the ghouls. If not, I’ll be the first Lewis Senator in eight hundred years to be impeached.” Mom scans the crowded Senate floor. “The truth may be something you choose to see as lunacy, but I won’t back down. This is a legitimate threat. Whatever the cost, I accept it.” She retakes her seat.
All the breath leaves my body. That’s about the bravest thing I’ve seen anybody do, ever. I’m torn between wanting to give her a high five and curl her up into a comforting hug.
Senator Adams shakes his gray-haired head. “Then, it’s the sad duty of this body to declare you, Camilla Lewis, to be–”
A low hum fills the chamber. A portal opens beside Senator Adams. Through it steps Armageddon, O-72, and a pair of hulking Manus demons. Standing six feet tall and almost as wide, the Manus are covered in shaggy black fur. Their hefty arms scrape against the floor. Pointed yellow tusks hang past their chins.
Holy Hell! I’ve seen Manus demons across the Arena floor before, but never this close. These beasts are the thugs of the demon world: massive, ruthless, and absolutely terrifying. They have one rule when in battle mode: leave none alive. Adrenaline courses through me. Run, Mom!
Senator Adams clears his throat. “Ambassador Armageddon, what perfect timing. We’re removing Senator Lewis from office due to her unstable attitude toward you and our ghoul allies.”
Armageddon’s long black face curls into a smile. He folds his gangly arms over his thin chest. “Oh, there’s no need for that.”
Adams smiles. “You’re too gracious, Ambassador, but we’re concerned for the Senator’s sanity.”
Armageddon gently touches Adams’s shoulder. “No, I’m not gracious at all. Senator Lewis is right. I’m about to attack Purgatory.” Armageddon’s eyes flare bright red, his three-knuckled fingers curl into the Senator’s shoulder. Adams freezes in place. Little by little, the Senator’s body and robes turn smooth and black as stone. “Starting with you.” Armageddon lifts his hand. Adams crumbles into a pile of ash.
My limbs quiver with shock. I knew Armageddon drained the souls of his victims, but watching him do it? Something else entirely.
Screams erupt from the Senate floor. The crowd makes a mad rush for the exit. I try to spot my mother in the frantic mob, but can’t find her. Terror crushes my rib cage, shortening my breath.
Armageddon’s eyes flare bright. “Go to work.” He waves his three-knuckled hands at the pack of Manus demons surrounding him. “Leave none alive.”
The demons swing their heavy arms high, attacking nearby Senators. More portals open. Ghouls step out, red-eyed Manus demons beside them.