That’s it. Come home.
With an ear-splitting crack, the igni move toward me in a web of lighting, all aiming for my hands, the point where they were pulled to Adair in the first place. As the igni reenter through my palms, every cell in my body becomes flooded with strength and power. My skin glows with their energy. A sense of bliss and peace overtakes me. My returned power pulls me upwards, rising my body a few feet off the floor. Beams of light shoot out from my fingertips, eyes and legs, sending another flash of brightness throughout the cave.
I land back on my feet, feeling awesome. The power has returned to its nesting-spot inside my soul. I wrap my arms about Lincoln’s neck; he spins us about and laughs.
I lean my head back and watch the grey ceiling whirl overhead. A mix of emotions spin through me as well. There’s the elation of victory, the delightful fire of shared love, and the soul-calming serenity of having my igni returned. It’s a moment some part of me will cherish and relive forever.
“What a team.” Lincoln resets me onto my feet, smiling in a way that warms me through and through. “And now, comes the fun part.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
I pace inside a long stone corridor that opens onto the Arena floor. Pacing is definitely my thing when I’m nervous, and today, I’m pretty anxious. It’s not a bad sort of worry, though. My first iconigration will begin in a few minutes and man, am I pumped.
Nearby, all of Purgatory’s Senators wait in neat rows, ready to process out onto the stadium floor. Inside the Arena, the stands are packed for the ceremony. The low, happy roar of the crowd reminds me of my old battling days. So great to be back in the Arena again.
My friends and family stand close by as well. There’s Mom in her purple suit and sash of office, Xavier in his dress armor with wings on display, Walker in his long black ghoul-robes, Cissy in her Senator’s get-up, and Lincoln in his classic Princely ensemble. As for me, I’m wearing my Scala robes and an ear-to-ear grin.
First iconigration. Can’t wait.
Cissy rushes towards me, her purple Senatorial robes swaying with her quick steps. She wraps me in a huge hug. “I’m so proud of you, quasi girl.” She waves to the Alchemists, who return the gesture. “They’re super-excited to be part of the ceremony, by the way.”
“Of course. We couldn’t have done it without them. Or you.” I kiss her on the cheek.
“Any time, quasi girl.” She steps back and straightens her robes. “Can you be ready in two minutes?”
“Surely.”
Cissy runs off as Lincoln slips up behind me. He sets his long arms around my waist and speaks low into my ear. “You look gorgeous.”
“Thanks.” I rub my palms together greedily. “I can’t believe it’s here. My first iconigration.” Most of the souls in storage had already been through Trial by Jury or Trial by Combat. Now that the Orb’s gone, I can move them to wherever their verdict had placed them, which is mostly Heaven. There’s one exception, however.
Adair.
Although she sold her soul to Armageddon, I can still try to send her to Heaven. It’s not an easy thing to do, but a strong Scala can override certain kinds of magical bindings on a soul. Few things are as powerful as Lucifer’s Orb, and I’ve bested Armageddon in the past, so there’s a good chance I could break his hold on Adair.
Lincoln gently kisses my head. “Still want to hold back Adair for questioning?”
“Are you kidding? Absolutely.”
I’m willing to bet that Adair will trade an eternity in Heaven for help with our investigation of Acca. Taking over the transport platforms, losing the betrothal jewels, providing guards at Mercor Temple…Adair didn’t act alone. Now, Lincoln and I want information.
Out in the stadium, the orchestra strikes up the processional. Inside our hallway, all of Purgatory’s dignitaries start marching out onto the Arena floor: Senators, Alchemists, Cissy, my parents, Walker, Lincoln, and me. Keeping in formation, we cross the grounds, ending in a long semicircle that stretches across the stadium floor.
My tail bounces happily behind me. It likes iconigrations almost as much as I do.