Yup, that definitely sounds like a deal Aldred would make, all right. And there’s no question who he’s defined as his enemies, either: Lincoln, me, and our families. The only good thing in this situation? All this blah-blah-blahing about his master plan buys us some time.
While those two bicker, the igni’s power begins to free my muscles. At last, I can twitch my hands and feet. However, Lincoln still stands frozen on the main aisle. That’s not helpful.
I make shoo fingers at the igni, trying to get them to go release Lincoln already. They get the hint and start to multiply while whirling themselves into a cord, exactly like they did back when we fought Mourn and Dusk. My heart beats faster as that rope of light winds its way up the main aisle, wrapping itself about Lincoln. Soon, dozens of igni twist and dive around his body as well.
Finally, Lincoln blinks. He’s starting to coming out of it, the same as I am. Even so, I can’t move my legs yet. I call on my igni once more.
No need to hold back. They know you’re here. Give us more power. Set us free.
Hundreds of igni spin and dive in a thin coating around Lincoln, me, and the tether that connects us. At last, I can lift my right leg a little. That’s better, but it’s nowhere near battle ready.
And make no mistake, a fight is coming.
Mrs. Pomplemousse-slash-Lady Daria raises her arm. Little spots of red light twinkle near her skin as her entire body transforms. In the blink of an eye, she’s no longer a plump grandmotherly type. Instead, she’s a tall vixen with long black hair, bright red lips, and pale skin. She paces before Aldred, making her long crimson cloak and veil trail behind her. Her eyes flare demon-red with power.
Damn.
All signs of Mrs. Pomplemousse are gone. This is definitely the demon in her Lady Daria form. Instead of potpourri, the scent of rose perfume becomes so strong it hits me in the face from clear across the freaking Chapel. The gears of my mind whirl through this particular bit of strangeness.
What’s with all the stinky perfume and veil action? When she was sporting them both as Mrs. Pomplemousse, I didn’t think too much of it. However, she’s doing it again as Lady Daria. Demons change shape as camouflage. Keeping consistent looks between forms simply isn’t done. It defeats the whole purpose.
Unless, the demon in question has to because they’re hiding something. But what could she be hiding?
The Lady Daria runs her red-tipped finger across Aldred’s chest. I can feel the waves of her lust demon mojo waft across the Chapel. “The Scala is waking up, as is Lincoln. Let’s take them down.” Her voice is all things whiskey, rough and sexy.
Aldred huffs out a frustrated breath. “It’s Armageddon’s job to fight them. I’m not getting anywhere near that pair.”
But we’re going near you, buddy.
“What about our bargain?” asks Lady Daria.
Another deal confirmed. My, oh my…Aldred’s definitely been a busy boy. That makes two magical agreements with two greater demons. Jackass.
Aldred folds his stubby arms over his barrel chest. “I’m far more worried about my deal with Armageddon than the magical contract I have with you.”
“Even so, our deal was very specific as well,” says Lady Daria. “I get you the coin, and you get me the incantation. You’ve already made things unreasonably hard for me. After all, I took on all that extra work to help you regain your silly codex.”
My brows jet up. Sure, I knew the Lady sent Mourn and Dusk after us. Yet the fact that she did so only as extra credit for Aldred? D-U-M-B. Who does favors for that guy? The knowledge adds a whole new level of yuck to an already yucky situation.
“And I’ve kept my side of the bargain,” says Aldred. “I have your incantation. However, that doesn’t mean I’ll hand it over. I’ll be the one to read it, that’s all.”
This whole conversation is nasty, but at least, they’re still fighting over who gets to read the incantation. More time-buying. And once they’re done fighting? They have to actually speak the words of the spell. Major incantations can take hours. I mean, I’m no wiz with magic, and even I know that.
Lady Daria slowly licks her lips. She’s working her lust mojo and how. “Drusus and I were taken down by a lowly common angel. Imagine! Our tether was cut and Drusus got run through with a sword. We both fell into the vortex of Charybdis. It was terrible. We have diminished in the eyes of Armageddon.” She sighs dramatically. More waves of lust roll across the Chapel.
Note: although Aldred seems immune to all this lust demon action, Lady Daria has a plan and she’s sticking to it. Points for consistency.
“But you survived,” says Aldred. “That certainly impresses the King of Hell.”
“You don’t know demons. Survival is nothing. I must be seen as powerful again. Allow me to speak the incantation and open the portal. That will show Armageddon that I am a demon to be feared.”
“Enough, Daria.” Aldred points at Lincoln and me. “We don’t have time for this. They’re starting to move.”