An Inferno of Ice - The Storm Series, Book 1

An Inferno of Ice - Epilogue

There is complete silence for a second, everyone too stunned to react. The temperature plummets again, and the condensation that had been gathering dangerously on the ice all around me returns to solid form. Icicles now hang from the ceiling though, gleaming like daggers high above. Rudolph looks as though someone's just woken him from a deep slumber. He blinks and glances around, seeming nonplussed by his surroundings. Then Prince Damon moves forward to stand at my side. "People of Frostglimmer!" he announces. "Lady Ember has saved us!" The king stares at him, mystified. "Son?" he asks. The prince beams with pride. "Father, our kingdom would have been destroyed by the magic in your crown if it hadn't been stopped. I sent an application to the Infernal Court for help, and they sent us one of their best to handle it. We owe her a great debt. Our planet has been liberated!" I feel color rising steadily into my cheeks. As the people of Icelandia realize what has just happened, they send up a great cheer that echoes throughout the entire palace. King Rudolph breaks into a delighted smile. He walks forward and clasps my hand between his. This time, there's no feeling of evil at all. "Lady Ember," he says warmly. "I do not recall everything that has happened. The curse of the crown prevented me for being wholly present for my kingdom and my family. You have broken it, and for that, I thank you." Flustered, I attempt to protest the praise, but the king won't hear of it. "My people!"Rudolph calls, and silence is restored at once. "Let us celebrate! Not only is this the day of Icelandia's discovery and settlement, but it is now the day of our liberation!" After that, the party kicks into high gear. Watching the revelry, I can't help but smile. "this is all thanks to you," Damon says as he comes up beside me. I blush and shake my head. "Nonsense." I protest. "Walk with Me?" the prince asks. As we make our way around the vast courtyard, I take one last look around at the landscape that had at first seemed so barren and lifeless. I know better now. "You have to leave now, don't you?" Damon's voice returns me to the present moment. I nod affirmatively, surprised to find myself regretful. "Come back to visit when you have time off," I turn to stare at the crown prince and grin. "Vacation time? I don't even know what that is!" We laugh together as we approach the front gates of the palace. The moment I step foot outside the grounds, I'll be transported back to Infernal Court headquarters. Just before I leave, I remove the deep red teardrop-shaped jewel from my necklace and engulf it in a blaze of fire in my palm. I let it stay for just a moment, then extinguish the fire and press the pendant into Damon's hand. A tiny flame now dances on the inside, causing it to glow. "Here. This will summon me back if you ever need me." He takes it and turns it over in his hands. "And if I just want to talk to you?" he asks. I feel myself smiling. "That too I suppose." I say. He hugs me briefly and presses a light kiss to my cheek. "Go liberate some more people." he teases, opening the gates for me. "Go learn how to run your kingdom!" I reply as I step through them. As a swirling cloud of orange light envelopes me and I feel the cold disappear, I know this may have been my first visit to Icelandia, but it certainly will not be my last.