I didn’t grow tired, or weary. My lungs didn’t labor to breathe, and there was no stitch in my side to struggle to keep up with the music. I could perform like this for hours, forever. My knees were strong, and my bad leg, which was now healed, supported all my weight on the landing of every jump.
I couldn’t describe how monumental this was to me. A million dreams flew out from my blades as I danced. Elation spread through me at the miracle this was… this feeling I thought I’d never get to have again. I hadn’t realized how close to heaven I’d been when I was skating, but the feelings the ice gave me here were nearly identical to those that I’d had when I was alive, and I knew that back then, I’d never been closer to the gods. I had no fear of falling. There was no wobble, no trepidation as I gave the greatest performance of my existence.
It wouldn’t end here. I could have my dream again. I could be happy, have everything I ever wanted. As I took my ending pose, applause rang out from the gods above, and my spirit soared with euphoria.
Bravo! Lady Magdalina cried out, rising to give me a standing ovation.
Gabby left, casting a black portal to what I presumed had to go to the Underworld. She’d been impressed by my skate, I could tell, but wouldn’t give me any compliments about it.
Didn’t matter. Her wordless exit was all the praise from her I desired.
As I took a bow, my skates vanished and my gown returned, the ice rink materializing once again into the silver throne room. My hair fell out of its bun, cascading down my back in curls as the gods approached me.
A true performance to entertain even the highest among us, Milonna praised.An excellent show, champion.
You were beautiful, Emma. I always thought you were your most powerful when you were skating,Vara added.
“Thank you,” I breathed, and I inclined my head to them. “It would be an honor to perform for you at any time.”
I’d be more than happy to show up, but somebody seems a little jealous, Radek joked.
Lady Magdalina huffed.I will take Gabriella under my wing. She will be my student in the spiritual realm, as she was in life. I’m looking forward to the challenge, though I daresay she has a lot to learn.
Good luck with that. Teaching Gabby anything was like having a fist fight with a boulder.
But if anyone could crack her stony exterior, it was Lady Magdalina, and she had an eternity to try.
“Can I go to my room?” I asked Milonna. It was hard to describe, but my spirit felt weary… like I’d made a long journey. I wanted to take some time to rest.
If you so decide,Milonna replied.There is a chance you will not remain here.
“I don’t understand,” I said slowly. I didn’t get what she was saying. I mean, I wasdead. Where else was there for me togo?
You have to make a choice, champion,Milonna said.
A tightness quickened in my soul. I thought I was done making tough decisions, and that this was my reward. There couldn’t possibly bemore, could there?
But there was always more. I’d learned that over the years. The journey was never really over. The path just changed. Apparently, that remained true even if you were dead.
Follow me, and all will be made clear.Milonna waved her hand, and at her magic blossomed a new portal. Radek and Tomir left the room, bowing out to leave me with the goddesses.
I had an innate knowing I didn’t want to go through that portal. I turned to Lady Magdalina for support. “Will you be there?”
I’m afraid this is a task you must take on without me, Magdalina said kindly.But know I’ll always be waiting for you, Emmaline. Whatever you shall choose.
I’ll come with you.Vara came to my side, and put a hand on my shoulder to guide me through the portal.
We stepped on through, and I found myself emerging into a great open plain. At the edge of the plain was a slight overcast of mist. I figured we had to be at the edge of the Grounds.
I didn’t see anything of significance. “Why are we here?” I asked Milonna.
Look.Vara pointed to the mist, and I peered closely to see what she was gesturing to.
Three figures were emerging from the fog. My spirit caught and tugged against my being as I realized who it was.
All my soul fathomed was Ethan. Somehow, someway, he was approaching me, here in the afterlife. He looked more gorgeous than he ever had, and although we’d been separated for such a short time, it already seemed like a lifetime.
His smile brightened when he saw me, and relief shone in his eyes. “Onawilke!”
