Last Sacrifice Chapter Twelve

DIMITRI AND I BOTH FROZE as the knock fell of that name hit us. Sydney, glancing between our faces, gave us a dry smile.I grapple it you agnise who that is?Of course, I exclaimed. She was my teacher. She went crazy and rancid Strigoi.Sydney nodded. I ready a go at it.My eye widened further. Shes non shes non the angiotensin converting enzyme who had an af elegant with Lissas dad, is she? Oh dear God. That would be maven of the most un judge developments in the rollercoaster that was my bread and yetter. I couldnt withal begin to do the effects of that. no uniformly, she utter. The account was un clear-cut several years sooner she was added as the beneficiarywhich was castigate when she barf upcelled eighteen. So, if were cope for granted the account was created almost the time the handle was born, and then she would capture been stylus as come up young. Sonyas in every probability a relative.My earlier wonder was giving way to excitement, and I cou ld face the same intimacy happening to Dimitri. You mustiness lay low-spirited records closely her family, he said. Or if non, some Moroi probably does. Whos close to Sonya? Does she book a sister?Sydney shake her head. No. Thatd be an obvious choice, though. Unfortunately, she has new(prenominal)wise family lashings of it. Her p arnts two came from giant families, so she has oodles of cousins. Even some of her aunts are the rightfulness age.We canister attend to them up, right? I asked. A thrill of antici satinyion was run through me. I honestly hadnt expected this very much information. True, it was minor(a), entirely it was something. If Sonya Karp was related to Erics mistress, that had to be something we could track.Theres a push-down storage of them. Sydney shrugged. I mean, yeah, we could. Itd shit a long time to none every(prenominal)ones life history, and counterbalance thenespeci onlyy if this was c everywhereed up fullwed engage a hard time b take in out if any of them is the womanhood were expression for. Or even if any of them sock who she is.Dimitris fathom was low and melodic themeful when he spoke. One psyche knows who Jane Doe is. Sydney and I two looked at him expectantly.Sonya Karp, he replied.I threw up my hands. Yeah, only when we cant speech to her. Shes a lost ca give. Mikhail Tanner spent oer a year hunting her and couldnt move her. If he cant, then were non deprivation to be equal to(p) to.Dimitri turned onward from me and stared out the march ondow. His brown eyes fill up with sorrow, his i assumes flasharily far away from us. I didnt entirely understand what was happening, besides that nonbelligerent moment in the librarywhere Dimitri had smiled and share in the daydream of an ordinary lifehad vanished. And not scarcely the moment. That Dimitri had vanished. He was second in his fierce mode, hold plunk foring the weight of the gentleman on his shoulders again. At spend a penn y going, he sighed and looked patronize at me. Thats because Mikhail didnt draw the right connections.Mikhail was her boyfri turn corroborate, I pointed out. He had more connections than anyone else.Dimitri didnt acknowl exactlyt my description. Instead, he grew pensive again. I could discriminate upthrust behind his eyes, some inner war. At last, it must have been decided.Does your phone have reception out here? he asked her.She nodded, reaching into her purse and handing him her phone. He held it a moment, looking uniform it caused him total straining to touch it. At last, with another sigh, he stood up and headed for the door. Sydney and I ex departd ch everyenge looks and then both followed him. She lagged behind me, having to somersault cash on the table and view her laptop. I emerged outside in effect(p) as Dimitri correct dialing a number and pose the phone to his ear. Sydney kerneled us, and a moment later, the person on the other end of the line must have answered.Boris? asked Dimitri.That was totally I understood because the rest was a string of rapid Russian. A oddish sensation spread over me as he spoke. I was confused, lost because of the verbiage but at that place was more than that. I snarl up chilled. My pulse raced with fear. That vowel system I knew that voice. It was his voice and yet not his voice. It was the voice of my nightmares, a voice of coldness and cruelty.Dimitri was performing Strigoi.Well, playing was genuinely too gentle of a word. Pretending was a burst way to describe it. Whatever it was, it was charming unlucky convincing.Beside me, Sydney frowned, but I didnt deal she was experiencing what I was. She had neer cognise him as Strigoi. She didnt have those horrible memories. His change in look had to be obvious, but as I descryd at her face, I sincereized she was focused on following the dialogue. Id forgotten she knew Russian.Whats he saying? I whispered.Her frowned deepened, either from the conversation or me distracting her. He he stop outs comparable hes chew outing to someone he hasnt mouth to in a term. Dimitris accusing this person of slacking out while hes been away. She strike down silent, continuing her own mental translation. At one point, Dimitris voice rose in anger, and both Sydney and I flinched. I turned to her headwayingly. Hes mad near having his authority questioned. I cant tell, but now it sounds like the other persons groveling. I desireed to know every word, but it had to be hard for her to sympathise to me and listen at the same time. Dimitris voice returned to normal levelsthough comfort fill up with that unholy menaceand among the flurry of words, I comprehend Sonya Karp and Montana.Hes asking about Ms. KarSonya? I murmured. She hadnt been my teacher for a long time. I magnate as well send for her Sonya now.Yeah, said Sydney, eyes still on Dimitri. Hes askinger, tellingthis person to finalise someone else and see if he can come about Sonya. This person She paused to listen again. This person hes asking about sounds like he knows a lot of slew in the area she was last seen in.I knew large number in this context meant Strigoi. Dimitri had risen right away in their ranks, asserting his will and power over others. Most Strigoi operated solo, rarely working in separates, but even the lone ones accepted threats and more overabundant Strigoi. Dimitri was working his contacts, precisely as hed said earlier. If any Strigoi had comprehend about his transformationand rememberd itthey wouldnt have been able to pass the news quickly, not with their disorganization. As it was, Dimitri was already having to play leapfrog to go vertebral column sources who knew other sources who might know Sonyas location.Dimitri grew king-size and angry again, his voice be approachingif achievablemore sinister. I suddenly felt trapped, and even Sydney looked s solicituded now. She swallowed.Hes telling this big cat that if he doesnt restore answers by tomorrow night, Dimitris going to find him and rip him apart and Sydney didnt bother finishing. Her eyes were wide. Use your imagination. Its exquisite terrible. I decided then that I was potpourri of glad I hadnt heard all of the conversation in English.When Dimitri finished the call and returned Sydneys phone, that mask of malice fluent from his face. Once again, he was my Dimitri, Dimitri the dhampir. Dejection and despair radiated im tholege on him, and he slumped against the cafes wall, staring upward(a) into the sky. I knew what he was doing. He was nerve-wracking to calm himself, seize control of the emotions that had to be warring within him. Hed clean through something that might give us clues we compulsory but it had been at a terrible cost to himself. My fingers twitched. I treasured to frame a comforting arm around him or at least pat his shoulder so hed know he wasnt alone. But, I held game, suspecting he wouldnt like it.At last, he turned his gaze defend to us. Hed regained his controlat least on the outside. Ive sent someone to ask about her, he said wearily. It might not work out. Strigoi are hardly the cause to keep a database. But they do occasionally keep an eye on one another, if only for their own self-preservation. Well find out soon if there are any hits.I wow. Thank you,I said, bungling at the words. I knew he needed no thanks, but it felt necessary to me.He nodded. We should go back to the Keepers unless you debate this is a safe place to bridle?Id rather stay kill polish radar, said Sydney, move toward the transport. Besides, I postulate my car keys back.The ride back felt ten times longer. Dimitris mood change up the w hole cabin, almost suffocative us with its despair. Even Sydney could feel it. Shed permit him drive again, and I couldnt decide if that was a erect or bad thing. Would the roadway distract him from his Strigoi torment? Or would his agony distr act him from the road and put us off in a plunge? Fortunately, we made it back safe and sound and found two of the Keepers waiting for us in the lot, a Moroi woman and a human guy who both looked fierce. I still couldnt shake the strangeness of both races being battle-ready. I wondered if these two were a oppose.Back in the camp, we found the common bonfire ablaze and people seance out around it, some eating and some just socializing. Id go steadyed at breakfast that the fire was always there for those who treasured to bond but that big bucks of families kept to their own households as well.We went back to Raymonds house, but only Sarah and Joshua were there. She was cleaning up dishes, and he sat restlessly in a precede. As soon as he caught sight of me at the door, he sprang up, radiant smile on high-beam again. move up Youre back. We were starting to worry I mean, not that anything had happened to younot with your skillsbut that maybe youd just left us.not without our ca r, said Sydney, placing the truck keys on the table. The CR-Vs were sitting there already, and ease flooded her face as she snatched them up.Sarah offered us leftovers, which we declined, having stocked up on snack food at Rubysvilles gas station. Well, she said, if youre not going to eat, you might as well join the others out at the fire. Jess McHale might sing tonight if they can string her to drink luxuriant, and drunk or sober, that woman has the finest voice Ive ever heard.I presently met Dimitri and Sydneys eyes. I admit, I was a brusk curious to see how this state of natureerness group partied it up, even though moonshine and common people songs werent unfeignedly my first choice of entertainment. Dimitri still wore that haunted look from the phone call.I had a suspicion he would have been content to isolate himself in our room, but when Sydney said shed go to the fire, his response came automatically Ill go too. I knew instantly what he was doing. His Strigoi days tormented him. Talking to Strigoi tormented him. And maybeno, certainlyhe cute to hide away and chastise to city block it all out, but he was Dimitri. Dimitri defend those who needed it, and even if listening to hearth songs wasnt exactly life-threatening, it was still a semi-dangerous function for a civilian like Sydney. He couldnt allow that. Plus, he knew Sydney would feel safer with both of us nearby.I started to say Id join them, but Joshua spoke in the first place I could. Do you still exigency to see my cave? Theres a brusk unclouded left outside. Youll contain a advance view that way than if we have to use a torch.Id forgotten about my last conversation with Joshua and started to decline his offer. But then, something flashed in Dimitris eyes, something disapproving. So. He didnt want me going off with some young, good-looking guy. Was it legitimate have-to doe with about the Keepers? Was it jealousy? No, surely not the latter. Wed established some(prenominal), many timesthat Dimitri wanted no romantic connection with me. Hed even stood up for Adrian earlier. Was this some kind of ex-boyfriend thing? Back in Rubysville, Id believed Dimitri and I could be friends, but that wouldnt happen if he theory he could control me and my love life. Id known girls with exes like that. I wouldnt be one. I could hang out with whomever I wanted.Sure, I said. Dimitris expression darkened. Id love to.Joshua and I headed off, going the others behind. I knew part of my decision was to strain my independence. Dimitri had said we were equals, yet hed made an dread lot of decisions in this escape protrude without me. It was nice to feel like I had the upper hand for a change, and besides, I liked Joshua and was kind of curious to learn more about how his people lived. I dont think Sydney wanted me to leave, but Dimitri would look after(prenominal) her.As Joshua and I walked, we passed plenty of Keepers out and about. Just like earlier, I received a fair arrive of stares. Rather than lead us down the road to where his father lived, Joshua took me around the small bus. It was still good-sized, but after life sentence near the Rockies, everything in the Appalachians seemed small to me. I look I was a mountain snob.Still, the mountain extended quite a ways, and we locomote farther and farther from the Keepers main settlement. The timbre grew thicker, the jobless growth scarce as the sun finally began sinking into the horizon.Im kind of on the outskirts, Joshua said apolo demoralizeically. We keep growing and growing, and theres not much room in the towns center. I thought town was an optimistic status but didnt say so. Yeah. I was definitely a snob. But the caves keep going, so theres still space.Are they natural? I asked.Some are. Some are wedded mining caves.Its handsome out here, I said. I liked all the broad-leaved trees. I might be homesick for Montana, but the wide leaves here were a neat contrast to pine needles. A nd hey, at least you get lots of privacy, right?True. He smiled. I figured youd think it was I dont know. Too rustic. Or savage. You probably think we all are.His observation ball over me. Most of the Keepers had been so fiercely defensive attitude of their way of life that I hadnt thought anyone would even think an outsider would question itor that any Keeper would care if we did.Its just different, I said diplomatically. A lot different from what Im used to. I felt a flash of homesickness for all the people and places I was now have it off off from. Lissa. Adrian. Our other friends. Court. St. Vladimirs. I shook the feeling off quickly. I had no time to mope and could at least check on Lissa later.Ive been to human towns, keep Joshua. And other places the Tainted live. I can see why youd like them. He turned a bit sheepish. I wouldnt reason electricity.Why dont you guys use it?We would if we could. Were just too far out, and no one really knows were here anyway. The lily-peop le say its better for hiding us.It hadnt occurred to me that they simply endured these conditions because they were forced to in order to conceal themselves. I wondered how many of their choices came from clinging to the so-called old ways and how much was influenced by the Alchemists. Here we are, said Joshua, clout me from my musings.He gestured to a dark hole at ground level. The opening was big enough for an adult to enter.Nice, I said. Id spy earlier that some of the caves were set high into the mountains and had watched their residents either climb the rock bare- transfer or use homemade ladders. An easy-access doorway seemed luxurious. Joshua looked impress at my praise. rightfully?Really.Wed ended up losing too much daylight. He paused to light a torch, and then I followed him inside. We had to souse a little at first, but as we went deeper into the cave, the ceiling torpidly spread out and opened up into a wide, move space. The scandalize was hard-packed dirt, th e stone walls rough and jagged. This was a natural cave, but I could nag out the efforts made to civilize it. The floor had been cleaned and leveled, and I saw some stones and rocks in a corner that looked like theyd been self-contained up to clear space. A couple pieces of furniture had already been go in a narrow wooden c tomentum cerebri and a mattress that looked like it could barely hold one person.You probably think its small, said Joshua.It was true, but it was actually bigger than my dormitory room at St. Vladimirs. Well yeah, but I mean, how old are you?Eighteen. homogeneous as me, I said. This seemed to make him pretty cheerful. Having your own, um, cave at eighteen is pretty cool. It would have been cooler still with electricity, Internet, and plumbing, but there was no need to bring that up.His blue eyes practically shone. I couldnt care but notice what a pretty contrast they made against his suntanned skin. I dismissed the thought immediately. I wasnt here for a boyfriend. But apparently, I was the only one who believed that. Joshua suddenly took a step forward.You can stay if you want, he said. The other Tainted would never find you here. We could get unite, and then when we had kids, we could build a loft like my parents andThe word married had me moving toward the entrance as floor and panicked as I would be by a Strigoi attack. Except, I commonly had fair warning before those.Whoa, whoa, slow down. No. I hadnt seen a purpose coming. We just metThankfully, he didnt come closer. I know, but sometimes thats how it is.What, marriages between people who hardly know each other? I asked incredulously.Sure. Happens all the time. And seriously, just in this short of time, I already know I like you. Youre amazing. Youre beautiful and seemingly a good fighter. And the way you carry yourself He shook his head, awe on his face. Ive never seen anything like it.I wished he wasnt so cute and nice. Having creepy guys make believe their adoratio n was a lot easier to deal with than one you liked. I remembered Sydney saying I was a hot commodity here. heat up was more like it, apparently.Joshua, I really like you, but, I added hurriedly, seeing take to fill his features, Im too young to get married.He frowned. Didnt you say you were eighteen?Okay. hop on was probably not a good argument around here. Id seen how young people had kids back in Dimitris home-town. In a place like this, they probably had kid marriages. I tried another angle.I dont even know if I want to get married. This didnt faze him. He nodded in understanding. Thats smart. We could live together first, see how we get along. His serious expression turned back into a smile. But Im pretty easygoing. Id allow you win every argument.I couldnt help it. I laughed. Well, then, Im going to have to win this one and tell you Im just not ready for any of it. Besides, Im already touch on with someone.Dimitri?No. Another guy. Hes back at the Tainted Court. I couldn t even believe I was saying that.Joshua frowned. Why isnt he here protecting you then?Because thats not how he is. And I can take care of myself. Id never liked the surmise that I needed rescuing. And look, even if he wasnt in the picture, Im leaving soon anyway. It would never work out between you and me.I understand. Joshua looked disappointed but seemed to be taking the rejection all right. Maybe when youve got everything sorted out, youll come back.I started to tell him not to wait for me and that he should just marry someone else (despite how whacky it was at his age), but then I realized that was a pointless comment. In Joshuas fantasies, he could probably marry someone else now and then add me on to his harem later, like Sarah and Pau permitte. So, I just simply said, Maybe. Groping for a change in subject, I searched for anything to distract us. My eyes fell on the c sensory hair and a leafy pattern carved into it. Thats really neat.Thanks, he said, walking over. To my relief, he didnt absorb the earlier topic. He ran his hand lovingly over the ornately carved wood. The invention looked like braided leaves. I did it myself.Really? I asked in true surprise. That thats amazing.If you like it His hand moved, and I feared there was a kiss or embrace coming. Instead, he reached into his shirt pocket and produced a very well carved wooden bauble. It was a simple, curving design, the true marvel being how narrow and delicate it was to all be one piece. The wood had been polished to brilliance. Here. He handed me the bracelet.This is for me? I ran my finger along the vapid edge.If you want it. I made it while you were out today. So youll remember me after you leave.I hesitated, wondering if accepting this would be encouraging him. No, I decided. Id made my views on teenage marriage clear, and anyway, he looked so nervous, I couldnt stand the thought of hurt his feelings. I slipped it onto my wrist.Of course Ill remember. Thank you.From the happy look on his face, taking the bracelet made up for my earlier refusal. He showed me a few more expatiate around the cave and then followed my vestige to join the others at the fire. We could hear the melody echoing through the trees long before we made it back, and while it was hardly my style, there was something warm and friendly about this communitys way of life. Id never been to summer camp, but I imagined this was what itd be like.Sydney and Dimitri sat near the groups edge. They were dim and watchful, but everyone else sang, clapped, and talked. Again, I was stunned at how easily dhampirs, humans, and Moroi could all be refer with one another. Mixed couples were everywhere, and onea human and Moroiwere openly making out. every(prenominal) so often, when he kissed her neck, hed also chomp and take some blood. I had to glance away.I turned back toward my friends. Sydney observe me and looked relieved. Dimitris expression was unreadable. Like always, the others eyes follow ed my movement, and to my surprise, I saw open jealousy on some of the guys faces. I hoped they didnt think Joshua and I had been off getting naked in the cave. That was hardly the reputation I wanted to leave behind.I have to talk to Sydney, I told him over the noise. I decided itd be best to keep my place before any rumors started, and truthfully, Sydney looked like she wanted me by her side. Joshua nodded, and I turned away. Id interpreted two steps when a seize fist suddenly came right toward my face.Id had no defenses up and just barely had the presence of mind to turn my head and catch the botch on my cheek, rather than end up with a broken nose. After the initial surprise, all my training kicked in. I quickly sidestepped out of the line of attack and put my trunk into a fighters stance. The music and tattle stopped, and I turned to face my attacker.Angeline.She stood in a way similar to my own, fists clenched and eyes completely honed in on me. Okay, she said. Its time to find out how punk rock you really are.What it was time for was someonesay, like, a parentto come and drag her off and punish her for scokeing guests. Amazingly, no one moved or tried to stop her. Nothat wasnt quite true. One person stood up. Dimitri had sprung to exertion the instant he saw me in danger. I expected him to come elicit Angeline away, but a group of Keepers hastily moved to his side, saying something to him that I couldnt hear. They didnt try to physically admit him, but whatsoever they said, it kept him where he stood. I would have demanded to know what theyd told him, but Angeline was coming at me again. It looked like I was on my own.Angeline was short, even for a dhampir, but her whole body was packed with strength. She was pretty fast too, though not fast enough to get that second hit in on me. I neatly dodged it and kept my distance, not wanting to go on the unsavoury with this girl. She could probably do a fair amount of damage in a fight, but there was a dingy no, more like roughedge to it. She was a scrapper, someone whod done a lot of brawling but without any buckram training.Are you insane? I exclaimed, moving out of the way of another assault. stymy this. I dont want to hurt you.Sure, she said. Thats what you want everyone to think, right? If you dont actually have to fight, then theyll all go on believe those marks are real.They are real The insinuation that Id faked my tattoos moveed my temper, but I refused to get drawn into this ridiculous scuffle.Prove it, she said, coming at me again. Prove youre who you say you are.It was like a dance, keeping away from her. I could have done it all night, and a few dismayed cries from the crowd demanded we get on with it.I dont have to point anything, I told her.Its a lie then. Her animate was heavy now. She was working a lot harder than me. Everything you Tainted do is a lie. Not true, I said. Why was Dimitri letting this go on? Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of him , and so help me, he was smiling.Meanwhile, Angeline was still continuing her tirade as she tried to hit me. You all lie. Youre all weak. Especially your royals. Theyre the worst of all.You dont know them at all. You dont know anything about them.She might be able to carry on a conversation, but I could see her growing increasingly frustrated. If not for the fact I was pretty sure shed hit me in the back, I would have taken the frightful approach and simply walked away. I know enough, she said. I know theyre selfish and unfit and dont do anything for themselves. They dont care about anyone else. Theyre all the same.I actually agreed with Angeline about some royals but didnt like the generalization. Dont talk about things you dont understand, I snapped. Theyre not all like that.They are, she said, pleased to see me angry. I wish they were all dead.It was hardly enough to push me into offense mode, but the comment did cloud my thoughts enough that I let her get through my guard, jus t a little. I never would have let that happen with a Strigoi, but Id underestimated this wild girl. Her leg snaked out just enough to hit my knee, and it was like tossing a spark into gasoline. Everything exploded.With that hit, I stumbled slightly, and she pushed her advantage. My battle instincts took over, and I had no choice but to strike back before she could hit me. People began bright now that the fight was really going. I was on offense, trying to subdue her, nub the physical contact had jumped up exponentially. I was still better than her, no doubt, but in trying to get to her, I put myself in her range. She landed a few blows on me, nothing serious, before I was able to tackle her to the ground. I expected that to be the end, but she pushed back against me before I could fully restrain her. We rolled over, and she tried to take the dominant position. I couldnt allow that and managed a punch on the side of her face that was a lot harder than the earlier one.I thought tha t would be the end of the fight. My hit had knocked her off me, and I started to stand, but then that little bitch grabbed my hair and jerked me back down. I twisted out of her holdthough Im pretty sure she took some hair away with herand this time managed to fully pin her, throwing all my weight and strength into it as I pressed down. I knew it had to be painful but didnt really care. Shed started it. Besides, this coming upon had gone beyond defense. Pulling someones hair was just playing dirty.Angeline made a few more attempts to break away, but when it became clear she couldnt, those around us began sound and cheering. A few moments later, that dark and hot look vanished from Angelines face, replaced by resignation. I look her warily, not about to let down my guard.Fine, she said. I guess its okay. Go ahead.Huh? Whats okay? I demanded.Its okay if you marry my brother.