Blood Promise Chapter Eleven

I st atomic number 18d at bread for several long seconds. Fin each(prenominal)y, stupidly, I asked, Did you say heal?Mark stared at me in equal surprise. Yes, of course. She can heal other things, right? Why non this?Because I frowned. That doesnt make any sense. The darkness all the bad side effectuate those tote up from Lissa. If she could that heal it, why wouldnt she heal it forth of herself?Because when its in her, its similarly ingrained. Too tied into her being. She cant heal it the musical mode she can other things. provided once your bond has pulled it into you, its kindred any other sickness.My heart was pounding in my chest. What he was suggesting was too ridiculously easy. No, it was just ridiculous, period. There was no flair after all that wed been through that Lissa could heal that rage and depression the way she could a cold or a broken leg. Victor Dashkov, despite his diabolical schemes, had k promptlyn an astonishing amount ab off spirit and had explaine d it to us. The other four elements were more(prenominal) corporal in nature, besides spirit came from the mind and soul. To use that untold mental energy-to be able to do such powerful things-couldnt be d unrivalled without devastating side effects. Wed been fighting those side effects from the beginning, first in Lissa and therefore in me. They couldnt just go away.If that were possible, I said quietly, then everyone would have done it. Ms. Karp wouldnt have lost her mind. Anna wouldnt have committed suicide. What youre saying is too easy. Mark didnt know who I was talking about, but clearly it didnt matter for what he motiveed to express.Youre right. Its not easy at all. It requires a elevator careful balance, a circle of trust and strength amidst two people. It took Oksana and me a long time to observe bity hard yearsHis slip darkened, and I could nevertheless imagine what those years had been deal. My short time with Lissa had been bad decent. Theyd had to live wi th this a lot longer than we had. It had to have been unbearable at times. Slowly, wonderingly, I dared to give creed to his words. barely now you guys are okay?Hmm. There was a flicker of a wry smile on his lips. Id hardly say were perfectly okay. Theres whole so much she can do, but it makes life manageable. She spaces out the healings as long as we can handle it, since it takes a lot out of her. Its draining, and it limits her boilersuit power.What do you mean?He shrugged. She can excuse do the other things healing, compulsion but not to the levels she would if she wasnt endlessly healing me.My hope faltered. Oh. Then I couldnt. I couldnt do that to Lissa.Compared to what shes doing to you? Rose. I have a feeling shed think it was a fair trade.I position back to our last meeting. I thought about how Id left her there, despite her begging. I thought about the lows shed been experiencing in my absence. I thought about how shed refused to heal Dimitri when Id thought there migh t still be hope for him. Wed some(prenominal) been bad friends.I shook my chief. I dont know, I said in a diminished voice. I dont know if she would.Mark gave me a long, level look, but he didnt push me on the matter. He glanced up at the sun, almost as if he could tell the time from it. He probably could. He had that surviving-in-the-wilderness kind of feel to him. The others will wonder what happened to us. Before we go He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bitty, plain silver ring. discipline to heal will take time. What worries me the most right now is this vigilante mood youre in. The darkness is only going to make it worse. Take this.He wide the ring to me. I hesitated and then reached for it. What is it?Oksana infused it with spirit. Its a healing charm.Once again, shock ran through me. Moroi charmed objects with elements all the time. Stakes were charmed with all four of the physical elements, making them lethal to Strigoi. Victor had charmed a necklace with eart h magic, using the base nature of earth to turn the necklace into a lust charm. Even Sydneys stain was a charm of sorts. I supposed there was no reason that spirit couldnt charm objects too, but it had never occurred to me, probably because Lissas powers were still too hot and too foreign.Whats it do? I mean, what kind of healing?Itll garter with your moods. It cant get rid of them, but itll lessen them-help you think more clearly. Might keep you out of trouble. Oksana makes these for me to help between healings. I started to slip it on, but he shook his head. Save it for when you really feel out of control. The magic wont last forever. It fades just homogeneous any other charm.I stared at the ring, my mind suddenly open to all sorts of new possibilities. A few maents later, I slipped it into my coat pocket.Paul stuck his head out the back door.Grandmother wants to leave now, he told me. She wants to know why youre taking so long and said to ask why youd make mortal as old as her keep waiting and suffering with her back.I recalled how fast Yeva had been walking while I struggled to keep up with my load. Her back hadnt seemed all that bad to me, but again, I remembered that Paul was only the messenger and spared him my commentary.Okay. Ill be right there. When he was gone, I shook my head. Its hard being worthy. I locomote toward the door, then gave Mark a backward glance, as a random thought occurred to me. Youre telling me that going turned on your own is bad but you arent a guardian either.He smiled at me again, one of those sad, wry smiles. I used to be. Then Oksana saved my life. We bonded and eventually fell in love. I couldnt comport to be separated from her after that, and the guardians would have assigned me elsewhere. I had to go.Was it hard to leave them?Very. Our age difference make it even more scandalous. A extraneous chill ran through me. Mark and Oksana were the embodiment of the two halves of my life. They fought against a shadow- cour ted bond as Lissa and I did and also faced the same condemnation for their relationship that Dimitri and I had. Mark continued, however approximatelytimes, we have to listen to our hearts. And even though I left, Im not out there recklessly going after Strigoi. Im an old man living with the woman he loves and tending his garden. Theres a difference-dont forget that.My mind was reeling when I returned to the Belikov house. Without the bricks, the walk back had been a lot easier. It had condition me a hap to ponder Marks words. I felt a homogeneous Id received a lifetime of information in a one-hour conversation.Olena was going about the house, doing her normal tasks of cooking and cleaning. plot I would personally never want to swing my days doing those sorts of domestic duties, I had to admit there was something comforting about continuously having someone who was close to, mark to cook and worry about me on a daily basis. I knew it was a purely selfish desire, just as I kn ew my own mom was doing measurable things with her life. I shouldnt judge her. Still, it made me feel warm and cared for to have Olena treat me like a daughter when she hardly knew me.Are you hungry? she asked automatically. I think one of the greatest fears in her life was that someone might go hungry in her home. Sydneys perpetual lack of appetite had been a nonstop flight worry for Olena.I hid a smile. No, we ate at Mark and Oksanas.Ah, thats where you were? Theyre full(a) people.Where is everyone? I asked. The house was unusually quiet.Sonya and Karolina are at work. Viktorias out at a friends, but shell be glad youre back.What about Sydney?She left a little while ago. She said she was going back to Saint Petersburg.What? I exclaimed. Left for safe(p)? Just like that? Sydney had a blunt nature, but this was abrupt even for her.The Alchemists well, theyre forever and a day on the move. Olena handed me a piece of paper. She left this for you.I took the transmission line and i mmediately opened it. Sydneys handwriting was neat and precise. Somehow this didnt surprise me.Rose,Im sorry I had to leave so quickly, but when the Alchemists tell me to jump well, I jump. Ive hitched a ride back to that farm town we stayed in so that I can pick up the Red Hurricane, and then Im off to Saint Petersburg. Apparently, now that youve been delivered to Baia, they dont need me to stick around anymore.I wish I could tell you more about Abe and what he wants from you. Even if I was allowed to, there isnt much to say. In some ways, hes as much a mystery to me as he is to you. Like I said, a lot of the business he deals in is illegal-both among public and Moroi. The only time he gets directly involved with people is when something relates to that business-or if its a very, very special case. I think youre one of those cases, and even if he doesnt pin down you harm, he might want to use you for his own purposes. It could be as simple as him wanting to contract you as a body guard, seeing as youre rogue. Maybe he wants to use you to get to others. Maybe this is all part of someone elses plan, someone whos even more mysterious than him. Maybe hes doing someone a favor. Zmey can be dangerous or kind, all depending on what he needs to accomplish.I never thought Id care enough to say this to a dhampir, but be careful. I dont know what your plans are now, but I have a feeling trouble follows you around. Call me if theres anything I can help with, but if you go back to the big cities to hunt Strigoi, dont leave any more bodies unattendedAll the best,Sydney P.S. The Red Hurricane is what I named the car.P.P.S. Just because I like you, it doesnt mean I still dont think youre an evil creature of the night. You are.Her cell phone number was added at the bottom, and I couldnt help but smile. Since wed ridden to Baia with Abe and his guardians, Sydney had had to leave the car behind, which had traumatized her almost as much as the Strigoi. I hoped the Alchemists wo uld let her keep it. I shook my head, amused in spite of her warnings about Abe. The Red Hurricane.As I headed upstairs to my room, my smile faded. Despite her abrasive attitude, I was going to miss Sydney. She might not exactly be a friend-or was she?-but in this brief time, Id come to regard her as a constant in my life. I didnt have many of those left anymore. I felt adrift, unsure what to do now. Id come here to bring peace to Dimitri and had only ended up bringing grief to his family. And if what everyone said was true, I wasnt going to find many Strigoi here in Baia. Somehow, I couldnt picture Dimitri, wandering the road and farms for the occasional prey. Even as a Strigoi -and it killed me to think those words-Dimitri would have a purpose. If he wasnt returning to the familiar sights of his hometown, then he would be doing something else meaningful-inasmuch as a Strigoi could. Sydneys comment in the demarcation had verified what I kept hearing over and overStrigoi were in t he cities. But which one? Where would Dimitri go?Now I was the one without a purpose. On top of it all, I couldnt help but replay Marks words. Was I really on an insane vigilante mission? Was I foolishly rushing to my death? Or was I foolishly rushing into nothing? Was I doomed to spend the rest of my days wandering? Alone?Sitting on my bed, I felt my mood plummet and knew I had to distract myself. I was too liable(predicate) to dark emotions as long as Lissa used spirit I didnt need to further encourage them. I slipped on the ring that Mark had given me, hoping it would bring some sort of clarity and tranquility. I felt no noticeable difference, though, and distinct to seek peace from that same place I always did Lissas mind.She was with Adrian, and the two were practicing spirit again. After some initial bumps in the road, Adrian was proving a quick study at healing.That had been the first of Lissas powers to manifest, and it always irked her that he made more progress on what s he had to teach him than vice versa.Im running out of things for you to heal, she said, setting some tiny potted plants onto a table. Unless we start cutting off limbs or something.Adrian smiled. I used to tease Rose about that, how I was going to impress her by healing amputees or something equally absurd.Oh, and Im sure she had a smartass answer for you each time.Yes, yes, she did. His face was fond as he recalled the memory. There was a part of me that was always insanely curious to hear them talk about me further at the same time, I always felt bad at the grief my name seemed to invoke.Lissa groaned and stretched out on the carpeted floor. They were in a dorm lounge, and curfew was swiftly approaching. I want to talk to her, Adrian.You cant, he said. There was an unusual seriousness in his voice. I know she still checks in on you-thats the impending youll get to talking to her.And honestly? Thats not so bad. You can tell her exactly how you feel.Yeah, but I want to hear her talk back like you do in your dreams.This made him smile again. She does plenty of talking back, believe me.Lissa sat up straight. Do it now.Do what now?Go visit her dreams. You always try to explain it to me, but Ive never actually seen it. Let me watch.He stared, at a loss for words. Thats kind of voyeuristic.Adrian I want to learn this, and weve time-tested everything else. I can feel the magic around you sometimes. Just do it, okay?He started to protest again but then bit off his comment after studying her face for a moment. Her words had been sharp and demanding-very uncharacteristic for her. Okay. Ill try.The whole idea of Adrian trying to get into my head while I was watching him through Lissas head was surreal, to say the least(prenominal). I didnt quite know what to expect from him. Id always wondered if he had to be asleep or at least have his eye closed. Apparently not. He instead stared off at nothing, his eyes going vacant as his mind left the world around him. Throug h Lissas eyes, I could see some of the magic radiating off him and his aura, and she tried to analyze each strand. Then, without warning, all the magic faded. He blinked and shook his head.Sorry. I cant do it.Why not?Probably because shes awake. Did you learn anything by watching?A little. Probably wouldve been more useful if youd actually made the connection. Again, Lissa had that petulant tone.She could be anywhere in the world, you know, on any schedule. His words were smothered by a yawn. Maybe we can try at different times of the day. Ive been getting her actually, close to this time. Or sometimes I catch her really early in the day.She could be close by then, said Lissa.Or on a human daylight schedule in some other part of the world.Her enthusiasm dropped. Right. That too.How come you guys never look like youre working?Christian strolled into the room, flavour amused at Lissa sitting on the floor and Adrian sprawling on the couch. Standing behind Christian was someone I hadn t thought Id see anytime soon. Adrian, who could chance on women a mile away, also immediately noticed the newcomer.Whered you get the jailbait? he asked.Christian shot Adrian a warning look. This is Jill. Jill Mastrano allowed herself to be nudged forward, her light green eyes impossibly wide as she looked around. Jill, this is Lissa and Adrian. Jill was one of the last people Id expected to see here. Id met her a little over a month ago. She was in ordinal grade, which meant shed be here on the upper campus in the fall. She had the same super-slim build that most Moroi had, but it was paired with height that was impressive even by vampiric standards. It made her look rail-thin. Her hair fell in light brown curls to the middle of her back and would be beautiful-when she learned how to style it properly. For now, it was kind of messy, and her overall impression-while cute-was kind of awkward.H-hi, she said, flavor from face to face. As far as she was concerned, these were Moroi g old star celebrities. Shed almost passed out when she first met me and Dimitri, thanks to our reputations. From her expression, she was in a similar state now.Jill wants to learn how to use her power for good instead of evil, said Christian with an exaggerated wink. That was his coy way of saying Jill wanted to learn how to fight with her magic. Shed expressed the wager to me, and Id told her to find Christian. I was glad shed had the courage to take me up on my advice. Christian was a campus celebrity too, albeit an infamous one.Another recruit? asked Lissa, shaking her head. envisage youll keep this one around?Jill gave Christian a startled look. Whats that mean?After the attack, lots of people said they wanted to learn to fight with magic, Christian explained. So they found me, and we worked together once or twice. Then everyone faded away once it got hard, and they cognize they had to keep practicing.It doesnt help that youre a mean teacher, pointed out Lissa.And so now youv e got to recruit among children, said Adrian solemnly.Hey, said Jill indignantly. Im fourteen. Immediately, she flushed at having spoken so boldly to him. He found it amusing, as he did so many other things.My mistake, he said. Whats your element?Water.Fire and water, huh? Adrian reached into his pocket and pulled out a one-hundred-dollar bill. He snapped it out straight. Sweetheart, Ill make you a deal. If you can make a bucket of water appear and dump over Christians head, Ill give you this.Ill add in ten, laughed Lissa.Jill looked stunned, but I suspected it was because Adrian had called her sweetheart. I took Adrian for granted so ofttimes that it was easy to forget he really was a hot guy. Christian pushed Jill toward the door.Ignore them. Theyre just jealous because spirit users cant go charging into battle like we can. He knelt down to Lissas height on the floor and gave her a quick kiss. We were practicing in the lounge upstairs, but Ive got to walk her back now. Ill see you tomorrow.You dont have to, said Jill. I can get back there fine. I dont want to be any trouble.Adrian stood up. You arent. If anyones going to step up and be the knight in twinkling armor here, it might as well be me. Ill take you back and leave the lovebirds to their lovebirding. He gave Jill a grand bow. Shall we?Adrian- said Lissa, a sharp note in her voice.Oh, come on, he said, rolling his eyes. Ive got to head back anyway-you guys are of no use once curfew comes. And honestly, give me some credit here. Even I have boundaries.He gave Lissa a meaningful look, one that told her she was an idiot for thinking he was going to hit on Jill. Lissa held his gaze for a few moments and realized he was right. Adrian was a scoundrel at times and had never made his interest in me a secret, but walking Jill home wasnt part of some grand seduction. He really was just being nice.All right, said Lissa. Ill see you later. Nice meeting you, Jill.You too, said Jill. She dared a smile at Christian. convey again.You better show up for our next practice, he warned.Adrian and Jill started to step out the door, just as Avery stepped through it.Hey, Adrian. Avery gave Jill a once-over. Whos your jailbait?Will you guys stop calling me that? exclaimed Jill.Adrian pointed at Avery chastisingly. Hush. Ill deal with you later, Lazar.I sure enough hope so, she said in a singsong voice. Ill leave the door unlocked.Jill and Adrian left, and Avery sat down next to Lissa. She seemed animated enough to be drunk, but Lissa smelled no liquor on her. Lissa was rapidly learning that some part of Avery was always just vivacious and carefree, regardless of intoxication.Did you really just invite Adrian to your room later? asked Lissa. She spoke teasingly but had been secretly wondering if something was going on between them. And yeah, that made two of us who wondered.Avery shrugged. I dont know. Maybe. Sometimes we hang out once you guys are all tucked into bed. You arent going to get jealous, a re you?No, laughed Lissa. Just curious. Adrians a good guy.Oh? asked Christian. Define ?good.Avery held up her hand and began ticking items off with each finger. Hes devastatingly handsome, funny, rich, related to the cigaretYou got your wedding colors picked out? asked Lissa, still laughing.Not yet, said Avery. Im still testing the waters. I figured hed be an easy notch on the Avery Lazar belt, but hes kind of hard to read.I really dont want to be hearing this, Christian said.Sometimes he acts like a love em and leave em type. Other times, he mopes like some heartbroken romantic. Lissa exchanged a knowing glance with Christian that Avery didnt catch while talking. Anyway, Im not here to talk about him. Im here to talk about you and me busting out of here. Avery threw her arm around Lissa, who nearly fell over.Out of where? The dorm?No. This school. Were going off on a wild weekend to theRoyal Court.What, this weekend? Lissa felt like she was three steps behind, and I didnt blame her. Why?Because its Easter. And her royal majesty thought it would be ?lovely if you could join her for the holiday. Averys tone was grand and high-pitched. And, since Ive been hanging out with you, Dads decided Im on good behavior now.Poor oblivious bastard, murmured Christian.So he said I can go with you. Avery glanced at Christian. You can too, I guess. The queen said Lissa could bring a guest-in addition to me, of course.Lissa looked into Averys radiant face and didnt share her enthusiasm. I hate going to Court. Tatiana just goes on and on, giving what she thinks is useful advice for me. Its always boring and miserable now. Lissa didnt add that shed once found Court fun-when Id gone with her.Thats because you havent gone with me yet. Itll be a blast I know where all the good stuff is. And I bet Adrianll come too. He can push his way into anything. Itll be like a double date.Slowly, Lissa began to acknowledge that this might be fun. She and I had managed to find a little of the good stuff that hid underneath the polished surface of Court life. Every other visit since had been just as she described-stuffy and businesslike. But now, going with Christian and wild, spontaneous Avery? That had potential.Until Christian ruined it. Well, dont count me in, he said. If you can only bring one person, bring Jill.Who? asked Avery.Jailbait, explained Lissa. She looked at Christian in astonishment. Why on earth would I bring Jill? I just met her.Because shes actually serious about learning to defend herself. You should introduce her to Mia. Theyre both water users.Right, said Lissa knowingly. And the fact that you hate it at Court has nothing to do with it?WellChristian Lissa was suddenly getting upset. Why cant you do this for me?Because I hate the way Queen Bitch looks at me, he said.Lissa didnt find this convincing. Yeah, but when we graduate, Ill be living there. Youll have to go then.Yeah, well, then give me this small vacation first.Lissas irritation grew. Oh, I s ee how it is. I have to put up with your crap all the time, but you cant go out of your way for me.Avery glanced between them and then stood up. Ill leave you kids to work this out on your own. I dont care whether Christian or Jailbait goes, as long as youre there. She peered down at Lissa. You are going, right?Yeah. Ill go. If anything, Christians refusal had suddenly spurred Lissa more.Avery grinned. Awesome. Im going to head out of here, but you two had better kiss and make up when Im gone.Averys brother Reed suddenly appeared in the doorway. Are you ready? he asked her. Every time he spoke, it always came out as sort of a grunt.Avery flashed the others a triumphant look.See? My boyfriend brother, coming to walk me back before those dorm matrons start yelling at me to leave. Now Adrianll have to find a new and exciting way to prove his chivalry.Reed didnt look very gallant or chivalrous, but I supposed it was nice of him to come walk her back to her room. His timing had been spo okily perfect. Maybe she was right about him not being as bad as people always thought.As soon as Avery was gone, Lissa turned on Christian. Are you really serious about me bringing Jill instead of you?Yep, said Christian. He tried to lie back into her lap, but she pushed him away. But Ill count the seconds until you return.I cant believe you think this is a joke.I dont, he said. Look, I didnt mean to get you all worked up, okay? But really I just dont want to deal with all that Court drama. And it would be good for Jill. He frowned. You dont have anything against her, do you?I dont even know her, said Lissa. She was still upset-more so than I would have expected, which was odd.Christian caught hold of Lissas hands, face serious. Those blue eyes she loved softened her anger a little. Please, Im not trying to upset you. If its really that importantLike that, Lissas anger diffused. It was abrupt, like a switch. No, no. Im fine bringing Jill-though Im not sure she should be hanging out with us and doing whatever Avery has in mind.Give Jill to Mia. Shell look after her for the weekend.Lissa nodded, wondering why he was so interested in Jill. Okay. But youre not doing this because you dont like Avery, are you?No, I like Avery. She makes you smile more.You make me smile.Thats why I added on the ?more. Christian gently kissed Lissas hand. Youve been so sad since Rose left. Im glad youre hanging out with someone else-I mean, not that you cant get everything you need from me.Averys not a Rose replacement, said Lissa quickly.I know. But she reminds me of her.What? They have nothing in common.Christian straightened up and sat beside her, resting his face against her shoulder. Averys like how Rose used to be, back before you guys left.Both Lissa and I paused to ponder that. Was he right? Before Lissas spirit powers had begun showing, she and I had lived a party girl lifestyle. And yes, half the time I was the one coming up with the crazy ideas to find a good time and get us into trouble. But had I been as out there as Avery seemed sometimes? Therell never be another Rose, said Lissa sadly.No, agreed Christian. He gave her a brief, soft kiss on the mouth. But there will be other friends.I knew he was right, but I couldnt help but feel a small stab of jealousy. I also couldnt help feel a small amount of worry. Lissas brief spurt of irritation had been kind of out of the blue. I could discover her wishing Christian could go, but her attitude had been a little bitchy-and her almost jealous worry over Jill was weird too. Lissa had no reason to doubt Christians feelings, certainly not over someone like Jill. Lissas moodiness reminded me too much of the old days.Most likely she was overtired, but some instinct-maybe it was part of the bonding-told me something was wrong. It was a fleeting sensation, one I couldnt quite get a hold of, like water slipping through my fingers. Still, my instincts had been right before, and I decided Id be checking in on Liss a more frequently.