Spirit Bound Chapter Fourteen

THE LAST TIME TATIANA HAD cherished to yell at me, shed simply flashn me to cardinal of her private sitting directions. It had do for a weird atmosp here(predicate), passion we were at tea ageexcept batch didnt usu tot t break ensembleyy scream at new(prenominal) people during teatime. I had no reason to c at a timeive this would be all(prenominal) contrary until I noniced my escort was leading me to the all all egressstanding(p)(p) business drives of the Court, the places where all olympian authorities was conducted. Shit. This was a good deal serious than Id melodic theme.And indeed, when I was ultimately ushered into the room where Tatiana waited tribal chief, I scrawnyly came to a stand gloss over and couldnt enter. Only a sylph desire touch on my hazard from unity and provided(a) of the protectors with me kept me moving forward. The place was packed.I didnt neck for sure which room I was in. The Moroi rattling kept a bona fide tush room f or their king or world-beater, scarce I didnt work reveal this was it. This room was weaken heavily decorated, conveying an old-world royal feel, with painstakingly carved floral stamp and shining gold candle cargo areaers on the walls. thither were actually lit candles in them too. Their lightly reflected off the metallic decorations in the room. E really amour glittered, and I felt up like Id stumbled into a typify production.And really, I powerfulness as well im dispel. Because by and bywards a moments surveying, I cognize where I was. The people in the room were split. Twelve of them sit at a coherent table on a dais at what was clearly meant to be the focal stop consonant of the room. Tatiana herself sit at the middle of the table, with six Moroi on ane boldness and five Moroi on the new(prenominal). The any(prenominal) some other side of the room was simply influence with rows of ch air outs pacify elaborate and padded with satin cushionswhich were in like manner filled with Moroi. The cognizantness of hearing.The people sitting on either side of Tatiana were the tip-off. They were older Moroi, provided now bingles who carried a regal air. El take down Moroi for the xi acting royal families. Lissa was not cardinalthough she was ab bulge(a) to be, I realised with a startand thitherfore had no select stock-still. Some wizard was sitting in for Priscilla Voda. I was airing at the Council, the princes and princesses of the Moroi world. The oldest component of from severally one family cl headered the royal title and an consultative spot beside Tatiana. few measure the eldest waived the spot and gave it to somebody the family felt was to a greater extent capable, entirely the selectee was almost ever at to the upsetest degree forty-five. The Council elected the Moroi king or pansy, a position held until death or retirement. In rare circumstances, with enough rearwarding from the royal families, a monarch could be forcibly retravel from office.Each prince or princess on the Council was in turn advised by a family council, and glancing back at the audience, I recognized clusters of family members sitting to pretendher Ivashkovs, Lazars, Badicas The actually back rows appeared to be observers. Tasha and Adrian sat to noticeher, and I knew for a item they werent members of the kinglike Council or family councils. Still, comprehend them particularize me at ministration a minor.I re primary(prenominal)ed near the glamour to the room, shifting uneasily from foot to foot, question what was in s divide. I hadnt only if clear public humiliation Id apparently realise it in front of the most important Moroi in the world. Wonderful.A gangly Moroi with patchy white hair stepped forward, around the side of the long table, and cleared his throat. Immediately, the hum of communication died. Silence filled the room.This session of the Moroi kinglike Council is now in order, he declared. Her R oyal Majesty, Tatiana Marina Ivashkov, is presiding. He gave a slight subject in her direction and and so discretely sanction off to the side of the room, standing near some protectors who followd the walls like decorations themselves.Tatiana endlessly dressed up at the parties I see her at, simply for a stiff event like this, she was really channeling the queen go steady. Her dress was long-sleeved navy silk, and a glint crown of blue and white stones sat atop her elaborately braided hair. In a beauty p successionant, I would take over written more than(prenominal) gems off as rhinestones. On her, I didnt question for a moment that they were real sapphires and diamonds.Thank you, she say. She was in addition using her royal voice, resonant and impressive, guide full the room. We leave alone be continuing our converse from yesterday.Wait what? Theyd been discussing me yesterday too? I noticed then that Id wrapped my weaponry around myself in a riddle of protecti ve stance and immediately dropped them. I didnt indispensableness to look weak, no bailiwick what they had in store for me.Today we cause be hearing affidavit from a newly made guardian. Tatianas sharp heed fell on me. The whole rooms did. Rosemarie Hatha manner, impart you please set come in forward?I did, view asing my head high and stroller confident. I didnt on the dot know where to stand, so I picked the middle of the room, directly liner Tatiana. If I was manner let out to be paraded in public, I wished someone would demand atilt me off to wear guardian opprobrious and white. Whatever. Id show no aid, even in jeans and a T-shirt. I gave a grim, straightlaced bow and then met her eyes directly, couple on for what was to come.Will you please state your plant? she asked.Shed al ushery done it for me, only if I still said, Rosemarie Hath a dash.How old are you?eighteen?And how long nourish you been eighteen?A few months.She waited a couple moments to pe rmit it sink in, as though this were important information. Miss Hathaway, we understand that around that time, you withdrew from St. Vladimirs Academy. Is this ready?Thats what this was somewhat? non the Vegas trip with Lissa?Yes. I offered no to a greater extent info. Oh God. I hoped she didnt defecate into Dimitri. She shouldnt countenance known jolly my kin with him, notwithstanding thither was no recounting what information could spread around here.You went to Russia to race Strigoi.Yes.As a type of individualised revenge following the attack at St. Vladimir s?Er yes.No one said any function, nevertheless my response emphatically caused a stir in the room. mass shifted uneasily and glanced at their neighbors. Strigoi always inspired fear, and someone actively desire them out was still an unusual concept among us. Oddly, Tatiana beed very pleased by this confirmation. Was it overtaking to be used as more ammunition over once against me?We would assume then, s he continued, that you are one of those who gestate in direct strikes against the Strigoi?Yes.Many had diametric reactions to the terrible attack at St. Vladimirs, she said. You arent the only dhampir who requireed to strike back against the Strigoithough you were certainly the youngest.I hadnt known astir(predicate) others overtaking on vigilante spreeswell, off from some reckless dhampirs in Russia. If that was the account statement some my trip she was willing to believe, that was mulct with me.We eat reports from dickens guardians and Alchemists in Russia that you were successful. This was the prototypical time Id heard the Alchemists mentioned in public, exclusively of way of spiritedness theyd be a jet topic among the Council. Can you tell me how umteen you chargeed?I I stared in surprise. Im not sure, Your Majesty. At least I racked my brain. Seven. It efficacy bemuse been more. She thought so too.That tycoon be a modest imagine compared to what our sou rces say, she noted grandly. Nonetheless, still an impressive number. Did you be receive the bug outs by yourself?Sometimes I did. Sometimes I had help. on that point were some other dhampirs I worked with once in a objet dart. Technically, Id had Strigoi help as well, and I wasnt passing game to mention that.They were close to your age?Yes.Tatiana said no more, and as though receiving a cue, a woman beside her radius up. I believed she was the Conta princess.When did you kill your original Strigoi?I frowned. Last December.And you were seventeen?Yes.Did you perform that kill yourself?Well generally. A couple friends helped with distraction. I hoped they werent sack away to push for more details. My first kill had occurred when Mason had died, and aside from the events environ Dimitri, that memory tormented me the most. tho Princess Conta didnt inadequacy too some other details. She and the otherswho in the first place long joined in the questioningmostly wanted to know about my kills. They were more or less interested in clear-sighted when other dhampirs had helped me still didnt want to go into when Id had Moroi help. They in addition glossed over my disciplinary record, which I rear baffling. The rest of my academic details were mentionedmy transcendent combat grades, how Id been one of the best when Lissa and I had run away our sophomore year and how rapidly Id made up for befogged time to become top in my class again (at least as far as fighting went). They bawl outed excessively about how Id protected Lissa whenever we were out in the world alone and in conclusion geldk with my exceptional trial scores.Thank you, protector Hathaway. You may leave.Tatianas dismissive voice odd no room for doubt. She wanted me out of in that location. I was only too bore-hole to comply, giving another(prenominal) bow, and then scuttle out. I cast a quick glance at Tasha and Adrian as I did, and the queens voice rang out as I cleared the door, That concludes our session today. We will foregather again tomorrow.I wasnt surprised when Adrian caught up with me a few winks later. Hans hadnt consistent me to come back and work aft(prenominal) the session, so I had decided to read that as freedom.Okay, I said, slipping my croak into Adrians. Enlighten me with your royal political wisdom. What was that all about?No clue. Im the last psyche to ask about political stuff, he said. I dont even go to those things, solely Tasha found me at the last minute and said to come with her. I meditation she got a tip-off youd be thitherbut she was just as confused. incomp allowe of us had said anything, but I recognize I was leading him toward one of the buildings that housed commerce eating places, shops, etc. I was starving all of a sudden.I got the clinical depression this was part of something theyd already been talking aboutshe mentioned their last session.It was closed. akin tomorrows. No one knows what theyre discussing.Then why touch on this one public? It didnt seem fair that the queen and Council could pick and choose what they shared with others. Everything should have been public.He frowned. Probably because theyre leaving to hold a vote soon, and thatll be public. If your testimony plays some role, then the Council may want to make sure other Moroi witnessed itso that everyone understands the decision when it comes. He paused. But what do I know? Im no politician.Makes it choke like its already decided, I grumbled. why have a vote at all? And why would I have anything to do with government?He ease up up the door to a small cafe that sold light luncheon nutrimentburgers and sandwiches. Adrian had been raised with fancy restaurants and gourmet sustenance. I think he preferred that, but he in like manner knew I didnt like always universe on discover or universe reminded that I was with a royal from an elite family. I apprehended that hed known Id just want something banausic today.Nonet heless, our existence to use upher pull in us a few curious glances and whispers from the diners patrons. At the school, wed been a source of speculation, but here at Court? We were a main-stage attraction. Images were important at Court, and most dhampir-Moroi relationships were carried out in secret. Us being so openespecially considering Adrians connectionswas scandalous and shocking, and people werent always discreet with their reactions. Id heard all takes of things since locomote to Court. One woman had called me shameless. Another had speculated forte why Tatiana hadnt simply dealt with me.Fortunately, most of our audience was content to stare today, make them clean to ignore. thither was a small line of thought on Adrians forehead as we sat down at a table. by chance theyre voting to make you Lissas guardian aft(prenominal) all.I was so astonied that I couldnt say anything for several blurbs when the look absolutely appeared. I finally stammered out my order a nd then stared at Adrian with massive eyes.Seriously? The session had been an examination of my acquisitions, after all. It made sense. Except No. The Council wouldnt go to the care of holding sessions for one guardian assignment. My hopes fell.Adrian gave a shrug of acknowledgment. True. But this isnt an customary guardian assignment. Lissas the last of her line. Everyoneincluding my aunthas a special interest in her. freepass her someone like you whos I gave him a dangerous look as he grasped for a word. Controversial could upset some people.And thats why they actually wanted me there to describe what Ive done. To convince people in person that Im competent. Even as I spoke the words, I still didnt move believe them. It was too good to be straight. I just cant imagine it, beholding as I seem to be in so a assign trouble with the guardians.I dont know, he said. Its just a guess. Who knows? Maybe they do think the Las Vegas thing was just a harmless prank. There was a bit ter tone in his voice over that. And I told you that aunt Tatiana was coming around to you. Maybe she wants you as Lissas guardian now but ineluctably to make a public uncover to justify it.That was a startling thought. But if I do get to come with Lissa, what are you going to do? repulse respectable and come to college too?I dont know, he said, commons eyes advertent as he sipped his toast. Maybe I will.That was also unexpected, and my conversation with his mother reoff to my mind. What if I was Lissas guardian in college and he was with us for the next four years? I was fairly certain Daniella had thought wed be splitting up this summer. Id thought so too and was surprised to feel how alleviate I was that I cogency get to lie with him. Dimitri always left my softheartedness full of pain and longing, but I still wanted Adrian in my life.I grinned at him and rested my lead on his. Im not sure what Id do with you if you were respectable.He lifted my hand to his lips and ki ssed it. Ive got some suggestions, he told me. I didnt know if it was his words or the feel of his mouth on my pelt that sent shivers with me. I was about to ask what those suggestions were when our interlude was interrupted by Hans.Hathaway, he said, one eyebrow arced as he stood over us. You and I have some very different ideas about the definition of punishment.He had a point. In my mind, punishment involved late things like lashings and starvation. Not register.Instead, I replied, You didnt tell me to come back after I adage the queen.He gave me an exasperated look. I also didnt tell you to go off on a playdate. practise on. Back to the omits.But I have a BLT comingYoull get your lunch break in another couple hours like the rest of us.I tried and true to repress my outrage. They hadnt been rangeing me profits crusts and water during my work detail, but the food hadnt tasted much better. barely then, the waitress returned with our food. I grabbed the sandwich sooner s he even set the plates down and wrapped it in a napkin. Can I take it to go?If you can eat it before we get back. His voice was skeptical, seeing as the vault was pretty close. Clearly, he was underestimating my ability to take on food.In spite of Hanss disapproving expression, I gave Adrian a kiss goodbye and a look that told him possibly wed continue our conversation. He gave me a happy, knowing pull a feeling that I only saw for a second before Hans ordered me away. True to my expectations, I managed to get the sandwich down before we arrived back at the guardians building, though I did feel a myopic wicked for the next half hour or so.My lunchtime was almost dinner partytime for Lissa, out in the tender world. Re spell to my down(p) punishment, I cheered up a little at the joy running with her via our bond. Shed spent the whole day on her campus tour of Lehigh, and it was everything shed hoped it could be. She lovemakingd it all. She loved the sightly buildings, the grounds, the dorms and especially the classes. A glimpse at the play catalog opened up a world of subjects that even St. Vladimirs superior(p) education hadnt offered us. She wanted to see and do everything that the school had to offer.And even though she wished I was there, she was still excited about the fact that it was her birthday. Priscilla had given her some elaborate jewellery and had promised a fancy dinner that night. It wasnt exactly the type of celebration Lissa had hoped for, but the quake of her eighteenth birthday was still shake upparticularly as she looked around at the dream school shed be tending soon.I confess, I felt a pang of jealousy. Despite Adrians theory about why the queen had called me in today, I knewas did Lissathat the odds of me going to college with her were still belike nonexistent. Some petty part of me couldnt understand how Lissa could therefore be excited about it if I wasnt going to be along. Childish of me, I know.I didnt have long to s ulk, though, because once all the touring was done, Lissas retinue returned to the hotel. Priscilla told them they could clean up for an hour or so before drumhead to dinner. For Lissa, this meant more fighting-practice time. My brooding mood immediately turned irate.Things got worse when I realized that former in the day, Serena had told dedicate about Lissa and Christians desire to defend themselves. He apparently thought that it was a good idea too. It would figure. Lissa had deuce progressive guardians. Why couldnt she have gotten some stodgy, old-school person who would be horrified at the thought of a Moroi even persuasion about fighting off a Strigoi?So, date I sat confused and unable to smack sense into any of them, Lissa and Christian now had deuce instructors. Not only did this mean more skill opportunities, it also meant Serena had a competent partner to giftnstrate certain moves with. She and appoint sparred, explaining maneuvers while Lissa and Christian wat ched wide-eyed.Fortunately (well, not for Lissa), she and I soon noticed something. The guardians didnt know the true reason Lissa was interested in fighting. They had no ideahow could they have?that she wanted to go hunt and take a chance a Strigoi in the feeble hope of bringing him back to life. They thought she just wanted to check into basic defense, something that seemed very sensible to them. So that was what they taught. divide and Serena also made Lissa and Christian practice on each other. I suspected there were a couple reasons for this. One was that Lissa and Christian didnt have the skill to do much damage to each other. The second reason was that it amused the guardians.It did not amuse Lissa and Christian. There was still so much tension surrounded by them, twain sexual and angry, that they resented being in such close contact. Grant and Serena stopped the two Moroi from doing any more face punching, but simple evasions often meant brushing against each other, fin gers sliding against skin in the warming of the action. Every once in a while, the guardians would have someone play Strigoiputt Lissa or Christian on the offensive. The two Moroi welcomed this to a certain extent after all, direct attacks were what they wanted to learn.But, when Christian (playing Strigoi) lunged at Lissa and pushed her into a wall, learning offense suddenly didnt seem like such a good idea to her. The maneuver touch them near up to each other, his blazonry holding hers. She could smell him and feel him and was overwhelmed by the fantasy of him just holding her there and kissing her.I think you two should go back to basic defense, said Grant, interrupting her traitorous feelings. He sounded like he was more worried about them botheration each other than the possibility that they energy start making out.It took Lissa and Christian a moment to even register his words, let alone part from each other. When they did, both blocked eye contact and returned to the c ouch. The guardians launched into more examples of how to avoid an attacker. Lissa and Christian had seen this so umteen times that they knew the lesson by heart, and their foregoing attraction gave way to foiling.Lissa was too polite to say anything, but after fifteen minutes of Serena and Grant showing how to block with your arms and dodge someone reaching for you, Christian finally spoke. How do you pastime a Strigoi?Serena froze at Christians words. Did you say indorse?Rather than being shocked, Grant chuckled. I dont think thats anything you take on to worry about. You want to focus on get away from a Strigoi, not getting closer.Lissa and Christian exchanged an sick look.I helped kill Strigoi before, Christian pointed out. I used fire at the schools attack. be you saying thats not okay? That I shouldnt have done it?Now Serena and Grant traded glances. Ha, I thought. Those two werent as progressive as I thought. They were coming from a defense point of view, not offens e.Of course you should have, said Grant at last. What you did was amazing. And in a similar situation? Sure. You wouldnt want to be helpless. But thats the pointyou have your fire. If it came down to you fighting a Strigoi, your magics going to be the way to go. You already know how to use itand itll keep you safely out of their range.What about me? asked Lissa. I dont have any kind of magic like that.Youll never get close enough to a Strigoi for it to be a problem, said Serena fiercely. We wont let you.Besides, added Grant with amusement, its not like we just go around handing out chances. I would have given anything for them to go take a look in her pocketbook right then.Lissa bit her lip and refused to make eye contact with Christian again, for fear of giving away their intentions. This was not going according to their crazy plan. Christian again took the lead.Can you at least demo it? he asked, exhaustingand succeedingto look like someone just seeking the sensational and exci ting. Is it clayey to do? It seems like all you have to do is aim and hit.Grant snorted. Hardly. Theres a bit more to it than that.Lissa leaned forward, clasping her hands together as she followed Christians lead. Well, then dont worry about teaching us. Just show us.Yeah. Lets see. Christian shifted restlessly beside her. As he did, their arms brushed, and instantly they moved apart.Its not a game, Grant said. Nonetheless, he walked over to his coat and produced his stake. Serena stared incredulously.What are you going to do? she asked. Stake me?He gave that small chuckle of his and searched the room with his sharp eyes. Of course not. Ah. There we are. He walked over to a small armchair that had a decorative remain. He lifted it up and tested its width. It was naughty and thickly filled with some sort of dense fecundation. He returned to Lissa and gestured for her to stand. To everyones astonishment, he handed her his stake.Locking his body into a set(p) position, he gripped the reside hard between his hands and extended it out a couple feet in front of him. Go ahead, he said. Aim and hit it. be you crazy? asked Serena.Dont worry, he said. Princess Voda can chip in the incidentals. Im proving a point. Strike the pillow.Lissa hesitated only a few more moments. An excitement that seemed outstandingly intense filled her. I knew shed been noisome to learn this, but her desire for it seemed higher(prenominal) than before. Gritting her teeth, she stepped forward and awkwardly tried to adventure the pillow with her stake. She was cautiousfearing shed hurt Grantbut there was no study for her to worry. She didnt even budge him, and all she managed with the stake was a slight snagging of the fabric on the surface. She tried a few more times but achieved little more.Christian, being who he was, said, Thats all you can do?Glaring, she handed him the stake. You do better.Christian stood, snarky smile disappearing as he examine the pillow critically and sized up his blow. As he did, Lissa glanced around and saw the humor in the guardians eyes. Even Serena had relaxed. They were making their point, proving staking wasnt an easy thing to learn. I was glad, and my look of them rose.Christian finally made his move. He did actually pierce the fabric, but the pillow and its stuffing proved too much to break through. And again, Grant wasnt shaken at all. After more failed attempts, Christian sat down again and handed the stake back. It was kind of fun to see Christians assertive attitude shot down a little. Even Lissa enjoyed it, despite her own frustration over how difficult this was becoming.The stuffings got too much resistance, Christian complained.Grant handed his stake to Serena. What, and you think a Strigois body is going to be easier to get through? With muscles and ribs in the way?Grant got back into his position, and without hesitation, Serena potty with the stake. Its point burst through the other side of the pillow, coming to a taking into custody just in front of Grants pectus as tiny fluffy pieces of stuffing drifted to the ground. She jerked it out and handed it to him like it had been the simplest thing in the world.Both Christian and Lissa stared in amazement. Let me try again, he said.By the time Priscilla called them to dinner, there wasnt a pillow in that hotel room left untouched. Boy, she was going to be surprised when she got the bill. Lissa and Christian hacked away with the stake while the guardians looked on with a superior air, confident their message was being delivered. Staking Strigoi was not easy.Lissa was finally getting it. She realized that in some ways, piercing a pillowor a Strigoiwasnt even about understanding the principle. Sure, shed heard me talk about lining your shot up to get to the heart and miss the ribs, but this was more than knowledge. A cumulus of it was military groupstrength she physically didnt have yet. Serena, though seemingly petite, had spent years building u p her muscle and could get that stake through practically anything. One hour-long lesson wouldnt give Lissa that kind of strength, and she whispered as much to Christian when the group went out to dinner.Youre quitting already? he asked, voice equally low as they rode in the backseat of an SUV. Grant, Serena, and a tierce guardian were there too, but they were mystifying in discussion.No Lissa hissed back. But Ive got to, like, make before I can do it.Like lift weights?I I dont know. The others were still talking to each other, but Lissas topic was too dangerous for her to put on the line them hearing. She leaned close to Christian, unnerved yet again at how his closeness and familiarity affected her. Swallowing, she tried to keep her face impassive and mother to the topic. But Im just not unshakable enough. Its physically impossible.Sounds like youre giving up.Hey You didnt make it through any of the pillows either.He red slightly. I almost got through that green one.There w as hardly anything in itI just affect more practice.You dont need to do anything, she shot back, fighting to keep her voice quiet through her anger. This isnt your fight. Its mine.Hey, he snapped, eyes glittering like blench blue diamonds, youre crazy if you think Im going to just let you go and adventureHe cut himself off and actually bit his lip, as though will alone wasnt enough to stop him from talking. Lissa stared at him, and both of us began wondering how he would have finished. What wouldnt he risk? Her set herself in danger? That was my guess.Even without talk, he spoke volumes with his expression. Through Lissas eyes, I saw him drinking in her features and severe to inter his emotions. At last, he jerked away and stone-broke that intimate space between them, getting as far from her as he could.Fine. Do whatever you want. I dont care.neither of them spoke after that, and since it was lunchtime for me, I returned to my own reality and welcomed a filing breakonly to be sure by Hans that I had to keep working. be intimate on Isnt it lunchtime? You have to feed me, I exclaimed. Thats just beyond cruel. At least throw me some crumbs.I did feed you. Or, well, you fed yourself when you inhaled that sandwich. You wanted your lunch break then. You got it. Now you keep working.I slammed my fists against the endless piles of paper before me. Cant I at least do something else? Paint buildings? Haul rocks?Im afraid not. A smile twisted the corners of his lips. Theres a lot of filing we need done.How long? How long are you going to punish me?Hans shrugged. Until someone tells me to stop.He left me alone again, and I leaned back in my chair, forcibly trying not to flip the table in front of me over. I thought it would make me feel momentarily better, but it also meant Id have to redo the work Id done. With a sigh, I returned to my task.Lissa was at dinner when I tuned back into her later. It might have technically been in honor of her birthday, but really, i t was all royal conversation with Priscilla. That was no way to spend a birthday, I decided. Id have to make this up to her whenever I earned freedom. Wed have a real party, and Id be able to give her my birthday wassail gorgeous leather boots that Adrian had helped me acquire back at school.Being in Christians head might have been more interesting, but since that wasnt an option, I returned to my own and mulled over my earlier talk with Adrian. Was this punishment finally going to end? Was an official royal monastic order going to put me and Lissa together at last, despite the guardians normal policy? severe to figure it out was like being on a hamster wheel. A lot of work. No progress. But it got me through the dinner conversation, and before I knew it, Lissas group was getting up and heading for the restaurants door. It was dark out now, and Lissa couldnt help but feel the bizarreness of being on a human schedule. Back at school or the Court, this would be the middle of the da y. Instead, they were now heading back to their hotel and would be going to bed. Well, probably not right away. I had no doubt that if Lissa and Christian could get over their current huff, theyd be back to smashing more pillows. As much as I wanted those two date again, I couldnt help but think they were a lot safer apart.Or maybe not.The group had hung out at the restaurant far past the normal dinner hour, so the lot was mostly fatuous as they walked across it. The guardians hadnt exactly lay in the back, but they werent near the main entrance either. They had, however, made a point of park next to one of the track lamps illuminating the lot.Except it wasnt lit now. The light had been broken.Grant and Priscillas guardian noticed it right away. It was the kind of little detail we were train to notice anything unusual, anything that might have changed. In a flash, the two of them had stakes out and were flanking the Moroi. It only took seconds for Serena and the guardian assig ned to Christian to follow suit. That was something else we were trained to do. Be on guard. React. Follow your colleagues.They were fast. All of them were fast. But it didnt matter.Because suddenly, there were Strigoi everywhere.Im not entirely sure where they came from. Maybe theyd been behind the cars or on the parking lots edges. If Id had a bird-eyes view of the situation or been there myself with my nausea alarm, I might have had a better sense of it all. But I was watching the background through Lissas eyes, and the guardians were going out of their way to block her from the Strigoi who seemed to have appeared out of thin air as far as she was concerned. Most of the actions were a blur to her. Her bodyguards were shoving her around, trying to keep her safe as white, red-eyed faces popped up everywhere. She saw it all through a fear-filled haze.But before long, both of us could see people dying. Serena, just as fast and strong as shed been in the hotel room, staked a male Str igoi cleanly through the heart. Then, in return, a female Strigoi leapt at Priscillas guardian and broke his neck. Lissa was distantly aware of Christians arm around her, pressing her against the SUV and screen her with his own body. The remaining guardians were also still forming a protective ring as best they could, but they were distracted. Their circle was hesitateand they were dropping.One by one, the Strigoi killed the guardians. It wasnt for lack of skill on the guardians part. They were simply outnumbered. One Strigoi tore out Grants throat with her teeth. Serena was backhanded hard against the asphalt, landing facedown and not moving. And, horror of horrors, the Strigoi didnt seem to be sparing Moroi either. Lissapushing so hard against the SUV that it seemed as though she might become one with itstared wide-eyed as one Strigoi swiftly and efficiently ripped into Priscillas neck, pausing to drink her blood. The Moroi woman didnt even have time to register surprise, but at least there had been no real suffering. The endorphins bleak the pain as the blood and life were drained from her body.Lissas emotions shifted into something beyond fear, something that hardly felt like anything at all. She was in shock. Numbed. And with a cold, hard certainty, she knew that her death was coming and original it. Her hand found Christians, squeezing it tightly, and turning toward him, she took small comfort in knowing the last sight she would see in life was the beautiful, crystalline blue of his eyes. From the look on his face, his thoughts were along similar themes. There was warmth in his eyes, warmth and love andTotal and complete astonishment.His eyes widened, centre on something just behind Lissa. At that same moment, a hand grabbed Lissas bring up and whipped her around. This is it, a small voice interior her whispered. This is where I die.Then, she understood Christians astonishment.She was facing Dimitri.Like me, she had that surreal sense of it being Dimitri yet not being Dimitri. So many of his features were the same and yet so many were different. She tried to say something, anything, but while the words formed on her lips, she just couldnt manage to get them out.Intense passion suddenly flared behind her, and a glorious light lit Dimitris pale features. uncomplete Lissa nor I needed to see Christian to know he had produced a dinner dress of fire with his magic. Either the shock of seeing Dimitri or fear for Lissa had spurred Christian into action. Dimitri squinted slightly at the light, but then a cruel smile twisted his lips, and the hand resting on her shoulder slid up to her neck. disgorge it out, said Dimitri. Put it out or she dies.Lissa finally found her voice, even with her air cut off. Dont listen to him, she gasped out. Hes going to kill us anyway.But behind her, the arouse died. Shadows fell across Dimitris face once again. Christian wouldnt risk her, even though she was right. It hardly seemed to matter.Actual ly, said Dimitri, voice dulcet amid the grim scene, Id rather you two stay alive. At least for a little while longer.I felt Lissas face move to a frown. I wouldnt have been surprised if Christians did too, judging from the confusion in his voice. He couldnt even manage a snarky comment. He could only ask the self-evident Why?Dimitris eyes gleamed. Because I need you to be bait for Rose.