Last Sacrifice Chapter Twenty-eight

I STOPPED BREATHING. WED apiece had our deliver blankets, precisely withal in the middle of summer, the temperature had dropped during the night. Dimitri, in his sleep, had turn all everyw here(predicate) against me, merging our blankets into 1 pile and resting his whirl on my chest. His railroad carcass lay against mine, warm and familiar, and he level off snugg guide a gnomish closer.He was more exhausted than Id realized if he was doing this in his sleep. later on all, this was the guy who slept with one eye open. more over his guard was d admit now, his eubstance unconsciously implementking what? Simple warmth? Me? Damn it. Why had I asked Sonya my question? Why couldnt I keep going with my easy type as Adrians little girlfriend and Dimitris friend? Because honestly, I wasnt doing a very erect job at each one re uniform now.Tentatively, fearfully, I shifted fairly so that I could fix one arm almost Dimitri and be get it on him closer. I knew it was a r isk, one that efficacy wake him and break this spell. only when it didnt. If anything, he attended to relax more. Feeling him like that h octogenarianing him it churned up a swarm of emotions indoors me. The ache I had felt since his loss topaz worst within me. At the same time, h honest-to-goding him like this also makemed to execute that ache, as though a piece of me that had been missing was now restored. I hadnt blush realized that piece was missing. Id blocked it all turn up until Sonyas haggle had shaken my fragile new acceptance of demeanor.I dont go how far comprehend I dwelled like that with Dimitri. It was immense enough that the rising sunniness began to reform the tents translucent fabric. That was all the light my eye needed to now see Dimitri, to see the finely carved lines of his vitrine and softness of his hairs-breadth as he lay against me. I wanted so badly to impression that hair, to see if it felt like it employ to. That was a silly sent iment, of flux. His hair wouldnt maintain changed. Still the urge was in that location, and I finally gave in, gently course my fingers over some stray locks. They were smooth and silky, and that b best touch sent chills with me. It also woke him up.His eyes opened, nowadays alert. I expected him to jump past from me, that instead, he only assessed the situationand didnt move. I left my roll where it was on the emplacement of his face, even stroking his hair. Our gazes locked, so some(prenominal) limiting among us. In those moments, I wasnt in a tent with him, on the run from those who regarded us as villains. There was no murderer to catch, no Strigoi trauma to overcome. There was that him and me and the incurings that had burned between us for so long.When he did move, it wasnt to fol piteous forward. Instead, he lifted his head so that he looked down at me. Only a few inches separated us, and his eyes betrayed him. He wanted to kiss meand I wanted him to. He le aned over me, one hand resting against my cheek. I readied myself for his lipsI needed themand then he froze. He pulled rear and sat up, exhaling in frustration as he looked away from me. I sat up as well, my breathing speedy and shallow.Wh-whats slander? I asked.He glanced corroborate at me. Pick. There argon destinyinesss of choices.I ran a finger along my lips. So close. So, so close. I know I know things imbibe changed. I know you were wrong. I know you mint feel love again. His mask was moxie up as he formulated his resolving power. This isnt close to love.The last tenuous replayed in my head, that perfect connection, the way hed looked at me and made my heart feel. Hell, Sonya claimed we even had some mystical connection. If its not active(predicate) love, then what is it ab prohibited? I exclaimed.Its about doing the right thing, he verbalize quietly.The right thing? correct and wrong had been perennial topics at St. Vladimirs. I wasnt eighteen. He was my teac her. We were slated to be Lissas guardians and had to bring in her our full attention. All of those were arguments for why staying apart had been necessary back then. solely those had long since fallen by the wayside.I would brace questioned him moreif soul hadnt scratched at our door.Both of us sprang up and apart, reaching for the interest groups wed slept near. Grabbing my stake was instinct because I knew there was no Strigoi out there. only lately, Strigoi had been the least(prenominal) of our worries.Rose? Dimitri?The component part was barely audible simply familiar. Relaxing slightly, I unzipped the tents entrance and revealed Sonya kneeling in breast of it. Like us, she wore the same c forget me drughe from earlier, and her auburn hair was messy. Otherwise, she seemed to have escaped her pursuers unscathed. I scooted aside so that she could enter.Cozy, she said, glancing around. Youve got the farthest stake out on the campground. Took me forever to find the car y ou described.Howd you get here? I asked.She winked. Youre not the only ones who can steal cars. Or, in my case, get masses to entrustingly lend them.Were you followed? asked Dimitri. He was all serious- intellectualedness again, with no sign of what had passed moments ago. non that I could tell, she said, shifting into a mar-legged position. A couple guardians followed me back in the neighborhood, scarce I mixed-up them a while ago. Most of them seemed more interested in you two. cogitate that, I muttered. Too bad master copy was long gonehe might have taken priority.He didnt kill a queen, she said ruefully. Wed had to eventually tell her why captain was wanted and that hed been the one Sonya had perceive was s talk of the town Lissa back at St. Vladimirs. exactly the unspoiled news is I know where theyre at now.Where? asked Dimitri and I in unison.A small, knowing pull a face came to her lips at that. West Michigan, she said. They took off in the opposite direction fr om Court.Damn, I muttered. Dimitri and I had gone southeast from Ann Arbor, clipping the Detroit suburbs and honourable crossing into Ohio. Wed picked the wrong direction. But you axiom Jill? Is she okay?Sonya nodded. Fine. Scared, however fine. She described enough landmarks that I figure we can locate their motel. I free-base her in a inhalation a couple hours ago they had to rest. Victor wasnt feeling well. They might still be there.Then we need to leave now, said Dimitri, instantly in action. Once theyre moving, Jill will be awake and out of contact. We jammed up our campsite with amazing speed. My ankle felt better entirely was still sore. Noticing my limp, Sonya called a halt just before we got in her car. come on.She knelt before me, examining the swelling ankle that was easily exposed by my snap dress. Taking a deep breath, she rested her custody on me, and a surge of electricity shot by my leg, followed by waves of heat and cold. When it was over and she stood up , the pain and swelling were gone, as were the scrapes on my legs. Probably the cuts on my head too. Spirit users had healed me so often that youd think Id be used to it, further it was still a little startling.Thank you, I said. But you shouldnt have do that shouldnt have used the dissembling You need to be in peak condition, she said. Her gaze drifted from me, staring off at the trees. And the magic well, its hard to stay away from.Indeed it was, and I felt discredited that she was using it on meand moving closer to insanity. Roberts restoration had healed her mind a little, and she needed to take advantage of that. This was no time for a lecture, though, and Dimitris expression told me he too thought it best I get back in shape.We took off toward where Sonya told us Jill was, and this time, her directions were as specific as she could make them. No more vagueness or binding promises. We stopped at one time to acquire a new car and get a map. The info Sonya had gleaned from Jill led us to a town called Sturgis. While it was in the western one-half of Michigan, it was also southmeaning the distance wasnt quite as long as wed expected. Nonethe little, Dimitri drove at least fifteen miles per hour over the speed limit the whole time.There, said Sonya, as we rolled into business district Sturgiswhich wasnt much of a downtown. We were near a modest-looking motel on a side street. Thats what she described. The Sunshine Motel.Dimitri pulled into the lot butt end the building, and we all sat there, staring at the motel, which didnt look as cheerful as its name. Like me, I presumed my companions were move to figure out how to approach this. Jills dream info had gotten us here, but Sonya had zilch else to help us find their roomif they were even still here. They certainly wouldnt have checked in under real names. I was going to suggest we just walk of life past the doors and hope Sonya would mind Robert when she suddenly pointed.Thats their car, she said. Theyre here.Sure enough. There was the CR-V wed taken to Jills house. Talk about karma. Id swiped Victors keys, and hed repaid the favour by taking ours. None of us had thought much about his escape vehicle in the ensuing chaos.Sloppy, murmured Dimitri, eyes narrowed thoughtfully. They should have switched cars.Thats Sydneys, I pointed out. Its not technically stolen, so its not on any police lists. Besides, something tells me Victor and Robert arent hot-wiring pros like some passel are. Wed left a string of stolen cars across the Midwest.Dimitri nodded, like Id actually just complimented him. Whatever the reason, it helps us.How do we find them? asked Sonya. I was about to suggest the aura plan but dismissed it. Robert would sense Sonya at the same moment, giving him brief warning. Plus, when we found the brothers, thered likely be a fight. Doing it in the motel would attract attention. This park lot was in back, away from the main road.We wait, I said. Its amazing enough that th ey even stopped this long. If they have any sense, theyll leave soon.Agreed, said Dimitri, catching my eyes. Souls in sync. The memory of that near-kiss re cancelled, and I looked away, fearing what my face would betray. The lots easy to de baulk too. Not much room for escape. It was true. The motel flanked one side, a concrete wall the other. There werent numerous other buildings nearby either.He moved our car to the farthest spot he could in the lot, providing us with a full entrance of it and the motels excretebut keeping us semi-c erstaled. We considered sitting in the car, but Dimitri and I decided we should wait outside, giving us more mobility. We left Sonya inside. This wasnt her fight.standing(a) nookie the car with Dimitri, in the shadow of a leafy maple, I became acutely aware of his proximity and vehement warrior stance. He might be missing his duster, but I had to admit I liked the view of him I got without the coat.I dont suppose, I said softly, that were going to talk about this morning?Dimitris eyes were fixed so hard on the CR-V that he might have been essay to make Jill and the brothers materialize inside it. I wasnt fooled. He was just avoiding looking at me. Theres nothing to talk about.I knew youd say that. Actually, it was a toss-up between that and I dont know what youre talking about.Dimitri sighed.But, I continued, there is something to talk about. Like when you almost kissed me. And what did you mean about the right thing?Silence.You wanted to kiss me It was hard to keep my voice low. I saw it.Just because we want something doesnt mean its right.What I said its true, isnt it? You can love, cant you? I realize now that right after the transformation, you really didnt think you could. And you probably couldnt. But things have changed. Youre getting yourself back.Dimitri gave me a sidelong look. Yes. Things have changed and some havent.Okay, Mr. Enigma. That doesnt help explain the right thing comment.Frustration filled his featu res. Rose, Ive done a lot of bad things, most of which I can neer fix or find redemption for. My only choice now, if I want to reclaim my animateness, is to go forward, stopping loathsomeness and doing whats right. And what is not right is taking a woman from another man, a man I like and respect. Ill steal cars. Ill break into houses. But there are lines I will not cross, no matter what IThe motels back door opening jolted us to attention. It was no wonder my love liveness was so messed up when the most profound and intimate moments were always macrocosm interrupted by dire situations. It was just as well because I had never, ever seen that line coming What is not right is taking a woman from another man, a man I like and respect. rising drama took precedence. Victor stepped outside, with Robert and Jill walking side by side behind him. Id half expected to see her tied up and was surprised that she accompany them so calmly. Too calmly, I soon realized. It wasnt natural. Ther e was an almost robotic feel to her movements she was universe compelled into docility.Compulsion, said Dimitri quietly, recognizing it as well. Go for Victor. Ill get Robert.I nodded. Jill will run as soon as the compulsions broken. I hope. I didnt put it past her to join our fight, which could cause more harm than good. Wed find out soon enough.Mercifully, no one else was around. It was still fairly early in the morning. Dimitri and I sprang out from our hiding spots, crossing the distance of the parking lot in a matter of moments. Two healthy dhampirs could outrace two old Moroi any day. And as crafty as they might be, the brothers hadnt expected us.In my periphery, I just barely saw Dimitri kicking into warrior god mode, fierce and unstoppable. Then, I focused entirely on Victor, throwing my full weight at him and knocking him to the ground. He fall hard against the asphalt, and I pinned him down, slamming my fist into his face and making his nose bleed. Well done, he gasped o ut.Ive been wanting to do that for a very long time, I growled.Victor smiled through the pain and the blood. Of course you have. I used to think Belikov was the savage one, but its really you, isnt it? Youre the brute with no delay, no higher(prenominal) reasoning except to fight and kill.I clenched his shirt and leaned him over him. Me? Im not the one who tortured Lissa for my own benefit. Im not the one who turned my daughter Strigoi. And Im sure as cavity not the one who used compulsion to kidnap a fifteen-year-old girlTo my disgust, he kept that maddening smile on his face. Shes valuable, Rose. So, so valuable. You have no idea how much so.Shes not an object for you to manipulate I cried. Shes aahhThe ground suddenly rolled up beneath me, a mini-seism centered around us. The asphalt bucked up, giving Victor the leverage to charge me off. It wasnt a strong push, and I could have easily recovered my eternal sleep if not for the ground rippling and surrounding me, rolling like naval waves to knock me over. Victor was using his earth magic to control the heavens where I stood. Faint cries of surprise told me others were feeling a little of it, but the magic was clearly focused on me.Not without cost, though. Victor was an old manan old man Id just shoved onto asphalt and punched. Pain and moil were all over him, and his labored breathing told me wielding magic this powerfulsomething Id never seen an earth user dowas pushing every ounce of specialization he had left.One good punch. That was all I needed. One good punch would knock him down and take him out of this fight. Only, I was the one being taken down. Literally. Try as I might, my someoneal earthquake got the best of me, knocking me to my knees. I was still in that stupid dress too, meaning my newly healed legs got scraped again. And once I was down, the asphalt bloom around me. I realized Victor was going to ensnare me by creating a stone prison. I couldnt let that happen.All that brawn for n othing, gasped out Victor, sweat pouring off his face. It does you no good in the end. hearty power is in the mind. In cunning. In controlling Jillian, I control Vasilisa. With Vasilisa, I control the Dragomirs, and from therethe Moroi. Thats power. Thats strength.Most of his smug tirade went over me. But part of it stuck In controlling Jillian, I control Vasilisa. Lissa. I couldnt let him hurt her. I couldnt let him use her. In fact, I couldnt let him use Jill either. Lissa had given me a chotki, which was kind of a cross between a bracelet and a rosary. It was a Dragomir heirloom, bestowed upon those who protected the family. That was my craft to protect all the Dragomirs. The old guardian mantra rang in my mind They come first.With skill I didnt know I possessed, I sized up the chill ground and attempted to stand again. I made it, a great deal dancing in that parking lot. And as I stared at Victor, I felt what Sonya had warned about the catalyst. The spark that would ignite t he darkness Id collect and gathered from Lissa. In looking at him, I saw all the evils of my life in one man. Was that entirely accurate? No, not exactly. But he had hurt my best friendnearly killed her. Hed toyed with Dimitri and me, complicating what was already a mess of a relationship. He was now trying to control others. When would it end? When would his evil stop? Red and black tinged my vision. I perceive a voice call my nameSonyas, I think. But in that moment, there was nothing else in the world but Victor and my hate for him.I sprang at him, fueled by rage and adrenaline, leaping out of the epicenter of tingle ground that threatened to seize me. Once more, I threw myself at him, but we didnt hit the ground. Wed shifted position slightly, and instead, we hit the concrete wallwith just as much force as I might have throw a Strigoi. His head bent back at the impact. I heard an odd cracking sound, and Victor slumped to the ground. I immediate dropped down, grabbing his arms and shaking him.Get up I screamed. Get up and fight me But no matter how much I shook him or yelled, Victor would not stand. He wouldnt move on his own.Hands grabbed me, trying futilely to pull me away. RoseRose Stop. Stop this.I unattended the voice, ignored the hands. I was all anger and power, wanting no, needingVictor to face me once and for all. Suddenly, a strange sensation crept along me, like fingertips across my sputter. permit him go. I didnt want to, but for half a second, it seemed like a reasonable idea. I loosened my hold slightly, just enough for those hands to jerk me away. Like that, I snapped out of the haze and realized what had happened. The person whod pulled me was Sonya, and shed used a tiny bit of compulsion to get me away and let go of Victor. She was strong enough in her power that she didnt even need eye contact. She held onto me, even though she had to know it was wasted effort.I have to stop him, I said, wriggling from her grasp. He has to pay. I rea ched for him again.Sonya gave up on physical restraint, appealing to words instead. Rose, he has Hes brain short. Cant you see that? Dead. Victors deadNo, I didnt see thatnot at first. All I saw was my blind obsession, my need to get to Victor. But then, her words broke through to me. As I gripped Victor, I felt the limpness in his automobile trunk. I saw the eyes that looked blankly at nothing. That groundless, churning emotion in me faded, transforming into shock. My grip slackened as I stared at him and truly understood what she had said. understand what I had done.Then, I heard a terrible sound. A low wailing broke through the frozen horror in my mind. I glanced back in alarm and saw Dimitri standing with Robert. Roberts arms were pinned behind his back as Dimitri effortlessly held him, but the Moroi was doing everything in his powerand helplessnessto break free. Jill stood nearby, looking uneasily at all of us, obscure and afraid.Victor VictorRoberts pleas were muffled by sobs and as useless as my own efforts to get Victor up. I dragged my gaze back down to the body before me, barely believing what I had just done. Id thought the guardians had been crazy in their reaction to Eddie killing a Moroi, but now, I was jump to understand. A monster like a Strigoi was one thing. But the life of a person, even a person whoGet him out of hereSonya was so near me that the unexpected exclamation made me wince. Shed been kneeling too but now jumped to her feet, turning toward Dimitri.Get him out of here As far as you canDimitri looked surprised, but the powerful command in her voice drove him to instant action. He began dragging Robert away. After a few moments, Dimitri simply opted to toss the man over his shoulder and get behind him off. I would have expected cries of protest, but Robert had fallen silent. His eyes were on Victors bodytheir gaze so sharp, so focused that they seemed like they could burn a hole through someone. Sonya, not having my fanciful impression, thrust herself between the brothers and dropped to the ground again, covering Victors body with her own.Get him out of here she called again. Hes trying to bring Victor back Hell be shadow-kissedI was still confused and upset, still appalled at what Id done, but the danger of what she said hit me hard. Robert couldnt be allowed to bring back Victor back. The brothers were dangerous enough without being bonded. Victor couldnt be allowed to summon ghosts the way I could. Victor had to stay dead.Doesnt he have to touch the body? I asked.To finish the bond, yes. But he was wielding tons of spirit just now, calling Victors soul back and keeping it around, she explained.When Dimitri and Robert were gone, Sonya told me to help her move the body. Wed made too much noise, and it was a wonder no one had come out yet. Jill joined us, and I moved without really being aware of what I was doing. Sonya found the keys to the CR-V on Victor and flattened the backseats to increase the re ar cargo space. We crawled into it, the three of us having to hunch down to stay out of sight. We soon heard voices, people coming to see what had happened. I dont know long they were in the parking lot, only that they mercifully didnt search cars. Honestly? I had few rational thoughts at all. That rage was gone, but my mind was a mess. I couldnt seem to get a hold of anything concrete. I felt sick and just followed Sonyas orders, staying low as I try not to look at Victors body.Even after the voices were gone, she kept us in the car. At last, she exhaled a deep breath and focused on me. Rose? I didnt answer right away. Rose?Yeah? I asked, voice cracking. Her voice was soothe and cajoling. I felt that crawling on my skin again and a need to please her. I need you to look at the dead. exposed your eyes to them.The dead? No. My mind felt out of control, and I had enough sense to know bringing ghosts here would be a bad idea. I cant.You can, she said. Ill help you. Please.I couldnt refuse her compulsion. Expanding my senses, I let down the walls I kept around me. They were the walls that blocked me from the world of the dead and the ghosts that followed me around. Within moments, translucent faces appeared before me, some like normal people and others terrible and ghastly. Their mouths opened, wanting to speak but unable to.What do you see? asked Sonya.Spirits, I whispered.Do you see Victor?I peered into the swarm of faces, pursuance anyone familiar. No.Push them back, she said. Put your walls back up.I tried to do as she said, but it was hard. I didnt have the will. I felt outside hike and realized Sonya was still compelling me. She couldnt make the ghosts disappear, but feelings of support and object strengthened me. I shut out the restless dead.Hes gone then, Sonya said. Hes either completely consumed by the world of the dead or is wandering as a restless spirit. Regardless, any lingering threads to life are gone. He cant come back to life. She turned to Jill. Go get Dimitri.I dont know where he is, said Jill, startled.Sonya smiled, but it didnt reach her eyes. Close, Im sure. And watching. Go walk around the motel, the block, whatever. Hell find you.Jill left, needing no compulsion. When she was gone, I buried my face in my hands. Oh God. Oh God. All this time, I denied it, but its true I am a murderer.Dont think about that yet, said Sonya. Her take-charge attitude was almost comforting. Almost. It was easier to take orders than fend for yourself. Deal with your guilt later. For now, we have to get rid of the body.I open my eyes and forced myself to look at Victor. Nausea welled up within me, and those crazy feelings spun even more out of control. I gave a crude laugh. Yes. The body. I wish Sydney was here. But we dont have any magic potions. The sun wont destroy him. Weird, isnt it? Strigoi are harder to kill harder to kill, easier to clean up. I laughed again because there was something familiar about my rambling it was li ke Adrian in one of his uncanny moments. Or Lissa when spirit had pushed her to the edge. This is it, isnt it? I asked Sonya. The flood the flood you warned me about. Lissa escaped spirit, but it finally defeated me just like Anna just like the dream oh God. This is the dream, isnt it? But I wont wake up Sonya was staring at me, her drear eyes wide with fear? Mockery? Alarm? She reached out and took my hand. hobble with me, Rose. Well push it back.A knock at the window startled us both, and Sonya let Jill and Dimitri in.Wheres Robert? asked Sonya.Dimitri glanced down at Victor and then promptly looked away. Unconscious, isolated in some bushes around the corner. Charming, said Sonya. Do you think thats anguish? Leaving him?He shrugged. I figured I shouldnt be seen carrying an unconscious guy in my arms. In fact yes, I think we should just leave him there. Hell wake up. Hes not a fugitive. And without Victor, hes well, not harmless. But less harmful. We cant keep dragging him with us anyway.I laughed again, that laugh that seemed unhinged and neurotic even to me. Hes unconscious. Of course. Of course. You can do that. You can do the right thing. Not me. I looked down at Victor. An animal, he said. He was right. No higher reasoning I wrapped my arms around myself, my fingernails digging into my skin so hard they drew blood. Physical pain to make the psychogenic pain go away. Wasnt that what Lissa had always said?Dimitri stared at me and then turned to Sonya. Whats wrong? he demanded. Id seen him risk his life over and over, but never, until now, had he truly looked afraid. Spirit, said Sonya. Shes pulled and pulled for so long and managed to hold it back. Its been postponement, though. Always waiting She frowned slightly, maybe realizing she was starting to sound like me. She turned to Jill. Is that silver?Jill looked down at the heart-shaped locket around her neck. I think so.Can I have it?Jill undid the clasp and passed it over. Sonya held it between her palms and closed her eyes a moment, pursing her lips. A few seconds later, her eyes opened, and she handed me the locket. Put it on.Just touching it gave me a strange tingling in my skin. The heart I looked at Dimitri as I fastened the clasp. Do you remember that? Wheres the heart? you asked. And here it is. present it I stopped. The world suddenly became crisper. My jumbled thoughts slowly began to move back together, forming some semblance of rationality. I stared at my companionsthe living onestruly seeing them now. I touched the locket.This is a healing charm.Sonya nodded. I didnt know if itd civilize on the mind. I dont think its a permanent fix but between it and your own will, youll be okay for a while.I tried not to focus on those last words. For a while. Instead, I tried to make sense of the world around me. Of the body in front of me.What have I done? I whispered.Jill put her arm around me, but it was Dimitri who spoke.What you had to.