Spirit Bound Chapter Twelve

WHICH WAS CONFIRMED WHEN WE fin only in comp permitelyy stumbled tail end to the gallant Court.I wasnt the nevertheless one in trouble, of course. Lissa was summoned to the queer for chastising, though I k sunrise(prenominal) shed suffer no actual punishment. non akin Eddie and me. We might be come out of the closet of school, scarcely we were technically under the jurisdiction of the pipicial shielders now, which meant we face up as ofttimes trouble as whatever diso turn inient employee. only Adrian escaped any consequences. He was free to do whatever he treasured.And authentically, my punishment wasnt as bad as it could pull in been. Honestly, what did I run by to lose at this point? My materialises of guarding Lissa had al enunciatey been sketchy, and no one had fatalityed me as a shielder except Tasha anyway. A loco Vegas weekendwhich was our cover storywas hardly enough to dissuade her from taking me on. It was enough, however, to light up or so of Edd ies prospects withdraw their requests for him to be their guardian. Enough bland wanted him that he was in no danger of losing a good position, but I felt horribly guilty. He didnt breathe a word to anyone more than or less what wed done, but each time he looked at me, I could peck the condemnation in his eyes.And I cut a sight of him in the next couple days. It turned out guardians had a system in place to deal with those who were disobedient.What you did was so irresponsible that you might as salutary be punt in school. Hell, elementary school, even.We were in one of the offices in the guardians headquarters, being yelled at by Hans Croft, the guy in up hang on of all the guardians at Court and person who was instrumental in guardian assignments. He was a dhampir in his early fifties, with a bushy gray-and-w kicke mustache. He was similarly an asshole. The scent of cigar smoke constantly encircled him. Eddie and I were session meekly before him while he paced with his hands behind his grit.You could concord got cristal the last Dragomir killed non to mention the Ivashkov boy. How do you think the queen would collapse reacted to the death of her great-nephew? And lecture most timing You go off party-hopping rightfield when the guy who tried to kidnap the princess is run play loose. Not that you would populate that, attending as you were alike(p)ly too busy playacting expansion slot machines and using your fake IDs.I winced at the reference to master key, though I suppose I should have been relieved that we were above suspicion for his escape. Hans read my grimace as an admission of guilt.You might have graduated, he declared, but that does not mean you are invincible.This whole encounter re judgemented me of when Lissa and I had returned to St. Vladimirs, when wed been chastised for the utter(prenominal) thing recklessly running off and endangering her. Only this time, there was no Dimitri to defend me. That memory made a lump air in my throat as I remembered his face, serious and gorgeous, those br ingest eyes big and passionate as he spoke up for me and convinced the former(a)(a)s of my value. be slopes no. No Dimitri here. It was just Eddie and me simply, facing the consequences of the real world.You. Hans pointed a short finger at Eddie. You might be lucky enough to soaring out of this without too many repercussions. Sure, youll have a black see on your record forever. And youve totally screwed up your chances of ever having an elite over-embellished position with other guardians to support you. Youll give way some assignment though. running(a) alone with some minor nobility, probably.High-ranking royals had more than one guardian, which always made protection easier. Hanss point was that Eddies assignment would be lowlycreating more work and danger for him. Casting him a sidelong glance, I saw that hard, determined look on his face again. It seemed to say he didnt retentiveness if he had to guard a family by himself. Or even ten families. In fact, he gave off the vibe that they could drop him alone into a nest of Strigoi and hed take them all on.And you. Hanss sharp voice jerked my gaze certify to him. You will be lucky to ever have a job. analogous always, I spoke without opinion. I should have taken this silently like Eddie. Of course Ill have one. Tasha Ozera wants me. And youre too short on guardians to keep me sitting round.Hanss eyes gleamed with bitter amusement. Yes, we are short on guardians, but theres all sorts of work we need donenot just personal protection. someone has to staff our offices. Someone has to sit and guard the front gates.I froze. A desk job. Hans was threatening me with a desk job. All of my horrible imaginings had involved me guarding some stochastic Moroi, someone I didnt do it and would possibly hate. scarcely in any of those scenarios, I would be out in the world. I would be in motion. I would be squeezeing and defending. tho this? Hans was right. Guardians were needed for the Courts administrative jobs. True, they only kept a handfulwe were too valuablebut someone had to do it. One of those someones being me was too ugly to comprehend. Sitting around all day for hours and hours like the guards in Tarasov. Guardian life had all sorts of unglamorousbut necessarytasks.It sincerely, truly hit me then that I was in the real world. Fear slammed into me. Id taken on the title of guardian when I graduated, but had I in reality understood what it meant? Had I been playing stick-believeenjoying the perks and ignoring the consequences? I was out of school. There would be no cargo area for this. This was real. This was life and death.My face must have given away my feelings. Hans gave a small, cruel smile. Thats right. Weve got all sorts of ways to tame troublemakers. Lucky for you, your ultimate fates assuage being decided. And in the meantime, theres a lot of work that needs to be done around here that you both are spill to be helping with.That work over the next few days turned out to be menial manual labor. Honestly, it wasnt too different from detention, and I was pretty sure it had just been created to give wrongdoers like us something awful to do. We worked twelve hours a day, much of it outdoors hauling rocks and dirt to spend a penny some spic-and-span, pretty courtyard for a set of royal townsfolk houses. Sometimes we were put on cleaning duty, scrubbing floors. I knew they had Moroi workers for these anatomys of things, and probably they were being given a vacation right now.Still, it was better than the other work Hans would give us sorting and filing mountains and mountains of paper. That gave me a new appreciation for information going digital and again made me captivate some the future. Over and over, I kept thinking near that initial conversation with Hans. The threat that this could be my life. That I would never be a guardianin the true senseto Lissa or any other Moroi. Throughout my training, wed always had a mantra They come first. If I had really and truly screwed up my future, Id have a new mantra A comes first. Then B, C, DThose work days kept me away from Lissa, and the front-desk staff within our individual buildings went out of their way to keep us apart too. It was frustrating. I could keep track of her through the link, but I wanted to talk to her. I wanted to talk to anyone. Adrian stayed away too and didnt bother with dreams, making me call into question how he felt. Wed never had our talk afterwards Las Vegas. Eddie and I often worked side by side, but he wasnt speaking to me, which left me with hours of being detain with my own purposes and guilt.And believe me, I had plenty of things to intensify my guilt. Around Court, great deal didnt really notice workers. So whether I was inside or outside, wad were always talking like I wasnt there. The biggest topic was overlord. Dangerous succeeder Dashkov on the loos e. How could it have happened? Did he have powers no one knew slightly? People were afraid, some even convinced hed show up at Court and discover to kill everyone in their sleep. The inside job opening was running rampant, which continued to keep us above suspicion. Unfortunately, it meant a lot of people now worry astir(predicate) traitors within our midst. Who knew who might be functional for Victor Dashkov? Spies and rebels could be lurking at Court, planning all sorts of atrocities. I knew all the stories were exaggerated, but it didnt matter. They all came from one kernel of truth Victor Dashkov was walking the world a free man. And only Iand my accomplicesknew it was all because of me.Being seen in Las Vegas had continued to provide an alibi for the prison house agree and had made what wed done seem even more rash. People were appalled that wed let the Dragomir princess run off while there was a perilous man on the loosethe man whod assaulted her Thank God, everyone s aid, that the queen had pulled us out of there before Victor found us. The Las Vegas trip had in like manner opened up a whole new line of guessworkone that involved me personally.Well, that doesnt surprise me approximately Vasilisa, I over comprehend a fair sex say while I was working outdoors one day. She and some helpers were strolling along toward the feeders building and didnt even see me. Shes run away before, right? Those Dragomirs merchantman be wild ones. Shell probably go successive back to the first party she can find, once they catch Victor Dashkov.Youre wrong, her friend said. Thats not why she went. Shes really pretty levelheaded. Its that dhampir thats always with herthe Hathaway girl. I hear she and Adrian Ivashkov went to Las Vegas to elope. The queens people just barely got there in time to relegate them. Tatianas furious, especially since Hathaway declared nothing will keep her and Adrian apart.Whoa. That was kind of a shock. I mean, I guessed it was bett er for people to think Adrian and I were running off than for them to accuse me of aiding and abetting a fugitive, but still I was kind of amazed at how that conclusion had come about. I hoped Tatiana hadnt heard about our so-called elopement. I was pretty sure that would ruin whatever fare she and I had made.My first real social contact came in the form of an unlikely source. I was shoveling dirt into a raised flower bed and sweating like crazy. It was nearing bedtime for Moroi, meaning the sun was out in good summer glory. We at least had a pretty site while working the Courts monster church.Id spent a lot of time at the Academys chapel but had rarely visited this church since it was set far from the primary(prenominal) buildings of the Court. It was Russian Orthodoxthe predominant Moroi religionand reminded me a lot of some of the cathedrals Id seen while actually in Russia, though not nearly as big. It was made of beautiful red muffinwork, its towers go past with green-tile d domes, which were in turn topped with golden crosses.Two gardens marked the far boundaries of the churchs extensive grounds, one of which we were working on. Near us was one of the Courts most remarkable sites a giant statue of some ancient Moroi queen that was almost ten times my height. A matching statue of a king stood on the opposite side of the grounds. I could never remember their names but was pretty sure wed foregone over them in one of my history classes. Theyd been visionaries, changing the Moroi world of their time.A figure appeared in my periphery, and I assumed it was Hans coming to give us other awful chore. Looking up, I was astonied to see it was Christian.Figures, I said. You know youll get in trouble if someone sees you talking to me.Christian shrugged and sat on the edge of a partially completed stone wall. Doubt it. Youre the one wholl get into trouble, and I really dont think things can get any worse for you.True, I grunted.He sat there in silence for sever al moments, watching me shovel pile after pile of dirt. Finally, he asked, Okay. So how and why did you do it?Do what?You know exactly what. Your little adventure.We got on a matted and flew to Las Vegas. Why? Hmm. Lets think. I paused to wipe sweat off my forehead. Because where else are we going to find pirate-themed hotels and bartenders who dont handbill very much?Christian scoffed. Rose, dont bullshit me. You did not go to Las Vegas.Weve got plane tickets and hotel receipts to prove it, not to mention people who saw the Dragomir princess hit it big on slot machines.My help was on my work, but I suspected Christian was shaking his head in exasperation. As concisely as I heard three people had broken Victor Dashkov out of prison, I knew it had to be you. Three of you gone? No question.Not far away, I saw Eddie stiffen and glance around uneasily. I did the same. I might have been desperate for social contact, but not at the risk of dangerous parties overhearing us. Our crimes getting out would make garden labor seem like a vacation. We were alone, but I still pitched my voice low and attempted an honest face.I heard they were humans hired by Victor. That was yet another theory running wild, as was this one Actually, I think he turned Strigoi.Right, Christian said snidely. He knew me too well to believe me. And I also heard one of the guardians has no memory of what made him attack his friends. He bedamns he was under the control of someone. Anyone who had that kind of compulsion could probably make others see humans, mimes, kangaroos.I refused to look at him and slammed the shovel hard into the ground. I bit my lip on any angry retort.She did it because she thinks Strigoi can be restored to their original form.My head shot up, and I stared at Eddie in disbelief, astonished hed spoken. What are you doing? evidenceing the truth, replied Eddie, never stemping his work. Hes our friend. You think hes going to wrap up us?No, rebel Christian Ozera was not go ing to report us. still that didnt mean I wanted this out. Its a fact of life The more people who know a secret, the more likely it is to leak.Unsurprisingly, Christians reaction was not all that different from everyone elses. What? Thats impossible. Everyone knows that.Not according to Victor Dashkovs brother, said Eddie. leave alone you stop it? I exclaimed.You can tell him or I will.I sighed. Christians pale blue eyes were staring at us, wide and shocked. corresponding most of my friends, he rolled with crazy ideas, but this was pushing the crazy line.I thought Victor Dashkov was an only child, Christian said.I agitate my head. Nope. His dad had an affair, so Victors got an illegitimate half-brother. Robert. And hes a spirit user.Only you, said Christian. Only you would find something like this.I ignored what appeared to be a return to his normal cynicism. Robert claims to have healed a Strigoikilled the undead part of her and brought her back to life. touch sensation has lim its, Rose. You might have been brought back, but Strigoi are gone.We dont know about spirits full range, I pointed out. Half of it is still a mystery.We know about St. Vladimir. If he could restore Strigoi, dont you think a guy like him would have been doing it? I mean, if thats not miraculous, what is? Something like that would have survived in the legends, argued Christian.Maybe. Maybe not. I retied my ponytail, replaying our encounter with Robert in my mind for the hundredth time. Maybe Vlad didnt know how. Its not all that easy.Yeah, agreed Eddie. This is the good part.Hey, I shot back at him. I know youre mad at me, but with Christian here, we really dont need anyone else making snide comments.I dont know, said Christian. For something like this, you actually might need two people. Now explain how this miracle is supposedly done.I sighed. By adding spirit to a stake, along with the other four elements.Spirit charms were still a new concept to Christian too. Never thought of tha t. I guess spirit would shake things up but I cant imagine you staking a Strigoi with a spirit-charmed stake would be enough to function them back.Well thats the thing. According to Robert, I cant do it. It has to be done by a spirit user.More silence. Id rendered Christian speechless yet again.At last he said, We dont know that many spirit users. Let alone any who could fight or stake a Strigoi.We know two spirit users. I frowned, recalling Oksana in Siberia and Avery locked away where? A hospital? A place like Tarasov? No, four. Five, counting Robert. But yeah, none of them can really do it.It doesnt matter because it cant be done, Eddie said.We dont know that The desperation in my own voice startled me. Robert believes it. Victor even believes. I hesitated. And Lissa does too.And she wants to do it, Christian said, catching on quickly. Because she would do anything for you.She cant.Because she doesnt have the ability or because you wont let her?Both, I cried. Im not letting her anywhere near a Strigoi. Shes already I groaned, hating to reveal what Id discovered in our time apart through the bond. She got a hold of a stake and is trying to charm it. So far, she hasnt had much luck, thank God.If this were possible, began Christian slowly. It could change our world. If she could learn What? No Id been so eager to get Christian to believe me, and now I wished he hadnt. The one saving grace in all this was that with none of my friends thinking it was possible, none of them had given any thought to Lissa actually trying to fight a Strigoi. Lissas no warrior. No spirit user we know is, so unless we find one, Id rather I winced. Id rather Dimitri died.That finally made Eddie stop working. He threw down his shovel. Really? I never would have guessed that. mockery to rival my own.I spun around and strode toward him, my fists clenched. Look, I cant take this anymore Im sorry. I dont know what else to say. I know I screwed up. I let Dimitri get away. I let Victor ge t away.You let Victor get away? asked Christian, startled.I ignored him and continued shouting at Eddie. It was a mistake. With Dimitri it was a weak moment. I failed in my training. I know I did. We both know it. But you know I didnt intend the malign I caused. If youre really my friend, you have to know it. If I could take it back I swallowed, surprised to feel my eyes burning. I would. I swear I would, Eddie.His face was perfectly still. I believe you. I am your friend, and I know I know you didnt mean for things to turn out like they did.I sagged in relief, surprised at how truly worried Id been about losing his respect and friendship. Looking down, I was startled to see my fists balled up. I relaxed them, unable to believe Id been that upset. Thank you. Thank you so much.Whats all this shouting?We both turned and saw Hans heading toward us. And he looked pissed off. I also noticed then that Christian had practically vanished into thin air. further as well.This isnt social ti me growled Hans. You two still have another hour left today. If youre going to get distracted, then maybe you should be separated. He beckoned to Eddie. Come on. Theres some filing with your name on it.I shot Eddie a sympathetic look as Hans led him away. insofar I was relieved it wasnt me off to do paperwork.I continued my labors, my mind spinning with the same questions Id had all week. I had meant what I said to Eddie. I wanted so badly for this dream of Dimitri being saved to be true. I wanted it more than anythingexcept Lissa risking her life. I shouldnt have hesitated. I should have just killed Dimitri. Victor wouldnt have escaped. Lissa wouldnt have given Roberts spoken communication a second thought.Thinking of Lissa pushed me into her mind. She was in her room, doing some last-minute packing before going to bed. Tomorrow was her Lehigh visit. Unsurprisingly, my invitation to go with her had been revoked in light of recent events. Her birthdaysomething that had been horr ibly overlooked in this messwas this weekend as well, and it didnt seem right for me to be apart from her during it. We should have been celebrating together. Her thoughts were troubled, and she was so consumed by them that a sudden knock at the door made her jump. inquire who could be visiting her at this hour, she opened the door and gasped to see Christian standing there. It was surreal to me too. Part of me still kept thinking we were in our school dorms, where rulestheoreticallykept guys and girls out of each others rooms. But we were no longer there. We were technically adults now. He must have gone straight to her room after seeing me, I realized.It was astonishing how quickly the tautness ratcheted up between them. A bundle of emotions burst into Lissas chest, the usual go of anger, grief, and confusion.What are you doing here? she demanded.The same emotions were in his face. I wanted to talk to you.Its late, she said stiffly. Besides, I seem to remember you dont like talk ing.I want to talk about what happened with Victor and Robert.That was enough to startle her out of her anger. She stick out an anxious look into the hallway and then beckoned him inside. How do you know about that? she hissed, hastily shutting the door.I just saw Rose.How did you get to see her? I cant see her. Lissa was as frustrated as me over how our superiors had been keeping us apart.Christian shrugged, careful to maintain a safe hold between them in the suites small living room. Both of them had their arms get over defensively, though I dont think they realized how they were mirroring each other. I snuck into her prison camp. Theyve got her shoveling dirt for hours.Lissa grimaced. With the way theyd kept us separated, she hadnt known much about my activities. Poor Rose.Shes managing. Like always. Christians eyes turned toward the couch and her open udder, where a silver stake lay on top of a silk blouse. I doubted that shirt would survive the trip without a million wrinkl es. Interesting thing to bring on a college visit.Lissa hastily shut the suitcase. Thats none of your business.Do you really believe it? he asked, ignoring her comment. He took a step forward, his preparation apparently making him forget about wanting to keep away. compensate as distracted as she was by the situation, Lissa immediately became aware of their new proximity, the way he smelled, the way the light shone on his black blur. Do you think you could bring back a Strigoi?She turned her attention back to the conversation and shook her head. I dont know. I really dont. But I feel like I feel like I have to try. If nothing else, I want to know what spirit in a stake will do. Thats harmless enough.Not according to Rose.Lissa gave him a rueful smile, realized what she was doing, and promptly dropped it. No. Rose doesnt want me going anywhere near this ideaeven though she wants it to be real.Tell me the truth. His gaze burned to her. Do you think you have any chance of staking a Strigoi?No, she admitted. I could barely throw a punch. But like I said, I feel like I should try. I should try to learn. To stake one, I mean.Christian pondered this for a few moments and then gestured toward the suitcase again. Youre going to Lehigh in the morning?Lissa nodded.And Rose got cut from the trip?Of course.Did the queen offer to let you bring another friend?She did, admitted Lissa. In particular, she suggested Adrian. But hes sulking and Im not really sure if Im in the mood for him.Christian seemed smiling by this. Then bring me.My poor friends. I wasnt sure how much more shock any of them could handle today.Why the hell would I bring you? she exclaimed. All her anger returned at his presumption. It was a sign of her excitement that shed sworn.Because, he said, face calm, I can teach you how to stake a Strigoi.