The Indigo Spell Chapter Seven

I cogency HAVE BEEN DETERMINED to find Marcus, exactly I certainly wasnt p natesage to argue against a gun.I raised my mountains in the blood and slowly s in any cased up, keeping my back to the newcomer. Just as c befully, I stepped away from Marcus and set the vial on the floor. Fumes slake wafted turn by of it, exactly the reaction would burn itself pop appear soon. Then I dared a glint behind me. When I saw the female childfriend who s all everyplacelyd t here, I could barely bank my eyes.Are you okay? she asked Marcus. He was unsteadily lod mending to his feet. I remaining as soon as you called.You I couldnt quite manage everything much than articulate.The girl standing before me was close to my age, with long, tangled blond hair. She dummy up had the gun on me, plainly a small grimace appeared on her baptistery.Nice to see you again.The feeling wasnt mutual. Id last seen this girl when I suit up down the Warriors in their arena. Shed been toting a g un thither as hearty and had had a perpetual snarl on her face. Shed pushed me round and threatened me, qualification no secret of how heretical she concept my defense of Sonya was. Although she seemed much calmer this instant than she had with those fanatics, I still couldnt dismiss what she was or what the implications were. I turned to Marcus in disbelief. He was cradling the wrist Id nailed with my elbow.You . . . youre whizz of them One of the Warriors of LightI dont weigh Id ever been so permit down in my life. Id had so approximately hopes pinned on Marcus. Hed become larger than life in my mind, round uprise savior who was going to ensure me all the secrets of the world and broad me from existence an separate cog in the machine of the Alchemists. But it was all a lie. Clarence had commented Marcus had convinced the Warriors to leave him al i. Id assumed it was because Marcus had almost incredible leverage he could use against the Warriors, nevertheless app arently, the key to his influence was that he was one of them.He looked up from his wrist. What? Those nuts? Hell, no.I nearly pointed at the girl but decided it would be best non to make any sudden moves. I settled for a nod in her bearing and noniced all the locks on the brink had been undone. Id been so caught up in the struggle with Marcus that I hadnt perceive them. Really? Then how come one of them plainly saved you?Im not in reality one of them. She spoke almost casually, but the gun contradicted her tone. I mean, I pass judgment I charit adequate of am. . . .Sabrinas a spy, explained Marcus. He looked much more(prenominal)(prenominal) at ease as well as, right glowering that I wasnt assaulting him. A lovely one. Shes been underc everywhere with them for oer a year. Shes also the one who told me astir(predicate) you.Once again, it was hard cuting how to respond to that. I also wasnt sure if I bought this spy story. What exactly did you tell him?He shot me a movie star smile. His teeth were so gabardine that I wondered if he had veneers. It seemed erupt of credit for a rogue who lived on the run, but nothing just virtually this day was really turning out care Id expected. She told me about this Alchemist girl who defended a Moroi and past helped lead a dhampir raiding party.Lead? Hardly. No one notably Stanton had felt the drive to enlighten me about that raid until I was in the middle of it. I didnt exigency to tip my hand too early though. The Alchemists sanctioned that raid, I said.I saw the way you spoke, said Sabrina. Her eyes flicked in the midst of Marcus and me, rumbustious for me and admiring for him. It was inspiring. And we watched you for a plot, you bash. You spent an awful pass around of eon with the Moroi and dhampirs in plow Springs.Its my job, I said. She hadnt really seemed inspired at the time. Mostly shed looked disappointed at not having a chance to use the gun on me.Marcuss smile turned admiting . From what I heard, you and those Moroi almost looked comparable friends. And indeed, here you are, looking for me. Youre definitely the dissident wed hoped for.No, this was not turning out at all handle Id planned. In fact, it was bonny much the opposite of what Id planned. Id been so proud of my force to track down Marcus, shrimpy learned that hed been watching me already. I didnt analogous that. It made me feel vulnerable, however if they were saying some of things Id hoped to hear. Needing to feel like I was in control, I attempt to play it cool and tough. perhaps there are other Alchemists about to show up, I said.They wouldve been here already he said, calling my bluff. They wouldnt take over move you alone . . . though I did panic when I first saw you. I didnt incarnate who you were and public opinion there were others right behind you. He pa utilise, and that cocky attitude turned sheepish. Sorry about, um, punching you. If it makes you feel better, you did something pretty serious to my wrist.Sabrinas face make full with concern. Oh, Marcus. Do you occupy to see a renovate?He time-tested the movement of his wrist and then shook his head. You k flat we adviset. Never populate who might be watching at a hospital. Those places are too hands-down to monitor.You really are hiding from the Alchemists, I said in amazement.His nodded, almost looking proud. You doubted? I estimate youd know that.I suspected, but I didnt hear it from them. They deny you exist.He seemed to find that funny. In fact, he seemed to find everything funny, which I prove slightly irritating. Yup. Thats what Ive heard from the others.What others?Others like you. Those blue angel eyes held me for a moment, like they could see all my secrets. Other Alchemists scatty to break free of the fold.I knew my own eyes were wide. There . . . there are others?Marcus settled on the floor, leaning against the wall and still cradling his wrist. Lets halt comfortable. Sabri na, put the gun away. I dont take Sydneys going to give us any trouble.Sabrina didnt look so sure of that, but after several(prenominal) moments, she complied. She sticked him on the floor, positioning herself protectively next to him. Id rather stand, I told them. No way would I willingly sit on that filth. later on rolling around with Marcus, I wanted to go bathe myself in hand sanitizer.He shrugged. Suit yourself. You want some answers? You give me some first. whyd you come looking for me take away the Alchemist clock?I didnt like existence interrogated, but what was the point of being here if I wasnt going to contain in a dialogue?Clarence told me about you, I said at last. He showed me your picture, and I saw how youd stained over the lily. I didnt even know that was possible. The tattoo never faded.Clarence Donahue? Marcus looked genuinely pleased. Hes a frank guy. I deem youd be friends with him if youre in palm tree Springs, huh?I started to say we werent friends b ut then reconsidered. What else were we?Getting this isnt easy, added Marcus, tapping the blue tattoo. Youll have to do a lot of make water if you want to do it.I stepped backward. Whoa, I never said thats what I wanted. And why in the world would I do it anyway?Because itll free you, he said simply. It prevents you from discussing vampire affairs, right? You dont think thats all it does, do you? Think. What stops it from exerting other control?I pretty much had to just give up on any expectations for this conversition because every out allow was crazier than the last. Ive never heard of anything like that. Ive never felt anything like that. out from it protecting vampire in diversenessation, Im in control.He nodded. Probably. The initial tattoo comm provided only has the talking compulsion in it. They only start adding other components with re-inks if theyve got a reason to worry about you. People can sometimes fight through those and if they do . . . well, then its off to re- education.His words sent a chill through me, and I rested a hand on my organization as I flashbacked to the meeting Id had when I was granted the Palm Springs assignment. I was re-inked recently . . . but it was routine. Routine. Normal. Nothing like what he was suggesting. maybe. He tilted his head and gave me another piercing look. You do anything severeness before that, love?Like helping a dhampir fugitive? Depends on your definition of bad.Both of them laughed. Marcuss laugh was loud and rollicking and actually pretty infectious but the situation was far too dire for me to join in.They may have reinforced your group loyalty then, he said, still chuckling. But it either wasnt very strong or else you fought through it other you wouldnt be here. He surveyd over at Sabrina. What do you think?Sabrina study me with a critical eye. I still had a hard time believing her role in all of this. I think shed be a good addition. And since shes still in, she could help us with that . . . other matter.I think so too, he said.I cover my arms over my chest. I didnt like being discussed as though I werent there. A good addition to what?Our group. To Sabrina, he said, We really need a propose for it, you know. She snorted, and he returned his attention to me. Were a mix. Some are former Warriors or double agents like Sabrina. Some are ex-Alchemists.And what do you do? I gestured around us. This doesnt exactly look like a high-tech carnal of operation for some concealed team.Look at you. Pretty and funny, he said, looking delighted. We do what you do or what you want to do. We like the Moroi. We want to help them on our own terms. The Alchemists theoretically want to help them too, but we all know thats based on a core of reverence and dislike not to mention a strict control of its members. So, we ladder in secret, seeing as the Alchemists arent fans of those who break from the fold. They really arent fans of me, which is why I end up in places like this.We ke ep an eye on the Warriors too, said Sabrina. She scowled. I hate being around those nuts, having to play along with them. They claim they only want to destroy the Strigoi but, well, the things Ive heard them say against the Moroi too . . .I thought back to one of my more disturbing memories of the Warrior arena. Id heard one of them make a mysterious comment about how someday, theyd muss with the Moroi too.But what do you guys actually do? Talking about rebellions and covert operations was one thing, but actually effecting change was another. Id visited my sister Carly at her college and seen a number of student groups who wanted to change the world. Most of them sat around drinking coffee, talking a lot and doing little.Marcus and Sabrina exchanged glances. I cant quite ticktack into our operations, he said. Not until I know youre on board with breaking your tattoo.Breaking your tattoo. There was something sinister not to mention permanent about those words, and I shortly won dered what I was doing here. Who were these people, really? why was I even humoring them? Then another, almost terrifying thought hit me Am I doubting them because of the tattoos control? Is it making me atheistic around anyone who questions the Alchemists? Is Marcus telling the truth?I dont really understand that either, I told them. What it means to break the tattoo. Do you just mean putting ink over it?Marcus stood up. All in good time. Right now, weve got to get out of here. yet if you were discreet, I assume you used Alchemist resources to find me?I hesitated. Even if these guys were coherent and had good intentions toward the Moroi, I certainly wasnt going to reveal my involvement with charming. Something like that.Im sure youre good, but we cant take the chance. This place has been compromised. He cast a wistful glance around the studio. Honestly, I thought he should be grateful Id given him a reason to leave.Sabrina rose as well, her face hardening. Ill make sure the seco ndary location is ready.Youre an angel, as alship canal, he told her.Hey, how did you know I was coming? I asked. You had time to hide and call her. What I really wanted to know was how hed seen me through the invisibility spell. Id felt the magic fill me. I was certain Id cast the spell correctly, but hed notice me. The spell wouldnt work if someone knew to look for you, so maybe hed happened to glance out the window when I was scaling the fire escape? whisk timing ever.Tony warned me. Marcus flashed me another of those dazzling grins. I think he was essay to make me smile back. Good kid.Tony? Then I knew. The boy in the parking lot. Hed pretended to help me and then sold me out. He must(prenominal) have spoken to Marcus while I climbed the fire escape. perchance Marcus only answered to some secret knock. At least I had the comfort of wise to(p) Id cast the spell correctly. It simply hadnt worked because Marcus had advance warning that some girl was coming after him.He began packing up his meager retention into a backpack. The Catcher in the Rye is a great book, by the way. He winked. Maybe someday well have a literary discussion.I wasnt interested in that. Watching him, I saw that he unploughed favoring his uninjured wrist. I couldnt believe Id caused damage like that and felt a little guilty, despite everything that had happened. You should get that taken care of, I said. Sabrina nodded in agreement.He sighed. I cant. At least, not through conventional means. The Alchemists have eyes everywhere.Conventional means.I, uh, might be able to help you get it healed through unconventional means, I said.You know some off-the-grid doctor? asked Sabrina hopefully.No. But I know a Moroi spirit user.Marcus froze, and I kind of liked that Id thrown him off guard. Seriously? Weve heard of them but never met one. That woman they had Sonya? She was one, right? She was gone before we could find out more.Talking about Adrian made me nervous, but Sabrina probably already knew he existed if theyd been watching me. Yeah, she was one, and theres another in Palm Springs. I could take you to him and permit him heal you.Excitement lit Marcuss features. Sabrina looked at him in horror. You cant just go off with her. Was that concern or jealousy in her share?Why not? he asked. Shes taking a leap of faith with us. We cant do any less. Besides, Im dying to meet a spirit user. The safe augury isnt that far from Palm Springs. You make sure everythings in order and then come pick me up later.Sabrina didnt like that, not at all. Maybe I didnt understand the dynamics of their group yet, but it was obvious she regarded him as a leader and was insanely protective. In fact, I suspected her feelings for him were more than professional. They went back and forth on whether hed be safe or not, and I listened without a word. All the while, I wondered if Id be safe heading off with some unknown guy. Clarence trusted him, I reminded myself. And hes pretty paranoi d. Besides, with Marcuss wrist out of commission, I could probably take him.He finally convinced Sabrina to let him go but not before she snarled, If anything happens to him, Im coming after you. manifestly her hard-core character in the arena hadnt been entirely faked.We parted ways from her, and before long, Marcus and I were on the road to Palm Springs. I tried to get more information out of him, but he wouldnt bite. Instead, he kept complimenting me and saying things that were only one step away from cartridge lines. Judging from the way hed bantered with Sabrina too, I didnt think there was anything particularly peculiar(prenominal) about me. I thought he was just used to women obsequious all over him. He was cute, Id give him that, but it took a lot more than that to win me over.It was sunset when we pulled up to Adrians apartment, and I belatedly wondered if I shouldve given him some advance warning. Too late now.We walked up to the door, and I knocked three times. Its ope n, a voice called from within. I stepped inside, and Marcus followed. Adrian was working on an mulct painting of what looked like a crystalline building from some phantasy world. Unexpected treat, he said. His eyes fell on Marcus and widened. Ill be damned. You found him.Thanks to you, I said.Adrian glanced over at me. A smile started to form and then instantly dried up. What happened to your face?Oh. I lightly stirred the swollen spot. It still smarted but wasnt as painful as it had been earlier. I spoke my next words without thinking. Marcus hit me.Id never seen Adrian move so fast. Marcus had no chance to react, probably because he was exhausted from our earlier encounter. Adrian shoved Marcus up against a wall and to my complete and utter astonishment punched Marcus. Adrian had once joked that he never dir bind his hands, so this was something I never could have prepared myself for. In fact, if Adrian was going to attack someone, I wouldve expected something magical and spi rit-driven. Yet . . . as I watched him, I could see that anything as thoughtful as magic was far from Adrians mind. He had kicked into primal mode. See a threat. Go after it. It was yet another surprising yet fascinating side of the enigma that was Adrian Ivashkov.Marcus quickly got his bearings and responded in kind. He pushed Adrian back, wincing a little. Even with his injury he was still strong. What the hell? Who are you?The guy thats going to kick your ass for hurting her, said Adrian.He tried another punch, but Marcus dodged and managed to arrive a hit that knocked Adrian back into one of his easels. When Marcus swung again, Adrian eluded him with a maneuver that was back-to-back out of Wolfes class. I wouldve applauded him if I wasnt so appalled by the situation. I knew some girls thought it was sexy to have men fight over them. Not me.You guys, stop I cried.No ones going to throw you around and get away with it, said Adrian.What happened with us has nothing to do with you, retorted Marcus.Everything about her has to do with me.The two circled around each other, waiting for the other to pounce. Adrian, I exclaimed. It was an accident.Doesnt look like an accident, he replied, never taking his eyes off Marcus.You should listen to her, growled Marcus. The easygoing guy Id met earlier was gone, but I guess being attacked would do that to you. It might save you from getting your pretty face wrecked. How much styling did you have to do to get your hair like that?At least I brush my hair, said Adrian.Marcus lunged forward but not directly at Adrian. He grabbed a painting off an easel and used it as a weapon. Adrian again managed a dodge, but the painting didnt cut so well. The canvas tore, and Marcus tossed it aside, ready for the next advance.Adrian spared the canvas a truncated glance. Now youve really pissed me off.Enough Something told me they werent going to listen to reason. This call for direct intervention. I stalked across the room and pushe d myself between them.Sydney, get out of the way, ordered Adrian.Yeah, agreed Marcus. For once hes got something worthwhile to say.No I held out my hands to separate them. Both of you back off now My voice rang through the apartment, and I refused to budge. Back. Off, I repeated.Sydney. . . . Adrians voice was a little more uncertain than when hed told me to get out of the way.I looked back and forth between them, giving each guy a healthy glare. Adrian, it really was an accident. Marcus, this is the guy whos going to help you, so show some respect.This, more than anything, seemed to derail them.Wait, said Adrian. Did you say help?Marcus was equally flabbergasted. This asshole is the spirit user?Youre both acting like idiots, I scolded. The next time I had nothing to do, Id have to get a book on testosterone-driven behavior. This was out of my league. Adrian, can we talk somewhere in private? Like the chamber?Adrian agreed, but not before giving Marcus one last jeopardize look. I told Marcus to stay where he was and hoped he wouldnt take off or call in someone else with a gun. Adrian followed me to his bedroom and shut the door behind us.You know, he said, under normal circumstances, you inviting me to the bedroom would be the cotton up of my day.I crossed my arms and sat on the bed. I did so out of simple fatigue, but a moment later, I was strike by what I was doing. This is where Adrian sleeps. Im touching the covers hes wrapped in every night. What does he wear? Does he wear anything?I jumped up.It really was an accident, I told him. Marcus thought I was there to abduct him.Adrian, having no such hang-ups with the bed, sat down. He winced, probably from the blow to the stomach. If someone like you showed up to abduct me, Id let you.Even when he was in pain, it never stopped with him. Im serious. It was just instinct, and he apologized over and over in the car once he know who I was.That got his attention. He knew you?I gave him a recap of my day in Sa nta Barbara. He listened avidly, nodding along, his expression shifting back and forth between intrigue and surprise.I didnt realize when I brought him back here that youd gossip more damage, I said, once Id finished the story.I was defending your honor. Adrian gave me that carefree smile that always managed to both infuriate and captivate me. Pretty manly, huh?Very, I said dryly. I didnt like violence, but him doing something so out of character for me actually was kind of incredible. Not that Id ever tell him that. You did Wolfe proud. Do you think you can manage not to have any more manly displays while hes here? Please?Adrian shook his head, still smiling. Ive said over and over, Id do anything for you. I just keep hoping itll be something like, Adrian, lets go hot tubbing or Adrian, take me out for fondue.Well, sometimes we have to did you say fondue? sometimes it was impossible to follow Adrians train of thought. Why in the world would I ever say that?He shrugged. I like fo ndue.I didnt even know what to say about that. This whole day was getting more and more exhausting. Im sorry Im not asking for something as glamorous as melted cheese. But for now, I need to find out about Marcus and his group and the tattoo.Adrian recognized the situations severity. He stood up and gently touched the lily on my cheek. I dont trust him. He could be using you. But then . . . I dont like the idea of this controlling you either.That makes two of us, I admitted, losing some of my earlier toughness.He traced the line of my cheek for a few dyspnoeic moments and then dropped his hand. It might be worth helping him to get some answers.Will you promise not to get in any more fights? Please?I promise, he said. So long as he doesnt start one.Ill have him promise too. I just hoped their manly natures wouldnt get the better of them. As I ruminated on this, something Id nearly forgotten about tumbled to the forefront of my mind. Oh . . . Adrian, Ive got one more favor to ask yo u. A monstrous one.Fondue? he asked hopefully.No. Its about Ms. Terwilligers sister. . . .I told him what Id learned. The amusement in his face faded and turned to disbelief. You just mention this now? he exclaimed when I finished. That some soul-sucking witch might be after you?She doesnt know I exist. I felt surprisingly defensive. And Im the only one who can help, at least according to Ms. Terwilliger. She thinks Im some super-investigator.Well, you do have that intelligence officer Holmes thing going for you, he said. His joking didnt last he was too upset. But you still shouldve told me You couldve called.I was kind of busy with Marcus.Then your priorities are off. This is a lot more important than his band of Merry Men. If we need to take out some evil sorceress before she gets to you, then of occupation Ill help. He hesitated. With one condition.I eyed him warily. Whats that?Let me heal you too.I jerked backward, almost more shocked than if hed suggested hitting me again. No Absolutely not I dont need it. Im in better shape than him.You want to go back to Amberwood with that on your face? Youre not going to be able to hide that, Sage. And if Castile sees it, he really will come after Marcus. Adrian crossed his arms defiantly. Thats my price.He was bluffing, and I knew it. Maybe it was egotistical, but I knew he wasnt going to let me go into a dangerous situation without him. He did, however, have a point. I still hadnt seen the mark Marcus had go away, but I didnt want to explain it back at school. And yes, there was a good chance Eddie would want to hunt down my assailant. Being beat up by an avenging dhampir might make working with Marcus difficult.Yet . . . how could I agree? At least the magic I used was on my terms. And although my tattoo had trace amounts of vampire magic, I took comfort in knowing it was tied to the normal four elements, the ones we understood. Spirit was still an unknown entity, with abilities that continually surprise us. H ow could I subject myself to rogue vampire magic?Guessing my interior(a) turmoil, Adrians face softened. I do this all the time. Its an easy spell. No surprises.Maybe, I said reluctantly. But each time you use spirit, youre more seeming to go crazy.Already crazy about you, Sage.At least this was acquainted(predicate) territory. You said you wouldnt use up that up.He simply regarded me without comment. Finally, I threw my arms up. Fine, I said, with more boldness than I felt. Just get it over with.Adrian didnt run out any time. Stepping forward, he reached out and rested his hand on my cheek once more. My breath caught and my heart rate went up. It would be so, so easy for him to pull me to him and kiss me again. A tingling warmth spread over my skin, and for a moment, I thought it was just my normal reaction to him. No, I realized. It was the magic. His eyes locked onto mine, and for the space of a heartbeat, we were suspended in time. Then he removed his hand and stepped away. Done, he said. Was that so bad?No, it hadnt been bad at all. The throbbing pain was gone. All that was left was the constant inner voice nagging me that what had just happened was wrong. That same voice tried to tell me that Adrian had left a taint behind . . . but that was hard to believe from him. I released the breath Id been holding.Thank you, I said. You didnt have to do that.He gave me one of those small smiles. Oh, believe me, I did.A moment of awkward lock up hung between us. I cleared my throat. Well. We should get back out to Marcus. Maybe well have time for dinner before Sabrina shows up, and you guys can patch things over.I doubt even a moonlight stroll would fix things between us.His words reminded me of something else Id meant to bring up when he got back to town, something that had taken a very low priority. Your coat you never took it back after the wedding. Its in my car.He waved dismissively Keep it. Ive got others.What am I going to do with a wool coat? I asked. Especially here in Palm Springs?Sleep with it, he suggested. Think of me.I put my hands on my hips and tried to stare him down, which wasnt easy since he was so tall. That, and because his words suddenly returned me to the disorienting feeling Id had sitting on his bed. You said you werent going to bring up any sentimentalist stuff around me.Was that romantic? he asked. I was just making the suggestion, since the coats so heavy and warm. I figured youd think of me since it was such a nice gesture. And yet, once again, youre the one who finds romantic subtext in everything I say.I do not. You know thats not what I meant.He shook his head in mock sympathy. I tell you, Sage. Sometimes I think Im the one who needs to take out the restraining order on you.AdrianBut he was already out the door, knowing laughter echoing behind him.