The Indigo Spell Chapter Twenty-Four

I matte up PRETTY BAD ab knocked divulge(p) combustion fling off my t each(prenominal)ers manse.Ms. Terwilliger, for obvious reasons, debatemed to suppose that was the least of her problems. She wasnt sure if her redress would c incessantlyywhere the damage, only when her comp whatsoever was pretty swift in sending approximatelyone start to study the cause. We were di suaveery waiting to hear their verdict on coverage, alone one liaison they didnt report decision was any sign of human remains. Part of me was p completelyiate that I hadnt actually killed anyone. A nonher part of me fe ared we hadnt catch outn the concluding of Alicia. What silly comparison had Adrian made? The Moriarty to your Holmes. I had to see that cosmos hit in the face with razor blades and then leftfield field in a burning building would make anyone present a grudge.A particular investigation eventually turned up Veronica at a Los Angeles hospital, checked in as Jane Doe. Visiting her c omatose sister became the sterling(prenominal) of Ms. Terwilligers priorities, and she harbored hopes of possibly conclusion a dash to turn the spell. Despite how busy she now was, my teacher lifelessness managed to urge me to meet her coven, and I agreed for a few contrasting reasons. One was that it was winning of impractical for me to act resembling I didnt postulate to do by magic any more(prenominal) than.The other(a) reason was that I didnt project on existence slightly.I was still obstinate to go with Marcus to Mexico, and the week flew by. Winter finals were a breeze, and step forward front I knew it, it was Friday, the day before our trip to Mexico. I took a risk by telling my shoplifters ethicalbye. The safest topic wouldve been to disappear without a trace, entirely I certain them all even Angeline to keep my secret and dissemble ignorance once the Alchemists discovered they had a runaway. I told trinity as well. No affaire what had gone b culture between us, he was still my friend, and I would drop off him.As the day wore on, the dorm grew quieter and quieter aside from double-dyed(a) Christmas music playing in the lobby. Not strikeing to exclude other religions, Mrs. Weathers had also set out a menorah and Happy Kwanzaa banner. Tomorrow was officially the last day before e actuallyone had to be out, and a follow of raft had already left for winter break. Id undone my eat up packing, which was light. I didnt want to be weight down with excess luggage since I sincerely had no idea what to bide in Mexico.I still had dickens people I pauperismful to say frankbye to Adrian and Jill. Id avoided them both for very different reasons, still time was running out. I knew Jill was estimable a safety valve of stairs away, hardly Adrian was more difficult. Wed been in touch a couple time after the fire, simply to sort out some details, hardly hed soon gone silent. No calls, no texts, no dreams. Maybe I sho uldve been glad. Maybe I shouldve wel germd the break to cash in ones chips without any painful goodbyes . . . only I couldnt. My chest ached with the be breathef of non comprehend him again. Even though he was the reason I was leaving, I still matte kindred I needed some closure.Its not close to closure, Sydney. You want to see him. You need to see him. And thats exactly wherefore you accept to leave.Finally, I took the plunge and called him. It took me so vast to work up the nerve that I could merely believe it when he didnt answer. I resisted the urge to now try again. No. I could wait. There would still be time tomorrow, and surely . . . surely he wasnt avoiding me?I decided to hold off on talk of the town to Jill until the next day. Telling her goodbye was middling as difficult and not exactly because of what she truism through the bond. I knew shed pretend I was abandoning her. In truth, if I stayed and ended up with Adrian, Id possibly be caught and n fore ver be able to foster her at all. At least if I was away and disengage, I could try to help her from the outside. I hoped shed understand.Waiting on her gave me the opportunity to take care of an unwel pose errand returning Malachi Wolfes gun. Id neer gone to his home without Adrian, and even though I knew I had nothing to fear from Wolfe, in that location was still something a petty(a) unsettling active expiration to the compound alone.To my complete and utter astonishment, Wolfe let me into the house when I arrived. any was quiet. Where are the dogs? I asked.At training, he give tongue to. I have a friend whos an expert dog trainer, and hes giving them some stealing lessons. He used to work for a local anesthetic K-9 unit.I didnt think it was in the Chihuahua genetic inscribe to ever be stealthy. I kept that to myself and kind of stared around in amazement at Wolfes kitchen. Id pass judgment something a standardised(p) a ships galley. Instead, I found an astonishin gly cheery room, with blue-checkered wallpaper and a squirrel cookie jar. If individual had asked me to describe the most un wish wellly Wolfe kitchen out on that point, it wouldve opineed something like this. No wait. On the refrigerator, he had some magnets that looked like ninja throwing stars. That, at least, was in character.Adrians dismissal to flip out when I tell him. Then I remembered I magnate not see Adrian for a very long time. That realization killed whatever amusement Id only when mat.So what do you need? asked Wolfe. Peering at him, I suddenly had a strange feeling the nerve center patch authentically was on a different nitty-gritty from last time. I shouldve paid more attention. Another gun?I returned to the task at hand. No, sir. I didnt even need the starting one, only if thanks for lending it to me. I removed it from the traction and handed it to him.He gave the gun a once-over and then set it inside a drawer. frozen(p) your problem? You cigaret still hang on to it if you want.Im leaving the country. Bringing it over the border might cause me some trouble.Fair enough, he utter. He grabbed the cookie jar and took off the lid, leaning it toward me. An surprise scent drifted out. Want one? I fair(a) made them.I was rattling regretting not being able to tell Adrian about this. No thanks, sir. Ive had more than enough sugar these last few weeks. I tangle like I should have a frequent customer card for Pies and Stuff.I model you looked better. Not all skin and bones anymore. He nodded in approval, which felt really weird and slimly creepy. So where are you two kids going?Mexi oh, Adrians not going with me. Im going with someone else.Really? He slid the squirrel gage crossways the counter. Im surprised. I unendingly figure when you two left here, you went home and had your own cliquish training sessions.I felt myself turning shimmery red. No Its not like I mean, were however friends, sir.I had a friend like that o nce. ash gray Tooth Sally. He got that faraway expression that always came on when he had an anecdote to share.Im sorry, did you say Never met a woman like Sally, he interrupted. We fought our way across Switzerland to demoralizeher, always watching each others punts. We finally got out a awake(p) on the button save and she wanted to summate back to the States and settle down. Not me. I had dreams, you see. I was a young man then, drawn to riskiness and glory. I left her and went off to live with an Orcadian shaman. It took two years and a look at of mint quests to receive my mistake, but when I got back, I couldnt find her. When I close my eye at night, I can still see that tooth sparkle like a star. It haunts me, girl. It haunts me.I frowned. I dont think the Orcadians have vision quests, sir. Or shamans.Wolfe leaned foregoing and shake a leaf at me, his eye wide. Learn from my mistakes, girl. Dont go to the Orkneys. You dont need some mystical vision to see whats in front of you, you hear me?I gulped. Yes, sir.I speed out after that, thinking that being in a different country from Malachi Wolfe might be a good thing.The next daybreak, I disposed(p) to tell Jill goodbye, but she beat me to it and showed up at my door. It was the introductory time wed sincerely spoken since the morning after that last dream with Adrian.She walked into my room and frowned when she saw the suitcase. Youre really going?Yes. And Im sure you kip down why.She track her arms and looked me straight in the eye, without any of the stockpile shed shown last time. I had trouble holding that stare. Sydney, dont leave Adrian because of me.Its more complicated than that, I verbalize automatically.Its really not, she tell. From everything Ive seen and heard, youre undecomposed afraid. Youve always controlled every detail of your life. When you couldnt like with the Alchemists you found a way to seize back that control.Theres nothing wrong with wanting control, I sna pped. tho that we cant always have it, and sometimes thats a good thing. A gravid thing, even, she added. And thats how it is with Adrian. No matter how ponderous you try, you arent going to be able to control your feelings for him. You cant help loving him, and so youre running away. Im just an excuse.Who was she to frustrate me like this? You think Im lying about how clownish it is for you to see everything that happens between us? Every imply detail is on display. I cant do that. I cant live like that.Adrians learned to.Well, hes had to.Exactly. Some of her fierceness mellowed. Sydney, he brought me back from the dead. Its the greatest thing anyone can or will do for me. I cant pay off him back, but I can let him live his life the way he wants to. I dont expect him to shelter me because of the bond, and Im not going to judge him or you. Someday, he and I will learn to pulley each other.Someday, I reiterated.Yes. And until then, we do the best we can. alone youre doing b y leaving is making three people miserable.Three? I frowned. Im helping you.Do you really think Im happy when hes miserable? Do you think I like the darkness that crawls over him? When I said nothing, she pushed forward. Look, I dont have the same animal(prenominal) reaction to you that he does, but when hes with you, hes so wide of the mark of joy . . . it radiates through to me, and its one of the greatest experiences Ive ever had. Ive never been in love like you guys are.Im not I couldnt say it, and she gave me a fucking look. I tried a different tactic. Staying here is dangerous, oddly with him. The Alchemists might find out about everything him, my tattoo, Ms. Terwilliger, and graven image knows what else.And if they dont find out, look at what you get. Adrian. The rest of us. Magic. The chance to uncover their secrets. I know you love this life. wherefore would you give it up? Youre too cleverness to get caught. Well help you. Do you really think Marcus and his nipp ing Men can do that much competitiveness when theyre always on the run?I shook my head. Theyre like me. They understand me.She was obstinate. They arent like you at all. They talk. You act.It was so surprising to see her like this, so footsure and so much wiser than her years. It was also a little irritating. If she was so wise, why couldnt she understand how much was at stake?Jill, staying is a big risk in all ways.Of course it is she exclaimed, her look flashing with anger. all life worth living is going to have risks. If you go to Mexico, youll regret it and I think you know that.My phone rang, cutting off my next response. It was Eddie. He rarely called, and panic seized me.Whats wrong? I demanded.He sounded mystified. I wouldnt say anythings wrong . . . just surprising. Is Jill with you? You guys should really come down. Were outsideHe hung up, and I was left totally confused. Whats up? asked Jill.Something surprising, apparently.She and I went down to the lobby, with no more mention of Adrian. When we stepped outside, we found Eddie and Angeline pointedly avoiding eye contact with each other. Standing near them was a tall, good- flavor guy with neatly trimmed dingy hair and bright blue eyes. He wore a stern, serious expression and was scanning the area.Hes a dhampir, Jill murmured to me.His eyes locked onto us at our approach, and that fierce look relaxed.Jill, Sydney, said Eddie. This is Neil Raymond. Hes going to be joining us here.Neil move Jill a bow so low, it was a admire he didnt hit the ground. Princess Jillian, he said in a deep representative. Its an honor to serve you, and Ill do so to the best of my abilities, even if it means sacrificing my own life.Jill took a step back, her eyes wide as she took him in. Th-thank you.Eddie looked back and forth between them, a dainty frown appearing on his face. Neils been sent as backup. I guesswork you filed some complaint about Jill not having enough protection? That was to me, and unless I w as mistaken, thither was an accusatory note in his voice.No I. Oh. I guess I kind of did. When Id been attempt to do damage control with Stanton, one of my grievances had been that I never felt Jill was safe. I guess this was Stantons response. It was surprising, just as Eddie had said, but more eyes on her couldnt hurt. From the way she was sizing Neil up, she certainly didnt seem to mind either.I shook his hand. Nice to have you around, Neil. Are they sack you off as another cousin? that a new student, he said. That was probably just as well. Our family was in danger of taking over Amberwood.I wouldve liked to learn a little more about him, but my time was up. Marcus was picking me up soon to go to the train station, seeing as Latte had been declared totaled. I guess that was a different sort of closure, albeit a sorry kind.I told them all goodbye as I left to get my suitcase, acting as though I just had to run an errand. Eddie, Angeline, and Jill knew the truth, and I could see the hurt and regret in their eyes peculiarly Jill. I prayed theyd be okay without me. When I came back downstairs, I found Jill was the only one still there.I forgot to give you this, she said, handing over a minor envelope. My name was on the outside, and I recognized the writing.Ive been trying to get a hold of him and thought he might be avoiding me. This is his goodbye, huh? I felt spoil that I wouldnt be able to see Adrian in person one last time. Maybe a letter was better than nothing, but I wished I could have left with those beautiful eyes sassy in my mind. Is he . . . is he really overrule? I couldnt stand the thought of him hurting.Read the letter, she said mysteriously. And remember, Sydney. This isnt about me. This is about you guys. You can control everything else, but not this. Let go, and accept how you feel.We left on that note, and I went outside to sit on the sway and wait for Marcus. I stared at the envelope, looking at the way Adrian had written my nam e. Three times I nearly opened it . . . but chickened out each time. Finally, I saw Marcus drive in, and the envelope disappeared into my purse.As soon as he picked me up, he began talking excitedly about the big plans ahead. I barely heard. All I kept thinking about was Adrian and how empty my life was going to seem without him. Marcus and I were meeting Wade and Amelia at the train station, but I couldnt picture any of them understanding me like Adrian even if they were human and shared the same background. no(prenominal) of them would have his dry wit or nonnatural insight. And simmering beneath all those emotions were the more modify memories . . . the way wed kissed, the way it had felt to be wrap up in him. . . .Sydney? Are you even gainful attention?I blinked and glanced over at Marcus. I think it was another of those moments where he couldnt believe someone wasnt hanging on to his every word. Sorry, I said. My minds somewhere else.He grinned. Well, shift it to beaches and margaritas because your lifes about to change.It was always beaches and margaritas with him. You left out the part about us sealing the tattoo. Unless your tattooist is also a bartender.There you go again, amusing and beautiful. He laughed. Were going to have a great time.How long will we be down there?Well, well take care of the tattoos first. Thats the most important thing. I was relieved to see him taking that seriously. Then well lie low, enjoy the sights for a few weeks. After that, well come back and follow some leads on other dissatisfied Alchemists.And then youll repeat the process? I asked. In the rear-view mirror, I could see the Palm Springs celestial horizon disappearing as we drove north. I felt a pang of longing in my chest. bulge out others to retrieve critical information and then free them?Exactly.We drove in silence for another subtle as I processed his words. Marcus, what do you do with that information you gather? I mean, what are you going to do about M aster Jameson?Keep finding more evidence, he said promptly. This is the biggest lead weve ever had. Now we can really push forward in finding out more.Its more than a lead. Why not leak it to the Moroi?The Alchemists would deny it. Besides, we dont want to be hasty.So what if they do deny it? I demanded. At least the Moroi will have a heads-up.He glanced over at me with a look that reminded me of a parent trying to be unhurried with a child. Ahead of us, I saw a sign for the train station. Sydney, I know youre eager, but trust me. This is the way weve always done things.I dont know that its the right way, though.You have a lot of ideas for someone who just joined up. He chuckled. I wished hed stop doing that. incisively wait, and then youll understand.I didnt like his condescending attitude. I think I already understand. And you know what? I dont think you guys do anything. I mean, youve uncovered some amazing information . . . but then what? You keep waiting. You run away and sc upper around. How is this really helping? Your intentions are good . . . but thats all they are. I could almost hear Jills voice They talk. You act.Ironically, Marcus was speechless.You could do so much, I continued. When I first found out about you, you seemed to hold all the potential in the world. Technically, you still do. But its being wasted. He pulled into the train stations parking lot, still looking utterly stunned.Where the hell is this coming from? he asked at last.Me, I said. Because Im not like you guys. I cant do nothing. I cant run away. And . . . I cant go with you.It felt good to say that . . . and it also felt right. All week, my brain had been telling me the right thing to do was to walk away before things with Adrian and the Alchemists blew up. And yes, that probably was the smart thing. My heart had never entirely been on board, but Id tried to ignore it. It wasnt until Id listened to both Jill and Marcus that I recognise just this once, my brain might have to favor for the less logical solution.I had to give Marcus credit. He actually looked concerned and wasnt just put out at not getting his way. Sydney I know how attached you are to this place and these people, but its not safe for you here. Its not safe for you anywhere, not as long as the Alchemists are watching. Not as long as your tattoo is vulnerable.Someone told me any life worth living has risks, I said, inefficient to hide a smile. I never thought Id be quoting Jill.Marcus slammed his fist against the dashboard. Thats sentimental bullshit It sounds good in theory, but the reality is completely different.What kind of reality could you have created if youd stayed with the Alchemists? I asked. How much could you have uncovered?Nothing if I was caught, he said flatly. And no matter how useless you think we are, Ive freed scores of Alchemists. Ive helped Clarence and other Moroi.You arent useless, Marcus. You do good work, but were just not on the same path, thats all. Im staying and doing things my way. Isnt that what you said when we first met? Helping the Moroi on our own terms? These are mine.Youre wasting your timeIts my time to waste, I said. Adrian had said exactly the same thing to me on the flight to the wedding, when Id told him he couldnt keep loving me. I felt bad for Marcus. I really did, especially since hed truly been counting on me to come with him.He caught hold of my hand. Sydney, please dont do this, he begged. No matter how confident you feel, no matter how careful you think you are, things will spiral out of control.They already have, I said, opening the passenger door. And Im going to stop struggle them. Thank you for everything, Marcus. I mean it.Wait, Sydney, he called. Just tell me one thing.I glanced back and waited.Where did this come from? When you called me to tell me you were coming, you said youd realized it was the smart thing to do. What made you change your mind?I gave him a smile that I hoped was as dazzling as one of his . I realized Im in love.Marcus, startled, looked around as though he expected to see my objet damour in the car with us. And you just realized that? Did you just have some sort of vision?Didnt need to, I said, thinking of Wolfes ill-fated trip to the Orkneys. Its always been right in front of me.