Last Sacrifice Chapter Eighteen

I SPRANG UP FROM THE bed, relieved that I didnt f every over. My head sedate hurt, plainly I no longer felt dizzy, which hopefully meant I re entirely(a)y had evaded a concussion. Glancing at an warning device clock as I left Sonyas bedroom, I saw that Id been in Lissas head for a a couple of(prenominal)er hours. Her test had been far more extensive than Id realized.In the living room, I found an al well-nigh unmatched sight. master copy and Robert s besidesd at that place, in the flesh, taking in the surrounding exposits. veritable(a) Robert controlmed to be with us ment every last(predicate)y this time. Only, whereas headmaster was studying every intimacy in his calculating expression, Roberts attention was fixed on Sonya. His midpoints bugged out in wonder. Dimitri, meanwhile, hadnt altered his position near Sonya or put away the stake at her throat. It was clear from his attitude and watchful gaze, however, that he regarded the brothers as a new threat and was tryi ngimpossiblyto repose on guard against everything. He seemed relieved to see me and crap some stomachup.Sonya had g star perfectly calm down within her chains, which I didnt comparable at all. It do me think she was innovationning something. Her red impression narrowed.The whole concomitant was tense and dangerous, unless a tiny part of me felt smug satisfaction as I studied Victor more closely. The dream meetings had been deceptive. Just as I could shift my appearance in dreams, Victor had made himself look stronger and healthier in those visits than he very was in real life sentence. Age, disease, and life on the channelise were taking their toll. Dark shadows lined his inwardnesss, and his graying hair seemed thinner than it had a month ago. He looked haggard and tired, and I knew he was assuage dangerous.So, I state, reach on hips. You draw awayd to assure us.Theres 1 lake in this town, said Victor. One blue house. Maybe you had trouble with those direction s, but for the residual of us, it wasnt that difficult.Well, if youre so smart, whats your plan now? I asked. I was trying to stall as I frantically thought more or less what my plan was. Id wanted to capture Victor and Robert but didnt go to bed how. Since we had to split our attention between them and Sonya, Dimitri and I couldnt team up. I wished we had leftover chain. Aside from physically subduing the brothers, we would also specifically need to restrain their hands to reduce their ability to use magic.Since youre so smart, countered Victor, I anticipate youd have already obtained the needed information.I gestured toward Sonya. Shes not exactly forthcoming.Victors eyes fell on her. Sonya Karp. Youve changed since I last saw you.Im liberation to erase you all, Sonya snarled. And consume you one by one. Normally, Id start with the human beings and work up to the Moroi, but She glanced at Dimitri and me, her look full of rage. I think Ill continue you two for last and dr ag out your distraint. She paused and almost comically added, Youve annoyed me the most.Do all Strigoi go by means of some boot camp and learn all the same threats? Its a wonder you dont cackle too. I turned back to Victor. See? not that easy. Weve well- try everything. Beating it out, torturing it out. Sydney went through the names of all her relatives. No reception.Victor studied Sydney in detail for the first time. So. Your pet Alchemist.Sydney didnt move. I knew she had to be sc atomic number 18d of facing soulfulness who was both a lamia and a dangerous criminal. I had to give her points for meeting his stare unflinchingly.Young, Victor mused. But of course she would be. I imagine its the plainly way you could manipulate her into this undersize escapade.Im here by choice, replied Sydney. Her bearing stayed calm and confident. No one manipulated me. Abes blackmail wasnt in reality relevant at the moment.Look, if you wanted to keep torturing me with your not-funny comme nts, you could have save kept invading my dreams, I snapped. If you dont have anything useful to rack uper, accordingly get out of here and let us wait until hunger weakens Sonya. And by get out of here, I meant foolishly think youre going to leave so that I can knock your heads together and drag you back to the guardians.We can help, said Victor. He touched his brother lightly on the arm. Robert flinched, jerking his eyes from Sonya to Victor. Your methods were destined to fail. If you want answers, theres whole one way toSonya made her move. Dimitri was dormant right next to her, but hed also been keeping an eye on the rest of us. And of course, Id been completely focused on the Victor drama as well. It was probably the outflank opening Sonya could have hoped for.With crazy Strigoi strength, she bucked up from the temper. The chain was wrapped around her over and over, but her degenerate movement and strength were sufficient to snap the chain in two places. The rest still shape her, but I knew perfectly well even one opening was enough for her to eventually snap off out. Distracted or not, Dimitri was on her in a flash, and a second later, so was I. She was flailing in the chair, utilise every bit of her strength and speed to shake off the chains. If she got loose, I knew shed put up other fierce fight. Dimitri and I met eyes briefly, and I knew we were thinking the same things. First, how were we going to re-restrain her? The chain could probably be rebound, but wed need to unwind it and start over, which would be next to impossible. We also both knew he and I capability not be able to take her down a second time, and now we had innocents around. They couldnt fight, but Sonya might be able to use them to her advantage somehow. All we could do was try to keep her down. place her against a flat surface like the floor would have been much easier than the unwieldy recliner. It shook as she fought against us, and we struggled to get a good positio n on the chair. Dimitri had his stake Id set mine down frontand he raked it against her skin, prominent us some advantage in the struggle. She screamed in rage, and I clung to the hope we might tire her out. Probably not. Wed break first. My aching head was proof enough that I wasnt in top condition.I saw a flash of movement in my periphery, setting off new alarms. Robert Doru was point toward usand he had a silver stake in his hand. The sight was so bizarre and unthought-of that I was slow to alert Dimitri. When my sluggish mind suddenly kicked back to life, it was too late.No I shrieked, seeing Robert raise the stake. Dont kill herDimitri turned and saw Robert past, but there was nothing he could do. Dimitri and I had created the perfect opportunity. We were h oldishing Sonya still, and with her thorax vulnerable, Robert had a clean shot. Frantically, I wondered what to do. If I stopped him, Id release Sonya. If I didnt stop him, he might kill our unless chance at finding o ut who to a fault late. The stake plunged down with a force that astonished me. Lissa had had a very difficult time staking Dimitri, and Id assumed the same would be true for someone like Robert, who was older and seemed so fragile. But, no. He still had to use two hands, but the stake went firmly into Sonyas chest, piercing her heart.Sonya let out an intense scream. A brilliant, blinding white light suddenly filled the room, just as an unseen force fiendish me away. I hit a wall, my brain barely registering the pain. The small house shook, and with one hand, I tried to grab something and brace myself. I squeezed my eyes shut but could still see starbursts. Time slowed. My blinking slowed.Thenit all stopped. Everything. The light. The tremors. I breathed normally. All was quiet and still, as though Id imagined what had just happened.I blinked, trying to bring my eyes back into focus and assess the situation. I did my best to scramble clumsily to my feet and saw Dimitri was doing t he same. He looked like hed also been knocked over but had caught the wall for support, rather than smashing into it. Robert was fable flat out on the floor, and Victor rushed over to help him. Sydney just stood frozen.And Sonya?Unbelievable, I whispered.Sonya was still in the armchair, and from the way she was sitting back, it was obvious that shed been blasted by the same force that had hit the rest of us. The chains were still around her, but shed stopped struggling. On her lap was the silver stake Robert had held only moments ago. Sonya managed to wiggle a hand out of the chain, just enough for her fingers to brush against the stakes surface. Her eyes widened with wondereyes that were a rich, azure blue.Robert had brought Sonya Karp back to life. She was no longer Strigoi.When Lissa had salvage Dimitri, Id felt the magics power through the bond, bighearted me the full and overwhelming experience of it all. Witnessing it now, without the firsthand knowledge provided from Lissa , was still just as incredible. Victor was thoughtless with Robert, but the rest of us couldnt stop staring at Sonya in amazement. I kept feel for anythinganythingthat might give the slightest hint of her previous existence.There was none. Her skin bore the typical Moroi paleness, but it was still filled with the warmth of life, with the faintest tinge of colornot like the Strigoi, who were completely devoid of pigment. Her eyes were bloodshot, but that was from her rapidly forming tears. There was no red ring around her irises. And the look in those eyes there was no cruelty or malice. They were not the eyes of someone who had just threatened to kill us all. Her eyes were all shock and fear and confusion. I couldnt tear my gaze from her.A miracle. Another miracle. Even after seeing Lissa restore Dimitri, some secret part of me had believed I would never witness anything like it again. That was how miracles worked. Once in a lifetime. Thered been a lot of talk about using spirit to save Strigoi everywhere, talk that had faded when other dramasuch as the murder of a queen took precedency at Court. The shortage of spirit users had also made the idea unpopular, and besides, everyone knew the difficulties involved with a Moroi staking a Strigoi. If adept guardians died fighting Strigoi, how could a Moroi stake one? Well, here was the answer a subdued Strigoi. A Moroi could manage staking one with two hands, especially with guardian backup. The possibilities made me reel. Roberts magic was strong, but he was old and frail. Yet, if he had still done this, could any spirit user? Hed almost made it look easy. Could Adrian do it? Could Lissa do it again?A miracle. Sonya Karp was a living, breathing miracle.And suddenly, she began screaming.It started off as kind of a low pule and rapidly grew in volume. The noise snapped me to attention, but I didnt exactly know how to respond. Dimitri did. His stake fell from his hand, and he rushed to Sonyas side, where he bega n trying to free her from the chains. She floundered at his touch, but her efforts no longer packed the marvellous strength of an undead monster seeking revenge. These were the motions of someone desperately, terribly afraid.Id wrapped those chains pretty securely, but Dimitri had them off in seconds. Once Sonya was free, he sat in the chair and pulled her to him, letting her bury her face against his chest and sob. I swallowed. Dimitri had also wept when he had been changed back. An odd construe of newborn babies flashed through my mind. Was crying the natural reaction for anyone be bornor, in this case, reborninto the world?A sudden movement grabbed my attention. Sydneys eyes were wide, and she was actually moving toward Dimitrito stop him. What are you doing? she cried. Dont release herDimitri ignored Sydney, and I caught hold of her, pulling her back. Its okay, its okay, I said. Sydney was the most stable factor in this whole operation. I couldnt have her freaking out. Shes n ot Strigoi. Look. Look at her. Shes Moroi.Sydney easy shook her head. She cant be. I just saw her.Its what happened to Dimitri. Exactly the same. You dont think hes a Strigoi, do you? You trust him. I released my hold on her, and she stayed put, her face wary.Looking down at the brothers, I realized theirs might be a more serious situation than I had realized. Robert, while not a Strigoi, looked pale enough to be one. His eyes were vacant, drool escaping his partially open mouth. I reassessed my earlier observation about Robert fashioning Strigoi restoration look easy. Hed staked her like a pro, but obviously, there were a few side effects. Victor was trying to support his brother and murmured soothing and encouraging words. And on Victors face well, there was a look of compassion and fear that Id never seen forward. My brain didnt entirely know how to reconcile it with my well-defined and villainous image of him. He seemed like a real person.Victor glanced up at me, his lips tw isting into a sulphurous smile. What, no witty quips now? You should be happy. Weve given you what you wanted. You need answers from Sonya Karp? He nodded toward her. Go get them. Theyve for sure come at a high price.No exclaimed Dimitri. He still held Sonya against him, but his gentle expression turned hard at Victors words. Are you crazy? Didnt you see what just happened?Victor arched an eyebrow. Yes. I noticed.Shes in no condition to answer anything Shes in shock. Leave her alone.Dont act like shes the one whos suffering here, snapped Victor. Turning back to Robert, Victor helped his brother stand and go toward the couch. Robert barely managed it, his legs trembling and then giving way as he sat down. Victor put an arm around Robert. Youll be all right. Everythings all right.Will he be? I asked uncertainly. Robert didnt look like he was in all that good of shape. My earlier thoughts about spirit users saving Strigoi continued growing unrealistic. He he did it before and recove red, right? And Lissas fine.Robert was much youngeras is Vasilisa, replied Victor, patting Roberts shoulder. And this is hardly a simple spell. Doing it even once is monumental. double? Well, you and I both know how spirit works, and this feat takes a toll on both be and mind. Robert has made a great sacrifice for you.He had, I lookd. Thank you, Robert, I said. The words came hesitantly to my lips. Robert didnt seem to hear.Dimitri stood up, lifting Sonya easily in his arms. She was still crying, but her sobs were quieter now.She needs to rest, he said gruffly. Believe me, you have no idea whats going on inside her right now.Oh, I believe you, I said.Youre idiots, snapped Victor. both of you.It was a wonder Dimitris glare didnt pin Victor to the floor. No interrogation yet.I nodded my agreement, not cognise what else to do. When Lissa had changed Dimitri, shed taken on a fierce, similarly protective attitude. He might not have been the one to change Sonya, but he was the only one here who had any idea what she was going through. I knew hed had a hard even offment and that the initial effects of the restoration had been disorienting. That wasnt even taking into account the later(prenominal) depression.He swept past all of us, taking Sonya to her bedroom. Sydney watched them go and then glanced over to the sofa, where Victor still had his arm wrapped around his brother. The Alchemist met my eyes wonderingly.I heard but I didnt believe.Sometimes, I told her, I still dont. It goes against every rule of the universe. To my surprise, she touched the small gold cross around her neck. Some rules are bigger than the universe.Victor rose from the couch, plainly satisfied Robert was resting. I tensed up. Miracles aside, he was still a criminal, one I intended to capture. He took a step toward me, pitching his voice low.Sorry to ruin Metaphysics 101, but you need to listen to me, he said. Be careful, Rose. Very careful. A lot rests on you now. Dont let your pet wo lf keep you from finding out what Sonya knows.But hes right, I exclaimed. Its been five minutes What she went through what they both went through well, its kind of a big deal. Literally life-changing. He had to recover too and adjust to being saved. Once she does, shell help us.Are you sure? he asked, narrowing his eyes. Will she think shes been saved? You forget Belikov was turned against his will. She wasnt.W-what are you maxim? That shes going to try to become Strigoi again?He shrugged. Im saying get your answers soon. And dont leave her alone.With that, Victor turned and headed toward the kitchen. He soon returned with a glass of water. Robert drank it greedily and then fell into a heavy sleep. I sighed and leaned against a wall near Sydney, totally worn out. I still hurt from the earlier fight.What now? asked Sydney.I shook my head. I dont know. We wait, I guess.Dimitri returned a little while later and spared a small glance for Robert. Shes sleeping too, he told me. The tra nsformation its difficult. I could see a haunted look in his eyes and wondered what memory was tormenting him now. The memory of being changed? The memory of being Strigoi?I dont think we should leave Sonya alone, I said. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Victor smirk. soulfulness should stay with her in case she wakes up. She wont know whats going on.Dimitri didnt answer for a few seconds as he scrutinized me. He knew me well enough to sense there might be something else on my mind. Fortunately, he couldnt find a fault in my logic.Youre right. Do you mind sitting with her? he asked Sydney.I groped for something to say. No, no. Not Sydney. If Sonya did turn on us, we needed someone else on guardsomeone who could fight back. Sydney, probably snap my problem, saved me from lying to Dimitrior from telling him the truth about my concerns.She doesnt know me. It might make things worse when she wakes up. Besides Sydney put on that disgusted expression that Alchemists ex cubicleed at . I dont really feel that comfortable with someone who was a monster five minutes ago.Shes not Strigoi, he exclaimed. Shes absolutely, completely Moroi again Even I felt a little cowed by the harshness of his voice, but I wasnt entirely surprised at his vehement reaction. Hed had a hard time convincing others hed changed. His face softened a little. I know its hard to believe, but she really has changed.Ill stay with her then, I said.No, no. Dimitri shook his head. Sydneys right about one thing Sonya might be confused. Its better if someones there who understands whats happened. I started to argue that I was the only one Sonya really knew but then decided Id rather stay with the brothers. They seemed harmless now, but I didnt trust them. Dimitri apparently didnt either. He took a few steps forward and leaned down, speaking only an inch from my ear.Keep an eye on them, he murmured. Roberts down right now but might recover sooner than we think.I know.He started to turn, then glanced b ack at me. His commander face had softened into something thoughtful and awestruck. Rose? yeah?That was that what it was like when Lissa changed me?More or less.I didnt realize it was He struggled for words. It was uncharacteristic. The way that light filled the room, the way she changed. Seeing that life emerge from death it was Beautiful?He nodded. Life like that you dontno, you cant waste it.No, I agreed. You cant.I saw something shift in him then. It was small, just like in the alley, but I knew then another piece of the Strigoi-trauma had peeled away.He said no more, and I watched as he walked back down the hall. With nothing else to do, Sydney sat down cross-legged on the floor, holding a book in her lap. It was closed, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. Meanwhile, Victor sat back in the armchair and reclined it. He didnt look as bad as Robert, but lines of fatigue showed on both brothers. Good. The longer they were out of commission, the better. I brought in a chair from th e kitchen so I could sit and survey the room. Everything was peaceful.I felt like a babysitter, which I suppose I kind of was. It had been a long day, and night soon turned the windows black. This made worried me. For all I knew, Sonya had some Strigoi pals who might stop by. The fact that Donovan knew her certainly indicated she wasnt a total outcast among them. It made me extra-vigilant, but at the same time, I was exhausted. The brothers were already asleep. Sydney, perhaps in an attempt to keep her human schedule, eventually found a spare blanket and pillow and curled up in a makeshift bed on the floor.And me? I was halfway between human and vampiric schedules. I had a life Dimitri was the same. Really, we were on a do-whats-necessary schedule, in which extensive sleep was not an option.A hum of excitement and astonishment suddenly sang through the bond. I sensed no danger or threat, but remnant made me decide to check in with Lissa anyway. Even if I was in her mind, I knew my body would stay watchful, and I wanted to know how the rest of Lissas test had gone.Beautifully, of course. She rode back to Court, exhausted but proud of herself. She wasnt the only one. The rest of her companions all wore similar expressions all except for Ava Drozdov. She had been the only one to break and use the cell phone to call for help. Lissa was surprised that Ava had cracked. After his earlier bitching, Marcus Lazar had seemed the most likely to bail. But no, the old man had managed it somehow, meaning hed continue on in the monarch trials. Ava refused to make eye contact with anyone, preferably staring bleakly out the window as they traveled back to Court. She would still hold a Council spot, but her shot at being queen was gone.Lissa felt bad for her but couldnt spare too much concern. It was the way of the trials, the way they determined the best candidates. Besides, Lissa had her own issues. Staying out in the daytime had run contrary to the normal vampiric schedul e. Now, she simply wanted to get back to Court, find her room, and sleep for a few hours. She wanted some peace.Instead, she found a mob waiting for her.