Last Sacrifice Chapter Thirteen

ITS NOT FUNNYYoure justly, agreed Sydney. Its non funny. Its hilarious.We were bottom at Raymonds house, in the privacy of our room. It had removen forever for us to invite away from the fireside festivities, particularly after eruditeness a terrible fact ab step up a Keeper custom. Well, I thought it was terrible, at least. It morose out that if some wiz exigencyed to marry somebody else around here, the prospective bride and groom each had to employment it out with the early(a)s nearest relative of the same sex. Angeline had spotted Joshuas interest from the moment Id arrived, and when shed protruden the bracelet, shed assumed some configuration of arrangement had been made. It therefore fell on her, as his sister, to hold in sure I was worthy. She restrained didnt the like or entirely trust me, exclusively proving myself a capable fighter had shot me up in her esteem, eitherowing her to consent to our eng maturatement. It had then taken a grass of fast-talking t o convince everyone including Joshuathat there was no engagement. Had there been, Id learned, Dimitri would pretend had to stand in as my relative and fight Joshua.Stop that, I chastised. Dimitri leaned over against one of the rooms walls, arms hideed, watching as I rubbed where Angeline had hit my cheekbone. It was hardly the worst injury Id ever had, hardly Id definitely have a bruise tomorrow. there was a small make a face on his face.I told you not to encourage him, came Dimitris quieten response.Whatever. You didnt agnize this feeler. You just didnt want me to I bit dispatch my backchats. I wouldnt say what was on my opinion that Dimitri was jealous. Or possessive. Or whatever. I just knew hed been irritated to see me friendly with Joshua and very amused at my outrage over Angelines attack. I abruptly turned to Sydney, who was just as entertained as Dimitri. In fact, I was pretty sure Id never seen her smile so much. Did you k right off about this custom?No, she a ppropriateted, barely Im not surprised. I told you theyre savage. A lot of ordinary problems are settled by fights like that.Its stupid, I give tongue to, not caring that I was whining. I touched the top of my head, wishing I had a reflect to see if Angeline had taken a noticeable chunk of hair. Although she wasnt bad. Unpolished, however not bad. Are they all that punk rock? The humans and Moroi in any case?Thats my understanding.I ponde ablaze(p) that. I was annoyed and embarrassed by what had happened, scarcely I had to admit the Keepers were suddenly way more interesting. How ironic that such a backward radical had the insight to apprize everyone to fight, no matter their race. Meanwhile, my own enlightened culture still refused to teach defense.And thats why Strigoi dont b new(prenominal) them, I murmured, recalling breakfast. I didnt even realize what Id utter until Dimitris smile dropped. He glanced toward the window, face grim.I should check in with Boris again an d see what hes found. He turned back toward Sydney. It wont take long. We dont all need to go. Should I just take your car since I totally have to go a little ways?She shrugged and reached for her keys. Wed learned originally that Sydneys phone could pick up a signal about ten minutes from the village. He was right. There really was no reason for us all to go for a quick phone call. aft(prenominal) my fight, Sydney and I were reasonably safe. No one would mess with me now. Still I didnt like the thought of Dimitri know his Strigoi days alone.You should still go, I told her, conceive ofing fast. I need to check in on Lissa. not entirely a lie. What my friends had heard from Joe was still weighing on me. I can usually still keep track of whats going on around me at the same time, but it might be better if youre awayespecially in case Alchemists do show up.My logic was faulty, though her colleagues were still a concern. I doubt theyd come while its dark, she said, but I dont real ly want to devolve out if youre just going to stare into watering holece. She didnt admit it, and I didnt need to say anything, but I suspected she didnt want someone else driving her car anyway.Dimitri thought her coming was unnecessary and said as much, but apparently, he didnt feel like he could boss her around as much as me. So, they both set out, leaving me alone in the room. I watched them wistfully. Despite how annoying his prior fraud had been, I was worried about him. Id seen the effect of the last call and wished I could be there now to comfort him. I had a feeling he wouldnt have allowed that, so I accepted Sydneys extension as a small victory.With them gone, I find outd I really would check in with Lissa. Id said it more as an excuse, but truthfully, it beat the alternativegoing back out and socializing. I didnt want any more plurality congratulating me, and apparently, Joshua had read my maybe and acceptance of the bracelet as a real commitment. I still thought h e was devastatingly cute but couldnt put acrossle seeing his adoration.Sitting cross-legged on Angelines bed, I opened myself to the bond and what Lissa was experiencing. She was walking through the halls of a building I didnt recognize at first. A moment later, I got my bearings. It was a building at Court that housed a large spa and salonas well as the hideout of Rhonda the gypsy. It seemed weird that Lissa would be going to get her constituent told, but once I got a glimpse of her companions, I knew she was up to something else.The usual suspects were with her Adrian and Christian. My heart leapt at seeing Adrian againespecially after the Joshua Incident. My last spirit dream had been too brief.Christian was safekeeping Lissas hand as they walked, his grip warm and reassuring. He pictureed confident and determinedthough with that typically snarky half-smile of his. Lissa was the one who felt nervous and was clearly bracing herself for something. I could feel her dreading her next task, even though she believed it was necessary.Is this it? she asked, coming to a halt in drive of a door.I think so, said Christian. That receptionist said it was the red one.Lissa hesitated only a moment and then knocked. Nothing. Either the room was empty or she was being ignored. She held up her hand again, and the door opened. Ambrose stood there, stunning as always, even in jeans and a casual blue T-shirt. The dress hugged his body in a way that showed off every muscle. He could have walked straight off the cover of GQ.Hey, he said, clearly surprised.Hey, said Lissa back. We were wondering if we could talk to you?Ambrose ever so slightly prone his head toward the room. Im kind of busy right now. Beyond him, Lissa could see a massage table with a Moroi muliebrity lying face down. The lower half of her body had a towel over it, but her back was bare, shining in the dim lighting with oil. Scented candles burned in the room, and a appeasement kind of New Age music played softly.Wow, said Adrian. You dont waste any time, do you? Shes only been in her grave a few hours, and youve already got someone new. Tatiana had finally been laid to rest earlier in the day, just before sunset. The burial had had much less fanfare than the original attempt.Ambrose gave Adrian a bully look. Shes my client. Its my work. You forget that some of us have to work for a living.Please? asked Lissa, hastily measuringping in front of Adrian. It wont take long.Ambrose looked my friends over a moment and then sighed. He glanced behind him. Lorraine? I have to step outside. Ill be right back, ok?Okay, called the woman. She shifted, facing him. She was older than Id expected, mid-forties or so. I guess if you were paid for a massage, there was no reason not to have a masseuse half your age. Hurry back.He gave her a dazzling smile as he shut the door, a smile that dropped once he was alone with my friends. Okay, whats going on? I dont like the looks on your faces.Ambrose mi ght have radically deviated from a dhampir mans normal life, but hed had the same training as any guardian. He was observant. He was always on the lookout for potential threats.We, uh, wanted to talk to you about Lissa hesitated. Talking about investigations and interrogations was one thing. Carrying them out was another. somewhat Tatianas score.Ambroses eyebrows rose. Ah. I see. Not sure what there is to say, keep out that I dont think Rose did it. I dont think you believe that either, despite whats going around. Everyones talking about how shocked and upset you are. Youre getting a lot of sympathy over having been tricked by such a dangerous and sinister friend.Lissa felt her cheeks flush. By publically condemning me and renouncing our friendship, Lissa was keeping herself out of trouble. It had been Abe and Tashas advice, and Lissa knew it was sound. Yet, even though it was an act, she still felt guilty. Christian stepped to her defense.Back off. Thats not what this is about .What is it about then? asked Ambrose.Lissa jumped in, worried Christian and Adrian might upset Ambrose and make it difficult to get answers. Abe Mazur told us that in the courtroom, you said or, uh, did something to Rose.Ambrose looked shocked, and I had to give him points for being convincing. Did something? What does that mean? Does Mazur think I, like, hit on her in front of all those stack?I dont know, admitted Lissa. He just saw something, thats all.I wished her pricey luck, said Ambrose, still looking offended. Is that okay?Yeah, yeah. Lissa had made a point to talk to Ambrose before Abe could, fearing Abes methods would involve threats and a lot of physical force. flat, she was wondering if she was doing so great a job. Look, were just trying to find out who really killed the queen. You were close to her. If theres anythinganythingat all youve got that can supporter us, wed appreciate it. We need it.Ambrose glanced curiously amid them. Then, he suddenly understood. You think I did it Thats what this is about. None of them said anything. I cant believe this I already got this from the guardians but from you? I thought you knew me better.We dont know you at all, said Adrian flatly. All we know is you had lots of entrance to my aunt. He pointed at the door. And simply, it didnt take you long to move on.Did you miss the part where I said thats my job? Im giving her a massage, thats it. Not everything is sordid and dirty. Ambrose shook his head in frustration and ran a hand through his brown hair. My relationship with Tatiana wasnt dirty either. I cared about her. I would never do anything to pine her.Dont statistics say most murders happen between close people? asked Christian.Lissa glared at him and Adrian. Stop it. Both of you. She looked back at Ambrose. No ones accusing you of anything. But you were around her a lot. And Rose told me you were upset about the age virtue.When I first heard about it, yeah, Ambrose said. And even then, I told Ros e there was some misplaythat there must be something we didnt know. Tatiana would have never put those dhampirs in danger without a good reason.Like making herself look good in front of all those terrified royals? asked Christian.Watch it, warned Adrian. Lissa couldnt decide which was more annoying her two guys teaming up to spar against Ambrose or them throwing barbs at each other.No Ambroses translator rang throughout the narrow hall. She didnt want to do that. But if she didnt, worse things were going to happen. There are people who wantedstill wantto round up all the dhampirs who dont fight and force them into it. Tatiana passed the age law as a way to stall that.Silence fell. Id already learned this from Tatianas note, but it was shocking watchword to my friends. Ambrose kept going, seeing he was gaining ground.She was actually open to lots of other options. She wanted to explore spirit. She canonic of Moroi learning to fight.That got a reaction from Adrian. He still wore t hat sardonic nerve, but I could also see faint lines of pain and sorrow on his face. The burial earlier must have been hard on him, and hearing others reveal information you hadnt known about a loved one had to hurt.Well, I obviously wasnt sleeping with her like you were, said Adrian, but I knew her pretty well, too. She never said a word about anything like that.Not publicly, agreed Ambrose. Not even privately. Only a few people knew. She was having a small group of Moroi trained in secretmen and women, different ages. She wanted to see how well Moroi could learn. If it was possible for them to defend themselves. But she knew peopled be upset about it, so she made the group and their trainer keep quiet.Adrian gave no response to this, and I could see his thoughts had turned inward. Ambroses revelation wasnt bad word of honor, exactly, but Adrian was still hurt at the thought that his aunt had kept so much from him. Lissa, meanwhile, was eating the news up, seizing and analyzing e very piece of info.Who were they? The Moroi being trained? I dont know, said Ambrose. Tatiana was quiet about it. I never found out their names, just their instructor.Who was ? prompted Christian. yield.Christian and Lissa exchanged startled looks. My Grant? she asked. The one Tatiana assign to me?Ambrose nodded. Thats why she gave him to you. She trusted him.Lissa said nothing, but I heard her thoughts loud and clear. Shed been pleased and surprised when Grant and Serenathe guardians who had replaced Dimitri and me had offered to teach Lissa and Christian basic defense moves. Lissa had thought shed simply stumbled onto a progressive-thinking guardian, not realizing she had one of the pioneers in teaching combat to Moroi.Some piece of this was important, she and I were both certain, though neither of us could make the connection. Lissa puzzled it over, not protesting when Adrian and Christian threw in some questions of their own. Ambrose was still clearly offended by the inquisiti on, but he answered everything with forced patience. He had alibis, and his affection and regard for Tatiana never wavered. Lissa believed him, though Christian and Adrian still seemed skeptical.Everyones been all over me about her death, said Ambrose, but nobody questioned Blake very long.Blake? asked Lissa.Blake Lazar. Someone else she was Involved with? suggested Christian, rolling his eyes.Him? exclaimed Adrian in disgust. No way. She wouldnt stoop that low.Lissa racked her brain through the Lazar family but couldnt peg the name. There were just too many of them. Who is he?An idiot, said Adrian. Makes me look like an upstanding member of society.That actually brought a smile to Ambroses face. I agree. But hes a pretty idiot, and Tatiana liked that. I heard affection in his contribution as he spoke her name.She was sleeping with him too? Lissa asked. Adrian winced at the mention of his great-aunts sex life, but a whole new world of possibilities had opened up. More lovers meant more suspects. How did you feel about that?Ambroses amusement faded. He gave her a sharp look. Not jealous enough to kill her, if thats what youre getting at. We had an understanding. She and I were close yes, involvedbut we both saw other people too.Wait, said Christian. I had the feeling he was really enjoying this now. Tatianas murder was no joke, but a soap opera was definitely unfolding before them. You were sleeping with other people too? This is getting hard to follow.Not for Lissa. In fact, it was becoming clearer and clearer that Tatianas murder could have been a crime of passion, rather than anything political. Like Abe had said, someone with access to her bedroom was a likely suspect. And some woman jealous over sharing a lover with Tatiana? That was perhaps the most convincing motive so farif only we knew the women.Who? Lissa asked. Who else were you seeing? No one whod kill her, said Ambrose sternly. Im not giving you names. Im entitle to some privacyso are they.Not if one of them was jealous and killed my aunt, growled Adrian. Joshua had looked down on Adrian for not protecting me, but in that moment, defending his aunts honor, he looked as fierce as any guardian or Keeper warrior. It was kind of sexy.None of them killed her, Im certain, said Ambrose. And as much as I despise him, I dont think Blake did either. Hes not smart enough to pull it off and frame Rose. Ambrose gestured to the door. His teeth were clenched, and lines of frustration deflower his handsome face. Look, I dont know what else I can say to convince you. I need to get back in there. Im sorry if I seem difficult, but this has been kind of hard on me, okay? Believe me, Id love it if you could find out who did that to her. Pain flashed through his eyes. He swallowed and looked down for a moment, as though he didnt want them to know just how much hed cared about Tatiana. When he looked up again, his expression was fierce and determined again. I want you to and will help if I can. But Im telling you, look for someone with political motives. Not romantic ones.Lissa still had a million more questions. Ambrose might be convinced the murder was free of jealousy and sex, but she wasnt. She would have really liked the names of his other women but didnt want to push too hard. For a moment, she considered compelling him as she had Joe. But no. She wouldnt cross that line again, especially with someone she considered a friend. At least not yet. Okay, she said reluctantly. give thanks you. Thank you for helping us.Ambrose seemed surprised at her politeness, and his face softened. Ill see if I can dig up anything to help you. Theyre keeping her rooms and possessions locked down, but I might still be able to get in there. Ill let you know.Lissa smiled, genuinely grateful. Thank you. Thatd be great.A touch on my arm brought me back to the sour little room in West Virginia. Sydney and Dimitri were looking down at me. Rose? asked Dimitri. I had a feeling this wasnt the fi rst time hed tried to get my attention.Hey, I said. I blinked a couple of times, remission myself back into this reality. Youre back. You called the Strigoi?He didnt visibly react to the word, but I knew he hated hearing it. Yes. I got a hold of Boriss contact.Sydney wrapped her arms around herself. Crazy conversation. Some of it was in English. It was even scarier than before.I shivered involuntarily, glad that Id missed it. But did you find out anything?Boris gave me the name of a Strigoi who knows Sonya and probably knows where she is, Dimitri said. Its actually someone Ive met. But phone calls only go so far with Strigoi. Theres no way to contact himexcept to go in person. Boris only had his address.Where is it? I asked.Lexington, Kentucky.Oh for Gods sake, I moaned. Why not the Bahamas? Or the Corn palace?Dimitri tried to hide a smile. It might have been at my expense, but if Id lightened his mood, I was grateful. If we leave right now, we can reach him before morning.I glanc ed around. Tough choice. Leave all this for electricity and plumbing? Now Sydney grinned. And no more marriage proposals.And well probably have to fight Strigoi, added Dimitri.I jumped to my feet. How soon can we go?