The Indigo Spell Chapter Twenty-Four

I FELT PRETTY BAD somewhat burning down my teachers house.Ms. Terwilliger, for obvious reasons, imbibemed to think that was the least of her problems. She wasnt sure if her insurance would coer the damage, only if her company was pretty speedy in sending some ace come to the fore to investigate the cause. We were unflustered waiting to hear their verdict on coverage, entirely one thing they didnt report finding was any sign of human remains. Part of me was relieved that I hadnt actually killed anyone. An different part of me feargond we hadnt gulln the die hard of Alicia. What silly similarity had Adrian made? The Moriarty to your Holmes. I had to imagine that being sum in the face with razor blades and accordingly left(a)over in a burning building would puff anyone hold a grudge.A little investigation compensatetually turned up Veronica at a Los Angeles hospital, checked in as Jane Doe. see her comatose sister became the greatest of Ms. Terwilligers priorities, and she harbored hopes of possibly finding a personal manner to undo the spell. Despite how busy she now was, my teacher still managed to urge me to ram together her coven, and I agreed for a few different reasons. One was that it was kind of impossible for me to act equivalent I didnt want to wield magic any more than.The otherwise reason was that I didnt plan on being around.I was still resolved to go with Marcus to Mexico, and the week flew by. Winter finals were a breeze, and before I knew it, it was Fri solar day, the day before our trip to Mexico. I took a risk by sort outing my friends goodbye. The safest thing wouldve been to disappear without a trace, but I trusted them all even Angeline to keep my secret and feign ignorance once the Alchemists discovered they had a runaway. I told Trey as well. nomatter what had gone down mingled with us, he was still my friend, and I would miss him.As the day wore on, the dorm grew quieter and quieter aside from unending Christma s music playing in the lobby. Not wanting to exclude other religions, Mrs. Weathers had also set out a menorah and Happy Kwanzaa banner. Tomorrow was officially the last day before everyone had to be out, and a number of people had already left for winter break. Id finished my own packing, which was light. I didnt want to be burdened down with excess luggage since I really had no mentation what to expect in Mexico.I still had two people I needed to assert goodbye to Adrian and Jill. Id avoided them both for very different reasons, but clock was running out. I knew Jill was just a flight of stairs away, but Adrian was more difficult. Wed been in touch a couple times after(prenominal) the fire, solely to sort out some details, but hed soon gone silent. No calls, no texts, no dreams. Maybe I shouldve been glad. Maybe I shouldve welcomed the chance to cave in without any painful goodbyes . . . but I couldnt. My chest ached with the thought of not seeing him again. Even though he wa s the reason I was leaving, I still felt like I needed some closure.Its not about closure, Sydney. You want to see him. You need to see him. And thats exactly wherefore you have to leave.Finally, I took the plunge and called him. It took me so long to work up the nerve that I could hardly believe it when he didnt answer. I resisted the urge to immediately 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 talking to Jill until the succeeding(prenominal) day. Telling her goodbye was just as difficult and not just because of what she power saw through the bond. I knew shed think I was abandoning her. In truth, if I stayed and finish up with Adrian, Id possibly be caught and never be able to foster her at all. At least if I was away and free, I could try to help her from the outside. I hoped shed escort.Waiting on her gave me the opportunity to take c ar of an unwelcome errand returning Malachi W olfes gun. Id never gone to his home without Adrian, and even though I knew I had nothing to fear from Wolfe, there was still something a little unsettling about press release to the compound alone.To my complete and utter astonishment, Wolfe let me into the house when I arrived. exclusively was quiet. Where are the dogs? I asked.At take oning, he said. I have a friend whos an expert dog trainer, and hes giving them some stealth lessons. He apply to work for a local K-9 unit.I didnt think it was in the Chihuahua genetic code to ever be stealthy. I kept that to myself and instead stared around in amazement at Wolfes kitchen. Id expected something like a ships galley. Instead, I found an astonishingly cheery room, with blue-checkered wallpaper and a squirrel cookie stimulate. If someone had asked me to describe the or so unlikely Wolfe kitchen out there, it wouldve looking ated something like this. No wait. On the refrigerator, he had some magnets that looked like ninja throwi ng stars. That, at least, was in character.Adrians way out to flip out when I check him. Then I remembered I might not see Adrian for a very long time. That realization killed whatever amusement Id just felt.So what do you need? asked Wolfe. Peering at him, I suddenly had a strange feeling the centre patch really was on a different eye from last time. I shouldve paid more attention. Another gun?I returned to the task at hand. No, sir. I didnt even need the first one, but thanks for bring it to me. I removed it from the bag and handed it to him.He gave the gun a once-over and then set it inside a drawer. Fixed your problem? You depose 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 said. He grabbed the cookie jar and took off the lid, leaning it toward me. An amazing scent drifted out. Want one? I just made them.I was really regretting not being able to tell Adrian about this. No thanks, sir. Ive had more than enough sugar these last few weeks. I felt like I should have a frequent client railcard for Pies and Stuff.I thought you looked better. Not all skin and bones anymore. He nodded in approval, which felt really weird and slightly 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 spur across the counter. Im surprised. I always figured when you two left here, you went home and had your own private training sessions.I felt myself turning bright red. No Its not like I mean, were just friends, sir.I had a friend like that once. Silver Tooth Sally. He got that faraway expression that always came on when he had an anecdote to share.Im sorry, did you submit Never met a woman like Sally, he interrupted. We fought our way across Switzerland together, always watching each others backs. We finally got out alive just barely and she wanted to come back to the States and shine down. Not me. I had dr eams, you see. I was a young man then, drawn to danger and glory. I left her and went off to live with an Orcadian shaman. It took two years and a lot of vision quests to realize 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 forward and shook a finger 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 hurried out after that, thinking that being in a different country from Malachi Wolfe might be a good thing.The next morning, I prepared to tell Jill goodbye, but she beat me to it and showed up at my door. It was the first time wed truly 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 know why.She crossed her arms and looked me straight in the eye, without any of the reservation shed shown last time. I had trouble holding that stare. Sydney, dont leave Adrian because of me.Its more complicate than that, I said automatically.Its really not, she said. From everything Ive seen and heard, youre just 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 defame with wanting control, I snapped.Except that we cant always have it, and sometimes thats a good thing. A great thing, even, she added. And thats how it is with Adrian. No matter how hard 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 lecture me like this? You think Im lying about how awkward it is for you to see everything that happens between us? Every intimate det ail 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 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 block each other.Someday, I reiterated.Yes. And until then, we do the best we can. All youre doing by leaving is making three people miserable.Three? I frowned. Im share you.Do you really think Im intellectual 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 physical reaction to you that he does, but when hes with you, hes so full of joy . . . it radiates through to me, and its one of the greatest experiences Ive ever had. Ive never been in love like you cat-o-nine-ta ilss are.Im not I couldnt say it, and she gave me a knowing look. I tried a different tactic. Staying here is dangerous, especially with him. The Alchemists might find out about everything him, my tattoo, Ms. Terwilliger, and God 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. Why would you give it up? Youre too smart to get caught. Well help you. Do you really think Marcus and his Merry Men can do that much fighting 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 confident 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 eyes flashing with anger. Any life expense l iving 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 fear 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 footprintped outside, we found Eddie and Angeline pointedly avoiding eye contact with each other. Standing near them was a tall, good-looking guy with neatly trimmed black 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 swept Jill a bow s o low, it was a wonder he didnt hit the ground. Princess Jillian, he said in a deep voice. 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 small frown appearing on his face. Neils been sent as backup. I scheme you filed some complaint about Jill not having enough protection? That was to me, and unless I was mistaken, there was an accusatory note in his voice.No I. Oh. I guess I kind of did. When Id been trying 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 passing you off as another cousin?Just a new student, he said. That was probably just as well. Our family was in danger of taking over Amberwood.I wouldve wish 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 caffe latte had been declared totaled. I guess that was a different sort of closure, albeit a sad 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 especially 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 small 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 disappointed 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 fresh in my mind. Is he . . . is he really upset? 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 curb and wait for Marcus. I stared at the envelope, looking at the way Adrian had written my name. 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 visualize any of them understanding me like Adrian even if they were human and shared the same backgroun d. None of them would have his dry wit or uncanny insight. And simmering on a lower floor all those emotions were the more heated memories . . . the way wed kissed, the way it had felt to be wrapped up in him. . . .Sydney? Are you even paying 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, incline 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, funny 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 fol low 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 skyline disappearing as we drove north. I felt a ache of longing in my chest. Get others to retrieve critical information and then free them?Exactly.We drove in silence for another minute as I processed his words. Marcus, what do you do with that information you gather? I mean, what are you going to do about Master 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 patient 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. Just 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 skulk 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 cuckoos nest 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 realized just this once, my brain might have to opt for the less formal 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, unable to hide a smile. I never thought Id be quoting Jill.Marcus slammed his clenched fist against the dashboard. Thats sentimental bu llshit 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? energy if I was caught, he said flatly. And no matter how useless you think we are, Ive freed dozens 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 whirl out of control.They already have, I said, opening the passenger door. And Im going to stop fighting 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.