Blood Promise Chapter Five

The rest of the trip passed un evetfully. Sydney never entirely lost that discomfort she seemed to perplex around me, secure some clock, while I was trying to figure bulge out Russian television, shed take the time to explain what was issue on. There were some ethnical differences between these shows and the ones wed both(pre zero(prenominal)inal) grown up with, so we had that in common. Every once in a while, shed crack a grin all over something we both found funny, and Id sense there was psyche in there I could possibly be friends with. I knew there was no mood of life Id ever start a replacement for Lissa, only if I think some part of me still longed to fill the void of friendship that had been opened up when I left(p) her behind.Sydney napped throughout the day, and I began to think she was estimable an insomniac with bizarre sleep patterns. She also continued her equ all toldy odd treatment of food, hardly soupcon her meals. She always let me have the leftovers a nd was a bit more adventurous with Russian cuisine. Id had to experiment when I first arrived, and it was nice to have the guidance of someone who, though not a local, knew a lot more roughly this res publica than me.On the third day of our trip, we arrived in Omsk. Omsk was a larger and prettier urban center than Id expected of Siberia. Dimitri had always teased me that my images of Siberia looking resembling Antarctica were wrong, and I could tell that he was right-at least as far as the southern part of the arna was concerned. The weather wasnt much different from what Id have found in Montana this time of year, cool spring air occasionally warmed by sunshine.Sydney had told me when we got there, shed enamour us a ride from some Moroi she knew. Several lived in the city, blending in with the large population. Yet as the day went on, we discovered a problem. No Moroi would take us to the village. Apparently, the road was dangerous. Strigoi often hung out near it at night, h oping to catch traveling Moroi or dhampirs. The more Sydney explained it, the more worried I became almost my plan. Apparently, there werent many Strigoi in Dimitris town itself. According to her, they lurked on the towns periphery, s railrailway carce hardly a(prenominal) lived out there permanently. If that was the case, my odds of decision Dimitri had dropped. Things got even worse as Sydney continued describing the situation.A lot of Strigoi travel the country looking for victims, and the village is just an area they pass through, she explained. The road is shape of remote, so some Strigoi allow for stay for a while and try to get easy prey. Then they move on.In the U.S., Strigoi often hide in large cities, I express uneasily.They do that here too. Its easier for them to take victims without creation noticed.Yes, this definitely threw a wrench into my plans. If Dimitri wasnt residing in this town, I was going to have some serious problems. Id known Strigoi desire big cit ies, solely somehow, Id convinced myself Dimitri would return to the place where he grew up.But if Dimitri wasnt there well, suddenly, the enormity of Siberia hit me. Id learned Omsk wasnt even the biggest city in the region, and finding even one Strigoi here could be hard. Looking for him in any number of cities that baron be larger? Things could get very, very ugly if my hunch over proved wrong.Since setting out to find Dimitri, Id occasionally had weak moments in which I half-hoped Id never find him. The idea of him as a Strigoi still hurt me. I was also visited by some other images images of the way hed been and memories of the time wed spent together.I think my most precious memory was of just out front he was turned. It was one of those times when Id sucked up a lot of the life- bring on darkness from Lissa. Id been out of control, unable to get a grip. I was xenophobic of becoming a monster, afraid of killing myself like another shadow kissed guardian had.Dimitri had b rought me back to myself, lending me his strength. Id realized then just how strong our connection was, how perfectly we understand apiece other. Id been skeptical just about people being soul mates in the last(prenominal), but at that moment, I knew it was true. And with that emotional connection had come a somatogenetic one. Dimitri and I had finally given in to the attraction. Wed sworn we never would, but well, our feelings were just too strong. Staying away from each other had turned out to be impossible. Wed had sex, and it had been my first time ever. Sometimes I felt certain(p) it would be my only time.The act itself had been amazing, and Id been unable to separate the physical joy from the emotional. Afterward, wed lain together in that small cabin for as long as we dared, and that had been amazing too. It had been one of the few moments where Id felt he was truly mine.Do you mark Victors lust jinx? I had asked, snuggling closer against him.Dimitri looked at me like I was crazy. Of course.Victor Dashkov was a royal Moroi, one who had been friends with Lissa and her family. Little did we know that hed secretly studied spirit for years and had identified Lissa as a spirit user before she even knew. Hed straind her with all sorts of headspring games that truly made her think she was going crazy. His schemes had fully culminated in his kidnapping and torturing her until she healed the disease that was killing him.Victor was now in prison for life, both for what hed done to Lissa and because of his treasonous plans for revolt against the Moroi government.He had been one of the few to know about my relationship with Dimitri, something that had worried me to no end. Hed even furthered our relationship by creating a lust magnetize-a necklace infused with earth and compulsion. The charm was full of dangerous magic that had made Dimitri and me give into our most basic instincts. We had pulled back at the last moment, and until our night in the cabin, I had seed our charm induced encounter to be the ultimate physical high.I didnt realize it could get better, I had told Dimitri after wed actually slept together. I felt a little shy talking about it. I thought about it all the time what happened between us.He turned to me, tugging the covers up. The cabin was cold, but its bed had warm blankets. I suppose we could have spew clothes on, but that was the last thing I wanted to do. Being pressed skin-to-skin felt too good.I did too.You did? I asked, surprised. I thought I dont know. I thought you were too disciplined for that. I thought youd try to forget it.Dimitri laughed and kissed my neck. Rose, how could I forget being in the raw with someone as beautiful as you? I stayed awake so many nights, replaying every detail. I told myself over and over that it was wrong, but youre impossible to forget. His lips travel to my collarbone, and his hand stroked my hip. Youre burned into my mind forever. There is nothing, nothing in this w orld that will ever change that.And it was memories like that that made it so hard to insure this quest to kill him, even if he was a Strigoi. Yet at the same time, it was exactly because of memories like that that I had to destroy him. I needed to remember him as the man whod loved me and held me in bed. I needed to remember that that man would not want to stay a monster.I wasnt very phrenetic when Sydney showed me the car shed bought, particularly since Id given her the money for it.Were going in that? I exclaimed. Can it even make it that far? The trip was apparently seven hours.She gave me a shocked look. Are you serious? Do you know what this is? Its a 1972 Citroen. These things are amazing. Do you have any idea how hard it would have been to get this into the country back in the Soviet days? I cant believe that guy actually sold it. Hes clueless.I knew little about the Soviet era and even less about classic cars, but Sydney stroked the shiny red hood like she was in love. Wh o would have guessed? She was a car geek. Maybe it was valuable, and I just couldnt appreciate it. I was more into sleek, brand-new sports cars. To be fair, this car didnt have any dents or rust, and aside from an outdated look, it appeared clean and well cared for.Will it exercise? I asked.If possible, her expression grew even more incredulous. Of courseAnd it did. The engine sprang to life with a steady hum, and with the way it accelerated, I started to understand her fascination. She wanted to drive, and I was about to argue that it had been my money that bought it. Seeing the adoring look on her face, though, I finally decided not to come between her and the car.I was just beaming we were leaving right away. It was already late afternoon. If the road was as dangerous as everyone claimed, we wouldnt want to be out there while it was dark. Sydney agreed but govern we could get most of the trip in before sundown and then stay overnight at a place she knew. Wed arrive at our des tination in the morning.The farther we drove from Omsk, the more remote the terrain became. As I studied it, I began to understand Dimitris love of this land. It had a scrubby, barren look, true, but spring was turning the plains green, and there was something hauntingly beautiful about seeing all this untouched wilderness. It reminded me of Montana in some ways yet had a certain quality that was all its own.I couldnt help but use Sydneys crush on the car as a imagines of conversation. Do you know a lot about cars? I asked.Some, she said. My dads the Alchemist in our family, but my moms a mechanic.Really? I asked, surprised. Thats kind of unusual. Of course, I was hardly one to talk about sexual activity roles. Considering my life was dedicated to fighting and killing, I couldnt really claim to have a traditionally feminine job either.Shes really good and taught me a lot. I wouldnt have minded doing that for a living. Wouldnt have minded going to college, either. There was a bitte r note in her voice. I guess there are a lot of other things I wish I could do. wherefore cant you?I had to be the next family Alchemist. My sister well, shes older, and usually its the oldest kid who has to do the job. But, shes kind of worthless.Thats harsh.Yeah, maybe. But she just couldnt handle this kind of thing. When it comes to organizing her lip gloss collection, shes unstoppable. But managing the kinds of net wees and people we do? No, shed never be able to do it. Dad said I was the only one capable of it.Thats a compliment, at least.I guess.Sydney looked so sad now that I felt bad for bringing it up. If you could go to college, what would you study?Greek and Roman architecture.I decided then it was a good thing I wasnt behind the wheel, because I probably would have drive off the road. Seriously?You know anything about it?Um, no.Its amazing. The sad expression was replaced by one of wonder-she looked nearly as enamored as shed been of the car. I understood then why shed liked the train station. The ingenuity it took for some of that well, its just unreal. If the Alchemists wont send me back to the U.S. after this, Im hoping Ill get assigned to Greece or Italy.That would be cool.Yeah. Her smile faded. But there are no guarantees youll get what you want with this job.She fell silent after that, and I decided that coaxing her into this small conversation had been conquest enough. I left her to her own thoughts of classic cars and architecture while my mind wandered to topics of my own. Strigoi. Duty. Dimitri. Always DimitriWell, Dimitri and Lissa. It was always a toss-up over who would cause me more pain. Today, as the car lulled me into a daze, it was Lissa I went to, thanks largely to Adrians recent visit in my dream.Early evening in Russia meant early morning in Montana. Of course, since the school day ran on a nocturnal schedule, it was technically night for them too in spite of the sunshine. It was nearly curfew, and everyone would have to retu rn to their own dorms soon.Lissa was with Adrian, over in his elbow room in guest housing. Adrian, like Avery, had graduated, but as the only other known spirit user, hed come to stay indefinitely at the school and work with Lissa. Theyd just spent a long, exhausting evening working on dream walking and sat on the floor facing each other. With a sigh, Lissa collapsed back and lay down, stretching her arms over her head.This is useless, she groaned. Im never going to learn it.Never took you for a quitter, cousin. Adrians voice was as flippant as usual, but I could tell he was weary too. They werent really cousins that was just a term royals sometimes used with each other.I just dont understand how you do it.I dont know how to explain it. I just think about it, and well, it happens. He shrugged and pulled out the cigarettes he always carried. Do you mind?Yes, she said. To my surprise, he put them away. What the hell? Hed never asked me if I minded if he smoked-which I did. In fact, h alf the time, I swore he did it to annoy me, which made no sense. Adrian was way departed the age when guys tried to attract girls they liked by picking on them.He tried to explain the process. I just think about who I want and sort of I dont know. Expand my mind toward them.Lissa sat up and crossed her legs. Sounds a lot like how Rose described reading me. likely the same principle. Look, it took you a while to learn auras. This is no different. And youre not the only one with a learning curve. Im only now finally moving past healing scratches, and you can bring back the dead, which-call me crazy-is kind of hard-core. He paused. Of course, some would argue that I am actually crazy.At the mention of auras, she studied him and summoned the power to see the field of light that shone around every living thing. His aura came into focus, surrounding him in a golden glow. According to Adrian, her aura was the same. No other Moroi had that kind of pure gold. Lissa and Adrian figured it wa s unique to spirit users.He smiled, guessing what she was doing. Hows it look?The same.See how good you are at it now? Just be patient with the dreams.Lissa wanted so badly to walk dreams the same way he could. Despite her disappointment, I was glad she couldnt. Adrians dream visits were hard enough on me. Seeing her would well, I wasnt entirely sure, but it would make this cool, hard attitude I was trying to importanttain in Russia a lot harder.I just want to know how she is, said Lissa in a small voice. I cant stand not knowing. It was the conversation with Christian all over again.I truism her the other day. Shes fine. And Ill go again soon.Lissa nodded. Do you think shell do it? Do you think she can kill Dimitri?Adrian took a long time in answering. I think she can. The question will be if it kills her in the process.Lissa flinched, and I was a bit surprised. The answer was as blunt as one Christian might give. God, I wish she hadnt decided to go after him.Wishings useless now . Rose has got to do this. Its the only way we can get her back. He paused. Its the only way shell be able to move on.Adrian surprised me sometimes, but this took the prize. Lissa thought it was foolish and suicidal to go after Dimitri. I knew Sydney would agree if I told her the truth about this trip. But Adrian silly, shallow, party-boy Adrian understood? Studying him through Lissas eyes, I realized he actually did. He didnt like it, and I could hear the hurt in his words. He cared about me. My having such strong feelings for someone else caused him pain. And yet he truly believed that I was doing the right thing-the only thing I could do.Lissa looked at the clock. Ive got to go before curfew. I should probably study for my history test, too.Adrian grinned. Studyings overrated. Just find someone smart to copy off.She stood up. Are you saying Im not smart?Hell no. He rose also and went to pour himself a drink from the fully stocked bar he kept on hand. Self-medicating was his irres ponsible way of saveing spirits effects at bay, and if hed been using spirit all night, he would want the numbness of his vices. Youre the smartest person I know.But that doesnt mean you have to do spare work.You cant succeed in life if you dont work. Copying from others wont get you anywhere.Whatever, he said with a grin. I copied all through school, and look how well Im doing today.With an eye roll, Lissa gave him a quick hug goodbye and left. Once out of his sight, her smile faded a bit. In fact, her thoughts took a decidedly dark turn. Mentioning me had stirred up all sorts of feelings within. She was worried about me-desperately worried. Shed told Christian that she felt bad about what had happened between us, but the full force of that didnt hit me until now. She was racked by guilt and confusion, continually reprimand herself for what she should have done. And above all, she missed me. She had that same feeling I did-like a part of her had been cut out.Adrian lived on the fourth floor, and Lissa opted for the stairs rather than the elevator. All the while, her mind spun with worry. Worries about whether shed ever master spirit. Worry for me. Worry that she wasnt currently feeling spirits dark side effects, which made her wonder if I was absorbing them, just as a guardian named Anna had. Shed lived centuries ago and was bonded to St. Vladimir, the schools namesake. Shed absorbed spirits nasty effects from him-and had been driven insane.On the second floor, Lissa could make out the sounds of shouting, even through the door that stray the stairwell from the hallway. Despite knowing it had nothing to do with her, she hesitated, curiosity getting the best of her. A moment later, she quietly pushed the door open and stepped into the hall. The voices were coming from around the corner. She carefully peered around it-not that she needed to. She recognized the voices.Avery Lazar stood in the hallway, hands on her hips as she stared at her father. He stood in the doorway to what must have been his suite. Their stances were situated and hostile, and anger crackled between them.Ill do what I want, she yelled. Im not your slave.Youre my daughter, he said in a voice both calm and condescending. Though at times I wish you werent.Ouch. Both Lissa and I were shocked.Then why are you making me stay in this hellhole? Let me go back to dallyAnd embarrass me further? We barely got out without damaging this familys reputation-much. No way am I going to send you there alone and let you do God knows what.Then send me to Mom Switzerlands got to be better than this place.There was a pause. Your mother is busy.Oh, nice, said Avery, voice heavy with sarcasm. Thats a polite way of saying she doesnt want me. No surprise. Id just interfere with her and that guy shes sleeping with.Avery His voice rang out loud and angry. Lissa flinched and stepped back. This conversation is done. Get back to your room and modify up before someone sees you. I expect you at breakfast tomorrow, and I expect you to be respectable. We have some important visitors.Yeah, and God knows weve got to keep up appearances.Go to your room, he repeated. Before I call Simon and make him drag you there.Yes, sir, she simpered. Right away, sir. Anything you say, sir.And with that, he slammed the door. Lissa, ducking back behind the corner, could hardly believe hed said those things to his own daughter. For a few moments, there was silence. Then, Lissa heard the sound of footsteps-coming toward her. Avery suddenly rounded the corner and stopped in front of Lissa, giving us our first good look of her.Avery was wearing a tight, short dress made of some kind of blue fabric that shone silvery in the light. Her whisker hung long and wild, and the tears pouring from her blue-gray eyes had destroyed the heavy makeup she wore. The scent of alcohol came through loud and clear. She hastily ran a hand over her eyes, obviously embarrassed at being seen like this.Well, she said flatly. I guess you overheard our family drama.Lissa felt equally embarrassed at being caught spying. I-Im sorry. I didnt mean to. I was just passing byAvery gave a harsh laugh. Well, I dont think it matters. Probably everyone in the building heard us.Im sorry, Lissa repeated.Dont be. You didnt do anything wrong.No I mean, Im sorry he you know, said those things to you.Its part of being a ?good family. Everyones got skeletons in their closet. Avery crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. Even upset and messy, she was beautiful. God, I hate him sometimes. No offense, but this place is so fucking boring. I found some sophomore guys to hang with tonight, but they were pretty boring too. The only thing they had going for them was their beer.Why why did your dad bring you here? Lissa asked. Why arent you I dont know, in college?Avery gave a harsh laugh. He doesnt trust me enough. When we were at Court, I got involved with this precious guy who worked there-total nonroyal, of cours e. Dad freaked out and was afraid people would find out. So when he got the job here, he brought me along to keep an eye on me and torture me. I think hes afraid Ill run off with a human if I go to college. She sighed. I swear to God, if Reed wasnt here, Id just run away, period.Lissa didnt say anything for a long time. Shed gone out of her way to avoid Avery diligently. With all the orders the queen was giving Lissa lately, this seemed the only way Lissa could fight back and stop herself from being controlled. But now, she wondered if shed been wrong about Avery.Avery didnt seem like a spy for Tatiana. She didnt seem like someone who wanted to mold Lissa into a perfect royal. Mostly, Avery seemed like a sad, hurting girl, whose life was spinning out of control. Someone who was being ordered around as much as Lissa was lately.With a deep breath, Lissa rush along forward with her next words. Do you want to eat lunch with Christian and me tomorrow? No one would mind if you came to ou r lunch period. I cant promise itll be, um, as exciting as you want.Avery smiled again, but this time, it was less bitter. Well, my other plans were to get drunk by myself in my room. She lifted a bottle of what looked like whiskey out of her purse. Scored some stuff of my own.Lissa wasnt entirely sure what kind of an answer that was. So Ill see you at lunch?Now Avery hesitated. But slowly, a faint reflect of hope and interest appeared on her face. Concentrating, Lissa tried to bring up her aura. She had a little difficulty at first, probably worn out from all the commit with Adrian tonight. But when she was finally able to get a grip on Averys aura, she saw it was a mix of colors green, blue, and gold. Not uncommon. It was currently ringed in red, as often happened when people were upset. But right before Lissas eyes, that redness faded.Yeah, Avery said at last. That would be great.I think this is as far as we can go today.On the other side of the world, Sydneys voice startled me out of Lissas thoughts. I didnt know how long Id been daydreaming, but Sydney had turned off the main highway and was driving us into a small town that fit perfectly with my backwoods images of Siberia. In fact, town was a total exaggeration. There were a few scattered houses, a store, and a gas station. Farmland stretched beyond the buildings, and I saw more horses than cars. The few people who were out stared at our car in amazement. The sky had turned deep orange, and the sun was sinking farther and farther into the horizon. Sydney was right. It was nearly nightfall, and we needed to be off the road.Were only a mates hours away at most, she continued. We made really good time and should get there pretty quickly in the morning. She drove to the other side of the village-which took, like, a minute-and pulled up in front of a plain white house with a barn beside it. Heres where were staying.We got out of the car and approached the house. Are these friends of yours?Nope. Never met them. But theyre expecting us. more(prenominal) mysterious Alchemist connections. The door was answered by a friendly looking human in her twenties who urged us to come inside. She only spoke a few words of English, but Sydneys translation skills carried us through. Sydney was more outgoing and charming than Id seen her thus far, probably because our hosts werent despicable vampiric offspring.You wouldnt think riding in a car all day would be tiring, but I felt exhausted and was anxious to get an early start in the morning. So after dinner party and a little TV, Sydney and I went to the room that had been prepared for us. It was small and plain but had two twin beds covered in thick, fluffy blankets. I draw close into mine, grateful for the softness and the warmth, and wondered if Id dream of Lissa or Adrian.I didnt. I did, however, wake up to a slight wave of unwellness rolling through me-the nausea that told me there was a Strigoi nearby.