Last Sacrifice Chapter Twenty-eight

I STOPPED BREATHING. WED each had our own blankets, and yet in the middle of summer, the temperature had dropped during the night. Dimitri, in his sleep, had rolled over once against me, merging our blankets into angiotensin converting enzyme pile and resting his head on my chest. His body lay against mine, warm and familiar, and he even snuggled a little closer.He was more exhausted than Id completed if he was doing this in his sleep. After all, this was the guy who slept with one eye open. barely his guard was downcast now, his body unconsciously followking what? Simple warmth? Me? anathematise it. Why had I asked Sonya my question? Why couldnt I keep going with my easy role as Adrians female childfriend and Dimitris friend? Because honestly, I wasnt doing a very(prenominal) good job at either one right now.Tentatively, fearfully, I shifted slightly so that I could vomit one arm or so Dimitri and chicken out him closer. I k new-fashioned it was a risk, one that might wake him and break this spell. save it didnt. If anything, he wait onmed to relax more. Feeling him like that cave ining him it churned up a legion of emotions within me. The ache I had felt since his loss burned within me. At the same epoch, holding him like this also seemed to fill that ache, as though a piece of me that had been missing was now restored. I hadnt even realized that piece was missing. Id blocked it all out until Sonyas words had shaken my fragile new acceptance of life.I dont cope how long I stayed like that with Dimitri. It was long enough that the rising sun began to illuminate the tents translucent fabric. That was all the light my look needed to now see Dimitri, to see the finely carved lines of his face and softness of his hair as he lay against me. I wanted so badly to touch that hair, to see if it felt like it utilize to. That was a silly sentiment, of course. His hair wouldnt collect changed. Still the urge was thither, and I finally gave in, piano running my fingers over both(prenominal) stray locks. They were smooth and silky, and that barest touch sent chills done me. It also woke him up.His eye opened, instantly alert. I expected him to jump external from me, only if instead, he only assessed the situationand didnt move. I left my hand where it was on the side of his face, still stroking his hair. Our gazes locked, so much passing between us. In those moments, I wasnt in a tent with him, on the run from those who regarded us as villains. in that location was no murderer to catch, no Strigoi trauma to overcome. There was beneficial him and me and the timbres that had burned between us for so long.When he did move, it wasnt to take up away. Instead, he lifted his head so that he looked down at me. just now a few inches separated us, and his eyes betrayed him. He wanted to kiss meand I wanted him to. He leaned over me, one hand resting against my cheek. I readied myself for his lipsI needed themand then he froz e. He pull uped choke off and sat up, exhaling in frustration as he looked away from me. I sat up as well, my breathing rapid and shallow.Wh-whats wrong? I asked.He glanced hold at me. Pick. There are lots of choices.I ran a finger along my lips. So close. So, so close. I know I know things assimilate changed. I know you were wrong. I know you flush toilet feel love again. His mask was back up as he formulated his answer. This isnt about(predicate) love.The last minute replayed in my head, that perfect connection, the way hed looked at me and made my heart feel. Hell, Sonya claimed we even had some mystical connection. If its non about love, then what is it about? I exclaimed.Its about doing the right thing, he give tongue to quietly.The right thing? Right and wrong had been unfailing topics at St. Vladimirs. I wasnt eighteen. He was my teacher. We were slated to be Lissas guardians and had to give her our full attention. All of those were arguments for why staying apart h ad been necessary back then. But those had long since fallen by the wayside.I would have questioned him moreif someone hadnt scratched at our door.Both of us sprang up and apart, reaching for the stakes wed slept honest. Grabbing my stake was instinct because I knew there was no Strigoi out there. But lately, Strigoi had been the least of our worries. roseate? Dimitri?The phonate was barely audiblebut familiar. Relaxing slightly, I unzipped the tents entrance and revealed Sonya kneeling in front of it. handle us, she wore the same clothes from earlier, and her auburn hair was messy. Otherwise, she seemed to have escaped her pursuers unscathed. I scooted aside so that she could enter.Cozy, she said, glancing roughly. Youve got the farthest spot out on the campground. Took me forever to go out the car you draw.Howd you get here? I asked.She winked. Youre non the only ones who can steal cars. Or, in my case, get people to willingly lend them.Were you followed? asked Dimitri. He was all earnestness again, with no sign of what had passed moments ago.Not that I could tell, she said, shifting into a cross-legged position. A couple guardians followed me back in the neighborhood, but I lost them a while ago. Most of them seemed more interested in you two.Imagine that, I muttered. Too bad victor was long gonehe might have taken priority.He didnt stamp out a queen, she said ruefully. Wed had to eventually tell her why Victor was wanted and that hed been the one Sonya had sensed was stalking Lissa back at St. Vladimirs. But the good news is I know where theyre at now.Where? asked Dimitri and I in unison.A small, knowing smile came to her lips at that. West Michigan, she said. They overlyk off in the opposite direction from Court.Damn, I muttered. Dimitri and I had gone southeast from Ann Arbor, clipping the Detroit suburbs and just crossing into Ohio. Wed picked the wrong direction. But you saw Jill? Is she okay?Sonya nodded. Fine. Scared, but fine. She describe d enough landmarks that I think we can locate their motel. I found her in a dream a couple hours ago they had to rest. Victor wasnt feeling well. They might still be there.Then we need to conduct now, said Dimitri, instantly in action. Once theyre moving, Jill will be awake and out of contact. We packed up our campsite with amazing speed. My ankle felt better but was still sore. Noticing my limp, Sonya called a halt just in the beginning we got in her car.Hang on.She knelt before me, examining the swelling ankle that was easily exposed by my torn dress. Taking a deep breath, she rested her hands on me, and a surge of electricity shot through with(predicate) my leg, followed by waves of heat and cold. When it was over and she stood up, the pain and swelling were gone, as were the scrapes on my legs. Probably the cuts on my head too. Spirit users had healed me so often that youd think Id be used to it, but it was still a little startling.Thank you, I said. But you shouldnt have do ne that shouldnt have used the head game You need to be in peak condition, she said. Her gaze drifted from me, look off at the trees. And the magic well, its hard to stay away from.Indeed it was, and I felt guilty that she was utilise it on meand moving closer to insanity. Roberts restoration had healed her mind a little, and she needed to take advantage of that. This was no time for a lecture, though, and Dimitris expression told me he too thought it best I get back in shape.We took off toward where Sonya told us Jill was, and this time, her directions were as specific as she could use up them. No more vagueness or binding promises. We stopped once to acquire a new car and get a map. The info Sonya had gleaned from Jill led us to a town called Sturgis. While it was in the western half of Michigan, it was also southmeaning the distance wasnt quite as long as wed expected. Nonetheless, Dimitri drove chisel at least fifteen miles per hour over the speed limit the whole time.The re, said Sonya, as we rolled into downtown Sturgiswhich wasnt much of a downtown. We were near a modest- flavor motel on a side street. Thats what she described. The Sunshine Motel.Dimitri pulled into the lot behind the building, and we all sat there, staring at the motel, which didnt look as cheerful as its name. desire me, I presumed my companions were trying to figure out how to approach this. Jills dream info had gotten us here, but Sonya had nothing else to help us find their styleif they were even still here. They certainly wouldnt have checked in under real names. I was going to suggest we just walk past the doors and consent Sonya would sense Robert when she suddenly pointed.Thats their car, she said. Theyre here.Sure enough. There was the CR-V wed taken to Jills house. Talk about karma. Id swiped Victors keys, and hed repaid the favor by winning ours. None of us had thought much about his escape vehicle in the ensuing chaos.Sloppy, murmured Dimitri, eyes narrowed though tfully. They should have switched cars.Thats Sydneys, I pointed out. Its not technically stolen, so its not on any practice of law lists. Besides, something tells me Victor and Robert arent hot-wiring pros like some people are. Wed left a string of stolen cars across the Midwest.Dimitri nodded, like Id actually just complimented him. Whatever the reason, it helps us.How do we find them? asked Sonya. I was about to suggest the aura plan but dismissed it. Robert would sense Sonya at the same moment, giving him brief warning. Plus, when we found the brothers, thered likely be a fight. Doing it in the motel would attract attention. This parking lot was in back, away from the main road.We wait, I said. Its amazing enough that they even stopped this long. If they have any sense, theyll forget soon.Agreed, said Dimitri, catching my eyes. Souls in sync. The memory of that near-kiss returned, and I looked away, fearing what my face would betray. The lots easy to defend too. Not much room f or escape. It was true. The motel flanked one side, a concrete environ the other. There werent many other buildings nearby either.He moved our car to the farthest spot he could in the lot, providing us with a full visible horizon of it and the motels exitbut keeping us semi-concealed. We considered sitting in the car, but Dimitri and I decided we should wait outside, giving us more mobility. We left Sonya inside. This wasnt her fight. rest behind the car with Dimitri, in the shadow of a leafy maple, I became acutely aware of his proximity and fierce warrior stance. He might be missing his duster, but I had to admit I liked the view of him I got without the coat.I dont suppose, I said softly, that were going to talk about this morning?Dimitris eyes were fixed so hard on the CR-V that he might have been trying to make Jill and the brothers materialize inside it. I wasnt fooled. He was just avoiding looking at me. Theres nothing to talk about.I knew youd say that. Actually, it was a toss-up between that and I dont know what youre talking about.Dimitri sighed.But, I continued, there is something to talk about. Like when you al some kissed me. And what did you mean about the right thing?Silence.You wanted to kiss me It was hard to keep my voice low. I saw it.Just because we want something doesnt mean its right.What I said its true, isnt it? You can love, cant you? I realize now that right after the transformation, you really didnt think you could. And you probably couldnt. But things have changed. Youre getting yourself back.Dimitri gave me a askant look. Yes. Things have changed and some havent.Okay, Mr. Enigma. That doesnt help explain the right thing comment.Frustration filled his features. Rose, Ive done a lot of bad things, most of which I can never fix or find redemption for. My only choice now, if I want to reclaim my life, is to go forward, stopping evil and doing whats right. And what is not right is taking a woman from another man, a man I like and re spect. Ill steal cars. Ill break into houses. But there are lines I will not cross, no matter what IThe motels back door opening jolted us to attention. It was no wonder my love life was so messed up when the most profound and intimate moments were always being interrupted by dire situations. It was just as well because I had never, ever seen that line coming What is not right is taking a woman from another man, a man I like and respect. New drama took precedence. Victor stepped outside, with Robert and Jill walking side by side behind him. Id half expected to see her tied up and was surprised that she accompanied them so calmly. Too calmly, I soon realized. It wasnt natural. There was an close to robotic feel to her movements she was being compelled into docility.Compulsion, said Dimitri quietly, recognizing it as well. Go for Victor. Ill get Robert.I nodded. Jill will run as soon as the compulsions stone-broken. I hope. I didnt put it past her to join our fight, which could caus e more harm than good. Wed find out soon enough.Mercifully, no one else was around. It was still fairly early in the morning. Dimitri and I sprang out from our hiding spots, crossing the distance of the parking lot in a matter of moments. Two healthy dhampirs could outrace two old Moroi any day. And as crafty as they might be, the brothers hadnt expected us.In my periphery, I just barely saw Dimitri kicking into warrior god mode, fierce and unstoppable. Then, I focused but on Victor, throwing my full weight at him and knocking him to the ground. He hit hard against the asphalt, and I pinned him down, slamming my fist into his face and making his nose bleed. Well done, he gasped out.Ive been abstracted to do that for a very long time, I growled.Victor smiled through the pain and the blood. Of course you have. I used to think Belikov was the savage one, but its really you, isnt it? Youre the animal with no control, no higher reasoning except to fight and kill.I clenched his shirt and leaned him over him. Me? Im not the one who anguished Lissa for my own benefit. Im not the one who turned my daughter Strigoi. And Im sure as hell not the one who used compulsion to kidnap a fifteen-year-old girlTo my disgust, he kept that maddening smile on his face. Shes valuable, Rose. So, so valuable. You have no idea how much so.Shes not an object for you to manipulate I cried. Shes aahhThe ground suddenly rolled up beneath me, a mini- earthquake centered around us. The asphalt bucked up, giving Victor the leverage to push me off. It wasnt a laborious push, and I could have easily recovered my balance if not for the ground rippling and surrounding me, rolling like ocean waves to knock me over. Victor was using his earth magic to control the area where I stood. Faint cries of surprise told me others were feeling a little of it, but the magic was clearly focused on me.Not without cost, though. Victor was an old manan old man Id just shoved onto asphalt and punched. Pain and fa tigue were all over him, and his labored breathing told me wielding magic this powerfulsomething Id never seen an earth user dowas pushing every ounce of strength he had left. whiz good punch. That was all I needed. One good punch would knock him down and take him out of this fight. Only, I was the one being taken down. Literally. Try as I might, my personal earthquake got the best of me, knocking me to my knees. I was still in that stupid dress too, meaning my newly healed legs got scraped again. And once I was down, the asphalt rose around me. I realized Victor was going to ensnare me by creating a stone prison. I couldnt let that happen.All that brawn for nothing, gasped out Victor, sweat move off his face. It does you no good in the end. Real power is in the mind. In cunning. In controlling Jillian, I control Vasilisa. With Vasilisa, I control the Dragomirs, and from therethe Moroi. Thats power. Thats strength.Most of his smug tirade went over me. But part of it stuck In contro lling Jillian, I control Vasilisa. Lissa. I couldnt let him hurt her. I couldnt let him use her. In fact, I couldnt let him use Jill either. Lissa had given me a chotki, which was kind of a cross between a bracelet and a rosary. It was a Dragomir heirloom, bestowed upon those who protected the family. That was my duty to protect all the Dragomirs. The old guardian mantra rang in my mind They come first.With skill I didnt know I possessed, I coat up the shaking ground and attempted to stand again. I made it, practically dancing in that parking lot. And as I stared at Victor, I felt what Sonya had warned about the catalyst. The spark that would ignite the darkness Id gathered and gathered from Lissa. In looking at him, I saw all the evils of my life in one man. Was that entirely accurate? No, not exactly. But he had hurt my best friendnearly killed her. Hed toyed with Dimitri and me, complicating what was already a mess of a relationship. He was now trying to control others. When wou ld it end? When would his evil stop? Red and black tinged my vision. I heard a voice call my nameSonyas, I think. But in that moment, there was nothing else in the world but Victor and my hate for him.I sprang at him, fueled by rage and adrenaline, bouncing out of the epicenter of shaking ground that threatened to seize me. Once more, I threw myself at him, but we didnt hit the ground. Wed shifted position slightly, and instead, we hit the concrete besiegewith just as much force as I might have thrown a Strigoi. His head bent back at the impact. I heard an odd cracking sound, and Victor slumped to the ground. I immediate dropped down, grabbing his arms and shaking him.Get up I screamed. Get up and fight me But no matter how much I shook him or yelled, Victor would not stand. He wouldnt move on his own.Hands grabbed me, trying futilely to pull me away. RoseRose Stop. Stop this.I ignored the voice, ignored the hands. I was all anger and power, wanting no, needingVictor to face me on ce and for all. Suddenly, a fantastic sensation crept along me, like fingertips across my skin. Let him go. I didnt want to, but for half a second, it seemed like a reasonable idea. I loosened my hold slightly, just enough for those hands to jerk me away. Like that, I snapped out of the haze and realized what had happened. The person whod pulled me was Sonya, and shed used a tiny piece of music of compulsion to get me away and let go of Victor. She was strong enough in her power that she didnt even need eye contact. She held onto me, even though she had to know it was wasted effort.I have to stop him, I said, wriggling from her grasp. He has to pay. I reached for him again.Sonya gave up on physical restraint, appealing to words instead. Rose, he has Hes dead. fecest you see that? Dead. Victors deadNo, I didnt see thatnot at first. All I saw was my blind obsession, my need to get to Victor. But then, her words broke through to me. As I cargo areaped Victor, I felt the limpness i n his body. I saw the eyes that looked blankly at nothing. That crazy, churning emotion in me faded, transforming into shock. My grip slackened as I stared at him and truly understood what she had said. Understood what I had done.Then, I heard a terrible sound. A low wailing broke through the frozen horror in my mind. I glanced back in alarm and saw Dimitri standing with Robert. Roberts arms were pinned behind his back as Dimitri effortlessly held him, but the Moroi was doing everything in his powerand failingto break free. Jill stood nearby, looking uneasily at all of us, confused and afraid.Victor VictorRoberts pleas were muffled by sobs and as useless as my own efforts to get Victor up. I dragged my gaze back down to the body before me, barely believing what I had just done. Id thought the guardians had been crazy in their reaction to Eddie killing a Moroi, but now, I was starting to understand. A monster like a Strigoi was one thing. But the life of a person, even a person whoG et him out of hereSonya was so near me that the unexpected exclamation made me wince. Shed been kneeling too but now jumped to her feet, turning toward Dimitri.Get him out of here As far as you canDimitri looked surprised, but the powerful command in her voice drove him to instant action. He began dragging Robert away. After a few moments, Dimitri simply opted to toss the man over his shoulder and cart him off. I would have expected cries of protest, but Robert had fallen silent. His eyes were on Victors bodytheir gaze so sharp, so focused that they seemed like they could burn a hole through someone. Sonya, not having my fanciful impression, thrust herself between the brothers and dropped to the ground again, covering Victors body with her own.Get him out of here she called again. Hes trying to bring Victor back Hell be shadow-kissedI was still confused and upset, still appalled at what Id done, but the danger of what she said hit me hard. Robert couldnt be allowed to bring back Vic tor back. The brothers were touch-and-go enough without being bonded. Victor couldnt be allowed to summon ghosts the way I could. Victor had to stay dead.Doesnt he have to touch the body? I asked.To slay the bond, yes. But he was wielding tons of spirit just now, calling Victors soul back and keeping it around, she explained.When Dimitri and Robert were gone, Sonya told me to help her move the body. Wed made too much noise, and it was a wonder no one had come out yet. Jill joined us, and I moved without really being aware of what I was doing. Sonya found the keys to the CR-V on Victor and flattened the backseats to increase the rear cargo space. We crawled into it, the three of us having to hunch down to stay out of sight. We soon heard voices, people coming to see what had happened. I dont know long they were in the parking lot, only that they mercifully didnt search cars. Honestly? I had few coherent thoughts at all. That rage was gone, but my mind was a mess. I couldnt seem to get a hold of anything concrete. I felt sick and just followed Sonyas orders, staying low as I time-tested not to look at Victors body.Even after the voices were gone, she kept us in the car. At last, she exhaled a deep breath and focused on me. Rose? I didnt answer right away. Rose?Yeah? I asked, voice cracking. Her voice was soothing and cajoling. I felt that crawling on my skin again and a need to please her. I need you to look at the dead. Open your eyes to them.The dead? No. My mind felt out of control, and I had enough sense to know bringing ghosts here would be a bad idea. I cant.You can, she said. Ill help you. Please.I couldnt refuse her compulsion. Expanding my senses, I let down the walls I kept around me. They were the walls that blocked me from the world of the dead and the ghosts that followed me around. Within moments, translucent faces appeared before me, some like normal people and others terrible and ghastly. Their mouths opened, wanting to speak but unable to.Wha t do you see? asked Sonya.Spirits, I whispered.Do you see Victor?I peered into the swarm of faces, seeking anyone familiar. No.Push them back, she said. Put your walls back up.I tried to do as she said, but it was hard. I didnt have the will. I felt outside encouragement and realized Sonya was still compelling me. She couldnt make the ghosts disappear, but feelings of support and determination strengthened me. I shut out the restless dead.Hes gone then, Sonya said. Hes either completely consumed by the world of the dead or is wandering as a restless spirit. Regardless, any lingering threads to life are gone. He cant come back to life. She turned to Jill. Go get Dimitri.I dont know where he is, said Jill, galvanize.Sonya smiled, but it didnt reach her eyes. Close, Im sure. And watching. Go walk around the motel, the block, whatever. Hell find you.Jill left, needing no compulsion. When she was gone, I buried my face in my hands. Oh God. Oh God. All this time, I denied it, but its tru e I am a murderer.Dont think about that yet, said Sonya. Her take-charge attitude was almost comforting. Almost. It was easier to take orders than fend for yourself. patronage with your guilt later. For now, we have to get rid of the body.I uncovered my eyes and forced myself to look at Victor. Nausea welled up within me, and those crazy feelings spun even more out of control. I gave a harsh laugh. Yes. The body. I wish Sydney was here. But we dont have any magic potions. The sun wont destroy him. Weird, isnt it? Strigoi are harder to kill harder to kill, easier to clean up. I laughed again because there was something familiar about my rambling it was like Adrian in one of his weird moments. Or Lissa when spirit had pushed her to the edge. This is it, isnt it? I asked Sonya. The outflow the flood you warned me about. Lissa escaped spirit, but it finally defeated me just like Anna just like the dream oh God. This is the dream, isnt it? But I wont wake up Sonya was staring at me, her blue eyes wide with fear? Mockery? Alarm? She reached out and took my hand. Stay with me, Rose. Well push it back.A knock at the window startled us both, and Sonya let Jill and Dimitri in.Wheres Robert? asked Sonya.Dimitri glanced down at Victor and then promptly looked away. Unconscious, hidden in some bushes around the corner. Charming, said Sonya. Do you think thats modishness? Leaving him?He shrugged. I figured I shouldnt be seen carrying an unconscious guy in my arms. In fact yes, I think we should just leave him there. Hell wake up. Hes not a fugitive. And without Victor, hes well, not harmless. But less harmful. We cant keep dragging him with us anyway.I laughed again, that laugh that seemed unhinged and hysterical even to me. Hes unconscious. Of course. Of course. You can do that. You can do the right thing. Not me. I looked down at Victor. An animal, he said. He was right. No higher reasoning I enwrapped my arms around myself, my fingernails digging into my sk in so hard they drew blood. Physical pain to make the mental pain go away. Wasnt that what Lissa had always said?Dimitri stared at me and then turned to Sonya. Whats wrong? he demanded. Id seen him risk his life over and over, but never, until now, had he truly looked afraid. Spirit, said Sonya. Shes pulled and pulled for so long and managed to hold it back. Its been waiting, though. Always waiting She frowned slightly, maybe realizing she was starting to sound like me. She turned to Jill. Is that silver?Jill looked down at the heart-shaped locket around her neck. I think so.Can I have it?Jill undid the clasp and passed it over. Sonya held it between her palms and closed her eyes a moment, pursing her lips. A few seconds later, her eyes opened, and she handed me the locket. Put it on.Just touching it gave me a strange tingling in my skin. The heart I looked at Dimitri as I fastened the clasp. Do you remember that? Wheres the heart? you asked. And here it is. Here it I stopped. Th e world suddenly became crisper. My jumbled thoughts slowly began to move back together, forming some semblance of rationality. I stared at my companionsthe living onestruly seeing them now. I fey the locket.This is a healing charm.Sonya nodded. I didnt know if itd work on the mind. I dont think its a permanent fix but between it and your own will, youll be okay for a while.I tried not to focus on those last words. For a while. Instead, I tried to make sense of the world around me. Of the body in front of me.What have I done? I whispered.Jill put her arm around me, but it was Dimitri who spoke.What you had to.