The Indigo Spell Chapter Seven

I MIGHT HAVE BEEN DETERMINED to induce Marcus, precisely I certainly wasnt deprivation to debate against a gun.I raised my good deals in the air and slowly stood up, keeping my sticker to the new start outr. meet as carefully, I stepped away from Marcus and set the ampule on the floor. Fumes still wafted out of it, but the response would burn itself out soon. whence I dared a peek behind me. When I adage the girl who stood there, I could barely remember my look.Are you okay? she asked Marcus. He was unsteadily confirmting to his feet. I left as soon as you called.You I couldnt quite manage whatsoeverthing more(prenominal) articulate.The girl standing before me was close to my age, with long, tangled blond hair. She still had the gun on me, but a runty pull a case appeared on her establishment.Nice to see you again.The disembodied spiriting wasnt mutual. Id last seen this girl when I faced down the Warriors in their arena. Shed been toting a gun there as well and had had a perpetual snarl on her face. Shed pushed me well-nighwhat and threatened me, making no secret of how heretical she thought my defense of Sonya was. Although she seemed much calmer now than she had with those fanatics, I still couldnt dismiss what she was or what the implications were. I turned to Marcus in disbelief. He was cradling the wrist Id nailed with my elbow.You . . . youre atomic number 53 of them One of the Warriors of LightI dont call Id ever been so let down in my life. Id had so many hopes pinned on Marcus. Hed be discern larger than life in my mind, approximately rebel savior who was qualifying to tell me all the secrets of the world and broad me from being an a nonher(prenominal) cog in the machine of the Alchemists. barely it was all a lie. Clarence had menti binglenessd Marcus had convinced the Warriors to leave him alone. Id put on it was because Marcus had some incredible leverage he could use against the Warriors, but apparently, the key t o his influence was that he was one of them.He looked up from his wrist. What? Those nuts? Hell, no.I almost pointed at the girl but decided it would be best not to make any sudden moves. I settled for a gesture in her direction and noticed all the locks on the door had been undone. Id been so caught up in the struggle with Marcus that I hadnt heard them. Really? Then how come one of them well(p) saved you?Im not really one of them. She spoke almost casually, but the gun contradicted her tone. I mean, I guess I broad of am. . . .Sabrinas a spy, explained Marcus. He looked much more at ease too, now that I wasnt assaulting him. A lovely one. Shes been undercover with them for over a year. Shes also the one who told me close to you.Once again, it was hard knowing how to respond to that. I also wasnt sure if I bought this spy story. What exactly did you tell him?He shot me a movie star smile. His teeth were so white that I wondered if he had veneers. It seemed out of character for a rogue who lived on the run, but zilch some this day was really turning out handle Id expected. She told me about this Alchemist girl who defended a Moroi and then helped lead a dhampir raiding party.Lead? Hardly. No one notably Stanton had felt the need to enlighten me about that raid until I was in the middle of it. I didnt want to tip my hand too primal though. The Alchemists sanctioned that raid, I said.I saw the way you spoke, said Sabrina. Her eye flicked between Marcus and me, fierce for me and admiring for him. It was inspiring. And we watched you for a while, you know. You spent an awful lot of time with the Moroi and dhampirs in Palm Springs.Its my job, I said. She hadnt really seemed inspired at the time. Mostly shed looked disappointed at not having a chance to use the gun on me.Marcuss smile turned knowing. From what I heard, you and those Moroi almost looked like friends. And then, here you are, looking for me. Youre definitely the dissident wed hoped for.No, th is was not turning out at all like Id planned. In fact, it was pretty much the opposite of what Id planned. Id been so proud of my ability to track down Marcus, little knowing that hed been watching me already. I didnt like that. It made me feel vulnerable, even if they were saying some of things Id hoped to hear. Needing to feel like I was in control, I tried to play it cool and tough.Maybe there are other Alchemists about to show up, I said.They wouldve been here already he said, calling my bluff. They wouldnt expect sent you alone . . . though I did panic when I beginning saw you. I didnt realize who you were and thought there were others right behind you. He paused, and that cocky attitude turned sheepish. Sorry about, um, punching you. If it makes you feel better, you did something pretty sober to my wrist.Sabrinas face filled with c at one timern. Oh, Marcus. Do you need to see a doctor?He tested the movement of his wrist and then move his head. You know we fuelt. neer kn ow who cogency be watching at a hospital. Those places are too easy to monitor.You really are hiding from the Alchemists, I said in amazement.His nodded, almost looking proud. You doubted? I figured youd know that.I suspected, but I didnt hear it from them. They deny you exist.He seemed to find that funny. In fact, he seemed to find everything funny, which I found slightly irritating. Yup. Thats what Ive heard from the others.What others?Others like you. Those blue eyes held me for a moment, like they could see all my secrets. Other Alchemists wanting to tell on free of the fold.I knew my own eyes were wide. There . . . there are others?Marcus settled on the floor, leaning against the wall and still cradling his wrist. Lets get comfortable. Sabrina, put the gun away. I dont think Sydneys going to give us any trouble.Sabrina didnt look so sure of that, but after several moments, she complied. She joined him on the floor, positioning herself protectively next to him. Id rather stand , I told them. No way would I entrustingly sit on that filth. After rolling nearly with Marcus, I wanted to go bathe myself in hand sanitizer.He shrugged. Suit yourself. You want some answers? You give me some first. Whyd you come looking for me run into the Alchemist clock?I didnt like being interrogated, but what was the point of being here if I wasnt going to engage in a dialogue?Clarence told me about you, I said at last. He showed me your picture, and I saw how youd tattooed over the lily. I didnt even know that was possible. The tattoo never faded.Clarence Donahue? Marcus looked genuinely pleased. Hes a good guy. I suppose youd be friends with him if youre in Palm Springs, huh?I started to say we werent friends but then reconsidered. What else were we?Getting this isnt easy, added Marcus, tapping the blue tattoo. Youll have to do a lot of work if you want to do it.I stepped backward. Whoa, I never said thats what I wanted. And why in the world would I do it anyway?Because i tll free you, he said simply. It prevents you from discussing lamia affairs, right? You dont think thats all it does, do you? Think. What stops it from exerting other control?I pretty much had to ripe give up on any expectations for this conversation because every topic was crazier than the last. Ive never heard of anything like that. Ive never felt anything like that. Aside from it protecting vampire information, Im in control.He nodded. Probably. The sign tattoo usually only has the talking compulsion in it. They only start adding other components with re-inks if theyve got a reason to worry about you. People can sometimes fight through those and if they do . . . well, then its off to re-education.His words sent a chill through me, and I rested a hand on my cheek as I flashbacked to the meeting Id had when I was given the Palm Springs assignment. I was re-inked recently . . . but it was routine. Routine. Normal. Nothing like what he was suggesting.Maybe. He tilted his head and gave me another piercing look. You do anything bad before that, love?Like helping a dhampir fugitive? Depends on your definition of bad. both(prenominal) of them laughed. Marcuss laugh was loud and rollicking and actually pretty infectious but the situation was far too dire for me to join in.They may have fortify your group loyalty then, he said, still chuckling. But it either wasnt very strong or else you fought through it otherwise you wouldnt be here. He glanced over at Sabrina. What do you think?Sabrina studied me with a critical eye. I still had a hard time believing her role in all of this. I think shed be a good addition. And since shes still in, she could help us with that . . . other matter.I think so too, he said.I crossed my harness over my chest. I didnt like being discussed as though I werent there. A good addition to what?Our group. To Sabrina, he said, We really need a get wind for it, you know. She snorted, and he returned his attention to me. Were a mix. Some a re former Warriors or double agents like Sabrina. Some are ex-Alchemists.And what do you do? I gestured approximately us. This doesnt exactly look like a high-tech base of operation for some implicit team.Look at you. Pretty and funny, he said, looking delighted. We do what you do or what you want to do. We like the Moroi. We want to help them on our own terms. The Alchemists theoretically want to help them too, but we all know thats base on a core of fear and dislike not to mention a strict control of its members. So, we work in secret, seeing as the Alchemists arent fans of those who break from the fold. They really arent fans of me, which is why I end up in places like this.We keep an eye on the Warriors too, said Sabrina. She scowled. I hate being around those nuts, having to play along with them. They claim they only want to destroy the Strigoi but, well, the things Ive heard them say against the Moroi too . . .I thought back to one of my more worrying memories of the W arrior arena. Id heard one of them make a mysterious comment about how someday, theyd deal with the Moroi too.But what do you guys actually do? Talking about rebellions and covert operations was one thing, but actually effecting change was another. Id visited my sister Carly at her college and seen a number of student groups who wanted to change the world. Most of them sat around drinking coffee, talking a lot and doing little.Marcus and Sabrina exchanged glances. I cant quite get into our operations, he said. Not until I know youre on board with breach your tattoo.Breaking your tattoo. There was something sinister not to mention permanent about those words, and I suddenly wondered what I was doing here. Who were these people, really? Why was I even lenience them? Then another, almost terrifying thought hit me Am I doubting them because of the tattoos control? Is it making me skeptical around anyone who questions the Alchemists? Is Marcus telling the truth?I dont really understa nd that either, I told them. What it means to break the tattoo. Do you just mean putting ink over it?Marcus stood up. All in good time. Right now, weve got to get out of here. Even if you were discreet, I assume you used Alchemist resources to find me?I hesitated. Even if these guys were legitimate and had good intentions toward the Moroi, I certainly wasnt going to reveal my intimacy with magic. Something like that.Im sure youre good, but we cant take the chance. This place has been compromised. He cast a wistful glance around the studio. Honestly, I thought he should be grateful Id given him a reason to leave.Sabrina rose as well, her face hardening. Ill make sure the secondary location is ready.Youre an angel, as always, he told her.Hey, how did you know I was coming? I asked. You had time to hide and call her. What I really wanted to know was how hed seen me through the invisibility spell. Id felt the magic fill me. I was certain Id cast the spell correctly, but hed discovered me. The spell wouldnt work if someone knew to look for you, so maybe hed happened to glance out the window when I was scaling the set down escape? Worst timing ever.Tony warned me. Marcus flashed me another of those dazzling grins. I think he was trying to make me smile back. Good kid.Tony? Then I knew. The boy in the parking lot. Hed pretended to help me and then sold me out. He must have spoken to Marcus while I climbed the fire escape. Maybe Marcus only answered to some secret knock. At least I had the comfort of knowing Id cast the spell correctly. It simply hadnt worked because Marcus had advance warning that some girl was coming after him.He began packing up his meager belongings into a backpack. The Catcher in the Rye is a great book, by the way. He winked. Maybe someday well have a literary discussion.I wasnt interested in that. Watching him, I saw that he kept favoring his unharmed wrist. I couldnt believe Id caused damage like that and felt a little guilty, despite every thing that had happened. You should get that taken care of, I said. Sabrina nodded in reservement.He sighed. I cant. At least, not through conventional means. The Alchemists have eyes everywhere.Conventional means.I, uh, might be able to help you get it healed through wrong means, I said.You know some off-the-grid doctor? asked Sabrina hopefully.No. But I know a Moroi spirit user.Marcus froze, and I kind of liked that Id thrown him off guard. Seriously? Weve heard of them but never met one. That woman they had Sonya? She was one, right? She was gone before we could find out more.Talking about Adrian made me nervous, but Sabrina plausibly already knew he existed if theyd been watching me. Yeah, she was one, and theres another in Palm Springs. I could take you to him and let him heal you.Excitement lit Marcuss features. Sabrina looked at him in horror. You cant just go off with her. Was that concern or jealousy in her voice?Why not? he asked. Shes taking a leap of faith with us. W e cant do any less. Besides, Im dying to meet a spirit user. The safe house isnt that far from Palm Springs. You make sure everythings in order and then come pick me up later.Sabrina didnt like that, not at all. Maybe I didnt understand the dynamics of their group moreover, but it was obvious she regarded him as a attractor and was insanely protective. In fact, I suspected her feelings for him were more than professional. They went back and forth on whether hed be safe or not, and I listened without a word. All the while, I wondered if Id be safe heading off with some unknown guy. Clarence trusted him, I reminded myself. And hes pretty paranoid. Besides, with Marcuss wrist out of commission, I could probably take him.He finally convinced Sabrina to let him go but not before she snarled, If anything happens to him, Im coming after you. Apparently her hard-core character in the arena hadnt been unaccompanied faked.We parted ways from her, and before long, Marcus and I were on the r oad to Palm Springs. I tried to get more information out of him, but he wouldnt bite. Instead, he kept complimenting me and saying things that were only one step away from pickup lines. Judging from the way hed bantered with Sabrina too, I didnt think there was anything particularly supernumerary about me. I thought he was just used to women fawning all over him. He was cute, Id give him that, but it took a lot more than that to win me over.It was sunset when we pulled up to Adrians apartment, and I belatedly wondered if I shouldve given him some advance warning. Too late now.We walked up to the door, and I knocked three times. Its open, a voice called from within. I stepped inside, and Marcus followed. Adrian was working on an abstract painting of what looked like a crystalline building from some fantasy world. Unexpected treat, he said. His eyes fell on Marcus and widened. Ill be damned. You found him.Thanks to you, I said.Adrian glanced over at me. A smile started to form and t hen instantly dried up. What happened to your face?Oh. I lightly touched the swollen spot. It still smarted but wasnt as painful as it had been earlier. I spoke my next words without thinking. Marcus hit me.Id never seen Adrian move so fast. Marcus had no chance to react, probably because he was exhausted from our earlier encounter. Adrian shoved Marcus up against a wall and to my complete and utter astonishment punched Marcus. Adrian had once joked that he never dirtied his transfer, so this was something I never could have prepared myself for. In fact, if Adrian was going to attack someone, I wouldve expected something magical and spirit-driven. Yet . . . as I watched him, I could see that anything as thoughtful as magic was far from Adrians mind. He had kicked into primal mode. See a threat. Go after it. It was yet another surprising yet fascinating side of the enigma that was Adrian Ivashkov.Marcus quickly got his bearings and responded in kind. He pushed Adrian back, winci ng a little. Even with his injury he was still strong. What the blazing? Who are you?The guy thats going to kick your ass for hurting her, said Adrian.He tried another punch, but Marcus dodged and managed to land a hit that knocked Adrian back into one of his easels. When Marcus swung again, Adrian eluded him with a maneuver that was straight out of Wolfes class. I wouldve applauded him if I wasnt so appalled by the situation. I knew some girls thought it was sexy to have men fight over them. Not me.You guys, stop I cried.No ones going to throw you around and get away with it, said Adrian.What happened with us has nothing to do with you, retorted Marcus.Everything about her has to do with me.The two circled around each other, waiting for the other to pounce. Adrian, I exclaimed. It was an accident.Doesnt look like an accident, he replied, never taking his eyes off Marcus.You should listen to her, growled Marcus. The easygoing guy Id met earlier was gone, but I guess being attacked would do that to you. It might save you from get your pretty face wrecked. How much styling did you have to do to get your hair like that?At least I brush my hair, said Adrian.Marcus lunged forward but not straightway at Adrian. He grabbed a painting off an easel and used it as a weapon. Adrian again managed a dodge, but the painting didnt fare so well. The opinion poll tore, and Marcus tossed it aside, ready for the next advance.Adrian spared the canvas a brief glance. Now youve really pissed me off.Enough Something told me they werent going to listen to reason. This required direct intervention. I walk across the room and pushed myself between them.Sydney, get out of the way, ordered Adrian.Yeah, agreed Marcus. For once hes got something worthwhile to say.No I held out my hands to separate them. some(prenominal) of you back off now My voice rang through the apartment, and I refused to budge. Back. Off, I repeated.Sydney. . . . Adrians voice was a little more uncertain than when hed told me to get out of the way.I looked back and forth between them, giving each guy a healthy glare. Adrian, it really was an accident. Marcus, this is the guy whos going to help you, so show some respect.This, more than anything, seemed to derail them.Wait, said Adrian. Did you say help?Marcus was equally flabbergasted. This asshole is the spirit user?Youre both acting like idiots, I scolded. The next time I had nothing to do, Id have to get a book on testosterone-driven behavior. This was out of my league. Adrian, can we talk somewhere in private? Like the bedroom?Adrian agreed, but not before giving Marcus one last menacing look. I told Marcus to stay where he was and hoped he wouldnt take off or call in someone else with a gun. Adrian followed me to his bedroom and shut the door behind us.You know, he said, under traffic pattern circumstances, you inviting me to the bedroom would be the highlight of my day.I crossed my munition and sat on the bed. I did so out of simp le fatigue, but a moment later, I was struck by what I was doing. This is where Adrian sleeps. Im touching the covers hes absorbed in every night. What does he wear? Does he wear anything?I jumped up.It really was an accident, I told him. Marcus thought I was there to abduct him.Adrian, having no such(prenominal) hang-ups with the bed, sat down. He winced, probably from the blow to the stomach. If someone like you showed up to abduct me, Id let you.Even when he was in pain, it never stopped with him. Im serious. It was just instinct, and he apologized over and over in the car once he realized who I was.That got his attention. He knew you?I gave him a recap of my day in Santa Barbara. He listened avidly, nodding along, his expression shifting back and forth between intrigue and surprise.I didnt realize when I brought him back here that youd inflict more damage, I said, once Id finished the story.I was defending your honor. Adrian gave me that devil-may-care smile that always managed to both infuriate and captivate me. Pretty manly, huh?Very, I said dryly. I didnt like violence, but him doing something so out of character for me actually was kind of incredible. Not that Id ever tell him that. You did Wolfe proud. Do you think you can manage not to have any more manly displays while hes here? Please?Adrian shook his head, still smiling. Ive said over and over, Id do anything for you. I just keep hoping itll be something like, Adrian, lets go hot tubbing or Adrian, take me out for fondue.Well, sometimes we have to did you say fondue? Sometimes it was impossible to follow Adrians train of thought. Why in the world would I ever say that?He shrugged. I like fondue.I didnt even know what to say about that. This whole day was getting more and more exhausting. Im sorry Im not asking for something as glamorous as melted cheese. But for now, I need to find out about Marcus and his group and the tattoo.Adrian recognized the situations severity. He stood up and gently to uched the lily on my cheek. I dont trust him. He could be using you. But then . . . I dont like the idea of this controlling you either.That makes two of us, I admitted, losing some of my earlier toughness.He traced the line of my cheek for a few breathless moments and then dropped his hand. It might be worth helping him to get some answers.Will you promise not to get in any more fights? Please?I promise, he said. So long as he doesnt start one.Ill have him promise too. I just hoped their manly natures wouldnt get the better of them. As I ruminated on this, something Id nearly forgotten about tumbled to the forefront of my mind. Oh . . . Adrian, Ive got one more favor to ask you. A big one.Fondue? he asked hopefully.No. Its about Ms. Terwilligers sister. . . .I told him what Id learned. The amusement in his face faded and turned to disbelief. You just mention this now? he exclaimed when I finished. That some soul-sucking witch might be after you?She doesnt know I exist. I felt surpr isingly defensive. And Im the only one who can help, at least according to Ms. Terwilliger. She thinks Im some super-investigator.Well, you do have that intelligence officer Holmes thing going for you, he said. His joking didnt last he was too upset. But you still shouldve told me You couldve called.I was kind of busy with Marcus.Then your priorities are off. This is a lot more important than his band of Merry Men. If we need to take out some evil sorceress before she gets to you, then of course Ill help. He hesitated. With one condition.I eyed him warily. Whats that?Let me heal you too.I jerked backward, almost more shocked than if hed suggested hitting me again. No Absolutely not I dont need it. Im in better shape than him.You want to go back to Amberwood with that on your face? Youre not going to be able to hide that, Sage. And if Castile sees it, he really will come after Marcus. Adrian crossed his arms defiantly. Thats my price.He was bluffing, and I knew it. Maybe it was egot istical, but I knew he wasnt going to let me go into a unsafe situation without him. He did, however, have a point. I still hadnt seen the mark Marcus had left, but I didnt want to explain it back at school. And yes, there was a good chance Eddie would want to hunt down my assailant. Being beat up by an avenging dhampir might make working with Marcus difficult.Yet . . . how could I agree? At least the magic I used was on my terms. And although my tattoo had trace amounts of vampire magic, I took comfort in knowing it was tied to the normal four elements, the ones we understood. Spirit was still an unknown entity, with abilities that continually surprised us. How could I subject myself to rogue vampire magic?Guessing my inner turmoil, Adrians face softened. I do this all the time. Its an easy spell. No surprises.Maybe, I said reluctantly. But each time you use spirit, youre more likely to go godforsaken.Already crazy about you, Sage.At least this was familiar territory. You said yo u wouldnt sum up that up.He simply regarded me without comment. Finally, I threw my arms up. Fine, I said, with more boldness than I felt. Just get it over with.Adrian didnt waste any time. Stepping forward, he reached out and rested his hand on my cheek once more. My breath caught and my heart rate went up. It would be so, so easy for him to pull me to him and kiss me again. A tingling warmth spread over my skin, and for a moment, I thought it was just my normal reaction to him. No, I realized. It was the magic. His eyes locked onto mine, and for the space of a heartbeat, we were suspended in time. Then he removed his hand and stepped away.Done, he said. Was that so bad?No, it hadnt been bad at all. The throbbing pain was gone. All that was left was the constant inner voice nagging me that what had just happened was wrong. That same voice tried to tell me that Adrian had left a taint behind . . . but that was hard to believe from him. I released the breath Id been holding.Thank yo u, I said. You didnt have to do that.He gave me one of those small smiles. Oh, believe me, I did.A moment of awkward silence hung between us. I cleared my throat. Well. We should get back out to Marcus. Maybe well have time for dinner party before Sabrina shows up, and you guys can patch things over.I doubt even a moonlight stroll would fix things between us.His words reminded me of something else Id meant to bring up when he got back to town, something that had taken a very low priority. Your coat you never took it back after the wedding. Its in my car.He waved dismissively Keep it. Ive got others.What am I going to do with a wool coat? I asked. Especially here in Palm Springs?Sleep with it, he suggested. Think of me.I put my hands on my hips and tried to stare him down, which wasnt easy since he was so tall. That, and because his words suddenly returned me to the disorienting feeling Id had sitting on his bed. You said you werent going to bring up any romantic stuff around me.Was that romantic? he asked. I was just making the suggestion, since the coats so heavy and warm. I figured youd think of me since it was such a nice gesture. And yet, once again, youre the one who finds romantic subtext in everything I say.I do not. You know thats not what I meant.He shook his head in mock sympathy. I tell you, Sage. Sometimes I think Im the one who needs to take out the restraining order on you.AdrianBut he was already out the door, knowing laughter echoing behind him.