The Indigo Spell Chapter Fifteen

MS. TERWILLIGER WAS WAITING in the lobby when Julia and I returned to the dorm. Seriously. Do you make believe a tracking fraud on me? I asked. Julia took nonpareil look at our teachers serious formula and quickly made an exit.Just excellent timing, Ms. Terwilliger replied. I understand you open news.Surprisingly, yes.Ms. Terwilligers face was hard as she led me blanket let onside to more(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) privacy and yet a nonher top secret out penetration meeting. These solar solar days, she scarcely resembled the scattered, hippie teacher Id met when I first suck uped at Amberwood. Tell me the news, she ordered.I told her just about(predicate) Alicias call, and her diswhitethorned expression didnt very inspire me. Id kind of hoped shed exhibit nigh amazing, foolproof plan shed on the QT been concocting. salutary, then(prenominal), she said in one case Id finished. I gauge Ill have to go out there.Ill go out there, I corrected.She favored me with a keen smile. Youve d atomic number 53 more than enough. Its cartridge clip I step up and deal with veronica. alone you sent me to that place in the first place.When we werent in succession sure where it was or what she was doing there. This time, we have an eyewitness confirming shes there counterbalance presently. I cant waste this opportunity. She glanced at a clock conterminous the door and sighed. Id go tonight if I could scarce havent made the necessary preparations. Ill start pretending on them now and go in tomorrow yeting. hope in full I wont miss her again.No. The defiance in my voice surprise even me. I didnt contradict teachers or whatsoever kind of effectiveness very often. Okay, never. She eluded us before. Let us scout it out. You dont deficiency to whirl almost your passel yet, just in case whateverthing goes wrong. Youll be limit tomorrow night? then(prenominal) let us go in the day . . . I spurious, provided nearlyone could get me out o f school. . . .A little of that strain faded, and she laughed. I suppose I could do that. I hate that I make putting you in danger, though.We passed that point a long time ago.She couldnt argue against that logic. I made arrangements for Adrian to pick me up the next day after first scolding Jet for giving out Taylors number. When forenoon came, Ms. Terwilliger was true to her word. Id been excuse from classes for a research trip. The thing about being a star pupil was that none of my teachers had any(prenominal) problems with me skipping classes. They knew Id get the make water done. I probably couldve taken the rest of the semester off.During the drive, I told Adrian that Id managed to score a trip to St. Louis in order to pursue Marcuss daunting task. Adrians expression grew darker and darker, however he stayed silent on the matter. I knew what a conflict it was for him. He didnt care Marcus. He didnt like me taking on this potentially flagitious mission. However, he likewise trusted me to make my own decisions. Contradicting me or express me what to do wasnt in his nature even though he secretly may have cherished to. His only comment was one of support.Be careful, Sage. For graven images sake, be careful. Ive seen you pull off some crazy shit, but this is extreme, even for you. Youre probably the only one who can manage this, but let off . . . dont let your guard crop up, even for a moment.When I told him about how I was hoping to use Ian to get more in-depth access, Adrians troubled look turned to one of incredulity.Hold on here. Let me make sure Im following this. Youre issue to seduce some twat to help you with your espionage.Seduce Ian? Ugh. Dont jump to conclusions, I warned. Im just going to feat to use his feelings for me to get what I privation.Wow. Cold, Sage. genuinely cold.Hey, now. I felt a little indignant at the accusition. Im not going to promise to marry him or something and then dump him later. He wrote me about g oing to dinner when Im there. Well have a tight-laced time, and Ill try to talk him into letting me tour the facility. Thats it.And talking him into it doesnt involve putting out?I glared at him and hoped he could see me in his periphery. Adrian. Do I veryly seem like the kind of person whod do that?Well He stopped, and I suspected hed held tooshie from some snarky comment. No, I suppose not. Certainly not with a guy like him. Did you get a dress?Here we were again, Adrian randomly jumping topics. For dinner and the work? Ive got plenty.I guess that events my question. He seemed to wage a great mental battle. At last, he said, Im going to cast off you some advice.Oh no.He looked all everywhere at me again. Who accredits more about male weakness you or me?Go on. I refused to directly answer the question.Get a new dress. one(a) that shows a lot of skin. Short. Strapless. Maybe a push-up bra too. He very had the audacity to do a quick assessment of my chest. Eh, maybe not. But definitely some high heels.Adrian, I exclaimed. Youve seen how Alchemists dress. Do you weigh I can really wear something like that into a church service?He was unconcerned. Youll make it work. Youll change clothes or something. But Im obese you, if you want to get a guy to do something that might be difficult, then the best way is to distr coiffe him so that he cant pay up his full brainpower to the consequences.You dont have a lot of faith in your own gender.Hey, Im telling you the truth. Ive been deflect by sexy dresses a lot.I didnt really know if that was a valid argument, seeing as Adrian was distracted by a lot of things. Fondue. T-shirts. Kittens. And so, what then? I show some skin, and the cosmos is mine?Thatll help. Amazingly, I could tell he was dead serious. And youve gotta act confident the whole time, like its already a done deal. Then make sure when youre in truth inquire for what you want that you tell him youd be so, so grateful. But dont elaborate. His i magination will do half the work for you. I shook my head, glad wed almost reached our destination. I didnt know how very a good deal more I could listen to. This is the most ridiculous advice Ive ever heard. Its also kind of sexist too, but I cant decide who it offends more, men or women.Look, Sage. I dont know lots about chemistry or computer hacking or photosynthery but this is something Ive got a lot of experience with. I think he meant photosynthesis, but I didnt correct him. Use my knowledge. Dont let it go to waste.He seemed so earnest that I finally told him Id consider it, though I had a hard time imagining myself wearing anything like hed described. My answer satisfied him, and he said no more.When we reached the bed-and-breakfast, I put on the brown wig so that we could be Taylor and Jet again. I set up myself as we approached the door.Who knows what were walking into? I murmured. Id been very brave while public speaking to Ms. Terwilliger, but the reality that I m ight be going safe up to an evil sorceress was sinking in. I had yet to develop the office to sense magic in separates, so I could very substantially be taken by surprise if she had a way to entomb her appearance too. All I could do was have faith that Adrians belief and Ms. Terwilligers ch encircle would mask me. If Veronica was there, wed just seem like an everyday couple. I hoped.Alicia was reading another magazine when we walked in. She still sported the same hippie glasses and clutter of gaudy necklaces. Her face lit up when she axiom us. Youre back.Adrians arm immediately went around me. Well, when we heard Veronica was in townspeople again, we wanted to come see her right away. Right, honeydew?Right, I said. At least he was going with healthier nicknames today.Oh. Alicias sunny smile subdued a little. She just left field.You have got to be kidding, I said. How could our luck be this bad? So, she checked out?No, shes still renting out the velvet-textured Suite. I th ink she was just running errands. But. . . . She turned sheepish. I may have, uh, destroy the surprise.Oh? I asked very carefully. I felt Adrians hold on me tense, but there was nonentity wild-eyed about it.I couldnt resist. I told her she might have some unexpected visitors soon. Good visitors, she added. I wanted to make sure she didnt stay out too long.Thats very nice of you, said Adrian. His smile looked as strained as mine felt. In trying to help us, Alicia might very well have ruined everything.What did we do now? I was saved from an immediate decision when a middle-aged woman walked through the door.Hello, she told Alicia. I wanted to get some information about hosting a wedding here. For my niece.Of course, said Alicia, glancing back and forwards between all of us. She looked a little flustered over who to help, and I was quick to jump in.Hey, I said. Since were here, can we look at the bunny Suite again? We cant stop talking about it.Alicia frowned. I eyeshot you were going to the coast for your anniversary?We were, said Adrian, following my lead. But then Taylor was thinking about Cottontail the other night, and we thought we should reconsider. I had to give him credit for jumping in and going along with the story I was devising up on the spot. Of course, youd think hed remember the name of the ready rabbit he had created.Hopper, I corrected.Is the Bunny Suite still inactive? he asked. We can just take a quick glisten in while you help her.Alicia hesitated only a moment before handing over a primordial. Sure. Let me know if you have any questions. I took the key and headed toward the stairs with Adrian. Behind us, I could hear the woman asking if itd be okay to set up a tent in the backyard and how many hot plates the inn could hold before it became a squeeze out hazard. Once we were on the second floor and out of earshot, Adrian spoke. Let me guess. You want to go prowl through the Velvet Suite.I rewarded him with a grin, felicitous tha t hed guessed my plan. Yup. Pretty good idea, huh? Hopefully Alicia will be distracted for a while.I could have just compelled her, he reminded me.Youre using too much spirit already.I set up the Velvet Suite and put the key in the lock, hoping Alicia had given us the master key and not one specifically for the Bunny Suite. When she had shown us around last time, shed only used one key. A click told me wed lucked out and wouldnt have to use any metal-burning chemicals today.Wed seen the Velvet Suite during our last visit, and for the most part, it looked the same. Velvet bedding, velvet-covered furniture, and even velvet-textured wallpaper. Only, this time, the direction wasnt in the pristine and unoc cupfulied state as before. Signs around the room showed recent use. The bed was unmade, and the scent of shampoo from the bathroom indicated a shower bath not too long ago.Alicia might have been wrong about Veronica checking out, said Adrian. He opened draftsman after drawer and fo und nothing. In the closet, he discovered high-heeled shoes tucked into a corner and a belt on a hanger things that might be easily missed with frantic packing. Someone left here in a hurry.My hopes plummeted. In accidentally revealing our surprise, Alicia had apparently scared Veronica into skipping out on the room. We found no sign that Veronica would actually return, and as Adrian had said, she seemed to have taken off quickly, based on the kinds of easy-to-forget things that were left behind a razor in the shower, a bottle of odorize on the bathroom counter, and a galvanic pile of takeout menus on the nightstand.I sat on the bed and sifted through the menus, not really convinced theyd tell me much. Chinese, Indian, Mexican. Veronica had diverse tastes, at least. I reached the bottom of the stack and threw them on the ground.She left, I said. I couldnt hide from the truth any longer. That dimwit Alicia tipped her off, and now weve lost her again.Adrian sat down beside me, hi s face mirroring my dismay. Well respect her. Weve slowed her down by hiding the others. Maybe itll buy us time until the next full moon so you can scry again.I hope so, I said, though I wasnt optimistic.He brushed digression the wigs hair and turned my face toward him. Everythings going to be okay. She doesnt know about you.I knew he was right, but it was hollow comfort. I leaned my head against his shoulder, privation I could fix everything. That was my job, right? All that means is that someone else could take over in my place. I dont want that. I pauperization to stop her once and for all.So brave. He gave me a clarified smile. His fingertips slid down from my face, lightly virgule the line of my neck, down toward my shoulder. Everywhere he touched, a trail of tweet bumps appeared. How did he keep doing this to me? Marcus who made every girl in the world swoon had zero effect on me. But one verbalise of a touch from Adrian completely undid me. You could give Castile a run for his money, he added. peak that, I warned.Comparing you to Castile?Thats not what Im talking about, and you know it. His custody were too dangerous, as was being with him on a bed. Terrified I might be kissed again, I jerked away, and the sudden movement caught him by surprise. His fingers got drag in my hair, as well as in my two necklaces, which resulted in him snapping both chains and nearly pulling off the brown wig. I quickly caught the garnet before it could fall off, but the cross slipped away. Thank God Id kept the important one on. No more kissing, I warned. I refastened the charm and straightened the wig.You mean no more kissing unless its a romantic place, he reminded me. Are you saying this place doesnt scream romance? He nodded around to our tacky velvet surroundings. He then picked up the small cross and held it in the air, growing thoughtful as he analyse the way the light p postureed off the gold surface. You gave this to me once.And you gave it back.I was angry.And now?He shrugged. Now Im just determined.Adrian. I sighed. Why do you keep doing this? The touching . . . the kissing . . . you know I dont want it.You dont act that way.Stop saying that. Its obnoxious. Next youll be saying Im asking for it. Why did he have to be so infuriating? Okay . . . I hadnt really sent a fire message back at the sorority. Or Pies and Stuff. But this time Id done better. I just pulled away. How much more direct do I have to be?Its not your actions, scarcely he said. He still clutched the cross in his hand. Its your aura.I groaned. No, no, not that. I dont want to hear about auras.But Im serious. He shifted over and stretched out on the bed, lying on his side. He patted the bed near him. Lie down.Adrian I wont kiss you, he said. I promise.How stupid do you think I am? I said. Im not falling for this.He gave me a long, level look. Do you really think Id assault you or something?No, I said quickly. Of course not.Then humor me.Warily, I lay down on my side as well, facing him with only a few powerful inches between us. An enraptured, slightly distracted look appeared in his eyes. Hed given himself over to spirit. Do you know what I see in you now? The usual aura. A steady golden yellow, healthy and strong, with spikes of purpurate here and there. But when I do this. . . .He rested a hand on my hip, and my whole body tensed up. That hand go around my hip, slipping under my shirt to rest on the small of my back. My skin burned where he touched me, and the places that were untouched longed for that heat. detect? he said. He was in the throes of spirit now, though with me at the same time. Well, I guess you cant. But when I touch you, your aura . . . it smolders. The colors deepen, it destroy more intensely, the purple increases. Why? Why, Sydney? He used that hand on me to pull me closer. Why do you react that way if I dont mean anything to you? on that point was a desperation in his voice, and it was legitimate.It was hard for me to talk. Its instinct. Or something. Youre a Moroi. Im an Alchemist. Of course Id have a result. You think Id be indifferent? close Alchemist responses would involve disgust, revulsion, and holy water.That was an excellent point. Well . . . Im a little more relaxed around Moroi than most Alchemists. Probably this is just some purely physiologic response driven by hormones and years of evolution. My body doesnt know any better. Im as supersensitised to lust as anyone else. at that place was probably a book about that or at least an article in Cosmopolitan.The hint of a smile played over his lips. He was fully in tune with me again. No, you arent. I mean, you are, but not without reason. I know you well enough to realize that now. Youre not the kind of person whos susceptible to lust without some emotion to back it. He moved his hand back to my hip, sliding it down my leg. I shuddered, and his face moved closer to mine. There was so much in his eyes, so much desire and longing. See? There it is again. My flame in the dark.Dont kiss me, I whispered. It was the only confession I could muster. If he kissed me, Id be lost. I closed my eyes. You said you wouldnt.I wont. His lips were only a breath away. Unless you want me to.I opened my eyes, ready to tell him no, that it didnt matter what my aura allegedly said . . . this couldnt keep happening. There was no emotion backing this desire, and I tried to cling to my sooner argument. I was so comfortable around Moroi now that clearly some primal part of me kept forgetting what he was. This was a base instinct. I was simply having a physical reaction to him, to his hands, to his lips, to his body. . . .He caught hold of my arm and rolled me over. I closed my eyes again and wrapped my accouterments around his neck. I felt his lips touch mine, not quite a kiss, just the barest brush of The door opened, and I flinched. Alicia stepped inside, gasped, and put a hand up over her mouth to cover a shocked squeal. O-oh, she stammered. Im so sorry . . . I . . . I didnt realize . . .Adrian and I jerked away and sat up. My heart was ready to beat out of my chest, and I knew I was blushing. I quickly patted my wig and was relieved to feel it was still in place. He recovered his voice more quickly.Sorry . . . we kind of got carried away. We started checking out the other rooms and decided to, uh, try them out. Despite his sheepish words, there was a smug look on his face, the kind youd expect from a guy whod just made a conquest. Was it part of the act, or did he really think hed gotten away with something?Alicia looked as uncomfortable as I felt. I see. Well, this rooms occupied. Its She frowned and did a double take. Its Veronicas. It looks like she left.I finally managed to speak. Thats why we thought it was empty, I said hastily. There was nothing in here.Alicia thankfully seemed to have forgotten about our compromising position. Thats weird. She didnt formally check out. I mean, she give in adv ance in cash, but still. Its so strange.We made a hurried escape of our own after that, once again provide Alicia lines about how wed be in touch. Neither of us spoke much when we got in the car. I was lost in my own thoughts, which were equal move frustration over Veronica and confusion over Adrian. I refused to eff the latter, though, and opted for my usual tactic. The sooner that moment was forgotten, the better. I was pretty sure I could keep telling myself that. Some part of me nearly as snarky as Adrian suggested I pick up a book on defense team the next time I was in the self-help section.Another dead end, I said once we were on the road. I texted Ms. Terwilliger Vs gone. No need for action. Her response came a few minutes later Well keep trying. I could practically feel her disappointment through the display on my phone. She wasnt the only one. Adrian seemed oddly melancholy on the drive back. He responded whenever I spoke, but it was clear he was distracted.When he d ropped me off at Amberwood later that night, I found everything mercifully quiet. No crises, no dangerous missions. It felt like it had been ages since I had a moment to myself, and I curled up on my bed, taking solace in the ordinary tasks of homework and reading. I fell asleep(predicate) with my face on my calculus book.I experienced one of those tight dreams that everyone has. In it, my familys cat could talk, and he was driving Adrians Mustang. He asked me if I wanted to take a road trip to Birmingham. I told him I had a lot of homework to do but that if he wanted to go to Fargo, Id consider it.We were in the middle of negotiating whod pay for gas when the dream all at once dissolved to blackness. A cold feeling swept over me, followed by a feeling of dread that rivaled the time Adrian and I had faced down Strigoi in his apartment. A womans laughter rolled around me, foul and sickening, like some sort of toxic smoke. A voice came out of the iniquity, repeat in my mind.Shes ke pt you well hidden, but it cant stay that way forever. You cant disguise power like yours forever. Ive caught your trail. Ill find you.Hands suddenly reached out of the darkness for me, wrapping around my throat and cutting off my air. I screamed and woke up in my own bed, surrounded in books. Id left the light on, and it chase some of the dreams terror away. But only some. Sweat poured off me, making my shirt stick to me. I touched my neck, but there was nothing wrong with it. The garnet hung in place but not my cross.No need to fear a dream, I thought. It didnt mean anything, and really, with everything going on lately, it was a wonder I didnt have nightmares more often. But thinking back on it, I wasnt so sure. There had been something so terrible and real about it, a horror that seemed to reach into my very soul.I didnt want to sleep after that, so I made a cup of coffee and tried to read again. It worked for a while, but somewhere around four, my body couldnt take it anymore. I fell asleep on my books again, but this time, my sleep stayed dream free.