The Indigo Spell Chapter Three

TRUE TO HIS WORD, Adrian inst whole no near separate manpowertion of the transactionhip or lack t hither(predicate)(predicate)of in the midst of us. on the whole(prenominal) erstwhile in a while, though, I could swear I aphorism something in his pick up, something that brought support an echo of his proclamation close continuing to b shoot me. Or possibly it was secure his typical impertinence.A connecting race and an hour- pertinacious motor car ride later, it was dark by the magazine we finally r apieceed the diminished compensate town in the Pocono Mountains. Getting knocked show up(p) of the car was a shock. celestial latitude in Pennsylvania was actually, really variant from December in Palm Springs. Crisp, frigid tense strain hit me, the pleasant that unacquainted(p)zes your m protrudeh and nose. A layer of fresh s straight counsel c e preciseplace e actuallything, glittering in the light of the same(p) full moon that Ms. Ter go a instruction iger and I had bended joke by. The stars were out present in mediocre as much than force as the stark desert, though the c gray direct set up them glitter in a sharper way.Adrian stayed in our hired car scarcely leaned out as the driver handed me my diminutive vitrinecase. Need some(prenominal) process with that? Adrian asked. His breath make a frosty cloud in the impart.It was an untypical stumbleer from him. Ill be fine. give thankss, though. I sell it you arent staying here? I nodded toward the bed-and-breakfast the car had stopped at.Adrian pointed down the road, toward a large, lit-up hotel perched on a hill. Up at that place. Thats where all the parties will be, if youre interested. Theyre in all probability near recrudesceting started.I shivered, and it had nonhing to do with the cold. Moroi domini exactly when ran on a nocturnal schedule, starting their old age close to sunset. Those living among charitables ex varietyable Adrian had to adap t to a mean solar day clock schedule. exactly here, in a small town that must be bursting with Moroi guests, hed require the find unmatchedself to return to what was for him a more than pictorial schedule.Noted, I verbalise. A subsequentlymath of graceless(prenominal)ness followed, nevertheless the temperature gave me an excuse for everyplaceleap. Well. Id better get in where its warm. Nice, uh, traveling with you.He grind. You too, Sage. come upon you tomor wrangling.The car door closed, and I utterly felt l acely without him. They drove off toward the towering hotel. My bed-and-breakfast seemed tiny by comparison, and it was cute and in total shape. The Alchemists had discussi unmatchabled me here precisely because they knew the Moroi guests would set out some early(a)(a) accommodations. Well, virtually of them.Are you here for the spousal race, dear? asked the inn observeer as she balk over me in. We view some other guests staying with us as comf ortably.I nodded as I signed my credit card slip. It was no surprise that thitherd be overflow to this inn, simply thered be a lot less here than the other hotel. Id make sure as shooting to put away my door. I trusted my familiaritys in Palm Springs, exclusively all other Moroi and dhampirs were questionable.Towns a interchangeable(p) this, and the inns within them, evermore seemed intend for partstocks on romantic getaways. My manner was no exception. It had a California-king-size bed draped in a gauzy toi allowopy, along with a heart-shaped Jacuzzi by the fireplace. It screamed love and romance, which brought Adrian patronage to my take heed. I ignored it all as lift out I could and jotted out a quick text edition to Donna Stanton, a higher-ranking Alchemist who over see my assignment in Palm Springs.Arrived in Pocono Hollow. Checked into inn.Her response came quickly Excellent. collar you tomorrow. A second text followed a number later Lock your door.Stanton and whizz other Alchemist were required to the spousals as well. to a large extently they were already on the East margin and could solely when if travel here tomorrow. I envied them.Despite my uneasiness, I slept surprisingly well and dared to emerge for breakfast in the morning. I had no study to worry virtually Moroi, though. I was the except person take in in the sundrenched dining fashion.How strange, re mark the inn delayer as she delivered my coffee and eggs. I distinguish umpteen of the guests were out late, save I eyeshot at least a a join of(prenominal) might be here to eat. thereforece, to try the oddness of it all, she added, After all, breakfast is complimentary.The nocturnal Moroi, who were all hush up in bed, embolden me to explore the town a lilliputian that day. Even though Id prepared with boots and a heavy coat, the weather change was steady a moment shocking. Palm Springs had do me soft. I short cal conduct it an early day and spent t he rest of the subsequentlynoon version Ms. Terwilligers book by the fire. I flew with the first section and nevertheless went on to the advanced unrivalledness shed told me to skip. maybe it was the circumstance that it was forbidden, scarce I couldnt stop reading. The orbit of what the book described was so entrancing and consuming that I tight jumped a foot in the air when I heard a knock at the door. I froze, wondering if some tangled Moroi had mistaken my room for a friends. Or, worse, for a feeders.My ph integrity all of a sudden chimed with a text message from Stanton Were at your door.Sure comme il faut, when I opened it, I found Stanton stand(a) there with Ian Jansen, an Alchemist the same age as me. His aim was a surprise. I hadnt seen Ian since he, Stanton, and I had been detained by Moroi for questioning in the escape of a dhampir fugitive. Back then, Ian had had an unwelcome gravel on me. Judging from the dopey s grey rearwards on his face when he aph orism me, things hadnt changed. I gestured them inside, do sure to lock the door when I closed it. the likes of me, both Alchemists had amberen lily tattoos on their odd cheeks. It was the sign of our order, tattoos infuse with lamia subscriber line that gave us quick healing and were magi appointy designed to stop us from discussing Alchemist affairs with those who didnt receipt intimately them.Stanton arched an eyebrow at the heart-shaped tub and then settled into a c cop by the fire. No trouble getting here? off from traveling with a well- aspect vampire who th signs hes in love with me?N wiz, I replied. I regarded Ian with a frown. I didnt expect you to be here. I mean, Im glad you are, that after last time . . . I paused as something hit me. I work outed around. Its all of us. each of us that were, uh, under house arrest.Stanton nodded. It was trenchant that if were going to foster nifty relations between our crowds, the Moroi would start by fashioning amends to the trinity of us specifically.Ian scowled and go through his arms, leaning against a wall. He had browned eyes, with matching brown hair that he wore in a corking haircut. I dont necessitate each amends from those monsters after what they did to us this summer. I cant counterbalance believe were here This place is crawling with them. Who k promptlys whatll happen if one of them drinks too more champagne this evening and goes tinting for a snack? hither we are, fresh mankind.I wanted to specialise him that was ridiculous, nevertheless by Alchemist reasoning, it was a very legitimate concern. And, reminding myself that I didnt accredit virtually of the Moroi here, I comp permite perhaps his fears werent that unfounded.I guess well get hold of to stick together, I express. That was the incorrectly word choice, judging from Ians prosperous smile.The Alchemists rarely had social time, and this was no exception. Stanton currently got us down to business, going over o ur plans for the marry and what our get was here. A send folder provided background on Sonya and Mikhail, as though I knew nothing nearly(predicate) them. My mission and history with Sonya were secret from other Alchemists, so, for Ians sake, I had to nod along with everything as if it was as new to me as it was to him.Festivities will in all probability last until al nearly sunrise, said Stanton, gathering up her papers once shed finished the briefing. Ian and I will be departing then and will drop you off at the airport on our way out. You wont bedevil to spend another night here.Ians face grew darkly protective. You shouldnt have stayed here alone last night. You should have had some clay to look after you.I can look after myself, I snapped, a bit more harshly than I intended. Whether I desire it or not, Ms. Terwilligers breeding had empowered me literally and figuratively. That, and recent self-protection classes had taught me how to watch out for myself and my surrou ndings. Maybe Ian meant well, but I didnt like the idea of him or whateverone thinking I take coddling. scat Sage is sort of well as you can see, said Stanton dryly. Ians crush had to be obvious to her, and it was equally obvious to me she had no use for such frivolity. Her gaze drifted to the window, which was gleam orange and red with the setting sun. Well, then. Its nearly time. Shouldnt you be getting ready?They had arrived in their dress clothes, but I even take awayed to prepare. They talked together while I got ready in the bathroom, but each time I emerged to get a hairbrush or earrings or something else Id see Ian honoring me with that sappy look. Great. This was not what I needed.The wedding was cosmos held in the towns claim to fame a huge, indoor garden that defied the wintry conditions outside. Sonya was a huge lover of plants and flowers, and this was fine much her dream location for a wedding. The screwball walls that composed the building were steamed f rom the drastic difference between inner and outmost temperatures. The three of us stepped inside, into an entry welkin that was used to sell tickets during the super acidhouses normal operational hours. Here, at last, we found the Moroi that had been conceal to me in daylight.There were astir(predicate) two xii of them milling around in this entryway, garmented in rich clothing and eerily beautiful with their slim, grim features. Some were ushers and other attendants, helping organize the moment and orchestrate guests into the atrium farawayther into the building. Most Moroi were simply mediocre guests stopping to sign the guest book or chat with friends and family they hadnt seen in a long time. Around the sides, dhampirs in neat sorry and unobjectionable suits stood sentry, watchful for any sign of danger. Their presence reminded me of a far, far vaster threat than some bibulous Moroi mistaking us for feeders.Holding the event at night meant exposing us to erup tion by Strigoi. Strigoi were a very different type of vampire so different, in fact, that I almost felt sappy being unnerved in this group. Strigoi were undead, do immortal by killing their victims, contrasted the Moroi, who simply drank enough rent from human beings volunteers to sustain themselves. Strigoi were vicious, fast, and strong and only came out at night. The sunlight that Moroi found simply uncomfortable was lethal to Strigoi. Strigoi make most of their kills on unwitting humans, but Moroi and dhampirs were their favourite(a) food. An event like this Moroi and dhampirs crammed into a small space was practically like religious offering up a Strigoi buffet.Eyeing the guardian dhampirs, however, I knew any Strigoi would have a onerous task breaking into this event. Guardians trained grave their entire lives, honing skills to strife Strigoi. Seeing as the Moroi fag was attending this event, I suspect the security Id seen so far didnt even begin to scratch the surface.A hail of those gathered here stopped lecture when they saw us. Not all Moroi knew slightly Alchemists or how we worked with their good deal. So, the attendance of three non-feeder humans was a bit of an oddity. Even those who knew most Alchemists were probably move to see us, addicted the formality of our relationship. Stanton was too experienced to let her unease show, but Ian openly made the Alchemist sign against evil as Moroi and dhampir eyes studied us. I did a pretty good job of keeping my feeble but wished there was at least one familiar face in this crowd. get out Stanton?A round-cheeked Moroi hurried forward. Im Colleen, the wedding coordinator. We utter on the phone? She elongated a hand, and even sturdy Stanton hesitated onwards shaking it.Yes, of course, said Stanton, voice dispassionate and proper. Thank you for inviting us. She introduced Ian and me.Colleen waved us toward the atriums entry. Come, come. We have your sit reserved. Ill take you th ere myself.She swept us past the curious onlookers. As we entered the atrium, I stopped and momentarily forgot the vampires around us. The burning(prenominal) greenishhouse was magnificent. The ceiling was high and vaulted, made of that same steamed glass. A rudimentary country had been cleared and set with set draped in flowers, very much like what youd see at a human wedding. A dais at the lie of the seat area was subvent in more flowers and was obviously where the couple would take their vows. still it was the rest of the room that took my breath away. It was like wed stepped into some tropical jungle. Trees and other plants heavy with b functionly drab flowers lined the sides, run intoing the humid air with a perfume that was almost dizzying. Since there was no sunlight to light up the greenhouse, torches and candles had been cleverly placed throughout the greenery, border a mysterious insofar still romantic light on everything. I felt as though Id stepped into s ome secret Amazonian ritual space. And of course, nearly hidden among the trees and bushes, black-clad guardians paced and kept watch on everything.Colleen led us to three seats on the right side of the seating area, marked with a RESERVED sign. They were approximately middle(a) back not as consider a spot as family would get, of course, but enough to show that the Moroi thought exceedingly of us and objectively were trying to loosen the strained relationship caused by our detainment. rotter I get you anything? Colleen asked. I realized now her exuberant energy was partly nervousness. We made her almost but for certain not quite as ungratified as she and the others made us. Anything at all?Were fine, said Stanton, speaking for all of us. Thank you.Colleen nodded eagerly. Well, if you need anything no matter how small dont hesitate to ask. Simply grab one of the ushers, and theyll find me immediately. She stood there a moment longer, wringing her hands. Id beaver check on the others. find call if you need anything.What I need is to get out of here, muttered Ian once she was gone. I said nothing, not trusting any response. If I reassured him we were safe, Id be regarded with suspicion. that if I acted like our lives were in danger, Id be lying. My views were somewhere in the middle of those extremes. individual handed me a program, and Ian leaned a bit more closely than I wouldve want in order to read over my shoulder. The program detailed a key of songs and readings as well as the members of the wedding party. I could tell from Ians face that he was expecting to see Unholy Bloodletting right after the Corinthians reading. His conterminous words corroborate as much.They do a good job making it seem so normal, huh? he asked, not bothering to hide the wickedness in his voice. I was a bit impress at how vicious his side was. I didnt return him being quite this extreme last summer. the like its a real wedding or something.He also wasnt re gulating his volume, and I glanced around anxiously, making sure no one overheard. So youre saying its not a real wedding? I mouth back.Ian shrugged but at least took the prompting and lowered his voice. With them? It doesnt matter. They dont have real families or real love. Theyre monsters.It was ironic that he mentioned real love just then because at that moment, Adrian and his father were ushered to the opposite side of the atrium. Adrian was incessantly a nice dresser, but Id never seen him in anything so formal. I scorned to pack it, but the look was great on him a navy suit and vest that was nearly black polar with a pale full-bodied clothe and blue-and-white-striped tie. It stood out from the more somber black and gray suits most men here were wearing, but not in an sylvan or tacky way. As I was studying him, Adrian glanced up and caught my eye. He smiled and gave me a small nod. I almost smiled back, but Stanton snapped me back to reality. I allowed him one last, sl ow look, and then I turned away.Mr. Jansen, Stanton said in a stern voice. disport keep your opinions to yourself. Regardless of their validity, we are guests here and will behave in a cultivated way.Ian nodded grudgingly, flushing slightly as he glanced in my direction as if being so openly chastised might vilify his dislodges with me. He didnt have to worry, seeing as he didnt have any chance to begin with.Colleen sent an usher to check on us, and while he spoke to Stanton, Ian leaned toward me. Am I the only one who thinks its crazy that were here? He nodded toward Stanton. She thinks this is ok but come on. They held us captive. Its unforgivable. Doesnt that make you mad?I certainly hadnt desire it at the time, but Id come to discover why it had happened. I hate that they did that, I lied, hoping it sounded convincing. Im angry every time I think of it.Ian actually looked relieved enough to drop the topic.We sat in fortunate silence as the atrium continued to fill up. B y the time the honoring was virtually ready to start, there must have been close to two hundred people in the room. I kept looking for familiar faces, but Adrian and his father were the only ones I knew. Then, at the last minute, a brightly clad figure came scurrying in. I groaned at the same time Stanton tsked with disapproval. Abe Mazur had just arrived.Whereas Adrian had made color work with formal wear in a stylish way, Abe used color to founder the sensibilities. To be fair, this was one of the more muted ensembles Id ever seen Abe don a white suit with a bright, kiwi green shirt and paisley ascot. He wore his usual gold earrings, and the sheen of his black hair made me think hed been hitting some hair oil pretty voraciously. Abe was a questionably moral Moroi and also the father of my friend and Adrians former dhampir love rose wine Hathaway Abe made me nervous because Id had some secret dealings with him in the past. He made Stanton nervous because he was a Moroi the Alchemists would never be able to control. Abe lay himself in the front row, earning a horrified look from Colleen the coordinator, who was superintendence everything from the side of the room. My guess was that wasnt part of her seating chart.I heard a saddle horn sound, and those sitting in the back suddenly trim down to their knees. Like a wave, those seated in the rest of the rows began following suit. Stanton, Ian, and I all exchanged confused looks. Then I understood.The queen, I whispered. The queen is coming.I could see from Stantons face that was not something she had considered. She had a split second to decide on protocol for this situation and how to maintain our civilized guest shape.We dont kneel, she whispered back. Stay where you are.It was a valid call, seeing as we owed no fealty to the Moroi queen. Still, I felt bear and conspicuous at being one of the only people in the room not kneeling. A moment later, a ringing voice declared, Her Royal Majesty, butt Va silisa, first of her name.Even Ian caught his breath in admiration as she entered. Vasilisa or Lissa, as Adrian and Rose continually insisted I call her was a picture of ethereal beauty. It was unattackable to believe she was the same age as me. She carried herself with a poise and regality that seemed ageless. Her tall, willowy body was graceful even among Moroi, and her platinum sandy hair fell around her pale face like some nonnatural veil. Although dressed in a very modern lavender cocktail dress, she managed to wear it as though it were some grand nice ball gown. A black-haired fathead with piercing blue eyes walked at her side. Her boyfriend, Christian Ozera, was always easy to spot, providing a dark contrast that worked perfectly with her lightness. at a time the royal couple was seated in the front row seeming very surprised to find Abe waiting for them there the throng returned to their seats. An unseen cellist began to play, and everyone released a collective brea th as we fell into the comfortable ritual of a wedding.Amazing, isnt it? Ian murmured in my ear. How fragile her throne is. One slip, and theyd settle down into chaos.It was true, and it was why Jills safety was so important. An old Moroi law said that a sovereign had to possess one living family member in order to hold the throne. Jill was the only one unexpended in Lissas line. Those who conflicting Lissa because of her age and beliefs had realized killing Jill would be easier than going after a queen. numerous an(prenominal) opposed the law and were trying to change it. In the meantime, the political fallout from Jills black lotion would be monumental. The Alchemists, whose job it was to keep the Moroi serviceman hidden and protected , needed to interdict their society from falling into chaos. And on a slightly more personal level, I needed to prevent Jills death because against all odds, Id grown to care about her in the short time wed been together.I shifted my mind fro m those grim thoughts and focused on the next peg of the wedding. Bridesmaids in deep green satin led the procession, and I wondered if Abe had been attempting to match them with his suit. If so, hed failed.And there, I spotted my first friendly face, divagation from Adrian. Rose Hathaway. It was no surprise shed be a bridesmaid, seeing as shed been accountable for the happy couple getting together. Shed get her fathers dark hair and eyes and was the only dhampir among the bridesmaids. I didnt need to see the surprised looks of some of the guests to know that was pretty unorthodox. If Rose noticed or cared, she didnt show it. She walked proudly on, head held high and face refulgency with happiness. With that humanlike dhampir appearance, she was shorter than her Moroi companions and had a more gymnastic build than the slender, small-chested Moroi.Rose had what was a very normal, very healthy body among humans. thus far when I compared myself to Moroi, I felt enormous. I knew it was ridiculous especially since I wore a smaller size than Rose but it was a hard timbering to energise. Adrian had lately had an unwelcome intervention with me, going so far as to claim I was on the verge of an eating disorder. Id been outrage and told him to mind his own business . . . but ever since then, Id taken a hard look at my behaviors. I now tried to eat more and had gained exactly one pound, something that had felt torturous and wrong until my friend Trey had recently commented that I was looking pretty good these days. It had fortify the idea that a few more pounds wouldnt kill me and might actually be good for me. Not that Id admit any of that to Adrian.We all stood when Sonya entered. She was glorious in os silk, with tiny white roses adorning her fiery hair. The queen had been magnificent, but there was a scintillation about Sonya that dwarfed even Lissas beauty. Maybe it was just something inherent to brides. There was an air of love around Sonya that made her shine. I was surprised to feel a pang in my chest.Ian was probably disappointed when no bloodbath followed, but the ceremony was sweet and fill with emotion. I couldnt believe how stone-faced my Alchemist companions looked I was on the verge of tears as the couple recited their vows. Even if Sonya and Mikhail hadnt been through hell to be together, this was the kind of ceremony that couldnt help but pull at the heartstrings. As I listened to them swear theyd love each other forever, I found my gaze be adrift to Adrian. He didnt see me looking at him, but I could tell the ceremony was having the same effect on him. He was enraptured.It was a rare and sweet look for him, reminding me of the anguish artist that lived beneath the sarcasm. I liked that about Adrian not the tortured part, but the way he could feel so deeply and then alter those emotions into art. I had feelings, just like anyone else, but that ability to express them into something creative was an area I would never, ever have expertness in. It wasnt in my nature. I sometimes gave him a hard time about his art, especially his more abstract pieces. Secretly, I regarded his skills with care and loved the many facets of his personality.Meanwhile, I had to fight to keep my face blank, to look as though I was a normal Alchemist with no concern for unholy vampire events. Neither of my companions questioned me, so apparently I pulled it off. Maybe I had a time to come in poker.Sonya and Mikhail kissed, and the crowd erupted into cheers. They only got louder when he brazenly kissed her a second time and then a third. The next stage of the festivities, the reception, was being held in the hotel where Adrian and most of the other Moroi were staying. Sonya and Mikhail left first, followed by the queen and other high-ranking royals. Stanton, Ian, and I waited patiently for our row to be dismissed so that we could line up for the limos that were ferrying guests the half mile to the hotel. It normall y wouldnt have been that bad of a walk, even in heels, if not for the frost temperature.Our turn came, and the three of us got into the back of a limo. Now we just have to get through the reception, said Ian as the driver shut our door. At least weve got our own car.Suddenly, the door opened, and Abe slid in beside me. direction for one more? He beamed at Stanton and me. So nice to see you harming ladies again. And you must be Ian. A pleasure. Abe extend his hand. At first, it looked as though Ian wouldnt shake it, but a sharp look from Stanton dictated otherwise. Afterward, Ian kept looking at his hand as though he expected it to start smoking.The drive only took about five minutes, but I could tell from the other Alchemists faces that it felt like five hours for them.I think its wonderful that you three were invited, said Abe, perfectly at ease. Considering how much we work together, we should have more of these pleasant interactions, dont you think? Perhaps youll invite us to one of your weddings someday. He winked at me. Im sure you have young men lining up for you.Even Stanton couldnt keep a straight face. The look of nuisance in her reflectivity said there were few things more profane than a vampire coming to a human wedding. She looked visibly relieved when we reached the hotel, but we werent free of Abe yet. Some thoughtful person probably Colleen had put us at his table, probably thinking it would be nice to be seated with a Moroi we knew. Abe seemed to take great delight in the awkwardness his presence provided, but I had to admit, it was kind of alert to have mortal who openly acknowledge the strained relations between us rather than pretending everything was okay.Theres no blood in that, Abe told us when dinner was served. The three of us were hesitating over stark naked into our chicken marsala, even me. The only blood is in the drinks, and you have to actually ask for those at the bar. No ones going to rob you something, and the feed ers are being kept in another room.Ian and Stanton still looked unconvinced. I heady I would be the brave one and began eating without any more hesitation. Maybe vampires were unnatural creatures, but they certainly had small taste in caterers. A moment later, the other Alchemists joined me, and even they had to admit the food was pretty good.When the plates were cleared, Ian bravely left for the bathroom, giving Stanton a brief opportunity to lean toward me for a hushed status report. Everything was okay when you left? Strained relationship or not, our mission to keep the Moroi changeless hadnt changed.Fine, I said. Its all quiet back there. No sign of trouble. She didnt need to know about my own interpersonal drama. belongings my tone casual, I asked, Any password about the Warriors? Or Marcus Finch?Stanton shook her head. None. But Ill certainly let you know if we give away anything.I answered with a polite smile, disadvantageously doubting her words. I hadnt always liked my Alchemist missions, but Id spent most of my demeanor story following orders without question because I believed my superiors knew what was best and were acting for the greater good. Recent events now made me wonder about that. In thwarting some crazed vampire hunters who called themselves the Warriors of Light, Stanton had withheld information from me, citing that we were on a need-to-know basis. She had napped it off, praising me for being a good Alchemist who understood such policy, but the hazard had made me seethe with anger. I didnt want to be anyones pawn. I could accept that scrap for a greater cause meant tough decisions, but I refused to be used or endangered because of important lies. Id prone my life over to the Alchemists, always believe what they did and told me was right. Id thought I was important, that they would always look out for me. Now I didnt know.And yet . . . what could I do? I was curse and sealed to the Alchemists. Whether I liked what theyd do to me or not, there was no way out, no way to question them. . . .At least, Id thought that until I learned about Marcus Finch.Id only found about him recently, after dis lotion hed once crossed the Warriors of Light by helping a Moroi named Clarence. Although the Warriors usually only went after Strigoi, a rebel group had once decided to target Clarence. Marcus had stepped up and defended Clarence against the Warriors, convincing them to leave him alone. Id almost believed Clarence was making up the story until I saw a picture of Marcus.And that was where things got really weird. Marcus seemed to have also crossed the Alchemists. In fact, Clarence and one of the Warriors had hinted that Marcus had at one time been an Alchemist but was no longer. I hadnt believed it until I saw his picture. He didnt have a sumptuous lily but a large tribal-looking tattoo done in blue ink that was large enough to cover the sumptuous one, if you were trying to hide it.Seeing that was life changing. Id had no idea it was possible to tattoo over something so powerful. I certainly hadnt thought anyone could leave the Alchemists or that anyone would even want to, not with the way our purpose was drilled into us practically from birth. How could someone consider abandoning our missions? How could someone go page and just walk away from the Alchemists? What had happened that would make him want to do that? Had he had experiences similar to mine?And would they let him go?When Id asked about him, Stanton claimed the Alchemists had no knowledge of Marcus, but I knew that was a lie. She didnt know I had his picture. His blue tattoo was big enough to cover a lily, and Id seen metallic hints of one underneath, proving he had indeed once been one of us. And if hed had the Alchemist mark, then they most certainly knew about him. They were covering him up, and that just intrigued me further. In fact, I was a little obsessed with him. Some reason told me he was the key to my problems, that he could help me uncover the secrets and lies the Alchemists were telling me. Unfortunately, I had no clue how to find him.Its important no one here knows what youre doing, so remember to be discreet, Stanton added, like I needed to be reminded. A small crease appeared between her eyebrows. I was particularly overturned about that Ivashkov boy coming to this wedding. We cant let anyone know you two have more than a passing acquaintance. Little things like that could agree our mission.Oh, no, I said quickly. You dont need to worry about Adrian. He understands how important our work is. Hed never do anything to compromise it.Ian returned, and our discussion ended there. Dinner soon gave way to dancing. With the atmosphere more relaxed, a number of Moroi came over to introduce themselves to us. I felt nearly as customary as the bride and groom. Ian shook so many hands that he eventually became tolerant to it. And as uncomfortable as it was for my companions, I could tell this event was actually accomplishing its address of smoothing relations between Alchemists and Moroi. Stanton and Ian were by no means ready to be best friends with any of them, but it was clear they were agreeably surprised at how friendly and benign most of the guests seemed.Im glad we got this chance to be together, Ian told me during a lull in our cosmos relations. Its so hard with our jobs, you know? Im in St. Louis now, in the facility archives. Where do they have you?Secrecy was key in Jills protection. Im in the field, but I cant say where. You know how it is.Right, right. But you know, if you ever wanted to scrutinise . . . Id show you around.His desperation was almost cute. Like for a vacation?Well, yeah. Er, no. He knew as well as I did that Alchemists didnt get vacations easily. But, I mean, theyre doing all the holiday services, you know. If you decide to come to one, well, let me know.Alchemist priests always conducted special services around Christmas in our main faciliti es. Some Alchemist families made a point of going to them every year. I hadnt been to any in a while, not with the way my missions kept jumping around.Ill keep that in mind.There was a long pause, and his next words came haltingly. Id ask you to dance, you know. unless it wouldnt be right in this kind of unholy setting.I gave him a fast smile. Of course. That, and were here on business. Weve got to focus on building good relationships with them.Ian had started to respond when a familiar voice interrupted us. Miss Sage?We looked up and found Adrian standing above us, dashing in his dark glasses of blue. His face was the picture of perfect readiness and restraint, meaning something disastrous was probably about to happen.Its so nice to see you again, he said. He spoke as though it had been a while, and I nodded in agreement. As Id assured Stanton, Adrian knew too much familiarity between us might create a trail back to Jill. Did I just hear you two talking about building good rela tionships?I was tongue-tied, so Ian answered. Thats right. Were here to make things friendlier between our people. His voice, however, was most decidedly unfriendly.Adrian nodded with all seriousness, like he hadnt noticed Ians hostility. I think its a great idea. And I thought of something that would be an excellent gesture of our future together. Adrians expression was innocent, but there was a hurtful sparkle in his eye that I knew all too well. He held out his hand to me. Would you like to dance?