Blood Promise Chapter Fifteen

Abe glanced over at integrity of his guardians and gave a fast nod. The man instantly walked aside. Its d cardinal, Abe say.Just deal that? I asked in disbelief.His lips quirked into a smile. Rolan realizes who I am. He knows who whole kit for me. Once Pavel rags my ah, wishes known, that will be the end of it.I shivered, knowing Abe spoke the truth. Considering what a smartass Id been to Abe this whole time, it rattling was a esteem I hadnt had my feet set in cement and been tossed into the ocean. So why arent you forcefully force me pop out of here?I never like to make eachone do any involvement they dont fate to. steady Rolan. Its overmuch easier if people simply check off reason and do what I ask them to, without the use of force.And by ?see reason, you mean, ?blackmail, I said, thinking of what Id scarcely agreed to.We make a trade, he said. Thats all. Dont for withdraw your end of the bargain. You promised to conduct here, and you dont seem like the type to go back on your word.I dont.RoseViktoria suddenly appeared at the doorsill. Wow, that was fast. Pavel was calmly dragging her by her arm. Her hair was mussed, and a dress strap was slipping from her shoulder. Her face was a mixture of incredulity and anger. What did you do? That guy came and told Rolan to get out of here and never see me again And then Rolan agreed. He just left.I found it slightly mistrustful that Viktoria immediately blamed me for this. True, I was responsible, merely Abe was standing right there. It wasnt a secret who his employees were. Nonetheless, I defended my cloakions.He was using you, I said. at that calculate were tears in Viktorias brown eyes. He loves me.If he loves you, then why did he hit on me as soon as your back was turned?He did nonHes the one who got Sonya pregnant. change surface in the alleys dim lighting, I saw her face pale. Thats a lie.I threw up my hands. Why would I make that up? He trea incontestabled to make plans with me as soon a s you were out of townIf he did, she said, example shaking, it was because you led him on.I gaped. Beside me, Abe listened quietly, a smug look on his face. He was so complacent and probably thought he was being proven right. I precious to punch him, but Viktoria was my c erstrn.How brush off you think that? Im your friend I told her.If you were my friend, you wouldnt be acting like this. You wouldnt try to stand in my dash. You act like you loved my brother, but theres no way you could produce-no way you authentically represent loveDidnt understand love? Was she crazy? If she only knew what Id sacrificed for Dimitri, what Id done to be where I was now all for love. She was the one who couldnt understand. slam wasnt a fling in a back room at a party. It was something you lived and died for. My emotions surged, that darkness welling up deep down me that make me want to lash out in return for her horrible accu sit downion. It was only by dint of the strongest of efforts that I remembered she was already hurting, that she only said the things she did because she was confused and upset.Viktoria, I do understand, and Im sorry. Im only doing this because youre my friend. I precaution about you.You arent my friend, she hissed. You arent part of this family. You dont understand anything about us or how we live I wish youd never convey here. She turned and stormed away, pushing back inside through the long line of partygoers. My heart ached as I watched her.I turned to Abe. Shes passing to go try to find him.He still wore that damnably knowing facial expression. It wont matter. Hell have nothing to do with her anyto a greater extent. Not if he values that pretty face of his. I was worried for Viktoria but kind of had a touch perception Abe was right about Rolan. Rolan would no longer be an issue. As for Viktorias next guy well, that was a worry for another day.Fine. Then were done here. Do not follow me any more than, I growled.Keep your promise to leave Baia, and I wont have to.I narrowed my eyes. I told you I always keep my promises.And as I hurried back to the Belikov house, I suddenly wondered if that was true. The romp with Abe and Viktoria was like cold water on my face. What was I doing here? To a certain extent, Abe had been right I had been deluding myself, pretending Dimitris family was my own in order to soothe my grief over him. merely they werent. This wasnt h demesnestone. The Academy wasnt my home either, not anymore. The only thing I had left was my promise-my promise to Dimitri. The promise Id somehow lost luck of since coming here.Some of the Belikov family was in bed when I got home, but others were still in the living room. I slipped upstairs to my room, waiting anxiously for Viktoria to get home. A half hour later, I comprehend footsteps on the stairs and the sound of her door closing. I knocked gently on it.Viktoria, I said in a loud whisper. Its me. Please talk to me.No came the response. I dont ever wan t to talk to you again.Viktoria-Go awayIm just worried about you.You arent my brother You arent even my sister. You have no place hereOuch. Her voice was muffled by the door, but I didnt want to risk a fight in the star sign and allow the others hear. Going to my room, my heart breaking, I stopped and stood in front of the mirror. It was then that I knew she was right. Even Abe was right. Baia wasnt my place.In a flash, my meager belongings were packed, but I hesitated before waiver downstairs. Viktorias make fulld door stared at me, and I had to fight the urge to knock again. If I did, it would only trigger another fight. Or, perhaps even worse, she would forgive me-and then I would want to stay forever, lost in the comfort of Dimitris family and their sincere life.Taking a deep breath, I headed downstairs and walked out the front door. I wanted to communicate the others rightbye but worried the same thing would happen, that Id look at their faces and change my mind. I nee dful to go, I realized. I was angry at two Viktoria and Abe. Their words had hurt me, but thered been truth in them. This wasnt my world. I had other things to do with my life. And I had a lot of promises to keep.When I was about eight blocks away, I slowed down, not because I was tired but because I wasnt sure where I was tone ending. Leaving that house had been the biggest step. I sank down on the curb in front of a neighbors silent, dark yard. I wanted to watchword without knowing why. I wanted my old life back. I wanted Dimitri and Lissa. Oh, God, I wanted them. save Dimitri was by deceased, and the only way Id see him was if I truly set out to kill him. And as for Lissa she was more or less gone to me too. Even if I survived this, I didnt think she could forgive me. Sitting there, note lost and alone, I time-tested reaching out to her one more time. I knew it was foolish, considering what Id seen before, but I had to try one more time. I had to know if I really could have my old place back there. I slipped inside her mind instantly, my runaway emotions making the transition easy. She was on a common soldier jet.If Jill had been stunned by meeting St. Vladimirs A-list students, deprivation on a trip with them made her downright comatose. She stared at eitherthing wide-eyed and barely said a word during the whole flight to theRoyal Court. When Avery offered her a glass of champagne, Jill could barely stammer out, N-no thanks. After that, the others seemed to forget about her and got carried away by their own conversation. Lissa find Jills uneasiness but didnt do much to remedy it. That was a shock. The Lissa I had known would have gone out of her way to make Jill comfortable and be included. Fortunately, the younger girl seemed perfectly entertained by watching the others antics.I excessively took comfort in knowing Jill would be okay once she met up with Mia. Lissa had sent word ahead to Mia to have it off pick up Jill when they landed, seeing as Lissa and the others had to attend to one of Tatianas functions right away. Mia had said shed take Jill under her wing for the weekend and show her some of the innovative things shed intentional to do with her water magic. Lissa was glad for this, skilful she wouldnt be babysitting a freshman all weekend.Even if Jill was totally off of Lissas radar, one person wasnt Averys brother Reed. Their father had decided it would be a entire idea for Reed to go with them, and seeing as Mr.-excuse me-Headmaster Lazar had played a key contribution in working with Tatiana to arrange this trip, there was little argument. Avery had rolled her eyes and spoken to Lissa about it covertly, just before boarding.Were all riding your reputation, Avery said. Part of the reason Dad let me come was because youre in good with the top executive, and he wants it to scratch up off on me. Hes then hoping Ill get in good with her, and then thatll rub off on Reed-and the rest of the family.Lissa tried not to over think the logic too much. Mostly, she was fazed because Reed Lazar was still as unpleasant as hed been the first day they met. He wasnt really mean or anything it just made her uncomfortable being around him. Really, he was the polar adversary of Avery. Whereas she was animated and could always strike up conversation, he stayed tight-lipped and spoke only when spoken to. Lissa couldnt really speciate if it was shyness or disdain.When Lissa had tried asking him if he was excited to go to Court, Reed had simply shrugged. W shunver. I dont share. His tone had been almost hostile, like he resented her for asking, so shed given up all other attempts at conversation. The only person, other than his sister, that Lissa saw Reed ever speak to was Averys guardian Simon. He had also come along.When the flight landed, Mia was as good as her word. She waved enthusiastically when Lissa stepped off the plane, her blond curls whipping around in the wind. Lissa grinned back, and they gav e each other quick half-hugs, something that never failed to amuse me given their former enemy status.Lissa made introductions for those who indispensable them as an escort of guardians led them away from the landing strip and toward the inner portion of Court. Mia welcomed Jill so warm that the younger girls uneasiness faded, and excitement glowed in her green eyes. Smiling fondly, Mia glanced away from Jill and over to Lissa.Wheres Rose? calm down fell, followed by uncomfortable glances.What? demanded Mia. What did I say?Rose is gone, said Lissa. Sorry I thought you knew. She dropped out and left after the attack because there were some things some personal things she needed to take care of.Lissa feared Mia would ask about the personal things. Only a few people knew about my wait for Dimitri, and Lissa wanted to keep it that way.Most thought Id just disappeared from post-battle trauma. Mias next question completely shocked Lissa.Why didnt you go with her?What? Lissa stammered. Why would I do that? Rose dropped out. No way am I going to.Yeah, I suppose. Mia turned speculative. You guys are just so close-even without the bond. I assumed youd follow each other to the ends of the earth and figure out the details later. Mias own life had gone through so much excitation that she took that kind of thing in stride.That weird, fluctuating anger Id been feeling pop up in Lissa every so often suddenly reared its head and turned on Mia. Yeah, well, if we were so close, then it seems like she wouldnt have left in the first place. Shes the selfish one, not me.The words stung me and clearly shocked Mia. Mia had a temper of her own, but she sat on it and simply held up her hands in an apologetic way.She really had changed. Sorry. Wasnt trying to accuse you of anything.Lissa said nothing else. Since my departure, shed beat herself up about a lot of things. Shed gone over and over things she could have done for me before or after the attack, things that index have made m e stay. scarce it had never occurred to her to go with me, and the revelation hit her like a smack to the face. Mias words made her feel guilty and angry all at the same time-and she wasnt sure who she was the maddest at me or herself.I know what youre thinking, said Adrian a few minutes later, once Mia had led Jill away and promised to meet up later.What, you read minds now? asked Lissa.Dont have to. Its written all over your face. And Rose never would have let you go with her, so stop agonizing over it.They entered the royal guest housing, which was just as sousing and opulent as it had been when Id stayed there. You dont know that. I could have talked her into it. No, said Adrian sharply. You couldnt have. Im serious-dont give yourself one more thing to be depressed about.Hey, who said Im depressed? Like I said, she abandoned me.Adrian was surprised. Since my departure, Lissa had been more sad than anything. Shed from time to time been angry at my decision, but neither Adrian nor I had seen such vehemence from her. Dark feelings boiled within her heart.I thought you understood, said Adrian, with a small, puzzled frown. I thought you said youd-Avery suddenly interrupted, liberal Adrian a sharp look. Hey, hey. Leave her alone, okay? Well see you at the reception.They were at a point where the groups had to split, girls going to one part of the lodging and guys to the other. Adrian looked like he wanted to say more, but instead he nodded and headed off with Reed and a couple of guardians. Avery put a gentle arm around Lissa as she glared at Adrians retreating figure.You okay? Averys normally laughing face was filled with concern. It startled Lissa in the same way Adrians maents of seriousness always startled me.I guess. I dont know.Dont beat yourself up over what you could have or should have done. The past is gone. Move on to the future.Lissas heart was still heavy, her mood blacker than it had been in quite a while. She managed a tight smile. I think th ats the wisest thing youve ever said.I know Can you look at it? Do you think itll impress Adrian?They dissolved into laughter, yet despite her cheery exterior, Lissa was still struck by Mias offhand comments. They plagued Lissa in a way she hadnt thought possible. What really bothered her the most wasnt the thought that if shed come with me, she could have kept me out of trouble.No. Her biggest issue was that she hadnt thought of coming with me in the first place. I was her best friend. As far as she was concerned, that should have been her immediate reaction to my departure. It hadnt been, and now Lissa was racked with even more guilt than usual. The guilt was all-consuming, and she would occasionally transform it to anger to ease the pain. It didnt help much.Her mood didnt improve as the evening progressed, either. Not long after the groups arrival, the queen hosted a small reception for the most elite group of all visitors who had come to the Court. Lissa was quickly discovering that the queen always seemed to be hosting some party or another. At one point in her life, Lissa would have considered that fun. She no longer did, at least not when it came to these kinds of parties.But charge her dark feelings locked up, Lissa stayed good at playing the role of nice royal girl. The queen seemed happy that Lissa had a suitable royal friend and was equally pleased when Lissa impressed other royals and dignitaries she was introduced to. At one point, though, Lissas resolve nearly faltered.Before you leave, said Tatiana, we should see about your guardians.She and Lissa stood together with a group of admirers and hangers-on who were keeping respectful distances. Lissa had been staring vacantly at the bubbles in her untouched champagne and looked up with a start.Guardians, your majesty?Well, theres no delicate way to put this, but now, for better or for worse, youre without any protection. The queen paused respectfully. Belikov was a good man.My name naturally didnt come to her lips. I might as well have never existed. Shed never liked me, particularly since she thought I was going to run off with Adrian. As it was, Lissa had detect Tatiana watching with some consideration while Avery and Adrian flirted. It was hard to say if the queen disapproved. Her partying aside, Avery seemed a model girl-save that Tatiana had wanted Lissa and Adrian to eventually get together.I dont need any protection right now, said Lissa politely, her heart clenching.No, but youll be out of school soon enough. We think weve found some excellent candidates for you. One of thems a char-a lucky find.Janine Hathaway offered to be my guardian, said Lissa suddenly. I hadnt known that, but as she spoke, I read the level in her mind. My mom had approached her not long after I left. I was a little shocked. My mom was very loyal to her current assignment. This would have been a big move for her.Janine Hathaway? Tatianas eyebrows rose nearly to her hairline. Im sure she has ot her commitments. No, weve got much better choices. This young ladys only a few years older than you.A better choice than Janine Hathaway? Not likely. Before Dimitri, my mother had been the gold standard by which I metrical all badassedness.Tatianas young lady was undoubtedly someone under the queens control-and more importantly, not a Hathaway. The queen didnt like my mom any more than she liked me. Once, when Tatiana had been bitching me out for something, shed made a reference to a man my mother had been involved with-someone whom I suspected might be my father, a guy named Ibrahim. The funny thing was, the queen had almost sounded like she had once had an interest in the guy too, and I had to wonder if that was part of her dislike for my family.Lissa put on a tight, polite smile for the queen and thanked her for the consideration. Lissa and I both understood what was going on. This was Tatianas game. Everyone was part of her plan, and there was no way to go against her. For a br ief moment, Lissa had that foreign thought again, of something captain Dashkov had once said to her. Aside from his crazy killing and kidnapping schemes, Victor had also wanted to start a revolution among the Moroi. He thought the power distribution was off-something Lissa occasionally believed too-and that it was wielded below the belt by those with too much control. The moment was gone almost as soon as it came. Victor Dashkov was a crazy villain whose ideas deserved no acknowledgment.Then, as soon as courtesy allowed, Lissa excuse herself from the queen and headed across the room, feeling like she was going to explode with grief and anger. She nearly ran into Avery as she did.God, said Avery. Do you think Reed could embarrass me any more? Two people have tried to make conversation with him, and he keeps scaring them off. He actually just told Robin Badica to shut up. I mean, yeah, she was going on and on, but still. That is not cool. Averys dramatic look of exasperation faded a s she took in Lissas face. Hey, whats misuse?Lissa glanced at Tatiana and then turned back to Avery, taking comfort in her friends blue-gray eyes. I need to get out of here. Lissa took a deep, calming breath. Remember all that good stuff you said you knew about? When is that going to happen?Avery smiled. As soon as you want.I returned to myself, sitting there on the curb. My emotions were still going crazy, and my eyes were fighting off tears. My earlier doubts were confirmed Lissa didnt need me anymore and yet, I still had that feeling that there was something odd going on that I couldnt quite put a finger on. I supposed her guilt over Mias comment or spirit side effects could be bear on her, but still she wasnt the same Lissa.Footsteps on the pavement made me look up. Of all the people who might have found me, I would have expected Abe or maybe Viktoria. But it wasnt.It was Yeva.The old woman stood there, a shawl draped over her narrow shoulders, and her sharp, cunning eyes look ing down at me disapprovingly. I sighed.What happened? Did a house fall on your sister? I asked. Maybe there was a realise to our language barrier. She pursed her lips.You cant stay here any longer, she said.My mouth dropped open.You you speak English?She snorted. Of course.I shot up. in all this time youve been pretending not to? Youve been making Paul play translator?Its easier, she said simply. You avoid a lot of annoying conversation when you dont speak the language. And Ive found that Americans make the most annoying conversation of all.I was still aghast. You dont even know me But from the first day, youve been giving me hell. Why? Why do you hate me?I dont hate you. But I am disappointed.Disappointed? How?I dreamed you would come.I heard that. You dream a lot?sometimes, she said. The moonlight glinted in her eyes, enhancing her otherworldly appearance. A chill ran down my spine. Sometimes my dreams are true. Sometimes not. I dreamed Dimka was dead, but I didnt want to belie ve it, not until I had proof. You were my proof.And thats why you were disappointed?Yeva drew the shawl more tightly around her. No. In my dreams, you shone. You burned like a star, and I saw you as a warrior, someone who could do great deeds. Instead? Youve sat around and moped. Youve done nothing. You havent done what you came to do.I studied her, wondering if she really knew what she was talking about. And what is that exactly?You know what it is. I dreamed that, too.I waited for more. When it didnt come, I laughed. Nice vague answer. Youre as bad as any scam fortune-teller.Even in the darkness, I could see the anger kindle in her eyes. Youve come to search for Dimka. To try to kill him. You must find him.What do you mean ?try? I didnt want to believe her, didnt want to believe she might actually know my future. Nonetheless, I found myself getting hooked in. Have you seen what happens? Do I kill him?I cant see everything.Oh. Fantastic.I only saw that you must find him.But thats a ll youve got? I already knew thatIts what I saw.I groaned. Damn it, I dont have time for these mantic clues. If you cant help me, then dont say anything.She stayed quiet.I slung my bag over my shoulder. Fine. Im leaving then. And like that, I knew where I would go. Tell the others well, tell them thank you for everything. And that Im sorry.Youre doing the right thing, she said. This isnt where you should be.So Ive heard, I muttered, walking away.I wondered if shed say anything else spank me, curse me, give me more mysterious words of wisdom. But she stayed silent, and I didnt look back.I had no home, not here and not in America. The only thing left for me was to do what Id come to do. I had told Abe I kept my promises. I would.Id leave Baia like I told him. And Id kill Dimitri, as Id promised myself I would.I knew where to go now. The address had never left my mind 83 Kasakova. I didnt know where it was, but once I reached the towns center, I found a guy walking down the street wh o gave me directions. The address was close by, only about a mile, and I headed out at a brisk pace.When I reached the house, I was glad to see that the lights were still on. Even as pissed off and raging as I was, I didnt want to wake anyone up.I also didnt want to speak to Nikolai and was relieved when Denis opened the door.His expression was all astonishment when he saw me. Despite his bold words back at the church building earlier, I dont think hed really believed Id join him and the other unpromised ones. He was speechless, so I did the talking.I changed my mind. Im coming with you. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for what came next. Id promised Abe Id leave Baia-but I hadnt promised to return to the U.S. Take me to Novosibirsk.