L.J.SmithTheVampireDiaries
TheReturn:ShadowSoulsVol.2
Formywonderfulagent,ElizabethHardingContents
1
“DearDiary,”Elenawhispered,“howfrustratingisthis?Ileft…
2
ElenaburstoutofthebackseatoftheJaguarand…
3
Timestopped.Elenafoundthatshewasinstinctivelygropingfor…
4
“You’reshaking.Letmedoitalone,”Meredithsaid,putting…
5
ElenagotintothebackseatoftheJaguarandput…
6
Elenawasusingallherconsiderabletalentsatnegotiationto…
7
ElenawoketothesoundofDamonimpatientlyrappingon…
8
Astheyhastenedfromthecartothesecludedmotel…
9
EvenasElenaopenedhermouthtospeak,shecould…
10
ThenextmorningElenagotupanddressedquietlyin…
11
ArizonawasashotandbarrenastateasElena…
12
Elenacheckedtheedgesofthehotelroom’sdraperiesfor…
13
TheDemonGate.
14
“Allright,”DamonsaidasheandElenareachedBonnie…
15
HurryingbehindDamon,Elenatriednottolookeitherto…
16
Damonclearlydecidedtothrowhimselfonthemercyof…
17
“Hername’sUlma,”avoicesaid,andElenalookeddown…
18
Elenacamebacktotherealworldslowly,fightingit…
19
Damonwouldn’thavethoughtasadisticoldfoolwhowhipped…
20
Elenahadseldomfeltsuchreliefasshedidwhen…
21
Pandemonium.Elenawhippedherheadup,confusedastowhether…
22
TheafternoonafterElena’s“discipline,”Damontookoutaroom…
23
That“night”theymovedin,choosingthehourwhilethe…
24
Elenaputdownthepenandstaredatherdiary…
25
“Oh,Ijustwanttotakealittlepeek,”Bonnie…
26
“WehavetokeepourmindsonsavingStefan,”Elena…
27
Elenafeltconfidentandjustalittlelight-headedasthey…
28
Theywalkedrightbytheweepingdoor-guards.Butveryquickly,…
29
Someonewastryingtomakeherdrinkoutofa…
30
MattwatchedMrs.FlowersgooverSheriffMossberg’sbadge,holdingitlightly…
31
“I’mfeelingmuchbetter,”ElenatoldDr.Meggar.“I’dliketo…
32
Elenawasradiantlyhappy.Shehadgonetosleephappy,…
33
Tohersurprise,Elenafeltnoanger,onlyadetermination…
34
Idon’tthinkaboutthosethings,Elenaansweredinthe…
35
“Nevertheless”—Damon’seyestookonasteelyglint—“withouttheamuletmy…
36
“What?”shoutedDamonoverthemusic,whileadding:Run—go!telepathically…
37
Elenahadbeentied,likesomeoneinaB-moviewho…
38
“Talon!Uh—heel!”Elenashoutedandbegantoraceasfast…
39
Elenawadedintothecrowdfeelinglikeasoldier.She…
40
MattandMrs.Flowerswereinthebunker—theadditiontothe…
41
“Stefan!”Elenascreamedandknewthatshesoundedlikea…
42
BynowMattandMrs.Flowerscouldn’tignoretheblindinglights…
43
Elenahadafeelingshecouldn’tquitedescribe.Itwasn’t…
44
Elenawaswakenedbyshouting.She’dalreadyonceawakenedto…
AbouttheAuthor
OtherBooksbyL.J.Smith
Credits
Copyright
AboutthePublisher1
“DearDiary,”Elenawhispered,“howfrustratingisthis?IleftyouinthetrunkoftheJaguarandit’stwoo’clockinthemorning.”Shestabbedherfingeronthelegofhernightgownasifshehadapenandwasmakingaperiod.Shewhisperedevenmoresoftly,leaningherforeheadagainstthewindow,“AndI’mafraidtogooutside—inthedark—andgetyou.I’mafraid!”Shemadeanotherstabandthen,feelingtearsslipdownhercheeks,reluctantlyturnedhermobileontorecord.Itwasastupidwasteofthebattery,butshecouldn’thelpit.Sheneededthis.
“SohereIam,”shesaidsoftly,“sittingupinthebackseatofthecar.Thishastobemydiaryentryfortoday.Bytheway,wemadearuleforthisroadtrip—IsleepintheJag’sbackseatandit’stheGreatOutdoorsforMattandDamon.Rightnowit’ssodarkoutsidethatIcan’tseeMattanywhere….ButI’vebeengoingcrazy—cryingandfeelinglost—andsolonelyforStefan….
“WehavetogetridoftheJaguar—it’stoobig,toored,tooflashy,andtoomemorablewhenwe’retryingnottoberememberedaswetraveltotheplacewherewecanfreeStefan.Afterthecarissold,thelapislazulianddiamondpendantStefangavemethedaybeforehedisappearedwillbethemostpreciousthingIhaveleft.Thedaybefore…Stefangottrickedintogoingaway,thinkinghecouldbecomeanordinaryhumanbeing.Andnow…
“HowcanIstopthinkingaboutwhatTheymightbedoingtohim,atthisverysecond—whoever‘They’are?Probablythekitsune,theevilfoxspiritsattheprisoncalledtheShinoShi.”
Elenapausedtowipehernoseonhernightgownsleeve.
“HowdidIevergetmyselfintothissituation?”Sheshookherhead,hittheseatbackwithherclenchedfist.
“MaybeifIcouldfigurethatout,IcouldcomeupwithPlanA.IalwayshaveaPlanA.AndmyfriendsalwayshaveaPlanBandCtohelpme.”Elenablinkedhard,thinkingofBonnieandMeredith.“ButnowI’mfrightenedthatI’llneverseethemagain.AndI’mscaredfortheentiretownofFell’sChurch.”
Foramomentshesatwithherclenchedfistonherknee.Asmallvoiceinsideherwassaying,“Sostopwhining,Elena,andthink.Think.Startfromthebeginning.”
Thebeginning?Whatwasthebeginning?Stefan?
No,shehadlivedinFell’sChurchlongbeforeStefancame.
Slowly,almostdreamily,shespokeintohermobile.“Inthefirstplace:whoamI?I’mElenaGilbert,ageeighteen.”Evenmoreslowly,shesaid,“I…don’tthinkit’svaintosaythatI’mbeautiful.IfIdidn’tknowIwas,I’dhavetohaveneverlookedinamirrororheardacompliment.It’snotsomethingIshouldbeproudof—it’sjustsomethingthatwaspasseddownfromMomandDad.
“WhatdoIlooklike?Ihaveblondhairthatfallsinsortofwavespastmyshouldersandblueeyesthatsomepeoplehavesaidarelikelapislazuli:darkbluewithsplashesofgold.”Shegaveahalf-chokedlaugh.“Maybethat’swhyvampireslikeme.”
Thenherlipstightenedand,staringintotheutterblacknessaroundher,shespokeseriously.
“Alotofboyshavecalledmethemostangelicgirlintheworld.AndIplayedaroundwiththem.Ijustusedthem—forpopularity,foramusement,forwhatever.I’mbeinghonest,allright?Iconsideredthemtobetoysortrophies.”Shepaused.“Buttherewassomethingelse.SomethingthatIknewallmylifewascoming—butIdidn’tknowwhat.IfeltasifIweresearchingforsomethingthatIcouldneverfindwithboys.Noneofmyschemingorplayingaroundwiththemevertouchedmy…deepestheart…untiloneveryspecialboycamealong.”Shestoppedandswallowedandsaiditagain.“Oneveryspecialboy.
“HisnamewasStefan.
“Andheturnedoutnottobewhathelookedlike,anormal—butgorgeous—highschoolseniorwithrumpleddarkhairandeyesasgreenasemeralds.
“StefanSalvatoreturnedouttobeavampire.
“Arealvampire.”
Elenahadtopausetotakeafewchokedbreathsbeforeshecouldgetthenextwordsout.
“Andsodidhisgorgeousolderbrother,Damon.”
Shebitherlips,anditseemedalongtimelaterthatsheadded,“WouldIhavelovedStefanifI’dknownhewasavampirefromthebeginning?Yes!Yes!Yes!I’dhavefalleninlovewithhimnomatterwhat!Butitchangedthings—anditchangedme.”Elena’sfingertracedapatternonhernightgownbytouchalone.“Yousee,vampiresshowlovebyexchangingblood.Theproblemwas…thatIwassharingbloodwithDamon,too.Notreallybychoice,butbecausehewasaftermeconstantly,dayandnight.”
Sheletoutasigh.“WhatDamonsaysisthathewantstomakemeavampireandhisPrincessoftheNight.Whatthattranslatesintois:hewantsmealltohimself.ButIwouldn’ttrustDamononanythingunlesshegavehisword.That’sonequirkhehas,heneverbreakshisword.”
Elenacouldfeelanoddsmilecurlingherlips,butshewasspeakingcalmlynow,fluently,themobilealmostforgotten.
“Agirlinvolvedwithtwovampires…well,there’sboundtobetrouble,isn’tthere?SomaybeIdeservedwhatIgot.
“Idied.
“Notjust‘died’likewhenyourheartstopsandtheyresuscitateyouandyoucomebacktalkingaboutalmostgoingintotheLight.IwentintotheLight.
“Idied
“AndwhenIcameback—whatasurprise!Iwasavampire.
“Damonwas…kindtome,Isuppose,whenIfirstwokeupasavampire.Maybethat’sthereasonIstillhave…feelingsforhim.Hedidn’ttakeadvantageofmewhenhecouldhaveeasily.
“ButIonlyhadtimetodoafewthingsinmyvampirelife.IhadtimetorememberStefanandlovehimmorethanever—sinceIknew,then,howdifficulteverythingwasforhim.Igottolistentomyownmemorialservice.Ha!Everybodyshouldgetachancetodothat.Ilearnedtoalways,alwayswearlapislazulisoIwouldn’tbecomeavampireCrispyCritter.Igottosaygood-byetomylittlefour-year-oldsister,Margaret,andvisitBonnieandMeredith….”
TearswerestillslidingalmostunnoticeddownElena’sface.Butshespokequietly.
“Andthen—Idiedagain.
“Idiedthewayavampiredies,whentheydon’thavelapislazuliinthesunlight.Ididn’tcrumbleintodust;Iwasonlyseventeen.Butthesunpoisonedmeanyway.Goingwasalmost…peaceful.ThatwaswhenImadeStefanpromisetotakecareofDamon,always.AndIthinkDamonsworetotakecareofStefan,inhismind.AndthatwashowIdied,withStefanholdingmeandDamonbesidemeasIsimplydriftedaway,likegoingtosleep.
“Afterthat,IhaddreamsIdon’tremember,andthensuddenly,onedayeveryonewassurprisedbecauseIwastalkingtothemthroughBonnie,whoisverypsychic,poorthing.IguessIhadlandedthejobofbeingFell’sChurch’sguardianspirit.Therewasadangertothetown.Theyhadtofightitandsomehow,whentheyweresurethattheyhadlost,Igotdumpedbacktotheworldofthelivingtohelp.And—well,whenthewarwaswonIwasleftwiththeseweirdpowersIdon’tunderstand.ButtherewasStefan,too!Weweretogetheragain!”
ElenawrappedherarmsaroundherselftightlyandheldonasifshewereholdingStefantoher,imagininghiswarmarmsaroundher.Sheshuthereyesuntilherbreathingslowed.
“Aboutmypowers,let’ssee.There’stelepathy,whichIcandoiftheotherpersonistelepathic—whichallvampiresare,buttodifferentdegreesunlessthey’reactuallysharingbloodwithyouatthetime.AndthentherearemyWings.
“It’strue—IhaveWings!AndtheWingshavepowersyouwouldn’tbelieve—theonlyproblembeingthatIdon’thavethefaintestideahowtousethem.There’sonethatIcanfeelsometimes,likerightnow,tryingtogetoutofme,tryingtoshapemylipstonameit,tryingtomovemybodyintotherightstance.It’sWingsofProtectionandthatsoundslikesomethingwecouldreallyuseonthistrip.ButIcan’tevenrememberhowImadetheoldWingswork—muchlessfigureouthowtousethisnewone.IsaythewordsuntilIfeellikeanidiot—butnothinghappensatall.
“SoI’mahumanagain—ashumanasBonnie.And,oh,God,ifIcouldonlyseeherandMeredithrightnow!ButallthetimeItellmyselfthatI’mgettingclosertoStefaneveryminute.Thatis,ifyoutakeintoaccountDamon’srunningusupanddownandeverywheretothrowoffanybodytryingtotrackusdown.
“Whywouldanyonewanttotrackusdown?Well,yousee,whenIcamebackfromtheafterlifetherewasaverybigexplosionofPowerthateveryoneintheworldwhocanseePowersaw.
“Now,howdoIexplainPower?It’ssomethingthateverybodyhas,butthathumans—exceptgenuinepsychicslikeBonnie—don’tevenrecognize.VampiresdefinitelyhavePower,andtheyuseittoInfluencehumanstolikethem,ortothinkthatthingsaredifferentfromreality—oh,likethewayStefanInfluencedthehighschoolstafftothinkhisrecordswereallinorderwhenhe‘transferred’toRobertE.LeeHighSchool.OrtheyusePowertoblastothervampiresorcreaturesofdarkness—orhumans.
“ButIwastalkingabouttheburstofPowerwhenIdroppeddownfromtheheavens.Itwassobigthatitattractedtwohorriblecreaturesfromtheothersideoftheworld.Andthentheydecidedtocomeseewhathadmadetheburst,andiftherewasanywaytheycoulduseitforthemselves.
“I’mnotjoking,either,aboutthembeingfromtheothersideoftheworld.Theywerekitsune,evilfoxspiritsfromJapan.They’resomethinglikeourWesternwerewolves—butmuchmorepowerful.Sopowerfulthattheyusedmalach,whicharereallyplantsbutlooklikeinsectsthatcanbenobiggerthanapinheadorbigenoughtoswallowyourarm.Andthemalachattachthemselvestoyournervesandfeatheroutalongyourentirenervoussystemandfinallytheytakeyouoverfrominside.”
NowElenawasshuddering,andhervoicewashushed.
“That’swhathappenedtoDamon.AtinyonegotintohimandittookhimoverfrominsidesothathewasonlyapuppetofShinichi’s.Iforgottosay,thekitsunearecalledShinichiandMisao.Misaoisthegirl.Theybothhaveblackhairwithredallaroundthetips,butMisao’sislong.Andthey’resupposedtobebrotherandsister—buttheysuredon’tactlikeit.
“AndonceDamonwasfullypossessed,that’swhenShinichimadeDamon’sbody…doterriblethings.HemadehimtortureMattandme,andevennowIknowthatsometimesMattstillwantstokillDamonforit.Butifhe’dseenwhatIsaw—awholethin,wet,whitesecondbodythatIhadtopulloutwithmyfingernailsfromDamon’sspine—withDamonfinallypassingoutfromthepain—thenMattwouldunderstandbetter.Ican’tblameDamonforwhatShinichimadehimdo.Ican’t.Damonwas…youcan’timaginehowdifferent.Hewascrushed.Hecried.Hewas…
“Anyway,Idon’texpecttoeverseehimlikethatagain.ButifIevergetmyWings’powersback,Shinichiisinbigtrouble.
“Ithinkthatthatwasourmistakelasttime,yousee.WefinallywereabletofightShinichiandMisao—andwedidn’tkillthem.Weweretoomoralortoogentleorsomething.
“Itwasabadmistake.
“BecauseDamonwasn’ttheonlyonewhogotpossessedbyShinichi’smalach.Thereweregirls,younggirls,fourteenandfifteenandyounger.Andsomeboys.Acting…crazy.Hurtingthemselvesandtheirfamilies.Wedidn’tknowhowbadlyuntilafterwe’dalreadymadeabargainwithShinichi
“Maybeweweretooimmoral,makingabargainwiththedevil.ButtheyhadkidnappedStefan—andDamon,whowasalreadypossessedbythen,hadhelpedthem.OnceDamonwasunpossessed,allhewantedwasforShinichiandMisaototelluswhereStefanwas,andthenforthemtoleaveFell’sChurchforever.
“Inexchangeforthat,DamonletShinichiintohismind.
“IfvampiresareobsessedwithPower,kitsuneareobsessedwithmemories.AndShinichiwantedDamon’smemoriesforthelastfewdays—thetimethatDamonwaspossessedandtorturingus…andthetimewhenmyWingsmadeDamonrealizethathehaddoneit.Idon’tthinkDamonhimselfwantedthosememories,eitherofwhathe’ddoneorofhowhe’dchangedwhenhehadtofacethathe’ddoneit.SoheletShinichitakethem,inexchangeforShinichiputtingStefan’slocationintohismind.
“TheproblemisthatweweretrustingShinichi’swordthathewouldleavethen—whenShinichi’swordmeantnothingatall.
“Plus,eversincethenhe’sbeenusingthetelepathicchannelthatheopenedbetweenhismindandDamon’stotakemoreandmoreofDamon’smemorieswithoutDamonevenknowing.
“Ithappenedjustlastnight,whenwewerepulledoverbyapolicemanwhowantedtoknowwhatthreeteenagersinanexpensivecarweredoingthatlateatnight.DamonInfluencedhimtogoaway.ButjustafewhourslaterDamonhadforgottenthepolicemancompletely.
“ItfrightensDamon.AndanythingthatfrightensDamon—notthathewouldeveradmitit—scaresmetodeath
“And,youmightask,whatwerethreeteenagersdoingoutinthemiddleofnowhere,inUnionCounty,Tennessee,accordingtothelastroadsignIsaw?We’reheadingtowardsomeGatetotheDarkDimension…whereShinichiandMisaoleftStefanintheprisoncalledtheShinoShi.ShinichionlyputtheknowledgeintoDamon’smind,andIcan’tgetDamontosaymuchaboutwhatkindofplaceitis.ButStefanisthereandI’llgettohimsomehow,evenifitkillsme.
“EvenifIhavetolearnhowtokill.
“I’mnotthesweetlittlegirlfromVirginiaIusedtobe.”
Elenastoppedandblewoutherbreath.Butthen,cuddlingherself,shewenton.
“AndwhyisMattalongwithus?Well,becauseofCarolineForbes,myfriendsincekindergarten.Lastyear…whenStefancametoFell’sChurch,sheandIbothwantedhim.ButStefandidn’twantCaroline.Andafterthatsheturnedintomyworstenemy.
“CarolinewasalsotheluckywinnerofShinichi’sfirstvisittoanygirlinFell’sChurch.Butmoretothepoint:shewasTylerSmallwood’sgirlfriendquiteawhilebeforeshewashisvictim.IwonderhowlongtheyweretogetherandwhereTylerisnow.AllIknowisthat,intheend,CarolinehungontoShinichibecauseshe‘neededahusband.’Thatwashowsheputitherself.SoIassume—well,whatDamonassumes.Thatshe’sgoingto…havepuppies.Awerewolflitter,youknow?SinceTylerisawerewolf.
“Damonsaysthathavingawerewolfbabyturnsyouintoawerewolfevenfasterthanifyou’rebitten,andthatatsomepointinthepregnancyyougainthepowertobeallwolforallhuman,butbeforethatpointyou’rejustamixed-upmess.
“ThesadthingisthatShinichiscarcelygaveCarolineasecondglancewhensheblurteditallout.
“ButbeforethatCarolinehadbeendesperateenoughtoaccuseMattof—ofassaultingher—onadatethatwentwrong.ShehadtohaveknownsomethingaboutwhatShinichiwasdoingbecausesheclaimedher‘date’withMattwasatatimewhenoneofthearm-swallowingmallachwasattackinghim,makingmarksonhisarmthatlookedlikeagirl’sfingernailscratches.
“ThatsentthepoliceafterMatt,allright.SobasicallyIjustmadehimcomewithus.Caroline’sfatherisoneofthemostimportantpeopleinFell’sChurch—andhe’sfriendswiththedistrictattorneyinRidgemontandtheleaderofoneofthosemen’sclubswheretheyhavesecrethandshakesandotherstuffthatmakesyou,youknow,‘prominentinthecommunity.’
“IfIhadn’tconvincedMatttoruninsteadoffacingCaroline’scharges,theForbeseswouldhavelynchedhim.AndIfeeltheangerlikeafireinsideme—notjustangerandhurtforMatt,butangerandthefeelingthatCarolinehasletallgirlseverywheredown.Becausemostgirlsaren’tpathologicalliars,andwouldn’tsaysomethinglikethataboutaboyfalsely.She’sshamedallgirlsbydoingwhatshedid.”
Elenapaused,lookingatherhands,andthenadded,“SometimeswhenIgetangryatCaroline,cupsshakeorpencilsrollrightoffthetable.Damonsaysallthisiscausedbymyaura,mylifeforce,andthateversinceIcamebackfromtheafterlifeit’sbeendifferent.Firstofall,itmakesanyonewhodrinksmybloodincrediblystrong.
“StefanwasstrongenoughthatthefoxdemonscouldneverhaveforcedhimintotheirtrapifDamonhadn’ttrickedhiminthebeginning.Theycouldonlydealwithhimwhenhewasweakenedandsurroundedbyiron.Ironisbadnewsforanyeldritchcreature,plusvampiresneedtofeedatleastonceadayortheygetweak,andI’llbet—no,I’msurethattheyusedthatagainsthim.
“That’swhyIcan’tstandtothinkaboutwhatshapeStefanmightbeinrightthisminute.ButIcan’tletmyselfgettooafraidorangryorI’lllosecontrolofmyaura.Damonshowedmehowtokeepmyauramostlyinside,likeanormalhumangirl.It’sstillpalegoldandpretty,butnotabeaconforcreatureslikevampires.
“Becausethere’soneotherthingmyblood—maybeevenjustmyaura—cando.Itcan…oh,well,IcansayanythingIwanttohere,right?Nowadays,myauracanmakevampireswantme…thewayhumanguysdo.Notjusttobite,getit?Buttokissandalltherest.Andso,naturally,theycomeaftermeiftheysenseit.It’sasiftheworldisfullofhoneybeesandI’mtheonlyflower.
“SoIhavetopracticekeepingmyaurahidden.Ifit’sjustbarelyshowing,thenIcangetawaywithseeminglikeanormalhuman,notsomebodywho’sdiedandcomeback.Butit’shardtoalwaysremembertohideit—andithurtsalotpullingitinsuddenlyifI’veforgotten!
“AndthenIfeel—thisisabsolutelyprivate,allright?I’mputtingacurseonyou,Damon,ifyoureplaythis.Butit’sthenthatIfeellikeIwantStefantobiteme.Iteasesupthepressure,andthat’sgood.Beingbittenbyavampireonlyhurtsifyoufightit,orifthevampirewantsittohurt.Otherwise,itcanjustfeelgood—andthenyoutouchthemindofthevampirewho’sdoneit,and…oh,IjustmissStefansomuch!”
Elenawasshakingnow.Ashardasshetriedtoquietherimagination,shekeptthinkingaboutthethingsthatStefan’sjailersmightbedoingtohim.Grimly,shegrippedhermobileagain,lettingtearsfallonit.
“Ican’tletmyselfthinkofwhattheymightdotohimbecausethenIreallystarttogocrazy.Ibecomethisuselessshakinginsanepersonwhojustwantstoscreamandscreamandneverstop.Ihavetofighteverysecondnottothinkaboutit.Becauseonlyacool,calmElenawithaPlanAandBandCisgoingtohelphim.WhenIhavehimsafeinmyarms,Icanletmyselfshakeandcry—andscream,too.”
Elenastopped,halflaughing,herheadbentagainstthepassenger’sseatback,hervoicehuskywithoveruse.
“I’mtirednow.ButIhaveaPlanA,atleast.IneedtogetmoreinformationfromDamonabouttheplacewe’regoing,theDarkDimension,andanythingheknowsaboutthetwocluesMisaogavemeaboutthekeythatwillunlockStefan’scell.
“Iguess…IguessIhaven’tmentionedthatatall.Thekey,thefoxkey,thatweneedtogetStefanoutofhiscell,isbrokenintotwopiecesthatarehiddenintwodifferentplaces.AndwhenMisaowastauntingmeabouthowlittleIknewaboutthoseplaces,shegavemeflat-outcluesaboutwheretheywere.SheneverdreamedI’dactuallygointotheDarkDimension;shewasjustshowingoff.ButIstillremembertheclues,andtheywentlikethis:Thefirsthalfis‘inthesilvernightingale’sinstrument.’Andthesecondhalfis‘buriedinBloddeuwedd’sballroom.’
“IneedtoseeifDamonhasanyideasaboutthese.BecauseitsoundsasifoncewegettotheDarkDimensionwe’regoingtohavetoinfiltratesomepeople’shousesandotherplaces.Tosearchaballroom,it’sbesttosomehowgetinvitedtotheball,right?Thatsoundslike‘easiersaidthandone,’butwhateverittakes,I’lldo.It’ssimpleasthat.”
Elenaliftedherheadindeterminationandwentstill,thensaidinawhisper,“Wouldyoubelieveit?IlookedupjustnowandIcanseethepaleststreaksofdawninthesky:lightgreenandcreamyorangeandthefaintestaqua….I’vetalkedallthroughthedarkness.It’ssopeacefulnow.Justnowthesunpeekedupo—
“Whatthehellwasthat?SomethingjustwentBANGonthetopoftheJag.Really,reallyloud.”
Elenaclickedofftherecorderonhermobile.Shewasscared,butanoiselikethat—andnowscrabblingsoundsontheroof…
Shehadtogetoutofthecarasfastaspossible.2
ElenaburstoutofthebackseatoftheJaguarandranalittlewayfromthecarbeforeturningtoseewhathadfallenontopofit.
WhathadfallenwasMatt.Hewasintheprocessofstrugglingtogetupoffhisback.
“Matt—oh,myGod!Areyouallright?Areyouhurt?”ElenacriedatthesametimeasMattwasshoutingintonesofanguish:
“Elena—oh,myGod!IstheJagallright?Isithurt?”
“Matt,areyoucrazy?Didyouhityourhead?”
“Arethereanyscratches?Doesthemoonroofstillwork?”
“Noscratches.Themoonroofisfine.”Elenahadnoideaifthemoonroofworked,butsherealizedthatMattwasraving,offhishead.HewastryingtogetdownwithoutgettinganymudontheJag,buthewashandicappedsincehislegsandfeetwerecoveredwithmud.Gettingoffofthecarwithoutusinghisfeetwasprovingdifficult.
Meanwhile,Elenawaslookingaround.Sheherselfhadoncefallenfromthesky,yes,butshehadbeendeadforsixmonthsfirstandhadarrivednaked,andMattfulfilledneitherrequirement.Shehadamoreprosaicexplanationinmind.
Andthereitwas,loungingagainstayellowwoodtreeandeyeingthescenewithaveryslight,wickedsmile.
Damon.
Hewascompact;notastallasStefan,butwithanindefinableauraofmenacethatmorethanmadeupforit.Hewasasimmaculatelydressedasalways:blackArmanijeans,blackshirt,blackleatherjacket,andblackboots,whichallwentwithhiscarelesslywindblowndarkhairandhisblackeyes.
Rightnow,hemadeElenaacutelyawarethatshewaswearingalongwhitenightgownthatshehadbroughtwiththeideathatshecouldchangeherclothesunderneathitifnecessarywhiletheywerecamping.Theproblemwasthatsheusuallydidthisjustatdawn,andtodaywritinginherdiaryhaddistractedher.Andallatoncethenightgownwasn’tthecorrectattireforanearly-morningfightwithDamon.Itwasn’tsheer,beingmoreakintoflannelthantonylon,butitwaslacy,especiallyaroundtheneck.Lacearoundaprettynecktoavampire—asDamonhadtoldher—waslikeawavingredcloakinfrontofaragingbull.
Elenacrossedherarmsoverherchest.Shealsotriedtomakesurethatheraurawaspulledindecorously.
“YoulooklikeWendy,”Damonsaid,andhissmilewaswicked,flashing,anddefinitelyappreciative.Hecockedhisheadtothesidecoaxingly.
Elenarefusedtobecoaxed.“Wendywho?”shesaid,andatjustthatmomentrememberedthelastnameoftheyounggirlinPeterPan,andwincedinwardly.Elenahadalwaysbeengoodatreparteeofthiskind.TheproblemwasthatDamonwasbetter.
“Why,Wendy…Darling,”Damonsaid,andhisvoicewasacaress.
Elenafeltaninwardshiver.DamonhadpromisednottoInfluenceher—tousehistelepathicpowerstocloudormanipulatehermind.Butsometimesitfeltasifhegotawfullyclosetotheline.Yes,itwasdefinitelyDamon’sfault,Elenathought.Shedidn’thaveanyfeelingsforhimthatwere—well,thatwereanythingotherthansisterly.ButDamonnevergaveup,nomatterhowmanytimessherejectedhim.
BehindElenawasathumpandsquelchthatundoubtedlymeantMatthadfinallygottenofftheroofoftheJag.Hejumpedintothefrayimmediately.
“Don’tcallElena,Elenadarling!”heshouted,continuingasheturnedtoElena,“Wendy’sprobablythenameofhislatestlittlegirlfriend.And—and—anddoyouknowwhathedid?Howhewokemeupthismorning?”Mattwasquiveringwithindignation.
“Hepickedyouupandthrewyouontopofthecar?”Elenahazarded.ShetalkedoverhershouldertoMattbecausetherewasafaintmorningbreezethattendedtomoldhernightgowntoherbody.Shedidn’twantDamonbehindherjustnow.
“No!Imean,yes!Noandyes!But—whenhedid,hedidn’tevenbothertousehishands!Hejustwentlikethis”—Mattwavedanarm—“andfirstIgotdroppedintoamudholeandnextthingIknowIgotdroppedontheJag.Itcouldhavebrokenthemoonroof—orme!AndnowI’mallmuddy,”Mattadded,examininghimselfwithdisgust,asifithadonlyjustoccurredtohim.
Damonspokeup.“AndwhydidIpickyouupandputyoudownagain?WhatwereyouactuallydoingatthetimewhenIputsomedistancebetweenus?”
Mattflushedtotherootsofhisfairhair.Hisnormallytranquilblueeyeswereblazing.
“Iwasholdingastick,”hesaiddefiantly.
“Astick.Asticklikethekindyoufindalongtheroadside?Thatkindofstick?”
“Ididpickitupalongtheroadside,yes!”Stilldefiant.
“Butthensomethingstrangeseemstohavehappenedtoit.”FromnowherethatElenacouldsee,Damonsuddenlyproducedaverylong,andverysturdy-lookingstake,withoneendthathadbeenwhittledtoanextremelysharppoint.Ithaddefinitelybeencarvedfromhardwood:oakfromthelookofit.
WhileDamonwasexamininghis“stick”fromallsideswithalookofacutebafflement,ElenaturnedonasputteringMatt.
“Matt!”shesaidreproachfully.Thiswasdefinitelyalowpointinthecoldwarbetweenthetwoboys.
“Ijustthought,”Mattwentonstubbornly,“thatitmightbeagoodidea.SinceI’msleepingoutdoorsatnightanda…anothervampiremightcomealong.”
ElenahadalreadyturnedagainandwasmakingappeasingnoisesatDamonwhenMattburstoutafresh.
“Tellherhowyouactuallywokemeup!”hesaidexplosively.Then,withoutgivingDamonachancetosayanything,hecontinued,“Iwasjustopeningmyeyeswhenhedroppedthisonme!”MattsquelchedovertoElena,holdingsomethingup.Elena,trulyataloss,tookitfromhim,turningitover.Itseemedtobeapencilstub,butitwasdiscoloreddarkreddish-brown.
“Hedroppedthatonmeandsaid‘scratchofftwo,’”Mattsaid.“He’dkilledtwopeople—andhewasbraggingaboutit!”
Elenasuddenlydidn’twanttobeholdingthepencilanymore.“Damon!”shesaidinacryofrealanguish,asshetriedtomakesomethingoutofhisno-expressionexpression.“Damon—youdidn’t—notreally—”
“Don’tbeghim,Elena.Thethingwe’vegottodo—”
“Ifanybodywouldletmegetawordin,”Damonsaid,nowsoundingtrulyexasperated,“ImightmentionthatbeforeIcouldexplainaboutthepencilsomeoneattemptedtostakemeonthespot,evenbeforegettingoutofhissleepingbag.AndwhatIwasgoingtosaynextwasthattheyweren’tpeople.Theywerevampires,thugs,hiredmuscle—butthesewerepossessedbyShinichi’smalach.Andtheywereonourtrail.They’dgottenasfarasWarren,Kentucky,probablybyaskingquestionsaboutthecar.We’redefinitelygoingtohavetogetridofit.”
“No!”Mattshouteddefensively.“Thiscar—thiscarmeanssomethingtoStefanandElena.”
“Thiscarmeanssomethingtoyou,”Damoncorrected.“AndImightpointoutthatIhadtoleavemyFerrariinacreekjustsowecouldtakeyouonthislittleexpedition.”
Elenaheldupherhand.Shedidn’twanttohearanymore.Shedidhavefeelingsforthecar.Itwasbigandbrilliantlyredandflashyandbuoyant—anditexpressedhowsheandStefanhadbeenfeelingonthedaythatheboughtitforher,celebratingthestartoftheirnewlifetogether.Justlookingatitmadeherremembertheday,andtheweightofStefan’sarmaroundhershoulderandthewayhe’dlookeddownather,whenshe’dlookedupathim—hisgreeneyessparklingwithmischiefandthejoyofgettinghersomethingshereallywanted.
ToElena’sembarrassmentandfury,shefoundthatshewasshakingslightly,andthatherowneyeswerefulloftears.
“Yousee,”Mattsaid,glaringatDamon.“Nowyou’remakinghercry.”
“Iam?I’mnottheonewhomentionedmydeardepartedyoungerbrother,”Damonsaidurbanely.
“Juststopit!Rightnow!Bothofyou,”Elenashouted,tryingtofindhercomposure.“AndIdon’twantthispencil,ifyoudon’tmind,”sheadded,holdingitatarm’slength.
WhenDamontookit,Elenawipedherhandsonhernightgown,feelingvaguelylight-headed.Sheshivered,thinkingofthevampiresontheirtrail.
Andthen,suddenly,assheswayed,therewasawarm,strongarmaroundherandDamon’svoicebesidehersaying,“Whatsheneedsissomefreshair,andI’mgoingtogiveittoher.”
AbruptlyElenawasweightlessandshewasinDamon’sarmsandtheyweregoinghigher.
“Damon,couldyoupleaseputmedown?”
“Rightnow,darling?It’squiteadistance…”
ElenacontinuedtoremonstratewithDamon,butshecouldtellthathehadtunedherout.Andthecoolmorningairwasclearingherheadabit,althoughitalsomadehershake.
Shetriedtostoptheshivering,butcouldn’thelpit.Damonglanceddownatherandtohersurprise,lookingcompletelyserious,begantomakemotionsasiftotakehisjacketoff.Elenahastilysaid,“No,no—youjustdrive—fly,Imean,andI’llhangon.”
“Andwatchforlow-goingseagulls,”Damonsaidsolemnly,butwithaquirkatthesideofhismouth.Elenahadtoturnherfaceawaybecauseshewasindangeroflaughing.
“So,justwhendidyoulearnyoucouldpickpeopleupanddropthemoncars?”sheinquired.
“Oh,justrecently.Itwaslikeflying:achallenge.AndyouknowIlikechallenges.”
Hewaslookingdownatherwithmischiefinhiseyes,thoseblackonblackeyeswithsuchlonglashesthattheywerewastedonaboy.Elenafeltaslightasifsheweredandelionfluff,butalsoalittlelight-headed,almosttipsy.
Shewasmuchwarmernow,because—sherealized—Damonhadenfoldedherinhisaura,whichwaswarm.Notjustintemperature,either,butwarmwithaheady,almostdrunkenappreciation,ashetookherin,hereyesandherfaceandherhairfloatingweightlesslyinacloudofgoldaroundhershoulders.Elenacouldn’thelpbutblush,andshealmostheardhisthought,thatblushingsuitedherverywell,palepinkagainstherfaircomplexion.
Andjustasblushingwasaninvoluntaryphysicalresponsetohiswarmthandappreciation,Elenafeltaninvoluntaryemotionalresponse—ofthankfulnessforwhathehaddone,ofgratitudeforhisappreciation,andofunintentionalappreciationofDamonhimself.Hehadsavedherlifetonight,ifsheknewanythingaboutvampirespossessedbyShinichi’smalach,vampireswhowerethugstobeginwith.Shecouldn’tevenimaginewhatsuchcreatureswoulddotoher,andshedidn’twantto.ShecouldonlybegladthatDamonhadbeencleverenoughand,yes,ruthlessenoughtotakecareofthembeforetheygottoher.
AndshewouldhavetobeblindandjustplainstupidnottoappreciatethefactthatDamonwasgorgeous.Afterhavingdiedtwice,thisfactdidnotaffectherasitwouldmostothergirls,butitwasstillafact,whetherDamonwaspensiveorgivingoneofthoseraregenuinesmilesthatheseemedtohaveonlyforElena
TheproblemwiththiswasthatDamonwasavampireandcouldthereforereadhermind,especiallywithElenabeingsoclose,theiraurasintermingling.AndDamonappreciatedElena’sappreciation,anditbecamealittlecycleoffeedback,allonitsown.BeforeElenacouldquitefocusshewasmelting,herweightlessbodyfeelingheavierasitmoldeditselftoDamon’sarms.
AndtheotherproblemwasthatDamonwasn’tInfluencingher;hewasascaughtupinthefeedbackasElenawas—moreso,becausehedidn’thaveanybarriersagainstit.Elenadid,buttheywereblurring,dissolving.Shecouldn’tthinkproperly.Damonwasgazingatherwithwonderandalookshewasalltoousedtoseeing—butshecouldn’trememberwhere.
Elenahadlostthepowertoanalyze.Shewassimplybaskinginthewarmglowofbeingcherished,beingheldandlovedandcaredforwithanintensitythatshookhertothebone.
AndwhenElenagaveofherself,shegavecompletely.Almostwithoutconsciouseffort,shearchedherheadbacktoexposeherthroatandclosedhereyes.
Damongentlypositionedherheaddifferently,supporteditwithonehand,andkissedher.3
Timestopped.Elenafoundthatshewasinstinctivelygropingforthemindoftheonewhowaskissinghersosweetly.Shehadneverreallyappreciatedakissuntilshehaddied,becomeaspirit,andthenbeenreturnedtoearthwithanaurathatrevealedthehiddenmeaningofotherpeople’sthoughts,words,andeventheirmindsandsouls.Itwasasifshehadgainedabeautifulnewsense.Whentwoaurasmingledasdeeplyasthis,twosoulswerelaidbaretoeachother.
Semi-consciously,Elenaletherauraexpand,andmetamindalmostatonce.Tohersurprise,itrecoiledfromher.Thatwasn’tright.Shemanagedtosnagitbeforeitcouldretreatbehindagreathardstone,likeaboulder.Theonlythingsleftoutsidetheboulder—whichremindedherofapictureofameteoriteshehadseen,withapocked,charredsurface—wererudimentarybrainfunctions,andalittleboy,chainedtotherockbybothwristsandbothankles.
Elenawasshocked.Whatevershewasseeing,sheknewitwasametaphoronly,andthatsheshouldnotjudgetooquicklywhatthemetaphormeant.TheimagesbeforeherwerereallythesymbolsofDamon’snakedsoul,butinaformthatherownmindcouldunderstandandinterpret,ifonlyshelookedatitfromtherightperspective.
Instinctively,though,sheknewthatshewasseeingsomethingimportant.Shehadcomethroughthebreathlessdelightanddizzyingsweetnessofjoininghersoultoanother’s.Andnow,herinherentloveandconcerndrovehertotrytocommunicate.
“Areyoucold?”sheaskedthechild,whosechainswerelongenoughtoallowhimtowraphisarmstightlyabouthisdrawn-uplegs.Hewasclothedinraggedblack.
Henoddedsilently.Hishugedarkeyesseemedtoswallowuphisface.
“Wheredoyoubelong?”Elenasaiddoubtfully,thinkingofwaystogetthechildwarm.“Notinsidethat?”Shemadeagesturetowardthegiantstoneboulder.
Thechildnoddedagain.“It’swarmerinthere,buthewon’tletmeinsideanymore.”
“He?”ElenawasalwaysonthelookoutforsignsofShinichi,thatmaliciousfoxspirit.“Which‘he,’darling?”Shehadalreadykneltandtakenthechildinherarms,andhewascold,icecold,andtheironwasfreezing.
“Damon,”thelittleragamuffinboywhispered.Forthefirsttimetheboy’seyesleftherface,toglancefearfullyaroundhim.
“Damondidthis?”Elena’svoicestartedloudandendedupassoftastheboy’swhisper,asheturnedpleadingeyesonheranddesperatelypattedatherlips,likeavelvet-clawedkitten.
Thisisalljustsymbols,Elenaremindedherself.It’sDamon’smind—hissoul—thatyou’relookingat.
Butareyou?ananalyticalpartofheraskedsuddenly.Wasn’tthere—atimebefore,whenyoudidthiswithsomeone—andyousawaworldinsidethem,entirelandscapesfullofloveandmoonlitbeauty,allofitsymbolizingthenormal,healthyworkingsofanordinary,extraordinarymind.Elenacouldn’trememberthenameofthepersonnow,butsherememberedthebeauty.Sheknewthatherownmindwouldusesuchsymbolstopresentitselftoanotherperson.
No,sherealizedabruptlyanddefinitively:shewasnotseeingDamon’ssoul.Damon’ssoulwassomewhereinsidethathuge,heavyballofrock.Helivedcrampedinsidethathideousthing,andhewanteditthatway.Allthatwasleftoutsidewassomeancientmemoryfromhischildhood,aboywhohadbeenbanishedfromtherestofhissoul.
“IfDamonputyouhere,thenwhoareyou?”Elenaaskedslowly,testinghertheory,whiletakingintheblack-on-blackeyesofthechild,andthedarkhairandthefeaturesshekneweveniftheyweresoyoung.
“I’m—Damon,”thelittleboywhispered,whitearoundthelips.
Maybeevenrevealingthatmuchwaspainful,Elenathought.Shedidn’twanttohurtthissymbolofDamon’schildhood.Shewantedhimtofeelthesweetnessandcomfortthatshewasfeeling.IfDamon’smindhadbeenlikeahouse,shewouldhavewantedtotidyitup,andfilleveryroomwithflowersandstarlight.Ifithadbeenalandscapeshewouldhaveputahaloaroundthefullwhitemoon,orrainbowsamongsttheclouds.Butinsteaditpresenteditselfasastarvingchildchainedtoaballthatnoonecouldbreach,andshewantedtocomfortandsoothethechild.
Shecradledthelittleboy,rubbinghisarmsandlegshardandnestlinghimagainstherspiritbody.
Atfirsthefelttenseandwaryinherarms.Butafteralittletime,whennothingterriblehappenedasaresultoftheircontact,herelaxedandshefelthissmallbodygowarmanddrowsyandheavyinherarms.Sheherselffeltacrushinglysweetprotectivenessaboutthelittlecreature.
Injustafewminutes,thechildinherarmswasasleep,andElenathoughtthattherewasthefaintestghostofasmileonhislips.Shecuddledhislittlebody,rockinghimgently,smilingherself.Shewasthinkingofsomeonewhohadheldherwhenshe’dcried.Someonewhowas—wasnotforgotten,neverforgotten—butwhomadeherthroatachewithsadness.Someonesoimportant—itwasdesperatelyimportantthatsherememberhimnow,now—andthatshe…shehadto…tofind…
AndthensuddenlythepeacefulnightofDamon’smindwassplitopen—bysound,bylight,andbyenergiesthatevenElena,youngasshewasinthewaysofPower,knewhadbeenkindledbythememoryofasinglename.
Stefan.
Oh,God,shehadforgottenhim—shehadactually,forafewminutesallowedherselftobedrawnintosomethingthatmeantforgettinghim.Theanguishofallthoselonelylate-nighthours,sittingandpouringouthergriefandfeartoherdiary—andthenthepeaceandcomfortthatDamonhadofferedhadactuallymadeherforgetStefan—toforgetwhathemightbesufferingatthisverymoment.
“No—no!”Elenawasstrugglingaloneindarkness.“Letgo—Ihavetofind—Ican’tbelievethatIforgot—”
“Elena.”Damon’svoicewascalmandgentle—oratleastunemotional.“Ifyoukeepjerkingaroundlikethatyou’regoingtogetfree—andit’salongwaytotheground.”
Elenaopenedhereyes,allhermemoriesofrocksandlittlechildrenflyingaway,scatteringlikewhitedandelionsilkineverydirection.ShelookedatDamonaccusingly.
“You—you—”
“Yes,”Damonsaidcomposedly.“Blameitonme.Whynot?ButIdidnotInfluenceyou,andIdidnotbiteyou.Imerelykissedyou.YourPowersdidtherest;theymaybeuncontrollable,butthey’reextremelycompellingallthesame.Frankly,Ineverintendedtogetsuckedinsodeeply—ifyou’llforgiveapun.”
Hisvoicewaslight,butElenahadasuddeninnervisionofaweepingchild,andshewonderedifhewerereallyasindifferentasheseemed.
Butthat’shisspeciality,isn’tit?shethought,suddenlybitter.Hegivesoutdreams,fancies,pleasurethatstaysinthemindsofhis…donors.ElenaknewthatthegirlsandyoungwomenthatDamon…preyedon…adoredhim,theironlycomplaintbeingthathedidn’tvisitthemoftenenough.
“Iunderstand,”Elenasaidtohimastheydriftedclosertotheground.“Butthiscan’thappenagain.There’sonlyonepersonthatIcankiss,andthat’sStefan.”
Damonopenedhismouth,butjustthentherewasthesoundofavoicethatwasasfuriousandaccusingasElenahadbeen,andwhichdidn’tcareabouttheconsequences.Elenarememberedtheotherpersonshe’dforgotten.
“DAMON,YOUBASTARD,BRINGHERDOWN!”
Matt.
ElenaandDamoncametoatwirling,elegantstop,rightbesidetheJaguar.MattimmediatelyrantoElenaandsnatchedheraway,examiningherasifshehadbeeninanaccident,withparticularattentiontoherneck.OnceagainElenawasuncomfortablyawareofbeingdressedinalacywhitenightgowninthepresenceoftwoboys
“I’mfine,honestly,”shesaidtoMatt.“I’mjustalittlebitdizzy.I’llbebetterinafewminutes.”
Mattletoutabreathofrelief.Hemightnotstillbeinlovewithherasheoncehadbeen,butElenaknewhecareddeeplyaboutherandalwayswould.HecaredaboutherashisfriendStefan’sgirlfriend,andalsoonherownmerits.Sheknewhewouldneverforgetthetimetheyhadbeentogether.
More,hebelievedinher.Sorightnow,whenshepromisedthatshewasallright,hebelievedthat.HewasevenwillingtogiveDamonalookthatwasn’tcompletelyhostile.
Andthenbothoftheboysheadedforthedriver’ssidedooroftheJag.
“Oh,no,”Mattsaid.“Youdroveyesterday—andlookwhathappened!Yousaidityourself—therearevampirestrailingus!”
“You’resayingit’smyfault?Vampiresaretracingthisfire-engine-red-paint-jobgiantandit’ssomehowmydoing?”
Mattsimplylookedstubborn:hisjawclenched,histannedskinflushed.“I’msayingweshouldtaketurns.You’vehadyourturn.”
“Idon’trecallanythingeverbeingsaidabout‘takingturns.’”Damonmanagedtogivethewordaninflectionthatmadeitsoundlikesomeratherwickedactivity.“AndifIgoinacar,Idrivethecar.”
Elenaclearedherthroat.Neitherofthemevennoticedher.
“I’mnotgettingintoacarifyou’redriving!”Mattsaidfuriously.
“I’mnotgettingintoacarifyou’redriving!”Damonsaidlaconically.
Elenaclearedherthroatmoreloudly,andMattfinallyrememberedherexistence.
“Well,Elenacan’tbeexpectedtodriveusallthewaytowhereverwe’regoing,”hesaid,beforeshecouldevensuggestthepossibility.“Unlesswe’regoingtogettheretoday,”headded,lookingatDamonsharply.
Damonshookhisdarkhead.“No.I’mtakingthescenicroute.Andthefewerpeoplewhoknowwherewe’regoingthesaferwe’regoingtobe.Youcan’ttellifyoudon’tknow.”
Elenafeltasifsomeonehadjustlightlytouchedthehairsonthebackofherneckwithanicecube.ThewayDamonsaidthosewords…
“Butthey’llalreadyknowwherewe’regoing,won’tthey?”sheasked,shakingherselfbacktopracticality.“TheyknowwewanttorescueStefan,andtheyknowwhereStefanis.”
“Oh,yes.They’llknowwe’retryingtogetintotheDarkDimension.Butbywhatgate?Andwhen?IfwecanlosethemtheonlythingweneedtoworryaboutisStefanandtheprisonguards.”
Mattlookedaround.“Howmanygatesarethere?”
“Thousands.Whereverthreeleylinescross,there’sthepotentialforagate.ButsincetheEuropeansdrovetheNativeAmericansoutoftheirhomes,mostofthegatesaren’tusedormaintainedastheywereintheolddays.”Damonshrugged.
ButElenawastinglingalloverwithexcitement,withanxiety.“Whydon’twejustfindthenearestgateandgothroughit,then?”
“Travelallthewaytotheprisonunderground?Look,youdon’tunderstandatall.Firstofall,youneedmewithyoutogetyouintoagate—andeventhenitisn’tgoingtobepleasant.”
“Notpleasantforwho?Usoryou?”Mattaskedgrimly.
Damongavehimalong,blanklook.“Ifyoutriedonyourownitwouldbebrieflyandterminallyunpleasantforyou.Withme,itshouldbeuncomfortablebutamatterofroutine.Andasforwhatit’sliketravelingforevenafewdaysdownthere—well,you’llseeforyourselves,eventually,”Damonsaid,withanoddsmile.“Anditwouldtakemuch,muchlongerthangoingbyamaingate.”
“Why?”Mattdemanded—alwaysreadytoaskquestionsthatElenareally,reallydidn’twanttoknowtheanswersto.
“Becauseit’seitherjungle,wherefive-footleechesdroppingfromthetreesaregoingtobetheleastofyourworries,orwasteland,whereanyenemycanspotyou—andeveryoneisyourenemy.”
TherewasapausewhileElenathoughthard.Damonlookedserious.Clearly,hereallydidn’twanttodoit—andnotmanythingsbotheredDamon.Helikedfighting.More,ifitwouldonlywastetime…
“Allright,”Elenasaidslowly.“We’llgoonwithyourplan.”
Immediately,bothboysreachedforthedriver’ssidedoorhandleagain.
“Listen,”Elenasaidwithoutlookingateitherofthem.“IamgoingtodrivemyJaguardowntothenexttown.ButfirstIamgoingtogetinitandgetchangedintorealclothesandmaybeevencatchafewminutesofsleep.Mattwillwanttofindabrookorsomethingwherehecancleanup.AndthenI’mgoingtowhatevertownisclosestforsomebrunch.Afterthat—”
“—thebickeringcanbeginanew,”Damonfinishedforher.“Youdothat,darling.I’llmeetyouatwhatevergreasyspoonyou’veselected.”
Elenanodded.“You’resureyou’llbeabletofindus?Iamtryingtoholdmyauradown,really.”
“Listen,afire-engine-redJaguarinwhateverflyspeckofatownyoufinddownthisroadisgoingtobeasconspicuousasaUFO,”Damonsaid.
“Whydoesn’thejustcomewith…”Matt’svoicetrailedoff.Somehow,althoughitwashisdeepestgrievanceagainstDamon,heoftenmanagedtoforgetthatDamonwasavampire.
“Soyou’regoingtogodowntherefirstandfindsomeyounggirlwalkingtosummerschool,”Mattsaid,hisblueeyesseemingtodarken.“Andyou’regoingtoswoopdownonherandtakeherawaywherenoonecanhearherscreamingandthenyou’regoingtopullherheadbackandyou’regoingtosinkyourteethintoherthroat.”
Therewasafairlylongpause.ThenDamonsaidinaslightlyinjuredtone,“Amnot.”
“That’swhatyou—people—do.Youdidittome.”
Elenasawtheneedforreallydrasticintervention:thetruth.“Matt,Matt,itwasn’tDamonwhodidthat.ItwasShinichi.Youknowthat.”ShegentlytookMattbytheforearmsandturnedhimuntilhewasfacingher.
ForalongmomentMattwouldn’tlookather.TimestretchedandElenabegantofearthathewasbeyondherreach.Butthenatlastheliftedhisheadsothatshecouldlookintohiseyes.
“Allright,”hesaidsoftly.“I’llgoalongwithit.Butyouknowthathe’sgoingofftodrinkhumanblood.”
“Fromawillingdonor!”Damon,whohadverygoodhearing,shouted.
Mattexplodedagain.“Becauseyoumakethemwilling!Youhypnotizethem—”
“No,Idon’t.”
“—or‘Influence’them,orwhatever.Howwouldyoulikeit—”
BehindMatt’sback,Elenawasnowmakingfuriousgo-awaymotionsatDamon,asifshewereshooingaflockofchickens.AtfirstDamonjustraisedaneyebrowather,butthenheshruggedelegantlyandobeyed,hisformblurringashetooktheshapeofacrowandrapidlybecameadotintherisingsun.
“Doyouthink,”Elenasaidquietly,“thatyoucouldgetridofyourstake?It’sjustgoingtomakeDamoncompletelyparanoid.”
Mattlookedeverywherebutatherandthenfinallyhenodded.“I’lldumpitwhenIgodownhilltowash,”hesaid,lookingathismuddylegsgrimly.
“Anyway,”headded,“yougetinthecarandtrytogetsomesleep.Youlooklikeyouneedit.”
“Wakemeupinacouplehours,”Elenasaid—withoutthefirstideathatinacouplehoursshewasgoingtoregretthismorethanshecouldsay.4
“You’reshaking.Letmedoitalone,”Meredithsaid,puttingahandonBonnie’sshoulderastheystoodtogetherinfrontofCarolineForbes’shouse.
Bonniestartedtoleanintothepressure,butmadeherselfstop.ItwashumiliatingtobeshakingsoobviouslyonaVirginiamorninginlateJuly.Itwashumiliatingtobetreatedlikeachild,too.ButMeredith,whowasonlysixmonthsolder,lookedmoreadultthanusualtoday.Herdarkhairwaspulledback,sothathereyeslookedverylargeandherolive-skinnedfacewithitshighcheekboneswasshowntoitsbestadvantage.
Shecouldpracticallybemybabysitter,Bonniethoughtdejectedly.Meredithhadhighheelson,too,insteadofherusualflats.Bonniefeltsmallerandyoungerthaneverincomparison.Sheranahandthroughherstrawberry-blondcurls,tryingtofluffthemupaprecioushalfinchhigher.
“I’mnotscared.I’mc-cold,”Bonniesaidwithallthedignityshecouldmuster.
“Iknow.Youfeelsomethingcomingfromthere,don’tyou?”Meredithnoddedatthehousebeforethem.
BonnielookedsidewaysatitandthenbackatMeredith.SuddenlyMeredith’sadultnesswasmorecomfortingthanannoying.ButbeforeshelookedatCaroline’shouseagainsheblurted,“What’swiththespikeheels?”
“Oh,”Meredithsaid,glancingdown.“Justpracticalthinking.Ifanythingtriestograbmyanklethistime,itgetsthis.”Shestampedandtherewasasatisfyingclackfromthesidewalk.
Bonniealmostsmiled.“Didyoubringyourbrassknuckles,too?”
“Idon’tneedthem;I’llknockCarolineoutagainbarehandedifshetriesanything.Butquitchangingthesubject.Icandothisalone.”
BonniefinallyletherselfputherownsmallhandonMeredith’sslim,long-fingeredone.Shesqueezed.“Iknowyoucan.ButI’mtheonewhoshould.Itwasmesheinvitedover.”
“Yes,”Meredithsaid,withaslight,elegantcurlofherlip.“She’salwaysknownwheretostickintheknife.Well,whateverhappens,Caroline’sbroughtitonherself.Firstwetrytohelpher,forhersakeandours.Thenwetrytomakehergethelp.Afterthat—”
“Afterthat,”Bonniesaidsadly,“there’snotelling.”ShelookedatCaroline’shouseagain.Itlooked…skewed…insomeway,asifshewereseeingitthroughadistortingmirror.Besidesthat,ithadabadaura:blackslashedacrossanuglyshadeofgray-green.Bonniehadneverseenahousewithsomuchenergybefore.
Anditwascold,thisenergy,likethebreathoutofameatlocker.Bonniefeltasifitwouldsuckoutherownlife-forceandturnitintoice,ifitgotthechance.
SheletMeredithringthedoorbell.Ithadaslightechotoit,andwhenMrs.Forbesanswered,hervoiceseemedtoechoslightly,aswell.Theinsideofthehousestillhadthatfunhousemirrorlooktoit,Bonniethought,butevenstrangerwasthefeel.Ifsheshuthereyesshewouldimagineherselfinamuchlargerplace,wherethefloorslantedsharplydown.
“YoucametoseeCaroline,”Mrs.Forbessaid.HerappearanceshockedBonnie.Caroline’smotherlookedlikeanoldwoman,withgrayhairandapinchedwhiteface.
“She’supinherroom.I’llshowyou,”Caroline’smothersaid.
“ButMrs.Forbes,weknowwhere—”MeredithbrokeoffwhenBonnieputahandonherarm.Thefaded,shrunkenwomanwasleadingtheway.Shehadalmostnoauraatall,Bonnierealized,andwasstrickentotheheart.She’dknownCarolineandherparentsforsolong—howcouldtheirrelationshipshavecometothis?
Iwon’tcallCarolinenames,nomatterwhatshedoes,Bonnievowedsilently.Nomatterwhat.Even…yes,evenafterwhatshe’sdonetoMatt.I’lltrytoremembersomethinggoodabouther.
Butitwasdifficulttothinkatallinthishouse,muchlesstothinkofanythinggood.Bonnieknewthestaircasewasgoingup;shecouldseeeachstepaboveher.Butallherothersensestoldhershewasgoingdown.Itwasahorrifyingfeelingthatmadeherdizzy:thissharpslantdownwardasshewatchedherfeetclimb.
Therewasalsoasmell,strangeandpungent,ofrotteneggs.Itwasareeking,rottenodorthatyoutastedintheair.
Caroline’sdoorwasshut,andinfrontofit,lyingonthefloor,wasaplateoffoodwithaforkandcarvingknifeonit.Mrs.ForbeshurriedaheadofBonnieandMeredithandquicklysnatcheduptheplate,openedthedooroppositeCaroline’s,andplaceditinthere,shuttingthedoorbehindher.
Butjustbeforeitdisappeared,Bonniethoughtshesawmovementintheheapoffoodonthefinebonechina.
“She’llbarelyspeaktome,”Mrs.Forbessaidinthesameemptyvoiceshe’dusedbefore.“Butshedidsaythatshewasexpectingyou.”
Shehurriedpastthem,leavingthemaloneinthecorridor.Thesmellofrotteneggs—no,ofsulfur,Bonnierealized,wasverystrong.
Sulfur—sherecognizedthesmellfromlastyear’schemistryclass.ButhowdidsuchahorriblesmellgetintoMrs.Forbes’seleganthouse?BonnieturnedtoMeredithtoask,butMeredithwasalreadyshakingherhead.Bonnieknewthatexpression.
Don’tsayanything
Bonniegulped,wipedherwateringeyes,andwatchedMeredithturnthehandleofCaroline’sdoor.
Theroomwasdark.EnoughlightshonefromthehallwaytoshowthatCaroline’scurtainshadbeenreinforcedbyopaquebedspreadsnailedoverthem.Noonewasinoronthebed.
“Comein!Andshutthatdoorfast!”
ItwasCaroline’svoice,withCaroline’stypicalwaspishness.AfloodofreliefsweptoverBonnie.Thevoicewasn’tamalebassthatshooktheroom,orahowl,itwasCaroline-in-a-bad-mood.
Shesteppedintothedimnessbeforeher.5
ElenagotintothebackseatoftheJaguarandputonaplushaquamarineT-shirtandjeansunderneathhernightgown,justincaseapoliceofficer—orevensomeonetryingtohelptheownersofacarapparentlystalledbyadesertedhighway—stoppedby.AndthenshelaydownintheJag’sbackseat.
Butalthoughshewasnowwarmandcomfortable,sleepwouldn’tcome.
WhatdoIwant?Reallywantrightnow?sheaskedherself.Andtheanswercametoherimmediately.
IwanttoseeStefan.Iwanttofeelhisarmsaroundme.Iwanttojustlookathisface—athisgreeneyeswiththatspeciallookthatheonlyevershowstome.IwanthimtoforgivemeandtellmethatheknowsI’llalwayslovehim.
AndIwant…Elenafeltherselfflushasawarmthwentthroughherbody,IwantStefantokissme.IwantStefan’skisses…warmandsweetandcomforting….
Elenawasthinkingthisasforthesecondorthirdtimesheshuthereyesandshiftedposition,tearsonceagainwellingup.Ifonlyshecouldcry,reallycry,forStefan.Butsomethingstoppedher.Shefoundithardtosqueezeoutatear.
God,shewasexhausted….
Elenatried.Shekepthereyesshutandturnedbackandforth,tryingnottothinkaboutStefanforjustafewminutes.Shehadtosleep.Desperate,shegaveamightyheavetotrytofindabetterposition—wheneverythingsuddenlychanged.
Elenawascomfortable.Toocomfortable.Shecouldn’tfeeltheseatatall.Shebolteduprightandfroze,sittingonair.ShewasalmosthittingherheadagainsttheJag’stop.
I’velostgravityagain!shethought,horrified.But,no—thiswasdifferentthanwhathadhappenedwhenshehadfirstreturnedfromtheafterlife,andhadfloatedaroundlikeaballoon.Shecouldn’texplainwhy,butshewassure.
Shewasafraidtomoveinanydirection.Shewasn’tsureofthecauseofherdistress—butshedidn’tdaremove.
Andthenshesawit.
Shesawherself,withherheadbackandhereyesclosedinthebackseatofthecar.Shecouldmakeouteverytinydetail,fromthewrinklesinherplushaquamarineshirttothebraidshe’dmadefromherpalegoldenhair,which,forthelackofahairtie,wascomingunbraidedalready.Shelookedasifshewereserenelysleeping.
Sothiswashowitallended.Thisiswhatthey’llsay,thatElenaGilbert,onesummerday,diedpeacefullyinhersleep.Nocauseofdeathwaseverfound….
Becausetheycouldneverseeheartbreakasacauseofdeath,Elenathought,andinagestureevenmoremelodramaticthanherusualmelodramaticgestures,shetriedtoflingherselfdownonherownbodywithonearmcoveringherface.
Itdidn’twork.Assoonasshereachedouttobegintoflingherself,shefoundherselfoutsidetheJaguar.
She’dgonerightthroughtheceilingwithoutfeelinganything.Isupposethat’swhathappenswhenyou’reaghost,shethought.Butthisisnothinglikethelasttime.ThenIsawthetunnel,IwentintotheLight.
MaybeI’mnotaghost.
SuddenlyElenafeltarushofexhilaration.Iknowwhatthisis,shethoughttriumphantly.Thisisanoutofbodyexperience!
Shelookeddownathersleepingselfagain,searchingcarefully.Yes!Yes!Therewasacordattachinghersleepingbody—herrealbody—toherspiritualself.Shewastethered!Wherevershewent,shecouldfindherwayhome.
Therewereonlytwopossibledestinations.OnewasbacktoFell’sChurch.Sheknewthegeneraldirectionfromthesun,andshewassurethatsomeonehavinganO.O.B.(asBonnie,whohadoncegonethroughaspiritualistfadandhadreadlotsofbooksaboutthesubject,familiarlycalledthem)wouldbeabletorecognizethecrossingofallthoseleylines.
Theotherdestination,ofcourse,wastoStefan.
Damonmightthinkshedidn’tknowwheretogo,anditwastruethatshecouldonlyvaguelysensefromtherisingsunthatStefanwasintheotherdirection—tothewestofher.Butshe’dalwaysheardthatthesoulsoftrueloverswereconnectedsomehow…byasilverstringfromhearttoheartoraredcordfrompinkytopinky.
Toherdelight,shefounditalmostimmediately.
Athincordthecolorofmoonlight,thatseemedtobestretchedtautbetweenthesleepingElena’sheart,and…yes.Whenshetouchedthecord,itresonatedsoclearlytoherofStefanthatsheknewitwouldtakehertohim.
Therewasneveradoubtinhermindastowhichdirectionshewouldtake.She’dbeeninFell’sChurch.Bonniewasapsychicofsomeimpressivepowers,andsowasStefan’soldlandlady,Mrs.TheophiliaFlowers.Theywerethere,alongwithMeredithandherbrilliantintellect,toprotectthetown.
Andtheywouldallunderstand,shetoldherselfsomewhatdesperately.Shemightnoteverhavethischanceagain.
Withoutanothermoment’shesitation,ElenaturnedtowardStefanandletherselfgo.
Immediatelyshefoundherselfrushingthroughtheair,fartooquicklytotakenoteofhersurroundings.Everythingshepassedwasablur,differingonlyincolorandtextureasElenarealizedwithacatchinherthroatthatshewasgoingthroughobjects.
Andso,injustafewinstants,shefoundherselflookingataheart-wrenchingscene:Stefanonawornandbrokenpallet,lookinggray-facedandthin.Stefaninahideous,rush-strewn,lice-infestedcellwithitsdamnedbarsofironfromwhichnovampirecouldescape.
Elenaturnedawayforamomentsothatwhenshewokehimhewouldn’tseeheranguishandhertears.Shewasjustcomposingherself,whenStefan’svoicejoltedthroughher.Hewasawakealready.
“Youtryandtry,don’tyou?”hesaid,hisvoiceheavywithsarcasm.“Iguessyoushouldgetpointsforthat.Butyoualwaysgetsomethingwrong.Lasttimeitwasthelittlepointedears.Thistimeit’stheclothes.Elenawouldn’twearawrinkledshirtlikethatandhavedirty,barefeetifherlifedependedonit.Goaway.”Shrugginghisshouldersunderthethreadbareblanket,heturnedfromher.
Elenastared.Shewasintoomanykindsofdistresstochooseherwords:theyburstfromherlikeageyser.“Oh,Stefan!IwasjusttryingtofallasleepinmyclothesincaseapoliceofficerstoppedbywhileIwasinthebackseatoftheJag.TheJagyouboughtme.ButIdidn’tthinkyou’dcare!MyclothesarewrinkledbecauseI’mlivingoutofmyduffelbagandmyfeetgotdirtywhenDamon—well—well—nevermindthat.Ihavearealnightgown,butIdidn’thaveitonwhenIcameoutofmybodyandIguesswhenyoucomeoutyoustilllooklikeyourselfinyourbody….”
ThenshethrewupherhandsinalarmasStefanswungaround.But—marvelofmarvels—therewasnowatingeofbloodinhischeeks.Moreover,hewasnolongerlookingdisdainful.
Hewaslookingdeadly,hisgreeneyesflashingwithmenace.
“Yourfeetgotdirty—whenDamondidwhat?”hedemanded,enunciatingcarefully.
“Itdoesn’tmatter—”
“Itdamnwelldoesmatter—”Stefanstoppedshort.“Elena?”hewhispered,staringatherasifshehadonlyjustappeared.
“Stefan!”Shecouldn’thelpholdingoutherarmstohim.Shecouldn’tcontrolanything.“Stefan,Idon’tknowhow,butI’mhere.It’sme!I’mnotadreamoraghost.Iwasthinkingaboutyouandfallingasleep—andhereIam!”Shetriedtotouchhimwithghostlikehands.“Doyoubelieveme?”
“Ibelieveyou…becauseIwasthinkingaboutyou.Somehow—somehowthatbroughtyouhere.Becauseoflove.Becauseweloveeachother!”Andhespokethewordsasiftheywerearevelation.
Elenashuthereyes.Ifonlyshecouldbehereinherbody,shewouldshowStefanhowmuchshelovedhim.Asitwas,theyhadtouseclumsywords—clichésthatjusthappenedtobeuniquelytrue.
“Iwillalwaysloveyou,Elena,”Stefansaid,whisperingagain.“ButIdon’twantyounearDamon.He’llfindawaytohurtyou—”
“Ican’thelpit,”Elenainterruptedhim.
“Youhavetohelpit!”
“—becausehe’smyonlyhope,Stefan!He’snotgoingtohurtme.He’salreadykilledtoprotectme.Oh,God,somuchhashappened!We’reonourwayto—”Elenahesitated,hereyesflickingaroundwarily.
Stefan’seyeswidenedforaninstant.Butwhenhespokehisfacewasdeadpan.“Someplacewhereyou’llbesafe.”
“Yes,”shesaid,justasseriously,knowingthatphantomtearswerenowracingdownherbodilesscheeks.“And…oh,Stefan,there’ssomuchyoudon’tknow.CarolineaccusedMattofattackingherwhiletheywereonadatebecauseshe’spregnant.Butitwasn’tMatt!”
“Ofcoursenot!”Stefansaidindignantly,andwouldhavesaidmore,butElenawasracingon.
“AndIthinkthatthe—thelitterisreallyTylerSmallwood’sbecauseofthetiming,andbecauseCaroline’schanging.Damonsaidthat—”
“Awerewolfbabywillalwaysturnitsmotherintoawerewolf—”
“Yes!Butthewerewolfpartisgoingtohavetofightthemalachthat’salreadyinsideher.BonnieandMeredithtoldmethingsaboutCaroline—likehowshewasscuttlingonthefloorlikealizard—thatjustterrifiedme.ButIhadtoleavethemtodealwiththatsothatIcould—couldgettothatsafeplace.”
“Werewolvesandwere-foxes,”Stefansaid,shakinghishead.“Ofcourse,thekitsune,thefoxes,aremuchmorepowerfulmagically,butwerewolvestendtokillbeforetheythink.”Hestruckhiskneewithhisfist.“IwishIcouldbethere!”
Elenaburstoutwithmixedwonderanddespair,“AndinsteadhereIam—withyou!IneverknewIcoulddothis.ButIhaven’tbeenabletobringyouanythingthisway,notevenmyself.Myblood.”ShemadeahelplessgestureandsawthesmugnessinStefan’seyes.
HestillhadtheClarionLoessBlackMagicwineshe’dsmuggledtohim!Sheknewit!Itwastheonlyliquidthatwould—inapinch—helpkeepavampirealivewhennobloodwasavailable.
BlackMagic“wine”—nonalcoholicandnevermadeforhumansinthefirstplace,wastheonlydrinkthatvampiresreallyenjoyedasidefromblood.DamonhadtoldElenathatitwasmagicallymadefromspecialgrapesthatweregrowninthesoilattheedgesofglaciers,loess,andthattheywerealwayskeptincompletedarkness.Thatwaswhatgaveititsvelvetydarktaste,he’dsaid.
“Itdoesn’tmatter,”Stefansaid,undoubtedlyforthebenefitofanyonewhomightbespying.“Exactlyhowdidithappen?”heaskedthen.“Thisoutofbodything?Whydon’tyoucomedownhereandtellmeaboutit?”Helaybackonhispallet,turningachingeyesonher.“I’msorrythatIdon’thaveabetterbedtoofferyou.”Foramomentthehumiliationshowedclearlyinhisface.Allthistimehe’dmanagedtohideitfromher:theshamehefeltinappearingbeforeherinthisway—inafilthycell,withragsforclothes,andinfestedwithGodknewwhat.He—StefanSalvatore,whohadoncebeen—hadoncebeen—
Elena’shearttrulybrokethen.Sheknewitwasbreaking,becauseshecouldfeelitinsideshatteringlikeglass,witheachneedle-likeshardskeweringfleshinsideherchest.Sheknewitwasbreaking,too,becauseshewasweeping,hugespirittearsthatdroppedonStefan’sfacelikeblood,translucentintheairastheyfell,butturningdeepredwhentheytouchedStefan’sface.
Blood?Ofcourse,itwasn’tblood,shethought.Shecouldn’tevenbringanythingsousefultohiminthisform.Shewasreallysobbingnow;hershouldersshakingasthetearscontinuedtofallontoStefan,whonowhadonehandheldupasiftocatchone…
“Elena—”Therewaswonderinhisvoice.
“Wha—what?”shekeened.
“Yourtears.Yourtearsmakemefeel…”Hewasstaringupatherwithsomethinglikeawe.
Elenastillcouldn’tstopweeping,althoughsheknewthatshehadsoothedhisproudheart—anddonesomethingelse.
“Id-don’tunderstand.”
Hecaughtoneofhertearsandkissedit.Thenhelookedatherwithasheeninhisowneyes.“It’shardtotalkabout,lovelylittlelove….”
Thenwhyusewords?shethought,stillweeping,butcomingdowntohislevelsoshecouldsnufflejustabovehisthroat.
It’sjust…they’renottoofreewiththerefreshmentsaroundhere,hetoldher.Asyouguessed.Ifyouhadn’t—helpedme—I’d’vebeendeadbynow.Theycan’tfigureoutwhyI’mnot.Sothey—welltheyrunoutbeforetheygettome,sometimes,yousee—
Elenaliftedherhead,andthistimetearsofpureragefellrightontohisfaceWherearethey?I’llkillthem.Don’ttellmeIcan’tbecauseI’llfindaway.I’llfindawaytokillthemeventhoughI’minthisstate—
Heshookhisheadather.Angel,angel,don’tyousee?Youdon’thavetokillthem.Becauseyourtears,thephantomtearsofapuremaiden—
Sheshookherheadbackathim.Stefan,ifanyoneknowsI’mnotapuremaiden,it’syou—
—ofapuremaiden,Stefancontinued,notevendisturbedbyherinterruption,cancureallills.AndIwasilltonight,Elena,eventhoughItriedtohideit.ButI’mcurednow!Asgoodasnew!They’llneverbeabletounderstandhowitcouldhappen.
Areyousure?
Lookatme!
Elenalookedathim.Stefan’sface,whichhadbeengrayanddrawnbefore,wasdifferentnow.Hewasusuallypale,butnowhisfinefeatureslookedflushed—asifhehadbeenstandinginfrontofabonfireandthelightwasstillreflectingoffthepurelinesandelegantplanesofhisbelovedface.
I…didthat?Sherememberedthefirstteardropletsfalling,andhowtheyhadlookedlikebloodonhisface.Notlikeblood,sherealized,butlikenaturalcolor,sinkingintohim,refreshinghim.
Shecouldn’thelpbuthideherfaceagaininhisthroatasshethought,I’mglad.Oh,I’msoglad.ButIwishwecouldtoucheachother.Iwanttofeelyourarmsaroundme.
“AtleastIcanlookatyou,”Stefanwhispered,andElenaknewthateventhisislikewaterinthewastelandtohim.“Andifwecouldtouch,I’dputmyarmaroundyourwaisthere,andkissyouhereandhere….”
Theyspoketoeachotherthiswayforawhile—justexchanginglovers’nonsense,eachsustainedbythesightandsoundoftheother.Andthen,softlybutfirmly,StefanaskedhertotellhimallaboutDamon—everythingsincethey’dstarted.BynowElenawascool-headedenoughtotellhimabouttheincidentwithMattwithoutmakingDamonsoundtoomuchlikeavillain.
“AndStefan,Damonreallyisprotectingusasbesthecan.”ShetoldhimaboutthetwopossessedvampireswhohadbeentrackingthemandwhatDamonhaddone.
Stefanmerelyshruggedandsaidwryly,“Mostpeoplewritewithpencils;Damonwritespeopleoffwiththem.”Headded,“Andyourclothesgotdirty?”
“BecauseIheardagreatbigcrash—whichendedupbeingMattontopofthecar,”shesaid.“But,tobefair,hewastryingtostakeDamonatthetime.Imadehimgetridofthestake.”Sheadded,inthebarestofwhispers:“Stefan,pleasedon’tmindthatDamonandIhaveto—tobetogetheralotrightnow.Itdoesn’tchangeanythingbetweenus.”
“Iknow.”
Andtheamazingthingwasthathedidknow.Elenawasbathedinthedeepglowofhistrustforher.
Afterthatthey“held”eachother,ElenasnugglingweightlesslyabovethecurveofStefan’sarm…anditwasbliss.
Andthenabruptlytheworld—theentireuniverse—shudderedatthesoundofagiganticslammingsound.ItjerkedatElena.Itdidn’tbelonginherewithloveandtrustandthesweetnessofsharingeverypartofherselfwithStefan.
Itbeganagain—amonstrousboomingthatterrifiedElena.SheclutcheduselesslyatStefan,whowaslookingatherwithconcern.Hedidn’theartheclangingthatwasdefeaningher,sherealized.
Andthensomethingevenworsehappened.ShewastornoutofStefan’sarmsbodily,andshewasrushingbackward,backthroughobjects,backfasterandfasteruntilwithajarshelandedinherbody.
Forallherreluctanceshelandedperfectlyonthesolidbodythatuntilnowhadbeentheonlyoneshe’dknown.ShelandedonitandmeldedintoitandthenshewassittingupandthesoundswerethesoundsofMattrappingatthewindow.
“It’sbeenovertwohourssinceyouwenttosleep,”hesaidassheopenedthedoor.“ButIfiguredyouneededit.Areyouallright?”
“Oh,Matt,”Elenasaid.Foramomentitseemedimpossiblethatshewasgoingtobeabletokeepfromcrying.ButthensherememberedStefan’ssmile.
Elenablinked,forcingherselftodealwithhernewsituation.Shehadn’tseenStefanfornearlylongenough.Buthermemoriesoftheirshort,sweettimetogetherwerewrappedinjonquilsandlavenderandnothingcouldevertakethemawayfromher.
Damonwasirritated.Asheflewhigheronhiswide,blackcrow’swings,thelandscapebeneathhimunfoldedlikeamagnificentcarpet,thebreakingdaymakingthegrasslandsandrollinghillsglowlikeemerald.
Damonignoredit.He’dseenittoomanytimes.Whathewaslookingforwasunadonnasplendida.
Buthismindkeptdrifting.Muttandhisstake…Damonstilldidn’tseewhyElenawantedtotakeafugitivefromjusticealongwiththem.Elena…DamontriedtoconjureupthesameirritatedfeelingsforherashehadforMutt,butjustcouldn’tmanageit.
Hecircleddowntowardthetownbelow,keepingtotheresidentialdistrict,searchingforauras.Hewantedastrongauraasmuchasabeautifulone.Andhe’dbeeninAmericalongenoughtoknowthatthisearlyinthemorningyoucouldfindthreesortsofpeopleupandoutdoors.Studentswerethefirst,butthiswassummer,sotherewerefewertopickfrom.DespiteMutt’sassumptions,Damonseldomsanktohighschoolgirls.Joggerswerethesecond.Andthethird,thinkingbeautifulthoughts,justlike…thatonedownthere…werehomegardeners.
TheyoungwomanwiththepruningshearslookedupasDamonturnedthecornerandapproachedherhouse,deliberatelyhurryingandthenslowinghisstride.HisveryfootstepsmadeitclearthathewasdelightedtotakeinthefloralextravaganzainfrontofthecharmingVictorianhouse.Foramomentthegirllookedstartled,almostafraid.Thatwasnormal.Damonwaswearingblackboots,blackjeans,ablackT-shirt,andblackleatherjacket,inadditiontohisRay-Bans.Butthenhesmiledandatthesamemomentbeganthefirstdelicateinfiltrationoflabelladonna’smind.
Onethingwasclearevenbeforethat.Shelikedroses.
“AfullflushofDreamweavers,”hesaid,shakinghisheadinadmirationashelookedatthebushescoveredwithbrilliantpinkbloom.“AndthoseWhiteIcebergsclimbingthetrellis….Ah,butyourMoonstones!”Helightlytouchedanopenrose,itspetalsmoonlight-coloredbutshadingtopalestpinkattheedges.
Theyoungwoman—Krysta—couldn’thelpsmiling.Damonfelttheinformationfloweffortlesslyfromhermindtohis.Shewasjusttwenty-two,notmarried,stilllivingathome.Shehadpreciselythekindofaurahewaslookingfor,andonlyasleepingfatherinthehouse.
“Youdon’tlooklikethetypetoknowsomuchaboutroses,”Krystasaidfrankly,andthengaveaself-consciouslaugh.“I’msorry.I’vemetallsortsattheCreekvilleRoseShows.”
“Mymotherisanavidgardener,”Damonliedfluentlyandwithoutatraceofmisgiving.“IguessIgotmypassionfromher.NowIdon’tstayinoneplacelongenoughtogrowthem,butIcanstilldream.Wouldyouliketoknowwhatmyultimatedreamis?”
BythistimeKrystafeltasifshewerefloatingonadeliciousrose-scentedcloud.Damonfelteverydelicatenuancewithher,enjoyedseeingherflush,enjoyedtheslighttremorthatshookherbody.
“Yes,”Krystasaidsimply.“I’dlovetoknowyourdream.”
Damonleanedforward,loweredhisvoice.“Iwanttobreedatrueblackrose.”
KrystalookedstartledandsomethingflashedthroughhermindtooquicklyforDamontocatch.Butthenshesaidinanequallyhushedvoice,“Thenthere’ssomethingI’dliketoshowyou.If—ifyouhavetimetocomewithme.”
Thebackyardwasevenmoresplendidthanthefrontandtherewasahammockgentlyswinging,Damonnotedwithapproval.Afterall,hewouldsoonneedaplacetoputKrysta…whileshesleptitoff.
Butattherearofthebowerwassomethingthatcausedhispacetoquickeninvoluntarily.
“BlackMagicroses!”heexclaimed,eyeingthewine-dark,almostburgundy-coloredblooms.
“Yes,”Krystasaidsoftly.“BlackMagics.Theclosestanyonehasevergottentoablackrose.Igetthreeflushesayear,”shewhisperedtremulously,nolongerquestioningwhothisyoungmanmightbe,overwhelmedbyherfeelingswhichalmosttookDamonwithher.
“They’remagnificent,”hesaid.“ThedeepestredI’veeverseen.Theclosesttoblackeverbred.”
Krystawasstilltremblingwithjoy.“You’rewelcometoone,ifyoulike.I’mtakingthemtotheCreekvilleshownextweekbutIcangiveyouoneinfullbloomnow.Maybeyou’llbeabletosmellit.”
“I’d…likethat,”Damonsaid.
“Youcangiveittoyourgirlfriend.”
“Nogirlfriend,”Damonsaid,gladtogetbacktolying.Krysta’shandsshookslightlyasshecutoneofthelongest,straighteststemsforhim.
Damonreachedouttotakeitandtheirfingerstouched.
Damonsmiledather.
WhenKrysta’skneeswentbonelesswithpleasure,Damoncaughthereasilyandwentonwithwhathewasdoing.
MeredithwasrightbehindBonnieasshesteppedintoCaroline’sroom.
“Isaid,shutthedamndoor!”Carolinesaid—no,snarled.
Itwasonlynaturaltolooktoseewherethevoicewascomingfrom.JustbeforeMeredithcutofftheonlysliveroflightbyshuttingthedoorBonniesawCaroline’scornerdesk.Thechairthatusedtositinfrontofitwasgone.
Carolinewasunderneath.
Itmighthavebeenagoodhidingspaceforaten-year-old,butasaneighteen-year-oldCarolinehadcurledintoanimpossiblepositioninordertofitthere.Shewassittingonapileofwhatlookedlikeshredsofclothing.Herbestclothes,Bonniethoughtsuddenly,asatwinkleofgoldlaméflashedandwasgonewhenthedoorshut.
Thenitwasjustthethreeofthemtogetherinthedarkness.Noilluminationcamefromaboveorbelowthedoortothehall.
It’sbecausethehallisinanotherworld,Bonniethoughtwildly.
“What’swrongwithalittlelight,Caroline?”Meredithaskedquietly.Hervoicewassteady,comforting.“Youaskedustocomeandseeyou—butwecan’tseeyou.”
“Isaidcomeandtalktome,”Carolinecorrectedinstantly,exactlyasshealwayshadintheolddays.Thatshouldhavebeencomforting,too.Except—exceptthatnowthatBonniecouldhearhervoicesortofreverberatingunderthedesk,shecouldtellithadanewquality.Notsomuchhuskyas—
Youreallydon’twanttobethinkingthis.Notinthemidnightdarknessofthisroom,Bonnie’smindtoldher.
Notsomuchhuskyassnarly,Bonniethoughthelplessly.YoucouldalmostsayCarolinegrowledheranswers.
LittlesoundstoldBonniethatthegirlunderthedeskwasmoving.Bonnie’sownbreathingquickened.
“Butwewanttoseeyou,”Meredithsaidquietly.“AndyouknowthatBonnie’sscaredofthedark.CanIjustturnonyourbedsidelamp?”
Bonniecouldfeelherselftrembling.Thatwasn’tgood.Itwasn’tsmarttoshowCarolineyouwereafraidofher.Butthepitch-blacknesswasmakinghertremble.Shecouldfeelthatthisroomwaswronginitsangles—ormaybeitwasonlyherimagination.Shecouldalsohearthingsthatmadeherjump—likethatlouddoubleclickingnoisedirectlybehindher.Whathadmadethat?
“Allrrrightthen!Turrnontheonebythebed.”Carolinewasdefinitelysnarling.Andshewasmovingtowardthem;Bonniecouldhearrustlingandbreathinggettingcloser.
Don’tlethergettomeinthedark!
Itwasapanicked,irrationalthought,butBonniecouldn’thelpthinkingitanymorethanshecouldhelpstumblingblindlysidewaysinto…
Somethingtall—andwarm.
NotMeredith.NeversinceBonniehadknownherhadMeredithsmelledlikerancidsweatandrotteneggs.ButthewarmsomethingtookholdofbothBonnie’supraisedhands,andtherewerestrangelittleclickingnoisesastheyclenched.
Thehandsweren’tjustwarm;theywerehotanddry.AndtheendspokedoddlyintoBonnie’sskin.
Then,asalightbythebedsidewenton,theyweregone.ThelampMeredithhadfoundputoutavery,verydimrubylight—anditwaseasytoseewhy.Arubynegligeeandpeignoirhadbeentiedaroundtheshade.
“Thisisafirehazard,”Meredithsaid,butevenherlevelvoicesoundedshaken.
Carolinestoodbeforethemintheredlight.SheseemedtallerthanevertoBonnie,tallandsinewy,exceptfortheslightbulgeofherbelly.Shewasdressednormally,injeansandatightT-shirt.Shewasholdingherhandsplayfullyhiddenbehindherback,andsmilingheroldinsolent,slysmile.
Iwanttogohome,Bonniethought.
Meredithsaid,“Well?”
Carolinejustkeptsmiling.“Well,what?”
Meredithlosthertemper.“Whatdoyouwant?”
Carolinejustlookedarch.“HaveyouvisitedyourfriendIsobeltoday?Hadalittletalkwithher?”
BonniehadapowerfulurgetoslapthatsmugsmileoffCaroline’sface.Shedidn’t.Itwasjustatrickofthelamplight—sheknewithadtobe—butitlookedalmostasiftherewasareddotshininginthecenterofeachofCaroline’seyes.
“WevisitedIsobelatthehospital,yes,”Meredithsaidexpressionlessly.Then,withunmistakableangerinhervoice,sheadded,“Andyouknowverywellthatshecan’ttalkyet.But”—withatriumphantlittlepounce—“thedoctorssayshewillbeableto.Hertonguewillheal,Caroline.Shemayhavescarsfromalltheplacesshepiercedherself,butshe’sgoingtobeabletotalkagainjustfine.”
Caroline’ssmilehadfaded,leavingherfacelookinghaggardandfullofdullfury.Atwhat?Bonniewondered.
“Itwoulddoyousomegoodtogetoutofthishouse,”Meredithtoldthecopper-hairedgirl.“Youcan’tliveinthedark—”
“Iwon’tforever,”Carolinesaidsharply.“Justuntilthetwinsareborn.”Shestood,handsstillbehindher,andarchedherbacksothatherstomachprotrudedmorethanever.
“The—twins?”Bonniewasstartledintospeaking.
“MattJuniorandMattie.That’swhatI’mgoingtocallthem.”
Caroline’sgloatingsmileandimpudenteyeswerealmosttoomuchforBonnietostand.“Youcan’tdothat!”sheheardherselfshouting.
“OrmaybeI’llcallthegirlHoney.MatthewandHoney,fortheirdaddy,MatthewHoneycutt.”
“Youcan’tdoit,”Bonnieshouted,moreshrilly.“EspeciallywithMattnotevenheretodefendhimself—”
“Yes,hedidrunawayverysuddenly,didn’the?Thepolicearewonderingwhyhehadtorun.Ofcourse”—Carolineloweredhervoicetoameaningfulwhisper—“hewasn’talone.Elenawaswithhim.Iwonderwhatthetwoofthemdointheirsparetime?”Shegiggled,ahigh,fatuousgiggle.
“Elenaisn’ttheonlypersonwithMatt,”Meredithsaid,andnowhervoicewaslowanddangerous.“Someoneelseis,too.Doyourememberanagreementyousigned?AboutnottellinganyoneaboutElenaorbringingpublicityaroundher?”
Carolineblinkedslowly,likealizard.“Alongtimeago.Inadifferentlifetime,forme.”
“Caroline,you’renotgoingtohavealifetimeifyoubreakthatoath!Damonwouldkillyou.Or—haveyoualready—?”Meredithstopped.
Carolinewasstillgigglinginthatchildishway,asifshewerealittlegirlandsomeonehadjusttoldheranaughtyjoke.
Bonniefeltcoldsweatbreakoutalloverherbodyatonce.Finehairsliftedonherarms.
“Whatareyouhearing,Caroline?”Meredithwetherlips.BonniecouldseethatshewastryingtoholdCaroline’seyes,butthecopper-hairedgirlturnedaway.“Isit…Shinichi?”MeredithmovedforwardsuddenlyandgraspedCaroline’sarms.“Youusedtoseeandhearhimwhenyoulookedinthemirror.Doyouhearhimallthetimenow,Caroline?”
BonniewantedtohelpMeredith.Shedid.Butshecouldn’thavemovedorspokenforanything.
Therewere—graythreads—inCaroline’shair.Grayhairs,Bonniethought.Theyshonedully,muchlighterthantheflamingauburnCarolinewassoproudof.Andtherewere…otherhairsthatdidn’tshineatall.Bonniehadseenthisbrindledcolorationondogs;sheknewvaguelythatsomewolvesmustlookthesame.Butitwasreallysomethingelsetoseetheminyourgirlfriend’shair.Especiallywhentheyseemedtobristleandquiver,liftinglikethehacklesofadog….
She’smad.Notangrymad;insanemad,Bonnierealized.
Carolinelookedup,notatMeredith,butstraightintoBonnie’seyes.Bonnieflinched.CarolinewasgazingatherasifconsideringwhetherornotBonnieweredinnerorjustgarbage.
MeredithsteppedtostandbesideBonnie.Herfistswereclenched.
“Don’tstarrre,”Carolinesaidabruptly,andturnedaway.Yes,thatwasdefinitelyasnarl.
“Youreallywantedustoseeyou,didn’tyou?”Meredithsaidsoftly.“You’re—flauntingyourselfinfrontofus.ButIthinkthatmaybethisisyourwayofaskingforhelp—”
“Harrrrdly!”
“Caroline,”Bonniesaidsuddenly,amazedbyawaveofpitythatswampedher,“pleasetrytothink.Rememberbackwhenyousaidyouneededahusband?I—”Shebrokeoffandswallowed.Whowasgoingtomarrythismonster,whoafewweeksagohadlookedlikeanormalteenagegirl?
“Iunderstoodyoubackthen,”Bonniefinishedlamely.“But,honestly,itwon’tdoanygoodtokeeponsayingMattattackedyou!Noone…”Shecouldn’tbringherselftosaytheobvious.
Noonewillbelievesomethinglikeyou
“Oh,Icleanuprrrrealprrretty,”Carolinegrowledandthengiggled.“You’dbesurprrrised.”
Inhermind’seye,BonniesawtheoldinsolentflashofCaroline’semeraldgaze,theslyandsecretiveexpressiononherface,andtheshimmeringofherauburnhair.
“WhypickonMatt?”Meredithdemanded.“Howdidyouknowhewasattackedbyamalachthatnight?DidShinichisenditafterhimjustforyou?”
“OrdidMisao?”Bonniesaid,rememberingthatitwasthefemaleofthetwinkitsune,thefoxspirits,whohadspokenthemosttoCaroline.
“IwentoutonadatewithMattthatnight.”SuddenlyCaroline’svoicewasasingsong,asifshewererecitingpoetry—badly.“Ididn’tmindkissinghim—he’ssocute.Iguessthat’swhenhegotthehickeyonhisneck.IguessImighthavebittenhislipalittle.”
Bonnieopenedhermouth,feltMeredith’srestraininghandonhershoulder,andshutitagain.
“Butthenhejustwentcrazy,”Carolineliltedon.“Heattackedme!Iscratchedhimwithmyfingernails,allupanddownonearm.ButMattwastoostrong.Muchtoostrong.Andnow—”
Andnowyou’regoingtohavepuppies,Bonniewantedtosay,butMeredithsqueezedhershoulderandshestoppedherselfagain.Besides,Bonniethoughtwithasuddentwingeofalarm,thebabiesmightlookhuman,andtheremightonlybetwins,asCarolineherselfhadsaid.Thenwhatwouldtheydo?
Bonnieknewthewayadultmindsworked.EvenifCarolinecouldn’tdyeherhairbacktoauburn,theywouldsay,lookwhatstressshe’sbeenunder:she’sactuallygoingprematurelygray!
AndeveniftheadultssawCaroline’sbizarreappearanceandstrangebehavior,asBonnieandMeredithjusthad,theywoulddismissitasbeingduetoshock.Oh,poorCaroline,herwholepersonalityhaschangedsincethatday.She’ssofrightenedofMattthatshehidesunderherdesk.Shewon’twashherself—maybethat’sacommonsymptomafterwhatshe’sbeenthrough.
Besideswhoknewhowlongitwouldtakethesewerewolfbabiestobeborn?MaybethemalachinsideCarolinecouldcontrolthat,makeitseemtobelikeanormalpregnancy.
AndthensuddenlyBonniewassnatchedawayfromherownthoughtstotuneintoCaroline’swords.Carolinewasthroughgrowlingforthemoment.ShesoundedalmostliketheoldCaroline,offendedandnasty,asshesaid,“Ijustdon’tunderstandwhyyoushouldtakehiswordovermine.”
“Because,”Meredithsaidflatly,“weknowbothofyou.WewouldhaveknownifMatthadbeendatingyou—andhewasn’t.Andhe’shardlythekindofguytojustshowupatyourfrontdoor,especiallywhenyouconsiderhowhefeltaboutyou.”
“Butyou’vealreadysaidthatthismonsterthatattackedhim—”
“Malach,Caroline.Learntheword.You’vegotoneinsideyou!”
Carolinesmirkedandwavedahand,dismissingthis.“Yousaidthesethingscanpossessyouandmakeyoudothingsoutofcharacter,right?”
Therewasasilence.Bonniethought,ifwehavesaidit,we’veneversaiditinfrontofyou
“Well,whatifIadmittedthatMattandIweren’tdating?WhatifIsaidthatIfoundhimdrivingaroundourneighborhoodataboutfivemilesanhour,justlookinglost.Hissleevewastorntopiecesandhisarmwasallchewedup.SoItookhiminsidemyhouseandtriedtobandagehisarm—butsuddenlyhewentcrazy.AndIdidtrytoscratchhim,butthebandageswereintheway.Iscratchedthemoffhim.Ievenstillhavethem,allcoveredinblood.IfItoldyouthat,whatwouldyousay?”
I’dsaythatyouwereusingusasadryrunbeforetellingSheriffMossberg,Bonniethought,chilled.AndI’dsaythatyouwereright,youprobablycancleanupprettynormallookingwhenyoumakeaneffort.Ifyou’djuststopthatchildishgigglingandgetridofthecraftylook,you’dbeevenmoreconvincing.
ButMeredithwasspeaking.“Caroline—they’vegotDNAtestsforblood.”
“OfcourseIknowthat!”Carolinelookedsoindignantthatforamomentsheforgottolooksly.
Meredithwasstaringather.“Thatmeanstheycantellifthebandagesyou’vegothaveMatt’sbloodonthemornot,”shesaid.“Andifitflowsintherightpatterntomatchyourstory.”
“Thereisn’tanypattern.Thebandagesarejustsoaked.”Abruptly,Carolinestrodeovertoadresserandopenedit,pluckingoutalengthofwhatmighthaveoriginallybeenathleticbandage.Nowitshonereddishinthefaintlight.
Lookingatthestifffabricintherubylight,Bonnieknewtwothings.Itwasn’tanypartofthepoulticethatMrs.FlowershadputonMatt’sarmthemorningafterhe’dbeenattacked.Anditwassoakedwithgenuineblood,righttothestifftipsofthecloth.
Theworldseemedtobespinningaround.BecauseeventhoughBonniebelievedinMatt,thisnewstoryscaredher.Thisnewstorymightevenwork—providedthatnoonecouldfindMattandtesthisblood.
EvenMattadmittedthattherewastimeunaccountedforthatnight…timehecouldn’tremember.
Butthatdidn’tmeanCarolinewastellingthetruth!Whywouldshestartoutwithalie,andonlychangeitwhenthefactsgotintheway?
Caroline’seyeswerethecolorofacat’s.Catsplaywithmice,justforamusement.Justtoseethemrun.
Matthadrun….
Bonnieshookherhead.Allatonceshecouldn’tstandthishouseanylonger.Ithadsomehowsettledintohermind,makingheracceptalltheimpossibleanglesofthedistortedwalls.Shehadevengrownaccustomedtotheawfulsmellandtheredlight.Butnow,withCarolineholdingoutablood-soakedbandageandtellingherthatitwasMattwhohadbledalloverit…
“I’mgoinghome,”Bonnieannouncedsuddenly.“AndMattdidn’tdoit,and—andI’mnevercomingback!”AccompaniedbythesoundofCaroline’sgiggling,shewhirled,tryingnottolookatthenestCarolinehadmadeunderhercornerdesk.Therewereemptybottlesandhalf-emptyplatesoffoodpiledintherewiththeclothes.Anythingcouldbeunderthem—evenamalach.
ButasBonniemoved,theroomseemedtomovewithher,acceleratingherspin,untilshehadgonetwicearoundbeforeshecouldputoutafoottostopherself.
“Wait,Bonnie—wait,Caroline,”Meredithsaid,soundingalmostfrantic.Carolinewasfoldingherbodylikeacontortionist,gettingbackunderthedesk.“Caroline,whataboutTylerSmallwood?Don’tyoucarethathe’stherealfatherofyour—yourkids?HowlongwereyoudatinghimbeforehejoinedupwithKlaus?Whereishenow?”
“ForrrallIknowhe’sdead.Youandyourrrfriendskilledhim.”Thesnarlwasback,butitwasn’tvicious.Itwasmoreofatriumphantpurr.“ButIdon’tmisshim,soIhopehestaysdead,”Carolineadded,withamuffledgiggle.“Hewouldn’tmarrrryme.”
Bonniehadtogetaway.Shefumbledforthedoorknob,foundit,andwasblinded.Shehadspentsolonginrubydimnessthatthehalllightwaslikethemiddaysunonthedesert.
“Turrnoffthelamp!”Carolinesnappedfromunderthedesk.ButasMeredithmovedtodoitBonnieheardasurprisinglyloudexplosionandsawthered-swathedshadegodarkbyitself.
Andonethingmore.
ThehallwaylightsweptacrossCaroline’sroomlikeabeaconasthedoorswungshut.Carolinewasalreadytearingatsomethingwithherteeth.Somethingwiththetextureofmeat,butnotcookedmeat.
BonniejerkedbacktorunandalmostknockedoverMrs.Forbes.
ThewomanwasstillstandinginthehallwhereshehadbeenwhentheywentintoCaroline’sroom.Shedidn’tevenlookasifshe’dbeenlisteningatthedoor.Shewasjuststanding,staringatnothing.
“Ihavetoshowyouout,”shesaidinhersoft,grayvoice.Shedidn’tliftherheadtomeetBonnie’sorMeredith’seyes.“Youmightgetlostotherwise.Ido.”
Itwasastraightshottothestairsanddownandfourstepstothefrontdoor.Butastheywalked,Meredithdidn’tsayanything,andBonniecouldn’t.
Onceoutside,MeredithturnedtolookatBonnie.
“Well?Isshemorepossessedbythemalachorthewerewolfpartofher?Orcouldyoutellanythingfromheraura?”
Bonnieheardherselflaugh,asoundthatwaslikecrying.
“Meredith,herauraisn’thuman—andIdon’tknowwhattomakeofit.Andhermotherdoesn’tseemtohaveanauraatall.They’rejust—thathouseisjust—”
“Nevermind,Bonnie.Youdon’thavetogothereeveragain.”
“It’slike…”ButBonniedidn’tknowhowtoexplainthefun-houselookofthewallsorthewaythestairswentdowninsteadofup.
“Ithink,”shesaidfinally,“thatyou’dbetterdosomemoreresearch.Onthingslike—likepossessionoftheAmericankind.”
“Youmeanlikepossessionbydemons?”Meredithshotherasharplook.
“Yes.Iguessso.OnlyIdon’tknowwheretostartlistingwhat’swrongwithher.”
“Ihaveafewideasofmyown,”Meredithsaidquietly.“Like—didyounoticethatshenevershowedusherhands?Thatwasverystrange,Ithought.”
“Iknowwhy,”Bonniewhispered,tryingnottoletthesobbinglaughterout.“It’sbecause—shedoesn’thavefingernailsanymore.”
“Whatdidyousay?”
“Sheputherhandsaroundmywrists.Icouldfeelthem.”
“Bonnie,you’renotmakinganysense.”
Bonniemadeherselfspeak.“Carolinehasclawsnow,Meredith.Realclaws.Likeawolf.”
“Ormaybe,”Meredithsaidinawhisper,“likeafox.”6
ElenawasusingallherconsiderabletalentsatnegotiationtocalmMattdown,encouraginghimtoorderasecondandthirdBelgianwaffle;smilingathimacrossthetable.Butitwasn’tmuchgood.Mattwasmovingasifheweredriventorush,whileatthesametimehecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffher.
He’sstillimaginingDamonswoopingdownandterrorizingsomeyounggirl,Elenathoughthelplessly.
Damonwasn’ttherewhentheysteppedoutofthecoffeeshop.ElenasawthefrownbetweenMatt’seyebrowsbeginandhadabrainstorm.
“Whydon’twetaketheJagtoaused-cardealership?Ifwe’regoingtogiveuptheJaguar,Iwantyouradviceonwhatwegetinreturn.”
“Yeah,myadviceonbeat-up,falling-apartheapshasgottobethebest,”Mattsaid,withawrysmilethatsaidheknewElenawasmanaginghim,buthedidn’tmind.
Thesinglecardealershipinthetowndidn’tlookverypromising.Butevenitwasnotasdepressed-lookingastheownerofthelot.ElenaandMattfoundhimasleepinsideasmallofficebuildingwithdirtywindows.Matttappedgentlyonthesmudgedwindowandeventuallythemanstarted,jerkedupinhischair,andangrilywavedthemaway.
ButMatttappedagainonthewindowwhenthemanbegantoputhisheaddownoncemore,andthistimethemansatupveryslowly,gavethemalookofbitterdespair,andcametothedoor.
“Whatdoyouwant?”hedemanded.
“Atrade-in,”MattsaidloudlybeforeElenacouldsayitsoftly.
“Youteenagershaveacartotrade,”thelittlemansaiddarkly.“Inallmytwentyyearsowningthisplace—”
“Look.”MattsteppedbacktorevealthebrilliantredJagshininginthemorningsunlikeagiantroseonwheels.“Abrand-newJaguarXZR.Zerotosixtyin3.7seconds!A550-horsepowersuperchargedAJ-V8GENIIIRenginewith6-speedZFautomatictransmission!AdaptiveDynamicsandActiveDifferentialforexceptionaltractionandhandling!ThereisnocarliketheXZR!”Mattfinishednosetonosewiththelittleman,whosemouthhadslowlycomeopenashiseyesflickeredbetweenthecarandtheboy.
“Youwanttotradethatinforsomethingonthislot?”hesaid,shockedintofrankdisbelief.“AsifI’dhavethecashto—waitaminute!”heinterruptedhimself.Hiseyesstoppedflickeringandbecametheeyesofapokerplayer.Hisshoulderscameup,buthisheaddidn’t,givinghimtheappearanceofavulture.
“Don’twantit,”hesaidflatlyandmadeasiftogobackintotheoffice.
“Whatdoyoumeanyoudon’twantit?Youweredroolingoveritaminuteago!”Mattshouted,butthemanhadstoppedwincing.Hisexpressiondidn’tchange.
Ishouldhavedonethetalking,Elenathought.Iwouldn’thavegottenintoawarfromwordone—butit’stoolatenow.Shetriedtoshutoutthemalevoicesandlookedatthedilapidatedcarsonthelot,eachwithitsowndustylittlesigntuckedintothewindshield:10PERCENTOFFFORXMAS!EASYCREDIT!CLEAN!GRANNY-OWNEDSPECIAL!NODOWN-PAYMENT!CHECKITOUT!Shewasafraidshewasgoingtoburstintotearsatanysecond.
“Nocallforacarlikethataroundhere,”theownerwassayingexpressionlessly.“Who’dbuyit?”
“You’recrazy!Thiscarwillbringcustomersflockingin.It’s—it’sadvertising!Betterthanthatpurplehippooverthere.”
“Notahippo.S’anelephant.”
“Whocantell,withithalfdeflatedlikethat?”
Withdignity,theownerstalkedovertolookattheJag.“Notbrand-new.S’gottoomanymilesonit.”
“Itwasboughtonlytwoweeksago.”
“So?Inafewmoreweeks,Jaguarwillbeadvertisingnextyear’scars.”TheownerwavedahandatElena’sgiantroseofavehicle.“Obsolete.”
“Obsolete!”
“Yeah.Bigcarlikethis,gasguzzler—”
“It’smoreenergyefficientthanahybrid—!”
“Youthinkpeopleknowthat?Theyseeit—”
“Look,Icouldtakethiscaranywhereelse—”
“Thentakeit.Onmylot,hereandnow,thatcarisbarelyworthonecarinexchange!”
“Twocars.”
ThenewvoicecamefromdirectlybehindMattandElena,butthecardealer’seyeswidenedasifhehadjustseenaghost.
ElenaturnedandmetDamon’sunfathomableblackgaze.HehadhisRay-BanshookedoverhisT-shirtandwasstandingwithhishandsbehindhisback.Hewaslookinghardatthecardealer.
Afewmomentspassed,andthen…
“The…silverPriusinthebackrightcorner.Under…undertheawning,”thecardealersaidslowly,andwithadazedexpression—inanswertonoquestionthathadbeenaskedaloud.“I’ll…takeyouthere,”headdedinavoicetomatchhisexpression.
“Takethekeyswithyou.Lettheboytest-driveit,”Damonordered,andtheownerfumbledtoshowakeyringathisbelt,andthenwalkedslowlyaway,staringatnothing.
ElenaturnedtoDamon.“Oneguess.Youaskedhimwhichwasthebestcaronhislot.”
“Substitute‘leastdisgusting’andyou’dbecloser,”Damonsaid.Heflashedabrilliantsmileatherforatenthofasecond,andthenturneditoff.
“But,Damon,whytwocars?Iknowit’smorefairandall,butwhatarewegoingtodowiththesecondcar?”
“Caravan,”Damonsaid.
“Oh,no.”ButevenElenacouldseethebenefitsofthis—atleastaftertheyheldasummittodecideonarotationschedulebetweenthecarsforElena.Shesighed.“Well—ifMattagrees…”
“Muttwillagree,”Damonsaid,lookingverybriefly—verybriefly—asinnocentasanangel.
“Whathaveyougotbehindyourback?”Elenasaid,decidingnottopursuethequestionofwhatDamonintendedtodotoMatt.
Damonsmiledagain,butthistimeitwasanoddsmile,justaquirkofonesideofhismouth.Hiseyessaiditwasnothingmuch.ButhisrighthandcameoutanditwasholdingthemostbeautifulroseElenahadeverseeninherlife.
Itwasthedeepestredroseshehadeverseen,yettherewasn’tahintofpurpletoit—itwasjustvelvetyburgundy,andopenatexactlythemomentoffullbloom.Itlookedasifitwouldbeplushtothetouch,anditsvividgreenstem,withjustafewdelicateleaveshereandthere,wasatleasteighteenincheslongandstraightasaruler.
Elenaresolutelyputherownhandsbehindherback.Damonwasn’tthesentimentaltype—evenwhenhegotonhis“PrincessoftheNight”soapbox.Theroseprobablyhadsomethingtodowiththeirjourney.
“Don’tyoulikeit?”Damonsaid.Elenamightbeimaginingit,butitalmostsoundedasifheweredisappointed.
“OfcourseIlikeit.What’sitfor?”
Damonsettledback.“It’sforyou,Princess,”hesaid,lookinghurt.“Don’tworry;Ididn’tstealit.”
No—hewouldn’thavestolenit.Elenaknewexactlyhowhewouldhavegottentherose…butitwassopretty….
Asshestillmadenomovetotaketherose,Damonlifteditandallowedthecool,silky-feelingpetalstocaresshercheek.
Itmadehershiver.“Stopit,Damon,”shemurmured,butshedidn’tseemtobeabletostepbackward.
Hedidn’tstop.Heusedthecool,softlyrustlingpetalstooutlinetheothersideofherface.Elenatookadeepbreathautomatically,butwhatshesmelledwasnotflowerlikeatall.Itwasthesmellofsomedark,darkwine,somethingancientandfragrantthathadoncemadeherdrunkimmediately.DrunkonBlackMagicandonherownheadyexcitement…justtobewithDamon.
Butthatwasn’ttherealme,asmallvoiceinherheadprotested.IloveStefan.Damon…Iwant…Iwantto…
“DoyouwanttoknowwhyIgotthisparticularrose?”Damonwassayingsoftly,hisvoiceblendinginwithhermemories.“Igotitbecauseofitsname.It’saBlackMagicrose.”
“Yes,”Elenasaidsimply.She’dknownthatbeforehesaidit.Itwastheonlynamethatfit.
NowDamonwasgivingherarosekissbyswirlingtheblossominacircleonhercheekandthenapplyingpressure.Thefirmerpetalsinthemiddlepressedintoherskin,whiletheouterpetalsjustbrushedit.
Elenawasfeelingdistinctlylight-headed.Thedaywaswarmandhumidalready;howcouldtherosefeelsocool?Nowtheoutermostpetalshadmovedtotraceherlips,andshewantedtosayno,butsomehowthewordwouldn’tcome.
Itwasasifshehadbeentransportedbackintime,backtothedayswhenDamonhadfirstappearedtoher,hadfirstclaimedherforhisown.Whenshehadalmostlethimkissherbeforesheknewhisname….
Hehadn’tchangedhisideassincethen.Vaguely,Elenarememberedthinkingsomethinglikethatbefore.Damonchangedotherpeoplewhileremainingunchangedhimself.
ButI’vechanged,Elenathought,andsuddenlytherewasquicksandunderherfeet.I’vechangedsomuchsincethen.EnoughtoseethingsinDamonI’dneverimaginedcouldbethere.Notjustthewildandangrydarkparts,butthegentleparts.Thehonoranddecencythatweretrappedlikeveinsofgoldinsidethatstoneboulderinhismind.
Ihavetohelphim,Elenathought.Somehow,Ihavetohelphim—andthelittleboychainedoutsidetheboulder.
Thesethoughtshadtrickledslowlythroughhermindwhileitseemedseparatedfromherbody.Shewassoinvolvedwiththem,infact,thatshesomehowlosttrackofherbody,andonlynowdidsherealizehowmuchcloserDamonhadgotten.Herbackwasagainstoneofthesad,saggingcars.AndDamonwasspeakinglightly,butwithanundertoneofseriousness.
“Aroseforakiss,then?”heasked.“ItiscalledBlackMagic,andIdidcomebyithonestly.Hernamewas…itwas…”
Damonstopped,andforamomentalookofintensebewildermentflashedacrosshisface.Thenhesmiled,butitwasthewarrior’ssmile,thebrilliantoneheturnedonandoffalmostbeforeyouweresureyouhadseenit.Elenasensedtrouble.Sure,Damonstilldidn’trememberMatt’snamecorrectly,butshehadneverknownhimtoforgetagirl’snamewhenhewasreallytryingtoremember.Especiallywithinminutesofwhenhemusthavefedfromthatgirl.
Shinichiagain?Elenawondered.WashestilltakingDamon’smemories—onlythehighlights,ofcourse?Thethrills,goodorbad?ElenaknewthatDamonhimselfwasthinkingthesamething.Hisblackeyesweresmoldering.Damonwasfurious—buttherewasacertainvulnerabilityabouthisfury.
Withoutthinking,ElenaputherhandsonDamon’sforearms.Sheignoredtherose,evenashetracedthecurveofhercheekbonewithit.Shetriedtospeaksteadily.“Damon,whatarewegoingtodo?”
ThatwasthescenethatMattwalkedinon.Raninon,actually.Hecameweavingthroughamazeofcars,anddashedaroundawhiteSUVwithoneflattire,shouting,“Hey,youguys,thatPriusis…”
Andthenhestoppeddead.
Elenaknewwhathewasseeing:Damoncaressingherwiththerose,whileshewaspracticallyembracinghim.SheletgoofDamon’sarms,butshecouldn’tbackawayfromhimbecauseofthecarbehindher.
“Matt—”Elenabegan,andthenhervoicetrailedoff.Shehadbeenabouttosay“Thisisn’twhatitlookslike.We’renotinthemiddleofacuddle.I’mnotreallytouchinghim.”Butthiswaswhatitlookedlike.ShecaredaboutDamon;shehadbeentryingtogetthroughtohim….
Withasmallshock,thatthoughtrepeateditselfwiththeforceofashaftofsunlightshootingthroughanunprotectedvampire’sbody.
ShecaredaboutDamon.
Shereallydid.Itwasusuallydifficultbeingwithhimbecausetheywerealikeinsomanyways.Headstrong,eachwantingtheirownway,passionate,impatient…
SheandDamonwerealike.
SmallshocksweregoingthoughElena,andherentirebodyfeltweak.Shefoundherselfgladtoleanagainstthecarbehindher,eventhoughitmustbegettingdustalloverherclothes.
IloveStefan,shethoughtalmosthysterically.He’stheonlyoneIlove.ButIneedDamontogettohim.AndDamonmaybefallingtopiecesinfrontofme.
ShewaslookingatMattallthewhile,hereyesfulloftearsthatwouldnotfall.Sheblinked,buttheystubbornlystayedonherlashes.
“Matt…”shewhispered.
Hesaidnothing.Hedidn’tneedto.Itwasallinhisexpression:astonishmentturningtosomethingElenahadneverseenbefore,notwhenhewaslookingather
Itwasasortofalienationthatshutheroutcompletely,thatseveredanybondsbetweenthem.
“Matt,no…”Butitcameoutinawhisper.
Andthen,toherastonishment,Damonspoke.
“Youdoknowit’sallme,don’tyou?Youcanhardlyblameagirlfortryingtodefendherself.”Elenalookedatherhands,whichwereshakingnow.Damonwasgoingon,“Youknowit’sallmyfault.Elenawouldnever—”
ThatwaswhenElenarealized.DamonwasInfluencingMatt.
“No!”ShetookDamonoffguard,grabbinghimagain,shakinghim.“Don’tdoit!NottoMatt!”
Theblackeyesthatwereturnedonhersweredefinitelynotthoseofasuitor.DamonhadbeeninterruptedintheuseofhisPower.Ifithadbeenanyoneelse,theywouldhaveendedasasmallspotofgreaseontheground.
“I’msavingyou,”Damonsaidcoldly.“Areyourefusingme?”
Elenafoundherselfwavering.Maybe,ifitwasonlyonce,andonlyforMatt’sbenefit…
Somethingsurgedupinsideher.Itwasallshecoulddonottoletherauraescapecompletely.
“Nevertrythatonmeagain,”Elenasaid.Hervoicewasquietbuticy.“Don’tyoudareevertrytoInfluenceme!AndleaveMattalone!”
SomethinglikeapprovalflickeredintheendlessdarknessofDamon’sgaze.Itwasgonebeforeshecouldbesureshe’dseenit.Butwhenhespoke,heseemedlessdistant.
“Allright,”hesaidtoMatt.“What’sthegameplannow?Younameit.”
Mattansweredslowly,notlookingateitherofthem.Hewasflushedbutdeadlycalm.“Iwasgoingtosay,thatPriusisn’tbadatall.Andthedealerguyhasanotherone.It’sinokaycondition.Wecouldhavetwocarsjustalike.”
“Andthenwecouldcaravanandsplitupifsomeonewasfollowingus!Theywon’tknowwhichtofollow.”NormallyElenawouldhavethrownherarmsaroundMattatthispoint.ButMattwaslookingathisshoes,whichwasprobablyjustaswellreally,sinceDamonhadhiseyesshutandwasshakinghisheadslightlyasifhecouldn’tbelievesomethingidiotic.
That’sright,Elenathought.It’smyaura—orDamon’s—thatthey’rehominginon.Wecan’tconfusethemwithidenticalcarsunlesswehaveidenticalauras,too.
WhichreallymeantthatsheshoulddrivewithMattthewholeway.ButDamonwouldneveracceptthat.AndsheneededDamontogettoherbeloved,heroneandonly,hertruemate:Stefan.
“I’lltaketherattyone,”Mattwassaying,arrangingitwithDamonandignoringher.“I’musedtorattycars.Ialreadyarrangedadealwiththeguy.Weshouldgetgoing.”StillspeakingonlytoDamon,hesaid,“You’llhavetotellmewherewe’rereallygoing.Wemightgetseparated.”
Damonwassilentforalongmoment.Then,brusquely,hesaid,“Sedona,Arizona,forastart.”
Mattlookeddisgusted.“ThatplacefullofNewAgelunatics?You’rekidding.”
“Isaidwe’llstartoutfromSedona.It’scompletewilderness—nothingbutrock—allaroundit.Youcouldgetlost…veryeasily.”Damonflashedthebrilliantsmileandinstantlyturneditoff.
“We’llbeattheJuniperResort,offNorthHighway89A,”headdedsmoothly.
“I’vegotit,”Mattsaid.Elenacouldseenoemotionineitherhisfaceorhisexpression,buthisaurawasseethingred.
“Now,Matt,”Elenabegan,“weshouldreallymeeteverynight,soifyoujustfollowus—”Shebrokeoffwithasharplyinhaledbreath.
Matthadalreadyturnedaround.Hedidn’tturnbackwhenshespoke.Hejustkeptgoing,withoutanotherword.
Withoutabackwardglance.7
ElenawoketothesoundofDamonimpatientlyrappingonthewindowofthePrius.Shewasfullyclothed,clutchingherdiarytoher.ItwasthedayafterMatthadleftthem.
“Didyousleepallnightlikethat?”Damonasked,lookingherupanddownasElenarubbedhereyes.Asusual,hewasimmaculatelydressed:allinblack,ofcourse.Heatandhumidityhadnoeffectonhim.
“I’vehadmybreakfast,”hesaidshortly,gettinginthedriver’sseat.“AndIbroughtyouthis.”
Thiswasastyrofoamcupofsteamingcoffee,whichElenaclutchedasgratefullyasifitwereBlackMagicwine,andabrownpaperbagthatprovedtocontaindonuts.Notexactlythemostnutritiousbreakfast,butElenacravedthecaffeineandsugar.
“Ineedareststop,”ElenawarnedasDamoncoollyseatedhimselfbehindthewheelandstartedthecar.“Tochangemyclothesandwashmyfaceandthings.”
Theyheadeddirectlywest,whichaccordedwithwhatElenahadfoundbylookingatamapontheInternetlastnight.ThesmallimageonhermobilephonematchedthePrius’snavigationsystemreadout.TheyhadbothshownthatSedona,Arizona,layonanalmostperfectlystraighthorizontallinefromthesmallruralroadwhereDamonhadparkedovernightinArkansas.ButsoonDamonwasturningsouth,takingaroundaboutrouteofhisownthatmightormightnotconfuseanypursuers.Bythetimetheyfoundareststop,Elena’sbladderwasabouttoburst.Shespentanunashamedhalfhourinthewomen’sroom,doingherbesttowashwithpapertowelsandcoldwater,brushingherhair,andchangingintonewjeansandafreshwhitetopthatlacedupthefrontlikeacorset.Afterall,oneofthesedaysshejustmighthaveanotheroutofbodyexperiencewhilenappingandseeStefanagain.
Whatshedidn’twanttothinkaboutwasthatwithMatt’sdeparture,shewasleftalonewithDamon,anuntamedvampire,travelingthroughthemiddleoftheUnitedStatestowardadestinationthatwasliterallyoutofthisworld.
WhenElenafinallyemergedfromtherestroom,Damonwascoldandexpressionless—althoughshenoticedthathetookthetimetolookheroverjustthesame.
Oh,damn,Elenathought.Ileftmydiaryinthecar.
Shewasascertainthathe’dreaditasifshe’dseenhimdoingit,andshewasgladthattherewasnothinginitaboutleavingherbodyandfindingStefan.AlthoughshebelievedDamonwantedtofreeStefan,too—shewouldn’tbeinthiscarwithhimifshedidn’t—shealsofeltthatitwasbetterthathedidn’tknowshehadgottentherefirst.Damonenjoyedbeinginchargeofthingsasmuchasshedid.HealsoenjoyedInfluencingeachpoliceofficerwhopulledhimoverforblastingthespeedlimit.
Buttodayhewasshort-temperedevenbyhisownstandards.ElenaknewfromfirsthandexperiencethatDamoncouldmakehimselfremarkablygoodcompanywhenhechose,tellingoutrageousstoriesandjokesuntilthemostprejudicedandtaciturnofpassengerswouldlaughinspiteofthemselves.
Buttodayhewouldn’tevenreplytoElena’squestions,muchlesslaughatherownjokes.Theonetimeshetriedtomakephysicalcontact,touchinghisarmlightly,hejerkedawayasifhertouchmightruinhisblackleatherjacket.
Fine,terrific,Elenathought,depressed.Sheleanedherheadagainstthewindowandstaredatthescenery,whichalllookedalike.Hermindwandered.
WherewasMattnow?Aheadofthemorbehind?Hadhegottenanyrestlastnight?WashedrivingthroughTexasnow?Washeeatingproperly?Elenablinkedawaytears,whichwelledupwheneversherememberedthewayhehadwalkedawayfromherwithoutabackwardlook.
Elenawasamanager.Shecouldmakealmostanysituationturnoutokay,aslongasthepeoplearoundherwerenormal,sanebeings.Andmanagingboyswasherspeciality.She’dbeenhandlingthem—steeringthem—sincejuniorhigh.Butnow,approximatelytwoandahalfweekssinceshehadcomebackfromdeath,fromsomespiritworldthatshedidn’tremember,shedidn’twanttosteeranyone.
ThatwaswhatshelovedaboutStefan.Onceshe’dgottenpasthisreflexiveinstincttokeepawayfromanythinghecherished,shedidn’tneedtomanagehimatall.Hewasmaintenance-free,exceptforthegentlestofhintsthatshe’dturnedherselfintoanexpertonvampires.Notathuntingthemorslayingthem,butatlovingthemsafely.Elenaknewwhenitwasrighttobiteorbebitten,andwhentostop,andhowtokeepherselfhuman.
Butapartfromthosegentlehints,shedidn’tevenwanttomanageStefan.Shewantedsimplytobewithhim.Afterthat,everythingtookcareofitself.
ElenacouldlivewithoutStefan—shethought.ButjustasbeingawayfromMeredithandBonniewaslikelivingwithouthertwohands,livingwithoutStefanwouldbeliketryingtolivewithoutherheart.HewasherpartnerintheGreatDance;herequalandheropposite;herbelovedandherloverinthepurestsenseimaginable.HewastheotherhalfoftheSacredMysteriesofLifetoher.
Andafterseeinghimlastnight,evenifithadbeenadream,whichshewasn’twillingtoaccept,Elenamissedhimsomuchthatitwasathrobbingpaininsideher.Apainsogreatthatshecouldn’tbeartojustsitanddwellonit.IfshedidshemightjustgoinsaneandstartravingatDamontodrivefaster—andElenamighthurtinside,butshewasn’tsuicidal.
Theystoppedatsomenamelesstownforlunch.Elenahadnoappetite,butDamonspenttheentirebreakasabird,whichforsomereasoninfuriatedher.
Bythetimetheyweredrivingagain,thetensioninthecarhadbuiltuntiltheoldclichéwasimpossibletoavoid:youcouldcutitwithafoldednapkin,muchlessaknife,Elenathought.
Thatwaswhensherealizedexactlywhatkindoftensionitwas.
TheonethingthatwassavingDamonwashispride.
HeknewthatElenahadthingsfiguredout.She’dstoppedtryingtotouchhimorevenspeaktohim.Andthatwasgood
Hewasn’tsupposedtobefeelinglikethis.Vampireswantedgirlsfortheirprettywhitethroats,andDamon’ssenseofestheticsdemandedthattherestofthedonorbeatleastuptohisstandards.ButnowevenElena’shuman-sizedaurawasadvertisingtheuniquelife-forceinherblood.AndDamon’sresponsewasinvoluntary.Hehadnoteventhoughtaboutagirlinthiswayforapproximatelyfivehundredyears.Vampiresweren’tcapableofit.
ButDamonwas—verycapable—now.AndthecloserhegottoElena,thestrongerheraurawasaroundhim,andtheweakerwashiscontrol.
Thankallthelittledemonsinhell,hispridewasstrongerthanthedesirehefelt.Damonhadneveraskedforanythingfromanyoneinhislife.Hepaidforthebloodhetookfromhumansinhisownparticularcoin:ofpleasureandfantasyanddreams.ButElenadidn’tneedfantasy;didn’twantdreams.
Didn’twanthim
ShewantedStefan.AndDamon’spridewouldneverallowhimtoaskElenaforwhathealonedesired,andequallyitwouldneverallowhimtotakeitwithoutherconsent…hehoped.
Justafewdaysagohehadbeenanemptyshell,hisbodyapuppetofthekitsunetwins,whohadmadehimhurtElenainwaysthatnowmadehimcringeinside.Damonhadn’texistedthenasapersonality,buthisbodyhadbeenShinichi’stoplaywith.Andalthoughhescarcelycouldbelieveit,thetakeoverhadbeensocompletethathisshellhadobeyedShinichi’severycommand:hehadtormentedElena;hemightwellhavekilledher.
Therewasnopointindisbelievingit;orsayingthatitcouldn’tbetrue.Itwastrue.Ithadhappened.Shinichiwasthatmuchstrongerwhenitcametomindcontrol,andthekitsunehadnoneofthevampires’detachmentaboutprettygirls—belowtheneck.Besideswhich,hehappenedtobeasadist.Helikedpain—otherpeople’s,thatis.
Damoncouldn’tdenythepast,couldn’twonderwhyhehadn’t“awakened”tostopShinichifromhurtingElena.Therehadbeennothingofhimtoawaken.Andifasolitarypartofhismindstillweptbecauseoftheevilhehaddone—well,Damonwasgoodatblockingitout.Hewouldn’twastetimeoverregrets,buthewasintentoncontrollingthefuture.Itwouldneverhappenagain—notandleavehimstillalive.
WhatDamonreallycouldn’tunderstandwaswhyElenawaspushinghim.Actingasifshetrustedhim.Ofallthepeopleintheworld,shewastheonewiththemostrighttohatehim,topointanaccusingfingerathim.Butshehadneveroncedonethat.Shehadneverevenlookedathimwithangerinherdarkblue,gold-spatteredeyes.Shealonehadseemedtounderstandthatsomeoneascompletelypossessedbythemasterofthemalach,Shinichi,asDamonhadbeen,simplyhadnochoice—wasn’ttheretomakeachoice—inwhatheorshedid.
Maybeitwasbecauseshe’dpulledthethingthemalachhadcreatedoutofhim.Thepulsating,albino,secondbodythathadbeeninsidehim.Damonforcedhimselftorepressashudder.HeonlyknewthisbecauseShinichihadjoviallymentionedit,whiletakingawayallDamon’smemoriesofthetimesincethetwoofthem,kitsuneandvampire,hadmetintheOldWood.
Damonwasgladtohavehadthememoriesgone.Fromthemomenthehadlockedgazeswiththefoxspirit’slaughinggoldeneyes,hislifehadbeenpoisoned.
Andnow…rightnowhewasalonewithElena,inthemiddleofthewilderness,withtownsfewandfarbetween.Theywereutterly,uniquelyalone,withDamonhelplesslywantingfromElenawhateveryhumanboyshe’deverencounteredhadwanted
Worstofallwasthefactthatcharminggirls,deceivinggirls,waspracticallyDamon’sownraisond’être.Itwascertainlytheonlyreasonhe’dbeenabletokeeponlivingforthepasthalfmillennium.Andyetheknewthathemustnot,mustnotevenstarttheprocesswiththisonegirlwho,tohim,wasthejewellyingonthedungheapofhumanity.
Toallappearances,hewasperfectlyincontrol,icyandprecise,distantanddisinterested.
Thetruthwasthathewasgoingoutofhismind.
Thatnight,aftermakingsurethatElenahadfoodandwaterandwassafelylockedintothePrius,Damoncalleddownadampfogandbegantoweavehisdarkestwards.ThesewereannouncementstoanysistersorbrothersofthenightwhomightcomeuponthecarthatthegirlinsideitwasunderDamon’sprotection;andthatDamonwouldhuntdownandflayaliveanyonewhoevendisturbedthegirl’srest…andthenhe’dgetaroundtoreallypunishingtheculprit.Damonthenflewafewmilessouthasacrow,foundadivewithapackofwerewolvesdrinkinginitandafewcharmingbarmaidsservingthem,andbrawledandbledthenightaway.
Butitwasn’tenoughtodistracthim—notnearlyenough.Inthemorning,returningearly,hesawthewardsaroundthecarintatters.Beforehecouldpanic,herealizedthatElenahadbrokenthemfromtheinside.Therehadbeennowarningtohimbecauseofherpeacefulintentandinnocentheart.
AndthenElenaherselfappeared,comingupthebankofastream,lookingcleanandrefreshed.Damonwasstrickenspeechlessbytheverysightofher.Byhergrace,byherbeauty,bytheunbearableclosenessofher.Hecouldsmellherfreshlywashedskin,andcouldn’thelpdeliberatelybreathinginmoreandmoreofheruniquefragrance.
Hedidn’tseehowhecouldputupwithanotherdayofthis.
AndthenDamonsuddenlyhadanIdea.
“Wouldyouliketolearnsomethingthatwouldhelpyoutocontrolthatauraofyours?”heaskedasshepassedhim,headingforthecar.
Elenathrewhimasidelongglance.“Soyou’vedecidedtotalktomeagain.AmIsupposedtofaintwithjoy?”
“Well—thatwouldalwaysbeappreciated—”
“Wouldit?”shesaidsharply,andDamonrealizedthathehadunderestimatedthestormhehadbrewedinsidethisformidablegirl.
“No.Now,I’mbeingserious,”hesaid,fixinghisdarkgazeonher.
“Iknow.You’regoingtotellmetobecomeavampiretohelpcontrolmyPower.”
“No,no,no.Thishasnothingtodowithbeingavampire.”DamonrefusedtobedrawnintoanargumentandthatmusthaveimpressedElena,becausefinallyshesaid,“Whatisit,then?”
“It’slearninghowtocirculateyourPower.Bloodcirculates,yes?AndPowercanbecirculated,too.Evenhumanshaveknownthatforcenturies,whethertheycallitlife-forceorchiorki.Asitis,you’resimplydissipatingyourPowerintotheair.That’sanaura.Butifyoulearntocirculateit,youcanbuilditupforsomereallybigrelease,andyoucanbemoreinconspicuousaswell.”
Elenawasclearlyfascinated.“Whydidn’tyoutellmebefore?”
BecauseI’mstupid,Damonthought.Becausetovampiresit’sasinstinctiveasbreathingistoyou.Heliedunblushingly.“Ittakesacertainlevelofcompetencetoaccomplish.”
“AndIcandoitnow?”
“Ithinkso.”Damonputslightuncertaintyinhisvoice.
Naturally,thismadeElenaevenmoredetermined.“Showme!”shesaid.
“Youmeanrightnow?”Heglancedaround.“Someonemightdriveby—”
“We’reofftheroad.Oh,please,Damon?Please?”ElenalookedatDamonwiththehugeblueeyesthataltogethertoomanymaleshadfoundirresistible.Shetouchedhisarm,tryingoncemoretomakesomekindofcontact,butwhenheautomaticallydrewaway,shecontinued,“Ireallydowanttolearn.Youcanteachme.Justshowmeonce,andI’llpractice.”
Damonglanceddownathisarm,felthisgoodsenseandhiswillwavering.Howdoesshedothat?
“Allright.”Hesighed.Therewereatleastthreeorfourbillionpeopleonthisdustmoteofaplanetthatwouldgiveanythingtobewiththiswarmandeager,yearningElenaGilbert.Theproblemwasthathehappenedtobeoneofthem—andthatsheclearlydidn’tgiveadamnforhim.
Ofcoursenot.ShehaddearStefan.Well,hewouldseeifhisprincesswasstillthesamewhen—if—shemanagedtofreeStefanandgetoutoftheirdestinationalive.
Meanwhile,Damonconcentratedonkeepinghisvoice,face,andauraalldispassionate.He’dhadsomepracticeatthat.Onlyfivecenturies’worth,butitaddedup.
“FirstIhavetofindtheplace,”hetoldher,hearingthelackofwarmthinhisvoice,thetonethatwasnotmerelydispassionatebutactuallycold.
Elena’sexpressiondidn’tflicker.Shecouldbedispassionate,too.Evenherdeepblueeyesseemedtohavetakenonafrostyglint.“Allright.Whereisit?”
“Nearwheretheheartis,butmoretotheleft.HetouchedElena’ssternum,andthenmovedhisfingerstotheleft.
Elenafoughtbackbothtensionandashiver—hecouldseeit.Damonwasprobingfortheplacewherethefleshbecamesoftoverbone,theplacemosthumansassumedtheirheartwasbecauseitwaswheretheycouldfeeltheirheartbeating.Itshouldberightaround…here.…
“Now,I’llrunyourPowerthroughoneortwocirculations,andwhenyoucandoitbyyourself—that’swhenyou’llbereadytoreallyconcealyouraura.”
“ButhowwillIknow?”
“You’llknow,believeme.”
Hedidn’twanthertoaskquestions,sohesimplyhelduponehandinfrontofher—nottouchingherfleshorevenherclothing—andbroughtherlife-forceinsynchronizationwithhis.There.Now,tosettheprocessoff.HeknewwhatitwouldfeelliketoElena:anelectricshock,startingatthepointwherehehadfirsttouchedherandquicklyspreadingwarmththroughherbody.
Then,arapidmontageofsensationsashewentthroughapracticerotationortwowithher.Uptowardhim,tohereyesandears,whereshewouldsuddenlyfindshecouldseeandhearmuchbetter,thendownherspineandouttoherfingertips,whileherheartbeatquickenedandshefeltsomethinglikeelectricityinherpalms.Backupherarmanddownthesideofherbody,atwhichpointatremorwouldsetin.Finally,theenergywouldsweepdownhermagnificentlegallthewaytoherfeet,whereshewouldfeelitinhersoles,curlinghertoes,beforecomingbackaroundtowhereithadstartednearherheart.
DamonheardElenagaspfaintlywhentheshockfirsthither,andthenfeltherheartbeatraceandhereyelashesflickerastheworldsuddenlybecamemuchlightertoher;herpupilsdilatingasifshewereinlove,herbodygoingrigidatthetinysoundofsomerodentinthegrass—asoundshewouldneverhaveheardwithoutPowerdirectedtoherears.Andso,allaroundherbody,once,andthenagain,soshecouldgetafeelfortheprocess.Thenhelethergo.
Elenawaspantingandexhausted;andhe’dbeentheoneexpendingenergy.“I’llnever—beable—todothatalone,”shegasped.
“Yes,youwill,intimeandwithpractice.Andwhenyoucandoit,you’llbeabletocontrolallyourPower.”
“Ifyou…sayso.”Elena’seyeswereshutnow,herlashesdarkcrescentsonhercheeks.Itwasclearthatshe’dbeenpushedtoherlimit.Damonfeltthetemptationtodrawhertohim,butsuppressedit.Elenahadmadeitclearthatshedidn’twanthimembracingher.
Iwonderjusthowmanyboysshedidn’tpushaway,Damonthoughtabruptly,bitterly.Thatsurprisedhimalittle,thebitterness.WhyshouldhecarehowmanyboyshadhandledElena?WhenhemadeherhisPrincessofDarkness,theywouldbothgohuntingforhumanprey—sometimestogether,sometimesalone.Hewouldn’tbejealousofherthen.Whyshouldhecarehowmanyromanticencountersshe’dhadnow?
Buthefoundthathewasbitter,bitterandangryenoughthatheansweredwithoutwarmth,“Idosayyouwill.Justpracticedoingitalone.”
Inthecar,DamonmanagedtostayannoyedwithElena.Thiswasdifficult,asshewasaperfecttravelingcompanion.Shedidn’tchatter,didn’ttrytohumor—thankfortune—singalongwiththeradio,didn’tchewgumorsmoke,didn’tbackseatdrive,didn’tneedtoomanyreststops,andneverasked“Arewethereyet?”
Asamatteroffact,itwasdifficultforanyone,maleorfemale,tostayannoyedatElenaGilbertforanylengthoftime.Youcouldn’tsayshewastooexuberant,likeBonnie,ortooserene,likeMeredith.Elenawasjustsweetenoughtooffsetherbright,active,ever-schemingmind.Shewasjustcompassionateenoughtomakeupforherself-confessedegotism,andjustskewedenoughtoensurethatnoonewouldevercallhernormal.Shewasintenselyloyaltoherfriendsandjustforgivingenoughthatsheherselfconsideredalmostnooneanenemy—kitsuneandOldOnesofthevampirekindexcepted.Shewashonestandfrankandloving,andofcourseshehadadarkstreakinherthatherfriendssimplycalledwild,butthatDamonrecognizedforwhatitreallywas.Itcompensatedforthena?ve,soft,ingenuoussideofhernature.Damonwasverysurethathedidn’tneedanyofthosequalitiesinher,especiallyrightnow.
Oh,yes…andElenaGilbertwasjustgorgeousenoughtomakeanyofhernegativecharacteristicscompletelyirrelevant.
ButDamonwasdeterminedtobeannoyedandhewasstrong-willedenoughthathecouldusuallychoosehismoodandsticktoit,appropriateornot.HeignoredallofElena’sattemptsatconversation,andeventuallyshegaveuptryingtomakethem.Hekepthismindpinnedtothedozensofboysandmenwhomtheexquisitegirlbesidehimmusthavebedded.HeknewthatElena,Caroline,andMeredithhadbeenthe“senior”membersofthequartetwhentheyhadallbeenfriends,whilelittleBonniehadbeentheyoungestandhadbeenconsideredabittoona?vetobefullyinitiated.
SowhywashewithElenanow?hefoundhimselfaskingsourly,wonderingforjusttheslightestsecondifShinichiwasmanipulatinghimaswellastakinghismemories.
DidStefaneverworryaboutherpast—especiallywithanoldboyfriend—Mutt—stillhangingaround,willingtogivehisverylifeforher?Stefanmustnot,orhe’dhaveputastop—no,howcouldStefanputastoptoanythingElenawantedtodo?Damonhadseentheclashoftheirwills,evenwhenElenahadbeenachildmentallyjustafterreturningfromtheafterlife.WhenitcametoStefanandElena’srelationship,Elenawasdefinitelyincontrol.Ashumanssaid:Sheworethetrousersinthefamily.
Well,soonenoughshecouldseehowshelikedwearingharemtrousers,Damonthought,laughingsilently,althoughhismoodwasdarkerthanever.Theskyoverthecardarkenedfurtherinresponse,andwindrippedsummerleavesfrombranchesbeforetheirtime.Cat’spawsofraindottedthewindshield,andthencametheflashoflightningandtheechoingsoundofthunder.
Elenajumpedslightly,involuntarily,everytimethethunderletloose.Damonwatchedthiswithgrimsatisfaction.Heknewsheknewthathecouldcontroltheweather.Neitherofthemsaidasinglewordaboutit.
Shewon’tbeg,hethought,feelingthatquicksavageprideinheragainandthenfeelingannoyancewithhimselfforbeingsosoft.
Theypassedamotel,andElenafollowedtheblurryelectricsignswithhereyes,lookingoverhershoulderuntilitwaslostindarkness.Damondidn’twanttostopdriving.Didn’tdarestop,really.Theywereheadedintoareallynastystormnow,andoccasionallythePriushydroplaned,butDamonmanagedtokeepitundercontrol—barely.Heenjoyeddrivingintheseconditions.
ItwasonlywhenasignproclaimedthatthenextplaceofshelterwasoverahundredmilesawaythatDamon,withoutconsultingElena,swungintoafloodingdrivewayandstoppedthecar.Thecloudshadletloosebythen;therainwascomingdowninbucketfuls;andtheroomDamongotwasasmalloutbuilding,separatedfromthemainmotel.
ThesolitudesuitedDamonjustfine.8
Astheyhastenedfromthecartothesecludedmotelroom,Elenahadtoputpressureonherlegstokeepthemsteadyunderher.Assoonasthedoortotheroomslammedshut,withthestormmoreorlessoutsideandherownstiffandachingbodyinside,sheheadedforthebathroomwithouteventurningonalight.Herclothesandhairandfeetwerealldamp.
Thefluorescentlightsofthebathroomseemedtoobrightafterthedarknessofthenightandthestorm.OrmaybeitwasthebeginningofherlearningtocirculateherPower.
Thathadcertainlybeenasurprise.Damonhadn’tevenbeentouchingher,buttheshockshehadfeltstillreverberatedinsideher.AndasforthefeelingofhavingherPowermanipulatedfromoutsideherbody,well,therejustweren’twords.Ithadbeenabreathtakingexperience,allright.Evennowjustthinkingaboutitmadeherkneestremble.
ButitwasmoreclearthaneverthatDamonwantednothingtodowithher.Elenaconfrontedherownimageinthemirrorandwinced.Yes,shelookedlikeadrownedratthathadbeendraggedbackwardamilethroughthegutter.Herhairwasdamp,turningitssilkywavesintotinywispsofcurlsallaroundherheadandface;shewasaswhiteasaninvalid,andherblueeyeswerestaringoutofthepinchedandexhaustedfaceofachild.
Forjustamomentsherememberedbeinginevenworseshapeafewdays—yes,itwasonlydays—ago,andhavingDamontreatherwiththeutmostgentleness,asifherbedraggledappearancehadmeantnothingtohim.ButthosememorieshadbeentakenfromDamonbyShinichi,anditwastoomuchtohopethatthatmighthavebeenhisrealstateofmind.Ithadbeen…whim…likeallhisotherwhims.
FuriousatDamon—andatherselfforthepricklingbehindhereyesshefelt—Elenaturnedawayfromthemirror.
Thepastwasthepast.ShehadnoideawhyDamonhadsuddenlydecidedtostartjerkingawayfromhertouch,ortolookatherwiththehardcoldeyesofapredator.Somethinghadcausedhimtohateher,tobarelybeabletositinthecarwithher.Andwhateveritwas,Elenahadtolearntoignoreit,becauseifDamonleft,shewouldhavenochanceoffindingStefan.
Stefan.AtlasthertremblingheartcouldfindrestinthinkingofStefan.Hewouldn’tcarewhatshelookedlike:hissoleconcernwouldbeforherwell-being.Elenashuthereyesassheturnedonthehotwaterinthetubandstrippedoffherclammyclothes,baskinginherimaginationofStefan’sloveandapproval.
Themotelhadprovidedasmallplasticbottleofbubblebath,butElenaleftitalone.She’dbroughtherowntranslucent-goldbagofvanillabathcrystalsinherduffelbag,andthiswasthefirstchanceshe’dhadtouseit.
Carefully,sheshookaboutathirdoftheberibbonedbag’scrystalsintotherapidlyfillingtubandwasrewardedwithasteamyblastofvanilla,whichshedrewintoherlungsgratefully.
Afewminuteslater,Elenawasshoulderdeepinhotwatercoveredwithavanilla-scentedfoam.Hereyeswereshutandthewarmthwassoakingintoherbody.Thesoftlydisintegratingsaltswereeasingawayallpain.
Theseweren’tordinarybathsalts.Theyhadnomedicinalsmell,butthey’dbeengiventoherbyStefan’slandlady,Mrs.Flowers,whowasagenteelelderlywhitewitch.Mrs.Flowers’sherbalrecipeswereherspecialty,andrightnowElenawouldswearthatshecouldfeelallthetensionofthelastfewdaysbeingactivelysuckedoutofherbodyandgentlysoothedaway.
Oh,thiswasjustwhatshehadneeded.Elenahadneverappreciatedabathlikethisbefore.
Now,there’sjustonething,shetoldherselffirmly,assheinhaledbreathafterdeliciousbreathofvanillasteam.YouaskedMrs.Flowersforbathsaltsthatwouldrelaxyou,butyoucannotfallasleephere.You’lldrown,andyoualreadyknowwhatthatfeelslike.Beenthere,donethat,didn’tevenhavetobuytheshroud.
ButevennowElena’sthoughtsweredimmerandmorefragmented,asthehotwatercontinuedtorelaxhermuscles,andthevanillascentswirledaroundherhead.Shewaslosingcontinuity,herminddriftingoffintodaydreams….Shewasgivingherselftotheheatandtheluxuryofnothavingtodoanythingatall….
Shewasasleep.
Inherdream,shewasmovingbriskly.Itwasonlyhalf-light,butshecouldtellsomehowthatshewasskimmingdownwardthroughdeepgraymist.Whatworriedherwasthatsheseemedtobesurroundedbyarguingvoices,andtheywerearguingabouther
“Asecondchance?I’vespokentoheraboutit.”
“Shewon’trememberanything.”
“Itdoesn’tmatterwhethersheremembers.Everythingwillremaininsideher,ifunawakened.”
“Itwillgerminateinsideher…untilthetimeisright.”
Elenahadnoideawhatanyofitmeant.
Andthenthismistwasthinning,andcloudsweremakingwayforher,andshewasdriftingdown,moreandmoreslowly,untilshewasdepositedgentlyonagroundcoveredwithpineneedles.
Thevoicesweregone.Shewaslyingonaforestfloor,butshewasn’tnaked.Shewaswearingherprettiestnightgown,theonewithrealValencienneslace.Shewaslisteningtothetinynightsoundsallaroundherwhensuddenlyheraurareactedinawaythatitneverhadbefore.
Ittoldhersomeonewascoming.Someonewhobroughtasenseofsafetyinwarmearthenhues,insoftrosecolorsanddeep,bluevioletsthatenfoldedherevenbeforethepersonarrived.Thesewere…someone’s…feelingsaboutherself.Andbehindtheloveandsoothingconcernsheexperienced,thereweredeepforestgreens,shaftsofwarmgold,andamysterioustingeoftranslucency,likeawaterfallthatsparkledasitfellandfoamedlikediamondsaroundher.
Elena,avoicewhispered.Elena
Thiswassofamiliar….
Elena.Elena.
Sheknewthis….
Elena,myangel.
Itmeantlove.
EvenasElenawassittingupandturninginherdream,shewasholdingoutherarms.Thispersonbelongedwithher.Hewashermagic,hersolace,herbest-beloved.Itdidn’tmatterhowhe’dgottenthere,orwhathadhappenedbefore.Hewashersoul’seternalmate.
Andthen…
Strongarmsholdinghertenderly…
Awarmbodyclosetohers…
Sweetkisses…
Many,manytimes…
Thisfamiliarfeelingasshemeltedintohisembrace…
Hewassogentle,butalmostfierceinhisloveforher.Hehadvowednottokill,buthewouldkilltosaveher.Shewashismostpreciousthinginalltheworld….Anysacrificewouldbeworthitifsheweresafeandfree.Hislifemeantnothingwithouther,sohewouldgladlygiveit,laughingandkissinghishandtoherwithhislastbreath.
Elenabreathedinthewonderfulautumn-leavesscentofhissweaterandwascomforted.Likeababy,sheallowedherselftobesoothedbysimplefamiliarodors,bythefeelingofhercheekagainsthisshoulderandthewonderofthetwoofthembreathingtogetherinsynchronicity.
Whenshetriedtoputanametothismiracle,itwasatthefrontofhermind.
Stefan…
Elenadidn’tevenneedtolookupathisfacetoknowthatStefan’sleaf-greeneyeswouldbedancinglikethewatersofasmallpondruffledbywindandsparklingwithathousanddifferentpointsoflight.Sheburiedherheadinhisneck,afraidsomehowtoletgoofhim,althoughshecouldn’trememberwhy.
Idon’tknowhowIgothere,shetoldhimnonverbally.Infact,shedidn’trememberanythingbeforethis,beforeawakeningtohiscall,onlyjumbledimages.
Itdoesn’tmatter.I’mwithyou.
Fearseizedher.Thisisn’t…justadream,isit?
Nodreamisjustadream.AndI’mwithyoualways.
Buthowdidwegethere?
Shhh.You’retired.I’llholdyouup.Onmylife,Iswearit.Justrest.Letmeholdyoujustonce.
Justonce?But…
ButnowElenafeltworriedanddazed,andshehadtoletherheadfallbackward,hadtoseeStefan’sface.
Shetiltedherchinbackandfoundherselfmeetinglaughingeyesofaninfinitedarknessinachiseled,pale,andproudlyhandsomeface.
Shealmostcriedoutinhorror.
Hush.Hush,angel.
Damon!
Thedarkeyesthatmetherswerefullofloveandjoy.Whoelse?
Howdareyou—howdidyougethere?Elenawasmoreandmoreconfused.
Idon’tbelonganywhere,Damonpointedout,suddenlysoundingsad.YouknowI’llalwaysbewithyou.
Idonot;Idonot—giveStefanbacktome!
Butitwastoolate.Elenawasawareofthesoundofwatertricklingandoftepidliquidsloshingaroundher.Shewokeupjustintimetokeepherheadfromgoingunderwaterinthebathtub.
Adream…
Shefeltmuchmoreflexibleandeasyinherbody,butshecouldn’thelpfeelingsaddenedbythedream.Ithadn’tbeenanoutofbodyexperience,either—ithadbeenasimple,crazy,mixed-up,dreamofherown.
Idon’tbelonganywhere.I’llalwaysbewithyou.
Nowwhatwasgibberishlikethatsupposedtomean?
ButsomethinginsideElenatrembled,evenassherememberedit.
Shehastilychanged—notintoaValencienneslacenightgown,butintoagrayandblacksweatsuit.Whensheemerged,shewasfeelingovertiredandpricklyandreadytostartafightifDamongaveanysignofhavingpickeduponhersleepingthoughts.
ButDamondidn’t.Elenasawabed,managedtofocusonit,stumbledtowarditandcollapsed,floppingdownonpillowsthatsankunsatisfactorilybeneathherhead.Elenalikedherpillowsfirm.
Forafewmomentsshelay,savoringherafter-bathsensations,asherskingraduallycooled—andherheadcooledaswell.Asfarasshecouldtell,Damonwasstandinginexactlythesamepositionashehadtakenupwhenthey’denteredtheroom.
Andhewasstillassilentashehadbeensincethemorning.
Finally,togetitoverwith,shespoketohim.AndbeingElena,shewentstraighttotheheartoftheproblem.
“What’swrong,Damon?”
“Nothing.”Damonstaredoutthewindow,pretendingtobeengrossedinsomethingbeyondtheglass.
“Whatnothing?”
Damonshookhishead.Butsomehow,histurnedbackeloquentlyconveyedhisopinionofthismotelroom.
Elenaexaminedtheroomwiththetoo-brightvisionofsomeonewhohasforcedtheirbodybeyonditslimits.Shecontemplatedbeigewalls,beigecarpet,abeigearmchair,abeigedesk,andofcourse,abeigebedspread.EvenDamoncouldn’trejectaroomonthegroundsthatitdoesn’tmatchhisbasicblack,shethought,andthen:oh,I’mtired.Andbewildered.Andscared.
And…incrediblystupid.There’sonlyonebedinhere.I’mlyingonit.
“Damon…”Withaneffort,shesatup.“Whatdoyouwant?There’sachair.Icansleeponthechair.”
Hehalfturned,andshesawinthemovementthathewasn’tannoyedorplayinggames.Hewasfurious.Itwasallthereinthefaster-than-the-human-eye-could-followassassin’sspinandthecompletemuscularcontrolthatstilleditalmostbeforeithadbegun.
Damonwithhissuddenmovementsandhisfrighteningstillness.Hewaslookingoutthewindowagain,bodypoisedasalwaysfor…something.Rightnowitlookedpoisedtojumpthroughglasstogetoutside.
“Vampiresdon’tneedsleep,”hesaidinavoiceicierandmorecontrolledthanshe’dheardsinceMatthadleftthem.
Thatgavehertheenergytogetoffthebed.“YouknowIknowthat’salie.”
“Takethebed,Elena.Gotosleep.”Buthisvoicewasthesame.Shewouldhaveexpectedaflat,wearycommand.Damonsoundedmoretense,morecontrolledthanever.
Moreshakenthanever.
Hereyelidssank.“IsthisaboutMatt?”
“No.”
“IsitaboutShinichi?”
“No!”
Aha.
“Itis,isn’tit?You’reafraidthatShinichiwillgetpastallyourdefensesandpossessyouagain.Aren’tyou?”
“Gotobed,Elena,”Damonsaidtonelessly.
Hewasstillshuttingheroutascompletelyasifsheweren’tthere.Elenagotmad.
“WhatdoesittaketoshowyouthatItrustyou?I’mtravelingallalonewithyou,withoutanyideawherewe’rereallygoing.I’mtrustingyouwithStefan’slife.”ElenawasbehindDamonnow,onthebeigecarpetwhichsmelledlike…nothing,likeboiledwater.Notevenlikedust.
Herwordswerethedust.Therewassomethingaboutthemthatsoundedhollow,wrong.Theywerethetruth—buttheyweren’tgettingthroughtoDamon….
Elenasighed.TouchingDamonunexpectedlywasalwaysatrickybusiness,withalltherisksofsettingoffmurderousinstinctbyaccident,evenwhenhewasn’tpossessed.Shereachedout,now,verycarefully,toputherfingertipsontheelbowofhisleatherjacket.Shespokeaspreciselyandunemotionallyasshecould.
“YoualsoknowthatIhaveothersensesnowthantheusualfive.HowmanytimesdoIhavetosayit,Damon?Iknowitwasn’tyoutorturingmeandMattlastweek.”Despiteherself,Elenaheardacertainpleadinginherownvoice.“Iknowthatyou’veprotectedmeonthistripwhenIwasindanger,evenkillingforme.Thatmeans—alottome.Youmaysayyoudon’tbelieveinthehumansentimentofforgiveness,butIdon’tthinkyou’veforgottenit.Andwhenyouknowthatthereisnothingtoforgiveinthefirstplace—”
“Thishasabsolutelynothingtodowithlastweek!”
Thechangeinhisvoice—theforceinit—hitElenalikeawhiplash.Ithurt…anditfrightenedher.Damonwasserious.Hewasalsoundersomedreadfulstrain,notcompletelyunlikethatoffightingoffShinichi’spossession,butdifferent
“Damon…”
“Leavemealone!”
Now,wherehaveIheardsomethinglikethatbefore?Befuddled,herheartpounding,Elenagropedthroughmemories.
Oh,yes.Stefan.Stefanwhentheyhadfirstbeeninhisroomtogether,whenhewasafraidtoloveher.Whenhewassurehewouldcausehertobedamnedifheshowedhecared.
CouldDamonbethatmuchlikethebrotherhealwaysmocked?
“Atleastturnaroundandtalkwithmeface-to-face.”
“Elena.”Itwasawhisper,butitsoundedasifDamoncouldn’tsummonuphisusualsilkymenace.“Gotobed.Gotohell.Goanywhere,butstayawayfromme.”
“You’resogoodatthat,aren’tyou?”Elena’sownvoicewascoldnow.Recklessly,angrily,shemovedinevencloser.“Atpushingpeopleaway.ButIknowthatyouhaven’tfedthisevening.There’snothingelseyouwantfromme,andyoucan’tdothestarving-martyrbithalfaswellasStefan—”
Elenahadspokenknowingthatherwordswereguaranteedtoincitearesponseofsomekind,butDamon’susualresponsetothissortofthingwastoloungeagainstsomethingandpretendnottohaveheard.
Whathappenedinsteadwascompletelyoutsidetherangeofherexperience.
Damonwhirled,caughtherprecisely,heldherlockedinanunbreakablegrip.Then,withaswoopofhisheadlikeafalcononamouse,hekissedher.Hewasmorethanstrongenoughtoholdherstillwithouthurtingher.
ThekisswashardandlongandforquiteawhileElenaresistedoutofsheerinstinct.Damon’sbodywascoolagainsthers,whichwasstillwarmanddampfromthebath.Thewayhewasholdingher—ifsheputenoughpressureonthoseparticularpoints,itwouldhurtherpossiblyseriously.Andthen—sheknew—hewouldreleaseher.Butdidshereallyknowwhatsheknew?Wasshepreparedtobreakabonetotestit?
Hewasstrokingherhair,whichwassounfair,curlingtheendsandcrushingtheminhisfingers…justhoursafterhe’dtaughthertofeelthingstothetipsofherhair.Heknewherweakspots.Notjusteverywoman’sweakspots.Heknewhers;heknewhowtomakeherwanttocryoutinpleasureandhowtosootheher.
Therewasnothingtodobuttesthertheoryandmaybebreakabone.Shewouldnotsubmitwhenshehadnotinvitedhim.Shewouldnot!
Butthensherememberedhercuriosityaboutthelittleboyandthegreatstoneboulder,andshedeliberatelyopenedhermindtoDamon’s.Hefellintothetrapofhisownmaking.
Assoonastheirmindsconnectedthereweresomethinglikefireworks.Explosions.Rockets.Starsgoingnova.Elenasethermindtoignoringherbodyandbeganlookingfortheboulder.
Itwasdeep,deepinsidethemostlocked-offpartofhisbrain.Deepintheeternaldarknessthatsleptthere.ButElenaseemedtohavebroughtasearchlightwithher.Whereversheturned,darkfestoonsofcobwebsfellandheavy-lookingstonearchescrumbledandfelltotheground.
“Don’tworry,”Elenafoundherselfsaying.“Thelightwon’tdothattoyou!Youdon’thavetolivedownhere.I’llshowyouthebeautyofthelight.”
WhatamIsaying?Elenawonderedevenasthewordsleftherlips.HowcanIpromisehim—andmaybehelikeslivinghereinthedark!
Butinthenextsecondshehadcomemuchclosertothelittleboy,closeenoughtoseehispale,wonderingface.
“Youcameagain,”hesaid,asifitwereamiracle.“Yousaidyouwouldcome,andyoudid!”
ThatbroughtdownallElena’sbarriersatonce.Sheknelt,andpullingthechainstotheirutmostlength,tookhimonherlap.“AreyougladthatIcameback?”sheaskedgently.Shewasalreadystrokinghishairsmooth.
“Oh,yes!”Itwasacry,anditfrightenedElenaalmostasmuchasitpleasedher.“You’rethenicestpersonI’veever—themostbeautifulthingIever—”
“Hush,”Elenatoldhim,“hush.There’sgottobesomewaytowarmyouup.”
“It’stheiron,”thechildsaidhumbly.“Ironkeepsmeweakandcold.Butithastobeiron;otherwisehewouldn’tbeabletocontrolme.”
“Isee,”Elenasaidgrimly.ShewasbeginningtogetagrasponwhatkindofrelationshipDamonhadwiththislittleboy.Foramoment,onahunch,shetooktwolengthsofironinherhandsandtriedtotearthemapart.Elenahadsuper-lighthere;whynotsuperpowers?Butallthathappenedwasthatshetwistedandturnedthelengthfornothing,andfinallycutthewebofherfingeragainstanironburr.
“Oh!”Theboy’shugedarkeyesfixedonthedarkbeadofblood.Hestaredasifhewerefascinated—andafraid.
“Doyouwantit?”Elenaheldoutthehandtohimuncertainly.Whatapoorscrapofacreaturetobecovetingotherpeople’sblood,shethought.Henoddedtimidlyasifheweresureshe’dbeangry.ButElenajustsmiledandhereverentlyheldherfingerandtookthewholeglobeofbloodatonce,closinghislipslikeakiss.
Asheliftedhishead,heseemedtohaveatingemorecolorinhispaleface.
“YoutoldmeDamonkeepsyouhere,”shesaid,holdinghimagainandfeelingheatbeingsuckedfromherintohiscoldbody.“Canyoutellmewhy?”
Thechildwasstilllickinghislips,butheturnedhisfacetowardherimmediatelyandsaid,“I’mtheWardenofSecrets.But”—sadly—“theSecretshavegottensobigthatevenIdon’tknowwhattheyare.”
Elenafollowedthemotionofhisheadfromhisownsmalllimbstotheironchaintothehuge,metallicball.Shefeltasinkinginsideherselfandadeeppityforsuchasmallwarden.AndshewonderedwhatonearthcouldbeinsidethatgreatstonespherethatDamonwasguardingsointently.
Butshedidn’tgetthechancetoask.9
EvenasElenaopenedhermouthtospeak,shecouldfeelherselfliftedasifinahurricane.Foramomentsheclungtotheboywhowasbeingtornfromhergrasp,thenshejusthadtimetoshout,“I’llbeback,”andtohearhisreply,beforeshewaspulledintotheordinaryworldofbathsandmanipulationandmotelrooms.
“I’llkeepoursecret!”Thatwaswhatthelittleboyhadcriedtoheratthelastmoment.
Andwhatcouldthatmeanbutthathewouldkeeptheirrendezvousfromthereal(or“ordinairy”)Damon?
AmomentlaterElenawasstandinginadingymotelroom,andDamonwasclutchingherupperarms.Ashereleasedher,Elenacouldtastesalt.Tearswereflowingfreelydownhercheeks.
Itdidn’tseemtomakeanydifferencetoherattacker.Damonseemedtobeatthemercyofrawdesperation.Hewasshakinglikealittleboythefirsttimehekissedhisfirstlove.That’swhat’sdrivingthecontrolaway,Elenathoughtfuzzily.
Asforherself,shefeltasifshemightfaint.
No!Shehadtostayconscious.
Elenapushedandtwisted,hurtingherselfdeliberatelyagainsttheapparentlyunbreakablegripthatheldher.
Itheld.
Thepossessor?Shinichiagain,sneakingintoDamon’smindandmakinghimdothings—?
Elenafoughtharder,pushedherselfuntilsheactuallycouldhavescreamedwithpain.Shewhimperedonce—
Theholdbroke.
SomehowElenaknewthatShinichiwasn’tinvolvedinthis.ThetruesoulofDamonwasalittleboyheldinchainsforGod-knew-how-manycenturies,whohadneverknownwarmthandclosenessbutwhostillhadatearfulappreciationforthem.ThechildwhowaschainedtotherocksurroundingwasoneofDamon’sdeepestsecrets.
AndnowElenawastremblingsohardshewasn’tsureshecouldstandup,andshewaswonderingaboutthechild.Washecold?WashecryinglikeElena?Howcouldshetell?
SheandDamonwereleftstaringateachother,bothbreathinghard.Damon’ssleekhairwasmussed,makinghimlookrakishasabuccaneer.Hisface,alwayssopaleandself-composed,wasflushedwithblood.HiseyesdroppedtowatchElenaautomaticallymassagingherwrists.Shecouldfeelpinsandneedlesnow:shewasgettingbacksomecirculation.Oncehe’dlookedaway,hecouldn’tseemtolookherintheeyeagain.
Eyecontact.Allright.Elenarecognizedaweapon,gropingforachairandfindingthebedunexpectedlyclosebehindher.Shedidn’thavemanyweaponsrightnow;andsheneededtouseallofthem.
Shesat,givingintotheweaknessinherbody,butshekepthereyesonDamon’sface.Hismouthwasswollen.Andthatwas…unfair.Damon’spoutwasapartofhismostbasicartillery.Hehadalwayshadthemostbeautifulmouthshe’deverseenonanyone,manorwoman.Themouth,thehair,thehalf-droopinglids,theheavylashes,thedelicacyofhisjawline…unfair,eventosomeonelikeElena,who’dlongagogottenpastinterestinapersonbecauseofsomeaccidentofbeauty.
Butshe’dneverseenthatmouthswollen,theperfecthairdisordered,theeyelashestremblingbecausehewaslookingeverywhereexceptatherandtryingnottoshowit.
“Wasthat…whatyou’vebeenthinkingaboutwhileyou’vebeenrefusingtotalktome?”sheasked,andhervoicewasalmoststeady.
Damon’ssuddenstillnesswasperfectionlikeallhisotherperfections.Nobreathing,ofcourse.Hestaredataspotinthebeigecarpetthatbyrightsoughttohavebrokenintoflames.
Then,finally,heliftedthosehugedarkeyestohers.ItwassohardtotellanythingaboutDamon’seyesbecausetheiriswasalmostthesamecolorasthepupil,butElenahadafeelingthatatthismomenttheyweredilatedsofarastobeallpupil.Howcouldeyesasdarkasmidnighttrapandholdlight?Sheseemedtoseeinthemauniverseofstars.
Damonsaid,softly,“Run.”
Elenafeltherlegstense.“Shinichi?”
“No.Youshouldrunnow.”
Elenafeltherthighmusclesrelaxslightlyandwasgratefulnottohavetotrytoprovethatshecouldrun—orevencrawl—atthisexactinstant.Butherfistsclenched.
“Youmeanthisisjustyoubeingabastard?”shesaid.“Haveyoudecidedtohatemeagain?Didyouenjoy—?”
Damonwhirledagain,stillnessintomotionfasterthanhereyescouldtrackit.Hehittheframeofthewindow,once,pullingthepunchalmostcompletelyatthelastinstant.Therewasacrashandthenathousandlittleechoesastheglassshoweredlikediamondsagainstthedarknessoutside.
“Thatmight…bringsomepeopletohelpyou.”Damonwasn’ttryingtomakethewordsseemmorethananafterthought.Nowthathewasturnedawayfromher,hedidn’tseemtocareaboutkeepingupappearances.Finetremorsranthroughhisbody.
“Thislate,inthisstorm,thisfarawayfromtheoffice—Idoubtit.”Elena’sbodywascatchingupwiththeadrenalinespurtthathadallowedhertofightherwayoutofDamon’sgrip.Shewastinglingalloverandshehadtoworktokeepitfromturningintooutrightshaking.
Andtheywerebacktosquareone,withDamonstaringintothenightandherstaringathisback.Or,atleast,thatwaswherehewantedthemtobe.
“Youcouldhavejustasked,”shesaid.Shedidn’tknowifthiswaspossibleforavampiretounderstand.Shestillhadn’ttaughtStefan.Hewentwithoutthingsthathewantedbecausehedidn’tunderstandaboutasking.Inallinnocenceandwithallgoodintentions,Stefanleftthingsuntilshe,Elena,wasforcedtoaskhim
Damon,shethought,didn’tusuallyhavethatproblem.Hetookwhateverhewantedascasuallyasifpickingitemsoffofagrocerystoreshelf.
Andrightnowhewaslaughingsilently,whichmeantthathewastrulystricken.
“I’lltakethatasanapology,”Elenasaidsoftly.
NowDamonwaslaughingoutloud,andElenafeltachill.Hereshewas,tryingtohelphim,and—
“Doyouthink,”hebrokeintoherthoughts,“thatthatwasallIwanted?”
Elenafeltherselffreezeagainasshemulledthisover.Damoncouldeasilyhavetakenherbloodwhileheheldherimmobile.But—ofcourse—thatwasn’tallhewantedfromher.Heraura…sheknewwhatitdidtovampires.Damonhadbeenprotectingherallalongfromothervampireswhomightseeit.
Thedifference,Elena’snativehonestytoldher,wasthatshedidn’tgiveadamnaboutanyoftheothers.ButDamonwasdifferent.Whenhekissedhershecouldfeelthedifferenceinsideher.Somethingshehadneverfeltbefore…untilStefan.
Oh,God—wasthisreallyher,ElenaGilbert,betrayingStefanbythesimpleactofnotrunningawayfromthissituation?Damonwasbeingabetterpersonthanshewas;hewastellinghertotakethetemptationofherauraawayfromhim.
Sothatshecouldstartthetortureanewtomorrow.
Elenahadbeeninmanycircumstanceswhereshe’djudgedthatitwasbestforhertoleavebeforethingsgottoohot.Theproblemherewasthattherewasnowherethatshecouldgotowithoutturninguptheheat—puttingherselfingreaterdanger.And,incidentally,losingherchancetofindStefan.
ShouldshehavegonewithMatt?ButDamonhadsaidtheycouldn’tgetintothisDarkDimensionplace,nottwohumansbythemselves.He’dsaidtheyneededhimwiththem.AndElenastillhadsomedoubtsastowhetherDamonwouldtakethetroubletoevendrivetoArizona,muchlesssearchforStefan,ifshewasn’twithhimeverystepoftheway.
Besides,howcouldMatthaveprotectedheronthedangerousroadsheandDamonwerefollowing?ElenaknewthatMattwoulddieforher—andthat’sjustwhathewoulddo,too,iftheycameupagainstvampiresorwerewolves.Die.LeavingElenafacingherenemiesalone.
Oh,yes,ElenaknewwhatDamondideachnightwhenshesleptinthecar.Heputsomekindofdarkspellsaroundher,signingthemwithhisname,sealingthemwithhisseal,andtheykeptrandomcreaturesofthenightawayfromthecaruntilmorning.
Buttheirgreatestenemies,thekitsunetwins,ShinichiandMisao,theyhadbroughtwiththem.
ElenathoughtaboutallthisbeforeraisingherheadtolookDamonintheeyes.Eyeswhich,atthatmoment,remindedherofthoseofaraggedchildchainedtoarock.
“You’renotgoingtoleave,areyou?”hewhispered.
Elenashookherhead.
“You’rereallynotafraidofme?”
“Oh,I’mafraid.”AgainElenafeltthatinwardshiver.Butshewasflyingsomewherenow,shehadsetthecourse,andtherewasnowaythatshecouldstop.Especiallynotwhenhelookedatherlikethat.Itremindedherofthefiercejoy,thealmostreluctantpridehealwaysshowedwhentheytookdownanenemytogether.
“Iwon’tbecomeyourPrincessofDarkness,”shetoldhim.“AndyouknowthatIcouldnevergiveupStefan.”
Aghostofhisoldmockingsmiletouchedhislips.“There’splentyoftimetoconvinceyoutomywayofthinkingonthosematters.”
Noneed,Elenathought.SheknewthatStefanwouldunderstand.
Butevennow,whenitseemedthewholeworldwaswhirlingaroundher,somethingroseupinElenatochallengeDamon.“Yousayit’snotShinichi.Ibelieveyou.Butisallthisbecause—ofwhatCarolinesaid?”Shecouldhearthesuddenhardnessinherownvoice.
“Caroline?”Damonblinkedasifthrownoffhisstride.
“ShesaidthatbeforeImetStefanIwasjusta—”Elenafounditimpossibletogetthelastwordout.“ThatIwas…promiscuous.”
Damon’sjawhardenedandhischeeksflushedquickly—asifhe’dbeenstruckfromanunexpecteddirection.“Thatgirl,”hemuttered.“She’salreadyfixedherdestinyandifitwereanyoneelseImightbeinclinedtotakesomepity.Butshegoes…beyond…she’s…beyond…anypropriety…”Ashespokehiswordsslowed,andalookofbewildermentcloudedhisface.HewasgazingatElenaandsheknewhecouldseethetearsstandinginhereyes,becausehereacheduptobrushthemawaywithhisfingers.Ashedid,however,hestoppeddeadinmidmotion,and,hisfacesuddenlybemused,hebroughtoneofhishandsuptohislips,tastinghertears.
Whatevertheytastedliketohim,hedidn’tseemtobelieveit.Hebroughttheotherhanduptohislipsaswell.Elenawasopenlystaringathimnow;heshouldhavebeenputoutofcountenance—buthewasn’t.Insteadakaleidoscopeofexpressionspassedoverhisface,tooquicklyforherhumaneyestocatchthemall.Butshedidseeastonishment,disbelief,bitterness,moreastonishment,andthenfinallyakindofjoyfulshockandalookalmostasifthereweretearsinhisowneyes.
AndthenDamonlaughed.Itwasaquick,self-mockinglaugh,butitwasgenuine,euphoric,even.
“Damon,”Elenasaid,stillblinkingbacktears—ithadallhappenedthatfast—“whatiswrongwithyou?”
“Nothing’swrong,everything’sright,”hesaid,whileraisingascholarlyfinger.“Youshouldnevertrytofoolavampire,Elena.Vampireshavemanysenseshumansdon’t—andsomewedon’tevenknowwehaveuntilweneedthem.It’stakenmelongenoughtorealizewhatIknowaboutyou.Because,ofcourse,everyonewastellingmeonething,andmyownmindwastellingmesomethingelse.ButI’vefigureditout,atlast.Iknowwhatyoureallyare,Elena.”
ForhalfaminuteElenasatinshockedsilence.“Ifyoudo,thenImightaswelltellyourightnowthatnoonewillbelieveyou.”
“Maybenot,”Damonsaid,“especiallyifthey’rehuman.Butvampiresareprogrammedtorecognizetheauraofamaiden.Andyouareunicorn-bait,Elena.Idon’tknoworcarehowyougotyourreputation.Iwasfooledbyitmyselfforalongtime,butI’vefinallyfoundthetruth.”Suddenlyhewasbendingoverhersothatshecouldseenothingbuthim,hisfinehairbrushingherforehead,hislipsclosetohers,hisdarkeyes,fathomless,capturinghergaze.
“Elena,”hewhispered.“Thisisyoursecret.Idon’tknowhowyou’vemanagedit,but…you’reavirgin.”
Heleanedintowardher,hislipsjustbrushinghers,sharinghisdeliberatebreathswithhers.Theystayedlikethatforalong,longtime,DamonseemingenthralledtobeabletogiveElenasomethingfromhisownbody:theoxygenthatbothsheandheneeded,butacquiredindifferentways.Formanyhumans,thestillnessoftheirbodies,thesilence,andthesustainedeyecontact,forneitherofthemhadshuttheireyes,mighthavebeentoomuch.Itmighthavefeltasiftheyhadplungedthemselvesintotheirpartner’spersonalitiestoofar,thattheywerelosingdefinitionandbecominganetherealpartofeachotherbeforeonekisshadevenbeencompleted.
ButElenawasfloatingonair:onthebreaththatDamongaveher—andintheliteralsense.IfDamon’sstrong,long,slenderhandshadnotheldhershoulders,shewouldhaveescapedhisgripentirely.
Elenaknewthattherewasanotherwaythathecouldkeepherdown.HecouldInfluencehertoletgravityhaveitswaywithher.Butsofar,shehadfeltnottheslightesttouchofattemptedInfluence.Itwasasifhestillwantedtogiveherthehonorofchoice.Hewouldnotseduceherbyanyofhismanyaccustomedmethods,thetricksofdominationlearnedoverhalfamillenniumofnights.
Onlythebreathing,whichwascomingmoreandmorequickly,asElenafelthersensesbegintoswimandherheartbegantopound.WasshetrulysurethatStefanwouldn’tmindthis?ButStefanhadgivenherthegreatesthonorpossiblebytrustinginherloveandherjudgment.AndshewasbeginningtofeelDamon’strueself,hisoverwhelmingneedforher;hisvulnerabilitybecausethatneedwasbecominglikeanobsessiontohim.
WithoutattemptingtoInfluenceher,hewasstillspreadinggreatsoftdarkwingsallaroundhersothattherewasnowheretorun,nowheretoescape.Elenafeltherselfbegintoswoonwiththeintensityofthepassiontheyhadwroughtbetweenthem.Asafinalgesture,notofrepudiation,butofinvitation,shearchedherheadback,exposingtohimherbarethroat,andlethimfeelherlonging.
Andasifgreat,crystalbellswereringinginthedistance,shefelthisjubilationathervoluntarysurrendertothevelvetdarknessthatwasovertakingher.
Sheneverfelttheteeththatbrokeherskinandclaimedherblood.Beforethathappenedshewasseeingstars.AndthentheuniversewasswallowedupinDamon’sdarkeyes.10
ThenextmorningElenagotupanddressedquietlyinthemotelroom,gratefulfortheextraspace.Damonwasgone,butshehadexpectedthat.Heusuallygothisbreakfastearlywhiletheywereontheroad,preyingonwaitressesatall-nighttruckstopsorearly-morningdiners.
Shewasgoingtodiscussthatwithhimsomeday,shethoughtassheputthepacketofgroundcoffeeinthelittletwo-cuppercolatorthemotelprovided.Itsmelledgood.
Butmoreurgently,sheneededtotalktosomeoneaboutwhathadhappenedlastnight.Stefanwasherfirstchoice,ofcourse,butshe’dfoundthatoutofbodyexperiencesweren’tjusttobehadfortheasking.WhatsheneededtodowascallBonnieandMeredith.Shehadtotalktothem—itwasherright—butnow,ofalltimes,shecouldn’tIntuitively,shefeltthatanycontactbetweenherandFell’sChurchmightbebad.
AndMatthadnevercheckedin.Notonce.Shehadnoideawherehewasontheroad,buthehadbetterbeinSedonaontime,thatwasall.Hehaddeliberatelycutoffallcommunicationbetweenthem.Fine.Aslongasheshowedupwhenhehadpromised.
But…Elenastillneededtotalk.Toexpressherself.
Ofcourse!Shewasanidiot!Shestillhadherfaithfulcompanionthatneversaidaword,andneverkeptherwaiting.Pouringherselfacupofscaldingblackcoffeeontheway,Elenadugherdiaryoutofthebottomofherduffelbagandopenedittoafresh,cleanpage.Therewasnothinglikeafreshpageandaninkpenthatransmoothlytostartherwriting.
FifteenminuteslatertherewasarattleatonewindowandaminutelaterDamonwassteppingthrough.HehadseveralpaperbagswithhimandElenafeltunaccountablypleasedandhomey.Shehadprovidedcoffee,whichwasrathergoodevenifitcamewithdriedcreamsubstitute,andDamonhadsupplied…
“Gasoline,”hesaidtriumphantly,raisinghiseyebrowssignificantlyatherashesetthebagsonthetable.“Justincasetheytrytouseplantsagainstus.No,thanks,”headded,seeingshewasstandingwithafullcupofcoffeeheldinhisdirection.“IhadagaragemechanicwhileIwasbuyingthis.I’lljustgowashmyhands.”
Andhedisappeared,walkingrightpastElena.
Walkingrightpasther,withoutaglance,eventhoughshewaswearingheronlycleanpairofclothesleft:jeansandasubtlycoloredtopthatlookedwhiteatfirstglanceandonlyinthebrightestlightrevealedthatitwasethereallyrainbow-shaded.
Withoutasinglelook,Elenathought,feelingastrangesensationthatsomehowherlifehadjustlappeditself.
Shestartedtothrowthecoffeeawaybutthendecidedsheneededitherselfanddrankitinafewscaldinggulps.
Thenshewentandstoodbyherdiary,readingoverthelasttwoorthreepages.
“Areyoureadytogo?”Damonwasshoutingoverthesoundofrunningwaterinthebathroom.
“Yes—injustaminute.”Elenareadthediarypagesfromthepreviousentry,andbeganskimmingtheonebeforethat.
“Wemightaswellgostraightwestfromhere,”Damonshouted.“Wecanmakeitinoneday.They’llthinkit’safeintforoneparticulargateandsearchallthesmallones.Meanwhilewe’llgoonheadingfortheKimonGateandbedaysaheadofanyonetrackingus.It’sperfect.”
“Uh-huh,”Elenasaid,reading.
“WeoughttobeabletomeetMutttomorrow—maybeeventhisevening,dependingonwhatkindoftroubletheycause.”
“Uh-huh.”
“ButfirstIwantedtoaskyou:doyouthinkit’sacoincidencethatourwindowisbroken?BecauseIalwaysputwardsonthematnightandI’msure—”Hepassedahandoverhisforehead.“I’msurethatImusthavedonethatlastnight,aswell.Butsomethinggotthroughandbrokethewindowandgotawaywithoutatrace.ThatwaswhyIboughtallthethegasoline.Iftheytrysomethingwithtrees,I’llblastthemallbacktoStonehenge.”
Andhalftheinnocentresidentsofthestate,Elenathoughtgrimly.Butshewasinastateofsuchshockthatnotmuchcouldmakeanimpressionontopofit.
“Whatareyoudoingnow?”Damonwasclearlyreadytogetupandgoing.
“GettingridofsomethingIdon’tneed,”Elenasaid,andflushedthetoilet,watchingthetorn-upbitsofherdiaryswirlroundandroundbeforedisappearing
“Iwouldn’tworryaboutthewindow,though,”shesaid,comingbackintothebedroomandslippinghershoeson.“Anddon’tgetupforaminute,Damon.I’vegottotalktoyouaboutsomething.”
“Oh,comeon.Itcanwaituntilwe’reontheroad,can’tit?”
“No,itcan’t,becausewe’vegottopayforthatwindow.Youbrokeitlastnight,Damon.Butyoudon’trememberdoingit,doyou?”
Damonstaredather.Shecouldtellthathisfirsttemptationwastolaugh.Hissecondtemptation,towhichhegavein,wastothinkthatshewasnuts.
“I’mserious,”shesaid,oncehehadgottenupandstartedtopacetowardthewindowwithadistinctlookofwantingtobeacrowflyingoutofit.“Don’tyoudaregoanywhere,Damon,becausethere’smore.”
“MorestuffIdidthatIdon’tremember?”Damonloungedagainstthewallinoneofhisold,arrogantposes.“MaybeIsmashedafewguitars,kepttheradioonuntilfourA.M.?”
“No.Notnecessarilythingsfrom—lastnight,”Elenasaid,lookingaway.Shecouldn’tlookathim.“Otherthings,fromotherdays—”
“LikemaybeI’vebeentryingtosabotagethistripallalong,”hesaid,hisvoicelaconic.Heeyedtheceilingandsighedheavily.“MaybeI’vedoneitjusttobealonewithyou—”
“Shutup,Damon!”
Wherehadthatcomefrom?Well,sheknewthat,ofcourse.Fromherfeelingsaboutlastnight.Theproblemwasthatshealsohadtogetsomeotherthingssettled—seriously,ifhewouldtakethem.Cometothinkofit,thatmightbeabetterwaytogoaboutthis.
“DoyouthinkthatyourfeelingsaboutStefan—well,havechangedatallrecently?”Elenaasked.
“What?”
“Doyouthink”—oh,thiswassodifficultlookingintoblackeyesthecolorofendlessspace.Especiallywhenlastnighttheyhadbeenfullofmyriadsofstars—“doyouthinkthatyou’vecometothinkofhimdifferently?Tohonorhiswishesmorethanyouusedtodo?”
NowDamonwasopenlyexaminingher,justasshewasexamininghim.
“Areyouserious?”hesaid.
“Completely,”shesaid,and,withasupremeeffort,shesenthertearsbackwheretheyweresupposedtogo.
“Somethingdidhappenlastnight,”hesaid.Hewaslookingintentlyatherface.“Didn’tit?”
“Somethinghappened,yes,”Elenasaid.“Itwas—itwasmoreofa—”Shehadtoletoutherbreath,andwiththatalmosteverythingwent.
“Shinichi!Shinichi,chebastardo!Imbroglione!Thatthief!I’mgoingtokillhimslowly!”SuddenlyDamonwaseverywhere.Hewasbesideher,hishandsonhershoulders;thenextminutehewasshoutingimprecationsoutthewindow,thenhewasback,holdingbothherhands.
ButonlyonewordmatteredtoElena.Shinichi.Thekitsunewithhisblack,scarlet-tippedhair,whohadmadethemgiveupsomuchjustforthelocationofStefan’scell.
“Mascalzone!Maleducato—”ElenalosttrackofDamon’scursingagain.Soitwastrue.LastnighthadbeencompletelystolenfromDamon,takenfromhismindassimplyandcompletelyastheintervalwhenshehadusedWingsofRedemptionandWingsofPurificationonhim.Thelatterhehadagreedto.Butlastnight—andwhatotherthingshadthefoxbeentaking?
Tocutoutanentireeveningandnight—andthiseveningandnightinparticular,impliedthat…
“Henevershutdowntheconnectionbetweenmymindandhis.Hestillcanreachinsidemeanytimehechooses.”Damonhadfinallystoppedswearing,andstoppedmoving.Hewassittingonthecouchoppositethebedwithhishandsdroopingbetweenhisknees.Helookedsingularlyforlorn.
“Elena,youhavetotellme.Whatdidhetakefrommelastnight?Please!”Damonlookedasifhemightfallonhiskneesinfrontofher,withoutmelodrama.“If—if—itwaswhatIthink—”
Elenasmiled,althoughtearswerestillrunningdownherface.“Itwasn’t—whatanyonewouldthink,exactly,Isuppose,”shesaid.
“But—!”
“Let’sjustsaythatthistime—wasmine,”Elenasaid.“Ifhe’sstolenanythingelsefromyou,orifhetriestodoitinthefuture,thenhe’sfairgame.Butthis…willbemysecret.”Untilmaybesomedayyoubreakintoyourhugeboulderofsecrets,shethought.
“UntilItearitoutofhim,alongwithhistongueandhistail!”snarledDamon,anditwastrulythesnarlofananimal.Elenawasgladitwasn’tdirectedather.“Don’tworry,”Damonaddedinavoicesochillingthatitwasalmostmorefrighteningthantheanimalfury.“Iwillfindhim,nomatterwherehetriestohide.AndIwilltakeitfromhim.Imightjusttakehisentirelittlefurryhideoffwithit.I’llmakeyouapairofmittensoutofit,how’sthat?”
Elenatriedtosmileanddidaprettygoodjob.Shewasjustcomingtotermswithwhathadhappenedherself,althoughshedidn’tbelieveforaminutethatDamonwouldreallyleaveheraloneonthesubjectuntilheforcedthememorybackoutofShinichi.SherealizedthatonsomelevelshewaspunishingDamonforwhatShinichihaddone,andthatwaswrong.Ipromisenoonewillknowaboutlastnight,shetoldherself.NotuntilDamondoes.Iwon’teventellBonnieandMeredith.
Thismadethingsalotharderonher,andthereforeprobablymoreequitable.
AstheywerecleaningupthedebrisfromDamon’smostrecentfitoffury,hesuddenlyreacheduptobrushastraytearfromElena’scheek.
“Thankyou—”Elenabegan.Thenshestopped.Damonwastouchinghisfingerstohislips.
Helookedather,startledandalittledisappointed.Thenheshrugged.“Stillunicornbait,”hesaid.“DidIsaythatlastnight?”
Elenahesitated,thendecidedthathiswordsdidn’tfallwithinthecrucialtimelimitsofsecrecy.
“Yes,youdid.But—youwon’tgivemeaway,willyou?”sheadded,suddenlyanxious.“I’vepromisedmyfriendsnottosayanything.”
Damonwasstaringather.“WhyshouldIsayanythingaboutanybody?Unlessyou’retalkingaboutthelittleredheadedone?”
“Itoldyou;I’mnotsayinganything.ExceptthatobviouslyCarolineisn’tavirgin.Well,withalltheruckusaboutherbeingpregnant—”
“Butyouremember,”Damoninterjected,“IcametoFell’sChurchbeforeStefandid;Ijustlurkedintheshadowslonger.Thewayyoutalked—”
“Oh,Iknow.Welikedboysandboyslikedus,andwealreadyhadreputations.Sowejusttalkedanywaywefeltliketalking.Someofitmayhavebeentrue,butalotofityoucouldtaketwoways—andthenofcourseyouknowhowboystalk—”
Damonknew.Henodded.
“Wellandsoprettysooneveryonewastalkingaboutusasifwe’ddoneeverythingwitheveryone.Theyevenwrotestuffaboutitinthepaperandtheyearbookandonthebathroomwalls.Butwehadalittlepoem,too,andsometimesweevenwroteitwithoursignaturesonit.Howdiditgo?”Elenacasthermindbackayear,twoyears,more.Thensherecited:
“Justbecauseyouheardit,doesn’tmakeittrue.
Justbecauseyoureadit,doesn’tmakeitso.
Thenexttimethatyouhearit,itmaybeaboutyou.
Don’tthinkthatyoucanchangetheirminds,just’causeyouknow—youknow!”
AsElenafinished,shelookedatDamon,suddenlyfeelingtheurgentneedtogettoStefan.“We’realmostthere,”shesaid.“Let’shurry.”11
ArizonawasashotandbarrenastateasElenahadimagined.SheandDamondrovedirectlytotheJuniperResort,andElenawasdepressed,ifnotsurprised,toseethatMattwasnotcheckedin.
“Itcan’thavetakenhimlongerthanustogethere,”shesaid,assoonasthey’dbeenshownuptotheirrooms.“Unless—oh,God,Damon!UnlessShinichicaughthimsomehow.”
DamonsatdownonabedandregardedElenagrimly.“IguessIhopedIwouldn’thavetotellyouthis—thatthejerkwouldatleasthavethecourtesytotellyouhimself.ButI’vebeentrackinghisauraeversinceheleftus.It’sbeengettingsteadilyfartheraway—inthedirectionofFell’sChurch.”
Sometimes,reallybadnewstakesawhiletosinkin.
“Youmean,”Elenasaid,“thathe’snotgoingtoshowuphereatall?”
“Imeanthat,asthecrowflies,itwasn’tallthatfarfromwherewegotthecarstoFell’sChurch.Hewentinthatdirection.Andhedidn’tcomeback.”
“Butwhy?”Elenademanded,asiflogiccouldsomehowconquerfact.“Whywouldhegooffandleaveme?Especially,whywouldhegotoFell’sChurch,wherethey’relookingforhim?”
“Asforwhyhe’dleave:Ithinkhegotthewrongideaaboutyouandme—ormaybetherightideaalittleearly”—DamonraisedhiseyebrowsatElenaandshethrewapillowathim—“anddecidedtoletushavesomeprivacy.AsforwhyFell’sChurch…”Damonshrugged.“Look,you’veknowntheguylongerthanIhave.ButevenIcantellhe’stheGalahadtype.Theparfaitgentilknight,sanspeuretsansreproche.IfIhadtosayI’dsayhewenttomeetCaroline’scharges.”
“Oh,no,”Elenasaid,goingtothedoorasaknocksounded.“NotafterItoldhimandtoldhim—”
“Oh,yes,”Damonsaid,assumingaslightcrouchingposition.“Evenwithyoursageadviceringinginhisears—”
Thedooropened.ItwasBonnie.Bonnie,withherpetiteframe,hercurlystrawberryhair,herwide,soulfulbrowneyes.Elena,inastatetodisbelievetheevidenceofherowneyes,andstillnotthroughwiththeargumentwithDamon,shutthedooronher.
“Matt’sgoingtogetlynched,”Elenaalmostscreamed,vaguelyannoyedthatsomeknockingwasgoingonsomewhere.
Damonuncrouched.HepassedElenaonthewaytothedoor,said,“Ithinkyou’dbettersitdown,”andthensatherdownbyputtingherinachairandholdingherthereuntilshestoppedtryingtogetupagain.
Thenheopenedthedoor.
ThistimeitwasMeredithknocking.Tallandwillowy,withherhairfallingindarkcloudsaroundhershoulders,Meredithradiatedtheintentiontogoonknockinguntilthedoorstayedopen.SomethinghappenedinsideElena,andshefoundthatshecouldgethermindaroundmorethanonesubjectatonce.
ItwasMeredith.AndBonnie.InSedona,Arizona!
ElenaleapedupfromthechairwhereDamonhadputherandflungherarmsaroundMeredith,sayingincoherently,“Youcame!Youcame!YouknewIcouldn’tcallyou,soyoucame!”
BonnieedgedaroundtheembraceandsaidtoDamoninanundertone,“Isshebacktokissingeveryoneshemeets?”
“Unfortunately,”Damonsaid,“no.Butbepreparedtobesqueezedtodeath.”
Elenaturnedonhim.“Iheardthat!Oh,Bonnie!Ijustcan’tbelieveyoutwoarereallyhere.Iwantedtotalktoyousomuch!”
Meanwhile,shewashuggingBonnie,andBonniewashuggingher,andMeredithwashuggingbothofthem.Subtlevelociraptorsisterhoodsignalswerebeingpassedfromonetoanotheratthesametime—anarchedeyebrowhere,aslightnodthere,afrownandshrugendingwithasigh.Damondidn’tknowit,buthehadjustbeenaccused,tried,acquitted,andrestoredtoduty—withtheconclusionthatextrasurveillancewasnecessaryinthefuture.
Elenasnappedoutofitfirst.“YoumusthavemetwithMatt—hehadtotellyouaboutthisplace.”
“Hedid,andthenhesoldthePriusandwesortofpackedontherunandgotplaneticketshereandwe’vebeenwaiting—wedidn’twanttomissyou!”Bonniesaidbreathlessly.
“Idon’tsupposethatwouldhavebeenjustabouttwodaysagothatyouboughtyourticketshere,”DamonaskedtheceilingwearilyasheloungedwithanelbowonElena’schair.
“Letmesee—”Bonniebegan,butMeredithsaidflatly,“Yesitwas.What?Itmadesomethinghappentoyou?”
“Weweretryingtokeepthingsslightlyambiguousfortheenemy,”Damonsaid.“Butasitturnsout,itprobablydidn’tmatter.”
No,Elenathought,becauseShinichicanreachinsideyourbrainwheneverhewantsandtrytotakeawayyourmemoriesandallyoucandoistrytofighthimoff.
“ButitdoesmeanthatElenaandIshouldstartoffrightaway.”Damoncontinued.“Ihavetodoanerrandfirst.Elenashouldpack.Takeaslittleasyoucan,justtheabsoluteessentials—butincludefoodfortwoorthreedays.”
“Yousaid…startingnow?”Bonniebreathed,andthenshesatdownabruptlyonthefloor.
“Itmakessense,ifwe’vealreadylosttheelementofsurprise,”Damonreplied.
“Ican’tbelieveyoutwocametosaygood-byetomewhileMattwatchesoverthetown,”Elenasaid.“Thatissosweet!”Shesmiledradiantlybeforeadding,inherownmind,Andsodumb!
“Well—”
“Well,Istillhaveanerrand,”Damonsaid,wavingwithoutturningaround.“Let’ssaywe’llleavehereinhalfanhour.”
“Stingy,”Bonniecomplained,whenthedoorwassafelyshutbehindhim.“Thatmighthaveonlygivenusafewminutestotalkbeforewestart.”
“Icanpackinlessthanfiveminutes,”Elenasaidsadly,andthengottangledupinBonnie’sprevioussentence.“‘Beforewestart’?”
“Ican’tpackjustessentialsatall,”Meredithwasfrettingquietly.“Icouldn’tstoreeverythingonmymobile,andIhavenoideawhenI’llbeabletorechargethebatteries.I’vegotasuitcaseofstuffonpaper!”
Elenawaslookingbackandforthatthemnervously.“Um,I’mprettysureI’mtheonewho’ssupposedtobepacking,”shesaid.“BecauseI’mtheonlyonegoing…right?”Anotherlookbackandforth.
“Asifwewouldletyousetoffintosomeotheruniversewithoutus!”Bonniesaid.“Youneedus!”
“Notanotheruniverse;onlyanotherdimension,”Meredithsaid.“Butthesameprincipleapplies.”
“But—Ican’tletyoucomewithme!”
“Ofcourseyoucan’t.I’molderthanyou,”Meredithsaid.“Youdon’t‘let’medoanything.Butthetruthisthatwehaveamission.WewanttofindShinichi’sorMisao’sstarballifwecan.IfwecoulddothatwethinkwecouldstopmostofthestuffgoingoninFell’sChurchimmediately.”
“Starball?”Elenasaidblankly,whilesomewhereinthedepthsofhermind,anuneasyimagestirred.
“I’llexplainlater.”
Elenawasshakingherhead.“But—youleftMatttodealwithwhateversupernaturalstuffisgoingon?Whenhe’safugitiveandhastohidefromthepolice?”
“Elena,eventhepolicearescaredofFell’sChurchnow—andfrankly,iftheyputhimincustodyinRidgemontitmightbethesafestplaceforhim.Butthey’renotgoingtodothat.He’sworkingwithMrs.Flowersandthey’regoodtogether;they’reasolidteam.”Meredithstoppedtotakeabreath,andseemedtobeconsideringhowtosaysomething.
Bonniesaiditforherinaverysmallvoice.“AndIwasnogood,Elena.I’dstarted—well,Istartedtogethystericalandseeandhearthingsthatweren’tthere—oratleasttoimaginethemandmaybeevenmakethemcometrue.Iwasscaringmyselfoutofmymind,andIthinkIactuallywasputtingpeopleindanger.Matt’stoopracticaltodothat.”Shedabbedathereyes.“IknowtheDarkDimensionisprettybad,butatleastIwon’tbeabletoputhousesfullofinnocentpeopleindanger.”
Meredithnodded.“Itwasall…goingbadwithBonniethere.Evenifwehadn’twantedtocomewithyouIwouldhavehadtogetherout.Idon’twanttobeoverlydramatic,butIbelievethatthedemonstherewereafterher.AndthatsinceStefan’sgone,Damonmaybetheonlyonewhocankeepthemaway.Ormaybeyoucanhelpher,Elena?”
Meredith…overlydramatic?ButElenacouldseethefinetremorsrunningunderMeredith’sskin,andthelightsheenofperspirationonBonnie’sforeheadthatwasdampeninghercurls.
MeredithtouchedElena’swrist.“Wehaven’tjustgoneAWOLoranything.Fell’sChurchisawarzonenow;it’strue,butwedidn’tleaveMattwithoutallies.LikeDr.Alpert—she’slogical—she’sthebestcountrydoctorthereis—andshemightevenconvincesomebodythatShinichiandthemalacharereal.Butbesidesallthat,theparentshavetakenover.Parentsandpsychiatristsandnewshounds.Andtheymakeitalmostimpossibletoworkopenlyanyway.Matt’snotatanydisadvantage.”
“But—injustaweek—”
“Takealookatthisweek’sSundaypaper.”
ElenatooktheRidgemontTimesfromMeredith.ItwasthebiggestpaperintheareaofFell’sChurch.Abannerheadlineread:
POSSESSIONINTHE21STCENTURY?
Undertheheadlineweremanylinesofgrayprint,butwhatreallycaughttheeyewasaphotoofathree-wayfightbetweengirls,allofwhomseemedtobeundergoingseizuresorcontortionsimpossibletothehumanbody.Theexpressionsoftwoofthegirlsweresimplythoseofpainandterror,butitwasthethirdgirlwhofrozethebloodinElena’sveins.Herbodywashumpedsothatherfacewasupsidedown,andshewaslookingdirectlyatthecamerawithherlipsskinnedbackfromherteeth.Hereyes—therewasjustnootherwaytoputit—weredemonic.Theyweren’trolledbackinherheadormalformedoranything.Theyweren’tglowingeerilyred.Itwasallintheexpression.Elenahadneverseeneyesthatmadehersicktoherstomachbefore.
Bonniesaidquietly,“Doyoueversortofslipandgetthatfeelinglike,‘Oh,whoops,theregoesthewholeuniverse’?”
“Constantly,sincemeetingStefan,”Meredithsaid.“Nooffensemeant,Elena.Butthepointisthatallthishashappenedinjustacoupleofdays;fromtheminutetheadultswhoknewthattherewassomethingreallygoingongottogether.”
Meredithsighedandranfingerswithperfectlymanicurednailsthroughherhairbeforecontinuing.“ThosegirlsarewhatBonniecallspossessedinthemodernsense.Ormaybethey’repossessedbyMisao—femalekitsunearesupposedtodothat.Butifwecouldjustfindthesethingscalledstarballs—orevenone—wecouldforcethemtocleanallthisup.”
Elenaputthenewspaperdownsoshewouldn’thavetoseethoseupside-downeyesstaringintohers.“Andwhileallthisishappening,whatisyourboyfrienddoingduringthecrisis?”
Forthefirsttime,Meredithlookedgenuinelyrelieved.“Hemaybeonhiswayaswespeak.I’vewrittentohimabouteverythingthat’shappening,andhewasactuallytheonewhosaidtogetBonnieout.”SheflashedaglanceofapologyatBonnie,whosimplyliftedherhandsandfacetotheheavens.“Andassoonashe’sfinishedwithhisworkonsomeislandcalledShinmeinoUma,he’scomingtoFell’sChurch.ThiskindofthingisAlaric’sspecialty,andhedoesn’tgetspookedeasily.Soevenifwe’regoneforweeks,Mattwillhaveabackup.”
ElenathrewherownhandsupinagesturesimilartoBonnie’s.“There’sjustonethingyou’dbetterknowbeforewestart.Ican’thelpBonnie.Ifyou’recountingonmetodoanyofthethingsIdidwhenwefoughtShinichiandMisaolasttime—well,Ican’t.I’vetriedoverandover,ashardasIcould,todoallmywingsattacks.Butnothinghasevercomeofit.”
Meredithsaidslowly,“Well,then,maybeDamonknowssomething—”
“Maybehedoes,but,Meredith,don’tpushhimrightnow.Notrightthisminute.WhatheknowsforcertainisthatShinichicanreachinandtakehismemories—andwhoknows,maybeevenpossesshimagain—”
“Thatlyingkitsune!”Bonniespatout,soundingalmostproprietory.Asif,Elenathought,Damonwasherboyfriend.“Shinichisworehewouldn’t—”
“Andhesworehe’dleaveFell’sChurchalone,too.TheonlyreasonIhaveanyfaithatallinthecluesthatMisaogavemeaboutthefoxkey,isthatshewastauntingme.Sheneverthoughtwe’ddoadeal,andsoshewasn’ttryingtolieorbetooclever—Ithink.”
“Well,that’swhywe’reherewithyou,togetStefanout,”Bonniesaid.“Andifwe’relucky,tofindthestarballsthatwillletuscontrolShinichi.Right?”
“Right!”Elenasaidfervently.
“Right,”Meredithsaidsolemnly.
Bonnienodded.“Velociraptorsisterhoodforever!”
Theylaidtheirrighthandsoveroneanother’squickly,formingathree-spokedwheel.ItremindedElenaofthedayswhentherewerefourspokes.
“AndwhataboutCaroline?”sheasked.
BonnieandMeredithconsultedeachotherwiththeireyes.ThenMeredithshookherhead.“Youdon’twanttoknow.Really,”shesaid.
“Icantakeit.Really,”Elenasaidinalmostawhisper.“Meredith,I’vebeendead,remember?Twice.”
Meredithwasstillshakingherhead.“Ifyoucan’tlookatthatpicture,youshouldn’thearaboutCaroline.Wewenttoseehertwice—”
“Youwenttoseehertwice,”Bonnieinterrupted.“ThesecondtimeIfaintedandyouleftmebythedoor.”
“AndIrealizedIcouldhavelostyouforgood,andI’veapologized—”MeredithbrokeoffwhenBonnieputahandonherarmandgaveheralittlepush.
“Anyway,itwasn’texactlyavisit,”Meredithsaid.“IwentrunningintoCaroline’sroomaheadofhermomandfoundherinsidehernest—nevermindwhatthatis—eatingsomething.Whenshesawme,shejustgiggledandwentoneating.”
“And?”Elenasaid,whenthetensiongottobetoomuchforher.“Whatwasit?”
“Ithink,”Meredithsaidbleakly,“thatitwaswormsandslugs.Shewouldstretchthemupandupandthey’dsquirmbeforeshebitthem.Butthatwasn’ttheworst.Look,youhadtohavebeenheretoappreciateit,butshejustsmirkedatme,andsaidinthisthickvoice,‘Haveabite?’andsuddenlymymouthwasfilledwiththiswrigglingmass—anditwasgoingdownmythroat.SoIwassick,rightthereonhercarpet.Carolinejuststartedlaughing,andIrandownagainandpickedBonnieupandranoutandweneverwentback.But…halfwaydownthepathtothehouse,IrealizedBonniewassuffocating.Shehadthe—thewormsandthings—inhermouthandhernose.IknowCPR;Imanagedtogetmostofthemoutbeforeshewokeupvomiting.But—”
“ItwasanexperienceIwouldreallyrathernothaveagain.”TheverylackofexpressioninBonnie’svoicesaidmorethananytoneofhorrorcould.
Meredithsaid,“I’veheardthatCaroline’sparentshavemovedoutofthathouse,andIcan’tsayIblamethem.Caroline’sovereighteen.AllIcanaddisthateverybody’ssortofprayingthatsomehowthewerewolfbloodwillwinoutinher,becausethatseemsatleasttobelesshorriblethanthemalachorthe—thedemonic.Butifitdoesn’twinout…”
Elenarestedherchinonherknees.“AndMrs.Flowerscandealwiththis?”
“BetterthanBonniecan.Mrs.FlowersisgladtohaveMattaround;likeIsaid,they’reasolidteam.Andnowthatshehasfinallyspokentothehumanraceofthetwenty-firstcentury,Ithinkshelikesit.Andshe’sbeenpracticingthecraftconstantly.”
“Thecraft?Oh—”
“Yeah,that’swhatshecallswitchcraft.Ihavenoideawhethershe’sanygoodatitornot,becauseIdon’thaveanythingtocompareherto—orwith—”
“Herpoulticesworklikemagic!”BonniesaidfirmlyjustasElenasaid,“Herbathsaltscertainlywork.”
Meredithsmiledfaintly.“Toobadsheisn’thereinsteadofus.”
Elenashookherhead.NowthatshehadreconnectedwithBonnieandMeredithsheknewshecouldnevergointotheDarknesswithoutthem.Theyweremorethanherhands;theyweresomuchmoretoher…andheretheywere,eachpreparedtorisktheirlifeforStefanandforFell’sChurch.
Atthatmoment,thedoortotheroomopened.Damonwalkedin,carryingacoupleofbrownpaperbagsinonehand.
“Soeverybody’ssaidbye-byenicely?”heasked.Heseemedtohavetroublelookingateitherofthetwovisitors,sohestaredparticularlyhardatElena.
“Well—notreally.Notassuch,”Elenasaid.ShewonderedifDamonwascapableofthrowingMeredithoutafifth-storywindow.Besttobreakiteasilytohim,bydegrees….
“Becausewe’regoingwithyou,”Meredithsaid,andBonniesaid,“Weforgottopack,though.”
ElenaslidquicklysothatshewasbetweenDamonandtheothers.ButDamonjuststaredatthefloor.
“It’sabadidea,”hesaidverysoftly.“Avery,very,verybadidea.”
“Damon,don’tInfluencethem!Please!”Elenawavedbothhandsathiminagestureofurgency,andDamonraisedoneofhishandsinagestureofnegation—andsomehowtheirhandsbrushedeachother’s—andtangled.
Electricshock.Butaniceone,Elenathought—althoughshedidn’treallyhavetimetothinkit.SheandDamonwerebothtryingdesperatelytogettheirhandsbacktothemselves,butdidn’tseemtobeableto.LittleshockwaveswererunningfromElena’spalmallthroughherbody.
Finally,thedisentanglementworkedandthentheybothturned,inguiltyunison,tolookatBonnieandMeredith,whowerestaringatthemwithenormouseyes.Suspiciouseyes.Eyesthatbelongedinfacessaying“Aha!Whathavewehere?”
Therewasalongmomentwhennoonemovedorspoke.
ThenDamonsaidseriously,“Thisisn’tsomekindofpleasuretrip.We’regoingbecausethere’snootherchoice.”
“Notalone,you’renot,”Meredithsaidinaneutraltone.“IfElenagoes,weallgo.”
“Weknowit’sabadplace,”Bonniesaid,“butwearedefinitelygoingwithyou.”
“Besides,wehaveourownagenda,”Meredithadded.“AwaytocleanseFell’sChurchoftheharmShinichihasdone—andisstilldoing.”
Damonshookhishead.“Youdon’tunderstand.Youwon’tlikeit,”hesaidtightly.Henoddedathermobile.“Noelectricpowerinthere.Evenowningoneofthoseisacrime.Andthepunishmentforjustaboutanycrimeistortureanddeath.”Hetookasteptowardher.
Meredithrefusedtobackaway,herdarkgazefixedonhis.
“Look,youdon’tevenrealizewhatyouhavetodojusttogetin,”Damonsaidbleakly.“First,youneedavampire—andyou’reluckytohaveone.Thenyou’llhavetodoallsortsofthingsyouwon’tlike—”
“IfElenacandoit,wecandoit,”Meredithinterruptedquietly.
“Idon’twanteitherofyoutogethurt.I’mgoinginbecauseit’sforStefan,”Elenasaidhastily,speakingpartlytoherfriendsandpartlytotheinnermostcoreofherbeing,whichtheshockwavesandpulsesofelectricityhadreachedatlast.Suchastrange,melting,throbbingsweetnessforsomethingthathadstartedoutasashock.Suchafierceshockforsimplytouchinganotherperson’shand….
ElenamangedtotearhereyesawayfromDamon’sfaceandtunebackintotheargumentthatwasgoingon.
“You’regoinginforStefan,yes,”Meredithwassayingtoher,“andwe’regoinginwithyou.”
“I’mtellingyou,youwon’tlikeit.You’lllivetoregretit—ifyoulive,thatis,”Damonwassayingflatly,hisexpressiondark.
BonniesimplygazedupatDamonwithherbrowneyeswideandpleadinginhersmallheart-shapedface.Herhandswereclaspedtogetheratthebaseofherthroat.ShelookedlikeapictureonaHallmarkcard,Elenathought.Andthoseeyeswereworthathousandlogicalarguments.
Finally,DamonlookedbackatElena.“You’reprobablytakingthemtotheirdeaths,youknow.You,Icouldprobablyprotect.ButyouandStefan,andyourtwolittleteenagegirlfriends…Ican’t.”
Hearingitputthatwaywasashock.Elenahadn’tquitethoughtofitlikethat.ButshecouldseethedeterminedsetofMeredith’sjawandthewayBonniehadgoneupalittleonhertoestotrytolookbigger.
“Ithinkit’salreadybeendecided,”shesaidquietly,awarethathervoiceshook.
TherewasalongmomentasshestaredintoDamon’sdarkeyes,andthensuddenlyheflashedhis250-kilowattsmileatallofthem,shutitoffalmostbeforeithadbegun,andsaid,“Isee.Well,inthatcase,Ihaveanothererrand.Imaynotbebackforquiteawhile,sofeelfreetousetheroom—”
“Elenashouldcometoourroom,”Meredithsaid.“Ihavealotofmaterialtoshowher.Andifwecan’ttakemuchwithus,we’llhavetogooveritalltonight—”
“Thenlet’ssaywemeetbackhereatdawn,”Damonsaid.“We’llsetofffortheDemonGatefromhere.Andremember—don’tbringmoney;itisn’tanygoodthere.Andthisisnotavacation—butyou’llgetthatideasoonenough.”
Withagraceful,ironicgesture,hehandedElenaherbag.
“TheDemonGate?”Bonniesaidastheywenttotheelevator.Hervoiceshook.
“Hush,”saidMeredith.“It’sonlyaname.”
Elenawishedshedidn’tknowsowellwhenMeredithwaslying.12
Elenacheckedtheedgesofthehotelroom’sdraperiesforsignsofdawn.Bonniewascurledup,drowsinginachairbythewindow.ElenaandMeredithhadbeenupallnight,andnowtheyweresurroundedbyscatteredprintouts,newspapers,andpicturesfromtheInternet.
“It’salreadyspreadbeyondFell’sChurch,”Meredithexplained,pointingtoanarticleinoneofthepapers.“Idon’tknowifit’sfollowingleylines,orbeingcontrolledbyShinichi—orisjustmovingonitsown,likeanyparasite.”
“DidyoutrytocontactAlaric?”
MeredithglancedatBonnie’ssleepingfigure.Shespokesoftly,“That’sthegoodnews.I’dbeentryingtogethimforever,andIfinallymanaged.He’llbearrivinginFell’sChurchsoon—hejusthasonemorestopfirst.”
Elenadrewherbreathin.“Onemorestopthat’smoreimportantthanwhat’sgoingoninthattown?”
“That’swhyIdidn’ttellBonnieabouthimcoming.OrMatteither.Iknewtheywouldn’tunderstand.But—I’llgiveyouoneguessastowhatkindoflegendshe’sfollowingupintheFarEast.”MeredithfixeddarkeyesonElena’s.
“Not…itis,isn’tit?Kitsune?”
“Yes,andhe’sgoingtoaveryancientplacewheretheyweresupposedtohavedestroyedthetown—justasFell’sChurchisbeingdestroyed.Nobodylivestherenow.Thatname—UnmeinoShima—meanstheIslandofDoom.Maybehe’llfindsomethingimportantaboutfoxspiritsthere.He’sdoingsomekindofmulticulturalindependentstudywithSabrinaDell.She’sAlaric’sage,butshe’salreadyafamousforensicanthropologist.”
“Andyou’renotjealous?”Elenasaidawkwardly.PersonalissuesweredifficulttotalkaboutwithMeredith.Askingherquestionsalwaysfeltlikeprying.
“Well.”Meredithtippedbackherhead.“Itisn’tasifwehaveanyformalengagement.”
“Butyounevertoldanybodyaboutallthis.”
MeredithloweredherheadandgaveElenaaquicklook.“Ihavenow,”shesaid.
Foramomentthegirlssattogetherinsilence.ThenElenasaidquietly,“TheShinoShi,thekitsune,IsobelSaitou,AlaricandhisIslandofDoom—theymaynothaveanythingtodowitheachother.Butiftheydo,I’mgoingtofindoutwhatitis.”
“AndI’mgoingtohelp,”Meredithsaidsimply.“ButIhadthoughtthatafterIgraduated…”
Elenacouldn’tstanditanymore.“Meredith,Ipromise,assoonaswegetStefanbackandthetowncalmeddown,we’llpinAlaricdownwithPlansAthroughZ,”shesaid.SheleanedforwardandkissedMeredith’scheek.“That’savelociraptorsisterhoodoath,okay?”
Meredithblinkedtwice,swallowedonce,andwhispered,“Okay.”Then,abruptly,shewasheroldefficientselfagain.“Thankyou,”shesaid.“Butcleaningupthetownmightnotbesuchaneasyjob.It’salreadyheadingtowardmasschaosthere.”
“AndMattwantedtobeinthemiddleofitall?Alone?”Elenaasked.
“Likewesaid,heandMrs.Flowersareasolidteam,”Meredithsaidquietly.“Andit’swhathe’schosen.”
“Well,”Elenasaiddrily,“hemayturnouttohavethebetterdealintheend,afterall.”
Theywentbacktothescatteredpapers.MeredithpickedupseveralpicturesofkitsuneguardingshrinesinJapan.
“Itsaysthey’reusuallydepictedwitha‘jewel’orkey.”SheheldupapictureofakitsuneholdingakeyinitsmouthatthemaingateoftheFushimiShrine.
“Aha,”Elenasaid.“Lookslikethekey’sgottwowings,doesn’tit?”
“ExactlywhatBonnieandIthought.Andthe‘jewels’…well,takeacloselook.”Elenadidandherstomachlurched.Yes,theywerelikethe“snowglobe”orbsthatShinichihadusedtocreateunbreakabletrapsintheOldWood.
“Wefoundthey’recalledhoshinotama,”Meredithsaid.“Andthattranslatesto‘starballs.’Eachkitsuneputsameasureoftheirpowerintoone,alongwithotherthings,anddestroyingtheballisoneoftheonlywaystokillthem.Ifyoufindakitsune’sstarball,youcancontrolthekitsune.That’swhatBonnieandIwanttodo.”
“Buthowdoyoufindit?”Elenaasked,excitedbytheideaofcontrollingShinichiandMisao.
“Sa…”Meredithsaid,pronouncingtheword“sah”likeasigh.Thenshegaveoneofherrarebrilliantsmiles.“InJapanese,thatmeans:‘Iwonder;hmm;wouldn’twanttocomment;mygosh,golly,Ireallycouldn’tsay.’WecoulduseawordlikethatinEnglish.”
Despiteherself,Elenagiggled.
“But,then,otherstoriessaythatkitsunecanbekilledbytheSinofRegretorbyblessedweapons.Idon’tknowwhattheSinofRegretis,but—”Sherummagedinherluggage,andcameupwithanold-fashionedbutserviceable-lookingrevolver.
“Meredith!”
“Itwasmygrandpa’s—oneofapair.Matt’sgottheotherone.They’reloadedwithbulletsblessedbyapriest.”
“Whatpriestwouldblessbullets,forGod’ssake?”Elenademanded.
Meredith’ssmileturnedbleak.“Onethat’sseenwhat’shappeninginFell’sChurch.YourememberhowCarolinegotIsobelSaitoupossessed,andwhatIsobeldidtoherself?”
Elenanodded.“Iremember,”shesaidtautly.
“Well,doyourememberhowwetoldyouthatObaasan—GrandmaSaitou—usedtobeashrinemaiden?That’saJapanesepriestess.Sheblessedthebulletsforus,allright,andspecificallyforkillingkitsune.Youshouldhaveseenhowspookytheritualwas.Bonniealmostfaintedagain.”
“DoyouknowhowIsobelisdoingnow?”
Meredithshookherdarkheadslowly.“Betterbut—Idon’tthinksheevenknowsaboutJimyet.That’sgoingtobeverytoughonher.”
Elenatriedtoquellashudder.TherewasnothingbuttragedyinstoreforIsobelevenwhenshegotwell.JimBryce,herboyfriend,hadspentonlyonenightwithCaroline,butnowhadLesch-Nyedisease—orsothedoctorssaid.InthatsamedreadfulnightthatIsobelhadpiercedherselfeverywhere,andcuthertonguesothatitforked,Jim,ahandsomestarbasketballplayer,hadeatenawayhisfingersandhislips.InElena’sopiniontheywerebothpossessedandtheirinjurieswereonlymorereasonswhythekitsunetwinshadtobestopped.
“We’lldoit,”shesaidaloud,realizingforthefirsttimethatMeredithwasholdingherhandasifElenawereBonnie.ElenamanagedafaintbutdeterminedsmileforMeredith.“We’llgetStefanoutandwe’llstopShinichiandMisao.Wehavetodoit.”
ThistimeitwasMeredithwhonodded.
“There’smore,”shesaidatlast.“Youwanttohearit?”
“Ineedtoknoweverything.”
“Well,everysinglesourceIcheckedagreesthatkitsunepossessgirlsandthenleadboystodestruction.Whatkindofdestructiondependsonwhereyoulook.Itcanbeassimpleasappearingasawill-o’-the-wispandleadingyouintoaswamporoffacliff,orasdifficultasshapeshifting.”
“Oh,yes,”Elenasaidtightly.“IknewthatfromwhathappenedtoyouandBonnie.Theycanlookexactlylikesomeone.”
“Yes,butalwayswithsomesmallflawifyouhavethewitstonoticeit.Theycannevermakeaperfectreplicate.Buttheycanhaveuptoninetails,andthemoretailstheyhave,thebetterateverythingtheyare.”
“Nine?Terrific.We’veneverevenseenanine-tailedone.”
“Well,wemaygettoyet.They’resupposedtobeabletocrossoverfreelyfromoneworldtoanother.Oh,yes.Andthey’respecificallyinchargeofthe‘Kimon’Gatebetweendimensions.Wanttoguesswhatthattranslatesto?”
Elenastaredather.“Oh,no.”
“Oh,yes.”
“ButwhywouldDamontakeusallthewayacrossthecountry,justtogetinthroughaDemonGatethat’srunbyfoxspirits?”
“Sa…ButwhenMatttoldusyouwereheadedtosomeplacenearSedona,thatwasreallywhatdecidedBonnieandme.”
“Great.”Elenaranherhandsthroughherhairandsighed.“Anythingelse?”sheasked,feelinglikearubberbandthathadbeenstretchedtoitsutmost.
“Onlythis,whichoughttoreallybakeyourcookiesafterallwe’vebeenthrough.Someofthemaregood.Kitsune,Imean.”
“Someofthemaregood—goodwhat?Goodfighters?Goodassassins?Goodliars?”
“No,really,Elena.Someofthemaresupposedtobelikegodsandgoddesseswhosortoftestyou,andifyoupassthetesttheyrewardyou.”
“Doyouthinkweshouldcountonfindingonelikethat?”
“Notreally.”
ElenadroppedherheadtothecoffeetablewhereMeredith’sprintoutswerescattered.“Meredith,seriously,howarewegoingtodealwiththemwhenwegothroughthatDemonGate?MyPowerisaboutasreliableasalowbattery.Andit’snotjustthekitsune;it’sallthedifferentdemonsandvampires—OldOnes,too!Whatarewegoingtodo?”
Sheraisedherheadandlookeddeeplyintotheeyesofherfriend—thosedarkeyesthatshehadneverbeenabletoclassifyasthiscolororthat.
Tohersurprise,Meredithinsteadoflookingsober,tossedbackthedregsofaDietCokeandsmiled.
“NoPlanAyet?”
“Well…maybejustanidea.Nothingdefiniteyet.Whataboutyou?”
“AfewthatmightqualifyforPlansBandC.Sowhatwe’regoingtodoiswhatwealwaysdo—tryourbestandfallalloverourselvesandmakemistakesuntilyoudosomethingbrilliantandsaveusall.”
“Merry”—Meredithblinked.Elenaknewwhy—shehadn’tusedthatdiminutiveforMeredithformoreyearsthanshecouldremember.Noneofthethreegirlslikedpetnamesorusedthem.Elenawentonveryseriously,holdingMeredith’seyes,“There’snothingIwantmorethantosaveeverybody—everybody—fromthesekitsunebastards.I’dgivemylifeforStefanandallofyou.But…thistimeitmaybesomebodyelsewhotakesthebullet.”
“Orthestake.Iknow.Bonnieknows.Wetalkedaboutitwhilewewereflyinghere.Butwe’restillwithyou,Elena.Youhavetoknowthat.We’reallwithyou.”
Therewasonlyonewaytoreplytothat.ElenagrippedMeredith’shandinbothofhers.Thensheletoutherbreath,and,likeprobinganachingtooth,triedtogetnewsonasoresubject.“DoesMatt—didhe—well,howwasMattwhenyouleft?”
Meredithglancedathersideways.NotmuchgotpastMeredith.“Heseemedokay,but—distracted.Hewouldgooffintothesefitswherehe’djuststareatnothing,andhewouldn’thearyouifyouspoketohim.”
“Didhetellyouwhyheleft?”
“Well…sortof.HesaidthatDamonwashypnotizingyouandthatyouweren’t—weren’tdoingallyoucouldtostophim.Buthe’saboyandboysgetjealous—”
“No,hewasrightaboutwhathesaw.It’sjustthatI’ve—gottentoknowDamonalittlebetter.AndMattdoesn’tlikethat.”
“Um-hm.”Meredithwaswatchingherfromunderloweredeyelids,barelybreathing,asifElenawasabirdthatmustn’tbedisturbedorshe’dflyaway.
Elenalaughed.“It’snothingbad,”shesaid.“AtleastIdon’tthinkso.It’sjustthat…insomewaysDamonneedshelpevenmorethanStefandidwhenhefirstcametoFell’sChurch.”
Meredith’seyebrowsshotup,butallshesaidwas,“Um-hm.”
“And…IthinkthatreallyDamon’salotmorelikeStefanthanheletson.”
Meredith’seyebrowsstayedup.Elenafinallylookedather.SheopenedhermouthonceortwiceandthenshejuststaredatMeredith.“I’mintrouble,aren’tI?”shesaidhelplessly.
“Ifallthiscomesfromlessthanoneweekridinginacarwithhim…then,yes.ButwehavetorememberthatwomenareDamon’sspecialty.Andhethinkshe’sinlovewithyou.”
“No,hereallyis—”Elenabegan,andthenshecaughtherlowerlipbetweenherteeth.“Oh,God,thisisDamonwe’retalkingabout.Iamintrouble.”
“Let’sjustwatchandseewhathappens,”Meredithsaidsensibly.“He’sdefinitelychanged,too.Before,hewouldhavejusttoldyouthatyourfriendscouldn’tcome—andthatwasit.Todayhestuckaroundandlistened.”
“Yes.Ijusthaveto—tobeonmyguardfromnowon,”Elenasaid,alittleunsteadily.HowwasshegoingtohelpthechildinsideDamonwithoutgettingclosertohim?AndhowwouldsheexplainallshemightneedtodotoStefan?
Shesighed.
“It’llprobablybeallright,”Bonniemutteredsleepily.MeredithandElenabothturnedtolookatherandElenafeltachillgoupherspine.Bonniewassittingproppedup,buthereyeswereshutandhervoicewasindistinct.“Therealquestionis:whatwillStefansayaboutthatnightatthemotelwithDamon?”
“What?”Elena’svoicewassharpandloudenoughtoawakenanysleeper.ButBonniedidn’tstir.
“Whathappenedwhatnightatwhatmotel?”Meredithdemanded.WhenElenadidn’tanswerimmediately,shecaughtElena’sarmandswunghersothattheywereface-to-face.
AtlastElenalookedatherfriend.Buthereyes,sheknew,gaveawaynothing.
“Elena,what’sshetalkingabout?WhathappenedwithDamon?”
Elenastillkeptherfaceperfectlyexpressionless,andusedawordshe’dlearnedjustthatnight.“Sa…”
“Elena,you’reimpossible!You’renotgoingtodumpStefanafteryourescuehim,areyou?”
“No,ofcoursenot!”Elenawashurt.“StefanandIbelongtogether—forever.”
“ButstillyouspentanightwithDamonwheresomethinghappenedbetweenyou.”
“Something…Iguess.”
“Andthatsomethingwas?”
Elenasmiledapologetically.“Sa…”
“I’llgetitoutofhim!I’llputhimonthedefensive….”
“YoucanmakeaPlanAandPlanBandall,”Elenasaid.“Butitwon’thelp.Shinichitookhismemoriesaway.Meredith,I’msorry—youdon’tknowhowsorry.ButIsworethatnobodywouldeverknow.”Shelookedupatthetallergirl,feelingtearspoolinhereyes.Can’tyoujust—once—letmeleaveitthatway?”
Meredithsankbank.“ElenaGilbert,theworldisluckythereisonlyoneofyou.Youarethe…”Shepaused,asifdecidingwhethertosaythewordsornot.Thenshesaid,“It’stimetogettobed.DawnisgoingtocomeearlyandsoistheDemonGate.”
“Merry?”
“Whatnow?”
“Thankyou.”13
TheDemonGate.
ElenaglancedoverhershoulderatthebackseatofthePrius.Bonniewasblinkingsleepily.Meredith,who’dgottenmuchlesssleepbutheardmuchmorealarmingnews,waslookinglikearazorblade:keen,sharpasice,andready.
TherewasnothingelsetoseeexceptDamonwithhispaperbagsontheseatbesidehim,drivingthePrius.Outthewindows,whereanaridArizonadawnshouldbeblindingitswayacrossthehorizon,wasnothingbutfog.
Itwasfrighteninganddisorienting.TheyhadtakenasmallroadoffHighway179and,gradually,thefoghadcreptin,sendingtendrilsofmistaroundthecar,andfinallyengulfingitwhole.ItseemedtoElenathattheywerebeingdeliberatelycutofffromtheoldordinaryworldofMcDonald’sandTarget,andwerecrossingaborderintoaplacetheyweren’tmeanttoknowabout,muchlessgo.
Therewasnotrafficintheotherdirection.Noneatall.AndashardasElenapeeredoutofherwindow,itwasliketryingtolookthroughfast-movingclouds.
“Aren’twegoingtoofast?”Bonnieasked,rubbinghereyes.
“No,”Damonsaid.“Itwouldbe—aremarkablecoincidence—ifanyoneelsewereonthesamerouteatthesametimeweare.”
“ItlooksalotlikeArizona,”shesaid,disappointed.
“ItmaybeArizona,forallIknow,”Damonreplied.“Butwehaven’tcrossedtheGateyet.Andthisisn’tanywhereinArizonayoucouldjustaccidentallywalkinto.Thepathalwayshasitslittletricksandtraps.Theproblemisthatyouneverknowwhatyou’llbefacing.
“Nowlisten,”headded,lookingatElenawithanexpressionshehadgottentoknow.Itmeant:I’mnotjokingaround;I’mtalkingtoyouasanequal;I’mserious
“You’vegottenverygoodatshowingonlyahuman-sizedaura,”Damonsaid.“Butthatmeansthatifyoucanlearnonemorethingbeforewegoin,youcanactuallyuseyouraura,makeitdoyousomegoodwhenyouwantitto,insteadofjusthidingituntilitpopsupoutofcontrolandliftsthree-thousand-poundcars.”
“Likewhatkindofgood?”
“LikewhatI’mgoingtoshowyou.Firstofalljustrelaxandletmecontrolit.Then,littlebylittle,I’llslackenthecontrolsandyou’lltakethemup.Bytheend,youshouldbeabletosendyourPowerstoyoureyes—andseemuchbetter;toyourears—andhearmuchbetter;toyourlimbs—andmovemuchmorequicklyandprecisely.Allright?”
“Youcouldn’thavetaughtmethisbeforewestartedonthislittleexcursion?”
Hesmiledather,awild,recklesssmilethatmadehersmile,too,evenifshedidn’tknowwhatitwasabout.“Untilyoushowedhowwellyoucouldcontrolyouraurathroughoutthepath—thewayhere—Ididn’tthinkyouwereready,”hesaidbluntly.“NowIdo.Therearethingsinyourmindjustwaitingtobeunlocked.You’llunderstandwhenweunlockthem.”
Andweunlockthem—withwhat?Akiss?Elenathoughtsuspiciously.
“No.No.Andthat’stheotherreasonyou’vegottolearnthis.Yourtelepathyisgettingoutofhand.Ifyoudon’tlearnhowtokeepfromprojectingyourthoughts,you’llnevermakeitpastthecheckpointattheGateasahuman.”
Checkpoint.Thatsoundedominous.Elenanoddedandsaid,“Allright;whatdowedo?”
“Whatwedidbefore.LikeIsaid,relax.Trytotrustme.”
Heputhisrighthandjusttotheleftofherbreastbone,nottouchingtheclothofherdeepgoldtop.Elenacouldfeelherselfflushing,andshewonderedwhatBonnieandMeredithmustthinkofthisiftheywerewatching.
AndthenElenafeltsomethingelse.
Itwasn’tcold;itwasn’theat,butitwassomethinglikethefurthestextremitiesofbothofthem.ItwaspurePower.ItwouldhaveknockedheroverifDamonhadn’tbeenholdingherbythearmwithhisotherhand.Shethought,he’susinghisownPowertoprimemine,todosomething—
—somethingthathurt—
No!Elenatried,vocallyandtelepathically,totellDamonthatthePowerwastoomuch,thatithurt.ButDamonignoredherpleasevenasheignoredthetearsthatspilledontohercheeks.HisPowerwasleadinghersnow,painfully,throughoutherbody.Itwasinherbloodstream,draggingherownPowerbehinditlikeacomet’stail.ItwasforcinghertotakethePowertodifferentpartsofherbodyandletitbuildandbuildthere,notlettingherexhaleit,notlettinghermoveiton.
I’mgoingtoburst—
AllthistimehereyeshadbeenfixedonDamon’s,broadcastingherfeelingstohim:fromindignantangertoshocktoagonizedpain—andnow…to…
Hermindexploded.
TherestofherPowerwentoncircling,withoutcausinganypain.EachnewbreathshedrewaddedmorePowertoit,butitsimplycirculatedthroughherbloodstream,notincreasingheraura,butincreasingthePowerthatwasinsideher.Aftertwoorthreemorequickbreathssherealizedthatshewasdoingiteffortlessly.
NowElena’sPowerwasn’tsimplyslidingaroundsmoothlyinsideher,lookingfromtheoutsidelikeanyotherhuman’s.Itwasalsofillingseveralburstswollennodesinsideherandwhereitdidthat,itchangedthings.
SherealizedthatshewaslookingatDamonwithroundeyes.Hemighthavetoldherabouthowthiswouldfeel,ratherthanlettinghergointoitblind.
Youreallyareatotalbastard,aren’tyou?Elenathought,and,amazingly,shecouldfeelDamonreceivethethought,andcouldfeelhisautomaticresponse,whichwaspleasedagreement,ratherthanotherwise.
ThenElenaforgotabouthiminthedawningofanewunderstanding.ShewasrealizingthatshecouldkeepcirculatingherPowerinsideher,andevenbuildithigherandhigher,gettingreadyforatrulyexplosiveburst,andshownothingofwhatitwasdoingonthesurface.
Andasforthenodes…
Elenalookedaroundheratwhatafewminutesagohadbeenbarrenwilderness.Itwasliketakingbulletsoflightthroughbothhereyes.Shewasdazzled;shewasenthralled.Colorsseemedtocometolifeinapainfulglory.Shefeltthatshecouldseemuchfartherthansheeverhad,onandonintothedesert,andatthesametime,shecoulddistinguishDamon’spupilsfromhisirises.
Why,they’rebothblack,butdifferentshadesofblack,shethought.Ofcourse,theygotogether—Damonwouldneverhaveirisesthatdidn’tcomplementhispupils.Buttheirisesaremorevelvety,wherehispupilsaremoresilkyandshiny.Andyetit’savelvetthatcanholdlightinsideit—almostlikethenightskywithstars—likethosekitsunestarballsthatMeredithtoldmeabout.
Rightnowthosepupilswerewideandsetunyieldinglyonherface,asifDamondidn’twanttomissamomentofherreaction.Suddenly,thecornerofhislipquirkedinafaintsmile.
“Youdidit.YoulearnedtochannelyourPowertoyoureyes.”Hespokeinabarewhisperthatshecouldneverhavedetectedbefore.
“Andtomyears,”shewhisperedback,listeningtotheamazingsymphonyoftinysoundsaroundher.Highintheair,abatsqueakedonafrequencytoohighforanyordinaryhumaneartonotice.Asforthefallofgrainsofsandaroundher,theyformedsomethinglikeatinyconcertoastheystruckrockandbouncedwithatinypingbeforefallingtothegroundbelow.
Thisisamazing,shetoldDamon,hearingthesmugnessinherowntelepathicvoice.AndIcantalktoyouthiswayanytimenow?Shewouldhavetowatchoutforthat—telepathythreatenedtorevealmorethanshemightwanttosendtoarecipient.
It’sbesttobecareful,Damonagreed,confirminghersuspicions.She’dsentmorethanshe’dmeantto.
ButDamon—canBonniedothis,too?ShouldItrytoshowher?
“Whoknows?”Damonrepliedaloud,makingElenawince.“TeachinghumanshowtousePowerisn’texactlymyforte.”
AndwhataboutmydifferentWingsPowers?WillIbeabletocontrolthem,now?
“AboutthoseIhaveabsolutelynoidea.I’veneverseenanythinglikethem.”Damonlookedthoughtfulforamomentandthenshookhishead.“Ithinkyou’dneedsomeonewithmoreexperiencethanIhavetolearntocontrolthose.”BeforeElenacouldsayanythingelse,headded,“We’dbettergetbacktotheothers.We’realmostattheGate.”
“AndIsupposeIshouldn’tbeusingtelepathythen.”
“Well,itisaratherobviousgiveaway—”
“Butyou’llteachmelater,won’tyou?AsmuchasyouknowaboutcontrollingPower?”
“Maybeyourboyfriendshouldbedoingthat,”Damonsaidalmostroughly.
He’safraid,Elenathought,tryingtokeepherthoughtshiddenunderawallofwhitenoisesothatDamonwouldn’tpickthemup.He’sjustasafraidthathe’llrevealtoomuchtomeasIamafraidofhim.14
“Allright,”DamonsaidasheandElenareachedBonnieandMeredith.“Nowcomesthehardpart.”
Meredithlookedupathim.“Nowcomes…?”
“Yes.Thereallyhardpart.”Damonhadfinallyunzippedhismysteriousblackleatherbag.“Look,”hesaidinabaremurmur,“thisistheactualGatethatwehavetogetthrough.Andwhilewe’redoingit,youcanhaveallthehystericsyouwantbecauseyou’resupposedtobecaptives.”Hepulledoutanumberofpiecesofrope.
Elena,Meredith,andBonniehaddrawntogetherinanautomaticshowofvelociraptorsisterhood.
“What,”Meredithsaidslowly,asiftogiveDamonthefinalbenefitofsomelingeringdoubt,“arethoseropesfor?”
Damonputhisheadtoonesideinanoh-come-ongesture.“They’refortyingyourhands.”
“Forwhat?”
Elenawasamazed.ShehadneverseenMeredithsoobviouslyangry.Sheherselfcouldn’tevengetawordin.MeredithhadwalkedupandwaslookingatDamonfromadistanceofaboutfourinches.
Andhereyesaregray!somedistantpartofElena’smindexclaimedinastonishment.Deep,deep,deep,cleargraygray.AllthistimeI’vethoughttheywerebrown,butthey’renot
MeanwhileDamonwaslookingfaintlyalarmedatMeredith’sexpression.AT.rexwouldhavelookedalarmedatMeredith’sexpression,Elenathought.
“Andyouexpectustowalkaroundwithourhandstiedup?Whileyoudowhat?”
“WhileIactasyourmaster,”Damonsaid,suddenlyrallyingwithaglorioussmilethatwasgonealmostbeforeitwasthere.“Thethreeofyouaremyslaves.”
Therewasalong,longsilence.
Elenawavedtheentirepileofobjectsawaywithagesture.“Wewon’tdothat,”shesaidsimply.“Wewon’t.Therehastobesomeotherway—”
“DoyouwanttorescueStefanornot?”Damondemandedsuddenly.TherewasasearingheatinthedarkeyeshehadfixedonElena.
“OfcourseIdo!”Elenaflashedback,feelingheatinhercheeks.“Butnotasaslave,draggedalongbehindyou!”
“That’stheonlywayhumansgetintotheDarkDimension,”Damonsaidflatly.“Tiedorchained,asavampire’sorkitsune’sordemon’sproperty.”
Meredithwasshakingherhead.“Younevertoldus—”
“Itoldyouthatyouwouldn’tlikethewayin!”
EvenwhileansweringMeredith,Damon’seyesneverleftElena.Underneathhisoutwardcoldness,heseemedtobepleadingwithhertounderstand,shethought.Intheolddays,shethought,he’dhavejustloungedagainstawallandraisedhiseyebrowsandsaid,“Fine;Ididn’twanttogoanyway.Who’sforapicnic?”
ButDamondidwantthemtogo,Elenarealized.Hewasdesperateforthemtogo.Hejustdidn’tknowanyhonestwayofconveyingthat.Theonlywayheknewwasto—
“Youhavetomakeusapromise,Damon,”shesaid,lookinghimdirectlyintheeyes.“Andithastobebeforewemakethedecisiontogoornot.”
Shecouldseethereliefinhiseyes,eveniftotheothergirlsitmightseemasifhisfacewasperfectlycoldandimpassive.Sheknewhewasgladshewasn’tsayingthatherpreviousdecisionwasfinal,andthatwasthat.“Whatpromise?”Damonasked.
“Youhavetoswear—togiveyourword—thatnomatterwhatwedecidenoworintheDarkDimension,youwon’ttrytoInfluenceus.Youwon’tputustosleepbymindcontrol,ornudgeustodowhatyouwant.Youwon’tuseanyvampiretricksonourminds.”
Damonwouldn’tbeDamonifhedidn’targue.“But,look,supposethetimecomeswhenyouwantmetodothat?Therearesomethingstherethatitmightbebetterforyoutosleepthrough—”
“Thenwe’lltellyouwe’vechangedourminds,andwe’llreleaseyoufromthepromise.Yousee?There’snodownside.Youjusthavetoswear.”
“Allright,”Damonsaid,stillholdinghergaze.“IswearIwon’tuseanykindofPoweronyourminds;Iwon’tInfluenceyouinanyway,untilyouaskmeto.Igivemyword.”
“Right.”AtlastElenabrokethestaredownwiththetiniestofsmilesandnods.AndDamongaveheranalmostimperceptiblenodinreturn.
SheturnedawaytofindherselflookingintoBonnie’ssearchingbrowngaze.
“Elena,”Bonniewhispered,tuggingonherarm.“Comehereforasec,okay?”Elenacouldhardlyhelpit.BonniewasstrongasasmallWelshpony.Elenawent,castingapowerlesslookoverhershoulderatDamonasshedid.
“What?”shewhisperedwhenBonniefinallystoppeddraggingher.Meredithhadcomealongaswell,figuringitmightbesisterhoodbusiness.“Well?”
“Elena,”Bonnieburstout,asifunabletoholdthewordsbackanylonger,“thewayyouandDamonact—it’sdifferentthanitusedtobe.Youdidn’tusedto…Imean,whatreallyhappenedbetweenyoutwowhenyouwerealonetogether?”
“Thisishardlythetimeforthat,”Elenahissed.“We’rehavingabigproblemhere,incaseyouhadn’tnoticed.”
“But—whatif—”
Meredithtookuptheunfinishedsentence,pushingadarklockofhairoutofhereyes.“Whatifit’ssomethingStefandoesn’tlike?Like‘whathappenedwithDamonwhenyouwerealoneinthemotelthatnight’?”shefinished,quotingBonnie’swords.
Bonnie’smouthfellopen.“Whatmotel?Whatnight?Whathappened?”shealmostshrieked,causingMeredithtotrytoquietherandgetbittenforherpains.
Elenalookedatfirstoneandthentheotherofhertwofriends—thetwofriendswhohadcometodiewithherifnecessary.Shecouldfeelherbreathcomeshort.Itwassounfair,but…“Canwejustdiscussthislater?”shesuggested,tryingtoconveywithhereyesandeyebrowsDamoncanhearus!
Bonniemerelywhispered,“Whatmotel?Whatnight?What—”
Elenagaveup.“Nothinghappened,”shesaidflatly.“Meredithisonlyquotingyou,Bonnie.Yousaidthosewordslastnightwhileyouwereasleep.Andmaybesometimeinthefutureyou’lltelluswhatyou’retalkingabout,becauseIdon’tknow.”
ShefinishedbylookingatMeredith,whojustraisedoneperfecteyebrow.“You’reright,”Meredithsaid,completelyundeceived.“TheEnglishlanguagecoulduseawordlike‘sa.’Itwouldmaketheseconversationssomuchshorter,foronething.”
Bonniesighed.“Well,then,I’llfindoutformyself,”shesaid.“YoumaynotthinkIcan,butIwill.”
“Okay,okay,butmeanwhiledoesanyonehaveanythinghelpfultosayaboutDamon’sropestuff?”
“Suchas,dowetellhimwheretostuffit?”Meredithsuggestedunderherbreath.
Bonniewasholdingalengthofrope.Sheranasmall,fair-skinnedhandoverit.
“Idon’tthinkthiswasboughtinanger,”shesaid,herbrowneyesunfocusingandhervoicetakingontheslightlyeerietoneitalwaysdidwhenshewasintrance.“Iseeaboyandagirl,overacounteratahardwarestore—andshe’slaughing,andtheboysays,‘I’llbetyouanythingthatyou’regoingtoschoolnextyeartobeanarchitect,’andthegirlgetsallmisty-eyed,andsays,yes,and—”
“Andthat’sallthepsychicspyingIcaretoheartoday.”Damonhadcomerightuptothemwithoutmakingasound.Bonniejumpedviolently,andalmostdroppedtherope.
“Listen,”Damoncontinuedharshly,“justahundredmetersawayisthefinalcrossing.Eitheryouweartheseandyouactlikeslavesoryoudon’tgetintohelpStefan.Ever.That’sit.”
Silently,thegirlsconferredwiththeireyes.Elenaknewthatherownexpressionsaidclearlythatshewasn’taskingeitherBonnieorMeredithtogowithher,butthatsheherselfwasgoingifitrequiredcrawlingbehindDamononherhandsandknees.
Meredith,lookingdirectlyintoElena’seyes,slowlyshutherownandnodded,lettingoutherbreath.Bonniewasnoddingherheadalready,resigned.
Insilence,BonnieandMeredithletElenatietheirwristsinfrontofthem.ElenathenletDamontieherwristsandthreadalongropebetweenthethreeofthem,asiftheywereachaingangofprisoners.
Elenacouldfeelaflushcomingupfrombelowherchesttoburninhercheeks.Shecouldn’tmeetDamon’seyes,notthisway,butsheknewwithoutaskingthatDamonwasthinkingaboutthetimethatStefanhaddismissedhimfromhisapartmentlikeadog,infrontofjustthisaudience,plusMatt.
Vengefulcad,ElenathoughtashardasshecouldinDamon’sdirection.Sheknewthelastwordwouldhurtthemost.Damonpridedhimselfonbeingagentleman…
But“gentlemen”don’tgointotheDarkDimension,Damon’svoiceinherheadsaidmockingly.
“Allright,”Damonaddedaloud,andtooktheleadropeinonehand.Hestartedwalkingbrisklyintothedarknessofthecave,thethreegirlscrowdingandstumblingbehindhim.
Elenawouldneverforgetthatbriefjourney,andsheknewneitherBonnienorMeredithwouldeither.Theywalkedacrosstheshallowopeningofthecaveandintothesmallopeningintheback,whichgapedlikeamouth.Ittooksomemaneuveringtogetthethreeofthemintoit.Ontheothersidethecavernflaredoutagain,andtheywereinalargecavern.AtleastthatwaswhatElena’senhancedsensestoldher.TheeverlastingfoghadreturnedandElenahadnoideawhichwaytheyweregoing.
Onlyafewminuteslaterabuildingrearedupoutofthethickfog.
Elenadidn’tknowwhatshehadbeenexpectingfromtheDemonGate.Possiblyhugeebonydoors,carvedwithserpentsandencrustedwithjewels.Maybearough-hewn,weatheredcolossusofstone,liketheEgyptianpyramids.Perhapsevensomesortoffuturisticenergyfieldthatflickeredandflashedwithblue-violetlasers
Whatshesawinsteadlookedlikearamshackledepotofsomekind,aplaceforholdingandshippinggoods.Therewasanemptypen,heavilyfenced,toppedwithbarbedwire.Itstank,andElenawasgladthatsheandDamonhadnotchanneledpowertohernose.
Thentherewerepeople,menandwomeninfineclothes,eachwithakeyinonehand,murmuringsomethingbeforeopeningadoorinonesideofthebuilding.Thesamedoor—butElenawouldbetanythingthattheyweren’tallgoingtothesameplace,ifthekeyswereliketheoneshehadbriefly“borrowed”fromShinichi’shouseaweekorsoago.Oneoftheladieslookedasifsheweredressedforafancymasquerade,withfoxearsthatblendedintoherlongauburnhair.ItwasonlywhenElenasawunderherankle-lengthdresstheswishingofafoxtailthatsherealizedthatthewomanwasakitsunemakinguseoftheDemonGate.
Damonhastily—andnonetoogently—ledthemtotheothersideofthebuilding,whereabroken-hingeddooropenedintoadilapidatedroomthat,strangely,seemedlargerontheinsidethanontheoutside.Allsortsofthingswerebeingbarteredorsoldhere:manylookedasiftheyhadtodowiththemanagementofslaves
Elena,Meredith,andBonnielookedatoneanother,round-eyed.Obviously,peoplebringingwildslavesinfromtheoutsideconsideredtortureandterrorallinaday’swork.
“Passageforfour,”Damonsaidbrieflytotheslump-shoulderedbutheavysetmanbehindthecounter.
“Threesavagesallatonce?”Theman,eyesdevouringwhathecouldseeofthethreegirls,turnedtolookatDamonsuspiciously.
“WhatcanIsay?Myjobisalsomyhobby.”Damonstaredhimstraightintheeyes.
“Yeh,but…”Themanlaughed.“Latelywebingettin’maybeoneortwoamonth.”
“They’relegallymine.Nokidnappings.Kneel,”Damonaddedcasuallytothethreegirls.
ItwasMeredithwhogotitfirstandsanktothegroundlikeaballetdancer.Herdark,darkgrayeyeswerefocusedonsomethingnoonebutshecouldsee.ThenElenasomehowuntangledthesinglesyllablefromtheothers.ShefocusedhermindonStefanandpretendedshewaskneelingtokisshimonhisprisonpallet.Itseemedtowork;shewasdown.
ButBonniewasup.Themostdependent,thesoftest,themostinnocentmemberofthetriumviratefoundthatherkneeshadgonesolid.
“Redheads,eh?”themansaid,eyeingDamonsharplyevenashesmirked.“Maybeyou’dbetterbuyalittletinglerforthatone.”
“Maybe,”Damonsaidtightly.Bonniejustlookedathimblankly,lookedatthegirlsonthegroundandthenthrewherselfintoaprostrateposition.Elenacouldhearhersobbingsoftly.“ButI’vefoundthatafirmvoiceandadisapprovinglookactuallyworkbetter.”
Themangaveupandslumpedagain.“Passageforfour,”hegruntedandreachedupandpulledonadirtybellrope.BythistimeBonniewasweepinginfearandhumiliation,butnooneseemedtonotice,excepttheothergirls.
Elenadidn’tdaretotrytocomforthertelepathically;thatwouldn’tfitinwiththeauraofa“normalhumangirl”atall,andwhoknewwhattrapsordevicesmightbehiddenhereinadditiontothemanwhokeptundressingthemoverandoverwithhiseyes?ShejustwishedshecouldcalluponeofherWingsattacks,righthereinthisroom.Thatwouldwipethesmuglookofftheman’sface.
Amomentlater,somethingelsewipeditoffascompletelyasshecouldhavedesired.Damonleanedacrossthecounterandwhisperedsomethingtohimthatturnedtheslumpedman’sleeringfaceasicklycolorofgreen.
Didyouhearwhathesaid?ElenacommunicatedthistoMeredithusinghereyesandeyebrows.
Meredith,herowneyescrinkling,positionedherhandinfrontofElena’sabdomen,thenmadeatwisting,rippingmotion.
EvenBonniesmiled.
ThenDamonledthemtowaitoutsidethedepot.TheyhadonlybeenstandingafewminuteswhenElena’snewvisionspottedaboatglidingsilentlythroughthemist.Sherealizedthatthebuildingmustbeontheverybankofariver,butevenwithPowerdirectedsolelytohereyesshecouldbarelymakeoutwherethenonreflectivelandgavewaytoshiningwater,andevenwithPowerdirectedsolelytoherearsshecouldbarelyhearthesoundofswiftdeepwaterrunning.
Theboatstopped—somehow.Elenacouldn’tseeanyanchordroppedoranythingtofastenitto.Butthefactwasthatitdidstop,andtheslumpedmanputdownaplank,whichstayedinplaceastheyboarded:firstDamon,andthenhisbevyof“slaves.”
Onboard,ElenawatchedDamonwordlesslyoffersixpiecesofgoldtotheferryman—twoforeachhumanwhopresumablywouldn’tbecomingback,shethought.
Foramomentshewaslostinthememoryofbeingveryyoung—onlythreeorso,shemusthavebeen—andsittingonherfather’slapwhilehereadtoherfromawonderfullyillustratedbookabouttheGreekmyths.Ittoldabouttheferryman,Charon,whotookspiritsofthedeceasedovertheriverStyxtothelandofthedead.AndherfathertellingherthattheGreeksputcoinsontheeyesofthosewhodiedsotheycouldpaytheferryman….
There’snocomingbackfromthisjourney!shethoughtsuddenlyandviolently.Noescape!Theymightaswellbetrulydead….
Strangely,itwashorrorthatsavedherfromthismorassofterror.Justassheliftedherhead,perhapstoscream,thedimfigureoftheferrymanturnedfromhisdutiesbrieflyasiftolookbackoverthepassengers.ElenaheardBonnie’sshriek.Meredith,shaking,wasfranticallyandillogicallyreachingforthebaginwhichhergunwasstowed.EvenDamondidn’tseemtobeabletomove.
Thetallspecterintheboathadnoface.
Hehaddeepdepressionswherehiseyesshouldbe,ashallowhollowforamouth,andatriangularholewherehisnoseshouldhaveprotruded.Theuncannyhorrorofit,ontopofthestinkfromthedepotpens,wassimplytoomuchforBonnie,andsheslumpedsideways,limpagainstMeredith,inafaint.
Elena,inthemidstofherterror,hadamomentofrevelation.Inthedim,moist,drippingtwilight,shehadforgottentostoptryingtouseallhersensestotheirfullest.Shewasundoubtedlybetterabletoseetheinhumanfaceoftheferrymanthan,say,Meredith.Shecouldalsohearthings,likethesoundsoflong-deadminerstappingattherockabovethem,andthescurryingofenormousbatsorcockroachesorsomething,insidethestonewallsallaroundthem.
Butnow,ElenasuddenlyfeltwarmtearsonhericycheeksassherealizedthatshehadcompletelyunderestimatedBonnieforaslongasshe’dknownaboutherfriend’spsychicpowers.IfBonnie’ssenseswerepermanentlyopentothekindsofhorrorsElenawasexperiencingnow,itwasnowonderthatBonnielivedinfear.ElenafoundherselfpromisingtobeahellofalotmoretolerantthenexttimeBonniefalteredorstartedscreaming.Infact,Bonniedeservedsomekindofanawardforkeepingagriponsanitythisfar,Elenadecided.ButElenadidn’tdaredoanymorethangazeatherfriend,whowascompletelyunconscious,andsweartoherselfthatfromnowonBonniewouldfindachampioninElenaGilbert.
ThatpromiseandthewarmthofitburnedlikeacandleinElena’smind,acandleshepicturedheldbyStefan,thelightofitdancinginhisgreeneyesandplayingovertheplanesofhisface.Itwasjustenoughtokeepherfromlosingherownsanityontherestofthejourney.
Bythetimetheboatdocked—ataplacejustslightlymoretraveledthantheonewheretheyhadembarked—allthreeofthegirlswereinastateofexhaustionbroughtonbyprolongedterrorandwrenchingsuspense.
Buttheyhadn’treallyusedthetimetothinkoverthewords“DarkDimension”ortoimaginethenumberofwaysitsdarknessmightbemanifested.
“Ournewhome,”Damonsaidgrimly.Watchinghiminsteadofthelandscape,ElenarealizedfromthetensioninhisneckandshouldersthatDamonwasnotenjoyinghimself.She’dthoughthe’dbeheadingintohisownparticularparadise,thisworldofhumanslaves,andtortureforentertainment,whoseonlyrulewasself-preservationoftheindividualego.Nowsherealizedthatshehadbeenwrong.ForDamonthiswasaworldofbeingswithPowersasgreatorgreaterthanhisown.Hewasgoingtohavetoclawoutafootholdhereamongthem,justlikeanyurchinonthestreet—exceptthathecouldn’taffordtomakeanymistakes.Theyneededtofindawaynotjusttolive,buttoliveinluxuryandminglewithhighsociety,iftheyweretohaveanychancetorescueStefan.
Stefan—no,shecouldn’tallowherselftheluxuryofthinkingabouthimatthattime.Onceshestartedshewouldbecomeundone,begintodemandridiculousthings,likethattheygoroundtotheprison,justtostareatit,likeajuniorhighkidwithacrushonanolderboy,whojustwantedtobedriven“byhishouse”toworshipit.Andthenwhatwouldthatdototheirplansforajailbreaklater?PlanAwas:don’tmakemistakes,andElenawouldsticktothatuntilshefoundabetterone.
ThatwashowDamonandhis“slaves”cametotheDarkDimension,throughtheDemonGate.Thesmallestoneneededtoberevivedwithwaterinthefacebeforeshecouldgetupandwalk.15
HurryingbehindDamon,Elenatriednottolookeithertotheleftortheright.ShecouldseetoomuchofwhattoMeredithandBonniemusthaveappearedtobefeaturelessdarkness.
Thereweredepotsoneitherside,placeswhereslaveswereobviouslybroughttobeboughtorsoldortransportedlater.Elenacouldhearthewhimpersofchildreninthedarknessandifshehadn’tbeensofrightenedherself,shewouldhaverushedofflookingforthecryingkids.
ButIcan’tdothat,becauseI’maslavenow,shethought,withasenseofshockthatranupfromherfingertips.I’mnotarealhumanbeinganymore.I’mapieceofproperty.
ShefoundherselfonceagainstaringatthebackofDamon’sheadandwonderinghowonearthshehadtalkedherselfintothis.Sheunderstoodwhatbeingaslavemeant—infactsheseemedtohaveanintuitiveunderstandingofitthatsurprisedher—anditwasNotaGoodThingtoBe.
Itmeantthatshecouldbe…well,thatanythingcouldbedonetoheranditwasnoone’sbusinessbutthatofherowner.Andherowner(howhadhetalkedherintothisagain?)wasDamon,ofallpeople.
Hecouldsellallthreegirls—Elena,Meredith,andBonnie—andbeoutofhereinanhourwiththeprofits.
Theyhurriedthroughthisareaofthedocks,thegirlswiththeireyesontheirfeettopreventthemselvesfromstumbling.
Andthentheycrestedahill.Belowthem,inasortofcrater-shapedformation,wasacity.
Theslumswereontheedges,andcrowdedalmostuptowheretheywerestanding.Buttherewasachicken-wirefenceinfrontofthem,whichkeptthemisolatedevenwhileallowingthemabird’s-eyeviewofthecity.Iftheyhadstillbeeninthecavetheyhadentered,thiswouldhavebeenthegreatestundergroundcavernimaginable—buttheyweren’tundergroundanymore.
“Ithappenedsometimeduringtheferryride,”Damonsaid.“Wemade—well—atwistinspace,say.”HetriedtoexplainandElenatriedtounderstand.“YouwentinthroughtheDemonGate,andwhenyoucameoutyouwerenolongerinEarth’sDimension,butinanotheroneentirely.”Elenaonlyhadtolookupattheskytobelievehim.Theconstellationsweredifferent;therewasnoLittleorBigDipper,noNorthStar.
Thentherewasthesun.Itwasmuchlarger,butmuchdimmerthanEarth’s,anditneverleftthehorizon.Atanymomentabouthalfofitshowed,dayandnight—termswhich,asMeredithpointedout,hadlosttheirrationalmeaninghere.
Astheyapproachedagatemadeofchickenwirethatwouldfinallyletthemoutoftheslave-holdingarea,theywerestoppedbywhatElenawouldlaterlearnwasaGuardian.
Shewouldlearnthatinaway,theGuardiansweretherulersoftheDarkDimension,althoughtheythemselvescamefromanotherplacefarawayanditwasalmostasiftheyhadpermanentlyoccupiedthislittlesliceofHell,tryingtoimposeorderontheslumkingandfeudallordswhodividedthecityamongthemselves.
ThisGuardianwasatallwomanwithhairthecolorofElena’sown—truegold—cutsquareatshoulderlength,andshepaidnoattentionatalltoDamonbutimmediatelyaskedElena,whowasfirstinlinebehindhim,“Whyareyouhere?”
Elenawasglad,veryglad,thatDamonhadtaughthertocontrolheraura.Sheconcentratedonthatwhileherbrainhummedatsupersonicspeed,wonderingwhattherightresponsetothisquestionwas.Theresponsethatwouldleavethemfreeandnotgetthemsenthome.
Damondidn’ttrainusforthis,washerfirstthought.Andhersecondwas,no,becausehe’sneverbeenherebefore.Hedoesn’tknowhoweverythingworkshere,onlysomethings.
Andifitlookedasifthiswomanwasgoingtotrytointerferewithhim,hemightjustgocrazyandattackher,ahelpfullittlevoiceaddedfromsomewhereinElena’ssubconscious.Elenadoubledthespeedofherscheming.Creativelyinghadoncebeenasortofspecialtyofhers,andnowshesaidthefirstthingthatpoppedintoherheadandgotathumbs-up:“Igambledwithhimandlost.”
Well,itsoundedgood.Peoplelostallsortsofthingswhentheygambled:plantations,talismans,horses,castles,bottlesofgenii.Andifitturnedoutnottobeenoughofareason,shecouldalwayssaythatthatwasjustthestartofhersadstory.Bestofall,itwasinaway,true.Longagoshe’dgivenherlifeforDamonaswellasforStefan,andDamonhadnotexactlyturnedoveranewleafasshe’drequested.Halfaleaf,maybe.Aleaflet.
TheGuardianwasstaringatherwithapuzzledlookinhertrueblueeyes.PeoplehadstaredatElenaallherlife—beingyoungandverybeautifulmeantthatyoufrettedonlywhenpeopledidn’tstare.Butthepuzzlementwasabitofaworry.Wasthetallwomanreadinghermind?Elenatriedtoaddanotherlayerofwhitenoiseatthetop.WhatcameoutwasafewlinesofaBritneySpearssong.Sheturnedthepsychicvolumeup.
Thetallwomanputtwofingerstoherheadlikesomeonewithasuddenheadache.ThenshelookedatMeredith.
“Why…areyouhere?”
UsuallyMeredithdidn’tlieatall,butwhenshedidshetreateditasanintellectualart.Fortunately,shealsonevertriedtofixsomethingthatwasn’tbroken.“Thesameforme,”shesaidsadly.
“Andyou?”ThewomanwaslookingatBonnie,whowaslookingasifsheweregoingtobesickagain.
MeredithgaveBonniealittlenudge.Thenshestaredatherhard.Elenastaredatherharder,knowingthatallBonniehadtodowasmumble“Me,too.”AndBonniewasagood“me,too-er”afterMeredithhadstakedoutaposition.
TheproblemwasthatBonniewasalsoeitherintrance,orsoclosetoitthatitdidn’tmatter.
“ShadowSouls,”Bonniesaid.
Thewomanblinked,butnotthewayyoublinkwhensomeonesayssomethingtotallyunresponsive.Sheblinkedinastonishment.
Oh,God,Elenathought.Bonnie’sgottheirpasswordorsomething.She’smakingpredictionsorprophesyingorwhatever.
“Shadow…souls?”theGuardiansaid,watchingBonnieclosely.
“Thecityisfullofthem,”Bonniesaidmiserably.
TheGuardian’sfingersdancedoverwhatlookedlikeapalmtopcomputer.“Weknowthat.Thisistheplacetheycome.”
“Thenyoushouldstopit.”
“Wehaveonlylimitedjurisdiction.TheDarkDimensionisruledbyadozenfactionsofoverlords,whohaveslumlordstocarryouttheirorders.”
Bonnie,Elenathought,tryingtocutthroughBonnie’smentalhazeevenatthecostoftheGuardianhearingher.Thesearethepolice.
Atthesamemoment,Damontookover.“She’sthesameastheothers,”hesaid.“Exceptthatshe’spsychic.”
“Nooneaskedyouropinion,”theGuardiansnappedathim,withoutevenglancinginDamon’sdirection.“Idon’tcarewhatkindofbigwigyouaredownthere”—shejerkedherheadcontemptuouslyatthecityoflights—“you’reonmyturfbehindthisfence.AndI’maskingthelittlered-hairedgirl:iswhatheissayingthetruth?”
Elenahadamomentofpanic.Afterallthey’dbeenthrough,ifBonnieblewitnow…
ThistimeBonnieblinked.Whateverelseshewastryingtocommunicate,itwastruethatshewasthesameasMeredithandElena.Anditwastruethatshewaspsychic.Bonniewasaterribleliarwhenshehadtoomuchtimetothinkaboutthings,buttothisshecouldsaywithouthesitation,“Yes,that’strue.”
TheGuardianstaredatDamon.
Damonstaredbackasifhecoulddoitallnight.Hewasachampionout-starer.
AndtheGuardianwavedthemaway.
“Isupposeevenapsychiccanhaveabadday,”shesaid,thenaddedtoDamon,“Takecareofthem.Yourealizethatallpsychicshavetobelicensed?”
Damon,withhisbestgrandseigneurmanner,said,“Madam,thesearenotprofessionalpsychics.Theyaremyprivateassistants.”
“AndI’mnota‘Madam’I’maddressedas‘YourJudgment.’Bytheway,peopleaddictedtogamblingusuallycometohorribleendshere.”
Ha,ha,Elenathought.Ifsheonlyknewwhatkindofgambleweallaretaking…well,we’dprobablybeworseoffthanStefanisrightnow.
Outsidethefencewasacourtyard.Therewerelittershere,aswellasrickshawsandsmallgoatcarts.Nocarriages,nohorses.Damongottwolitters,oneforhimselfandElenaandoneforMeredithandBonnie.
Bonnie,stilllookingconfused,wasstaringatthesun.“Youmeanitneverfinishesrising?”
“No,”Damonsaidpatiently.“Andit’ssettinghere,notrising.PerpetualtwilightintheCityofDarknessitself.You’llseemoreaswemovealong.Don’ttouchthat,”headded,asMeredithmovedtountietheropearoundBonnie’swristsbeforeeitherofthemgotonthelitter.“Youtwocantaketheropesoffinthelitterifyoudrawthecurtains,butdon’tlosethem.You’restillslaves,andyouhavetowearsomethingsymbolicaroundyourarmstoshowit—evenifit’sjustmatchingbracelets.OtherwiseIgetintrouble.Oh,andyou’llhavetogoveiledinthecity.”
“We—what?”Elenaflashedalookofdisbeliefathim.
Damonjustflashedbacka250-kilowattsmileandbeforeElenacouldsayanotherword,hewasdrawinggauzysheerfabricsfromhisblackbagandhandingthemout.Theveilswereofasizetocoveranentirebody.
“Butyouonlyhavetoputitonyourheadortieitonyourhairorsomething,”Damonsaiddismissively.
“What’sitmadeof?”Meredithasked,feelingthelightsilkymaterial,whichwastransparentandsothinthatthewindthreatenedtowhipitfromherfingers
“HowshouldIknow?”
“It’sdifferentcolorsontheotherside!”Bonniediscovered,lettingthewindtransformherpalegreenveilintoashimmeringsilver.Meredithwasshakingoutadramaticdeepvioletsilkintoamysteriousdarkbluedottedwithamyriadofstars.Elena,whohadbeenexpectingherownveiltobeblue,foundherselflookingupatDamon.Hewasholdingatinysquareofclothinaclenchedfist.
“Let’sseehowgoodyou’vegotten,”hemurmured,noddingherclosertohim.“Guesswhatcolor.”
Anothergirlmightonlyhavenoticedthesloeblackeyesandthepure,carvenlinesofDamon’sface,ormaybethewild,wickedsmile—somehowwilderandsweeterthaneverhere,likearainbowinthemiddleofahurricane.ButElenaalsomadenoteofthestiffnessinhisneckandshoulders—placeswheretensionbuiltup.TheDarkDimensionwasalreadytakingitstollonhim,psychically,evenashemockedit.
ShewonderedhowmanysoundingsofPowerbythemerelycurioushewashavingtoblockeachsecond.Shewasabouttooffertohelpbyopeningherselfuptotheeldritchworld,whenhesnapped,“Guess!”inatonethatdidn’tmakeitasuggestion.
“Gold,”Elenasaidinstantly,surprisingherself.Whenshereachedtotakethegoldensquarefromhishandapowerful,pleasurablefeelingofelectriccurrentshotfromherpalmupherarmandseemedtoskewerherstraightthroughtheheart.DamonclungtoherfingersbrieflyasshetookthesquareandElenafoundshecouldstillfeelelectricitypulsingfromhisfingertips.
Theundersideofherveilblewoutwhiteandsparklingasifsetwithdiamonds.God,maybetheywerediamonds,shethought.HowcouldyoutellwithDamon?
“Yourweddingveil,perhaps?”Damonmurmured,lipsclosetoherear.TheropearoundElena’swristshadcomeverylooseandshestrokedthediaphanousfabrichelplessly,feelingthetinyjewelsonthewhitesidecooltothetouchofherfingers.
“Howdidyouknowyou’dneedallthisstuff?”Elenaasked,withbruisingpracticality.“Youdidn’tknoweverything,butyouseemedtoknowenough.”
“Oh,Ididresearchinbarsandotherplaces.Ifoundafewpeoplewho’dbeenhereandhadmanagedtogetoutagain—orwhohadgottenkickedout.”Damon’swildgringrewevenwilder.“Atnightwhileyouwereasleep.Atalittlehiddenstore,Igotthose.”Henoddedatherveil,andadded,“Youdon’thavetowearthatoveryourfaceoranything.Pressittoyourhairanditwillclingtoit.”
Elenadidso,wearingthegoldsideout.Itfelltoherheels.Shefingeredherveil,alreadyabletoseetheflirtatiouspossibilitiesinit,aswellasthedismissiveones.Ifonlyshecouldgetthisdamnedropeoffherwrists…
Afteramoment,Damonretreatedbackintothepersonaoftheimperturbablemasterandsaid,“Foralloursakes,weoughttobestrictaboutthesethings.TheslumlordsandnobilitywhorunthisabominablemesstheycalltheDarkDimensionknowthatit’sonlytwodaysawayfromrevolutionatanytime,andifweaddanythingtothebalancethey’regoingtoMakeaPublicExampleofUs.”
“Allright,”Elenasaid.“Here,holdmystringandI’llgetonthelitter.”
Buttherewasn’tmuchpointintherope,notoncetheywerebothsittinginthesamelitter.Itwascarriedbyfourmen—notbigmen,butwiryones,andallofthesameheight,whichmadeforasmoothride.
IfElenahadbeenafreecitizen,shewouldneverhaveallowedherselftobecarriedbyfourpeoplewhom(sheassumed)wereslaves.Infact,shewouldhavemadeabignoisyfussoverit.Butthattalkshe’dhadwithherselfatthedockshadsunkin.Shewasaslave,evenifDamonhadn’tpaidanyonetobuyher.Shedidn’thavetherighttomakeabignoisyfussaboutanything.Inthiscrimson,evil-smellingplaceshecouldimaginethatherfussmightevenmakeproblemsforthelitterbearersthemselves—maketheirownerorwhoeverranthelitter-bearingbusinesspunishthem,asifitweretheirfault.
BestPlanAfornow:KeepMouthShut.
Therewasplentytoseeanyway,nowthattheyhadpassedonabridgeoverbad-smellingslumsandalleysfulloftumbledownhouses.Shopsbegantoappear,atfirstheavilybarredandmadeofunpaintedstone,thenmorerespectablebuildings,andthensuddenlytheywerewindingtheirwaythroughabazaar.Butevenherethestampofpovertyandwearinessappearedontoomanyfaces.Elenahadexpected,ifanything,acold,black,antisepticcitywithemotionlessvampiresandfire-eyeddemonswalkingthestreets.Instead,everyoneshesawlookedhuman,andtheyweresellingthings—frommedicinestofoodanddrink—thatvampiresdidn’tneed.
Well,maybethekitsuneandthedemonsneedthem,Elenareasoned,shudderingattheideaofwhatademonmightwanttoeat.Onthestreetcornerswerehard-faced,scantilycladgirlsandboys,andtattered,haggardpeopleholdingpatheticsigns:AMEMORYFORAMEAL
“Whatdotheymean?”ElenaaskedDamon,buthedidn’tanswerherimmediately.
“Thisishowthefreehumansofthecityspendmostoftheirtime,”hesaid.“Sorememberthat,beforeyoustartgoingononeofyourcrusades—”
Elenawasn’tlistening.Shewasstaringatoneoftheholdersofsuchasign.Themanwashorriblythin,withastragglybeardandbadteeth,butworsewashislookofvacantdespair.Everysooftenhewouldholdoutatremblinghandonwhichtherewasasmall,clearball,whichhebalancedonhispalm,muttering,“Asummer’sdaywhenIwasyoung.Asummer’sdayforaten-geldpiece.”Asoftenasnottherewasnoonenearwhenhesaidthis.
ElenaslippedoffalapisringStefanhadgivenherandheldittowardhim.Shedidn’twanttoannoyDamonbygettingoutofthelitter,andshehadtosay,“Comehere,please,”whileholdingtheringtowardthebeardedman.
Heheard,andcametothelitterquicklyenough.Elenasawsomethingmoveinhisbeard—lice,perhaps—andsheforcedherselftostareattheringasshesaid,“Takeit.Quickly,please.”
Theoldmanstaredattheringasifitwereabanquet.“Idon’thavechange,”hemoaned,bringinguphishandandwipinghismouthwithhissleeve.Heseemedabouttodroptothegroundunconscious.“Idon’thavechange!”
“Idon’twantchange!”Elenasaidthroughthehugeswellingthathadformedinherthroat.“Takethering.HurryorI’lldropit.”
Hesnatcheditfromherfingersasthelitterbearersstartedforwardagain.“MaytheGuardiansblessyou,lady,”hesaid,tryingtokeepupwiththelitterbearer’strot.“Hearmewhomay!MayTheyblessyou!”
“Youreallyshouldn’t,”DamonsaidtoElenawhenthevoicehaddiedawaybehindthem.“He’snotgoingtogetamealwiththat,youknow.”
“Hewashungry,”Elenasaidsoftly.Shecouldn’texplainthatheremindedherofStefan,notjustnow.“Itwasmyring,”sheaddeddefensively.“Isupposeyou’regoingtosayhe’llspenditonalcoholordrugs.”
“No,buthewon’tgetamealwithit,either.He’llgetabanquet.”
“Well,somuchthe—”
“Inhisimagination.He’llgetadustyorbwithsomeoldvampire’smemoryofaRomanfeast,orsomeonefromthecity’smemoryofamodernone.Thenhe’llplayitoverandoverasheslowlystarvestodeath.”
Elenawasappalled.“Damon!Quick!Ihavetogobackandfindhim—”
“Youcan’t,I’mafraid.”Lazily,Damonheldupahand.Hehadafirmgriponherrope.“Besides,he’slonggone.”
“Howcanhedothat?Howcouldanyonedothat?”
“Howcanalungcancerpatientrefusetoquitsmoking?ButIagreethatthoseorbscanbethemostaddictivesubstancesofall.Blamethekitsuneforbringingtheirstarballshereandmakingthemthemostpopularformofobsession.”
“Starballs?Hoshinotama?”Elenagasped.
Damonstaredather,lookingequallysurprised.“Youknowaboutthem?”
“AllIknowiswhatMeredithresearched.Shesaidthatkitsunewereoftenportrayedwitheitherkeys”—sheraisedhereyebrowsathim—“orwithstarballs.Andthatmythssaytheycanputsomeoralloftheirpowerintheball,sothatifyoufindit,youcancontrolthekitsune.SheandBonniewanttofindMisao’sorShinichi’sstarballsandhavecontroloverthem.”
“Bestill,myunbeatingheart,”Damonsaiddramatically,butthenextsecondhewasallbusiness.“Rememberwhatthatoldguysaid?Asummer’sdayforameal?Hewastalkingaboutthis.”DamonpickedupthelittlemarblethattheoldmanhaddroppedonthelitterandheldittoElena’stemple.
Theworlddisappeared.
Damonwasgone.Thesightsandsounds—yes,andthesmells—ofthebazaarweregone.Shewassittingongreengrasswhichrippledinaslightbreezeandshewaslookingataweepingwillowthatbentdowntoastreamthatwascopperanddeep,deepgreenatonce.Therewassomesweetscentintheair—honeysuckle,freesia?SomethingdeliciousthatstirredElenaassheleanedbacktogazeatpicture-perfectwhitecloudsrollinginaceruleansky.
Shefelt—shedidn’tknowhowtosayit.Shefeltyoung,butsomewhereinhermindsheknewthatshewasactuallyyoungerthanthisalienpersonalitythathadtakenholdofher.Still,shefeltexcitedthatitwasspringtimeandeverygolden-greenleaf,everyspringylittlereed,everyweightlesswhitecloudseemedtoberejoicingwithher.
Thensuddenlyherheartwaspounding.Shehadjustcaughtthesoundofafootfallbehindher.Inone,springingjoyousmomentshewasonherfeet,armsheldoutintheextremityofherlove,thewilddevotionshefeltforthis…
…thisyounggirl?Somethinginsidethesphereuser’sbrainseemedtofallbackinbewilderment.Mostofit,though,wastakenupwithcataloguingtheperfectionsofthegirlwhohadcreptupsolightlyinthewavinggrass:theclusteringdarkcurlsatherneck,theflashinggreeneyesbelowarchingbrows,thesmoothglowingskinofhercheeksasshelaughedwithherlover,pretendingtorunawayonfeetaslightasanyelf’s…!
Pursuedandpursuerbothfelldowntogetheronthesoftcarpetoflonggrass…andthenthingsquicklygotsosteamythatElena,thedistantmindinthebackground,beganwonderinghowonearthyoumadeoneofthesethingsstop.Everytimesheputherhandtohertemple,groping,shewascaughtandkissedbreathlessby…Allegra…thatwasthegirl,Allegra.AndAllegrawascertainlybeautiful,especiallythroughthisparticularviewer’seyes.Thecreamysoftskinofher…
Andthen,withashockjustasgreatasshe’dfeltwhenthebazaardisappeared,itappearedagain.ShewasElena;shewasridingonthelitterwithDamon;therewasacacophonyofsoundsaroundher—andathousanddifferentsmells,too.ButshewasbreathinghardandpartofherwasstillresoundingwithJohn—thathadbeenhisname—withJohn’sloveforAllegra.
“ButIstilldon’tunderstand,”shealmostkeened.
“It’ssimple,”Damonsaid.“Youputablankstarballofthesizeyouliketoyourtempleandyouthinkbacktothetimeyouwanttorecord.Thestarballdoestherest.”Hewavedoffherattemptedinterruptionandleanedforwardwithmischiefinthosefathomlessblackeyesofhis.“Perhapsyougotanespeciallywarmsummerday?”hesaid,addingsuggestively,“Theselittersdohavecurtainsyoucandrawclosed.”
“Don’tbesilly,Damon,”Elenasaid,butJohn’sfeelingshadsparkedherown,likeflintandtinder.Shedidn’twanttokissDamon,shetoldherselfsternly.ShewantedtokissStefan.ButsinceamomentagoshehadbeenkissingAllegra,itdidn’tseemasstronganargumentasitcouldbe.
“Idon’tthink,”shebegan,stillbreathless,asDamonreachedforher,“thatthisisaverygood…”
Withasmoothflickoftherope,Damonuntiedherhandscompletely.Hewouldhavepulleditoffbothwrists,butElenaimmediatelyhalf-turned,supportingherselfwiththathand.Sheneededthesupport.
Inthecircumstances,though,therewasnothingmoremeaningful—ormore…exciting…thanwhatDamonhaddone.
Hehadn’tdrawnthecurtains,butBonnieandMeredithwerebehindthemontheirownlitter,outofsight.CertainlyoutofElena’smind.Shefeltwarmarmsaroundher,andinstinctivelynestledintothem.ShefeltasurgeofpureloveandappreciationforDamon,forhisunderstandingthatshecouldneverdothisasaslavewithamaster.
We’rebothofusunmastered,sheheardinherhead,andsherememberedthatwhencoolingdownmostofherpsychicabilitiesshehadforgottentosetthevolumeonlowforthisone.Oh,well,itmightjustcomeinhandy….
Butwebothenjoyworship,sherepliedtelepathically,andfelthislaughteronherlipsasheadmittedthetruthofit.TherewasnothingsweeterinherlifethesedaysthanDamon’skisses.Shecoulddriftlikethisforever,forgettingtheoutsideworld.Andthatwasagoodthing,becauseshehadthefeelingthattherewasmuchdepressionintheoutsideandnottoomuchhappiness.Butifshecouldalwayscomebacktothis,thiswelcome,thissweetness,thisecstasy…
Elenajerkedinthelitter,throwingherweightbacksofastthatthemencarryingitalmostfellinaheap.
“Youbastard,”shewhisperedvenomously.Theywerestillpsychicallyentangled,andshewasgladtoseethatthroughDamon’seyesshewaslikeavengefulAphrodite:hergoldenhairliftingandwhippingbehindherlikeathunderstorm,hereyesshiningvioletinherelementalfury.
Andnow,worstofall,thisgoddessturnedherfaceawayfromhim.“Notoneday,”shesaid.“Youcouldn’tevenkeepyourpromiseforasingleday!”
“Ididn’t!Ididn’tInfluenceyou,Elena!”
“Don’tcallmethat.Wehaveaprofessionalrelationshipnow.Icallyou‘Master.’Youcancallme‘Slave’or‘Dog’orwhateveryouwant.”
“Ifwehavetheprofessionalrelationshipofmasterandslave,”Damonsaid,hiseyesdangerous,“thenIcanjustorderyouto—”
“Tryit!”Elenaliftedherlipsinwhatreallywasn’tasmile.“Whydon’tyoudothat,andseejustwhathappens?”16
Damonclearlydecidedtothrowhimselfonthemercyofthecourt,andlookedpiteousandalittleunbalanced,whichhecouldeasilydowheneverhewanted.“Ireallydidn’ttrytoInfluenceyou,”herepeated,butthenhastilyadded,“MaybeIcanjustchangethesubjectforawhile—tellyoumoreaboutthestarballs.”
“That,”Elenasaidinhermostfrostyvoice,“mightbearathergoodidea.”
“Well,theballsmakerecordingsdirectlyfromyourneurons,yousee?Yourneuronsinyourbrain.Everythingyou’veeverexperiencedisthereinyourmindsomewhere,andtheballjustdrawsitout.”
“Soyoucanalwaysrememberitandwatchitoverandoverlikeamovie,too?”Elenasaid,twiddlingwithherveiltoshadeherfacefromhim,andthinkingthatshewouldgiveastarballtoAlaricandMeredithbeforetheirwedding.
“No,”Damonsaid,rathergrimly.“Notlikethat.Foronething,thememoryisgonefromyou—thesearekitsunetoyswe’retalkingabout,remember?Oncethestarballhastakenitfromyourneurons,youdon’trememberathingabouttheevent.Second,the‘recording’onthestarballgraduallyfades—withuse,withtime,withsomeotherfactorsnobodyunderstands.Buttheballgetscloudier,andthesensationsweaker,untilfinallyit’sjustanemptycrystalsphere.”
“But—thatpoormanwassellingadayofhislife.Awonderfulday!Ishouldthinkhewouldwanttokeepit.”
“Yousawhim.”
“Yes.”OnceagainElenasawthelouse-ridden,haggard,gray-facedoldman.Shefeltsomethinglikeicedownherspineatthethoughtthathehadoncebeenthelaughing,joyous,youngJohnthatshehadexperienced.“Oh,howsad,”shesaid,andshewasn’ttalkingaboutmemory.
But,foronce,Damonhadn’tfollowedherthoughts.“Yes,”hesaid.“Therearealotofthepoorandtheoldhere.Theyworkedthemselvesfreeofslavery,orhadagenerousownerdie…andthenthisiswheretheyendup.”
“Butthestarballs?Aretheyjustmadeforpoorpeople?TherichonescanjusttraveltoEarthandseearealsummerdayforthemselves,right?”
Damonlaughedwithoutmuchhumor.“Oh,no,theycan’t.Mostofthemareboundhere.”
Hesaidboundoddly.Elenaventured,“Toobusytogoonvacation?”
“Toobusy,toopowerfultogetthroughthewardsprotectingEarthfromthem,tooworriedaboutwhattheirenemieswilldowhilethey’regone,toophysicallydecrepit,toonotorious,toodead.”
“Dead?”Thehorrorofthetunnelandthecorpse-smellingfogseemedreadytoenvelopeElena.
Damonflashedoneofhisevilsmiles.“Forgotthatyourboyfriendisdemortius?Nottomentionyourhonorablemaster?Mostpeople,whentheydie,gotoanotherlevelthanthis—muchhigherormuchlower.Thisistheplaceforthebadones,butit’stheupperlevel.Fartherdown—well,nobodywantstogothere.”
“LikeHell?”Elenabreathed.“We’reinHell?”
“MorelikeLimbo,atleastwhereweare.Thenthere’stheOtherSide.”Henoddedtowardthehorizonwheretheloweringsunstillsat.“Theothercity,whichmayhavebeenwhereyouwentonyour‘vacation’totheafterlife.Heretheyjustcallit‘TheOtherSide.’ButIcantellyoutworumorsIheardfrommyinformants.There,theycallittheCelestialCourt.Andthere,theskyiscrystalblueandthesunisalwaysrising.”
“TheCelestialCourt…”Elenaforgotthatshewasspeakingaloud.Sheknewinstinctivelythatitwasthequeens-and-knights-and-sorceresseskindofcourt,notacourtoflaw.ItwouldbelikeCamelot.Justsayingthewordsbroughtupanachingnostalgia,and—notmemories,butthetip-of-the-tonguefeelingthatmemorieswerelockedrightbehindadoor.Itwasadoor,however,thatwassecurelylocked,andallElenacouldseethroughthekeyholewereranksofmorewomenliketheGuardians,tall,golden-haired,andblue-eyed,andone—child-sizedamongthegrownwomen—whoglancedup,and,piercingly,fromalongwayoff,metElena’sgazedirectly.
Thelitterwasmovingoutofthebazaarintomoreslums,whichElenatookinwithdartingquickglancesoneithersideofher,hidinginherveil.Theyseemedlikeanyearthlyslums,barrios,orfavella—onlyworse.Children,theirhairturnedredbythesun,crowdedaroundElena’slitter,theirhandsheldoutinagesturewithuniversalmeaning.
Elenafeltatearingatherinsidesthatshehadnothingofrealvaluetogivethem.Shewantedtobuildhouseshere,makesurethesechildrenhadfoodandcleanwater,andeducation,andafuturetolookforwardto.Sinceshehadnoideahowtogivethemanyofthesethings,shewatchedthemdashoffwithtreasuressuchasherJuicyFruitgum,hercomb,herminibrush,herlipgloss,herwaterbottle,andherearrings.
Damonshookhishead,butdidn’tstopheruntilshebeganfumblingwithalapisanddiamondpendantStefanhadgivenher.Shewascryingasshetriedtodisengagetheclaspwhensuddenlythelastbitoftheropearoundherwristcameupshort.
“Nomore,”Damonsaid.“Youdon’tunderstandanything.Wehaven’tevenenteredthecityproperyet.Whydon’tyouhavealookatthearchitectureinsteadofworryingaboutuselessbratswho’relikelytodieanyway?”
“That’scold,”Elenasaid,butshecouldn’tthinkofanywaytomakehimunderstand,andshewastooangrywithhimtotry.
Still,shestoppedfumblingwiththechainandlookedbeyondtheslumsasDamonhadsuggested.Thereshecouldseeabreathtakingskyline,withbuildingsthatseemedmeanttolastforeternity,madeofstonesthatlookedthewaytheEgyptianpyramidsandMayanzigguratsmusthavelookedwhentheywerenew.Everything,though,wascoloredredandblackbyasunnowconcealedbysullencrimsoncloudbanks.Thathugeredsun—itgavetheairadifferentlookfordifferentmoods.Attimesitseemedalmostromantic,glintingonalargeriverElenaandDamonpassed,pickingoutathousandtinywaveletsintheslow-movingwater.Atothertimes,itsimplyseemedalienandominous,showingclearlyonthehorizonlikeamonstrousomen,tingeingthebuildings,nomatterhowmagnificent,thecolorofblood.Whentheyturnedawayfromit,asthelitterbearersmoveddownintothecitywherethehugebuildingswere,Elenacouldseetheirownlongandmenacingblackshadowthrownaheadofthem.
“Well?Whatdoyouthink?”Damonseemedtobetryingtoplacateher.
“IstillthinkitlookslikeHell,”Elenasaidslowly.“I’dhatetolivehere.”
“Ah,butwhoeversaidthatweshouldlivehere,myPrincessofDarkness?We’llgobackhome,wherethenightisvelvetblackandthemoonshinesdown,makingeverythingsilver.”Slowly,Damontracedonefingerfromherhand,upherarmtohershoulder.Itsentaninnershiverthroughher.
Shetriedholdingtheveilupasabarrieragainsthim,butitwastootransparent.Hestillflashedthatbrilliantsmileather,dazzlingthroughthediamond-dottedwhite—well,shellpink,ofcourse,becauseofthelight—thatwasonhersideoftheveil.
“Doesthisplacehaveamoon?”sheasked,tryingtodistracthim.Shewasafraid—afraidofhim—afraidofherself.
“Oh,yes:threeorfourofthem,Ithink.Butthey’reverysmallandofcoursethesunnevergoesdown,soyoucan’tseethemaswell.Not…romantic.”Hesmiledather,again,slowlythistime,andElenalookedaway.
Andinlooking,shesawsomethinginfrontofherthatcapturedherentireattention.Inasidestreetacarthadoverturned,spillinglargerollsmadeoutoffurandleather.Therewasathin,hungry-lookingoldwomanattachedtothecartlikeabeast,whowaslyingontheground,andatallangrymanstandingoverher,rainingdownblowswithawhiponherunprotectedbody.
Thewoman’sfacewasturnedtowardElena.Itwascontortedinagrimaceofanguish,asshetriedineffectuallytorollintoaball,herhandsoverherstomach.Shewasnakedfromthewaistup,butasthewhiplashedintoherflesh,herbodyfromthroattowaistwasbeingcoveredbyacoatingofblood.
ElenafeltherselfswellingwithWingPowers,butsomehownonewouldcome.Shewilledwithallhercirculatinglife-forceforsomething—anything—tobreakfreefromhershoulders,butitwasnogood.Maybeithadsomethingtodowithwearingtheremainsofslavebracelets.MaybeitwasDamon,besideher,tellingherinaforcefulvoicenottogetinvolved.
ToElena,hiswordswerenomorethanpunctuationtotheheartbeatpoundinginherears.Shejerkedtheropesharplyoutofhishands,andthenscrambledoutofthelitter.Insixorsevenleapsshewasbesidethemanwiththewhip.
Hewasavampire,hisfangselongatedatthesightofthebloodbeforehim,butneverstoppinghisfrenziedlashing.HewastoostrongforElenatohandle,but…
WithonemorestepElenawasstraddlingthewoman,bothherarmsflungoutintheuniversalgestureofprotectionanddefiance.Ropedangledfromonewrist.
Theslaveownerwasnotimpressed.Hewasalreadylaunchingthenextwhiplash,anditstruckElenaacrossthecheekandsimultaneouslyopenedagreatgapinherthinsummertop,slicingthroughhercamisoleandscoringthefleshunderneath.Asshegasped,thetailofthewhipcutthroughherjeansasifdenimwerebutter.
TearsformedinvoluntarilyinElena’seyes,butsheignoredthem.Shehadmanagednottomakeasoundotherthanthatinitialgasp.Andshestillstoodexactlywhereshehadfirstlandedinprotection.Elenacouldfeelthewindwhipathertatteredblouse,whileheruntouchedveilwavedbehindher,asiftoprotectthepoorslavewhohadcollapsedagainsttheruinedcart.
ElenawasstilldesperatelytryingtobringoutanykindofWings.Shewantedtofightwithrealweapons,andshehadthem,butshecouldn’tforcethemtosaveeitherherorthepoorslavebehindher.EvenwithoutthemElenaknewonething.Thatbastardinfrontofherwasn’tgoingtotouchhisslaveagain,notunlesshecutElenaintopiecesfirst
Someonestoppedtostare,andsomeoneelsecameoutofashop,running.Whenthechildrenwho’dbeentrailingherlittersurroundedher,wailing,acrowdofsortsgathered.
Apparentlyitwasonethingtoseeamerchantbeatinghisworn-outdrab—thepeoplearoundheremusthaveseenthatalmostdaily.Buttoseethisbeautifulnewgirlhavingherclothesslashedaway,thisgirlwithhairlikegoldensilkunderaveilofgoldandwhite,andeyesthatperhapsremindedsomeofthemofabarelyrememberedbluesky—thatwasquiteanotherthing.Moreover,thenewgirlwasobviouslyafreshbarbarianslavewhohadclearlyhumiliatedhermasterbytearingtheleadropesfromhishandsandwasstandingnowwithhersanctityveilmadeintoamockery.
Terrificstreettheater.
Andevengivenallofthat,theslaveownerwaspreparingforanotherstroke,raisinghisarmhighandpreparingtoputhisbackintoit.Afewpeopleinthecrowdgasped;othersweremutteringindignantly.Elena’snewsenseofhearing,turneduphigh,couldcatchtheirwhispering.Agirllikethiswasn’tmeantfortheslumsatall;shemusthavebeendestinedfortheheartofthecity.Herauraalonewasenoughtoshowthat.Infact,withthatgoldenhairandthosevividblueeyes,shemightevenbeaGuardianfromtheOtherSide.Whoknew—?
Thelashthatwasraisedneverdescended.Beforeitcould,therewasaflashofblacklightning—purePower—thatsenthalfthecrowdscattering.Avampire,younginappearanceanddressedintheclothingoftheupperworld,Earth,hadmadehiswaytostandbetweenthegoldengirlandtheslaveowner—orrathertoloomoverthenowcringingslaveowner.Thefewinthecrowdnotstirredbythegirlimmediatelyfelttheirheartspulseatthesightofhim.Hewasthegirl’sowner,surely,andnowhewouldseetothesituation.
Atthatinstant,BonnieandMereditharrivedonthescene.Theywererecliningontheirlitter,decorouslydrapedintheirveils,MeredithinstarrymidnightblueandBonnieinsoftpalegreen.TheycouldhavebeenanillustrationforTheArabianNights
ButthemomenttheysawDamonandElena,theymostindecorouslyjumpedoffthelitter.Bynowthecrowdwassothickthatworkingtheirwaytothefrontrequiredusingelbowsandknees,butinonlysecondstheywereatElena’sside,handsdefiantlyunboundortrailingropethathungdefiantlyfree,veilsfloatinginthewind.
WhentheydidarrivebesideElena,Meredithgasped.Bonnie’seyesopenedwideandstayedthatway.Elenaunderstoodwhattheywereseeing.Bloodwasflowingfreelyfromthecutacrosshercheekboneandherblousekeptopeninginthewindtorevealhertornandbloodycamisole.Onelegofherjeanswasrapidlyturningred.
But,drawnupintotheprotectionofhershadow,wasafarmorepitifulfigure.AndasMeredithraisedElena’sdiaphanousveiltohelpkeepherblouseclosedandoncemoreenshroudherindecency,thewomanherselfraisedherhead,tolookatthethreegirlswiththeeyesofadumbandhuntedanimal.
Behindthem,Damonsaidsoftly,“Ishallquiteenjoythis,”asheliftedtheheavymanintotheairwithonehandandthenstruckhisthroatlikeacobra.Therewasahideousscream,whichwentonandon.
Noonetriedtointerfere,andnoonetriedtocheertheslaveownerontomakeafight.
Elena,scanningthefacesofthecrowd,realizedwhy.SheandherfriendshadbecomeusedtoDamon—orasusedasyoucouldbecometohishalf-tamedairofferocity.Butthesepeopleweregettingtheirfirstlookattheyoungmandressedallinblack,ofmediumheightandslimbuild,whomadeupforhislackofbulgingmusclewithasuppleanddeadlygrace.Thiswasenhancedbythegiftofsomehowdominatingallthespacearoundhim,sothatheeffortlesslybecamethefocalpointofanypicture—thewayablackpanthermightbecomethefocalpointifitwerewalkinglazilydownacrowdedcitystreet.
Evenhere,wheremenaceandanaspectofoutrightevilwerecommonplace,thisyoungmanexudedaqualityofdangerthatmadepeoplewanttostayoutofhislineofsight,muchlesshisway.
MeanwhileElenaandbothMeredithandBonniewerelookingaroundforsomesortofmedicalassistance,orevenforsomethingcleanthatwouldstaunchwounds.Afteraboutaminute,theyrealizedthatitwasn’tjustgoingtoappear,soElenaappealedtothecrowd.
“Doesanyoneknowadoctor?Ahealer?”sheshouted.Theaudiencemerelywatchedher.Theyseemedloathtogetinvolvedwithagirlwhohadobviouslydefiedtheblack-claddemonnowwringingtheslaveowner’sneck.
“Soyouallthinkit’sjustfine,”Elenashouted,hearingthelossofcontrol,thedisgustandfuryinherownvoice,“forabastardlikethattobewhippingastarvingpregnantwoman?”
Therewereafewdowncasteyes,afewscatteredrepliesonthethemeof“Hewashermaster,wasn’the?”Butoneyoungishmanwhohadbeenleaningagainstastoppedwagon,straightenedup.“Pregnant?”herepeated.“Shedoesn’tlookpregnant!”
“Sheis!”
“Well,”theyoungmansaidslowly,“ifthat’strue,he’sonlyharminghisownmerchandise.”HeglancednervouslyovertowhereDamonwasnowstandingabovethedeceasedslaveowner,whosefacewascastintoaghastlydeathgrimaceofagony.
ThisstillleftElenawithnohelpforawomanshewasafraidwasabouttodie.“Doesn’tanyoneknowwhereIcanfindadoctor?”Therewerenowmutteringsinvarioustonesfromthecrowdmembers.
“Wemightgetfurtheronifwecouldofferthemsomemoney,”Meredithwassaying.Elenaimmediatelyreachedforherpendant,butMeredithwasquicker,unfasteningafancyamethystnecklacefromaroundherneckandholdingitup.“Thisgoestowhoevershowsusagooddoctorfirst.”
Therewasapausewhileeveryoneseemedtobeassessingtherewardandtherisk.“Don’tyouhaveanystarballs?”awheezingvoiceasked,butahigh,lightvoicecried,“That’sgoodenoughforme!”
Achild—yes,agenuinestreeturchin—dartedtothefrontofthecrowd,grabbedElena’shandandpointed,saying,“Dr.Meggar,rightupthestreet.It’sonlyacoupleofblocks;wecanwalkit.”
Thechildwaswrappedinatatteredolddress,butthatmightonlybetokeepwarm,becauseheorshewasalsowearingapairoftrousers.Elenacouldn’tevenfigureoutwhetheritwasaboyoragirluntilthechildgaveheranunexpectedlysweetsmileandwhispered,“I’mLakshmi.”
“I’mElena,”Elenasaid.
“Betterhurry,Elena,”Lakshmisaid.“Guardianswillgetheresoon.”
MeredithandBonniehadgottenthedazedslavewomantoherfeet,butsheseemedtobeintoomuchpaintounderstandiftheymeanttohelpherorkillher.
ElenarememberedhowthewomanhadhuddledintheshadowofElena’sownbody.Sheputahandonthewoman’sbloodyarmandsaidquietly,“You’resafenow.You’regoingtobefine.Thatman—your…yourmaster—isdeadandIpromisethatnobodywillhurtyouagain.Iswearit.”
Thewomanstaredatherindisbelief,asifwhatElenawassayingwasimpossible.Asiflivingwithoutbeingbeatenconstantly—evenwithallthebloodElenacouldseeoldscars,someofthemlikecords,onthewoman’sskin—wassomethingtoofarfromrealitytoimagine.
“Iswearit,”Elenasaidagain,notsmiling,butgrimly.Sheunderstoodthatthiswasaburdenshewastakingonforlife.
It’sallright,shethought,andrealizedthatforsometimenowshehadbeensendingherthoughtstoDamon.IknowwhatI’mdoing.I’mreadytoberesponsibleforthis.
Areyousure?Damon’svoicecametoher,asuncertainasshe’deverheardhim.BecauseI’msureashellnotgoingtotakecareofsomeoldhagwhenyougettiredofher.I’mnotevensureI’mreadytodealwithwhateverit’sgoingtocostmeforkillingthatbastardwiththewhip.
Elenaturnedtolookathim.Hewasserious.Well,thenwhydidyoukillhim?shechallenged.
Areyoujoking?Damongaveherashockwiththevehemenceandvenomofhisthought.Hehurtyou.Ishouldhavekilledhimmoreslowly,headded,ignoringoneofthelitterbearerswhowaskneelingbesidehim,undoubtedlyaskingwhattodonext.Damon’seyes,however,wereonElena’sface,onthebloodstillflowingfromhercut.Ilfigliodecafone,Damonthought,hislipsdrawingbackfromhisteethashelookeddownonthecorpse,sothateventhelitterbearerscurriedawayonhandsandknees.
“Damon,don’tlethimleave!Bringthemalloverhererightnow—”Elenabegan,andthen,astherewasasortofuniversalgasparoundher,shecontinuednonverbally,Don’tletthelitterbearersleave.Weneedalittertocarrythispoorwomantothedoctor.Andwhyiseveryonestaringatme?
Becauseyou’reaslave,andyou’vejustdonethingsnoslaveshoulddoandnowyou’regivingme,yourmaster,orders.Damon’stelepathicvoicewasgrim.
It’snotanorder.It’sa—look,anygentlemanwouldhelpaladyindistress,right?Well,therearefourofusoverhereandoneismoredistressedthanyouwanttolookat.No,threeare.IthinkI’mgoingtoneedsomestitches,andBonnieisabouttocollapse.Elenawasstrikingmethodicallyatweakpoints,andknewthatDamonknewshewasdoingit.Butheorderedoneofthesetsoflitterbearerstocomeandpickuptheslavewomanandtheothertotakehisgirls.
Elenastuckwiththewomanandendedupinalitterwiththecurtainsallclosedaroundit.Thesmellofbloodwasacoppertasteinhermouth,makingherwanttocry.Evenshedidn’twanttolookcloselyattheslavewoman’sinjuries,butbloodwasrunningontothelitter.Shefoundherselftakingoffherblouseandcamisoleandputtingbackonlytheblousesothatshecouldusethecamisoletoholdtoagreatdiagonalslashacrossthewoman’schest.Everytimethewomanraiseddarkbrown,frightenedeyestoher,Elenatriedtosmileatherencouragingly.Theyweredowndeepsomewhereinthetrenchesofcommunication,wherealookandatouchmeantmorethanwords.
Don’tdie,Elenawasthinking.Don’tdie,justasyouhavesomethingtolivefor.Liveforyourfreedom,andforyourbaby.
Andmaybesomeofwhatshewasthinkinggotthroughtothewoman,becausesherelaxedagainstthelittercushions,holdingontoElena’shand.17
“Hername’sUlma,”avoicesaid,andElenalookeddowntofindLakshmiholdingbackthecurtainsofthelitterwithahandoverherhead.“EverybodyknowsOldDrohzneandhisslaves.Hebeats’emuntiltheypassoutandthenexpects’emtopickuphisrickshawandgooncarryingaload.Hekillsfiveorsixayear.”
“Hedidn’tkillthisone,”Elenamurmured.“Hegotwhathedeserved.”ShesqueezedUlma’shand.
ShewasvastlyrelievedwhenthelitterstoppedandDamonhimselfappeared,justasshewasabouttostartbargainingwithoneofthelitterbearerstocarryUlmaintheirarmstothedoctor.Withoutregardforhisclothing,Damonstillsomehowmanagedtoconveydisinterestevenashepickedupthewoman—Ulma—andnoddedtoElenatofollowhim.Lakshmiskippedaroundhimandtooktheleadintoanintricatelypatternedstonecourtyardandthendownacrookedhallwaywithsomesolid,respectable-lookingdoors.Finally,sheknockedononeandawizenedmanwithahugeheadandthefaintestremnantofawispybeardopenedthedoorcautiously.
“Idon’tkeepanyketterrishere!Nohexen,nozemeral!AndIdon’tdolovespells!”Then,peeringshort-sightedly,heseemedtofocusonthelittlegroup.
“Lakshmi?”hesaid.
“We’vebroughtawomanwhoneedshelp,”Elenasaidshortly.“She’spregnant,too.You’readoctor,aren’tyou?Ahealer?”
“Ahealerofsomelimitedability.Comein,comein.”
Thedoctorwashurryingintoabackroom.Theyallfollowedhim,DamonstillcarryingUlma.Onceshearrived,Elenasawthatthehealerwasinthecornerofwhatlookedlikeacrowdedwizard’ssanctuary,withquiteabitofvoodooandwitchdoctorthrownin.
Elena,Meredith,andBonnieglancedatoneanothernervously,butthenElenaheardwatersplashingandrealizedthatthedoctorwasinthecornerbecausetherewasabasinofwaterthere,andthehealerwaswashinghishandsthoroughly,rollinghissleevesuptohiselbowsandmakingalotoffrothybubbles.Hemightcallhimselfa“healer,”yethedidunderstandbasichygiene,shethought.
DamonhadputUlmaontowhatlookedlikeacleanwhite-sheetedexaminingtable.Thedoctornoddedtohim.Then,tch-tching,hepulledoutatrayofinstrumentsandsetLakshmiaboutfetchingclothstocleanthecutsandstaunchtheprofusebleeding.Healsoopenedvariousdrawerstopulloutstrong-smellingbagsandstoodonaladdertopulldownclumpsofherbsthatwerestrungfromtheceiling.Finallyheopenedasmallboxandtookapinchofsnuff,himself.
“Pleasehurry,”Elenasaid.“She’slostalotofblood.”
“Andyou’velostnotalittle,”themansaid.“MynameisKepharMeggar—andthiswouldbeMasterDrohzne’sslave,yes?”Hepeeredatthem,lookingsomehowasifhewerewearingglasses,whichhewasn’t.“Andyouwouldbeslaves,too?”HestaredatthesingleropeElenawasstillwearing,andthenatBonnieandMeredith,eachwearingthesame.
“Yes,but—”Elenastopped.Someinfiltratorshewas.She’dverynearlysaid“Butnotreally;it’sjusttosatisfyconvention.Shesettledforsaying,“Butourmasterisverydifferentfromhers.”Theywereverydifferent,shethought.Damondidn’thaveabrokenneck,foronething.Andforanother,nomatterhowviciousanddeadlyhemightbe,hewouldneverstrikeawoman,muchlessdosomethinglikethistoone.Heseemedtohavesomekindofinternalblockagainstit—exceptwhenhewaspossessedbyShinichi,andcouldn’tcontrolhisownmuscles.
“AndyetDrohzneallowedyoutobringthiswomantoahealer?”Thelittlemanlookeddoubtful.
“No,hewouldn’thaveletus,I’msure,”Elenasaidflatly.“Butplease—she’sbleedingandshe’sgoingtohaveababy….”
Dr.Meggar’seyebrowswentupanddown.Butwithoutaskinganyonetoleavewhilehetreatedher,hepulledoutanold-fashionedstethoscopeandlistenedcarefullytoUlma’sheartandlungs.Hesmelledherbreath,andthengentlypalpatedherabdomenbelowElena’sbloodycamisole,allwithaprofessionalair,beforetippingtoherlipsabrownbottle,fromwhichshedrankafewsips,thensankback,hereyesflutteringclosed.
“Now,”thelittlemansaid,“she’srestingcomfortably.She’llneedquiteabitofstitchingofcourse,andyoucoulduseafewstitchesyourself,butthat’sasyourmastersays,Isuppose.”Dr.Meggarsaidthewordmasterwithadefiniteimplicationofdislike.“ButIcanalmostpromiseyouthatshewon’tdie.AboutherbabeIdon’tknow.Itmaycomeoutmarkedasaresultofthisbusiness—stripedbirthmarks,perhaps—oritmaybeperfectlyallright.Butwithfoodandrest”—Dr.Meggar’seyebrowswentupanddownagain,asifthedoctorwouldhavelikedtosaythistoMasterDrohzne’sface—“sheshouldrecover.”
“TakecareofElenafirst,then,”Damonsaid.
“No,no!”Elenasaid,pushingthedoctoraway.Heseemedlikeaniceman,butobviouslyaroundhere,mastersweremasters—andDamonwasmoremasterfulandintimidatingthanmost.
Butnot,atthismoment,toElena.Shedidn’tcareaboutherselfrightnow.She’dmadeapromise—thedoctor’swordsmeantthatshemightbeabletokeepit.Thatwaswhatshecaredabout.
Upanddown,upanddown.Dr.Meggar’seyebrowslookedliketwocaterpillarsononeelasticstring.Onelaggedalittlebehindtheother.Clearly,thebehaviorhewasseeingwasabnormal,evenliabletobepunishedbyseriousmeans.ButElenaonlynoticedhimperipherally,thewayshewasnoticingDamon.
“Helpher,”shesaidvehemently—andwatchedthedoctor’seyebrowsshootupasiftheywereaimedfortheceiling.
She’dletherauraescape.Notcompletely,thankGod,butablasthaddefinitelydischarged,likeaflashofsheetlightningintheroom.
Andthedoctor,whowasn’tavampire,butjustanordinarycitizen,hadnoticedit.Lakshmihadnoticedit;evenUlmastirredontheexaminingtableuneasily.
I’mgoingtohavetobeawholelotmorecareful,Elenathought.ShecastaquicklookatDamon,whowasabouttoexplode,himself—shecouldtell.Toomanyemotions,toomuchbloodintheroom,andtheadrenalineofkillingstillpulsinginhisbloodstream.
Howdidsheknowallthat?
BecauseDamonwasn’tperfectlyincontrol,either,sherealized.Shewassensingthingsdirectlyfromhismind.Besttogethimoutofherequickly.“We’llwaitoutside,”shesaid,catchinghisarm,toDr.Meggar’sobviousshock.Slaves,evenbeautifulones,didn’tactthatway.
“Goandwaitinthecourtyardthen,”thedoctorsaid,carefullycontrollinghisfaceandspeakingtotheairinbetweenDamonandElena.“Lakshmi,givethemsomebandagessotheycanstaunchtheyounggirl’sbleeding.Thencomeback;youcanhelpme.”
“Justonequestion,”headdedasElenaandtheotherswerewalkingoutoftheroom.“Howdidyouknowthatthiswomanispregnant?Whatsortofspellcantellyouthat?”
“Nospell,”Elenasaidsimply.“Anywomanwatchinghershouldhaveknown.”ShesawBonnieflashheraninjuredlook,butMeredithremainedinscrutable.
“Thathorribleslaver—Drogsie—orwhatever—waswhippingherfromthefront,”Elenasaid.“Andlookatthosegashes.”Shewinced,lookingovertwostripesthatcrossedUlma’ssternum.“Inthatcase,anywomanwouldbetryingtoprotectherbreasts,butthisonewastryingtocoverherbelly.Thatmeantshewaspregnant,andfaralongenoughtobesureaboutit,too.”
Dr.Meggar’seyebrowsdrewdownandtogether—andthenhelookedupatElenaasifpeeringoverglasses.Thenhenoddedslowly.“Youtakesomebandagesandstopyourownbleeding,”hesaid—toElena,nottoDamon.Apparently,slaveornot,shehadwonsomekindofrespectfromhim.
Ontheotherhand,ElenaseemedtohaveloststaturewithDamon—oratleast,he’dcuthismindofffromhersquitedeliberately,leavingherwithablankwalltostareat.Inthedoctor’swaitingroom,hewavedanimperioushandatBonnieandMeredith.
“Waithereinthisroom,”hesaid—no,heordered.“Don’tleaveituntilthedoctorcomesout.Don’tletanyoneinthefrontdoor—lockitnow,andkeepitlocked.Good.Elenaiscomingwithmeintothekitchen—that’sthebackdoor.Idonotwanttobedisturbedbyanyoneunlessanangrymobisthreateningthehousewitharson,doyouunderstand?Bothofyou?”
ElenacouldseeBonnieabouttoblurtout,“ButElena’sstillbleeding!”andMeredithwaswithhereyesandbrowscallingcouncilonwhetherornottheyneededtoholdanimmediatevelociraptorsisterhoodrebellion.TheyallknewPlanAforthis:BonniewouldthrowherselfintoDamon’sarms,passionatelyweepingorpassionatelykissinghim,whicheverbestfitthesituation,whileElenaandMeredithcameathimfromthesidesanddid—well,whateverhadtobedone.
Elena,withoneflashofherowneyes,hadcategoricallynixedthis.Damonwasangry,yes,butshecouldsensethatitwasmorewithDrohznethanwithher.Thebloodhadagitatedhim,yes,buthewasusedtocontrollinghimselfinbloodysituations.Andsheneededhelpwithherwounds,whichhadbeguntohurtseriously,eversinceshe’dheardthatthewomanshehadrescuedwouldlive,andmightevenhaveherbaby.ButifDamonhadsomethingonhismind,shewantedtoknowwhatitwas—now.
WithonelastcomfortingglanceatBonnie,ElenafollowedDamonthroughthekitchendoor.Ithadalockonit.Damonlookedatitandopenedhismouth;Elenalockedit.Thenshelookedupather“master.”
Hewasstandingbythekitchensink,methodicallypumpingwater,withonehandclenchedagainsthisforehead.Hishairhungoverhiseyes,gettingsplashed,gettingwet.Hedidn’tseemtocare.
“Damon?”Elenasaiduncertainly.“Areyou…allright?”
Hedidn’tanswer.
Damon?shetriedtelepathically.
Iletyougethurt.I’mfastenough.IcouldhavekilledthatbastardDrohznewithoneblastofPower.ButIneverimaginedyou’dgethurt.Histelepathicvoicewasatoncefilledwiththedarkestkindofmenaceimaginableandastrange,almostgentle,calm.Asifheweretryingtokeepalltheferocityandangerlockedawayfromher.
Icouldn’teventellhim—Icouldn’tevensendwordstohimtotellhimwhathewas.Icouldn’tthink.Hewasatelepath;hewouldhaveheardme.ButIdidn’thaveanywords.Icouldonlyscream—inmymind.
Elenafeltabitlight-headed—alittlemorelight-headedthanshe’dalreadybeenfeeling.Damonwasfeelingthisanguish—forher?Hewasn’tangryaboutherflagrantlybreakingrulesinfrontofcrowds,maybebreakingtheircover?Hedidn’tmindlookingbedraggled?
“Damon,”shesaid.He’dsurprisedherintospeakingoutloud.“It—it—doesn’tmatter.It’snotyourfault.Youwouldneverevenhaveletmedoit—”
“ButIshouldhaveknownyouwouldn’task!Ithoughtyouweregoingtoattackhim,tojumponhisshouldersandthrottlehim,andIwasreadytohelpyoudothat,totakehimdownliketwowolvestakingdownabigbuck.Butyou’renotasword,Elena.Whateveryouthink,you’reashield.Ishouldhaveknownthatyouwouldtakethenextblowyourself.Andbecauseofme,yougot—”Hiseyedriftedtohercheekboneandhewinced.
Thenheseemedtogetagriponhimself.“Thewateriscold,butit’spure.Weneedtocleanthoseslashesandstopthatbleedingnow.”
“Idon’tsupposethere’sanyBlackMagicaround,”Elenasaid,halfjokingly.Thiswasgoingtohurt.
Damon,however,immediatelybeganopeningcupboards.“Here,”hesaidaftercheckingonlythree,triumphantlycomingupwithahalf-fullbottleofBlackMagic.“Lotsofdoctorskeepthisasamedicineandanesthetic.Don’tworry;I’llpayhimwell.”
“ThenIthinkyoushouldhavesome,too,”Elenasaidboldly.“Comeon,it’lldousbothgood.Anditwon’tbethefirsttime.”
SheknewthatthelastsentencewouldclinchitwithDamon.ItwouldbeawayofgettingbacksomethingthatShinichihadtakenfromhim.
I’llgetthewholeofhismemoriesbackfromShinichisomehow,Elenadecided,doingherbesttoscreenherthoughtsfromDamonwithwhitenoise.Idon’tknowhowtodoit,andIdon’tknowwhenI’llgetthechance,butIswearIwillIswear
Damonhadfilledtwogobletswiththerich,heady-smellingwineandwashandingonetoElena.“Justsipatfirst,”hesaid,helplessbuttofallintotheroleofinstructor.“Thisisagoodyear.”
Elenasipped,thensimplygulped.ShewasthirstyandClarionLoessBlackMagicwinedidn’thaveanyalcohol—assuch—init.Itcertainlydidn’ttastelikeregularwine.Ittastedlikeremarkablyrefreshingeffervescentspringwaterthatwasflavoredwithsweet,deep,velvetygrapes.
Damon,shenoticed,hadforgottentosipaswell,andwhenheofferedherasecondglasstomatchhis,sheacceptedwillingly.
Hisaurasurehadcalmeddownalot,shethought,ashepickedupawetclothandbegan,gently,tocleanthecutthatalmostexactlyfollowedthelineofhercheekbone.Ithadbeentheonetostopbleedingfirst,butnowheneededtogetthebloodflowingagain,tocleanseit.WithtwoglassesofBlackMagicontopofnofoodsincebreakfast,Elenafoundherselfrelaxingagainstthebackofthechair,lettingherheaddropbackalittle,andshuttinghereyes.Shelosttrackoftime,ashestrokedthecutsmoothly.Andsheloststrictcontrolofheraura.
Whensheopenedhereyesitwasinresponsetonosound,novisualstimulus.ItwasablazeinDamon’saura,oneofsuddendetermination.
“Damon?”
Hewasstandingoverher.Hisdarknesshadflaredoutbehindhimlikeashadow,tallandwideandalmostmesmerizing.Definitelyalmostfrightening.
“Damon?”shesaidagain,uncertainly.
“We’renotdoingthisright,”hesaid,andherthoughtsflashedatoncetoherdisobedienceasaslave,andBonnieandMeredith’slessseriousinfractions.Buthisvoicewaslikedarkvelvet,andherbodyrespondedtoitmoreaccuratelythanhermind.Itshivered.
“How…dowedoitright?”sheasked,andthenshemadethemistakeofopeninghereyes.Shefoundthathewasstoopingoverherasshesatonthechair,stroking—no,justtouching—herhairsosoftlythatshehadn’tevenfeltit.
“Vampiresknowhowtotakecareofwounds,”hesaidconfidently,andhisgreateyesthatseemedtoholdtheirownuniverseofstarscaughtandheldher.“Wecancleanthem.Wecanstartthembleedingagain—orstopthem.”
I’vefeltlikethisbefore,Elenathought.He’stalkedtomelikethisbefore,too,evenifhedoesn’tremember.AndI—Iwastoofrightened.Butthatwasbefore…
Beforethemotel.Thenightwhenhe’dtoldhertorun,andshehadn’t.ThenightthatShinichihadtaken,justashe’dtakenthefirsttimethey’dsharedBlackMagictogether.
“Showme,”whisperedElena.Andsheknewthatsomethingelseinhermindwaswhisperingtoo,whisperingdifferentwords.Wordsthatshewouldneverhavesaidifshehadforamomentthoughtofherselfasaslave.
Whispering,I’myours…
Thatwaswhenshefelthismouthlightlybrushhermouth.
Andthenshejustthought,Oh!andOh,Damon…untilhemovedtogentlytouchhercheekwithhissilkysofttongue,manipulatingchemicalsfirsttomakecleansingbloodflow,andfinallywhentheimpuritieshadallbeensosoftlysweptaway,tostopthebloodandtohealthewound.ShecouldfeelhisPowernow,thedarkPowerthathehadusedinathousandfights,toinflicthundredsofmortalwounds,beingheldtightlyinchecktoconcentrateonthissimple,homelytask,tohealthemarkofawhiplashonagirl’scheek.ElenathoughtitwaslikebeingstrokedwiththepetalsofthatBlackMagicrose,itscoolsmoothpetalsgentlysweepingawaythepain,untilsheshiveredindelight.
Andthenitstopped.Elenaknewthatshe’donceagainhadtoomuchwine.Butthistimeshedidn’tfeelsick.Thedeceptivelylightdrinkhadgonetoherhead,makinghertipsy.Everythinghadtakenonanunreal,dreamlikequality.
“Itwillfinishhealingwellnow,”Damonsaid,againtouchingherhairsosoftlythatshecouldbarelyfeelit.Butthistimeshedidfeelit,becauseshesentoutfingersofPowertomeetthesensationandenjoyeverymomentofit.Andonceagainhekissedher—solightly—hislipsbarelybrushinghers.Whenherheadfellback,though,hedidn’tfollow,evenwhen,disappointed,shetriedtoputpressureonthebackofhisneck.HesimplywaiteduntilElenathoughtthingsout…slowly.
Weshouldn’tbekissing.MeredithandBonniearerightnextdoor.HowdoIgetmyselfinsituationslikethis?ButDamonisn’teventryingtokiss…andwe’resupposedtobe—oh!
Herotherwounds.
Theyreallyhurtnow.Whatcruelpersonhadthoughtupawhiplikethat,Elenathought,witharazor-thinlashthatcutsodeeplyitdidn’tevenhurtatfirst—ornotthatmuch…butgotworseandworseovertime?Andkeptbleeding…we’resupposedtobestoppingthebleedinguntilthedoctorcanseeme….
Buthernextwound,theonethatburnedlikefirenow,wasdiagonallyacrosshercollarbone.Andthethirdwasnearherknee….
Damonstartedtogetup,togetanotherclothfromthesinkandcleansethecutwithwater.
Elenaheldhimback.“No.”
“No?Areyousure?”
“Yes.”
“AllIwanttodoiscleanseit….”
“Iknow.”Shedidknow.Hismindwasopentohers,allitsturbulentpowerrunningclearandtranquilly.Shedidn’tknowwhyithadopenedtoherlikethis,butithad.
“Butletmeadviseyou,don’tgodonatingyourbloodtosomedyingvampire;don’tletanyonesampleit.It’sworsethanBlackMagic—”
“Worse?”Sheknewhewascomplimentingher,butshedidn’tunderstand.
“Themoreyoudrink,themoreyouwanttodrink,”Damonanswered,andforamomentElenasawtheturbulenceshehadcausedinthosecalmwaters.“Andthemoreyoudrink,themorePoweryoucanabsorb,”headdedseriously.Elenarealizedthatshehadnevereventhoughtofthisasaproblem,butitwas.Sherememberedtheagonyithadbeentotrytoabsorbherownaurabeforeshehadlearnedhowtokeepitmovingwithherbloodstream.
“Don’tworry,”headded,stillserious.“Iknowwhoyou’rethinkingabout.”Hemadeamoveagaintogetacloth.Butwithoutknowingit,hehadsaidtoomuch,presumedtoofar.
“YouknowwhoI’mthinkingabout?”Elenasaidsoftly,andshewassurprisedathowdangerousherownvoicecouldsound,likethesoftpaddingofheavytigressfeet.“Withoutaskingme?”
Damontriedtofinessehiswayout.“Well,Iassumed….”
“NooneknowswhatI’mthinkingabout,”Elenasaid.“UntilItellthem.”Shemovedandmadehimkneeltolookather,questioningly.Hungrily.
Then,justasitwasshewhohadmadehimkneel,itwasshewhodrewhimtoherwound.18
Elenacamebacktotherealworldslowly,fightingitalltheway.ShesankhernailsintotheleatherofDamon’sjacket,foundherselfwonderingbrieflyifremovingitwouldhelp,andthenhermoodwasshatteredagainbythatsound—asharp,imperativeknock.
Damonraisedhisheadandsnarled.
Weareapairofwolves,aren’twe?Elenathought.Fightingnailandtooth.
But,anotherpartofhermindsupplied,thatisn’tstoppingtheknocking.Hewarnedthosegirls….
Thosegirls!BonnieandMeredith!Andhe’dsaidnottointerruptunlessthehousewasonfire!
But,thedoctor—oh,God,something’shappenedtothatpoor,wretchedwoman!She’sdying!
Damonwasstillsnarling,atraceofbloodonhislips.Itwasonlyatrace,becausehersecondwoundhadreallybeenhealedjustasthoroughlyasthefirst,theoneacrosshercheekbone.ElenahadnoideahowlongithadbeensinceshehadpulledDamontohertokissthiscut.Butnow,withherbloodinhisveinsandhispleasureinterrupted,hewaslikeanuntamedblackpantherinherarms.
Shedidn’tknowwhethershecouldstophimorevenslowhimdownwithoutusingrawPoweronhim.
“Damon!”shesaidaloud.“Outthere—thoseareourfriends.Remember?BonnieandMeredithandthehealer.”
“Meredith,”Damonsaid,andagainhislipspeeledback,exposingterrifyinglylongcanines.Hestillwasn’tinreality.IfhesawMeredithnow,hewouldn’tbefrightened,Elenathought—and,ohyes,sheknewhowherlogical,thoughtfulfriendmadeDamonuneasy.Theysawtheworldthroughsuchdifferenteyes.Sheirkedhimlikeapebbleinhisshoe.ButrightnowhemightdealwiththatuneaseinawaythatwouldleaveMeredithasavagedcorpse.
“Letmegosee,”shesaid,astheknockcameagain—couldn’ttheystopthat?Didn’tshehaveenoughtodealwith?
Damon’sarmsmerelytightenedaroundher.Shefeltaflashofheat,becausesheknewthat,evenasherestrainedher,hewasholdingbacksomuchofhisstrength.Hedidn’twanttocrushher,ashecouldifheusedatenthofthepowerinhishardmusclesalone.
Thewaveoffeelingthatwashedoverhermadehershuthereyesbriefly,helplessly,butsheknewshehadtobethevoiceofsanityhere.
“Damon!Theycouldbewarningus—orUlmamayhavedied.”
Deathgotthroughtohim.Hiseyeswereslits,thebloodredlightfromthekitchenshuttersthrowingbarsofscarletandblackacrosshisface,makinghimlookmorehandsome—andmoredemonic—thanever.
“You’llstayhere.”Damonsaiditflatly,withnoideaofbeinga“master”ora“gentleman.”Hewasawildbeastprotectinghismate,theonlycreatureintheworldthatwasn’tcompetitionorfood.
Therewasnoarguingwithhim,notinthisstate.Elenawouldstayhere.Damonwouldgotodowhateverneededtobedone.AndElenawouldstayforaslongashethoughtnecessary.
Elenatrulydidn’tknowwhosethoughtstheselastwere.SheandDamonwerestilltryingtountangletheiremotions.Shedecidedtowatchhimandonlyifhereallygotoutofcontrol…
Youdon’twanttoseemeoutofcontrol.
Feelinghimsnapfromrawanimalinstincttoicy,perfectmentaldominancewasevenscarierthantheanimalalone.Shedidn’tknowwhetherDamonwasthesanestpersonshehadevermetorjusttheonebestabletocoveruphiswildness.Sheheldhertornblousetogetherandwatchedashemovedwitheffortlessgracetothedoorandthen,suddenly,violently,wrencheditalmostoffitshinges.
Noonefell;noonehadbeenlisteninginontheirprivateconversation.ButMeredithstood,restrainingBonniewithonehand,andwiththeotherhandraised,readytoknockagain.
“Yes?”Damonsaidinglacialtones.“IthoughtItoldyou—”
“Youdid,andthereis,”Meredithsaid,interruptingthisDamoninanunusualattempttocommitsuicide.
“Thereiswhat?”Damonsnarled.
“There’samoboutsidethreateningtoburnthewholebuildingdown.Idon’tknowifthey’reupsetaboutDrohzne,oraboutustakingUlma,butthey’reenragedaboutsomething,andthey’vegottorches.Ididn’twanttointerruptElena’s—treatment—butDr.Meggarsaystheywon’tlistentohim.He’sahuman.”
“Heusedtobeaslave,”Bonnieadded,wrestingfreeofthechokeholdthatMeredithhadonher.ShelookedupatDamonwithstreamingbrowneyes,handsoutstretched.“Onlyyoucansaveus,”shesaid,translatingthemessageofhergazealoud—whichmeantthatthingswerereallyserious.
“Allright,allright.I’llgotakecareofthem.YoutakecareofElena.”
“Ofcourse,but—”
“No.”Damonhadeithergonerecklesswiththeblood—andthememoriesthatwerestillkeepingElenafromformingacoherentsentence—orhehadsomehowovercomeallhisfearofMeredith.Heputahandoneachofhershoulders.Hewasonlyoneandahalfortwoinchestallerthanshewas,sohehadnotroubleholdinghereyes.“You,personally,takecareofElena.Tragedieshappenhereeveryminuteoftheday:unforeseeable,horrible,deadlytragedies.IdonotwantonehappeningtoElena.”
Meredithlookedathimforalongmoment,andforoncedidn’tconsultElenawithhereyesbeforeansweringaquestioninvolvingher.Shesimplysaid,“I’llprotecther,”inalowvoicethatneverthelesscarried.Fromherstance,fromhertone,onecouldalmostheartheunspokenaddition,“withmylife”—anditdidn’tevenseemmelodramatic.
Damonletgoofher,strodeoutthedoor,andwithoutabackwardglancedisappearedfromElena’ssight.Buthismentalvoicewascrystallineinhermind:You’llbesafeifthereisanywaytosaveyou.Iswearit.
Iftherewasanywaytosaveher.Wonderful.Elenatriedtokickstartherbrain.
MeredithandBonniewerebothstaringather.Elenatookadeepbreath,automaticallysuckedforamomentbackintotheolddays,whenagirlfreshfromahotdatecouldexpectalongandseriousdebriefing.
ButallBonniesaidwas,“Yourface—itlooksmuchbetternow!”
“Yes,”Elenasaid,usingthetwoendsofherblousetotieamakeshifttoparoundher.“Myleg’stheproblem.Wedidn’t—didn’tfinishityet.”
Bonnieopenedhermouth,butcloseditdeterminedly,whichfromBonniewasadisplayofheroicssimilartoMeredith’spromisetoDamon.Whensheopeneditagainitwastosay,“Takemyscarfandtieitaroundyourleg.Wecanfolditsidewaysandthentieabowoverthesidethatgothurt.That’llkeeppressureonit.”
Meredithsaid,“IthinkDr.MeggarhasfinishedwithUlma.Maybehecanseeyou.”
Intheotherroom,thedoctorwasonceagainwashinghishands,usingalargepumptogetmorewaterintothebasin.Thereweredeeplyred-stainedclothsinapileandasmellthatElenawasgratefulthedoctorhadcamouflagedwithherbs.Alsoinalarge,comfortable-lookingchairtheresatawomanwhomElenadidnotrecognize.
Sufferingandterrorcouldchangeaperson,Elenaknew,butshecouldneverhaverealizedhowmuch—norhowmuchreliefandfreedomfrompaincouldchangeaface.Shehadbroughtwithherawomanwhohuddleduntilshewasalmostchild-sizeinElena’smind,andwhosethin,ravagedface,twistedwithagonyandunrelentingdread,hadseemedalmostasortofabstractdrawingofagoblinhag.Herskinhadbeensicklygrayincolor,herthinhairhadscarcelyseemedenoughtocoverherhead,andyetithadhungdowninstrandslikeseaweed.Everythingaboutherscreamedoutthatshewasaslave,fromtheironbandsaroundherwrists,tohernakednessandscarred,bloodybody,toherbareandrustyfeet.Elenacouldnotevenhavetoldyouthecolorofthewoman’seyes,fortheyhadseemedasgrayastherestofher.
NowElenawasconfrontedbyawomanwhowasperhapsinherearly-tomid-thirties.Shehadalean,attractive,somehowaristocraticface,withastrong,patriciannose,dark,keen-lookingeyes,andbeautifuleyebrowslikethewingsofaflyingbird.Shewasrelaxinginthearmchair,withherfeetuponanottoman,slowlybrushingherhair,whichwasdarkwithoccasionalstreaksofgraythatlentanairofdignitytothesimpledeepbluehousecoatshewaswearing.Herfacehadwrinklesthatlentitcharacter,butoverallonesensedasortofyearningtendernessabouther,perhapsbecauseoftheslightbulgeinherabdomen,whichshenowgentlylaidahandon.Whenshedidthisherfacebloomedwithcolorandherwholeaspectglowed.
ForaninstantElenathoughtthismustbethedoctor’swifeorhousekeeperandshehadatemptationtoaskwhetherUlma,thepoorwreckofaslave,haddied.
Thenshesawwhatonecuffofthedeepbluehousecoatcouldnotquiteconceal:aglimpseofanironbracelet.
ThisleandarkaristocraticwomanwasUlma.Thedoctorhadworkedamiracle.
Ahealer,hehadcalledhimself.Itwasobviousthat,likeDamon,hecouldhealwounds.NoonewhohadbeenwhippedasUlmahadcouldhavecomeroundtothisstatewithoutsomepowerfulmagic.TryingtosimplystitchupthebloodymessthatElenahadbroughtinhadobviouslybeenimpossible,andsoDr.Meggarhadhealedher.
Elenahadneverexperiencedasituationlikethis,soshefellbackuponthegoodmannersthathadbeenbredintoherasaVirginian.
“It’snicetomeetyou,ma’am.I’mElena,”shesaid,andheldoutherhand.
Thebrushfellontothechair.ThewomanreachedoutwithbothhandstotakeElena’sintohers.ThosekeendarkeyesseemedtodevourElena’sface.
“You’retheone,”shesaid,andthen,swingingherslipperedfeetofftheottoman,shewentdownonherknees.
“Oh,no,ma’am!Please!I’msurethedoctortoldyoutorest.It’sbesttositquietlynow.”
“Butyouaretheone.”Forsomereason,thewomanseemedtoneedconfirmation.AndElenawaswillingtodoanythingtopacifyher.
“I’mtheone,”Elenasaid.“AndnowIthinkyoushouldsitdownagain.”
Obediencewasimmediate,andyettherewasasortofjoyfullightabouteverythingUlmadid.Elenaunderstooditafteronlyafewhoursofslavery.Obeyingwhenonehadachoicewasentirelydifferentfromobeyingbecausedisobediencecouldmeandeath.
ButevenasUlmasat,sheheldoutherarms.“Lookatme!Dearseraph,goddess,Guardian—whateveryouare:lookatme!AfterthreeyearsoflivingasabeastIhavebecomehumanagain—becauseofyou!Youcamelikeanangeloflightningandstoodbetweenmeandthelash.”Ulmabegantoweep,buttheyseemedtobetearsofjoy.HereyessearchedElena’sface,lingeringonthescarredcheekbone.“Butyou’renoGuardian;theyhavemagicksthatprotectthemandtheyneverinterfere.Forthreeyears,theyneverinterfered.Isawallmyfriends,myfellowslaves,falltohiswhipandhisrage.”Sheshookherhead,asifphysicallyunabletosayDrohzne’sname.
“I’msosorry—sosorry….”Elenawasfumbling.SheglancedbackandsawthatBonnieandMeredithweresimilarlystricken.
“Itdoesn’tmatter.Iheardyourmatekilledhimonthestreet.”
“Itoldherthat,”Lakshmisaidproudly.Shehadenteredtheroomwithoutanyonenoticingher.
“Mymate?”Elenafaltered.“Well,he’snotmy—Imean,heandI—we—”
“He’sourmaster,”Meredithsaidbluntly,frombehindElena.
UlmawasstilllookingatElenawithherheartinhereyes.“Everyday,Iwillprayforyoursoultoascendfromhere.”
Elenawasstartled.“Soulscanascendfromhere?”
“Ofcourse.Repentanceandgooddeedsmayaccomplishit,andtheprayersofothersarealwaystakenintoconsideration,Ithink.”
Yousuredon’ttalklikeaslave,Elenamused.Shetriedtothinkofawaytoputitdelicately,butshewasconfusedandherleghurtandheremotionswereinturmoil.“Youdon’tsoundlike—well,likewhatI’dexpectfromaslave,”shesaid.“OramIjustbeinganidiot?”
ShecouldseethetearsforminUlma’seyes.
“Oh,God!Please,forgetIasked.Please—”
“No!ThereisnooneIwouldrathertell.IfyouwishtohearhowIcametothisdegradedstate.”Ulmawaited,watchingElena—itwasclearthatElena’sleastwishwastoUlma,acommand.
ElenalookedatMeredithandBonnie.Shecouldn’thearanymorenoisesofyellingoutsideonthestreetandthebuildingcertainlydidn’tseemtobeonfire.
Fortunately,atthatmoment,Dr.Meggarwanderedinagain.“Everybodygettingacquainted?”heasked,hiseyebrowsworkinginoppositionnow;oneup,onedown.HehadtheremnantsofabottleofBlackMagicinhishand.
“Yes,”Elenasaid,“butIwasjustwonderingifweshouldbetryingtoevacuateoranything.Apparentlytherewasamob—”
“Elena’smateisgoingtogivethemsomethingtothinkabout,”Lakshmisaidwithrelish.“They’veallgonetotheMeetingPlacetoresolvethestuffaboutDrohzne’sproperty.Ibethe’llbashafewheadsinandbebackinnotime,”sheaddedcheerfully,leavingnodoubtastohewas.“WishIwasaboysoIcouldseeit.”
“Youwerebraverthantheboys;youweretheonewholedushere,”Elenatoldher.ThensheconsultedMeredithandBonniewithhereyes.Itsoundedasifthecommotionhadmovedonelsewhere,andDamonwasamasteratgettinghimselfoutofcommotions.Hemightalso…needtofight,toridhimselfofexcessenergyfromElena’sblood.Acommotionmightactuallybegoodforhim,Elenathought.
ShelookedatDr.Meggar.“Willmy—willourmasterbeallright,doyouthink?”
Dr.Meggar’seyebrowswentupanddown.“He’llprobablyhavetopayOldDrohzne’srelativesabloodprice,butitshouldn’tbetoohigh.Thenhecandowhathelikeswiththeoldbastard’sproperty,”hesaid.“I’dsaythesafestplaceforyourightnowishere,awayfromtheMeetingPlace.”Hewentontoenforcethatopinionbypouringthemallglasses—liqueurglasses,Elenanoted—ofBlackMagicwine.“Goodforthenerves,”hesaidandtookasip.
Ulmasmiledherbeautiful,heartwarmingsmileathim,ashetookthetrayaround.“Thankyou—andthankyou—andthankyou,”shesaid.“Iwon’tboreyouwithmystory—”
“No,tellus;tellus,please!”NowthattherewasnoimmediatedangertoherfriendsortoDamon,Elenawaseagertohearthetale.Everyoneelsewasnodding
Ulmaflushedalittle,butbegansedately,“IwasborninthereignofKelemenII,”shesaid.“I’msurethatmeansnothingtoourvisitorsbutmuchtothosewhoknewhimandhis—indulgences.Istudiedundermymother,whobecameaverypopulardesigneroffashionsinfabrics.Myfatherwasadesignerofjewelryalmostasfamousasshewas.Theyhadanestateontheoutskirtsofthecityandcouldaffordahouseasfineasmanyoftheirwealthiestcustomers—thoughtheywerecarefulnottoshowthetrueextentoftheirwealth.IwastheyoungLadyUlmathen,notUlmathehag.Myparentsdidtheirbesttokeepmeoutofsight,formyownsafety.But…”
Ulma—LadyUlma,Elenathought,stoppedandtookadeepsipofherwine.Hereyeshadchanged;shewasseeingthepast,andtryingnottoupsetherlisteners.ButjustasElenawasabouttoaskhertostop,atleastuntilshefeltbetter,shecontinued.
“Butdespitealltheircare…someone…sawmeanywayanddemandedmyhandinmarriage.NotDrohzne,hewasjustafurrierfromtheOutlands,andIneversawhimuntilthreeyearsago.Thiswasalord,aGeneral,ademonwithaterriblereputation—andmyfatherrefusedhisdemand.Theycameonusinthenight.Iwasfourteenwhenithappened.AndthatishowIbecameaslave.”
ElenafoundthatshewasfeelingemotionalpaindirectlyfromLadyUlma’smind.Oh,myGod,I’vedoneitagain,shethought,hurriedlytryingtotunedownherpsychicsenses.“Please,youdon’tneedtotellusthis.Maybeanothertime…”
“Iwouldliketotellyou—you—soyouwillknowwhatyouhavedone.AndIwouldprefertosayitonlyonce.Butifyoudonotwishtohearit—”
Politenesswaswarringwithpolitenesshere.“No,no,ifyouwant—goahead.I—IjustwantyoutoknowhowsorryIam.”Elenaglancedatthedoctor,whowaspatientlywaitingbythetableforherwiththebrownbottleinhishands.“Andifyoudon’tmind,I’dliketogetmyleg…healed?”Shewasawarethatshe’dsaidthelastworddoubtfully,wonderinghowanyonebeingcouldhavethepowertohealUlmalikethis.Shewasnotsurprisedwhenheshookhishead.“Orstitchedup,rather,whileyoutalk,ifyoudon’tmind,”shesaid.
IttookseveralminutestoovercomeLadyUlma’sshockanddistressthatshehadlefthersaviorwaiting,butatlastElenawasonthetableandthedoctorwasencouraginghertodrinkfromthebottle,whichsmelledlikecherrycoughsyrup.
Oh,well,shemightaswelltrytheDarkDimensionversionofanesthetic—especiallysincethestitchingwasboundtohurt,Elenathought.Shetookasipfromthebottleandfelttheroomreelaroundher.Shewavedawaytheofferofasecondsip.
Dr.MeggarundidBonnie’sruinedscarf,andthenbegantocutoffherblood-soakedjeanslegabovetheknee.
“Well—youaresogoodtolisten,”LadyUlmasaid.“ButIknewyouweregoodalready.Iwillspareusboththepainfuldetailsofmyslavery.Perhapsit’senoughtosaythatIwaspassedfromonemastertoanotherovertheyears,alwaysaslave,alwaysgoingdown.Atlast,asajoke,someonesaid,‘GivehertoOldDrohzne.He’llsqueezethelastuseoutofherifanyonecan.’”
“God!”Elenasaid,andhopedthateveryonewouldattributeittothestoryandnottothebiteofthecleansingsolutionthedoctorwasswabbingoverherswollenflesh.Damonwassomuchbetteratthis,shethought.Ididn’tevenrealizehowluckyIwasbefore.Elenatriednottowinceasthedoctorbegantousehisneedle,buthergriponMeredith’shandtighteneduntilElenawasafraidshewasbreakingbones.Shetriedtoeasethegrip,butMeredithsqueezedbackhard.Herlong,smoothhandwasalmostlikeaboy’s,butsofter.Elenawasgladtobeabletosqueezeashardassheliked.
“Mystrengthhasbeengivingoutonmelately,”LadyUlmasaidsoftly.“Ithoughtitwasthat”—heresheusedaparticularlycrudeexpressionforherowner—“thatwasleadingmetodeath.ThenIrealizedthetruth.”Allatonceradiancechangedherface,somuchthatElenacouldseewhatshemusthavelookedlikewhenshewasinherteensandsobeautifulthatademonwoulddemandherasawife.“Iknewthatnewlifestirredwithinme—andIknewthatDrohznewouldkillitifhehadthechance—”
Shedidn’tseemtorecognizetheexpressionsofastonishmentandhorroronthethreegirl’sfaces.Elena,however,hadthefeelingthatshewasgropingthroughanightmare,ontheedgeofablackcrevasse,andthatshewouldhavetokeepgropinginthedark,aroundtreacherous,unseenfissuresintheiceintheDarkDimensionuntilshereachedStefanandgothimfreeofthisplace.Thiscasualreferencetoabominationwasn’tthefirstofherstepsaroundacrevasse,butitwasthefirstshehadrecognizedandcounted.
“Youyoungwomenareverynewhere,”LadyUlmasaid,asthesilencestretchedandstretched.“Ididnotmeantosayanythingoutofplace….”
“We’reslaveshere,”Meredithreplied,pickingupalengthofrope.“Ithinkthemorewelearnthebetter.”
“Yourmaster—I’veneverseenanyonesoquicktofightOldDrohznebefore.Manypeoplecluckedtheirtongues,butthatwasallmostdaredtodo.Butyourmaster—”
“WecallhimDamon,”Bonnieputinpointedly.
ItwentrightoverLadyUlma’shead.“MasterDamon—doyouthinkhemightkeepme?Afterhepaysthebloodpriceto—toDrohzne’srelatives,hewillgetfirstpickofallDrohzne’sproperty.Iamoneofthefewslaveshehasnotkilled.”Thehopeinthewoman’sfacewasalmosttoopainfulforElenatolookat.
Itwasonlythenthatsheconsciouslyrealizedhowlongithadbeensinceshe’dseenDamon.HowlongshouldDamon’sbusinessbetaking?ShelookedatMeredithanxiously.
Meredithunderstoodexactlywhatthelookmeant.Sheshookherheadhelplessly.EveniftheyhadLakshmitakethemtotheMeetingPlace,whatcouldtheydo?
ElenabitbackawinceofpainandsmiledatLadyUlma.
“Whydon’tyoutellusaboutwhenyouwereagirl?”shesaid.19
Damonwouldn’thavethoughtasadisticoldfoolwhowhippedawomantopiecesfornotbeingabletopullacartmeantforahorsewouldhaveanyfriends.AndOldDrohzne,indeed,maynothavehadany.Butthatwasn’ttheissue.
Neither,strangely,wasmurdertheissue.MurderwasaneverydayaffairaroundtheslumsandthefactthatDamonhadinitiatedandwonafightwasofnosurprisetotheinhabitantsofthesedangerousalleyways.
Theissuelayinmakingoffwithaslave.Orperhapsitwentdeeper.TheissuelayinhowDamontreatedhisownslaves.
Acrowdofmen—allmen,nowomen,Damonnoticed—hadindeedgatheredinfrontofthedoctor’sbuilding,andtheydidinfacthavetorches.
“Madvampire!Madvampireontheloose!”
“Drivehimouthereforjusticetobedone!”
“Burntheplacedowniftheywon’tturnhimout!”
“Theelderssaytobringhimtothem!”
Thisseemedtohavetheeffectthecrowddesired,clearingthestreetsofthemoredecentpeopleandleavingonlythebloody-mindedsortwho’dbeenhangingaboutatalooseend,andwereonlytoogladofafight.Mostofthem,ofcourse,werevampiresthemselves.Mostofthemwerefitvampires.Butnoneofthem,Damonthought,flashingadiamond-brightsmilearoundthecirclethatwasclosinginonhim,hadthemotivationofknowingthatthelivesofthreeyounghumangirlsdependedonhim—andthatoneofthemwasthejewelinthecrownofhumanity,ElenaGilbert.
Ifhe,Damon,wastorntopiecesinthisfight,thosethreegirlswouldleadlivesofhellanddegradation.
However,eventhislogicdidn’tseemtohelphimprevailasDamonwaskicked,bitten,head-butted,punched,andstabbedwithwoodendaggers—thekindthatslicevampireflesh.Atfirsthethoughthehadachance.Severaloftheyoungestandfittestvampiresfellpreytohiscobra-quickstrikesandhissuddenstrafesofPower.Butthetruthwasthatthereweresimplytoomanyofthem,Damonthought,ashesnappedtheneckofademonwhosetwolongtuskshadalreadyscoredhisarmalmostthroughthemuscle.Andherecameahugevampire,clearlyintraining,withanaurathatmadeDamonfeelbileatthebackofhisthroat.Thatonewentdownwithafootintheface,buthedidn’tstaydown;hecameup,clingingtoDamon’slegandallowingseveralsmallervampireswithwoodendaggerstodartinandhamstringhim.Damonfeltblackdismayashislegswentoutfromunderhim.
“Sunlightdamnyou,”hegratedthroughamouthfulofbloodasanothertusked,red-skinneddemonpunchedhiminthemouth.“Damnyoualltothelowesthells….”
Itwasnogood.Dully,stillfighting,stillusinggreatswathsofPowertomaimandkillasmanyashecould,Damonrealizedthis.Andtheneverythingbecamedreamlikeanddazed—notlikehisdreamofElena,whomheseemedtoseeconstantlyinhisside-eye,weeping.Butdreamlikeinafeverish,nightmaresense.Hecouldnolongerusehismusclesefficiently.Hisbodywasbatteredandevenashehealedhislegs,anothervampirescoredagreatcutacrosshisback.Hewasfeelingmoreandmoreasifhewereinanightmarewherehecouldnotmoveexceptinslowmotion.Atthesametime,somethinginhisbrainwaswhisperingforhimtorest.Justrest…anditwouldallbeover.
Eventually,thegreaternumbersborehimdown,andsomebodyappearedwithastake.
“Goodriddancetonewrubbish,”thestakebringersaid,hisbreathreekingofstaleblood,hisleeringfacegrotesque,asheusedleprous-lookingfingerstoopenDamon’sshirtsoasnottomakeaholeinthefineblacksilk.
Damonspatonhimandhadhisfacestampedonhardinreturn.
Heblackedoutforamomentandthen,slowly,camebacktopain.
Andnoise.Thegleefulcrowdofvampiresanddemons,drunkoncruelty,werealldoingastomping,rhythmic,improviseddancearoundDamon,roaringwithlaughterastheythrustimaginarystakes,workingthemselvesintoafrenzy.
ThatwaswhenDamonrealizedthathewasactuallygoingtodie.
Itwasashockingrealization,eventhoughhe’dknownhowmuchmoredangerousthisworldwasthantheonehe’drecentlyleft,andeveninthehumanworldhehadonlyescapeddeathbyahairsbreadthmorethanonce.Butnowhehadnopowerfulfriends,noweaknessesinthecrowdtoexploit.Hefeltasifsecondsweresuddenlystretchingintominutes,eachoneofincalculableworth.Whatwasimportant?TellingElena…
“Blindhimfirst!Getthatstickblazing!”
“I’lltakehisears!Someonehelpmeholdhishead!”
TellingElena…something.Something…sorry…
Hegaveup.Anotherthoughtwastryingtobreakintohisconsciousness.
“Don’tforgettoknockouthisteeth!Ipromisedmygirlfriendanewnecklace!”
IthoughtIwaspreparedforthis,Damonthoughtslowly,eachwordcomingseparately.But…notsosoon.
IthoughtI’dmademypeace…butnotwiththeonepersonwhomattered…yes,whomatteredthemost.
Hedidn’tgivehimselftimetothinkaboutthatsubjectfurther.
Stefan,hesentoutonthemostpowerfulbutclandestinejettisonofPowerhecouldmanageinhisfoggystate.Stefan,hearme!Elena’scomeforyou—she’llsaveyou!ShehasPowersthatmydeathwillletloose.AndIam…Iam…s—
Atthatmomenttherewasastumblinginthedancearoundhim.Silencedescendedonthedrunkenrevelers.Afewofthemhastilybowedtheirheadsorlookedaway.
Damonwentstill,wonderingwhatcouldpossiblyhavestoppedthefrenziedcrowdintheverymidstoftheirrevelry.
Someonewaswalkingtowardhim.Thenewcomerhadlongbronzehairthathunginseparateunrulytanglesdowntohiswaist.Hewasnakedtothewaist,too,exposingabodythatthestrongestdemonmightenvy.Achestthatlookedasifithadbeencarvedoutofgleamingbronzestone.Exquisitelysculptedbiceps.Abs—aperfectsixpack.Therewasnotaspareounceoffatonhisentiretallleonineframe.Heworeunadornedblacktrouserswithmusclesripplingunderthemateverystep.
Allalongonebarearmhehadavividtattooofablackdragoneatingaheart.
Norwashealone.Heheldnoleash,butbyhissidewasahandsomeanduncannilyintelligent-lookingblackdogthatstoodatalertattentioneverytimehepaused.Itmusthaveweighedclosetotwohundredpounds,buttherewasnotanounceoffatonit,either.
Andononeshoulderhecarriedalargefalcon.
Itwasn’thoodedasmosthuntingbirdswereonforaysoutoftheirmews.Italsowasn’tstandingonanythingpadded.Itgrippedthebareshoulderofthebronzeyoungman,diggingitsthreefronttalonsintothefleshandsendingsmallstreamsofblooddownhischest.Hedidn’tseemtonotice.Thereweresimilar,driedstreamsbesidethefreshones,undoubtedlyfrompreviousjourneys.Intheback,asingletalonmadealonelyredtrail.
Anabsolutehushhadfallenonthecrowdandthelastfewdemonsbetweenthetallmanandthebloody,supinefigureonthegroundscrambledoutofhisway.
Foramoment,theleoninemanwasstill.Hesaidnothing,didnothing,emittednotraceofPower.Thenhenoddedatthedog,whichpaddedforwardheavilyandsniffedatDamon’sbleedingarmsandface.AfterthatitsniffedathismouthandDamoncouldseethehairsgouponitsbody.
“Gooddog,”saidDamondreamilyasthemoist,coolnosetickledhischeek.
Damonknewthisparticularanimalandheknewalsothatitdidnotfitthepopularstereotypeofa“gooddog.”Rather,itwasahellhoundwhowasusedtotakingvampiresbythethroatandshakingthemuntiltheirarteriesspoutedbloodsixfeethighintotheair.
Thatkindofthingcouldkeepyousooccupiedthathavingastakeslippedintoyourheartmightseemanafterthought,Damonmused,holdingperfectlystill.
“Arrêtez-le!”saidthebronze-hairedyouth.
Thedogobedientlybackedoff,nevertakingitsshiningblackeyesoffDamon’s,whonevertookhisowneyesoffituntilitwassomefeetaway.
Thebronze-hairedyouthglancedoverthecrowdbriefly.Thenhesaidwithnoparticularvehemence,“Laissez-leseul.”Clearly,tothevampiresnotranslationwasnecessary,andtheybegantoedgeawayimmediately.Theunluckyoneswerethosewhodidn’tedgefastenoughandwerestillaroundwhenthebronzeyoungmantookanotherleisurelylookabouthim.Everywherehelooked,hemetdowncasteyesandcringingbodies,frozenintheactofedgingbutapparentlyturnedtostonenowinanattemptnottoattractattention.
Damonfoundhimselfrelaxing.HisPowerwasreturning,allowinghimtomakerepairs.Herealizedthatthedogwasgoingfromindividualtoindividualandsniffingateachonewithinterest.
WhenDamonwasabletolifthisheadagain,hesmiledfaintlyatthenewcomer.“Sage.Thinkofthedevil.”
Thebronzeman’sbriefsmilewasgrim.“Youcomplimentme,moncher.Yousee?I’mblushing.”
“Ioughttohaveknownyoumightbehere.”
“Thereisinfinitespacetowander,monpetittyran.EvenifImustdoitalone.”
“Ah,thepity.Tinyviolinsareplaying—”SuddenlyDamoncouldn’tdoitanymore.Hejustcouldn’t.MaybeitwasbecauseofbeingwithElenabefore.Maybeitwasbecausethishideousworlddepressedhimunutterably.Butwhenhespokeagain,hisvoicewasentirelydifferent.“IneverknewIcouldfeelsograteful.You’vesavedfivelives,thoughyoudon’tknowit.Thoughhowyoustumbledonus…”
Sagecroucheddown,lookedathimwithconcern.“Whatisitthathashappened?”hesaidinaseriousvoice.“Isitthatyouhityourhead?Youknow:newstravelsfasthere.Iheardyouarrivedwithaharem—”
“That’strue!Hedid!”Damon’searscaughtabarewhisperofsoundattheedgeofthestreetwherehe’dbeenambushed.“Ifwetakethegirlshostage—torturethem—”
Sage’seyesmetDamon’sbriefly.Clearly,hehadheardthewhisperaswell.“Saber,”hesaidtothedog.“Justthespeaker.”Hejerkedhishead,once,inthedirectionofthewhisper.
Instantly,theblackdogjumpedforward,andfasterthanittookforDamontodescribeitinhisownmind,hadsunkhisteethintothethroatofthewhisperer,flippedhimoveronce,causingadistinctivecrack,andwasboundingback,draggingthebodybetweenhislegs.
Thewords:Jevousaiinforméausujetdececi!blastedbyonasurgeofPowerthatmadeDamonwince.AndDamonthought,yes,hedidtellthembefore—butnotwhattheconsequenceswouldbe.
Laissezluietsesamisdanslapaix!Meanwhile,Damonwasslowlygettingup,onlytoogladtoacceptSage’sprotectionforhimselfandhisfriends.
“Wellthatcertainlyshouldhavedoneit,”hesaid.“Whynotcomebackandhaveafriendlydrinkwithme?”
Sagepeeredathimasifhe’dgonemad.“Youknowtheanswertothatisno.”
“Whynot?”
“Itoldyou:no.”
“That’snotareason.”
“ThereasonIwillnotcomebackforafriendlydrink…monange…isthatwearenotfriends.”
“Wepulledsomeprettyscamstogether.”
“Ilyalongtemps.”Abruptly,SagetookoneofDamon’shands.Therewasadeepandbloodyscratchonit,whichDamonhadn’tgotaroundtohealing.UnderSage’sgazeitclosed,thefleshturnedpink,andithealed.
DamonletSagecontinuetoholdthehandforamoment,andthen,notungently,retrievedit.
“Notsuchaverylongtimeago,”hesaid.
“Awayfromyou?”AsarcasticsmileformedonSage’slips.“Wecounttimeverydifferently,youandI,monpetittyran.”
Damonwasfullofbefuddledcheer.“What’sonedrink?”
“Alongwithyourharem?”
DamontriedtopictureMeredithandSagetogether.Hismindbalked.“Butyou’vemadeyourselfresponsibleforthemanyway,”hesaidflatly.“Andthetruthisthatnoneofthemaremine.Igivemywordonthat.”HefeltatwingewhenhethoughtaboutElena,buthiswordwastrue.
“Responsibleforthem?”Sageseemedtobereasoningitout.“Youpledgedtosavethem,then.ButIonlyinherityourpledgeifyoudie.Butifyoudie…”Thetallmanmadeahelplessgesture.
“Youhavetolive,tosaveStefanandElenaandtheothers.”
“I’dsayno,butthatwouldmakeyouunhappy.SoI’llsayyes—”
“Andifyoudon’tperform,IswearI’llcomebacktohauntyou.”
Sageregardedhimforamoment.“Idon’tthinkI’veeverbeenaccusedofbeingunabletoperformbefore,”hesaid.“ButofcoursethatwasbeforeIbecameunvampire.”
Yes,Damonthought,themeetingofthe“harem”andSagewasboundtobeinteresting.AtleastitwouldbeifthegirlsdiscoveredwhoSagereallywas.
Butmaybenoonewouldtellthem.20
ElenahadseldomfeltsuchreliefasshedidwhensheheardDamon’sknockatDr.Meggar’sdoor.
“WhathappenedattheMeetingPlace?”sheasked.
“Inevermadeitthere.”Damonexplainedabouttheambush,whiletheotherscovertlystudiedSagewithvaryingdegreesofapproval,gratitude,orsheerlust.Elenarealizedthatshe’dhadtoomuchBlackMagicwhenshefeltreadytopassoutatseveralpoints—althoughshewassurethatthewinehadhelpedDamontosurviveamobattackwhichmightotherwisehavekilledhim.
They,inturn,explainedLadyUlma’sstoryasbrieflyaspossible.Thewomanwaslookingwhiteandshakenbytheend.
“Idohope,”shesaidtimidlytoDamon,“thatwhenyouinheritOldDrohzne’sproperty”—shepausedtoswallow—“thatyou’lldecidetokeepme.Iknowtheslavesyoubroughtwithyouarebeautifulandyoung…butIcanmakemyselfveryusefulasaneedlewomanandsuch.It’sjustmybackthat’slostitsstrength,notmymind….”
Damonwasperfectlystillforamoment.ThenhewalkedovertoElena,whohappenedtobeclosesttohim.Hereachedup,unclaspedthelastloopofropethathadbeentrailingfromElena’swrist,andthrewithardacrosstheroom.Itwhippedandwiggledlikeasnake.“Anyoneelsewearingonecandothesamething,asfarasI’mconcerned,”hesaid.
“Exceptthethrowing,”Meredithsaidquickly,seeingthedoctor’seyebrowclashingashelookedatthemanybreakableglassbeakersstackedalongthewalls.ButsheandBonnielostnotimeinlosinganyfinalvestigeofropethatwasstilltrailing.
“I’mafraidmineare…permanent,”LadyUlmasaid,pullingthefabricawayfromherwriststoexposethewelded-onironbracelets.Shelookedashamedatbeingunabletoobeyhernewmaster’sfirstcommand.
“Doyoumindamomentofcold?IhaveenoughPowertofreezethemsothey’llshatter,”Damonsaid.
TherewasasoftsoundfromLadyUlma.Elenathoughtshehadneverheardsuchdesperationinanyonehumannoise.“Icouldstandinsnowtomyneckforayeartogettheseawfulthingsoff,”theLadysaid.
DamonputhishandsoneithersideofonebraceletandElenacouldfeeltherushofPowerthatemanatedfromhim.Therewasasharpcrackingsound.Damonmovedhishandsandcameupwithtwoseparatepiecesofmetal.
Thenhediditagain,ontheotherside.
ThelookinLadyUlma’seyesmadeElenafeelmorehumblethanproud.Shehadsavedonewomanfromterribledegradation.Buthowmanymoreremained?Shewouldneverknow,orbeabletosavethemallifshefoundout.NotwithherPowerinthestateitwasnow.
“IthinkLadyUlmareallyoughttogetsomerest,”Bonniesaid,rubbingherownforeheadundertumbledstrawberrycurls.“AndElena,too.Youshouldhaveseenhowmanystitchesherlegtook,Damon.Butwhatdowedo,golookforahotel?”
“Usemyhouse,”saidDr.Meggar,oneeyebrowupandonedown.Obviously,hehadbecomeenmeshedinthisstory,sweptalongbyitssheerpowerandbeauty—andbrutality.“AllIaskisthatyoudon’tdestroyanything,andthatifyouseeafrog,don’tkissit,anddon’tkillit.Thereareplentyofblanketsandchairsandcouches.”
Hewouldn’ttakeasinglelinkfromtheheavygoldchainDamonhadbroughttouseasincomeinexchange.
“I…byrightsIshouldhelpyouallgetreadyforbed,”LadyUlmamurmuredfaintlytoMeredith.
“You’retheworsthurtofall;youshouldgetthebestbed,”Meredithrepliedtranquilly.“Andwewillhelpyougetintoit.”
“Themostcomfortablebed…thatwouldbeinmydaughter’soldroom.”Dr.Meggarfumbledwitharingofkeys.“Shemarriedaporter—howIhatedtoseehergo.Andthisyounglady,MissElena,canhavetheoldbridalchamber.”
ForaninstantElena’sheartwastornbyconflictingemotions.Shewasafraid—yes,shewasverysureitwasfearshefelt—thatDamonmightsweepherupinhisarmsandmakeforthebridalsuitewithher.Andontheotherhand…
JustthenLakshmilookedupatheruncertainly.“Doyouwantmetoleave?”sheasked.
“Doyouhaveanywheretogo?”Elenaaskedinturn.
“Thestreet,Iguess.Iusuallysleepinabarrel.”
“Stayhere.Comewithme;abridalbedsoundsbigenoughfortwopeople.You’reoneofus,now.”
ThelookLakshmigaveherwasoneofsheerthunderstruckgratitude.Notatbeinggivenaplacetostay,Elenaunderstood.Forthestatement,“You’reoneofus,now.”ElenacouldfeelthatLakshmihadneverbeen“oneof”anygroupbefore.
Thingswerequietuntilalmost“dawn”thenext“day,”asthecity’sinhabitantscalledit,althoughthelighthadn’tvariedallnight.
Thistimeadifferentsortofcrowdhadgatheredoutsidethedoctor’scomplex.Itwasmostlymadeupofelderlymenwearingthreadbarebutcleanrobes—buttherewereafewoldwomen,too.Theywereledbyasilver-hairedmanwhohadastrangeairofdignity.
Damon,withSageasbackup,wentoutsidethedoctor’scomplexandspoketothem
Elenawasdressedbutstillupstairsinthequietbridalsuite.
DearDiary,
Oh,God,Ineedhelp!Oh,Stefan—Ineedyou.Ineedyoutoforgiveme.Ineedyoutokeepmesane.ToomuchtimearoundDamonandI’mcompletelyemotional,readytokillhimorto…orto—Idon’tknow.Idon’tknow!!!We’relikeflintandtindertogether—God!We’relikegasolineandaflamethrower!Pleasehearmeandhelpmeandsaveme…frommyself.Everytimeheevensaysmyname…
“Elena.”
ThevoicebehindElenamadeherjump.Sheslammedthediaryshutandturnedaround.
“Yes,Damon?”
“Howareyoufeeling?”
“Oh,great.Fine.Evenmylegisb—Imean,I’mfineallover.Howareyoufeeling?”
“I’m…wellenough,”hesaid,andhesmiled—anditwasarealsmile,notasnarltwistedintosomethingelseatthelastsecond,oranattempttomanipulate.Itwasjustasmile,ifaratherworriedandsadone.
Elenasomehowdidn’tnoticethesadnessuntilsheremembereditlater.Shesimplysuddenlyfeltthatsheweighednothing;thatifshelostgriponherselfshecouldbemileshighbeforeanyonecouldstopher—milesaway,maybeevenasfarasthisinsaneplace’smoons.
Shemanagedashakysmileofherownathim.“That’sgood.”
“Icametotalktoyou,”hesaid,“but…first—”
Inanothermoment,somehow,Elenawasinhisarms.
“Damon—wecan’tkeepon…”Shetriedtopullawaygently.“Wereallycan’tkeepdoingthis,youknow.”
ButDamondidn’tletgoofher.Therewassomethinginthewayheheldherthathalfterrifiedher,andhalfmadeherwanttocrywithjoy.Sheforcedbackthetears.
“It’sallright,”Damonsaidsoftly.“Goaheadandcry.We’vegotasituationonourhands.”
SomethinginhisvoicefrightenedElena.Notinthehalf-joyfulwayshe’dbeenfearfulaminuteago,butentirelyfrightened.
It’sbecausehe’safraid,shethoughtsuddenlyinwonderment.ShehadseenDamonangry,wistful,cold,mocking,seductive—evensubdued,ashamed—butshehadneverseenhimafraidofanything.Shecouldhardlygethermindaroundtheconcept.Damon…frightened…forher
“It’sbecauseofwhatIdidyesterday,isn’tit?”sheasked.“Aretheygoingtokillme?”Shewassurprisedathowcalmlyshesaidit.ShefeltnothingexceptavaguedistressandthedesiretomakeDamonnotafraidanymore.
“No!”Heheldheratarm’slength,staring.“AtleastnotwithoutkillingmeandSage—andallthepeopleinthishouse,too,ifIknowthem.”Hestopped,seemingoutofbreath—whichwasimpossible,Elenaremindedherself.He’splayingfortime,shethought.
“Butthat’swhattheywanttodo,”shesaid.Shedidn’tknowwhyshewassocertain.Maybeshewaspickingupsomethingtelepathically.
“Theyhave…madethreats,”Damonsaidslowly.“It’snotthecaseofOldDrohznereally;Iguesstherearemurdersaroundhereallthetimeandwinnertakesall.Butapparentlyovernightwordofwhatyoudidhasbeenspreading.Slavesinnearbyestatesarerefusingtoobeytheirmasters.Thisentirequarteroftheslumsisinturmoil—andthey’reafraidofwhatwillhappenifothersectorshearaboutit.SomethinghastobedoneassoonaspossibleorthewholeDarkDimensionmayjustexplodelikeabomb.”
EvenasDamonspoke,Elenacouldheartheechoesofwhathe’dbeentoldbytheassemblywhohadcometoDr.Meggar’sdoor.Theyhadbeenafraid,too.
Maybethiscouldbethestartofsomethingimportant,Elenathought,hermindsoaringawayfromherownsmallproblems.Evendeathwouldn’tbetoohighapricetopaytofreethesewretchedpeoplefromtheirdemonicmasters.
“Butthat’snotwhatwillhappen!”Damonsaid,andElenarealizedthatshemustbeprojectingherthoughts.TherewasgenuineanguishinDamon’svoice.“Ifwehadplannedthings,iftherewereleaderswhocouldstayhereandoverseearevolution—ifwecouldevenfindleadersstrongenoughtodoit—thentheremightbeachance.Instead,alltheslavesarebeingpunished,everywherethatthewordhasspread.They’rebeingtorturedandkilledonmeresuspicionofsympathywithyou.Theirmastersaremakingexamplesalloverthecity.Andit’sonlygoingtogetworse.”
Elena’sheart,whichhadbeensoaringonadreamofactuallymakingadifference,camecrashingdowntothegroundandshestared,horrified,intoDamon’sblackeyes.“Butwe’vegottostopthat.EvenifIhavetodie—”
Damonpulledherbackinclosetohim.“You—andBonnieandMeredith.”Hisvoicesoundedhoarse.“Plentyofpeoplesawthethreeofyoutogether.Plentyofpeoplenowseeallthreeofyouasthetroublemakers.”
Elena’sheartwentcold.Maybetheworstthingwasthatshecouldseefromaslaveeconomy’spointofviewthatifoneincidentofsuchinsolencewentunpunishedandwordofitspread…thetalewouldgrowinthetelling….
“Webecamefamousovernight.We’llbelegendstomorrow,”shemurmured,watching,inhermind,adominotopplingintoanotherwhichhitanotheruntilalongstringhadfallendownspellingtheword“Heroine.”
Butshedidn’twanttobeaheroine.ShehadjustcomeheretogetStefanback.Andwhileshecouldhavefacedgivingherlifetostopslavesfrombeingtorturedandkilled,shewouldherselfkillanyonewhotriedtolayahandonBonnieorMeredith.
“Theyfeelthesameway,”Damonsaid.“Theyheardwhatthecongregationhadtosay.”Heheldherarmshardasiftryingtobraceher.“AyounggirlnamedHelenawasbeatenandhungthismorningbecauseshehadasimilarnametoyours.Shewasfifteen.”
Elena’slegsgaveout,assooftentheyhaddoneinDamon’sarms…butneverforthisreason.Hewentwithher.Thiswasaconversationyouhadsittingonbarefloorboards.“Itwasn’tyourfault,Elena!Youarewhatyouare!Peopleloveyouforwhatyouare!”
Elena’spulsewashammeringfrantically.Itwasallsobad…butshehadmadeitworse.Bynotthinking.Byimaginingthatherlifewastheonlyoneatstake.Byactingbeforeevaluatingtheconsequences.
Butinthesamesituationshewoulddoitagain.Or…withshame,shethought,Iwoulddosomethinglikeit.IfIknewthatIwouldputeveryoneIlovedindangerIwouldhavebeggedDamontobargainwiththatslave-ownerworm.Buyherforsomeoutrageousprice…ifwehadthemoney.Ifhewouldhavelistened…Ifanotherstrokeofthewhiphadn’tkilledLadyUlma…
Suddenlyherbrainwenthardandcold.
Thatisthepast.
Thisisthepresent.
Dealwithit.
“Whatcanwedo?”ShetriedtopullfreeandshakeDamon;shewasthatfrantic.“Theremustbesomethingwecandonow!Theycan’tkillBonnieandMeredith—andStefanwilldieifwedon’tfindhim!”
Damonjustheldhermoretightly.Hewaskeepinghismindshieldedfromhers,Elenarealized.Thiscouldeitherbegoodorbad.Itmightbethattherewasasolutionhewasreluctanttoputtoher.Oritcouldmeanthatthedeathofallthreeofthe“rebelslaves”wastheonlythingthecityleaderswouldaccept.
“Damon.”Hewasholdinghermuchtootightlytogetfree,soElenacouldn’tlookhimintheface.Butshecouldvisualizeit,andshecouldalsotrytoaddresshimsquarely,mindtomind.
Damon,ifthere’sanything—evenanywaywecansaveBonnieandMeredith—youhavetotellme.Youhaveto.Iorderyouto!
Neitherofthemwereinamoodtofindthatamusingoreventonoticethe“slave”givingorderstothe“master.”ButatlastElenaheardDamon’stelepathicvoice.
TheysaythatifItakeyoubacktoYoungDrohznenowandyouapologize,thatyoucanbeletoffwithjustsixstrokesofthis.FromsomewhereDamonproducedapliantcanemadeofsomepalewood.Ash,probably,Elenathought,surprisedathowcalmshewas.It’stheonesubstanceequallyeffectiveoneveryone:evenonvampires—evenonOldOnes,whichtheyundoubtedlyhavearoundhere.
Butithastobeinpublicsothattheycangettherumorsstartedtheotherway.Theythinkthenthattheturmoilwillstop,ifyou—theonewhostartedthedisobedience—willadmityourslavestatus.
Damon’sthoughtswereheavy,andsowasElena’sheart.Howmanyofherprincipleswouldshebebetrayingifshedidthis?Howmanyslaveswouldshebecondemningtolivesofservitude?
SuddenlyDamon’smentalvoicewasangry.Wedidn’tcomeheretoreformtheDarkDimension,heremindedher,intonesthatmadeElenawinceaway.Damonshookherslightly.WecametogetStefan,remember?Needlesstosay,we’llneverhaveachancetodothatifwetrytoplaySpartacus.Ifwestartawarthatweknowwecan’twin.EventheGuardianscan’twinit.
AlightwentoninElena’smind.
“Ofcourse,”shesaid.“Whydidn’tIthinkofitbefore?”
“Thinkofwhatbefore?”Damonsaiddesperately.
“Wedon’tfightthewar—now.Ihaven’tevenmasteredmybasicPowers,muchlessmyWingsPowers.Andthiswaytheywon’tevenwonderaboutthem.”
“Elena?”
“Wecomeback,”Elenaexplainedtohimexcitedly.“WhenIcancontrolallmyPowers.Andwebringallieswithus—strongallieswe’llfindinthehumanworld.Itmaytakeyearsandyearsbutsomedaywecomebackandfinishwhatwestarted.”
Damonwasstaringatherasifshe’dgonemad,butthatdidn’tmatter.ElenacouldfeelPowercoursingthroughher.Thiswasonepromise,shethought,thatshewouldkeepifitkilledher.
Damonswallowed.“Canwetalkabout—aboutthepresentnow?”heasked.
Itwasasifhehadhitabull’s-eye.
Thepresent.Now.
“Yes.Yes,ofcourse.”Elenalookedattheashcanecontemptuously.“Ofcourse,I’lldoit,Damon.Idon’twantanyoneelsehurtbecauseofmebeforeI’mreadytofight.Dr.Meggarisagoodhealer.Iftheyallowmetocomebacktohim.”
“Ihonestlydon’tknow,”Damonsaid,holdinghergaze.“ButIdoknowonething.Youwon’tfeelasingleblow,Ipromiseyouthat,”hesaidquicklyandearnestly,hisdarkeyesverybig.“I’lltakecareofthat;it’llallbechanneledaway.Andyouwon’tevenseeatraceofamarkbymorning.But,”hefinishedmuchmoreslowly,“you’llhavetokneeltoapologizetome,yourowner,andtothatfilthy,scrofulous,abominableold—”Damon’simprecationscarriedhimawayforamomentsothathelapsedintoItalian.
“Towho?”
“Totheleaderoftheslums,andpossiblytoOldDrohzne’sbrother,YoungDrohzne,aswell.”
“Okay.TellthemI’llapologizetoasmanyDrohznesastheywant.Tellthemquick,incaseweloseourchance.”
Elenacouldseethelookhegaveher,buthermindwasturnedinward.WouldsheletMeredithorBonniedothis?No.WouldsheallowittohappentoCarolineifbyanymeansshecouldstopit?Again,no.No,no,no.Elena’sfeelingsaboutbrutalitytowardgirlsandwomenhadalwaysbeenexceedinglystrong.Herfeelingsabouttheworldwidesecond-classcitizenshipoffemaleshadbecomeremarkablyclearsinceherreturnfromtheafterlife.Ifshehadbeenreturnedtotheworldforanypurpose,shehaddecided,helpingtofreegirlsandwomenfromtheslaverythatmanyofthemcouldnotevensee,waspartofit.
Butthiswasn’tjustaboutaviciousslaveholderandfacelessoppressedwomenandmen.ItwasaboutLadyUlma,andkeepingherandherbabysafe…anditwasaboutStefan.Ifshegavein,shewouldbejustanimpudentslavewhocausedasmallruckusintheroad,butwasfirmlyputbackintoherplacebyauthorities.
Otherwise,iftheirpartywasscrutinized…ifsomeonerealizedthattheywereheretoreleaseStefan…ifElenawastheonewhocausedtheordertocome:“Movehimintostrictersecurity—getridofthatsillykitsune-keything….”
HermindwasablazewithimagesofwaysthatStefancouldbepunished,couldbetakenaway,couldbelostifthisincidentintheslumstookonundueproportions.
No.ShewouldnotabandonStefannowtofightawarthatcouldnotbewon.Butshewouldn’tforget,either.
I’llcomebackforallofyou,shepromised.Andthenthestorywillhaveadifferentending.
SherealizedthatDamonstillhadn’tleft.Hewaswatchingherwitheyesaskeenasafalcon’s.“Theysentmetobringyou,”hesaidquietly.“Theyneverthoughtofanoforananswer.”Elenacouldbrieflyfeelthefiercerageofhisfuryatthemandshetookhishandandsqueezedit.
“I’mcomingbackwithyouinthefuture,fortheslaves,”hesaid.“Youknowthat,don’tyou?”
“Ofcourse,”saidElena,andherquickkissbecamealongerkiss.Shehadn’treallyabsorbedwhatDamonhadsaidaboutchannelingawaythepain.Shefeltshewasduejustonekissforwhatshewasabouttoendure,andthenDamonstrokedherhairandtimemeantnothinguntilMeredithknockedatthedoor.
Thebloody-reddawnhadtakenonabizarre,almostdreamlikequalitybythetimeElenawasledtoanopen-airstructurewheretheslumlordsinchargeofthisareawereseatedonpilesofoncefine,nowthreadbarecushions.TheywerepassingbackandforthbottlesandjeweledleatherflasksfilledwithBlackMagic,theonlywinevampirescouldreallyenjoy,smokinghookahsandoccasionallyspittingintothedarkershadows.Thiswasregardlessofthehugeaudienceofstreetpeopledizzilyattractedbywordofabeautifulyounghuman’spublicpunishment.
Elenahadbeenrehearsedinherlines.Shewasmarched,gagged,handsmanacled,beforethehawkingandspittingauthorities.YoungDrohznewassittinginsomewhatuncomfortablegloryonagoldencouch,andDamonwasstandingbetweenhimandtheauthorities,lookingtense.Elenahadneverbeensotemptedtoimproviseapartsinceherjuniorplay,whenshehadthrownaflowerpotatPetruchioandbroughtdownthehouseinthelastsceneofTheTamingoftheShrew.
Butthiswasdeadlyseriousbusiness.Stefan’sfreedom,Bonnie’sandMeredith’slivesmightdependuponit.Elenamovedhertonguearoundinsidehermouth,whichwasbonedry.
And,oddly,shefoundDamon’seyes,themanwiththestick,upliftingher.Heseemedtobetellinghercourageandindifferencewithoutusingtelepathyatall.Elenawonderedifhehimselfhadeverbeeninasimilarsituation.
Shewaskickedbyoneofherescortsandrememberedwhereshewas.She’dbeenloanedan“appropriate”costumefromthediscardedwardrobeofDr.Meggar’smarrieddaughter.Itwaspearl-coloredindoors,whichmeantitwasmauveintheeverlastingcrimsonsunlight.Mostimportant,wornwithoutitssilkenundershirt,itsbackplungedtobelowElena’swaistline,leavingElena’sownbackcompletelybare.Now,inaccordancewithcustom,shekneltinfrontoftheelders,andboweduntilherforeheadrestedonanornateandverydirtycarpetatthefeetoftheelders,butseveralstepslower.Oneofthemspatonher.
Therewasexcited,appreciativechattering,andribaldry,andthrownmissiles,mostlyintheformofgarbage.Fruitwastoopreciousheretothinkofwasting.Driedexcrement,however,wasnot,andElenafoundthefirsttearscomingtohereyesassherealizedwhatshewasbeingpeltedwith.
Courageandindifference,shetoldherself,notevendaringtosneakalookupatDamon.
Presently,whenthecrowdwasfelttohavehaditsdueplaytime,oneofthehookah-smokingciviceldersstoodup.HereadwordsElenacouldn’tunderstandfromacreasedscroll.Itseemedtogoonforever.Elena,onherknees,withherforeheadagainstthedustycarpet,feltasifsheweresmothering.
AtlastthescrollwasputawayandYoungDrohzneleapedupanddescribedinahigh,almosthystericalvoice,andflamboyantlanguage,thestoryofaslavewhoattackedherownmaster(Damon,Elenanotedmentally)totearherselffreeofhissupervision,andthenattackedtheheadofhisfamily(OldDrohzne,Elenathought)andhispoormeansofliving,hiscart,andhishopeless,impudent,slothfulslave,andhowallthishadresultedinthedeathofhisbrother.ToElena’sears,atfirst,heseemedtobeblamingLadyUlmafortheentireincidentbecauseshehadfallenunderherload.
“YouallknowthekindofslaveImean—shewouldn’tbothertowaveawayaflywalkingacrosshereye,”heshrieked,appealingtothecrowd,whichrespondedwithfreshinsultsandarenewedpeltinguponElena,sinceLadyUlmawasn’ttheretopunish.
Atlast,YoungDrohznefinishedrecountinghowthisbold-facedhussy(Elena)who,wearingtrouserslikeaman,hadcaughtuphisbrother’sownne’er-do-wellslave(Ulma)andhadcarriedawaythisvaluablepropertybodilyaway(allbymyself?Elenawonderedironically)andhadtakenhertothehomeofahighlysuspicioushealer(Dr.Meggar),whonowrefusedtogiveher,theoriginalslave,back.
“IknewwhenIheardthisthatIwouldneverseemybrotherorhisslaveagain,”hecried,intheshriekingwailthathehadsomehowbeenabletomaintainthroughouttheentirenarrative.
“Iftheslavewassolazy,youshouldhavebeenglad,”ajokerinthecrowdcalledout.
“Nevertheless,”saidaveryfatmanwhosevoiceremindedElenairresistiblyofAlfredHitchcock’s:thelugubriousdeliveryandthesamepausesbeforeimportantwords,whichservedtomakethemoodmoregrimandentirebusinessevenmoreseriousthananyonehadheretoforethought.Thiswasamanwithpower,Elenarealized.Theribaldry,thepelting,eventhehawkingandspittinghadfallensilent.Thelargemanwasundoubtedlythelocalequivalentofa“godfather”tothesepainfullypoorresidentsoftheslums.HiswordwouldbethatwhichdeterminedElena’sfate.
“Andsincethen,”hewassayingslowly,crunchingwitheveryfewwordssomeirregularlyshaped,golden-coloredsweetmeatfromabowlreservedforhimself,“theyoungvampireDamienhasmadereparation—andmostgenerously,too—forallthepropertydamage.”HeretherewasalongpauseashestaredatYoungDrohzne.“Therefore,hisslave,Aliana,whostartedallthismischiefwillnotbeseizedandputupforpublicauction,butwillmakeherhumbleobeisanceandsurrender,here,andofherownwill,receivethepunishmentsheknowsisherdue.”
Elenafoundherselfdazed.Shedidn’tknowwhetheritwasfromallthesmokethathadfloateddowntoherlevelbeforecurlingaway,butthewords“putupforpublicauction”hadsentashockthroughherthatalmostledhertoblackout.Shehadhadnoideathatthatcouldhappen—andthepicturesitbroughttomindwereextremelyunpleasant.Shealsonoticedhernewalias,andDamon’s.Itwasactuallyquitefortunate,shethoughtsinceitwouldbeniceifShinichiandMisaoneverheardaboutthislittleadventure.
“Bringtheslavetous,”thefatmanconcluded,andsatbackdownonagreatpileofcushions.
Elenawasliftedoffherfeetandroughlymarchedupwarduntilshecouldseetheman’sgildedsandals,andremarkablycleanfeet,asshekepthereyesdowninthemannerofanobedientslave.
“Haveyouheardtheseproceedings?”TheGodfather-typewasstillmunchingonhisdelicaciesandawaftofbreezebroughtaheavenlysmelltoElena’snose,andsuddenlyallthesalivashecouldaskforfloodedtoherdrylips.
“Yes,sir,”shesaid,notknowingwhattitletogivehim.
“YouaddressmeasYourExcellence.Anddoyouhaveanythingtoaddinyourdefense?”themanasked,toElena’sastonishment.Herautomaticresponseof:“Whyaskme,sinceit’sallbeenfixedupbeforehand?”wasstilledonherlips.Thismanwassomehow—more—thananyoftheothersshehadmetintheDarkDimension—infact,inherentirelife.Helistenedtopeople.HewouldlistentomeifItoldhimallaboutStefan,Elenathoughtsuddenly.Butthen,shethought,regaininghernormallevel-headedness,whatcouldhedoaboutit?Nothing,unlesshecoulddosomegoodandturnaprofitoutofit—orgainsomepower,ortakedownanenemy.
Still,hemightmakeforanallywhenshereturnedtolevelthisplaceandfreedtheslaves.
“No,YourExcellence.Nothingtoadd,”shesaid.
“AndyouarewillingtoprostrateyourselfandbegmyforgivenessandthatofMasterDrohzne?”
ThiswasElena’sfirstscriptedline.“Yes,”shesaid,andshemanagedtogetthroughherprefabricatedapologyclearlyandwithjustthehintofagulpattheend.Upcloseshecouldseeflecksofgoldonthelargeman’sface,inhislap,inhisbeard.
“Verywell.Apenaltyoftenashrodstrokesislaiduponthisslaveasanexampletoothermischief-makers.ThepunishmentwillbedeliveredbymynephewClewd.”21
Pandemonium.Elenawhippedherheadup,confusedastowhethershewassupposedtobetherepentantslaveanylonger.Thecommunityleaderswereallbabblingatoneanother,pointingfingers,throwinguptheirhands.DamonhadphysicallyrestrainedtheGodfather,whoseemedtoregardhispartintheceremonyasconcluded.
Thecrowdwashootingandcheering.Itlookedasiftherewouldbeanotherfight;thistimebetweenDamonandtheGodfather’smen,especiallytheonecalledClewd.
Elena’sheadwaswhirling.Shecouldcatchonlydisjointedphrases.
“—onlysixstrokesandpromisedmethatIcouldadminister—”Damonwasshouting.
“—reallythinkthattheselittleflunkiestellthetruth?”someoneelse—probablyClewd—wasshoutingback.
Butisn’tthatexactlywhattheGodfatherwas,too?Justabigger,morefrightening,and,undoubtedly,moreefficientflunkywhoreportedtosomeonehigherup,anddidn’tcloudhismindwithdope-smoke?Elenathought;andthenduckedherheadhastilyasthefatmanglancedtowardher.
ShecouldhearDamonagain,thistimeclearlyabovethehubbub.HewasstandingbytheGodfather.“Ihadbelievedthatevenheretherewassomehonoronceabargainwasstruck.”Hisvoicemadeitobviousthathenolongerthoughtnegotiationswerepossibleandthathewasabouttogoontheattack.Elenatensed,horrified.Shehadneverheardsuchopenmenaceinhisspeakingvoice.
“Wait.”ItwasintheGodfather’slackadaisicaltones,butitcausedaninstantofsilenceinthebabble.Thefatman,havingremovedDamon’shandfromhisarm,turnedhisheadbacktowardElena.
“Iwillwaive,formypart,theparticipationofmynephewClewd.Diarmund,orwhoeveryouwere,youarefreetopunishyourownslavewithyourowntools.”
Suddenly,surprisingly,theoldmanwasbrushingbitsofgoldoutofhisbeardandspeakingdirectlytoElena.Hiseyeswereancient,tired,andsurprisinglydiscerning.“Clewdisamasteratwhipping,youknow.Hehashisownlittleinvention.Hecallsitthecat’swhiskersandoneblowcanflaytheskinfromnecktohip.Mostmendiefromtenlashes.ButI’mafraidhe’llbedisappointedtoday.”Thenexposingsurprisinglywhiteandeventeeth,theGodfathersmiled.Heextendedtoherthebowlofgoldensweetmeatshe’dbeeneating.“YoumightaswelltasteonebeforeyourDiscipline.Goon.”
Afraidtotryone,afraidnotto,Elenatookoneoftheirregularpiecesandpoppeditinhermouth.Herteethcrunchedpleasantly.Awalnuthalf!That’swhatthemysterioussweetswere.Adelicioushalfwalnutdippedinsomekindofsweetlemonsyrup,withbitsofhotpepperorsomethinglikethatclingingtoit,allgildedwiththatediblegoldstuff.Ambrosia!
TheGodfatherwassayingtoDamon,“Doyourown‘discipline,’boy.Butdon’tneglecttoteachthegirlhowtocoverherthoughts.Shehastoomuchwittobewastedhereinaslum-brothel.ButthenwhydoInotthinkshewishestobecomeafamouscourtesanatall?”
BeforeDamoncouldanswerorElenalookupfromhergenuflection,hewasgone,carriedbypalanquinbearerstotheonlyhorse-drawncarriageElenahadseenintheslums.
Bynowthearguing,gesticulatingcivicleaders,eggedonbyYoungDrohzne,hadcometoasullenagreement.“Tenlashes,andsheneednotstrip,andyoumaygivethem,”theysaid.“Butourfinalwordisten.Themanwhonegotiatedwithyouhasnomorepowertoargue.”
Almostcasually,oneliftedbyatuftofhairabodilesshead.Absurdly,itwascrownedwithdustyleavesinanticipationofthebanquetaftertheceremony.
Damon’seyesflaredwithtrueragethatsetobjectsaroundhimvibrating.ElenacouldfeelhisPowerlikeapantherrearingbackagainstaleash.Shefeltasifshewerespeakingagainstahurricanewhichcasteverywordbackintoherthroat.
“Iagreetoit.”
“What?”
“It’sover,Da—MasterDamon.Nomoreyelling.Iagree.”
Now,assheprostratedherselfonthecarpetsbeforeDrohzne,therewasasuddenkeeningofwomenandchildrenandafusilladeofpelletsaimed—sometimesbadly—atthesmirkingslaveowner.
Thetrainofherdresswasspreadbehindherlikeabride’s,thepearloverskirtmakingtheunderskirtashimmeringburgundyintheeternalredlight.Herhairhadfallenfreeofitshighknot,makingacloudaroundhershouldersthatDamonhadtopartwithhishands.Hewasshaking.Fromfury.Elenadidn’tdarelookathim,knowingthattheirmindswouldrushtogether.ShewastheonewhorememberedtosayherformalspeechbeforehimandYoungDrohznesothisentirefarcewouldnothavetobereenacted.
Sayitwithfeeling,herdramateacher,Ms.Courtland,hadalwaysexcoriatedtheclass.Iftherewasnofeelinginyoutherecouldbenoneintheaudience.
“Master!”Elenashoutedinavoicethatwasloudenoughtobeheardabovethewomen’slamentations.“Master,Iambutaslave,notfittoaddressyou.ButIhavetrespassedandIacceptmypunishmenteagerly—yea,eagerly,ifitwillrestoretoyoubutonehairsbreadthoftherespectabilityyouenjoyedbeforemyunwontedevildoing.Ibegyoutopunishthisdisgracedslavewholieslikediscardedoffalinyourgraciouspath.”
Thespeech,whichshehadshoutedintheunvaryingglassytonesofsomeonewhohadbeentaughteachwordbyrote,hadn’tactuallyneededtobemorethanfourwords,“Master,Ibegforgiveness.”ButnooneseemedtohaverecognizedtheironythatMeredithhadputintoit,ortofinditamusing.TheGodfatherhadacceptedit;YoungDrohznehadalreadyhearditonce,andnowitwasDamon’sturn.
ButYoungDrohznewasn’tfinishedyet.SmirkingatElena,hesaid,“Here’swhereyoufindout,Missy.ButIwanttoseethatashrodbeforeyouuseit!”—stumblingtoDamon.Afewpracticeswishesandblowstothecushionssurroundingthem(whichfilledtheairwithruby-coloreddust)satisfiedhimthattherodwasallthatevenhecouldwant.
Mouthvisiblywatering,hesettledonthegoldcouch,takinginElenafromheadtotoe.
Andfinallythetimehadcome.Damoncouldn’tputitoffanylonger.Slowly,asifeverystepwaspartofaplaythathehadn’trehearsedproperly,hesidledalongsideElenatogetanangle.Finally,asthegatheredcrowdbecamerestless,andthewomenshowedsignsoflosingthemselvesindrink,ratherthaninkeening,hepickedhisspot.
“Iaskforgiveness,mymaster,”Elenasaidinherno-expressionvoice.Iflefttohimself,shethought,hewouldn’tevenhaverememberedthenecessities.
Now,indeed,wasthetime.ElenaknewwhatDamonhadpromisedher.Shealsoknewthatalotofpromiseshadbeenbrokenthatday.Foronething,tenwasalmosttwicesix.
Shewasn’tlookingforwardtothis.
Butwhenthefirstblowcame,sheknewthatDamonwasn’toneofthepromise-breakers.Shefeltadullthud,andanumbness,andthen,curiously,awetnesswhichhadherglancingupthroughthelatticeworkofboardsabovethemforclouds.Itwasdisconcertingtorealizethatthewetnesswasherownblood,spilledwithoutpain,runningdownherside.
“Makehercountthem,”YoungDrohzneslurredinasnarl,andElenasaid“One”automatically,beforeDamoncouldputupafight.
Elenawentoncountinginthesameclear,unaffectedvoice.Inhermindshewasn’there,inthisfoul-smellinghorriblegutteratall.Shewaslyingwithherelbowsproppeduptosupportherface,andlookingdownintoStefan’seyes—thosespring-greeneyesthatwouldneverbeold,nomatterhowmanycenturiesheaccumulated.Shewasdreamilycountingforhim,andtenwouldbetheirsignaltojumpupandbegintherace.Itwasraininggently,butStefanwasgivingherahandicap,andsoon,soonshewouldscrambleoffhimandrunawaythroughlushgreengrass.Shewouldmakethisafairraceandreallyputhermuscleintoit,butStefan,ofcourse,wouldcatchher.Thentheywouldgodownonthegrasstogether,laughingandlaughingasiftheywerehavinghysterics.
Asforthevague,far-offsoundsofwolflikeleersanddrunkensnarls,eventheyweregraduallychanging.ItallhadtodowithsomesillydreamaboutDamonandanashrod.Inthedream,Damonwasswinginghardenoughtosatisfythemostexactingofonlookers,andtheblows,whichElenacouldhearintheincreasingsilence,soundedmorethanhardenough,andmadeherfeelabitnauseatedwhenshereflectedthattheywerethesoundofherownskinsplitting,butshefeltnomorethandullcuffsupanddownherback.AndStefanwasdrawingupherhandtokiss!
“I’llalwaysbeyours,”Stefansaid.“Webelongtogethereverytimeyoudream.”
I’llalwaysbeyours,Elenatoldhimsilently,knowinghewouldgetthemessage.Imaynotbeabletodreamofyouallthetime,butIamalwayswithyou.
Always,myangel.I’mwaitingforyou,Stefansaid.
Elenaheardherownvoicesay“Ten,”andStefankissedherhandagainandwasgone.Blinking,bewildered,andconfusedbythesuddeninrushofnoises,shesatcautiouslyup,lookingaround.
YoungDrohznewashunchedintohimself,blindwithfury,disappointment,andmoreliquorthanevenhecouldstandupunder.Thewailingwomenhadlongagogonesilent,awed.Thechildrenweretheonlyoneswhostillmadeanynoise,climbingupanddownontheboards,whisperingtooneanotherandrunningifElenashouldhappentoglancetheirway.
Andthen,withanentirelackofceremony,itwasover.
WhenElenafirststooduptheworldmadeacompletedoublecirclearoundherandherlegsfolded.Damoncaughther,andcalledtothefewyoungmenstillconsciousandinclinedtolookathim,“Givemeacape.”Itwasn’tarequest,andthebest-dressedofthemen,whoseemedtohavebeenslumming,tossedhimaheavycape,black,linedwithgreenishblue,andsaid,“Keepit.Theperformance—marvelous.Isitahypnotist’sact?”
“Noperformance,”Damonsnarled,inavoicethatstoppedtheotherslummersintheactofholdingoutbusinesscards.
“Takethem,”Elenawhispered.
Damonsnatchedupthecardsinonehand,ungraciously.ButElenaforcedherselftotossthehairoffherfaceandsmileslowly,heavy-lidded,attheyoungmen.Theysmiledsomewhattimidlyback.
“Whenyou—ah—performagain…”
“You’llhear,”Elenacalledtothem.DamonwasalreadycarryingherbacktoDr.Meggar,surroundedbytheinevitableentourageofchildrenpluckingattheircloaks.ItwasonlythenthatitoccurredtoElenatowonderwhyDamonhadaskedforacloakfromsomestrangers,whenhe,infact,wasalreadywearingone.
“Theywillbehavingceremoniessomewhere,nowthattherearethismanyofthem,”Mrs.FlowerssaidingenteeldistressassheandMattsatandsippedherbalteaintheboardinghouseparlour.Itwasdinnertime,butstillquitelightoutside.
“Ceremoniestodowhat?”Mattasked.Hehadnevermadeittohisparents’housesincehe’dleftDamonandElenamorethanaweekagotocomebacktoFell’sChurch.He’dstoppedbyMeredith’shouse,whichwasontheedgeoftown,andshe’dconvincedhimtocomebyMrs.Flowers’sfirst.AftertheconversationthethreeofthemhadhadwithBonnie,Matthaddecideditwasbesttobe“invisible.”HisfamilywouldbesaferifnooneknewthathewasstillinFell’sChurch.Hewouldliveattheboardinghouse,butnoneofthechildrenwhoweremakingallthetroublewouldrealizethat.Then,withBonnieandMeredithsafelygonetomeetDamonandElena,Mattcouldbeasortofsecretoperative.
Nowhealmostwishedhe’dgonewiththegirls.Tryingtobeasecretoperativeinaplacewherealltheenemiesseemedtobeabletohearandseebetterthanyoucould,aswellastomovemuchfaster,hadn’tturnedouttobenearlyashelpfulasithadsounded.HespentreadingmostofthetimetheInternetblogsthatMeredithhadmarked,lookingforcluesthatmightdothemsomegood.
Buthehadn’treadoftheneedforanykindofceremonies.HeturnedtoMrs.Flowersasshethoughtfullysippedhertea.
“Ceremoniesforwhat?”herepeated.
Withhersoftwhitehairandhergentlefaceandvague,amiableblueeyes,Mrs.Flowerslookedlikethemostharmlesslittleoldladyintheworld.Shewasn’t.Awitchbybirth,andagardenerbyvocation,sheknewasmuchaboutblackmagicherbaltoxinsasaboutwhitemagichealingpoultices.
“Oh,doinggenerallyunpleasantthings,”sherepliedsadly,staringintothetealeavesinhercup.“They’repartlylikepeprallies,youknow,togeteveryoneallworkedup.Theyprobablyalsodosomesmallblackmagicthere.Someofitisbywayofblackmailandbrainwashing—theycantellanynewconvertsthattheyareguiltynowbyreasonofattendingthemeetings.Theymightaswellgiveinandbecomefullyinitiated…thatsortofthing.Veryunpleasant.”
“Butwhatkindofunpleasant?”Mattpersisted.
“Ireallydon’tknow,dear.Ineverwenttooneofthem.”
Mattconsidered.Itwasalmost7:00,whichwascurfewforchildrenundereighteen.Eighteenseemedtobetheoldestthatachildcouldbeandbecomepossessed.
Ofcourse,itwasn’tanofficialcurfew.Thesheriff’sdepartmentseemedtohavenoideaofhowtodealwiththecuriousdiseasethatwasworkingitswaythroughtheyounggirlsofFell’sChurch.Scarethemstraight?Itwasthepolicethatwerefrightened.OneyoungsheriffhadcometearingoutoftheRyanhousetobesickafterseeinghowKarenRyanhadbittenofftheheadsofherpetmiceandwhatshehaddonewiththerestofthem.
Lockthemaway?Theparentswouldn’thearofit,nomatterhowbadtheirchild’sbehaviorwas,howobviousitwasthattheirkidneededhelp.Childrenwhoweretowedofftothenexttownforanappointmentwithapsychiatristsatdemurelyandspokecalmlyandlogically…fortheentirefiftyminutesoftheirappointment.Then,ontheirwaybacktheytookrevenge,repeatingeverythingtheirparentssaidinperfectmimicry,makingstartlinglyreal-soundinganimalnoises,holdingconversationswiththemselvesinAsian-soundinglanguages,orevenresortingtotheclichébutstillchillingbackward-talkingroutine.
Neitherordinarydisciplinenorordinarymedicalscienceseemedtohaveananswertothechildrens’problem.
Butwhatfrightenedparentsthemostwaswhentheirsonsanddaughterswoulddisappear.Earlyon,itwasassumedthatthechildrenwenttothecemetery,butwhenadultstriedtofollowthemtooneoftheirsecretmeetings,theyfoundthecemeteryempty—evendowntoHonoriaFell’ssecretcrypt.Thechildrenseemedtohavesimply…vanished.
Mattthoughtheknewtheanswertothisconundrum.ThatthicketoftheOldWoodstillstandingnearthecemetery.EitherElena’spowersofpurificationhadnotreachedthisfar,ortheplacewassomalevolentthatithadbeenabletoresisthercleansing.
And,asMattknewwell,theOldWoodswerecompletelyunderthedominationofthekitsunebynow.Youcouldtaketwostepsintothethicketandspendtherestofyourlifetryingtogetout.
“ButmaybeI’myoungenoughtofollowthemin,”hesaidnowtoMrs.Flowers.“IknowTomPierlergoeswiththemandhe’smyage.Andthensoweretheoneswhostartedit:CarolinegaveittoJimBryce,whogaveittoIsobelSaitou.”
Mrs.Flowerslookedabstracted.“WeshouldaskIsobel’sgrandmotherformoreofthoseShintowardsagainstevilsheblessed,”shesaid.“Doyouthinkyoucoulddothatsometime,Matt?Soonwe’llhavetoreadyourselvesforabarricade,I’mafraid.”
“Isthatwhatthetealeavessay?”
“Yes,dear,andtheyagreewithwhatmypooroldheadsays,too.YoumightwanttopassthewordontoDr.Alpertaswellsoshecangetherdaughterandgrandchildrenoutoftownbeforeit’stoolate.”
“I’llgiveherthemessage,butIthinkit’sgoingtobeprettyhardtearingTyroneawayfromDeborahKoll.He’sreallystuckonher—hey,maybeDr.AlpertcangettheKollstoleave,too.”
“Maybeshecan.Thatwouldmeanafewlesschildrentoworryabout,”Mrs.Flowerssaid,takingMatt’scuptopeerintoit.
“I’lldoit.”Itwasweird,Mattthought.HehadthreealliesnowinFell’sChurchandtheywereallwomenoversixty.OnewasMrs.Flowers,stillvigorousenoughtobeupeverymorningtakingawalkanddoinghergardening;onewasObaasan—confinedtobed,tinyanddoll-like,withherblackhairheldupinabun—whowasalwaysreadywithadvicefromtheyearsshehadspentasashrinemaiden;andthelastwasDr.Alpert,Fell’sChurch’slocaldoctor,whohadirongrayhair,burnisheddarkbrownskin,andanabsolutelypragmaticattitudeabouteverything,includingmagic.Unlikethepolice,sherefusedtodenywhatwashappeninginfrontofher,anddidherbesttohelpalleviatethefearsofthechildrenaswellastoadvisetheterrifiedparents.
Awitch,apriestess,andadoctor.Mattfiguredthathehadallhisbasescovered,especiallysincehealsoknewCaroline,theoriginalpatientinthiscase—whetheritwaspossessionbyfoxesorwolvesorboth,plussomethingelse.
“I’llgotothemeetingtonight,”hesaidfirmly.“Thekidshavebeenwhisperingandcontactingeachotherallday.I’llhideintheafternoonsomeplacewhereIcanseethemgoingintothethicket.ThenI’llfollow—aslongasCarolineor—Godhelpus,ShinichiorMisao—isn’twiththem.”
Mrs.Flowerspouredhimanothercupoftea.“I’mveryworriedaboutyou,Matt,dear.Itseemstometobeadayofbadomens.Notthesortofdaytotakechances.”
“Doesyourmomhaveanythingtosayaboutit?”Mattasked,genuinelyinterested.Mrs.Flowers’smotherhaddiedsometimearoundthebeginningofthe1900s,butthathadn’tstoppedherfromcommunicatingwithherdaughter.
“Well,that’sjustthething.Ihaven’theardawordfromherallday.I’lljusttryonemoretime.”Mrs.Flowersshuthereyes,andMattcouldseehercrepe-texturedeyelidsmovearoundasshepresumablylookedforhermotherortriedtogointoatranceorsomething.Mattdrankhisteaandfinallybegantoplayagameonhismobile.
AtlastMrs.Flowersopenedhereyesagainandsighed.“DearMama(shealwayssaiditthatway,withtheaccentonthesecondsyllable)isbeingfractioustoday.Ijustcan’tgethertogivemeaclearanswer.Shedoessaythatthemeetingwillbeverynoisy,andthenverysilent.Andit’sclearthatshefeelsitwillbeverydangerousaswell.IthinkI’dbettergowithyou,mydear.”
“No,no!Ifyourmotherthinksit’sthatdangerousIwon’teventryit,”Mattsaid.ThegirlswouldskinhimaliveifanythinghappenedtoMrs.Flowers,hethought.Bettertoplayitsafe.
Mrs.Flowerssatbackinherchair,seemingrelieved.“Well,”shesaidatlast,“IsupposeI’dbettergettomyweeding.Ihavemugworttocutanddry,too.Andblueberriesshouldberipebynow,aswell.Howtimeflies.”
“Well,you’recookingformeandall,”Mattsaid.“Iwishyou’dletmepayyoubedandboard.”
“Icouldneverforgivemyself!Youaremyguest,Matt.Aswellasmyfriend,Idosohope.”
“Absolutely.Withoutyou,I’dbelost.AndI’lljusttakeawalkaroundtheedgeoftown.Ineedtoburnoffsomeenergy.Iwish—”Hebrokeoffsuddenly.He’dstartedtosayhewishedhecouldshootafewhoopswithJimBryce.ButJimwouldn’tbeshootinghoopsagain—ever.Notwithhismutilatedhands.
“I’lljustgooutandtakeawalk,”hesaid.
“Yes,”saidMrs.Flowers.“Please,Mattdear,becareful.RemembertotakeajacketorWindbreaker.”
“Yes,ma’am.”ItwasearlyAugust,hotandhumidenoughtowalkaroundinswimmingbriefs.ButMatthadbeenraisedtotreatlittleoldladiesinacertainway—eveniftheywerewitchesandinmostthingssharpastheX-actoknifeheslippedintohispocketashelefttheboardinghouse.
Hewentoutside,then,byasideroute,downtothecemetery.
Now,ifhejustwentoverthere,wherethegrounddippeddownbelowthethicket,he’dhaveagoodviewofanyonegoingintothelastremnantoftheOldWoodwhilenooneonthepathbelowcouldseehimfromanyangle.
Hehurriedtowardhischosenhidenoiselessly,duckingbehindtombstones,keepingalertforanychangeinbirdsong,whichwouldindicatethatthechildrenwerecoming.Buttheonlybirdsongwastheraucousshriekofcrowsinthethicketandhesawnooneatall—
—untilheslippedintohishideout.
Thenhefoundhimselfface-to-facewithadrawngun,and,behindthat,thefaceofSheriffRichMossberg.
Thefirstwordsoutoftheofficer’smouthseemedtocomeentirelybyrote,asifsomeonehadpulledastringonatwentieth-centurytalkingdoll.
“MatthewJeffreyHoneycutt,IherebyarrestyouforassaultandbatteryuponCarolineBeulaForbes.Youhavetherighttoremainsilent—”
“Andsodoyou,”Matthissed.“Butnotforlong!Hearthosecrowsalltakingoffatonce?ThekidsarecomingtotheOldWood!Andthey’reclose!”
SheriffMossbergwasoneofthosepeoplewhoneverstopspeakinguntiltheyarefinished,sobythistimehewassaying:“Doyouunderstandtheserights?”
“No,sir!MinekomprenasDumbtalk!”
Awrinkleappearedbetweenthesheriff’seyebrows.“IsthatItalianlingoyou’retryingonme?”
“It’sEsperanto—wedon’thavetime!Theretheyare—and,oh,God,Shinichi’swiththem!”ThelastsentencewasspokeninthebarestofwhispersasMattloweredhishead,peekingthroughthetallweedsattheedgeofthecemeterywithoutstirringthem.
Yes,itwasShinichi,handinhandwithalittlegirlofmaybetwelve.Mattrecognizedhervaguely:shelivedupnearRidgemont.Now,whatwashername?Betsy,Becca…?
TherewasafaintanguishedsoundfromSheriffMossberg.“Myniece,”hebreathed,surprisingMattthathecouldspeaksosoftly.“That,infact,ismyniece,Rebecca!”
“Okay,juststaystillandhangon,”Mattwhispered.TherewasalineofchildrenfollowingbehindShinichijustasifheweresomesortofSatanicPiedPiper,withhisred-tippedblackhairshiningandhisgoldeneyeslaughinginthelate-afternoonsunlight.Thechildrenweregigglingandsinging,someoftheminsweetnurseryschoolvoices,aremarkablytwistedversionof“SevenLittleRabbits.”Mattfelthismouthgodry.Itwasagonytowatchthemmarchintotheforestthicket,likewatchinglambsridinguparampintoanabattoir.
HehadtocommendthesherifffornottryingtoshootShinichi.Thatwouldreallyhavecausedallhelltobreakloose.Butthen,justasMatt’sheadwassagginginreliefasthelastofthechildrenenteredthethicket,hejerkeditbackupagain.
SheriffMossbergwaspreparingtogetup.
“No!”Mattgrabbedhiswrist.
Thesheriffpulledaway.“Ihavetogointhere!He’sgotmyniece!”
“Hewon’tkillher.Theydon’tkillthechildren.Idon’tknowwhy,buttheydon’t.”
“Youheardwhatsortoffilthhewasteachingthem.He’llsingadifferenttunewhenheseesasemiautomaticGlockpistolaimedathishead.”
“Listen,”Mattsaid,“you’vegottoarrestme,right?Idemandthatyouarrestme.Butdon’tgointothatWood!”
“Idon’tseeanyproperWood,”thesheriffsaidwithdisdain.“There’sbarelyroominthatstandofoaktreesforallthosekidstositdown.Ifyouwanttobeofsomeuseinyourlife,youcangraboneortwoofthelittleonesastheycomerunningout.”
“Runningout?”
“Whentheyseeme,they’regoingtoscatter.Probablyburstoutinalldirections,butsomeof’emwilltakethepaththeyusedtogoin.Nowareyougoingtohelpornot?”
“Not,sir,”Mattsaidslowlyandfirmly.“And—and,look—look,I’mbeggingyounottogointhere!Believeme,IknowwhatI’mtalkingabout!”
“Idon’tknowwhatkindofdopeyou’reon,kid,butinfactIdon’thavetimetotalkanymorerightnow.Andifyoutrytostopmeagain”—heswungtheGlocktocoverMatt—“I’llciteyouforanotheraccountoftryingtoobstructjustice.Getit?”
“Yeah,Igetit,”Mattsaid,feelingtired.Heslumpedbackintothehideastheofficer,makingsurprisinglylittlenoise,slippedoutandmadehiswaydowntothethicket.ThenSheriffRichMossbergstrodeinbetweenthetreesandwaslosttoMatt’sfieldofvision.
Mattsatinthehideandsweatedforanhour.HewashavingtroublestayingawakewhentherewasadisturbanceinthethicketandShinichicameout,leadingthelaughing,singingchildren.
SheriffMossbergdidn’tcomeoutwiththem.22
TheafternoonafterElena’s“discipline,”DamontookoutaroominthesamecomplexwhereDr.Meggarlived.LadyUlmastayedinthedoctor’sofficeuntilbetweenthem,Sage,Damon,andDr.Meggarhadhealedhercompletely.
Shenevertalkedaboutsadthingsnow.Shetoldthemsomanystoriesaboutherchildhoodestatethattheyfelttheycouldwalkarounditandrecognizeeveryroom,vastthoughitwas.
“Isupposeit’shometoratsandmicenow,”shesaidwistfullyattheconclusionofonestory.“Andspidersandmoths.”
“Butwhy?”Bonniesaid,failingtoseethesignalsthatbothMeredithandElenaweregivinghernottoask.
LadyUlmatippedherheadbacktolookattheceiling.“Because…ofGeneralVerantz.Themiddle-ageddemonwhosawmewhenIwasonlyfourteen.Whenhehadthearmyattackmyhome,theyslaughteredeverylivingthingtheyfoundinside—exceptmeandmycanary.Myparents,mygrandparents,myauntsanduncles…myyoungerbrothersandsisters.Evenmycatsleepingonthewindowseat.GeneralVerantzhadmebroughtinfrontofhim,justasIwas,inmynightgownandbarefeet,withmyhairunbrushedandcomingoutofitsbraid,andbesidehimwasmycanarywiththenighttimeclothoffitscage.Itwasstillaliveandhoppingaboutascheerfulasever.Andthatmadeeverythingelsethathappenedseemworsesomehow—andyetmorelikeadream,too.It’sdifficulttoexplain.
“Twoofthegeneral’smenwereholdingmewhentheybroughtmebeforehim.Theywerereallyproppingmeupmorethankeepingmefromrunning,though.Iwassoyoung,yousee,andeverythingkeptfadinginandout.ButIrememberexactlywhatthegeneralsaidtome.Hesaid,‘Itoldthisbirdtosinganditsang.ItoldyourparentsIwantedtogiveyouthehonorofbeingmywifeandtheyrefused.Nowlookoverthere.Willyoubelikethecanaryoryourparents,Iwonder?’Andhepointedtoadimcorneroftheroom—ofcourseitwasalltorchlightthen,andthetorcheshadbeenputoutforthenight.Buttherewasenoughlightformetoseethattherewasaheapofroundobjects,withthatchorgrassatonesideofthem.AtleastthatiswhatIfirstthought—truly.Iwasthatinnocent,andIbelieveshockhaddonesomethingtomymind.”
“Please,”Elenasaid,strokingLadyUlma’shandgently.“Youdon’thavetokeeponwiththis.Weunderstand—”
ButLadyUlmadidn’tseemtohearthewords.Shesaid,“Andthenoneofthegeneral’smenheldupasortofcoconutwithverylongthatchatthetop,braided.Heswungitcasually—andallofasuddenIsawitforwhatitreallywas.Itwasmymother’shead.”
Elenachokedinvoluntarily.LadyUlmalookedaroundatthethreegirlswithsteady,dryeyes.“Isupposeyouthinkmeverycallousforbeingabletotalkaboutsuchthingswithoutbreakingdown.”
“No,no—”Elenabeganhastily.Sheherselfwasshaking,evenaftertuningdownherpsychicsensestotheirleastextent.ShehopedBonniewouldn’tfaint.
LadyUlmawasspeakingagain.“War,casualviolence,andtyrannyareallIhaveknownsincemychildhoodinnocencewascrushedinthatmoment.Itiskindnessnowthatastoundsme,thatmakesmyeyesstingwithtears.”
“Oh,don’tcry,”beggedBonnie,throwingherarmsaroundthewomanimpulsively.“Pleasedon’t.We’rehereforyou.”
MeanwhileElenaandMeredithwereregardingeachotherwithknittedeyebrowsandquickshrugs.
“Yes,pleasedon’tcry,”Elenaputin,feelingfaintlyguilty,butdeterminedtotryPlanA.“Buttellus,whydidyourfamilyestateendupinsuchbadcondition?”
“Itwasthefaultofthegeneral.Hewassenttofarawaylandstofightfoolish,meaninglesswars.Whenhelefthewouldtakemostofhisretinuewithhim—includingslaveswhowereinfavoratthemoment.Whenheleftonce,threeyearsafterhehadattackedourhome,Iwasnotinfavor,andIwasnotchosentobewithhim.Iwaslucky.Hisentirebattalionwaswipedout;thehouseholdmemberswhowentwithhimweretakencaptiveorslaughtered.HehadnoheirandhispropertyhererevertedtotheCrown,whichhadnouseforit.Ithaslainunoccupiedforallthesemanyyears—lootedmanytimes,nodoubt,butwithitstruesecret,thesecretofthejewels,undiscovered…asfarasIknow.”
“TheSecretoftheJewels,”Bonniewhispered,clearlyputtingitallincapitalletters,asifitwereamysterynovel.ShestillhadanarmaroundLadyUlma.
“Whatsecretofthejewels?”Meredithsaidmorecalmly.Elenacouldn’tspeakforthedeliciousshiversthatwererunningthroughher.Thiswaslikebeingpartofsomemagicalplay.
“Inmyparents’day,itwascommontohideyourwealthsomewhereonyourestate—andtokeeptheknowledgeofitshidingplacestrictlytotheowners.Ofcourse,myfather,asadesignerandtraderinjewels,hadmoretohidethanmostpeopleknewof.HehadawonderfulroomthatseemedtomesomethinglikeAladdin’scave.Itwashisworkshop,wherehekepthisrawgemsaswellasfinishedpiecesthathadbeencommissionedorthathedesignedformymotheroroutofhisimagination.”
“Andnooneeverfoundthat?”Meredithsaid.Therewasjusttheslightesttingeofskepticisminhervoice.
“Ifanyonedid,Ineverheardaboutit.Ofcourse,theycouldhavegottentheknowledgeoutofmyfatherormother,intime—butthegeneralwasnotameticulousandpatientvampireorkitsune,butaroughandimpatientdemon.Hekilledmyparentsashestormedthroughthehouse.ItneveroccurredtohimthatI,achildoffourteen,mightsharetheknowledge.”
“Butyoudid…”Bonniewhispered,fascinated,takingthestorywhereithadtogo.
“ButIdid.AndIdonow.”
Elenagulped.Shewasstilltryingtostaycalm,tobemorelikeMeredith,tomaintainacoolhead.Butjustassheopenedhermouthtobecoolheaded,Meredithsaid,“Whatarewewaitingfor?”andjumpedtoherfeet.
LadyUlmaseemedtobethemosttranquilpersonthere.Shealsoseemedslightlybewilderedandalmosttimid.“Youmeanthatweshouldaskourmasterforanaudience?”
“Imeanthatweshouldgooutthereandgetthosejewels!”Elenaexclaimed.“Although,yes,Damonwouldbeabigassetifthere’sanythingthattakesstrengthtolift.Sage,too.”Shecouldn’tunderstandwhyLadyUlmawasn’tmoreexcited.
“Don’tyousee?”Elenasaid,hermindracing.“Youcanhaveyourhouseholdbackagain!Wecandoourbesttofixitupthewayitwaswhenyouwereachild.Imean,ifthat’swhatyouwanttodowiththemoney.ButI’dlove,atleast,toseetheAladdin’scave!”
“But—well,”LadyUlmaseemedsuddenlydistressed.“IhadmeanttoaskMasterDamonforanotherfavor—althoughthemoneyfromthejewelsmighthelpwiththat.”
“Whatisitthatyouwant?”Elenasaidasgentlyasshecould.“Andyoudon’tneedtocallhimMasterDamon.Hefreedyoudaysago,remember?”
“Butsurelythatwasjusta—acelebrationofthemoment?”LadyUlmastilllookedpuzzled.“Hedidn’tmakeitofficialattheServileOfficesoranything,didhe?”
“Ifhedidn’tit’sbecausehedidn’tknow!”BonniecriedoutatthesametimeasMeredithsaid,“Wedon’treallyunderstandtheprotocol.Isthatwhatyouneedtodo?”
LadyUlmaseemedableonlytonodherhead.Elenafelthumble.Sheguessedthatthiswoman,aslaveformorethantwenty-twoyears,mustfindtruefreedomdifficulttobelievein.
“Damonmeantitwhenhesaidwewereallfree,”shesaid,kneelingbyLadyUlma’schair.“Hejustdidn’tknowallthethingshehadtodo.Ifyoutellus,wecantellhim,andthenwecanallgotoyouroldestate.”
Shewasabouttogetupagain,whenBonniesaid,“Something’swrong.Sheisn’tashappyasshewasbefore.Wehavetofindoutwhatitis.”
Byopeningherpsychicperceptionsabit,ElenacouldtellthatBonniewasright.Shestayedwhereshewas,kneelingbyLadyUlma’schair.
“Whatisit?”shesaid,becausethewomanseemedtobarehersoulmostwhenshe,Elena,askedthequestions.
“Ihadhoped,”LadyUlmasaidslowly,“thatMasterDamonmightbuy…”Sheflushed,butstruggledon.“Mightfinditinhishearttobuyonemoreslave.The…thefatherofmychild.”
Therewasamomentofperfectsilence,andthenallthreegirlsweretalking,allthree,Elenaguessed,tryingfranticallytodowhatsheherselfwasworkingat,whichwasnotmentioningthatshehadassumedOldDrohznewasthefather.
Butofcoursehecouldn’tbe,Elenascoldedherself.She’shappyaboutthispregnancy—andwhocouldbehappytohaveachildbyadisgustingmonsterlikeOldDrohzne?Besides,hedidn’thaveacluethatshemightbepregnant—anddidn’tcare.
“Itmightbeeasiersaidthandone,”LadyUlmasaid,whenthebabbleofreassurancesandquestionshaddieddownalittle.“Lucenisajeweler,arenownedmanwhocreatespiecesthat…thatremindmeofmyfather’s.Hewillbeexpensive.”
“Butwe’vegotAladdin’scavetoexplore!”Bonniesaidgleefully.“Imean,you’llhaveenoughifyouselloffthejewelry,right?Ordoyouneedmore?”
“ButthatisMasterDamon’sjewelry,”LadyUlmasaid,seeminghorrified.“EvenifhedidnotrealizeitwhenheinheritedallofOldDrohzne’sproperty,hebecamemyowner,andtheownerofallmyproperty….”
“Let’sgogetyoufreedandthenwe’lltakethingsonestepatatime,”Meredithsaidinherfirmestandmostrationalvoice.
DearDiary,
Well,Iamwritingtoyoustillasaslave.TodaywefreedLadyUlma,butdecidedthatMeredithandBonnieandIshouldremain“personalassistants.”ThisisbecauseLadyUlmasaidDamonwouldseemoddandunfashionableifhedidn’thaveseveralbeautifulgirlsascourtesans.
Thereisactuallyanupsidetothis,whichisthatascourtesansweneedtohavebeautifulclothesandjewelryallthetime.SinceI’vebeenwearingthesamepairofjeanseversincethatb*st*rdOldDrohzneslicedupthepairIworeintothisplace,youcanimaginethatI’mexcited.
But,truly,it’snotjustbecauseofprettyclothesI’mexcited.EverythingthathappenedsincewefreedLadyUlmaandthenwenttoheroldestatehasbeenawonderfuldream.Thehousewasrundown,andobviouslythehomeofwildanimalswhouseditasalavatoryaswellasabedroom.Weevenfoundthetracksofwolvesandotheranimalsupstairs,whichledtothequestionofwhetherwerewolvesliveinthisworld.Apparentlytheydo,andsomeinveryhighpositionsundervariousfeudallords.MaybeCarolinewouldliketotryavacationheretolearnabouttherealwerewolvesthough—they’resaidtohatehumanssomuchthattheywon’tevenhavehumanorvampire(oncehuman)slaves.
ButbacktoLadyUlma’shouse.Itsfoundationisofstoneandit’spaneledinsidewithhardwood,sothebasicstructureisfine.Thecurtainsandtapestriesareallhanginginshreds,ofcourse,soit’ssortofspookytogoinsidewithtorchesandseethemdanglingaboveandaroundyou.Nottomentionthegiantspiderwebs.Ihatespidersmorethananything.
Butwewentinside,withourtorchesseeminglikesmallerversionsofthatgiantcrimsonsunthatalwayssitsonthehorizon,stainingeverythingoutsidethecolorofblood,andweshutthedoorsandlitafireinagiantfireplaceinwhatLadyUlmacallstheGreatHall.(Ithinkit’swhereyoueatorhaveparties—ithasanenormoustableonadaisatoneside,andaroomforminstrelsabovewhatmustbethedancefloor.LadyUlmasaidthatthisiswheretheservantsallsleepatnight,too(theGreatHall,nottheminstrelgallery).
Thenwewentupstairs,wherewesaw—Iswear—severaldozenbedroomswithverylargefour-posterbedsthataregoingtoneednewmattressesandsheetsandcoverletsandhangings,butwedidn’tstaytolookaround.Therewerebatshangingfromtheceiling.
WeheadedforLadyUlma’smother’sworkroom.ItwasaverylargeroomwhereatleastfortypeoplecouldsitandsewtheclothesthatLadyUlma’smotherdesigned.Buthere’stheexcitingpart!
LadyUlmawenttooneofthewardrobesintheroomandmovedawayallthetattered,moth-eatenclothesthatwereinit.Andshepressedsomedifferentplacesatthebackofthecupboardandthewholebackofthecupboardslidout!Insideitwasaverynarrowstairwaygoingstraightdown!
IkeptthinkingaboutHonoriaFell’scryptandwonderingifsomehomelessvampiremighthavetakenupresidenceintheroomdownstairs,butIknewthatwassillybecausetherewerespiderwebsjustinsidethedoor.Damonstillinsistedthathegodownfirstbecausehehasthebesteyesightinthedark,butIthinkthetruthisthathewasjustcurioustoseewhatwasdownthere.
Weeachfollowedhimoneatatime,tryingtobecarefulwiththetorches,and…well,Ican’tfindtherightwordsforwhatwediscovered.ForjustafewminutesIwasdisappointedbecauseeverythingonthebigtabledowntherewasdustyratherthansparkly,butthenLadyUlmabegantogentlybrushjewelsoffwithaspecialclothandBonniefoundsacksandpackagesandshepouredthemout—anditwaslikepouringoutarainbow!Damonfoundacabinetwherethereweredrawersanddrawersofnecklaces,bracelets,rings,armlets,anklets,earrings,noserings,andhairpinsandornaments,too!
Icouldn’tbelievewhatIwasseeing.IpouredoutapouchandfoundthatIhadahugehandfulofgloriouswhitediamondsdrippingthroughmyfingers,someofthemasbigasmythumbnail.Isawwhitepearlsandblackpearls,bothsmallerandperfectlymatched,andhugeandinmarvelousshapes:almostasbigasapricotswithpinkorgoldenorgraysheenstothem.Isawsapphiresthesizeofquarters,withstarsyoucouldseealmostfromacrosstheroom.Iheldhandfulsofemeraldsandperidotsandopalsandrubiesandtourmalinesandamethysts—andalotoflapislazuli,forthediscriminatingvampire,ofcourse.
Andthejewelrythatwasalreadymadeupwassobeautifulitmademythroatache.IknowLadyUlmahadaquietlittlecry,butIthinkitwaspartlyfromhappinessasweallkeptcomplimentingheronherjewels.Indaysshehasgonefrombeingaslavewhoownednothingtoanincrediblyrichwomanwhoownsahouseandallthemeansshewouldeverneedtokeepitupinstyle.Wedecidedthateventhoughsheisgoingtomarryherlover,itwasbestatfirstforDamontobuyhimquietlyandfreehimquietly,buttoplay“HeadoftheHousehold”foraslongaswearehere.DuringthattimewewilltreatLadyUlmaasfamily,andwillputthejewelerLucenbacktoworkuntilweleave,whenheandLadyUlmacanquietlytakeDamon’splace.Thefeudallordsaroundherearenotdemonsanymore,butvampires,andtheyhavelessobjectiontohumansowningproperty.
HaveItoldyouaboutLucen?He’sawonderfulartistwithjewels!Hehasaburningneedtocreate—inhisearlydaysasaslavehewouldcreatewithmudandweeds,imaginingthathewasmakingjewelry.Thenhegotluckyandwasapprenticedtoajeweler.He’sfeltsorryforLadyUlmaforsolong,andlovedherforsolong,thatit’slikealittlemiraclethattheyaretrulyabletogettogether—andmostimportantly,asfreecitizens.
WewereafraidthatLucenmightnotliketheideaofusbuyinghimasaslaveandnotfreeinghimuntilweleave,butheneverthoughthe’dbefree—becauseofhistalent.He’saslow,gentle,kindman,withaneatlittlebeardandgrayeyesthatremindmeofMeredith’s.Andhe’ssoamazedatbeingtreateddecentlyandnotworkedaroundtheclockthathewouldhaveacceptedanything,justtobeallowedtobenearLadyUlma.Iguesshewasanapprenticewhenherfatherwasajeweler,andhefellinlovewithherallthoseyearsago,buthethoughthewouldnever,nevereverbeabletobewithher,becauseshewasayoungladyofqualityandhewasaslave.They’resohappytogether!
EverydayLadyUlmalooksmorebeautiful,andyounger.SheaskedpermissionfromDamontodyeherhairallblack,andhetoldhershecoulddyeitpinkifsheliked,andnowshejustlooksincrediblybeautiful.Ican’tbelieveIeverthoughtofherasanoldhag,butthat’swhatagonyandfearandhopelessnessdotoyou.Everyoneofthosegrayhairswasfrombeingaslave,withnoproperty,nosayinherfuture,nosafety,noabilityeventokeepherchildren,ifshehadthem.
IforgottotellyoutheotherupsideofMeredith,Bonnie,andIbeing“personalassistants”forawhile.It’sthatwecanemployalotofpoorwomenwhomaketheirlivingbysewing,andLadyUlmaactuallywantstodesignandshowthemhowtomakeourfinestclothes.Wetoldherthatshecouldjustrelax,butshesaysallherlifeshe’sfantasizedaboutbeingadesignerlikehermotherandnowshe’sdyingtodoit—withthreecompletelydifferenttypesofgirltodress.I’mdyingtoseewhatshe’llcomeupwith:she’salreadystartedsketchingandtomorrowthemanwhosellsfabricwillcomeandshe’llpickthematerials.
MeanwhileDamonhashiredabouttwohundredpeople(really!)tocleanoutLadyUlma’sestate,putupnewwallhangingsandcurtains,refurbishtheplumbingsystem,polishupthefurniturethathaskeptnicely,andtogetnewfurniturewherethingshavefallenapart.Oh,andtoplantready-grownflowersandtreesinthegardensandputinfountainsandallkindsofstuff.Withthatmanypeopleworking,weoughttobeabletomoveininjustamatterofdays
Allthishasjustonepurpose,asidefrommakingLadyUlmahappy.It’ssothatDamonandhis“personalassistants”willbeacceptedbyhighsocietyastheseasonofpartiesbeginsthisyear.BecauseI’vekeptthebestforlast.BothLadyUlmaandSagecouldimmediatelyidentifythepeopleintheriddlesthatMisaogavetous!
ItjustgoestoprovewhatIthoughtbefore,thatMisaoneverimaginedthatwe’dactuallymakeithere,orthatwecouldgetentrancetotheplaceswherethey’vehiddenthetwohalvesofthefoxkey.
Butthere’saveryeasywaytogetinvitedintothehousesweneedtogetinto.Ifwe’rethenewest,splashiestnouveauriche(sp?)around,andifwecirculatethestorythatLadyUlmahasbeenrestoredtoherrightfulplace,andifeveryonewantstoknowabouther—we’llgetinvitedtoparties!Andthat’showwegetintothetwoestatesweneedtovisittolookforthehalvesofthekeythatweneedtofreeStefan!Andwe’reincrediblylucky,becausethisisthetimeofyearwheneveryonebeginstogiveparties,andbothhouseholdswewanttovisitarehavingearlycelebrations:oneisagala,andoneisaspringsoireetocelebratethefirstflowers.
Iknowmywritingisshakynow.I’mshakymyselfatthethoughtthatweareactuallygoingtolookforthetwohalvesofthefoxkeythatwillletusbreakStefanoutofhisprison.
Oh,diary,it’slate—andIcan’t—Ican’twriteaboutStefan.Tobehereinthesamecitywithhim,toknowthedirectiontohisprison…andyettonotbeabletogettoseehim.MyeyesaresoblurredIcan’tseewhatI’mwriting.Iwantedtogetsomesleeptobereadyforanotherdayofrunningaround,supervising,andwatchingLadyUlma’sestateblossomlikearose—butnowI’mafraidI’lljusthavenightmaresaboutStefan’shandslowlyslippingoutofmine.23
That“night”theymovedin,choosingthehourwhiletheotherestatestheypassedweredarkenedandquiet.Elena,Meredith,andBonnieeachpickedaroomontheupperfloorasabedroom,allclosetogether.Nearbywasaluxuriousbathingroom,withapaleblueandwhitemarblefloorandauniquepoolshapedlikeagiantrose,fullylargeenoughtoswimin,heatedbycharcoal,withacheerful-lookingservanttotendit.
Elenawasdelightedwithwhathappenednext.Damonboughtanumberofslavesquietly,inaprivatesalefromarespectabledealer,andthenpromptlyfreedthemallandofferedthemwagesandtimeoff.Almostalltheformerslaveswereonlytoohappytoagreetostay,andonlyafewchosetoleaveorranaway,mostlywomeninsearchoftheirfamilies.TheotherswouldremainandbecomeLadyUlma’sstaffonceDamon,Elena,Bonnie,andMeredithleftafterfreeingStefan.
LadyUlma,wasgivena“senior”roomdownstairs,althoughDamonalmosthadtousebruteforcetoinstallherinit.Hehimselfchosearoomthatwasanofficebyday,sincehewasn’tlikelytospendmuchofthenightinthehouseanyway.
Therewasaslightembarrassmentoverthat.Mostofthestaffknewofthewaysofvampiremasters,andtheyounggirlsandwomenwhocametoseworwholivedontheestateandcookedandcleanedseemedtoexpectsomesortofrotatobeworkedout,witheachofthemtakingturnsatbeingdonors.
DamonexplainedthistoElena,whoquashedtheideabeforeitcouldbeimplemented.ShecouldtellthatDamonwashopingforasteadystreamofgirls,rangingfromflowerliketored-cheekedandbuxom,whowouldbegladtobe“tapped”likebeerkegsfortheprettybanglesandbaublesthatweretraditionallygiven.
Elenasimilarlydisposedoftheideaofhuntingforhire.SagehadmentionedthattherewereevenrumorsofapossibleOutsideconnection:averyadvancedtrainingcourseforNavySEALs.
“Andtheycancomeouttheworld’sonlyvampireseals,”Elenahadsaidsardonically,infrontofagroupofmaleslavesthistime.“Theycangooutandbitesharks.Certainlyyouguyscangooutandhuntsomehumanslikeapairofowlshuntingmice—justdon’tbothertocomehomeafterward,becausethedoorswillbelocked…permanently.”SheheldSage’sgazeuntilherexpressionbecameasteelyglareandhe’dhastenedofftodosomethingelsearoundtheestate.
Elenadidn’tmindSage’sinformalmovinginwiththem.AndafterhearinghowSagehadsavedDamonfromthemobthatambushedhimonthewaytotheMeetingPlace,shehaddeterminedinherownmindthatifSageeverwantedherblood,shewouldgiveittohimunhesitatingly.Afterafewdays,whenhehadstayedaroundthehousenearDr.Meggar’sandthenmovedwiththemintoLadyUlma’scompound,shehadwonderedifherdiminishedauraandDamon’sreticenceweren’tdeprivinghimofsomethingheshouldknowabout.Soshe’dthrownbroaderandbroaderhintsathim,untiloncewhenhehaddoubledover,andthen,withtearsoflaughter(buthaditonlybeenlaughter?)inhiseyes,hadcomeovertoherandsaidthattheAmericanshadasaying,no?Youcanleadahorsetowater,butyoucannotmakeitdrink.Inhiscase,hesaid,youcouldleadasnarlingblackpanther—hernormalmentaliconicimageofDamon—towater,ifyouhadelectriccattleprodsandelephantankusha,butthatafterwardyou’dbeafooltoturnyourbackonit.Elenahadlaugheduntilshe,too,cried,buthadstillpledgedthatifhewantedherblood,areasonablesharewashis.
Nowshesimplyfeltgladtohavehimaround.Herheartwastoofullalready,withStefan,Damon—andevenMatt,despitehisapparentdesertion—forhertobeindangeroffallingforanothervampire,nomatterhowterminallyfittheywere.SheappreciatedSageasafriendandprotector.
ElenawassurprisedathowmuchshecametorelyonLakshmiaseachdaypassed.Lakshmihadbegunasasortofgopher,doingtherunningaroundthatnooneelsewantedto,butmoreandmore,shehadbecomeLadyUlma’smaid-in-waitingandElena’ssourceofinformationaboutthisworld.LadyUlmawasstillofficiallybedridden,andhavingLakshmireadyatanytimeofthedayornight,tosendmessages,waswonderfullyconvenient.Too,shewassomeonethatElenacouldaskquestionsofthatotherwisewouldgethereyedasifshewerecrazy.Didtheyneedtobuyplatesorwasfoodservedonalargehunkofdriedbread,whichactedasanapkinforgreasyfingersaswell?(Plateshadbeenrecentlyintroduced,alongwithforks,whichwerealltheragenow.)Howmuchwerethemenandwomanofthehouseholdentitledtoinwages(whichhadtobecalculatedfromscratch,sincenootherhouseholdpaiditsslavesageld,merelyclothingthemfromacommunityuniformcache,andallowingthemoneortwo“feastdays”ayear)?Youngasshewas,LakshmiwasbothhonestandboldandElenawasgroominghertobecomeLadyUlma’srighthand,afterLadyUlmahadbecomewellenoughtobetheladyofthehouse.24
DearDiary,
It’sthenightbeforethenightofourfirstparty—orrathergala.ButIdon’tfeelverygala.ImissStefantoomuch.
I’vebeenbroodingaboutMatt,too.Howhewalkedaway,soangryatme,notevenlookingback.Hedidn’tunderstandhowIcould…carefor…Damon,andyetstillloveStefansomuchthatitfeltasifmyheartwasbreaking.
Elenaputdownthepenandstaredatherdiarydully.Theheartbreakmanifesteditselfinactualphysicalpainsinherchestthatwouldhavefrightenedherifshehadn’tbeensureofwhatitreallywas.ShemissedStefansodesperatelythatshecouldhardlyeat,couldbarelysleep.Hewaslikeapartofhermindthatwasconstantlyonfire,likeaphantomlimbthatwouldnevergoaway.
Notevenwritinginherdiarywouldhelptonight.AllshecouldwriteaboutwerepainfullytantalizingmemoriesofthegoodtimessheandStefanhadsharedtogether.Howgoodithadbeenwhenshecouldjustturnherheadandknowthatshewouldseehim—whataprivilegethathadbeen!Andnowitwasgone,andinitsplacewasrackingconfusion,guilt,andanxiety.Whatwashappeningtohim,rightnow,whenshenolongerhadtheprivilegeofturningherheadandseeinghim?Werethey…hurtinghim?
Oh,God,ifonly…
IfonlyIhadmadehimlockallthewindowstohisroomattheboardinghouse…
IfonlyIhadbeenmoresuspiciousofDamon…
IfonlyIhadguessedhehadsomethingonhismindthatlastnight…
Ifonly…ifonly…
Itbecameapoundingrefrainintimetoherheart.Shefoundherselfbreathinginsobs,hereyestightlyshut,clutchingtherhythmtoherandclenchingherfists.
IfIkeepfeelingthisway—ifIletitcrushmeenough—I’llbecomeaninfinitesimalpointinspace.I’llbecrushedintonothingness—andeventhatwillbebetterthanneedinghimsomuch.
Elenaliftedupherhead…andstareddownatherhead,restingonherdiary.
Shegasped.
Oncemoreherfirstreactionwastoimaginedeath.Andthen,slowly,becauseshewasstupefiedbysomanytears,sherealizedthatshe’ddoneitagain.
Shewasoutofherbody.
Thistimeshewasn’tevenawareofaconsciousdecisionaboutwheretogo.Shewasflying,sofastthatshecouldn’ttellwhichwayshewasgoing.Itwasasifshewerebeingpulled,asifshewerethetailofacometthatwasrapidlyshootingdownward.
Atonepointsherealizedwithfamiliarhorrorthatshewaspassingthroughthings,andthenshewasveeringasifsheweretheendofthewhipinagameofCracktheWhipandthenshewascatapultedintoStefan’scell.
Shewasstillsobbingasshelandedinthecell,unsureofwhethershehadsolidformorgravity,anduncaringforthemoment.TheonlythingshehadtimetoseewasStefan,verythinbutsmilinginhissleepandthenshewasdumpedontohim,intohim,andstillcryingasshebounced,aslightlyasafeather,andStefanwoke.
“Oh,can’tyouletmesleepforafewminutesinpeace?”Stefansnapped,andaddedacoupleofItalianwordsthatElenahadneverhadreasontohearbefore.
ElenahadanimmediatefitoftheBonnies,sobbingsohardthatshecouldn’tlistento—couldn’tevenhear—anycomfortthatwasonoffer.Theyweredoinghorriblethingstohim,andtheywereusingherimage,Elena’s,todothem.Itwasalltooawful.TheywereconditioningStefantohateher.Shehatedherself.Everyoneinthewholeworldhatedher—
“Elena!Elena,don’tcry,love!”
Dully,Elenaliftedherselfup,gettingabriefanatomicalviewofStefan’schestbeforeshewassobbingagain,tryingtowipehernoseonStefan’sprisonuniform,whichlookedasifitcouldonlybeimprovedbyanythingshemightdotoit.
Shecouldn’t,ofcourse;justasshecouldn’tfeelthearmthatwastryingtoencirclehergently.Shehadn’tbroughtherbodywithher.
Butshehad,somehow,broughthertears,andacold,cable-wire-toughvoiceinsideherselfsaid,Don’twastethem,idiot!Usethosetears.Ifyou’regoingtosob,soboverhisfaceorhishands.And,bytheway,everyonehatesyou.
EvenMatthatesyou,andMattlikeseverybody,thetinycruel,productivevoicewentonandElenagavewaytoafreshgaleofsobbing,absentlynotingtheeffectofeachteardrop.Eachdropturnedthewhiteskinunderitpinkandthecolorspreadinripplesoutward,asifStefanwereapool,andshewasrestingonhim,wateronwater.
ExceptthathertearswerefallingsofastthatitlookedlikearainstormonWickeryPond.AndthatonlymadeherthinkaboutthetimethatMatthadfallenintothepond,tryingtorescuealittlegirlwhohadfallenthroughtheice,andhowMatthatedhernow.
“Don’t,ohdon’t;don’t,lovelylove,”Stefanbegged,sosincerelythatanyonewouldhavebelievedhemeantit.Buthowcouldhe?Elenaknewwhatshemustlooklike,faceswollenandblotchedbytears:no“lovelylove”here!Andhe’dhavetobemadtowanthertostopcrying:theteardropsweregivinghimnewlifewherevertheytouchedhisskin—andperhapsthestorminsidehimhaddonebest,becausehistelepathicvoicewasstrongandsure.
Elena,forgiveme—oh,God,justgivemeonemomentwithher!Justasinglemoment!Icanbearanythingthen,eventhetruedeath.Justonemomenttotouchher!
AndperhapsGoddidlookdownforamomentinpity.Elena’slipswerehoveringover,quiveringover,Stefan’s,asifshecouldsomehowstealakisslikethisassheusedtowhenhewasstillasleep.ButforjustaninstantitseemedtoElenathatshefeltwarmfleshbelowhersandtheflickofStefan’slashesagainsthereyelidsashiseyesflewopeninsurprise.
Instantlytheybothfroze,eyeswideopen,neitherofthemfoolishenoughtomoveintheslightest.ButElenacouldn’thelpherself,astheflushofwarmthfromStefan’slipssentaflushofwarmththroughherentirebody.Shemeltedintothekiss,and,whilekeepingherbodycarefullyinthesameposition,felthergazegounfocusedandhereyelidsclose.
Asherlashessweptagainstsomethingwithsubstance,themomentsweptquietlytoanend.Elenahadtwochoices:shecouldshriekandrailtelepathicallyatIlSignoreforonlygivingthemwhatStefanhadaskedfor,orshecouldgatherhercourageandsmileandmaybecomfortStefan.
HerbetternaturewonoutandwhenStefanopenedhiseyes,shewasleaningoverhim,pretendingtoberestingonherelbowsandhischest,andsmilingathimasshetriedtostraightenoutherhair.
Relieved,Stefansmiledbackather.Itwasasifhecouldbearanything,aslongasshewasunhurt.
“Now,Damonwouldhavebeenpractical,”sheteasedhim.“Hewouldhavekeptmecrying,becauseintheend,hishealthwouldbethemostimportantthing.Andhe’dhaveprayedfor…”Shepausedandfinallybeganlaughing,whichmadeStefansmile.“Ihavenoidea,”Elenasaidfinally.“Idon’tthinkDamonprays.”
“Probablynot,”Stefansaid.“Whenwewereyoung—andhuman—thetownpriestwalkedwithacanethatheseemedtoenjoyusingonyoungdelinquentboysmorethanasasourceofsupport.”
Elenathoughtofthedelicatechildchainedtothehugeandheavyboulderofsecrets.Wasreligiononeofthethingslockedaway,putbehinddoorsclosedoneafteranotherinsecretthere,likeachamberednautilusuntilalmosteverythinghecaredaboutwasinside?
Shedidn’taskthatofStefan.Instead,shesaid,loweringher“voice”tothetiniesttelepathicwhisper,thebarestdisturbanceofneuronsinStefan’sreceptivebrain:WhatotherpracticalthingscanyouthinkofthatDamonmighthavethoughtof?Thingsrelatingtoajailbreak?
“Well…forajailbreak?ThefirstthingIcanthinkofisforyoutoknowyourwayaroundthecity.Iwasbroughthereblindfoldedbutsincetheydon’thavethepowertotakethecurseoffvampiresandmakethemhuman,Istillhadallmysenses.I’dsayit’sacityaboutthesizeofNewYorkandLosAngelescombined.”
“Bigcity,”Elenanoted,takingnotesinherhead.
“Butfortunatelytheonlybitsthatwouldinterestusareinthesouthwesternsection.Thecity’ssupposedtoberuledbytheGuardians—butthey’refromtheOtherSideandthedemonsandvampiresherelongagorealizedthatpeopleweremoreafraidofthemthantheGuardians.It’ssetupnowwithabouttwelvetofifteenfeudalcastlesorestates,andeachofthoseestateshascontrolofaconsiderableamountoflandoutsidethecity.Theygrowtheirownuniqueproductsandsellthemindealsmadehere.Forinstance,it’sthevampireswhocultivateClarionLoessBlackMagic.”
“Isee,”saidElena,whohadnoideawhathewastalkingabout,excepttheBlackMagicwine.“ButallwereallyneedtoknowishowtogettotheShinoShi—yourprison.”
“That’strue.Well,theeasiestwaywouldbetofindthekitsunesector.TheShinoShiisaclusterofbuildings,withthelargestone—theonewithoutatop,althoughit’scurved,andyoumaynotbeabletotellfromtheground—”
“Theonethatlookslikeacoliseum?”Elenainterruptedeagerly.“Igetasortofbird’s-eyeviewofthecitywheneverIcomehere.”
“Well,thethingthatlookslikeacoliseumisacoliseum.”Stefansmiled.
Hereallysmiled;he’sfeelingwellenoughtosmile,now,Elenarejoiced,butsilently.
“Sotogetyouinandout,wejustheadfrombelowthecoliseumtothegatebacktoourworld,”Elenasaid.“Buttogetyoufreethereare—somethingsweneedtocollect—andthoseareprobablygoingtobeindifferentpartsofthecity.”ShetriedtorememberifshehadeverdescribedthetwinfoxkeytoStefanornot.Itwasprobablybetternottodoitifshehadn’talreadydoneit.
“ThenI’dhireanativeguide,”Stefansaidimmediately.“Idon’treallyknowanythingaboutthecity,exceptwhattheguardstellme—andI’mnotsureifIwouldtrustthem.Butthelittlepeople—theordinaryones—willprobablyknowthethingsyouwanttoknow.”
“That’sagoodidea,”Elenasaid.Shedrewinvisibledesignswithatransparentfingeronhischest.“IthinkDamonreallyplanstodoeverythinghecantohelpus.”
“Ihonorhimforcoming,”Stefansaid,asifhewerethinkingthingsout.“He’skeepinghispromise,isn’the?”
Elenanodded.Deep,deepinherconsciousnessfloatedthethoughts:Hiswordtomethathewouldtakecareofyou.Hiswordtoyouthathewouldtakecareofme.Damonalwayskeepshisword.
“Stefan,”shesaid,againintheinnermostrecessesofhismind,whereshecouldshareinformation—shehoped—insecret,“youshouldhaveseenhim,really.WhenIdidWingsofRedemptionandeverybadthingthathadhardenedhimormadehimcruelcameundone.AndwhenIdidWingsofPurificationandallthestonecoveringhissoulcameawayinchunks….Idon’tthinkyoucouldimaginehowhewas.Hewassoperfect—andsonew.Andlaterwhenhecried…”
ElenacouldfeelinsideStefanthreelayersofemotionsucceedoneanotheralmostinstantaneously.DisbeliefthatDamoncouldcry,despiteallthatElenahadbeentellinghim.Then,beliefandastonishmentasheabsorbedherpicturesandhermemories.Andfinally,theneedtoconsoleherasshestaredataDamonforevertrappedinpenitence.ADamonthatwouldneverexistagain.
“Hesavedyou,”whisperedElena,“buthewouldn’tsavehimself.Hewouldn’tevenbargainwithShinichiandMisao.Hejustletthemtakeallhismemoriesofthattime.”
“Maybeithurttoomuch.”
“Yes,”saidElena,deliberatelyloweringherbarrierssothatStefancouldfeelthehurtthatthenewandperfectcreatureshe’dcreatedhadfeltuponlearningthathehadcommittedactsofcrueltyandtreacherythat—well,thatwouldmakethestrongestsoulflinch.“Stefan?Ithinkhemustfeelverylonely.”
“Yes,angel.Ithinkyou’reright.”
ThistimeElenathoughtagooddeallongerbeforeventuring,“Stefan?I’mnotsureheunderstandswhatit’sliketobeloved.”Andwhilehethoughtouthisresponse,shewasontenterhooks.
Thenhesaidverysoftly,veryslowlyagain,“Yes,angel.Ithinkyou’reright.”
Oh,shedidlovehim.Healwaysunderstood.Andhewasalwaysmostbraveandgallantandtrustingjustwhensheneededhimtobe.
“Stefan?CanIstayagaintonight?”
“Isitnighttime,lovelylove?Youcanstay—unlessTheycometotakemesomewhere.”AllatonceStefanwasverysolemn,holdinghergaze.“ButifTheycome—you’llpromisemetoleavethen,won’tyou?”
Elenalookedstraightintohisgreeneyesandsaid,“Ifthat’swhatyouwant,I’llpromise.”
“Elena?Doyou…doyoukeepyourpromisesornot?”Suddenly,hesoundedverysleepy,buttherightkindofsleepy,notwornout,butsomeonewhohasbeenrefreshedandisbeinglulledintoaperfectslumber.
“Ikeepthemclosetome,”Elenawhispered.ButIkeepyoucloser,shethought.Ifsomeonecametohurthim,theywouldfindoutwhatabodilessopponentcoulddo.Forinstance,whatifshejustreachedinsidetheirbodiesandmanagedtomakecontactforaninstant?Longenoughtosqueezeaheartbetweenherprettywhitefingers?Thatwouldbesomething.
“Iloveyou,Elena.I’msoglad…wekissed…”
“It’snotthelasttime!You’llsee!Iswearit!”Shedroppednewhealingtearsdownonhim.
Stefanjustsmiledgently.Andthenhewasasleep.
InthemorningElenawokeupinhergrandbedroominLadyUlma’shouse,alone.Butshehadanothermemory,likeapressedrose,toputawayinitsownspecialplaceinsideher.
Andsomewhere,deepinherheart,sheknewthatthesememoriesmightbeallshehadofStefansomeday.Shecouldimaginethatthesesweet-scented,fragilemementoeswouldbesomethingtoholdontoandcherish—ifStefannevercamehome.25
“Oh,Ijustwanttotakealittlepeek,”Bonniemoaned,lookingattheforbiddensketchbook,theoneinwhichLadyUlmahaddrawntheirhighcoutureoutfitsforthefirstparty,theonethatwouldbeheldtonight.Besideit,justwithinreach,weresomesamplesquaresfromboltsoffabricinshimmeringsatin,ripplingsilk,transparentmuslin,andsoft,richvelvet.
“You’llgettotryitonforthelastfittinginanhour—thistimewithyoureyesopen!”Elenalaughed.“Butwecan’tforgetthattonightisn’tplaytime.We’llhavetodancesomedances,ofcourse—”
“Ofcourse!”Bonnierepeatedecstatically.
“Butourpurposethereistofindthekey.Thefirsthalfofthedoublefoxkey.Ijustwishtherewasastarballthatshowedtheinsideoftonight’shouse.”
“Well,weallknowprettymuchaboutit;wecantalkaboutitandtrytoimagineit,”Meredithsaid.
Elena,whohadbeenfiddlingwiththestarballfromtheotherhouse,nowputtheslightlycloudyorbdownandsaid,“Allright.Let’sbrainstorm.”
“MayIstorm,too?”alow,modulatedvoiceaskedfromthedoorway.Thegirlsallturned,risingatthesametimetogreetasmilingLadyUlma.
Beforetakingachair,shegaveElenaaparticularlyheartfelthugandkissonthecheekandElenacouldn’thelpherselffromcomparingthewomanastheyhadseenheratDr.Meggar’stotheelegantladyshewasnow.Then,shehadbeenhardlymorethanskinoverbones,withtheeyesofatimidwildcreatureundergreatstrain,wearingacommonhousecoat,withmen’sbedroomslippers.Now,sheremindedElenaofaRomanmatron,withherfacetranquilandbeginningtofilloutunderacrownofglossydarkbraidsheldbackbyjeweledcombs.Herbodywasfillingout,too,especiallyherbelly,althoughsheretainedhernaturalgraceasshetookaseatonavelvetcouch.Shewaswearingasaffron-coloredgownofrawsilk,withanunderskirtoffringedandshimmeringapricot.
“We’resoexcitedaboutthefittingtonight,”Elenasaid,withanodtowardthesketchbook.
“Iamasexcitedasachild,myself,”LadyUlmaadmitted.“IonlywishIcoulddoforyouatenthofwhatyouhavedoneforme.”
“Youhavealready,”Elenasaid.“Andifwecanfindthefoxkeys—itwillonlybebecauseyouhelpedussomuch.Andthat—Ican’ttellyouhowmuchthatmeanstome,”shefinishedalmostinawhisper.
“ButyouneverthoughtIcouldhelpyouwhenyoudefiedthelawforaravagedslave.Yousimplywantedtosaveme—andyouhavesufferedmuchforit,”Ulmarespondedquietly.
Elenashifteduncomfortably.Thecutrunningdownherfacehadleftonlyathinwhitescaralongthecheekbone.Once—whenshehadfirstreturnedtoEarthfromtheafterlife—shewouldhavebeenabletowavethescarawaywithasimplewashofPower.Butnow,althoughshecouldchannelherPowerthroughherbody,anduseittoenhancehersenses,shecouldn’tmakeitobeyherwillinanyotherway.
Andonce,shethought,imaginingtheElenawhohadstoodinRobertE.LeeHighSchool’sparkinglotanddrooledoveraPorsche,shewouldhaveconsideredthemarringofherfacethegreatestcalamityofherlife.Butwithalltheaccoladesshehadreceived,withDamoncallingither“whitewoundofhonor,”andhercertaintythatitwouldmeanaslittletoStefanasascaronhischeekbonewouldmeantoher,shehadfoundshejustcouldn’ttakeitveryseriously.
IamnotthesamepersonIoncewas,shethought.AndI’mglad.
“Nevermind,”shesaid,ignoringthepaindownherlegthatstillthrobbedattimes.“Let’stalkabouttheSilverNightingaleandhergala.”
“Right,”Meredithsaid.“Whatdoweknowabouther?Howdidthecluegoagain,Elena?”
“Misaosaid,‘IfIsaidthatoneofthehalveswasinsidethesilvernightingale’sinstrument,wouldthatevengiveyouanidea?’—orsomethinglikethat,”Elenarepeatedobediently.Theyallknewthewordsbyheartbutitwaspartoftheritual,everytimetheydiscussedit.
“Andthe‘SilverNightingale’isthenicknameforLadyFazinaDarleyandeveryoneintheDarkDimensionknowsit!”criedBonnie,clappinghersmallhandsinsheerdelight.
“Indeed,thathaslongbeenhersobriquet,giventoherwhenshefirstcamehereandbegantosingandplayonherharpsstrungwithsilver,”LadyUlmaputingravely.
“Andharpstringsneedtobetuned,andthey’retunedwithkeys,”Bonniecontinuedexcitedly.
“Yes.”Meredith,incontrast,spokeslowlyandthoughtfully.“Butit’snotaharp-tuningkeywe’relookingfor.Theylooklikethis.”SheputdownonatablebesideheranobjectmadeofsmoothpalemaplethatlookedlikeaveryshortTor,ifheldonitsside,likeagracefullywavingtreewithoneshorthorizontalbranch.“IgotthatfromoneoftheminstrelsDamonhired.”
Bonnieeyedthetuningkeyloftily.“Itmightbeaharp-tuningkeywe’relookingfor,”sheinsisted.“Itmightbeusedforboththings,somehow.”
“Idon’tseehow,”Meredithsaiddoggedly.“Unlesssomehowtheychangeshapewhenthetwohalvescometogether.”
“Oh,my,yes,”LadyUlmasaid,asifMeredithhadjustmadeanobviousproposition.“Iftheyaremagicalhalvesofasinglekeytheywillalmostcertainlychangewhenthetwohalvescometogether.”
“Yousee?”Bonniesaid.
“Butiftheycanbeanysortofshape,thenhowthehellwillweevenknowwhenwe’vefoundthem?”Elenaaskedimpatiently.AllshecaredaboutwasfindingwhatittooktosaveStefan.
LadyUlmafellsilent,andElenafeltbadly.Shehatedtouseharshlanguageorevenappeardistressedinfrontofthewomanwhohadlivedalifeofsuchsubjectionandhorrorsinceherearlyteens.ElenawantedLadyUlmatofeelsafe,tobehappy.
“Anyway,”shesaidquickly,“weknowonething.It’sintheSilverNightingale’sinstrument.SowhateverisinsideLadyFazina’sharp,thathastobeit.”
“Oh,but—”LadyUlmabegan,andthenshestoppedherselfalmostbeforethewordswereout.
“Whatisit?”Elenaaskedgently.
“Oh,nothingatall,”LadyUlmasaidhastily.“Imean,wouldyouliketoseeyourdressesnow?Thislastfittingisreallyjusttomakesureeverystitchisperfect.”
“Oh,we’dloveto!”Bonniecried,atthesametimemakingadiveforthesketchbook,whileMeredithrungabellpullthatbroughtaservanthurryinginandhurryingawayagaintothesewingroom.
“IonlywishMasterDamonandLordSagehadagreedtoletmecreatesomethingforthemtowear,”LadyUlmasaidmournfullytoElena.
“Oh,Sageisnotgoing.AndI’msureDamonwouldn’thaveminded—aslongasyoudesignedhimablackleatherjacket,ablackshirt,blackjeans,andblackbootsallexactlyliketheoneshewearseveryday.He’dhavebeenhappytowearitthen.”
LadyUlmalaughed.“Isee.Well,therewillbeenoughfantasticalstylesworntonightthathemaychangehismindforthefuture.Nowlet’sdrawthecurtainsonthewindowsallaround.Thisgalaistobeindoors,withgaslightonly,socolorswillshowtrue.”
“Iwonderedwhyitsaid‘indoors’ontheinvitations,”Bonniesaid.“Ithoughtmaybeitwasbecauseofrain.”
“It’sbecauseofthesun,”LadyUlmasaidsoberly.“Thathatefulcrimsonlight,changingeverybluetopurple,everyyellowtobrown.Yousee,noonewouldwearaquaorgreentoanoutdoorsoiree—no,notevenyou,withthatstrawberryhairthatcriesoutforit.”
“Igetit.Icanseehowhavingthatsunhangingthereeverydaywouldreallygetyoudownafterawhile.”
“Iwonderifyoucan,”murmuredLadyUlma,andthensheaddedhastily,“WhilewewaitshallIshowyouwhatIhavecreatedforyourtallfriendwhodoubtsme?”
“Oh,please,yes!”Bonnieheldoutthesketchbook.
LadyUlmathumbedthroughituntilshecametoapagethatseemedtopleaseher.Shetookuppensandcoloringpencilslikeachildeagertoplaywithbelovedtoysagain.“Hereitis,”shesaid,usingthecoloredpencilstoaddalinehereandacurvethere,butholdingthebooksothatthethreegirlscouldseethedesign.
“Oh,myGod!”criedBonnieingenuineastonishment,andevenElenafelthereyeswidening.
ThegirlinthesketchwasdefinitelyMeredith,withherhairhalfupandhalfdown,butwearingadress—suchadress!Blackasebony,strapless,itclungtothelongslimfigureperfectlysketchedinthepicture,emphasizingthecurves,enhancingthemontopbywhatElenalearnedwascalleda“sweetheart”neckline:onethatmadeMeredith’sfrontlooklikeaValentine’sDayheart.Itkeptclosetothebodyallthewaytothekneeswhereitsuddenlyflaredoutagain,dramaticallywide.“A‘mermaid’dress,”LadyUlmaexplained,satisfiedwithhersketchatlast.“Andhereitis,”sheaddedasseveralsewingwomenentered,reverentlyholdingthemiraculousgownbetweenthem.Nowthegirlscouldseethatthematerialwasofplushblackvelvetdottedwithtinyrectangularmetallicgoldenflecks.Itlookedlikemidnightbackhome,Elenathought,withathousandfallingstarsinthesky.
“Andwithit,youwillweartheseverylargeblackonyxandgoldearrings,theseblackonyxandgoldcombstoholdyourhairup,andsomelovelymatchingbraceletsandringsLucenhasmadejustforthisoutfit,”LadyUlmacontinued.ElenarealizedthatsometimeinthelastminutesLucenmusthaveenteredtheroom.Shesmiledathim,andthenhereyesdroppedtothethree-tieredtrayheheld.Onthetoptray,againstanivorybackground,weretwoblackonyxanddiamondbracelets,aswellasaringwithadiamondinitthatalmostmadeherswoon.
Meredithwaslookingaroundtheroomasifshehadstumbledintoaprivatediscussionanddidn’tknowhowtogetout.ThenshelookedfromthedresstothejewelstoLadyUlmaagain.Meredithwasnotonetolosehercomposureeasily.ButafteramomentshesimplywenttoLadyUlmaandhuggedherfiercely,thenwenttoLucenandverygentlyputherhandonhisforearm.Itwasclearthatshecouldn’tspeak.
Bonniewasstudyingthesketchwiththeeyesofaconnoisseurnow.“Thosematchingbraceletsweremadejustforthisdress,weren’tthey?”shesaidwithaconspiratorialair.
ToElena’ssurpriseLadyUlmaseemeduncomfortable.Thenshespokeslowly.“Thetruthis…well,thatMissMeredithis…aslave.Allslavesarerequiredtowearsomesortofsymbolicbraceletswhentheytraveloutsidetheirhouseholds.”Sheturnedhereyesdowntothepolishedwoodenfloorboards.Hercheekswereflushed.
“LadyUlma—oh,please,youcan’tthinkitmatterstous?”
LadyUlma’seyesflashedasshelookedup.“Notmatter?”
“Well,”Elenasaidhautily,“itdoesn’treallymatter…er,yet,becausethere’snothingtodoaboutit,notnow.”Ofcourse,theservantsweren’tinonthesecretsoftheDamon-Elena-Meredith-Bonnierelationship.EvenLadyUlmadidn’tseewhyDamondidn’tfreethethreegirlsjustincase“somethingshouldhappen,maytheCelestialGuardiansforbidit.”Butthegirlshadformedasolidphalanxagainstit;itwouldbelikejinxingtheirwholeenterprise.
“Well,anyway,”Bonniewasblathering,“Ithinkthebraceletsarebeautiful.Imeanshecouldhardlyfindanythingmoreperfectforthedress,couldshe?”—strikingattheprofessionalsensibilitiesofthedesigner.
LucensmiledmodestlyandLadyUlmagavehimalovingglance.
Meredith’sfacewasstillglowing.“LadyUlma,Idon’tknowhowtothankyou.Iwillwearthisgown—andfortonightIwillbesomeoneIhaveneverbeenbefore.Ofcourse,you’vedrawnmyhairup,orpartlyup.Idon’tusuallywearitthatway,”Meredithfinishedweakly.
“Youwilltonight—upandhighoverthatlovelywidebrowofyours.Thisdressistoshowoffthecharmingcurvesofyourbareshouldersandarms.It’sacrimetocoverthem,dayornight.Andthehairstyleistolaybareyourexoticfaceinsteadofhidingit!”LadyUlmasaidfirmly.
Good,Elenathought.They’vegottenheroffthesubjectofsymbolicslavery.
“You’llwearatouchofmakeupaswell—palegoldonyourlids,andkohltoenhanceandlengthenyourlashes.Atouchofgoldenlipstick,butnorouge;Idon’tbelieveinthatforyounggirls.Youroliveskinwillcompletethepictureofasultrymaidenperfectly.”
MeredithlookedhelplesslyatElena.“Idon’tusuallywearmakeupeither,”shesaid,buttheybothknewthatshewasbeaten.LadyUlma’svisionwouldcometolife.
“Don’tcallitamermaiddress;she’llbeasiren,”Bonniesaidenthusiastically.“Butwe’dbetterputaspellonittokeepallthevampiresailorsaway.”
ToElena’ssurprise,LadyUlmanoddedsolemnly.“Myseamstressfriendhassentapriestesstodaytoblessallthegarmentsandtokeepyoufrombeingvictimizedbyvampires,ofcourse.Ifthatmeetswithyourapproval?”ShelookedatElena,whonodded.
“Aslongastheydon’tkeepDamonoutoftheway,”sheaddedjokingly,andfelttimefreezeasMeredithandBonnieimmediatelyturnedtheireyesonher,hopingtocatchsomethinginElena’sexpressionthatwouldgiveheraway.
ButElenakeptherexpressionneutral,asLadyUlmacontinued,“Naturally,therestrictionswouldnotapplytoyour—toMasterDamon.”
“Naturally,”Elenasaidsoberly.
“Andnowforthesmallestbeautytogotothegala,”LadyUlmawassayingtoBonnie,whobitherlip,blushing.“Ihavesomethingveryspecialforyou.Idon’tknowhowlongI’vebeenyearningtoworkwiththismaterial.I’vetrudgedbyitinashopwindowyearafteryear,justachingtobuyitandcreatewithit.Yousee?”Andthenextsetofsewingwomencameforward,holdingasmaller,lighterfrockbetweenthem,whileLadyUlmaheldupasketch.Elenawasalreadystaringinamazement.Thematerialwasglorious—incredible—butespeciallycleverwashowithadbeenputtogether.Thefabricwasvividpeacockgreen-blue,withthemostamazinghandstitchingtorepresentapatternofpeacockeyesflaringupfromthewaist.
Bonnie’sbrowneyeshadwidenedagain.“Thisisforme?”shebreathed,almostafraidtotouchthematerial.
“Yes,andwe’regoingtoslickthathairofyoursbackuntilyoulookassophisticatedasyourfriend.Goaheadandtryiton.Ithinkyou’lllikethewaythisdresshascomeout.”LucenhadretiredandMeredithwasalreadybeingcarefullyencasedinthemermaiddress.
Bonniehappilybegantostrip.
LadyUlmaturnedouttohavebeenright.Bonnielovedthewayshelookedthatevening.Rightnowshewasbeinggiventhefinishingtouches,suchasadelicatesprayofcitrusandrosewater;afragrancemadejustforher.Shestoodbeforeagiantsilvered-glassmirror,justminutesbeforetheywereduetostartoffforthegalagivenbyFazina,theSilverNightingaleherself.
Bonnieturnedalittle,lookingatthestrapless,full-skirteddressinawe.Itsbodicewasmade—orseemedtobemade—entirelyoftheeyesofpeacockfeathers,arrangedinaspraythatwasgatheredtogetheratherwaist,showingoffhowtinyitwas.Therewasanothersprayoflargerfeathersthatpointeddownwardfromthewaist,frontandback.Thebackactuallyhadasmalltrainofpeacockfeathersagainstemeraldsilk.Infront,belowthelarger,downwardpointingspray,adesignworkedinsilverandgold,ofstylizedundulatingplumes,allupsidedown,madeitswaytothebottomofthegown,whichwasedgedwiththingoldbrocade.
Asifthiswerenotenough,LadyUlmahadhadafanmadewithrealpeacockeyessetinanemeraldjadehandle,withatasselofsoftlyclinkingjade,citrine,andemeraldcharmsatthebottom.
AroundBonnie’sthroatwasamatchingnecklaceofjade,inlaidwithemerald,sapphire,andlapislazuli.Andaroundeachofherwristswereseveralemeraldjadebraceletsthatclickedtogetherwhenevershemoved,thesymbolofherslavery.
ButBonnie’seyescouldhardlylingeronthem,andshecouldn’tsummonupaproperhatredofthebracelets.Shewasthinkingofhowaspecialhairdresserhadcometo“slickback”Bonnie’sstrawberry-coloredcurlsuntil,darkenedintotruered,theywereplasteredflatagainstherskullandheldinplacewithjadeandemeraldclips.Herheart-shapedfacehadneverlookedsomature,sosophisticated.Toemeraldeyelidsandkohl-darkenedeyes,LadyUlmahadaddedavividredlipstickandhadforoncebrokenherruleandcleverly,wieldingthebrushherself,hadaddedtoucheshereandthereofblushersothatBonnie’stranslucentskinlookedasifshewereconstantlycoloringatsomecompliment.Delicatelycarvedjadeearringswithgoldenbellsinsidecompletedtheensemble,andBonniefeltasifsheweresomePrincessoftheAncientOrient.
“It’sreallysomekindofmiracle.Usually,Ilooklikeapixietryingtodressupasacheerleaderoraflowergirl,”sheconfided,kissingLadyUlmaagainandagain,delightedtofindthatthelipstickstayedonherlipsinsteadoftransferringtoherbenefactress’scheeks.“ButtonightIlooklikeayoungwoman.”
Shewouldhavekeptonbabbling,helplesstostopherselfeventhoughLadyUlmaalreadywastryingtodiscreetlydabtearsawayfromhereyes,exceptthatatthatmomentElenacameinandshegasped.
Elena’sdresshadalreadybeenfinishedbytheafternoonandsoallBonniehadseenofitwasthesketch.ButsomehowthathadfailedtoconveyjustwhatthisdresswoulddoforElena.
BonniehadsecretlywonderedifLadyUlmawereleavingtoomuchtoElena’sownnaturalbeauty,andwashopingthatElenawouldbeasexcitedaboutherowndressaseveryoneseemedtobeaboutBonnie’sandMeredith’s.
NowBonnieunderstood.
“Itisacalledagoddessdress,”LadyUlmaexplainedtothestunnedsilenceintheroom,asElenawalkedin,andBonniedizzilythoughtthatifgoddesseshadeverliveduponMountOlympus,theywouldcertainlyhavewantedtodressthisway.
Thetrickofthedresslayinitsverysimplicity.Itwasmadeofmilk-whitesilk,withadelicatelypleatedwaist(LadyUlmacalledtheirregulartightpleating“ruching”)whichheldtwosimplebodicepanelsthatformedaV-neckline,showingoffElena’speach-blossomskinbetweenthemandbehindthem.Thesepanelsinturnwereheldattheshouldersbytwocarvedclasps—goldinlaidwithmother-of-pearlanddiamonds.Fromthewaist,theskirtfellstraightingraceful,silkenfoldsallthewaytoElena’sdelicatesandals—againdesignedingold,mother-of-pearlanddiamonds.Intheback,thetwopanelsthatclaspedattheshoulderbecamestrapsandcrossedovertoonceagainmeetatthepleatedwaist.
Suchasimpledress,butsomagnificentontherightgirl.
AtElena’sthroat,anexquisitelydesignedgoldenandmother-of-pearlnecklaceinthestylizedshapeofabutterflywasinsetwithsomanydiamondsthatitseemedtoblazewithmulticoloredfireeachtimeshemovedandtheycaughtthelight.SheworethisoverthelapisanddiamondpendantStefanhadgivenher,sinceshehadflatlyrefusedtotakethependantoff.Itdidn’tmatter.Thebutterflycoveredthependantcompletely.
OneachwristElenaworeawidebraceletofgoldandmother-of-pearlinsetwithdiamonds,creationsthattheyhadfoundinthesecretjewelroom,obviouslymadetogowiththenecklace.
Andthatwasall.Elena’shairhadbeenbrushedandbrushedandbrusheduntilitformedasilkygoldentumbleofwavesthathungbelowhershouldersinback,andshewaswearingatouchofrose-coloredlipstick.Butherface,withitsthickblackeyelashesandlighterarchedbrows—andjustnowitslookofexcitementthatpartedherrose-coloredlipsandbroughtbrilliantcolortohercheeks—hadbeenleftentirelyalone.Earringsthatwerejustcascadesofdiamondspeepedthroughhergoldtresses.
She’sgoingtodrivethemcrazytonight,Bonniethought,eyeingthedaringdresswithenvy,butnotwithjealousy,insteadratherrevelinginthethoughtofthesensationElenawouldmake.She’swearingthesimplestgownofanyofus,butshestillcompletelyputsMeredithandmeintheshade.
YetBonniehadneverseenMeredithlookbetter—ormoreexotic.She’dalsoneverknownwhatastunningfigureMeredithhad,despiteherfriend’swideassortmentofdesignerclothes.
MeredithshruggedwhenBonnietoldherthis.Shehadafan,too,blacklacquer,thatfolded.Nowsheopeneditandfoldeditshutagain,tappingherchinthoughtfully.
“We’reinthehandsofagenius,”shesaidsimply.“Butwecan’tforgetwhatwe’rereallyherefor.”26
“WehavetokeepourmindsonsavingStefan,”ElenawassayingintheroomDamonhadtakenoverforhisown,theoldlibraryinLadyUlma’smansion.
“Whereelsewouldmymindbe?”Damonsaid,nevertakinghiseyesoffherneckwithitsornamentsofmother-of-pearlanddiamonds.Somehowthemilk-whitedressservedtoemphasizetheslimsoftcolumnofElena’sthroat,andElenaknewit.
Shesighed.
“Ifwethoughtyoureallymeantit,thenwecouldalljustrelax.”
“Youmeanbeasrelaxedasyouare?”
Elenagaveherselfaninnershake.Damonmightseemtobecompletelyabsorbedwithonethingandonethingonly,buthissenseofself-preservationmadesurethathewasconstantlyonguard,andseeingnotjustwhathewantedtoseebuteverythingthatwasaroundhim
AnditwastruethatElenawasalmostunbearablyexcited.Lettheothersthinkitwasabouthermarvelousdress—anditwasamarvelousdress,andElenawasprofoundlygratefultoLadyUlmaandherhelpersforgettingitdoneintime.WhatElenawasreallyexcitedabout,though,wasthechance—no,thecertainty,shetoldherselffirmly—thattonightshewasgoingtofindhalfofthekeythatwouldallowthemtofreeStefan.Thethoughtofhisface,ofseeinghiminthefleshwas…
Wasterrifying.ThinkingaboutwhatBonniehadsaidwhenshewasasleep,Elenareachedoutforcomfortandunderstanding,andsomehowfoundthatinsteadofholdingDamon’shand,shewasinDamon’sarms.
Therealquestionis:whatwillStefansayaboutthatnightatthemotelwithDamon?
WhatwouldStefansay?Whatwastheretosay?
“I’mfrightened,”sheheard,andaminutetoolate,recognizedherownvoice.
“Well,don’tthinkaboutit,”Damonsaid.“It’llonlymakethingsworse.”
ButI’velied,Elenathought.Youdon’tevenrememberit,oryou’dbelying,too.
“Whateverhappened,IpromiseI’llstillbearoundforyou,”Damonsaidsoftly.“You’vegotmywordonthat,anyway.”
Elenacouldfeelhisbreathagainstherhair.“Andonkeepingyourmindonthekey?”
Yes,yes,butIhaven’tfedproperlytoday.Elenastarted,thenclaspedDamoncloser.Forjustaninstantshe’dfelt,notmerelyaravaginghunger,butasharppainthatpuzzledher.Butnow,beforeshecouldquitelocateitinspace,itwasgone,andherconnectiontoDamonhadbeenabruptlycutoff.
Damon
“What?”
Don’tshutmeout
“I’mnot.I’vejustsaidallthereistosay,that’sall.YouknowI’llbelookingforthekey.”
Thankyou.Elenatriedagain.Butyoucan’tjuststarve—
WhosaidIwasstarving?NowDamon’stelepathicconnectionwasback,butsomethingwasmissing.Hewasdeliberatelyholdingsomethingback,andconcentratingonassaultinghersenseswithsomethingelse—hunger.Elenacouldfeelitrampaginginhim,asifhewereatigerorwolfthathadgonefordays—forweeks—withoutmakingakill.
Theroomdidaslowspinaroundher.
“It’s…allright,”shewhispered,amazedthatDamonwasabletostandandholdheratall,withhisinsidestearingathimthatway.“Whatever…youneed…take…”
Andthenshefeltthemostgentleprobingatherthroatofrazor-sharpteeth.
Shegaveherselfuptoit,surrenderingtothesensations.
InpreparationfortheSilverNightingale’sgala,wheretheywouldbesearchingforthefirsthalfofthedoublefoxkeytoreleaseStefan,Meredithhadbeenreadingsomeofthehardcopyshe’dstuffedintoherbag,fromthehugeamountofinformationshehaddownloadedfromtheInternet.Shehaddoneherbesttodescribeeverythingthatshe’dlearnedtoElenaandtheothers.Buthowcouldshebesurethatshehadn’tmissedsomevitalclue,somevastlyimportantthreadofinformationthatwouldmakeallthedifferencetonightbetweensuccessandfailure?BetweenfindingawaytosaveStefanandcominghomedefeated,whilehelanguishedinprison.
No,shethought,standingbyasilveredmirror,almostafraidtolookattheexoticbeautyshehadbecome.No,wecan’teventhinkofthewordfailure.ForthesakeofStefan’slife,wehavetosucceed.Andwehavetodoitwithoutgettingcaught.27
Elenafeltconfidentandjustalittlelight-headedastheysetoutfortheSilverNightingale’sgala.However,whenthefourofthemarrivedonlitters—DamonwithElena,MeredithwithBonnie(LadyUlmabeingforbiddenbyherdoctortogotoanyfestivitieswhileshewaspregnant)—attheHonorableLadyFazina’spalatialhome,shewasstruckwithsomethingliketerror.
Thehousewastrulyapalace,inthebestofstory-tellingtradition,shethought.Minaretsandtowerssoaredabovethem,probablypaintedinblueandlavishgilt,butturnedlavenderbythesunlight,andlookingalmostlighterthanair.Tocomplementthesunlight,torcheshadbeenlitoneithersideofthepathofthelittersupthehillandsomechemicalhadbeenadded—orsomemagicused—tomaketheirlightsshineinvaryingcolorssothattheychangedfromgolden,tored,topurple,toblue,togreen,tosilver,andthesecolorsshonetrue.TheytookElena’sbreathaway,astheonlythingsthatwerenottingedwithredinthewholeworldthatshecouldsee.DamonhadbroughtabottleofBlackMagicwithhimandwasalmosttoohigh-spirited—nopunintended,Elenathought.
Astheirlitterstoppedatthetopofthehill,DamonandElenawerehelpedoutanddownahallwaythatcutoutmuchofthesunlight.Abovethemhungdelicate,lightedpaperlanterns—somelargerthanthelitterthey’dbeeninamomentago—brightlylightedandfancifullyshapedwhichgaveafestive,playfulairtoapalaceotherwisesomagnificentthatitwasalittleintimidating.
Theypassedbylightedfountains,someofwhichhadsurprises—likethelineofmagicalfrogsthatconstantlyleapedfromlilypadtolilypad:plop,plop,plop,likethesoundofrainonarooftop,orahugegildedserpentthatcoiledamongtreesandovertheheadsofvisitors,windingfromtheretothegroundandthenbackuptothetreesagain.
Thenagain,itwasthegroundthatwouldturntransparentwithallmannerofmagicalschoolsoffish,sharks,eels,anddolphinscavorting,whileinthedimbluedepthsfarbelowloomedthefigureofagiganticwhale.ElenaandBonniehurriedquicklyoverthisportionofthepath.
Itwasclearthattheownerofthisestatecouldaffordanykindofextravaganzaherheartdesired,andthataboveallthingswhatsheenjoyedthechiefestwasmusic,forineacharea,splendidly—sometimesbizarrely—dressedorchestrawereplaying,ortheremightbeonlyonefamoussoloist,singingfromahighgildedcageperhapstwenty-fivefeetabovetheground.
Music…musicandlightseverywhere…
Elenaherself,althoughthrilledbythesights,sounds,andgloriousscentscomingfromhugebanksofflowersaswellasfromtheguests,bothmaleandfemale,feltaslightfearlikeasmallrockinherstomach.ShehadthoughtherdressanddiamondssoelaboratewhenshehadleftLadyUlma’sestate.ButnowthatshewashereatLadyFazina’s…well,thereweretoomanyrooms,toomanypeople,asfancifullyandfinelycladasherselfandhersister“personalassistants.”Shewasafraidthat—well,thatthatwomanoverthere,drippingjewelsfromherdelicatethree-tierdiamondandemeraldtiaratoherdelicatediamond-circledtoes,madeherownunadornedhairlookdowdyorlaughable,atsuchagrandaffair.
Doyouknowhowoldsheis?ElenaalmostjumpedtohearDamon’svoiceinherhead.
Who?Elenareplied,tryingatleasttokeepherenvy—herworry—outofhertelepathicvoice.AndamIprojectingthatloudly?sheaddedinalarm.
Notallthatloudly,butitneverhurtstotuneitdown.Andyouknowperfectlywell“who”:thatgiraffeyouwereeyeing,Damonreplied.Foryourinformation,she’sabouttwohundredyearsolderthanIam,andshe’stryingtolookaroundthirty,whichistenyearsyoungerthanwhenshebecameavampire.
Elenablinked.Whatareyoutryingtosay?
SendsomePowertoyourears,Damonsuggested.Andstopworrying!
ElenaobedientlyincreasedslightlythePowertowhatshestillthoughtofasherburstearnodes,andconversationssuddenlybecameaudibleallaroundher.
…oh,thegoddessinwhite.She’sjustachild,butwhatafigure…
…yes,theonewiththegoldenhair.Magnificent,isn’tshe?…Oh,byHades,lookatthatgirl……Didyouseetheprinceandprincessoverthere?Iwonderifthey’dswap…or—or—doaquartet,dear?
ThiswasmorelikewhatElenawasusedtohearingatparties.Itgavehermoreconfidence.Italso,assheallowedhereyestosweepmoreboldlyacrosstheopulentlycostumedcrowed,causedhertofeelasuddensurgeofloveandrespectforLadyUlma,whohaddesignedandoverseentheconstructionofthreegloriousdressesinonlyaweek.
She’sagenius,ElenainformedDamonsolemnly,knowingthatthroughtheirmindlinkhewouldseewhoshemeant.Look,Meredithalreadyhasacrowdaroundher.And…and…
Andshe’snotactingmuchlikeMeredithatall,Damonfinished,soundingslightlyuneasy.
Meredithdidn’tseemuneasyintheleast.Shehadherfaceturneddeliberatelytoshowoffaclassicalprofiletoheradmirers,butitwasn’ttheprofileoflevel-headed,sereneMeredithSulezatall.Itwasasultry,exoticgirl,wholookedasifshemightverywellbeabletosingtheHabanerafromCarmen.Shehadherfanopenandwasgracefully,languorouslyfanningherself.Thesoftbutwarmindoorlightingmadeherbareshouldersandarmsgleamlikepearlabovetheblackvelvetdress,whichseemedevenmoremysteriousandstrikingthanithadbackathome.Infact,itseemedtohavestrickenonedevoteetotheheartalready;hewaskneelingbeforeherwitharedroseinhishand,sohastilypickedfromoneofthearrangementsthatathornhadprickedhimandbloodwelledfromhisthumb.Meredithdidn’tseemtohavenoticed.BothElenaandDamonfeltfortheyoungman,whowasblondandextremelyhandsome.Elenafeltsorry…andDamonfelthungry.
Shecertainlyseemstohavecomeoutofhershell,venturedDamon.
Oh,Meredithdoesn’teverreallycomeout,Elenareplied.It’sallplayacting.ButtonightIthinkit’sthedressesthataredoingit.Meredithisdressedlikeasiren,andsoshe’sactingallsultry.Bonnie’sdressedlikeapeacockand…look.
Shenoddeddownthelonghallwaythatledtoahugeroominfrontofthem.Bonnie,dressedinwhatlookedlikerealpeacockfeathers,hadacrowdofherownfollowers—andthatwasjustwhattheyweredoing:following.Bonnie’severymovementwaslightandbirdlikeandherjadebraceletsclinkedtogetheronhersmallroundedarms,herearringschimedwitheachtossofherhead,andherfeetseemedtotwinkleingoldensandalsinfrontofherpeacocktrain.
“Youknow,it’sstrange,”Elenamurmured,astheyreachedthelargeroomandatlastsoundwasmutedsoshecouldhearDamon’sphysicalvoice.“Ididn’trealizeit,butLadyUlmadesignedourdressesatdifferentlevelsoftheanimalworld.”
“Hm?”Damonwaslookingatherthroatagain.ButfortunatelyatthatmomentahandsomemandressedinformalEarthclothes—tuxedo,cummerbund,andsoon—camebywithBlackMagicinlargesilvergoblets.Damondrainedhisinonegulpandtookanotherfromthegracefullybowingwaiter.ThenheandElenatookseats—ontheoutsideofthebackrow,evenifthiswasarudenesstotheirhostess.Theyneededtobefreetomaneuver.
“Well,Meredithisamermaid,whichisthehighestorder,andshe’sactinglikeasiren.Bonnieisabird,sothat’sthenexthighestorder,andsheisactinglikeabird:watchingalltheboysdisplaythemselveswhileshekeepslaughing.AndI’mabutterfly—soIsupposeI’llbeasocialbutterflytonight.Withyoubesideme,Ihope.”
“How…cute,”Damonsaidheavily.“Butwhatexactlymakesyouthinkyou’resupposedtobeabutterfly?”
“Well,thedesigns,silly,”Elenasaid,andsheliftedhermother-of-pearlandgoldanddiamondfanandgavehimatinybutterflyrapontheforeheadwithit.Thensheopenedittoshowhimamasterlysketchofthesamedesignashernecklaceonitsfront,decoratedwithtinydotsofdiamond,gold,andmother-of-pearlwheretheywouldnotbeharmedbythefolds.
“Yousee?Abutterfly,”shesaid,notdispleasedwiththeimage.
Damontracedtheoutlinewithonelong,taperingfingerthatremindedhersomuchofStefan’sthatithurtherthroat,andstoppedatsixstylizedlinesabovethehead.“Sincewhendobutterflieshavehair?”Hisfingermovedtotwohorizontallinesbetweenthewings.“Orarms?”
“Thosearelegs,”Elenatoldhim,amused.“Whatkindofthingwitharmsandlegsandaheadhassixhairsandwings?”
“Atipsyvampire,”suggestedavoiceabovethemandElenalookedup,surprisedtoseeSage.“MayIsitwithyou?”heasked.“Icouldn’tmanageashirt,butmyfairygodmotherdidconjureupavest.”
Elena,laughing,scootedoveraseatsothathecouldtaketheaisleseatbyDamon.Hewasmuchcleanerthanwhenshehadlastseenhimworkingaroundthehouse,althoughhishairwasstillinlongwildunrulycurls.Shenotedhowever,thathisfairygodmotherhadscentedhimwithcedarandsandalwood,andprovidedhimwithDolce&Gabbanajeansandvest.Helooked…magnifique.Therewasnosignofhisanimals.
“Ithoughtyouweren’tcoming,”Elenasaidtohim.
“Youcansaythat?Garbedasyouareincelestialwhiteandgold?Youmentionedthegala;Itookyourwishasacommand.”
Elenagiggled.Ofcourse,everyonewastreatingherdifferentlytonight.Itwasthedress.Sage,murmuringsomethingabouthislatentheterosexuality,sworethattheimageonhernecklaceandfanwasaphoenix.Theverypolitedemononherright,whohaddeepmauveskinandsmall,curlingwhitehorns,deferentiallysubmittedthatitlookedtohimlikethegoddessIshtar,whohadapparentlysenthimtotheDarkDimensionafewmillenniaagofortemptingpeopletosloth.ElenamadeamentalnotetoaskMeredithwhetherthismeanttemptingthemtoeatsloths,whichsheknewweresomekindofwildanimalthatdidn’tmovearoundmuch,orsomethingelse.
ThenElenathoughtthatLadyUlmahadcalledthedressa“goddessdress,”hadn’tshe?Itwascertainlyadressyoucouldonlywearifyourbodywasveryyoungandveryclosetoperfection,becausetherewasnowaytofitcorsetryintoitoreventodrapeittominimizeanunflatteringfeature.TheonlythingsunderthedresswereElena’sownfirmyoungphysiqueandapairofscant,softflesh-coloredlaceunderwear.Oh,andasprayofjasmineperfume.
Soit’sagoddessIfeellike,shethought,thankingthedemon(whostoodandbowed).PeopleweretakingtheirseatsfortheSilverNightingale’sfirstperformance.ElenahadtoadmittoalongingtoseeLadyFazina,andbesides,itwastooearlytotryforarestroomtrip—Elenahadalreadynoticedthatguardswerepostedatallthedoors.
Thereweretwoharpsonadaisinthemiddleofagreatcircleofchairs.Andthensuddenlyeveryonewasontheirfeetandclapping,andElenawouldhaveseennothing,iftheLadyFazinahadnotchosentowalkdownthesameaisleElenaandDamonhadtaken.Asitwas,shepausedrightbesideSagetoacknowledgetheroarofacclamation,andElenahadaperfectviewofher.
Shewasalovelyyoungwoman,whotoElena’ssurpriselookedhardlyolderthantwenty,andwasnearlyassmallasBonnie.Thisdiminutivecreatureobviouslytookhersobriquetveryseriously:shewasdressedentirelyinagownofsilvermesh.Herhairwasmetallicsilver,too,swepthighinfrontandveryshortinback.Hertrainwasbarelyattachedtoher,bytwosimpleclaspsattheshoulders.Itfloatedhorizontallybehindher,constantlyinmotion,morelikeamoonbeamoracloudthanlikerealmaterialuntilshegottothecentraldaisandascendedit,thenwalkedoncearoundthetalluncoveredharp,atwhichpointthesuspendedpartofthecapefellsoftlyandgracefullytothefloorinasemicirclearoundher.
AndthencamethemagicoftheSilverNightingale’svoice.Shebeganbyplayingthetallharp,whichseemedeventallerincomparisontohersmallbody.Shecouldmaketheharpsingunderherfingers,coaxittocrylikethewindormakemusicthatseemedtodescendfromheaveninglissandos.Elenaweptthroughoutherfirstsong,eventhoughitwassunginsomeforeignlanguage.ItwassopiercinglysweetthatitremindedElenaofStefan,ofthetimestheyhadbeentogether,communicatingbyonlythesoftestwordsandtouches…
ButLadyFazina’smostimpressiveinstrumentwashervoice.Hertinybodycouldgenerateanextraordinaryvolumewhenshewanteditto.Andasshesangonepoignant,minor-tunedsongafteranother,Elenacouldfeelherskinbreakoutintogooseflesh,andatremblinginherlegs.Shefeltthatatanymomentshemightfalltoherkneesasthemelodiesfilledherheart.
Whensomeonetouchedherfrombehind,Elenastartedviolently,broughtbacktooquicklyfromthefantasyworldthemusichadwovenaroundher.ButitwasonlyMeredith,whodespiteherownloveformusichadaverypracticalsuggestionfortheirgroup.
“Iwasgoingtosay,whynotstartnow,whileeveryoneelseislistening?”shewhispered.“Eventheguardsareoutofit.Weagreedontwobytwo,yes?”
Elenanodded.“We’rejusthavingalookaroundthehouse.Wemayevenfindsomethingwhileeveryoneisstillhere,listening,fornearlyanotherhour.Sage,maybeyoucouldsortofliaisebetweenthetwogroups,telepathically.”
“Itwouldbemyprivilege,Madame.”
ThefiveofthemsetoutintotheSilverNightingale’smansion.28
Theywalkedrightbytheweepingdoor-guards.Butveryquickly,theydiscoveredthatwhilealmosteveryonewaslisteningtoLadyFazina,ineachroomofthepalacethatwasopentothepublic,ablack-clad,white-glovedstewardawaited,readytogiveoutinformation,andtokeepawatchfuleyeonhislady’spossessions.
ThefirstroomthatgavethemanykindofhopewasLadyFazina’sHallofHarpery,aroomdevotedentirelytothedisplayofharps,fromancient,bowlike,single-stringedinstruments,undoubtedlyplayedbyindividualswhoweresimilartocavedwellers,totall,gilded,orchestralharpsliketheoneFazinawasnowplaying,themusicaudiblethroughoutthepalace.Magic,Elenathoughtagain.Theyseemtouseithereinsteadoftechnology.
“Eachkindofharphasauniquekeytotunethestrings,”Meredithwhispered,lookingdownthelengthofthehall.Oneachsidethelineofharpsmarchedintothedistance.“Oneofthosekeysmightbethekey.”
“Buthowwillweevenknow?”Bonniewasfanningherselflightlywithherpeacockfeatherfan.“What’sthedifferencebetweenaharpkeyandthefoxkey?”
“Idon’tknow.AndI’veneverheardofakeybeingkeptinaharp,either.Itwouldrattlearoundthesoundboxeverytimetheharpshiftedslightly,”Meredithadmitted.
Elenabitherlip.Itwassuchasimple,reasonablequestion.Sheshouldfeeldismayed,shouldbewonderinghowtheycouldeverfindonesmallhalfofakeyinthisplace.Especiallyconsideringthatthecluetheyhad—thatitwasintheSilverNightingale’sinstrument,suddenlyseemedabsurd.
“Idon’tsuppose,”Bonniesaidalittlegiddily,“thattheinstrumentishervoice,andthatifwereachdownherthroat…”
ElenaturnedtolookatMeredith,whowaslookingheavenward—oratwhateverwasabovethishideousdimension.“Iknow,”Meredithsaid.“Nomoredrinksforbirdbrainhere.AlthoughIsupposeit’spossiblethattheygiveoutlittlesilverwhistlesorinstrumentsasfavors—allbigpartiesusedtodothat,youknow—giveyouagift.”
“How,”Damonsaidinacarefullyexpressionlesstone,“wouldtheypossiblygetthekeyintoafavorforapartybeinggivenatleastweeksaway,andhowcouldtheyeverhopetoretrieveit?MisaomightaswellhavetoldElena,‘Wethrewthekeyaway.’”
“Well,”beganMeredith,“I’mnotatallsurethattheydidmeanforthekeystoberetrievable,evenbythem.AndMisaocouldhavemeant‘You’dhavetosearchallthegarbagefromthenightofthisgala’—orsomeotherpartyFazinaperformedat.Iimagineshegetsaskedtoplayatalotofotherpeople’sparties,too.”
Elenahatedbickering,eventhoughshewasachampionbickererherself.Butshewasagoddesstonight.Nothingwasimpossible.Ifonlyshecouldremember…
Somethinglikewhitelightningstruckherbrain.
Forjustaninstant—oneinstant—shewasback,strugglingwithMisao.Misaowasinherfoxform,bitingandscratching—andsnarlingoutareplytoElena’squestionaboutwherethetwohalvesofthefoxkeywere.“AsifyouwouldunderstandtheanswersIcouldgive.IfItoldyouthatonewasinsidethesilvernightingale’sinstrument,wouldthatgiveyouanykindofidea?”
Yes.Thosehadbeentheexactwords,therealwordsthatMisaohadspoken.Elenaheardherownvoice,repeatingthewordsdistinctlynow.
Andthenshefeltsomethinglikeanarcoflightningleavehermind—onlytomeetanother’snotfaraway.ThenextthingsheknewhereyeswereflyingopeninsurprisebecauseBonniewasspeakinginthatblanktonelesswayshealwaysdidwhenmakingaprophecy:
“Eachhalfofthefoxkeyisshapedlikeasinglefox,withtwoears,twoeyes,andasnout.Thetwofoxkeyhalvesaregoldandcoveredwithgems—andtheireyesaregreen.ThekeyyouseekisyetintheSilverNightingale’sinstrument.”
“Bonnie!”Elenasaid.ShecouldseethatBonnie’skneesweretrembling,hereyesunfocused.ThentheyopenedandElenawatchedasconfusionsurgedintofilltheblankness.
“What’sgoingon?”Bonniesaid,lookingaroundtoseeeveryonelookingather.“What—whathappened?”
“Youtolduswhatthefoxkeyslooklike!”Elenacouldn’thelpthisexclamation—almostashoutofjoy.NowthattheyknewwhattheywerelookingfortheycouldfreeStefan;theywouldfreeStefan.NothingwouldstopElenanow.Bonniehadjusthelpedmovethisquesttoanentirelydifferentlevel.
Butwhileshewasquakinginsidewithjoyattheprophecy,Meredith,inherownlevel-headedway,wastakingcareoftheprophet.Meredithsaidquietly,“She’sprobablygoingtofaint.Wouldyouplease…”
Meredithdidn’thavetoaskfurther,forthevampires,DamonandSage,wereeachquickenoughtocatchandsupportBonnieonoppositesides.Damonwasstaringdownatthediminutivegirlinsurprise.
“Thanks,Meredith,”Bonniesaid,andletoutabreath,blinking.“Idon’tthinkI’llfaint,”sheadded,andthenwithaglanceupatDamonthroughherlashes,“Butit’sprobablyjustaswelltomakesure.”
Damonnoddedandgotabettergrip,lookingserious.Sageturnedhalfaway,seemingtohavesomethingstuckinhisthroat.
“WhatdidIsay?Idon’tremember!”
AndafterElenahadsolemnlyrepeatedBonnie’swordsitwasjustlikeMeredithtosay,“You’resurenow,Bonnie?Doesthatsoundright?”
“I’msure.I’mpositive,”Elenacutin.Shewaspositive.TheGoddessIshtarandBonniehadunlockedthepastforherandshownherthekey.
“Allright.WhatifBonnieandSageandItakethisroom,andtwoofuscanbedistractingthesteward,whilethethirdlooksintheharpsforkeys?”Meredithsuggested.
“Right.Let’sdoit!”Elenasaid.
Meredith’splanprovedtobemoredifficultinpracticethanitsounded.Evenwithtwogloriousyounggirlsintheroomandoneterminallyfitguy,thestewardkeptspinninginlittlecirclesandcatchingoneoranotherofthemhandlingandpeeringintoaharp.
Naturally,thehandlingwasstrictlyforbidden.Itputtheharpsfurtheroutoftuneanditcouldeasilydamagethem,especiallysincetheonlywaytomakeabsolutelysurethatasmallgoldenkeywasnotinaharp’ssoundboxwastoactuallyshaketheharpandlistenforrattling.
Worse,eachoftheharpswasdisplayedinitsownlittlenook,completewithdramaticlighting,aflamboyantpaintedscreenbehindit(mostofthemportraitsofFazinaplayingtheharpinquestion),andaplushredropeacrossthefrontofthenookthatsaid“KeepOut”asplainlyasasign.
IntheendBonnie,Meredith,andSageresortedtohavingSageInfluencethestewardtobeentirelypassive—somethinghewasonlyabletodoforafewminutesoftime,orthestewardwouldnoticethegapsinLadyFazina’sprogram.Theywouldtheneachfranticallysearchharpswhilethestewardstoodlikeawaxfigure.
MeanwhileDamonandElenawerewanderingthepalace,lookingthroughtherestofthemansionthatwasoff-limitstovisitors.Iftheyfoundnothing,theyintendedtosearchthemoreavailableroomsasthegalacontinued.
Itwasdangerouswork,thisstealinginandoutofdarkened,cordoned-off—oftenlocked—emptyrooms:dangerousandstrangelythrillingtoElena.Somehow,itseemedthatfearandpassionweremorecloselyrelatedthanshehadfullyrealized.Oratleast,itseemedthatwaywithherandDamon.
Elenacouldn’thelpnoticingandadmiringlittlethingsabouthim.Heseemedtobeabletopickanylockwithasinglelittleimplementheproducedfrominsidehisblackjacket,thewayotherpeopleproducefountainpens,andhehadsuchaswift,gracefulwayoftakingthepickoutandputtingitbackin.Economyofmotion,sheknew,earnedbylivingforaroundfivecenturies.
Also,noonecouldargueit:Damonseemedtokeephisheadinanysituation,whichmadethemagoodpairrightnowwhenshewasstridingaroundlikeagoddesswhocouldnotbeboundbytherulesofmortals.Thiswasevenenhancedbythescaresshegot:shapesthatlookedlikeguardsorsentriesloomingupatherturnedouttobeastuffedbear,aslimcupboard,andsomethingDamondidn’tallowhermorethanaglimpseof,butwhatlookedlikeamummifiedhuman.Damonwasn’tfazedbyanyofthem.
IfIcouldjustchannelsomemorePowertomyeyes,Elenathought,andthingsimmediatelybrightenedup.HerPowerwasobeyingher!
God!I’llhavetowearthisdressfortherestofmylife:itmakesmefeelso…powerful.So…unashamed.I’llhavetowearittocollege,ifIevergettocollege,toimpressmyprofessors;andtoStefan’sandmywedding—justsopeopleunderstandI’mnotaslut;and—tothebeach,justtogivetheguyssomethingtoogle…
ShestifledagiggleandwassurprisedtoseeDamonglancewithmockreproachather.Ofcourse,hewasascloselyfocusedonherasshewasonhim.Butitwasaslightlydifferentcase,ofcourse,because,tohiseyes,sheworeabiglabelwithSTRAWBERRYJAMwrittenonit,tiedaroundherneck.Andhewasgettinghungryagain.Veryhungry.
NexttimeI’mgoingtoseethatyoueatproperlybeforeyougoout,shethoughtathim.
Let’sworryaboutsucceedingthistimebeforewestartplanningfornexttime,hereturned,withjustthefaintestfireflyhintofhis250-kilowattsmile.
Butitwasallmixedin,ofcourse,withalittleofthesardonictriumphthatDamonalwayscarriedwithhim.Elenasworetoherselfthatlaughatherashemight,begherashemight,threatenorcajoleashemight,shewouldn’tgiveDamonthesatisfactionofevenoneniptonight.Hecouldjustpopthetopoffanotherjampot,shethought.
Eventually,thesweetmusicoftheconcertwasstilledandElenaandDamondashedbacktomeetwithBonnie,Meredith,andSageintheHarperyHall.ElenacouldhaveguessedthenewsbyBonnie’sstance,evenifshehadn’talreadyknownfromSage’ssilence.ButthenewswasworsethanElenacouldhaveimagined:notonlyhadthethreefoundnothingintheHarperyHall,buttheyhadfinallyresortedtoquizzingthesteward,whocouldspeak,ifnotmove,underSage’sInfluence.
“Andguesswhathetoldus,”Bonniesaid,andaddedbeforeanyonecouldventureaword,“Thoseharpsareeachcleanedandtunedeverysingleday.Fazinahas,like,awholearmyofservantsforthem.Andanything,anythingthatdidn’tbelongtoaharpwouldbereportedatonce.Andnothinghasbeen!Itjustisn’tthere!”
Elenafeltherselfshrinkfromomniscientgoddesstobaffledhuman.“Iwasworrieditwouldbelikethis,”sheadmitted,sighing.“Itwouldhavebeenjusttooeasytheotherway.Allright,PlanB.Youminglewiththegalaguests,tryingtogetalookateachroomthat’sopentothepublic.TrytodazzleFazina’sconsortandpumphimforinformation.SeeifMisaoandShinichihavebeenhererecently.DamonandIwillkeeplookingintheroomsthataresupposedtobeclosedoff.”
“That’ssodangerous,”Meredithsaid,frowning.“I’mafraidofwhatthepenaltymightbeifyou’recaught.”
“I’mafraidofwhatthepenaltymightbetoStefanifwedon’tfindthiskeytonight,”Elenaretortedshortly,andturnedonherheel,leaving.
Damonfollowedher.Theysearchedendlessdarkenedrooms,nownotevenknowingwhethertheywerelookingforaharporsomethingelse.FirstDamonwouldcheckiftherewereabreathingbodyinsidetheroom(theremightbeavampireguard,ofcourse,buttherewasn’tmuchtodoaboutthat),thenhepickedthelock.Thingswereworkingseamlesslyuntiltheyreachedaroomattheendofalonghallfacingwest—Elenahadlongsincegottenlostinthepalace,butshecouldunerringlytellwest,becauseitwaswherethebloatedsunhung.
DamonhadpickedthelockofthisroomandElenahadoriginallystartedforwardeagerly.Shesearchedtheroom,whichcontained,frustratingly,asilver-framedpictureofaharp,butwithnothingasbulkyasthehalfofthefoxkeyinsideit,evenwhenshehadcarefullyusedDamon’slockpicktounscrewthebacking.
Itwaswhileshewasplacingthispicturebackonthewallthattheybothheardthethump.Elenawinced,prayingthatnoneoftheblack-suited“securityservants”whoroamedthepalacehadheardthenoise.
Damonquicklyputahandoverhermouthanddialedthegaslightknobintodarkness.
Buttheybothcouldhearitnow…footstepsapproachingfromoutsideinthehallway.Someonehadheardthethump.Thefootstepsstoppedoutsidethedoorandtherewasthedistinctsoundofanupperservant’sdiscreetcough.
Elenawhirled,feelinginthatmomentasifWingsofRedemptionwerewithinherreach.Itwouldonlyrequiretheslightestriseinadrenalineandshewouldhavethesecurityworkeronhisorherknees,sobbinginthepenitenceofalifetime’sworkatevil.ElenaandDamonwouldbegonebefore—
ButDamonhadanotheridea,andElenawasstartledintogoingalongwithit.
Whenthedooropenedsilentlyamomentlater,thestewardfoundacouplelockedinsuchatightembracethattheyseemednoteventonoticetheintrusion.Elenacouldpracticallyfeelhisindignation.ThedesireofacoupleofgueststodiscreetlyembraceintheprivacyofLadyFazina’smanypublicroomswasunderstandable,butthiswaspartoftheprivatehousehold.Asheturnedthelightsup,Elenapeekedathimoutofthecornerofhereye.Herpsychicsenseswereopenenoughtocatchhisthoughts.Hewasgoingoverthevaluablesintheroomwithanexperiencedbutboredgaze.Theexquisiteminiaturevasewiththetrailingrosespickedoutinrubiesandemerald-encrustedvines;themagicallypreserved5,000-year-oldwoodenSumerianlyre;thetwinpairofsolidgoldcandlesticksintheshapeofrearingdragons;theEgyptianfunerarymaskwithitsdark,elongatedeyeholesseemingtowatchoutofitsbrilliantlypaintedfeatures…allwerehere.Itwasn’tevenasifherladyshipkeptanythingofgreatvaluehere,butstill,“Thisroomisnotpartofthepublicdisplay,”hetoldDamon,whomerelyclaspedElenacloser.
Yes,Damonseemedverydeterminedtoputonagoodshowforthesteward…orsomethinglikethat.Buthadn’ttheyalready…doneso?Elena’sthoughtswerelosingcoherency.Thelastthing…theverylastthingthattheycouldafford…wasto…losethechanceof…findingthefoxkey.Elenastartedtopullaway,andthenrealizedthatshemustn’t.
Mustn’t.Notcouldn’t.Shewasproperty,expensivepropertytobesure,deckedoutthewayshewastonight,butDamon’stodisposeofashechose.Whilesomeoneelsewaslookingon,shemustnotseemtodisobeyhermaster’swishes.
Still,Damonwastakingthistoofar…fartherthanhehadevertakenlibertieswithher,although,shethoughtwryly,hedidn’tknowthat.Hewascaressingtheskinleftunprotectedbytheivorygoddessdress,herarms,herback,evenherhair.Heknewhowshelikedthat,howshecouldsomehowfeelitwhenherhairwasheldandtheendscaressedsoftlyorgentlycrushedinafist.
Damon!Shewasdowntothelastresortnow:pleading.Damon,iftheydetainus,ordoanythingtousthatkeepsusfromfindingthekeytonight—whenwillwehaveanotherchance?…Shelethimfeelherdesperation,herguilt,eventhetreacherousdesireshehadtoforgeteverythingandleteachminutecarryherfurtheronthiswaveofardorthathehadcreated.Damon,I’ll…sayitifyouwant.I’m…beggingyou.Elenacouldfeelhereyespricklingastearsfloodedthem.
Notears.ElenaheardDamon’stelepathicvoicegratefully.Therewassomethingstrangeaboutit,though.Itcouldn’tbestarvation—he’dhadherbloodnotmuchmorethantwohoursago.Anditwasn’tpassion,forshecouldhear—andsense—that,alltooclearly.YetDamon’stelepathicvoicewassotautwithcontrolthatitalmostfrightenedher.More,sheknewhecouldfeelthatitfrightenedherandthathechosetodonothingaboutit.Noexplanation.Noexploration,either,sherealizedasshefoundthatbehindthecontrol,hismindwasentirelyshuttoher.
Theonlythingshecouldlikenthefeelingthatshegotfromhissteelycontrolwaspain.Painthatwasjustontheedgeoftheendurable.
Butfromwhat?Elenawonderedhelplessly.
Whatcouldcausehimpainlikethat?
Elenacouldn’twastetheirtimeonwonderingwhatwaswrongwithDamon.SheturnedupthePowerofherownhearingandbegantolistenatthedoorsbeforetheyentered.
ItwaswhileshewaslisteningthatsuddenlyanewideasolidifiedinElena’smind,andshestoppedDamoninapitch-darkhallwayandtriedtoexplaintohimwhatkindofroomshewaslookingfor.What,inmoderndays,wouldbecalleda“homeoffice.”
Damon,familiarwiththearchitectureofgreatmansions,tookher,afteronlyafewfalsestarts,intowhatwasclearlyalady’swritingroom.Elena’seyeswerebynowaskeenashisinthedimnessastheysearchedbythelightofasinglecandle.
WhileElenawasbeingfrustratedaftersearchingaremarkabledeskwithpigeonholesforsecretdrawers,andnotfindingany,Damonwascheckingthehallway.
“Ihearsomeoneoutside,”hesaid.“Ithinkit’stimetoleavenow.”
ButElenawasstilllooking.And—ashereyesracedacrosstheroom—shesawasmallwritingdeskwithanold-fashionedchairandanassortmentofvariouspens,fromancienttomodern,flauntingthemselvesfromelaborateholders.
“Let’sgowhileit’sstillclear,”Damonmurmuredimpatiently.
“Yes,”Elenasaiddistractedly.“Allright…”
Andthenshesaw.
Withoutaninstant’shesitationshestrodeacrosstheroomtothedeskandpickedupapenwithabrilliantsilverplume.Itwasn’tagenuinequillpen,ofcourse;itwasafountainpenmadetolookelegantandold-fashioned—withaplume.Thepenitselfwascurvedtofitherhand,andthewoodfeltwarm.
“Elena,Idon’tfeelvery…”
“Damon,shhh,”Elenasaid,ignoringhim,tooabsorbedinwhatshewasdoingtoreallyhear.First:trytowrite.Nogo.Somethingwasblockingthecartridge.Second:unscrewthefountain-pencarefully,asiftorefillitscartridge,whileallthetimeherheartwasclamoringinherearsandherhandswereshaking.Keepmovingslowly…don’tmissanything…forGod’ssakedon’tletanythingfallawayandbounceinthisdimness.Thetwopartsofthepenpartedinherhand…
…andontothedarkgreendeskpadfellasmall,heavy,curvedpieceofmetal.Ithadjustfitinsidethewidestpartofthepen.Shehaditinherhandandwasreassemblingthepenbeforeshecouldgetagoodlookatit.Butthen…shehadtoopenherhandandsee.
Thesmallcrescent-shapedobjectdazzledhereyesinthelight,butitwasjustlikethedescriptionBonniehadgivenElenaandMeredith.Atinyrepresentationofafoxwithanominalbodyandajewel-encrustedheadthatsportedtwoflatears.Theeyesweretwosparklinggreenstones.Emeralds?
“Alexandrite,”Damonsaidinabedroomwhisper.“Folklorehasitthattheychangecolorincandlelightorfirelight.Theyreflecttheflame.”
Elena,whohadbeenleaningbackagainsthim,recalledwithachillthewayDamon’seyeshadreflectedflamewhenhehadbeenpossessed:thebloodredflameofthemalach—ofShinichi’scruelty.
“So,”Damondemanded,“howdidyoudoit?”
“Thisisreallyoneofthetwopiecesofthefoxkey?”
“Well,it’shardlysomethingthatbelongsinafountainpen.Maybeit’saCrackerjackprize.Butyouwentrighttoitthemomentweenteredtheroom.Evenvampiresneedtimetothink,mypreciousprincess.”
Elenashrugged.“It’stooeasy,actually.Whenitwasclearthatallthoseharpkeyswerenogoes,Iaskedmyselfwhatelsewasaninstrumentthatyou’dfindinsomeone’shouse.Apenisawritinginstrument.ThenIjusthadtofindoutwhetherLadyFazinahadastudyorwritingroom.”
Damonletoutabreath.“Hell’sdemons,youlittleinnocent.YouknowwhatI’vebeenlookingfor?Trapdoors.Secretentriestodungeons.TheonlyotherinstrumentIcouldthinkofwasan‘instrumentoftorture’andyou’dbesurprisedathowmanyofthemyou’llfindinthisfaircity.”
“Butnotinherhouse—!”Elena’svoicerosedangerously,andtheywerebothsilentamomenttomakeupforit,listening,ontenterhooks,foranysoundfromthehallway.
Therewasnone.
Elenaletoutherbreath.“Quick!Where,wherewillitbesafe?”Shewasrealizingthattheonefaultofthegoddessdresswasthattherewasabsolutelynoplacetohideanything.She’dhavetospeaktoLadyUlmaaboutthatfornexttime.
“Down,downinthepocketofmyjeans,”Damonsaid,seemingtobeasurgentandshakingasbadlyasshewas.WhenhehadjammeditdeepintotherecessesofhisblackArmanijeanshecaughtherbybothhands.“Elena!Doyourealize?We’vedoneit.We’veactuallydoneit!”
“Iknow!”TearswereleakingoutofElena’seyesandallofLadyFazina’smusicseemedtobeswellinginonegreat,perfectchord.“Wedidittogether!”
Andthensomehow—likealltheother“somehows”thatweregettingtobeahabitwiththem,ElenawasinDamon’sarms,slidingherownarmsunderhisjackettofeelhiswarmth,hissolidity.Shewasn’tsurprised,either,tofeeladoublepiercingatherthroatwhenshedroppedherheadback:herlovelypantherwasreallyonlyalittletamed,andneededtolearnafewbasicsofdatingetiquette;suchasyoukissbeforeyoubite.
Hehadsaidhewashungryearlier,sheremembered,andshehadignoredhim,tooenthralledbythesilverpentoputthewordstogether.Butsheputthemtogethernow,andunderstood—exceptwhyheseemedtobesoexceptionallyhungrytonight.
Maybeeven…excessivelyhungry.
Damon,shethoughtgently,you’retakingalot.
Shecouldfeelnoresponsebuttherawhungerofthepanther.
Damon,thiscouldbedangerous…forme.ThistimeElenaputasmuchPowerasshecouldintothewordsshesent.
StillnoresponsefromDamon,butshewasfloatingnow,downintodarkness.Andthatgaveherthevaguethreadofanidea.
Whereareyou?Areyouhere?shecalled,picturingthelittleboy.
Andthenshesawhim,chainedtohisboulder,curledupinaball,withhisfistscoveringhiseyes.
What’swrong?Elenaaskedimmediately,floatingneartohim,concerned.
He’shurting!He’shurting!
Areyouhurt?Showme,Elenasaidinstantly.
No!He’shurtingyou.Hecouldkillyou!
Husshh.Husshhh.Shetriedtocradlehim.
Wehavetomakehimhearus!
Allright,Elenasaid.Shereallywasfeelingoddandweak.Butsheturned,alongwiththechild,andcriedvoicelessly:Damon!Please!Elenasaysstop!
Andamiraclehappened.
Bothsheandthechildcouldfeelit.Thelittlestingoffangsbeingwithdrawn.ThestopofenergyflowfromElenatoDamon.
Andthen,ironically,themiraclebegantotakeherawayfromthechild,withwhomshereallywantedtospeak.
No!Wait!shetriedtotellDamon,clingingtothechild’shandsashardasshecould,butshewasbeingcatapultedbacktoconsciousnessasifbyahurricane.Thedarknessfaded.Initsplacewasaroom,toobright,itsonecandleblazinglikeapolicesearchlightaimeddirectlyather.SheshuthereyesandfeltthewarmthandheavinessofthecorporealDamoninherarms.
“I’msorry!Elena,canyouspeak?Ididn’trealizehowmuch—”TherewassomethingwrongwithDamon’svoice.Thensheunderstood.Damon’sfangswereunretracted.
Wha—?Everythingwaswrong.They’dbeensohappy,but—butnowherrightarmfeltwet.
ElenapulledawayfromDamonentirely,staringatherarms,whichwereredandwithsomethingthatwasn’tpaint.
Shewasstilltooworkeduptoaskquestionsproperly.SheslippedbehindDamonandpulledhisblackleatherjacketoffhim.Inthebrilliantlightshecouldseehisblacksilkshirtmarredbylineafterlineofdried,partiallydried,orjustplainwetblood.
“Damon!”Herfirstreactionwashorrorwithoutatouchofguiltorunderstanding.“Whathappened?Didyougetinafight?Damon,tellme!”
Andthensomethinginhermindpresentedherwithanumber.Sinceshehadbeenachild,shehadbeenabletocount.Infact.she’dlearnedtocounttotenbeforeherfirstbirthday.Therefore,she’dhadseventeenfullyearsoflearningtocountthenumberofirregular,deep,still-bleedingcutsinDamon’sback.
Ten.
Elenalookeddownatherownbloodyarmsandatthegoddessdress,whichwasnowthehorrordressbecauseitspuremilkywhitenesswasmarredwithbrilliantred
Redthatshouldhavebeenherblood.RedthatmusthavefeltlikeswordslashesintoDamon’sbackashechanneledthepainandthemarksoftheNightofherDisciplinefromhertohim.
Andhecarriedmeallthewayhome.Thethoughtcameswimminginfromnowhere.Withoutawordaboutit.Iwouldneverhaveknown….
Andhestillhasn’thealed.Willheeverheal?
Thatwaswhenshestartedscreamingonallfrequencies.29
Someonewastryingtomakeherdrinkoutofaglass.Elena’ssenseofsmellwassoacutethatshecouldtastewhatwasintheglassalready—BlackMagicwine.Andshedidn’twantthat!No!Shespatitout.Theycouldn’tmakeherdrink.
“Monenfant,itisforyourowngood.Now,drinkit.”Elenaturnedherheadaway.Shefeltthedarknessandthehurricanerushinguptotakeher.Yes.Thatwasbetter.Whywouldn’ttheyleaveheralone?
Intheverydeepesttrenchesofcommunication,alittleboywaswithherinthedark.Sherememberedhim,butnothisname.Sheheldoutherarmsandhecameintothemanditseemedthathischainswerelighterthantheyhadbeen…when?Before.Thatwasallshecouldremember.
Areyouallright?shewhisperedtothechild.Downhere,deepintheheartofcommunion,awhisperwasashout.
Don’tcry.Notears,hebeggedher,butthewordsremindedherofsomethingshecouldn’tbeartothinkof,andsheputherfingerstohislips,gentlysilencinghim.
Tooloud,avoicefromOutsidecamerumblingin.“So,monenfant,youhavedecidedtobecomeunvampireencoreunefois.”
Isthatwhatishappening?shewhisperedtothechild.AmIdyingagain?Tobecomeavampire?
Idon’tknow!thechildcried.Idon’tknowanything.He’sangry.I’mafraid.
Sagewon’thurtyou,shepromised.He’salreadyavampire,andyourfriend.
NotSage…
Thenwhoareyouafraidof?
Ifyoudieagain,I’llbewrappedinchainsallover.Thechildshowedherapitiablepictureofhimselfcoveredbycoilaftercoilofheavychains.Inhismouth,gagginghim.Pinninghisarmstohissidesandhislegstotheball.Moreover,thechainswerespikedsothateverywheretheydugintothechild’ssoftflesh,bloodflowed.
Whowoulddosuchathing?Elenacried.I’llmakehimwishhe’dneverbeenborn.Tellmewho’sgoingtodothis!
Thechild’sfacewassadandperplexed.Iwill,hesaidsadly.Hewill.He/I.Damon.Becausewe’llhavekilledyou.
Butifit’snothisfault…
Wehaveto.Wehaveto.ButmaybeI’lldie,thedoctorsays…Therewasadefiniteliltofhopeinthelastsentence.
ItdecidedElena.IfDamonwasnotthinkingclearly,thenmaybeshewasn’tthinkingclearly,shereasonedoutslowly.Maybe…maybesheshoulddowhatSagewanted.
AndDr.Meggar.Shecoulddiscernhisvoiceasifthroughathickfog.“—sake,you’vebeenworkingallnight.Givesomeoneelseachance.”
Yes…allnight.Elenahadnotwantedtowakeupagain,andshehadapowerfulwill.
“Maybeswitchsides?”someone—agirl—ayounggirl—wassuggesting.Littleinvoice,butstrong-willed,too.Bonnie.
“Elena…It’sMeredith.Canyoufeelmeholdingyourhand?”Apause,thenverymuchlouder,excitedly,“Hey,shesqueezedmyhand!Didyousee?Sage,tellDamontogetinherequick.”
Drifting…
“…drinkalittlemore,Elena?Iknow,Iknow,you’resickofit.Butdrinkunpeuformysake,willyou?”
Drifting…
“Trèsbon,monenfant!Maintenant,whataboutalittlemilk?Damonbelievesyoucanstayhumanifyoudrinksomemilk.”
Elenahadtwothoughtsaboutthis.Onewasthatifshedrankanymoreofanything,shemightexplode.Anotherwasthatshewasn’tgoingtomakeanyfoolishpromises.
Shetriedtospeakbutitcameoutinathreadofawhisper.“TellDamon—Iwon’tcomeupunlessheletsthelittleboyfree.”
“Who?Whatlittleboy?”
“Elena,sweetie,allthelittleboysonthisestatearefree.”
Meredith:“Whynotlethertellhim?”
Dr.Meggar:“Elena,Damonisrighthereonthecouch.You’vebothbeenverysick,butyou’regoingtobefine.Here,Elena,wecanmovetheexaminationtablesoyoucantalktohim.There,it’sdone.”
Elenatriedtoopenhereyes,buteverythingwasferociouslybright.Shetookabreathandtriedagain.Stillmuchtoobright.Andshedidn’tknowhowtodimhervisionanymore.Shespokewithhereyesshuttothepresenceshefeltinfrontofher:Ican’tleavehimaloneagain.Especiallyifyou’regoingtoloadhimwithchainsandgaghim.
Elena,Damonsaidshakily,Ihaven’tledagoodlife.ButIhaven’tkeptslavesbefore,Iswear.Askanyone.AndIwouldn’tdothattoachild.
Youhave,andIknowhisname.AndIknowthatallhe’smadeofisgentleness,andkindness,andgoodnature…andfear.
ThelowrumbleofSage’svoice,“…agitatingher…”theslightlyloudermurmurofDamon’s:“Iknowshe’soffherhead,butI’dstillliketoknowthenameofthislittleboyI’msupposedtohavedonethisto.Howdoesthatagitateher?”
Morerumbling,then:“Butcan’tIjustaskher?AtleastIcanclearmynameofthesecharges.”Then,outloud:“Elena?CanyoutellmewhatchildI’msupposedtohavetorturedlikethis?”
Shewassotired.Butsheansweredaloud,whispering,“HisnameisDamon,ofcourse.”
AndMeredith’sownexhaustedwhisper,“Oh,myGod.Shewaswillingtodieforametaphor.”30
MattwatchedMrs.FlowersgooverSheriffMossberg’sbadge,holdingitlightlyinonehandandrunningherfingersoveritwiththeother.
ThebadgecamefromRebecca,SheriffMossberg’sniece.IthadseemedentirelyacoincidencewhenMatthadalmostrunintoherearlierthatday.Thenhe’dnoticedthatshewaswearingaman’sshirtasadress.Theshirthadbeenfamiliar—aRidgemontsheriff’sshirt.
Thenhehadseenthebadgestillattachedtoit.YoucouldsayalotofthingsaboutSheriffMossberg,butyoucouldn’timaginehimlosinghisbadge.MatthadforgottenallsenseofgallantryandsnatchedatthelittlemetalshieldbeforeRebeccacouldstophim.He’dhadasickfeelinginhisstomachthen,andithadonlygottenworsesince.Mrs.Flowers’sexpressionwasdoingnothingtocomforthim.
“Itwasn’tindirectcontactwithhisskin,”shesaidsoftly,“sotheimagesIgetarehazy.Butoh,mydearMatt”—sheliftedshadowedeyestohis—“Iamafraid.”Sheshivered,sittingatherkitchentablechair,wheretwomugsofhotspicedmilksatuntouched.
Matthadtoclearhisthroatandtouchthescaldingmilktohislips.“Youthinkweneedtogoouttolook.”
“Wemust,”saidMrs.Flowers.Sheshookherhead,withitssoft,wispywhitecurls,sadly.“DearMamaismostinsistent,andIcanfeelittoo;agreatdisturbanceinthisartifact.”
Mattfeltthefaintestshadeofpridetingeinghisfearforhavingsecuredthe“artifact”—andthenhethought,yeah,robbingbadgesfromtheshirtsoftwelve-year-oldgirlsisreallysomethingtobeproudof.
Mrs.Flowers’svoicecamefromthekitchen.“You’dbestputonseveralshirtsandsweatersaswellasapairofthese.”Sheemergedsidewaysthroughthekitchendoor,holdingseverallongcoats,apparentlyfromtheclosetinfrontofthekitchendoor,andseveralpairsofgardeninggloves.
Mattjumpeduptohelpherwiththearmfulsofcoatsandthenwentintoacoughingfitasthesmellofmothballsandof—somethingelse,somethingspicy—surroundedhim.
“Whydo—Ifeel—likeChristmas?”hesaid,forcedtocoughbetweeneachfewwords.
“Oh,nowthatwouldbeGreat-AuntMorwen’sclovepreservationrecipe,”Mrs.Flowersreplied.“SomeofthesecoatsarefromMother’stime.”
Mattbelievedher.“Butit’sstillwarmout.Whyshouldwewearcoatsatall?”
“Forprotection,dearMatt,forprotection!Theseclotheshavespellswovenintothematerialtosafeguardusfromevil.”
“Eventhegardeninggloves?”Mattaskeddoubtfully.
“Eventhegloves,”Mrs.Flowerssaidfirmly.Shepausedandthensaidinaquietvoice,“Andwe’dbettergathersomeflashlights,Mattdear,becausethisissomethingwe’regoingtohavetodointhedarkness.”
“You’rekidding!”
“No,sadly,Iamnot.Andweshouldgetsomeropetotieourselvestogether.UndernocircumstancesmustweenterthethicketoftheOldWoodtonight.”
Anhourlater,Mattwasstillthinking.Hehadn’thadanyappetiteforMrs.Flowers’sheartyBraisedEggplantauFromagedinner,andthewheelsinhisbrainjustwouldn’tstopturning.
IwonderifthisishowElenafeels,hethought,whenshe’sputtingtogetherPlansA,B,andC.Iwonderifsheeverfeelsthisstupiddoingit.
Hefeltatighteningaroundhisheart,andforthethree-hundred-thousandthtimesincehe’dleftherandDamon,hewonderedifhe’ddonetherightthing.
Ithadtoberight,hetoldhimself.Ithurttheworst,andthat’stheproofofit.Thingsthatreally,reallyhurtaretherightthingtodo.
ButIjustwantedtosaygood-byetoher….
Butifyou’dsaidgood-bye,you’dneverhaveleft.Faceit,moron,asfarasElenagoesyou’retheworld’sbiggestloser.Eversinceshefoundaboyfriendshelikedbetterthanyou,you’vebeenworkinglikeyouwereMeredithandBonnietohelpherkeephimandkeepawayTheBadGuy.MaybeyoushouldgetyoualllittlematchingT-shirtssaying:Iamadog.IservethePrincessEle—
SMACK!
Mattleapedup,andlandedcrouching,whichwasmorepainfulthanitlookedinmovies.
Rattle-Smick!
Itwasthelooseshutterontheothersideoftheroom.Thatfirstbanghadreallybeenaslam,though.Theexterioroftheboardinghousewasinprettybadshape,andthewoodenshutterstheresometimessuddenlycamefreeoftheirwintertimenails.
Butwasitreallyjustacoincidence?Mattthought,assoonashishearthadstoppedgalloping.InthisboardinghousewhereStefanhadspentsomuchtime?Maybesomehowtherewerestillremnantsofhisspiritaround,tunedtowhatpeoplethoughtwithinthesehalls.Ifso,Matthadjustbeengivenasolidwhacktothesolarplexus,fromthewayhefelt.
Sorry,bud,hethought,almostsayingitoutloud.Ididn’tmeantotrashyourgirl.She’sunderalotofpressure.
Trashhisgirl?
TrashElena?
Hell,he’dbethefirstpersontoknockoutanybodywhotrashedElena.ProvidedStefandidn’tusevampiretrickstogetinfrontofhim!
AndwhatwasitElenaalwayssaid?Youcan’tbetooprepared.Youcan’thavetoomanysubplansbecause,justassureasGodmadeapeskyshellaroundapeanut,yourmajorplanwasgoingtohavesomeflaws.
ThatwaswhyElenaalsoworkedwithasmanypeopleaspossible.SowhatifCandDworkersneverneededtogetinvolved.Theywerethereiftheywereneeded.
Thinkingthis,andwithhisheadfeelingalotclearerthanithadsincehehadsoldthePriusandgivenStefan’smoneytoBonnieandMeredithforplanefareplus,Mattwenttowork.
“Andthenwetookawalkaroundtheestate,andsawtheappleorchard,andtheorangeorchard,andthecherryorchard,”BonnietoldElena,whowaslyingdown,lookingsmallanddefenseless,inherfour-posterbed,whichhadbeenhungwithdusty-goldsheerpanels,rightnowheldbackbyheavytasselsinvariousshadesofgold.
Bonniewassittingcomfortablyinagoldupholsteredchairthathadbeendrawntothebed.Shehadhersmallbarefeetuponthesheets.
Elenawasnotbeingagoodpatient.Shewantedtogetup,sheinsisted.Shewantedtobeabletowalkaround.Thatwoulddohermoregoodthanalltheoatmealandsteakandmilkandfive-times-a-dayvisitsfromDr.Meggar,whohadcometoliveattheestate.
Sheknewwhattheywereallreallyafraidof,though.Bonniehadblurteditalloutinonelongsobbing,keeningwailonenightwhenthelittleredheadhadbeenondutybesideher.
“Y-youscreamedandallthev-vampiresheardit,andSagejustpickedupMeredithandmeliketwokittens,oneundereacharm,andherantowherethescreamingwas.Butb-bythensomanypeoplehadgottentoyoufirst!YouwereunconsciousbutsowasDamon,andsomebodysaid,‘They-they’vebeenattackedandIth-thinkthey’redead!’Andevery-b-bodywass-saying,‘CalltheG-Guardians!’AndIfainted,alittle.”
“Shhh,”Elenahadsaidkindly—andcannily.“HavesomeBlackMagictomakeitfeelbetter.”
Bonniehadhadsome.Andsomemore.Andthenshe’dgoneonwiththestory.“ButSagemust’veknownsomethingbecausehesaid,‘Here,I’madoctor,andI’mgoingtoexaminethem.’Andyouwouldreallybelievehim,thewayhesaidit!”
“Andthenhelookedatbothofyou,andIguessheknewrightawaywhathappened,becausehesaid,‘Fetchacarriage!Ineedtotakethemt-toDr.Meggar,mycolleague.’AndtheLadyFazinaherselfcameandsaidthattheycouldhaveoneofhercarriages,andjustsenditbackwh-whenever.She’ssooooorich!Andthen,wegotyoutwooutthebackwaybecausetherewere—weresomebastardswhosaid,letthemdie.Theywererealdemons,whitelikesnow,calledSnowWomen.Andthen,then,wewerejustinthecarriageand,ohmyGod!Elena!Elena,youdied!Youstoppedbreathingtwice!AndSageandMeredithjustkeptdoingCPRonyou.AndI—Iprayedsoh-h-hard.”
Elena,fullyintothestorybynow,hadcuddledher,butBonnie’stearskeptcomingback.
“AndweknockedatDr.Meggar’sasifweweregoingtoburstthedoorin—and—andsomeonetoldhim—andheexaminedherandsaid,‘Sheneedsatransfusion.’AndIsaid,‘Takemyblood.’BecauserememberinschoolwhenwebothgavebloodtoJodyWrightandwewerepracticallytheonlyoneswhocoulddoitbecausewewerethesamekind?AndthenDr.Meggargottwotablesreadylikethat”—Bonniehadsnappedherfingers—“andIwassoscaredIcouldhardlyholdstillfortheneedle,butIdid.Idid,somehow!Andtheygaveyousomeofmyblood.And,meanwhile,youknowwhatMeredithdid?SheletDamonbiteher.Shereallydid.AndDr.Meggarsentthecarriagebacktothehousetoaskforservantswho‘wantedabonus’becauseth-that’swhatit’scalledhere—andthecarriagecamebackfull.AndIdon’tknowhowmanyDamonbit,butitwasalot!Dr.Meggarsaiditwasthebestmedicine.AndMeredithandDamonandallofustalkedandweconvincedDr.Meggartocomehere,Imeantolive,andLadyUlmaisgoingtoturnthatwholebuildinghewaslivinginintoahospitalforthepoorpeople.Andeverafterthatwe’vejustbeentryingtogetyouwell.Damonwasfinethenextmorning.AndLadyUlmaandLucenandhe—Imeanitwastheirideabuthedidit,sentthispearltoLadyFazina—itwasonethatherfatherhadneverfoundaclientrichenoughtobuy,becauseit’ssobig,likeagoodhandfulinsizebutirregular,thatmeanswithtwistsandturns,andasheenlikesilver.Theyputitonathickchainandsentittoher.”
Bonnie’seyeshadfilledagain.“BecauseshesavedbothyouandDamon.Hercarriagesavedyourlives.”Bonniehadleanedforwardtowhisper,“AndMeredithtoldme—it’sasecret,butnotfromyou—thatbeingbittenisn’tthatbad.There!”AndBonnie,likethekittenshewas,hadyawnedandstretched.“Iwouldhavebeenbittennext,”she’dsaidalmostwistfully,andquicklyadded,“butyouneededmyblood.Humanblood,butmineespecially.Iguesstheyknowallaboutbloodtypesherebecausetheycantasteandsmellthedifferences.”Thenshegavealittlejumpandsaid,“Doyouwanttolookatthefoxkeyhalf?Weweresosureitwasalloverandwe’dnevereverfindit,butwhenMeredithwentinthebedroomtogetbitten—andIpromisethatwasalltheydid—Damongaveittoherandaskedhertokeepit.Soshedidandshetookgoodcareofitandit’sinalittlechestLucenmadeoutofsomethingthatlookslikeplasticbutit’snot.”
Elenahadadmiredthelittlecrescent,butotherthanthattherewasnothingtodoinbedbuttalkandreadclassicalbooksorencyclopediasfromEarth.Theywouldn’tevenletherandDamonrestinthesameroom.
Elenaknewwhy.Theywereafraidshewouldn’tjusttalktoDamon.Theywereafraidthatshewouldgetneartohimandsmellhisexoticfamiliarsmell,madeupofItalianbergamot,mandarin,andcardamom,andthatshewouldlookupintohisblackeyesthatcouldholduniversesinsidethepupils,andthatherkneeswouldgoweakandshe’dwakeupavampire.
Theydidn’tknowanything!SheandDamonhadbeensafelyexchangingbloodforweeksbeforethecrisis.Iftherewasnothingtodrivehimoutofsanityagain,thewaythepainhadbefore,hewouldconducthimselflikeaperfectgentleman.
“Hm,”Bonniesaid,uponhearingthisprotest,pushingatinythrowpillowaroundwithtoenailsthathadbeenpaintedsilver.“Imaybewouldn’ttellthemthatyou’vebeenexchangingbloodsomanytimesfromthebeginning.Itmightmakethemgo‘Aha!’orsomething.Youknow,readsomethingintoit.”
“There’snothingtoreadinto.I’mheretocollectmybelovedDamonandStefanisjusthelpingme.”
Bonnielookedatherwithherbrowsknittedandhermouthpursed,butdidn’tventureaword.
“Bonnie?”
“Um-hm?”
“DidIjustsaywhatIthoughtIsaid?”
“Um-hm.”
Elena,withonemotion,gatheredanarmfulofpillowsanddepositedthemonherface.“CouldyoupleasetellchefthatIwantanothersteakandabigglassofmilk?”sherequestedinamuffledvoicefromunderthepillows.“I’mnotwell.”
Matthadanewjunkcar.Hewasalwaysabletogethishandsononewhenhereallyneededit.Andnowhewasdriving,infitsandstarts,toObaasan’shouse.
Mrs.Saitou’shouse,hecorrectedhimselfhastily.Hedidn’twanttotreadonunfamiliarculturalcustoms,notwhenhewasaskingforafavor.
ThedoorattheSaitous’wasopenedbyawomanMatthadneverseenbefore.Shewasanattractivewoman,dressedverydramaticallyinawidescarletskirt—ormaybeinverywidescarletpants—shestoodwithherfeetsofarapartthatitwashardtotell.Sheworeawhiteblouse.Herfacewasstriking:twoswathsofstraightblackhairandasmaller,neaterswathofbangsthatcametohereyebrows
Butthemoststrikingthingofallaboutherwasthatshewasholdingalongcurvedsword,pointeddirectlyatMatt.
“H-hi,”Mattsaid,whenthedoorswungopentorevealthisapparition.
“Thisisagoodhouse,”thewomanreplied.“Thisisnotahouseofevilspirits.”
“Ineverthoughtitwas,”Mattsaid,retreatingasthewomanadvanced.“Honest.”
Thewomanshuthereyes,seemedtobesearchingforsomethinginherownmind.Then,abruptly,sheloweredthesword.“Youspeakthetruth.Youmeannoharm.Pleasecomein.”
“Thankyou,”Mattsaid.He’dneverbeensohappytohaveanolderwomanaccepthim.
“Orime,”cameathin,feeblevoicefromupstairs.“Isthatoneofthechildren?”
“Yes,Hahawe,”calledthewomanthatMattcouldn’thelpthinkingofas“thewomanwiththesword.”
“Sendhimup,whydon’tyou?”
“Ofcourse,Hahawe.”
“Haha—Imean‘Hahawe’?”Mattsaid,turninganervouslaughintoadesperatesentenceastheswordswungbyhismidriffagain.“NotObaasan?”
Thesword-womansmiledforthefirsttime.“ObaasanmeansgrandmotherHahaweisoneofthewaystosaymother.Butmotherwon’tmindatallifyoucallherObaasan;it’safriendlygreetingforawomanofherage.”
“Okay,”Mattsaid,tryinghisbesttoseemlikeanall-aroundfriendlyguy.
Mrs.Saitougesturedhimupthestairsandhepeepedintoseveralroomsbeforehefoundonewithalargefutonintheexactmiddleofacompletelybarefloor,andinitawomanwhoseemedsotinyanddoll-likeasnottobereal.
Herhairwasjustassoftandblackasthesword-woman’sdownstairs.Itwasputuporarrangedsomehowsothatitlayaroundherlikeahaloasshelayonthebed.ButthedarklashesonthepalecheekswereshutandMattwonderedifshehadfallenintooneofthesuddenslumbersoftheelderly.
Butthenquiteabruptly,thedoll-likeladyopenedhereyesandsmiled.“Why,it’sMasato-chan!”shesaid,lookingatMatt.
Badbeginning.Ifshedidn’tevenrecognizethatablondguywasn’therJapanesefriendfromaboutsixtyyearsago…
Butthenshewaslaughing,withhersmallhandsinfrontofhermouth.“Iknow,Iknow,”shesaid.“You’renotMasato.Hebecameabanker,veryrich.Verythick.Especiallyintheheadandthestomach.”
Shesmiledathimagain.“Sitdown,please.YoucancallmeObaasanifyouwant,orOrime.Mydaughterwasnamedforme.Butlifehasbeenhardforher,asitwasforme.Beingashrinemaiden—andasamurai…ittakesdisciplineandmuchwork.AndmyOrimedidsowell…untilwecamehere.Wewerelookingforatownthatwouldbepeacefulandquiet.Instead,Isobelfound…Jim.AndJimwas…untrue.”
Matt’sthroatswelledwiththedesiretodefendhisfriend,butwhatdefensecouldtherebe?JimhadspentonenightwithCaroline—atCaroline’spressinginvitation.AndhehadbecomepossessedandhadbroughtthatpossessiontohisgirlfriendIsobel,whohadpiercedherbodygrotesquely—amongotherthings.
“We’vegottogetthem,”Mattfoundhimselfsayingearnestly.“Thekitsunewhostarteditall—whostarteditwithCaroline.ShinichiandhissisterMisao.”
“Kitsune.”Obaasanwasnoddingherhead.“Yes,Isaidtherewouldbeoneinvolvedfromtheverybeginning.Letmesee;Iblessedsomecharmsandamuletsforyourfriends….”
“Andsomebullets.Ijustsortoffilledmypockets,”Mattsaid,embarrassed,ashespilledoutajumbleofdifferentcalibersontheedgeofherfutoncover.“IevenfoundsomeprayersontheWebaboutgettingridofthem.”
“Yes,you’vebeenverythorough.Good.”Obaasanlookedatthehardcopieshe’dprintedoftheprayers.Mattsquirmed,knowingthathehadonlybeenrunningdownMeredith’sTo-Dolist,andthatthecreditreallybelongedtoher.
“I’llblessthebulletsfirstandthenI’llwriteoutmoreamulets,”shesaid.“Puttheamuletswhereveryouneedprotectionmost.And,well,Isupposeyouknowwhattodowiththebullets.”
“Yes,ma’am!”Mattfumbledinhispocketsforthelastfew,putthemintoObaasan’soutstretchedhands.Thenshechantedalong,elaborateprayerholdinghertinyhandsoutoverthebullets.Mattdidn’tfindtheincantationfrightening,butheknewthatasapsychichewasadud,andthatBonniehadprobablyseenandheardthingshecouldn’t.
“ShouldIaimforanyparticularpartofthem?”Mattasked,watchingtheoldwomanandtryingtofollowalongonhisowncopyoftheprayers.
“No,anypartofthebodyorheadwilldo.Ifyoutakeoutatail,you’llmakeitweaker,butyou’llenrageit,aswell.”Obaasanpausedandcoughed,asmalldryold-ladycough.BeforeMattcouldoffertorundownstairsandgetheradrink,Mrs.Saitouenteredtheroomwithatrayandthreecupsofteainlittlebowls.
“Thankyouforwaiting,”shesaidpolitelyasshekneltfluidlytoservethem.Mattfoundwiththefirstsipthatthesteaminggreenteawasmuchbetterthanhe’dexpectedfromhisfewexperiencesatrestaurants.
Andthentherewassilence.Mrs.Saitousatlookingattheteacup,Obaasanlaylookingwhiteandshrunkenunderthefutoncover,andMattfeltastormofwordsbuildingupinhisownthroat.
Finally,eventhoughgoodsensewascounselinghimnottospeak,heburstout,“God,I’msosorryaboutIsobel,Mrs.Saitou!Shedoesn’tdeserveanyofthis!IjustwantedyoutoknowthatI—I’mjustsosorry,andI’mgoingtogetthekitsunewho’satthebottomofit.Ipromiseyou,I’llgethim!”
“Kitsune?”Mrs.Saitousaidsharply,staringathimasifhe’dgonemad.Obaasanlookedoninpityfromherpillow.Then,withoutwaitingtogatheruptheteathings,Mrs.Saitoujumpedupandranoutoftheroom.
Mattwasleftspeechless.“I—I—”
Obaasanspokefromherpillow.“Don’tbetoodistressed,youngman.Mydaughter,althoughapriestess,isverymoderninheroutlook.Shewouldprobablytellyouthatkitsunedon’tevenexist.”
“Evenafter—ImeanhowdoesshethinkIsobel—?”
“Shethinksthatthereareevilinfluencesinthistown,butofthe‘ordinary,human’kind.ShethinksIsobeldidwhatshedidbecauseofthestressshewasunder,tryingtobeagoodstudent,agoodpriestess,agoodsamurai.”
“Youmean,like,Mrs.Saitoufeelsguilty?”
“SheblamesIsobel’sfatherformuchofit.Heisa‘salaryman’backinJapan.”Obaasanpaused.“Idon’tknowwhyIhavetoldyouallthis.”
“I’msorry,”Mattsaidhastily.“Iwasn’ttryingtosnoop.”
“No,butyoucareaboutotherpeople.IwishIsobelhadhadaboylikeyouinsteadofherdaughter.”
Mattthoughtofthepitifulfigurehe’dseenatthehospital.MostofIsobel’sscarswouldendupinvisibleunderherclothes—presumingshelearnedtospeakagain.Bravely,hesaid,“Well,I’mstillupforgrabs.”
Obaasansmiledfaintlyathim,thenputherheadbackdownonthepillow—no,itwasawoodenheadrest,Mattrealized.Itdidn’tlookverycomfortable.“It’sagreatpitywhentherehastobestrifebetweenahumanfamilyandthekitsune,”shesaid.“Becausetherearerumorsthatoneofourancestorstookakitsunewife.”
“Saywhat?”
Obaasanlaughed,againbehindconcealingfists.“Mukashi-mukashi,orasyousay,longagointhetimesoflegend,agreatShogunbecameangyatallthekitsuneonhisestateforthemischieftheymade.Formanylongyearstheywereuptoallsortsofpranks,butwhenhesuspectedthemofruiningthecropsinthefields,thatwasit.Herousedeverymanandwomaninhishousehold,andtoldthemtotakesticksandarrowsandrocksandhoesandbroomsandflushoutallthefoxesthathaddensonhisestate,eventheonesbetweentheatticandtheroof.Hewasgoingtohaveeverysinglefoxkilledwithoutmercy.Butthenightbeforehedidthis,hehadadreaminwhichabeautifulwomancameandsaidshewasresponsibleforallthefoxesontheestate.‘And,’shesaid,‘whileitistruethatwemakemischief,werepayyoubyeatingtheratsandmiceandinsectsthatreallyspoilthecrops.Won’tyouagreetotakeyourangeroutjustonmeandexecutemealoneinsteadofallthefoxes?Iwillcomeatdawntohearyouranswer.’
“Andshekeptherword,thismostbeautifulofkitsune,arrivingatdawnwithtwelvebeautifulmaidensasattendants,butsheoutshoneallofthemjustasthemoonoutshinesastar.TheShoguncouldnotbringhimselftokillher,andinfactaskedforherhandinmarriage,andmarriedhertwelveattendantstohistwelvemostloyalretainersaswell.Anditissaidthatshewasalwaysafaithfulwife,andborehimmanychildrenasfierceasAmaterasuthesungoddess,andasbeautifulasthemoon,andthatthiscontinueduntilonedaytheShogunwasonajourneyandhehappenedtoaccidentallykillafox.Hehurriedhometoexplaintohiswifethatithadn’tbeenintentional,butwhenhearrivedhefoundhishouseholdinmourning,forhiswifehadalreadylefthim,withallhissonsanddaughters.”
“Oh,toobad,”Mattmuttered,tryingtobepolite,whenhisbrainelbowedhimintheribs.“Wait.Butiftheyallleft…”
“Iseeyou’reanattentiveyoungman,”thedelicateoldwomanlaughed.“Allhissonsanddaughtersweregone…excepttheyoungest,agirlofpeerlessbeauty,althoughshewasjustachild.Shesaid,‘Iloveyoutoomuchtoleaveyou,dearfather,evenifImustwearahumanshapeallmylife.’Andthatishowwearesaidtobedescendedfromakitsune.”
“Well,thesekitsunearen’tjustcausingmischieforruiningcrops,”Mattsaid.“They’reouttokill.Andwehavetofightback.”
“Ofcourse,ofcourse.Ididn’tmeantoupsetyouwithmylittlestory,”Obaasansaid.“I’llwriteoutthoseamuletsforyounow.”
ItwasasMattwasleavingthatMrs.Saitouappearedatthedoor.Sheputsomethingintohishand.HeglanceddownatitandsawthesamecalligraphythatObaasanhadgivenhim.Exceptthatitwasmuchsmallerandwrittenon…
“APost-itnote?”Mattasked,bewildered.
Mrs.Saitounodded.“Veryusefulforslappingonthefacesofdemonsorthelimbsoftreesorsuch.”And,ashestaredatherincompleteamazement,“Mymotherdoesn’tknowallthereistoknowabouteverything.”
Shealsohandedhimasturdydagger,smallerthantheswordshewasstillcarrying,butveryserviceable—Mattimmediatelycuthimselfonit.
“Putyourfaithinfriendsandyourinstincts,”shesaid.
Slightlydazed,butfeelingencouraged,MattdrovetoDr.Alpert’shouse.31
“I’mfeelingmuchbetter,”ElenatoldDr.Meggar.“I’dliketotakeawalkaroundtheestate.”Shetriednottobounceupanddownonthebed.“I’vebeeneatingsteakanddrinkingmilkandIeventookthatvilecodliveroilyousent.AlsoIhaveaveryfirmgraspofreality:I’mheretorescueStefanandthelittleboyinsideDamonisametaphorforhisunconscious,whichthebloodwesharedallowedmeto‘see.’”Shebouncedonce,butcovereditbyreachingforaglassofwater.“Ifeellikeahappypuppypullingattheleash.”Sheexhibitedhernewlydesignedslavebracelets:silverwithlapislazuliinsertsinfluiddesigns.“IfIdiesuddenly,Iamprepared.”
Dr.Meggar’seyebrowsworkedupanddown.“Well,Ican’tfindanythingwrongwithyourpulseoryourbreathing.Idon’tseehowaniceafternoonwalkcanhurtyou.Damon’scertainlyupandwalking.Butdon’tyougogivingLadyUlmaanyideas.Shestillneedsmonthsofbedrest.”
“Shehasanicelittledeskmadefromabreakfasttray,”Bonnieexplained,gesturingtoshowsizeandwidth.“Shedesignsclothesonthat.”Bonnieleanedforward,wide-eyed.“Andyouknowwhat?Herdressesaremagic.”
“Iwouldn’texpectanythingless,”gruntedDr.Meggar.
ButthenextmomentElenarememberedsomethingunpleasant.“Evenwhenwegetthekeys,”shesaid,“wehavetoplottheactualjailbreak.”
“What’sajailbreak?”Lakshmiaskedexcitedly.
“It’slikethis—we’vegotthekeystoStefan’scell,butwestillneedtofigureouthowwe’regoingtogetintotheprison,andhowwe’regoingtosmugglehimout.”
Lakshmifrowned.“Whynotjustgoinwiththelineandtakehimoutthegate?”
“Because,”Elenasaid,tryingforpatience,“theywon’tletusjustwalkinandgethim.”ShenarrowedhereyesasLakshmiputherheadinherhands.“What’reyouthinking,Lakshmi?”
“Well,firstyousaythatyou’regoingtohavethekeyinyourhandwhenyougototheprison,thenyouactlikethey’renotgoingtolethimoutoftheprison.”
Meredithshookherhead,bewildered.Bonnieputahandtoherforeheadasifitached.ButElenaslowlyleanedforward.
“Lakshmi,”shesaid,veryquietly,“areyousayingthatifwehaveakeytoStefan’scellit’sbasicallyapassinandoutofprison?”
Lakshmibrightenedup.“Ofcourse!”shesaid.“Otherwise,whatwouldakeybegoodfor?Theycouldjustlockhiminanothercell.”
Elenacouldhardlybelievethewonderofwhatshehadjustheard,sosheimmediatelybegantryingtopokeholesinit.“ThatwouldmeanwecouldgostraightfromBloddeuwedd’spartytotheprisonandjusttakeStefanout,”shesaidwithasmuchsarcasmasshecouldinjectintohervoice.“Wecouldjustshowourkeyandthey’dletustakehimaway.”
Lakshminoddedeagerly.“Yes!”shesaidjoyfully,thesarcasmhavinggonerightoverherhead.“And,don’tbemad,okay?ButIwonderedwhyyouneverwenttovisithim.”
“Wecanvisithim?”
“Sure,ifyoumakeanappointment.”
BynowMeredithandBonniehadcometolifeandweresupportingElenaoneitherside.“Howsooncanwesendsomeonetomakeanappointment?”Elenasaidthroughherteeth,becauseitwastakingallherefforttospeak—herentireweightwasrestingonhertwofriends.“Whocanwesendtomakeanappointment?”shewhispered.
“I’llgo,”Damonsaidfromthecrimsondarknessbehindthem.“I’llgotonight—givemefiveminutes.”
Mattcouldfeelthathehadonhismostcrossandstubbornexpression.
“C’mon,”Tyronesaid,lookingamused.Theywerebothgearingupforatripintothethicket.Thismeantputtingontwoofthemothball-clove-recipecoatseachandthenusingducttapetofastentheglovestothecoats.Mattwassweatingalready.
ButTyronewasagoodguy,hethought.HereMatthadcomeoutofnowhereandsaid,“Hey,youknowthatbizarrethingyousawwithpoorJimBrycelastweek?Well,it’sallconnectedtosomethingevenmorebizarre—allaboutfoxspiritsandtheOldWood,andMrs.Flowerssaysthatifwedon’tfigureoutwhat’sgoingon,we’regoingtobeinrealtrouble.AndMrs.Flowersisn’tjustabattyoldladyattheboardinghouse,eventhougheverybodysaysso.”
“Ofcoursesheisn’t,”Dr.Alpert’sbrusquevoicehadsaidfromthedoorway.Sheputdownherblackbag—stillacountrydoctor,evenwhenthetownwasincrisis—andaddressedherson.“TheophiliaFlowersandIhaveknowneachotheralongtime—andMrs.Saitou,too.Theywerebothalwayshelpingpeople.That’stheirnature.”
“Well—”Matthadseenanopportunityandjumpedatit.“Mrs.Flowersistheonewhoneedshelpnow.Really,reallyneedshelp.”
“Thenwhat’reyousittingtherefor,Tyrone?HurryupandgohelpMrs.Flowers.”Dr.Alperthadruffledherowniron-grayhairwithherfingers,thenruffledherson’sblackhairfondly.
“Iwas,Mom.Wewerejustleavingwhenyoucamein.”
Tyrone,seeingMatt’sgrimhorror-storyofacar,hadpolitelyofferedtodrivethemtoMrs.Flowers’shouseinhisCamry.Matt,afraidofaterminalblowoutatsomecrucialmoment,wasonlytoohappytoaccept.
HewasgladthatTyronewouldbethelynchpinoftheRobertE.LeeHighfootballteaminthecomingyear.Tywasthekindofguyyoucouldcounton—aswitnesshisimmediateofferofhelptoday.Hewasagoodsport,andabsolutelystraightandclean.Mattcouldn’thelpbutseehowdrugsanddrinkinghadruinednotonlytheactualgames,butthesportsmanshipoftheotherteamsoncampus.
Tyronewasalsoaguywhocouldkeephismouthshut.Hehadn’tevenpepperedMattwithquestionsastheydrovebacktotheboardinghouse,buthedidgiveawolfwhistle,notatMrs.Flowers,butatthebrightyellowModelTshewasdrivingintotheoldstables.
“Whoa!”hesaid,jumpingouttohelpherwithagrocerybag,whilehiseyesdrankintheModelTfromfendertofender.“That’saModelTFordorSedan!Thiscouldbeonebeautifulcarif—”Hestoppedabruptlyandhisbrownskinburnedwithasunsetglow.
“Oh,my,don’tbeembarrassedabouttheYellowCarriage!”Mrs.Flowerssaid,allowingMatttotakeanotherbagofgroceriesbackthroughthekitchengardenandintothekitchenofthehouse.“She’sservedthisfamilyfornearlyahundredyears,andshe’saccumulatedsomerustanddamage.Butshegoesalmostthirtymilesanhouronpavedroads!”Mrs.Flowersadded,speakingnotonlyproudly,butwiththesomewhatawedrespectowedtohigh-speedtravel.
Matt’seyesmetTyrone’sandMattknewtherewasonlyonesharedthoughthangingintheairbetweenthem.
Torestoretoperfectionthedilapidated,worn,butstillbeautifulcarthatspentmostofitstimeinaconvertedstable.
“Wecoulddoit,”Mattsaid,feelingthat,asMrs.Flowers’srepresentative,heshouldmaketheofferfirst.
“Wesurecould,”Tyronesaiddreamily.“She’salreadyinadoublegarage—noproblemsaboutroom.”
“Wewouldn’thavetostripherdowntotheframe…shereallyrideslikeadream.”
“You’rekidding!Wecouldcleantheengine,though:havealookattheplugsandbeltsandhosesandstuff.And”—darkeyesgleamingsuddenly—“mydadhasapowersander.Wecouldstripthepaintandrepaintittheexactsameyellow!”
Mrs.Flowerssuddenlybeamed.“ThatwaswhatdearMamawaswaitingforyoutosay,youngman,”shesaid,andMattrememberedhismannerslongenoughtointroduceTyrone.
“Now,ifyouhadsaid,‘We’llpaintherburgundy’or‘blue’oranyothercolor,I’msureshewouldhaveobjected,”Mrs.Flowerssaidasshebegantomakehamsandwiches,potatosalad,andalargekettleofbakedbeans.MattwatchedTyrone’sreactiontothementionof“Mama”andwaspleased:therewasaninstantofsurprise,followedbyanexpressionlikecalmwater.HismotherhadsaidMrs.Flowerswasn’tabattyoldlady:thereforeshewasn’tabattyoldlady.AhugeweightseemedtorolloffMatt’sshoulders.Hewasn’talonewithafragileelderlywomantoprotect.Hehadafriendwhowasactuallyalittlebiggerthanhewastorelyon.
“Nowbothofyou,haveahamsandwich,andI’llmakethepotatosaladwhileyou’reeating.Iknowthatyoungmen”—Mrs.Flowersalwaysspokeofmenasiftheywereaspecialkindofflower—“needlotsofgoodheartymeatbeforegoingintobattle,butthere’snoreasontobeformal.Let’sjustdigrightinasthingsaredone.”
Theyhadhappilyobeyed.Nowtheywerepreparingforbattle,feelingreadytofighttigers,sinceMrs.Flowers’sideaofdessertwasapecanpiesplitbetweentheboys,alongwithhugecupsofcoffeethatclearedthebrainlikeapowersander.
TyroneandMattdroveMatt’sjunkertothecemetery,followedbyMrs.FlowersintheModelT.Matthadseenwhatthetreescoulddotocarsandhewasn’tgoingtosubjectTyrone’swhistle-cleanCamrytotheprospect.TheywalkeddownthehilltoMattandSergeantMossberg’shide,eachoftheboysgivingahandtohelpthefrailMrs.Flowersoverroughbits.Once,shetrippedandwouldhavefallen,butTyronedugthetoesofhisDCshoesintothehillandstoodlikeamountainasshetumbledagainsthim.
“Oh,my—thankyou,Tyronedear,”shemurmuredandMattknewthat“Tyronedear”hadbeenacceptedintothefold.
Theskywasdarkexceptforonestreakofscarletastheyreachedthehide.Mrs.Flowerstookoutthesheriff’sbadge,ratherclumsily,duetothegardeningglovesshewaswearing.Firstsheheldittoherforehead,thensheslowlydrewitaway,stillholdingitinfrontofherateye-level.“Hestoodhereandthenhebentdownandsquattedhere,”shesaid,gettingdowninwhatwas—infact—thecorrectsideofthehide.Mattnodded,hardlyknowingwhathewasdoing,andMrs.Flowerssaidwithoutopeninghereyes,“Nocoaching,Mattdear.Heheardsomeonebehindhim—andwhirled,drawinghisgun.ButitwasonlyMatt,andtheyspokeinwhispersforawhile.
“Thenhesuddenlystoodup.”Mrs.FlowersstoodsuddenlyandMattheardallsortsofalarminglittlepopsandcracklesinherdelicateoldbody.“Hewentwalking—striding—downintothatthicket.Thatevilthicket.”
ShesetoffforthethicketasSheriffRichMossberghadwhenMatthadwatchedhim.MattandTyronewenthurryingafterher,readytostopherifsheshowedanysignsofenteringtheremnantofOldWoodthatstilllived.
Instead,shewalkedaroundit,withthebadgeheldtoeyeheight.TyroneandMattnoddedateachotherandwithoutspeaking,eachtookoneofherarms.Thiswaytheyskirtedtheedgeofthethicket,allthewayaround,withMattgoingfirst,Mrs.Flowersnext,andTyronelast.AtsomepointMattrealizedthattearsweremakingtheirwaydownMrs.Flowers’switheredcheeks.
Atlast,thefragileoldwomanstopped,tookoutalacyhandkerchief—afteroneortwotries—andwipedhereyeswithagasp.
“Didyoufindhim?”Mattasked,unabletoholdinhiscuriosityanylonger.
“Well—we’llhavetosee.Kitsuneseemtobevery,verygoodatillusions.EverythingIsawcouldhavebeenanillusion.But”—sheheavedasigh—“oneofusisgoingtohavetostepintotheWood.”
Mattgulped.“That’llbeme,then—”
Hewasinterrupted.“Hey,noway,man.Youknowtheirops,whatevertheyare.You’vegottogetMrs.Flowersoutofthis—”
“No,Ican’triskjustaskingyoutocomeoverhereandgethurt—”
“Well,whatamIdoingouthere,then?”Tyronedemanded.
“Wait,mydears,”Mrs.Flowerssaid,soundingasifshewereabouttocry.Theboysshutupimmediately,andMattfeltashamedofhimself.
“Iknowawaythatyoubothcanhelpme,butit’sverydangerous.Dangerousforthetwoofyou.Butperhapsifweonlyhavetodoitonce,wecancuttheriskofdangerandincreaseourchanceoffindingsomething.”
“Whatisit?”TyroneandMattsaidalmostsimultaneously.
Afewminuteslater,theywerepreppedforit.Theywerelyingsidebyside,facingthewallformedbythetalltreesandtangledunderbrushofthethicket.Theywerenotonlyropedtogether,buttheyhadMrs.Saitou’sPost-itnotesplacedallovertheirarms.
“NowwhenIsay‘three’Iwantyoubothtoreachinandgrabatthegroundwithyourhands.Ifyoufeelsomething,keepholdofitandpullyourarmout.Ifyoudon’tfeelanything,moveyourhandalittleandthenpullitoutasfastasyoucan.Andbytheway,”sheaddedcalmly,“ifyoufeelanythingtryingtopullyouinorimmobilizeyourarm,yellandfightandkickandscream,andwe’llhelpyoutogetout.”
Therewasalong,longminuteofsilence.
“Sobasically,youthinktherearethingsallaroundonthegroundinthethicket,andthatwemightgetholdofthemjustbyreachinginblindly,”Mattsaid.
“Yes,”Mrs.Flowerssaid.
“Allright,”saidTyrone,andonceagainMattglancedathimapprovingly.Hehadn’tevenasked“WhatkindofthingscouldpullusintotheWood?”
NowtheywereinpositionandMrs.Flowerswascounting“One,two,three,”andthenMatthadthrusthisrightarminasfarasitwouldgoandwassweepinghisarmwhilegroping.
Heheardashoutfrombesidehim.“Gotit!”Andtheninstantly:“Something’spullingmein!”
MattpulledhisownarmoutofthethicketbeforetryingtohelpTyrone.Somethingdroppeddownonit,butithitaPost-itnoteanditfeltasifhe’dbeenwhackedbyapieceofaStyrofoam.
Tyronewasthrashingwildlyandhadalreadybeendraggedintohisshoulders.Mattgrabbedhimbythewaistandusedallhisstrengthtohaulbackward.Therewasamomentofresistance—andthenTyronecamepoppingoutasifsuddenlyreleasedlikeacork.Therewerescratchesonhisfaceandneck,butnonewheretheovercoatshadcoveredhimorwherethePost-itnoteswere.
Mattfeltadesiretosay“Thankyou,”butthetwowomenwhohadmadehimamuletswerefaraway,andhefeltstupidsayingittoTyrone’scoat.Inanycase,Mrs.Flowerswasflutteringandthankingpeopleenoughforthree.
“Oh,my,Matt,whenthatbigbranchcamedownIthoughtyourarmwouldbebroken—atleast.ThankthedearLordthattheSaitouwomenmakesuchexcellentamulets.And,Tyronedear,pleasetakeaswigoutofthiscanteen—”
“Uh,Idon’treallydrinkmuch—”
“It’sjusthotlemonade,myownrecipe,dear.Ifitweren’tforbothyouboys,wewouldn’thavesucceeded.Tyrone,youfoundsomething,yes?AndthenyouwerecaughtandwouldneverhavebeenreleasedifMatthadn’tbeenheretosaveyou.”
“Oh,I’msurehe’d’vegotout,”Mattsaidhurriedly,becauseitmustbeembarrassingforanybodylikeTheTyreminatortoadmittheyneededhelp.
Tyrone,however,justsaidsoberly,“Iknow.Thanks,Matt.”
Mattfelthimselfblush.
“ButIdidn’tgetanythingafterall,”Tyronesaiddisgustedly.“Itfeltlikeapieceofoldpipeorsomething—”
“Well,let’shavealook,”Mrs.Flowerssaidveryseriously.
SheturnedthestrongestflashlightontheobjectTyronehadriskedsomuchtobringoutofthethicket.
AtfirstMattthoughtitwasagiganticrawhidedogbone.Butthenanall-too-familiarshapemadehimlookcloser.
Itwasafemur,ahumanfemur.Thebiggestboneinthebody,theonefromtheleg.Anditwasstillwhite.Fresh.
“Itdoesn’tseemtobeplastic,”Mrs.Flowerssaidinavoicethatseemedveryfaraway.
Itwasn’tplastic.Mattcouldseewherelittletinybitshadcurledupandawayfromtheexterior.Itwasn’trawhide,either.Itwas…well,real.Arealhumanlegbone.
Butthatwasn’tthemosthorrifyingthing;thethingthatsentMattspiralingoutintodarkness.
Thebonewaspolishedcleanandmarkedwiththeimprintsofdozensoftinylittleteeth.32
Elenawasradiantlyhappy.Shehadgonetosleephappy,onlytowakeupagainhappy,sereneintheknowledgethatsoon—soonshewouldvisitStefan,andthatafterthat—surelyverysoon—shewouldbeabletotakeStefanaway.
BonnieandMeredithweren’tsurprisedwhenshewantedtoseeDamonabouttwothings:onebeingwhoshouldgoandtwobeingwhatshewasgoingtowear.Whatdidsurprisethemwereherchoices.
“Ifit’sallright,”shesaidslowlyatthebeginning,tracingafingerroundandroundonthelargetableinoneoftheparlorsaseveryonegatheredthenextmorning,“Iwouldlikeforjustafewpeopletogowithme.Stefan’sbeenbadlytreated,”shewenton,“andhehatestolookbadinfrontofotherpeople.Idon’twanttohumiliatehim.”
Therewassortofagroupblushatthis.Ormaybeitwasagroupflushofresentment—andthenagroupblushofculpability.Withthewesternwindowsslightlyopen,sothatanearly-morningredlightfellovereverything,itwashardtotell.Onlyonethingwascertain:everyonewantedtogo.
“SoIhope,”Elenasaid,turningtolookMeredithandBonnieintheeye,“thatnoneofyouarehurtifIdon’tchooseyoutocomewithme.”
Thattellsbothofthemthey’reout,Elenathoughtasshesawunderstandingblossominbothfaces.Mostofherplansdependedonhowhertwobestfriendsreactedtothis.
Meredithgallantlysteppeduptobatfirst.“Elena,you’vebeenthroughhell—literally—andalmostdieddoingit—togettoStefan.Youtakewithyouthepeoplewhowilldothemostgood.”
“Werealizeitisn’tapopularitycontest,”Bonnieadded,swallowing,becauseshewastryingnottocry.Shereallywantstogo,Elenathought,butsheunderstands.“Stefanmayfeelmoreembarrassedinfrontofagirlthanaboy,”Bonniesaid.Andshedidn’tevenadd“eventhoughwewouldneverdoanythingtoembarrasshim,”Elenathought,goingaroundforahugandfeelingBonnie’ssoftlittlebirdlikebodyinherarms.ThensheturnedandfeltMeredith’swarmandslimhardarms,andasalwaysfeltsomeofhertensiondrainaway.
“Thankyou,”shesaid,wipingtearsfromhereyesafterward.“Andyou’reright,Ithinkitwouldbehardertofacegirlsthanboysinthesituationhe’sin.Alsoitwillbehardertofacefriendshealreadyknowsandloves.SoIwouldliketoaskthesepeopletogowithme:Sage,Damon,andDr.Meggar.”
Lakshmileapedupasinterestedasifshehadbeenchosen.“Where’sheinjail?”sheasked,quitecheerfully.
Damonspokeup.“TheShinoShi.”
Lakshmi’seyesbecameround.ShestaredatDamonforamoment,andthenshewasboundingoutthedoor,hershakenvoicefloatingbehindher:“I’vegotchorestodo,master!”
ElenaturnedtolookdirectlyatDamon.“Andwhatwasthatlittlereaction?”sheaskedinavoicethatwouldhavefrozenlavaatthirtymeters.
“Idon’tknow.Truly,Idon’t.Shinichishowedmekanjicharactersandsaidthattheywerepronounced‘ShinoShi’andtheymeant‘theDeathofDeath’—asinliftingthecurseofdeathfromavampire.”
Sagecoughed.“Oh,mytrustinglittleone.Moncheridiot.Tonotgetasecondopinion…”
“Idid,actually.Iaskedamiddle-agedJapaneseladyatalibraryiftheromaji—that’stheJapanesewordswrittenoutinourletters,meanttheDeathofDeath.Andshesaidyes.”
“Andyouturnedonyourheelandwalkedout,”Sagesaid.
“Howdoyouknow?”Damonwasgettingangry.
“Because,moncher,thosewordsmeanmanythings.ItalldependsupontheJapanesecharactersfirstused—whichyoudidnotshowher.”
“Ididn’thavethem!Shinichiwroteitintheairforme,inredsmoke.”Theninakindofangryanguish:“Whatotherthingsdotheymean?”
“Well,theycanmeanwhatyousaid.Theyalsocouldmean‘thenewdeath.’Or‘thetruedeath.’Oreven—‘TheGodsofDeath.’AndgiventhewayStefanhasbeentreated…”
Ifstareshadbeenstakes,Damonwouldhavebeenagonerbynow.Everyonewaslookingathimwithhard,accusingeyes.Heturnedlikeawolfatbayandbaredhisteethatthemina250-kilowattsmile.“Inanycase,Ididn’timagineitwasanythingremarkablypleasant,”hesaid.“Ijustthoughtitwouldhelphimtogetridofthecurseofbeingavampire.”
“Inanycase,”Elenarepeated.Thenshesaid,“Sage,ifyouwouldgoandmakesurethatthey’llletusinwhenwearrive,Iwouldbeenormouslygrateful.”
“Asgoodasdone,Madame.”
“And—letmesee—Iwanteveryonetowearsomethingalittledifferenttogovisithim.Ifit’sallrightI’llgotalktoLadyUlma.”
ShecouldfeelBonnie’sandMeredith’sbewilderedlooksonherbackassheleft.
LadyUlmawaspale,butbrightofeyewhenElenawasescortedintoherroom.Hersketchbookwasopen,agoodsign.
IttookonlyafewwordsandaheartfeltlookbeforeLadyUlmasaidfirmly,“Wecanhaveeverythingdoneinanhourortwo.It’sjustamatterofcallingtherightpeople.Ipromise.”
Elenasqueezedherwristvery,verygently.“Thankyou.Thankyou—miracleworker!”
“AndsoIamtogoasapenitent,”Damonsaid.HewasrightoutsideLadyUlma’sdoorwhenElenacameoutandElenasuspectedhimofsomeeavesdropping.
“No,thatneverevenoccurredtome,”shesaid.“Ijustthinkthatslave’sclothingonyouandtheotherguyswillmakeStefanlessself-conscious.ButwhyshouldyouthinkIwantedtopunishyou?”
“Don’tyou?”
“You’reheretohelpmesaveStefan.You’vegonethrough—”Elenahadtostopandlookinhersleevesforacleanhandkerchief,untilDamonofferedherablacksilkone.
“Allright,”hesaid,“wewon’tgetintothat.I’msorry.IthinkofthingstosayandthenIjustsaythem,nomatterhowunlikelyIthinktheyare,consideringthepersonI’mspeakingto.”
“Anddon’tyoueverhearanotherlittlevoice?Avoicethatsaysthatpeoplecanbegood,andmaynotbetryingtohurtyou?”Elenaaskedwistfully,wonderinghowloadedwithchainsthechildwasnow.
“Idon’tknow.Maybe.Sometimes.But,asthatvoiceisgenerallywronginthiswickedworld,whyshouldIpayitanyattention?”
“Iwishsometimesyouwouldjusttry,”Elenawhispered.“Imightbeinabetterpositiontoarguewithyou,then.”
Ilikethispositionjustfine,DamontoldhertelepathicallyandElenarealized—howdidthishappenoverandover?—thattheyhadmeltedintoanembrace.Worse,shewaswearinghermorningattire—alongsilkygownandapeignoirofthesamematerial,bothinthepalestofpearlyblues,whichturnedvioletintheraysoftheever-settingsun.
I—likeittoo,Elenaadmitted,andfeltshockwavesgothroughDamonfromhissurface,throughhisbody,anddeep,deepintothatunfathomableholethatonecouldseebylookingintohiseyes.
I’mjusttryingtobehonest,sheadded,almostfrightenedbyhisreaction.Ican’texpectanyoneelsetobehonestifI’mnot
Don’tbehonest,don’tbehonest.Hateme.Despiseme,Damonbeggedher,atthesametimecaressingherarmsandthetwolayersofsilkthatwereallthatstoodbetweenhishandsandherskin.
“Butwhy?”
BecauseIcan’tbetrusted.I’mawickedwolf,andyou’reapuresoul,asnow-whitenewbornlambYoumustn’tletmehurtyou.
Whyshouldyouhurtme?
BecauseImight—no,Idon’twanttobiteyou—Ionlywanttokissyou,justalittle,likethis.TherewasrevelationinDamon’smind-voice.Andhedidkisssosweetly,andhealwaysknewwhenElena’skneesweregoingtogiveoutandpickedherupbeforeshecouldfallonthefloor.
Damon,Damon,shewasthinking,feelingverysweetherselfbecausesheknewshewasgivinghimpleasure,whenshesuddenlyrealized.
Oh!Damon,pleaseletmego—Ihavetogohaveafittingrightnow!
Deeplyflushed,heslowly,reluctantlyputherdown,grabbedherbeforeshecouldfall,andputherdownagain.
IthinkIshallhavetogohaveafitrightnowaswell,hetoldherearnestlyashestumbledoutoftheroom,missingthedoorthefirsttime.
Notafit—afitting!Elenacalledafterhim,butsheneverknewifhehadheard.Shewaspleased,though,thathehadlethergo,withoutreallyunderstandinganythingexceptthatshewassayingno.Thatwasquiteabitofimprovement.
ThenshehurriedintoLadyUlma’sroom,whichwasfilledwithallsortsofpeople,includingtwomalemodels,whohadjustbeengarbedintrousersandlongshirts.
“Sage’sclothes,”saidLadyUlma,noddingatthelargeone,“andDamon’s.”Shenoddedatthesmallerman.
“Oh,they’reperfect!”
LadyUlmalookedatherwithjusttheslightestdoubtinhereyes.“Thesearemadeofgenuinesacking,”shesaid.“Themeanest,lowestclothintheslavehierarchy.Areyousuretheywillwearthem?”
“They’rewearingthemortheyaren’tgoingatall,”Elenasaidflatlyandwinked.
LadyUlmalaughed.“Goodplan.”
“Yes—butwhatdoyouthinkofmyotherplan?”Elenaasked,genuinelyinterestedinLadyUlma’sopinion,evenwhilesheblushed.
“Mydearbenefactress,”LadyUlmasaid.“Iusedtowatchmymotherputtogethersuchoutfits…afterIhadturnedthirteen,ofcourse—andshetoldmethattheyalwaysmadeherhappy,forshewasbringingjoytotwoatonce,andthatthepurposewasnothingbutjoy.Ipromiseyou,LucenandIwillbedoneinnotime.Now,shouldyounotbegettingready?”
“Oh,yes—oh,Idoloveyou,LadyUlma!It’ssofunnythatthemorepeopleyoulove,themoreyouwanttolove!”AndwiththatElenawentrunningbacktoherownrooms.
Hermaids-in-waitingwereallthereandallready.Elenatookthequickest,briskestbathofherlife—shewaskeyedup—andfoundherselfonacouchinthemiddleofasmiling,keen-eyedbunch,eachneatlydoingherjobwithoutinterferingwiththeothers.
Therewasadepilatory,ofcourse—infactoneforeachleg,oneforherarmpits,andoneforhereyebrows.Whilethesewomenandthewomenwithsoftcreamsandunguentswereatwork,creatingauniquefragranceforElena,anotheronethoughtfullyconsideredherfaceandbodyasawhole.
ThiswomantouchedupElena’seyebrowstodarkenthem,andgildedElena’seyelidswithmetalliccosmeticpaintbeforeusingsomethingthataddedatleastaquarter-inchtoElena’seyelashes.ThensheextendedElena’seyeswithexotichorizontallinesofkohl.Finally,shecarefullymadeElena’slipsarichglossyredthatsomehowgavetheimpressionthattheywerecontinuallypuckeredforakiss.AfterthisthewomansprinkledthefaintestofiridescencealloverElena’sbody.Finally,averylargecanarydiamondthathadbeensentupfromLucen’sjewelrybenchwasfirmlycementedintohernavel.
ItwaswhilethehairdresserswereseeingtothelastofthelittlecurlsonherforeheadthatthetwoboxesandascarletcapecamefromLadyUlma’swomen.Elenathankedallherladies-in-waitingandbeauticianssincerely,paidthemallabonusthathadthemtwittering,andthenaskedthemtoleaveheralone.Whentheydithered,sheaskedthemagain,justaspolitely,butinloudertones.Theywent.
Elena’shandsweretremblingasshetookouttheoutfitLadyUlmahadcreated.Itwasquiteasdecentasabathingsuit,butitlookedlikejewelrystrategicallyplacedonwispsofgoldentulle.Itallcoordinatedwiththecanarydiamond:fromthenecklacetothearmletstothegoldenbraceletsthatdenotedthat,howeverexpensivelyElenawasdressed,shewasstillaslave
Andthatwasit.Shewasgoingcladintulleandjewelry,perfumeandpaint,toseeherStefan.Elenaputthescarletcloakonvery,verycarefullytoavoidrumplingorsmearinganythingbelow,andslippedherfeetintodelicategoldensandalswithveryhighheels.
Shehurrieddownstairsandwasexactlyontime.SageandDamonwerewearingcloakstightlyclosed—whichmeantthattheyweredressedinthesackingoutfitsunderneath.SagehadhadLadyUlma’scoachmadeready.Elenasettledhermatchinggoldenbraceletsonherwrists,hatingthembecauseshehadtowearthem,prettyastheywereagainstthewhitefurtrimonherscarletcloak.Damonheldoutahandtohelpherintothecoach.
“Igettorideinside?DoesthatmeanIdon’thavetowear—”ButlookingatSage,herhopeswerecrushed.
“Unlesswewanttocurtainallthewindows,”hesaid,“you’relegallytravelingoutsidewithoutslavebracelets.”
ElenasighedandgaveherhandtoDamon.Standingagainstthesun,hewasadarksilhouette.Butthen,asElenablinkedinthelight,hestaredinastonishment.Elenaknewhe’dseenhergildedeyelids.Hiseyesdroppedtoherpursed-to-be-kissedlips.Elenablushed.
“Iforbidyoutoordermetoshowyouwhat’sunderthecloak,”shesaidhastily.Damonlookedthwarted.
“Hairintinycurlsalloveryourforehead,cloakthatcoverseverythingfromnecktotoes,lipsticklike…”Hestaredagain.Hismouthtwitchedasifhewerebeingcompelledtofitittohers.
“Andit’stimetogo!”Elenacaroled,hastilygettingintothecarriage.Shefeltveryhappy,althoughsheunderstoodwhyfreedslaveswouldneverwearanythinglikeabraceletagain.
ShewasstillhappywhentheyreachedtheShinoShi—thatlargebuildingthatseemedtocombineaprisonwithatrainingfacilityforgladiators.
AndshewasstillhappyastheguardsatthelargeShinoShicheckpointletthemintothebuildingwithoutshowinganysignsofillfeeling.Butthen,itwashardtosayifthecloakhadanyeffectonthem.Theyweredemons:sullen,mauve-skinned,bullock-steady.
Shenoticedsomethingthatwasatfirstashockandthenariverofhopeinsideher.Thefrontlobbyofthebuildinghadadoorinonesidethatwaslikethedoorinthesideofthedepot/slaveshop:alwayskeptshut;strangesymbolsabove;peoplewalkinguptoitindifferentcostumesandannouncingadestinationbeforeturningthekeyandopeningthedoor.
Inotherwords:adimensionaldoor.RighthereinStefan’sprison.Godaloneknewhowmanyguardswouldbeafterthemiftheytriedtouseit,butitwassomethingtokeepinmind.
TheguardsonthelowerfloorsoftheShinoShibuilding,inwhatwasmostdefinitelyadungeon,hadclearandobnoxiousreactionstoElenaandherparty.Theyweresomesmallerspeciesofdemon—imps,maybe,Elenathought—andtheygavethevisitorsahardtimeovereverything.DamonhadtobribethemtobeallowedintotheareawhereStefan’scellwas,togoinalone,withoutoneguardpervisitor,andtoallowElena,aslave,togointoseeafreevampire.
AndevenwhenDamonhadgiventhemasmallfortunetogetpasttheseobstacles,theysniggeredandmadeharshgutturalgurglingsintheirthroats.Elenadidn’ttrustthem.
Shewascorrect.
AtacorridorwhereElenaknewfromheroutofbodyexperiencestheyshouldhaveturnedleft,insteadtheywentstraightthrough.Theypassedanothersetofguards,whoalmostcollapsedfromsniggering.
Oh—God—aretheytakingustoseeStefan’sdeadbody?Elenawonderedsuddenly.ThenitwasSagewhoreallyhelpedher.Heputoutalargearmandbodilyheldherup,untilshefoundherlegsagain.
Theywentonwalking,deeperintowhatwasafilthyandstinkingstone-flooreddungeonnow.Thenabruptlytheyturnedright.
Elena’sheartracedonbeforethem.Itwassayingwrong,wrong,wrong,evenbeforetheygottothelastcellintheline.ThecellwascompletelydifferentfromStefan’soldcell.Itwassurrounded,notbybars,butbyasortofcurlicuedchickenwirethatwaslinedwithsharpspikes.NowaytohandinabottleofBlackMagic.Nowaytogetthebottletopinpositiontopourintoawaitingmouthontheotherside.Noroom,even,togetafingerorthemouthofacanteenthroughforthecellmatetosuck.Andthecellitselfwasn’tfilthy,butitwasbareofeverythingexceptasupineStefan.Nofood,nowater,nobedtohideanythingin,nostraw.JustStefan.
Elenascreamedandhadnoideaifshescreamedwordsorjustaformlesssoundofanguish.Shethrewherselfintothecell—ortriedto.Herhandsgrabbedontocurlsofsteelassharpasrazorthatcausedbloodtowellupinstantlywherevertheytouched,andthenDamon,whohadthefastestreactions,waspullingherback.
Andthenhejustpushedpastherandstared.Hestaredopen-mouthedathisyoungerbrother—agray-faced,skeletal,barelybreathingyoungman,wholookedlikeachildlostinhisrumpled,stained,threadbareprisonuniform.Damonraisedahand,asifhe’dforgottenthebarrieralready—andStefanflinched.Stefanseemednottoknoworrecognizeanyofthem.Hepeeredmorecloselyatthedropsofbloodleftontherazor-sharpfencingwhereElenahadgraspedit,sniffed,andthen,asifsomethinghadpenetratedthefogofhisbafflement,lookedarounddully.StefanlookedupatDamon,whosecloakhadfallen,andthen,likeababy’s,Stefan’sgazewanderedon.
Damonmadeachokingsoundandturnedand,knockinganyoneinhiswayaside,rantheotherwaydownthecorner.IfhewashopingthatenoughguardswouldfollowhimthathisalliescouldgetStefanout,hewaswrong.Afewfollowed,likemonkeys,callingoutinsults.Thereststayedput,behindSage.
Meanwhile,Elena’smindwaschurningandchurningoutplans.FinallysheturnedtoSage.“Useallthemoneywehaveplusthis,”shesaid,andshereachedunderhercloakforhercanarydiamondnecklace—overtwodozenthumb-sizedgems—“andcalltomeifweneedmore.Getmehalfanhourwithhim.Twentyminutes,then!”—asSagebegantoshakehishead.“Stallthem,somehow;getmeatleasttwentyminutes.I’llthinkofsomethingifitkillsme.”
AfteramomentSagelookedherintheeyesandnodded.“Iwill.”
ThenElenalookedatDr.Meggarpleadingly.Didhehavesomething—didsomethingexist—thatwouldhelp?
Dr.Meggar’seyebrowswentdown,thentheirinnersideswentup.Itwasalookofgrief,ofdespair.Butthenhefrownedandwhispered,“There’ssomethingnew—aninjectionthat’ssaidtohelpindirecases.Icouldtryit.”
Elenadidherbestnottofallathisfeet.“Please!Pleasetryit!Please!”
“Itwon’thelpbeyondacoupleofdays—”
“Itwon’tneedto!We’llgethimoutbythen!”
“Allright.”Sagehadbynowherdedalltheguardsaway,saying,“I’madealeringemsandthere’ssomethingyouallshouldsee.”
Dr.Meggaropenedhisbagandtookoutofitasyringe.“Woodenneedle,”hesaidwithawansmileashefilleditwithaclearredliquidfromavial.ElenahadtakenanothersyringeandsheexaminediteagerlyasDr.MeggarcoaxedStefanbyimitationtoputhisarmuptothebars.AtlastStefandidasDr.Meggarwished—onlytojumpawaywithacryofpainasasyringewasplungedintohisarmandstingingliquidinjected.
Elenalookedatthedoctordesperately.“Howmuchdidheget?”
“Onlyabouthalf.It’sallright—IfilleditwithtwicethedoseandpushedashardasIcouldtogetthe”—somemedicalwordElenadidn’trecognize—“intohim.Iknewitwouldhurthimmore,injectingthatfast,butIaccomplishedwhatIwanted.”
“Good,”Elenasaidrapturously.“NowIwantyoutofillthissyringewithmyblood.”
“Blood?”Dr.Meggarlookeddismayed.
“Yes!Thesyringeislongenoughtogothroughthebars.Thebloodwilldripouttheotherside.Hecandrinkitasitcomesout.Itmightsavehim!”Elenasaideverywordcarefully,asifspeakingtoachild.Shedesperatelywantedtoconveyhermeaning.
“Oh,Elena.”Thedoctorsatdown,withaclink,andtookahiddenbottleofBlackMagicoutofhistunic.“I’msosorry.Butit’shardenoughformetogetbloodoutofavial.Myeyes,child—they’reruined.”
“Butglasses—spectacles—?”
“They’renogoodtomeanymore.It’sacomplicatedcondition.Butyouhavetobeverygoodtoactuallytapaveininanycase.Mostdoctorsareprettyhopeless;I’mimpossible.I’msorry,child.Butit’sbeentwentyyearssinceIwassuccessful.”
“ThenI’llfindDamonandhavehimopenmyaorta.Idon’tcareifitkillsme.”
“ButIdo.”
ThisnewvoicecomingfromthebrilliantlylightedcellinfrontofthemmadeboththedoctorandElenajerktheirheadsup.
“Stefan!Stefan!Stefan!”Uncaringofwhattherazorfencewoulddotoherflesh,Elenaleanedovertotrytoholdhishands.
“No,”Stefanwhispered,asifsharingaprecioussecret.“Putyourfingershereandhere—ontopofmine.Thisfenceisonlyspeciallytreatedsteel—itnumbsmyPowerbutitcan’tbreakmyskin.”
Elenaputherfingersthereandthere.AndthenshewastouchingStefan.Reallytouchinghim.Aftersolong.
Neitherofthemspoke.ElenaheardDr.Meggargetupandquietlycreepaway—toSage,shesupposed.ButhermindwasfullofStefan.Sheandhesimplylookedateachother,trembling,withtearsquiveringontheirlashes,feelingveryyoung
Andveryclosetodeath.
“YousayIalwaysmakeyousayitfirst,soI’llconfoundyou.Iloveyou,Elena.”
TeardropsfellfromElena’seyes.
“JustthismorningIwasthinkinghowmanypeopletherearetolove.Butreallyit’sonlybecausethere’soneinthefirstplace,”shewhisperedbacktohim.“Oneforever.Iloveyou,Stefan!Iloveyou!”
Elenadrewbackforamomentandwipedhereyesthewayallclevergirlsknowhowtodowithoutruiningtheirmakeup:byputtingherthumbsbeneathherlowerlashesandleaningbackward,scoopingtearsandkohlintoinfinitesimaldropletsintheair.
Forthefirsttimeshecouldthink
“Stefan,”shewhispered,“I’msosorry.Iwastedtimethismorninggettingdressedup—well,dresseddown—toshowyouwhat’swaitingforyouwhenwegetyouout.Butnow…Ifeel…like…”
NowtherewerenotearsinStefan’seyes,either.“Showme,”hewhisperedbackeagerly.
Elenastood,andwithouttheatrics,shruggedthecloakoff.Shuthereyes,herhairinhundredsofkisscurls,littlewispyspiralsthatwereplasteredaroundherface.Hergildedeyelids,waterproof,stillgilded.Heronlyclothingthewispsofgoldentullewithjewelsattachedtomakeitdecent.Herentirebodyiridescent,perfectioninthefirstbloomofyouththatcouldneverbematchedorre-created.
Therewasasoundlikealongsigh…andthensilence,andElenaopenedhereyes,terrifiedthatStefanmighthavedied.Buthewasstandingup,clutchingattheirongateasifhemightwrenchitofftogettoher.
“Igetallthis?”hewhispered.
“Allthisforyou.Everythingforyou,”Elenasaid.
AtthatmomenttherewasasoftsoundbehindherandshewhirledtoseetwoeyesshininginthedimnessofthecelloppositeStefan’s.33
Tohersurprise,Elenafeltnoanger,onlyadeterminationtoprotectStefanifshecould.
Andthenshesawthatinthecellshe’dassumedwasempty,therewasakitsune.
ThekitsunelookednothinglikeShinichiorMisao.Hehadlong,longhairaswhiteassnow—buthisfacewasyoung.Hewaswearingallwhite,too,tunicandbreechesoutofsomeflowing,silkymaterialandhistailpracticallyfilledthesmallcell,itwassofluffy.Healsohadfoxearswhichtwitchedthiswayandthat.Hiseyeswerethegoldoffireworks.
Hewasgorgeous.
Thekitsunecoughedagain.Thenheproduced—fromhislonghair,Elenathought,avery,verysmallandthin-skinnedleatherbag.
Like,Elenathought,theperfectbagforoneperfectjewel.
NowthekitsunetookapretendbottleofBlackMagic(itwasheavyandapretenddrinkwasdelicious),andfilledthelittlebagwithit.Thenhetookapretendsyringe(hehelditasDr.Meggarhadandtappedittogetthebubblesout)andfilleditfromthelittlebag.Finally,hestuckthepretendsyringethroughhisownbarsanddepressedhisthumb,emptyingit.
“IcanfeedyouBlackMagicwine,”Elenatranslated.“WithhislittlepouchIcanholditandfillthesyringe.Dr.Meggarcouldfillthesyringe,too.Butthere’snotime,soI’mgoingtodoit.”
“I—”beganStefan.
“Youaregoingtodrinkasfastasyoucan.”ElenalovedStefan,wantedtohearhisvoice,wantedtofillhereyeswithhim,buttherewasalifetobesaved,andthelifewashis.Shetookthelittlepouchwithabowofthankstothekitsuneandlefthercloakonthefloor.ShewastoointentonStefantoevenrememberhowshewasdressed.
Herhandswantedtoshakebutshewouldn’tletthem.ShehadthreebottlesofBlackMagichere:herown,inhercloak,Dr.Meggar’s,andsomewhere,inhiscloak,Damon’s.
Sowiththedelicateefficiencyofamachine,sherepeatedwhatthekitsunehadshownheroverandover.Dip,pulluplever,pushthroughbars,squirt.Overandoverandover.
AfteraboutadozenoftheseElenadevelopedanewtechnique,thecatapult.FillingthetinybagwithwineandholdingitbythetopuntilStefangothismouthpositioned,andthen,allinonemotion,smashingthebagwithherpalmandsquirtingafairamountstraightintoStefan’smouth.Itgotthebarssticky,itgotStefansticky;itwouldneverhaveworkedifthesteelhadbeenrazor-sharpforhim,butitactuallyforcedasurprisingamountdownhisthroat.
TheotherbottleofBlackMagicwinesheputinthekitsune’scell,whichhadregularbars.Shedidn’tquiteknowhowtothankhim,butwhenshecouldspareasecond,sheturnedtohimandsmiled.HewaschuggingtheBlackMagicstraightfromthebottle,andhisfacewassetinanexpressionofcool,appreciativepleasure.
Theendcametooquickly.ElenaheardSage’svoicebooming,“Itisnofair!Elenawillnotbeready!Elenahasnothadenoughtimewithhim!”
Elenadidn’tneedananvildroppedonherhead.SheshovedthelastbottleofBlackMagicwineintothekitsune’scell,shebowedforthelasttimeandgavehimbackhistinypouch—butwiththecanarydiamondfromhernavelinit.Itwasthelargestpieceofjewelryshehadleftandshesawhimturnitoverpreciselyinlong-nailedfingersandthenrisetohisfeetandmakeatinybowtoher.TherewasamomentforamutualsmileandthenElenawascleaningupDr.Meggar’sbag,andpullingonherredcloak.ThenshewasturningtoStefan,jellyinsideoncemore,gasping:“I’msosorry.Ididn’tmeantomakeitamedicalvisit.”
“Butyousawthechancetosavemylifeandjustcouldn’tpassitup.”
Sometimesthebrotherswereverymuchalike.
“Stefan,don’t!Oh,Iloveyou!”
“Elena.”Hekissedherfingers,pressedtothebars.Then,totheguards:“No,please,please,don’ttakeheraway!Forpity’ssake,giveusonemoreminute!Justone!”
ButElenahadtoletgoofhisfingerstoholdhercloaktogether.ThelastshesawofStefan,hewaspoundingonthebarswithhisfistsandcalling,“Elena,Iloveyou!Elena!”
ThenElenawasdraggedoutofthehallwayandadoorshutbetweenthem.Shesagged.
Armswentaroundher,helpedhertowalk.Elenagotangry!IfStefanwasbeingputbackinhisoldlice-riddencell—asshesupposedhewas,rightaboutnow—hewasbeingmadetowalk.Andthesedemonsdidnothinggently,sheknewthat.Hewasprobablybeingdrivenlikeananimalwithsharpinstrumentsofwood.
Elenacouldwalk,too.
AstheyreachedthefrontoftheShinoShilobbyElenalookedaround.“Where’sDamon?”
“Inthecoach,”Sageansweredinhisgentlestvoice.“Heneededsometime.”
PartofElenasaid,“I’llgivehimtime!TimetoscreamoncebeforeIriphisthroatout!”Buttherestofherwasjustsad.
“Ididn’tgettosayanythingIwantedtosay.IwantedtotellhimhowsorryDamonis;andhowDamon’schanged.Hedidn’tevenrememberthatDamonhadbeenthere—”
“Hetalkedtoyou?”Sageseemedastonished.
Thetwoofthem,SageandElena,walkedoutofthefinalmarbledoorsofthebuildingoftheGodsofDeath.ThatwasthenameElenahadchosenforitinherownmind.
Thecarriagewasatthecurbinfrontofthem,butnoonegotin.Instead,SagegentlysteeredElenaalittledistancefromtheothers.Thereheputhislargehandsonhershouldersandspoke,stillinthatverysoftvoice,
“MonDieu,mychild,butIdonotwanttosaythistoyou.ItisthatImust.IfearthatevenifwegetyourStefanoutofjailbythedayofLadyBloddeuwedd’spartythat—thatitwillbetoolate.Inthreedayshewillalreadybe…”
“Isthatyourmedicalopinion?”Elenasaidsharply,lookingupathim.Sheknewherfacewaspinchedandwhiteandthathepitiedhergreatly,butwhatshewantedwasananswer.
“Iamnotamedicalman,”hesaidslowly.“Iamjustanothervampire.”
“JustanotherOldOne?”
Sage’seyebrowswentup.“Now,whatgaveyouthatlittleidea?”
“Nothing.I’msorryifI’mwrong.ButwillyoupleasegetDr.Meggar?”
Sagelookedatherforalongminutemore,thendepartedtogetthedoctor.Bothmencameback.
Elenawasreadyforthem.“Dr.Meggar,SageonlysawStefanatthebeginning,beforeyougavehimthatinjection.ItwasSage’sopinionthatStefanwouldbedeadinthreedays.Giventheeffectsoftheinjection,doyouagree?”
Dr.Meggarpeeredatherandshecouldseetheshineoftearsinhisshort-sightedeyes.“Itis—possible—justpossiblethatifhehasenoughwillpower,hecouldstillbealivebythen.Butmostlikely…”
“WoulditmakeanydifferencetoyouropinionifIsaidthathedrankmaybeathirdofabottleofBlackMagicwinetonight?”
Bothmenstaredather.“Areyousaying—”
“Isthisjustaplanyouhavenow?”
“Please!”Forgettingabouthercape,forgettingeverything,ElenagraspedDr.Meggar’shands.“Ifoundawaytogethimtodrinkaboutthatmuch.Doesitmakeadifference?”Shesqueezedtheelderlyhandsuntilshecouldfeelbone.
“Itcertainlyshould.”Dr.Meggarlookedbewilderedandafraidtohope.“Ifyoureallygotthatmuchintohissystem,hewouldbealmostcertaintoliveuntilthenightofBloddeuwedd’sparty.That’swhatyouwant,isn’tit?”
Elenasankback,unabletoresistgivinghishandsalittlekissassheletgo.
“Andnowlet’sgotellDamonthegoodnews,”shesaid.
Inthecarriage,Damonwassittingboltupright,hisprofileoutlinedagainstablood-redsky.Elenagotinandshutthedoorbehindher.
Withnoexpressionatall,hesaid,“Isitover?”
“Over?”Elenawasn’treallythisdense,butshefigureditwasimportantthatDamonbeclearinhisownmindastowhathewasasking.
“Ishe—dead?”Damonsaidwearily,pinchingthebridgeofhisnosewithhisfingers.
Elenaallowedthesilencetogoonforafewbeatslonger.DamonmustknowStefanwasnotlikelytoactuallydieinthenexthalfhour.Nowthathewasn’tgettinginstantconfirmationofthishisheadsnappedup.
“Elena,tellme!Whathappened?”hedemanded,urgencyinhisvoice.“Ismybrotherdead?”
“No,”Elenasaidquietly.“Buthe’slikelytodieinafewdays.Hewascoherentthistime,Damon.Whydidn’tyouspeaktohim?”
Therewasanalmostpalpabledrawing-inonDamon’spart.“WhatdoIhavetosaytohimthatmatters?”heaskedharshly.“‘Oh,I’msorryIalmostkilledyou’?‘Oh,Ihopeyoumakeitanotherfewdays’?”
“Thingslikethat,maybe,ifyoulosethesarcasm.”
“WhenIdie,”Damonsaidcuttingly,“I’mgoingtobestandingonmyowntwofeetandfighting.”
Elenaslappedhimacrossthemouth.Therewasn’troomtogetmuchleveragehere,butsheputasmuchPowerbehindthemotionasshedaredwithoutriskingbreakingthecarriage.
Afterward,therewasalongsilence.Damonwastouchinghisbleedinglip,acceleratingthehealing,swallowinghisownblood.
Finallyhesaid,“Itneverevenoccurredtoyouthatyouaremyslave,didit?ThatI’myourmaster?”
“Ifyou’regoingtoretreatintofantasy,that’syouraffair,”Elenasaid.“Myself,Ihavetodealwiththerealworld.And,bytheway,soonafteryouranaway,Stefanwasnotonlystandingbutlaughing.”
“Elena”—onaquickrisingnote.“Youfoundawaytogivehimblood?”Hegraspedherarmsohardithurt.
“Notblood.AlittleBlackMagic.Withtwoofusthere,itwouldhavegonetwiceasfast.”
“Therewerethreeofyouthere.”
“SageandDr.Meggarhadtodistracttheguards.”
Damontookhishandaway.“Isee,”hesaid,expressionlessly.“SoIfailedhimyetagain.”
Elenalookedathimwithsympathy.“You’recompletelyinsidethestoneballnow,aren’tyou?”
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”
“Thestoneballyoustickanythingthatmighthurtyouinside.Youevendrawyourselfinsideit,althoughitmustbeverycrampedinthere.Katherinemustbeinthere,Isuppose,walledoffinherownlittlechamber.”Sherememberedthenightatthehotel.“Andyourmother,ofcourse.Ishouldsay,Stefan’smother.Shewasthemotheryouknew.”
“Don’t…mymother…”Damoncouldn’tevenformacoherentsentence.
Elenaknewwhathewanted.Hewantedtobeheldandsoothedandtolditwasallright—justthetwoofthem,underhercloakwithherwarmarmsholdinghim.Buthewasn’tgoingtogetit.Thistimeshewassayingno.
ShehadpromisedStefanthatthiswasforhim,alone.And,shethought,shewouldkeeptothespiritofthatpromise,ifshehadn’tkepttotheletter,forever
Astheweekprogressed,ElenawasabletorecoverfromthepainofseeingStefan.Althoughnoneofthemcouldspeakaboutitexceptinchoked,briefexclamations,theylistenedwhenElenasaidthattherewasstillajobtobedone,andthatiftheymanagedtocompleteitwelltheywouldbeabletogohomesoon—whileiftheydidnotcompleteit,Elenadidn’tcarewhethershewenthomeorstayedhereintheDarkDimension.
Home!Ithadthesoundofahaven,eventhoughBonnieandMeredithknewfirsthandwhatkindofhellwaslurkinginFell’sChurchforthem.Butsomehowanythingwouldbepreferabletothislandofbloodylight.
Withhopekindlinginterestintheirsurroundings,theywereonceagainabletofeelpleasureatthedressesLadyUlmawashavingmadeforthem.Designingwastheonepursuitthattheladycouldstillenjoyduringherofficialbedrest,andLadyUlmahadbeenhardatworkwithhersketchbook.SinceBloddeuwedd’spartywouldbeanindoor/outdooraffair,allthreedresseshadtobecarefullydesignedtobeattractivebothundercandlelightandunderthegiantredsun’scrimsonrays.
Meredith’sgownwasdeepmetallicblue,violetinthesunlight,anditshowedanentirelydifferentsideofthegirlfromthesirenintheskin-tightmermaiddresswhohadattendedFazina’sgala.ItremindedElenasomehowofsomethinganEgyptianprincesswouldwear.Onceagain,itleftMeredith’sarmsandshouldersbare,butthemodestnarrowskirtthatfellinstraightlinestohersandals,andthedelicacyofthesapphirebeadsthatadornedtheshoulderstrapsservedtogiveMeredithanunassuminglook.ThatlookwasemphasizedbyMeredith’shair,whichLadyUlmadictatedbeworndown,andherface,whichwasbareofmakeupexceptkohlaroundtheeyes.Atherthroat,anecklacemadeoftheverylargestoval-cutsapphiresformedanelaboratecollar.Shealsohadmatchingbluegemsonherwristsandslenderfingers.
Bonnie’sdresswasalittlecleverinvention:itwasmadeofasilverymaterialwhichtookonapasteltingeofthecoloroftheambientlighting.Moonlight-coloredindoors,itshoneasoftshimmeringpink,almostexactlythecolorofBonnie’sstrawberryhair,whenshewasoutside.Itsportedabelt,necklace,bracelets,earrings,andringsallofmatchingcabochon-cutwhiteopals.Bonnie’scurlsweretobecarefullypinnedupandawayfromherface,inadaringlymussed-upmass,leavinghertranslucentskintoshinesoftlyroseinthesunlight,andethereallypaleinside.
Onceagain,Elena’sdresswasthesimplestandthemoststriking.Hergownwasscarlet,thesamecolorunderblood-redsunorindoorgaslamp.Itwasratherlowcut,givinghercreamyskinachancetoshinegoldeninthesunlight.Clingingclosetoherfigure,itwasslasheduponesidetogiveherroomtowalkordance.OntheafternoonofthepartyLadyUlmahadElena’shaircarefullybrushedintoatangledcloudthatshimmeredTitianoutdoors,goldenindoors.Herjewelryrangedfromaninsetofdiamondsatthebottomoftheneckline,todiamondsonherfingers,wristsandoneupperarm,plusadiamondchokerthatfitoverStefan’snecklace.Allthesewouldblazeasredasrubiesinthesunlight,butwouldoccasionallyglintanotherstartlingcolor,likeaburstofmini-fireworks.Onlookers,LadyUlmapromised,wouldbedazzled.
“ButIcan’twearthese,”ElenahadprotestedtoLadyUlma.“ImightnotgettoseeyouagainbeforewegetStefan—andfromthatmomentwe’reontherun!”
“It’sthesameforallofus,”Meredithhadaddedquietly,lookingateachofthegirlsintheir“indoor”colorsofsilvery-blue,scarlet,andopal.“We’reallwearingthemostjewelrywe’veeverwornindoorsorout—butyoumightloseitall!”
“Andyoumightneeditall,”Lucenhadsaidquietly.“Allthemorereasonforyoueachtohavejewelrythatyoucantradeforcarriages,safety,food,whatever.It’ssimplydesigned,too—youcanwrenchoutastoneanduseitaspayment,andthejewelsarenotinanelaboratesettingthatmightnotbetosomecollector’staste.”
“Inadditiontowhich,theyareallofthehighestquality,”LadyUlmahadadded.“Theyarethemostflawlessexamplesoftheirkindwecouldgetonsuchshortnotice.”
Atthatpoint,allthreegirlshadreachedtheirlimit,andrushedthecouple—LadyUlmaonherenormousbed,sketchbookalwaysbesideher,andLucenstandingnearby—andcriedandkissedandgenerallyundidthebeautifuljobsthathadbeendoneontheirfaces.
“You’relikeangelstous,doyouknowthat?”Elenasobbed.“Justlikefairygodparentsorangels!Idon’tknowhowIcansaygood-bye!”
“Likeangels,”LadyUlmahadsaidthen,wipingatearfromElena’scheek.ThenshegraspedElena,saying“Look!”andgesturedtoherselfcomfortablyinbed,withacoupleofblooming,dewy-eyedyoungwomenreadytoattendtoherwishes.LadyUlmahadthennoddedatthewindow,outofwhichasmallmillstreamcouldbeseen,andsomeplumtrees,withripefruitblazinglikejewelsonthebranches,andthenwithasweepofherhandindicatedthegardens,orchards,fields,andforestsontheestate.
ThenshehadtakenElena’shandandsmootheditoverherownsoftlycurvingabdomen.“Yousee?”shehadspokenalmostinawhisper.“Doyouseeallofthis—andcanyourememberhowyoufoundme?Whichofusisanangelnow?”
Atthewords“howyoufoundme”Elena’shandshadflownuptocoverherface—asifshe’dbeenunabletobearwhatmemoryshowedheratthatmoment.ThenshewashuggingandkissingLadyUlmaagain,andawholenewroundofcosmetic-destroyingembraceshadbegun.
“MasterDamonwasevenkindenoughtobuyLucen,”LadyUlmahadsaid,“andyoumaynotbeabletopictureit,but”—hereshehadlookedatthequiet,beardedjewelerwitheyesfulloftears—“IfeelforhimasyoufeelforyourStefan.”Andthenshehadblushedandhiddenherfaceinherhands.
“He’sfreeingLucentoday,”Elenahadsaid,droppingtoherkneestorestherheadagainstLadyUlma’spillow.“Andgivingtheestatetoyouirrevocably.He’shadalawyer—anadvocate,you’dsay—workingonthepapersallweekwithaGuardian.They’redonenow,andevenifthathideousgeneralshouldcomeback,hecouldn’ttouchyou.Youhaveyourhomeforever.”
Morecrying.Morekissing.Sage,whohadbeeninnocentlywalkingdownthehallway,whistling,afterarompwithhisdog,Saber,hadpassedLadyUlma’sroomandhadbeendrawnin.“We’llallmissyou,too!”Elenahadwept.“Oh,thankyou!”
Laterthatday,DamonhadmadegoodonallofElena’spromises,besidesgivingalargebonustoeachmemberofthestaff.Theairhadbeenfullofmetallicconfetti,rosepetals,music,andcriesoffarewellasDamon,Elena,Bonnie,andMeredithhadbeencarriedtoBloddeuwedd’sparty—andawayforever.
“Cometothinkofit,whydidn’tDamonfreeus?”BonnieaskedMeredithastheyrodeinlitterstowardBloddeuwedd’smansion.“Icanunderstandthatweneededtobeslavestogetintothisworld,butwe’reinnow.Whynotmakehonestgirlsofus?”
“Bonnie,we’rehonestgirlsalready,”Meredithremindedher.“AndIthinkthepointisthatwewereneverrealslavesatall.”
“Well,Imeant:Whydoesn’thefreeussothateveryoneknowswe’rehonestgirls,Meredith,andyouknowit.”
“Becauseyoucan’tfreesomebodywho’sfreealready,that’swhy.”
“Buthecouldhavegonethroughtheceremony,”Bonniepersisted.“Orisitreallyhardtofreeaslavehere?”
“Idon’tknow,”Meredithsaid,breakingatlastunderthistirelessinquisition.“ButI’lltellyouwhyIthinkhedoesn’tdoit.Ithinkthatit’sbecausethiswayhe’sresponsibleforus.Imean,it’snotthatslavescan’tbepunished—wesawthatwithElena.”Meredithpausedwhiletheybothshudderedatthememory.“But,ultimately,it’stheslaveownerthatcanlosetheirlifeoverit.Remember,theywantedtostakeDamonforwhatElenadid.”
“Sohe’sdoingitforus?Toprotectus?”
“Idon’tknow.I…supposeso,”Meredithsaidslowly.
“Then—Iguesswe’vebeenwrongabouthiminthepast?”Bonniegenerouslysaid“we’ve”insteadof“you’ve.”MeredithhadalwaysbeentheoneofElena’sgroupmostresistanttoDamon’scharm.
“I…supposeso,”Meredithsaidagain.“AlthoughitseemsthateveryoneisforgettingthatuntilrecentlyDamonhelpedthekitsunetwinstoputStefanhere!AndStefandefinitelyhadn’tdoneanythingtodeserveit.”
“Well,ofcoursethat’strue,”Bonniesaid,soundingrelievednottohavebeentoowrong,andatthesametimestrangelywistful.
“AllStefaneverwantedfromDamonwaspeaceandquiet,”Meredithcontinued,asifonmoresteadygroundthere.
“AndElena,”Bonnieaddedautomatically.
“Yes,yes—andElena.ButallElenawantedwasStefan!Imean—allElenawants…”Meredith’svoicetrailedoff.Thesentencedidn’tseemtoworkproperlyinthepresenttenseanymore.Shetriedagain.“AllElenawantsnowis…”
Bonniejustwatchedherspeechlessly.
“Well,whatevershewants,”Meredithconcluded,rathershaken,“shewantsStefantobeapartofit.Andshedoesn’twantanyofustohavetostayhere—inthis…thishellhole.”
Inanotherlitterjustbesidethemthingswereveryquiet.BonnieandMeredithweresousedbynowtotravelinginclosedlittersthattheyhadn’tevenrealizedthatanotherpalanquinhaddrawnabreastofthemandthattheirvoicescarriedclearlyinthehot,stillafternoonair.
Inthesecondlitter,DamonandElenabothlookedveryhardatthesilkencurtainsflutteringopen.
Now,Elena,withanalmostmadairofneedingsomethingtodo,hurriedlyunwoundacordandthecurtainsdroppedintoplace.
Itwasamistake.ItclosedElenaandDamonintoasurrealglowingredoblong,inwhichonlythewordsthattheyhadjustheardseemedtohavevalidity.
Elenafeltherbreathcomingtooquickly.Heraurawasslipping.Everythingwasslippingsideways.
Theydon’tbelievethatIonlywanttobewithStefan!
“Steadyon,”Damonsaid.“Thisisthelastnight.Bytomorrow—”
Elenaheldupahandtokeephimfromsayingit.
“Bytomorrowwe’llhavefoundthekeyandgottenStefanandwe’llbeoutofhere,”Damonsaidanyway.
Jinx,thoughtElena.Andsentupaprayerafterit.
TheyrodeinsilenceuptowardBloddeuwedd’sgrandmansion.ForasurprisinglylongtimeElenadidn’trealizethatDamonwastrembling.Itwasaquick,involuntaryshakenbreaththatalertedher.
“Damon!Dear—dearheaven!”Elenawasstricken,ataloss,notforwords,butfortherightwords.“Damon,lookatme!Why?”
Why?Damonrepliedintheonlyvoicehecouldtrustnottotrembleorcrackorbreak.Because—doyoueverthinkofwhat’shappeningtoStefanwhileyou’regoingtoapartywearingsplendidclothes,beingcarriedalong,todrinkthefinestwineandtodance—whilehe—whilehe—Thethoughtremainedunfinished.
ThisisjustwhatIneededrightbeforebeingseeninpublic,Elenathought,astheyreachedthelongdrivewaytoBloddeuwedd’shome.Shetriedtocallonallofherresourcesbeforethecurtainsweredrawnandtheywerefreetostepoutatthelocationofthesecondhalfofthekey.34
Idon’tthinkaboutthosethings,ElenaansweredinthesamewayDamonhadspokenandforthesamereason.Idon’tthinkbecauseifIdoI’llgoinsane.ButifIgoinsane,whatgoodwillIbetoStefan?Icouldn’thelphim.InsteadIblockitalloutwithwallsofironandIkeepitawayatanycost
“Andyoucanmanagethat?”Damonasked,hisvoiceshakingslightly.
“Ican—becauseIhaveto.Rememberinthebeginningwhenwewerearguingabouttheropesaroundourwrists?MeredithandBonniehaddoubts.ButtheyknewthatIwouldwearhandcuffsandcrawlafteryouifthatwaswhatittook.”ElenaturnedtolookatDamoninthecrimsondarknessandadded,“Andyou’vegivenyourselfaway,timeaftertime,youknow.”Sheslippedarmsaroundhimtotouchhishealedback,sothathewouldhavenodoubtaboutwhatshemeant.
“Thatwasforyou,”Damonsaidharshly.
“Notreally,”Elenareplied.“Thinkaboutit.Ifyouhadn’tagreedtotheDiscipline,wemighthaverunoutoftown,butwecouldneverhavehelpedStefanafterthat.Whenyougetdowntoit,everything,allyou’vedone,you’vedoneforStefan.”
“Whenyougetdowntoit,IwastheonewhoputStefanhereinthefirstplace,”Damonsaidtiredly.“Ifigurewe’rejustaboutevennow.”
“Howmanytimes,Damon?YouwerepossessedwhenyouletShinichitalkyouintoit,”Elenasaid,feelingexhaustedherself.“Maybeyouneedtobepossessedagain—justalittle—soyourememberhowitfeels.”
EverycellinDamon’sbodyseemedtoflinchawayfromthisidea.Butaloudhejustsaid,“There’ssomethingthateveryonehasmissed,youknow.Aboutthearchetypalstoryofhowtwobrotherskilledeachothersimultaneously,andbecamevampiresbecausethey’ddalliedwiththesamegirl.”
“What?”Elenasaidsharply,shockedoutofhertiredness.“Damon,whatdoyoumean?”
“WhatIsaid.There’ssomethingyou’veallmissed.Ha.MaybeevenStefanhasmissedit.Thestorygetstoldandretold,butnobodycatchesit.”
Damonhadturnedhisfaceaway.Elenamovedclosertohim,justabit,sohecouldsmellherperfume,whichwasattarofrosesthatnight.“Damon,tellme.Tellme,please!”
Damonstartedtoturntowardher—
Anditwasatthatmomentthattheliftmenstopped.Elenahadonlyasecondtowipeherface,andthecurtainswerebeingdrawn.
MeredithhadtoldthemallthemythaboutBloddeuwedd,whichshe’dgotfromastory-tellingglobe.AllabouthowBloddeuweddhadbeenmadeoutofflowersandbroughttolifebythegods,andhowshehadbetrayedherhusbandtohisdeath,andhow,inpunishment,shehadbeendoomedtospendeachnightfrommidnighttodawnasanowl.
And,apparently,therewassomethingthemythsdidn’tmention.Thefactthatshehadbeendoomedtolivehere,banishedfromtheCelestialCourtintothedeepredtwilightoftheDarkDimension.
Allthingsconsidered,itwaslogicalthatherpartiesstartedatsixintheevening.
Elenafoundthathermindwasjumpingfromsubjecttosubject.SheacceptedagobletofBlackMagicfromaslaveashereyeswandered.
Everywomanandmostofthemenatthepartywerewearingcleverattirethatchangedcolorinthesun.Elenafeltquitemodest—afterall,everythingoutofdoorsseemedtobepinkorscarletorwine-colored.DowninghergobletofMagic,Elenawasslightlysurprisedtofindherselfgoingintoautomaticparty-modebehavior,greetingpeopleshe’dmetearlierintheweekwithcheekkissesandhugsasifshe’dknownthemforyears.MeanwhilesheandDamonworkedtheirwaytowardthemansion,sometimeswith,sometimesagainstthetideofconstantlymovingpeople.
Theymadeituponesteepsetofwhite(pink)marblestairs,whichsportedoneithersidebanksofgloriousblue(violet)delphiniumsandpink(scarlet)wildroses.Elenastoppedhere,fortworeasons.OnewastogetanewgobletofBlackMagic.Thefirsthadalreadygivenherapleasantglow—althoughofcourseeverythingwasconstantlyglowinghere.ShewashopingthatthesecondcupwouldhelpherforgeteverythingthatDamonhadbroughtupinthelitterexceptthekey—andhelpherrememberwhatshe’dbeenfrettingoveroriginally,beforeherthoughtshadbeenhijackedbyBonnieandMeredith’stalk.
“Iexpectthebestwayisjusttoasksomeone,”shetoldDamon,whowassuddenlyandsilentlyatherelbow.
“Askwhat?”
Elenaleanedalittletowardtheslavewho’djustsuppliedherwithafreshgoblet.“MayIask—whereisLadyBloddeuwedd’smainballroom?”
Theliveriedslavelookedsurprised.Then,withhishead,hemadeagestureallaround.“Thisplaza—belowthecanopy—hasgainedthenametheGreatBallroom,”hesaid,bowingoverhistray.
Elenastaredathim.Thenshestaredaroundher.
Underagiantcanopy—itlookedsemipermanenttoherandwashungallaroundwithprettylanternsinshadesthatwereenhancedbythesun—thesmoothgrasslawnstretchedawayforhundredsofyardsonallsides.
Itisbiggerthanafootballfield.
“WhatI’dliketoknow,”Bonniewasaskingafellowguest,awomanwhohadclearlybeentomanyofBloddeuwedd’saffairsandknewherwayaroundthemansion,“isthis:whichroomisthemainballroom?”
“Oh,mydeah,itdependsonwhatyoumean,”theguestrepliedcheerfully.“Theah’stheGreatBallroomoutofdoors—youmusthaveseenitwhileclimbing—thebigpavilion?Andthentheah’stheWhiteBallroominside.That’slitwithcandelabrasandhasthecurtainsdrawnallround.Sometimesit’scalledtheWaltzRoom,sinceallthatisplayedinthereiswaltzes.”
ButBonniewasstillcaughtinhorrorafewsentencesback.“There’saballroomoutside?”shesaidshakily,hopingthatsomehowshehadn’theardright.
“That’sit,deah,youcanseethroughthatwalltheah.”Thewomanwastellingthetruth.Youcouldseethroughthewall,becausethewallswereallofglass,onebeyondanother,allowingBonnietoseewhatseemedtobeanillusiondonewithmirrors:lightedroomafterlightedroom,allfilledwithpeople.Onlythelastroomonthebottomfloorseemedtobemadeoutofsomethingsolid.ThatmustbetheWhiteBallroom.
Butthroughtheoppositewall,wheretheguestwaspointing—oh,yes.Therewasacanopytop.Sherememberedvaguelypassingit.Theotherthingsherememberedwas…
“Theydanceonthegrass?That—enormousfieldofgrass?”
“Ofcourse.It’sallespeciallycutandrolledsmooth.Youwon’ttripoveraweedorhummockofground.Areyousureyou’refeelingquitewell?Youlookrathahpale.Well”—theguestlaughed—“aspaleasanyonecanlookinthislight.”
“I’mfine,”Bonniesaiddazedly.“I’mjust…fine.”
Thetwopartiesmetlaterandtoldeachotherofthehorrorsthattheyhadunearthed.DamonandElenahaddiscoveredthatthegroundoftheoutdoorballroomwasalmostashardasrock—anythingthathadbeenburiedtherebeforethegroundwasrolledsmoothbyheavyrollerswouldnowbepackeddowninsomethinglikecement.Theonlyplacethatanyonecoulddigtherewasaroundtheperimeter.
“Weshouldhavebroughtadiviner,”Damonsaid.“Youknow,someonewhousesaforkedstickorapendulumorabitofamissingperson’sclothingtohomeinonthecorrectarea.”
“You’reright,”Meredithsaid,hertoneclearlyaddingforonce.“Whydidn’twebringadiviner?”
“BecauseIdon’tknowofany,”Damonsaid,withhissweetest,mostferociousbarracudasmile.
BonnieandMeredithhadfoundthattheinsideballroom’sflooringwasrock—verybeautifulwhitemarble.Thereweredozensoffloralarrangementsintheroom,butallthatBonniehadstuckhersmallhandinto(asunobtrusivelyaspossible)weresimplycutflowersinavaseofwater.Nosoil,nothingthatcouldjustifyusingtheterm“buriedin.”
“Andbesides,whywouldShinichiandMisaoputthekeyinwatertheyknewwouldbethrownoutinafewdays?”Bonnieasked,frowning,whileMeredithadded,
“Andhowdoyoufindaloosefloorboardinmarble?Sowecan’tseehowitcouldbeburiedthere.Bytheway,Ichecked—andtheWhiteBallroomhasbeenhereforyears,sothere’snochancethattheydumpeditunderthebuildingstones,either.”
Elena,bynowdrinkingherthirdgobletofBlackMagic,said,“Allright.Thewaywelookatthisis:oneroomscratchedoffthelist.Now,we’vealreadygothalfofthekey—lookhoweasythatwas—”
“Maybethatwasjusttoteaseus,”Damonsaid,raisinganeyebrow.“Togetourhopesup,beforedashingthemcompletely…here.”
“Thatcan’tbe,”Elenasaiddesperately,glaringathim.“We’vecomesofar—fartherthanMisaoeverimaginedwewould.Wecanfindit.Wewillfindit.”
“Allright,”Damonsaid,suddenlydeadlyserious.“Ifwehavetopretendtobestaffandusepickaxesonthatsoiloutdoors,we’lldoit.Butfirst,let’sgothroughtheentirehouseinside.Thatseemedtoworkwelllasttime.”
“Allright,”Meredithsaid,foroncelookingstraightathimandwithoutdisapproval.“BonnieandIwilltaketheupstairsfloorsandyoucantakethedownstairsones—maybeyoucanmakesomethingofthatWhiteWaltzBallroom.”
“Allright.”
Theysettowork.Elenawishedthatshecouldcalmdown.DespitemostofthreegobletsofBlackMagicoscillatinginsideher—orperhapsbecauseofthem—shewasseeingcertainthingsinnewlights.Butshemustkeephermindonthequest—andonlyonthequest.Shewoulddoanything—anything—shetoldherself,togetthekey.AnythingforStefan.
TheWhiteBallroomsmelledofflowersandwasgarlandedwithlarge,opulentbloomsinthemidstofabundantgreenery.Standingarrangementswereplacedtoshieldanareaaroundafountainintoanintimatenookwherecouplescouldsit.And,althoughtherewasnovisibleorchestra,musicpouredintotheballroom,demandingaresponsefromElena’ssusceptiblebody.
“Idon’tsupposeyouknowhowtowaltz,”Damonsaidsuddenly,andElenarealizedthatshehadbeenswayingintimetothebeat,eyesclosed.
“OfcourseIdo,”Elenaanswered,alittleoffended.“WeallofuswenttoMs.Hopewell’sclasses.ThatwastheequivalentofcharmschoolinFell’sChurch,”sheadded,seeingthefunnysideofitandlaughingatherself.“ButMs.Hopewelldidlovetodance,andshetaughtuseverydanceandmovementshethoughtwasgraceful.ThatwaswhenIwasabouteleven.”
“Isupposeitwouldbeabsurdformetoaskyoutodancewithme,”Damonsaid.
Elenalookedathimwithwhatsheknewwerelargeandpuzzledeyes.Despitethelow-cutscarletdress,shedidn’tfeellikeanirresistiblesirentonight.Shewastoowroughtuptofeelthemagicwoveninthecloth,magicwhichshenowrealizedwastellinghershewasadancingflame,afireelemental.ShesupposedthatMeredithmustfeellikeaquietstream,flowingswiftlyandsteadilytoherdestination,butsparklingandglintingalltheway.AndBonnie—Bonnie,ofcoursewasaspriteoftheair,meanttodanceaslightlyasafeatherinthatopalescentdress,barelysubjecttogravity.
ButabruptlyElenarememberedcertainglancesofadmirationshehadseendirectedtowardherself.AndnowsuddenlyDamonwasvulnerable?Yethedidn’timagineshewoulddancewithhim?
“OfcourseIwouldlovetodance,”shesaid,realizingwithaslightshockthatshehadn’tnoticedbefore,thatDamonwasinflawlesswhitetie.Ofcourse,itwasontheonenightwhenitmighthinderthem,butitmadehimlooklikeaprinceoftheblood.
Herlipsquirkedslightlyatthetitle.Oftheblood…oh,yes.
“Areyousureyouknowhowtowaltz?”sheaskedhim.
“Agoodquestion.Itookitupin1885becauseitwasknowntoberiotousandindecent.Butitdependsonwhetheryouarespeakingofthepeasantwaltz,theVienneseWaltz,theHesitationWaltz,or—”
“Oh,comeon,orwe’llmissanotherdance.”Elenagrabbedhishand,feelingtinysparksasifshe’dstrokedacat’sfurthewrongway,andpulledhimintotheswayingcrowd.
Anotherwaltzbegan.MusicfloodedintotheroomandliftedElenaalmostoffherfeetasthesmallhairsonthebackofherneckstoodup.Herbodytingledalloverasifshehaddrunksomesortofcelestialelixir.
Itwasherfavoritewaltzsincechildhood:theoneshe’dbeenbroughtupon.Tchaichovsky’sSleepingBeautywaltz.Butsomechildpartofhermindcouldneverhelpbutpairingthesweetsweepingnotesthatcameafterthethundering,electrifyingbeginningtogetherwiththewordsfromtheDisneymovieversion:
Iknowyou;Idancedwithyouonceuponadream….
Asalways,theybroughttearstohereyes;theymadeherheartsingandherfeetwanttoflyratherthandance.
Herdresswasbackless.Damon’swarmhandwasonherbareskinthere.
Iknow,somethingwhisperedtoher,whytheycalledthisdanceriotousandindecent.
Andnow,certainly,Elenafeltlikeaflame.Weweremeanttobethisway.Shecouldn’trememberifitwasanoldquoteofDamon’sorsomethingnewhewasjustbarelywhisperingtohermindnow.Liketwoflamesthatjoinandmergeintoone.
You’regood,Damontoldher,andthistimesheknewthatitwashimspeakingandthatitwasinthepresent.
Youdon’tneedtopatronizeme.I’mtoohappyalready!Elenalaughedback.Damonwasanexpert,andnotjustattheprecisionofthesteps.Hedancedthewaltzasifitwerestillriotousandindecent.Hehadafirmlead,whichofcourseElena’shumanstrengthcouldnotbreak.Buthecouldinterpretlittlesignalsofherown,aboutwhatshewantedandheobligedher,asiftheywereicedancing,asifatanymomenttheymighttwirlandleap.
Elena’sstomachwasslowlymeltingandtakingherotherinternalorganswithit
Anditneveronceoccurredtohertothinkwhatherhighschoolfriendsandrivalsandenemieswouldhavethoughtofhermeltingoverclassicalmusic.Shewasfreeofpettyspite,pettyshameoverdifferences.Shewasthroughwithlabeling.Shewishedthatshecouldgobacktoshoweveryonethatshe’dnevermeantitinthefirstplace.
ThewaltzwasoveralltoosoonandElenawantedtopushtheReplaybuttonanddoitfromthebeginningagain.TherewasamomentjustwhenthemusicstoppedwheresheandDamonwerelookingateachother,withequalexaltationandyearningand—
AndthenDamonbowedoverherhand.“Thereismoretothewaltzthanjustmovingyourfeet,”hesaid,notlookingupather.“Thereisaswayinggracethatcanbeputintothemovements,aleapingflameofjoyandoneness—withthemusic,withapartner.Thosearenotmattersofexpertise.Thankyouverymuchforgivingmethepleasure.”
Elenalaughedbecauseshewantedtocry.Sheneverwantedtostopdancing.ShewantedtotangowithDamon—arealtango,thekindyouweresupposedtohavetogetmarriedafter.Buttherewasanothermission…anecessarymissionthathadtobecompleted.
And,assheturned,therewereawholecrowdofotherthingsinfrontofher.Men,demons,vampires,beastlikecreatures.Allofthemwantedadance.Damon’stuxedoedbackwaswalkingawayfromher.
Damon!
Hepausedbutdidnotturnback.Yes?
Helpme!Weneedtofindtheotherhalfofthekey!
Itseemedtotakehimamomenttoassessthesituation,butthenheunderstood.Hecamebacktoher,andtakingherbythehandsaidinaclear,ringingvoice,“Thisgirlismy…personalassistant.Idonotdesirethatshedancewithanyoneotherthanmyself.”
Therewasarestlessmurmuringatthis.Thekindofslavesthatgottakentoballsofthissortwerenotusuallythekindthatwereforbiddentointeractwithstrangers.Butjustthentherewasasortofflurryatthesideoftheroom,eventuallypressingtowardtheoppositesidewhereDamonandElenawere.
“Whatisit?”Elenaasked,thedanceandthekeybothforgotten.
“Whoisit,I’dask,rather,”Damonreplied.“AndI’danswer:ourhostess,LadyBloddeuweddherself.”
Elenafoundherselfcrowdingbehindotherpeopletogetaglimpseofthismostextraordinarycreature.Butwhensheactuallysawthegirlstandingaloneinthedoorwaytotheballroom,shegasped.
Shewasmadeoutofflowers…Elenaremembered.Whatwouldagirlmadeoutofflowerslooklike?
Shewouldhaveskinlikethefaintestblushofpinkonanappleblossom,Elenathought,staringunashamedly.Hercheekswouldbeslightlydeeperpink,likeadawn-coloredrose.Hereyes,enormousinherdelicate,perfectface,wouldbethecoloroflarkspur,withheavyfeatheryblacklashesthatwouldmakethemdroophalf-shut,asifshewalkedalwayshalfinadream.Andshewouldhaveyellowhairaspaleasprimroses,fallingdownalmosttothefloor,woundinbraidsthatwerethemselvesincorporatedintothickerbraidsuntilthewholemasswasbroughttogetherjustaboveherdelicateankles.
Herlipswouldbeasredaspoppies,half-openandinviting.Andshewouldgiveoffascentthatwaslikeabouquetofallthefirstblossomsofspring.Shewouldwalkasifswayinginthebreeze.
Elenacouldonlyrememberstanding,gazingafterthisvisionlikethedozensofotherguestsaroundher.Justonemoresecondtodrinkinsuchloveliness,hermindbegged.
“Butwhatwasshewearing?”Elenaheardherselfsayaloud.Shecouldnotremembereitherastunningdressoraglimpseoflustrousapple-blossomskinthroughthemanybraids.
“Somesortofgown.Itwasmadeoutofwhatelse?Flowers,”Damonputinwryly.“ShewaswearingadressmadeofeverykindofflowerI’veeverseen.Idon’tunderstandhowtheystayedput—maybetheyweresilkandsewntogether.”Hewastheonlyonewhodidn’tseemdazzledbythisvision.
“Iwonderifshewouldtalktous—justafewwords,”Elenasaid.Shewaslongingtohearthedelicate,magicalgirl’svoice.
“Idoubtit,”amaninthecrowdansweredher.“Shedoesn’ttalkmuch—atleastuntilmidnight.Say!It’syou!How’reyoufeeling?”
“Verywell,thankyou,”Elenarepliedpolitely,andthenquicklysteppedback.SherecognizedthespeakerasoneoftheyoungmenwhohadforcedtheircardsonDamonattheendoftheGodfather’sceremony,thenightofherDiscipline.
Nowshejustwantedtogetawayunobtrusively.Butthereweretoomanyofthemen,anditwasclearthattheywerenotabouttoletherandDamongo.
“ThisisthegirlItoldyouabout.Shegoesintoatranceandnomatterhowshe’smarked;shedoesn’tfeelathing—”
“—bloodrunningdownhersideslikewaterandsheneverflinched—”
“They’reaprofessionalact.Theygoontheroad….”
Elenawasjustabouttosay,coolly,thatBloddeuweddhadstrictlyforbiddenthiskindofbarbarismatherparty,whensheheardoneoftheyoungvampiressaying,“Don’tyouknow,IwastheonewhopersuadedLadyBloddeuweddtoaskyoutothisget-together.Itoldheraboutyouractandshewasmostinterestedtoseeit.”
Well,scratchoneexcuse,Elenathought.Butatleastbenicetotheseyoungmen.Theymightbehelpfulsomehowlater.
“I’mafraidIcan’tdoittonight,”shesaid,quietly,sothattheywouldbequietthemselves.“I’llapologizetoLadyBloddeuwedddirectly,ofcourse.Butitjustisn’tpossible.”
“Yes,itis.”Damon’svoice,justbehindher,astoundedher.“It’squitepossible—giventhatsomeonefindsmyamulet.”
Damon!Whatareyousaying?
Hush!WhatIhaveto.
“Unfortunately,aboutthreeandahalfweeksagoIlostaveryimportantamulet.Itlookslikethis.”Hebroughtoutthehalfofthefoxkeyandletthemalltakeagoodlookatit.
“Isthatwhatyouusedtodothetrick?”someoneasked,butDamonwasfartoocleverforthat.
“No,manypeoplesawmedotheactjustaweekorsoagowithoutit.Thisisapersonalamulet,butwithpartofitmissing,Isimplydon’tfeellikedoingmagic.”
“Itlookslikealittlefox.You’renotakitsune?”someone—toocleverfortheirowngood,Elenathought—askednext.
“Itmaylooklikethattoyou.It’sactuallyanarrow.Anarrowwithtwogreenstonesatthearrowhead.It’sa—masculinecharm.”
Afemalevoicesomewhereinthecrowdsaid:“Ishouldn’tthinkyouneedanymoremasculinecharmthanyouhaverightnow!”andtherewaslaughter.35
“Nevertheless”—Damon’seyestookonasteelyglint—“withouttheamuletmyassistantandIwillnotperform.”
“But—withityouwill?Isay,areyousayingthatyoulostyouramulethere?”
“Asamatteroffact,yes.Justaroundthetimethepartyarrangementswerebeingsetup.”Damonflashedabeautiful,hauntingsmileattheyoungvampiresandthenturneditoffsuddenly.“IhadnoideaIwouldhaveyourhelp,andIwastryingtofindawaytogetaninvitation.SoItookalookaroundtoseehowtheplacewouldbelaidout.”
“Don’ttellmeitwasbeforethegrasswasrolled,”someonesaidapprehensively.
“Unfortunately,yes.AndIwasgivenapsychicmessage,whichtoldmethatthek—theamuletisburiedsomewherehere.”
Therewasachorusofgroansfromthecrowd.
Thentherewereindividualvoicesraised,pointingoutthedifficulties:therock-hardnessoftherolledgrass,themanyballroomswiththeirmanyfloralarrangementsinsoil,thekitchengardenandflowergardens(whichwehaven’tevenseenyet,Elenathought.)
“Irealizethevirtualimpossibilityoffindingthis,”Damonsaid,takingthehalfofthefoxkeybackintohishandandmakingitdisappearneatlybypassingitnearElena’shand,whichwasreadytoreceiveit.Shenowhadaspecialplaceforit—LadyUlmahadseentothat.
Damonwassaying,“ThatiswhyIsimplysaidnoatthebeginning.Butyoupressedme,andnowI’vegivenyouthefullanswer.”
Therewassomemoregrumbling,butthenpeoplebeganwalkingoutinonesandtwosandthrees,talkingaboutthebestplacestostartlooking.
Damon,they’regoingtodestroyBloddeuwedd’sgrounds,Elenaprotestedsilently.
Good.We’llofferallthejewelsyouthreegirlshaveonyou,aswellasallthegoldIhaveonme,asarecompense.Butwhatfourpeoplecan’tdo,maybeathousandcan.
Elenasighed.Istillwishwe’dhadthechancetotalktoBloddeuwedd.Notjusttohearherspeak,buttoaskhersomequestions.ImeanwhatreasonwouldabeautifulblossomlikeherhavetoprotectShinichiandMisao?
Damon’stelepathicanswerwasbrief.Well,let’strythetoprooms,then.Thatwaswhereshewasheaded,anyway.
Theyfoundacaseofcrystalstairs—quitedifficulttolocatewhenallthewallsweretransparent,andfrighteningtoascend.Onceonthesecondfloortheylookedforanotherone.EventuallyElenafoundit,bystumblingoverthefirststep
“Oh,”shesaid,lookingfromthestep,whichnowshoweditselfthroughalineofredacrossitsfrontedge,tohershin,whichshowedthesamedamage.“Well,itmaybeinvisible,butwearen’t.”
“It’snotquiteinvisible.”DamonwaschannelingPowertohiseyes,sheknew.She’dbeendoingthesame—butthesedaysshewonderedwhichofthemhadmoreofherbloodinthem:himorher?
“Don’tstrainyourself,Icanseethesteps,”hesaid.“Justshutyoureyes.”
“Myeyes—”Beforeshecouldaskwhysheknewwhyandbeforeshecouldscreamhehadpickedherup,hisbodywarmandsolidandtheonlysolidthinganywherearound.Heheadedupthestairsholdinghersothatherdresswasoutofthewayoftheblooddropletsthatfellfreelyintospace.
Forsomeoneafraidofheights,itwasawild,terrifyingride:eventhoughsheknewDamonwasintopconditionandwouldnotdropherandeventhoughshewascertainhecouldseewherehewasgoing.Still,lefttoherselfandherownvolition,shewouldneverhavemadeitfartherthanthefirststair.Asitwas,shedidn’tevendarewigglemuchincaseshethrewDamonoffbalance.Shecouldonlywhimperandtrytoendure.
When,aneternitylater,theyreachedthetop,Elenawonderedwhowouldcarryherdown,orifshewouldbeleftheretherestofherlife.
TheywereconfrontedbyBloddeuwedd,themostenchantinglyinhumancreatureElenahadyetseen.Enchanting…butodd.Wastherenotaslightprimrosepatterntoherhairinbackandonthesides?Wasn’therfaceactuallytheshapeofanapple-blossompetalaswellashavingthepetal’sfaintbloom?
“Youareinmyprivatelibrary,”shesaid.
And,asifamirrorhadcracked,ElenacamefreeofthelastofBloddeuwedd’sglamour.
Thegodshadmadeheroutofflowers…butflowersdon’tspeak.Bloddeuwedd’svoicewastonelessandflat.Itruinedtheimageoftheflower-madegirlcompletely.
“We’resorry,”Damonsaid—naturallynotatalloutofbreath.“Butwe’dliketoaskyousomequestions.”
“IfyouthinkIwillhelpyou,Iwillnot,”theflower-petalgirlsaidinthesamenasaltone.“Ihatehumans.”
“ButIamavampire,asyouhavesurelyalreadydiscerned,”Damonwasbeginning,layingthecharmonthick,whenBloddeuweddinterruptedhim.“Onceahuman,alwaysahuman.”
“Ibegyourpardon?”
Damon’slossofcontrolmighthavebeenthebestthingthatcouldhavehappened,Elenathought,tryingtokeepbehindhim.HewassoclearlysincereabouthisscornforhumansthatBloddeuweddsoftenedalittle.
“Whatdidyoucometoask?”
“Onlyifyouhadseenoneoftwokitsunelately:they’rebrotherandsisterandcallthemselvesShinichiandMisao.”
“Yes.”
“Ortheymight—I’msorry?Yes?”
“Thethievescametomyhouseatnight.Iwasataparty.Iflewbackfromthepartyandalmostcaughtthem.Kitsunearehardtocatch,though.”
“Where…”Damonswallowed.“Wherewerethey?”
“Runningdownthefrontstairs.”
“Anddoyourememberthedatethattheywerehere?”
“Itwasthenightthatthegroundsweremadereadyforthisparty.Stonerollerswentoverthegrass.Thecanopywaserected.”
Weirdthingstodoatnight,Elenathought,butthensheremembered—again.Thelightwasalwaysthesame.
Butherheartwasbeatingfast.ShinichiandMisaocouldonlyhavebeenhereforonereason:todropoffhalfofthefoxkey.
AndmaybedropitintheGreatBallroom,Elenathought.Shewatcheddullyastheentireoutsideofthelibraryrotated,almostlikeagiantplanetarium,sothatBloddeuweddcouldpickoutaglobeandplaceitinsomecontraptionthatmustmakethemusicplayinvariousrooms.
“Excuseme,”Damonsaid.
“Thisismyprivatelibrary,”BloddeuweddsaidcoldlyagainsttheswellingofthegloriousendingtotheFirebirdSuite
“Meaningnowwemustleave?”
“MeaningnowIamgoingtokillyou.”36
“What?”shoutedDamonoverthemusic,whileadding:Run—go!telepathicallytoElena.
IfithadmerelybeenElena’slife,shewouldhavebeengladenoughtodieherewiththethunderousbeautyofFirebirdallaroundher,rathrthanfacingthosesteep,invisiblestepsalone.
Butitwasn’tjustherlife.ItwasStefan’slife,too.Still,theflowermaidendidn’tlookparticularlymenacing,andElenacouldn’tsummonupenoughadrenalinetotrymakingitdownthathidousstairway.
Damon,let’sbothgo.WehavetosearchtheGreatBallroomoutside.Onlyyou’restrongenough….
Ahesitation.Damonwouldratherfightthanfacethatenormous,impossiblegreenfieldoutside,Elenathought.
ButBloddeuwedd,despiteherwords,wasnowspinningtheroomaroundthemagain,sothatshe,attheedgeofsomeinvisiblewalkway,couldfindtheexactorbshewanted.
DamonliftedElenainhisarmsandsaid:Shutyoureyes
Elenanotonlyshuthereyes,butputherhandsoverthemaswell.IfDamonwasgoingtodropher,shewasn’tgoingtohelpmattersbyshouting“Lookout!”ashedidit.
Thesensationsthemselvesweresickeningenough.Damonleapedfromsteptosteplikeanibex.HeseemedbarelytotouchthestepsingoingdownandElenawondered—quitesuddenly—ifanythingwereafterthem.
Ifso,itwasinformationsheneededtoknow.ShebegantoliftherhandsandheardDamonwhisper-snarl“Keepthemshut!”inavoicethatfewpeoplelikedtoarguewith.
Elenapeekedoutbetweenherhands,metDamon’sexasperatedeyes,andsawnothingfollowingthem.Sheclampedherhandsbacktogetherandprayed.
Ifyouwerereallyaslave,youwouldn’tlastadayhere,youknow,Damoninformedher,takingafinalleapintospaceandthensettingherdownoninvisible—butatleastlevel—ground.
Iwouldn’twantto,Elenasentcoldly.Iswear,I’dratherdie.
Becarefulwhatyoupromise,Damonflashedhissplendidsmiledownathersuddenly.Youmayendupinotherdimensionstryingtofulfillyourword.
Elenadidn’teventrytoone-uphim.Theywereout,free,andracingthroughtheglasshousedowntothestairstothelowerfloor—alittletrickyinherstateofmind,butbearable—andfinallyoutthedoor.OnthegrassoftheGreatBallroomtheyfoundMeredithandBonnie…andSage.
Hewasactuallyinwhitetieaswell,althoughhisjacketstrainedathisshoulders.Inaddition,Talonwassittingonone—sotheproblemmightbetakencareoffairlysoon,asshewasrippingthematerialanddrawingblood.Sagedidn’tseemawareofit.Saberwasathismaster’sside,lookingatElenawitheyestoothoughtfultobemereanimaleyes,butwithoutmalice.
“ThankGodyoucameback!”Bonniecried,runningtothem.“Sagecameandhehasamarvelousidea.”
EvenMeredithwasexcited.“YourememberhowDamonsaidweshouldhavebroughtadiviner?Well,wehavetwonow.”SheturnedtoSage.“Pleasetellthem.”
“Asarule,Idon’ttakethesetwotoparties.”SagereacheddowntoscratchunderSaber’sthroat.“Butalittlebirdtoldmethatyoumightbeintrouble.”HishandmoveduptostrokeTalon,rufflingthefalcon’sfeathersslightly.“So,dites-moi,please:Justhowmuchhaveyoutwobeenhandlingthehalf-keyyoudopossess?”
“Itouchedittonightandinthebeginning,thenightwefoundit,”saidElena.“ButLadyUlmahandleditandLucenmadeachestforitandwe’veallhandledthat.”
“Butoutsidethebox?”
“I’vehelditandlookedatitonceortwice,”saidDamon.
“Ehbien!Thekitsunesmellsshouldbemuchstrongeronit.Andkitsunehaveverydistinctivesmells.”
“SoyoumeanthatSaber—”Elena’svoicegaveoutforpurefaintness.
“Cansniffoutanythingwiththesmellofkitsuneonit.Meanwhile,Talonhasverygoodeyesight.Shecanflyoverheadandlookfortheglintofgoldincaseit’sinplainsightsomewhere.Nowshowthemwhattheywillbesearchingfor.”
Elenaobliginglyheldoutthecrescentshapedhalf-keyforSabertosniff.
“Voilà!AndTalon,nowyoutakeagoodlook.”Sagebackedawaytowhatwas,Elenasupposed,Talon’soptimalseeingdistance.Thenwhenhecameback,hesaid,“Commen?ons!”andtheblackdogexplodedaway,nosetoground,whilethefalcontookoffingrand,high,sweepingcircles.
“Soyouthinkthekitsunewereonthisgrass?”ElenaaskedSage,asSaberbeganracingbackandforth,nosestilljustabovethegrass—andthensuddenlyveeredoutontothemiddleofthemarblesteps.
“Butassuredly,theywerehere.YouseehowSaberruns,likeablackpanther,withhisheadlow,andhistailstraight?Hehasbusinessinhand,him!Heishotonthescent.”
Iknowsomeoneelsewhogivesoffthesamefeeling,ElenathoughtassheglancedbackatDamon,whostoodwithhisarmsfolded,motionless,coiledlikeaspring,waitingforwhatevernewstheanimalswouldbring.
ShehappenedtoglanceatSageatthesamemoment,andshesawanexpressiononhisfacethat—well,itwasprobablythesameexpressionshe’dbeenwearingaminuteago.Heglancedatherandsheblushed.
“Pardonnez-moi,Monsieur,”shesaid,lookingawayquickly.
“Parlez-vousfran?ais,Madame?”
“Unpeu,”Elenasaidhumbly—anunusualconditionforher.“Ican’treallykeepupaseriousconversation.ButIlovedgoingtoFrance.”Shewasabouttosaysomethingelse,whenSaberbarkedonce,sharply,toattractattentionandthensatboltuprightatthecurb.
“Theycameorleftinacarriageorlitter,”Sagetranslated.
“Butwhatdidtheydointhehouse?Ineedatrailgoingtheotherway,”Damonsaid,lookingupatSagewithsomethinglikerawdesperation.
“Allright,allright.Saber!Contremarche!”
Theblackdoginstantlyturnedaround,putitsnosetothegroundasifitaffordedhimthegreatestdelight,andbeganrunningbackandforthacrossthestairsandthelawnthatformedthe“GreatBallroom”—nowbecomingpittedwithholesaspeopletookshovels,pickaxes,andevenlargespoonstoit.
“Kitsunearehardtocatch,”ElenamurmuredintoDamon’sear.
Henodded,glancingathiswatch.“Ihopeweare,too,”hemurmuredback.
TherewasasharpbarkfromSaber.Elena’sheartleapedinherchest.
“What?”shecried.“Whatisit?”Damonpassedher,grabbedherhand,anddraggedherinhiswake.
“Whathashefound?”Elenagaspedastheyallreachedthesamepointsimultaneously.
“Idon’tknow.It’snotpartoftheGreatBallroom,”repliedMeredith.Saberwassittingupproudlyinfrontofabedoftall,clusteringpalelavender(deepviolet)hydrangeas.
“Theydon’tlooklikethey’redoingtoowell,”saidBonnie.
“Andit’snotbelowanyoftheupperballrooms,either,”Meredithsaid,stoopingtogetatSaber’sheightandthenlookup.“There’sjustthelibrary.”
“Well,Iknowonethingwithoutaquestion,”Damonsaid.“We’regoingtohavetodigupthisflowerpatchandIdon’tfancyaskingMs.Larkspur-eyes-Now-I-have-to-kill-youforherpermission.”
“Oh,didyouthinktheywerelarkspur,hereyes?BecauseIthoughtofbluebells,rahthah,”saidaguestbehindBonnie.
“Didshereallysayshehadtokillyou?Butwhy?”anotherguest,nearertoElenaaskednervously.
Elenaignoredthem.“Well,let’sputitthisway,she’scertainlynotgoingtolikeit.Butit’stheonlycluewe’vegot.”Except,Isuppose,ifthekitsunemeanttoleaveithere,butthentookoffinacoach,sheaddedvoicelesslytoDamon.
“Sothatmeanstheshowcancommence,”criedoneoftheyoungvampirefans,steppingtowardElena.
“ButIdon’thavemyamuletback,”Damonsaidflatly,movinginfrontofElenalikeanimpenetrablewall.
“Butyouwillinminutes,surely.Look,couldn’tsomefellowsbacktrackwiththedogtowhereverthebadguyscamefrom—cametotheestatefrom,ifyougetme?Andmeanwhilewecanbegettingonwiththeshow?”
“CanSaberdothat?”Damonasked.“Followacarriage?”
“Withafoxinit?Butofcourse.Actually,Icouldgowiththem,”Sagesaidquietly.“Icouldmakesurethatthesetwoenemiesarecaughtiftheyareontheotherendofthetrail.Showthemtome.”
“ThesearetheonlyshapesIknow.”DamonreachedouttwofingersandtouchedSage’stemple.“But,ofcourse,they’llhavemoreforms,possiblyinfiniteones.”
“Well,theyarenotourpriority,Iassume.The,ah,amuletis.”
“Yes,”Damonsaid.“Evenifyoudon’tlandablowonthem,getthekeyhalfandraceback.”
“So?Evenmoreimportantthanrevenge,”Sagesaidsoftly,shakinghisheadinwonder.Thenheaddedquickly.“Well,Iwillwishusgoodluck.Anyadventuroustypeswhowanttogowithme?Ah,good,four—verywell,five,Madame—isenough.”
Andhewasgone.
ElenalookedatDamon,whowaslookingbackwithblank,blackeyes.“Youreallyexpectmetodo—that—again?”
“Allyouneedtodoisstandthere.I’llmakesureyouloseaslittlebloodaspossible.Andifyoueverwanttostopwecanhaveasignal.”
“Yes,butnowIunderstand.AndIcan’thandleit.”
Hisfacewentcoldsuddenly.Shuttingherout.
“You’renotrequiredtohandleanything.Besides,isn’titenoughifIsayit’safairbargainforStefan?”
Stefan!Elena’sentirebodywentthroughsomesortofelementalchange.“Letmeshareit,”shebegged,andknewthatshewasbeggingandknewwhatDamonwasgoingtosay.
“Stefanisgoingtoneedyouwhenwegetout.Justmakesureyoucanhandlethat.”
Stop.Think.Don’tbashhisheadin,Elena’sbraintoldher.He’spushingyourbuttons.Heknowshowtodoit.Don’tlethimpushyourbuttons.
“Icanhandleboth,”shesaid.“Please,Damon.Don’ttreatmeasifIwere—oneofyourone-nighters,orevenyourPrincessofDarkness.TalktomeasifIwereSage.”
“Sage?Sageisthemostfrustrating,cunning—”
“Iknow.Butyoutalktohim.Andyouusedtotalktome,andnowyou’renot.Listentome.Ican’tbeartogothroughthisscenarioagain.I’llscream.”
“Nowyou’rethreatening—”
“No!I’mtellingyouwhatwillhappen.Unlessyougagme,I’llscream.Andscream.AsIwouldscreamforStefan.Ican’thelpit.MaybeI’mbreakingdown….”
“Butdon’tyousee?”Suddenlyhehadwhirledaroundandtakenholdofherhands.“We’realmostattheend.You,who’vebeenthestrongestallalong—youcan’tbreakdownnow.”
“Thestrongest…”Elenawasshakingherhead.“Ithoughtwewererightthere,onthevergeofunderstandingeachother.”
“Allright.”Hiswordscameashardchipsofmarblenow.“Whatifwedofive?”
“Five?”
“Fivestrokesinsteadoften.We’llpromisetodotheotherfivewhenthe‘amulet’isfound,butwe’llrunwhenwedofindit.”
“Youwouldhavetobreakyourword.”
“Ifittakesthat—”
“No,”shesaidflatly.“Yousaynothing.I’lltellthem.I’maliarandacheatandI’vealwaysplayedwithmen.We’llseeifIcan’tfinallyputmytalentstogooduse.Andthere’snopointintryinganyoftheothergirls,”sheadded,glancingup.“BonnieandMereditharewearinggownsthatwouldfallrightoffifyouslashedthem.OnlyIhaveabareback.”ShepirouettedinplacetoshowoffhowherdressmetonlyveryhighattheneckinahalterandverylowinthebackinaV.
“Thenwe’reagreed.”DamonhadaslaverefillhisgobletandElenathought:we’regoingtobethetipsiestactinhistory,ifnothingelse.
Shecouldn’thelpbutshiver.ThelasttimeshehadfeltaninnertremblingwasfromDamon’swarmhandonherbarebackastheydanced.Now,shefeltsomethingmuchicier,justadraftofcoldairperhaps.Butitdrewhermindtothefeelingofherownbloodrunningdownhersides.
SuddenlyBonnieandMeredithweretherebesideher,formingabarricadebetweenherandtheincreasinglycuriousandexcitedcrowd.
“Elena,what’shappened?Theysaidabarbarianhumangirlwastobewhipped—”beganMeredith.
“Andyoujustknewithadtobeme,”completedElena.“Well,it’strue.Idon’tseehowIcangetoutofit.”
“Butwhathaveyoudone?”Bonnieaskedfrantically.
“Beenanidiot.Letsomefraternity-typevampireboysthinkthatitwasasortofmagicact,”Damonputin.Hisfacewasstillgrim.
“That’salittleunfair,isn’tit?”Meredithasked.“Elenatoldusaboutthefirsttime.Itsoundedasiftheyjumpedtotheconclusionthatitwasanactallbythemselves.”
“Weshouldhavedenieditthen.Now,we’restuckwithit,”Damonsaidflatly.Then,asifheweremakinganeffort,“Oh,well,maybewe’llgetwhatwecamefor,anyway.”
“Thatwashowwefoundout—someidiotcamerunningdownthestepsyellingaboutanamuletwithtwogreenstones.”
“Itwasallwecouldthinkof,”Elenaexplainedwearily.“It’sworthitforDamonandItodothisifonlywecanfindtheotherhalfofthekey.”
“Youdon’thavetodoit,”Meredithsaid.“Wecanjustleave.”
Bonniestaredather.“Withoutthefoxkey?”
Elenashookherhead.“We’vealreadybeenthroughallthat.Theunanimousdecisionwastodoitthisway.Shelookedaround.“Nowwherearetheguysthatwantedtoseeitsomuch?”
“Lookinginthefield—thatusedtobeaballroom,”Bonniereplied.“Orgettingshovels—lotsof’em—fromBloddeuwedd’sgardeningcompound.Ow!Why’dyoupinchme,Meredith?”
“Oh,my,didthatpinch?Imeanttodothis—”
ButElenawasalreadystridingaway,aseagernowasDamonwastogetitoverwith.Halfoverwith.Ijusthopeherememberstochangeintohisleatherjacketandblackjeans,shethought.Inwhitetie—theblood—
Iwon’tlettherebeanyblood.
ThethoughtwassuddenandElenadidn’tknowwhereitcamefrom.Butinthedeepestreachesofherbeing,shethought:he’sbeenpunishedenough.Hewastremblinginthelitter.Hethoughtaboutanotherperson’swell-beingfromminutetominute.It’senoughnow.Stefanwouldn’twanthimtobehurtanymore.
SheglanceduptoseeoneoftheDarkDimension’ssmall,misshapenmoonsmovingvisiblyaboveher.Thistimethesurrendershemadetoitwasbrightred,afeathershininginsullencrimsonlight.Butshegaveherselfuptoitunreservedly,bodyandsoul,anditrestedonthehallowedspringofeternalbloodthatwasherwomanhood.Andthensheknewwhatshehadtodo.
“Bonnie,Meredith,look:we’reatriumvirate.WehavetotrytosharethiswithDamon.”
Noonelookedenthusiastic.
Elena,whosepridehadbeenentirelybrokenfromthemomentshefirstsawStefaninhiscell,kneltdowninfrontofthemonthehardmarblestep.“I’mbeggingyou—”
“Elena!Stopthat!”Meredithgasped.
“Pleasegetup!Oh,Elena—”Bonniewasabreathawayfromtears.
Andso,itwassmall,softheartedBonniewhoturnedthetide.“I’lltrytoteachMeredithhow.Butanyway,we’llatleastshareitbetweenthethreeofus.”
Hug.Kiss.Amurmurintostrawberryhair,“Iknowwhatyouseeinthedark.You’rethebravestpersonIknow.”
Andthen,leavingastunnedBonniebehind,Elenawenttocollectspectatorsforherownwhipping.37
Elenahadbeentied,likesomeoneinaB-moviewhowillsoonbereleased,standinguprightagainstapillar.Diggingonthefieldwasstillgoingoninadilatorywayasthevampireswhohadputheruptothisfetchedanashsticktheyhadbrought,andallowedDamontoinspectit.Damonhimselfwasmovinginslowmotion.Tryingtofindpointstokibitzabout.Waitingfortherattlingofcoachwheelsthatwouldtellhimthecarriagewasback.Actingbrisk,butinsidefeelingassluggishashalf-cooledlead.
I’veneverbeenasadist,hethought.I’vealwaystriedtogivepleasure—exceptinfights.Butitshouldbemeinthatprisoncell.Can’tElenaseethat?It’smyturnbeneaththelashnow.
Hehadchangedintohis“magicianclothes,”takingaslongashedaredwithoutlookingasifhewantedtoputthisoff.Andnowthereweresomewherebetweensixandeighthundredcreatures,waitingtoseeElena’sbloodspill,towatchElena’sbackcutandmiraculouslyhealagain.
Allright.I’masreadyasI’lleverbetodothis.
Hecameintohisbody,intothenowofwhatwashappening.
Elenaswallowed.“Sharethepain”she’dsaid—withoutintheleastknowinghowtodoit.Buthereshewas,likeasacrificetiedtoapillar,staringatBloddeuwedd’shouseandwaitingfortheblowstocome.
Damonwasgivingthecrowdanintroductoryspeech,talkinggibberishanddoingitverywell.Elenafoundaparticularwindowofthehousetostareat.AndthensherealizedthatDamonwasnolongerspeaking.
Atouchoftherodagainstherback.Atelepathicwhisper.
Areyouready?
Yes,shesaidimmediately,knowingthatshewasn’t.Andthenhearing,againstdeadsilence,aswishthroughtheair.
Bonnie’smindfloatingintohers.Meredith’smindflowinglikeastream.Theblowwasamerecuff,althoughElenafeltbloodspill.
ShecouldfeelDamon’sbewilderment.Whatshouldhavebeenaswordslashwasamereslap.Painful,butdefinitelybearable.
Andonceagain.ThetriumvirateportionedoutthepainbeforeDamon’smindcouldreceiveit.
Keepthetrianglemoving.Andathird.
Twomoretogo.Elenaallowedhergazetowanderoverthehouse.UptothethirdfloorwhereBloddeuweddhadtobeenragedatwhathadbecomeofherparty.
Onemoretogo.Thevoiceofaguestcomingbacktoher.“Thatlibrary.Shehasmoreorbsthanmostpubliclibraries,and”—withhisvoicedroppingforamoment—“theysayshehasallsortsofspheresupthere.Forbiddenones.Youknow.”
Elenahadn’tknownandstillcouldstillhardlyimaginewhatmightbeforbiddenhere
Inherlibrary,Bloddeuwedd,asingle,lonelyfigure,movedinthebrilliantlylightedgreatspheretofindaneworb.Insidethehousemusicwouldbeplaying,differentmusicineachdifferentroom.Outside,Elenacouldhearnothing.
Thelastblow.Thetriumviratemanagedtohandleit,allottingagonizingpainamongstfourpeople.Atleast,Elenathought,mydresswasalreadyasredasitcouldbe.
Andthenitwasover,andBonnieandMeredithwerequarrellingwithsomeofthevampireladieswhowantedtohelpbathethebloodfromElena’sback,showingitonceagainunblemishedandperfect,glowinggoldeninthesunlight.
Betterkeepthemaway,ElenathoughtratherdrowsilytoDamon;someofthemmaybecompulsivenail-bitersorfinger-lickers.Wecan’taffordforanyonetotastemybloodandfeelthelife-forceinit;notwhenI’vegonethroughsomuchtoconcealmyaura
Althoughtherewasclappingandcheeringeverywhere,noonehadthoughttountieElena’swrists.Soshestoodleaningagainstthepillar,gazingatthelibrary
Andthentheworldfroze.
Allaroundherwasmusicandmotion.Shewasthestillpointinaturninguniverse.Butshehadtogetmoving,andfast.Sheyankedhardatherbonds,laceratingherself.
“Meredith!Untieme!Cuttheseropes,quick!”
Meredithobeyedhastily.
WhenElenaturned,sheknewwhatshewouldsee.Theface—Damon’sface,bewildered,half-resentful,half-humble.Itwasgoodenoughforher,rightthen.
Damon,weneedtogettothe—
Butthentheywereengulfedbyariot.Well-wishers,fans,skeptics,vampiresbeggingfor“atinytaste,”gogglerswhowantedtomakesurethatElena’sbackwasrealandwarmandunmarked.Elenafelttoomanyhandsonherbody.
“Getawayfromher,damnyou!”Itwastheprimalsavageroarofabeastdefendingitsmate.PeoplebackedawayfromElena,onlytoclosein…veryslowlyandtimidly…onDamon.
Allright,Elenathought.I’lldoitalone.Icandoitalone.ForStefan,Ican.
Sheshoulderedherwaythroughthecrowd,acceptingbunchesofhastilydug-upflowersfromadmirers—andfeelingmorehandsonherbody.“Hey,shereallyisn’tmarked!”Atlast,MeredithandBonniehelpedhertogetout—withoutthemshewouldneverhavemadeit.
Andthenshewasrunning,runningintothehouse,notbotheringtousethedoorthatwasneartoSaber’sbarkingplace.Shethoughtsheknewwhatwasthereanyway.
Onthesecondfloorshespentaminutebeingbewilderedbeforeseeingathinredlineinnothingness.Herblood!Seehowmanythingsitwasgoodfor?Rightnowithighlightedthefirstoftheglassstepsforher,theoneshehadstumbledintobefore.
Andatthattime,cradledinDamon’sstrongarms,shehadn’tbeenabletoimagineevencrawlingupthesesteps.NowshechanneledallthePowershehadintohereyenodes—andthestairslitup.Itwasstillterrifying.Therewerenohandholdsoneitherside,andshewaswoozyfromexcitement,fear,andlossofblood.Butsheforcedherselfup,andup,andup.
“Elena!Iloveyou!Elena!”
ShecouldhearthecryasifStefanwerebesidehernow.
Up,up,up…
Herlegsached.
Keepgoing.Noexcuses.Ifyoucan’twalk,hobble.Ifyoucan’thobble,crawl.
Shewascrawlingasshefinallyreachedthetop,theedgeofthenestoftheowlBloddeuwedd.
Atleastitwasstillapretty,ifinsipid-looking,maidenwhogreetedher.ElenarealizedatlastwhatwaswrongwithBloddeuwedd’slooks.Shehadnoanimalvitality.Shewas,atheart,avegetable.
“Iamgoingtokillyou,youknow.”
No,shewasavegetablewithnoheart.
Elenaglancedaroundher.Shecouldseeoutsidefromhere,althoughinbetweenwasthedomethatwasmadeofshelvesandshelvesuponshelvesoforbs,soeverythingwasweirdlydistorted.
Therewerenohangingcreepershere,noflagrantdisplaysofexotic,tropicalblooms.Butshewasalreadyinthecenteroftheroom,inBloddeuwedd’sowlnest.Bloddeuweddwasnowherenearit;shewasonthecontraptionthatletherreachherstarballs.
Thekeycouldonlybeburiedinthatnest.
“Idon’twanttostealfromyou,”Elenapromised,breathinghard.Evenasshespoke,sheplungedtwoarmsintothenest.“Thosekitsuneplayedatrickonbothofus.Theystolesomethingofmineandputthekeytoitinyournest.I’mjusttakingbackwhattheyputin.”
“Ha!You—humanslave!Barbarian!Youdaredtoviolatemyprivatelibrary!Peopleoutsidearediggingupmybeautifulballroom,mypreciousflowers.Youthinkyou’regoingtogetawayagainthistime,butyou’renot!Thistimeyou’regoingtoDIE!”
Itwasanentirelydifferentvoicethantheflat,nasal,butstillmaidenliketonesthathadgreetedElenabefore.Thiswasapowerfulvoice,aheavyvoice…
…avoicetogowiththesizeofthenest.
Elenalookedup.Shecouldn’tmakeanythingofwhatshesaw.Anenormousfurcoatinaveryexoticpattern?Somehugestuffedanimal’sback?
Thecreatureinthelibraryturnedtowardher.Orrather,itsheadswiveledtowardher,whileitsbackremainedperfectlystill.ItrotateditsheadsidewaysandElenaknewthatwhatshewasseeingwasaface.Theheadwasevenmorehideousandmoreindescribablethanshecouldhaveimagined.Ithadasortofsingleeyebrowwhichdippedfromtheedgeofonesideofitsforeheaddowntowardthenose(orwherethenoseshouldhavebeen)andthenwentupagain.ThefeaturewaslikeagiganticV-shapedbrowandbelowitweretwohugeroundyelloweyesthatoftenblinked.Therewasnonoseormouthlikeahuman’s,butinsteadtherewasalarge,cruel,hookedblackbeak.Therestofthefacewascoveredinfeathers,mostlywhite,turningmottledgrayatthebottom,wheretheneckseemedtobe.Itwasalsograyandwhiteintwohornlikeprojectionsthatshotupfromthetopofthehead—likeademon’shorns,Elenathoughtwildly.
Then,withtheheadstillstaringather,thebodyturnedtowardElena.
Itwasthebodyofasturdywoman,coveredinwhiteandgrizzledfeathers,Elenasaw.Talonspeekedoutfromunderthelowestfeathers.
“Hello,”thecreaturesaidinagratingvoice,itsbeakopeningandclosingtobiteoffthewords.“I’mBloddeuwedd,andIneverletanyonetouchmylibrary.Iamyourdeath.”
ThewordsCan’tweatleasttalkaboutitfirst?wereonElena’slips.Shedidn’twanttobeahero.Shecertainlydidn’twanttotakeonBloddeuweddwhilesearchingforthekeythatmustbehere—somewhere.
Elenakeptontryingtoexplainwhilefranticallyfeelinginsidethenest,whenBloddeuweddextendedwingsthatspannedtheroomandcameather.
Andthen,likeastreakoflightning,somethingzippedbetweenthem,givingoutaraucouscry.
ItwasTalon.Sagemusthavegiventhehawkorderswhenhelefther.
Theowlseemedtoshrinkalittle—thebettertoattack,thoughtElena.
“Pleaseletmeexplain.Ihaven’tfoundityet,butthereissomethinginyournestthatdoesn’tbelongtoyou.It’smine—and—andStefan’s.Andthekitsunehiditthenightyouhadtochasethemoffyourestate.Doyourememberthat?”
Bloddeuwedddidn’tanswerforamoment.Thensheshowedthatshehadasimple,one-size-fits-all-situationsphilosophy.
“Yousetfootintomyprivatequarters.Youdie,”shesaidandthistimewhensheswoopedbyElena,Elenacouldheartheclackofherbeakcomingtogether.
AgainsomethingsmallandbrightdoveatBloddeuwedd,aimingforhereyes.ThegreatowlhadtotakeherattentionoffElenainordertodealwithit.
Elenagaveup.Sometimesyoujustneededhelp.“Talon!”shecried,unsureofhowmuchhumanspeechTalonunderstood.“Trytokeepheroccupied—justforaminute!”
Asthetwobirdsdartedandwheeledandshriekedaroundher,Elenatriedtosearchwithherarms,whileduckingwhensheneededto.Butthatgreatblackbeakwasalwaystooclose.Onceitslicedintoherarm,butElenawasonanadrenalinehigh,andshehardlyfeltthepain.Shekeptsearchingwithoutapause.
Finally,sherealizedwhatsheshouldhavedonefromthebeginning.Shesnatchedupanorbfromitstransparentrack.
“Talon!”shecalled.“Here!”
Thefalcondovedowntowardherandtherewasasnap.ButafterwardElenastillhadallherfingersandthehoshinotamawasgone.
Now,now,ElenatrulyheardashriekofragefromBloddeuwedd.Thegiantowlwentafterthehawk,butitwaslikeahumantryingtoslapafly—anintelligentfly.
“Givethatorbback!It’spriceless!Priceless!”
“You’llgetitbackassoonasIfindwhatI’mlookingfor.”Elena,madwithterrorandsoakedinhormones,climbedallthewayinsidethenestandbegansearchingthemarblebottomwithherfingers.
TwiceTalonsavedherbydroppingorbswithacrashtothegroundasthehugeowlBloddeuweddwasheadedtowardElena.Eachtime,thenoiseofthecrashcausedtheowltoforgetaboutElenaandtrytoattackthehawk.ThenTalonsnatchedanotherorbandsweptatgreatspeedrightundertheowl’snose.
Elenawasbeginningtohaveanightmarefeelingthateverythingshehadknownjustahalfhourbeforewaswrong.
Shehadbeenleaningagainstthecanopypole,exhausted,staringupintothelibraryandthemaidenwhoinhabiteditandthewordshadsimplyflowedintohermind.
Bloddeuwedd’sorbroom…
Bloddeuwedd’sgloberoom…
Bloddeuwedd’s…starballroom……Bloddeuwedd’sballroom.
Twowaystotakethesamewords.Twoverydifferentkindsofrooms.
Itwasjustasshewasrememberingthisthatherfingerstouchedmetal.38
“Talon!Uh—heel!”Elena
shoutedandbegantoraceasfastasshecouldtogetoutoftheroom.Thiswas
strategy.Wouldtheowlbecomeevensmallersoastogetthroughthedooror
woulditdestroyitssanctuaryinordertostayontopofElena?
Itwasagoodstrategy,butitdidn’tamounttomuchinthe
end.Theowlshranktodartthroughthedoor,andthenresumedgiganticsizeto
attackElenaassherandownthestairs.
Yes,ran.WithallofherPowerchanneledtohereyes,Elenaleaped
fromsteptostepasDamonhadbefore.Nowtherewasnotimeforfear,notime
forthinking.Therewasonlytimetoturnoverinherfingersasmall,hard,
crescent-shapedobject.
ShinichiandMisao—theydidmakeitinto
hernest.
TheremustbealadderorsomethingmadeofglassthatevenDamon
couldn’tsee,intheflowerbedwhereSaberhadstoppedandbarked.
No—Damonwouldhaveseenit,sotheymusthave
broughttheirownladder.
That’swhytheirtrailendedthere.Theyclimbedstraightup
intothelibrary.Andtheyruinedtheflowersinthebed,whichiswhythenew
flowersweren’tdoingsowell.
ElenaknewfromAuntJudith,fromherchildhood,thattransplanted
flowerstookawhiletoreviveandperkupagain.
Leap…jump…leap…Iamaspiritoffire.Icannot
missastep.Iamafireelemental.Leap…leap…leap.
AndthenElenawaslookingatlevelground,tryingnottoleapinto
it,butaprisonertoherbodywhichwasalreadyleaping.Shefellhardenough
tonumboneside,butshekeptholdofthepreciouscrescentclenchedina
deathgripinherhand.
Agiganticbeaksmashedintoglasswhereshehadbeenamoment
beforesheslid.Talonsrakedherback.
Bloddeuweddwasstillafterher.
Sageandhisgroupofsturdyyoungmaleandfemalevampires
traveledatthepaceofarunningdog.Sabercouldleadthem,butonlyasfast
ashehimselfcouldgo.Fortunatelyfewpeopleseemedtowanttoinstigatea
fightwithadogthatweighedasmuchastheydid—that
weighedmorethanmanyofthebeggarsandchildrentheyencounteredasthey
reachedthebazaar.
Thechildrencrowdedaroundthecarriage,slowingthemfurther.Sage
tookthetimetoexchangeanexpensivejewelforapursefullofsmallchange
andhescatteredthecoinsbehindthecarriageastheywent,allowingSaberfree
reign.
Theypasseddozensofstallsandcrossingstreets,butSaberwasno
ordinarybloodhound.HehadenoughPowertoconfoundmostvampires.Withperhaps
onlyoneortwoofthekeymoleculesstucktohisnasalmembranehecouldhunt
downhisgoal.Whereanotherdogmightbefooledbyoneofthehundredsof
similarkitsunetrailstheyweretravelingthrough,Saberexaminedandrejected
eachofthemasbeingnotquitetherightshape,
size,orsculpture.
Therecameatime,though,whenevenSaberseemeddefeated.Hestood
inthecenterofasix-waycrossroads,regardlessoftraffic,limpingslightly,
andgoingincircles.Hecouldn’tseemtochooseapath.
AndnorcouldI,myfriend,Sagethought.We’vecomesofar,
butit’scleartheywentonfarther.Nowaytogoupordig
down…Sagehesitated,lookingaroundthecrimson-coloredwheelof
roads.
Andthenhesawsomething.
Directlyacrossfromhim,buttohisleftwasaperfumery.Itmustsellhundredsoffragrances,andbillionsofscent
moleculesweredeliberatelybeingreleasedintotheair.
Saberwasblind.Notblindinhiskeenliquiddarkeyes.Butwhere
itmatteredhewasnumbedandblindedbythebillionsofscentsthatwerebeing
blownuphisnose.
Thevampiresinthecarriagewerecallingtogoonorgoback.They
hadnosenseofrealadventure,them.Theyjustwantedaniceshow.And
undoubtedlymanyhadslaveswhowererecordingthewhippingforthemsothey
couldenjoyitatleisureathome.
AtthatmomentaflashofblueandgolddecidedSage.AGuardian!
Eh,bien…
“Heel,Saber!”
Saber’sheadandtaildroopedasSagerandomlypickedoneof
thedirectionsandhadhimracealongsidetherunningvampiretogetoutofthe
thoroughfareandontoanotherstreet.
Butthen,miraculously,thetailwentupagain.Sageestimatedthat
therecouldnotbeevenonemoleculeofthekitsune’sscentleftin
Saber’snostrilsnow…
…butthememoryofthescent…that
wasstillthere.
Saberwasonceagaininhuntingmode,withheaddown,tailstraight,
allhisPowerandintelligenceconcentratedononegoalandonegoalonly:to
findanothermoleculethatmatchedthethree-dimensionalmemoryoftheonein
hismind.Nowthathewasnotblindedbythesearingsmellofallthosedifferentconcentratedodors,hewasabletothinkmoreclearly.And
thinkingalertedhimtoslipinbetweenstreets,causingacommotionbehind
him.
“Whataboutthecarriage?”
“Forgetaboutthecarriage!Don’tlosesightofthatguy
withthedog!”
Sage,tryingtokeepupwithSaberhimself,knewwhenachasewas
abouttoend.Tranquillité!hethoughtto
Saber.Healsobarelywhisperedtheword.Hehadneverbeencertainifhis
animalfriendsweretelepathicornot,buthelikedtobelievethattheywere,
whilebehavingasiftheywerenot.Tranquillité!hetoldhimself.
Andso,whenthehugeblackdogwiththeshiningdarkeyesandthe
manranupthestepstooneparticularramshacklebuilding,theydidit
silently.Then,asifhe’dhadapleasantstrollinthecountry,Sabersat
andlookedatSageintheface,laughing-panting.Heopenedandclosedhismouth
inasilentparodyofabark
Sagewaitedfortheyoungvampirestocatchupwithhimbeforehe
openedthedoor.And,ashewantedtheelementofsurprise,hedidn’t
knock.InsteadhesmashedafistwiththePowerofasledgehammerthroughthe
doorandgropedforlocksandchainsandbolts.Hecouldfeelnone.Hedidfeel
aknob.
Beforeopeningthedoor,andgoingintowhoknewwhatperil,hesaid
tothosebehindhim,“Anylootwetakeisthepropertyof
MasterDamon.Iamhisforemananditwasonlythroughmydog’sskills
thatwehavemadeitsofar.”
Therewasagreement,rangingfromgrumblingtoindifferent.
“Bythesametoken,”Sagesaid,“whateverdanger
isinthere,Ifacefirst.Saber!NOW!”
Theyburstintotheroom,nearlytakingthedooroffitshinges.
Elenacriedoutinvoluntarily.Bloddeuweddhadjustdone
whatDamonwouldnot,andlinedherbackwithbloodyfurrowsfromher
talons.
ButevenasElenamanagedtofindtheglassdoortotheoutside,she
couldfeelothermindssurgingtohelpsustainher,toliftandsharesomeof
thepain.
BonnieandMeredithwerepickingtheirwaythroughhugeshardsof
glasstogettoher.Theywerescreamingattheowl.AndTalon,heroically,was
attackingfromabove.
Elenacouldn’tstanditanylonger.Shehadtosee.Shehadto
knowthatthismetallic-feelingthingthatshe’dpickedoutof
Bloddeuwedd’snestwasn’tsomebitoffilthyrubbish.Shehadto
knownow
Rubbingthetinyscrapofmetalagainsttheill-fatedscarletdress,
shetookamomenttoglancedownward,toseecrimsonsunlightsparkleagainst
goldanddiamondsandtwofolded-backlittleearsandtwobrightgreen
alexandriteeyes.
Theduplicateofthefirstfoxkeyhalf,butfacingtheother
way.
Elena’slegsalmostgavewayunderneathher.
Shewasholdingthesecondhalfofthefox
key.
Hurriedly,then,Elenabroughtupherfreehandandplungedher
fingersdownintothecarefullymadelittlepocketbehindthediamondinsert.It
concealedatinypouch,speciallysewntherebyLadyUlmaherself.Initwasthe
firsthalfofthefoxkey,replacedthereassoonasSaberandTalonhad
finishedwithit.Now,assheshovedthesecondhalf-keyintothepocketwith
thefirst,shewasdisconcertedtofeelmovementinthepouch.Thetwopiecesof
thefoxkeywere—what,becomingone?
Ablackbeakslammedintothewallbesideher.
Withouteventhinking,Elenaduckedandrolledtoescapeit.When
herfingersflewbacktomakesurethatthepouchwastiedupandsecure,she
wasastonishedtofeelafamiliarshaperestinginside.
Notakey?
Notakey!
TheworldwasspinningwildlyaroundElena.Nothingmattered;not
theobject;notherownlife.Thekitsunetwinshadtrickedthem,hadmadefools
oftheidiothumansandthevampirewhohaddaredtofaceuptothem.There
wasnodoublefoxkey.
Still,hoperefusedtodie.WhatwasitStefanusedtosay?Maidiremai—neversaynever.Knowingwhata
chanceshewastaking,knowingshewasafoolfortakingit,
Elenathrustherfingeragainintothepouch.
Somethingcoolslippedontoonefingerandstayedthere.
Sheglanceddownandforamomentwasarrestedbythesight.There,
onherringfinger,gleamedagold,diamond-encrustedring.Itrepresentedtwo
abstractfoxescurledtogether,onefacingeachway.Eachfoxhadtwoears,two
greenalexandriteeyes,andapointednose.
Andthatwasall.OfwhatusewasatrinketlikethistoStefan?It
borenoresemblancetothedouble-wingedkeysshowninthepicturesofkitsune
shrines.
Astreasure,itwassurelyworthamilliontimeslessthanwhatthey
hadalreadyspenttogetit.
AndthenElenanoticedsomething.
Alightshonefromtheeyesofoneofthefoxes.Ifshehadn’t
beenstaringatitsoclosely,orifshehadn’tbeenbynowintheWhite
WaltzBallroom,wherecolorsshowedtrue,shemightnothavenoticedit.Butthe
lightwasshiningstraightaheadofherassheturnedherhandsideways.Nowit
wasshiningfromfoureyes.
ItwasshininginexactlythedirectionofStefan’sprison
cell.
HoperoseuplikeaphoenixinElena’sheart,andtookher
soaringonamentaljourneyoutofthislabyrinthofglassrooms.Themusic
playingwasthewaltzfromFaustAwayfromthesun,deepintotheheartofthecity,thatwaswhereStefanwas.
Andthatwaswherethepalegreenlightfromthefox’seyeswas
shining.
Ridinghighonhope,sheturnedthering.Thelightwinkedoutof
bothfox’seyes,butwhensheturnedtheringsothatthesecondfoxwas
inlinewithStefan’scell,itwinkedon.
Secretsignals.Howlongcouldshehaveownedaringlikethatand
donenothingifshehadn’talreadyknownwhere
Stefan’sprisonwas?
LongerthanStefanhadlefttolive,probably.
Nowsheonlyhadtosurvivelongenoughtoreachhim.39
Elenawadedintothecrowdfeelinglikeasoldier.Shedidn’tknowwhy.Maybebecauseshehadthoughtofaquestandhadmanagedtocompleteitandstayaliveandbringbackloot.Maybebecausesheborehonorablewounds.Maybebecauseabovehertherewasanenemywhowasstilloutforherblood.
Cometothinkofit,shethought,I’dbettergetallthesenoncombatantsoutofhere.Wecankeeptheminasafehouse—well,afewdozensafehousesand—
Whatwasshethinking?Safehousewasaphrasefromabook.Shewasn’tresponsibleforthesepeople—idiots,mostly,whohadstood,slavering,andwatchedherbeingwhipped.But—despitethat,maybesheshouldgetthemoutofhere.
“Bloddeuwedd!”shecrieddramaticallyandpointedtoawheelingsilhouetteabove.“Bloddeuweddisfree!Shegavemethese!”—pointingtothethreelacerationsonherback.“She’llgoafteryou,too!”
AtfirstmostoftheangryexclamationseemedtobeaboutthefactthatElenanowhadamarkedback.Elenawasinnomoodtoargue.Therewasonlyonepersonhereshewantedtotalktonow.KeepingBonnieandMeredithclosebehindher,shecalled.
Damon!Damonit’sme!Whereareyou?
Therewassomuchtelepathictrafficthatshedoubtedhewouldhearher.
Butfinally,shecaughtafaint,Elena?…Yes…
Elena,holdontome.Thinkofholdingmephysically,andI’lltakeustoadifferentfrequency.
Holdontoavoice?ButElenaimaginedholdingontoDamontightly,tightly,whileshephysicallyheldBonnie’sandMeredith’shands.
Nowcanyouhearme?Thistimethevoicewasmuchclearer,muchlouder.
Yes.ButIcan’tseeyou.
ButIseeyou.I’mcomingto—WATCHOUT!
Toolate,Elena’ssenseswarnedherofahugeshadowplummetingfromabove.Shecouldn’tmovequicklyenoughtogetoutofthewayofasnapping,alligator-sizedbeak.
ButDamoncould.Leapingfromsomewhere,hegatheredherandBonnieandMeredithallinonegreatarmfulandleapedagain,hittinggrassandrolling.
Oh,God!Damon!
“Isanybodyhurt?”heaskedaloud.
“I’mfine,”Meredithsaidquietly,calmly.“ButIsuspectIoweyoumylife.Thankyou.”
“Bonnie?”Elenaasked.
I’mokay.Imean,“I’mokay.ButElena,yourback—”
Forthefirsttime,DamonwasabletoturnElenaandseethewoundsonherback.“I…didthat?But…Ithought…”
“Bloddeuwedddidthat,”Elenasaidsharply,lookingupwardforacirclingshapeinthedeepredsky.“Shejustbarelytouchedme.Shehastalonslikeknives,likesteel.Wehavetogo,now!”
Damonputbothhandsonhershoulders.“Andcomebackwhenthingshavecalmeddown,youmean.”
“Andnevercomeback!Oh,God,hereshecomes!”
Somethingoutofthecornerofhereyebecamebaseball-sizedinaninstant,volleyball-sizedinasecond,human-sizedinamoment.Andthentheywereallscattering,leaping,rolling,tryingtogetaway,exceptDamon,whoseizedElenaandshouted,“Thisismyslave!Ifyouhaveanyargumentwithher,youfirstarguewithme!”
“AndIamBloddeuwedd,createdbythegods,condemnedtobeamurderereverynight.I’llkillyoufirst,theneather,thethief!”Bloddeuweddcalledbackinherraucousnewvoice.“Twobitesisallitwilltake.”
Damon,Ineedtotellyousomething!
“I’llfightyou,butmyslaveisoutofit!”
“Firstbite;hereIcome!”
Damon,wehavetogo!
Ascreamofprimalpainandfury.
Damonwasstandingslightlycrouchedwithahugepieceofglassheldinhishandlikeaswordandgreatblackdropsofbloodweredrippingfromwherehehad—oh,God!Elenathought—he’dputoutoneofBloddeuwedd’seyes!
“YOUWILLALLDIE!ALL!”
BloddeuweddmadeachargeatarandomvampiredirectlybelowherandElenascreamedasthevampirescreamed.Theblackbeakhadcaughthimbyonelegandwasliftinghim.
ButDamonwasrunningforward,jumping,slashing.Withascreamoffury,Bloddeuweddtooktotheskyagain.
Noweveryoneunderstoodthedanger.TwoothervampiresrushedtotaketheircomradefromDamon,andElenawasgladthatherfriendswerenotresponsibleforanotherlife.Shehadtoomuchonherhandsalready.
Damon,I’mleavingnow.Youcancomewithmeornot.I’vegotthekey.
Elenasentthewordsonthefrequencythattheyweremoreorlessaloneon,andshesentitwithoutdramatics.Shehadnoroomfordramaleft.She’dbeenstrippedofeverythingexcepttheneedtogettoStefan.
Thistime,sheknewDamonheardher.
Atfirst,shethoughtDamonwasdying.ThatBloddeuweddhadsomehowcomebackandpiercedhimthroughhisentirebody,aswithaspearmadeoflight.Thensherealizedthatthefeelingwasrapture,andtwotinychildhandsreachedoutofthelightandclungtohers,allowinghertopullathin,ragged,butlaughingchildawayfree.
Nochains,shethoughtdizzily.He’snotevenwearingslavebracelets.
“Mybrother!”hetoldher.“Mylittlebrother’sgoingtolive!”
“Well,that’safinething,”Elenasaidshakily.
“He’sgoingtolive!”Atinyfrownlineappeared.“Ifyouhurry!Andtakegoodcareofhim!And—”
Elenaputtwofingersoverhislips,verygently.“Youdon’tneedtoworryaboutanythinglikethat.Youjustbehappy.”
Thelittleboylaughed.“Iwill!Iam!”
“Elena!”
Elenacameoutof—well,shesupposeditwasadaze,althoughithadbeenmorerealthanmanyotherthingsshe’dexperiencedrecently.
“Elena!”Damonwastryingdesperatelytorestrainhimself.“Showmethekey!”
Slowly,majestically,Elenaliftedherhand.
Damon’sshoulderstensed,for—something—wentdown.
“It’saring,”hesaiddully.Theslowandmajesticbithadn’tworkedonhimatall.
“That’swhatIthoughtatfirst.It’sakey.I’mnotaskingyou,orseeingifyouagreewithme;I’mtellingyou.It’sakey.ThelightfromitseyespointstoStefan.”
“Whatlight?”
“I’llshowyoulater.Bonnie!Meredith!We’releaving.”
“YOU’RENOTIFISAYYOU’RENOT!”
“Watchout!”screamedBonnie.
Theowlwasdivingagain.Andagain,atthelastsecond,Damongatheredthethreegirlsandleaped.Theowl’sbeakstrucknotgrassnorshardsofglassbutthemarblesteps.Theycracked.Therewasascreamofpainandanother,asDamon,nimbleasadancer,slashedatthegiantbird’sonegoodeye.Hegotinacutrightaboveit.Bloodbegantofilltheeye.
Elenacouldn’tstandanymore.EversincestartingoutonthisjourneywithDamonandMatt,shehadbeenavialfillingwithanger.Dropbydrop,witheachnewoutrage,thatangerhadfilledandfilledthevial.Nowherragewasabouttofillittooverflowing.
Butthen…whatwouldhappen?
Shedidn’twanttoknow.Shewasafraidshewouldn’tsurviveit.
Whatshedidknowwasthatshecouldn’twatchanymorepainandbloodandanguishrightnow.Damongenuinelyenjoyedfighting.Good.Lethim.ShewasgoingtoStefanifshehadtowalkthewholeway.
MeredithandBonnieweresilent.TheyknewElenainthismood.Shewasn’tfoolingaround.Andneitherofthemwantedtobeleftbehind.
Itwasexactlyatthatmomentthatthecarriagecamerumblinguptothebaseofthemarblestairs.
Sage,whoobviouslyknewsomethingabouthumannature,demonicnature,vampiricnature,andvariouskindsofbestialnature,jumpedoutofthecarriagewithtwoswordsdrawn.Healsowhistled.Inamomentashadow—asmallone—camestreakingtohimoutofthesky.
Last,slowly,stretchingeachleglikeatiger,cameSaber,whoimmediatelypulledbackhislipstoshowanamazingnumberofteeth.
Elenaleapedtowardthecarriage,hereyesmeetingSage’s.Helpme,shethoughtdesperately.Andhiseyessaidjustasplainly,Havenofear.
Blindly,shereachedbehindherwithbothhands.Onesmall,fine-boned,lightlytremblinghandwasthrustintohers.Oneslim,coolhand,hardasaboy’sbutwithlongtaperingfingersgrabbedherotherone.
Therewasnooneheretotrust.Noonetosaygood-byeto,orleavemessagesofgood-byewith.Elenascrambledintothecarriage.Shegotintothebackseat,thefarthestfromthefront,toaccommodateincominghumansandanimals.
Andintheydidcome,likeanavalanche.ShehaddraggedBonniewithher,andMeredithhadfollowed,sothatwhenSaberleapedintohisaccustomedplacehelandedonthreesoftlaps.
Sagehadn’twastedamoment.WithTalonclampedonhisleftwrist,heleftjustenoughroomforDamon’sfinalspring—andaspringitwas.Crackedandbroken,oozingblackfluid,Bloddeuwedd’sbeakhittheendofthemarblestairswhereDamonhadbeenstanding.
“Directions!”shoutedSage,butonlyafterthehorseswereheadingatagallop—somewhere,anywhere,away
“Oh,pleasedon’tletherhurtthehorses,”Bonniegasped.
“Oh,pleasedon’tlethersplitthisrooflikecardboard,”saidMeredith,somehowabletobewryevenwhenherlifewasindanger.
“Directions,s’ilvouspla?t!”roaredSage.
“Theprison,ofcourse,”pantedElena.Shefeltthatithadbeenalongtimesinceshehadbeenabletogetenoughair.
“Theprison?”Damonseemeddistracted.“Yes!Theprison!”Butthen,headded,pullingupsomethinglikeapillowcasefilledwithbilliardballs,“Sage,whatarethese?”
“Loot.Booty.Spoils!Plunder!”Asthehorsesswunginanewdirection,Sage’svoiceseemedtogetmoreandmorecheerful.“Andlookaroundyourfeet!”
“Morepillowcases…?”
“Iwasn’tpreparedforabighaultonight.Butthingsworkedoutwellanyway!”
Bynow,Elenawasfeelingoneofthepillowcasesforherself.Thecasewas,indeed,fullofclear,sparklinghoshinotama.Starballs.Memories.Worth…
Worthless?
“Priceless…althoughofcoursewedon’tknowwhat’sonthem.”Sage’svoicechangedsubtly.Elenarememberedthewarningabout“forbiddenspheres.”What,inthenameoftheyellowsun,couldtheypossiblyforbiddownhere?
Bonniewasthefirsttopickupadiskandputittohertemple.Shediditsoquickly,withsuchflashing,birdlikemovements,thatElenacouldn’tstopher.
“Whatisit?”Elenagasped,tryingtopullthestarballaway.
“It’s…poetry.PoetryIcan’tunderstand,”saidBonniecrossly.
Meredithhadalsopickedupasparklingorb.Elenareachedforherbutonceagainshewastoolate.
Meredithsatasifinatranceforamoment,thengrimacedandputthespheredown.
“What?”demandedElena.
Meredithshookherhead.Sheworeadelicateexpressionofdistaste.
“What?”Elenaalmostyelled.ThenasMeredithputthestarballbyherfeet,Elenalungedatit.Sheclappedittoherowntempleandimmediatelywasdressedinblackleatherfromheadtotoe.Thereweretwobroad,squaremeninfrontofher,withoutalotofmuscletone.Andshecouldseealloftheirmusculaturebecausetheywerestarknakedexceptforragssuchasbeggarswore.Buttheyweren’tbeggars—theylookedwell-fedandoilyanditwasclearlyanactwhenoneofthemgroveled,“Wehavetrespassed.Webegyourforgiveness,Omaster!”
Elenawasreachingtotakethesphereoffhertemple(theystuckgently,ifyouputalittlepressurethere)andsaying,“Whydon’ttheyusethespaceforsomethingelse?”
Somethingelsewasimmediatelyallaroundher.Agirl,inpoorclothing,butnotsacking.Shelookedterrified.Elenawonderedifshewerebeingcontrolled.
AndElenawasthegirl.
Pleasedon’tletitgetmepleasedon’tletitgetme—
Letwhatgetyou?Elenaasked,butitwaslikewatchingamovieorbookcharacterwhiletheyweregoingintoalonelyhouseinahowlingstormandthemusichadturnedeerie.TheElenawhowaswalkinginfearcouldnotheartheElenawhowasaskingpracticalquestions.
Idon’tthinkIwanttoseehowthisonecomesout,shedecided.SheputthestarballbackatMeredith’sfeet.
“Dowehavethreesacks?”
“Yes,ma’am,yes,ma’am;threesacksfull.”
Oh.Thatdidn’tworkoutverywell.Elenawasopeninghermouthagain,whenDamonaddedquietly:“Andonesackempty.”
“Really?Wedo?Thenlet’salltrytodividethese.Anything—forbidden—goesinonesack.WeirdstufflikeBonnie’spoetryreadinggoesintoanother.AnynewsofStefan—orofus—goesinthethird.Andnicethings,likesummerdays,gointhefourth,”Elenasaid.
“Ithinkyouarebeingoptimistic,me,”Sagesaid.“ToexpecttofindanorbwithStefanonitsoquickly—”
“Everybody,hush!”Bonniesaidfrantically.“ThisisShinichiandDamontalkinghimintoit.”
Sagestiffened,asiftakingalightningboltfromthestormysky,thenhesmiled.“Speakofthedevil,”hemurmured.Elenasmiledathimandsqueezedhishandbeforetakinganotherball.
“Thisoneseemstobesomekindoflegalstuff.Idon’tunderstandit.AslavemustbetakingitbecauseIcanseeallofthem.”Elenafeltherfacialmusclestightenwithhatredatthesight—eveninasortofdream—ofShinichi,thekitsunewhohaddonesomuchharm.Hishairwasblack,exceptforanirregularfringearoundtheedges,whichmadeitlookasifithadbeendippedinred-hotlava.
Andthen,ofcourse,Misao.Shinichi’ssister—allegedly.Thisstarballmusthavebeenmadebyaslave,becauseshecouldseebothofthetwinsandalawyerly-lookingman.
Misao,Elenathought.Delicate,deferential,demure…demonic.HerhairwasthesameasShinichi’s,butitwasheldupandbackinaponytail.Youcouldseethedemonicpartifsheraisedhereyes.Theywereeffervescent,golden,laughingeyes,justlikeherbrother’s;eyesthathadneverhadaregret—exceptperhapsfornotexactingenoughrevenge.Theytooknoresponsibility.Theyfoundanguishfunny.
Andthensomethingoddhappened.Allthreeofthefiguresintheroomsuddenlyturnedaroundandlookedstraightather.Straightatwhoeverhadmadethesphere,Elenacorrectedherself,butitstillwasdisconcerting.
Itwasevenmoredisconcertingwhentheycontinuedtoadvance.WhoamI?Elenathought,feelinghalf-franticwithanxiety.Thenshetriedsomethingshehadneverdonebefore,orseenorheardofbeingdone.ShecarefullyextendedherPowerintotheSelfaroundtheorb.ShewasWerty,asortoflawyer’ssecretary.She/hetooknoteswhenimportantdealsweredone.
AndWertydefinitelydidn’tlikethewaythingsweregoingrightnow.Thetwoclientsandhisbossclosinginonhimlikethis,inawaytheyneverhadbefore.
Elenapulledherselfoutoftheclerkandputtheballdowntooneside.Sheshivered,feelingasifshe’dbeenplungedintoice-coldwater.
Andthentheroofcrashedin.
Bloddeuwedd.
Evenwithhercrippledbeak,thehugeowltoreoffquiteabitoftheroofofthecarriage.
Everyonewasscreamingandnoonewasgivingmuchgoodadvice.SaberandDamonhadbothdamagedher:SaberbyraisingrightoffthethreesoftlapshewassittingonandlungingstraightupforBloddeuwedd’sfeet.Hehadtornandshakenonebeforelettinggotofallbackintothecarriage,wherehealmostslidofftheback.Elena,Bonnie,andMeredithgrabbedatwhateverportionsofcanineanatomytheycouldreach,andhauledthehugeanimalintothebackseatagain.
“Scootover!Givehimhisownseat,”wailedBonnie,lookingattheshredsofherpearl-coloreddresswhereSaberhadtakenoffandrippedrightthroughthegauzymaterial.He’dleftredweltsinhispath.
“Well,”Meredithsaid,“nexttimewe’llrequeststeelpetticoats.ButIreallyhopethereisn’tgoingtobeanexttime,anyway!”
Elenaprayedferventlythatshewasright.Bloddeuweddwasskimminginfromaloweranglenow,undoubtedlyhopingtosnapoffafewheads.
“Everybodygrabwood.Andspheres!Throwthespheresatherasshecomesclosetous.”Elenawashopingthatthesightofstarglobes—Bloddeuwedd’sobsession—mightslowherdown.
AtthesametimeSageshouted,“Don’twastethestarballs!Throwanythingelse!Besides,we’realmostthere.Hardleft,thenstraightaway!”
ThewordsgaveElenanewhope.Ihavethekey,shethought.Theringisthekey.AllIhavetodonowisgetStefan—andgetallofustothedoorwiththekeyhole.Allinonebuilding.I’mpracticallyhome.
Thenextsweepcameinevenlower.Bloddeuwedd,blindinoneeye,withbloodfillingtheotherone,andherolfactorysensesblockedbyherowndriedblood,wastryingtoramthecarriageandknockitover.
Ifshemanagesit,we’llbedead,Elenathought.Andanywho’restillwrithinglikewormsontheground,shecanpickoff.
“DUCK!”Shescreamedthewordbothvocallyandtelepathically.
Andthensomethinglikeanairplaneflewsoclosetoherthatshefelttuftsofhairbeingpulledout,caughtinitsclaws.
Elenaheardacryofpainfromthefrontseatbutdidn’traiseherheadtoseewhatitwas.Andthatwasgood,forwhilethecarriagesuddenlyslammedtoahalt,thenextinstantawhirling,screaming,birdofdeathcamesearingoutonthesamecourse.NowElenaneededallofherattention,allherfaculties,toavoidthismonsterthatwasbuzzingthemevenlower.
“Thecarriage,sheisfinished!Getout!Run!”Sage’svoicecamerumblingtoher.
“Thehorses,”screamedElena.
“Finished!Getout,damnyou!”
ElenahadneverheardSageswearbefore.Shedroppedthesubject.
ElenaneverknewhowsheandMeredithdidgetout,tumblingovereachother,tryingtohelpandonlygettingineachother’sway.Bonniewasalreadyout,byvirtueofthecoachhavinghitapoleandsendingherflying.Fortunately,ithadsentherintoasquareofuglybutspringyredclover,andshewasn’tseriouslyinjured.
“Ahhh,mybracelet—no,thereitis,”shecried,grabbingsomethingglitteringoutoftheclover.Shecastacautiouslookupwardintothecrimsonnight.“Nowwhatdowedo?”
“Werun!”cameDamon’svoice.Hecamearoundthewreckageofthecornerwheretheyhadfalleninaheap.Therewasbloodonhismouth,onthepreviouslyimmaculatewhiteathisthroat.ItremindedElenaofthosepeoplewhodrankcow’sbloodaswellasmilkfornutrition.ButDamononlydrankfromhumans.Hewouldneverstooptoequineblood…
ThehorseswillstillbehereandsowillBloddeuwedd,aharshvoiceexplainedinherhead.Shewouldplaywiththem;therewouldbepain.Thiswaywasquick.Itwas…awhim.
Elenareachedforhishands,gasping.“Damon!I’msorry!”
“GETOUTOFHERE,”Sagewasroaring.
“WehavetogettoStefan,”Elenasaid,andgrabbedBonniewithherotherhand.“Helpguideme,please.Ican’tseetheringverywell.”Meredith,shetrusted,wouldgettotheShinoShibuildingonherownresources.
AndthentherewasanightmareofrunningandflinchingandfalsealarmsbyashakenBonnie.Twicethehorrorfromabovecameskimmingstraighttowardthemonlytocrashjustinfrontofthem,oralittletotheside,breakingwoodandtileroadalike,throwingupcloudsofdust.Elenadidn’tknowaboutallowls,butBloddeuweddswoopeddownatanangleonherprey,thenopenedherwingsanddroppedatthelastmoment.Partoftheworstthingaboutthegiantowlwashersilence.Therewasnorustlingtowarnthemofwhereshemightbe.Somethinginherownfeathersmuffledthesound,sothattheyneverknewwhenshewasgoingtodropnext.
Intheendtheyhadtocrawlthroughallsortsofrubbish,goingasfastastheycould,holdingwood,glass,anythingsharpovertheirheads,asBloddeuweddmadeanotherpass.
AndallthetimeElenawastryingtouseherPower.ItwasnotaPowershehadusedbefore,butshecouldfeelitsnameshapingherlips.Whatshecouldnotfeel,couldnotforce,wasaconnectionbetweenthewordsandthePower.
I’muselessasaheroine,shethought.I’mpathetic.TheyshouldhavegiventhesePowerstosomeonewhoalreadyknewhowtocontrolsuchthings.Or,no,theyshouldhavegiventhemtosomeoneandthengiventhesomeoneacourseonhowtousethem.Or—no—
“Elena!”Rubbishwasflyinginfrontofher,butthenshewascuttingleftandsomehowgettingaroundit.AndthenshewasonthegroundandlookingupatDamon,whohadprotectedherwithhisbody.
“Thankyou,”shewhispered.
“Comeon!”
“I’msorry,”shewhisperedandheldoutherrighthand,withtheringonit,forhimtotake.
Andthenshedoubledup,heavingwithsobs.ShecouldheartheflappingofBloddeuweddrightaboveher.40
MattandMrs.Flowerswereinthebunker—theadditiontothehousethatMrs.Flowers’sunclehadputontothebackforwoodworkandotherhobbies.Ithadfallenintoevenmoreneglectthantherestofthehouse,beingusedasastoragespaceforthingsMrs.Flowersdidn’tknowwhereelsetoput—suchasCousinJoe’sfoldingcotandthatoldsaggingcouchthatdidn’tmatchastickoffurnitureinsideanymore.
Now,atnight,itwastheirhaven.NochildoradultfromFell’sChurchhadeverbeeninvitedinside.Infact,exceptforMrs.Flowers,Stefan—who’dhelpedmovelargefurnitureintoit—andnowMatt,noonehadevenbeeninforaslongasMrs.Flowerscouldremember.
Mattclungtothis.Hehadbeen,slowlybutsurely,readingthroughthematerialMeredithhadresearchedandonepreciousexcerpthadmeantalottohimandMrs.Flowers.Itwasthereasontheywereabletosleepatnight,whenthevoicescame.
ThekitsuneisoftenthoughttobeasortofcousintoWesternvampires,seducingchosenmen(asmostfoxspiritstakeonafemaleform)andfeedingdirectlyontheirchi,orlifespirit,withouttheintermediaryofblood.Thusonemaymakeacasethattheyareboundbysimilarrulestothevampire.Forexample,theycannotenterhumandwellingswithoutinvitation…
Andoh,thevoices…
Hewasprofoundlygladnowthathe’dtakenMeredithandBonnie’sadviceandgonetoMrs.Flowers’sfirstbeforegoinghome.Thegirlshadconvincedhimhe’donlybeputtinghisparentsindangerbyfacinguptothelynchmobthatawaitedhim,readytokillhimforallegedlyassaultingCaroline.Carolineseemedtohavefoundhimattheboardinghouseimmediately,anyway,butsheneverbroughtanykindofmobwithher.Mattthoughtthatperhapsitwasbecausethatwouldhavebeenuseless.
Hehadnoideawhatmighthavehappenedifthevoiceshadbelongedtoex-friendslongagoinvitedtohishousewhilehewasathome.
Tonight…
“Comeon,Matt,”Caroline’svoice,lazy,slow,andseductivepurred.Itsoundedasifshewerelyingdown,speakingintothecrackunderthedoor.“Don’tbesuchaspoilsport.Youknowyouhavetocomeoutsometime.”
“Letmetalktomymom.”
“Ican’t,Matt.Itoldyoubefore,she’sundergoingtraining.”
“Tobelikeyou?”
“Ittakesalotofworktogettobelikeme,Matt.”SuddenlyCaroline’stonewasnotflirtatiousanylonger.
“Ibet,”Mattmuttered,andadded,“Youhurtmyfamilyandyou’regoingtobesorrierthanyoucanimagine.”
“Oh,Matt!Comeon,getreal.Nobodyisgoingtohurtanybody.”
Mattslowlyopenedhishandstolookatwhathehadclenchedbetweenthem.Meredith’soldrevolver,filledwiththebulletsblessedbyObaasan.
“WhatisElena’smiddlename?”heasked—notloudly,eventhoughtherewerethesoundsofmusicanddancinginMrs.Flowers’sbackyard.
“Matt,whatareyoutalkingabout?Whatareyoudoinginthere,makingafamilytree?”
“Iaskedyouasimplequestion,Care.YouandElenaplayedsinceyouwerepracticallybabies,right?Sowhatishermiddlename?”
Aflurryofactivity.WhenCarolinefinallyansweredhecouldclearlyhearthewhisperedcoaching,asStefanhadheardsolongago,justabeatbeforeherwords.
“Ifallyou’reinterestedinisplayinggames,MatthewHoneycutt,I’llgofindsomeoneelsetotalkto.”
Hecouldpracticallyhearherflounceaway.
Buthefeltlikecelebrating.HeallowedhimselfawholegrahamcrackerandhalfacupofMrs.Flowers’shomemadeapplejuice.Theyneverknewwhentheymightbelockedinhereforgood,withonlythesuppliestheyhad,sowheneverMattwentoutofthebunkerhebroughtbackasmanythingsashecouldfindthatmightbeuseful.Abarbequelighterandhairsprayequaledaflamethrower.JarafterjarofMrs.Flowers’sdeliciouspreserves.Lapisringsincasetheworsthappenedandtheyendedupwithpointyteeth.
Mrs.Flowersturnedinhersleeponthecouch.“Whowasthat,Mattdear?”sheasked.
“Nobodyatall,Mrs.Flowers.Youjustgobacktosleep.”
“Isee,”Mrs.Flowerssaidinhersweet-old-ladyvoice.“Well,ifnobodyatallcomesbackyoumightaskherherownmother’sfirstname.”
“Isee,”Mattsaidinhisbestimitationofhervoiceandthentheybothlaughed.Butunderneathhislaughtertherewasalumpinhisthroat.HehadknownMrs.Forbesalongtime,too.Andhewasscared,scaredofthetimethatitwouldbeShinichi’svoicecalling.
Thentheyweregoingtobeintroubleforgood.
“Thereitis,”shoutedSage.
“Elena!”screamedMeredith.
“Oh,God!”screamedBonnie.
Thenextinstant,Elenawasthrown,andsomethinglandedontopofher.Dully,sheheardacry.Butitwasdifferentfromtheothers.ItwasachokingsoundofpurepainasBloddeuwedd’sbeakthunkedintosomethingmadeofflesh.Me,Elenathought.Buttherewasnopain.
Not…me?
Therewasacoughingsoundaboveher.
“Elena—go—myshields—won’thold—”
“Damon!We’llgotogether!”
Hurts…
ItwasjusttheshadowofatelepathicwhisperandElenaknewDamondidn’tthinkshe’dheardit.ButshewascirclingherPowerfasterandfaster,donewithdeception,caringonlyaboutgettingthoseshelovedoutofdanger.
I’llfindaway,shetoldDamon.I’llcarryyou.Fireman’slift.
Helaughedatthat,givingElenasomehopethathewasn’tdying.NowElenawishedshe’dtakenDr.Meggarinthecarriagewiththemsohecouldusehishealingpowersontheinjured—
—andthenwhat?LeavehimtothemerciesofBloddeuwedd?Hewantstobuildahospitalhere,inthisworld.Hewantstohelpthechildren,whosurelydon’tdeservealltheevilsthatI’veseenvisitedonthem—
Sheshuntedthethoughtsaside.Thiswasnotimeforaphilosophicaldebateaboutdoctorsandtheirobligations.
Itwastimetorun.
Reachingbehindher,shefoundtwohands.Onewasslickwithbloodsoshereachedfarther,thankingherlatemotherforalltheballetlessons,allthechildren’syoga,andshegrabbedthesleeveaboveit.Andthensheputherbackintoitandpulled.
TohersurpriseshehauledDamonupwithher.Shetriedtohefthimfartheruponherback,butthatdidn’twork.Andthensheevenmanagedawobblystepforward,andanother—
AndthenSagewastherepickingbothofthemupandtheyweregoingintothelobbyofthebuildingoftheShinoShi.
“Everyone,getout!Getout!Bloddeuwedd’safterusandshe’llkillanythinginherway!”Elenashouted.Itwasthestrangestthing.Shehadn’tmeanttoshout.Hadn’tformulatedthewords,exceptperhapsinthedeepestpartsofhersubconscious.Butshedidshoutthemintothealreadyfrenziedlobbyandsheheardthecrytakenupbyothers.
Whatshedidn’texpectwasthattheywouldrun,notoutintothestreet,butdowntowardthecells.Sheoughttohave,ofcourse,butshehadn’t.AndthenshefeltherselfandSageandDamongoingdown,downthewaytheyhadlastnight…
Butwasitreallytherightway?Elenaclampedonehandovertheotherandsaw,judgingbyfoxlight,thattheyneededtoheadofftotheright.
“WHATARETHOSECELLSTOTHERIGHTOFUS?HOWDOWEGETTHERE?”sheshoutedtotheyoungvampiregentlemannexttoher.
“That’sIsolationandMentallyDisturbed,”thevampiregentlemanshoutedback.“Don’tgothatway.”
“Ihaveto!DoIneedakey?”
“Yes,but—”
“Doyouhaveakey?”
“Yes,but—”
“Giveittomenow!”
“Ican’tdothat,”hewailedinawaythatremindedherofBonnieathermostdifficult.
“Allright.Sage!”
“Madame?”
“SendTalonbacktopeckthisman’seyesout.Hewon’tgivemethekeytoStefan’sward!”
“Asgoodasdone,Madame!”
“W-wait!Icha-changedmymind.Here’sthekey!”Thevampirefishedthrougharingofkeysandhandedonetoher.
Itlookedliketheotherkeysonhisring.Toomuchalike,Elena’ssuspiciousmindsaid.
“Sage!”
“Madame!”
“CanyouwaittillIpasswithSaber?Iwanthimtoteartheyou-know-whatoffthisguyifhe’sliedtome.”
“Ofcourse,Madame!”
“W-w-w-wait,”gaspedthevampire.Itwasclearthathewascompletelyterrified.“Imay—mayhavegivenyouthewrongkey—inthis—thislight—”
“GivemetherightkeyandtellmeanythingIneedtoknoworI’llhavethedogbacktrackyouandkillyou,”Elenasaid,andatthatmoment,shemeantit.
“H-here.”Thistimethekeydidn’tlooklikeakey.Itwasround,slightlyconvex,withaholeinthemiddle.Likeadonutthat’sbeensatonbyapoliceofficer,partofElena’smindsaid,andbeganlaughinghysterically.
Shutup,shetoldhermindsharply.
“Sage!”
“Madame?”
“CanTalonseethemanI’mholdingbythehair?”Shehadtogoontiptoetograsphim.
“Butofcourse,Madame!”
“Cansherememberhim?IfIcan’tfindStefanIwanthertoshowhimtoSabersohecantrackhim.”
“Uh…ah…gotit,Madame!”
Ahand,drippingbloodfromthewrist,liftedafalconhigh,atthesametimeastherewasaserendipitouscrashfromthetopofthebuilding.
Thevampirewasalmostsobbing.“Turnr-rightatthen-nextright.Usethek-keyintheslotath-headheighttog-getintothecorridor.Therem-maybeguardsthere.But…if—ifyoudon’thaveakeytotheindividualcellyouwant—I’msorry,but—”
“Ido!IhavethecellkeyandIknowwhattodoafterthat!Thankyou,you’vebeenverykindandhelpful.”
Elenaletgoofthevampire’shair.
“Sage!Damon!Bonnie!Lookforacorridor,locked,goingright.Thendon’tgetsweptaway.Sage,holdBonnieandhaveSaberbarklikecrazy.Bonnie,holdontoMeredithinfrontoftheguys.ThecorridorleadstoStefan!”
Elenaneverknewhowmuchanyoneofheralliesheardofthismessage,sentbyvoiceandtelepathy.Butaheadsheheardasoundthattoherwaslikechoirsofangelssinging.
Saberwasbarkingmadly.
Elenawouldneverhavebeenabletostopbyherself.Shewasinaragingriverofpeopleandtheragingriverwastakingherrightaroundthebarriermadebyfourpeople,afalcon,andamad-seemingdog.
Buteighthandsreachedouttoherasshewassweptby—andasnarling,snappingmuzzleleapedaheadofhertodividethecrowd.Somehowshewasbeingruninto,bruised,cradled,shoved,and,graspedandgrasping,forcedallthewaytotherightwall.
ButSagewaslookingatthatsamewallindespair.“Madame,hetrickedyou!Thereisnokeyholehere!”
Elena’sthroatwentraw.Shepreparedtoshout,“Saber,heel,”andgoafterthevampire.
Butthen,justbelowher,Bonnie’svoicesaid,“Ofcoursethereis.It’sshapedlikeacircle.”
AndElenaremembered.
Smallerguards.Likeimpsormonkeys.Bonnie’ssize.
“Bonnie,takethis!Shoveitintothehole.Becareful!It’stheonlyonewe’vegot.”
SageimmediatelydirectedSabertostandandsnarljustaheadofBonnieinthetunnel,tokeepthestreamofpanickeddemonsandvampiresfromjostlingher.
Carefully,solemnly,Bonnietookthelargekey,examinedit,cockedherhead,turneditinherhands—andplaceditinthewall.
“Nothing’shappening!”
“Tryturningorpushing—”
Click.
Thedoorslidopen.
Elenaandhergroupmoreorlessfellintothecorridor,whileSaberstoodbetweenthemandtheherdpoundingby,barkingandsnappingandleaping.
Elena,lyingontheground,legsentwinedwithwho-knew-who-else’s,cuppedahandaroundherring.
Thefoxeyesshonestraightaheadandabittotheright.
Theywereshiningintoacellahead.41
“Stefan!”Elenascreamedandknewthatshesoundedlikeamadwomanwhenshescreamedit.
Therewasnoanswer.
Shewasrunning.Followingthelight.“Stefan!Stefan!”
Anemptycell.
Ayellowedmummy.
Apyramidofdust.
Somehow,subconsciously,shesuspectedoneofthesethings.AndanyonewouldhavecausedhertorunouttofightBloddeuweddwithherbarehands.
Instead,whenshereachedtherightcell,shesawawearyyoungman,whosefaceshowedthathehadgivenupallhope.Heliftedastick-thinarm,rejectingherutterly.
“Theytoldmethetruth.Youwereexportedforaidingaprisoner.I’mnotsusceptibletodreamsanymore.”
“Stefan!”Shefelltoherknees.“Dowehavetogothroughthiseverysingletime?”
“Doyouknowhowoftentheyre-createyou,bitch?”
Elenawasshocked.Morethanshocked.Butthenextmomentthehatredhadfadedfromhisface.
“AtleastIgettolookatyou.Ihad…Ihadapicture.Buttheytookthat,ofcourse.Theycutitup,veryslowly,makingmewatch.Sometimestheymademecutit.IfIdidn’tcutit,theywould—”
“Oh,darling!Stefan,darling!Lookatme.Listentotheprison.Bloddeuweddisdestroyingit.BecauseI’vestolentheotherhalfofyourkeyfromhernest,Stefan,andIamnotadream.Doyouseethis?Didtheyevershowyouthis?”Sheheldoutthehandwiththedoublefoxringonit.“Now—now—wheredoIputit?”
“Youarewarm.Thebarsarecold,”Stefansaid,clutchingherhandandspeakingasifrecitingoutofachildren’sbook.
“Here!”Elenacriedtriumphantly.Shedidn’tneedtotaketheringoff.Stefanwasholdingherotherhand,andthislockworkedlikeasealring.Sheplaceditstraightintoacirculardepressioninthewall.Then,whennothinghappened,sheturneditright.Nothing.Left.
Thecellbarsslowlybegantoliftintotheceiling.
Elenacouldn’tbelieveitandforaninstantthoughtshewashallucinating.Thenwhensheturnedsharplytolookatthegroundshesawthatthebarswerealreadyatleastafootaboveit.
ThenshelookedatStefan,whowasstandingagain.
Bothofthemfellbacktotheirknees.Theywouldhavebothgottendownandwriggledlikesnakesifnecessary,theneedtotouchwassogreat.Thehorizontalstrutsonthebarsmadeitimpossibleforthemtoholdhandsasthebarslifted.
ThenthebarswereoverthetopofElena’sheadandshewasholdingStefan—shewasholdingStefaninherarms!—appalledtofeelbonesunderherhands,butholdinghim,andnoonecouldtellherhewasahallucinationoradream,andifsheandStefanhadtodietogether,thentheywoulddietogether.Nothingmatteredbutthattheynotbeseparatedagain.
Shecoveredtheunfamiliar,bonyfacewithkisses.Strange,nohalf-grown,gone-to-the-wildbeard,butvampiresdidn’tgrowbeardsunlesstheyhadthemwhentheybecamevampires.
Andthentherewereotherpeopleinthecell.Goodpeople.PeoplelaughingandcryingandhelpinghercreateamakeshiftlitteroutofstinkingblanketsandStefan’spalletandnoonescreamedwhenlicejumpedonthembecauseeveryoneknewthatElenawouldhaveturnedandrippedtheirthroatoutlikeSaber.Orrather,likeSaber,butasMs.Courtlandhadalwayssaid,withfeeling.ToSaberitwasjustajob.
Thensomehow—thingshadbeguntobecomedisconnected—ElenawaswatchingStefan’sbelovedfaceandgrippinghislitter,andrunning—hedidn’tweighanything—upadifferentcorridorthantheoneshe’dfoughtandshoulderedandpushedandflounderedinonherwayin.ApparentlyalltheShinoShi’ssalmonhadchosentheothercorridortoswimup.Undoubtedlytherewasasafeplaceforthemattheendonthatside.
AndevenasElenawonderedhowafacecouldbesopure,andhandsome,andperfect,evenwhenitlookedalmostlikeaskull,shewasthinking,Icanrunandstoop.AndshebentoverStefanandherhairmadeashieldaroundthem,sothatitwasjustthetwooftheminsideit.Theentireoutsideworldwasshutout,andtheywerealone,andshesaidinhisear:“Please,weneedyoutobestrong.Please—forme.Please—forBonnie.Please—forDamon.Plea—”
Shewouldhavegoneonnamingallofthem,andprobablysomeoverandover,butitwastoomuchalready.Afterhislongdeprivation,Stefanwasinnomoodtobecontrary.HisheaddartedupandElenafeltmorethantheusualpainbecausehewasatthewrongangle,andElenawasgladbecauseStefanhadstruckaveindownitslengthandbloodwasflowingintohismouthinasteadystream.
Theyhadtogoalittlemoreslowlynow,orElenawouldhavetrippedandcoloredStefan’sfacemaroonlikeademon’s,buttheywerestilljogging.Someoneelsewasguidingthem.
Then,verysuddenlytheystopped.Elena,eyesshut,mindlockedontoStefan’s,wouldnothavelookedupfortheworld.Butinamomenttheyweremovingagain,andtherewasafeelingofspaciousnessallaroundElenaandsherealizedthattheywereinthelobbyandshehadtomakesureeveryoneknew.
It’sontheleftsideofusnow,shesenttoDamon.It’sclosetothefront.It’sadoorwithallsortsofsymbolsabove.
IbelieveI’mfamiliarwiththespecies,Damonsentbackdryly,butevenhecouldn’thidetwothingsfromher.Onewasthathewasglad,actuallygladtofeelElena’selation,andtoknowthatitwashe,inthemainpart,thathadbroughtitabout.
Theotherwassimple.Thatiftherewasachoicebetweenthelifeofhimselfandthelifeofhisbrother,hewouldgivehisownlife.ForElena’ssake,forhisownpride.
ForStefan.
Elenadidn’tdwellonthesesecretthingsshehadnorighttoknow.Shesimplyembracedthem,letStefanfeeltheminalltheirrawvibrancy,andmadesuretherewasnofeedbacktotellDamonthatStefanknew.Angelsweresinginginheavenforher.BlackMagicrosepetalswerescatteringaroundherbody.Therewasareleaseofdovesandshefelttheirwings.Shewashappy.
Butshewasnotsafe.
Sheonlylearneditassheenteredthelobby,buttheywereveryluckythattheDimensionalDoorwasonthesideitwas.Bloddeuweddhadmethodicallydestroyedtheothersideuntilithadcollapsedintoamoundthatwasnothingbutsplinteredwood.ElenaandBloddeuwedd’sfeudmighthavestartedoutasaquarrelbetweenahostesswhothoughtherguesthadbrokenthehouserulesandaguestwhojustwantedtorunaway,butithadbecomeawartothedeath.Andgiventhewayvampires,werewolves,demons,andotherfolkdownhereintheDarkDimensionreacted,ithadcreatedasensation.TheGuardianshadtheirhandsfullkeepingpeopleoutofthebuilding.Deadbodieslaystrewnonthestreet.
Oh,God,thepeople!Thepoorpeople!Elenathought,asthisatlastcameintoherfieldofview.AsfortheGuardians,whowerekeepingthisplaceclearandfightingBloddeuweddonherbehalf—Godblessyouforthat,Elenathought,envisioningastanding-room-onlylobbyastheytriedtoracewithStefanacrossthefloor.Asitwas,theywerealone.
“Nowweneedyourkeyagain,Elena,”Damon’svoice,justaboveher,said.
ElenagentlypriedStefanoffherthroat.“Justforamoment,mydarling.Justforamoment.”
Lookingatthedoor,Elenawasconfoundedforseveralmoments.Therewasahole,butnothinghappenedwhensheputtheringinitandpushed,jammed,ortwistedleftorright.Outofthecornerofhereyeshesawsomedarkshadowaboveher,dismisseditasirrelevant,andthenhaditcomescreamingatherlikeadive-bomber,steeltalonsreachingforher.
Therewasnoroof.Bloddeuwedd’stalonshadmethodicallyrippeditaway.
Elenaknewit
BecausesomehowElenasuddenlysawthewholeofthesituation,notjustherpartinit,butasifsheweresomeoneoutsideherbody,whounderstoodmanymorethingsthanpunylittleElenaGilbertdid.
TheGuardianswereheretopreventcollateraldamage.
TheycouldorwouldnotstopBloddeuwedd.
Elenaknewthat,too.
Allthepeoplerunningdowntheothercorridorhadbeendoingwhatanowl’spreynormallydoes.Theyhadbeendashingforthebottomoftheirburrow.Therewasanenormoussaferoomthere.
Somehow,Elenaknewit.
Butnow,blurrilybutdefinitely,Bloddeuweddsawtheonesshehadbeenafterinthefirstplace,thenestrobbers,theoneswhohadforeverputoutoneofherhugeroundorangefar-seeingeyes,andcuthersodeeplythattheothereyewasfillingwithblood.
Elenacouldfeelit.
Bloddeuweddcouldseetheyweretheoneswhohadcausedhertosmashherbeak.Thecriminals,thesavages,theonesshewouldteartopiecesslowly,slowly,alimbatatime,switchingfromonetoanotherassheclutchedfiveorsixinonesetofclaws,orasshewatchedthem,unabletorunfromlackoflimbs,writhingbeneathher.
Elenacouldsenseit.
Beneathher.
Rightnow…theyweredirectlybeneathBloddeuwedd.
Bloddeuwedddove.
“Saber!Talon!”shoutedSage,butElenaknewthattherewouldbenodistractionnow.Therewouldbenothingbutkillingandtearing,slowly,andscreamsechoingoffthesinglelobbywall.
Elenacouldpictureit
“Itwon’topen,damnit,”shoutedDamon.HewasmanipulatingElena’swristtomovethekeyinthehole.Butnomatterhowhepulledorpushed,nothinghappened.
Bloddeuweddwasalmostuponthem.
Sheaccelerated,throwingtelepathicimagesbeforeher.
Sinewstretching,jointscracking,bonesplintering…
Elenaknew—
NOOOOO!
Elena’scupofrageranover.
Suddenlyshesaweverythingsheneededtoknowinonegreatsweepingepiphany.ButitwastoolatetogetStefaninsidethedoor,sothefirstthingsheshoutedwas“WingsofProtection!”
Bloddeuwedd,barelysixfeetaway,slammedintoabarrierthatanuclearmissilecouldnothaveharmed.Sheslammedintoitatthespeedofaracingcarandwiththemassofamedium-sizedairplane.
HorrorexplodedbeakfirstagainstElena’swings.Theywerecleargreenatthetop,dottedwithflashingemeralds,andshadingintoadawnpinkcoveredwithcrystalsatthebottom.Thewingsenwrappedallsixhumansandtwoanimals—andtheydidnotmovebyonemillimeterwhenBloddeuweddsmashedintothem.
Bloddeuweddhadmadeherselfroadkill.
Shuttinghereyes,andtryingnottothinkofthemaidenwhohadbeenmadeofflowers(andwhohadkilledherhusband!Elenatoldherselfdesperately)withdrylips,andwetnesstricklingdownhercheeks,Elenaturnedbacktothedoor.Puttheringin.Madesureitwasflush.
Andsaid,“Fell’sChurch,Virginia,USA,Earth.Neartheboardinghouse,please.”
Itwaswellaftermidnight.Mattwassleepingonthebunker’scot,whileMrs.Flowerssleptonthecouch,whentheyweresuddenlywakenedbyathump.
“Whatonearth?”Mrs.Flowersgotupandstaredoutthewindow,whichshouldhavebeendark.
“Becareful,ma’am,”Mattsaidautomatically,butcouldn’thelpadding,“Whatisit?”—asalways,expectingtheworstandmakingsuretherevolverwiththeblessedbulletswasready.
“It’s…light,”Mrs.Flowerssaidhelplessly.“Idon’tknowwhatelsetosayaboutit.It’slight.”
Mattcouldseethelight,throwingshadowsontheirbunkerfloor.Therewasnosoundofthunder,andhadn’tbeensincehewokeup.HastilyherantojoinMrs.Flowersatthewindow.
“Didyouever…?”exclaimedMrs.Flowers,liftingherhandsanddroppingthemagain.“Whatevercoulditmean?”
“Idon’tknow,butIremembereverybodytalkingaboutleylines.LinesofPowerintheground.”
“Yes,butthoserunalongthesurfaceoftheearth.Theydon’tpointupward,like—likeafountain!”Mrs.Flowerssaid.
“ButIheardthatwhereverthreeleylinescometogether—IthinkDamonsaid—theycanformaGate.AGatetowheretheyweregoing.”
“Dearme,”saidMrs.Flowers.“YoumeanyouthinkoneofthoseGatewaythingsisoutthere?Maybeit’sthem,comingback.”
“Itcouldn’tbe.”ThetimeMatthadspentwiththisparticularoldwomanhadmadehimnotonlyrespecther,butloveher.“ButIdon’tthinkweshouldgooutside,anyway.”
“DearMatt.Youaresuchacomforttome,”Mrs.Flowersmurmured.
Mattdidn’treallyseehow.Itwasallherstoredfoodandwatertheywereusing.Eventhefold-upcotwashers.
Ifhehadbeenonhisownhemighthaveinvestigatedthis…extraordinarything.Threespotlightsshiningoutofthegroundatananglesothattheymetjustaboutattheheightofahumanbeing.Brightlights.Andgettingbrightereveryminute.
Mattsuckedinhisbreath.Threeleylines,huh?God,itwasprobablyaninvasionofmonsters.
Hedidn’tevendaretohope.
Elenadidn’tknowifshehadneededtosayUSAorEarth,orevenifthedoorcouldtakehertoFell’sChurch,orifDamonwouldhavetogiveherthenameofsomegatethatwasclosetoit.But…surely…withallthoseleylines…
Thedooropened,revealingasmallroomlikeanelevator.
Sagesaidquietly,“Canyoufourcarryhimifyouhavetofight,too?”And—afterasecondtounravelwhatthismeant—threeshrieksofprotest,inthreedifferentfemininetones,came.
“No!Oh,please,no!Ohdon’tleaveus!!”—Bonnie,begging.
“You’renotcominghomewithus?”—Meredith,straight-from-the-shoulder.
“Iorderyoutogetin—andmakeitquick!”—Elena.
“Suchadominantwoman,”murmuredSage.“Ah,well,itseemstheGreatPendulumhasswungagain.Iamonlyaman.Iobey.”
“What?Doesthatmeanyou’recoming?”Bonniecried.
“ItmeansIamcoming,yes.”Gently,SagetookStefan’swastedbodyinhisarmsandsteppedintothelittlecubicleinsidethedoor.UnlikethefirstkeysElenahadusedtoday,thisoneseemedtoworkmorelikeavoice-activatedelevator…shehoped.Afterall,ShinichiandMisaohadeachonlyneededonekeyforthemselves.Here,anumberofpeoplemightwanttogotothesameplaceatonce.
Shehoped.
Sageback-kickedStefan’soldbeddingaway.Somethingrattledontheground.“Oh—”Stefanreachedhelplesslyforit.“It’smyElenadiamond.Ifounditonthefloorafter…”
“Plentymorewherethatcamefrom,”Meredithsaid.
“It’simportanttohim,”Damon,whowasalreadyinside,said.Insteadofcrowdingfartherintotheelevator,thelittleroomthatmightdisappearatanysecond,thatmightbegoneforFell’sChurchbeforehecouldturnback,hewalkedoutintothelobby,lookedcloselyatthefloor,andknelt.Then,quickly,hereacheddownandthengotupandhurriedintothelittleroomagain.
“DoyouwanttoholditorshallI?”
“Youholdit…forme.Takecareofit.”
AnyonewhoknewofDamon’strackrecord,especiallywithregardstoElenaorevenanolddiamondthathadbelongedtoElena,wouldhavesaidStefanhadtobeamadman.ButStefanwasn’tmad.
Heclaspedhishandoverhisbrother’sthatheldthediamond.
“AndI’llholdontoyou,”hesaidwithafaint,wrysmile.
“Idon’tknowifanyoneisinterested,”Meredithsaid,“butthereisasinglebuttonontheinsideofthiscontraption.”
“Pushit!”criedSageandBonnie,butElenacriedmoreloudly,“No—wait!”
She’dspottedsomething.Acrossthelobby,theGuardianshadbeenunabletostopasingle,apparentlyunarmedcitizenfromenteringtheroomandcrossingtheflooratahigh-pacedgracefulglide.Hemusthavebeenoversixfeettall,wearinganentirelywhitetunicandbreeches,whichmatchedhislongwhitehair,alertfoxlikeears,andthelongflowingsilkytailthatwavedbehindhim.
“Shutthedoor!”bellowedSage.
“Oh,my!”breathedBonnie.
“Cansomeonetellmewhatthehellisgoingon?”snarledDamon.
“Don’tworry.It’sonlyafellowprisoner.Asilentfellow.Hey,yougotout,too!”StefanwassmilingandthatwasenoughforElena.Andtheintruderwasholdingoutsomethingtohimthat—well,itcouldn’tbewhatitlookedlike—butitwasgettingquiteclosenowanditlookedlikeabouquetofflowers.
“Thatisakitsune,isitnot?”Meredithasked,asiftheworldhadgonemadaroundher.
“Aprisoner—”saidStefan.
“ATHIEF!”shoutedSage.
“Hush!”saidElena.“Hecanprobablyhearevenifhecan’tspeak.”
Bythenthekitsunewasuponthem.HemetStefan’seye,glancedattheothersandheldoutthebouquet,whichwasheavilysealedinplasticwrapandsomekindoflongstickerswithmagical-lookinginscriptionsonthem.
“ThisisforStefan,”hesaid.
Everyone,includingStefan,gasped.
“NowImustdealwithsometiresomeGuardians.”Hesighed.“Andyoumustpressthebuttontomaketheroomgo,Beauty,”hesaidtoElena.
Elena,whohadmomentarilybeenfascinatedbythewhiskingofafluffytailaroundsilkenbreechessuddenlyblushedscarlet.Shewasrememberingcertainthings.Certainthingsthathadseemedverydifferent…inalonelydungeon…inthedarkofartificiallyformednight….
Oh,well.Besttoputabravefaceonit.
“Thankyou,”shesaid,andpushedthebutton.Thedoorsbegantoclose.“Thankyouagain!”sheadded,bowingslightlytothekitsune.“I’mElena.”
“Yoroshiku.Iam—”
Thedoorshutbetweenthem.
“Isitthatyouhavegonecrazy?”Sagecried.“Takingabouquetfromafox!”
“You’retheonewhoseemstoknowhim,MonsieurSage,”Meredithsaid.“What’shisname?”
“Idonotknowhisname!Idoknowhestolethree-fifthsoftheSeineCloisterTreasurefromme!Iknowthatheisexpert,butexpertatcheatingatthecards!Ahh!”
Thelastwasnotacryofragebutanexclamationofalarm,forthelittleroomwasmovingsideways,plungingdownward,almoststopping,beforeitresumeditsformersteadymotion.
“WillitreallytakeustoFell’sChurch?”Bonnieaskedtimidly,andDamonputanarmaroundher.
“It’lltakeussomewhere,”hepromised.“Andthenwe’llsee.We’reaprettyablesetofsurvivalists.”
“Whichremindsme,”Meredithsaid.“IthinkStefanlooksbetter.”Elena,whohadbeenhelpingtobufferhimfromthedimensionalelevator’smotion,glancedupatherquickly.
“Doyoureally?Orisitjustthelight?Ithinkheshouldbefeeding,”shesaidanxiously.
Stefanflushed,andElenapressedfingerstoherlipstostopthemtrembling.Don’t,darling,shesaidvoicelessly.Everyoneofthesepeoplehavebeenwillingtogivetheirlifeforyou—orforme—forus.I’mhealthy.I’mstillbleeding.Pleasedon’twasteit.
Stefanmurmured,“I’llstopthebleeding.”Butwhenshebenttohim,asshehadknownhewould,hedrank.42
BynowMattandMrs.Flowerscouldn’tignoretheblindinglightsanymore.Theyhadtogooutside.
ButjustasMattopenedthedoortherewas—well,Mattdidn’tknowwhatitwas.Somethingblastedstraightoutofthegroundandintothesky,whereitgotsmallerandsmaller,becameastar,anddisappeared.
AmeteorthathadgonethroughtheEarth?Butwouldn’tthatmeantsunamisandearthquakesandshockwavesandforestfiresandmaybeeventheEarthrippingapart?Ifonemeteorthathitthesurfacecouldkilloffallthedinosaurs…
Thelightthathadbeenshiningupwardhadfadedslightly.
“Well,blessmysoul,”saidMrs.Flowersinasmall,shakenvoice.“Matt,dear,areyouallright?”
“Yes,ma’am.But…”Matt’svocabularycouldn’tstandthestrain.“Whatthehellwasit?”
Andtohisslightsurprise,Mrs.Flowerssaid,“Mysentimentsexactly!”
“Wait—there’ssomethingmoving.Getback!”
“DearMatt,becarefulwiththatgun…”
“It’speople!Oh,myGod!It’sElena.”Mattabruptlysatdownontheground.Hecouldonlywhispernow.“Elena.She’salive.She’salive!”
FromwhatMattcouldsee,therewereagroupofpeopleclimbingandhelpingothersclimboutofaperfectlyrectangularhole,perhapsfivefeetdeep,inMrs.Flowers’sangelicapatch.
Theycouldhearvoices.“Allright,”Elenawassaying,asshebentdown.“Nowgrabmyhands.”
Butthewayshewasdressed!Ascrapofscarletthatshowedallsortsofscratchesandcutsonherlegs.Ontop—well,theremainsofthegowncoveredaboutwhatabikiniwould.Andshewaswearingthelargest,mostsparklycostumejewelrythatMatthadeverseen.
Morevoices,goingonthroughMatt’sshock.
“Becareful,yes?Iwilllifthimtoyou—”
“Icanclimboutmyown.”—surelythatwasStefan!
“Yousee?”Elenarejoiced.“Hesayshecanclimbouthisown!”
“Oui,butperhapsonesmalllift—”
“Thisishardlythetimeformachismo,littlebrother.”Andthat,Mattthought,fingeringtherevolver,wasDamon.Blessedbullets…
“No,Iwant—todoitmyself—okay—gotit.There.”
“There!Yousee!He’sbettereverysecond!”Elenacaroled.
“Where’sthediamond?Damon?”Stefansoundedanxious.
“Ihaveitsafe.Relax.”
“Iwanttoholdit.Please.”
“Morethanyouwanttoholdme?”Elenaasked.TherewasablurandthenStefanwaslyingbackinherarms,whileshesaid,“Easy,easy.”
Mattstared.Damonwasrightbehindthem,almostasifhebelongedthere.“I’llwatchthediamond,”hesaidflatly.“Youwatchyourgirl.”
“Excuseme—I’msorry,but…couldsomebodypleaseliftmeout?”AndthatwasBonnie!Bonnie,soundingplaintivebutnotafraidorunhappy.Bonniegiggling!“Havewegotallthesacksofstarballs?”
“We’vegotalltheonesfromthathousewefound.”AndthatwasMeredith.ThankGod.They’dallmadeitout.Butdespitehisthoughts,hiseyesweredrawnagaintoonefigure—theonewhoseemedtobesupervisingthings—theonewithgoldenhair.
“Weneedthestarballsbecauseanyoneofthemmightbe—”shewasbeginning,whenBonniecriedout“Oh,look!Look!It’sMrs.FlowersandMatt!”
“Now,Bonnie,they’dhardlybewaitingforus,”Meredithputin.
“Where?Bonnie,where?”Elenademanded.
“Ifit’sShinichiandMisaoindisguiseI’mgoingto—hey,Matt!”
“Willsomeonepleasetellmewhere?”
“Rightthere,Meredith!”
“Oh!Mrs.Flowers!Um…Ihopewedidn’twakeyou.”
“Ihaveneverhadahappierawakening,”Mrs.Flowerssaidsolemnly.“IcanseewhatyouhavebeenthroughintheDarkPlace.Your—er—lackofsufficientclothing…”
Asuddensilence.MeredithglancedatBonnie.BonnieglancedatMeredith.
“Iknowtheseclothesandgemsmayseemalittletoomuch…”
Mattfoundhisvoice.“Thosejewels?They’rereal?”
“Oh,they’renothing.Andwe’realldirty….”
“Forgiveme.Westink—whichismyfault—”Stefanbegan,onlytohaveElenacutin.
“Mrs.Flowers,Matt:Stefan’sbeenaprisoner!Allthistime!Starvedandtortured—oh,God!”
“Elena.Shhh.Yougotmeback.”
“Wegotyouback.Now,I’llneverletyougo.Ever,ever.”
“Easy,love.Ireallyneedabathand—”Stefanstoppedsuddenly.“There’renoironbars!NothingtoshutoffmyPowers!Ican…”HesteppedawayfromElena,whoclungwithonehand.Therewasasoft,silveryflashoflight,likeafullmoonappearinganddisappearingintheirmidst.
“Overhere!”hesaid.“Anyonewhodoesn’twantlittlebeastlyparasites,Icantakecareofyou.”
“I’myourgirl,”saidMeredith.“Ihaveaphobiaaboutfleas,andDamonneverevengotmeanyfleapowder.Whatamaster!”
Therewaslaughteratthis,laughterMattdidn’tunderstand.Meredithwaswearing—well,ithadtobecostumejewelry—butstillitlookedlikeaboutafewmilliondollars’worthofsapphires.
StefantookMeredith’shand.Therewasthesamesoftflashoflight.AndthenMeredithsteppedbacksaying,“Thanks.”
Stefan’slowresponsewas,“Thankyou,Meredith.”Meredith’sbluedresswasatleastinonepiece,Mattobserved.
Bonnie—whosedresshadbeenslashedintostarlight-coloredribbons—wasraisingahand.“Me,too,please!”
Stefantookherhand,andithappenedalloveragain.“Thankyou,Stefan!Oooh!Ifeelsomuchbetter!Ihateditching!”
“Thankyou,Bonnie.IhatedtothinkIwasdyingalone.”
“Othervampires,takecareofyourselves!”Elenasaid,asifshehadaclipboardandwerecheckingitemsoff.“And,Stefan,please—”Sheheldoutherhandstohim.
Hekneltinfrontofher,kissedbothherhands,thenenshroudedtheminthesoftwhitelight.
“ButI’dstilllikeabath…”saidBonniepleadingly,asthenewvampire—thetallfitone—andDamonhadeachsparkedamoonlightglowaroundthemselves.
Mrs.Flowersspokeup.“Therearefourworkingbathtubsinthathouse:inStefan’sroom,inmyroom,intheroomsoneithersideofStefan’s.Bemyguest.I’llputsomebathsaltsineachrightnow.”Andthensheadded,holdingherarmsouttothewholeragged,bleeding,dirtybunchofthem:“Myhouseisyours,mydears.”
Therewasachorusofpassionate“thankyous.”
“I’llarrangearota.ForfeedingStefan,Imean.Ifyougirlsarewilling,”Elenaaddedquickly,lookingatBonnieandMeredith.“Hedoesn’tneedmuch,justalittleeveryhouruntilmorning.”
ElenastillseemedveryshyofMatt.Mattwasveryshyofher.Buthesteppedforward,emptyhandshelduptoshowthathewasharmless.“Isitarulethatit’sonlygirls?BecauseI’vegotblood,too,andI’mhealthyasahorse.”
Stefanquicklylookedathim.“Noruleaboutonlygirls.Butyoudon’thaveto—”
“Iwanttohelpyou.”
“Okay,then.Thankyou,Matt.”
Theproperresponseseemedtobe“Thankyou,Stefan,”butMattcouldn’tthinkofanythinguntil,“ThanksfortakingcareofElena.”
Stefansmiled.“ThankDamonforthat.Heandtheothersallhelpedme—andeachother.”
“WeAlsoWalkDogs—atleastSagedoes,”Damonsaidslyly.
“Oh—thatremindsme.Ishouldusethatde-parasitingtrickonmytwofriends.Saber!Talon!Heel!”HeaddedawhistlethatMattcouldneverhaveimitated.
Inanycase,Mattwasoperatinginadream.Ahugedog,almostasbigasapony,seemingly,andafalconcameoutofthedarkness.
“Now,”thefitvampiresaid,andonceagainthesoftlightshone.
Andthen:“There.Ifyoudon’tmind;Iprefertosleepout-of-doorswithmyfriends.Iamgratefulforallyourkindnesses,Madame,andmynameisSage.ThehawkisTalon;thedog,Saber.”
Elenasaid,“DibsonStefan’sbathforStefanandme,andMrs.Flowers’sbathforthegirls.Youboyscanworkthingsoutonyourown.”
“I,”Mrs.Flowerssaidgravely,“willbeinthekitchen,makingsandwiches.”Sheturnedtogo.
ThatwaswhenShinichiarosefromtheearthabovethem.
Orratherwhenhisfacearose.Itwasclearlyanillusion,butaterrifyingandmarvelousone.Shinichiactuallyseemedtobethere,agiant,perhapssupportingtheworldonhisshoulders.Theblackpartofhishairblendedinwiththenight,butthescarlettipsmadeaflaminghaloaroundhisface.Havingcomefromalandthatwasdominatedbyagiantredsun,nightandday,itwasanoddsight.
Shinichi’seyeswereredaswell,liketwosmallmoonsinthesky,andtheyfocusedonthegroupbyMrs.Flowers’shouse.
“Hello,”hesaid.“What,youlooksosurprised?Youshouldn’tbe.Ireallycouldn’tletyoucomebackwithoutpoppinguptosay‘hello.’Afterall,it’sbeenalongtime—forsomeofyou,”thegiantfacesaid,grinning.“Also,ofcourse,toshareinthefestivities—we’vesavedlittleStefan,and,my,weevenfoughtanoversizedchickentodoit.”
“I’dliketoseeyoutakeBloddeuweddon,oneonone,andgetasecretkeyoutofhernest,atthesametime,”Bonniebeganindignantly,butstoppedwhenMeredithsqueezedherarm.
Sage,meanwhilewasmurmuringsomethingaboutwhathisown“oversizedchicken,”Talon,woulddoifShinichiwerebraveenoughtoshowupinperson.
Shinichiignoredallthis.“Oh,yes,andthementalcalisthenicsyouhadtogothrough.Trulyformidable.Well,neveragainwillwemistakeyouforblunder-headedidiotswhoneverreallyaskedwhymysisterwouldgiveyouanycluesinthefirstplace,muchlesscluesthatOutsiderscouldunderstand.Imean”—heleered—“whynotjustgoandswallowthekeyinthefirstplace,hmm?”
“You’rebluffing,”Meredithsaidflatly.“Youunderestimatedus,plainandsimple.”
“Maybe,”saidShinichi.“Ormaybeitwassomethingelseentirely.”
“Youlost,”saidDamon.“Irealizethatmaybeanentirelynewconceptforyou,butit’strue.ElenahasgainedmuchmorecontroloverherPowers.”
“Butwilltheyworkhere?”Shinichismiledeerily.“Orwilltheysuddenlydisappearinthelightofapaleyellowsun?Orinthedepthsoftruedarkness?”
“Don’tlethimbaityou,Madame,”Sageshouted.“YourPowerscomefromaplacehecannotenter!”
“Oh,yes,andtherenegade.TheRebel’srebelson.Iwonder…whatareyoucallingyourselfthistime?Cage?Rage?Iwonderwhatthesechildrenwillthinkwhentheylearnwhoyoureallyare?”
“Itwon’tmatterwhoheis,”Bonniecried.“Weknowthat.Weknowthathe’savampire,butthathecanbegentleandkindandhe’ssavedusoverandoveragain.”Sheshuthereyes,butheldhergroundagainstthegaleofShinichi’slaughter.
“So‘Madame,’”Shinichimocked,“youthinkyouhavegained‘Sage.’ButIwonderifyouknowwhatinchesswecalla‘gambit’is?No?Well,I’msureyourintellectualfriendwillbegladtoinformyou.”
Therewasapause.ThenMeredithsaid,withnoexpressionatall,“Agambitiswhenachessplayersacrificessomething—forinstance,apawn—deliberately—justtogetsomethingelse.Apositiononthechessboardthattheywant,forinstance.”
“Iknewyou’dbeabletotellthem.Whatdoyouthinkofourfirstgambit?”
Anothersilence,thenMeredithsaid:“Ipresumeyoumeanyou’vegivenusbackStefantoachievesomethingbetter.”
“Oh,ifyouonlyhadgoldenhair—asyourfriendElenahassogenerouslydisplayed.”
Therewerevariousexclamationsonthethemeof“Huh?”—mostofthemdirectedatShinichi,butsomeatElena.
Whopromptlyexploded.“YoutookStefan’smemories—?”
“Now,now,nothingsodrastic,mydear.Butathirty-meld-a-sessionbeautician—now,shewasmostcooperative.”
Elenaturnedhergazeupatthegiantfacewithalookofuttercontempt.“You…cad.”
“Oh,I’mstrickentotheheart.”Butthethingwas,Shinichi’sgiantfacedidlookstricken—angryanddangerous.“Betweenyou,allsuchclosefriends:doyouknowhowmanysecretsthereare?Ofcourse,Meredithisamistressofsecrecy,keepinghersecretsfromherfriendsalltheseyears.Youthinkyou’vealreadypumpedherdry,butthebestisyettocome.Andthen,ofcourse,thereisDamon’ssecret.”
“Whichifspokenofhereandnowwillmeaninstantwar,”Damonsaid.“Andyouknow,it’sstrange,butIgotthefeelingthatyoucameheretonighttonegotiate.”
ThistimeShinichi’slaughterreallywasagale,andDamonhadtoleapbehindMeredithtopreventherbeingknockedintotheholetheelevatorhadmade.
“Verygallant,”Shinichiboomedagain,shatteringglasssomewhereonMrs.Flowers’shouse.“ButIreallymustbegoing.ShallIleaveasynopsisoftheprizesyoustillhavetosearchforbeforeyourlittlecompanycanlookeachotherintheeye?”
“Ithinkwealreadyhavethem.Andyouarenolongerwelcomearoundthishome,”Mrs.Flowerssaidcoolly.
ButElena’smindwasstillworking.Evenstandinghere,knowingthatStefanneededher,shewassearchingforthereasonsbehindthis:Shinichi’ssecondgambit.Becauseshewassurethatthiswasone.
“Wherearethepillowcases?”shesaidinasharpvoicethatfrightenedandbewilderedhalfthegroup,andsimplyfrightenedtherest.
“Iwasholdingone,butthenIdecidedtoholdontoSaberinstead.”—Sage.
“Ihadone,atthebottomofthehole,butIdroppeditwhensomebodyliftedmeout.”—Bonnie.
“I’vestillgotone,althoughIdon’tunderstandwhatgood—”Damonbegan.
“Damon!”Elenawhirledtohim.“Trustme!We’vegotyoursandSage’ssafe—what’shappeningtoBonnie’sinthehole?”
Themomentshehadsaid“trustme”DamonhaddumpedhispillowcaseontopofSage’s,andbythetimeshewasfinished,hehadleapedintothehole,whichwasstillsobrightwithleylightastohurtanyvampire’seyes.
ButDamonmadenocomplaint.Hesaid,“Ihaveitsafenow—no,wait!Aroot!Adamnedrootiscurledaroundoneofthestarballs!Someonetossmeaknife,quick!”
Whileeveryoneelsewasslappingtheirpocketsforknives,MattdidsomethingthatElenacouldn’tbelieve.Firstheglanceddownintothesix-foot-deepholewhilepointing—arevolver,wasit?Yes—sherecognizeditasthetwinofMeredith’s.Thenwithouttryingtolethimselfdowneasily,hesimplyjumpedasDamonhad,intothehole.
“DON’TYOUWANTTOKNOW—”roaredShinichi,butnoonewaspayinganyattentiontohim.
Matt’sjumpdidn’tendlightlyasDamon’shad.Itendedwithagaspandastifledcurse.ButMattdidn’twastetime;stillonhisknees,hehandedthegunuptoDamon.
“Blessedbullets—shootit!”
Damonmovedveryfast.Hedidn’tevenseemtoaim.Buthemusthaveclickedthesafetyoffandaimedimmediately,fortherootwasnowstreakingforthesoftwallofthehole,itsendwrappedtightlyaroundsomethinground.
Elenaheardtwoshatteringrevolvershots;three.ThenDamonstoopedandpickedupavine-wrappedball,medium-sizedandcrystalclearwhereitstruesurfacecouldbeseen.
“PUTTHATDOWN!”Shinichi’sragewasbeyondallmeasure.Thetwoburningredspotsofhiseyeswerelikeflames—likemoonsoffire.Heseemedtobetryingtogetthemtocomplybysheervolume.“ISAID,DON’TTOUCHTHATWITHYOURFILTHYHUMANHANDS!”
“Oh,myGod!”gaspedBonnie.
Meredithsaidsimply,“It’sMisao’s—ithastobe.He’dgamblewithhisown;butnotwithhers.Damon,handituptome,alongwiththerevolver.Ibetit’snotbulletproof.”Sheknelt,reachingintothehole.
Damon,witharaisedeyebrow,didasshesaid.
“Oh,God,”Bonniecried,fromtheedgeofthehole.“Matt’ssprainedhisankle—atleast.”
“ITOLDYOU,”roaredShinichi.“YOU’LLBESORRY—”
“Here,”DamonsaidtoBonnie,takingnottheslightestnoticeofShinichi.Withoutanymoreado,hepickedupMattandfloatedupoutofthehole.Hedepositedthefair-hairedboybesideBonnie,wholookedathimwiththewidebrowneyesofutterconfusion.
Matt,though,wasaVirginianthroughandthrough.Afterswallowingonlyonce,hegotouta“Thankyou,Damon.”
“Noproblem,Matt,”Damonsaid,andthen“What?”assomeonegasped.
“Youremembered,”Bonniecried,“Yourememberedhis—Meredith!”shebrokeoff,lookingatthetallgirl.“Thegrass!”
Meredith,whohadbeenexaminingthestarballwithastrangeexpression,nowtossedtherevolvertoDamonandtriedwithherfreehandtotearawaythegrassthathadtwinedaroundherfeetandupheranklesalready.Butevenasshedidso,thegrassseemedtoleapupwardandgrabherhand,bindingittoherfeet.Andnowitwassprouting,growing,racingupherbodytowardtheballwhichsheheldhighintheair.
Atthesametime,itwastighteningaroundherchest,forcingairoutofherlungs.
Itallhappenedsofastthatitwasonlywhenshegasped,“Somebodytaketh’ball,”thattheothersleapedtoheraid.Bonniewasthefirsttogetthere,tearingwithherfingernailsatthegreenerythatwassqueezingMeredith’schest.Buteachbladewaslikesteel,andshecouldn’tripawayevenoneofthem.NeithercouldMattorElena.Meanwhile,SagewastryingtoliftMeredithbodily—topluckherfromtheearth—andhavingnomoresuccessthantherest.
Meredith’sface,clearlyvisibleinthelightstillshiningfromthehole,wasgoingwhite.
Damonsnatchedthestarballfromherfingersjustbeforethetangledgreeneryrunningupherarmcouldreachit.Hethenbeganmovingliterallyfasterthanthehumaneyecouldtrack,neverstoppinginanyoneplacelongenoughforanyplanttograsphim.
Butstill,thegrassaroundMeredithwastightening.Nowherfacewasturningblue.Hereyeswerewide,hermouthopenforabreaththatwouldnotcome.
“Stopit!”ElenascreamedatShinichi.“We’llgiveyouthestarball!Justletgoofher!”
“LETGOOFHER?”Shinichibellowedlaughter.“MAYBEYOU’DBETTERLOOKTOYOUROWNINTERESTSFIRSTBEFOREASKINGMEAFAVOR.”
Wildly,Elenalookedaround—andsawthatgrasshadalmostcompletelyenvelopedakneelingStefan,whohadbeentooweaktomoveasquicklyastheothershad.
Andhehadnevermadeasoundtocallattentiontohimself.
“No!”Elena’sdesperatescreamalmostdrownedoutShinichi’slaughter.“Stefan!No!”Evenknowingitwasfutile,shethrewherselfathimandtriedtoripthegrassawayfromhisthinchest.
Stefansimplygaveherthefaintestofsmilesandshookhisheadsadly.
ThatwaswhenDamoncametoastop.HeheldthestarballuptowardShinichi’sloweringvisage.“Takeit!”heshouted.“Taketheball,damnyou,butletthetwoofthemgo!”
ThistimethegaleofShinichi’slaughterwentonandon.AspiralofgrassgrewfromapointbesideDamonandaninstantlaterhadformedahideous,shaggygreenfist,whichalmostreachedthestarball.
But—
“Notyet,mydears,”gaspedMrs.Flowers.SheandMatthadcomebreathlesslyfromtheboardinghousestorageroom—Mattlimpingbadly—andtheybothheldwhatlookedlikePost-itnotesintheirhands.
ThenextthingElenaknew,Damonwasmovingatferociousspeedagain,awayfromthefist,andMattwasslappingabitofpaperonthegrasscoveringStefan,whileMrs.FlowersdidthesametothegreeneryonMeredith.
AsElenawatchedindisbelief,thegrassseemedtomelt,dyingawayintohay-coloredbladesthatfelltotheground.
ThenextmomentshewasholdingStefan.
“Let’sgetinside,mydears,”Mrs.Flowerssaid.“It’ssafeinthestorageroom—theablehelpthewounded,ofcourse.”
MeredithandStefanweretakinggreatgaspingbreaths.
ButShinichihadthelastword.
“Don’tyouworry,”hesaid,strangelycalmasifherealizedhe’dlost—fornow.“I’llgetthatspherebacksoonenough.Youdon’tknowhowtousethatkindofPoweranyway!Andbesidesallthat,I’mgoingtotellyouwhatyou’vebeenhidingfromyourso-calledfriends.Justafewsecrets,yes?”
“Thehellwithyoursecrets,”shoutedBonnie.
“Language,language!Howaboutthis:Oneofyouhaskeptasecretalltheirlife,andisdoingsoevennow.Oneofyouisamurderer—andIamnotspeakingofavampire,oramercykilling,oranythinglikethat.AndthenthereisthequestionofthetrueidentityofSage—goodluckonyourresearchthere!Oneofyouhasalreadyhadtheirmemoryerased—andIdon’tmeanDamonorStefan.Andwhataboutthesecret,stolenkiss?Andthenthereisthequestionofwhathappenedthenightofthemotel,thatitseemsthatnobodybutElenacanrecall.YoumightaskhersometimeabouthertheoriesaboutCamelot.Andthen—”
ThatwaswhenthesoundasloudasShinichi’sgiant-sizedgalesoflaughterinterruptedhim.Ittorethroughthefaceinthesky,leavingitdroopingridiculously.Thenthefacedisappeared.
“Whatwasthat—”
“Whohasthegun—?”
“Whatkindofguncoulddothattohim?”
“Onewithblessedbullets,”Damonsaidcoolly,showingthemtherevolver,pointeddown.
“Youmeanyoudidthat?”
“GoodforDamon!”
“ForgetShinichi!”
“Heisaliarwhenitsuitshim,thatIcantellyou.”
“Ithink,”Mrs.Flowerssaid,“thatwecanretiretotheboardinghousenow.”
“Yeah,andlet’sgogetourbaths.”
“Justonelastthing.”Shinichi’svoice,giant-sizedseemedtocomefromeverywherearoundthem;fromthesky,fromtheearth.
“You’rereallygoingtolovewhatIhaveinmindnextforyou.IfIwereyou,I’dstartnegotiatingforthatstarballrightNOW.”Buthislaughterwasoffandthemuffledfemininesoundbehindhimwasalmostlikecrying,asifMisaocouldn’thelpherself.
“YOU’REGOINGTOLOVEIT!”Shinichiinsistedinaroar.43
Elenahadafeelingshecouldn’tquitedescribe.Itwasn’tletdown.Itwas…letup.ForwhatseemedlikemostofherlifeshehadbeensearchingforStefan.
Butnowshehadhimbackagain,quitesafeandclean(he’dhadalongbathwhilesheinsistedonscrubbinghimgentlywithallsortsofbrushesandpumicestones,andthenashower,andthenarathercrampedshowerwithher).Hishairwasdryingintothesilkysoftdarkshock—alittlelongerthanheusuallykeptit—thatsheknew.Hehadn’thadenergyforfrivolitieslikekeepinghishairshortandcleanbefore.Elenaunderstoodthat.
Andnow…therewerenoguardsorkitsunearoundtospyonthem.Therewasnothingtokeepthemfromeachother.Theyhadbeenplayfulintheshower,splashingeachother,Elenaalwaysmakingsuretokeepherfeetontheno-slipguardandreadytotrytosupportStefan’slankyweight.Buttheycouldnotbeplayfulnow.
Theshower’ssprayhadbeenveryhelpful,too—atconcealingtheteardropsthatkeptflowingdownElena’scheeks.Shecould—oh,dearheaven—countandfeeleachoneofhisribs.Hewasjustbonesandskin,herbeautifulStefan,buthisgreeneyeswerealive,sparklinganddancinginhispaleface.
Aftertheyweredressedinnightclothestheysimplysatonthebedforalittlewhile.Sittingtogether,bothbreathing—Stefanhadgotintothehabitfrombeingaroundhumanssomuchand,recently,fromtryingtoekeoutthesmallamountofnutritionhereceived—insynchronicity,andbothfeelingtheother’swarmbodybesidethem…itwasalmosttoomuch.Then,almosttentatively,StefangropedforElena’shand,andcatchingit,helditinbothofhis,turningitoverwonderingly.
Elenawasswallowingandswallowing,tryingtomakeastartinaconversation,feltherselfpracticallyradiatingbliss.Oh,Ineverwantanythingmore,shethought,althoughsheknewthatsoonenoughshewouldwanttotalk,andtohold,andtokiss,andtofeedStefan.Butifsomeonehadaskedherifshewouldhaveacceptedjustthis,sittingtogether,communicatingbytouchandlovealone,shewouldhaveacceptedit.
Beforesheknewit,shewastalking,wordsthatcamelikebubblesoutofmolasses,onlythesewerebubblesfromhersoul.“IthoughtthatsomehowImightlosethistime.ThatI’dwonsomanytimes,andthatthistimesomethingwouldteachmealessonandyou…wouldn’tmakeit.”
Stefanwasstillwonderingoverherhand,bendingindustriouslytokisseachseparatefinger.“Youcall‘winning’dyinginpainandsunlighttosavemyworthlesslife—andmyevenmoreworthlessbrother’s?”
“Icallthisabetterkindofwinning,”Elenaadmitted.“Anytimewegettobetogetheriswinning.Anymoment—eveninthatdungeon…”
Stefanwinced,butElenahadtofinishherthought.“Eventhere,tolookinyoureyes,totouchyourhand,toknowthatyouwerelookingatmeandtouchingme—andthatyouwerehappy—well,that’swinning,inmybook.”
Stefanliftedhiseyestohers.Inthedimlight,thegreenlookedsuddenlydarkandmysterious.“Andonemorething,”hewhispered.“BecauseIamwhatIam…andbecauseyourcrowninggloryisn’tthatgloriousgoldencloudofhair,butanaurathatis…ineffable.Indescribable.Beyondanywords…”
Elenahadthoughttheywouldsitandsimplygazeateachother,drowningineachother’seyes,butthatwasn’thappening.Stefan’sexpressionhadslippedandElenarealizedhowclosetobloodlust—andtodeath—hestillreallywas.
Hurriedly,Elenapulledherdamphairtoonesideofherneck,andthensheleanedback,knowingStefanwouldcatchher.
Hedidthis,butalthoughElenatiltedherchinback,hetilteditdowninhistwohandstolookather.
“DoyouknowhowmuchIloveyou?”heasked.
Hisentirefacewasmaskednow,enigmaticandstrangelythrilling.“Idon’tthinkyoudo,”hewhispered.“I’vewatchedandwatchedhowyouwerewillingtodoanything,anythingtosaveme…butIdon’tthinkyouknowhowmuchthatlovehasbeenbuildingup,Elena….”
DeliciousshiversweregoingdownElena’sspine.
“Thenyou’dbettershowme,”shewhispered.“OrImightnotbelievethatyoumeanit—”
“I’llshowyouwhatImean,”Stefanwhisperedback.Butwhenhebentdownitwastokisshersoftly.ThefeelingsinsideElena—thatthisstarvingcreaturewantedtokissherinsteadofgoingatonceforherthroat,reachedapeakthatshecouldnotexplaininthoughtsorwords,butonlybydrawingStefan’sheadsothathismouthrestedonherneck.
“Please,”shesaid.“Oh,Stefan,please.”
Thenshefeltthequicksacrificialpains,andthenStefanwasdrinkingherblood,andhermind,whichhadbeenflutteringaroundlikeabirdinalightedroom,nowsawitsnestanditsmateandswoopedupandupanduptoatlastreachunitywithitsbest-beloved.
Afterthattherewasnoneedforclumsythingslikewords.Theycommunicatedinthoughtsaspureandclearasshimmeringgems,andElenarejoicedbecauseallofStefan’smindwasopentoher,andnoneofitwaswalledoffordarkandtherewerenobouldersofsecretsorchainedandweepingchildren…
What!sheheardStefanexclaimvoicelessly.Achildinchains?Amountain-sizedboulder?Whocouldhavethatintheirmind—?
Stefanbrokeoff,knowingtheanswer,evenbeforeElena’slightning-swiftthoughtcouldtellhim.Elenafeltthecleargreenwaveofhispity,spicedbythenaturalangerofayoungmanwhohasgonethroughthedepthsofhell,butuntaintedbytheterribleblackpoisonofhatredofbrotherforbrother.
WhenElenahadfinishedexplainingallsheknewaboutDamon’smentalprocesses,shesaid,AndIdon’tknowwhattodo!I’vedoneeverythingIcould,Stefan,I’ve—I’veevenlovedhim.Igavehimeverythingthatwasn’tyoursalone.ButIdon’tknowifit’smadeeventheslightestdifference.
HecalledMatt“Matt”insteadofMutt,Stefaninterrupted.
Yes.I…noticedthat.I’dkeptaskinghimto,butitneverseemedtomatter.
Itmatteredthisway:youmanagedtochangehim.Notmanypeoplecan.
Elenawrappedhiminatightembrace,stopped,worriedthatitwastootight,andglancedathim.Hesmiledandshookhishead.Hewasalreadylookinglikeapersonratherthanadeathcampsurvivor.
Youshouldkeepusingit,Stefansaidvoicelessly.Yourinfluenceoverhimisstrongest.
Iwill—withoutanyartificialWings,Elenapromised.ThensheworriedthatStefanwouldthinkhertoopresumptuous—ortooattached.
ButonelookatStefanwasenoughtoassureherthatshewasdoingtherightthing.
Theyclungtoeachother.
Itwasn’tashardasElenahadimagineditwouldbe—handingStefanovertootherhumanstobebled.Stefanhadacleanpairofpajamason,andthefirstthinghesaidtoallthreedonorswas,“Ifyougetfrightenedorchangeyourmind,justsayso.Icanhearperfectlywell,andI’mnotinbloodlust.Andanyway,I’llprobablysenseitifyou’renotenjoyingitbeforeyoudo,andI’llstop.Andfinally—thankyou—thankyouall.I’vedecidedtobreakmyoathtonightbecausethere’sstillsomelittlechancethatifIsleptIwouldn’twakeuptomorrowwithoutyou.”
Bonniewashorrifiedandindignantandfurious.“Youmeanyoucouldn’tsleepallthattimebecauseyouwereafraidto—to…?”
“Ididfallasleepfromtimetotime,butthankfortune—thankGod—Ialwayswokeupagain.ThereweretimeswhenIdidn’tdaremovetoconserveenergy,butsomehowElenakeptfindingwaystocometome,andeverysingletimeshecame,shebroughtmesomekindofsustenance.”HegaveElenaalookthatsentherheartspinningoutofherchestandhighintothestratosphere.
Andthenshesetupaschedule,withStefanbeingfedeveryhouronthehour,andthensheandtheothersleftthefirstvolunteer,Bonnie,alone,soastobemorecomfortable.
Itwasthenextmorning.DamonhadalreadybeenouttovisitLeigh,theantiques-seller’sniece,whohadseemedverygladtoseehim.Andnowhewasback,tolookwithscornattheslug-a-bedswhoweredistributedallaroundtheboardinghouse.
Thatwaswhenhesawthebouquet.
Itwasheavilysealeddownwithwards—amuletstohelpgetitthroughthedimensionalgap.Therewassomethingpowerfulinthere.
Damoncockedhisheadtooneside.
Hmm…Iwonderwhat?
DearDiary,
Idon’tknowwhattosay.We’rehome.
Lastnightweeachhadalongbath…andIwashalf-disappointed,becausemyfavoritelong-handledback-scrubbingbrushwasn’tthere,andtherewasnostarballtomakedreamymusicforStefan—andthewaterwasLUKEWARM!AndStefanwenttoseeifthewaterheaterwasturnedonallthewayandmetDamongoingtodothesamething!Only,theycouldn’tbecausewe’rehomeagain.
ButIwokeupacoupleofhoursagoforafewminutestoseethemostbeautifulsightintheworld…asunrise.Palepinkandeeriegreenintheeast,withnighttimestillfulldarkinthewest.Thendeeperroseinthesky,andthetreesallwreathedindewclouds.Thenashinygloryfromtheedgeofthehorizonanddarkrose,cream,andevenagreenmeloncolorinthesky,Finally,alineoffireandinaninstantallthecolorschange.Thelinebecomesanarc,thewesternskyisdeepestdeepestblue,andthenupcomesthesunbringingwarmthandlightandcolortothegreentreesandtheskybeginstobecomecelestialblue—celestialjustmeansheavenly,althoughsomehow,IhaveadeliciousshiveryfeelingwhenIsayit.Theskybecomesagemlike,celestial,ceruleanblueandthegoldensunbeginstopourenergy,love,light,andeverygoodthingontotheworld.
WhocouldnotbehappytowatchthiswhileStefanheldher?
Wewhoaresoluckyastobebornintothelight—whoseeiteverydayandneverthinkaboutit,we’reblessed.Wecouldhavebeenbornshadowsoulswholiveanddieincrimsondarkness,neverevenknowingthatsomewherethereissomethingbetter.44
Elenawaswakenedbyshouting.She’dalreadyonceawakenedtounbelievablebliss.Nowshewasawakeagain—butsurelythatwasDamon’svoice.Shouting?Damondidn’tshout!
Throwingonarobe,shewentdashingoutthedooranddownstairs.
Raisedvoices—confusion.Damonwaskneelingonthefloor.Hisfacewasblue-white.Therewasn’taplantintheroomthatcouldbestranglinghim.
Poisoned,wasthenextthingElenathoughtandimmediatelyhereyesdartedaroundtheroomtoseeaspilleddrink,adroppedplate,anysignthatpoisonhaddonethis.Therewasnothing.
SagewasclappingDamonontheback.Oh,God,couldhehavechoked?Butthatwasidiocy.Vampiresdidn’tbreathe,exceptfortalkingandbuildingPower.
Butthenwhatwashappening?
“Youhavetobreathe,”SagewasshoutinginDamon’sear.“Takeabreath,asifyouweregoingtospeak,butthenholdontoit,asifforraisingyourPower.Thinkaboutyourinsides.Getthoselungsworking!”
ThewordsonlyconfusedElena.
“There!”criedSage.“Yousee?”
“Butitonlylastsaninstant.ThenIneedtodoitagain.”
“But,yes,thatisthepoint!”
“ItellyouI’mdyingandyoulaughatme?”adisheveledDamonshouted.“I’mblind,deaf,mysensesarehaywire—andyoulaugh!”
Disheveled,thoughtElena,botheredbysomething.
“Well.”Sageseemedtobeatleasttryingnottolaugh.“Perhaps,monpetitchou,youshouldnothaveopenedsomethingthatwasnotaddressedtoyou?”
“IputwardsallaroundmebeforeIdidit.Thehousewassafe.”
“Butyouwerenot—breathe!Breathe,Damon!”
“Itlookedcompletelyharmless—andadmitit—wewereallgoing—toopenitlastnight—whenwegottootired—!”
“Buttodoitalone,toopenapresentfromakitsune…thatwasfoolish,yes?”
AchokingDamonsnapped,“Don’tlectureme.Helpme.WhyamImuffledincottonwool?Whycan’tIsee?Orhear?Orsmell—anything?I’mtellingyouIcan’tsmellathing!”
“Youarefitandsharpasanyhumancouldbe.Youcouldprobablydefeatmostvampiresifyoufoughtwithonerightnow.Buthumansensesareveryfewandverydull.”
WordswereswimminginElena’shead…openingthingsnotaddressedtoyou…bouquetfromakitsune…human…
Oh,myGod!
Apparently,thesamewordsweregoingthroughthemindofsomeoneelse,becausesuddenlyafiguredashedinfromthekitchenarea.Stefan.
“Youstolemybouquet?Fromthekitsune?”
“Iwasverycareful—”
“Doyourealizewhatyou’vedone?”StefanshookDamon.
“Ow.Thathurts!Doyouwanttobreakmyneck?”
“Thathurts?Damon,you’reinforaworldofhurt!Doyouunderstand?Italkedtothatkitsune.Toldhimthewholestoryofmylife.Elenacametovisitandhesawherpractically…well,nevermind—hesawhercryingoverme!Do…you…realize…what…you…have…done?”
ItwasasifStefanhadstartedclimbingaseriesofsteps,andthateachoneliftedhimtoahigherleveloffurythanthelast.Andhere,atthetop…
“I’llKILLYOU!”Stefanshouted.“Youtookit—myhumanity!Hegaveittome—andyoutookit!”
“You’llkillme?I’llkillyou,you—youbastard!Therewasoneflowerinthemiddle.Ablackrose,biggerthanIhaveeverseen.Anditsmelled…heavenly…”
“It’sgone!”Mattreported,producingthebouquet.Hedisplayedit.Therewasagapingholeinthecenterofthemixedflowerarrangement.
Despitethehole,Stefanrantoit,andstuckhisfaceintothebouquet,suckingingreatheavingbreathsofair.Hekeptcomingupandsnappinghisfingersandeachtimelightningflaredbetweenhisfingertips.
“Sorry,bud,”Mattsaid.“Ithinkit’sgone.”
Elenacouldseeitallnow.Thatkitsune…hewasoneofthegoodones,likethestoriesMeredithhadtoldthemabout.OratleastgoodenoughtosympathizewithStefan’splight.Andso,whenhehadgottenfree,hehadmadeupabouquet—kitsunecoulddoanythingwithplants,althoughsurelythiswasagreatfeat,somethinglikefindingthesecretofeternalyouth…toturnvampiresintohumans.AndafterStefanhadenduredandenduredandenduredandshouldhavefinallygottenhisreward…rightnow…
“I’mgoingback,”Stefanshouted.“I’mgoingtofindhim!”
Meredithsaidquietly,“WithorwithoutElena?”
Stefanstopped.Helookedupatthestairway,andhiseyesmetElena’s.
Elena…
We’llgotogether.
“No,”Stefanshouted.“Iwouldneverputyouthroughthat.I’mnotgoingafterall.I’mjustgoingtomurderyou!”Heswungbackonhisbrother.
“Beenthere,donethat.Besides,I’mtheonethat’sgoingtokillyou,youbastard!Youtookmyworldawayfromme!Iamavampire!I’mnota”—somecreativecursing—“human!”
“Wellyouarenow,”Mattsaid.Hewasjustbarelynotlaughingoutloud.“SoI’dsayyou’dbettergetusedtoit.”
DamonleapedatStefan.Stefandidn’tstepaside.Inaninstanttherewasaballofthrashing,kicking,andpunching,andcursinginItalianthatmadeitsoundasiftherewereatleastfourvampiresfightingfiveorsixhumans.
Elenasatdownhelplessly.
Damon…ahuman?
Howweretheygoingtodealwiththis?
ElenalookeduptoseethatBonniehadcarefullymadeupatrayofallsortsofthingsthattastedgoodtohumans,andthatshe’dundoubtedlydoneitforDamonbeforehehadworkedhiswayintohysteria.
“Bonnie,”Elenasaidquietly,“don’tgiveittohimyet.He’lljustthrowitatyou.Butperhapslater…”
“Laterhewon’tthrowit?”
Elenawinced.
“HowisDamongoingtodealwithbeinghuman?”sheaskedherselfaloud.
Bonnielookedatthecursing,spittingballofvampire/humanfury.
“I’dsay…kickingandscreamingthewholeway.”
JustthenMrs.Flowerscameoutofthekitchen.Shehadahugemoundoffluffywafflesstackedonseveralplatesonatray.Shesawtherolling,swearing,snarlingballthatwasStefanandDamon.
“Oh,my,”shesaid.“Didsomethinggowrong?”
ElenalookedatBonnie.BonnielookedatMeredith.MeredithlookedatElena.
“You…couldsayso,”gaspedElena.
Andthenthethreeofthemgavewaytoit.Galesandgalesofhelplesslaughter.
You’velostapowerfulally,saidavoiceinElena’smind.Doyouknowthat?Canyouforeseetheconsequences?Today,whenyouhavejustcomebackfromaworldofShinichis?
We’llwin,Elenathought.Wehaveto.
AbouttheAuthor
L.J.SMITHhaswrittenmorethantwodozenbooksforchildrenandyoungadults.ShelivesintheBayAreaofCalifornia,butishappiestinalittlecabinnearPointReyesNationalPark,whichhaslotsoftrees,lotsofanimals,lotsofbeachestowalkon,andlotsofplacestohike.Pleasevisitheronlineatwww.ljanesmith.netfornewstoriesaboutoldcharactersandevensneakpeeksofupcomingbooks.
Visitwww.AuthorTracker.comforexclusiveinformationonyourfavoriteHarperCollinsauthor.BooksbyL.J.Smith
THEVAMPIREDIARIES:
VOL.I:THEAWAKENING
THEVAMPIREDIARIES:
VOL.II:THESTRUGGLE
THEVAMPIREDIARIES:
VOL.III:THEFURY
THEVAMPIREDIARIES:
VOL.IV:DARKREUNION
THEVAMPIREDIARIES:
THERETURNVOL.1:NIGHTFALL
THEVAMPIREDIARIES:
THERETURNVOL.2:SHADOWSOULS
THESECRETCIRCLE:
THEINITIATIONANDTHECAPTIVEPARTI
THESECRETCIRCLE:
THECAPTIVEPARTIIANDTHEPOWERCredits
Jacketart?2010byCarrieSchechter
JacketdesignbyJenniferHeuerCopyright
THEVAMPIREDIARIES:THERETURN:SHADOWSOULS.Copyright?2010byL.J.Smith.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenon-exclusive,non-transferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,down-loaded,decompiled,reverseengineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinse-books.
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailable.
ISBN978-0-06-172081-9(tradebdg.)
ISBN978-0-06-200372-0(int.ed.)
EPubEdition?January2010ISBN:978-0-06-196975-1
10987654321AboutthePublisher
Australia
HarperCollinsPublishers(Australia)Pty.Ltd.
25RydeRoad(POBox321)
Pymble,NSW2073,Australia
http://www.harpercollinsebooks.com.au
Canada
HarperCollinsPublishersLtd.
55AvenueRoad,Suite2900
Toronto,ON,M5R,3L2,Canada
http://www.harpercollinsebooks.ca
NewZealand
HarperCollinsPublishers(NewZealand)Limited
P.O.Box1
Auckland,NewZealand
http://www.harpercollins.co.nz
UnitedKingdom
HarperCollinsPublishersLtd.
77-85FulhamPalaceRoad
London,W68JB,UK
http://www.harpercollinsebooks.co.uk
UnitedStates
HarperCollinsPublishersInc.
10East53rdStreet
NewYork,NY10022
http://www.harpercollinsebooks.com
© Copyright Notice
The copyright of the article belongs to the author. Please do not reprint without permission.
THE END
No comments yet