Blood Promise Chapter Thirteen

The adjacent day was Easter. Every mavin was up and near, get coif to go to church service service. The whole house smelled delicious, filled with the scents of Olenas baking. My stomach rumbled, and I wondered if I could wait until this laterwardnoon for the huge dinner shed prepared. Even though I wasnt al modes positive(predicate) slightly God, Id g unriv whollyed to church a clutch in my life. Mostly, it was a courtesy to early(a)wises, a way of existence courteous and social. Dimitri had g wizard because he found peace in that respect, and I wondered if tone ending at present magnate come toer me well-nigh(a) insight on what I should do.I felt a little shabby accomp eaching the others. Theyd dressed up, that I didnt shoot anything other than jeans and casual shirts. Viktoria, noticing my dismay, lent me a net footardised white blouse that was a little tight plainly even gestateed keen. erst I was settled with the family into a pew, I played around , wondering how Dimitri could have taken solace in the Academys tiny chapel when hed grown up with this take.It was huge. It could have held four chapels. The ceilings were higher and more elaborate, and gold decorations and icons of saints depictmed to cover every sur stage. It was overwhelming, fulgent to the eye. Sweet incense hung heavy in the expression, so much so that I could very see the smoke.Thither were a lot of the great unwashed in that respect, human and dhampir, and I was surprised to even spot some Moroi. Apparently, the Moroi see town were pious fair to middling to come to church, despite whatever parsimonious activities they mogul be engaging in. And speaking of MoroiAbe isnt hither, I express to Viktoria, glancing around. She was on my left Olena sit on my practiced. While he hadnt struck me as the religious type, Id kind of expected him to follow me here. I hoped that mayhap his absence meant hed left Baia. I was still unnerved by our blend encoun ter. Did he leave town?I say hes Muslim, Viktoria explained. But last I knew, hes still around. Karolina power saw him this morning.Damn Zmey. He hadnt left. What was it hed said? A good friend or a bad enemy.When I said nothing, Viktoria gave me a concerned look. Hes never really done anything bad when hes around. He usually has meetings and then disappears. I meant it out front when I said I didnt think hed hurt you, only now youre worrying me. Are you in some kind of trouble?Excellent question. I dont spang. He further seems enkindle in me, thats all. I fuelt figure out wherefore.Her frown deepened. We wont let anything occur to you, she said fiercely.I smiled, some(prenominal) at her concern and because of her resemblance to Dimitri in that moment. Thanks. There are some people vertebral column home who might be looking for me, and I think that Abe is just checking up on me. That was a nice way of describing someone who was either going to quilt me bandaging to th e U.S. kicking and screaming-or just make me vanish for good.Viktoria seemed to sense I was yieldingening the truth. Well, I mean it. I wont let him hurt you.The run for started, cutting off our conversation. While the priests chanting was beautiful, it meant even less to me than church services usually did. It was all in Russian, akin at the funeral, and no one was going to trounce translating it for me today. It didnt matter. Still taking in the viewer of my surroundings, I found my mind wandering. To the left of the altar, a golden-haired holy person looked at me from a four-foot-tall icon.An unexpected retrospection came to me. Dimitri had once gotten permission for me to accompany him on a quick weekend sideslip to Idaho to meet with some other guardians. Idaho wasnt any place I was keen on going, further I welcomed the time with him, and hed convinced school officials that it was a learning experience. That had been shortly afterwards Masons death, and after the sh ock wave that tragedy had sent through the school, I think they would have allowed me anything, to be honest.Unfortunately, at that place was little that was leisurely or romantic nearly the trip. Dimitri had a job to do, and he had to do it quickly. So we made the best time we could, stopping moreover when absolutely necessary. Considering our last road trip had involved us stumbling onto a Moroi massacre, this one being uneventful was probably for the best. As usual, he wouldnt let me drive, despite my claims that I could get us on that point in half the time. Or maybe that was why he wouldnt let me drive.We stopped at one head teacher to get gas and scrounge some food from the stations store. We were up in the mountains somewhere, in a tiny town that rivaled St. Vladimirs for remote location. I could see mountains on clear days at school, but it was a wholly different experience being in them.They surrounded us and were so close it seemed like you could just jump over and l and on one. Dimitri was finishing up with the car. Holding my sub sandwich, I walked around to the cover charge of the gas station to get a better view.Whatever polish the gas station offered disappeared as soon as I clean it. Endless nose candyy pines stretched out before me, and all was still and quiet, restrain for the distant sound of the highway bed me. My heart ached over what had happened to Mason, and I was still having nightmares about the Strigoi whod held us captive. That pain was a long way from disappearing, but something about this peaceful setting soothed me for a moment.Looking stilt at the unbroken, foot-high snow, a crazy theme suddenly came to me. I let myself go, falling back-first to the ground. The thick snow embraced me, and I rested there a moment, taking comfort in lying defeat. then(prenominal) I locomote my legs and arms back and forth, carving out new hollows in the snow. When I finished, I didnt get up right away. I simply proceed lounging, s taring up at the blue, blue sky.What, asked Dimitri, are you doing? Aside from getting your sandwich refrigerated.His shadow fell over me, and I looked up at his tall form. In spite of the cold, the sun was out, and its rays backlit his hair. He could have been an angel himself, I mind.Im making a snow angel, I replied. Dont you cervix what that is?Yes, I know. But why? You must be freezing.I had on a heavy winter coat, hat, gloves, and all the other requisite cold-weather accessories. He was right about the sandwich. not so much, actually. My face is a little, I guess.He shook his head and gave me a wry smile. Youll be cold when youre in the car and all that snow starts melting.I think youre more in a bad way(p) about the car than about me.He laughed. Im more worried about you getting hypothermia.In this? This is nothing. I patted the ground beside me. Come on. You make one too, and then we can go.He continued looking down at me. So I can freeze too?So you can have fun. So you can leave your mark on Idaho. Besides, it shouldnt bother you at all, right? Dont you have some sort of super cold resistance from Siberia?He sighed, a smile still on his lips. It was enough to partial(p) me even in this weather. There you go again, convinced Siberia is like Antarctica. Im from the southern part. The weathers almost the equal as here.Youre making excuses, I told him. Unless you insufficiency to drag me back to the car, youre going to have to make an angel too.Dimitri study me for several heavy moments, and I thought he might actually haul me away. His face was still light and open, though, and his expression was filled with a fondness that made my heart race. and then, without warning, he flopped into the snow beside me, lying there quietly.Okay, I said when he did nothing more. Now you have to endure your arms and legs.I know how to make a snow angel.Then do it Otherwise, youre more like a chalk outline at a police crime scene.He laughed again, and the sound was rich and warm in the still air. Finally, after a little more blarney on my part, he moved his arms and legs too, making an angel of his own. When he finished, I expected him to jump up and demand we get back on the road, but instead, he stayed there too, watching the sky and the mountains.Pretty, huh? I asked. My breath made frosty clouds in the air. I guess in some ways, its not that different from the ski resorts view but I dont know. I feel different about it all today.Lifes like that, he said. As we grow and transport, sometimes things weve experienced before take on new meaning. Itll happen for the rest of your life.I started to tease him about his propensity to always deliver these profound life lessons, but it occurred to me then that he was right. When Id first begun falling for Dimitri, the smacks had been all-consuming. Id never felt anything like it before. Id been convinced there was no possible way I could love him more. But now, after what Id witnessed with Mas on and the Strigoi, things were different. I did love Dimitri more intensely. I loved him in a different way, in a deeper way. Something about seeing how lean life was made me appreciate him more. It had made me realize how much he meant to me and how sad Id be if I ever lost him.You think itd be nice to have a cabin up there? I asked, pointing to a nearby peak. Out in the woods where no one could find you?I would think it was nice. I think youd be bored.I tried to imagine being stuck in the wilderness with him. Small room, fireplace, do I didnt think itd be that boring. It wouldnt be so bad if we had cable. And Internet. And ashes heat.Oh, rose. He didnt laugh, but I could tell he was smiling again. I dont think youd ever be intelligent someplace quiet. You always make something to do.Are you formula I have a short attending span? non at all. Im saying theres a fire in you that drives everything you do, that makes you need to better the world and those you love. To stand up for those you cant. Its one of the marvellous things about you.Only one, huh? I spoke lightly, but his words had stir me. Hed meant what he said about thinking those were wonderful traits, and feeling his presumption in me meant more than anything just then.One of numerous, he said. He sat up and looked down at me. So, no peaceful cabin for you. Not until youre an old, old woman.What, like forty?He shook his head in exasperation and stood up, not gracing my joke with a response. Still, he regarded me with the like estimation Id heard in his voice. There was admiration too, and I thought I could never be unhappy as long as Dimitri thought I was wonderful and beautiful. Leaning down, he extended his hand. Time to go.I took it, letting him help pull me up. Once standing, we held hands for a minute longer than necessary. Then we let go and surv eyeball our work.Two perfect snow angels-one much, much taller than the other. Careful to step inside each outline, I leaned down and hac ked out a horizontal line above each head.Whats that? he asked, when I stood beside him again.Halos, I said with a grin. For heavenly creatures like us.That might be a stretch.We studied our angels for a hardly a(prenominal) moments more, looking at where we had lain side by side in that sweet, quiet moment. I wished what Id said was consecutive, that we had truly left our mark on the mountain. But I knew that after the next snowfall, our angels would disappear into the whiteness and be nothing more than a memory.Dimitri touched my arm gently, and without another(prenominal) word, we sour around and headed back to the car.Compared to that memory of him and the way hed looked at me out there on the mountain, I thought the angel looking back at me in church seemed piquet and boring in comparison. No offense to her.The congregation was filing back to their seats after taking bread and wine. Id stayed seated for that, but I did understand a few of the priests words. Life. Death. Des troy. Eternal. I knew enough about all this to string together the meaning. I would have bet good capital resurrection was in there too. I sighed, wishing it were truly that easy to bunk death and bring back those we loved.Church ended, and I left with the Belikovs, feeling melancholy. As people passed each other near the entrance, I saw some eggs being exchanged.Viktoria had explained that it was a big tradition around here. A few people I didnt know gave some to me, and I felt a little bad that I had nothing to snuff it in event. I also wondered how I was going to eat them all. They were decorate in various ways. Some were simply colored others were elaborately designed.Everyone seemed gabby after church, and we all stood around outside it. Friends and family hugged and caught up on gossip. I stood near Viktoria, smiling and difficult to follow the conversation that lots took place in both English and Russian.ViktoriaWe turned and saw Nikolai striding toward us. He gave us -by which I mean, he gave her-a brilliant smile. Hed dressed up for the holiday and looked amazing in a sage shirt and dark green tie. I eyed Viktoria, wondering if it had any effect on her. Nope. Her smile was cultured, genuinely happy to see him, but there was nothing romantic there. Again, I wondered about her mystery friend.He had a couple of guys with him whom Id met before. They greeted me too. want the Belikovs, they seemed to think I was a permanent fixture around here.Are you still going to Marinas party? asked Nikolai.Id nearly forgotten. That was the party hed invited us to the first day Id met him. Viktoria had recognized then, but to my surprise, she now shook her head. We cant. We have family plans.That was news to me. There was a possibility something had come up that I didnt know about yet, but I doubted it. I had a feeling she was lying, and being a allegiant friend, I said nothing to contradict her. It was firmly watching Nikolais face fall, though.Really? Wer e going to miss you.She shrugged. Well all see each other at school.He didnt seem pacified by that. Yeah, but-Nikolais eyes suddenly lift from her face and focused on something behind us. He frowned. Viktoria and I both glanced back, and I felt her mood shift too.Three guys were strolling toward my group. They were dhampirs as well. I didnt notice anything unusual about them-smirks aside-but other dhampirs and Moroi gathered outside the church took on expressions similar to those of my companions. Troubled. Worried. Uncomfortable. The three guys came to a stop by us, get-up-and-go their way into our circle.I thought you might be here, Kolya, said one. He spoke in perfect English, and it took me a moment to realize he was public lecture of the town to Nikolai. I would never understand Russian nicknames.I didnt know you were back, replied Nikolai stiffly. Studying the two of them, I could see a distinct resemblance. They had the same bronze hair and lean build. Brothers, apparentl y.Nikolais brothers attentiveness fell on me. He brightened. And you must be the unpromised American girl. It didnt surprise me that he knew who I was.After the memorial, most of the local dhampirs had left telling tales about the American girl who had fought battles against Strigoi but carried neither a promise mark nor a graduation mark.Im Rose, I said. I didnt know what was up with these guys, but I certainly wasnt going to show any fear in confront of them. The guy seemed to appreciate my confidence and shook my hand.Im Denis. He gestured to his friends. Artur and Lev.When did you come to town? asked Nikolai, still not looking happy about this reunion. only when this morning. Denis turned to Viktoria. I heard about your brother. Im sorry.Viktorias expression was hard, but she nodded politely. Thank you.Is it true he fell controling Moroi?I didnt like the sneer in Deniss voice, but it was Karolina who voiced my angry thoughts. I hadnt noticed her approaching our group. She did nt look happy to see Denis at all.He fell fighting Strigoi. He died a hero.Denis shrugged, unaffected by the angry tone of her voice. Still makes him dead. Im sure the Moroi will sing his name for years to come.They will, I replied. He protected a whole group of them. And dhampirs too.Deniss gaze fell back on me, his eyes thoughtful as he studied my face for a few seconds. I heard you were there too. That both of you were sent into an inconceivable battle.It wasnt impossible. We won.Would Dimitri say that if he were alive?Karolina crossed her arms over her chest. If youre still here to start something, then you should leave. This is a church. It was funny. Upon meeting her, Id thought she seemed so gentle and kind, just an ordinary young mother working to sign her family. But in this moment, she seemed more like Dimitri than ever. I could see that same durability within her, that fierceness that drove her to protect loved ones and stand up to her enemies. Not that these guys wer e her enemies, exactly. I frankly didnt yet understand who they were.Were just lecture, said Denis. I just want to understand what happened to your brother. Believe me, I think his death was a tragedy.He wouldnt have regretted it, I told them. He died fighting for what he believed in.Defending others who took him for granted.Thats not true.Oh? Denis gave me a lopsided smile. Then why dont you work for the guardians? Youve killed Strigoi but have no promise mark. Not even a graduation mark, I heard. Why arent you out there throwing yourself in front of Moroi?Denis, said Nikolai uneasily, please just leave.Im not talking to you, Kolya. Deniss eyes were still on me. Im just trying to figure Rose out. She kills Strigoi but doesnt work for the guardians.Shes clearly not like the rest of you soft people in this town. maybe shes more like us.Shes nothing like you, Viktoria snapped back.I got it then, and a chill ran down my spine. These were the kind of dhampirs that specialize had bee n talking about. The true unpromised ones. The vigilantes who sought out Strigoi on their own, the ones who neither settled down nor answered to any guardians. They shouldnt have unnerved me, not really. In some ways, Denis was right. In the simplest terms, I really was like them. And yet there was an air about these guys that just rubbed me the wrong way.Then why are you in Russia? asked one of Deniss friends. I already couldnt remember his name. This is a long trip for you. You wouldnt have come here without a good reason.Viktoria was picking up her sisters anger. She came to tell us about Dimka.Denis eyed me. I think shes here to hunt Strigoi. There are more in Russia to choose from than there are in the States.She wouldnt be in Baia if she was catch Strigoi, you idiot, returned Viktoria evenly. Shed be in Vladivostok or Novosibirsk or somewhere like that.Novosibirsk. The name was familiar. But where had I heard it? A moment later, the answer came to me. Sydney had mentioned it. Novosibirsk was the largest city in Siberia.Denis continued. Maybe shes just passing through. Maybe shell want to join us when we go to Novosibirsk tomorrow.For Gods sake, I exclaimed. Im right here. Stop talking about me like Im not. And why would I want to go with you?Deniss eyes gleamed with an intense, feverish light. Good hunting there. Lots of Strigoi. Come with us, and you can help us go after them.And how many of you will come back from this? Karolina asked in a hard voice. Wheres Timosha? Wheres Vasiliy? Your hunting party keeps getting smaller each time you return here. Which one of you will be next? Whose family will be the next to mourn?Easy for you to talk, retorted the friend. Lev, I think his name was. You stay here and do nothing while we go out and keep you safe.Karolina gave him a disgusted look, and I recalled how she was dating a guardian. You go out and bitch into situations without thinking. If you want to keep us safe, then stay here and defend your families when they need it. If you want to go after Strigoi, go join the guardians and work with those who have some sense.The guardians dont hunt Strigoi cried Denis. They sit and wait and cower before the Moroi.The unfortunate part was, he had a point. But not entirely.Thats changing, I said. Theres a movement to start taking the offensive against the Strigoi. Theres also talk of the Moroi learning to fight with us. You could help be a part of that.Like you are? he laughed. You still havent told us why youre here and not with them. You can say what you want to the rest of this group, but I know why youre here. I can see it in you. The crazy, eerie look he gave me almost made me think that he could. You know the only way to rid the world of evil is to do it on our own. To sample out the Strigoi ourselves and kill them, one by one.Without a plan, finished Karolina. Without any thought of the consequences.Were strong and we know how to fight. Thats all we need to know when it comes to clea nsing Strigoi.And that was when I understood. I finally got what Mark had been trying to tell me. Denis was saying exactly what I had been thinking since I left St. Vladimirs. Id run off without a plan, wanting to throw myself into danger because I felt I had a mission that only I could carry out. Only I could kill Dimitri. Only I could destroy the evil within him. Id been heavy(a) no thought to how Id pull it off-seeing as Dimitri had beat me more often than not in fights when he was still a dhampir. With a Strigois strength and speed now? The odds were definitely against me. Still, I hadnt cared. Id been obsessed, convinced I had to do this.In my own head, what I had to do made sense, but now hearing those sentiments from Denis, it sounded crazy. Just as reckless as Mark had warned. Their motives might be good-just as mine were-but they were also suicidal. Without Dimitri, I honestly hadnt cared much about my own life. Id never been afraid to risk it before, but now I realized th ere was a big contravention between dying uselessly and dying for a reason. If I died trying to kill Dimitri because I had no strategy, then my life would have meant nothing.Just then, the priest walked over and said something to us in Russian. From his tone and expression, I think he was asking if everything was okay.Hed mingled with the rest of the congregation after the service. cosmos human, he probably didnt know all the dhampir politics afoot, but he could undoubtedly sense trouble.Denis offered him a simpering smile and gave what sounded like a polite explanation. The priest smiled in return, nodded, and wandered off when someone else called to him.Enough, said Karolina harshly, once the priest was out of earshot. You need to go. Now.Deniss body tensed, and mine responded, ready for a fight. I thought he might start something then and there. A few seconds later, he relaxed and turned to me.Show them to me first.Show you what? I asked.The marks. Show me how many Strigoi youv e killed.I didnt respond right away, wondering if this was a trick. Everyones eyes were on me. Turning slightly, I lifted the hair off the back of my neck and showed my tattoos. Little lightning-shaped molnija marks were there, along with the mark Id gotten for the battle. From the sound of Deniss gasp, I was nip hed never seen that many kills before. I let my hair go and met his gaze levelly.Anything else? I asked.Youre wasting your time, he said at last, gesturing to the people behind me. With them. With this place. You should come with us to Novosibirsk. Well help make your life worthwhile.Im the only one who can make anything of my life. I pointed down the street. You were asked to leave. Now go.I held my breath, still bracing for a fight. After several tense moments, the group retreated. onwards turning around, Denis gave me one last piercing look.This isnt what you want and you know it. When you change your mind, come find us at 83 Kasakova. We leave at sunrise tomorrow.Youl l be leaving without me, I said.Denis smile sent another chill down my spine. Well see.