The Golden Lily Chapter 23

IT TOOK SONYA a few days to recover, thus delaying her return to Pennsylvania. When she was ready to go to the airport, I offered to drive her. The rental gondola had been demonstrate, tho Dimitri was using it to clean up after the mission. Within twenty-four hours, the Warriors had vacated their compound, which had turned out to be a rental facility generally utilize for retreats. Theyd left roughly no trace of their presence behind, but that hadnt stopped the guardians from scouring every inch of the abandoned compound.Thanks again, Sonya told me. I k corresponding a s baking hot how crabbed you must be.Its no problem. Its the weekend, and some(prenominal)way this is what Im here for to help you guys.She laughed softly to herself. Her recovery in the last couple of days had been remark suitable, and she now looked as pretty and glary as usual. She wore her auburn hair down today, allowting it fall in fiery waves around the delicate lines of her brass instrument. True, but it seems kindred you keep having to go supra and beyond your job description.Im just glad youre okay, I said earnestly. Id grown close to Sonya and was sad to see her go. Back in that arena well, it was kind of terrifying. nigh of her amusement faded. It was. I was out of it most of the time and non really able to process what was going on around me. only if I do remember your words. You were pretty amazing, not to mention brave, to face down that crowd and defend me. I bonk how heavy it must puzzle been to be in opposition with your own kind.Those people are not my kind, I said adamantly. Some part of me wondered littlely who my kind were. Whats going to happen to your research now?Oh, itll continue underpin East. Dimitri will be returning soon too, and there are other researchers who can help us at Court. Having an objective tonus user like Adrian was extremely useful, and weve got plenty of data to keep us busy now, thanks to the blood samples and aura observations. Well let Adrian continue with his art and press in touch later if we deprivation him again.I gloss over couldnt shake the guilt over how my refusal to give more blood had indirectly resulted in Sonyas kidnapping. Sonya, nigh my blood Dont puzzle about it, she interrupted. You were correct about me being pushy and also that we need to focus on Dimitri first. Besides, we might be making approximately headway with getting Alchemist help.Really? Stanton had seemed pretty against it when we spoke. They said yes?No, but they said theyd get back to us.I laughed. With them, thats a pretty positive answer. I feral silent for a moment, wondering if this meant everyone would forget about my blood.Between the Warriors and the potential of Alchemist aid, surely my blood was no longer important.After all, initial study had found nothing special. No one had any reason to worry about my blood anymore. Except, the thing was I was kind of worried. Because no matter how untold I dreaded bei ng experimented on, that nagging question wouldnt leave me alone Why hadnt the Strigoi been able to drink my blood?Sonyas earlier mention of auras reminded me of another burning question. Sonya, what does empurpled mean in both(prenominal)ones aura? Adrian records he saw it in mine but wont tell me what it is.Typical, she said with a chuckle. Purple well, lets see. From what Ive observed, its a complex color. Its a spiritual but passionate color, tied to those who drive in deeply and also seek a higher calling. Its interesting in that it has such depth. White and straightforward gold tend to be the colors associated with higher powers and metaphysics, just as red and orange are linked to love and baser instincts. Purple kind of has the outgo of all of those. I wish I could explain it more clearly.No, that makes sense, I said, pulling into the airports circle driveway. Kind of. It doesnt exactly sound like me, though.Well, its hardly an exact science. And hes office its there in you. The thing is Wed stopped at the curb, and I saw her studying me carefully. Ive never spy it before. I mean, Im sure its always been there, but whenever I looked at you, I just saw the yellow of most intellects.Adrian isnt as adept at reading auras as I am, so Im move he noticed what I missed.She wasnt the only one. Spiritual, passionate was I really those things? Did Adrian believe I was those things? The image made me feel warm all over. triumphal and confused.Sonya seemed like she was about to say more on the matter and then changed her mind.She cleared her throat. Well, then. hither we are. Thank you again for the ride.No problem, I said, my mind comfort swimming with visions of purple. Have a safe trip. She opened the car door and then paused. Oh, I have something for you. Clarence asked me to give it to you.Clarence?Sonya rustled through her purse and found an envelope. Here you are. He was pretty adamant you get it you know how he is when he gets worked up abou t something.I do. Thanks.Sonya left with her luggage, and curiosity made me open the envelope before I drove away. Inside was a filmgraph, showing Clarence and a young guy, close to my age, who looked human. The two of them had their arms around each other and were grinning at the camera. The unknown guy had straight blond hair that just barely brushed his chin and stunning blue eyes that stood out against suntanned features. He was extremely handsome, and although his eyes mirrored his smile, I thought there was a little sadness too.I was so caught up in his advanced looks that I didnt notice his tattoo right away. It was on his left cheek, an abstract design made of clustered crescents of various sizes and orientations, lying together so that they some looked like a vine. It was exotic and beautiful the rich indigo ink a near match for his eyes. Studying the design more closely, I noticed something familiar about its shape and swore I could see a faint glimmer of gold edging the blue lines. I nearly dropped the picture in shock. The crescents had been tattooed over an Alchemist lily. I flipped the picture over. One word was scrawled on it Marcus.Marcus Finch, whom the Warriors had claimed was an ex-Alchemist. Marcus Finch, whom the Alchemists had claimed didnt exist. The crazy thing was, unless someone locked away like Keith counted, there were no ex-Alchemists. You were in it for life. You couldnt passing game away. Yet, that obscured lily spoke for itself. Unless Marcus had had a name change that somehow eluded the Alchemists, Stanton and the others were lying to me about knowing who he was. But why? Had there been some rift? A week ago, I would have said it was impossible that Stanton wouldnt tell me the truth about him, but now, knowing how carefully information was parceled out or not I had to wonder.I stared at the picture a few more moments, caught up in those haunting blue eyes. Then, I tucked it away and returned to Amberwood, decided to ke ep the photograph a secret. If the Alchemists indirect requested to deny Marcus Finchs existence to me, I would let them continue until I figured out why. That meant my only lead was Clarence and the thoughtless Warriors. Still, it was a start.Somehow, sometime, I was going to find Marcus Finch and get my answers.I was surprised to see Jill sitting outside our dorm when I walked in. She was in the shade, of course, still able to enjoy the nice weather without the suns full force. Wed finally moved into a sort of autumn around here, not that eighty was what I usually associated with rattling(a) fall weather. Jills face was pensive, but she brightened a little when she saw me.Hey, Sydney. I was hoping to catch you. Cant find you anymore without your phone. I made a face. Yeah, I need to replace that. Its been a huge pain. She nodded in commiseration. Did you drop Sonya off?Shes on her way back to Court and Mikhail and hopefully a much more passive life.Thats good, said Jill. She glanced away and bit her lower lip.I knew her well enough by now to recognize the signs of when she was bracing to tell me something. I also knew stop than to push the matter, so I waited patiently.I did it, she said at last. I told Micah its over really over. Relief flooded me. One less thing to worry about. Im sorry, I said. I know that must have been hard.She brushed curly hair away from her face as she considered. Yes. And no. I like him.And Id like to keep hanging out with him as friends if he wants to. I dont know, though. He took it kind of hard and our mutual friends? Well theyre not very happy with me right now. I tried not to groan. Jill had made such headway with her status here, and now it could be shattered. But its for the best. Micah and I live in different worlds, and thered be no real future with a human anyway. Besides, Ive been thinking a lot about love like, epic love She looked up at me for a moment, her gaze softening. And that wasnt what we had. Seems like if Im with someone, thats what I should feel.I thought epic love was kind of a stretch for someone her age but didnt say so. ar you going to be okay?She snapped back to reality. Yeah, I think so. A small smile played over her lips. And once this has passed, maybe Eddie will want to go out sometime away from campus, of course. Seeing as were related.Her words were almost a repeat of what Id heard the other night at Clarences, and I stared in surprise as realization dawned on me. You dont know I thought you would since Angelines your roommateJill frowned. What are you talking about? What dont I know? Oh God. Why, oh why, did I have to be the one to deliver this news? Why couldnt I be locked away in my room or the library doing something enjoyable, like cooking?Eddies, um, asked Angeline out. I dont know when its going to happen, but he decided to give her a chance. He hadnt borrowed my car, so presumably thered been no date yet.Jill looked stricken. W-what? Eddie and Angeline? But he cant stand herSomething changed, I said lamely. Im not sure what. Its not like, er, epic love, but theyve gotten closer these last few weeks. Im sorry. Jill seemed more devastated by this than breaking up with Micah.She looked away and blinked back tears. Its okay. I mean, I never encouraged him. He probably still thinks Im dating Micah. Why should he have waited around? He should have someone.Jill Its okay. Ill be okay. She looked so sad and then, amazingly, her face grew scour darker.Oh, Sydney. Youre going to be so mad at me.I was still thinking of Micah and felt totally confused at the topic change. Why? She reached into her backpack and pulled out a glossy magazine. It was some kind of southern California tourism one, with articles and ads highlighting the area. One of the pages was marked, and I turned to it. It was a full-page advertisement for Lia DiStefano, a collage of pictures of her various designs.And one of the photos was of Jill.It took me a moment to catch it. The picture was a profile shot, with Jill in sunglasses and a fedora as well as that peacock-colored scarf Lia had given her. Jills curly hair streamed out behind her, and the angles of her face looked beautiful. If I hadnt known Jill so well, I would never have identified her as this chic model though it would authoritatively be obvious that she was a Moroi to anyone who knew what to look for.How? I demanded. How did this happen?Jill took a deep breath, ready to accept her pick. When she dropped off the costumes and gave me the scarf, she asked if Id let her take a picture to see how the colors photographed.She had some of the other accessories in the car, and I put those on too. She wanted to prove to me that with the right coverage, she could hide my identity. But I never thought I mean, she didnt say shed use it. God, I feel so stupid. Maybe not stupid, but certainly naive. I nearly crumpled up the magazine. I was furious at Lia. Part of me wanted to sue for using a picture of a minor without permission, but we had much bigger problems. How wide was this magazines circulation? If Lia had only put Jills photo on display in California, maybe no one would recognize her. Still, a Moroi model could raise eyebrows. Who knows what kind of trouble this was going to cause for us now?Sydney, Im sorry, said Jill. What can I do to fix this?nothing, I said. Except to stay away from Lia. I felt ill. Ill take care of this. I really didnt know how, though. I could only pray no one noticed the picture.Ill do whatever you need if you think of something. I oh. Her eyes upraised to something behind me. Maybe we should talk later.I glanced back. Trey was walking toward us. Another problem to deal with.Probably a good idea, I said. Jills heartache and forwarding would have to go on the back burner. She left as Trey came to stand beside me.Melbourne, he said, attempting one of his old smiles. It faltered a little.I didnt know you were still around, I said. I thought youd left with the others. The Warriors had scattered to the wind. Trey had said before that they traveled for their hunts, and Master Angeletti had also mentioned gathering from various places of the country. Presumably, they had all returned to where theyd germ from. Id thought Trey would simply disappear as well.Nope, he said. This is where I go to school, where my dad wants me to stay. Besides, the other Warriors never had a permanent base here in Palm Springs. Theyll move on to whereverHe couldnt finish, so I did. Wherever you get a tip-off about monsters you can savagely execute?It wasnt like that, he said. We thought she was one of the Strigoi. We still do. I scrutinized his face, this guy Id thought was my friend. I was pretty sure he still was. Not you. Thats why you threw the fight.I didnt, he protested.You did. I saw you hesitate when you could have taken out Chris. You didnt want to win.You didnt want to kill Sonya because you werent sure she really was Strigoi. He didnt d eny it. I still think they should all be destroyed.So do I. I reconsidered. Well, unless theres a way to save them all, but thats unclear. Despite how much Id said while advocating for Sonya, I wasnt quite comfortable letting him on the secrets and experiments. If the Warriors travel around, whatll happen the next time theyre in this area? Or even ll.A.? Will you join them again? Will you travel to the next hunt?No. The answer was hard. Blunt, even.Hope surged in me. Youve decided to split off from them? The emotions on Treys face were hard to read, but they didnt look like happy ones. No.They decided to cut us off me and my dad. Weve been outcast. I stared for a few moments, at a loss for words. I didnt like the Warriors or Treys involvement, but this wasnt quite what Id been trying to achieve. Because of me?No. Yes. I dont know. He shrugged. Indirectly, I guess. They dont blame you personally or even the Alchemists. Hell, they still want to team up with the Alchemists. They figur e you just behaved in your typically misguided way. But me? Im the one who pushed to let you in, who swore everything would be fine. So, they blame me for the lapse of judgment and fallout that came from it. Others are taking the blame too the council for agreeing, security for not stopping the raid but that doesnt make me feel better. protactinium and I were the only ones exiled.I Im sorry. I never thought anything like that would happen.Wasnt your place to, he said pragmatically, though his tone was still miserable. To a certain extent, theyre right. I was the one that got you in. It is my fault, and theyre punishing my dad for what I did. Thats the worst part of all. Trey was trying to play it cool, but I could see the truth. Hed worked so hard to impress his father and ended up causing the ultimate humiliation. Treys next words confirmed as much. The Warriors have been my dads whole life. To be kicked out like that well, hes taking it pretty badly. I have to find a way to get back in for him. I dont suppose you know where any easy-to-kill Strigoi are, do you?No, I said. Especially since none of them are easy kills. I hesitated, unsure how to proceed.Trey, whats this mean for us? I understand if we cant be friends anymore seeing as how I, uh, ruined your lifes work.A hint of his old smile returned. Nothings ruined for good. I told you, Ill get back in. And if its not by killing Strigoi, who knows? Maybe if I produce more about you guys, I can bridge the gap between our groups and get us to all work together. That would score me some points.Youre welcome to try, I said diplomatically. I really didnt think that would happen, and he could tell.Well, Ill figure something out then, some big move to get the Warriors attention and get my dad and me back in with them. I have to. His face started to fall again, but then there was a brief return of the phantom smile though it was tinged with sadness. You know what else sucks? Now I cant ask Angeline out. Hangin g out with you is one thing, but even if Im an outcast, I cant risk being friendly with Moroi or dhampirs. I particularly cant date one. I mean, Id figured she was one a while ago, but I could have played dumb. That attack in the arena kind of killed any chance of that. The Warriors really dont like them either, you know. Dhampirs or Moroi. Theyd love to see them brought down too they just think its too hard and less of a antecedency right now.Something about those words made me shiver, particularly since I recalled the offhand Warrior comment about eventually taking out Moroi. The Alchemists certainly had no love for dhampirs and Moroi, but that was a far cry from wanting to bring them down.I gotta get going. Trey reached into his pocket and handed over something that I was grateful to see. My phone. evaluate you were missing this.Yes I took it eagerly and turned it on. I hadnt known if Id get it back and had been on the verge of buying a new one. This one was deuce-ace months old and practically out-of-date anyway. Thanks for saving it. Oh. Wow. I read the display. There are like a million messages from Brayden. We hadnt spoken since the night of Sonyas disappearance.The arch(a) look I liked so well on Trey returned. Better get on that then. True love waits for no one.True love, huh? I shook my head in exasperation. So nice to have you back. That earned me an outright grin. See you around.As soon as I was alone, I texted Brayden penitent for the radio silence. Lost my phone for three days. His response was almost immediate Im at work, due for a break soon. Come by?I thought about it. Seeing as I had no life-saving tasks right now, this was as good a time as any. I texted back that Id leave Amberwood right away.Brayden had my favorite latte ready for me when I got to Spencers. Based on when you were leaving, I calculated when I would need to make it in order for it to be hot when you arrived.Thanks, I said, taking it. I felt a little guilt that I had a greater emotional reaction to seeing the coffee than him.He told the other barista he was going on break and then led me over to a remote table.This wont take long, Brayden said. I know you probably have a lot of things to do this weekend.Things are actually starting to lighten up, I said.He took a deep breath, showing that same resolve and trouble hed had when asking me for future dates. Sydney, he said, voice formal, I dont think we should see each other anymore. I stopped mid-sip. Wait what?I know how desolate this probably is for you, he added. And I admit, its hard for me too. But in light of recent events, its become clear you just arent ready for a relationship yet. fresh events?He nodded solemnly. Your family. Youve broken off a number of our social engagements to be with them. While that kind of familial devotion is admirable, I just cant be in that kind of volatile relationship.Volatile? I just kept repeating his key words and finally forced myself to get a grip. Solet me get this straight. Youre breaking up with me. He thought about it. Yes. Yes, I am.I waited for some internal reaction. An outpouring of grief. The sense of my heart breaking.Any emotion, really. But mostly, all I felt was kind of a puzzled surprise.Huh, I said.That was apparently enough of a distraught reaction for Brayden. Please dont make this harder than it is. I admire you a lot. Youre absolutely the smartest girl Ive ever met. But I just cant be involved with someone as irresponsible as you. I stared. Irresponsible.Brayden nodded again. Yes.Im not sure where it started, somewhere in my stomach or chest, maybe. But all of a sudden, I was consumed by uncontrollable laughter. I couldnt stop. I had to behave down my coffee, lest I spill it. Even then, I had to bury my face in my hands to wipe away tears.Sydney? asked Brayden cautiously. Is this some kind of hysterical-grief reaction? It took me almost another minute to calm myself enough to answer him. Oh, Brayden.Youve made my day. Youve given me something I never thought Id get. Thank you. I reached for the coffee and stood up. He looked altogether lost.Um, youre welcome?I left the coffee shop, still laughing like a fool. For the last month or so, everyone in my life had gone on and on about how responsible I was, how diligent, how exemplary. Id been called a lot of things. But never, ever, had I been called irresponsible.And I kind of liked it.