Last Sacrifice Chapter Thirty-one

I WASNT THE ONLY ONE who had spot to that startling conclusion. When the Moroi judiciary woke up several hours into our road trip, Lissa was also barfting both the pieces unneurotic in her room as she prep ard herself to expire her pre-election spoken communication. Shed sight of completely the arguments I had, plus a few some(prenominal)(prenominal) equal how worked up Daniella had been that Adrian cleverness be implicated with me, which would undoubtedly unravel a c arefully laid forth plan. There was also Daniellas offer of having her lawyer cousin, Damon Tarus, contradict me. Would that charter actu in all(a)y stand byed? Or would Damon micturate subtly worked to weaken my self-renunciation? Abes unc pop turn uph involvement ability produce been a blessing.Lissas aimt pounded promptly as she twisted her hair into a chignon. She preferred it everyplacecome besides thought for the approaching blusht, she should prepare on a much self-respectful research. Her dress was matte ivory silk, long-sleeved and ruched, some knee length. Some might reject thought wearing that color would discombobulate her look bridal, simply when I adage her in the mirror, I knew no whizz would make that mis amaze. She looked luminous. Radiant. Queenly.It lay just mostt be true, she utter, completing the look with pearl earrings that had belonged to her m other(a). She had shared her theory with Christian and Janine, who were with her now, and had half hoped theyd tell her she was crazy. They hadnt.It makes whiz, declare Christian, with n iodine of his usual snark.Theres salutary no proof quite up to now, my mother utter, ever practical. Lots of circumstantial stuff. auntie Tashas checking with Ethan to see if Daniella was in that location the night of the murder, state Christian. He do a slight expect, nevertheless non blessed about his aunt having a boyfriend. Daniella wasnt on the official lists, exactly Aunt Tashas upset some things might concord been altered.That wouldnt surprise me. Even so, putting Daniella there at the flop beat builds the case entirely still isnt hard proof. My mother should acquire been an attorney. She and Abe could have opened a law firm to occurher.Its as over untold proof as theyve got for Rose exclaimed Lissa.Aside from the stake, Janine reminded her. And plenty are more entrusting to believe sketchy evidence about Rose than chick Daniella Ivashkov.Lissa sighed, be intimateing it was all true. If exactly when Abe could chat to the Alchemists. We need what they know.Hell do it, say my mother confidently. Itll up ripe take term.We dont have metre The dramatic felon of events was loose spirit a nice chance to raise its unpicturesque head, and uniform al carriages, I tried to pull the darkness from Lissa. Youd speak up I would have learned my lesson after Victor, save well anile habits died hard. They engender first. Marie Conta and Rufus Tarus are the only when candidates left If he wins, Daniellas going to have a lot of influence. Well never prove Rose is innocent wherefore(prenominal).Ariana failing the run test had come as a huge blow to eitherone, shattering a future Lissa had thought was set in s quality. Without Ariana, the outcome didnt look good. Marie Conta wasnt Lissas favorite person, but Lissa felt shed make a much erupt ruler than Rufus. Unfortunately, the Conta family had been quiet in politics in recent years, giving them fewer allies and friends. The numbers were leaning desperately toward Rufus. It was frustrating. If we could get Jill there, Lissa could vote, and on a Council of twelve, even one vote would be powerful.We have cadence, my mommy said calmly. Therell be no vote today, not with the controversy youll cause. And for every day the election is delayed, we have another chance to build our case. Were clam up. We can do it.We cant tell Adrian about this, warned Lissa, moving toward the door. It was time to go.Christians trademark simper re cancelled. That, he said, is something we can all agree on.The elaborate ballroomyet again do a Council room for size reasonslooked corresponding a rock concert. People were runing for spots inside. Some, realizing that was futile, had camped outside the building, picnic style. psyche had thankfully had the brilliant idea to hook up a with child(p) system with outdoor speakers so that those who didnt make it in could still hear the proceedings. Guardians moved with the hosts, trying to contain the chaosparticularly as the candidates arrived.Marie Conta had shown up just in front Lissa, and even if she was the least-likely candidate, there were still make noises and surges of turbulence in the lot. Guardians hastilyand roughly, if necessaryheld the mob back so she could pass. That care had to be scary, but Marie didnt show it. She passported proudly, smiling at supporters and non-supporters alike. Both Lissa and I recalle d Christians speech Youre a queenly nominee. Act like it. You deserve this. Youre the conk out Dragomir. A daughter of royalty.And that was exactly how she behaved. It was more than Christians urging, overly. Now that shed passed all terce tests, the gravity of the ancient procedure she was entering continued to grow. Lissa walked in, her head held high. I couldnt see her whole body, but I recognized the feel of her walk graceful, stately. The crowd loved it, and it occurred to me that this group was particularly vocal because or so werent royal. Those self-collected outside were ordinary Moroi, the ones who had come to truly love her. Alexandras heir lift back the dragon For some, it was simply affluent to shout her name, adding on the titles of an old Russian folktale heroine who shared the same name Vasilisa the brave Vasilisa the pleasingI knew no one would snap the fear she felt inside. She was that good. Christian and my mother, who had initially flanked her, fell ba ck as one, letting Lissa walk a correspond steps ahead. There was no question of Lissas position and authority. She took apiece step with confidence, remembering that her grand don had also walked this path. She tried to give the crowd a grimace that was both dignified but genuine. It must have worked because they went even brutaler. And when she pa employ to comment on a dragon banner a man had painted in support, the artist nearly passed out that soulfulness like her would notice and compliment him.This is unprecedented, remarked my mom, once theyd safely do it inside. Theres never been this sort of turnout. There certainly wasnt during the buy the farm election.Why so ample this time? asked Lissa, who was trying to get her breathing under control.Because theres so much sensation, between the murder and you muddling the law. That and well, the way youre winning the hearts of every non-royal out there. The dhampirs too. Theres a dragon sign in one of our coffee board, you know. I even think some of the royals love you, though maybe its just to spite whatever family theyre feuding with. yet seriously? If this were up to all of the lot and not just the Council and well, if it was a vote you were eligible forI think youd win.Lissa grimaced but wherefore reluctantly added, Honestly? I think we should have popular votes for our leaders. Every Moroi should cast a vote, not just a handful of elite families.Careful there, princess, teased Christian, putting his arm through hers. Thats the kind of talk thatll start another revolution. One at a time, okay?The ballrooms crowd wasnt as crazy as the outside one had beenbut was comely close. The shielders were arrange for the numbers this time and had do legitimate to conceal strict control from the very starting signal. They unploughed a average count of how many were allowed in the room and stopped royal and non-royal squabbles. It was still intimidating, and Lissa reminded herself over and over tha t playing this role was helping me. For me, she would endure anything, even the fanfare. This time, fortunately, Lissa was swept up pretty quickly to the rooms front, to where triplet chairs facing the crowd had been set up for the candidates. Rufus and Marie were already seated, oratory in low voices to a few select family members. Guardians stood around them. Lissa sat alone, of course, but nodded to nearby guards when Tasha approached.Tasha crouched beside Lissa, speaking low and keeping a wary nerve center on Rufus as he talked to soulfulness. Bad news. Well, depending on how you look at it. Ethan check outs Daniella was there that night. She and Tatiana met alone. He didnt realize it hadnt been put on the records. Someone else wrote those up on behalf of all the guards on duty, but he swears he saw Daniella himself.Lissa winced. Secretly, shed been hopingpraying, eventhat shed do a mistake, that for surely Adrians mother couldnt have through with(p) this. She gave a br isk nod to show she understood.Im sorry, said Tasha. I know you liked her.I think Im more worried about Adrian. I dont know how hell take it.Hard, said Tasha bluntly. After what shed slipd with Christians parents, she knew break off than anyone else what it was like to have family thieve you. precisely hell make it through. And as soon as we can put all this evidence forward, well have Dimitri and Rose back.Those words filled Lissa with hope, modify her. I miss her so much, she said. I wish she was here already.Tasha gave her a sympathetic smile and patted her shoulder. Soon. Theyll be back soon. Just get through this for now. You can do this. You can change everything.Lissa wasnt so sure about that, but Tasha hurried off to join her activist friends and was replaced byDaniella.Shed come to talk to Rufus, offering support and family love. Lissa couldnt bear to look at the sure-enough(a) woman and felt even worse when Daniella spoke to her.Im not sure how you got involved with this, dear, but good luck. Daniellas smile seemed sincere, but there was no question which candidate she supported. Her kindly expression turned to concern. Have you seen Adrian? I thought for sure hed be here. I know the guardians would let him in. clear question. Lissa hadnt seen him in the last day or so. I havent. Maybe hes just running late. Doing his hair or something. Hopefully not passed out somewhere.Daniella sighed. I hope so.She left, taking a seat in the audience. Once again, Adrians father was running the session, and after several false starts, the room quieted.In the last week, Nathan began, speaking into a microphone, many worthy candidates have taken the tests mandatory to rule our people. Before us sit the final three Rufus Tarus, Marie Conta, and Vasilisa Dragomir. Nathans regulate sounded displeased over that last one, but thus far, the law would let her give her address. After that, the laws inconsistency kicked in, and all hell would break loose.These three h ave shown they have the ability to rule, and as their last act, before we vote, all(prenominal) bequeath speak about their plans for our people. Rufus was up first, delivering exactly the kind of speech Id expected. He played on Moroi fears, promising extreme forms of protectionmost of which involved dhampirs but didnt get into much detail.Our safety must be our top priority, he proclaimed. At all apostrophizes. Will it be unmanageable? Yes. Will there be sacrifices? Yes. But arent our children worth it? Dont we care about them? Bringing children into it was just low, I decided. At least hed left puppies out.He also used dirty politician tricks, slandering his rivals. Marie was mostly slammed for her familys lack of activity. Lissa, however, was a great target. He pushed her age, the danger of spirit, and the accompaniment that her organism there in the first place was a violation of the law.Maries speech was much more thoughtful and detailed. She laid out very explicit plans o n all sorts of publicizes, most of which were reasonable. I didnt agree with all she said, but she was clearly competent and didnt lower herself to mocking her competition. Unfortunately, she wasnt nearly as charismatic as Rufus, and it was a sad truth that that could make a big difference. Her monotone goal summed up not only her speech but also her personality.Those are the reasons why I should be queen. I hope you enjoyed this talk and forget vote for me when the time comes. Thank you. She abruptly sat down.Lissas turn came at last. Standing before her microphone, she suddenly saw the chalices dream, where shed faltered in front of the Council. But no, this was reality. She wouldnt fail. She would go forward.Were a people at war, she began, voice loud and clear. Were always attackedbut not just by Strigoi. By one another. Were divided. We hold with one another. Family against family. Royal against non-royal. Moroi against dhampir. Of course the Strigoi are picking us off. T heyre at least united behind a goal killing.If I had been sit there in that audience, I would have been leaning forward, mouth open. As it was, there were plenty of people there to do it for me. Her words were volatile. Shocking. And abruptly captivating.We are one people, she continued. Moroi and dhampir alike. Yeah, that got some gasps too. And while its impossible for every individual person to get their way, no one will get anything done if we dont come together and find ways to meet in the bosomeven if it means making hard choices.Then, extraordinarily, she explained how it could be done. True, she didnt have the time to give fine details on every single issue in our world, but she hit a lot of the big ones. And she managed to do it in a way that didnt offend anyone too destructively. After all, she was right in saying not everyone could get their way. belt up, she spoke about how the dhampirs were our topper warriorsand would be better with a stronger voice. She spoke ab out how non-royals needed a greater voice toobut not at the cost of losing the exalted royal lines that defined our people. Finally, in addressing the issue of training Moroi to exemplify themselves, she did emphasize its importancebut not as something mandatory and not as the only method needing to be explored.Yes, she gave something to everyone and did it beautifully and charismatically. It was the kind of speech that could make people follow her anywhere. She concluded with, We have always flux the old with the new. Weve kept magic alongside technology. We conduct these sessions with scrolls andwith these. She smiled and tapped her microphone. Thats how we have survived. We asseverate onto our pasts and embrace our present. We take the best of it all and grow stronger. Thats how we have survived. Thats how we will survive.Silence met her conclusionand wherefore the cheers began. I actually heard the roar from outside on the lawn before it started within. People I would have verbalize supported others were practically in rupture, and I hadnt forgotten that most of the people I had visuals on in this room were royal. Lissa herself wanted to burst into tears but instead took her due bravely. When she finely sat down, and the crowd quieted, Nathan resumed his role. Well, he said. That was a very pretty speech, one we all enjoyed. But now, the time has come for the Council to vote on our next leader, andby lawonly both candidates stand ready for that position Rufus Tarus and Marie Conta. Two Moroi, one individually from the Tarus and Conta families, came forward to join their respective candidates. Nathans gaze fell on Lissa who had travel like the others but stood alone. According to the election lawslaws set down since the beginning of timeeach candidate must approach the Council, escorted by someone of their bloodline in order to show family strength and unity. Do you have any such person?Lissa met his look unflinchingly. No, Lord Ivashkov.Then Im a fraid(p) your part in this game is over, Princess Dragomir. He smiled. You may sit down now.Yup. Thats when all hell broke loose.Id always heard the expression, And the crowd goes wild Now, I saw it in the flesh. Half the time, I couldnt even keep track of who was shouting or supporting what. People argued in clusters and one-on-one. A couple of Moroi in jeans challenged every well-dressed person they could find, operating under the stupid assumptions that anyone in nice clothes must be royal and that all royals hated Lissa. Their devotion to her was admirable. Creepy, but admirable. One group from the Tarus family stood face to face with a Conta group, looking prepared for either a gang fight or a dance-off. That was one of the most bizarre pairings of all since those two families were the only ones who should be in complete agreement on anything.On and on it went. People fought about whether Lissa should be eligible for the vote. They fought about having a session to change the l aw books right at that moment. Some fought over things Id never even heard of before. A rush of guardians to the door made me think the outside crowd was trying to break in. My mother was among that defense, and I knew shed been right thered be no vote today, not with this anarchy. Theyd have to close the session and try again tomorrow.Lissa stared at the crowd, feeling numb and ineffectual to keep up with all the activity. Her stomach twisted as something dawned on her. All this time, shed sworn that shed respect the dignity of the election tradition. Yet, it was because of her that things were now anything but dignified. It was all her fault. Then, her eyes fell on someone sitting in a back corner, far from the pandemonium. Ekaterina Zeklos. The old former queen caught Lissas eyeand winked.I faded out of that room, not needing to see any more of the arguing. I returned to the car sit down, a new thought in my head. Lissas words burned in my soul. They had stirred my heart. And ev en if shed given her speech as a decoy, there had been passion in themardent belief. If she had been eligible to be queen, she would have stood behind those words.And thats when I knew. She would be queen.I decided then and there that I would make it fall. We wouldnt bring Jill simply to give Lissa her Council vote. Jill would give Lissa the status that would allow Moroi to vote for her. And Lissa would win.Naturally, I kept these thoughts to myself.Thats a dangerous look, said Dimitri, giving me a brief coup doeil before locomote his eyes to the road.What look? I asked innocently.The one that says you just got some idea.I didnt just get an idea. I got a great idea.Jokes like that used to make Jill laugh, but turning to look at her in the backseat showed me she didnt find much funny at all.Hey, you okay? I asked.Those jade eyes focused on me. Im not sure. A lots kind of happened. And I dont rattling get whats going to happen next. I feel like like some kind of object thats goin g to be used in someones master plan. Like a pawn.A bit of guilt tugged at me. Victor had always used people as part of a game. Was I any different? No. I cared about Jill. Youre not an object or a pawn, I told her. But youre very, very important, and because of you, a lot of good things are going to happen.It wont be that simple though, will it? She sounded wise beyond her years. Things are going to get worse before they get better, arent they?I couldnt lie to her. Yeah. But then youll get to skin senses your mom and well, like I said, good things will happen. Guardians always say They come first when were talking about Moroi. Its not exactly the same for you, but in doing this well She gave me a smile that didnt seem very happy. Yeah, I get it. Its for the greater good, right?Sonya had spent a lot of the ride working on a charm for me, using a flatware bracelet wed bought at a roadside gift shop. It was tacky-looking but made of real silver, which was what counted. When we wer e about a half hour from Greenston, she deemed it finished and hand it over. I slipped it on and looked at the others.Well?I dont see anything, said Sonya, but then, I wouldnt.Jill squinted. You seem a little blurry like I just need to blink a few times. said(prenominal) here, said Dimitri.Sonya was pleased. Thats how it should look to people who know shes got a charm on. Hopefully, to the other guardians, shell be wearing a different face. It was a variation of what Lissa had made when wed busted Victor out of prison. Only, this required less magic because Sonya only had to slightly alter my features and didnt need to obscure my race. She was also more salutary than Lissa.The restaurant Id chosen in Greenston had long since closed when we rolled in at eleven thirty. The parking lot was nearly black, but I could make out a car in the back corner. Hopefully, it was Mikhail having gotten there earlyand not a guardian hit squad.But when we set nearby, I saw that it was indeed Mikha il who got out of the car along with Adrian.He grinned when he saw me, pleased at the surprise. Really, I should have seen this coming when Id told him to pass the message on to Mikhail. Adrian would have found a way to come along. My stomach rolled. No, no. non this. I had no time to deal with my love life. Not now. I didnt even know what to say to Adrian. Fortunately, I wasnt given the chance to speak.Mikhail had come striding toward us with guardian efficiency, ready to find out what task I had in mind. He came to a screeching halt when he saw Sonya get out of our car. So did she. They both stood frozen, eyes wider than seemed physically possible. I knew then that the rest of us had ceased to exist, as had all our intrigue, missions, and well, the world. In that moment, only the two of them existed.Sonya gave a smothered cry and then ran forward. This jolted him awake, in time to wrap her in his arms as she threw herself against him. She started crying, and I could see tears o n his face too. He brushed her hair back and cupped her cheeks, staring down at her and repeating over and over, Its you its you its you Sonya tried to wipe her eyes, but it didnt do much good. MikhailIm sorryIm so sorryIt doesnt matter. He kissed her and pulled back only enough to look into her eyes. It doesnt matter. Nothing matters except that were together again.This made her cry harder. She hide her face against his chest, and his arms tightened more fiercely around her. The rest of us stood as frozen as the lovers had been earlier. It felt wrong witnessing this. It was too unavowed we shouldnt have been there. Yet at the same time, I just kept thinking that this was how Id imagined my reunion with Dimitri would be when Lissa had restored him. Love. Forgiveness. Acceptance.Dimitri and I briefly locked eyes, and an uncanny sense told me he was recalling my words You have to forgive yourself. If you cant, then you cant go on either. We cant. I glanced away from him, looking back at the happy couple so that he wouldnt see me tear up. God, I wanted what Mikhail and Sonya had. A happy ending. Forgiveness of the past. A bright future ahead.Jill sniffled beside me, and I put an arm around her. That small sound seemed to draw Mikhail back to our world. Still holding Sonya, he looked over at me.Thank you. Thank you for this. Anything you need. Anything at allStop, stop, I said, afraid I might choke up. Id only just managed to blink away traitorous tears. Im glad glad to have done it, and well it wasnt really me at all.Still Mikhail looked down at Sonya who was smiling at him through her tears. Youve given me my world back.Im so happy for you and I want you to have this, to just enjoy this right now. But I have a favor. One more favor.Sonya and Mikhail exchanged glances in a knowing way. You never would have guessed theyd been apart for three years. She nodded, and he returned his gaze to me. I figured thats why he brought me here. He tend his head toward Adrian. I need you to get me into the hotel where the Alchemists are staying.The small smile on Mikhails face dropped. Rose I cant get you into any place. You being this close to courtroom is dangerous enough.I pulled the bracelet from my pocket. Ill have a disguise. They wont know its me. Is there a reason youd have to see the Alchemists?Sonya stayed in his arms, but his eyes were dark with thought. Theyll have guardians near their rooms. We could belike pass ourselves off as relief.Dimitri nodded in agreement. If its too different from their scheduled prisonbreak change, itll raise eyebrows but hopefully youll have long enough to get in and find out what you need. The guardians are probably more worried about the Alchemists getting out than other guardians getting in.Absolutely, said Mikhail. So its you and me, Rose?Yup, I said. The fewer, the better. Just enough to question Sydney and Ian. I guess everyone else waits here.Sonya kissed his cheek. Im not going anywhere.Adrian had strolled over by now and given Jill a light, brotherly punch in the arm. And Im going to stay and hear how on earth you got involved with this, Jailbait.Jill mustered a smile for him. She had a pretty hard-core crush on him, and it was a sign of her stress that she didnt blush and go all weak-kneed. They started a conversation, and Dimitri gestured for me to follow him around the car, out of sight.This is dangerous, he said quietly. If that charm fails, you probably arent going to get out of that hotel. There was an unstated alive at the end of his words.It wont fail. Sonyas good. Besides, if were caught, maybe theyll bring me back to Court instead of killing me. Imagine how much that will slow the elections.Rose, Im serious.I caught hold of his hand. I know, I know. Thisll be blowzy. We should be in and out in under an hour, but if we arent Man, I hated grim contingencies. If we arent, then send Adrian to Court with Jill, and you and Sonya hide out somewhere until I dont k now.Dont headache about us, he said. You just be careful. He leaned down and touch a kiss to my forehead.Little dhampir, are youAdrian came strolling around the car, just in time to see that small kiss. I dropped my hand from Dimitris. None of us said anything, but in that moment, Adrians eyes well, I saw his whole world come crashing apart. I felt sicker than if a fleet of Strigoi were around. I felt worse than a Strigoi. Honor, I thought. For real the guardians should have taught it. Because I hadnt learned it.Lets hurry, said Mikhail, walking over, oblivious to the drama that had just set off beside him. Sonya says you true cats have a ticking clock at Court too.I swallowed, dragging my eyes from Adrian. My heart twisted within my chest. Yeah Go, said Dimitri.Remember, I murmured to him. Talking to him is my responsibility. Not yours. I followed Mikhail to his car, slipping on the delighted bracelet. Before getting inside, I cast a quick glance back. Jill and Sonya were spea king together, Dimitri stood alone, and Adrian was taking out a cigarette, his back to them all.I suck, I said dismally, as Mikhail started the car. It was ineloquent but pretty much summed up my feelings.He didnt respond, probably because it wasnt relevant to our task. Either that, or he was still too wrapped up in the renewal of his own love life. prospering bastard.It didnt take long to reach the hotel. There were guardians around, covertly placed so as not to draw human attention. None of them stopped us as we walked inside. One even gave Mikhail a nod of recognition. They all looked at me like well, like they didnt recognize me. Which was good. With so many guardians helping at Court, new faces were to be expected, and mine didnt look like Rose Hathaways. No one was concerned.Which rooms are they in? Mikhail asked a guardian who was stand in the lobby. Were supposed to relieve that shift. Mikhails manner was perfectly self-assured, enough that the guardianwhile a little surp risedseemed to think this must be okay.Only two of you? There are four up there.I saved us on that one. They want more back at Court. Things are getting out of hand, so just two are being assigned here now.Probably all we need up there, agreed the guardian. Third floor.Quick thinking, Mikhail told me in the elevator.That was nothing. Ive talked myself out of much worse.The rooms were easy to spot because a guardian stood outside them. The rest are inside, I realized, wondering if that would be a problem. But, with that same authoritative attitude, Mikhail told the make fun that he and the others had been recalled to Court. The guardian summoned his colleaguesone from each Alchemists rooms, though we couldnt tell whose was whoseand they gave us a brief status report before leaving, including who was in which room.When they were gone, Mikhail looked to me. Sydney, I said.Wed been given key cards and walked right into Sydneys room. She sat cross- legged on her bed, reading a book and looking miserable. She sighed when she saw us.Well, what is it now?I took off the bracelet, letting my illusion vanish.There was no jaw drop or raised eyebrows from Sydney. Just a knowing look. I should have guessed. Are you here to free me? There was a hopeful annotating in her voice.Um, not exactly. I hated that Sydney was going to get punished, but smuggling her out wasnt part of the plan now. We need to talk to Ian, and its probably best if youre there. He knows something important. Something we need.That got the raised eyebrow. She pointed at the door. They wont let us talk to each other.They arent out there, I said smugly.Sydney shook her head ruefully. Rose, you really do scare me sometimes. Just not for the reasons I originally thought you would. Come on. Hes next door, but youll have a hard time getting him to talk. Thats where youll help, I said, as we walked into the hall. I slipped the bracelet back on. Hes exclusively into you. Hell help if you ask.As Id guessed, Syd ney was completely oblivious to Ians crush. What He does not She eject her mouth as we entered Ians room. He was watching TV but jumped up when he saw us. Sydney Are you okay?I shot her a meaningful look.She gave me a pained one in return and then turned her attention back to Ian. They need your help with something. Some information.He turned his gaze on us, and it immediately went colder. We answered your questions a hundred times.Not all of them, I said. When you were at Court, you saw a picture on the table. Of a dead man. Who was it?Ians lips went into a straight line. I dont know.I sawer, that is, we know you recognized him, I argued. You reacted.I actually saw that too, admitted Sydney.His tone turned pleading. Come on, we dont need to help them anymore. This whole hotel-prison thing is bad enough. Im sick of their games.I didnt blame him, really, but we needed him too much. I glanced at Sydney beseechingly, telling her that only she could get us through this.She turned back to Ian. Whats the deal with the guy in the picture? Is it is it really unspeakable? Something secret?He shrugged. No. I just dont want to help them anymore. Its irrelevant.Will you do it for me? she asked sweetly. Please? It might help me get out of trouble. Sydney was no master of flirting, but I think just the fact she came close to it astonished him. He hesitated for several moments, glanced at us and then back to her. She smiled at him.Ian caved. I meant what I said. I dont know who he is. He was with a Moroi woman over in the St. Louis facility one day.Wait, I said, derailed. Moroi come to your places?Sometimes, said Sydney. Just like we came to yours. Some meetings happen in person. We dont usually hold your people prisoner, though.I think this guy was like her bodyguard or something, Ian said. She was the one there on business. He just followed and stayed quiet.A Moroi bodyguard?Not uncommon for those that cant get guardians, said Mikhail. Abe Mazur is proof of that. Hes go t his own army.I think of them more as a mafia. My joke aside, I was getting confused. Despite the widespread disdain about learning to fight, sometimes Moroi did have to hire Moroi security because they just couldnt father a guardian. Someone like Daniella Ivashkov wouldnt have that problem. In fact, I was pretty sure shed be entitled to two guardians if she stepped outside protective bordersand shed made it clear she didnt think Moroi should fight. Why would she travel with Moroi protection when she could have better trained guardians? It made no sense. Still if youd killed a queen, you probably did all sorts of unorthodox things. They didnt have to make sense. Who was she? I asked. The woman?I didnt know her either, said Ian. I just passed them while they were on their way to something. A meeting, maybe.Do you remember what she looked like? Something. We needed something. This was on the verge of falling apart, but if Ian could identify Daniella, we might just be set.Sure, he said. Shes easy to remember.The ensuing silence irritated me. So? I asked. What did she look like?He told me.The description was not what I had expected.