The Indigo Spell Chapter Twelve

I FELT LIKE A FAILURE when I delivered Ms. Terwilliger the news in the lead classes the next sidereal day.She told me, her face pale and grim, that at that place was nothing I couldve done. But I didnt know if I believed that. I still berated myself with the same questions as digest night. What if I hadnt spent the previous day with Marcus? What if I hadnt spent so much time making positive(predicate) the Mustang was taken care of? What if I hadnt been occupied in a massive public display of affection on the floor with Adrian? Id permit personal matters hinder, and now a girl had paid with her life. I requisiteed to skip school and warn the separates immediately, notwithstanding Ms. Terwilliger assured me that Veronica wouldnt be able to feed so quickly. She told me waiting until later in the day would be fine.I gave a reluctant nod and returned to my desk, figuring Id try to read until class started. I didnt expect to scram much success. Miss Melbourne? she c eithered. I glanced back and saw that her sad expression had lightened up a little. She almost looked amused, which seemed weird, given the situation.Yes, maam?You might want to do something astir(predicate) your neck.I was wholly lost. My neck?She reached into her purse and handed me a compact mirror. I opened it and surveyed my neck, still trying to figure out what she could be talking roughly. Then I saw it. A sm every last(predicate), brownish purple bruise on the side of my neck.What on earth is that? I exclaimed.Ms. Terwilliger snorted. Although its been a while for me, I believe the proficient term is a hickey She paused and arched an eyebrow. You do know what that is, dont you?Of course I know I lowered the mirror. But theres no counseling I mean, we barely that is She held up a hand to silence me. You dont shed to skilfulify your private life to me. But you might want to consider how you can in truth keep it private in the next fifteen minutes.I was practically out of my seat before she finished speaking. When I emerged from the building, I had the amazing spate to find the campus shuttle entirely pulling up. I hurried onto it, and although the ride to my antechamber only took a few minutes, it felt same(p) forever. All the while, my question reeled with what had happened.I have a hickey. I let Adrian Ivashkov give me a hickey.How in the world had that happened? The devastating news about Lynne had allowed me to ignore the full pertain of my indiscretion, but there was no avoiding that now. Against e very principle I possessed, Id allowed myself to ticktock drawn into kissing Adrian. And not just kissing. Thinking about the way our bodies had been press to requireher made me feel as scarlet as I had last night.No, no, no I couldnt think about that. I had to forget it had happened. I needed to make sure it didnt happen again. What had come over me? I didnt feel the way he felt about me. He was Moroi. And counterbalance if he hadnt been, he was un doubtedly the most unsuitable guy for me in the world. I needed someone serious, someone with the potential to get a job that had checkup benefits. Someone like Brayden.Yeah, howd that work out for you, Sydney?What happened with Adrian had been wrong. It had obviously been some twisted act of lust, probably brought on because he was so forbidden. That was it. Women fell for that var. of thing. When Id researched race books, Id seen one called Bad Boys and the Women Who Love Them. Id ignored it because Brayden was pretty much the opposite of a bad boy. Maybe it would be worth getting that book now.A flame in the dark. I needed to forget that Adrian had ever called me that. I had to.We had another minute before we would reach my dorm, so I sent a quick text to Adrian I have a hickey You cant ever kiss me again. I aboveboard hadnt judge him to be awake this early so I was surprised to get a response Okay. I wont kiss you on your neck again.So typical of him. No You cant ever kiss me ANYWHERE. You say you were passing to keep your distance.Im trying, he wrote back. But you wont keep your distance from me.I didnt dignify that with a response.When we reached my dorm, I asked the driver how long shed wait before reverting to main campus. Im leaving discipline now, she give tongue to.Please, I begged. Wait sixty seconds. Ill pay you.She looked offended. I dont take bribes.But when I sprinted back out of the dorm in a scarf she was still there. I made it back to Ms. Terwilligers class just as the bell rang. She flashed me a knowing look but utter nothing about my wardrobe change.While I was in class, I received a text from Marcus. lavatory you meet today? San Bernardino, 4 p.m.Well, hed warned me about short notice. San Bernardino was an hour away. Id given Eddie a heads-up about the meeting incident this week, and hed agreed to go. I just hoped he didnt have eachthing planned this laternoon. I texted back that wed be there, and Marcus sent me an addres s.When class ended, a girl from my English class caught my attention and asked if she could borrow some notes since shed been out sick yesterday. Eddie was gone by the time I finished with her, so I didnt get a chance to ask him about San Bernardino until lunch.Sure, he verbalize, snapping into that fierce guardian mode.Jill already knew about our errand because Id told Adrian about it. I felt a little bad about victorious Eddie from Jill. Okay, really bad. Removing Eddie was a serious risk, though I reminded myself that he wasnt ever so with her every single second. Sometimes it was impossible, which was why wed acquired Angeline. Still, if anyone in the Alchemists found out I was using her main bodyguard for personal errands, Id be in declamatory trouble. Well, actually, Id probably be in big trouble regardless, seeing as I was meeting with a group of rebels. I turned to Angeline, who was trying to draw some notes about the quadratic equation.Angeline, you need to stay with J ill until were back, I state. And you should both actually just stay in your dorm, to be extra safe. Dont wander campus.Jill reliable this, but Angeline looked up in dismay. Im so-called to meet Trey for math. How do you expect me to pass?I was aidless against an academic argument. Study in the dorm lobby. That should be safe enough. Jill can just do homework with you.Angeline didnt seem entirely pleased about that alternative, but she didnt protest it. She started to return to her notes and whence did a double take. Why are you wearing that scarf? she asked. Its so hot today. It was true. The unseasonable temperatures had returned.Eddie, to my surprise, said, I wondered the same thing.Oh, um . . . Please dont blush, please dont blush, I ordered myself. Ive just been cold today.Thats weird, said Jill, suddenly deadpan. For someone who always seems to be so cold, you sure can warm up pretty fast.It was straight out of Adrians playbook. Jill knew perfectly well why I had on the scarf, and I gave her a warning look. Eddie and Angeline appeared completely mystified. I stood up, unconstipated though Id barely moved(p) my food. Probably none of them would find that weird.Well, Ive got to go. Ill find you later, Eddie. I hurried off before any of them could question me and.Id been a little hesitant to let Eddie in on Marcus. Eddie sure enough wasnt going to turn Marcus or me in to the Alchemists for sideline plotting. That being said, I also didnt want Eddie to think the Alchemists were involved in nefarious schemes against the Moroi. That might very well be something Eddie would relay back to his own people, which could in turn cause all sorts of diplomatic problems. Even this hint of the Alchemists potentially being in contact with the Warriors was dangerous. I decided that having Eddie as protection was worth the risk of him hearing something he shouldnt. He was my friend, and I trusted him. Still, I had to give him a little background information as we made the drive to San Bernardino.Who are these people exactly? he asked.Ex-Alchemists, I said. They dont like all the procedures and red tape and just want to interact with Moroi and dhampirs on their own terms.That doesnt sound so bad. I could hear caution in his voice. Eddie was no fool. Why do you want me along?I just dont know much about them. I think their intentions are good, but well see. I thought very carefully on how to phrase my next words. I had to give him a heads-up. Theyve got a lot of conspiracy theories. Some even, um, think there might be Alchemists working with Warriors.What? It was a wonder Eddies jaw wasnt on the floor.They dont have any hard proof, I added quickly. Theyve got a Warrior girl who spies for them. She thinks she overheard something . . . but it all sounds sketchy to me. They want me to help, but I dont think theres anything to uncover. I mean, the Alchemists helped raid the Warriors, right? Disrupting their crazy execution religious rite wouldnt e xactly foster good relations.I suppose not, he admitted, but it was catch he wasnt entirely at ease.I decided to move on to safer territory. No need to worry about Marcus and his Merry manpower (I couldnt get Adrians distinguish out of my head) until we heard them out.How is everything? I asked. With Angeline? Jill? Ive been so busy with, uh, stuff that I feel like we havent talked much.Eddie didnt answer right away. Quiet with Jill, which is good. We want things to be as boring as possible for her. Things are better with her and Micah too. At first, a lot of his friends wouldnt talk to her after the breakup. But hes gotten over her enough that they can just be friends . . . so, the others have decided they can too.Thats a relief.When wed first come to Amberwood, Jill had had trouble fitting in. Dating Micah had opened up a lot of accessible circles for her, and Id worried about what would happen after they split up. Things had worsened when Id forbidden her from modeling for a local and very assertive fashion designer, Lia DiStefano, who risked exposing Jill. Jill had felt like shed lost everything, so I was glad to see things were coming together for her again.Jills easy to like, I added. I bet most of them were happy to stay friends with her.Yeah. It was all he said, but there was a lot of emotion in that one word. I glanced over and saw a dreamy look on his face. So. Micah might be over Jill, but Eddie wasnt. I wondered if he even knew it. Hows Angeline?The dreaminess became a frown. Confusing.I laughed. Thats pretty accurate.She goes from one extreme to another. When we first started going out, she, uh, couldnt stay away from me. I didnt entirely know what that entailed, and I really didnt want to think about it. Now I can hardly get five minutes alone with her. Shes started going to basketball games for some reason. I think shes just kind of dumbstruck at a game thats got so legion(predicate) rules, compared to whatever insanity the Keepers do for f un. And shes really into fixing that math grade too. I guess thats a good thing. He didnt sound too sure. I, however, was thrilled.I think the idea of getting kicked out really scared her. Despite all the tough adjustments shes had here, she doesnt want to go back home. When Rose had been on the run, Id unknown Dimitri and her with the Keepers. That was where wed first met Angeline, and even back then, shed begged Rose to take her away from that rural world. Give her time. Thisll settle down, and her, uh, enthusiasm will come back.We reached the address in San Bernardino, a hardware shop that seemed like a strange location for a secret meeting. I pulled into the parking lot and texted Marcus that we were here. No response came.Thats weird, I said. I hope he didnt change his mind.Eddie was over his girl troubles and had that sharp guardian look in his eyes again. I bet were being watched. If theyre as paranoid as you say, this probably isnt the short letter were meeting. Theyve sen t you here and are looking for signs to see if you were followed.I turned to him in amazement. I never wouldve thought of that.Thats why youve got me along, he said with a smile.Sure enough. Ten minutes later, Marcus texted with another address. We must have passed the test. This new location was in another meretricious, busy place a family-friendly restaurant with actors walking around in giant animal costumes. It was, if possible, more than absurd than the arcade.He picks the weirdest places, I said.Eddies eyes were everywhere. Its brilliant actually. Too loud to be overheard. One exit in the back, one in the front. And if the Alchemists did show up, Im guessing they wouldnt create a facet around this many children?I guess.Marcus met us in the lobby and waved us forward. Hey, gorgeous. Come on, weve got a table. He paused to shake Eddies hand. Nice to meet you. We can always use more for the cause.Im not sure what Id expected of the Merry Men. Maybe a bunch of rough-and-tumble outcasts with battle scars and eye patches, like Wolfe. Instead, what we found were a guy and girl sharing a plate of chicken fingers. They had golden lilies on their cheeks.Marcus directed us to two chairs. Sydney, Eddie. This is Amelia and Wade.We shook hands. Sabrinas not with you? I asked.Oh, shes here, said Marcus, an enigmatic note in his voice.I picked up on the subtext and glanced around. I wasnt the only one whod brought protection. Sabrina was hidden somewhere in the crowd, watching and waiting. Maybe in an animal costume. I wondered if shed brought her gun in here.Amelia slid the plate toward us. Want some? Weve got mozzarella sticks on the way.I declined. Even with my resolution to eat more, I drew the line at dark fryers. Lets talk, I said. Youre supposed to tell me about the tattoos and this mysterious delegate you have for me.Wade chuckled. She gets down to business.Thats my girl, said Marcus. I could almost hear an unspoken Thats why we need her for the cause. He waited for our waitress, who was dressed like a cat, to bring the mozzarella sticks and take our drink orders. At least, I think it was a waitress. Gender was a little hard to make up ones mind under the mask.The tattoo process is simple, Marcus said, once our privacy was back. I told you that the Alchemists are able to put Moroi compulsion in it, right? To limit communication . . . and other things, if needed.I still didnt know if I bought the idea of mind control in the tattoos, but I let him go on.When Moroi help make the product line ink, the earth users put in the compulsion that prevents you from discussing vampires. That earth magic is in harmony with the other three physical elements air, water, and fire. That harmony gives the tattoo its power. Now, if you can get a hold of charmed ink and have a Moroi undo the earth magic in it, thatll shatter the bond with the other elements and kill any compulsion locked in. Inject that broken ink into your tattoo, and it breaks the ha rmony of your elements as well which in turn breaks any suggestions the Alchemists put in.Eddie and I stared.Thats all I have to do? I asked in disbelief.Its easier than you might think, said Amelia. The hard part is . . . well, Marcus added another part to the process. Not technically necessary . . . but helpful.Wed been here ten minutes, and I was already getting a headache. You decided to do some improvisation?The laughter that elicited from Marcus was just as infectious as before . . . except, once again, the scene didnt really warrant laughing. He paused, like he was waiting for us to pairing in, and continued when we didnt. Thats one way of looking at it. But shes right its helpful. Before Ill let anyone do it, they have to perform a task. Some task that involves directly going against the Alchemists.Eddie couldnt hold back anymore. What, like an initiation ritual?More than that, said Marcus. I have a theory that doing something like that, something that challenges all the training youve had, will weaken the compulsion a little. Usually its something that involves percolation and helps our cause. That weakening makes it easier for the other ink to take effect. Its also a good test. Deactivating the tattoo doesnt mean youre ready to walk away. It doesnt undo years of mental conditioning. I try to find people who think theyre ready to rebel, but sometimes, when theyre faced with actually taking action, they crack. Better to know sooner rather than later, before we interfere with the tattoo.I turned toward Amelia and Wade. And youve both done this? You did some dare, and then your tattoos were deactivated? They nodded in unison.We just have to seal it with indigo now. Seeing my confusion, Wade explained, Even after breaking the elements in the tattoo, it can still be repaired. Someone could forcibly re-ink and compel you. Tattooing over it with indigo ink makes sure you can never be controlled again.And here I thought yours was just a style choice, I sai d to Marcus.He absentmindedly traced the crescent pattern. Oh, the design was. But the ink was mandatory. Its a special concoction thats hard to get a hold of, and I have to go down to a guy in Mexico to get it. Im taking Amelia and Wade there in a couple weeks to seal theirs. You could come too.I didnt even acknowledge that crazy idea. Seems like that blue ink would kind of be a tip-off to the other Alchemists that somethings up.Oh, we ran away from the Alchemists, said Amelia. Were not part of them anymore.Once again, Eddie jumped in. But you were just talking about infiltration. Why not keep doing other covert tasks once youve broken the elements? Especially if it frees you? Your tattoos look the same as Sydneys right now. If you really think theres something suspicious going on, then work from the inside and hold off on sealing with the indigo ink.Too risky, said Marcus. You could character up and say something that the tattoo wouldnt have let you before. Or, if youre not cauti ous, they might catch you going off to meet with others. Then youve got a date with re-education where they could repair the tattoo.Seems like itd be worth the risk for more information, I said. If youre careful enough.Marcus shook his head, no longer flippant. Ive known others who tried that. They thought no one was on to them. They were wrong. We dont make that mistake anymore. He touched his tattoo again. This is the way we do it now. Complete your mission, break the tattoo, leave the Alchemists, and get sealed. Then we work from the outside. Also saves us from getting caught up in all the Alchemist routine and menial tasks.So there are others? I asked, picking up on what hed said.Of course. That amusement returned. You didnt think it was just the three of us, did you?I honestly hadnt known. So this is what youre offering me. A fairy tale about my tattoo, if I just complete some traitorous mission for you.Im offering you freedom, Marcus corrected. And the ability to help Moroi a nd dhampirs in a way thats not part of some larger conspiracy. You can do it on your own terms.Eddie and I exchanged glances. And speaking of conspiracy, I said. Im guessing this is the part where you tell me about the alleged Alchemist and Warrior connection the one you need me to see.My sarcasm was lost on the threesome because they all grew excited. Exactly, said Marcus. regulate her, Wade.Wade finished off a chicken finger covered in ranch dressing and then leaned toward us. Just before I conjugate Marcus, I was assigned to the St. Louis facility. I worked in operations, handling a lot of visitor access, giving tours . . . not the most interesting work.I nodded. This, at least, was beaten(prenominal) territory. Being in the Alchemists meant taking on all sorts of roles. Sometimes you destroyed Strigoi bodies. Sometimes you made coffee for visiting officials. It was all part of the greater cause.I saw a lot of things. I mean, you can probably guess. He looked troubled. The h arsh attitudes. The rigid rules. Moroi visited, you know. I liked them. I was glad we were helping them, even though everyone around me acted as though helping such evil creatures was a terrible fate that wed been forced into. I accepted this because, you know, I figured what were told is true. Anyway, there was one week . . . I swear, it was just nonstop Strigoi attacks all over the country. Just one of those things. The guardians took out most of them, and field Alchemists were pretty busy binding up. Even though most of it was taken care of, I just kept wondering about why we were always dealing with the aftermath when we have so many resources. I mean, I didnt think we should start going after Strigoi, but it just seemed like there should be a way to help the Moroi and guardians be more proactive. So . . . I mentioned it to my supervisor.Marcus and Amelia wore deadly earnest expressions, and even I was hooked. What happened? I asked softly.Wades gaze looked off into the past. I was chastised pretty bad. everywhere and over, all my superiors kept telling me how wrong it was for me to even think things like that about the Moroi, let alone talk about them. They didnt send me to re-education, but they suspend me for two weeks, and each day, I had to listen to lectures about what a terrible person I was and how I was on the verge of corruption. By the end, I believed them . . . until I met Marcus. He made me realize I didnt have to be in that life anymore.So you left, I said, suddenly feeling a little more kindly toward Marcus.Yes. But not before completing the mission Marcus gave me. I got a hold of the class visitor list.That surprised me. The Alchemists were always hip deep in secrets. While most of our goings-on were recorded diligently, there were some things that our elite leaders didnt want the rest of the society to know about. Again, all for the greater good. The classified list would detail people allowed access that the higher-ups wanted kept sec ret. It wasnt something the average Alchemist could see.Youre young, I said. You wouldnt be allowed access to something like that.Wade snorted. Of course not. Thats what made the task so difficult. Marcus doesnt have us do easy assignments. I had to do a lot of dangerous things things that made me glad to escape afterward. The list showed us the link to the Warriors.Did it say Top Secret Vampire Hunter Meeting? asked Eddie. Things like that, aside from his deadly protective skills, were why I liked having him along.Wade flushed at the jibe. No. It was all coded, kind of. It didnt list full names, just initials. Even I couldnt get the actual names. But one of the entries? Z. J.Marcus and his Merry Men all looked at me expectantly, as though that were supposed to mean something to me. I glanced at Eddie again, but he was just as baffled.Whats that stand for? I asked.Zebulon Jameson, said Marcus. Once again, there was an expectation. When I didnt answer, Marcus turned disbelieving. Yo u were there with the Warriors. Dont you remember him? Master Jameson?I did, actually. He was one of the Warriors high officials, an intimidating man with a salt-and-pepper face fungus whod worn old-fashioned golden ceremonial robes.I never caught his first name, I said. But isnt it kind of a leap to assume thats who Z. J. was? Maybe it was, I dont know, Zachary Johnson.Or Zeke Jones, supplied Eddie.The cat came by with a refill for Marcuss lemonade, and I soon had proof that it was a woman. Thanks, love, Marcus said, giving her a smile that nearly made her die and drop the tray. When he turned back to us, he was all business. Thats where Sabrina comes in. Not long before Wade got the list, she overheard Master Jameson talking to one of his cronies about an forthcoming trip to St. Louis and how he was going to find out about leads on some missing girl. The timing lines up.Its an awfully big coincidence, I said. Yet even as I spoke, I was reminded of something Sonya Karp always sa id about the world of Moroi and Alchemists There are no coincidences.What missing girl were they talking about? asked Eddie carefully.I met his eyes and immediately understood what he wasnt saying. A missing girl that the Warriors were interested in. There was one missing girl that the Moroi were very, very interested in as well. And whom the Alchemists were determined to keep safe. She was the reason I was stationed in Palm Springs in the first place. In fact, I was pretending to be her sister.Jill.I said nothing and focused on Marcus again.He shrugged. I dont know, just that finding her would create a lot of problems for the Moroi. The details arent important yet. First we have to prove the connection.Those details were immensely important to Eddie and me, but I wasnt sure how much Marcus and friends knew about Jill. I wasnt about to show too much interest.And thats what you want me to do? I asked, recalling the arcade discussion. How would you like me to do that? Go visit Master Jameson and ask him?Every visitor is recorded on video if theyre going by dint of the secure access point, said Wade. Even the top secret ones. All you have to do is steal a copy of that footage. They store it all in their computers.These people had a very different idea than me of what all you have to do meant.Im a field Alchemist in Palm Springs, I reminded them. Im not a computer hacker. Im not even in St. Louis How would I walk in and steal something?Marcus tilted his head to study me, allowing some of that golden hair to slip forward. Its more of that resourceful vibe I get off you. Couldnt you find some way to get to St. Louis? Some reason to visit?No Id have no . . . I trailed off, flashing back to the wedding. Ian, with his lovesick eyes, had invited me to visit him in St. Louis. Hed had the audacity to use church services as a way to further his chances with me.Marcuss eyes sparkled. Youve already thought of something, havent you? Brilliant, just like I thought. Amelia loo ked mildly put out at hearing me complimented.Itd be a long shot, I said.Thats kind of how we roll, said Marcus.I still wasnt on board. Look, I know someone there, but Id have to get permission to even go, which wouldnt be easy. I stared at each of them in turn. You know how it is. You were all in the Alchemists. You know we cant just take vacations whenever we want.Wade and Amelia actually had the grace to look embarrassed, but Marcus was undaunted. Can you let this chance pass? Even if you dont want to join us or alter your tattoo, just think about it. You saw the Warriors. You saw what theyre opened of. Can you even imagine what could happen if they had access to Alchemist resources?Its all circumstantial, argued the scientist in me.Sydney, said Eddie.I turned to him and saw something in his eyes Id never expected to see pleading. He didnt care about Alchemist conspiracies or Marcuss Merry Men. What he cared about was Jill, and hed heard something that made him think she was in danger. That was unacceptable in his world. He would do anything in his power to keep her safe, but even he knew stealing information from the Alchemists was out of his league. It was pretty much out of mine too, but he didnt know that. He believed in me, and he was silently begging me to help.Marcus pushed his advantage. You have nothing to lose I mean, if you arent caught. If you get the footage and we find nothing . . . well, so be it. False alarm. But if we get hard proof that Jameson was there, then I dont have to tell you how big that is. Either way, you should break your tattoo and join us. Besides, after a stunt like this, would you really want to stick around? He eyed me. But that parts up to you. Just help us for now.Against my better judgment, my mind was starting to figure out how I could pull this off. Id need a lot more information about operations, I murmured.I can get you that, said Wade promptly.I didnt answer. This was crazy a crazy idea from a crazy group. But I looked at Marcuss tattoo and the way the others followed him the way even Sabrina followed him. There was a dedication, an ardent belief that had nothing to do with Marcuss silly flirting. They might really be on to something.Sydney, said Eddie again. And this time Please.I could feel my resolve weakening. A missing girl, who could cause lots of trouble if found. If they were really talking about Jill, how could I risk anything happening to her?But what if I was caught?Dont get caught, an inner voice said.With a sigh, I looked back up at Wade. All right, I said. Give me the scoop.