Last Sacrifice Chapter Thirty-two

SYDNEY AND HER FRIENDS werent happy that we werent loss to take them with us.I would, I t previous(a) her, hitherto reeling from what Id learned from Ian. save furbish upting us in and come in has been unenviable sufficient If we step emergeside with you, well whole be busted. Besides, soon it wont matter. Once we tell every integrity at Court what we accredit and net my name, the guardians wont adopt you any more(prenominal).Its not the guardians Im worried somewhat, she replied. She used that blase tone of hers, simply I could see a glint of legitimate fear in her eyeballand I wondered who she was referring to. The Alchemists? Or someone else?Sydney, I said hesitantly, notwith defend up k instantaneouslying Mikhail and I motivatinged to get fall out of there. What did Abe really do for you? There has to be more than just the transfer.Sydney gave me a small, sad smile. It doesnt matter, Rose. Ill trade wind with whatever comes. Just go now, okay? Go supporter y our friends.I wanted to say more to find out more. scarcely Mikhails materialization told me he agreed with her, and so, with brief farawayewells, he and I left. When we got back to where the opposite(a)s were wait in the parking lot, I aphorism the situation hadnt neuterd much. Dimitri was pacing, no head restless at being out of the action. Jill still stood near Sonya, as though seeking protection from the older charcleaning lady, and Adrian stayed away from all of them, however sparing a glance when Mikhails car pulled up.When we told the group what wed learned, however, that got a response from Adrian.Impossible. I cant hope that. He stamped out a cigarette. Your Alchemist pals are wrong.I could hardly reckon it either, yet I had no reason to call back Ian would lie. And honestly, if Adrian was having a hard time with this, there was no telling what he would stomach thought if wed told him who our previous suspect was. I stared off into the night, stressful to come to terms with who had murdered Tatiana and framed me. It was hard blush for me to believe. perfidy was harsh.The motives are there I said reluctantly. Once Ian had described whom hed seen, a dozen reasons for the murder clicked into place. And they arepolitical. Ambrose was right. Ians ID is hard express, said Dimitri, as shocked as the rest of us. just there are a lot of other holes, a lot of pieces that dont fit into it.Yeah. One in particular had been bothering me. want wherefore I was act up for the fall. zero(prenominal)one had an solution for that. We need to get back to Court, Mikhail said at last. Or Im going to be missed.I cast Jill what I hoped was an encouraging smile. And youve got to draw off your de tho.I dont receive which is crazier, said Adrian. The killers identity or Jailbait being a Dragomir. His speech communication to me were cold, but the look he gave her was gentle. Crazy as the news was, Adrian hadnt had that hard of a time believing Jills p arentage. He was jaded enough to believe in Erics infidelity, and those telltale eyes sealed the deal. I specify hearing what Ian had told us was hurting Adrian more than he was letting on. finding out the soulfulness responsible for his aunts murder was someone he knew had to intensify the pain. Finding out about me and Dimitri couldnt help matters either.Much to Mikhails dismay, Sonya offered to stay behind piece the rest of us went to Court. We couldnt bring both cars, and his altogether held five. She considered herself the least profitable in this endeavor. With much hugging, kissing, and tears, she promised Mikhail theyd see each other again, one time this destiny was sorted out. I hoped she was right.My charm would obscure my face enough to get me by the gate. But Jill was a trickier problem. Her kidnapping was hot Moroi news, and if she was recognised by any of the gate guardians, we would be stopped then and there. We were gambling that the guards would be too har ried to notice her like they would Dimitri and me. That meant Dimitri took priority for disguisingrequiring Adrians help. Adrian wasnt quite as adept with illusion as Sonya was, but he understood enough of it to make Dimitris appearance altered to the eyes of others. It was similar to how hed used enliven during my jail escape. The question was whether or not Adrian would actually do it for us. He hadnt said a word to anyone about what hed seen between me and Dimitri, but the others must(prenominal) engender tangle the sudden rise in tension.We have to help Lissa, I told him, when he didnt resolve to the request. Times running out. Please. Please help us. I wasnt above groveling, if that was what he needed.Fortunately, it wasnt. Adrian took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a brief moment. I was certain he wished he had something stronger than cigarettes. At last, he nodded. Lets go.We left Sonya with the keys to the second car, and she stood there with shining eyes, watchi ng as we drove off. Dimitri, Mikhail, and I spent virtually of the journey analyzing the our data collection. The woman Ian had described couldnt have done everything wed been pinning on the receiver.I was school term in the backseat with Adrian and Jill, leaning forward and checking things off on my fingers. Motive? Yes. index? Yes. Paying off Joe? Yes. Access to Tatianas chambers I frowned, suddenly persuasion of what Id all overheard piece of music with Lissa. Yes.This earned me a affectd glance from Dimitri. Really? That was one piece I couldnt figure out. Pretty sure I know how she did it, I said. But the anonymous letter to Tatiana doesnt make sense. Not to reference work obscuring Lissas familyor trying to kill her. Or trying to frame me.We capability be dealing with more than one person, said Dimitri.Like a conspiracy? I asked, startled.He shook his head. No, I mean, someone else had a grudge against the queen. But not someone whod go as far as to kill her. Two peo ple, 2 agendas. Probably not even aware of each other. Were mixing up the evidence.I fell silent, play over his words. It made sense, and I robed up on the nuance that by someone, he meant Daniella. Wed been right about reasons shed dislike Tatiana the trainings, the age law not being hardcore enough, encouraging spirit But that hadnt been enough for murder. An hazardous letter, bribery for her sons safety? Those were the kinds of actions Lady Daniella Ivashkov took. Not staking.In the ensuing silence, I heard soft words between Jill and Adrian, whod been having a conversation while the rest of us plotted strategy.What do I do? Jill asked him in a small translator.His answer was swift and sure. put to work like you be to be there. Dont let them intimidate you.What about Lissa? Whats she going to think of me?Adrian hesitated only a moment. Doesnt matter. Just act the way I told you.My stomach sank, auditory modality to him give her such pricy, kind advice. Rowdy, smug, and flippant he was all those things. But his heart was good. The heart Id just broken. I knew I was right about his potential. Adrian was great. He could do great things. I just hoped I hadnt set him back. At least I hadnt had to tell him his mother was a murderer but still.All of us grew quiet when we reached the gate. The line of cars was still there, and we became more and more nervous as we crept forward. A flip to Lissas mind told me we werent absentminded anything in the Council. The chaotic situation was beautiful much the same as to begin with, though the exasperated look on Nathans face made me think hed call a close to proceedings soon and continue tomorrow. I wasnt sure if that was good or bad.The guardians recognized Mikhail, of course, and while still vigilant, their initial instincts didnt suspect him of nefarious deeds. He vaguely said hed been sent to pick up some people. The guardian looking in the car scanned over Dimitri, me, and thank fullyJill. Adrian, a well- know figure, got us added respect. After a needed check of the trunk, we were sent on by.Oh my God. It worked, I breathed, as Mikhail drove over to the guardians parking area. straightway what? asked Jill.Now we reestablish the Dragomir line and call out a murderer, I said.Oh, is that all? Adrians sarcasm was palpable.You know, remarked Mikhail, that the instant your illusions are dropped, you two are going to be jumped by guardians and thrown back into jail. Or worse.Dimitri and I exchanged looks. We know, I said, trying to ignore the memories of that terrible, claustrophobic experience. But if everything works out we wont have to stay there for long. Theyll use what weve put together out and then eventually set us free. I sounded more optimistic than I felt.Once parked, our party headed toward the ballrooms building, which could have been seen miles away with all the people around it. How strange. Not long ago, Id made this same journey, with more or less the same people, hur rying away from Court. Wed worn spirit disguises then, too, and had been seeking escape. Now we were knowingly walking into peril. I was convinced if I could make it in undetected and deliver my news, everything would work out. Sonyas charm had worked perfectly when I saw the Alchemists. I had no reason to doubt it, but the fear still lurked in the back of my mind what if it stopped functioning? What if the disguise failed and I was spotted before even getting into the building? Would they arrest me? Or would they simply shoot first?The doors were barred to spectators, but guardians were allowed access, so once again Mikhail talked us inusing a sullen Adrian as the reason. The late queens nephew could hardly be refused, and with the chaos inside, more guardianswhich Dimitri and I appeared to bewere welcome. Adrian kept an arm around Jill as they entered, and the guardians let her pass.We slipped into the ballroom, completely unnoticed. Id seen the tilt finished Lissas eyes, but it was totally different in person. Louder. More grating. My friends and I exchanged looks. Id braced myself for a big confrontation with the earshothell, it wouldnt be the first timebut this was a strain of even my skills.We need someone to get the rooms attention, I said. Someone not afraid to make a spectacleI mean, besides me, of course.Mikhail? Where have you been?We turned and saw Abe standing before us.Well, speak of the devil, I said. Exactly what we need.Abe peered at me and frowned. Charms could be seen through when others knew one was being used. Charms were also less effective if others knew the wearer well. It was how Victor had recognized me in Tarasov. Sonyas was too strong for Abe to fully splinter through, but he could tell something wasnt right.Whats going on? he demanded.The usual, old man, I replied cheerily. Danger, screw-loose plans you know, the stuff that runs in our family.He squinted his eyes again, still unable to fully see through the charm. I was prob ably blurry. Rose? Is that you? Where have you been?We need the rooms attention, I said. I wondered if this was what it felt like when parents busted their kids for breaking curfew. He looked very disapproving. Weve got a way to fall this whole argument.Well, observed Adrian dryly, weve at least got a way to start other one.I rely you at my hearing, I told Abe. Cant you trust me now?Abes expression turned wry. You simply didnt trust me enough to stay put in West Virginia.Technicalities, I said. Please. We need this.And were short on time, added Dimitri. Abe studied him too. Let me guess. Belikov? There was unbelief in my fathers voiceAdrian was doing a good job in guardianship the illusion over Dimitribut Abe was clever enough to deduce who would be with me.Dad, we have to hurry. Weve got the killerand weve got Lissas How did I explain it? A chance to change Lissas life.Not much startled Abe, but I think my earnest use of Dad did. Scanning the room, his eyes landed on someone , and he gave a small jerk of his head. Several seconds later, my mother squeezed her way through to us. Great. He called she came. They were awfully chummy lately. I hoped Lissa remained the only one with a surprisal sibling.Who are these people? my mother asked.Guess, replied Abe flatly. Who would be foolish enough to break into Court after escaping it?My moms eyes widened. HowNo time, Abe said. The sharp look he got in return said she didnt like being interrupted. Maybe no siblings after all. I have a feeling half the guardians in this room are going to be all over us soon. Are you ready for that?My poor, law-abiding mother looked pained, realizing what was being asked of her. Yes.Me too, added Mikhail.Abe studied us all. I guess there are worse odds.He headed up to where Nathan Ivashkov was leaning against his podium. He looked weary and defeatedand utterly at a loss on what to do with the mess before him. At our approach, the monarch candidates glanced over curiously, and I se nsed a sudden jolt of surprise through the bond. Lissa could see right through the spirit charms. I felt her breath catch at the sight of us. Fear, shock, and relief played through her. And confusion, of course. She was so glad to see us that she forgot all about the elections and started to stand at our approach. I gave her a quick shake of my head, urging her to fall out our cover, and after a moments hesitation, she sat back down. She was worried and puzzledbut trusted me.Nathan came to life when he saw us, particularly when Abe simply shoved him out of the way and grabbed the microphone. Hey, what are youI expected Abe to yell for everyone to shut up or something like that. Of course, Nathan had been trying that for a while with no results. So, I was quite shockedas was everyone elsewhen Abe put fingers to his lips and let out the most ear-piercing whistle I had ever heard. A whistle like that through a microphone? Yeah. It hurt my ears. It had to be worse for the Moroi, and th e screeching feedback in the speakers didnt help.The room quieted enough for him to be heard. Now that you have the sense to bound your mouths shut, said Abe, we have some things to say. He was using his confident, I-control-the-world voice, but I knew he was taking a lot on faith here. Act fast, he muttered, extending the microphone out to us.I took it and lightsomeed my throat. Were here to, uh, settle this debate once and for all. That brought grumbles, and I hurried on loudly before the room erupted again. The laws can stay the way they are. Vasilisa Dragomir is entitled to her Council voteand suitable to be a full candidate for the throne. Theres another member in her family. She isnt the only Dragomir left.Murmurs and whispers broke out, though it was nothing like the roar introductorymost likely because the Moroi loved intrigue, and they had to know how this would play out. In my periphery, I could see guardians forming a very loose perimeter around us. Their tutelage w as security, not scandal.I beckoned Jill forward. For a moment, she froze then I wondered if she recalled Adrians words in the car. She stepped beside me, so pale that I worried she might pass out. I almost felt like I could too. The tension and pressure were overwhelming. No. Id come too far.This is Jillian Mastrano Dragomir. Shes Eric Dragomirs illegitimate daughterbut she is his daughter and officially part of the bloodline. I hated usingillegitimate, but in this case, it was a essential fact.In the heartbeat of silence that followed, Jill hastily leaned toward me and the microphone. I am a Dragomir, she said clearly, despite her trembling hands. Our family has its quorum, and my s-sister has all her rights.I could see another explosion building, and Abe jumped in between Jill and me, grabbing the microphone. For those who dont believe this, a DNA test will clear up any doubts about her lineage. I had to look up to Abes audacity. He had only learned this information sixty secon ds ago and was already advocating it with certainty, as though he himself had performed the necessary tests back in his cornerstone genetics lab. More faithand an advantage he couldnt pass up. My old man loved recondites.The news triggered the reaction Id expected. Once the audience had polished the information, a flurry of shouted commentary began.Eric Dragomir didnt have any other children, illegitimate or notThis is a scamShow us the proof Where are your tests?Well he was kind of a solicit He did have another daughter.That last one shut the tug up, both because it was spoken with authority and because it came from Daniella Ivashkov. She had stood up, and even without a microphone, she had a voice that could carry in a room. She was also an important enough person in our society to draw attention. Many among the royals were practically conditioned to find out to her. In the now quiet room, Daniella continued speaking.Eric Dragomir had an illegitimate daughter, with a woman named Emily Mastranoa dancer, if I recall correctly. He wanted it kept secret and needed certain things done things he couldnt do himselfto help with that. I was one of the few who helped. An uncharacteristically bitter smile turned up her lips. And honestly, I wouldnt have minded it staying secret either.Pieces clicked in my head. I knew now who had broken into the Alchemists records. And why. In the rooms silence, I didnt need a microphone to respond either.Enough that youd make certain papers disappear.Daniella fixed that smile on me. Yes.Because if the Dragomirs faded, spirit might too. And Adrian would be safe. Spirit was getting too much attention too fast, and you needed to get rid of any evidence about Jill to kill Vasilisas credibility. Daniellas expression confirmed as much. I should have left it at that, but my curiosity wouldnt allow it. Then why admit it now?Daniella shrugged. Because youre right. One DNA test will leaven the truth. There were gasps of awe from those w ho took her word as gospel and wondered what this meant. Others people refused to believe and wore looks of scorn. Daniella, undoubtedly disappointed the truth had leaked, nonetheless seemed resigned and willing to accept it. But her smile soon dropped as she studied me more closely. What Id like to know is who in the world are you?A good portion of the audience appeared to want to know this as well. I hesitated. Sonyas charmed disguise had gotten me pretty far at this point. We had a fragile acceptance of Jill and the Dragomir line. If we let the trunk run its course, and if Lissa won like I now wantedId have a queenly advocate to help in the case to clear me.But staring at the crowdfull of people Id known and respected and who had still condemned me without questionI felt anger erythema solare within me. Spirit-induced or not, it didnt matter. I was still outraged at how intimately Id been accused and tossed away. I didnt want to wait for this to be settled in some quiet guardi an office. I wanted to face them. I wanted them to know I was innocentof killing the queen, at least.And so, exceeding my own records for dangerous, reckless behavior, I ripped off Sonyas bracelet.Im Rose Hathaway.