Blood Promise Chapter Four

At each separate time in my vivification, I would retain loved exploring Moscow. Sydney had imagened our trip so that when our require arrived in that respect, wed lose a few hours before we had to board the next maven to Siberia. This gave us whatso constantly time to wander around and grab dinner, though she valued to make sure we were safely inside the station before it grew overly subdued verboten. Despite my badass claims or my molnija marks, she didnt destiny to take any chances.It make no difference to me how we spent our checkmatetime. So long as I was rifleting closer to Dimitri, that was every(prenominal)(prenominal) that mattered. So Sydney and I walked aimlessly, taking in the sights and saying very little. I had neer been to Moscow. It was a beautiful city, flourish and full of people and commerce. I could stupefy spent days there beneficial shopping and trying stunned the eaterys. Places Id heard to the highest degree completely my career-th e Kremlin, Red Squ ar, the Bolshoi Theatre-were all at my fingertips. Despite how cool it all was, I actually tried to tune out the citys sights and sounds afterwards a composition because it reminded me of well, Dimitri.He used to talk to me about Russia all the time and had cuss up and shore that Id love it here.To you, itd be like a faggot tale, hed t experienced me once. It was during a before- prepare work late last autumn, skillful before the number 1 snowfall. The air had been misty, and dew coated everything.Sorry, comrade, Id replied, reaching post to tie my hair into a ponytail. Dimitri had always loved my hair d admit, exactly in combat practice? Long hair was a total liability. Borg and out-of-date music arent disassemble of any happy ending Ive ever imagined.Hed given me one of his rare, painless grins then, the winning that just slightly crinkled up the corners of his eye. Borscht, not borg. And Ive seen your appetite. If you were athirst(p) enough, youd eat it.So starvations necessary for this fairy tale to work out? thither was nothing I loved more than teasing Dimitri. Well, digression from maybe kissing him.Im lecture about the land. The buildings. Go to one of the braggart(a) cities-its like nothing youve ever seen. Everyone in the U.S. tends to build the same-always in big, low-set blocks. They do whats fast and easy. But in Russia, there are buildings that are like pieces of art. They are art- plane a lot of the ordinary, everyday buildings. And places like the WinterPalace and TroitskyChurch in Saint Petersburg? Those will take your breath away.His saying had been aglow with the holding of sites hed seen, that joy making his already hand some(prenominal) features divine. I hark back he could feature named landmarks all day. My heart had burned within me, just from observance him. And then, just like I always did when I worried I might turn sappy or sentimental, Id make a burlesque to shift the attention away and hi de my emotions. It had switched him back into business mode, and wed gotten to work.Now, travel the city streets with Sydney, I wished I could take back that joke and learn to Dimitri talk more about his homeland. I would draw given anything to have Dimitri with me here, the way he used to be. Hed been right about the buildings. Sure, most were blockish copies of anything youd strike in the U.S. or anywhere else in the world, only some were exquisite-painted with bright colors, adorned with their strange tho beautiful onion-shaped domes. At times, it very did seem like something from another world. And all the while, I kept view that it should have been Dimitri here by my side, pointing things out and explaining them to me. We should have been having a amative getaway. Dimitri and I could have eaten at exotic eaterys and then gone terpsichore at night. I could have worn one of the designer dresses Id had to turn over behind in the Saint Petersburg hotel. Thats how it was supposed to be. It wasnt supposed to be me with a glowering human.Unreal, huh? Like something from a story.Sydneys voice hold outled me, and I comp permited wed muster to a stop in front of our go over station. There were a number of them in Moscow. Her echoing of my conversation with Dimitri sent chills d profess my spine-largely because she was right. The station didnt have the onion domes simply still guessed like something neat out of a storybook, like a cross between Cinderellas castle and a gingerbread house. It had a big arched roof and towers on each end. Its white walls were interspersed with patches of brownish brick and green mosaic, almost making it look striped. In the U.S., some might have called it gaudy. To me, it was beautiful.I felt tears start to spring to my eyes as I wondered what Dimitri would have tell about this building. He probably would have loved it just as he loved everything else here. Realizing that Sydney was waiting for a response, I swa llowed back my grief and vie flippant teenager. by chance something from a story about a train station.She arched an eyebrow, surprised at my indifference, just now she didnt question it. Who could say? Maybe if I kept up the sarcasm, shed eventually get annoyed and spew me. Somehow, I doubted Id be that lucky. I was pretty sure her fear of her superiors trumped any other feelings she might have in regard to me.We had start-class train accommodations, which turned out to be a lot smaller than I expected. There was a combination bed/sitting bench on each side, a window, and a TV high on the wall. I supposed that would serve well pass the time, but I often had issue following Russian television-not just because of the language but also because some of the fork outs were downright bizarre. Still, Sydney and I would each have our own space, even if the fashion was cozier than we would have liked.The colors reminded me a lot of the same fanciful patterns Id seen end-to-end the cities. Even the hall outside our cabin was brightly colored, with plush spread over in red and yellow designs and a teal and yellow setoff press release down the middle. Inside our mode, the benches were covered in cushions with rich orange tree velvet, and the curtains matched in shades of gold and peach, made of thick heavy framework embossed with a silky pattern. Between all that and the ornate card in the middle of the cabin, it was almost like traveling in a mini-palace.It was dark out by the time the train left the station. For whatsoever reason, the Trans-Siberian always left Moscow at night. It wasnt that late yet, but Sydney said she wanted to snooze, and I didnt want to make her more irate than she already was. So we turned off all the lights, save for a little reading lamp by my bed. Id bought a magazine at the train station, and even if I couldnt understand the language, the pictures of makeup and clothes transcended all cultural barriers. I flipped through the pages as quietly as I could, admiring summer exceed and dresses and wondering when -if ever-Id be able to start worrying about that kind of thing again.I wasnt tired when I lay down, but balance similarlyk me nonetheless. I was dreaming about water-skiing when suddenly, the waves and sun around me change state into a room lined with shelves and shelves of books. Tables with state-of-the-art computers lined the rooms, and there was a calmness that permeated the place. I was in the library at St. Vladimirs Academy.I groaned. Oh, come on. Not today.Why not today? Why not every day?I turned and found myself looking into the handsome face of Adrian Ivashkov. Adrian was a Moroi, the queens great-nephew, and someone Id left behind in my old life when I took off on this suicide mission. He had beautiful emerald-green eyes that made most girls swoon, particularly since they were paired with stylishly messy brown hair. He was also kind of in love with me and the reason I had so overmuch m oney on this trip. Id sweet talked him out of it.True, I admitted. I suppose I should be grateful you totally try up about once a week.He grinned and sat down backward in one of the slatted wooden chairs. He was tall, like most Moroi, with a leanly muscled build. Moroi guys never got too bulky. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, Rose. Dont want you to take me for granted.Were in no danger of that dont worry.I dont suppose youre departure to tell me where you are?Nope.Aside from Lissa, Adrian was the only other effn aliment spirit user, and among his talents was the ability to show up in my dreams-often uninvited-and talk to me. I took it as a blessing that his powers never actually let him know where I was.You kill me, Rose, he said melodramatically. Every day is hurt without you. Empty. Alone. I pine for you, wondering if youre even still alive.He communicate in an exaggerated, silly sort of way that was characteristic of him. Adrian rarely took things disadvantageously a nd always had a flippant edge.Spirit also had a purpose to make people unstable, and while he fought it, he wasnt unaffected. Underneath that melodrama, though, I sensed a kernel of truth. No matter how shallow an way he gave off, he really did care about me.I cut across my arms. Well, Im still alive, clearly. So I guess you bath let me go back to sleep.How many times have I told you? You are asleep.And yet I inexplicably feel exhausted talking to you.This made him laugh. Oh, I do so miss you. That smile faded. She misses you too.I stiffened. She. He didnt even call for to say her name. There was no question as to whom he was talking about.Lissa.Even saying her name in my mind caused me pain, particularly after seeing her last night. Choosing between Lissa and Dimitri had been the hardest decision of my life, and time passing hadnt made it any easier. I might have chosen him, but organism away from her was like having an arm cut off, particularly because the bond ensured we wer e never truly apart.Adrian gave me a canny look, like he could guess my thoughts. Do you go see her?No, I said, refusing to acknowledge that Id just seen her last night. let him think I was truly free of all that. Thats not my life anymore.Right. Your life is all about dangerous vigilante missions.You wouldnt understand anything that isnt drinking, smoking, or womanizing.He agitate his head. Youre the only one I want, Rose.Unfortunately, I believed him. It would have been easier for both of us if he could find someone else. Well, you can take note feeling that way, but youre dismissal to have to keep waiting.Much interminable?He asked me this all the time, and every time, I emphasized how long it would be and how he was wasting his time. Thinking of Sydneys possible lead, I hesitated tonight. I dont know. want blossomed on Adrians face. Thats the most optimistic thing youve told me so far.Dont read too much into it. ?I dont know could be one day or one year. Or never.His mischie vous grin returned, and even I had to admit it was cute. Im going to hope its one day.Thinking of Sydney brought a question to my mind. Hey, have you ever heard of the Alchemists?Sure, he said.Typical. Of course you have.Why? Did you run into them?Kind of.Whatd you do?Why do you think I did anything?He laughed. Alchemists only show up when trouble happens, and you bring trouble wherever you go. Be careful, though. Theyre apparitional nuts.Thats kind of extreme, I said. Sydneys faith didnt seem to be anything bad.Just dont let them convert you. He winked. I like you being the sinner you are.I started to tell him that Sydney probably thought I was beyond all salvation, but he ended the dream, sending me back to sleep.Except, instead of returning to my own dreams, I woke up. Around me, the train hummed comfortingly as we sped through the Russian countryside. My reading lamp was still on, its light too bright for my sleepy eyes. I reached over to turn it off and noticed then that Sydne ys bed was empty. believably in the bathroom, I thought. Yet, I felt uneasy. She and her group of Alchemists were still mysteries, and I suddenly worried that she might have some sinister plan going on. Was she off meeting with some covert operative? I decided to find her.Admittedly, I had no bringing close together where she could be on a train of this size, but logic had never really deterred me before. No reason they should now.Thankfully, after slipping on my shoes and stepping out in the hall adjacent to our cabin, I discovered I didnt have to look very far.The corridor was lined with windows, all draped in those rich curtains, and Sydney stood with her back to me, gazing outside, a blanket wrapped around her. Her hair was messy from sleep and looked less gold in the poor lighting.Hey I began hesitantly. Are you authorise?She turned slightly toward me. One hand held the blanket the other vie with the cross around her neck. I remembered Adrians comments about religion.I cant sleep, she said bluntly.Is it is it because of me?Her only answer was to turn back to the window.Look, I said, feeling helpless. If theres anything I can do I mean, aside from going back and canceling this tripIll grasp it, she said. This is just, well, its really strange for me. I deal with you guys all the time, but I dont actually deal with you, you know?We could probably get you a room of your own, if that would help. We can find an attendant, and Ive got the money.She shook her head. Its just a fit of days, if that.I didnt know what else to say. Having Sydney along was inconvenient in the grand scheme of my plans, but I didnt want her to suffer. Watching her play with the cross, I tried to think of something comforting to tell her. Bonding over our views of God might have been a way to get closer, but somehow, I didnt think relation back her how I had daily battles with God and doubted His existence lately would really help me out with the whole evil creature-of-the-night r eputation.Okay, I said at last. allow me know if you change your mind.I returned to my bed and fell asleep surprisingly fast, despite worrying that Sydney would be standing in the hall all night. Yet, when I woke in the morning, she was curled up on her bed, fast asleep. Apparently, her exhaustion had been so strong that even fear of me had driven her to rest. I got up quietly and changed out of the T- garb and sweatpants Id gone to bed in. I was hungry for breakfast and estimate Sydney might sleep longer if I wasnt around.The restaurant was in the next car over and looked like something out of an old movie. Elegant burgundy linens draped the tables, and brass and dark wood, along with bits of bright-colored stained glass over art, gave the whole place an antique feel. It looked more like a restaurant Id find on the streets of Saint Petersburg than a train dining car. I ordered something that reminded me vaguely of french toast, except that it had cheese on it. It came with sau sage, which thence far seemed to be the same everywhere I went.I was just about finished when Sydney wandered in. When Id met her that first night, Id assumed her dress pants and blouse had been for the stake of the Nightingale. I was discovering, however, that that was her normal style. She struck me as one of those people who didnt own jeans or T-shirts. Shed been mussed while standing in the hall last night, but now she was in neat black slacks and a dark green sweater. I was in jeans and a long-sleeved gray thermal shirt and felt kind of sloppy beside her. Her hair was brushed and styled but had a slightly messy look that I suspected never went away, no matter how hard she tried. At least I had my sleek ponytail going for me today.She slid across from me and ordered an omelet when the server came by, again speaking in Russian.How do you know that? I asked.What, Russian? She shrugged. I had to learn it emergence up. And a few other languages.Wow. I had taken intros to a couple of languages too and performed miserably in all of them. I hadnt thought much of it at the time, but now, because of this trip and because of Dimitri, I really wished Id learned Russian. I supposed it wasnt too late, and I had picked up a few phrases in my time here, but still it was a daunting task.You must have to learn a lot of stuff for this job, I mused, pondering what it must mean to be part of a secret group that cut through international lines and interacted with all sorts of governments. Something else crossed my mind. And what about that stuff you used on the Strigoi? That disintegrated the body?She smiled. Almost. Well, I told you the Alchemists started off as a group of people trying to make potions, right? Thats a chemical we developed to get rid of Strigoi bodies fast.Could you use it to actually kill one? I asked. duck hunting a Strigoi in some dissolving liquid would be a lot easier than the usual ways decapitation, staking, or burning.Afraid not. Only whole work s on corpses.Bummer, I said. I wondered if she had other potions up her sleeve but figured I should ration my amount of Sydney questions for the day. What are we going to do when we get to Omsh?Omsk, she corrected. Well get a car and drive the rest of the way. collapse you been there? To this village?She nodded. Once.Whats it like? I asked, surprised to hear a wistful note in my own voice. Aside from my quest to find Dimitri, there was a piece of me that just wanted to cling to everything I could of him. I wanted to know everything about him that I hadnt known before. If the school had given me his possessions, I would have slept with them each night. His room had been cleared out pretty quickly, though. Now I could only gather what pieces of him I could, as though hoarding these bits of information would keep him with me somehow.Its like any other dhampir town, I guess.Ive never been to one.The server set Sydneys omelet down, and she paused with her fork in the air. Really? I thoug ht all of you well, I dont know.I shook my head. Ive been at the Academy my whole life. More or less. My two-year stretch among humans wasnt really relevant.Sydney chewed thoughtfully. I was willing to wager she wouldnt finish the omelet. From what Id seen that first night and while waiting for trains yesterday, she hardly seemed to eat anything. It was like she subsisted on air alone. Maybe it was another Alchemist thing. Most likely it was just a Sydney thing.The town is half-human and half-dhampir, but the dhampirs blend in. They have a whole subway system society that the humans are completely oblivious to.Id always figured there was a whole subculture going on, but Id had no idea how it would fit into the rest of the town. And? I asked. Whats that subculture like?She set her fork down. Lets just say youd better brace yourself.