Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 7

Ive been tone safe and overweight both(prenominal) over for you, Blaise verbalise. I had to c whole in either Mrs. Ross to find taboo you were here.Her black hair was wild and windbl deliver, go fling off over her shoulders. She had peen off her rubor bow tie and un providedtoned the pop off button of her dress shirt. There was assumption in her cheeks and dark elation in her gray eyeball. She looked extremely beautiful and precise, in truth becharmy.Thea and Eric had moved apart and Thea had the liveliness they were both blushing.We were just Eric utter. Um. Heh. While Blaise scrutinized him, he picked up the blue blanket and started refolding it. Uh, john I show you a troll?I dont cautiousness lots for animals unless theyve been shish-kebabed. Blaise surveyed the room with one consider on her hip.Oh, shes in a stately mood.Theas palms were captivateting damp. She wasnt surely what Blaise thought of the force shed walked in on but Thea was mantic to be leading Eric on, wasnt she?Her eye uncivilized on the Kleenex daubed with Erics line of reasoning. Unobtrusively, she reached for it and crumpled it in her knock over.So you left the dance, she verbalise to Blaise. Wheres Whod actually been Blaises appointee tonight? Sergio? Kevin? Someone else?There is no dance, Blaise state. They shut it down. Leave it to Randy-he was al focuss a royal pain. Then her search changed she blinked and gift on a sweet smile. And who ar you, darling?In the threshold focusing to the corridor, Rosamund sanction up, Madame Curie clutched to her chest. She didnt say a word, but her hostile green look neer left Blaise.Uh, sorry, Eric said. Thats my babe. Shes- shy.So this is a family affair, Blaise said. How nice.Thea said, I work out its time to be waiver home. She needed to talk to Eric, but alone, non with a disgruntled munchkin and a comical witch tone on.She glanced at Eric, feeling a little shy herself. He looked the same.Well- count you at school.Yeah. Suddenly he smiled. You go to sleep, thats virtually affaire else I was exit to mention. If youre even thinking active difference to Davis, you capacity wish to get into honors zoology. Its a good class.Um-well stop. She was aware of Blaise ceremonial occasion her. exactly out-of-door, all Blaise said was, aristocratical if I was rude. only when Ive been looking all over for you, so I could say you what a great time I wasnt having. And-she shook her midnight hair out with a charming smile-its so much merriment to be a screak when you want to be.Thea sighed, then(prenominal) stopped in her tracks. Blaise, the carKevins silver-gray Porsche looked as if it had been by a war. The scarer bumper was caved in, the passenger door was mangled, and the windshield was cracked.I had a little trouble, Blaise said coolly. Its all right, though I met a guy tonight named Luke Price, whos got a Maserati. She looked at Thea, then added, You dont disapprove, do you? Of treating humans that track?No-of course not. I just dont want to get expelled again.Its not illegal to urinate an accident. Here, you hold to get in by the drivers side presently.She drove, not seeming to lease all particular direction. Thea sit quietly, astutely aware of the probing glances cast her way each so often.So, Blaise said at dwell in her silkiest voice, did you get it?What?Dont be funny.Thea held out her hand with the crumpled Kleenex on her palm. I didnt fill the vial that was ridiculous. exactly I used my ingenuity and got passable.Hmm. Blaises diminish fingers, tipped with blood-red fill ins, dosed alright on the tissue. Startled, Thea snatched it back and the Kleenex tore. She ended up with except a corner.Hey-Whats the task? I just want it for safe reinforcementing, Blaise said smoothly. And so how did everything else go?Fine, Thea said. Her palms were acqui think damp, but she managed to keep her voice airy. I think hes hooked, she added, attempt to imitate Blaises most languid and imperious tones.Oh, authentically? They had ended up on the strip, which meant the car was now crawling through traffic. Neon highlighted the curious half-smile on Blaises lips. And what was that virtually Davis?nothing. Its where hes tone ending to college, so of course hed same(p) me to be with him.Hes already thinking n early the future. Well, that was fast work. Congratulations.Thea didnt uniform the way she said it. More than ever, she wanted to protect Eric from Blaise-but she wasnt sure how. It depended on how much Blaise suspected.You fill out, I think its the pop thats the most fun, Blaise went on reminiscently. kind boys are all different-but in the end, theyre all the same. And when they give in completely, you can both(prenominal) hear it. Theres a pop. Like a balloon breaking.Thea swallowed, staring at the gigantic golden lion in movement of the MGM granny knotd Hotel. Its green eyes re bear in minded her of Eric . rightfully? Sounds interesting.Oh, it is. And after the pop, they just kind of collapse, and everything they are, their whole self, just sort of pours out in this internal hemorrhage. And after that, of course, theyre useless. Like a stag thats alike old to mate. Theyre just-over.How nice.You know, I think Erics ready for that pop. Hes already in distinguish with you I could see that. I think its time.Thea just sat. A vampire girl, thrust on a dress with a black rose programme, threaded her way through stopped traffic. Finally, Thea said, BlaiseWhat, is that a problem with you? Are you having difficulty with that? Are you a little soft on him, by chance? Are you a little too fond of him? Blaise-Are you in admire with him? Shock waves went through Thea, and the last straits seemed to vibrate in the air. At last she whispered, Dont be ridiculous. And dont you try to fool me. think almost who youre talking to. I know that dopey look you get when youre mooning over some(a) animal. I saw the way you were safekeeping him.Thea entangle desperate. It wasnt just Blaise she was afraid of here. wickedness World law couldnt be clearer about the penalty for loving a human. Death. Not only for her, but for Eric, too.There was only one thing Thea could do. She turned and looked at her cousin directly.All right, Blaise, you do know me. Weve always been like sisters, and I know that however you act sometimes, you silent love me-Of course I do, Blaise said impatiently, and Thea completed that was part of the problem. In the changing light of the Bally hotels neon pillars, she could see that Blaises eyes were wet. She was frightened for Thea-and raving mad at beingness frightened.Thea grabbed her cousins hand. Then you have to take heed to me. It was a naked plea. Blaise-when I first met Eric, something happened. I cant explain it-I cant even substantially constitute it. barely there was a connection. And I know this is going to sound insane, and I know y oure not going to like it, but She had to stop to breathe. Blaise, what if you found your soulmate, and they were something that everybody said you shouldnt love.She stopped again, this time because Blaise had frozen. For a moment they both just sat, and then, very slowly, Blaise withdrew her hand from Theas.Found your soulmate? she said.Warmth pooled in Theas eyes. She had never matt-up so alone. I think so, she whispered.Blaise turned to face the windshield. purple light shone on her black hair. This is much serious than I thought.The tears overflowed. But will you help me?Blaise tapped her slender fingers on the steering wheel a a few(prenominal) times. Finally she said, Of course Illhelp you. I have to. Were like sisters-I would never lift you when youre in trouble.Thea was so relieved she felt dizzy. Paradoxically, it do her cry more. Ive just been so scared. Ever since it happened, Ive been trying to shape things out. She hiccupped. Blaise was looking at her again, smili ng, gray eyes glittering oddly. Blaise? Im going to help you, Blaise said, still smiling, by getting him myself. And then Im going to kill him for doting my sister in danger.There was a moment when everything deep down Thea seemed absolutely still-and the next winking it all exploded into chaos.Never, she said. Do you hear me, sister? Never.Blaise stayed calm, driving. I know you dont think its best-now. But one day youll thank me.Blaise, listen to me. If you do everything to him-ifyou hurt him-its me youre hurting.Youll get over it. In the rainbow light of the Riviera, Blaise looked like some ancient goddess of fate. Its better to hurt a little now than to be execute later.Thea was so angry she was shaking. So angry that she made a mistake. If shed kept on arguing the same points, she thought later, Blaise might eventually have started to listen. But she was vehement and terrified and she blurted out, Well, I dont think you can do it. I dont think you could take him from me if you tried.Blaise stared, as if caught for once at a loss for words. Then she threw back her offer and laughed.Thea, she said. I can take all boy from anybody.Any time, any place, any way I want to. Thats what I do.Not this time. Eric loves me, and you cant change that. You cant take him.Blaise was eating away a secret smile. But she said only two words as she turned off the strip and onto change streets again.Watch me.Thea didnt sleep well. She kept visual perception Randy Mariks face, and when she dreamed, it turned into Erics face, blood-streaked and vacant-eyed.She woke up to see sunshine streaming in the room.It was a bedroom with a split personality. maven side was fairly neat and modify in pale blues and efflux greens. The early(a) side was messy and was embellish in the color, the primal color, the one that roused emotions, that meant resentment and hatred both. Red.And usually Blaise was lying on that side underneath her red velvety Ralph Lauren bed permeate, but t his morning she was gone already. A ruffianly omen. Blaise only got up early for a reason.Thea got dressed and went downstairs warily.The make was empty except for Tobias sitting gloomily in his usual place beside the property register. He grunted when Thea said hello and went on staring at the wall, one hand clutching his curly brown hair. Wishing, undoubtedly, to be outside on the weekend like otherwise nineteen-year-old guys.Thea went into the workshop.Blaise was sitting at the long table, wearing earphones and humming to herself. A project was spread in antecedent of her. Thea stalked up close.She could see right away that it was beautiful. Blaise was a genius at creating jewelry, most of it establish on ancient designs. She made necklaces of bees and butterflies, coil flowers, serpents, leaping dolphins. It was all alive, all mirthful all thaumaturgyal. That was where the real genius came in. Blaise put each element of the piece unneurotic with a purpose in mind. The g ems were chosen to enhance each other florid for desire, black opal for obsession, topaz for yearning, garnet for heat. And asteria, the smoke-gray form of azure with a six-pointed star. Blaises stone, just the color of her eyes.Blaise had them all laid out loose. But her magic wasnt just in the gems. Interwoven into every piece were herb caches, tiny compartments that could be filled with potions or powders. She could literally pawn the jewelry in sorcery.Even the design itself could be a spell. Every line, every curve, every flower stem could have a meaning, could make the eye bond a pattern that was as decently as any symbol traced on the floor in chalk. Just looking at the piece could be enough to charm you.Right now Blaise was work on a necklace to knock you wild.Thea could see it taking shape. Blaise used the lost hop on method of jewelry-making, which meant that she carved out her pieces in stiff blue climb up onward casting them in silver or copper or gold. What she was carving now was breathtaking. Heart-stopping. An intricate masterpiece that was going to have roughly the same effect as Aphrodites magic girdle- which meant no male was going to be able to look at it without falling under the spell.And she had some of Erics blood. The critical ingredient that meant shed be able to individualise this spell for him.The one good thing was that it would take Blaise a few eld to finish this piece. But once it was through.Eric didnt have a chance in Hades.Thea backed up, not knowing-and not caring- whether Blaise had sight her. She aimed blindly for her bedroom.She and Eric were soulmates. But Blaise was, in some ways, Aphrodite herself. And who could resist that?What am I going to do?She had a little of Erics blood herself on the corner of the tissue. But she could never outmatch Blaise in creating love spells. Blaise had old age of experience and a natural endowment that left everyone else in the dust.So I have to think of something els e. Something to keep her from getting to him in the first place. To protect himThea straightened up.I cant. Its too dangerous. The summoning spells arent for maidens. Even the upcountry Circle has to be careful with those.But Grandma has the materials. I know she does. Ive seen the blow.It may kill me even to try.An odd relaxation came over her. If she concentrated on that-on the risk-she felt better than if she thought about what Gran would say if she found out. She wasnt afraid to face danger for Eric. And as long as she kept thinking about that, she could shut down out the thought that her psyche was not only dangerous, but wrong.This time she went down the stairs almost as if she were sleepwalking. calm air and detached. Toby, wheres Gran?He lifted his head a bare inch. She went to see Thierry Descouedres, something about his worldly concern. Told me to come and pick her up tonight.Thierry was a vampire and a Night Lord. He owned a lot of the land northeast of Las Vegas-b ut what did Gran have to do with that?It didnt matter. The important thing was that Gran wouldnt be back all day.Well, then, why dont you go out and have some fun? I can watch the shop.Tobias looked at her with dazed blue eyes-and then his oscillation face lit up. Seriously? Youd do that? I could kiss you. Lets see, Ill go envision Kishi no, maybe Zoe no, maybe Sheena.Like all boy witches, he was in marvelous demand with the girl witches in town. comfort muttering, he checked his wallet, grabbed the car keys, and headed for the door as if Thea might change her mind any second. Ill be back in time topick her up, I promise, he said hastily and was out the door.The instant he was gone, Thea turned the sign on the door to closed, locked up, and tiptoed to the counter.It was in the locked lower shelf, an smoothing iron chest that looked five hundred years old. Thea picked it up with an effort-it was heavy. With her teeth gritted and her eyes on the bead shroud that separated the re positing from Grandmas workshop, she staggered up the stairs.She made two other trips downstairs to gather materials. The bead curtain never stirred.Last, she went to Grans bedroom. On a nail near the headboard was a heavy ring with dozens of keys. Thea took it. Back in her own bedroom she shut the door and stuffed a towel underneath so Blaise wouldnt olfactory modality the smoke.Okay, now lets get this thing open.She sat crosslegged on the floor in front of the chest. It wasnt hard to find the key that would check into the lock-she just looked for the oldest and crudest iron key on the ring. It fit perfectly and the chest opened. deep down was a bronze box, and inside that a silver box.And inside the silver box was an ancient bulk with yellowing, brittle pages, and a small green feeding bottle with wax and ribbons securing its cork. There were also thirty or forty amulets. Thea picked one up and examined it.A lock of blond hair had been wriggle and woveninto a knot, and then c ertain(p) in that shape with a round piece of clay. The clay was dark indecent red, and Thea touched it reverently. It had been made with mud-and the blood of a witch. An entire Circle had probably worked on this for weeks charging the blood, chanting, mixing it with secret ingredients, baking it in a ritual fire.Im touching a witch, Thea thought. The very essence of somebody whos been dead hundreds of years. The cabalistic sign stamped on the front of the amulet was supposed to show who the witch was. But lots of the pieces of clay were so worn that Thea couldnt make out any trace of a symbol.Dont worry. Find a description of somebody in the book, and then match the amulet to them.She turned the soft pages of the book carefully, trying to read the spidery, spent writing.Ix U Sihnal. Annie Butter, Markus Klingelsmith . .. no, they all sound too dangerous, hudo Cagliostro- maybe. But I dont really want an alchemist. Dm Ratih, Omiya Inoshishi wait a minute. quint Garner.She scanne d the page on Phoebe eagerly. A gentle girl from England who had lived before the Burning Times and had kept familiars. Shed died unripe of tuberculosis, but had been considered a blessing by everyone whod known her-even humans, who appreciated her ability to suspend spells from her village. Human villagers had mourned at her grave.Perfect, Thea thought.Then, she began scrabbling through the amulets, looking for one with the same symbol move on the clay as the book showed by Phoebes name.There it was She cradled the amulet in ?her palm. Phoebes hair had been auburn and very fine.Okay. without delay get the balefire ready.It had to be made from oak and ash, the two kinds of wood that had been burn down to bake the clay. Thea put the dry sticks in her grandmothers largest bronze bowl and lit them. instanter add quassia chips, blessed thistle, devils apples root. Those were just for general power raising. The real magic was in the tiny bottle that had been carved out of a single piece of malachite. It was the summoning potion, and Thea had no idea at all what was in it.She cut into at the wax with her fingernails until the cork distorted freely. Then she paused, her hands shaking with every beat of her pulse.Up until now, shed only examined things she shouldnt bad but forgivable. New she was going to sex a forbidden fire and that wasn t forgivable. If the elders discovered what shed doneShe pulled the cork out.