The Indigo Spell Chapter Sixteen

I GAVE MS. TERWILLIGER a full report on our trip to the inn the next morning. We met at Spencers, and in a rare show of early rising, Adrian joined us. Ive got a study group meeting soon, he explained. His mood was a lot better, with no mention of yesterdays . . . indiscretion. pull down though there wasnt much to tell, lines of worry creased her face as she heard our story. The true panic came when I menti aced my dream. Ms. Terwilligers centers went wide, and she gripped her coffee cup so tightly, I fancy it would break.She found by, she murmured. Whether it was that Alicia girl or virtually former(a) itinerary, Veronica found come forth approximately you. I should n incessantly so beget sent you. I thought youd slip undern annihilateh her radar if the other girls were charmed, further I was wrong. I was selfish and naive. It wouldve been better if she knew I was on to her from the very(prenominal) beginning. Youre sure you were masking piece Sydneys appearance? That was to Adrian.Positive, he said. Every wizard we talked to, all the girls and all the same Alicia . . . none of them would go a clear idea of what Sydney looks interchange satisfactory-bodied.Maybe shes been spying on you, I suggested. And saw us to stay puther. I stupefynt been in disguise around here.Maybe, Ms. Terwilliger conceded. But we similarly bang she was active in Los Angeles. She would have to spend considerable time stalking her victims, which wouldnt delve her the chance to come here and watch me extensively. Even with her powers, she cant teleport. Her cheek hardened with resolve. Well, theres nothing to be done now moreover damage control. She doesnt go form to know exactly where you are yet or that youre steady connected to me. Ill make you another charm to try to boost this one, but it may not shape if shes found a way to reach out to you. And in the meantime, dont worry virtually iniquity any more. You need to focus on defense particularly invisibi lity spells. Your best protection once morest Veronica at this point is for her simply not to find you if she comes looking around Palm Springs.Id continued reading the advanced offense spells, despite her warnings. With this new development, though, I knew she was right about defense being more important. Still, I couldnt shake the worry that Veronica had discovered me by watching Ms. Terwilliger, which in turn made me fear for my teachers safety. You keep saying shes not after you . . . but are you really sure?Shell avoid me if she can, said Ms. Terwilliger, sound confident. I have the power but not the youth and beauty shes after. And even she would draw the line at taking on her sister. Its the only final stage of human decency she has left.Will she still have that attitude when you con appear man her? asked Adrian.Ms. Terwilliger shook her head. No. because anything goes. Id like to meet with you tonight to practice a m ingest other defensive tactics.I eyed her painstaki ngly. Are you up for that? No offense, maam, but you already look exhausted.Ill be fine. Meet me at the park again around ten. Ill get Weathers to let you go. We must keep you safe. She stared off into space for s invariablyal moments and then focused on me again. In light of this development . . . it wouldnt be a bad idea for you to find some, ah, more basic means of defense as tumefy.Basic? I asked, puzzled.She means like a sub or a knife, supplied Adrian, catching on to what I hadnt.Ms. Terwilliger nodded. If you ever confront Veronica, itll most likely come down to magic fighting magic . . . but, well, one can never say. Having something else for backup might prove invaluable.I wasnt a fan of this idea. I have no clue how to knife fight. And I dont like natural gass.Do you like being put into a coma and aging before your time? asked Adrian.I shot him a glare, surprised hed be on board with this. Of course not. But where would we even get one on such short notice?From the look on his face, he knew I had a point. Suddenly, he became enthusiastic again. I think I know.Im sure you two will figure it out, said Ms. Terwilliger, her mind already moving to something else. She glanced at her watch. near time for classes.We all stood up, preparing to go our own ways, but I held Adrian back. I couldnt imagine how in the world he would know where to get a particle accelerator on no notice. He wouldnt elaborate and simply said hed meet me after school. Before he left, I remembered something Id wanted to ask.Adrian, did you keep my cross?Your oh. smell into his eyes, I could practically see yesterdays events playing done his mind including us rolling around on the bed. I dropped it when ah, well, before we left. Yo u didnt pick it up?I shook my head, and his face fell.Shit, Im sorry, Sage.Its okay, I said automatically.Its not okay, and its my fault. I know how much it means to you.It did mean a lot to me, but I more or less blamed myself as much as him. I sh ouldve thought of it before we left, but Id been a little preoccupied. Its just a necklace, I told him.This didnt relief him. He looked so dejected when we parted ways that I hoped he wouldnt forget about us meeting up later to visit his dim particle accelerator source. There was nothing to worry about, though. When classes ended, he was outside my dorm in the Mustang and looked much more upbeat, with no more mention of the necklace.When he told me his gun plan, I was shocked, but after a few moments of thought, I realized he might be on to something. And so, a little less than an mo later, we found ourselves far outside the city, driving up to a forlorn-looking home on a large, barren piece of land. We had reached the Wolfe School of Defense.I never thought wed be here again, I remarked.Wolfes house had no windows, and there were no cars in sight as we walked up to the door. He may not even be home, I murmured to Adrian. We probably should have called first.Wolfe never struck m e as a guy who leaves the house very much, said Adrian. He knocked on the door, and almost instantly, we heard a flurry of barking and scampering feet. I grimaced. Wolfe, for reasons I would never be able to understand, kept a herd of Chihuahuas in his house. Hed once told us that they could despatch a man upon a single command.We waited a few minutes, but the barking was the only stain that there was any sort of life inside. Adrian knocked one more time (driving the dogs into an even greater frenzy) and then shrugged. I guess you were The door suddenly opened just a slit and one gray eye peered out at us from underneath a chain. Oh, came a grizzled voice. Its you two.The door closed, and I heard the chain being unlocked. A moment later, Wolfe slipped outside, careful not to let any of the dogs out. He had a patch over his left eye, which was probably just as well since his other eye only when seemed to peer straight through me. You shouldve called, he said. I nearly turned th e dogs on you.Wolfe was dressed in his favorite pair of Bermuda shorts as well as a T-shirt showing a bald eagle riding on a monster truck. The eagle held an American flag in one set of talons and a samurai sword in the other. That seemed a weird weapon choice for such a patriotic shirt, but wed long since intimate not to fountainhead his wardrobe. That had come after hed kicked a woman out of our class whod dared to ask if he only had one pair of shorts or several identical ones.What do you kids need? he asked. Next classes dont start until after New Years.Adrian and I exchanged glances. We, um, need a gun, I said. I mean, just to borrow.Wolfe scratched his beard. I dont lend them out to students who havent taken my gun class. Safety first. I found it promising, however, that he lent out guns at all. It was a sign of his character that he didnt even bother asking why we wanted one.Ive already had training, I said. That was true. It was mandatory for all Alchemists. Id done well in it, but as Id mentioned to Adrian, I really didnt like guns at all. At least a knife had other uses. But a gun? It was only there to injure or kill.Wolfe arched an eyebrow, the one over his good eye. Clearly, he didnt moot me. Can you back that up?Do you have a pip range? I returned coolly.He almost looked offended. Of course I do.He led us to a building beyond the garage wed trained in. Id never been inside this building before, but like his house, it had no windows. The door was covered in enough locks to meet with Alchemist security standards. He let us inside, and I gaped when I saw not only a practice range but also a wall covered in versatile types of guns. Wolfe gave the minor holding space a once-over.Earmuffs must be in the house. Be right back.I continued staring at the wall, knowing my eyes were wide. Theres no way those are all legal.Adrians response was unexpected. Did you notice his eye patch?I dragged my gaze from the arsenal. Um, yes. From the day we first met him.No, no. I mean, I affirm it was on his other eye last time.It was not, I said immediately.Are you sure? asked Adrian.I wasnt, I realized. Words and numbers were easy for me to memorize. But other details, like clothing or hair or eye patches were sometimes easy for me to miss. That doesnt make any sense, I finally said. Why would he do that?Hes Malachi Wolfe, said Adrian. Why wouldnt he do that?I couldnt argue against that.Wolfe returned with ear protection. After examining his wall, he selected a small handgun and then unlocked a cabinet containing ammunition. At least he didnt leave a bunch of loaded guns around.Ill do that, I told him. I took the gun from him and effortlessly loaded it. He made a small grunt of favourable reception. He gestured toward the far end of the range, to a large paper cutout showing a human silhouette with various targets marked on it.Now then, he said. Dont worry about hitting the I fired, perfectly emptying the clip into the most difficult ta rgets. I transfer the gun to him. He handed it back. Behind him, I could see Adrian staring at me with enormous eyes.Keep it, said Wolfe. You passed. Youve gotta buy your own ammunition, but as long as you fill out the rental agreement, youre good to go.As it turned out, the rental agreement was a piece of paper where he wrote the gun type on one side and I put my initials on the other. Really? I asked. Thats all I need to do? I mean, Im glad, but . . . I didnt really know what else to say.Wolfe waved off my protests. Youre a good kid. If you say you need a gun, I believe you. Someone giving you trouble?I slipped the gun into my messenger bag. Something like that.Wolfe glanced over at Adrian. What about you? You need a gun too?Im good, said Adrian. Besides, I havent had the training. Safety first.Wolfe opened up the ammunition cabinet again and produced a long wooden tube and a sandwich bag of what looked like small darts. You want to borrow my blowtube? Not much of a learning cur ve on this. I mean, youll never be able to match the skill and cunning of the Amazonian warriors that I take this from, but it can get you out of a pinch.thanks, but Ill take my chances, Adrian said after several long moments. He almost sounded as though hed considered it.I was still hung up on Wolfes other words, not sure I believed what Id heard. You were in the Amazon?This time, Wolfe arched the eyebrow above his eye patch. You dont believe me?No, no, of course I do, I said quickly. Its just, youve never mentioned it before.Wolfe gazed off beyond us. Ive been trying for years to forget my time there. But some things, you just cant escape.A very long and very uncomfortable silence followed. At last, I cleared my throat. Well, thank you, sir. We should get going. Hopefully I wont need the gun for very long.Keep it as long as you need, he said. If I want it back, Ill find you.And on that disturbing note, Adrian and I left. Although I understood Ms. Terwilligers reasons for old-fash ioned defense, I was in no way comfortable having a gun around. Id have to keep it in my car in case school authorities ever did a search of my room and discovered it. My Alchemist and magical kits were already a liability. I was pretty sure thered be no talking my way out of a gun.Adrian returned me to Amberwood. I started to open the door and then paused to glance over at him. Thanks, I said. For everything. Going to the inn. Suggesting we see Wolfe.Hey, that was worth it just to know Wolfe owns a blowgun.I laughed. Actually, Id be more surprised if he didnt. See you later.Adrian nodded. Sooner than you think.Whats that mean? I asked, suspicion rearing up in me.He dodged the question and reached underneath his seat. I called Alicia, he told me, producing a small box. She couldnt find your cross. Her housekeeping service had already gone through and cleaned the room, but she says shell check to see if it got caught up in the bedding. Oh, and I also asked about Veronica. She hasnt b een back.That was disheartening news, but I was touched hed called. Thanks for trying.He opened the box and pulled out a necklace with a tiny wooden cross on it. I got you a replacement. I mean, I know theres no real substitute, but I wanted to get you something. And dont start about not being able to accept some fancy gift, he said, guessing the protest I was about to make. It cost me 5 dollars from a street vendor, and Im pretty sure the chain is brass.I bit off my words and took the necklace from him. The cross barely weighed anything. Studying it more closely, I could see a tiny pattern of silver flowers painted on its surface. The vendor didnt do that. Thats your handiwork.Well . . . I know youre into simple stuff, but Ive always got to have some embellishment.I ran my finger over the crosss surface. Whyd you choose morning glories?Because Im not the biggest fan of lilies.I smiled at that.When I returned to my dorm room, I laid the necklace out on my dresser. I gave it one las t fond look and then tried to decide how best to spend the rest of my day. Our trip to Wolfe actually hadnt taken that long, so I had plenty of time to catch dinner and make sure I was up to date on my homework. I actually ate with Kristin and Julia for a change, which was kind of a nice break from the drama of my other friends. Of course, most of the meal consisted of Julia gushing about Dave. By the end, both she and Kristin were demanding to know when Id study him by again.As the evening pushed on, I began to prepare for my meeting with Ms. Terwilliger. I wasnt sure what kind of magic wed be practicing outdoors but figured I should be ready for anything. I packed a wide variety of items from my kit and even had the foresight to bring a granola bar for post-magic fuel. erst everything was in order, I headed back downstairs. I was nearly out the dorm door when Mrs. Weathers called out to me.Sydney?I paused to glance back. Yes, maam?Where are you going? Its nearly curfew.Frowning , I walked over to her desk. Im doing an assignment for Ms. Terwilliger.Mrs. Weathers looked troubled. Yes, I know you do that a lot for her . . . but I havent received authorization from her to let you out after hours today. Her expression turned apologetic. Im sure this is all on the up-and-up, but, well, rules are rules.Of course, I said. But she said shed let you know. Are you sure you didnt get anything? A note? A phone call?She shook her head. Nothing. Im sorry.I understand, I murmured, though I wasnt sure I did. Despite her perpetually scattered nature, Ms. Terwilliger was usually good about this sort of thing. Mrs. Weathers assured me shed let me go if Ms. Terwilliger gave the okay by phone, so I returned to my room and attempted to call her. I went straight to voice mail, and my schoolbook went unanswered. Had something betideed to her? Had that magical confrontation Id been dreading finally gone down?I kicked around my dorm room for the next hour or so, letting all my wo rries eat at me. Veronica. Marcus. St. Louis. Ms. Terwilliger. The dream. Over and over, I kept imagining the worst outcome for all of them. Just when I thought Id go crazy, Ms. Terwilliger finally returned my call.Why didnt you show up? she asked as soon as I answered. I felt relieved. Shed gone to the park. That explained the lack of contact since there was no signal out there.I tried Mrs. Weathers wouldnt let me out. You forgot to give me permission.I most certainly didnt. . . . Her words trailed off uncertainly. That is, I thought I did. . . .Its okay I said. Youve had a lot on your mind.Its not okay. She sounded angry but it was at herself, not me. I need to be on top of this.Well, you can call Mrs. Weathers now, I said.Too late. Im already back home. Well have to attempt this again another time.Im sorry, I said. I tried.Ms. Terwilliger sighed. I know you did. Its not your fault. Its mine. Im letting all of this wear me down, and now Im getting sloppy. Ive already taken too ma ny risks at your expense, and its put Veronica on your trail. I cant let her get any farther.A chill ran through me as I thought of those comatose girls and the possibility of me joining them. Id been able to stay cool and collected while investigating, but last nights dream had set home the dangers I faced. That image of the girl in the newspaper hovered in my mind as I held the phone and paced my room. I stopped in front of a mirror and tried to picture myself like that, aged before my time. I squeezed my eyes shut and turned away. I couldnt let that happen to me. I just couldnt, and I needed Ms. Terwilliger if I was going to stay safe. Maybe I was a prodigy, but I was nowhere near being able to take on someone like her sister.Get some rest, maam, I said at last. You sound like you need it.Ill try. And you be careful, Miss Melbourne.I will.organism careful was the only thing I could do on my own for now. I just hoped it would be enough.When we got off the phone, I didnt want to quietude again. I was afraid to, and it wasnt just because of the sheer terror Id felt in last nights dream. Ms. Terwilliger had explained there was a type of searching spell that sought race in their sleep, and I worried that if Veronica reached out to me again, she might get a fix on my location. The problem was that after last nights sketchy sleep, I was now even more exhausted. My usual coffee and distraction tricks failed, and before I knew it, I was asleep.I dont know how much time passed before I dreamed. One moment I was lost in the oblivion of sleep. The next, I found myself standing in the room that had hosted Sonya and Mikhails reception. It looked exactly the same flowers everywhere, tables covered in white linen and crystal glasses . . . The only difference was that the room was empty and silent. It was eerie, seeing all that richness and glamour with no one to get it on it. I couldve been in a ghost town. I looked down and saw that I wore the same dress from that ev ening as well.I couldve made it red, you know. Thats a better color for you not that blue looks bad on you.Adrian strode toward me, dressed in the same dark blue suit. Understanding hit me. I was in a spirit dream. It was another of that elements incredible feats, the ability for a spirit user to intrude on someones dreams. No not intrude. The user was actually able to create the dream itself, controlling every detail.Its been a long time since you pulled me into one of these, I said.And look at the progress youve made. Last time you were thrill and screaming. He held out a hand. Want to dance?No music, I said, not that I had any intention of dancing. He had a point about my reaction, though. I hadnt exactly been kicking and screaming, but I had kind of freaked out. Id been in full possession of all my fears about vampires and magic, and being surrounded in a world completely constructed of that magic had left me frightened and unhinged. And now? Now I had apparently become so co mfortable that my biggest concern was that hed put me in this dress. I gestured to it.Can you change me out of this?You can change yourself out of it, he said. Im letting go of the control. Just picture yourself the way you are in reality.I did exactly that, and a moment later, I wore jeans and a pale blue knit top. This obviously disappointed him. Thats what you sleep in?No. I laughed. I was trying not to sleep at all. It didnt work. Whyd you bring me here?He strolled around and picked up one of the crystal goblets, nodding in approval as though he were some sort of glassmaking expert. Exactly that reason. I saw how much that dream bothered you. I figured if I pulled you into one of these, itd keep you from one of Veronicas.Id never thought of that. Vampire magic was certainly preferable to hers. Looking around, I gained a new appreciation for the room. It became a sanctuary, a place where she couldnt reach me. At least, I hoped not. We really didnt know how her magic would work ag ainst Adrians. For all I knew, she might come walking through the door, carrying Sonyas bouquet.Thank you, I said. I sat down at one of the tables. That was nice of you. It was another one of those incredible moments when Adrian had had the insight to guess my thoughts or in this case, my fears.Well, it was also selfish. I wanted to see you in the dress. He reconsidered. Actually, I wanted to see you in that red Halloween dress again, but I figured that would be pushing my luck.I looked away as an image of that dress returned to me. Lia DiStefano had created the costume for me. Shed loosely based it on an ancient Greek dress and ended up with a gauzy confection of red and gold. That was when Adrian had said I was the most beautiful creature walking the earth. It had happened before he expressed his feelings for me, but even then, his words had undone me. I thought about what he was doing for me now and decided to give him a small compensation. I focused again on my clothes, and the blue dress returned.Better? I asked.His face lit up in a way that made me smile in return. Yes.Hoping I wasnt compass myself up for some suggestive answer, I asked, So what are we going to do?You sure you dont want to dance? I can make some music. My silence spoke for me. Fine, fine. I dont know. We could play a game. Monopoly? Life? Battleship? Twister? Whatever we do, I am not playing Scrabble with you.We warm up with Battleship I won and then moved on to Monopoly. That took a little work to set up because Adrian could only create things that he could imagine. He couldnt remember all the streets and cards, so we made our best attempt to re-create them. Neither of us could remember one of the yellow streets, so he named it Jet Way.We proved surprisingly well matched, and I became engrossed in the game. The power shifted back and forth between us. Just when one of us seemed to have all the control, the other would seize it back. I had no doubts about my ability to win until I l ost. I sat there, dumbstruck, staring at the board.Have you ever lost a game before? he asked.I . . . yes, of course . . . I just didnt think . . .That I could beat you?No, I just . . . it doesnt happen very often. I looked up at him and shook my head. Congratulations.He leaned back in his chair and laughed. I think beating you just improved your vox populi of me more than anything else Ive ever done.Ive always had a high opinion of you. I stretched out, surprised to feel kinks in my body. It was strange how these dreams could have such a living physical component. How long have we have been here?I dont know. Its not morning yet. He appeared unconcerned. What do you want to play next?We shouldnt play anything, I said. I stood up. Its been hours. Im asleep, but you arent. You cant stay up all night.Im a vampire, Sage. A creature of the night, remember?One whos on a human schedule, I chastised.He still didnt seem worried. Only one class tomorrow. Ill make it up.What about the spirit ? I began to pace restlessly as more of the implications hit me. You have to be using a lot of it. Thats not good for you.Ill take my chances. There was an unspoken for you at the end of his sentence.I returned to the table and stood in front of his chair. You have to be careful. Between this and the Veronica hunt. . . . I suddenly felt bad. I hadnt thought twice about asking him to help with that. Id forgotten the risks. Once weve stopped her, you need to lay off the spirit.Dont worry. He grinned. Once weve gotten rid of that bitch, Ill be celebrating so much that I wont be sober for days.Ugh. Not the healthiest way to do it. Have you ever thought about antidepressants? I knew they helped some spirit users by blocking the magic.His smile vanished. I wont touch those things. Lissa took them and hated them. Being cut off from spirit nearly drove her crazy.I crossed my arms and leaned against the table. Yeah, but using it will drive you crazy too.No lectures tonight, Sage. It deflowe r my stunning Monopoly victory.He was far too casual for such a serious matter, but I knew him well enough to recognize when he wouldnt yield. Fine. Then lets end on a high note. Send me back, and get some sleep.You sure youll be okay? His concern was so intense. I didnt think anyone had ever worried about me that much. Well, maybe Ms. Terwilliger.Probably she gave up for the night. I really didnt know, but I couldnt let him keep exerting himself. The thought of Veronica reaching out again terrified me . . . but the thought of Adrian endangering himself almost scared me more. Hed risked so much for me. Could I do any less? You can check on me tomorrow night, though.Adrians face lit up as though Id just accepted a date. Its a deal, then.And like that, the reception hall dissolved around me. I returned to peaceful sleep and just barely heard him say, Sweet dreams, Sage.