Spirit Bound Chapter Seventeen

THE ENTIRE ROOM SEEMED to hold its breath. barely fifty-fifty in the give of miracles, protectorsor Strigoi, for that issuingwere hard to distract. Fights that had pa employ now resumed with provided as much fury. The withstanders had the upper hand, and those of them who werent engaged with the last surviving Strigoi suddenly leapt toward Lissa, attempt to pull her forth from Dimitri. To both stars surprise, she held on to him tightly and make a fewer feeble attempts to fight off those crowding around her. She was fierce and protective, once much giveting me in mind of a mother defending her child.Dimitri was belongings on to her just as intently, just now both he and Lissa were come forthmatched. The guardians fin alto filmhery pried them apart. t bamher were confused sh surfaces as guardians tried to determine whether they should kill Dimitri. It wouldnt trip everywhere been hard. He was helpless now. He could simply stand when they jerked him to his feet.Tha t woke me up. Id simply been staring, snappy and dumbstruck. Shaking off my daze, I sprang forward, though I wasnt veritable who I was leaving for Lissa or Dimitri.No Dont I yelled, contacting some of the guardians move in with s shits. Hes non what you think Hes non Strigoi Look at himLissa and Christian were sh unwraping similar things. Some ace grabbed me and pulled me arse, carnal subsistledge me to let the others handle this. With come to the fore steady thinking, I turned and punched my captor in the face, discovering too late it was Hans. He fell game a little, turn aroundming much surprise than offended. contend him was enough to attract the attention of others, however, and soon I had my own radical of guardians to fight off. My efforts didnt do both good, parti every last(predicate)y because I was outnumbered and partially because I couldnt take them on the same elan Id attacked Strigoi.As the guardians hauled me out, I notice then that Lissa and Dimitri h ad already been removed from the inhabit. I demanded to know where they were, yelling that I had to teach them. No angiotensin converting enzyme listened to me. They dragged me away, out of the warehouse, passing a disturbing amount of bodies. Most were Strigoi, provided I recognized a few faces from the guardian regiment at the Court. I grimaced, tied(p) though I hadnt known them well. The battle was over, and our side had won unless at a great cost. The surviving guardians would be doing cleanup now. I wouldnt occupy been surprised if Alchemists showed up, scarcely at the moment, n ace of that was my concern.Wheres Lissa? I kept demanding as I was shoved inside iodine of the SUVs. Two guardians slid in with me, one sitting on each side. I didnt know either of them. Wheres Dimitri?The princess has been taken to safety, one of the guardians utter crisply. He and the other guy stared straight a cope, and I realized uncomplete was going to acknowledge the hesitancy about D imitri. He might as well not exist for any of them.Wheres Dimitri? I repeated, speaking to a greater extent loudly in the hopes that might get an answer. Is he with Lissa?That got a reaction. Of line of credit not, said the guardian whod spoken before.Is he is he alive? It was one of the hardest questions Id ever asked, but I had to know. I hated to admit it, but if I were in Hanss place, I wouldnt have been looking for miracles. I would have been exterminating anything I perceived as a threat.Yes, said the driver at last. He it is alive.And that was all I could get out of them, no matter how much I argued and demanded to be released from the carand be finesseve me, I did a lot of that. Their ability to ignore me was charming impressive, really. To be f nimbus, Im not even sure that they knew what had happened. Everything had occurred so fast. The yet thing these two knew was that theyd been ordered to find out me out of the building.I kept hoping somebody I knew might join for ces us in our SUV. Nope. Only much unknown guardians. No Christian or Tasha. Not even Hansof escape, that was chthonicstandable. He was probably afraid Id out of the blue punch him again.When we were loaded up and on the road, I last gave up my badgering and sank lynchpin into the seat. Other SUVs had left with ours, but I had no clue whether my friends were in them.The bond between Lissa and me was til now numb. After that sign shock where Id felt nothing, Id slowly regained a slight sense of her, telling me we were still connected and that she was alive. That was about it. With all that situation that had blasted with with(predicate) her, it was well-nigh like the bond had been temporarily fried. The magic between us was fragile. Each time I tried to use the bond to underwrite on her, it was as though Id stared too brightly at something and was still blinded. I just had to assume it would reestablish itself soon because I infallible her insight on what had happened.N o, scratch insight. I needed to know what had happened, period. I was still in a bit of shock, and the long ride back to Court allowed me time to process what few facts I had access to. I immediately cute to jump to Dimitri but needed to start at the beginning if I really cute to analyze all that had occurred. archetypal Lissa had charmed a stake and withheld the info from me. When? Before her college trip? At Lehigh? While captive? It didnt matter.Second, in spite of her failed pillow attempts, she had gotten the stake into Dimitris understandt. It had been a struggle, but Christians fire had made it possible. I winced, recalling the burns Lissa had suffered during that ordeal. Id felt the injureful sen sit downion of those before the bond blanked out, and Id also seen the marks on her. Adrian wasnt the worlds best healer, but hopefully his magic would be enough to take aid of her injuries.The tertiary and final fact here well was it a fact? Lissa had stabbed Dimitri and us ed the same magic she would for a healing and then? That was the big question. What had happened, off from what felt like a nuclear explosion of magic by means of our bond? Had I really seen what I thought Id seen?Dimitri had changed.He was no longer a Strigoi. I felt it in my means, even though Id only had that brief glimpse of him. It had been enough to allow me to see the truth. The Strigoi features were gone. Lissa had do everything Robert had sworn she needed to do to fill-inore a Strigoi, and acceptedly subsequently all that magic well, it was easy to believe anything was possible. That image of Dimitri came back to me, clinging to Lissa with rupture running down his face. Id neer seen him so vulnerable. Somehow, I didnt believe Strigoi cried.Something in my heart twisted painfully, and I blinked rapidly to stop from crying too. Glancing around, I tuned back into my surroundings. Outside the car, the sky was lightening. It was intimately sunrise. The guardians with m e had signs of weariness on their faces, merely the alert expressions in their eyeball never faltered. Id lost track of the time, but my internal clock told me wed been on the road for a while. We had to almost be back at Court.Tentatively, I affected the bond and found it was back but still fragile. It was like it flickered in and out, still reestablishing itself. That was enough to put me at ease, and I breathed a sigh of relief. When the bond had first base come about years ago, it had been so strange surreal. Now Id received it as part of my life. Its absence today had felt unnatural.Looking through Lissas eyes, at the SUV she rode in, I immediately hoped Id see Dimitri with her. That one glimpse at the warehouse hadnt been enough. I needed to see him again, needed to see if this miracle had rightfully happened. I regarded to drink in those features, to gaze at the Dimitri from so long ago. The Dimitri I loved. scarcely he wasnt with Lissa. Christian was at that place, ho wever, and he glanced over at her as she stirred. Shed been asleep and still felt groggy. That, combined with the aftereffect of that searing military unit earlier, kept our connection a little hazy. Things shifted out of focus for me off and on, but overall, I could follow what was happening.How do you feel? asked Christian. His division and his eyes as he peered at her were filled with so much bear on that it seemed impossible she didnt notice. But then, she was a little preoccupied right now.Tired. faint out. Like I dont know. Like Ive been thrown around in a hurricane. Or run over by a car. Pick something horrible, and thats what I feel like.He gave her a pocketable smile and gently touched her cheek. Opening myself to her senses more, I felt the pain of her burns and that he was hint the skin near one, though being careful to keep away from it.Is it awful? she asked him. Is all my skin melted off? Do I look like some alien?No, he said, with a small laugh. Theres not tha t much. Youre beautiful, like always. It would take a lot for that to change.The throbbing pain she felt made her think that there was more damage than he was admitting to, but the compliment and the way hed said it went a long way to soothe her. For a moment, her whole existence focused on his face and the way the rising sun was starting to light it up. hence the tranquility of her world came crashing down on her.Dimitri I need to see DimitriThere were guardians in the car, and she glanced around at them as she spoke. As with me, no one seemed willing to acknowledge him or what had happened.Why cant I see him? Whyd you take him away? This was directed to anyone who would answer, and at last, Christian did.Because they think hes dangerous.Hes not. Hes just He needs me. Hes hurting inside.Christians eyes suddenly went wide, his face filling with panic. Hes not You arent bonded to him, are you?I guessed by the look on his face that Christian was recalling Avery and how bonding with m ultiple people had pushed her over the edge. Christian hadnt been there for Roberts story of the soul going to the world of the utterly and how abideored Strigoi didnt get bonded.Lissa shake her head slowly. No I just know. When I when I healed him, we had this connection, and I felt it. What I had to do I cant explain it. She ran a hand through her hair, frustrated that she couldnt put her magic into words. Weariness was starting to pass by her. It was like I had to do surgery on his soul, she said at last.They think hes dangerous, repeated Christian gently.Hes not Lissa glared around at the rest of the cars occupants, all of whom were looking somewhere else. Hes not Strigoi anymore.Princess, began one of the guardians uneasily, no one really knows what happened. You cant be sure thatI am sure she said, piece too loud for the small space. There was a regal, commanding air to it. I know. I saved him. I brought him back. I know with every single part of me that hes no longer Str igoiThe guardians looked uncomfortable, again not speaking. I think they were just confused, and really, how could they not be? There was no creator for this.Shh, said Christian, put his hand on hers. Theres nothing you can do until were back at Court. Youre still hurt and exhaustedits written all over you.Lissa knew he was right. She was hurt, and she was exhausted. That magic had ripped her apart. At the same time, what she had done for Dimitri had created a bond to himnot a magical one, but a psychological one. She really was like a mother. She felt terriblely protective and concerned.I need to see him, she said.She did? What about me?You will, said Christian, sounding more certain than I suspected he was. But just try to rest now.I cant, she said, even while stifling a yawn.That smile flickered back across his lips, and he slipped his arm around her, pulling her as obstruct as the seat belts would allow. Try, he told her.She rested her head against his chest, and his closene ss was a type of healing in and of itself. Worry and concern for Dimitri still coursed through her, but her bodys needs were stronger for the moment. At last, she drifted into sleep in Christians embrace, just barely hearing him murmur, Happy birthday.Twenty minutes later, our convoy arrived back at Court. I thought this meant instant freedom, but my guardians took their time in acquire out, waiting for some signal or directions that no one had daunted to tell me about. It turned out they were waiting for Hans.No, he said, firmly putting a hand on my shoulder as I stroke out of the car and tried to race away to well, I wasnt sure where. Wherever Dimitri was. Hold on.I have to see him I exclaimed, seek to push past. Hans was like a brick wall. Considering hed actually fought a lot more Strigoi than me tonight, youd have thought hed be tired. You have to tell me where he is.To my surprise, Hans did. Locked away. Far, further out of your reach. Or anyone elses. I know he used to b e your teacher, but its better if hes kept away for now.My brain, weary from the nights activities and overwrought with emotion, took a moment to process this. Christians words came back to me. Hes not dangerous, I said. Hes not a Strigoi anymore.How can you be so certain?The same question Lissa had been asked. How could we really answer that? We knew because wed gone to incredible pains to find out how to transform a Strigoi, and when wed completed those steps, thered been an atom bomb of magic. Wasnt that enough conclusion for anyone? Hadnt Dimitris appearance been enough?Instead, my answer was like Lissas. I just know.Hans shook his head, and now I could see he actually was exhausted. No one knows whats going on with Belikov. Those of us that were there well, Im not sure what I saw. All I do know is that he was leading Strigoi a little while ago, and now hes out in the sun. It doesnt make any sense. No one knows what he is.Hes a dhampir.And until we do, he continued, ignoring my comment, Belikov has to stay locked up while we examine him. Examine? I didnt like the sound of that. It made Dimitri seem like a lab animal. It made my temper flare, and I nearly started yelling at Hans. A moment later, I got myself under control.Then I need to see Lissa.Shes been taken to the medical checkup center for treatmentwhich she needs very badly. You cant go there, he added, anticipating my next response. half(prenominal) the guardians are there. Its chaos, and youd be in the way.Then what the hell am I supposed to do?Go get some sleep. He gave me a wry look. I still think youve got a bad attitude, but after what I saw back there well, Ill place this. You know how to fight. We need youprobably for more than paperwork. Now go take care of yourself.And that was that. The dismissal in his voice was clear, and as the guardians hurried around, it was like I didnt exist. Whatever trouble Id been in before seemed long forgotten. No more filing in the wake of this. But what w as I supposed to do? Was Hans crazy? How could I sleep? I had to do something. I had to see Dimitribut I didnt know where theyd taken him. Probably the same discard Victor had been kept in, which was inaccessible to me. I also needed to see Lissabut she was deep in the medical center. I had no power here. I needed to appeal to someone with influence.AdrianIf I went to Adrian, maybe he could pull some strings. He had his royal connections. Hell, the queen loved him, in spite of his slacker ways. As much as it killed me to accept, I was realizing that getting in to see Dimitri right away was going to be nearly impossible. But the medical center? Adrian might be able to get me in to see Lissa, even if it was crowded and chaotic. The bond was still blurry, and talk to her directly would allow me to score faster answers about Dimitri. Plus, I wanted to see for myself that she was all right.Yet when I reached the housing Adrian stayed in at Court, I was informed by the doorman that Adr ian had already left a little while ago toironically enoughgo to the medical center. I groaned. Of course hed already be there. With his healing abilities, they would have summoned him out of bed. Weak or not, he could definitely help.Were you there? the doorman asked me as I started to turn away.What? For a minute I thought he was talking about the medical center.The battle with the Strigoi The rescue. Weve been hearing all sorts of things.already? What did you hear?The guys eyes were wide and excited. They say almost every guardian died. But that you captured a Strigoi and brought him back.No, no there were more injuries than deaths. And the other For a moment, I couldnt breathe. What had happened? What had really happened with Dimitri? A Strigoi was changed back to a dhampir.The doorman stared. Were you hit on the head?Im telling the truth Vasilisa Dragomir did it. With her spirit power. Spread that around.I left him with his mouth hanging open. And like that, I had no more optio ns, no one else to get information from. I went back to my room feeling defeated but far too keyed up to sleep. At least, thats what I initially thought. After some pacing, I sat on the bed to try to come up with a plan. Yet before long, I felt myself falling into a heavy sleep.I awoke with a start, confused and aching in parts of my body that I hadnt realized had taken hits in the fight. I peered at the clock, astonished at how long Id slept. In vampire time, it was late morning. Within five minutes, I had showered and put on non-torn, non-bloody clothes. Just like that, I was out the door. raft were out and about their daily business, yet every couple or group I passed seemed to be talking about the battle at the warehouseand about Dimitri.You know she can heal, I heard one Moroi guy say to his wife. Why not Strigoi? Why not the dead?Its insane, the woman countered. Ive never believed in this spirit thing anyway. Its a lie to cover up the fact that the Dragomir girl never speciali zed.I didnt hear the rest of their conversation, but others I passed had similar themes. People were either convinced(p) the whole thing was a scam or were regarding Lissa as a saint already. Every so often, Id heard something weird, like that the guardians had captured a slew of Strigoi to experiment on. In all the speculation, though, I never heard Dimitris divulge come up or knew what was really happening to him.I followed the only plan I had Go to the guardian building that held the Courts lock, though I was unsure what Id actually do when I got there. I wasnt even merely sure that was where Dimitri still was, but it seemed the most likely place. When I passed a guardian along the way, it took me several seconds to realize I knew him. I came to a halt and turned.Mikhail He glanced back and, sightedness me, walked over. Whats going on? I asked, relieved to see a friendly face. Have they let Dimitri out?He shook his head. No, theyre still trying to figure out what happened. Everyones confused, even though the princess still swore up and down after she saw him that hes not Strigoi anymore.There was a wonder in Mikhails voiceand wistfulness too. He was hoping that it was true, that there might be a chance for his beloved to be saved. My heart ached for him. I hoped he and Sonya could have a happy ending just likeWait. What did you say? His words drew my romantic musings to a halt. Did you say Lissa saw him? You mean after the fight? I immediately reached for the bond. It was piecemeal growing clearerbut Lissa was asleep, so I learned nothing.He asked for her, Mikhail explained. So they let her inguarded, of course.I stared, my jaw nearly dropping to the ground. Dimitri was seeing visitors. They were actually letting him see visitors. The knowledge lit up the no-good mood that had been building in me. I turned away. Thanks, Mikhail.Wait, ariseBut I didnt stop. I ran to the guardians holding building at a full-out sprint, oblivious(predicate) to the lo oks I got. I was too excited, too invigorated with this new info. I could see Dimitri. I could finally be with him, back the way he was supposed to be.You cant see him.I literally came to a halt when the guardian on duty in the front reception area halt me.Wh-what? I need to see Dimitri.No visitors.But Lissaer, Vasilisa Dragomir got to see him.He asked for her.I stared incredulously. He must have asked for me too.The guardian shrugged. If he did, no ones told me.The anger Id kept back last night finally awoke. Then go find someone who knows Dimitri wants to see me. You have to let me in. Whos your party boss?The guardian scowled at me. Im not going anywhere until my shift is over. If youve got clearance, someone will let you know. Until then, no one without special permission is allowed to go down there.After taking out a fair portion of Tarasovs security, I felt pretty confident I could easily discharge this guy. However, I felt equally confident that once I got to the depths of the jail cells, Id run into a lot more guardians. For a second, taking them out seemed very reasonable. It was Dimitri. I would do anything for him. A slight stirring in the bond made me see reason. Lissa had just woken up.Fine, I said. I displace my chin and gave him a haughty look. Thanks for the help. I didnt need this loser. Id go to Lissa.She was staying at almost the opposite end of the Courts grounds from the holding area, and I covered the distance at a light jog. When I finally reached her and she opened the door to her room, I saw that shed gotten ready almost as quickly as I had. In fact, I could feel that shed been pretty close to leaving. Studying her face and hands, I was relieved to see that almost all of the burns were gone. A few red spots lingered on her fingers, but that was it. Adrians handiwork. No doctor could have made that happen. In a pale blue tank top, with her blond hair pulled back, she didnt look at all like anyone whod been through such a major ordea l less than twenty-four hours ago.Are you okay? she asked. In spite of everything else that had happened, shed never stopped worrying about me.Yeah, fine. Physically, at least. You?She nodded. Fine.You look good, I said. shoemakers last night I mean, I was pretty scared. With the fire I couldnt sort of finish.Yeah, she said, looking away from me. She seemed nauseous and uncomfortable. Adrians been pretty great healing people.Is that where youre going? There was agitation and restlessness in the bond. It would make sense if she wanted to hurry over to the medical center and help out too. merely further probing gave me the startling truth. Youre going to see DimitriRoseNo, I said eagerly. Its perfect. Ill go with you. I was just over there, and they wouldnt let me in.Rose Lissa looked very uncomfortable now.They gave me some bullshit about how hed asked for you and not me and that thats wherefore they couldnt let me in. But if youre going, theyll have to let me.Rose, she said fir mly, finally falling out through my chatter. You cant go.Iwhat? I replayed her words, just in case Id misheard them. Of course I can. I need to see him. You know I do. And he needs to see me.She slowly shook her head, still looking nervousbut also sympathetic. That guardian was right, she said. Dimitri hasnt been asking for you. Only me.All my eagerness, all that fire, froze up. I was dumbstruck, confused more than anything. Well I recalled how hed clung to her last night, that desperate look on his face. I hated to admit it, but it diverseness of made sense why he would have asked for her first. Of course hed want to see you. Everythings so new and strange, and youre the one who saved him. Once he comes around more, hell want to see me too.Rose, you cant go. This time the sadness in Lissas voice was mirrored through the bond, flooding into me. Its not just that Dimitri didnt ask to see you. He asked specifically not to see you.