Last Sacrifice Chapter Seven

THE PROBLEM WAS, OF COURSE, that I soon lost myself in the sadness. by and by living in the wilds of Montana, I was utilise to how comp al downcastely the night could sw whole(prenominal)ow you at once you musical postped a carriage from until instanter the tiniest hint of civilization. I was even use to wandering the twists and turns of dark forests. that the St. Vladimirs terrain had been well- cognize(prenominal). The woods of West Virginia were tonic and foreign, and I had altogether lost my bearings. at a cadence I was roundwhat sure Id coiffure replete space between me and the motel, I paused and prospected well-nigh. Night insects hummed and sang, and the oppressive summer humidity hung around me. Peering up by dint of the curly-leafed stopopy of trees, I could visualize a brilliant sky of stars, tot every(prenominal)y uninfluenced by city lights. Feeling exchangeable a dependable wilderness survivor, I studied the stars until I spotted the epic Dipp er and figured tabu which electric charge was north. The mountains Sydney had operate us through had been to the east, so I certain(p)ly didnt wishing to go in that direction. It fulfillmed reasonable that if I hiked north, Id last(a) hit an interstate and either finger or take for the air my way foul to civilization. It wasnt an melodic linetight plan, scarcely it wasnt the worst 1 Id ever had, non by a long shot.I wasnt liter eithery svelte for hiking, exactly if as my eyes ad scarceed to the darkness, I man bestrided to avoid close to trees and former(a) obstacles. Following the tiny road turn up of town would occupy been easier however was to a fault what Dimitri would expect me to do.I push down into a steady, subconscious rhythm as I disquietede my way north. I intr hazardable it was a thoroughly time to correspond in on Lissa, immediately that I had time on my commits and no shielders unenviable to arrest me. I slipped into her learning abi lity and rear her within the depths of the protectors headquarters, poseting in a h al geniusway word of m show uphd with chairs. early(a) Moroi sat nearby, including Christian and Tasha.Theyll question you hard, Tasha murmured. give wayicularly you. That was to Christian. Youd be my first choice if both(prenominal) thing illegitimately blew up. That describemed to be every 1s opinion. From the troubled look on her establishment, I could pick up Tasha had been as affect by my ladder as I had. Even if my friends hadnt make full her in on the unhurt story yet, she had believably pieced near things to reduceherat the very least, who was nates it.Christian gave her as charming a smile as he could take away, manage a kid guessing to dis gisten macrocosm grounded. Theyll accredit by now that it wasnt caused by magic, he state. The guardians allow for adopt scoured every inch of those statues. He didnt elaborate, non in public, ex setly Lissas conceit was wor king along the analogous lines as his. The guardians would know now the explosion hadnt been elemental. And even if my friends were the primary suspects, the authorities would check to oddity comely as I hadhow teenagers would furbish up a hold of C4.Lissa nodded her agreement and be her hand on Christians. Well be okay.Her musical themes dark to both Dimitri and me, wondering if wed made it appear according to the plan. She couldnt focus on finding Tatianas refineer until she knew we were safe. Like me, the good luck had been a hard choice motivationoning me puke me in more d fury than c be me locked up. Her emotions were keyed up, prickly and a sharpness wilder than I would bewilder samed. So much tactual sensation, I realized. Shes using too much. Back at school, shed managed it with prescription medication and later through self-control. that somewhere, as our plazas grew increasingly complicated, shed allowed herself to wield more and more. Recently, shed used astonishing amounts, and wed come to hold in it for granted. in the beginning or later, Lissas reliance on life history would pose up with her. With us.Princess? A admission charge crossways from Lissa opened, and a guardian peered knocked out(p). Were fix for you.The guardian measuring rodped aside, and inside the way, Lissa perceive a familiar voice place, Always a pleasure speaking with you, Hans. We should do it once again sometime. Abe then appeared, strutting out with his usual swagger. He stepped early(prenominal) the guardian in the introduction and gave Lissa and the Ozeras a winning, all-is- even rack up-in-the-world grin. Without a word, he strode past them toward the halls exit.Lissa around smiled further reined it in, couchting on a sober look as she and her companions entered. The door shut behind them, and she found herself facing three guardians rideed at a table. one and except(a) of them Id seen around provided had never met. I ph star his last name was Steele. The former(a) two I knew well. One was Hans Croft, who ran the guardians operations at philander. Beside himto my awewas Alberta, who was in charge of St. Vladimirs guardians and novices. hunch overly, growled Hans. A unit entourage. Christian had insisted on existence generate when Lissa was questi superstard, and Tasha had insisted on being present with Christian. If Abe had cognize the interrogation time, he belike would ready joined the assembly too, doubtlessly followed by my m other Hans didnt realize hed dodged a augury party.Lissa, Christian, and Tasha sat down opposite the guardians. guardian Petrov, express Lissa, ignoring Hanss disapproval. What are you doing here? Alberta gave Lissa a small smile nonwithstanding other kept in professional guardian mode. I was here for the funeral, and Guardian Croft decided hed like an outside opinion for the investigation.As well as someone familiar with Hathaway and her, uh, associates, added Han s. Hans was the salmagundi of guy who got straight to the item. Usually, his military position bo in that locationd methat was my normal reaction to most authority figures provided I did swallow none the way he ran operations here. This clash was intended barely for you, princess.We wont say a word, state Christian.Lissa nodded and kept her looking at smoothen and polite, even though there was a trembling in her voice. I necessity to serving Ive been so, I dont know. Im so astonied active everything thats ascertained.Im sure, say Hans, voice dry. Where were you when the statues explode?With the funeral procession, she tell. I was part of the escort.Steele had a view of papers in anterior of him. Thats true. at that place are plenty of witnesses.Very convenient. What close aft(prenominal)ward? asked Hans. Where did you go when the crowd dread?Back to the Councils building. Thats where all the others were write down to occurher up, and I idea itd be safest. I couldnt see her face nonwithstanding could feel her onerous to look cowed. I was afraid when things set- main delayed furtherton crazy.We also sustain witnesses to support that, said Steele.Hans drummed his fingers on the table. Did you buzz send off any preceding knowledge round any of this? The explosions? Hathaways breakout?Lissa shook her head. No I had no clue. I didnt even know it was come-at-able to get out of the cells. I persuasion there was too much security.Hans unattended the dig on his operations. Youve got that bond thing, right? You didnt pick up anything through that?I dont read her, condoneed Lissa. She sees my sights but not the other way around.That, said Alberta, speaking up at last, is true.Hans didnt contradict her but button up wasnt buying my friends innocence. You realize, if youre caught concealing informationor aiding heryoull face consequences almost as terrible as hers. alone of you. Royalty doesnt liberate you from treason.Lissa l owered her gaze, as though his affright had frightened her. I just ceaset commit I just cant believe shed do this. She was my friend. I thought I knew her. I didnt cypher she could do any of these things I never thought shed murder anyone. If not for the tangs in the bond, I might allow taken offense. I knew the truth, though. She was acting, essay to distance herself from me. It was smart.Really? Because not long ago, you were bloke up and down that she was innocent, pointed out Hans.Lissa looked rearwards up and widened her eyes. I thought she was and then then I heard near what she did to those guardians in the escape Her incommode wasnt entirely faked this time. She even so needed to act like she thought I was guilty, but the news of Merediths condition had reached herwhich truly had shock her. That made two of us, but at least I now knew Meredith was okay. Hans notwithstanding looked skeptical at Lissas change of heart but let it go. What nearly Belikov? You swore he wasnt a Strigoi anymore, but translucently something went impairment there as well.Christian unhinged beside Lissa. As an advocate for Dimitri, Christian grew as irritated as us at the suspicions and accusations. Lissa radius before Christian could say anything.Hes not Strigoi Lissas remorse all over me vanished, her old, feral defense of Dimitri kicking in. She hadnt expected this line of questioning somewhat him. Shed been preparing herself to lay out me and her alibi. Hans seemed cheering at the reaction and watched her closely.Then how do you explain his involvement?It wasnt because he was Strigoi, said Lissa, forcing her control backrest. Her heart was pounding rapidly. He changed back. in that locations no Strigoi left.But he attacked a number of guardianson more than one occasion.It looked like Tasha cherished to interrupt now and defend Dimitri as well, but she visibly catch her lip. It was re scarable. The Ozeras liked to speak their minds, not ever t act respectabley.It wasnt because he was Strigoi, Lissa repeated. And he didnt kill any of those guardians. non one. Rose did what she did well, I dont know why. She hated Tatiana, I guess. Everyone knew that. But Dimitri Im telling you, being Strigoi had nothing to do with this. He sufficeed her because he used to be her determineer. He thought she was in trouble.That was pretty extreme for a teacher, particularly one whobefore turning Strigoi was known for being level-headed and rational.Yeah, but he wasnt thought rationally becauseLissa cut herself off, suddenly caught in a bad situation. Hans seemed to necessitate realized quickly in this conversation that if Lissa was involved with modern eventsand I dont think he was certain yetshe would turn over an airtight alibi. lecture to her, however, had given him the chance to pursue another(prenominal)(prenominal) puzzle in my escape Dimitris involvement. Dimitri had sacrificed himself to take the take place, even if it me ant others not trusting him again. Lissa thought shed made plenty think his actions were a former teachers protective instinct, but apparently, not everyone was buying that.He wasnt thinking rationally because? prompted Hans, eyes sharp. Before the murder, Hans had believed Dimitri truly had break down a dhampir again. Something told me he still believed that but reekd there was something great break before him.Lissa stayed smooth. She didnt want people thinking Dimitri was Strigoi. She wanted people to believe in her powers to restore the undead. But if Dimitri boostering a student didnt seem convincing enough to others, all that mistrust might control surface again.Glancing at her interrogators, Lissa suddenly met Albertas eyes. The older guardian said nothing. She wore that neutral, scrutinizing expression that guardians excelled at. She also had an air of wisdom just around her, and Lissa briefly allowed spirit to show her Albertas aura. It had good, steady colors and cogency, and in Albertas eyes, Lissa swore she could see a message, a sagacious glint.Tell them, the message seemed to say. Itll create problemsbut they wont be as bad as your menses ones. Lissa held that gaze, wondering if she was just intercommunicate her own thoughts onto Alberta. It didnt matter whod come up with the idea. Lissa knew it was right.Dimitri helped Rose because because they were involved.As Id guessed, Alberta wasnt wonderd, and she seemed relieved to have the truth out there. Hans and Steele, however, were very surprised. I had only seen Hans floor a few times.When you say involved, do you mean He paused to structure his words. Do you mean romantically involved?Lissa nodded, feeling horrible. Shed revealed a big whodunit here, one shed sworn shed arrest for me, but I didnt blame her. not in this situation. LoveI hopedwould defend Dimitris actions.He love her, said Lissa. She loved him. If he helped her escapeHe did help her escape, interrupted Hans. He at tacked guardians and blew up priceless, centuries-old statues brought over from EuropeLissa shrugged. Well, like I said. He wasnt acting rationally. He wanted to help her and credibly thought she was innocent. He would have done anything for herand it had nothing to do with Strigoi.Love only justifies so much. Hans clearly wasnt a romantic.Shes underage exclaimed Steele. That part hadnt escaped him.Shes eighteen, correct Lissa.Hans cut her a look. I can do the math, princess. Unless they managed some beautiful, touching bray in the last few weeks enchantment he was mostly in closing off then there were things sledding on at your school that someone should have reported.Lissa said nothing, but from the corner of her eye, she could see Tasha and Christian. They were trying to keep their expressions neutral, but it was obvious this news wasnt a surprise to them, no doubt confirming Hanss suspicions that illicit things had been going away on. I actually hadnt realized Tasha knew more or less Dimitri and me and felt a tiny bad. Had she known that part of his rejection of her had been because of me? And if she knew, how galore(postnominal) others did? Christian had probably tipped her off, but something told me more people were probably starting to find out as well. After the schools attack, my reaction had potential been a big clue about my feelings for Dimitri. Maybe telling Hans now wasnt so big a deal afterwardwards all. The secret wouldnt be a secret much longer.Alberta clean her throat, speaking up at last. I think we have more important things to worry about right now than some romance that may or may not have happened.Steele gave her an incredulous look and slammed his hand against the table. This is pretty serious. Did you know about it?All I know is that were acquiring ready off from the point here, she replied, neatly dodging the question. Alberta was about twenty years older than Steele, and the spoiled look she gave him said that he was a chi ld wasting her time. I thought we were here to figure out if shake off Hathaway had any accomplices, not dredge up the past. So far, the only person we can say for sure that helped her is Belikov, and he did it out of irrational affection. That sustains him a fugitive and a fool, not a Strigoi.Id never thought of my relationship with Dimitri as irrational affection, but Albertas point was taken. Something in Hanss and Steeles faces made me think soon the whole world would know about us, but that was nothing compared to murder. And if it well-defined Dimitri of being a Strigoi, then it meant hed be imprisoned instead of staked if ever captured. miniature blessings.Lissas questioning continued a bit longer before the guardians decided she was free and clear of any part in my escape (that they could prove). She did a good caper playing surprised and confused the whole time, even mustering a few part over how she could have so misjudged me. She spun a little bit of compulsion into her act toonot enough to persuade anyone, but enough that Steeles earlier traumatise transformed to sympathy. Hans was harder to read, but as my group left, he reminded Tasha and Christian that he would be speaking with each of them later, preferably without an entourage.For now, the near person in the hot seat was waiting in the hall Eddie. Lissa gave him the same smile shed give any friend. thither was no indication that they were both part of a conspiracy. Eddie nodded in return as he was called to the room for his interrogation. Lissa was anxious for him, but I knew his guardian self-control would cook sure he stuck to the story. He probably wouldnt pull the tears Lissa had, but hed probable act just as shocked by my treason as she had.Tasha left Christian and Lissa once they were outside, first warning them to be pityful. Youve gotten out of this so far, but I dont think the guardians have completely cleared you. Especially Hans.Hey, I can take care of myself, said Chris tian.Tasha rolled her eyes. Yes. I see what happens when youre left to your own devices.Hey, dont get all pissy because we didnt tell you, he exclaimed. We didnt have time, and there were only so many people we could get involved. Besides, youve done your dower of crazy plans before.True, Tasha admitted. She was hardly a part model for playing by the rules. Its just that everythings gotten that much more complicated. Rose is on the run. And now Dimitri She sighed, and I didnt need her to cultivation to guess her thoughts. There was a dim look of sadness in her eyes, one that made me feel guilty. Just like the rest of us, Tasha had wanted Dimitris reputation restored. By freeing the business leaders accused assassin, hed seriously discredited any chance at acceptance. I really wished he hadnt gotten involved and hoped my current escape plan paid off.Thisll all work out, said Christian. Youll see. He didnt look so confident as he spoke, and Tasha gave him a small, amused smile. Just be careful. Please. I dont want to see you in a cell, too. I dont have time for jail visits with everything else going on. Her amusement faded, and her heart-to-heart activist mode kicked in. Our familys being ridiculous, you know. gutter you believe theyre actually public lecture about running Esmond for us? Good God. Weve already had one tragedy after another around here. At the very least, we should try to salvage something out of this mess.I dont think I know Esmond, said Christian.Moron, she said matter-of-factly. Him, I mean. Not you. Someones got to rebuke sense into our family before they embarrass themselves.Christian grinned. And let me guess youre just the one to do it?Of agate line, she said, a mischievous gleam in her eye. Ive already drawn up a list of idealistic candidates. Our family just necessarily some persuasion to see how ideal they are. Id feel bad for them if they werent still being assholes to us, Christian remarked, watching his aunt walk away. T he stigma of his parents turning Strigoi still lingered after all these years. Tasha accepted it more graciouslydespite her complainingif only to be able to participate in the Ozera familys larger decisions. Christian made no much(prenominal) attempts at civility. It was terrible enough to be treated as less than other Moroi, to be denied guardians and other things royals were entitled to. But from his own family? It was especially harsh. He refused to take it was acceptable.Theyll come around eventually, said Lissa, appear more optimistic than she felt.Any repartee of Christians was swallowed when a new companion fell into step with them my father. His abrupt appearance floor both of my friends, but I wasnt surprised. He probably knew about Lissas interrogation and had been skulk outside the building, waiting to talk to her.Its handsome out, said Abe amiably, looking around at the trees and flowers as though the three of them were on a nature walk through Court. But its goi ng to be sear when the sun comes up.The darkness that was giving me so much trouble in the woods of West Virginia made for pleasant, midday conditions for those on a vampiric schedule. Lissa gave Abe a sidelong glance. With eyes well-tuned to low light, she had no difficulty taking in the brilliant teal dress clothe under his beige sports jacket. A projection screen person could have probably seen him in that color.Lissa scoffed at Abes faked casualness. It was a habit of his, first step with small talk before move on to more sinister topics. Youre not here to talk about the weather. trying to be civilized, thats all. He fell silent as a couple of Moroi girls passed them. once they were well out of ear-shot, he asked in a low voice, I wear down everything went well at your little meeting?Fine, she said, not bothering to fill him in about irrational affection. She knew all hed care about was that none of their associates had been implicated.The guardians have Eddie now, said Ch ristian. And want me later, but I think thatll be it for all of us.Lissa sighed. Honestly, I have a feeling the interrogation was the easy part, compared to whats coming. She meant count on out who had really killed Tatiana.One step at a time, murmured Abe. No point in letting the larger encounter overwhelm us. Well just start at the beginning.Thats the problem, said Lissa, kicking irritably at a branch lying across the cobbles aspect path in front of her. I have no idea where to start. Whoever killed Tatiana did a good job screen their tracks and shifting it all to Rose.One step at a time, repeated Abe.He spoke in that sly tone of his that annoyed me sometimes, but to Lissa today, it was grating. Until now, all of her energy had been concentrate on acquiring me out of jail and somewhere safe. That was the goal that had driven her and kept her going in my escapes aftermath.Now, after some of the intensity had faded, the pressure of it all was beginning to crash down on her. Chr istian put an arm around her shoulders, sensing her dismay. He turned to Abe, unmistakably serious. Do you have any ideas? Christian asked Abe. We certainly dont have any real evidence.We have reasonable assumptions, Abe replied. Like that whoever killed Tatiana would have had access to her private rooms. Thats not a long list.Its not short either. Lissa ticked off people on her fingers. The royal guards, her friends and family and thats expect no one altered the guardians records of her visitors. And for all we know, some visits were never logged at all. She probably had secret business meetings all the time. flimsy shed have business meetings in her bedroom, in her nightgown, mused Abe. Of course, it depends on the type of business, I suppose.Lissa stumbled, actualization stunning her. Ambrose.Who?Hes a dhampir really well-favored He and Tatiana were, um Involved? said Christian with a smile, echoing the interrogation.Now Abe came to a stop. Lissa did the same, and his dark eyes met hers. Ive seen him. Sort of a pool boy type.Hed have access to her bedroom, said Lissa. But I just cantI dont know. I cant see him doing this.Appearances are deceiving, said Abe. He was terribly interest in Rose back in the courtroom.More surprise for Lissa. What are you talking about?Abe stroked his chin in an evil-villain clear up of way. He spoke to her or gave her some signal. Im not really sure, but there was some kind of interaction between them.Clever, watchful Abe. Hed noticed Ambrose giving me the note but hadnt fully realized what had happened.We should talk to him then, said Christian.Lissa nodded. Conflicting feelings churned inside of her. She was excited by a lead but upset that it meant kind, gentle Ambrose might be a suspect.Ill take care of it, said Abe breezily.I felt her gaze fall heavily on him. I couldnt see her expression, but I did see Abe take an involuntary step back, the faintest glimmer of surprise in his eyes. Even Christian flinched. And Im g oing to be there when you do, she said, steel in her voice. Do not attempt some crazy torture-style interrogation without me.You want to be there for the torture? asked Abe, recovering.There wont be any. Well talk to Ambrose like civilized people, understand? She stared hard at him again, and Abe finally shrugged in acquiescence, as though being overpowered by a woman half his age was no big deal.Fine. Well do it together.Lissa was a little suspicious at his forgetingness, and he must have picked up on that.We will, he said, continuing walking. This is a good timewell, as good as any timefor an investigation. Courts going to get chaotic as the monarch elections get under way. Everyone here will be busy, and new people will start pouring in.A breeze, heavy with humidity, rippled Lissas hair. The promise of heat was on it, and she knew Abe would be right about sunrise. It would be expenditure going to bed early.When will the elections happen? she asked. As soon as they put dear Tat iana to rest. These things move fast. We need our regimen restored. Shell be buried tomorrow at the church with a ceremony and service, but therell be no repeat of the procession. Theyre still too uneasy.I felt kind of bad that she hadnt received a full queenly funeral in the end, but then, if it meant her true murderer was found, maybe she would have favorite(a) it that way.Once the burial happens and elections begin, Abe continued, any family who wants to put out a candidate for the top side will do soand of course theyll want to. Youve never seen a monarchial election, have you? Its quite a spectacle. Of course, before the voting occurs, all the candidates will have to be tested.There was something ominous in the way he said tested, but Lissas thoughts were elsewhere. Tatiana had been the only queen shed ever known, and the full cushion of a regime change was staggering. A new king or queen can affect everythingfor better or worse. I hope its someone good. One of the Ozeras, maybe. One of Tashas people. She glanced hopefully at Christian, who could only shrug. Or Ariana Szelsky. I like her. Not that it matters who I want, she added bitterly. see as I cant vote. The Councils votes determined the elections winner, so again, she was locked out of the Moroi juristic process.A lot of work will go into the nominations, Abe explained, avoiding her last comment. Each family will want someone to further their interests but who also has a chance of getting votes fromOomphI was thrust raspingly out of the calculating world of Moroi political sympathies and back into the wilds of West Virginiavery painfully so. Something solid and fierce slammed me against the hard-packed earth, leaves and branches cutting my face and hands. Strong hands held me down, and Dimitris voice spoke in my ear.You should have just conceal in town, he said, a little amused. His weight and position allowed me no room to move. It would have been the last place I looked. Instead, I knew e xactly where youd go.Whatever. Dont act so smart, I said through gritted teeth, trying to break out of his hold. Goddamn it. He was smart. And once again, the closeness of him was disorienting. Earlier, it had seemed to affect him too, but hed apparently learned his lesson. You made a lucky guess, thats all.I dont need luck, Roza. Ill evermore find you. So, really its up to you how difficult you want this situation to be. There was an almost conversational tone to his voice, made all the more ridiculous by the situation we were in. We can do this over and over, or you can do the reasonable thing and just stay put with Sydney and me.Its not reasonable Its wasteful.He was sweating, from the heat and undoubtedly because hed had to run pretty hard to catch up with me. Adrian wore a cologne that always made me heady, but the natural perfume of Dimitris warm skin was intoxicating too. It was surprise to me that I could keep noticing these little thingsand be attracted to themeven when I was legitimately mad at him for keeping me captive. Maybe anger was a turn-on for me.How many times do I have to explain the logic behind what were doing? he asked in exasperation. Until you give up. I pushed back against him, trying again to get loose, but all it did was put us closer together. I had a feeling the kissing dupery wouldnt work this time.He jerked me to my feet, keeping my gird and hands pinned behind my back. I had a little more room to head than I had on the ground, but not quite enough to break free. Slowly, he began trying to make me walk back toward the direction Id come from.I am not letting you and Sydney risk getting in trouble with me. Ill take care of myself, so just let me go I said, literally dragging my feet. Seeing a tall, skinny tree, I stuck one leg out and hooked myself onto the trunk, completely bringing us to a halt.Dimitri groaned and shifted his catch to get me away from the tree. It almost gave me an escape opportunity, but I didnt even man age two steps before he had a hold of me again.Rose, he said wearily. You cant win.Hows your face feeling? I asked. I couldnt see any marks in the poor lighting but knew the cowman Id given him would leave a mark tomorrow. It was a shame to damage his face like that, but hed heal, and maybe it would teach him a lesson about messing with Rose Hathaway.Or not. He began dragging me again. Im seconds away from just tossing you over my shoulder, he warned.Id like to see you try.How do you think Lissa would feel if you got killed? His apprehend tightened, and while I had a feeling hed make good on his over-the-shoulder threat, I also suspected he wanted to shake me. He was that upset. Can you hazard what it would do to her if she lost you?For a moment, I was out of snappy retorts. I didnt want to die, but risking my life was exactly that risking my life. No one elses. Still, I knew he was right. Lissa would be devastated if anything happened to me. And yet it was a risk I had to take. Have a little faith, comrade. I wont get killed, I said stubbornly. Ill stay alive.Not the answer hed wanted. He shifted his hold. There are other ways to help her than whatever insanity youre thinking of.I suddenly went limp. Dimitri stumbled, caught by surprise at my sudden lack of resistance. Whats wrong? he asked, both puzzled and suspicious.I stared off into the night, my eyes not really focused on anything. Instead, I was seeing Lissa and Abe back at Court, remembering Lissas feeling of impotency and longing for her vote. Tatianas note came back to me, and for a moment, I could hear her voice in my head. She is not the last Dragomir. other lives.Youre right, I said at last.Right about ? Dimitri was at a total loss. It was a common reaction for people when I agreed to something reasonable.Rushing back to Court wont help Lissa.Silence. I couldnt fully make out his expression, but it was probably filled with shock.Ill go back to the motel with you, and I wont go running off to Court. Another Dragomir. Another Dragomir needing to be found. I took a hidden breath. But Im not going to sit around and do nothing. I am going to do something for Lissaand you and Sydney are going to help me.