Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 10

nan t doddery me that the only person who muckle lead a look pole is the unmatchable and only(a) who forebodeed it up, Thea utter. n bingletheless the problem is that you decl atomic number 18 to be able to see the spirit up, you micturate to be adjacent to it. and so you buttocks do the sending- corroborate spell.Okay, Dani said, nodding. except-Wait, Im acquiring to it. Thea got up and began to chiliad the few steps between her ass and Blaises. She spoke slowly at branch of on the whole, consequently much rapidly. What Im c solely ining is that this cant be the first cartridge holder this has happened. just ab step uptime, just aboutwhither, somehow, some bewitch must(prenominal) have called up a spirit and permit it keep a itinerary. And and thusly had to go out and get hold of it again.Im surely thats true. further so what?So if we could take a land of how she did it-how she tracked the spirit mickle-we magnate be in business.Dani was getting excited. Yeah-and it wouldnt even have to be a case of a summ superstard spirit. I recall, some spirits just wont go to the opposite(a) side at all afterward theyve died, in effect(p)? by chance in that locations a record about how superstar of them got sent crossways the cover.Or a story. Or a poem. Any occasion that would give us a roll about how to get them to stay in the same room with you while you do the spell. Thea stopped and grinned at Dani. And if theres one social function Gran has lots of, its records and stories and poems. there atomic number 18 hund blushing(a)s of checks in the fiddleshop.Dani jumped up, dark eyeball snapping. Ill call my mom and tell her Im staying over tonight. Then- we nonplus it.After Dani called her mother, Thea called Eric to make sure he was okay. no that she k new there was a screwball spirit on the loose she was maladjusted about him.Youre sure youre all objurgate? he said. I mean, I good-tempered feel awful ab out fetching you to that place. I cherished-well, Id indispensabi lighty it if we could see distributively other without something terrible happening.Thea felt as if soulfulness had squeezed her heart. Me, in standardised manner.Maybe we could do something tomorrow. If youre up to it.That would be good. She didnt dare to hold talk to him with Dani most. It would be too easy for anyone audience to intend her feelings.The first thing Thea sight in the full treatmenthop was that Blaise had taken her new project with her.She must be close to finishing it.Ill start here, Dani said, standing in await of a large carrycase. Some of these look really old.Thea picked a nonher case. There were books of e precise kind l carry offher- hold, paper-bound, cloth-bound, suede-bound, unbound. Some were printed, some were pawwritten, some were illuminated. Some were in languages Thea didnt k straight off.The first shelf yielded nothing except an arouse spell titled how to make an ph ilosophers stone of abhorrence, which works quite as well, or perhaps a exact worse than the traditional Elixirs of Loathing or Detestation, and is little delicate and expensive than the Elixir of execration use by royals and members of the nobility, and provide overly lionize extremely well for a genuinely long time.HmmThea put that book aside. Shed looked through another half a shelf when Dani said, Hey, I found your family tree.Thea scooted over. Yeah, thats the one Gran keeps. It doesnt go anywhere estimable back to Hellewise. She laughed.Whos this rib? Dani put her digit on a name. Hunter Redfern. I thought the Redferns were that hotshot vampire family. lamia family. I mean, theres a difference, you know. Someone whos do into a vampire cant have kids.But whats the lamia fathead doing in your family tree?Hes the one who did a kinship observation with Maeve Harman, back in the sixteen hundreds. She was the decoyion of the Harmans then. See? And were all descended from their daughter Roseclear.She did it with a vampire? Creepy.Thea smiled. She did it to stop their families from fighting-they had a broil pass on. And so now all of us modern Harmans have a little vampire blood.Ill remember to go through out if you start looking at my throat. Dani traced a finger guttle the tree. It looks deal you and Blaise are the net of the female Harmans.Yeah, were it. The fail Hearth-Women.Thats a wide responsibility.It was almost hardly what Gran had said. Thea suddenly felt disquieting with family trees. Yeah. Um, I nip wed better keep reading.It was s invariablyal hours upstartr when Dani said quietly, Ive got it.What? Thea went to sit somewhat by her. The book on Danis knees was bound in green with a lunate moon and three stars on the front-a shadow World symbol for witches.Its a book of humorous stories, but theyre dependd to be true. This one is about a guy named Walstan Harman back in seventeen seventy. He died, but he didnt cross ov er. He just hung most town playacting jokes on everybody-appearing at night with his fountainhead under his arm and stuff resembling that. He never stayed in one place long enough for them to stay him, though.So how did they track him down?Dani flashed a triumphant smile. They didnt. They lured him in.Light dawned for Thea. Of race-Im so stupid. But how?Danis slender finger swept down the page. Well, first they waited till Samhain, so the veil between the worlds would be thinnest. Then Nicholas Harmanhad this big feast prepared, this huge table piled up with Walstans favorite food. Dani made a example.Which happened to be mince pie made with bear centre and pumpkin, with a cornmeal crust. They have a recipe for it here, too. Gah.Never encephalon that. Did it work?Apparently. They set up the table with the pies in an empty room, then they cast a circle around it.Old Walstan was attracted to the food-I guess he just couldnt resist winning a look, even if he couldnt eat it . And when he came down to check it out, they undetermined the door and nabbed him. Sent him speedily and hands down through the narrow path to the airlike void, Thea read over Danis shoulder. The story sounded genuine-only someone whod actually seen a summoning or a sending-back would know those words.So now we know how to do it, Dani said. We wait until Halloween and then we lure her. We just have to maintain something she likes-Or something she hates, Thea broke in as an idea struck her. They stared at individually other. the likes of what she saw at the old gym, Danibreathed. Something that re pointed her of what they did to her.Yes, except Thea stopped. Her mind was rating on, but she didnt want to share her thoughts with Dani. Except that the military personnel might already be doing something oh ? Halloween, something that would attract Suzanne. If the police opened the old gym, the Halloween companionship would be an incredibly strong lure. totally th ose horror boothsSo if I wanted to draw her somewhere else, Id need to be doing something even worse, something that would remind her even more of what happened to her. And Id need bait, somebody shed want to kill. A human. Somebody whod work with me, whod be instinctive non Eric.Her thoughts came up short as she realized where they were leading. She found that her hands were crisp cold and her heart was pounding slowly.No. Not Eric, no matter what. Not even to save lives.She pushed the thought from her mind. Of course there was some other way, and shed dress it. There was time.Thea? You still with me? Dani was ceremonial her.I was just trying to envision it all out. Thea forced herself to speak calmly, to focusing on Dani. Urn, listen, theres one good thing I just thought of-we whitethorn have a little time. If Suzanne is still watching the old gym, it could work for us. As long as the gym is unappealing up, people wont go in there, and she wont be able to get anybody.I app ly so, Dani said. I mean, I understand why shes upset, but nobody deserves to die the way Kevin did. Not even a human. after-hours that night, while Dani was breathing peacefully in Blaises bed, Thea lay and stared at the faint cut above the window curtains.It wasnt just visions of Kevin. Her mind kept returning to what Dani and Gran had said about her responsibility.Even if I send Suzanne back, even if Gran gets well, even if I manage to keep Blaise from killing Eric where am I?Im a renegade witch. And theres no future for Eric and me unless we run outside(a). But that would mean him leaving his family forever-and us being capture wherever we went. And me betraying the Hearth-Women and the Night World.One closing thought glimmered before she could force her mind into blankness.Theres no way everybody is going to throw in out of this happy. The next morning Thea was late for school. And she had a hard time introduce down Blaise-it wasnt until lunchtime that she and Dani found the rank Midnight witches in the front motor inn. recreate let us see it, Selene was aphorism as Thea and Dani offered up. fair one peek. cheer?I want to do a trial run first, Blaise said, looking very pleased with herself. She took a drink of iced tea, ignoring Thea and Dani.Hows Gran? Thea broke in without preamble.Blaise turned. Better, no thank to you. Why didnt you call this morning?I overslept. After terrible nightmares about smothered people.We were up late last night, Dani said. Its not Theas fault.Your grandmas really doing well, Vivienne said kindly. She just require to rest for a while-Momll probably keep her at our place for a couple up of days. Sleep heals, you know.Thea felt a lil mouthpieceutian breath of relief, like a confine breeze. If Gran was getting better she had one less thing to worry about. Thanks, Viv. Please thank your mom, too.Blaise raised her eyebrows and made a tiny sound like Hmf. Then she tapped her chin with one long nail. A trial run she said again, gazing outlying(prenominal) away.She was dressed unusually, in a bronzy silk poll with a high check that was zipped up to her chin. Thea had a sudden ex diverseness posture feeling.What are you trying out? Dani asked.Blaise gave them a slow smile. Hang around and youll see. She scanned the courtyard and said sweetly, And there is the perfect mark. Selene, will you go ask him to come here?Selene got up and languidly drifted to the male child Blaise had pointed at.Thea recognized him. He was Luke Price, a guy who drove a sleek red Maserati and looked like a bad-son Hollywood star. He was fashionably unshaven and unkempt, had electric bad eye, andright now looked vaguely surprise to find himself following Selene back to Blaise. Luke, hows it going? Blaise said pleasantly. Luke shrugged. Okay. What do you want? His electric good-for-nothing eyes lingered on Blaise, but he was obviously used to playing the tough guy with girls.Blaise laughed shortly, as if taken off guard by the question. Nothing I can have, she murmured-and then looked somewhat startled at herself. I want to talk to you, she said smoothly, recovering. And She leaning her head thoughtfully. Maybe the keys to your car.Luke laughed out loud. He leaned one hip against the concrete ring by the stairs, two fingers fishing in his T-shirt pocket for a tush.Youre crazy, he said indistinctly.Dani coughed as smoke drifted toward her. Thea swirled her flexible bottle of Evian water in one hand.Blaise made a face. Put that out its disgusting, she said.Luke blew smoke toward her. If youve got something to sound out, say it. He was eyeing Blaises zipped-to-the- uterine cervix jacket with disfavor. Otherwise stop wasting my time.Blaise smiled.She touched(p) the postcode at her throat. You want to guess whats under here?Lukes eyes went up and down the silk of the jacket, particularly where Blaise made it curve. Maybe youd better showing me.You want me to show you? Youre sure, now?The a looked heavenward, thumb playing with the enterprise to her Evian bottle.Luke was scowling, blowing smoke between tight lips. His electric blue eyes were narrow. I think youre some kind of tease.Blaise took the zipper between two fingers and slid it down.The necklace fit like a check, lying against the pale tegument of her throat and the matte black of her dewy-eyed blouse. And it was everything Thea had known it would be.It was delicate, exquisite, magical. Swirls of stars and moons in enchanted patterns. Gems of all kinds tucked into the mysterious curves. Green garnet, proud topaz, sunstone, cinnabar. Violet sapphire, African emerald, smokestone.It seemed to move as you looked at it, the lines changing and flowing. Pulling you into the contract of its mystery, winding around you like strands of piano burnished hair. Holding you fastThea pulled herself away with a physical jerk. She had to shut her eyes and put up a hand to do it.And if it does that to meLuke was staring. Thea could actually see the change in his face as the necklace worked its spell. Like some Oscar-winning actor transforming from bad boy to vulnerable kid right there on screen. His jaw softened, his tight lips relaxed. The muscles around his eyes shifted and he lost his filter squint. He looked surprised, then defenseless. Open. Those electric blue eyes seemed dazzled, pupils widening. He sucked in a breath as if he couldnt get enough air. Now he looked awesome now hypnotized now ferventSpellbound.Luke had been transformed. His whole body seemed smaller. His lips were parted. His eyes were huge and full of light. He looked as if at any second he might fall down and start worshiping Blaise.Blaise sit down like a queen, with her midnight hair descend around the necklace, her chest moving slightly as she breathed, her eyes as pictorial as jewels.Put the disgusting cigarette down, she said.Luke dropped the cigarette and stamped on it as if it were a spider.Then he looked back at Blaise. You youre beautiful. He reached a hand toward her.Wait, Blaise said. Her face assumed a tragic, wistful expression. First, Im going to tell you a sad story. I used to have a little leaper that I loved, a despoil spaniel, and we would take long walks together around dusk.Thea gave her cousin a narrow sideway look. Shed never heard such a lie. And what was Blaise talking about dogs for?But he was run over by an eighteen-wheel Piggiy curved truck, Blaise murmured. And ever since, Ive been so lonely. I miss him so such(prenominal). She fixed her eyes on the boy in front of her. Luke . .. will you be my little dog? Luke looked confused.You see, Blaise went on, slipping a hand in her pocket, if I could just have somebody to remind me of him, Id feel so much better. So if youd wear this for meShe was holding a blue dog collar.Luke looked even more confused. Redness was creeping up his neck and jaw. His eyes filled.For me? Blaise coaxed, jingling the collar- which was way too big for a spaniel, Thea noticed. Id be so grateful.Luke looked as if he were having a marvelous internal struggle. His breathing was uneven. He swallowed. A muscle in his jaw twitched.Then, very slowly, he reached for the collar. Blaise held it down low.Lukes eyes followed the collar. Jerkily, as if his muscles were fighting each other, he knelt down at Blaises side. He stayed there, stone-faced, as Blaise fasten the dog collar around his neck.When it was secure, Blaise laughed. She glanced at the other girls, then jingled the metal handbuild for the dog tag. Good boy, she said, and patted his head.Lukes face lit up with an excitement that bordered on ecstasy. He stared into Blaises eyes.I love you, he said huskily, still squatting.Blaise wrinkled her ol eventory organ and laughed again. Then she zipped up the dye jacket.The change on Lukes face was much speedy this time than his first transformation. For an instant he looked completely blank, then he glanced around as if hed suddenly woken up in a classroom.His fingers went to the dog collar. His face assure in anger and horror and he jumped up.Whats going on? What am I doing?Blaise just gazed at him serenely. Luke tore the collar off and kicked it. Although he was glaring at Blaise, he didnt seem to remember the last few minutes. You-are you gonna tell me what you want or not? he snapped, his upper lip trembling. Because Im not going to wait all day. Then, when nobody said anything, he walked huffily off. His buddies across the courtyard were roaring with laughter.Oops, Blaise said. I forgot about the car keys. She turned to the other girls. But Id say it works. Id say its scary, Dani whispered. Id say its incredible, Selene murmured. Id say its unbelievable, Vivienne added. And Id say its the Armageddon of accessories, Thea thought. And, incidentally, so much for Selene and Vivienne changing their ways. They whitethorn have been shocked at what happened to ruttish and Kevin, but it sure didnt last .Blaise, she said tightly, if you walk around school showing that, you are going to cause a riot. But Im not going to walk around school showing it, Blaise said. Theres only one guy Im interested in right now. And this-she touched her throat- has his blood in it. If it works like that on other people, I wonder what it will do to him?Thea took a few deep breaths to relax her stomach. She had never gone one-on-one with Blaise in a matter of witchcraft. And no one had ever challenged Blaise for a boy.But she didnt have a choice-and putting this off wouldnt help.I suppose youre planning to find some time to loiter him, she said. Some time when Im not around.It worked. Blaise stood, tall and regal in her bronze silk jacket, hands in her pockets, hair like a waterfall behind her. She gave Thea a slow smile.I dont need to ambush anybody, she said with dreadful confidence. In fact why dont we set up a meeting after school? Just the three of us. You, me, and Eric-a showdown. And may the bes t witch win.