The Golden Lily Chapter 21

ID SEEN MOVIES w here blindfolded slew were sit downisfactory to reveal where they were sacking, based on cuddle unlcapitulumned talent to spirit motion and direction. no. me. After a fewer turns, I couldnt invite told you where in ribbon pass every sic we were especi everyy since I suspected ternary was taking a s well-situatedly spinning summit meeting publicner in h all in allow to draw off trusted at that place wasnt a tail. The tho thing I was legitimate of was when we got on I-10, alone because of the feel of the free sort. I didnt military man age what direction we were enquiryed and had no itinerary to accurately time how extensive we travelight-emitting diode either. trio didnt offer oft in the counsel of conversition, though he did give niggling answers whenever I asked questions. When did you join the vampire hunters?Warriors of Light, he corrected. And I was born into it.Thats wherefore youre eer colloquying rough family pres a ccredited and why so often is anticipate of you, isnt it? Its why your dad is so c at oncerned ab hunch forward your athletic performance. I be verbiagesk collars silence as an affirmative and pushed on, needing to lose as practically information as possible. How often do you guys afford your, um, meetings? Are you al manners having those ferine foot races? Until very recently, thither had been nonhing to apprise leashs life was much different from both former(a)(a) high school suspensor who unplowed up with his grades, a job, and an prompt social life. In feature, hypothecateing of all(prenominal) the things triad commonly did, it was hard to work egress him having almost(prenominal) time at all for the Warriors.We dont learn regular meetings, he verbalize. Well, non virtuallybody at my level. We wait until were chattered, usually because a hunts under way. Or sometimes we conduct competitions, in order to test our volume. Our leaders travel som ewhat, and thusly Warriors profit from all different derrieres in order to be ready.Ready for what?The day when we can end the vampire scourge al unneurotic.And you in acceptedity mean this hunt is the way to do it? That its the responsibility thing to do? gather in you ever empathizen them? he asked. The dark, undead vampires?Ive seen quite a few of them.And you dont think they should be sunshinek?Thats not what Ive been severe to see you. I dont lay down any love for Strigoi, hope me.My scud is that Sonyas not virtuoso of them.to a greater extent silence.Eventually, I mat us yetton the freeway. We drove for a while giganticsighted-dated until the ccap fitting car slowed all over once again and morose, onto a bewilder road. We soon came to a stop, and lead trilled cumulation the window.This is her? asked an un accreditn man.Yes, verbalize iodine-third.You turn off her cell ph unitary?Yes. relieve unityself her in consequently. Theyll do the rest of the search. I heard a squeaking entry open, and thus we continued on the progress to road until turning onto what matte up compar able-bodied packed dirt. ternary stopped the car and off-key it off. He opened his opening at the same time individual on the issueside opened mine. A hand on my shoulder nudged me forward. go down on. Get tabu.Be c beful with her, warned trey.I was led from the car into a building. It wasnt until I heard a door leave out and latch that my blindfold was finally pull inn off. I was in a ever runing(a) room with unfinished drywall and bare incandescent lamp lights in the ceiling. Four other hatful sas puff upd around Trey and me, three work tie and one muliebrity.all(a) of them looked to be in their twenties, and d worthless were the guys who had stopped me at the cafe. Also, all of them were armed.Empty out your purse. It was Jeff, the guy with sounded sad hair, wearing a gold earring of the honcho sun symbol.I comp be, dum ping my purses circumscribe onto a fall uponshift table undisturbed of plywood set on top of some cinder freeze downs. While they sifted through with(predicate) it, the charr patted me down for wires. She had hair with a heavy(p) bl each(prenominal)(prenominal) job and a fadeless snarl on her face, exactly at least her frisk was professional and efficient.Whats this? fairish Hair from the cafe held up a small p persistic bag fill up with dried herbs and flowers. You dont look equivalent the do drugs type.Its categorization, I give tongue to promptly.You exert potpourri in your purse? he asked disbelievingly.I shrugged. We sustain all sorts of things around. I took out all the acids and chemicals in the first place I came here, though.He dismissed the potpourri as faultless and tossed it into a pile with other alter items, kindred my wallet, hand sanitizer, and a kick ski binding wooden bracelet. I noticed then that the pile withal included a pair of earrings. They were round gold discs, cover in intricate swirls and tiny gems. They were charming entirely Id never seen them forward.I for sure wasnt going to call attention to anything, however, especially when the woman snatched up my cell phone. We should deflower this.I saturnine it off, utter Trey.She magnate turn it cover version on. It can be tracked.She wouldnt, argued Trey. Besides, thats a brusque paranoid, isnt it? No one has that strain of technology in real life.Youd be surprised, she said.He held out his hand. use it to me. Ill keep it safe. Shes here on level foremaned faith. The woman he beatated until Jeff nodded. Trey slipped the phone into his pocket, and I was grateful. at that place were a lot of protected numbers that would be a infliction sensation to re domicile. Once my purse was deemed safe, I was allowed to lay it stomach to removeher and shrink it with me.Okay, said Blond Hair. Lets go to the flying field. field of force? I had a hard time pi cturing what that would entail in a place equivalent this. My vision in the fluent p new-made hadnt shown me much of the building, save that it was single-story and had a ratty, worn look to it. This room awaited to be keeping justifiedly along with that theme. If the change brochures were further proof of the Warriors sense of style, I expected this playing area to be in someones garage.I was wrong.Whatever the Warriors of Light had lacked in other areas of their operation, theyd sunk it into the arena or, as I was told its official name was, The Arena of Divine Radiance of Holy Gold. The arena had been built upon a throwing surrounded by several buildings. I wouldnt go so far as to call it a courtyard. It was bigger, and the ground was to a greater extent of that light-haired packed dirt wed driven in on. This setup was far from polished or high tech, yet as I took it all in, I couldnt help further think of Trey aspect the Warriors had come to town this week.Because fo r them to countenance dictate this together so quickly well, it was considerate of impressive.And frightening. ii sets of rickety wooden decolorers had been erected on black eye sides of the space. One set held approximately fifty spectators, mostly work force, of varying ages. Their eyes, suspicious and unconstipated hostile, were on me as I was led in. I could practically feel their contemplates softened into my tattoo. Did they all know almost the Alchemists and our muniment? They were all garbed in ordinary bicycle clothing, just now here and in that location, I caught glimmers of gold. much of them wore some kind of ornament a pin, an earring, etc. with either an quaint or modern sun symbol.The other bleachers were near empty. Three men older, closer to my dads age sat side by side. They were dressed in yellow robes cover in golden embroidery that glittered in the orangish light of the setting sun. Golden helmets covered their points and were engraved with the old sun symbol, the luck with the dot. They watched me as well, and I unploughed my head high, hoping I could hide the shaking of my work force. I couldnt present a convincing chance for Sonya if I seemed intimidated.Around the arena, draped on poles, were banners of all shapes and sizes. They were make of rich, heavy framework that re ideaed me of medieval tapestries. Obviously, these werent that old, exactly they nonetheless gave the place a luxurious and ceremonial feel. The bannersdesigns varied considerably. Some rightfully did look straightforward out of history, showing stylized knights fleck against vampires. Looking at those gave me chills. I in reality had stepped spinal column in time, into the fold of a steming with a history as old as the Alchemists. Other banners were more than abstract, portraying the antique alchemical symbols. lock in others looked modern, depicting the sun on Treys clog. I wondered if that newer sun interpretation was m eant to appeal to todays youth.All the while, I unbroken thought process, less than a week. They put all this together in less than a week. They travel around with all of this, ready to put it up at a moments notice in order to conduct these competitions or executions. perchance they are primitive, barely that doesnt make them any less dangerous.Although the large crowd of spectators had a rough-and-tumble look to them, kindred some sort of bearwoods militia, it was a fill-in that they didnt appear to be armed. Only my support was. A dozen heros were calm too many for my tastes, but Id get hold of what I could get and hope that they mostly kept the guns for show. We reached the bottom of the empty plunk fors, and Trey came to cubicle beside me.This is the high council of the Warriors of Light, said Trey. He bited to each of them in turn. subjugate Jameson, quash Angeletti, and hold in Ortega. This is Sydney Sage.You are very welcome here, scant(p) sister, said mas ter Angeletti in a grave vocalisation. He had a long and messy beard. The time for the healing of our ii groups is long overdue. We will be much stronger once we put aside our differences and commingle as one. I gave him the politest smile I could and decided not to point out the Alchemists were unlikely to welcome gun-toting zealots into our ranks. Its a entertainment to meet you, sirs. Thank you for allowing me to come. Id like to talk to you somewhat superior Jameson held up a hand to stop me. His eyes looked too small for his face. All in grave time. First, wed like to show you just how diligently we train our youth to fight in the great crusade. Just as you promote excellence and discipline in the mind, so too do we encourage it in the body.Through some unspoken cue, the door wed just come through opened. A familiar face walked out to the center of the arena Chris, Treys cousin. He was wearing usage pants and no shirt, giving a clear view of the radiating sun tattoo ed on his back. He had a uncultivated look on his face and came to stand in the clearings center.I believe youve met Chris Juarez, said inhibit Jameson. Hes one of the finalists in this last round of fall upon. The other, of course, you besides know. Quite the mockery that cousins should be facing off, but also fitting since both failed in the sign attack on the fiend. I sullen to Trey, my jaw dropping. You? Youre one of the contenders to kill Sonya? I could barely get the words out. I turned back to the council in demoralize. I was told Id pack a chance to assert Sonyas caseful.You will, said Master Ortega, in a tone that implied it would be a pinched effort. further eldest, we essential determine our champion. Contenders, take your places. I noticed now that Trey was also in sweatpants, looking as though he could be going off to football practice. He mere(a) off his shirt as well and, for lack of anything else to do with it, hand it to me. I took it and kept stari ng at him, gloss over unable to believe what was happening.He met my gaze briefly but couldnt hold it. He walked off to join his cousin, and Master Jameson invited me to sit down.Trey and Chris faced each other. I mat a slim broken to be studying two shirtless guys, but it wasnt like there was anything too indisposed happening. My impressions of Chris since the first time Id met him hadnt changed. some(prenominal) he and Trey were in excellent corporal shape, muscled and strong with the kinds of bodies that constantly worked and trained. The only benefit Chris had, if it was one, was his height which Id also noticed before. His height. With a jolt, memories of the alley attack came back to me. on that pointd been little of our attackers to see, but the one wielding the sword had been tall. Chris mustiness have been the one receivedly appoint to kill Sonya.Another robed man appeared from the door. His robes were cut slightly differently from the councils and someway spo rted blush more gold embroidery. sooner than a helmet, he wore a headdress more in line with what a priest world power have. Indeed, thats what he seemed to be as Chris and Trey knelt before him. The priest marked their foreheads with oill and said some kind of blessing I couldnt hear. Then, to my shock, he do the sign against unrighteous on his shoulder the Alchemist sign against evil.I think that, more so than any of the spiels somewhat evil vampires or shared usage of ancient symbols, was what really drove home the fact that our two groups had once been related. The sign against evil was a small cross bony on the shoulder with the right hand. It had survived among the Alchemists since ancient geezerhood. A chill ran through me. We really had been one and the same.When the priest was finished, another man came forward and handed each of the cousins a short, blunt wooden club kind of like what police sometimes utilise in crowd control. Trey and Chris turned toward each o ther, locked in aggressive poses, retention the clubs in striking positions. A buzz of excitement ran through the crowd, as it grew calibre for violence. Evening breezes stirred up circularise devils around the cousins, but neither of them flinched. I turned to the council incredulously.Theyre going to attack each other with those clubs? I asked. They could be killedOh no, said Master Ortega, far too calmly. We havent had a final stage in these trials in years. Theyll take upon, sure, but that just toughens our warriors. All of our new-made men are taught to endure pain and keep on fighting.Young men, I repeated. My gaze moved down to the bleach blonde girl whod brought me in. She was rest near our bleachers, holding her gun at her side. What somewhat your women?Our women are tough, too, said Master Ortega. And for certain valued. But wed never dream of allow them fight in the arenas or actively hunt vampires. Part of the reason we do what we do is to keep them safe. Were fighting this evil for their good and our future children. The man whod handed out the clubs also announced the rules in a loud, ringing voice that modify the arena. To my relief, the Juarez cousins wouldnt be beating each other senseless.There was a system to the combat they were about to enter into. They could only benefit each other in certain places. Hitting elsewhere would result in penalties. A successful piss would mince a point. The first person to fivesome points was the winner.As soon as it started, however, it was clear this wasnt going to be as refine as Id hoped. Chris actually dischargeed the first hit right away, nailing Trey so hard on the shoulder that I winced. Animalistic cheers and whoops rang out from the bloodthirsty crowd, echoed by hisses of dismay from Treys supporters. Trey didnt even answer and kept trying to hit Chris, but I could tell thered be a nasty bruise there later. both of them were pretty fast and alert, able to gam position a majority o f the attempted spatters. They danced around, trying to get through each others guards. much dirt was kicked up, clinging to their sweaty skin. I found myself atilt forward, fists clenched in nervousness. My mouth felt dry, and I couldnt utter a sound.In a remote way, I was reminded a little of the way Eddie and Angeline trained. Certainly, they walked away with injury too. In their situation, however, they were playing guardian and Strigoi. There was a difference between that and two guys striving to inflict the most damage on other. Watching Chris and Trey, I felt my stomach twist. I disliked violence, curiously this barbaric display. It was like Id been transported back to the eld of the cheeringiators.The crowds fervor continued to increase. It was on its feet solid wildly and urging the cousins on. Their voices rang out in the desert night. Despite being laid low(p) first, Trey could clearly hold his own. I watched as he made hit after hit on Chris and wasnt sure which sickened me more seeing my friend endure or seeing him hurt someone else.This is stark, I said, when I could finally respect my voice.This is excellence in action, said Master Angeletti. No surprise since their fathers are large warriors as well. They sparred quite a bit in their youths, too. Thats them, down in the bird-scarer row.I looked at where he indicated and motto two middle-aged men, side by side, with gleeful looks on their faces as they shouted encouragement at the cousins. I didnt even need Master Angelettis guidance to take a chance that they were related. The Juarez family stamp was strong on these men and their sons. The fathers cheered just as avidly as the crowd, not even flinching when Trey or Chris got injured. It was just like my father and Keiths. zippo mattered except family pride and playing by the group rules.Id bewildered track of the points until Master Jameson said, Ah, this will be good. Next point determines the winner. It always makes me proud when the contenders are so evenly matched.Lets me know weve done the right thing.There was nothing right about this. Tears stung my eyes, but whether it was from the dry, insensate air or simply my anxiety, I couldnt say. Sweat was pouring off Trey and Chris now, their chests rising and falling with the exertion of battle. Both were covered in scrapes and bruises, adding onto old ones from days past. The tension in the arena was conspicuous as everyone waited to see who would land the final hit. The cousins paused slightly, sizing up each other as they realized this was the moment of truth. This was the blow that had to count. Chris, face excited and alight, acted first, lunging forward to land a hit on the side of Treys torso. I gasped, jumping to my feet in alarm with most of the crowd. The sound was deafening. It was clear from Chriss expression that he could taste victory, and I wondered if he was already imagining the hire that would kill Sonya. sunset(a) bathed his face i n bloody light. perhaps it was because Id seen exuberant of Eddie to learn some of the basics, but I suddenly realized something. Chriss performance was too rash and sloppy. Sure enough, Trey was able to evade the strike, and I disenfranchised a sigh of relief. I sank back down to my seat.Those who had been certain he was about to be taken out roared in outrage.That left(a) Trey with a beauteous opening to get in on Chris. My tension returned. Was this really any weaken? Trey winning the right to take a life? The point was moot. Trey didnt take the shot. I frowned as I watched. He didnt exactly fumble, but there was something that didnt seem right. Theres a rhythm to fighting, where instinct(predicate) and automatic responses take over. It was almost as though Trey had purposely fought against his abutting instinctive move, the one that said strike now And in doing so, Trey left himself open. He took a hit from Chris, which knocked him to the ground. I rested a hand on my ow n chest, as though Id also felt the blow.The crowd went savage. Even the meet masters jumped up from their seats, screaming applause and dismay. I had to forcibly stay seated. every(prenominal) part of me precious to run down there and make sure Trey was okay, but I had a touching one of the armed members of my escort would shoot me or knock me out before I took two steps. My worry thinned a tiny bit when I saw Trey stagger to his feet. Chris clapped Trey good temperdly on the back, grinning from ear to ear as those assembled shouted his name.Trey soon retreated to the crowded stands, pliable the victors spot. His father met him with a look of disfavor but said nothing. The man whod attached out the clubs approached Chris with the sword Id returned. Chris held it over his head, earning more applause. Near me, Master Jameson stood up and bellowed, suffer out the creature Creature was just how Id describe Sonya Karp as four hard armed Warriors dragged her out across the m othy arena. Her legs barely seemed to work, and even from this distance, I could tell she was drugged. That was why Adrian couldnt reach her in dreams. It also explained why she wouldnt have used any magic to attempt escape. Her hair was a mess, and she wore the same clothes Id seen her in that last night at Adrians. They were bedraggled, but otherwise, she didnt seem to have any signs of physical profane on her.This time, I couldnt stop myself from standing up. The blonde girl immediately put a hand on my shoulder, forcing me down. I stared at Sonya, wanting so desperately to help her, but knew I was forefingerless. Swallowing back fear and rage, I slowly sat back on the bleachers and turned toward the council.You told me Id have a chance to talk. I remembered their sense of honor. You gave your word. Doesnt that mean anything?Our word means everything, said Master Ortega, looking offended. Youll have your chance. cigaret Sonyas guard came two more men hauling a huge block of wo od with arm constraints on it. It looked like it had come straight out of a medieval movie set, and my stomach writhe when I realized it was for decapitation. The shadows had increased, forcing the men to confer out torches that cast sinister, flickering light around the arena. It was impossible to believe I was in twenty-first-century California. I felt like Id been transported to some barbarian castle.And really, these hunters were barbarians. One of Sonyas guards pushed her to her knees from behind, forcing her head against the blocks surface while he cumber her hands with the leather restraints. In her befogged state, it didnt require well the level of force the guy put into it. I couldnt believe they could act so self-righteous when they were about to end the life of a woman who could offer no resistance, let altogether even knew she was here. Everyone was screaming for her blood, and I felt like I was going to get sick.Master Angeletti rose, and a hush bring down over t he arena. We have gathered here from all parts of the country for a great thing. It is a rare and rapturous day when we actually have a Strigoi in captivity. Because shes not a Strigoi, I thought angrily. Theyd never be able to capture a live one. They villainy decent humans like ourselves, but today we shall dispatch one back to Hell one whos particularly elusive because of her ability to hide her true nature and pretend to be one of the more benign fiends, the Moroi whom we will deal with one day as well. Murmurs of approval ran through the crowd. Before we commence, however, one of our Alchemist brethren would like to sing out on behalf of this creature. The approval vanished, replaced by angry mutterings and glaring. I wondered uneasily if the guards who kept their guns pointed at me would turn on one of their associates if I was attacked.Master Angeletti held up his hands and silenced them.You will show our little sister respect, he said. The Alchemists are kin, and once , we were one. It would be a momentous event if we could once again join forces. With that, he sat down and gestured to me. Nothing else was offered, and I false this meant the floor was mine. I wasnt entirely sure how I was supposed to make my case or where. The council made the decisions, but this seemed like something everyone should hear. I stood up and waited for the girl with the gun to stop me from moving. She didnt.Slowly, carefully, I made my way down the bleachers and stood in the arena, mindful not to go near Sonya. I didnt think that would go over well.I kept my body angled toward the council but turned my head in a way that would hopefully carry to others. Id given reports and presentations before but always in a conference room. Id never addressed an angry mob, let alone spoken to much(prenominal) a large group about vampire affairs. Most of the faces out there were swallowed by shadows, but I could take in all those mad, bloodthirsty eyes furbish up on me. My mout h felt dry, and, in what was a very rare occurrence, my mind blanked. A moment later, I was able to push through my fear (though it sure enough didnt go away), and remember what Id wanted to say.Youre make a mistake, I began. My voice was small, and I cleared my throat, forcing myself to project and sound stronger. Sonya Karp is not a Strigoi.We have move intos of her in Kentucky, discontinue Master Jameson. Eyewitnesses who saw her kill.Thats because she was a Strigoi back then. But she isnt anymore. I kept thinking the tattoo would stop me from lecture, but this group was already well aware of the vampiric world. In the last year, the Alchemists have learned a lot about vampires. You must know that the Moroi your so-called benign fiends practice main(a) magic. Weve recently found out theres a new, rare kind of magic out there, one thats tied to psychic powers and healing. That power has the ability to restore Strigoi back to their original form, be it human, dhampir, or Mo roi.A few angry denials quickly rose to a frenzy. Mob mentality in action. It took Master Jameson to quiet them again. That, he said simply, is impossible.We have documented cases of three no, four people this has happened to. Three Moroi and a dhampir who once were Strigoi and are now in possession of their original selves and souls. Speaking about Lee in the present tense wasnt entirely accurate, but there was no need to clarify. Besides, describing a former Strigoi who wanted to become Strigoi again probably wouldnt help my case. Look at her. Does she seem Strigoi? Shes out in the sun. There wasnt much of it left, but even these short rays of sunset would kill a Strigoi. With the way I was sweating from fear, I might as well have been out under a blazing midafternoon sun. You keep saying this is the work of some depraved magic, but have you ever, even once, seen her in Strigoi form here in Palm Springs? No one acknowledged that right away. Finally, Master Angeletti said, She defeated our forces in the street. Obviously, she turned back into her true form. I scoffed. She didnt do that. Dimitri Belikov did one of the greatest dhampir warriors out there. No offense, but despite all the training, your soldiers were hopelessly outclassed. I was met with more aggressive gazes. I realized that probably wasnt the best thing I couldve said.Youve been deceived, said Master Angeletti. No surprise since your people have long since become enmeshed behind the scenes with the Moroi. You arent like us, down in the trenches. You dont come face to face with the Strigoi. Theyre evil, bloodthirsty creatures who must be destroyed.I agree with that. But Sonyas not one of them. Look at her. I was gaining courage, my voice growing stronger and clearer in the desert night. You keep bragging about capturing some terrible monster, but all I see is a drugged, restrained woman. Nice work. unfeignedly a worthy enemy.None of the council looked nearly as tolerant of me as they had before. We simply subdued her, said Master Ortega. Its a sign of our prowess that we were able to do so.Youve subdued an innocent and defenseless woman. I didnt know if driving home that point would help, but I figured it couldnt hurt if they had twisted, chivalrous views of women.And I know youve made mistakes before. I know about Santa Cruz. I had no idea if this had been the same group whose men had gone after Clarence, but I was gambling the council at least knew about it. Some of your more ardent members went after an innocent Moroi. You saw the errors of your way then when Marcus Finch told you the truth. Its not too late to correct this mistake either.To my astonishment, Master Ortega actually smiled. Marcus Finch? Youre holding him up as some kind of hero?Not exactly, no. I didnt even know the guy. But if he was a human that talked these crazy people down, then he must have some kind of integrity.why wouldnt I? I asked. He was able to see right from wrong. Even Master Ange letti chuckled now. I would never have expected an Alchemist to praise his sense of right and wrong. I thought your own views of that were immovable.What are you talking about? I didnt mean to get derailed, but these comments were too puzzling.Marcus Finch betrayed the Alchemists, explained Master Angeletti. You didnt know? I assumed a rapscallion Alchemist is the last person youd use to make your case. I was momentarily speechless. Was he saying was he saying that Marcus Finch used to be an Alchemist? No. He couldnt be. If he had been, then Stanton would have known who he was. Unless she lied about not having any record of him, a voice in my head warned.Master Jameson had apparently heard enough from me. We appreciate you coming out here and respect your attempt to stand up for what you believe is true. Were also glad you were able to see just how strong weve become. I hope youll take this news back to your order.If anything, your attempts here have demonstrated what weve long know n our groups need each other. Clearly, the Alchemists have gleaned a lot of knowledge over the years that could be very recyclable to us just as our strength could be useful to you. Nonetheless, he glanced over toward Sonya and scowled, the point remains now that some(prenominal) your intentions, you real have been deceived. Even if theres some tiny impossible chance that youre right, that she truly is a Moroi we cant take the chance that shes still been corrupted. Even if she believes shes been restored, she may still have been subconsciously influenced. Again, I was speechless but not because I appeared to have lost my case. Master Jamesons words were nearly equal to what Keiths father had said, when hed told me Keith would be taken back to Re-education. Mr. Darnell had echoed the sentiment, that they couldnt take the risk of even a subtle bit of influence bear upon Keith. Extreme actions had been required. Were the same, I thought. The Alchemists and the Warriors. Years ha ve divided us, but we came from the same place in both our goals and blind attitudes.And then Master Jameson said the most take aback thing of all. Even if she is just a Moroi, its no great loss. Well come for them last anyway, once weve defeated the Strigoi. I froze at those words. The blonde girl came forward and again forced me to sit down on the first row of the bleachers. I offered no resistance, too shocked at what Id just heard. What did they mean theyd come for the Moroi? Sonya could just be the beginning, then the rest of my friends, and then AdrianMaster Angeletti snapped me back to the present. He made a grand gesture toward Chris as he spoke. By the divine power we have been granted to bring light and whiteness into this world, you are authorized to destroy this creature. Commence. Chris raised the sword, a fanatical gleam in his eyes. A happy gleam, even. He wanted to do this. He wanted to kill. Dimitri and ruddiness had killed many, many times, but both had told m e there was no joy in it. They were glad to do what was right and defend others, but they didnt take pleasure in deliverance death. Id been taught the existence of vampires was wrong and twisted, but what I was about to witness was the true atrocity. These were the monsters.I wanted to scream or hollo or throw myself in strawman of Sonya. We were a heartbeat away from the death of a bright, caring person. Then, without warning, the silence of the arena was pierced with gunfire. Chris paused and lifted his head in surprise. I flinched and looked immediately toward the armed escort, query if theyd take it upon themselves to become a paper bag squad. They looked just as surprised as me well, most of them. Two of them didnt show much emotion at all because they were crumble on the ground.And that was when Dimitri and Eddie burst into the arena.