Last Sacrifice Chapter Twenty-three

THE few SECONDS OF SILENCE that followed seeed to stretch step up to eternity. Every ace was confused, each for tot entirelyy different reasons. Jills initial surprise had been laced with excitement, altogether if as she stargond around from prospect to face, her smile faded and faded until she shadeed as bewildered as the rest of us.Whats red on? asked a new vowelize. mammary glandents later, Emily Mastrano(prenominal)appeargond beside her daughter. Emily glanced at me and Sydney with curiosity and then gasped when she aphorism the third member of our group. Sonya Emily jerked Jill patronise, her face filled with panic. Emily wasnt guardian-fast, al atomic number 53 I look up to her responsiveness.Emily ? Sonyas voice was very sm any, on the verge of cracking. It its me counterbalance seriousy me Emily tried to get-up-and-go the art object inside as well simply pulley-blockped when she got a good look at Sonya. Like whatever superstar else, Emily had to ac su bsistledge the obvious. Sonya had no Strigoi features. Plus, she was proscribed in broad daylight. Emily faltered and opened her blab to speak, simply her lips couldnt quite wangle it. She finally turned to me.Rose whats red ink on?I was surprise that she would regard me as an authority, two because wed only met once and because I frankly wasnt sure what was going on either. It took me a few attempts to invent my voice. I ideate I think we should come inside Emilys gaze evil back on Sonya. Jill tried to push forward to see what all the drama was nearly, but Emily continued blocking the gate, be quiet non wholly convinced it was safe. I couldnt piece her. At last, she gave a slow gesticulate and stepped out-of-door to give us access.Sydneys eyes flicked toward the car, where superscript, Robert, and Dimitri were waiting. What about them? she asked me.I hesitated. I indirect requested Dimitri to be with me to drop the bombshell, but Emily might only be able to ha ndle one thing at a beat here. Moroi didnt ask to run in royal circles to know who Victor Dashkov was or what he looked ilk. Our trip to Las Vegas had been proof of that. I shook my head at Sydney. They can wait.We settled into the familys living room and learned the guy whod answered the door was Emilys husband, John Mastrano. Emily went through the motions of offering us beverages, uniform this was a short ordinary visit, but the look on her face sustain she was mollify in shock. She handed us glasses of water worry a robot, her face so pale she might overhear been Strigoi.John be his hand on Emilys once she sat down. He kept large-minded us wary looks, but for her, he was all affection and concern. Whats going on? Emilys eyes were calm down dazed. I dont know. My cousin is here but I dont understand how She looked back and forth at me, Sydney, and Sonya. How is this possible? Her voice shook.It was Lissa, wasnt it? exclaimed Jill, who undoubtedly knew this relativ es sordid history. She was understandably shockedand a little spookybut excitement was beginning to stir. I heard what turn overed with Dimitri. Its true, isnt it? Lissa can furbish up Strigoi. She saved him. She saved Jill turned toward Sonya, enthusiasm wavering a little. I wondered what liberal of stories shed heard about Sonya. She saved you.Lissa didnt do it, I express. Another, uh, essence user did.Jills face lit up. Adrian? Id forgotten about her crush on him.No someone else. Its not important, I added hastily. Sonyas well, shes Moroi again. Confused, though. not quite herself.Sonya had been crapulence in the sight of her cousin but now turned to me with a wry, knowing smile. I can speak for myself, Rose.Sorry, I s economic aid.Emily turned to Sydney and frowned. Theyd been introduced, but no more(prenominal). Why atomic number 18 you here? Emily didnt consume to say what she flopfully meant. She wanted to know why a human was here. Are you a feeder?No exclaime d Sydney, jumping up from her spot beside me on the loveseat. I had never seen her filled with such outrage and disgust. Say that again, and Ill walk right out of here Im an Alchemist.She was met with blank stares, and I pulled Sydney back down. Easy, girl. I dont think they dont know what Alchemists are. Secretly, I was glad. When Id first discovered the Alchemists, Id felt same(p) I was the last person in the world to find out. It was nice to know others were out of the loop too. Keeping things simple for now, I apologizeed to Emily, Sydneys been helping us. divide brimmed in Emilys blue eyes as she turned back to her cousin. Emily Mastrano was one of the most stunning women Id ever met. Even tears were beautiful on her. Its really you, isnt it? They brought you back to me. Oh God. Emily rose and walked over to hold her cousin in a deep embrace. Ive missed you so much. I cant believe this.I almost felt alike crying, too, but sternly reminded myself that we had come with a missi on. I knew how startling this all was. We had retributive turned the Mastrano familys world whirligig down and I was about to complicate things flat more. I despised to do it. I wished they could have the time they deprivationed to ad dependable, to celebrate the miracle of having Sonya back. simply the clock at Courtand on my lifewas ticking.We brought her I tell at last. merely theres some other reason were here.I dont know what timbre my voice conveyed, but Emily stiffened and stepped back from Sonya, sitting down beside her husband. Somehow, in that result, I think she knew why we were here. I could see in her eyes that she was shitlessas if shed been d adopting this type of visit for years, as if shed imagined it a hundred times.I pushed forward. We know we know about Eric Dragomir.No, said Emily, her voice an odd confection of harshness and desperateness. Her obstinate manner was remarkably similar to Sonyas initial refusal to aid us. No. We are not doing this. The instant Id seen Jill, the instant Id recognized those eyes, Id cognise we had the right place. Emilys wordsmore importantly, her lack of a denialconfirmed it.We have to, I said. This is serious.Emily turned to Sonya. You promised You promised you wouldnt tellI didnt, said Sonya, but her face wore its earlier doubt.She didnt, I said firmly, hoping to reassure them both. Its hard to explain but she kept her promise.No, repeated Emily. This isnt happening. We cannot talk about this.What whats going on? demanded John. Anger kindled in his eyes. He didnt like seeing strangers disquieted his wife.I directed my words to Emily. We have to talk about this. enliven. We need your help. We need her help. I gestured to Jill.What do you mean? asked Jill. That earlier eager scintillation was gone, cooled by her mothers reaction.Its about your I came to a stop. Id rushed into this, ready to find Lissas sibling her sister, we now knewwith little thought of the implications. I should have cognize this would be a secret from everyoneincluding the child in question. I hadnt considered what a shock this would be to her. And this wasnt incisively some random stranger. This was Jill. Jill. My friend. The girl who was like a little sister to all of us, the one we looked out for. What was I about to do to her? Looking at John, I realized things were worse still. Did Jill think he was her father? This family was about to be shaken to its bosom and I was responsible.Dont cried Emily, jumping up again. Get out All of you I dont want you hereMrs. Mastrano I began. You cant pretend this isnt real. You have to face it.No she pointed to the door. Get out Get out, or Ill Ill call the police Or the guardians You Realization flashed over her now that the initial shock of seeing Sonya had faded. Victor wasnt the only criminal Moroi would be on guard for. Youre a brief A murdererShe is not said Jill, leaning forward. I told you, Mom. I told you before it was a mistakeGet out, r epeated Emily.Sending us away wont change the truth, I said, forcing myself to stay calm.Will someone ravish tell me what the hell is going on? Johns face was flushed red, gaga and defensive. If I dont have an answer within thirty seconds, Im calling the guardians and the police.I looked over at Jill and couldnt speak. I didnt know how to say what I mandatory to, at least not tactfully. Sydney, however, didnt have that problem.Hes not your father, she said bluntly, pointing at John.There was a slight pause in the room. Jill almost looked disappointed, like shed go ford for more exciting news.I know that. Hes my stepdad. Or, well, my dad as off the beaten track(predicate) as Im concerned.Emily sank back on the couch, burying her face in her hands. She seemed to be crying, but I was pretty sure she could jump up at any mommaent and call the authorities. We had to get through this fast, no affaire how painful. Right. Hes not your biological father, I said, spirit steadily at Jil l. The eyes. How had I never noticed the eyes? Eric Dragomir is.Emily made a low keening sound. No, she begged. Please dont do this.Johns anger morphed back to the confusion that seemed to be so in fashion in this room. What?That no. Jill slowly shook her head. Thats impossible. My father was just just some guy who ran out on us.In some ways, that wasnt utmost from the truth, I supposed. It was Eric Dragomir, I said. Youre part of their family. Lissas sister. Youre I startled myself, realizing I had to look at Jill in a whole new way. Youre royalty.Jill was forever full of energy and optimism, operating in the world with a naive hope and charm. But now her face was grim and sober, making her look former(a) than her fifteen years. No. This is a joke. My dad was a lowlife. Im not no. Rose, stop. Emily. I flinched at the sound of Sonyas voice, surprised to hear her speak. I was more surprised at her materialization. Authoritative. Serious. Determined. Sonya was younger than Em ily bywhat? Ten years, if I had to guess. But Sonya had fixed her cousin with a stare that made Emily look like a naughty child. Emily, its time to give this up. You have to tell her. For Gods sake, you have to tell John. You cant keep this buried anymore.Emily looked up and met Sonyas eyes. I cant tell. You know what allow happen I cant do that to her.None of us know what entrust happen, said Sonya. But things will get worse if you dont take come across now.After a long moment, Emily finally looked away, staring at the plunge. The pathetic, sad look on her face broke my heart. And not just mine.Mom? asked Jill, voice trembling. Whats happening? This is all a big mix-up, right?Emily sighed and looked up at her daughter. No. You are Eric Dragomirs daughter. Rose is right. John made a small, strangled sound but didnt interrupt his wife. She squeezed his hand again. What I told you both over the years it was true. Mostly. We did just have a brief relationship. Not a cheap one, exactly. But brief. She paused and glanced over at John this time, her expression softening. I told you He nodded. And I told you the past didnt matter to me. Never unnatural how I felt about you, about Jill. But I never imagined Me neither, she agreed. I didnt even know who he was when we first met. It was back when I lived in Las Vegas and had my first job, dancing in a show at the Witching Hour.I felt my eyes go wide. No one seemed to notice. The Witching Hour. My friends and I had been to that casino while hunting for Robert, and a man there had made a joke about Lissas father beingness interested in showgirls. I knew Emily worked in a Detroit ballet caller-out now it was why they lived in Michigan. Never would I have guessed that shed started as a feather-and-sequin-clad dancer in a Las Vegas show. But why not? She would have had to start somewhere, and her tall, graceful frame would lend itself well to any type of dancing.He was so sweet and so sad, Emily continued. His fa ther had just died, and hed come to sort of drown his sorrows. I understood how a last would devastate him, but now well, I really understand. It was another dismission to his family. The numbers were dropping. She frowned thoughtfully and then shrugged. He was a good man, and I think he truly loved his wife. But he was in a dark, low place. I dont think he was using me. He cared about me, though I doubt what happened bringween us would have in other circumstances. Anyway, I was fine with the way things ended and was subject area to move on with my life until Jill came along. I contacted Eric because I thought he should knowthough I made it clear I didnt express anything from him. And at that point, knowing who he was, I didnt want anything. If Id let him, I think he would have acknowledged you, had a role in your life. Emilys eyes were on Jill now. But Ive seen what that world is like. Court life is political science and lies and backstabbing. In the end, the only thing Id accept from him was money. I still didnt want that. I didnt want to feel like I was blackmailing himbut I did want to overhear sure your future was secure.I spoke without thinking. You dont really live like youre using that money. I regretted the words as presently as they were out. Their home was perfectly nice, just the depths of poverty. But it also didnt turn back the funds Id seen moved around in those bank accounts.Im not, said Emily. Its on hand for emergencies, of course, but mostly I set it all excursion for Jill, for her future. To do whatever she wants.What do you mean? asked Jill, aghast. What kind of money are you talking about?Youre an heiress, I said. And royalty.Im not any of those things, she said. She was frantic now, looking around at all of us. She reminded me of a deer, ready to bolt. Theres a mistake. Youve all made some mistake.Emily stood up and walked over to Jills chair, kneeling on the floor before it. Emily clasped her daughters hand. It is all true. And Im sorry you have to find out like this. But it doesnt change anything. Our lives arent going to change. Well go on just like we have before.A range of emotions raced over Jills featuresespecially fear and confusionbut she leaned down and buried her face against her mothers shoulder in acceptance. Okay.It was a touching moment, and again, I almost felt like crying. Id had my own look at of family drama and parental issues. Like before, I wanted the Mastranos to have this momentbut they couldnt.You cant, I told them. You cant go on like before. Jill Jill has to go to Court.Emily jerked away from Jill and stared at me. Only a second ago, Emily had been full of grief and distress. Now, I saw intense anger and ferocity. Her blue eyes were stormy, fixing me with a sharp glare. No. She is not going there. She is never going there.Jill had already visited Court before, but both Emily and I knew that I wasnt referring to some effortless sightseeing trip. Jill had to go with her true identity. Well maybe true wasnt the right word. Illicit royalty wasnt part of her nature, at least not yet. She was who shed always been, but her name had changed. That change had to be acknowledged, and the Moroi Court would be shaken.She has to, I urged. The Courts getting corrupted, and the Dragomir family has to play its part to help fix things. Lissa has no tycoon alone, not without a family quorum. All the other royals theyre trampling her. Theyre going to push laws that wont help any of us.Emily still knelt by the chair, as though screen Jill from my words. And thats exactly why Jill cant go. Its why I wouldnt let Eric acknowledge her. I dont want Jill involved. That place is poison. Tatianas murder is proof. Emily paused and gave me a sharp look, reminding me that I was the head word suspect. Apparently we werent past that yet. All those royals theyre vicious. I dont want Jill turning into one of them. I wont let her turn into one of them.Not all royals are like that, I argued. Lissas not. Shes trying to change the system.Emily gave me a bitter smile. And how do you think the others feel about her reform? Im sure there are royals who are happy to see her silencedroyals who wouldnt like to see her family reemerge. I told you Eric was a good man. Sometimes I dont think its a concomitant their family has died out.I gaped. Thats ridiculous. But I suddenly wasnt so sure.Is it? Emilys eyes were on me, as though guessing my doubts. What do you think theyd do if another Dragomir came forward? The people who oppose Vasilisa? What do you think theyd do if only one person stood between them and her familys power?Her implications were shocking yet, I knew they werent impossible. Glancing over at Jill, I felt an empty, sinking feeling in my stomach. What would I be subjecting her to? Sweet, innocent Jill. Jill wanted adventure out of life and could still barely talk to guys without blushing. Her desire to learn to fight was half-youthful impulse and half-in stinct to agree her people. Stepping into the royal world could technically help her people toothough not in a way shed ever expected. And it would mean getting involved with the dark and sinister nature that sometimes filled the Court.Emily seemed to read my silence as agreement. A mix of triumph and relief pass her face, all of which vanished when Jill suddenly spoke up.Ill do it.We all turned to stare. thence far, Id been regarding her with pity, thinking of her as a victim. Now, I was startled at how jovial and resolved she looked. Her expression was still underscored with a little fear and shock, but there was a steel in her Id never seen before.What? exclaimed Emily.Ill do it, said Jill, voice steadier. Ill help Lissa and and the Dragomirs. Ill go with Rose back to Court.I discrete mentioning the myriad difficulties of me getting anywhere near Court wasnt important just then. Honestly, I had reached a point where I was playing all of this by ear, though it was a relief to see Emilys fury shifted away from me.You will not Im not letting you near there.You cant make this choice for me cried Jill. Im not a child.And youre certainly not an adult, retorted Emily.The two began arguing back and forth, and presently John jumped in to strengthener his wife. In the midst of the family bickering, Sydney leaned toward me and murmured, I bet you never thought the hardest part of finding your savior would be getting her mom to let her stay out past curfew. The unfortunate part about her joke was that it was kind of true. We needed Jill, and I certainly hadnt envisioned this complication. What if Emily refused? Clearly, memory Jills heritage a secret was something shed been pretty adamant about for a while say, like, fifteen years. I had a feeling Jill wouldnt be beyond running away to Court if it came down to that. And I wouldnt be beyond helping her.Once more, Sonya jumped into the conversation unexpectedly. Emily, didnt you hear me? This is all going to happ en eventually, with or without your consent. If you dont let Jill go now, shell go bordering week. Or next year. Or in five years. The point is, it will happen.Emily sank back against the chair, face crumpling. No. I dont want this.Sonyas pretty face turned bitter. Life, unfortunately, doesnt seem to care what we want. Act now while you can actually stop it from being a disaster.Please, Mom, begged Jill. Her jade Dragomir eyes regarded Emily with affection. I knew Jill might thusly disobey and run offbut she didnt want to, not if she didnt have to.Emily stared into the distance, long-lashed eyes vacant and defeated. And although she was standing in the way of my plans, I knew she did it out of legitimate love and concerntraits that had probably drawn Eric to her.Okay, said Emily at last. She sighed. Jill can gobut Im going too. You arent facing that place without me.Or me, said John. He still seemed bewildered but was determined to support his wife and stepdaughter. Jill regarded them both with gratitude, reminding me again that Id just turned a available family dysfunctional. Emily and John coming with us hadnt been part of my plans, but I couldnt blame them and didnt see what harm theyd cause. Wed need Emily anyway to tell everyone about Eric.thank you, I said. give thanks you so much.John eyed me. We still havent dealt with the accompaniment that theres a fugitive in our home.Rose didnt do it That fierceness was still in Jill. It was a setup.It was. I hesitated to speak my next words. Probably by the people opposing Lissa.Emily paled, but I felt the need for honesty, even if it reaffirmed her fears. She took a steadying breath. I believe you. Believe that you didnt do it. I dont know why but I do. She almost smiled. No, I do know why. Its because of what I said before, about those vipers at Court. Theyre the ones who do this kind of thing. Not you.Are you sure? asked John uneasily. This mess with Jill is bad enough without us housing a criminal.Im ce rtain, said Emily. Sonya and Jill trust Rose, and so I do. Youre all welcome to stay here tonight since we can hardly head out to Court right now.I opened my mouth to say we most certainly could leave right now, but Sydney elbowed me sharply. Thank you, Mrs. Mastrano, she said, summoning up that Alchemist diplomacy. That would be great.I repressed a scowl. cartridge holder was still pressing on me, but I knew the Mastranos were entitled to make some preparations. It was probably better to travel in the daytime too. A rough check of my mental map made me think we could do the whole drive back to Court in one day. I nodded in agreement with Sydney, resigning myself to a sleepover at the Mastrano house. Thanks. We appreciate it. Suddenly, something occurred to me, summoning back Johns words. This mess with Jill is bad enough without us housing a criminal. I gave Emily as convincing and reassuring a smile as I could muster. We, um, also have some friends with us waiting out in the car