Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 9

I he shoe was so incongruous that for an instant Thea horizon her look must be playing tricks on her. It was the atmosphere here-the dim, echoing room with simply its macabre booths. If she looked break throughdoor(a) and at that placefore looked approveIt was still there.I should wait, I should call somebody. This could be something terrible. There are human race authorities I should at least wait for Eric.Thea found herself moving in dream want, slow speed.She excessivelyk the adjoin of the oilcloth betwixt finger and thumb and lifted it safe an inch or so.There was a phase attached to the shoe.A blue-jeaned leg. Not part of a dummy. And another shoe.Horror and adrenaline washed everywhere Thea. And, strangely, that helped. Her first ruling was. Its a person and she may be hurt. She went into emergency mode, slamming a wall between herself and her fear.Hang on, are you okay, only if allow me setShe pulled the rest of the oilcloth off, tugging to get it free. She saw legs, a body, curve fingers clutching the sleeve of a black-dressed witch dummyThen she saw the head and she reeled screeningward, both hands touch everywhere her mouth. Shed only gotten a glimpse, exclusively the picture was burned into her head word.Blue-g jibe face, hideously swollen. Grotesquely bulging eyes. applauder analogous a sausage protruding from between black lipsTheas knees gave out.Shed seen the dead before. Shed been to leave-taking ceremonies where the mortal mud of witches were returned to the earth. alone those had been natural deaths, and the corpses had been peaceful. While thisI theorise it was a boy. It had short hair and a flat chest. besides there was no commission to recognize the face. It was so distorted-didnt even look human.He died violently. May his spirit be released not held here by the guide for revenge. Oh, Sekhmet, lion-headed goddess of Egypt Mistress of Death, Opener of Ways, Sekhmet Who Reduceth to keep mumHer disjointed th oughts were interrupted as sunlight fanned into the room. At the door, Eric shouted, Im backThea stood up. Her legs cute to cave again. She undefendable her mouth, merely what came out was a whisper. Eric-He was hurrying toward her. Whats wrong? Thea?Its somebody dead.She saw his eyes expand in absolute disbelief-and then he looked past her. He took a step toward the thing on the floor, stopped, crouched, and stared for a second. Then he whirled back and grabbed her as if he could somehow protect her from what hed seen. Dont look at it dont look over there, he gasped. Oh, God, its bad. * I k at a time. I saw it. Its bad its so bad.They were both holding on to each(prenominal) other. It was the only safety in this nightmare.Hes dead. That guy is dead, Eric said. It was obvious, solely Thea understood the need to babble. Theres nothing we can do for him. Oh, God, Thea, I think its Kevin Imamura.Kevin? Black dots danced in front of Theas eyes. No, it cant be-Ive seen him weari ng that apparel before. And the hair And hes on the committee to decorate this place. He must waste been setting up that dummy. Theas mind showed her a terrible picture. A crusted dark line on that bloated face-like the wound make by a slashing razor. And the soft black hair Yes, it could bear been Kevin. And that meant- Blaise.Come on, Eric was saying, his voice dazed and quenched. Weve got to govern the office.Numbly, Thea let him guide her. Her mind was in another place.Blaise. Did Blaise retire could Blaise haveShe didnt want to form the thought even to herself, yet she couldnt help it. finally gone all the way? Not just spilled blood, but taken a life?It was forbidden to witches. further the Harmans were part lamia, and vampires sometimes killed for power. Could Blaise have gone that uttermost into the darkness?After they got to the office, things happened fast, but Thea couldnt really take it in. Activity whirled round her. The secretaries. The principal. The police. She was grateful for Eric, who kept sexual congress the story over and over so she didnt have to.I need to find Blaise.They were back at the gym. The police were cordoning off the whole building with chicken tape. A throng of students and teachers was watching. Theas eyes skimmed the crowd, but she didnt see Blaise anywhere.Voices rose around her.I heard it was Kevin Imamura.Somebody said that guy from the dance came back and got him.Eric Eric, did you really see him?Then one voice outshouted the others. Hey, Mrs. Cheng, what about the Halloween party? Is the gym gonna be go around by then?The principal, who had been huddled with a couple of police officers, turned around. Black hair riffling over her forehead in the breeze, she addressed the entire crowd.I dont know what is tone ending to happen with the gym. Theres been a tragedy, and now theres going to be an investigation. Well just have to wait and see what comes of that. Now, I want everybody to go back to their c lasses. Teachers, please take your students back to your classrooms.I cant go back, Thea whispered. She and Eric were standing at a little quad from the thinning crowd. Everyone seemed to have forgotten about them.Ill take you home, Eric said immediately.No-I need to find Blaise. I have some things to ask her. She tried to make her stupefied brain work. Eric, I should have told you this before. Youve got to be careful.Of what?Of Blaise.He looked incredulous. Thea He glanced at the old gym. You cant think she had anything to do with-what happened to Kevin.I dont know. She could have had somebody do it-or made him do it himself. Thea kept her voice low. She looked straight into Erics face, willing him to believe her. Eric, I know you dont understand, but its like I told you before. Shes like Aphrodite. Or Medea. She laughs when she destroys things. Especially when she gets mad and shes mad at you.Why?Because you picked me instead of her-because I like you-lots of things. That doesnt matter. The point is that she may come after you. She may try to seduce you. And-Thea glanced at the bobbing yellow tape surrounding the old gym-she may try to hurt you. So will you just be careful if you see her? Will you promise me that?Eric looked windblown and bewildered, but he nodded slowly. I promise.Then Ill see you later. We still have things to talk about-but I have to find Blaise first.She walked toward the crowd, leaving Eric standing there in the wind. She knew he was watching her. .A waving hand caught Theas eye. It was Dani, her face full of sympathy and concern.Thea, are you all right?Sort of. Thea gave a laugh she didnt recognize. Have you seen Blaise around?Danis soft little hand crept into hers. She and Vivienne went home-I mean, to your place. Ill go back with you, if you want. You shouldnt be alone.Thea squeezed her hand. Thanks. Id appreciate it. She was grateful-and relieved that Dani didnt despise her. Dani-about the way I acted earlierForget it. I dont kn ow what I said, but I didnt mean to make you mad. She added gently, Thea, are you really okay? rattling? Because I dont want to upset you more.Why? And then What, Dani?Your grandmas sick. Thats why Blaise and Vivienne went home-Viviennes mom paged her. Shes a healer-Viviennes mom, I mean-and I think shes taking your grandma to her house.Thea was disturbed. Gran hadnt moved to Las Vegas for the same reason other darkness People did. Lamia and made vampires came because so many of the humans here were transients-the kind that wouldnt be miss if they disappeared. Other witches came because of the power vortexes in the desert. But Gran had come because of the warm, dry climate. Her lungs had been bad since she was a kid. enthral dont let it be serious, Thea kept thinking as Dani drove her home. She matt-up as if her skin had been rubbed too thin all over her body.When they got to the shop, Gran was al demoy gone. Tobias and Vivienne were downstairs. Is she okay? Thea asked. Is it som ething bad? Not too bad, Tobias said. She just kept getting dizzy today, and then she had a coughing fit and couldnt stop. She finally decided possibly shed better get somebody to sing it out. So she called Ms. Morrigan.Oh, great-chanting. Just what Gran loved. But she must have been really sick to ask to have it done. Can I call her? I wouldnt, Vivienne put in. Her fountain eyes were kind, her voice reassuring. Im trusted Moms working on her by now, and when she does a singing, it takes all night. You shouldnt disturb them. But dont worry, Thea-my moms really good.Yes-its not that Im worried about. Thea looked around distractedly, finally coming back to Viviennes face. Did you hear about what happened at school?No. Vivienne looked mildly curious. What happened?Instead of answering, Thea said, Wheres Blaise?Upstairs packing. Shes going to stay overnight at ray house. You can come, too-Thea?Thea was already racing up the stairs.She burst into the bedroom she and Blaise shared. Bl aise had a small suitcase unclouded on her bed.Thea didnt waste words. Did you kill Kevin Imamura?Blaise dropped a black silk teddy. Did I what? What are you talking about?Hes dead.And you thought I did it? Thanks a lot, but its not him I want to kill. Blaise narrowed her eyes and Thea felt cold. Then she tilted her head. So how did he die?He was throttle. Somebody dispatched him.Blaise just raised her eyebrows and murmured, Hm. I wonder where Randy is? She held a shirt up, considered it, and added, Do you want to come stay at Vivs with me? Its better than staying here by yourself.I dont know. Do I have to watch you to make sure Eric doesnt end up like Kevin?Blaise gave her a scorching look. When I go after a boy, I get him first. I dont strangle him before the fun begins.She slammed her suitcase close and stalked out.Thea sat on the bed.In spite of her sharp words, Thea now knew Blaise hadnt done it. Her cousin had been genuinely surprised.And Randy? I speak out it could have been, if he somehow got out of wherever theyve taken him. He had a reason to hate Kevin. ButThe alternate explanation slid into place so quickly that Thea realized it must have been in her mind all along.The spirit.She sat there for an endless time, onerous to think. It was like trying to find her way through a thick fog.Grans gone and if shes sick I cant bother her anyway of course, Blaise wont help but I need to trust somebody.Dani gently pushed the door open. Can I come in? When Thea nodded, she walked in and sat down on Blaises bed.They left. I told Tobias to go too-he had a girlfriend he wanted to see. Ill stay here tonight, if you want.Thea took a shaky breath. Thanks, Dani.Look, Thea, I dont want to pry, but are you okay? I mean, youre as pale as a corpse- Dani bit her lip. Sorry, bad choice of words. But I am your friend, and if theres anything I can do, Id like to help.Another breath. Then Thea made her decision.I worked a forbidden spell.Dani looked shocked, but not appa lled. Which one?Calling back the spirits.When Dani didnt scream or faint, Thea told the whole story. All about her summoning-everything omit why shed been doing it. And now Im scared, she finished. I let something out yesterday, and today Kevin gets murdered. Blaise didnt kill him. She thinks Randy may be involved, but Thea shook her head.But, Thea, be logical. Why should it have anything to do with your spell? Danis rational voice was soothing. You let someone out, not something. The elders summon the ancestors all the time without anything bad happening. You just feel guilty because you know you werent supposed to be doing it.No. Dani, I cant explain it, but the thing I let out-it wasnt friendly. It knocked Blaise and me down. no(prenominal) of the spirits I saw the elders summon ever did that.Well Dani looked doubtful. But why would one of the ancestors went to murder a human?I dont know. Somehow talking about it had cleared Theas mind. She said slowly, But peradventure the bo ok would tell us.Ten minutes later, they were sitting side by side on Theas bed, with the press chest on the floor and the book between them.First, could you tell anything about the amulet that fell in the fire? Dani asked in scientific tones. Like, if the hair was gray, it could mean-The witch was old. Thea caught on immediately. No, it wasnt gray or white. It was dark-sort of like mahogany. She closed her eyes, trying to remember.It all happened so fast-but I think it was long. It was doubled up lots of times in the clay.So maybe a woman.Yes. Thea read for several minutes. Wait a minute. Look at this. Suzanne Blanchet, Dani read with difficulty. Bom 16 thirty-four in Esgavans on the day that they made bonfires for the peace between France and Spain. Tried sixteen fifty-three at Ron-chain, prisoner at the court of Rieux. And listen to the charges, Thea said grimly. Bewitching mens corn, cleanup cattle, bringing hunger into the country, and strangling babies at night with her long hair. Strangling, Dani breathed.She denied it, so they tortured her. Listen macrocosm a little stretched on the rack, she screamed ceaselessly that she was not a witch, but being more tightly stretched, said that it was true. And then they tortured her family, Dani said, her finger skimming the lines. Oh, Isis, look at this. She had a ten-year-old brother named kind and a six-year-old sister named Lucienne. They tortured them both.And burned them. Thea had begun to tremble involuntarily. The room wasnt cold, but she had a feeling like ice deep inside her. Look. The children having been promised the mercy of being strangled before burning, but the executioner not having been paid, they were committed alive to the flames. She couldnt finish. before the eyes of their sister, Dani whispered. She was shaking, too, and huddling close to Thea. How could they do that?I dont know, Thea said flatly.I mean, no wonder Night World laws are so strict. No wonder we have to keep ourselves a secret-look at what they do to us when they find out. Thea swallowed-she didnt want to think about Night World rules. And then they burned Suzanne, she said quietly, keeping her eyes on the book. Being consigned to the fire, she uttered several exclamations, crying out upon revenge. I would too, Dani said, her soft voice threaded with steel. Id come back and kill them.She stopped and she and Thea looked at each other.And maybe thats just what she did, Thea said slowly. Only she couldnt get to her torturers. But she found something that looked similar-a reproduction torture chamber. And there was Kevin, doing something to a witch dummy-hanging it, maybe. Maybe treating it in some way that reminded her of Thea nodded toward the book. Anyway, doing something that made her lose it.And kill him. By strangling him-what shed been accused of doing. Thea? Dani grimaced, then went on. When you saw Kevins body-was there anything around his neck?Thea stared at the window curtains, trying to remember. That awful bloated face the protruding tongue and dark bruises on the throat.No, she said softly. There were marks-but whatever strangled him was gone.She took it with her. Dani shivered, then put both hands on the book. Or maybe not. Look, Thea, this may make a great bonfire story, but, really, its all speculation.Thea was staring at the yellowed page beneath Danis fingers. I dont think so, she said quietly. See this symbol by Suzanne Blanchets name? I recognize it. I saw it for just a second-on the amulet in the fire. Youre sure?Thea looked away. Yeah. Its her, Dani. And its my fault. I let her out and now shes killing people. Because of me, somebodys dead.It was only when she said it that the full realization hit-as if forming the words had somehow made it true. Kevin was dead. He wasnt going to school anymore, he wasnt going to get a chance to repair his Porsche. He wouldnt ever smile at a girl again. Hed lost everything a person had to lose.And I just-I just feel so bad, Thea said. The ache in her throat rose up in a sort of spasm, as if she were going to be sick. But what came out was tears. Dani held her while she sobbed. And at last, when Thea was crying more quietly, she said, You didnt know. You didnt mean to do anything bad. You were just playing around and it went wrong. You didnt know.It doesnt matter. Thea wiped her face on her sleeve, sitting up. The ache in her chest was duller now, and she was slowly realizing that something else was there, something that felt hot and bright. A need to act.It doesnt matter, she said again. I still made it happen. But Ill tell you one thing-Im not going to let it keep happening. Ive got to stop her. Which means Ive got to send her back.Im with you there, Dani said, her small jaw set in determination. But how?Thea stared at the wall a moment, then said, I have an idea.