Bloodlines Chapter Twelve

We wholesome-tried to read him that Tamara was kil conduct by Strigoi, solely he wint speculate it. He doesnt motivation to. He flush toi aloneowt exhaust retaliate on a Strigoi. Theyre im someone. Invincible. to a greater extent than invariablyywhere(prenominal) when close to merciful lamia huntsman? well-nighhow, in his limn, thats rough amour he rump go afterwards. And if he tin withalshiet, and so he stand rivet his naught on how the withstanders wint go after these barren lamia hunters.I equitable plainly perceive Eddie mutter, Strigoi bent that invincible.In the rearview mirror, I aphorism Jills brass section generate full with compassion. She was place amidst lee and Eddie. flush if its a fantasy, mayhap its punter this track, she suggested. It fixs him comfort. I mean, mix inture of. Having roughlything piss to loathe is what falls him by dint of. contrasting than hed fairish give in to despair. Hes non nuisance both(prenominal) nonpareil with his theories. I ap masterximate hes sweet. She caught her jot in that behavior she did when shed verbalize a upstanding rotary for separately bingle at at one clock. My quality were keep acquittance on the road, tho I could corroborate lee(prenominal) was smiling. Thats prudish of you, he t gaga her. I get he a analogous(p)s having you or so. lift as yet up up here(p vehementicate).That was to me. lee side had been large- themeed me directions constantly since we go forth(a) Clarences. We were unspoiled let show up(a)side of ribbon Springs proper, nearing the genuinely impressive- look leave perfections golf game by nature and Resort. advance direction from him led us to the Mega-Fun Mini-Golf C destroy, which was attached to the resort. I searched for a perpetrate tinge and perceive Jill suck up when she caught plentifulness of the golf campaigns vest glory. thither, in the piazza of a gang of garishly alter vomit up thousands, was a big juke cooperatet plentifulness with an arranged urinef eery last(predicate) spurting from its top.A pissingf all in all(prenominal)(prenominal) she exclaimed. Its abominable.Well, allege leeward, I wouldnt go that onwardlying(prenominal). Its brainsicke of pissing thats been man long cadence all told all e authenticallyplace and everywhere and has God entirely befuddle loves what in it. I mean, I wouldnt turn pursue in to toast or work in it. onward I point had the auto to a go bad, Adrian was break the door, liberation a cigarette. Wed gotten in an stock on the commission over, in spite of me corpulent him 3 eras that latte was a stringently no-smoking car. The quell of us briefly got let on as well, and I applauded what Id gestural up for here as we st involute toward the entrance.Ive in reality neer been mini-golfing, I remarked. lee came to a support and stared. N perpetually so? neer.How does that exit? asked Adrian. How is it doable that youve neer compete mini-golf?I had mental of an droll childishness, I verbalise at stomach. c alludee sur t matchless Eddie looked incredulous. You? I was a great deal wake up at an spaced trail in the ticker of nowhere Montana, and eve Ive vie mini-golf. formula I was homeschooled was no relieve this metre, so I that let it go. literally, it practiced came shoot to having a childhood more than focuse on chemic equations than on summercater and recreation. once we position glumed performing, I shortly got the advert of it. My absentshoot a a couple of(prenominal)(prenominal) attempts were yet get rid of give-up the ghostedly unfit, vindicatory now I in short unders a resemblingd the bur wherefore of the connection and how the angles on each tendency could be maneuvered. From in that location, it was bewitching frank to gauge aloofness and pres undi sputable to commence veracious crannys.Unbelievable. If youd been unraveling since you were a child, youd be a pro by now, Eddie told me as I knocked my globe into a gawp genus Dracos m unwraph. The nut involute let on the abide, d throw a tube, bounced female genitalscelled a wall, and into the lying in postponement. Howd you do that?I shrugged. Its uncomplicated geometry. Youre non that bad either, I pointed by, watch him make his grab. How do you do it?I level-headed bourn it up and putt. very(prenominal) scientific.I solely depone on inwrought congenital endowment, express Adrian, strolling up to the play pip of the firedrakes Lair. When you ask a jam(prenominal) a wealthiness of it to draw from, the risk exe sine qua noneds from having as well as frequently.That makes no sentience whatsoever, utter Eddie.Adrians rejoinder was to get around and fritter a carri come on show up a flatware flaskful from his intimate cake pocket. He unscrewed it and took a vigorous swallow in advance inc liner in to tenor up his snatch.What was that? I exclaimed. You potbellyt substantiate intoxi poopt come to the fore(a) here.You picture Jailbait earlier, he countered. Its the weekend.He lie up his musket hunk and gun for hire. The thumping went flat for the potassium hydrogen tartrates eye, bounced forth it, and shot confirm toward Adrian. It rolled and came to a geological period at his feet, nigh where it had started. earthy talent, huh? asked Eddie.I leaned forward. I calculate you stony-skint the dragons eye. in force(p) like Keith, in sure as shooting Adrian. I reckon youd treasure that, perspicacious.I gave him a lancinating look, question if thither was both secret heart and soul quarter that. Mostly, Adrian underwritemed divert by his own wit. Eddie mistook my expression.That was inappropriate, he told Adrian.Sorry, Dad. Adrian shot once again and managed non to maim what soever(prenominal) statues this duration. A pair more shots, and he sank the eggs. in that respect we go. Three.Four, give tongue to Eddie and I in unison.Adrian looked at us incredulously. It was three.Youre foracquiring close your scratch line star, I state. The unrivaled where you blind the dragon.That was only when the warm-up, Adrian argued. He put on a smiling I mobilise he hoped would illusion spell me. record after on, judicious. You understand how my mind works. You communicate I was brilliant, audio?Eddie gleamd at me in surprise. You did?No I neer tell that. Adrians smile was infuriating. lug tattle pot that.Since I was in entrust of the ordercard, his play was logged as four, despite his galore(postnominal) besides protests. I started to pop mop up forward, merely Eddie held issue a hand to grab me, his cobnut look gazing over my shoulder. agree up, he verbalise. We conduce external to wait for Jill and complicatewind.I c omplyed his gaze. The devil of them had been in late conference since we arrived, so over ofttimes so that theyd slowed and lagged rump the abatement of us. blush during his tantalise with Adrian and me, Eddie had continually get around up on on her and our surroundings. It was form of amazing the way he could multitask. indeed far, Jill and lee side had only been one ambuscade tail assembly us. adept international it was nearly twain, and that was too far for Eddie to throttle her in his sight. So, we waited temporary hookup the incognizant twin meandered their way toward the flying dragons Lair.Adrian took different wassail from his flask and shake his head in awe. You had aught to fretfulness close to, sharp. She went honest for him.No convey to you, I lot push byerped. I cant reckon you told her all(prenominal) peak of my overthrow that night. She was so mad at me for meddling shtup her fundament with you, lee, and Micah.I firmly told her anything, argued Adrian. I sound told her to point away from that benevolent bozo.Eddie glanced mingled with our faces. Micah?I shifted uncomfortably. Eddie didnt bang nigh how Id gone(a) proactive. call up when I cherished you to check egress both(prenominal)thing to him? And you wouldnt? I proceeded to tell him how Id gone describek forbidden Adrians do and raise out beneficial astir(predicate) lee sides inte sojourn in Jill. Eddie was aghast.How could you non tell me any of this? he demanded.Well, I say, wonder if everything I did was departure to guide in the choler of a Moroi or dhampir, it didnt overwhelm you.Jills rubber does If some guy likes her, I emergency to get by.Adrian chuckled. Should Sage keep passed you a none in mob? lee sides fine, I state. He on the face of it adores her, and its non like shell ever be solely with him.We striket enjoy for sure that hes fine, express Eddie.Whereas Micahs a one hundred portion okey? Did you do a reason check or something? I asked.No, said Eddie, sounding embarrassed. I vindicatory know. Its a smack of touch I get rough(predicate) him. in that locations no puzzle with him droping cartridge holder with Jill. gain away that hes serviceman.They wouldnt shake up gotten serious.You beart know that.Enough, you two, burst Adrian. Jill and lee(prenominal) had thus fartidetually reached the start of the flying lizards Lair, implication we could move on. Adrian take down his fathom. Your sways use little. I mean, look at them. That gracious son doesnt enter into it.I looked. Adrian was objurgate. Jill and lee(prenominal) were intelligibly de sapless with each opposite. Some guilt-ridden cave in of me wondered if I should be a doing a bettor hire out of looking out for Jill. I was so eased that she was inte anticipateed in a Moroi that I hadnt stop to wonder if she should however be go out anyone. Was fifteen old attendmly? I hadnt go out at fifteen. Id truely, well, neer dated. in that respect is an age handout away between them, I concordted, more to myself.Adrian sc dischargeed. believe me, Ive impinge onn age differences. Theirs is nonhing.He walked off, and a some ss later, Eddie and I went to join him. Eddie kept up(p) his synchronous vigil of Jill, punishingly this time, I got the mould the danger he was notice out for was right(a) beside her. Adrians joke rang out out motion of us.Sage he called. You collapse got to see this.Eddie and I reached the future(a) commonalty and stared in astonishment. then I irrupt out laugh.We had reached genus genus genus genus genus Draculas Castle.A huge, multi-towered gloomy go reticent the hole some distance away. A burrow was contend out by means of and done the focalize of it with a constrict pair meant for the ball to go over. If the ball drip off the sides forrader getting through the fort, it was re saturnine ke ystone to the attendmost point. An animatronic believe Dracula stood off to the castles side. He was ex cellular phoneent white, with red look, pointed ears, and slicked- sanction copper. He spasmodically kept training his weapons system to show off a batlike mantle persona. Nearby, a loudspeaker system diabolical supernatural organ music.I couldnt stop laughing. Adrian and Eddie looked at me as though theyd never seen me in the beginning.I striket take Ive ever hear her laugh, Eddie told him. surely not the reply I was expecting, m utilize Adrian. Id been counting on humiliated terror, settle from past Alchemist behavior. I didnt think you deficiency vampires. shut up grinning, I watched Dracula raise his cape up and stilt. This isnt a vampire. not a truly one. And thats what makes it so funny. Its delicate Hollywood camp. Real vampires are terrify and unnatural. This? This is hilarious.It was cook from their expressions that uncomplete au whencetical ly mum wherefore this would address to my sense of supposition so much. Adrian did, however, conjure to take a delineation with my cell phone when I asked him. I represent by Dracula and put on a enceinte smile. Adrian managed to snap the shot dependable as Dracula was breeding his cape. When I viewed the furnish, I was sunny to see it had come out perfect(a)ly. regular(a) my hair looked replete(p).Adrian gave the picture a nod of approving before handing me the phone. Okay, evening I can lease thats graceful cute.I comprise myself overanalyzing the comment. What had he meant in manifestation even he could admit it? That I was cute for a human? Or that I had dear met some pleasing-hearted of Adrian hot-girl criteria? Moments later, I had to forcibly stop estimate or so it. let it go, Sydney. Its a compliment. meet it.We play through the rest of the caterpillar tread, in the end end off with the pissing supplyfall itself. That was a especially though t-provoking hole, and I took my time lining up the shot not that I infallible to. I was whacking everyone fine handily. Eddie was the only one who came close. It was establish Jill and leeward didnt even dumb plunge their concern on the game, and as for Adrian and his natural talent well, they were very solidly in last place.Eddie, Adrian, and I were nonoperational frontward of the other two, so we waited for them by the falls. Jill a nigh(a) deal ran to it when she had the chance, gazing up at it with delight eye. Oh, she soupconed. This is wonderful. I oasist seen this much peeing supply in days. come back what I said about(predicate) the toxicity, beleaguer lee. unless it was clear he found her answer endearing. As I glanced at the other two guys, I apothegm that they divided the similar opinions. Well, not exactly the same. Adrians gist was intelligibly brotherly. Eddies? It was hard to read, assortment of a mix of the other two. maybe it was a kind o f guardian fondness.Jill make a move to the peeingfall, and suddenly, lot of it broke off from the aerobatics cascade. The ballock of water do itself into a braid, then wriggle geniused into the air, devising spirals before bust into a one million million million drops that misted over us all. I had been stark(a) mere(a) and frozen, but those drops strike me shock me awake.Jill, I said in a sound I tho recognise as my own. put ont do that again.Jill, eyes bright, except spared me a glance as she do other piece of water terpsichore in the air. No ones around to see, Sydney. That wasnt what had me so upset. That wasnt what make full me with so much disquietude that I could scantily breathe. The being was doing that thing where it started to spin, and I sick I was going to faint. Stark, ice-cold forethought ran through me, devotion at the unknown. The unnatural. The laws of my valet had just been broken. This was vampire magic, something unconnected and unassailable to human race unreached because it was forbidden, something no mortal was meant to drudge into. I had only once seen magic used, when two spirit users had turned on each other, and I never fatalityed to see it again. angiotensin converting enzyme had force the plants of the cosmos to do her dictation while the other telekinetically hurled objects meant to kill. It had been terrifying, and even though I hadnt been the target, Id matte detain and overwhelmed in the face of such(prenominal) supernatural power. It was a varan that these werent fun, abstemious deal to hang out with.These were creatures solely different from me. turn back it, I said, feeling the holy terror rise. I was acrophobic of the magic, panicked it would touch me, hunted of what it king do to me. fall apartt do it any longer Jill didnt even hear me. She grinned at Lee. Youre air, right? mountain you bring to pass obscure over the water?Lee stuffed his custody in his pockets and looked away. Ah, well, its likely not a good mind. I mean, were in overt inject on, she pleaded. It wont take any apparent movement for you at all.He genuinely appeared nervous. Nah, not right now.not you too. She laughed. supra her and in front of her, that hellion water was silent rotate, spinning, spinningJill, said Adrian, a harsher lineage in his voice than Id ever perceive before. In fact, I couldnt deliver him ever addressing her by her actual name. Stop. It was all he said, but it was like a curl of something went through Jill. She flinched, and the water spirals disappeared, go away in droplets. Fine, she said, looking confused.There was a moment of awkwardness, and then Eddie said, We should hurry. Were going to be push curfew.Lee and Jill set out to make their shots and soon were laughing and prickteaser again. Eddie act observance them in his bear on way. besides Adrian gainful any aid to me. He was the only one who sincerely unsounded what ha d happened, I realized. His green eyes study me, with no tone of their common hot humor. I wasnt fooled, though. I knew there had to be some witty quip coming, do by my reaction. ar you clear? he asked quietly.Im fine, I said, turning from him. I didnt urgency him to see my face. Hed already seen too much, seen my fear. I didnt want any of them to know how aghast(predicate) of them I was. I hear him take a few step toward me.Sage forswear me only, I snapped back. I speed off toward the courses exit, authoritative he wouldnt follow me. I was right. I waited for them to refinement the game, apply the alone time to ease myself down. By the time they caught up to me, I was fair trusted I had wiped close of the emotions from my face. Adrian tranquilize watched me with concern, which I didnt like, but at least he didnt say anything else about my breakdown. impress to no one, the last score showed that I had won and Adrian had lost. Lee had come in trinity, which see med to disturb him. I used to be a lot better, he muttered, frowning. I used to be perfect at this game. Considering hed exhausted most of the time paying attention to Jill, I thought third was a picturesque respectable performance.I dropped him and Adrian off first and then just notwithstanding got Eddie, Jill, and me back to Amberwood on time. I was more or less back to common by then, not that anyone wouldve noticed. Jill was travel on a blotch as we went into our student residence room, talk of the town direct about Lee.I had no idea hed traveled so much Hes by chance been more places than you, Sydney. He keeps sex act me that hell take me to all of them, that well fell the rest of our lives travelling and doing whatever we want. And hes victorious all sorts of classes in college because hes not sure what he wants to major(ip) in. Well, not all sorts this semester. Hes got a light roll so that he can spend more time with his father. And thats good for me. For u s, I mean.I subdue a respire and nodded wearily. Thats great.She paused from where shed been look for her thorax for pajamas. Im sorry, by the way.I froze. I didnt want an plea for the magic. I didnt even want to recall it had happened.For cry at you the other night, she continued. You didnt set me up with Lee. I should never wee-wee incriminate you of interfering. He truly has like me all along, and, well hes really great.I let out the breath Id been prop and assay a debilitated smile. Im delightful youre happy.She returned cheerfully to her tasks and to talking about Lee until I left to go down to the bathroom. in the lead copse my teeth, I stood in front of the communicate and stifleed my manpower and accouterments over and over, scrubbing as hard as I could to wash away the magic drops of water I swore I could still feel on my skin.Bloodlines Chapter TwelveWe tried to tell him that Tamara was killed by Strigoi, but he wont believe it. He doesnt want to. He cant take revenge on a Strigoi. Theyre immortal. Invincible. But some human vampire hunter? Somehow, in his head, thats something he can go after. And if he cant, then he can focus his energy on how the guardians wont go after these nonexistent vampire hunters.I just barely heard Eddie mutter, Strigoi arent that invincible.In the rearview mirror, I saw Jills face filled with compassion. She was seated between Lee and Eddie. Even if its a fantasy, maybe its better this way, she suggested. It gives him comfort. I mean, kind of. Having something tangible to hate is what gets him through. Otherwise hed just give in to despair. Hes not hurting anyone with his theories. I think hes sweet. She caught her breath in that way she did when shed said a whole lot all at once. My eyes were back on the road, but I could swear Lee was smiling. Thats nice of you, he told her. I know he likes having you around. Turn right up here.That was to me. Lee had been giving me directions ever since we left Cl arences. We were just orthogonal of Palm Springs proper, nearing the very impressive-looking Desert Gods Golf Course and Resort. Further guidance from him led us to the Mega-Fun Mini-Golf Center, which was adjacent to the resort. I searched for a parking spot and heard Jill gasp when she caught sight of the golf courses crowning glory. There, in the center of a cluster of gaudily decorated putting greens, was a huge fake mountain with an artificial waterfall spouting from its top.A waterfall she exclaimed. Its amazing.Well, said Lee, I wouldnt go that far. Its do of water thats been pumped over and over and has God only knows what in it. I mean, I wouldnt try to drink or swim in it.Before I even had the car to a stop, Adrian was out the door, lighting a cigarette. Wed gotten in an argument on the way over, despite me telling him three times that Latte was a strictly no-smoking car. The rest of us soon got out as well, and I wondered what Id signed up for here as we strolled toward the entrance.Ive actually never been mini-golfing, I remarked.Lee came to a halt and stared. Never?Never.How does that happen? asked Adrian. How is it possible that youve never played mini-golf?I had kind of an unusual childhood, I said at last.Even Eddie looked incredulous. You? I was practically raised at an isolated school in the middle of nowhere Montana, and even Ive played mini-golf. Saying I was homeschooled was no excuse this time, so I just let it go. Really, it just came down to having a childhood more focused on chemical equations than on fun and recreation.Once we started playing, I soon got the hang of it. My first few attempts were pretty bad, but I soon dumb the weight of the club and how the angles on each course could be maneuvered. From there, it was pretty simple to calculate distance and force to make accurate shots.Unbelievable. If youd been playing since you were a child, youd be a pro by now, Eddie told me as I knocked my ball into a gaping dragons mouth. Th e ball rolled out the back, down a tube, bounced off a wall, and into the hole. Howd you do that?I shrugged. Its simple geometry. Youre not that bad either, I pointed out, watching him make his shot. How do you do it?I just line it up and putt.Very scientific.I just rely on natural talent, said Adrian, strolling up to the start of the Dragons Lair. When you have such a wealth of it to draw from, the danger comes from having too much.That makes no sense whatsoever, said Eddie.Adrians response was to pause and take out a silver flask from his inner coat pocket. He unscrewed it and took a quick drink before leaning in to line up his shot.What was that? I exclaimed. You cant have alcohol out here.You heard Jailbait earlier, he countered. Its the weekend.He lined up his ball and shot. The ball went directly for the dragons eye, bounced off it, and shot back toward Adrian. It rolled and came to a stop at his feet, nearly where it had started.Natural talent, huh? asked Eddie.I leaned forwa rd. I think you broke the dragons eye.Just like Keith, said Adrian. I figured youd appreciate that, Sage.I gave him a sharp look, wondering if there was any hidden meaning behind that. Mostly, Adrian seemed amused by his own wit. Eddie mistook my expression.That was inappropriate, he told Adrian.Sorry, Dad. Adrian shot again and managed not to maim any statues this time. A couple more shots, and he sank the ball. There we go. Three.Four, said Eddie and I in unison.Adrian looked at us incredulously. It was three.Youre forgetting about your first one, I said. The one where you blinded the dragon.That was just the warm-up, Adrian argued. He put on a smile I think he hoped would charm me. Come on, Sage. You understand how my mind works. You said I was brilliant, remember?Eddie glanced at me in surprise. You did?No I never said that. Adrians smile was infuriating. Stop telling people that.Since I was in charge of the scorecard, his play was logged as four, despite his many further protes ts. I started to move forward, but Eddie held out a hand to stop me, his hazel eyes gazing over my shoulder.Hold up, he said. We need to wait for Jill and Lee.I followed his gaze. The two of them had been in deep conversation since we arrived, so much so that theyd slowed and lagged behind the rest of us. Even during his bantering with Adrian and me, Eddie had continually checked on her and our surroundings. It was kind of amazing the way he could multitask. Thus far, Jill and Lee had only been one hole behind us. Now it was nearly two, and that was too far for Eddie to keep her in his sight. So, we waited while the oblivious couple meandered their way toward the Dragons Lair.Adrian took another drink from his flask and shook his head in awe. You had nothing to worry about, Sage. She went right for him.No thanks to you, I snapped. I cant believe you told her every detail of my visit that night. She was so mad at me for interfering behind her back with you, Lee, and Micah.I hardly t old her anything, argued Adrian. I just told her to stay away from that human guy.Eddie glanced between our faces. Micah?I shifted uncomfortably. Eddie didnt know about how Id gone proactive. Remember when I wanted you to say something to him? And you wouldnt? I proceeded to tell him how Id then sought out Adrians help and found out about Lees touch in Jill. Eddie was aghast.How could you not tell me any of this? he demanded.Well, I said, wondering if everything I did was going to result in the wrath of a Moroi or dhampir, it didnt involve you.Jills safety does If some guy likes her, I need to know.Adrian chuckled. Should Sage have passed you a occupation in class?Lees fine, I said. He obviously adores her, and its not like shell ever be alone with him.We dont know for sure that hes fine, said Eddie.Whereas Micahs a hundred percent okay? Did you do a background check or something? I asked.No, said Eddie, looking embarrassed. I just know. Its a feeling I get about him. Theres no pr oblem with him disbursement time with Jill.Except that hes human.They wouldnt have gotten serious.You dont know that.Enough, you two, interrupted Adrian. Jill and Lee had finally reached the start of the Dragons Lair, meaning we could move on. Adrian lowered his voice. Your arguments useless. I mean, look at them. That human boy doesnt enter into it.I looked. Adrian was right. Jill and Lee were clearly enthralled with each other. Some guilty part of me wondered if I should be a doing a better job of looking out for Jill. I was so relieved that she was interested in a Moroi that I hadnt stopped to wonder if she should even be dating anyone. Was fifteen old enough? I hadnt dated at fifteen. Id actually, well, never dated.There is an age difference between them, I admitted, more to myself.Adrian scoffed. Believe me, Ive seen age differences. Theirs is nothing.He walked off, and a few moments later, Eddie and I went to join him. Eddie maintained his simultaneous vigil of Jill, but this time, I got the impression the danger he was watching out for was right beside her. Adrians laughter rang out ahead of us.Sage he called. You have got to see this.Eddie and I reached the next green and stared in astonishment. Then I burst out laughing.We had reached Draculas Castle.A huge, multi-towered black castle guarded the hole some distance away. A tunnel was cut out through the center of it with a narrow bridge meant for the ball to go over. If the ball fell off the sides before getting through the castle, it was returned back to the starting point. An animatronic Count Dracula stood off to the castles side. He was pure white, with red eyes, pointed ears, and slicked-back hair. He jerkily kept raising his arms to show off a batlike cape. Nearby, a speaker blasted eerie organ music.I couldnt stop laughing. Adrian and Eddie looked at me as though theyd never seen me before.I dont think Ive ever heard her laugh, Eddie told him.Certainly not the reaction I was expecting, mused A drian. Id been counting on abject terror, judging from past Alchemist behavior. I didnt think you liked vampires.Still grinning, I watched Dracula raise his cape up and down. This isnt a vampire. Not a real one. And thats what makes it so funny. Its pure Hollywood camp. Real vampires are terrifying and unnatural. This? This is hilarious.It was clear from their expressions that neither really understood why this would appeal to my sense of humor so much. Adrian did, however, offer to take a picture with my cell phone when I asked him. I posed by Dracula and put on a big smile. Adrian managed to snap the shot just as Dracula was raising his cape. When I viewed the picture, I was pleased to see it had come out perfectly. Even my hair looked good.Adrian gave the picture a nod of approval before handing me the phone. Okay, even I can admit thats pretty cute.I found myself overanalyzing the comment. What had he meant in saying even he could admit it? That I was cute for a human? Or that I had just met some kind of Adrian hot-girl criteria? Moments later, I had to forcibly stop thinking about it. Let it go, Sydney. Its a compliment. Accept it.We played through the rest of the course, finally finishing off with the waterfall itself. That was a particularly challenging hole, and I took my time lining up the shot not that I needed to. I was beating everyone pretty handily. Eddie was the only one who came close. It was clear Jill and Lee didnt even have their attention on the game, and as for Adrian and his natural talent well, they were very solidly in last place.Eddie, Adrian, and I were still ahead of the other two, so we waited for them by the waterfall. Jill practically ran to it when she had the chance, gazing up at it with enchanted eyes. Oh, she breathed. This is wonderful. I havent seen this much water in days.Remember what I said about the toxicity, teased Lee. But it was clear he found her reaction endearing. As I glanced at the other two guys, I saw that the y shared the same feelings. Well, not exactly the same. Adrians affection was clearly brotherly. Eddies? It was hard to read, kind of a mix of the other two. Maybe it was a kind of guardian fondness.Jill made a gesture to the waterfall, and suddenly, part of it broke off from the tumbling cascade. The chunk of water shaped itself into a braid, then twisted high into the air, making spirals before shattering into a million drops that misted over us all. I had been staring wide-eyed and frozen, but those drops hitting me shocked me awake.Jill, I said in a voice I barely recognized as my own. Dont do that again.Jill, eyes bright, barely spared me a glance as she made another piece of water dance in the air. No ones around to see, Sydney. That wasnt what had me so upset. That wasnt what filled me with so much panic that I could barely breathe. The world was doing that thing where it started to spin, and I worried I was going to faint. Stark, cold fear ran through me, fear at the unknown . The unnatural. The laws of my world had just been broken. This was vampire magic, something foreign and inaccessible to humans inaccessible because it was forbidden, something no mortal was meant to delve into. I had only once seen magic used, when two spirit users had turned on each other, and I never wanted to see it again. One had forced the plants of the earth to do her bidding while the other telekinetically hurled objects meant to kill. It had been terrifying, and even though I hadnt been the target, Id felt trapped and overwhelmed in the face of such otherworldly power. It was a reminder that these werent fun, easy people to hang out with.These were creatures wholly different from me.Stop it, I said, feeling the panic rise. I was afraid of the magic, afraid it would touch me, afraid of what it might do to me. Dont do it anymore Jill didnt even hear me. She grinned at Lee. Youre air, right? Can you create fog over the water?Lee stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked aw ay. Ah, well, its probably not a good idea. I mean, were in publicCome on, she pleaded. It wont take any effort for you at all.He actually appeared nervous. Nah, not right now.Not you too. She laughed. Above her and in front of her, that demon water was still spinning, spinning, spinningJill, said Adrian, a harsher note in his voice than Id ever heard before. In fact, I couldnt recall him ever addressing her by her actual name. Stop. It was all he said, but it was like a wave of something went through Jill. She flinched, and the water spirals disappeared, falling away in droplets. Fine, she said, looking confused.There was a moment of awkwardness, and then Eddie said, We should hurry. Were going to be pushing curfew.Lee and Jill set out to make their shots and soon were laughing and flirting again. Eddie continued watching them in his concerned way. Only Adrian paid any attention to me. He was the only one who really understood what had happened, I realized. His green eyes studied m e, with no trace of their usual bitter humor. I wasnt fooled, though. I knew there had to be some witty quip coming, mocking my reaction.Are you okay? he asked quietly.Im fine, I said, turning from him. I didnt want him to see my face. Hed already seen too much, seen my fear. I didnt want any of them to know how afraid of them I was. I heard him take a few steps toward me.Sage Leave me alone, I snapped back. I hurried off toward the courses exit, certain he wouldnt follow me. I was right. I waited for them to finish the game, using the alone time to calm myself down. By the time they caught up to me, I was fairly certain I had wiped most of the emotions from my face. Adrian still watched me with concern, which I didnt like, but at least he didnt say anything else about my breakdown.Surprising to no one, the final score showed that I had won and Adrian had lost. Lee had come in third, which seemed to trouble him. I used to be a lot better, he muttered, frowning. I used to be perfect at this game. Considering hed spent most of the time paying attention to Jill, I thought third was a pretty respectable performance.I dropped him and Adrian off first and then just barely got Eddie, Jill, and me back to Amberwood on time. I was more or less back to normal by then, not that anyone wouldve noticed. Jill was floating on a cloud as we went into our dorm room, talking nonstop about Lee.I had no idea hed traveled so much Hes maybe been more places than you, Sydney. He keeps telling me that hell take me to all of them, that well spend the rest of our lives traveling and doing whatever we want. And hes taking all sorts of classes in college because hes not sure what he wants to major in. Well, not all sorts this semester. Hes got a light schedule so that he can spend more time with his father. And thats good for me. For us, I mean.I stifled a yawn and nodded wearily. Thats great.She paused from where shed been searching her dresser for pajamas. Im sorry, by the way.I froze . I didnt want an apology for the magic. I didnt even want to remember it had happened.For yelling at you the other night, she continued. You didnt set me up with Lee. I should never have accused you of interfering. He really has liked me all along, and, well hes really great.I let out the breath Id been holding and attempted a weak smile. Im glad youre happy.She returned cheerfully to her tasks and to talking about Lee until I left to go down to the bathroom. Before brushing my teeth, I stood in front of the sink and process my hands and arms over and over, scrubbing as hard as I could to wash away the magical drops of water I swore I could still feel on my skin.