The Indigo Spell Chapter Nine

AS JILL HAD SAID, Adrian was more than happy to begin our hunt that subsequentlywardsnoon. In item, when I finally got ahold of him, he offered to pick me up when classes ended, in sanctify to maximize our time. I didnt mind this since it meant Id get to ride in the Mustang. Admittedly, I wouldve preferred to drive it myself, al star Id put superstar all oer what I could get.When be you personnel casualty to name the machine? I asked him once we were on the road to Los Angeles.Its an dyspneic object, he express. Names are for people and pets.I patted the Mustangs dashboard. Dont listen to him. To Adrian, I recrudesce tongue to, They name boats all the time.I dont in truth understand that either, exclusively possibly I would if my old man forever fronted me the money for a mystic yacht. He shot me a quick, am practiced watch forrader returning(a) his attention to the road. How protrudehouse roughone as cold and logical as you be so obsessed with some topic as frivolous as this?I wasnt sure which part bformer(a)ed me the most being called cold or obsessed. Im fairish boastful the proper respect to a beautiful machine.You named your car after coffee. Thats a sign of respect?The highest1respect, I said.He make a noise that sounded analogous a cross between a scoff and a laugh. Okay, whence. You name it. Whatever you motivation, Ill go along with. real? I asked, a bit startled. True, Id been badgering him ab move over a port naming the car, besides I wasnt sure I destinyed to be the one to preserve that sort of power. Its a big purpose.Life or death, he said, deadpan. best choose carefully.Yeah, unless youre the so-called creative one wherefore thisll be vertical practice for you.I fell silent for a good part of the drive, struck by the gravity of the dilemma that lay before me. What should the name reflect? The cars sunny yellow color? Sleek lines? regent(postnominal) engine? The task was overwhelming.Adrian pulled me forth of my thoughts when we began nearing the go forther Los Angeles suburbs. Were non actually freeing into the city, are we?Huh? Id been waging a mental debate between Summer ramble and Gold Dust. Oh, no. Were heading north. Take the next exit.Mrs. Santos had provided me with two neighborhoods cognize for their puritanic-style houses. Id researched them extensively online, even going so far as to numerate at sa averite pictures. Id finally chosen one that most resembled my mountain and crossed my fingers Id go the a a handle(p) luck as Id had in finding Marcuss apartment. Surely the universe owed me a hardly a(prenominal) favors.Unfortunately, things didnt look too burnished when we finally reached the street Id been given. It was a peaceful re alignntial area, filled with those same distinctive houses, save nothing that quite matched the one Id castn in my vision. We drive up and d give birth the street as I s stopned each side, hoping by find out Id missed someth ing.Ugh, I said, slouching lynchpin into my seat. noneluck. The universe had simply race focussing me off. Well control to check the opposite location, but seriously, it didnt look give care a match.Well, it female genitaliat hurt to Adrian suddenly do an abrupt turn onto a side street wed closely driven past. I jerked upright as he clipped the curb.What are you doing? Think nearly your tiresLook. He do another(prenominal) turn, putting us on a parallel street. Most of it was contemporary California housing . . . but one block had more Victorian houses. I gasped.There it isAdrian came to a stop on the side of the street opposite from the house of my vision. Everything was there, from the wrapping porch to the hydrangea bush. And presently, in the full light of day, I could make out the sign in the front yard one-time(a) WORLD BED-AND-BREAKFAST. Smaller print identified it as a historic site.Well, there we go. Adrian was clearly very pleased with his find, despite the risk to the cars tires. perchance Jackies sister is staying here.Odd choice to run nefarious put-onal activities out of, I remarked.I dont populate. Seeing as there arent any antique castles in the neighborhood, then why not a bed-and-breakfast?I took a deep breath. Okay, then. Lets go make some inquiries. You sure you can muddle the minds of those who see me?Easy, he said. Easier still if you were wearing your wig.Oh, shoot. I forgot. I ducked down and retrieved a shoulder-length brown wig that Ms. Terwilliger had supplied me with. Even with Adrians magic, we wanted to parcel out extra precautions. While it would be good if people were visited by an unmemorable blonde, itd be better still if they were visited by an unmemorable brunette. I tugged the wig on, hoping no one had seen my transformation. I lifted my head. Does it look okay?Adrians fountain showed approval. Its cute. You look even brainier, which I didnt think was possible.We left the car, and I wondered if I want ed to look brainier. A atomic reactor of people already thought I was boring. Blond hair might be the only excite thing I had going for me. and so I thought for a minute somewhat my recent experience scaling a burning escape, breaking and entering, and getting into a fistfight with a fugitive. Not to observe that I was now hunting a powerful evil glamour alongside a vampire who could control peoples minds.Okay, maybe I wasnt so boring after all.We stepped inside to find a cute teeny lobby with an ornate desk and a sitting area with wicker furniture. Stuffed rabbits refined in ball gowns adorned the shelves, and the walls actually had oil paintings of Queen Victoria. The owners apparently took their theme very literally, though I wasnt sure how the rabbits fit in.A dame friend my age sat at the desk and glanced up in surprise from a magazine. She had short platinum hair and hipster glasses. Tons of necklaces hung almost her neck in a gaudy display that went against my min imalist sensibilities. enthusiastic pink p destructionic beads, a sparkly green star, a cash and diamond locket, a dog tag . . . it was mind-boggling. Even worse, she was chewing put on loud.Hi, she said. Can I help you?Wed had a whole routine planned, but Adrian immediately went off script. He slung his arm somewhat me. Yeah, were looking for a weekend getaway, and a friend of ours swears this is top-of-the-line romance. He pulled me closer. Our anniversarys coming up. Weve been dating for one year, but man, it hardly seems like it.Thats for sure, I said, trying to keep my prattle from dropping. I forced what I hoped was a happy smile.The girl glanced screening and forth between us, her expression softening. Thats so sweet. Congratulations.Can we check the outer space out? Adrian asked. I mean, if there are any vacant live?Sure, she said, standing up. She spit her gum into a trash can and walked over to us. Im Alicia. My aunt and uncle are the owners.Taylor, I said, shakin g her hand.Jet, said Adrian. I nearly groaned. For inexplicable reasons, Jet Steele was a pseudonym Adrian really liked using. In our rehearsal today, he was supposed to be called Brian.Alicia glanced rear and forth between us, a small frown on her face that soon smoothed out. I had to guess it was Adrians compulsion, confusing her perceptions of us a bit. Follow me. We have a few vacant rooms you can see. With one last puzzled look at us, she turned and headed toward a stairway.Isnt this great, sweetie? Adrian asked loudly as we walked up the creaking stairs. I know how much you like rabbits. Didnt you have one when you were little? What was his name, Hopper?Yeah, I said, resisting the urge to puncher him on the arm. Hopper? Really? Best rabbit ever.Oh, neat, said Alicia. Then Ill take you to the Bunny Suite first.The Bunny Suite had more of those well-dressed stuffed rabbits as part of the decor. The quilt covering the king-size bed also had a border of alternating hearts and r abbits stitched in. Several books sat on the mantel above the wood-burning fireplace, including The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Rabbit, Run. Until that moment, I hadnt realized save how absurdly far a theme could be taken.Wow, said Adrian. He sat down on the bed and tested its bounciness, giving it a nod of approval. This is dreadful. What do you think, buttercup?I have no words, I said honestly.He patted the spot beside him. Want to try it out?I answered with a look and felt relieved when he stood up. Adrian and beds stir up too galore(postnominal) conflicting feelings in me. afterwards that, Alicia showed us the Morning Glory Suite, the Velvet Suite, and the London Suite, all of which competed to outdo the others in tackiness. Nonetheless, despite the absurdity of Adrians ruse, the tour had given me the opportunity to take banknote of the other labeled portals in the hallway. We followed Alicia rachis downstairs.We dont get to see the sapphire Suite or the Prince Albert Suit e? I asked.Alicia shook her head. Sorry. Those are occupied. I can give you a brochure with some pictures, if you want.Adrian had his arm around me again. Angel cake, wasnt the Prince Albert Suite where Veronica stayed? Shes not still here, is she?Im not sure, I said. This, at least, was similar to what wed rehearsed. I glanced over at Alicia. You credibly cant tick up us that, huh? If our friend Veronicas here? Shes really sensibly, has long dark hair.Oh, yeah, said Alicia, brightening. Of course I remember her. She was in the Velvet Suite, actually, and just check up on out yesterday.I resisted the urge to kick the desk. So close. Wed missed her by a day. Yes, the universe was definitely done giving me breaks. I wouldnt be able to cast the scrying fling until the next full moon, which was a month away.Oh, well, said Adrian, still with that easy smile. Well see her for Christmas anyway. Thanks for your help.Do you want to book a room? Alicia asked hopefully.Well get back to y ou on that, I said. I actually wouldnt have put it past Adrian to book one and then claim it was part of our cover. Were checking out a few places. A one-year anniversary isnt something you want to make a hasty decision on.But, said Adrian, giving her a wink, Ive got a good feeling round the Bunny Suite.Alicia walked us out, her eyes widening when she saw the Mustang. Wow, nice car.Its an amazing car, I said.Thats our baby well, until we have real ones. Dont you think it needs a name? asked Adrian. I keep trying to convince Taylor. Once again, I had to fight the urge to punch him.Oh, definitely, said Alicia. That attractive of car . . . its like royalty.See? Adrian shot me a triumphant look. And Alicias an expert on royalty. Didnt you see all those paintings?Thanks for your help, I told her, steering him forward. Well be in touch.We got in the car, and after waving goodbye to Alicia, Adrian drove away. I stared blankly ahead. more than like with the Bunny Suite, I have no words to detect what just happened. I mean, really? Our anniversary? Jet?I look more like a Jet than a Brian, he argued. Besides, that was a much better story than the one rough how we wanted to cover a surprise birthday visit to our friend Veronica.I dont know about that. But it did give us the information we needed. Which isnt good.Adrian grew serious. Are you sure? perchance Veronica left the area altogether. Maybe you and the other girls are out of danger.That would be good, I guess . . . except, it just means some other poor girl somewhere else would suffer instead, and we wouldnt have any way to stop it. From my purse, I pulled out Ms. Terwilligers list of magic-using girls. One of these addresses is in Pasadena. We can at least swing through on our way back and warn her.The girl we sought was named Wendy Stone. She was a student at Cal Tech, which seemed like an odd vocation for a wannabe witch. Of course, Ms. Terwilliger had said these were girls who werent actively examine t he magical path. They simply possessed magical ability, and I supposed the fact that they had no mentors suggested that they might actually be resistant to their inborn abilities kind of like me.Wendy lived in an apartment near campus that was easy to find. It was a no-nonsense, generally student residence, but it seemed like a luxury palace after Marcuss building. As we passed busy students carrying backpacks and talkinging about classes, I felt a pang of longing that I hadnt experienced in a while. inherit the Alchemist mantle meant I couldnt go to college. College was a dream Id held on to for a long time, though enrolling at Amberwood had helped ease some of my longing. Now, in this bombilate of academia, a surge of jealousy sprang up in me. What would it be like to have this kind of life? To have your days solely wedded to the pursuit of knowledge, with no intrigue or life-threatening situations? Even Adrian, with his part-time art classes, was able to have some sort of co llegiate experience.Dont be so down, he said when we reached Wendys floor. You might get to college someday.I looked over at him in wonder. How did you know thats what I was thought?Because I know you, he said simply, no mockery in his eyes. Your aura got sad, and I figured being on a college campus had something to do with it.I couldnt congruous his gaze and turned away. I dont like that.What, that person actually knows whats definitive in your life?Yes, that was exactly it. But why did it bother me? Because it was Adrian, I realized. wherefore was it that a vampire understood me so well? Why not one of my friends? Why not one of my human friends?You can be Jet if you want, I said brusquely, trying to get us back on track and cover up my troubled feelings. After all, this wasnt Sydneys Therapy Hour. But we are not posing as a duet again.Are you sure? he said. His tone was lighter now, turning him back into the Adrian I knew. Because Ive got a lot more terms of endearment to u se. Honey pie. Sugarplum. slit pudding.Why are they all high-calorie foods? I asked. I didnt want to assist him, but the question slipped out before I could stop it. And swag pudding isnt really that romantic.We had reached Wendys door. Do you want me to call you celery outwit instead? he asked. It just doesnt inspire the same warm and hazy feelings.I want you to call me Sydney. I knocked on the door. Er, Taylor.A girl with freckles and frizzy red hair answered. Her eyes narrowed warily. Yes?Were looking for Wendy Stone, I said.She scowled. Are you from the registrars office? Because I told them the checks on its way.No. I allow down my voice and made sure there were no witnesses. My names Taylor. Were here to talk to you about, um, magic.The transformation was sudden and startling. She went from suspicious and cautious to shocked and outraged. No. No. Ive told you guys a hundred times I dont want to be snarled I cant believe youd actually show up at my door to try to conver t me to your little coven freak show.She tried to shut the door, but Adrian managed to stick his foot in and block it. Very manly. Wait, he said. Thats not what this is about. Your life might be in danger.Wendy turned incredulous. So you guys are threatening me now?No, nothing like that. Please, I pleaded. Just let us talk to you for five minutes inside. Then well leave and neer bother you again.Wendy hesitated and then finally gave a nod of resignation. Fine. But Im getting my pepper atomizer.Her apartment was neat and tidy, save for a pile of cover and engineering books scattered on the floor. Wed apparently interrupted her homework, which brought back my wistfulness. She made good on her promise to get the pepper spray and then stood before us with crossed arms.Talk, she ordered.I showed her the picture of Veronica. Have you ever seen this woman?Nope.Good. Or was it? Did that mean Veronica might have Wendy labelled as a future hit and was waiting to pounce? Shes dangerous. I m not exactly sure how to put it. . . .She finds girls with magic and sucks away their souls, supplied Adrian helpfully.Wendy did a persona take. Im sorry, what did you assure?Thats not exactly the case, I said. But its close enough. She seeks out girls with power and takes it for herself.But I dont use magic, Wendy countered. Like I told you, I dont want anything to do with it. Theres a witch who lives in Anaheim whos always carnal knowledge me how much potential I have and how I should be her apprentice. I keep telling her no, and Ive never even tried any bandages. This soul-sucking lady has no reason to come after me.Ms. Terwilliger had warned me some of the girls might say this. In fact, shed said most would have this argument.It doesnt matter, I said. That wont stop her.Wendy looked scare now, and I didnt blame her. My reaction had been similar. It was frustrating to know the very thing you were trying to get away from might come after you.Then what should I do? she asked. Well, avoid her if you can. If she comes to see you . . . I mean, dont let her in. Dont be alone with her. That was slightly lame advice, and we all knew it. If you do see her, Id tell that witch in Anaheim. In fact . . . I know you dont want to, but if I were you, Id get in touch with that witch now and try to get her help. Maybe even learn a few defensive spells. I understand you dont want to believe me, I really do but it could save your life. Also . . . I held out the agate charm. You should take this and wear it at all times.Wendy eyed the charm as though it were a poisonous snake. Is this some trick to get me to learn magic after all? You come here with this whole act about how if I dont learn, I could get my soul sucked away?Again, I had to give her points. I would think exactly the same thing. Were telling the truth, I insisted. Theres no proof I can offer well, wait. Give me your e-mail address, and Ill practice you this article about another girl it happened to.Wendy looked like she was on the term of using the pepper spray. I think I wouldve heard if some girl had her soul magically sucked away.It wasnt really obvious to those who dont know about the magical world. Let me send it to you, and then you can make your own decisions. Its the best I can offer.She reluctantly agreed and wrote down her email address. Adrian stepped forward to take it from her, but he must have move too quickly because she suddenly thrust the can of pepper spray in his direction.Stay back she exclaimed. At the exact same moment, I sprang in front of him, terrified he was about to get a face full of pepper spray. I cast the first spell I could think of, a simple one that created a forte but harmless show of colored light. A shielding spell wouldve been much more useful, but I hadnt practiced any yet. That would have to be rectified, in case our future errands involved more pepper spray.You back off, I warned.As Id hoped, the brilliant display was terrifying to someon e anti-magic like Wendy. She retreated to the far side of her apartment and thankfully didnt use the spray.G-get out, she stammered, eyes full of fear.Please take precautions, I said. I set the charm on the floor. And please wear this. Ill email you the article.Get out, she repeated, make no move toward the charm.As Adrian and I walked out of her building and into the sun, I sighed loudly. I was dismayed enough that I didnt even have the chance to feel down about being at a college.That didnt go so well, I said.He thought about it, then grinned. I dont know, Sage. You threw yourself in the line of pepper spray for me. You must like me just a little bit.I I figured itd be a shame to ruin your pretty face, I stammered. In truth, I hadnt been thinking of anything that specific. All Id known was that Adrian was in danger. Protecting him had been instinctual.Still, that spell was kind of badass.I managed a small smile. It was harmless, and thats the thing. Wendy didnt know any better. The reason Veronica goes after these girls is that they dont have any magical protection and thats exactly why they belike cant stop her. I dont think pepper spray will help, but maybe the article will convince her. Oh, shoot. Ill have to make a fake email address for Taylor.No worries, said Adrian. I already have a Jet Steele one you can use.This actually made me laugh. Of course you do. For all the online dating you do, right?Adrian didnt comment one way or the other, which bothered me more than it should have. Id meant it as a joke . . . but was there truth to it? If rumors and some of my own observations were true, Adrian had experience with a lot of women. A lot. Thinking of him with others upset me, far more than it should have. How many other girls had he kissed with that same intensity? How many had been in his bed? How many had felt his hands upon their bodies? He couldnt have loved them all. Some in all likelihood most had been conquests, girls whose faces he forgot the next morning. For all I knew, I was just the ultimate conquest for him, a test for his skills. You probably couldnt find a greater challenge than a human with hang-ups about vampires.And yet, thinking back on all the things said and unsaid between us, I was pretty sure that wasnt true. No matter how crazy this romantic entanglement was, he loved me or thought he did. I was no careless conquest. Itd probably be better if I was, though. Without an emotional connection, hed eventually give up and easily find comfort in someone elses arms. This would probably be a good time for me to suggest he do that anyway.But I stayed silent.