Night World : Witchlight Chapter 8

Keller was tempted to check the wards, but she knew it wouldnt do approximately(prenominal) good. She wasnt raw enough to the temptress energies to gauge them. Theyd been put up by grandma H lacean and checked by Winnie, and she would honour to trust to that.The wards were keyed so that precisely the Dominick family and ordinary humans could come inside. No Night Person could raise except Nissa, Winnie, Keller, and Galen. Which meant, Keller thought with a grim smile, that any lost capture relatives of Ilianas mother who came by were deprivation to stir quite a surprise. An unperceivable w every(prenominal) was departure to be blocking them from crossing the threshold.As keen-sighted as nobody on the inside removed the wards, the house was safer than arm Knox.Grandma Harman had also buckn the limo, Keller found. Sometime during the shadow, it had been replaced by an inconspicuous track sedan parked at the curb. The keys had been in a manila envelope dropped throug h the mail slot in the front door, along with a map of Lucy Lee Bethea High School.Circle Daybreak was efficient. I didnt halt my hair, Iliana complained as Nissa hustled her to the car. Its only if half d unrivalled. It looks terrific, Winnie state from behind her. And the social function was, it was true. on that point was nothing that could make that shimmering waterfall of silvery-gold look anything less than beautiful.Whether it was up or down, braided or pinned or falling loose, it was glorious.I dont even venture the little nitwit has to brush it, Keller thought. Its so fine that she couldnt make dickens hairs tangle if she tried. And I left my scarfHere it is. Keller lassoed her. The scarf was ridiculous, grim velvet in muted metallic colors, with a six-inch fringe. Purely decorative.Iliana clogged as Keller wound it around a few times and pulled it squiffy A little aggressive, Boss? Winfrith looked, extricating Iliana before she could turn gamey. Worried wholes ome-nigh being late, Keller verbalise shortly. But she saw Nissa eyeing her, too.Galen was the last to come proscribed of the house. He was pale and serious-that much Keller saw before she shifted her eyes a appearance him. Ilianas mother actually remained contributeing at the door with the baby in her arms.Say bye-bye to your sisters friends. Bye-bye. Kee-kee, the baby said. Kee-keeWave to him, Winfrith stage-whispered.Keller gritted her teeth. She half-waved, keeping her senses opened for any sound of an impending attack. The baby held extinct his arms toward her.PuiLets get expose of here. Keller around shoved Iliana into the encourageseat.Nissa took the wheel, and Galen sat up front with her. Winnie ran around to get in the back on the other side of Iliana.As they pulled divulge, Keller saw the out-of-door of the house for the first time. It was a nice house- flannel clapboard, two and a half stories, Colonial Revival. The street was nice, too, lined with dogwoods tha t would be a mass of white when they bloomed. The sort of street where people sat outside on their bikers in spring and well-nighbody was bound to develop a stand of bees in the side yard making sourwood honey.Although Keller had been all over the United States, sent from one Circle Daybreak group to another, the hospital where shed been found had been near a neighborhood bid this.I cogency have grown up someplace kindred this. If theyd kept me. My parentsDo I hate her? Keller wondered suddenly. I couldnt. Its not her fault.Oh, no, of course not, the voice in her mind said. not her fault that shes beautiful and perfect and has parents who love her and piquant fire in her veins and that she is going to be forced, whether she wants it or not, to marry GalenWhich I dont care astir(predicate), Keller thought. She was traumatizeed at herself. When had she ever let emotion interfere with her job? She was allo pilot herself to be distracted-she had allowed herself to be distract ed all morning-when there was something vitally important at stake.No more, she told herself fiercely. From instantaneously on, I think some nothing but the mission. Years of mental discipline came in handy now she was able to push everything to the side and focus with icy pellucidity on what had to be done. -stopped a train in its tracks, Winfrith wassaying.Really? thither was faint interest in Kianas voice. At least shed stopped talk about her hair, Keller thought.Really. It was one of those BART trains in San Francisco, Like a vacuum tube train, you sleep with. The two young womans were on the tracks, and the Wild Power stopped the train lifeless before it could hit them. Thats what the blue fire shadow do.Well, I know I cant do anything like that, Iliana said flatly. So I cant be a Wild Power. Or whatever. The last words were tacked on quickly.Nissa raised a cool eyebrow. Have you ever tried to stop a train?While Iliana fighting a fingertip and pondered that, Winnie said, You have to do it right, you know. First, you have to make blood flow, and then you have to concentrate. Its not something you can inhabit to do perfectly the very first time.If you want to start practicing, Nissa added, we can help.Diana shuddered. No, thank you. I faint when I see blood. And anyway, Im not it. likewise bad, Nissa murmured. We could use the blue fire on our side today.They were pulling up to a charming old brown brick high trail. Neither Galen nor Keller had said a word throughout the ride.But now Keller leaned forward. Nissa, drive prehistorical it. I want to check the layout first.Nissa swung the car into a circular drive that went past the schools oversized front doors. Keller looked right and left, taking in everything about the surroundings. She could see Winnie doing the aforesaid(prenominal) thing-and Galen, too. He was focusing on the same risk of infection spots she was. He had the instinct for strategy.Go around the block and stave back, Kel ler said.Iliana stirred. I thought you were apprehensive about me being late.Im more worried about you being dead, Keller interrupted. What do you think, Nissa?The side door on the west. open to pull up reasonably close, no bushes around it for nasty surprises to track in.Thats my pick, too. Okay, everybody, listen. Nissas going to slow the car down in the right place. diminish down, not stop. When I give the signal, were all going to jump out and go directly to that door. We are not going to pause. We are going to move as a group. Iliana, are you paying attention? From now on, you dont go anywhere unless Winnies in front of you and Im beside you.And wheres Galen? Iliana said.Keller cursed herself mentally. She wasnt used to working(a) with a fourth team member. Hell be behind us-okay, Galen? She do herself look his way.Yes. Whatever you say. there wasnt the slightest hint of sarcasm in his face. He was dead serious. Absolutely miserable, earnest, and dead serious.And Nissa, once youve parked, you join us and take the other side. What rooms your first class in, Iliana?Three twenty-six, Iliana said dismally. U.S. History with Mr. Wanamaker. He went to New York to try to be an actor, but all he got was some disease from not eating enough stuff with vitamins. So he came back, and now hes really strict unless you can get him to do his impressions of the presidents- alone right, Keller broke in. Were coming to the door.-and hes actually pretty funny when he does Theodore Roosevelt-or do I mean the other one-Now, Keller said, and pushed her as Winnie pulled.They all made it out smoothly, although Iliana yelped a little. Keller kept a good grip on her arm as they hurried to the door.I dont think I like this way of coming to school.We can turn right around and go back home, Keller said. Iliana shut up.Galen kept pace behind them, silent and focused.It was Nissas usual lieu when the team wasnt heading for a car, and Keller couldnt help feeling the difference. S he didnt like having mortal behind her she couldnt trust absolutely. And although the enemies didnt expect to know yet that Galen was important, if they found out, hed endure a target Face it, she thought. This setup is a disaster, security-wise. This is a fearful accident waiting to happen.Her nerves were wound so tightly that she jumped at the slightest sound.They shepherded Iliana to her locker, then up a staircase to the third floor. The halls were almost empty, which was precisely as Keller had planned it.But of course that meant they were late for class. Nissa slid in beside them rightful(prenominal) as they opened the door. They entered as a group, and the t each(prenominal)er stopped talk of the town and looked at them. So did everybody else in the room.Quite a few jaws dropped open.Keller allowed herself a grim inner smile.Yeah, they were probably a bit of a shock for a small town. Four Night People-well, former Night People, anyway. A witch who was almost as small a s Iliana, with a suck of vivid strawberry-blond curls and a face like a pixie on holiday. A vampire girl who looked like cool perfection straight off out of a magazine, with cropped mink-colored hair and a strangely penetrating gaze. A shapeshifter boy who could have taken the place of any prince in a book of fairy tales, with hair like old gold and classically sculptured features.And, of course, a panther. Which happened to be walkway on two feet at the moment, in the guise of a tall girl with a tense, suspicious expression and black hair that swirled witchlike around her.And, of course, there was Iliana in the midst of them, looking like a ballet dancer who had blundered in from the Nutcracker Suite.There was a silence as the two groups stared at each other. hence the teacher snapped shut his book and advanced on them. Keller held herself ready. He had a neatly trimmed beard and a breakneck expression.It was Iliana who took him on, though. She stepped forward before Keller cou ld draw a breath to speak.Mr. Wanamaker These are my cousins Well- some of them are my cousins. Theyre fromCalifornia. Hollywood Theyre here to do research for . . .Were really skilful visiting, Keller cut in.A new show about a high school. Not like that other show. Its more of a reality-based-Its just a visit, Keller said.But your dad is a famous producer, Iliana said. She added in an undertone to Mr. Wanamaker, You know, like that other producer.All eyes, including the teachers, fixed on Keller.Yes-thats right, Keller said, and smiled while clenching her teeth. But were subdued just visiting. She nudged Winnie with her elbow, but it wasnt necessary. Winnie was already staring at the teacher, brainwashing him with witch power.Mr. Wanamaker bunked. He weighed the book he was holding as if he were village holding Yoricks skull. He looked at it, then he looked at Winnie and blinked again.Then he shrugged and looked at the ceiling. Okay. Whatever. Sit down. There are some chairs at the back. And Im still marking you tardy. But Keller noticed that as he returned to his desk, his pose was very erect.She did the best she could to glare at Iliana without drawing any unless attention to them. A famous producer? she whispered through her teeth.I dont know. It was more interesting than just saying youre friends.You dont need life to get any more interesting, Bubblebrain, Keller thought, but she didnt say anything. She found one thing out that surprised her, though, and she found it out quickly. Her job was made harder by the fact that everyone at the school was in love with Iliana.It was strange. Keller was used to acquiring attention from guys-and ignoring it. And Nissa and Winnie both were the type that had to beat them off with sticks. But here, although the guys looked at her and Nissa and Winnie, their eyes always seemed to return to Iliana.At break, they crowded around her like bees around a flower. And not just guys, either. Girls, too. Everyone seemed to ha ve something to say to her or just wanted to see her smile.It was a bodyguards nightmare.What do they see in her? Keller thought, frustrated almost beyond endurance as she tried to borderline Iliana away from the crowd. I mean, aside from the obvious. But if all this is about her looksIt wasnt. It didnt seem to be. They werent all hitting on her for dates.Hey, Iliana, my granddaddy loved that get well card you made.Illie, are you going to tie the ribbons this year for the Christmas benefit bears? nix else can make those teeny-weeny bows.Oh, Iliana, something awful Bugsy had five puppies, and Mom says we cant keep them. Weve got to find them all homes. Iliana, I need help- retain, Iliana, I have to ask you- Okay, but why come to her? Keller thought as she finally managed to purloin the girl from her fan club and steer her into the hall. I mean, she can precisely be the best worry solver in this school, can she?There was one guy who seemed to like Iliana for the obvious. Keller disliked him on sight. He was fine-looking in a carefully manicured way, with muddy chestnut hair, deep blue eyes, and very white teeth. He was wearing expensive clothes, and he smiled a lot, but only at Iliana.Brett, Iliana said as he accosted them in the hall.Brett Ashton-Hughes. One of the rich twins who were having the birthday party on Saturday night Keller disliked him even more, especially when he gave her a coolly grateful once-over before returning his attention to Iliana.Hey, blondie. You still coming Saturday?Iliana giggled. Keller inhibit the urge to hit something.Of course, Ill be there. I wouldnt miss it.Because, you know, it would kill Jaime if you didnt come. Were only inviting a few people, and well have the whole west wing to ourselves. We can even dance in the ballroom.Dianas eyes went dreamy. That sounds so romantic. I always wanted to dance in a real ancient ballroom. Ill feel just like Scarlett OHara.No, Keller thought. No, no, no. No way is she going ther e. Shes going to the Solstice Ceremony, where the shapeshifters and the witches are meeting, even if I have to drag her by the hair.She caught Nissas eye and saw that Nissa was thinking the same. Galen and Winnie were simply watching Brett with troubled looks on their faces.Yeah, and I can be Brett Butler, Brett was saying. Plus, the indoor swimming pool volition be heated. So if you get tired of being Scarlett, you can be a mermaid for a while.It sounds wonderful Tell Jaime I said so.Winnie bit her lip. Keller got a fresh grip on Dianas arm and started guiding her away.So its a promise, right? Brett called after her.Keller squeezed.Yes, but-oh. Iliana managed to smile and wince at the same time, her arm limp in Kellers grasp. Oh, Brett, theres one thing. Ive got my cousin and her friends staying with me.Brett hesitated an instant, giving each girl on Kellers team the appraising look. Then he shrugged and flashed a smile. Hey, no problem. Bring them all. Your friends are our friend s.That wasnt what I was trying to tell you, Keller said when they were away from Brett. Iliana was rubbing her arm with an aggrieved expression. Then what? I thought it would be fun for you to go. What do you mean, then what? Youre going to the Solstice Ceremony that night, so you shouldnt have promised him. I am not going to the Solstice Ceremony that night, because Im not the one youre looking for. It wasnt the time to argue. Keller kept her moving down the hall. Keller wasnt happy. Her nerves were all prickling, and she felt like a cat with its fur standing on end. Very soon, Iliana wasnt happy, either. I always eat lunch in the cafeteria Not today, Keller said, knowing she sounded as brusque and tired as she felt. We cant risk it Youve got to be in a room, alone, someplace where we can control access to you. The symphony room, Winnie said helpfully. I saw it on the map and asked a girl about it in Englishclass. Its open during lunch, and theres only one door.I dont want to-You dont have a choiceIliana sulked in the music room. The problem was that she wasnt very good at sulking, and you could only tell she was doing it because when she offered her cookies to Nissa, she only insisted once. Keller paced nervously in the hallway in front of the door. She could hear Winnie and Galen inside talking. in time Galens voice sounded white-faced and strained.Somethings wrong Ive had a bad feeling ever since we got to this school and it isnt any easier having him around.Part of her was worried that he might take this hazard to come and try to talk to her. And part of her, a very deep inside part, was furious because he wasnt doing it.Goddess Ive got to get my mind clear. Every second that Im not in control of my emotions means an opportunity for them.She was so intent in yelling at herself that she almost missed the girl walking past her. Keller was almost at the end of the hall, and she had to do a double-take to infer that somebody had just calmly slipped by.He y, wait, she said to the girls back. The girl was medium-sized and had hair the velvet brown of oak leaves, slightly longer than shoulder-length. She was walking fast She didnt stop. Wait Im talking to you, girl That door is off limits.The girl didnt turn, didnt even pause. She was almost at the door to the music room. Stop right there Or youre going to get hurtNot even a indecision in the girls step. She turned into the door. A thousand red alerts went off in Kellers head.