Night World : Witchlight Chapter 10

The car coming. Iliana screaming. And the feeling of absolute helplessness-Glass shattered.Keller didnt infrastand at first. She mentation that Iliana was trying to break the window and get Jaimes attention. all if the window was safety glass, and what broke was the beaker in Dianas hand. stock certificate spurted, shockingly red and liquid.And Iliana kept squeezing the broken glass in her hand, making much and more blood run.Her sm whole face was fixed and rigid, her lips s dejectly parted, her breath held, her whole expression one of terminated concentration.She was calling the blue fire.Keller lost her own breath.Shes doing it Im dismissal away to key a Wild Power. Right here, veracious beside me, its happeningShe wrenched her own gaze back to the car. Shewas going to see those tons of metal come to a stop honourable as the BART train on the video had. Or maybe Iliana would just deflect the car in its course, send it into the grassy island in the middle of the driveway. In any case, she displace hardly span that shes the Wild Power now-It was then that Keller realized the car wasnt stopping.It wasnt working.She heard Iliana provoke a despairing sound beside her. There was no time for anything more. The car was on top of Jaime, swinging up onto the curb.Kellers heart lurched.And something streaked out behind Jaime, hitting her from behind.It knocked her flying toward the grassy island. Out of the path of the car.Keller knew who it was heretofore before her look could focus on the gamy golden hair and long legs.The car braked and screeched and swerved-but Keller couldnt identify if it had hit him. It went skidding, half on and half send off the sidewalk. Then it corrected its course and roared along the driveway, hurrying away. Nissa came dashing out of the door below and stood for an instant, taking in the scene.Above, Keller was still frozen. She and Iliana were deuce as inactive as statues.Then Iliana made a little noise and whirled ar ound. She was off and running before Keller could grab her.She shot past Winnie, leaving a trail of flying red droplets. tally on Keller yelled.They both went after her. But it was bid chasing a sunbeam. Keller had had no idea the little thing could run manage that.They were right behind her all the way down the stairs and out the door. It was where Keller wanted to be, anyway.There were two figures lying on the pavement. They were both very still.Kellers heart was beating hard enough to break finished her chest.Amazing how, even after seeing so much in her life, she could still have the desperate impulse to shut her eye. For the first moment, as her gaze raked oer Galens body, she wasnt sure if she could see blood or not. Everything was pulsing with dark spots, and her learning ability didnt seem able to put any kind of coherent get wind together.Then he moved. The stiff, wincing motion of somebody injured, but not injured badly. He lifted his head, pushed himself up on one e lbow, and looked around.Keller stared at him wordlessly. Then she made her voice obey her. Did it hit you?Just glanced off me. He got his legs under him. Im fine. But what about--They both looked at Jaime.Goddess Galens voice was filled with horror. He scrambled up and took a limping step before falling to his knees.Even Keller felt shock sweep over her before she realized what was going on.At first glance, it looked like a tragedy. Diana was holding Jaime, cradling her in her arms, and at that place was blood everywhere. All over the front of Dianas sweater, all over Jaimes white shirt. It just showed up transgress on Jaime.But it was Dianas blood, still flowing from her roll in the hay hand. Jaime was blinking and lifting a hand to her forehead in bewilderment. Her color was good, and her breathing sounded clear if fast.That car-those people were crazy. They were going to hit me.Im olive-drab, Diana give tongue to. Im so sorry Im so sorryShe was so beautiful that Kellers hear t seemed to stop.Her fine skin seemed almost translucent in the cool afternoon light. That glorious hair was rippling in the wind behind her, every single twine light as air and moving independently. And her expressionShe was bending over Jaime so tenderly, tears Ming like diamonds. Her grief-it was complete, Keller thought. As if Jaime were her own dearest sister. She carefulnessd in a way that went beyond sympathy and beyond compassion and into something like perfect love.It transformed her. She wasnt a light-minded child anymore. She was almost angelic.All at once, Keller understood wherefore everybody at school brought their problems to this fille. It was beca give of that caring, that love. Diana didnt helpthem to make herself popular. She helped because her heart was open, without shields, without the normal barriers that separated people from one another.And she was as brave as a little lion. She hadnt even hesitated when she saw Jaime in danger. She was afraid of blood, but shed cut herself instantly, even recklessly, trying to help.That was courage, Keller thought. Not doing something without being afraid, but doing something even though you were afraid.In that moment, all of Kellers tartness of Diana melted away. All her anger and exasperation and contempt. And, strangely, with it, the defensive shame shed felt this afternoon for being what she was herself-a shapeshifter.It didnt make sense. There was no connection. But there it was.The flat but strangely pleasant voice of Jaime was going on. Im okay-it was just a shock. Stop crying now. Somebody pushed me out of the way.Diana looked up at Galen.She was still crying, and her eyes were the color of violet crystal. Galen was kneeling on one knee, looking down worriedly at Jaime.Their eyes met, and they both went still. Except for the wind ruffling Ilianas hair, they might have been a painting. A scene from one of the grizzly Masters, Keller thought. The boy with dark golden hair and that perfect ly sculptured face, looking down with protective concern. The girl with her luminous eyes and exquisite features, looking up in gratitude.It was a sweet and lovely picture. It was in addition the exact moment that Iliana fell in love with Galen. And Keller knew it.She knew before Iliana knew herself. She saw a sort of plaintive shimmer in Ilianas eyes, like more tears about to fall. And then she saw the change in Ilianas face.The gratitude became something different, something more like recognition. It was as if Iliana were discovering Galen all at once, seeing everything in him that Keller had been slowly learning to see.Theyre bothKeller wanted to destine idiots, but the word wouldnt come. All she ended up with was the same.Both of them. Idealists. Open-hearted. Trying to delivery everyone.Theyre perfect for each other.You saved her life, Iliana whispered. But you could have been killed yourself.It just happened, Galen said. I moved without thinking. But you-youre rightfully bleedingIliana looked soberly down at her hand. It was the only thing that marred the picture it was gory and shocking. But Ilianas gaze wasnt frightened. Instead, she looked wise beyond her years and infinitely sad.I couldnt help, she said.Keller opened her mouth. But before she could utter anything, Nissa appeared beside Iliana.Here, she said in her practical way, loosening the carefully knotted scarf at her throat. Let me sleeper goby it up until we digest see if you need stitches. Sheglanced up at Keller. I got the license plate of the car.Keller blinked and refocused. Her brain started ticking again.Both of you, go get the car, she said to Nissa and Winnie. Ill finish that. She took Nissas place by Iliana. ar you truly all right? she asked Jaime, careful to face her directly. I think we need to take all three of you to the hospital.Part of her expected to see a flinching as the dark blue eyes under the soft brown bangs met hers. But, of course, there wasnt any. Nissas memo ry blanking had been too good. Jaime simply looked slightly confused for an instant, then she smiled a little wryly.Im really okay.Even so, Keller said.There was a crowd gathering. Students and teachers were running from various corners of the building, coming to see what the noise was about. Keller realized that it had actually been only a couple of minutes since the car had gone well-heeled and screeching along the sidewalk.A few minutes but the world had changed. In several ways.Come on, she said, and helped Jaime up. She let Galen help Iliana.And she felt strangely calm and peaceful.Galen dark out to have several pulled muscles and divide of scrapes and bruises. Jaime had bruises and a dizzy headache and double vision, which got her actually admitted to the hospital-hardly surprising, considering how many times shed been knocked down that day, Keller thought.Iliana needed stitches. She submitted to them peacefulnessly, which only seemed to alarm her mother. Mrs. Dominick had been called from home to the hospital. She sat with the baby in her lap and listened to Keller try to explain how Iliana had gotten cut speckle standing at the chemistry room window.And when she saw the car almost hit Jaime, she was so blow out of the water that she just squeezed the beaker, and it broke.Dianas mother looked doubtful for a moment, but it wasnt her nature to be suspicious. She nodded, accepting the story.Jaimes parents had been called to the hospital, too, and both Galen and Jaime had to authorize statements to the legal philosophy. Nissa flashed Keller a glance when the policewoman asked if anyone had noticed the cars license plate.Keller nodded. She had al bear witnessy had Nissa call the number in to round of drinks Daybreak from a pay phone, but there was no reason not to have the police on the case, too. After all, there was a chance-just a chance-that it hadnt been Night World-related.Not much of a chance, though. racing circuit Daybreak agents would foll ow Jaime and her family after this, watching from the shadows and ready to act if the Night World showed up again. It was a standard precaution.Both Mr. and Ms. Ashton-Hughes, Jaimes parents, came down from Jaimes floor to speak to Galen in the emergency room.You saved our daughter, her mother said. We dont hump how to thank you.Galen shook his head. Really, it just happened. I mean, anybody would have done it.Ms. Ashton-Hughes smiled slightly and shook her head in turn. Then she looked at Iliana.Jaime says she hopes your hand heals quickly. And she wanted to know if youre still going to the birthday party on Saturday night.Oh- For a moment, Iliana looked bewildered, as if shed forgotten about the party. Then she brightened. Yeah, tell her that I am. Is she still going?I think so. The doctor said she can go home tomorrow, as long as she keeps quiet for a few days. And she said she wasnt going to miss it even if her head fell off. Iliana smiled.It was well into the level by the tim e they all got home. Everyone was tired, even the baby-and Iliana was asleep.Mr. Dominick came hurrying out of the house. He was a medium-sized man with dark hair and glasses, and he looked very anxious. He came around to the backseat as Hianas mother filled him in on the situation.But it was Galen who carried Iliana inside. She didnt wake up. Hardly surprising. The doctor had given her something for the pain, and Keller knew that she hadnt had much sleep the night before. She lay in Galens arms like a trusting child, her face turned against his shoulder.They looked very good together, Keller thought. They looked right.Winnie and Nissa hurried on a higher floor and turned down Dianas sheets. Galen gently lowered her to the bed. He stood looking down at her. A strand of silvery-gold hair had fallen across her face, and he carefully smoothed it back. That single gesture told Keller more than anything else could have.He understands, she thought. Its like that moment when she looked at him and discovered all at once that hes brave and gentle and caring. He understands that she cut herself to try and save Jaime, and that people love her because she loves them so much first. And that she couldnt be petty or spiteful if she tried, and that shes probably never wished another person harm in her life.He sees all that in her now.Mrs. Dominick came in just then to help get Iliana undressed. Galen, of course, went out. Keller gestured for Winnie and Nissa to stay, and followed him.This time, she was the one who said, Can I talk with you?They slipped into the depository library again, and Keller shut the door. With everything that was going on in the house, she didnt think anyone would notice.Then she faced him.She hadnt bothered to turn on the lights. There was some illumination from the window but not much. It didnt really matter. Shapeshifter eyes were good in the dark, and Keller was just as glad he couldnt study her face.She could see enough of his as he stood by the window. The light picked up the edge of his golden head, and she could see that his expression was troubled and a little uncertain.Keller- he began.Keller held up a hand to cut him off. Wait. Galen, first I want to tell you that you dont owe me an explanation. She took a breath. Look, Galen, what happened this morning was a mistake. And I think we both realize that now.KellerI shouldnt have gotten so brainsick at you about it. But thats not the point. The point is that things have worked out.He looked bleak suddenly. Have they?Yes, Keller said firmly. And you dont need to try and pretend otherwise. You care about her. She cares about you. Are you going to try and deny that?Galen turned toward the window. He looked more than bleak now he looked terribly depressed. I do care about her, he said slowly. I wont deny it. But-But nothing Its good, Galen. Its what was meant to be, and its what we came here for. Right?He shifted miserably. I guess so. But Keller-And it may just possibly sav e the world, Keller said flatly.There was a long silence. Galens head was down.Weve got a chance now, Keller said. It should be easy to get her to come to the ceremony on Saturday-as long as we can make her forget aboutthat ridiculous party. Im not saying use her feelings against her. Im just saying go with it. She should want to be promised to you.Galen didnt say anything.And thats all. Thats what I wanted to tell you. And likewise that if youre going to act stupid and guilty because of something that was a few minutes of silliness, a mistake-well, then, Im not going to talk to you ever again.His head came up. You think it was a mistake?Yes. Absolutely.In one motion, he turned around and took her by the shoulders. His fingers tightened, and he stared at her face as if he were trying to see her eyes.And thats what you really think?Galen, will you please stop worrying about my feelings? She shrugged out of his grip, still facing him squarely. Tm fine. Things have worked out just the way they should. And thats all we ever need to say about it.He let out a long breath and turned toward the window again. Keller couldnt tell if the sigh was reprieve or something else.Just make sure she comes to the ceremony. Not that it should be difficult, she said.There was another silence. Keller tried to read his emotions through his stance and failed completely.Can you do that? she prompted at last.Yes. I can do it. I can try.And that was all he said. Keller turned to the door. Then she turned back. Thank you, she said softly. But what she really meant was Good-bye, and she knew he knew it. For a long moment, she thought he wouldnt answer. At last, he said, Thank you, Keller.Keller didnt know what for, and she didnt want to think about it right now. She turned and slipped out of the room.