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\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn193900\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb520\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-464 \li290 \ri4267 \expndtw-37 \b \f20 \fs40 UNU
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2361 \expndtw-9 \b \
f20 \fs24 NU SUPORT CU{\f63 \u350\'3f}TILE.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Nu-mi place nici m{\f63 \u259\'3
f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg la gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dina zoologic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Prima oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd am vi
zitat una, aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 criz{\f63 \u259\'3f} de claustrofobie la vederea biet
elor animale. Nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi imaginez
cum ar putea tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}i astfel o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vietate. Ba uneori chiar sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam un p
ic de mil{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 criminali, condamna{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru tot restul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sigur nu m-a{\f63 \u351\
'3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 petrec\i eu\i0 existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Cu toate acestea, n ultima v
reme via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mi-a aruncat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n cale o mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de lucruri la care nu
m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat,
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} aici, {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut{\f63 \u259\'3f} sub cheie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei! am ur
lat, apucndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gratiile de o{\f63 \u355\'3f}el care
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} izolau de restul lumii. Ct o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} mai stau aici? Cnd e
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 procesul meu? Doar n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n carcera asta pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4356 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 vecie!
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb240\margr260\margl280

\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Bine, nu era tocmai o
carcer{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu la modul ntunecos,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cu lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}uri ruginite
. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflam ntr-o celul{\f63 \u259\'3f} micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pere{\f63 \u355\'3f}i simpli, o podea simpl{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i... n fine, cu totul simplu.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Imaculat. Steril. Rece. n realitate, era o senza{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 deprimant{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect ar fi putut s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-mi ofere oricare carcer{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 muceg{\f63 \u259\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sim{\f63 \u
355\'3f}eam pe piele r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceala gratiilor u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii, dure
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i inflexibile. Lumina fluorescent{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea metalul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sclipeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-un fel aspru, care-mi i
rita ochii. Puteam
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d um{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rul unui b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat care st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea {\f63 \u355\'3f}ea
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}n ntr-o parte
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a intr{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii n celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai erau, probabil, al{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 patru gardieni pe coridor, n afara cmpului meu vizual.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} niciunul dintre ei nu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar asta nu m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} oprise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cer permanent
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}punsuri din partea lor n ultimele do
u{\f63 \u259\'3f} zile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Alegndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} di
n nou cu obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuita t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere, am oftat {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m-am trntit la loc pe priciul din col{\f63 \u355\'3f}u
l celulei. Ca tot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 restul noului meu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}min, {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i el era lipsit de culoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cios. Mda. Chiar ncepeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi doresc o carcer{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350
\'3f}obolanii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pnzele de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ianjen mi-ar fi dat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car ocazia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f
63 \u259\'3f}resc ceva cu privirea. Ridicndu\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi ochii, am avut instantaneu acea senza{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ie derutant{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mereu prezent{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici: c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tavanul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pere{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii se strng n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 jurul meu. Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum n-a{\f63 \u351\'
3f} mai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} respir. Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 marginile celulei ar fi naintat ntruna spre mine, pn{\f
63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dispari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia oric{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui sp
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu, alungnd tot aerul...
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400

\margt280\margb680\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M-am ridicat brusc n ca
pul oaselor, gfind cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri44 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia t{\f63 \u
259\'3f}iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i Nu te mai zgi la pere{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i la tavan,
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 Rose,\i0 m-am certat singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}i-atunci, mi-am cobort
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 privirea spre minile ncle{\f63 \u351\'3f}tate una de c
ealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ncercnd
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama cum de intrasem ntr-un
astfel de
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 bucluc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul in
i{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial venea de la sine: cineva mi-a pus n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 crc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o fapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care nam comis-o. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car una
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ci un asasinat
. Au avut neobr{\f63 \u259\'3f}zarea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acuze de cea mai nalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} crim{\f63 \u259\
'3f} pe care ar fi putut-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 comite vreun moroi sau vreun dhampir. Ei, doar n-o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spun acum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am mai omort pe nimeni n
via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ba da, am omort. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mi-am adunat n palm
ares destule
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri ale regulamente
lor ({\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar ale legilor). Cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 toate acestea, asasinatul cu snge-rece nu face parte
din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 repertoriul meu. Cu att mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in asasi
narea unei
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 regine.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb240\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 E drept c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} regina Tatiana nu se num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rase printre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prietenele mele. Ea fusese conduc{\
f63 \u259\'3f}toarea cea rece {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 calculat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a moroilor: o ras{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} de vampiri vii, practican{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 magiei, care nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ucideau victimele
pentru snge. ntre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Tatiana a existat o rela{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie spinoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintr-o serie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de motive. Unul dintre ele era faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} umblam cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}nepotul ei, Adrian. Iar altul l co
nstituia dezaprobarea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe care o manifestasem fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de politica ei privitoare la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 modul de lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpotriva strigoilor {\f
63 \u8212\'3f} vampirii cei r{\f63 \u259\'3f}i,

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii vii care ne vnau pe noi to{\f63
\u355\'3f}i. Tatiana mi n{\f63 \u351\'3f}elase
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n cteva rnduri ncrederea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciodat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu-i dorisem
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 moartea. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate aparen{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ele, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cineva i-o dorise,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i avusese grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} lase n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} un ntreg {\f63 \u351\'3f}ir de dovezi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} drept s
pre mine, capacul fiind pus de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amprentele mele g{\f63 \u259\'3f}site peste tot pe {\
f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a de argint
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lolosit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru uciderea Tatianei. Sig
ur, fiind {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 mea\i0 , era firesc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi poarte a
mprentele. Dar nimeni nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri302 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} considere aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} eviden{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
a fiind relevant{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Oftnd din nou, am scos din bu
zunar o buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ic{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 hrtie mototolit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Unicul meu material
pentru lectur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am strns cu putere cocolo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul n pumn, fi
indc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aveam nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} privesc cuvintele. Doa
r le {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme pe de rost. Con{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}inutul biletului punea sub
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 semnul ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii ceea ce {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tiusem eu despre Tatiana.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Punea sub semnul ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii foarte mult
e.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Deprimat{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de atmosfera care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nconjura, m-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri34 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 strecurat afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
el, trecnd n al altcuiva: n al Lissei,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cea mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} prieten{\f63 \u259\'3f}
a mea. Lissa era moroi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntre noi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 exista o leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} para
psihic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, una care-mi permitea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund n minte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} privesc lumea prin ochii ei. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 moroii st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnesc un anume tip de magie
al elementelor.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Specialitatea Lissei era spiritul, element legat de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 acpacit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile parapsihi
ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}i t{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}duitoare. Era o raritate
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 printre moroi, care utilizau de obicei elemente mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 materiale, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i n
{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam n prea mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 posibilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile {\f63 \u

8212\'3f} care erau incredibil de vaste. Ea

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase spiritul acum c{\f63 \u355\
'3f}iva ani pentru a m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 readuce din lumea mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor, {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i tocmai asta f{\f63 \u259\'3f}urise
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura dintre noi dou{\f63 \u259\'
3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n mi
ntea ei m{\f63 \u259\'3f} elibera din cu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar t
ot nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea ajuta n problema mea. Lissa se
str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duise din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sputeri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dovedea
sc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de la
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 audierea n care fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} prezentate toa
te probele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adunate mpotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi. {\f63 \u354\'3f}ep
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mea, ca arm{\f63 \u259\'3f} a crimei,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nsemnase numai nceputul. Potrivnicii mei se gr{\f63 \u
259\'3f}biser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le aminteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tuturo
r despre aversiunea pe care-o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 manifestasem fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de r
egin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai g{\f63 \u259\'3f}siser{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un martor
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} depun{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f}rturie cu privire la unde m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflam n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 intervalul de timp corespunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor comi
terii asasinatului.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Iar m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturia aceasta m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} cel mai mic alibi.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Consiliul hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rse c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sun
t dovezi suficiente pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trimiterea mea ntr-un proces n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} reg
ula, n urma
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pr
imesc sentin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb240\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa se str{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}duise cu disperare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} capteze aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i conving{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram vic
tima unei nscen{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu toate acestea, nu prea g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sea persoa
ne dispuse s-o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 asculte, din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
treaga Curte regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} a moroilor era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ocupat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tirile
pentru fastuoasele funeralii ale
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Tatianei. Moartea unui monarh era mare chestie. Moro
ii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dhampirii {\f63 \u8212\'3f} adic{\
f63 \u259\'3f} semivampirii ca mine {\f63 \u8212\'3f} aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} din toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea c

a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} spectacolul. Mncare,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 flori, ornamente, ba chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i muzican{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i... Tacmul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 complet. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana s-ar fi m{\f63
\u259\'3f}ritat, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fi avut parte de tot att fast. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu a
tta activitate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 zarv{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nimeni nu se mai interesa acum
de mine. n ochii
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 majorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, eram pus{
\f63 \u259\'3f} la loc sigur, incapabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 omor pe altcineva. Asasinul Tatianei fusese descoper
it.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dreptatea era nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}ptuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Cazul era nchis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dar, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-mi conturez o imagine clar{\f63 \u259\'3f} a locului n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care se afla Lissa, g{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3
f}gia iscat{\f63 \u259\'3f} subit n nchisoare m-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 smuls napoi, n propria-mi minte. Cineva p{\f63 \u259\'
3f}trunsese n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zon{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i discuta cu pazn
icii, cernd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} viziteze. Era
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 primul meu oaspete dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} attea zile. In
ima a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mi bat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu putere, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cn
du-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung dintr-un salt la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gratii, cu speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
e cineva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nu fusese dect o oribil{\f63 \u259\'3f} eroare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri183 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vizitat
orul meu nu era tocmai cel a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ule, am zis, cu o
voce obosit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ce cau{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aici?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb400\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Abe Mazur era cel din
fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea. Ca de obicei,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 reprezenta o apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ie demn{\f63 \u259\'3f} de privit. Eram n toiul verii
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ceea ce nsemna canicul{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i umezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dat fiind faptul
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne aflam chiar n miezul zonei rurale
din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pennsylvania {\f63 \u8212\'3f} dar asta nu-l mpiedica
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poarte un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 costum complet. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i unul b{\f63 \u259\
'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor la ochi, impecabil croit
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mpodobit cu o str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luc
itoare cravat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 purpurie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o e{\f63 \u351\'3f}arf{\f
63 \u259\'3f} asortat{\f63 \u259\'3f} care doar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}eza bomboana

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe coliv{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Bijuteriile din aur scnteiau

pe pielea lui
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 oache{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i, din cte se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tunsese de curnd barba
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 neagr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Abe er
a moroi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu apar{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine
a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 unei familii regale, se bucura de tot atta influen{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 membrii acestora.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2099 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ntmpl{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tor, era tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu sunt avocatu
l t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, pe un ton vesel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri178 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Prezent la datorie, ca s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ofer asisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} legal{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, normal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar tu nu e
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti avocat, m-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it datoare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 amintesc. Iar ultima ncercare de asisten{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 prea grozav.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Era o r{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat
e din partea mea. Abe {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 avea niciun fel de preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tire juridic{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rase n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cadrul audierii.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Evident, din moment ce
eram nchis{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 judecata, rezultatul nu fusese pre
a grozav. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatea mea, ajunsesem s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-mi dau seama de faptul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avusese dreptate ntr-o privin{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Niciun avocat, orict
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ar fi fost de bun, nu m-ar fi putut salva la audiere.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i recunosc meritul de a-{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i fi asumat o cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pierdut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
avnd n vedere leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura destul de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sumar{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintre noi, tot nu-mi d{\f63 \
u259\'3f}deam seama exact de ce o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse. Variantele mele preferate erau
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncredere n familiile regale {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea o obliga{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 patern{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} ord

ine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Presta{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ia mea a fost irepro{\f63 \u351\'3f}abil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-a contra
zis el.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul t{\f63 \u259\'
3f}u discurs, n care ai zis {\f63 \u8222\'3f}dac\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost eu criminalul", nu ne-a pr
ea ajutat. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 implantat n mintea judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarei imagin
ea asta n-a fost
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cel mai inteligent lucru din partea ta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nelundu-i n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ep{\
f63 \u259\'3f}tura n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-am ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}at
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prin urmare
, ce cau{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aici? {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e doar
o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri139 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rinteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tu nu faci niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva f{\f63
\u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} motiv.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri409 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu. De ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci ceva lipsit de motiv?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hai, nu-mi ncepe
cu logica ta care se-nvrte{\f63 \u351\'3f}te n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4449 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 cerc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1929 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu {\f63 \
u351\'3f}treng{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u351\'3f}te cu ochiul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e cazul s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fii geloas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te str{\f63 \u259\'
3f}duie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 greu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i pui mintea la contribu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, e posibil ca ntr-o zi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tene{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitele aptitudini ntr-ale logicii.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Abe,
am exclamat, pe un ton de avertisment. Treci
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3500 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la subiect
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine, bine
, m-a domolit el. Am venit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spun c{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 procesul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} fie devansat.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1083 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}C-cum? Asta-i
o veste nemaipomenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Sau, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, a
{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea mie. Expresia de pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chipul lui spunea altceva. Ultima d
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflasem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 posibil ca procesul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie programat
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i peste luni de zile.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i doar gndul acesta {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
de a sta n celul{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de mult
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 timp {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mi trezea din nou claustrofobi
a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, e{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ti con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} procesul va fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aproape identic cu audierea? Acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
dovezi, acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 verdict de vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, dar tr
ebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem ceva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nainte de asta, corect? S{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259
\'3f}sim dovada care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4073 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 disculpe?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Brusc, mi veni n minte care an
ume putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 problema.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd ai spus
{\f63 \u8222\'3f}devansat", cam la ce termen te-ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4262 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 referit?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Teoretic, e
i prefer{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ncoronarea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 noului rege sau a noii regine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tii cu
m e, ca parte a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ceremoniilor post-ncoronare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tonul i era u{\f63 \u351\'3f}
uratic, dar, privindu-l drept n ochii
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntuneca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, am receptat adev{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rata semnifica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Cifrele au
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi vjie prin cap.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb240\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nmormnt
area e s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mna asta, iar alegerile,
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imediat dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}... Vrei
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fiu condamnat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n, ct, practic n dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3914 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\
'3f}mni?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2433 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Abe a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 M-am repezit din nou spre gratii
, cu inima bubuindu\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3900 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mi n piept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1216 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Dou{\f63 \
u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mni?\i0 Tu vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
serios?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Atunci cnd spusese c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} procesul a fost devansat, mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nchipuisem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai er
a, poate, o lun{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci. Timp
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 suficient pentru descoperirea de noi dovezi. Cum s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva? Asta
n-o prea {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam. Acum, timpul mi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fugea din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dou{\f
63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mni nu erau suficiente, mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ales cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} activitatea de la Curte
. Acum cteva clipe,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} plngeam de intervalul prea mare de
timp pe care l\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut avea de nfruntat. Acum, mi r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea prea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in din el, iar r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sp
unsul la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea mea ntrebare n\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nr{\f63
\u259\'3f}u{\f63 \u355\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ct timp? lam ntrebat, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnesc
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 treimurul vocii. Ct timp trece de la anun{\f63 \u355\'
3f}area
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri459 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 verdictului pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la.
.. punerea n aplicare a sentin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiam pe de-a-ntregul ce anume mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tenisem
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de la Abe, dar p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea evident{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} o tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} comun{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}: un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 neclintit talent n transmiterea ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}til
or proaste.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2154 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Probabil

se aplic{\f63 \u259\'3f} imediat.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Imed
iat, am ngnat, dndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} napoi, dar n clipa
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare am sim{\f
63 \u355\'3f}it un nou val de adrenalin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Imediat?
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mni. n dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'
3f}mni, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 fiu... moart{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} to
cmai acesta era deznod{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul... cel care\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mi atrna deasupra capului nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} din clipa n
care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 devenise clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva l{\f63 \u259\
'3f}sase dovezi suficiente ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cine asasina o regin{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nu mai ajungea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trimis la nchisoare. Era\i executat\i0 . Pu{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ine crime din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rndul moroilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al dhampirilor erau p
edepsite astfel.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ncercam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem justi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
e ntr-un mod civilizat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 demonstrnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suntem superiori strigoil
or seto{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 snge. Dar anumite crime, in ochii legii, meritau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pedeapsa cu moartea. Unii chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o
meritau: cum ar fi,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zicem, criminalii vinova{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i de nalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dare. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ntregul impact
al destinului meu mi se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 deslu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea, am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it cu
m ncep s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tremur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum lacrimile
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}au s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi mi se
reverse din ochi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu e d
rept! i-am zis lui Abe. Nu e drept, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4539 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ceea ce cr
ed eu nu conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a replicat el, calm. Eu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu fac dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i comun
ic faptele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dou{\f63 \
u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mni, am repetat. Ce putem s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} facem n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3
f}mni? Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic... tu ai vreo pist{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu?
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Sau... sau... po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g

{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ceva pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci? E

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 specialitatea ta.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb280\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}team
cmpii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vocea mi suna iste
ric{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Desigur,
asta pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sim{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}eam isteric{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fie greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}im mare lucru, mi-a expli
cat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 el. Curtea e preocupat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de funeralii
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de alegeri. Apele
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sunt tulburi... ceea ce e att bine, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam totul d
espre preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tiri, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem pr
in
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ochii Lissei. Constatasem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} haosul d
eja ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n clocot. Descoperirea oric{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui fel de
dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 harababura asta n-ar fi doar ceva dificil. Ar putea
foarte
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie chiar imposibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri46 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \i \f20 \fs24 Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mni. Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63
\u259\'3f}mni, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care puteam
\plain\expndtw-13 \i \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu moart{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu se poat
e, i-am zis lui Abe, cu vocea frngndu\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mi-se. Nu mi-e... sortit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mor a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da? a repli
cat, arcuindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i o sprncean{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tu {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2902 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cum {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-e sortit s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} mori?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3039 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n lupt{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 O lacrim{\f63 \u259\'3f} a reu{\
f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape de sub control, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ters-o n mare grab{\

f63 \u259\'3f}. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}str

asem
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 imaginea de tip{\f63 \u259\'3f} dur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
N-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s-o pierd, mai ales
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acum, cnd conta mai mult ca orice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Luptndu-m{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, am repetat. Ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rndu-i pe cei pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri550 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care-i iubesc. Nu... nu printr-o
execu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie planificat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63
\u350\'3f}i asta-i un fel de lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a precizat el, gnditor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu una fizic
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mni nseam
n{\f63 \u259\'3f}, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'
3f}mni. E r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u? Da. Dar tot e mai bine dect o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nimic nu e imposibil. E posibil s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 apar{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi dovezi. Tu n-ai dect s{\f63
\u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tep{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} vezi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ur{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sc a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile. Camera asta... e att de mic{
\f63 \u259\'3f}! Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri333 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} respir. O s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} omoare naintea oric{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui c{\f63
\u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1848 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\
'3f} foarte ndoiesc, a zis Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei i e
ra n continuare calm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreun
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1412 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 semn de compasiune. De dragoste
aspr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai luptat n
enfricat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu grupuri ntregi de strigoi, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1001 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat el, dar n
u po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} supor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i o c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E mai mult
dect att! Acum, sunt obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept zi de zi n v{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\
f63 \u259\'3f}una asta, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} un ceas tic{\f63
\u259\'3f}ie

\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 spre ora mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mele, {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i nu exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproape nicio
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 posibilitate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie oprit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uneori, cel
e mai importante ncerc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri ale t{\f63 \u259\'3f}riei
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 noastre sunt situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile care nu par att
de evident
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 periculoase. Uneori, supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uirea e
cea mai grea dintre
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 toate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, nu!\i Nu
!\i0 am izbucnit, ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ncepnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} plimb n cercu
ri mici. Vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ca
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri cnd mi servea lec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile lui profu
nde despre
\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}El a supravi
e{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit chiar n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ta. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te {\f63
\u351\'3f}i n alte ncerc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3922 \fi284 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am inspirat adnc, calmnd
u-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nainte de a-i da
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul. Pn{\f63 \u
259\'3f} la nebunia asta cu asasinarea reginei,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri reprezentase cea mai mare complica{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ie din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mea. Acum un an {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cu toate c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi trecut o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nicie {\f63 \u8212\'3f} fusese ins
tructorul meu n liceu, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tindu\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin unul dintre
acei dhampiri gardieni care-i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rau pe moroi. Reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
se asta... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mult mai multe nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ne ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gostiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m unul
de cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt, lucru nepermis. Ne
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 descurcaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe ct posibil, descoperi
nd pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o cale prin care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
putem fi mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aceasta se spulberase atunci cnd el fusese mu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}cat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 transformat n strigoi. Pentru mine, fusese ca un co{\
f63 \u351\'3f}mar
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}it n realitate. Apoi, printr-un mir
acol pe care nimeni
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu-l credea cu putin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
Lissa se folosise de magia

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 spiritului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l preschimbase la loc n d

hampir. Din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nefericire, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, situa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ia nu revenise la ceea ce fusese
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nainte de atacul strigoilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1294 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 I-am aruncat lui Abe o privire
furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dimitri a suprav
ie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit, dar a fost cumplit de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri359 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 deprimat din cauza asta! {\f63 \u
350\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} e. n toate privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntreaga povar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
a atrocit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor comise n chip de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 strigoi l bntuiau pe Dimitri. Nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} se ierte pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i jura c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai
e capabil acum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iubeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cineva. Iar faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu ncepusem s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} umblu cu Adrian
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu ameliora ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}
in situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o serie de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 eforturi zadarnice, acceptasem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre
Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mine se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise totul. Trecusem mai departe, sp
ernd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} de\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am o
rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie veritabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Adrian.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Corec
t, a replicat sec Abe. El e deprimat, n timp
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1118 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ce tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ntruchi
parea bucuriei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a fericirii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2505 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 I-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns cu
un oftat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f
}tii ce? Uneori, discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile cu tine sunt ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vorbi cu mine ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi:
afurisit de enervante. Mai ai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alt
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 motiv pentru prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ta aici? n afar{
\f63 \u259\'3f} de transmiterea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}tilor cumplite? A{\f63 \u351\'3f} f
i fost mai fericit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn n
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 ignoran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Nu sunt sortit{\f63 \u259\'
3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mor a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Nu sunt sortit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-mi v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}itul cum se apropie. Moartea mea n

u poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsemnat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu creion
ul ntr-o agend{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am vrut
dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, ridicnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din umeri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cum stai pe-aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Da, asta era; acum observam.
Privirea lui Abe se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntorcea mereu spre mine n timp ce discutam; f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i captam ate
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. n flec{\f63 \u259\'3f}reala noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 exista nimic menit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ngrijoreze pe
paznicii mei. Dar,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din cnd n cnd, mai vedeam cum lui Abe i fug ochii
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 prin preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, studiind coridorul, cel
ula mea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i oricare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alte am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunte pe care le considera dem
ne de interes.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Abe nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dobndise reputa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ia de\i zmeu\i0 pe degeaba. Tot
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 timpul calcula cte ceva, tot timpul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
uta un avantaj. Se
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aplecarea mea spre planuri neb
une{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti era
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tenire de familie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am vrut {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ajut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mai
omori timpul, a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, zmbind {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sco{
\f63 \u355\'3f}nd la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de sub bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}, vreo
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} reviste {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o carte
, pe care mi le-a nmnat printre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gratii. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} astea {\f63 \u355\'3
f}i-or mai ridica moralul.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam
ndoiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar exista vreo distrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie capabil{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de suportat num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
oarea invers{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 celor dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \
u259\'3f}mni. Revistele erau de mod{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu accent
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe coafuri. Cartea era\i Contele de Monte-Cristo\i0
. Am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ridicat-o, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind nevoia s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fac o glum{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind nevoia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri183 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac orice, doar

, doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai par{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul att de real.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am v{\f63
\u259\'3f}zut filmul. Subtila ta metafor{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e chiar att
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de subtil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Doar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u mi-oi fi ascuns vreo pil{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cartea e nto
tdeauna mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect filmul, a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 decretat el, dnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntoarc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece. Poate c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pe t
eme literare data viitoare, a mai
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai pu{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}in, l-am oprit, aruncnd pe pat materialul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pentru lectur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} pleci... n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nebunia asta,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nimeni nu a adus n discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cine a omort
-o de fapt.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 V{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Abe nu-mi r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}spunde imediat, i-am adresat o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri494 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 privire t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Tu\i chiar\i0 crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o
eu, da?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Pentruru c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
de unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} credea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i doar ncerc
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajute, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a? N-ar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fi fost ceva neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit pentru el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} iubita mea fiic{\f63 \u259\'3f} este capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cri
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ntr-un trziu. Dar nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i de asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2208 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i-atunci, cine e f{\f63 \u259\'3f}pta{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Problema asta,
mi-a zis, nainte de a se ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rta, e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1392 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 una la a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei re
zolvare lucrez n prezent.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar
tocmai mi-ai spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suntem n criz{\f63 \u259\'3f} de timp!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Abe! Nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pl

ece. Nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri380 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 temerile mele. Asta n-ai cum s-o
rezolvi! am insistat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu doar am
inte{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de ceea ce am spus n sala de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a strigat peste um{\f63
\u259\'3f}r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Apoi a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rut din vedere, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat
la loc
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe pat, ducndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu gndul napoi la ziua
aceea a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 audierii. La sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}itul ei, mi spusese {\f
63 \u8212\'3f} cu destul{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 fermitate {\f63 \u8212\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu executat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ba c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici m{\f63 \
u259\'3f}car n-o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung la proces. Abe Mazur nu era
omul care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 promisiuni de{\f63 \u351\'3f}arte, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ncepeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i el
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i are limitele sale, mai ales de cnd a
m aflat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tocmai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ne-a fost revizuit programul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am luat nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cocolo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul de hrtie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el ap{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ruse tot n sala de judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiindu-mi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 transmis pe furi{\f63 \u351\'3f} de Ambrose, slujito
rul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i micul amant
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 al Tatianei.
\plain\par
\sl-275\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri4150 \expndtw-16 \i \f20 \fs24 Rose,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri46 \expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 n cazul n care cite{\f63 \u351\
'3f}ti mesajul acesta, nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri44 \expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 a ntmplat ceva cumplit. Probabil
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dete{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 te nvinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}esc. Nu p
ot dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te rog s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} crezi c{\f63
\u259\'3f} tot
\plain\expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 ceea ce am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut cu privire la dec
retul cu vrsta a fost
\plain\expndtw3 \i \f20 \fs24 mai favorabil pentru poporul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u de
ct ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} al{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ii. Exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} unii moroi care doresc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 for{\f63 \u355\'3f}eze pe\i0 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\i dhampirii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre n serviciul nostru, fie
\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vor, fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu,
prin constrngere. Decretul cu vrsta
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 a mai ncetinit elanul acestei fac{\f63 \u355\'3f}i

uni.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb840\margr300\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i, {\f63 \u355\'3f}i scriu ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mp{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc un secret pe care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 tu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l nd
rep{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, iar secretul acesta trebuie
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 cunoscut de ct mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine persoane
cu putin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Vasilisa
\plain\expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ocupe
locul cuvenit n cadrul Consiliului,
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 ceea ce se poate nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}ptui. Ea nu este
cel din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 vl{\f63 \u259\'3f}star al familiei Dragomir. Mai
exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} unul n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 copilul nelegitim al lui Eric Dragomir. Nu mai {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 altceva, dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vei putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti acest fiu sau fiic{\f63 \u259\
'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 i vei oferi Vasilisei puterea pe care o merit{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Indiferent
\plain\expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 de gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}elile pe care le-ai f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut, sau de temperamentul
\plain\expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u periculos, tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}
ti singura pe care o consider
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ndeplinirea acestei misi
uni. Nu irosi nici
\plain\expndtw-8 \i \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} n duce
rea ei la ndeplinire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3113 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 Tatiana Ivashkov
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb560\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele nu se schim
baser{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de celelalte sute de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ori n care le citisem, {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i nici ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile pe care le
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}aser{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fiecare
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Oare biletul era unul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 autentic? Oare chiar Tatiana s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fi
scris? Oare ea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ciuda atitudinii ei aparent ostile {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi avut atta
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncredere n mine nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi transmit{\f63 \
u259\'3f} o informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie att
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de periculoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}spr
ezece familii regale luau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrile pentru moroi, ns{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, practic vorbind, ele nu erau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dect unsprezece. Lissa era cea din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f

} descendent{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei sale {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, neexistn
d vreun alt membru al familiei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dragomir, legea moroilor prevedea ca ea s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nu poat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 participa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vota la {\f63 \u351\'3f}
edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele Consiliului, n care se luau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrile privitoare la noi to{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i. Unele legi destul de rele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se adoptaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} deja, iar dac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} biletul spunea adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urmeze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte
le. Or, Lissa putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mpotriveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} unor astfel de legi... ce
ea ce unora nu le-ar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, unora care deja {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i demonstraser{\f63 \u259\'3f} nclina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 a ucide.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3164 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Un alt Dragomir.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb460\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Un alt Dragomir nsemna
dreptul de vot pentru Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Un vot n plus putea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} schimbe att de multe n cadrul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Consiliului. Putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} schimbe ns{\f63 \
u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lumea moroilor.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} schimbe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lum
ea mea: de exemplu, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zicem,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit{\f63 \
u259\'3f} vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} sau nu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n mod cert, putea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} schimbe lumea Lissei. n tot acest t
imp ea se crezuse
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i... m-am ntrebat, nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} ea s\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ar bucura s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar
e un frate sau o sor{\f63 \u259\'3f} vitreg{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Acceptasem ideea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tat{\f63 \u259\'3
f}l meu e o canalie, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 situase mereu pe al ei pe un soclu, crezndu-l tot ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putea fi mai bun. Vestea ar fi venit pentru ea ca un
{\f63 \u351\'3f}oc
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} antrenasem de cnd m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ca s-o feresc de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile fizice, nc
epeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai erau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lucruri de care ar trebui protejat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nain
te de toate, eu aveam nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r. Aveam nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} biletul provenise ntr\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de la Tatiana. Eram destul de
convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} puteam

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu, dar asta implica un lucru pe
care detestam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 fac.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar, n definitiv, de ce nu? D
oar nu aveam altceva
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mai bun de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut n clipa de fa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb860\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ridicndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} din pat, m-am ntors cu spatele spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gratii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am fixat
cu privirea peretele gol, folosindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de el ca punct de concentrare. ncordndu-mi for{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ele,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 amintindu-mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt ndeajuns de puter
rnic{\f63 \u259\'3f} nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 totul sub control, mi-am deschis barierele mentale cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care mi nconjuram n permanen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, din subcon{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 creierul. O uria{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ap{
\f63 \u259\'3f}sare s-a ridicat de pe mine, ca aerul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 degajat dintr-un balon.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri587 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, dintr-odat{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, am fost nconjurat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fantome.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri4360 \expndt
w-37 \b \f20 \fs40 DOI
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb460\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \b \f20 \fs24 CA DE FIECARE DAT{
\f63 \u258\'3f}, A FOST DERUTANT\b0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Chipuri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cranii, t
ransparente {\f63 \u351\'3f}i luminiscente, toate
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 plutind n jurul meu. Erau atrase spre mine, roind ca
un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nor, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate sim{\f63 \u355\'3
f}eau nevoia disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cte ceva. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r,
probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Fantomele care mai z{\f63 \u259\'3f}boveau pe lumea
asta nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 odihna, erau suflete care, din anumite motive, nu pu
teau
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} dincolo. Cnd
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} readusese Lissa din mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strasem o leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f
63 \u259\'3f} cu lumea lor. Avusesem nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} trud{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35

1\'3f}i mult autocontrol ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} blochez fantomele

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau. Disp
ozitivele magice de paz{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 protejau Curtea moroilor {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineau, ntr-ad
ev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, cea mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mare parte a fantomelor departe de mine, numai c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 data asta, le voiam prezente. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} le ofeream acces,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}geam n{\f63 \
u259\'3f}untru... n fine, era periculos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ceva mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} spirite neodihnite,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 atunci siguri unul dintre ele ar fi cel al unei regin
e
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 asasinate n propriul ei pat. n grupul din jurul meu nam
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit chipuri cunoscute, dar n-am ren
un{\f63 \u355\'3f}at s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sper.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tatiana, a
m murmurat, concentrndu-mi gndurile
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri180 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 asupra chipului decedatei regine.
Tatiana, vino la mine.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}isem destul de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or s{\f63
\u259\'3f} chem o fantom{\f63 \u259\'3f}:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pe prietenul meu Mason, care fuses
e ucis de strigoi. Cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu eram att de apropiat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de Tatiana pe ct
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fusesem fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Mason,
era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} exista o anume
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre noi dou{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. O vreme, nu s-a ntmplat nimic.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}e nce{\f63
\u355\'3f}o{\f63 \u351\'3f}ate se nvolburau n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ochilor mei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncepeam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pierd speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. Cnd,
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iat-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Era n ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}mint
ele n care fusese asasinat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lung{\f63 \u259\'3f} de noapte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un h
alat de cas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pline de snge.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Culorile i erau estompate, plpind ca un ecran de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 televizor defect. Dar, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a, coroana de pe cap {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 atitudinea regeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} i d{\f63 \u259\'3f
}deau acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i aer suveran de care\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi aminteam. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce s-a materializat

, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas pe loc,

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Doar m-a privit fix, practic sfredelindu\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mi sufletul cu ochii ei ntuneca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Un
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ag de emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi-a strns pieptul. Acea reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie viscer
al{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aveam mereu n preajma Tatianei {\f63 \u8212\'3f} de mni
e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 revolt{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s-a aprins i
nstantaneu. Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}l, s-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 amestecat n ea un surprinz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor val de
compasiune. Nicio
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu trebuia s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} se sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, ca a
ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63
\u259\'3f}it, temndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} paznicii ar putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aud{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar, cumva, aveam senza{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} volumul vocii mele
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n-avea importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimeni dintre ei nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce vedeam eu. Am ridicat mna n care {\f63 \u355\'3
f}ineam
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 bile{\f63 \u355\'3f}elul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri742 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu ai scr
is asta? am murmurat. E adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 A continuat s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i fantoma l
ui Mason se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 comportase la fel. S{\f63 \u259\'3
f} invoci mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii era una; s{\f63 \u259\'3f} comunici
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cu ei era cu totul altceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai exist{\f63 \u259\'3
f} un Dragomir, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc. (N-avea rost s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mai atrag aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupra faptului
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflam n situa{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de a putea g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si pe cineva sau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceva.). Dar trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spui. Tu ai
scris biletul? E
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4107 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 autentic?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Doar acea privire nnebunitor
de st{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruitoare mi-a fost
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul. iritarea mi sporea, iar ap{
\f63 \u259\'3f}sarea exercitat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate spiritele acelea ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dea
dureri de cap.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele,
Tatiana era la fel de enervant{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 moart{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ct fusese n via{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tocmai m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pre
g{\f63 \u259\'3f}team s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi repun n func{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 zidurile de protec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, cnd Tatiana a f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care, cea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu putin{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O foarte mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} nclinare a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 capului, cu greu observabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Privire
a ei dur{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apoi asupra biletului din mna mea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
poi, uite-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a...
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 dus{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ridicat repede barier
ele la loc, ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mi ntreaga voin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nchid fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de spir
itele
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor. Durerea de cap nu mi-a disp
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} chipurile
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 acelea, da. M-am trntit pe pat, privind biletul f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d. mi primisem r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
ul. Biletul era autentic.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana fusese cea care-l scrisese. Nu {\f63 \u351\'
3f}tiu de ce, dar m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ndoiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fantoma ei ar avea vreun mot
iv s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mint{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb680\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ntinzndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, mi-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat capul pe pern{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptnd ca zvcnirile
acelea dureroase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Am nchis ochii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, prin intermediul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de spirit, m-am ntors s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\
'3f}d ce mai face Lissa. De cnd
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cu arestarea mea, fusese ocupat{\f63 \u259\'3f} numa
i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} implore {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} argumente n favoarea mea, a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam s{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aflu tot ceva asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
or. n loc de asta, am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit-o... la
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat de rochii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ct pe ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt ofensat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de frivolitatea celei mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bune prietene a mea, dar numai pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd m

i-am dat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}uta o rochie de doliu. Era ntr-unul dintre
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 magazinele exclusiviste ale Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, c
el care aproviziona
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 familiile regale. Spre mirarea mea, era nso{\f63 \u355
\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Adrian. Vederea fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei lui familiare,
atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, mi-a mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 domolit o parte din temeri. O rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sondare a min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ei
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mi-a dest{\f63 \u259\'3f}inuit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moti
vul prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei lui acolo: l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri277 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 convinsese ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v
in{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l lase sing
ur.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb400\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i n{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}elegeam de ce. Era complet beat. Chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 miram c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai putea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea pe picioare; de fapt, aveam o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuial{\f63
\u259\'3f} cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} peretele de care se rezema era
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 singurul care-l mai men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea la verti
cal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}aten
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea alandala... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
nu n acel stil n care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l ciufulea el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de obicei, cu inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Ochii verzi i e
rau injecta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 snge. Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa, Adrian era utilizato
r al spiritului.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Avea un talent pe care ea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l st{
\f63 \u259\'3f}pnea: putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 viziteze pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii n visele lor. M{\f63
\u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 viziteze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe mine, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de cnd fusesem nchis{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 acum m{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}muream {\f63
\u351\'3f}i de ce nu venise. Alcoolul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea spiritul. n anum
ite privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, era o treab{\f63 \u259\'3f} bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Excesul de spirit genera un ntuneric care-i mpingea pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 utilizatori spre demen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Dar nici s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i petreci via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ntr
-o
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 permanent{\f63 \u259\'3f} be{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie nu e
ra ceva prea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Vederea lui prin ochii Lisse
i mi-a declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}at o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tulburare emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional{\f63 \u259\'3f} ap
roape la fel de intens{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ct
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fusese cea a ntlnirii cu Tatiana. mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r

ea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pentru el.

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era evident ngrijorat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nec{\f63 \u259
\'3f}jit de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea, iar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 uluitoarele ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri ale s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnii trecute l prinseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 la fel de nepreg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit ca pe noi to{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai pierduse
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a, la care, n pofida atitudinii ei aspre, {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n ciuda tuturor acestora, am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}. Era nedrept
din partea mea, poate, dar nu m-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 putut st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni. {\f63 \u354\'3f}ineam att
de mult la el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 necazul, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} existau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
moduri mai bune n care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mpaci cu o pierdere ca a lui. Comportamentul lui p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aproape la{\f63 \u351\'3f}itate. Se ascundea de toate
problemele n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sticla cu alcool, lucru care contrazicea aproape fiec
are
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rticic{\f63 \u259\'3f} a firii mele
. Eu? P{\f63 \u259\'3f}i, eu nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} puteam l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nvins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de problemele mele, f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Catifea, i z
icea vnz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea Lissei, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. Vestita femeie moroi i ar{\f
63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f} o rochie
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 voluminoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu mneci lungi. Catifeaua
e tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pentru alaiul regal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot r
estul pompei, funeraliile Tatianei aveau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuprind{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i un alai protocolar care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}easc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sicriul, fiecare dintre familii avnd cte un reprezenta
nt
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 acolo. Din cte se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, nu deranja pe
nimeni ca Lissa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} joace acest rol, n numele familiei s
ale. n schimb,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dreptul de vot era cu totul alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} prob
lem{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a cercetat cu privirea
rochia. Sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} a costum pentru Halloween dect
a ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}mnt de

\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 doliu.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Afar{\f63 \
u259\'3f} sunt treizeci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} de grade, s-a plns
ea.
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i e umezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tradi{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia cere sacrificii, a replicat, melodramatic,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 femeia. La fel {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tragediile.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb240\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a deschis gura,
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} avnd preg{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vreun comentariu inadecvat {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i zeflemitor. Lissa l-a redus
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 la t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere printr-o cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tinare categoric{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri605 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu sunt {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu, variante f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\
'3f} mneci?
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Vnz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ochi
i mari.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimeni n-a purta
t vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} rochii cu bretele la o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1459 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nmormntare regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
N-ar fi cuviincios.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar pantalo
nii scur{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? s-a interesat Adrian. Merg,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai cravat{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Pent
ru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-mbrac.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Femeia a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ut o mutr{\f63 \u259\'3f} ngrozit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lissa l-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}get
at pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Adrian cu o privire sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, nu att din cauza replicii lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} pe care o considerase u{\f63 \u351
\'3f}or amuzant{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ci pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea era dezgustat{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
e permanenta lui stare de ebrietate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} trateaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nimeni ca pe o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintr-o familie regal{\f63 \u
259\'3f} cu toate drepturile, a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt Lissa, ntorcnd din nou capul spre
rochii. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n-am niciun motiv pentru care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f6

3 \u259\'3f} comport ca atare.

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-mi modelele cu
bretele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mneci scurte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 De{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a strm
bat, vnz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea s-a supus. Nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 probleme cnd era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i sf{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe cei din familiile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 regale cu privire la mod{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}znea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 impun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63
\u259\'3f} sau ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poarte. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
femeia s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndreptat spre cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte a magazinu
lui ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} caute
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 rochiile cerute, chiar n timp ce intrau n magazin iubi
tul
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Lissei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a lui.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Christian Ozera, m-am
gndit, se comporta a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
comporte Adrian. nsu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trecea a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva prin minte era de mira
re. Vremurile
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 categoric se schimbaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-l consideram pe Christian
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 un model demn de urmat. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era. l urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}risem
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prin ochii Lissei n aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} ultim{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Christian fusese mereu hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i constant, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd tot ce\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 i st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea n puteri ca s-o ajute pe Liss
a n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia creat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 urmare a mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii Tatianei {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i a arest{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii mele. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei lui din clipa aceasta,
era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea ceva
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 important de transmis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a lui cea slobod{\f63 \u259\'3f} la gur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Tasha Ozera, er
a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 un model de for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i de suple{\f63 \u355\'3f}e n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de presiune. l
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 crescuse, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui se transformaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 strigoi... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar o atacaser{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-i drept amintire o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cicatrice pe obraz. Moroii totdeauna se bazaser{\f63
\u259\'3f} pe

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 gardieni pentru ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare, ns{\f63 \u259

\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} atacul acela, Tasha se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rse s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia situa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ia n propriile mini. nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 bat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, antrenndu-se n tot felul de lupte
corp la corp {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 diverse arme. Era, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, o lupt{\
f63 \u259\'3f}toare destul de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 redutabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i mbolde
a n permanen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i moroi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}e {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i ei cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 L{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd deoparte
rochia pe care tocmai o examina,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a ntors, ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f
}toare, spre Christian. n afara
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mea, nu mai exista nimeni pe lume n care s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncredere. El i fusese punctul de s
prijin n tot
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 acest timp.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb460\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i-a rotit privirea prin magazin, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu fie tocmai ncntat de faptul c{\f63
\u259\'3f} era nconjurat de
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 rochii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it la cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi? a ntre
bat, mutndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 privirea de la Lissa la Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i napoi
. O mic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2897 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 distrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, ca ntr
e fete?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, tu ai
avea de c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigat dintr-o primenire a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 garderobei, a ripostat Adrian. n plus, cred c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ar sta
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 grozav ntr-o bluz{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu spatele gol.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} persifl{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile b
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 concentrat aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupra celor doi O
zera.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3360 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-a{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i aflat?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Au hot{\f63 \u2

59\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ia m{\f63 \u259\'3f}suri, i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spu

ns Christian,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sfrngndu.{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uitor buzele. n fine, nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}suri de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pedepsire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri733 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Tasha cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tina di
n cap n semn de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am ncercat s{\f63
\u259\'3f} impunem ideea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el doar a avut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Rose era
n pericol {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a aruncat n lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama
ce se petrecea de fapt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Inima mi s-a oprit n loc. Dim
itri. Vorbeau despre
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb680\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Pentru o clip{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, n-am mai fost cu Lissa. N-am mai fost
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n celula mea. n schimb, m-am ntors n zi
ua arest{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mele. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} contraziceam cu Dimitri ntr-o
cafenea,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 certndu-l pentru constantul lui refuz de a vorbi cu m
ine,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cu att mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in s{\f63 \u259\'3f} acc
epte revenirea la vechea rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dintre noi. Hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsem atunci c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} am terminat-o cu el, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 intr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r se sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise
totul dintre noi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 las s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi sf{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie inima la
infinit. Tocmai acela fusese
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 momentul n care veniser{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardienii dup{
\f63 \u259\'3f} mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 indiferent ce-ar fi pretins Dimitri despre faptul c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 perioada petrecut{\f63 \u259\'3f} n chip de strigoi l
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse incapabil
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iubeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, el reac{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ionase fulger{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rindu-mi n ap{\f
63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rare. Eram total cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i numeric, dar lui nu-i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei lui {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i capacitatea mea supranatural{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de a-l n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elege {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mi spu
seser{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce aveam nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Eu eram n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a un

ui pericol. Iar el se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea obligat

\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} apere.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb680\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i m-a
ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, nu glum{\f63 \u259\'3f}. S-a luptau ca un zeu, a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cum fusese considerat n Academia Sf.
Vladimir, cnd
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}as
e cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupt cu strigoii. Acolo, n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cafenea, scosese din lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai mul{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni dect ar fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fost capabil vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} oricare alt b{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rbat. Singurul lucru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care-l oprise {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cre
d cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} convingerea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 continuat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lupte pn{\f63 \u259\'3f
} la ultima suflare {\f63 \u8212\'3f} fusese
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 interven{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea. La vremea aceea, nu {
\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 petrecea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ce-ar fi vrut s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aresteze un ntreg
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 batalion de gardieni. n schimb, mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}du
sem seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri era ntr-un grav pericol de a-{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i deteriora statutul,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a destul de fragi
l, de la Curte. Nu se mai auzise pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acum ca un strigoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie transformat
la loc n ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fusese, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-aveau ncredere n el. L-am
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 implorat pe Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceteze, temndu-m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri768 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ce-ar f
i putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
el dect eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri796 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Prea pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam atunci despre ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri33 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Venise la audierea me
a {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sub paz{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nici eu,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nici Lissa nu-l mai v{\f63 \u259\'3
f}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de-atunci. Lissa se
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duise din greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
absolve de orice posibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nvinuire, temndu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fie nchis din n

ou. Ct
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre mine... ncercasem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} conving c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu trebuie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc exagerat de
mult la ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Arestarea mea, precum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i poten{\f63 \u
355\'3f}iala execu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, aveau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntietate. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i... c
ontinuam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pun ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. De
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce-o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse? De ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i r
iscase via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a pentru mine? S{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fost o reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie instinctiv{\f63 \u259\'
3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unei amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri? O
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse ca o favoare pentru Lissa, pe c
are jurase s-o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 slujeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
eliberase? Sau ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionase
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1467 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63
\u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea ceva pentru mine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam nc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndul astfel, ca pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aprigul Dimitri din trecut, mi se strniser{\f63 \u259
\'3f} sentimentele
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pe care c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utam cu atta disperare s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} le dau uit{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. Tot
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncercam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} conving s
ingur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} refacerea de pe urma
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unei rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii cerea timp. Era firesc s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} mai persiste unele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sentimente. Din nefericire, dura mai mult s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un tip atunci cnd l vedeai aruncndu-se n primejdie de
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 dragul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dar, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd deo
parte toate acestea, cuvintele lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ale Tashei mi d{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}deau speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}e cu privire la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 soarta lui Dimitri. La urma urmei, nu eram eu singura
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care mergeam pe grani{\f63 \u355\'3f}a fragil{\f63 \
u259\'3f} dintre via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moarte.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Cei care r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cu convingerea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 strigoi voiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vad{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cu o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfipt{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum l
{\f63 \u355\'3f}in iar sub paz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis Christian. Dar nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ci doa
r n camera lui, cu vreo doi paznici.

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Nu vor s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} umblnd

prin Curte pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd nu se
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tesc apele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tot e mai b
ine dect n nchisoare, a recunoscut
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar tot e a
bsurd, a intervenit Tasha, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stindu-se,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dar mai mult pentru ea dect fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitr
i fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} destul de apropia{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de-a lungul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 timpului, iar la un moment dat ea voise s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dintre ei pe un palier superior.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, se hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rse n favoarea prieteniei, iar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acum se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea la fel de ofensat{\f63
\u259\'3f} ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i noi de modul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nedrept n care era tratat Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar fi treb
uit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l lase liber de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a redevenit
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dhampir. Cum se termin{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu alegerile,
o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am eu grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie eliberat, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ugat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i uite ce mi se pare ciudat..., a spus Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ochii lui bleu pal s-au ngustat, meditativi. Am auzit
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri341 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana le-ar fi spus celorlal{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}... nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 S-a oprit, privind stnjenit
spre Adrian. Ezitarea nu-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 era deloc caracteristic{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui Christian
, care de obicei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 spunea ceea ce gndea, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f} menajamente.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nainte s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} fie asasinat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l-a completat Adrian, cu un
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 glas inexpresiv {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre vreunul dintre
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ei. Zi mai departe.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hm,
da, a continuat Christian, nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind n sec. Se
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212
\'3f} dar nu n public {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ea s-ar fi declarat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri a
redevenit dhampir. Pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajute s{\f63 \u259\'3f} capete acceptarea tuturor, de
ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce s-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rezolvat cu celelalte chestii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Celelalte c
hestii" se refereau la legea cu vrsta,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pomenit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n biletul Tatianei, cea care p
revedea ca
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dhampirii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie obliga{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} absolve {\f63 \u351\'3f}coala la mplinirea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vrstei de {\f63 \u351\'3f}aisprezece ani, ncepnd din ac
el moment s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fie gardienii moroilor. Ideea m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfuri
ase, dar acum, la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fel ca multe alte lucruri... n fine, cam r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese n
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a scos un sunet ciud
at, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi dres
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 glasul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3672 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu cred.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O mul{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ime de consilieri de-ai ei sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}in asta, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri69 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 insistat Christian, ridicnd din ume
ri. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a umbl{\f63 \u259\'3f} zvonul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i mie mi-e greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred asta, i-a zis Tasha lui
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ea niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu fusese de acord cu politicile Tatianei
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i luase pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie vehem
ent{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpotriva lor, nu o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 toate acestea, nencrederea lui Adrian nu era de natur
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 politic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Provenea, pur {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i simplu, din felul n care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 percepuse ntotdeauna m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a. Ea niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vreun semn c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-l ajute pe Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 redobndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} vechiul statut.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb620\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian n-a mai comentat
nimic, dar eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 subiectul i aprindea scntei de gelozi

e n suflet. Eu i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spusesem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri era de domeniul t
recutului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} uit de el, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian {\f63 \u8212\'3
f} la fel ca
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mine {\f63 \u8212\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i fi pus ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri cu privire la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 motivele aflate n spatele cavalere{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii
interven{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii a lui
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri n ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa tocmai se lansase n spe
cula{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii despre cum ar
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 putea ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
e Dimitri din arestul la domiciliu,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cnd s-a ntors vnz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea, cu un bra{\f63
\u355\'3f} de rochii pe care
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le dezaprob{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}cndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i buza, Lissa a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 imediat, clasnd situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Dimitri c
a pe un subiect de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ocupe ceva mai trziu. Pn
{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci, s-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} tragere de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} probeze rochiile {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i joace rolul de fat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cumsecade cu snge regal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, n schimb, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i-a lungit gtul la vederea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 rochiilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1531 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E vreuna
cu spatele gol pe-acolo?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb740\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, m-am ntors n celu
la mea, meditnd la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 problemele care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}re
au c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se tot adun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam griji
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 att n leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Adrian
, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Dimitri. mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 griji pentru mine. mi mai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam griji
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu privire la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acel a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a-zis vl{\f63 \u259\'3f}star ne
cunoscut al familiei Dragomir.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncepeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred n veridicitatea pove{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac nimic, ceea ce-mi d{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}dea un sentiment de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 frustrare. Eram obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} trec la ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune cnd venea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vorba s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fiu de ajutor Lissei. Tatia
na mi atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, n scrisoarea ei, c{\f63 \u259

\'3f} trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am mare grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cine vorbesc n problema asta. Oare ar trebui s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncredin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ez altcuiva misiunea? Voiam s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocup eu de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} gratiile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i zidu
rile sufocante din jurul meu mi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 spuneau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot ocupa de nimic pentru
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 o vreme, nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car de propria-mi vi
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3167 \fi284 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mni.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind
nevoia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} distrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva, am cap
itulat,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ncepnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} citesc cart
ea primit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la Abe, care nu era
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 altceva dect povestea cuiva ntemni{\f63 \u355\'3f}at p
e nedrept, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cum m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351
\'3f}teptasem.\i Era\i0 chiar bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aflam din
ea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate aparen{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prefac moart{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nu mi-ar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fi fost de folos ca metod{\f63 \u259\'3f} de evadare
. n mod nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 romanul mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}scolea vechi amintiri. Un
fior rece mi-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trecut pe {\f63 \u351\'3f}ira spin{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
i cnd mi-am amintit ce-mi citise o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 femeie moroi, pe nume Rhonda, n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ile de tarot. Era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a lui Ambrose, iar
una dintre c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile pe care le
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese mi nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ase o femeie legat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mai multe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spade. \i ntemni{\f63 \u355\'3f}are nedreapt{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Acuza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Calomnii\i0 . Fir-ar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie. ncepeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dete
st de-a binelea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile alea tarot.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mereu persistasem n convingerea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sun
t o {\f63 \u351\'3f}arlatanie,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dar, cu toate acestea, aveau enervanta tendin{\f63 \
u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a se
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 adeveri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Ultima parte a interpret{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rii ei mi ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f
}torie,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dar ncotro? Spre o nchisoare adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\

f63 \u259\'3f}? Spre execu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Bun-venit n lumea lui Rose
.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lipsit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni pe
moment, m-am gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mi-ar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 strica un pic de odihn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ntinzndu-m{\f63
\u259\'3f} pe pat, am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi alung toate grijile aces
tea permanente. Nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 era deloc u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or. Ori de cte ori nchideam
ochii, vedeam
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd cu ci
oc{\f63 \u259\'3f}nelul n mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 condamnndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} la moarte. mi vedeam numel
e n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri267 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ile de istorie, dar nu ca o eroin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ci ca o tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb280\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd a
{\f63 \u351\'3f}a acolo, sufocndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de propriile temeri,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 gndul mi-a zburat spre Dimitri. Mi-a
m imaginat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 privirea lui neclintit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i, practic, l-am auzit d{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}cindu\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mai bate acu
m capul cu ceea ce n-ai cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 schimbi. Odihne{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-te cnd ai ocazia, c
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pentru b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}liile de min
e. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i sfaturile acestea imaginare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi-au adus calmul. n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, a sosit {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i somnul, greu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adnc. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} zvrcolisem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} foisem destul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mna
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 asta, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o odihn{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ca lumea era bine-venit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2505 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care... mam trezit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 M-am ridicat n capul oaselor pe p
atul meu, cu inima
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu-mi tare. Privi
nd cu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie n jur, am c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pericolul: orice amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are care m-ar
fi putut smulge din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele somnului. Nimic. ntuneric. T{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cere. Scr{\f63 \u355\'3f}itul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 slab al unui scaun, undeva pe coridor, m-a informat c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 paznicii erau nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la posturile lor.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura, mi
-am dat seama. Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura fusese cea care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} trezise. Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
o izbucnire acut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, intens{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de... de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce? De ncordare. De nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Un val d
e adrenalin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Panica m-a cuprins degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i am plonjat mai adnc n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mintea Lissei, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu ce-i prov
ocase valul
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 acela de emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1681 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Iar ceea ce am g{\f63 \u259\'3
f}sit a fost... nimic.
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb740\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-464 \li290 \ri4140 \expndtw-32 \b \f20 \fs40 TREI
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri399 \expndtw-7 \b \f
20 \fs24 DE FAPT, NU DISP{\f63 \u258\'3f}RUSE DE-A BINELEA\b0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Fusese redus{\f63 \u259\'3f} la t
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere. Cam n genul n care o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}isem dup{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ce ea l f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse pe Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} redevin{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dhampir. Magia ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fusese att de puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nct {\f63 \u8222\'3f}mistuise" leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
dintre noi. Acum, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vorba despre vreo explozie de magie. Era aproape de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} vidul fusese creat n mod inten{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ionat de ea. Ca
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 totdeauna, o sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam nc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} pe Lissa: era vie, era teaf{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-atunci, ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpiedi
ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt mai multe din partea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ei? Nu dormea, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} puteam s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} receptez dincolo de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zidul acela o con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f} alert{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Spiritul era prezent,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ascunznd-o de mine... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totul se ntmpla
prin voin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ce naiba? Era un fapt
acceptat, acela c{\f63 \u259\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} func{\f63 \
u355\'3f}iona ntr-un singur sens. Eu puteam s-o simt

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pe ea; n schimb, ea nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63

\u259\'3f} simt{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe mine. De
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asemenea, eu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} hot{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sc cnd i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 minte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cnd nu. Adesea, m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn afar{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 (excluznd perioada aceasta de captivitate n nchisoare),
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i protejez intimitatea. Liss
a nu avea o astfel
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de posibilitate, iar vulnerabilitatea ei o irita une
ori. Din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd n cnd, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i putea ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f
}a puterea ca un scut
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mpotriva mea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta se ntmpla rareori,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mare
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 greutate, necesitnd din partea ei eforturi considerab
ile.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea apel la
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ce situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prelungea, puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i simt ncordarea.
Nu-i era u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea. Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, nu m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} interesa cum.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ceea ce voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
era\i de ce\i0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era, probabil, cea mai proas
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} zi a deten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei mele.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Teama pentru mine ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi era ceva. Pentr
u ea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nsemna o tortur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac-ar fi fost s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} aleg ntre via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cea a ei, m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi d
us f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ezitare la execu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Trebui
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aflu ce se petrece. Oare aflase ceva? S-o fi hot{\f63
\u259\'3f}rt
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Consiliul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
ste proces {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} execute? Oare
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prot
ejeze de o astfel de veste? Cu ct
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mai mult spirit, cu att mai m
ult {\f63 \u351\'3f}i punea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n primejdie. Zidul mental solicit
a din partea ei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 foarte mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} magie. Dar pentru ce? Pe
ntru ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}i asuma
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4307 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 riscul?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rut uluitor, n acest moment, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 seama ct de mult m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
bazam pe leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura dintre noi ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n-o pierd din vedere. E adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat: nu t
otdeauna m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bucuram s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi umplu mintea cu gndurile
altcuiva. Cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 tot autocontrolul pe care-l deprinsesem, gndurile ei
tot
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi se rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsau uneori n minte, n moment
e n care a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 preferat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fie a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
Acum, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} preocupau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 astfel de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii: m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
preocupa numai siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 blocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n acest fel era ca {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i cum mi s-ar fi amputat un
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 membru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ziua am
ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund n minte. De
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiecare dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am fost l{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe dinafar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iar asta m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nnebunea. Nici vizite n-am mai primit, iar cartea {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 revistele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pierduser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de mult atractivitatea. Senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 animal {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut n cu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} mi revenea, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-am petrecut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o mare parte din timp zbiernd la paznicii mei... f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vreun rezultat. nmormntarea Tatianei era programat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pentru mine, iar ceasul care m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sura ti
mpul r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 la procesul meu tic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ia asurzitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 A sosit ora de culcare, {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i zidul care mpiedica leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s-a retras, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it... pentru c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} Lissa adormise. Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dintre noi era puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} mintea ei mi era nchis{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 din cauza somnului. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} n-am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit vreun r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nici acolo. Nemaiavnd ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac, m-am c
ulcat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntrebndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n dimine
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}a urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 din nou exclus{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb560\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 N-am fost. Eram din no
u legate una de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}d iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lumea prin ochii ei. Lissa se trez

ise
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 devreme, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tindu-se pentru nmormntare
. N-am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici n-am sim
{\f63 \u355\'3f}it ceva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dea indicii cu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 privire la motivul bloc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii mele de i
eri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sa din nou n mintea ei, exact cum era normal.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebam d
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 fusesem l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe din
afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ba nu... era ceva. Abia sesiz
abil. n mintea ei,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam unele gnduri pe care le ascund
ea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Erau alunecoase. Ori de cte ori ncercam s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} le prind,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pau ca printre degete. M{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} uimea faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntrebuin{\f
63 \u355\'3f}eze suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f} magie ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp
era o dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} clar{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ieri m{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 blocase cu inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Dar ce se-ntmpla?
De ce, pentru
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 numele lui Dumnezeu, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea nevoia s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mine? Ce-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut eu s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fac, n orice privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sub cheie n v{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}una ast
a? nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1197 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sporea. Ce veste cumplit{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nu aflasem nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb240\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am urm{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rit-o pe Lissa cum se preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3
f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 vreun semn evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} s-ar petrece vreun lucru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit. Rochia pe care {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i-o alesese pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea mneci scurte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i ajungea pn{\f63 \
u259\'3f} la genunchi. Era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neagr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Nu pre
a putea fi confundat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu una
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru discotec{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Li
ssa {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} provoace
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cteva ridic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri ale sprncenelor. n alte c

ondi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncntat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Se hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rse s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lase p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul liber, desf{\f63 \u259\'
3f}cut,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 blondul pal reliefndu-se str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitor p
e negrul rochiei, n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 timp ce se examina n oglind{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Christian o a{\f63 \u351\'3
f}tepta afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Se dichisise {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el destul de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bine, trebuie s-o recunosc, cu o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{
\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de zile mari {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cravat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, deloc caracteristice pentru
el. Dar elegan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a se
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 oprea la jachet{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar expresia de pe l
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui era un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 amestec ciudat de nervozitate, secretomanie {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i tipicul lui
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sarcasm. La vederea Lissei, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ch
ipul lui s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 transformat, devenind str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitor {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i uluit, n timp ce-o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sorbea din priviri. Adresndu-i un mic zmbet, a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cuprins-o ntr-o scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbr{\f63 \u259\'
3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are. Atingerea lui i-a adus
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umire {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tihn{\f63
\u259\'3f}, alinndu-i nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea. Se mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}caser{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de curnd, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o perioad{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire care fusese o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 tortur{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru amndoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fie bine, i-a murmurat el, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ngrijorarea i revenea pe chip. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
ias{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Putem s-o
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 facem.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ea nu i-a r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}spuns, strngndu-l n schimb cu mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} putere, nainte d
e a se desprinde din bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lui.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Niciunul dintre ei n-a vorbit n timp ce se ndreptau sp
re
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 locul din care avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} porneasc{\f63
\u259\'3f} procesiunea funerar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut ceva suspect. Ea l {\f63 \
u355\'3f}inea de mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea nt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} prin asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Procedura n cazul funeraliil
or monarhilor moroi era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de secole, indiferent dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} sediul Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii s-ar fi

\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 aflat n Romnia sau n actuala sa amplasare din

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Pennsylvania. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a le era felul moroilo
r. Amestecau
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionalul cu modernul, magia cu t
ehnologia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Sicriul reginei urma s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie purtat pe umeri afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 palat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dus, cu mare ceremonie, pe to
ate domeniile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd ajungea l
a impozanta lor catedral{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Acolo, un grup ales avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} participe
la slujb{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ngropat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} n cimitirul catedralei,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ocupndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i locul printre al{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i monarhi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 membri ai familiilor regale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Traseul pe care urma s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie purtat co{\f63 \u351\'3f}ciugul era lesne
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de depistat. Jaloane cu fanioane din m{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tase ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neagr{\f63 \u259\'3f} l marcau de-o parte {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Petale de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trandafiri fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pres{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rate pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul peste care avea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sicriul. Pe
margini, lumea a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta nghesuit{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 spernd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai vad{\f
63 \u259\'3f} pentru ultima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car pentru
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 o frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune de secund{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, fosta regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Numero{\f63 \u351\'3f}i moroi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sosiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} din {\f63 \u355\'3f}inuturi n
dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtate, unii ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} funera\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 liile, iar al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, pentru alegerea mon
arhului, care avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}oare n decursul
urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarelor dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'
3f}mni.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb460\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Alaiul familiilor rega
le {\f63 \u8212\'3f} purtnd n majoritatea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cazurilor catifeaua neagr{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} aprobat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vnz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 deja se ndrepta spre cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa palatulu
i. Lissa a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mic popas afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}
r{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-se de Christian, care cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 certitudine nu fusese niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} candi
dat la reprezentarea
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 propriei familii n cadrul unui eveniment att de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 respectabil. mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ndu-1 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ardoare, i-a

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mai d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o s{\f63

\u259\'3f}rutare u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n timp
ce se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 desprindeau, n ochii lui alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri a ap{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rut un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor: acel secret ascuns fa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a cr
oit drum prin mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea tot mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 numeroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aj
ung{\f63 \u259\'3f} la intrare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\
'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 punctul de plecare al procesiunii. Cl{\f63 \u259\'3f
}direa nu sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 palatele sau cu castelele b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trnei Europ
e. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ad{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i ferestrele nalte erau pe potriva celorlalte cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}diri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ale Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} unele de
talii {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea, treptele late
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 din marmur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} o deose
beau discret de acestea. La un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 moment dat, naintarea Lissei a fost oprit{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tragere de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}, ct pe ce s-o fac{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea peste un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 moroi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3625 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vasilisa
?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Daniella Ivashkov, mam
a lui Adrian. Ca persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintr-o familie regal{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, Daniella nu era deloc rea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fapt nu avea nimic mpotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca Adrian s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} umble cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mine; sau, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, nu avusese naint
e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu acuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 asasinat. n mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, ng{\f63 \u259\'3f}duin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Daniellei provenea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 din credin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adri
an {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mine aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}im oricum atunc
i cnd mi primeam repartizarea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ca gardian. De asemenea, Daniella {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c
onvinsese un v{\f63 \u259\'3f}r,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe Damon Tarus s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fie avocat {\f63
\u8212\'3f} ofert{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 respinsesem, alegndu-l n schimb pe Abe ca s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 reprezinte. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu eram pe deplin conv
ins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cea mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} alegere, ns{\f63 \u259\'3

f} probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem in ochii

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Daniellei, ceea ce regretam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
puns cu un zmbet agitat. Era
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} se al{\f63 \u259\'3f}ture procesiunii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} scape mai
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 repede de toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3171 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, a zis ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Daniella era nve{\f63 \u351\'3f}mn
tat{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n catifea neagr{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul nchis la culoar
e i str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luceau mici agrafe cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 diamante. ngrijorarea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i agita{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia i marcau fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu l-ai v{
\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe Adrian? a ntrebat-o. N-am putut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri281 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l g{\f63 \u259
\'3f}sesc nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri. L-am c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n camera lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri973 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A! a exclamat
Lissa, ocolindu-i privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce e? a insistat
Daniella, aproape scuturnd-o. Ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4515 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {
\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu precis unde o fi, i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Lissa, oftnd,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-am v{\f63 \u259
\'3f}zut asear{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorcndu-se de la nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 petrecere. Lissa a {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f
}it pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ru{\f63 \u351\'3f}inat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i m{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rturiseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i restul... Era beat r{\f63 \
u259\'3f}u. Mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u dect l-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut vre
odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pleca mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu cteva
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fete, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu... mi
pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, Lady Ivashkov. Probabil c\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 o fi... m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, le{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina
t pe undeva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Daniella a nceput s{\f63 \u25

9\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i frng{\f63 \u259\'3f} minile, iar eu i-am

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
t disperarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper s{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu observe nimeni. Poate ar merge s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spunem... c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost cople{\f63 \u351\'
3f}it de durere. S-au petrecut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 attea. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
bserve nimeni. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le spui tu,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1581 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 bine? O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le spu
i ct a fost de nec{\f63 \u259\'3f}jit?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea de D
aniella, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} obsesia asta regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 imaginii chiar ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} calce pe nervi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iube{\f63 \u351\'3f}te fiul, dar principala ei preocu
pare p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ndrepte nu att c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tre odihna ve{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}nic{\f63 \u259\'3f} a Tatianei, ct spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri211 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ce ar putea al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} considere o nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lcare a protocolului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Normal, a
asigurat-o Lissa. N-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie
cineva
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... n fine, n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} supo
rta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se afle.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i acum, du-te, a ad{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ugat Daniella,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-i semn spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ile
palatului, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ocupi loc
ul cuvenit. Spre surprinderea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissei, Daniella i mngie cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e bra{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ul. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fii emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} te descurci perfect. Nu trebuie dect
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ii capul sus.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb460\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii posta{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i la u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} au recunoscut n Lissa o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} al c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rei acces era permis, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-au dat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 drumul. Acolo, n holul mare de la intrare, se afla si
criul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Tatianei. V{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-l, Lissa a ncremenit,
cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintr\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, aproape uitnd ce c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}uta acolo.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sicriul n sine era o capodop
er{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Fusese f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut dintr-un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lemn negru, lucios, {\f63 \u351\'3f}lefuit apoi pn{\f
63 \u259\'3f} devenise str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitor.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Imagini pictate cu gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dini fastuoase, n
sclipitoare
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 vopsele metalizate n toate nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele pos
ibile, i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mpodobeau toate fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele. Aurul sclipea
peste tot, inclusiv
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe parii de care aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355
\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} purt{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii. Parii ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia
erau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ura{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
n ghirlande de trandafiri mov. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ghimpii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i frunzele aveau s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} le ngreuneze priza
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 purt{\f63 \u259\'3f}torilor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta
era problema lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, neacop
erit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntins{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe un pat din al{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 trandafiri mov, z{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ns{\f63 \u259\'3f
}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i Tatiana. Era ciudat.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 V{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem de-attea ori cadavre. Ce naiba
, le {\f63 \u351\'3f}i creasem
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pe unele. Dar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d un
cadavrii z{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd tihnit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpodobit... n fine, era sinistru. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Li
ssei i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ceva
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 straniu, mai ales pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea nu avea
de-a face cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 moartea att de frecvent ca mine.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb460\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana era mbr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu o str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitoare rochie din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase ntr-o somptuoa
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} purpurie: culoarea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru nmor
mnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile regale. Mnecile
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lungi ale rochiei erau ornate cu modele complicate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 realizate din perle mici. O v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem de
seori Tatiana n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}u {\f63 \u8212\'3f} o culoare asoci
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} familiei Ivashkov {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bucuram c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia nmo
rmnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor cerea purpuriul. O
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rochie ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie mi-ar fi amintit cu prea
mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} putere de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fotografiile cu ea plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de snge pe ca
re le v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 audiere, fotografii pe care ncercam permanent s{\f63

\u259\'3f} mi le
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 alung din minte. n jurul gtului avea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
raguri de pietre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de perle,
iar pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt se odihnea o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 coroan{\f63 \u259\'3f} din aur, cu diamante {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i ametiste. Cineva f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 o treab{\f63 \u259\'3f} foarte bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
u machiajul Tatianei, dar chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, nu izbutise s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f} albea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a tenului. Moroii erau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 palizi de la natur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mor{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i, aveau tenul precum creta... ca
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 al strigoilor. Imaginea aceasta a izbit-o att de pute
rnic
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe Lissa, nct s-a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat un pic pe pic
ioare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a fost
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} privirea. Parfumul trandafirilor
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 umplea aerul, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} dulcea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} se amesteca
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o und{\f63 \u259\'3f} de descompun
ere.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Coordonatoarea funera
liilor a observat-o pe Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a indicat pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia pe
care trebuia s-o ocupe... dar numai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce s-a plns de alegerea ei vestim
entar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Trezit{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 realitate de cuvintele ei t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioase, Li
ssa s-a aliniat cu al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cinci reprezentan{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ai familiilor rega
le, n dreapta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sicriului, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu vad{\f63 \u259\
'3f} prea de aproape trupul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reginei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ndreptndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p
rivirea oriunde altundeva.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Curnd au ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i purt
{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii, care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au ridicat povara
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de parii nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ura{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i n trandafiri, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}eznd-o pe umeri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ducnd-o ncet afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, unde a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}tepta mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea. Purt{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 erau cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii dhampiri. Purtau unifor
me protocolare, care
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m-au derutat la nceput, dar numai pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cn
d mi-am dat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i erau gar
dieni la Curte... cu excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia unuia.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose. Ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta la fel de superb ca nto
tdeauna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i privea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 drept nainte n timp ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ndeplinea misi
unea, cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 impenetrabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lipsit{\f63 \u259\'3f}

de orice expresie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntrebat dac{\f63 \u259\'
3f} Ambrose o regreta pe Tatiana.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Fusesem att de concentrat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe propriil
e mele probleme,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nct uitasem mereu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era vorba despre o
via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pierdut{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unei persoane iubite de mult{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} lume. Ambrose i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 luase ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea Tatianei atunci cnd izbu
cnisem eu,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cauza legii cu vrsta. V{\
f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-l prin ochii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissei, mi-am dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot fi acolo, s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc personal
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cu el. Imposibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fi {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tiut mai multe despre scrisoarea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pe care mi-o strecurase n mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n sala de
judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fusese doar un emisar.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb620\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Procesiunea {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i-a continuat naintarea, punnd cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 medita{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor mele l
egate de Ambrose. naintea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n urma
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sicriului mergeau alte oficialit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i. Membri ai familiilor
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 regale, n ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}minte sofisticate, alc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}tuind o imagine
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sclipitoare. Gardieni n uniforme, purtnd steaguri.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Muzican{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii cu flaute erau la urm{\f63
\u259\'3f} de tot, interpretnd un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cntec de jale. Ct despre Lissa, ea era foarte priceput
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor
publice, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pasul lent, falnic, cu elegan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu gra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, cu privirea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neclintit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncrez{\f63
\u259\'3f}toare. N-aveam cum s-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi venea u{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi imaginez ce vedeau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spectatorii. Era frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i maiestuoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, demn{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tenirea neamului Dragomir, {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i speram ca tot mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} lume s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}eleag{\f63 \u259\'3f} acest lucru. Ne-ar scuti de o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u
259\'3f}i de cap dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva ar schimba legea cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dreptul de vot prin procedurile standard, astfel nct s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nu trebuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ba

z{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe o expedi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utare a

\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 vl{\f63 \u259\'3f}starului necunoscut.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb240\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Parcurgerea traseului
funerar a durat mult. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cnd soarele a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} coboare c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tre linia orizontului,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}a zilei tot se mai
sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea n aer. Lissa ncepuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 transpire, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nepl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerile ei nu nsemnau nimic
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prin compara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu ale purt{\f63 \u259
\'3f}torilor. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} gloata
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privitorilor resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea canicula, n-o ar
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta. Cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lungeau gturile, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} prind{\f63 \u259\'3
f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car o frntur{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 spectacolul care li se desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ura prin fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ochilor. Lissa
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu le acorda prea mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii aten{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ie spectatorilor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 chipurile lor constatam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sicriul nu
era singurul lor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 punct de interes. Privirile o urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Lissa. Se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dusese vorba prin lumea moroilor despre ceea ce f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cuse
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ea pentru Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu toate c{\f63
\u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i erau sceptici fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de capacit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile ei t{\
f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}duitoare, cam tot at{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia erau cei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care credeau n ele. Remarcasem prin mul{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ime expresii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de minunare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de venera{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat pe cine veniser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fapt: pe Lissa, sau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3889 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pe Tatiana?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, s-a
z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit catedrala, ceea ce nsemna o veste
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru Lissa. Soarele nu-i omora
pe moroi, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 se ntmpla cu strigoii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lumina astrului tot
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 erau incomode pentru oricare vampir. Procesiunea era
pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 terminate, iar ea, num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rndu-se printre
pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}inii c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rora li
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 se permitea accesul n biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f}, avea f
oarte curnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 bucure de binefacerile aerului condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ionat.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb400\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n limp ce studiam mpreju
rimile, nu m-am putut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpiedica s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} gndesc la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea, ca la un cerc al
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ironiei. Spre marginile ntinselor terenuri ale biseri
cii, se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seau dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} uria{\f63 \
u351\'3f}e statui, nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}nd str{\f63
\u259\'3f}vechi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 legendari monarhi ai moroilor, un rege {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i o regin{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 contribuiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} la prosperitatea supu{\
f63 \u351\'3f}ilor. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aflau la o distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} re
spectabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de biseric{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, statuile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}au amenin{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, supraveghind parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} statuia reginei era o gr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}din{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care o cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 bine. Fusesem obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} trudesc la amenajarea ei drept
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pedeaps{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fug
isem n Las Vegas. Adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ratul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 meu scop n acea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori
e {\f63 \u8212\'3f} pe care nu-l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nimeni {\f63 \u8212\'3f} fusese de a-l elibera din nc
hisoare pe Victor
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dashkov. Victor era un vechi du{\f63 \u351\'3f}man d
e-al nostru, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fratele lui, Robert, de{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ineau informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile de care
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aveam nevoie pentru salvarea lui Dimitri. Dac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} vreunul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre gardieni ar fi aflat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l elibe
rasem pe Victor {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru ca apoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l pierd {\f63 \u8212
\'3f} pedeapsa mi-ar fi fost cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mult mai rea dect ndosarierea dosarelor {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i amenajarea
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dinii. Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in c
u gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dina f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem o treab{\f63 \u259\'3f} bun{\f63
\u259\'3f}, m\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am gndit, cu am{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciune
. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu executat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri159 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 bine m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car c{\f63
\u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sam n urma mea ceva durabil la Curte.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb500\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a z{\f63 \u259\'

3f}bovit cu privirea timp ndelung pe una

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre statui, nainte s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} iar spre biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Transpira acum abundent, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am dat
seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu doar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 canicula era vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mai era {\f63
\u351\'3f}i nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea la mijloc. Dar
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 de ce? De ce era att de agitat{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Nu era
dect o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceremonie. Nu avea altceva de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut de
ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} respecte
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ritualul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i... da, era ceva acolo. Ceva care o scia. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}stra nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ascuns de mi
ne un m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunchi de gnduri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cteva i-au sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat, n nelini{\f63 \u351\
'3f}tea ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri172 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Prea aproape, prea aproape. Ne
mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}m prea repede.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Repede? Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dup
{\f63 \u259\'3f} estim{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile mele. Eu niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost n stare s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in pasul acela lent {\f63 \u351\'3f}i falnic
. Mi\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 era mil{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai alea de purt{\f63 \u259\
'3f}torii sicriului. Dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 printre ei, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi zis s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} se duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} naibii toate regulile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'
3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pomit-o n pas alerg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tre destina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia final{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Desigur,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 asta ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ca trupul din sicriu
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam fie zgl{\f63 \u355\'3f}it. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tipa care coordona funeraliile s
e ofuscase att din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cauza rochiei aleas{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Lissa, era gr
eu de spus cum ar fi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatian
a ar fi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut din co{\f63 \u351\'3f}ciug.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb140\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Imaginea catedralei n
e devenea acum tot mai clar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cupolele ei str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luc
ind chihlimbarii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i portocalii n lumina
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 soarelui spre amurg. Lissa mai avea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
vreo c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 metri buni de mers pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo, ns{\f63 \
u259\'3f} preotul care a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a catedralei se vedea limpede. Str

aiele lui erau

\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 aproape orbitoare. Lungi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i bogate, fu
seser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 confec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionate dintr-un brocart masiv,
cu str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luciri aurii.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Un acoper{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt rotund, cu o cruce, tot d
in aur, i se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 odihnea pe cap. Mi-a trecut prin gnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} era o dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prost gust din partea lui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} n str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucire straiele
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 reginei, dar poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a era obiceiul la preo{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 protocolare. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a i atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gea aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dumnezeu. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ridicase bra{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ele n semn de bun venit,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 etalnd o suprafa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i mai mare din materialul acela
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 luxos. Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i restul mul{\f63 \u355\'3
f}imii, nu m-am putut st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} holbez la spectacolul orbitor pe c
are-l oferea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} pute{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} imagina{\f63
\u355\'3f}i surprinderea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 clipa n care statuile au explodat.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri3759 \expndt
w-27 \b \f20 \fs40 PATRU
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \b \f20
\fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}I CND SPUN C{\f63 \u258\'3f} AU EXPLODAT\b0 , atunci s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3220 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au explodat.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb780\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Fl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fumul s-au desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'
3f}urat precum petalele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unei flori proasp{\f63 \u259\'3f}t d
eschise n clipa n care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmanii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 monarhi au s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit n aer, pref{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cndu-se n buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele de
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 piatr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era ca {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fi v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut un film de ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}
iune, cu o secven{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 explozia detuna prin aer {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cutremura
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul. Apoi,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tirea de gardian {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i-a spus cuvntul. Observa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 critic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i calculele pr

eluat controlul. Am remarcat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imediat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} majoritatea materialului di
n statuie a zburat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spre marginile exterioare ale gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dinii
. Mici f{\f63 \u259\'3f}rme de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 piatr{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i praf s-au ab
{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut n ploaie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i asupra procesiunii
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 funerare, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nicio bucat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mai mare n-a lovit-o pe Lissa
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sau pe oricare dintre cei afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n pre
ajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Presupunnd
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} statuile nu fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cuprinse de o combustie spontan{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cine le detonase operase cu mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} pre
cizie.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 L{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd de
oparte logistica, trebuie spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} enormele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 coloane furioase ale fl{\f63 \u259\
'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor tot destul de nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}to
are
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mneau. Haosul s-a dezl{\f63 \u259\'3f
}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape de-acolo. Numai c{\f63
\u259\'3f} fiecare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ales o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 rut{\f63 \u259\'3f} proprie, diferit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de ale celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, motiv pentru care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-au produs suficiente ciocniri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nv{\
f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}eli. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 purt{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii sicriului {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i-au l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat jos pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioasa povar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i au
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rupt-o la fug{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ambrose a luat ultimu
l startul, oprindu-se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se holbeze la Tatiana cu gura c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ochii mari,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} privire ndrep
tat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre statui l-a determinat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se al{\f63 \u259\'3f}ture mul{\f63
\u355\'3f}imii panicate. Vreo c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva gardieni au
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mai ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streze
ordinea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mne lumea napoi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe traseul funerar, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'
3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea mare succes. Fiecare se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 gndea numai la sine, to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fiind prea ng
rozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i panica{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai gndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ra{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ional.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1913 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, to{\f63
\u355\'3f}i, cu excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri939 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Spre surprinderea mea, ea\i nu

\i0 era surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ea chiar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptase explozia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 N-a rupt-o imediat la fug{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} destui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 croiau drum pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea
, mbrncind-o deoparte. A
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas ca nr{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cinat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n locul n care fusese atunci cnd
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}riser{\f63 \u259\'3f} statuile n aer
, stnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le studieze att pe ele, ct
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pagubele provocate. n mod special,
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea preocupat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}nit cineva din rndul mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imii, ca
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 urmare a exploziilor. Dar nu. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
m observasem eu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 deja, nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se n
registreze r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nregistrat, vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost doar d
ebandada.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb280\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Satisf{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ceea ce vedea, Lissa s-a ntors {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63
\u259\'3f} n urma celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. (Precizez: ea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mergea; ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fugeau.) Abia f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cuse c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cnd a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut un uria{\f63 \u351\'3f} grup de
gardieni cu chipuri hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rte,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zorindu-se spre biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f}. C{\f63 \u355\
'3f}iva s-au oprit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le dea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 primul ajutor celor fugi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ns{\f63 \u
259\'3f} majoritatea gardienilor era
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n drum spre locul exploziei, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ce se petrecuse.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, Lissa s-a oprit din
nou, iar tipul care alerga n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a izbit cu putere de ea; totu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i, abia dac-a resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 impactul. i urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea cu privirea pe gar
dieni, num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rndu\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 i. Abia apoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a reluat drumul. Gnduri
le ei ascunse
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncepeau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ivea
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, vedeam frnturi din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 planul pe care-l ascunsese de mine. Era ncntat{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. Dar n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri272 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp {\f63
\u351\'3f}i agitat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, una peste alta, se sim{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ea...

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Zarva din nchisoare m-a readu
s brusc n propria
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 minte. Obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuita lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}t
e a spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iului de deten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 destr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mase, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd locul
morm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ielilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}telor. Am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit de la locul meu {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i m-am lipit de gratii, ncordndu\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}urile, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu
ce se petrece. Oare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa asta
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 era pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sar{\f63 \u259\'3f} n a
er? Celula mea avea vedere doar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spre un perete al coridorului, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s
pre restul lui, sau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 spre intrare. Cu toate acestea, i-am z{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rit pe gardienii care
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau de obicei n cel{\f63 \u259\'3f
}lalt cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t trecnd n goan{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, spre cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}t
ie ce alterca{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie care se produsese.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb620\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 N-aveam de unde s{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce semnifica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie avea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntmplarea pentru mine, a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit suflete{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pentru orice-ar fi, prieten sau du{\f63 \u351\'3f}ma
n. De unde puteam
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nu era vreo grupare politic{\f63 \u259\'3f} extremist{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}ase atacuri asupra Cur{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ii, exprimndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i astfel
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de guvernarea moroilor? Privind cu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am njurat n sinea mea, dori
ndu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 avut ceva cu care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r. Cea mai aproape de ideea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de arm{\f63 \u259\'3f} era cartea de la Abe, care nu
era bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nimic.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dac-ar fi fost durul care se pretindea atunci chiar
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ar fi strecurat n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru o pil{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Sau m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car mi-ar fi adus
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ceva mai mare, ca de exemplu\i R{\f63 \u259\'3f}zbo
i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pace\i0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Zgomotele nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}i
er{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii s-au stins, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i zgomotul tun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tor
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 al unor pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i au nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} se apropie de mine.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ncle{\f63 \u351\'3f}tndu-mi pumnii, m-am dat napoi, pre
g{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, oricine ar fi venit.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar ntmplarea a f{\f63 \u259\'
3f}cut ca {\f63 \u8222\'3f}oricine" s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie Eddie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Castile. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Mihail Tanner.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb280\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}teptasem la orice, dar nu la chipuri prietenoase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Eddie era un vechi prieten de-al me
u, de la Sf. Vladimir,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el proasp{\f63 \u259\'3f}t gardian
ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mine, un tip care mi-a fost
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de-a lungul a numeroase p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}anii, inclusiv cea cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eliberarea din nchisoare a lui Victor Dashkov. Mihail
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 era mai mare ca noi, cam pe la dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}ze
ci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cinci de ani,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne ajutase s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l read
ucem pe Dimitri la starea lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fireasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sonya Karp {\f63 \u8212\'3f} femeia iubit{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de el, care se transformase n strigoi {\f63 \u8212\'3f
} ar putea fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 salvat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la rndul ei. Mi-am plimbat ne
dumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f} privirea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de la unul la altul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1965 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce se ntmpl{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}? am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri809 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3
f}i eu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d, a replic
at Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era transpirat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nf
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat de focul b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f
}liei, vreo
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cteva semna purpurii de pe fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}a lui ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntlnise
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un pumn n drumul lui ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}-sear{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. ntr-o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 arm{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem
n arsenalul gardienilor: un fel
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de baston folosit pentru scoaterea din lupt{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} a cuiva f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 a-l omor. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Mihail avea la el ceva cu
mult mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ios: cartela de acces {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i cheia clasic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru des\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 chiderea celulei mele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Prietenii mei mi puseser{\f63
\u259\'3f} la cale evadarea.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri189 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Incredibil. Nebuniile erau, de ob

icei, specialitatea mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri579 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Voi doi..
., am nceput, ncre{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-mi fruntea.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scap m{\f63 \u259\'3f} umplea de bucurie, ns{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mijloacele m{\f63 \u259\'3f} trezea
u la realitate. n mod evident, ei
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunz{\f63
\u259\'3f}tori pentru lupta cu gardienii pe care o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 auzisem adineauri desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f
}urndu-se. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n primul rnd,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nici s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici, j
os, nu era prea simplu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri126 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Voi doi a{\f63
\u355\'3f}i dobort to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardienii din cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa ast
a?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mihail tocmai termina de descuiat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a,
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai pierdut timpul {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i m-am repezit afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce zile n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ir m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\
'3f}isem att de ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de n{\f63
\u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}, era ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi naintat pe o falez{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, nconjurat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pretutindeni
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 numai de aer {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de spa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}iu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, n cl{\
f63 \u259\'3f}direa asta nu sunt gardieni. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 poate unul. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i tipii de colo, a ad{\f
63 \u259\'3f}ugat, ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd spre locul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 confrunt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii de mai devreme, unde pre
supuneam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} zac,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ire, paznicii mei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1021 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Prietenii mei sigur n-au omort
pe nimeni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ceilal{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i gardieni au plecat cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii la locul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2361 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 exploziei, am priceput atunci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Piesele puzzle-ului ncepeau s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mbine... inclusiv
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Lissa n-o surprinsese in
cidentul.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O, nu, am e
xclamat. L-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pus pe Christian s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1060 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 arunce n aer str{\f63 \u259\'3f}v
echile crea{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ale moroilor!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fire{\f63
\u351\'3f}te c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Eddie. Chiar p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rea {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc la o asemenea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atrocitate. Dac-ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o el, mi-a
explicat apoi, al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 utilizatori ai focului ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2206 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, asta
tot e ceva, am zis.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Da, trebuia s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} am mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncredere n s{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tatea lor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4217 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 psihic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3225 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sau poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1417 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am folosit C4
, m-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}murit Mihail.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De unde naiba a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Limba mi-a n{\f63 \u355\'3f}epeni
t atunci cnd am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut cine st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1917 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul coridoru
lui. Era Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiusem ce era cu el pe durata
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntemni{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii mele fusese
frustrant. Relatarea lui Christian
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a Tashei nu reprezentase dect o ind
ucere n eroare. Ei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bine, iat{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul.
Dimitri era aproape de intrarea n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 coridor, n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} splendoarea celor doi
metri aii lui,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imperial {\f63 \u351\'3f}i intimidant ca orice zeu. O
chii lui c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori, m{\f63 \
u259\'3f}surau instantaneu totul, iar trupul zvelt
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i puternic era ncordat, preg{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfrunte orice

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are. Expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3

f}ei era att de concentrat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, att de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pasiune, nct mi-era imposibil s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putea avea vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva impresia c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi strigoi.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri clocotea de vitalitate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de e
nergie. De fapt,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 privindu-l acum, mi aminteam din nou cum s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 apere n momentul arest{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii mele. {\f63
\u350\'3f}i acum avea aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 expresie. Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, era aceea{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i pe care o observasem n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nenum{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate rnduri. Era cea temut{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i admirat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Era cea pe care-o iubisem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ti {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu aici? l-am ntrebat, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 amintesc, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car acum, c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} tulburea mea istorie amoroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu era cel mai important lucru din lume. Nu erai sub
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3305 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 arest la domiciliu?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb240\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A ev
adat, m-a informat Eddie, cu viclenie, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} prind adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rata semnifica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie: el {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i cu Mihail l
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 ajutaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} eva
deze. La a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva s-ar putea a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lumea din partea unui tip violent {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
probabil-nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}-strigoi,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 corect? a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S-ar mai a
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}leasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aici, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat Mihail, intrnd n joc. M
ai ales dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 gndim cum s-a luptat pentru tine s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{
\f63 \u259\'3f}mna trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bune, toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-a scos\i de unul
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 singur.\i0 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} no
i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri nu spunea nimic. Och
ii lui, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau n continuare vigilen{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i mprejurimile, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cercetau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe mine. Voia s{\f63 \u25

9\'3f} fie sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt teaf{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\

f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nev{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mat{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lini{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}te{\f63 \u351\'3f}te v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 eram.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Haide{\f63
\u355\'3f}i, a rostit, n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Dimitri. N-avem
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 prea mult timp la dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era un eufemism, ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} pe mine m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai scia un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri501 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 gnd privitor la {\f63 \u8222\'3f}s
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitul" plan al prietenilor mei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-au cum s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ut-o de unul singur!
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 am exclamat, pricepnd unde b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea Mihai
l.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 l scoteau n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Dimitri ca {\f63 \u355\'3f}ap isp{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351
\'3f}itor pentru
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 evadarea mea. Le-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut semn spre p
aznicii le{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 la picioarele noastre.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1761 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei v-au
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, le-am zis.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb500\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu t
ocmai, am auzit atunci o voce nou{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Oricum,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nu dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o mic{\f63
\u259\'3f} amnezie indus{\f63 \u259\'3f} de spirit. Cnd se vor
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trezi, singura persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} de care-{\f63
\u351\'3f}i vor aminti c-ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri291 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o va fi rusu
l acela instabil psihic. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
are.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nicio probl
em{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a replicat Dimitri, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea apari{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ia n prag.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am holbat la el, str{\f63
\u259\'3f}duindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu casc gura.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe cei
doi b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rba{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea. Adrian
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu prea ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta capabil de participarea
la o lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pumnii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era la fel de vioi {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i de serios ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Oc
hii lui frumo{\f63 \u351\'3f}i erau limpezi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i plini
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de acea {\f63 \u351\'3f}iretenie de care-l {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tiam capabil atunci cnd se
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duia cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i atunci mi-am dat seama: nu ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nici cel mai mic semn de be{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Oare
ceea ce v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem eu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 alalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fi fo
st dect un {\f63 \u351\'3f}iretlic? Sau se silise s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 recapete controlul? Oricum ar fi fost, sim{\f63 \u355
\'3f}eam cum un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 zmbet mi se ntinde lent pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa a mi
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}it-o mai devreme pe mama ta, i-am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri450 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Tu trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii n
com{\f63 \u259\'3f} alcoolic{\f63 \u259\'3f} cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie pe unde.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri499 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 M-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spl{\
f63 \u259\'3f}tit cu unul dintre zmbetele lui cinice.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bi
ne, da, probabil c-ar fi fost un lucru mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 inteligent {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i mai agreabil {\f63 \u8212\'3f} de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut n clipa de fa
{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta crede
despre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i restul lumii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, a insistat Dimitri, din ce n ce
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mai agitat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am ntors cu to{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ii privirea spre el. Cheful de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 glum{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a risipit. Atitudinea aceea p
e care o remarcasem
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 la Dimitri, cea care spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e capa
bil de orice {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 va conduce totdeauna spre victorie, i f{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cea pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l urmeze necondi{\f63 \u355\'3f}io
nat. Expresiile de pe chipurile lui
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mihail {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n ti
mp ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i rec{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tau seriozitatea {\f
63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mi demonstrau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} exact a{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a ceva sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea firesc. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}

{\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea impresia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} n Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ntr
-o astfel de clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l-am admirat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i l{
\f63 \u259\'3f}sa deoparte gelozia... dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se supunea unui asemenea risc. Mai
ales dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Adrian afirmase limpede, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu o sing
ur{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu voia
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie implicat n aventuri primejdioase
, sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} spiritul pe ascuns. n Las V
egas, de exemplu,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 el nu ne nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}ise dect n calitate de obse
rvator. Normal,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atunci fusese {\f63 \u351\'3f}i beat n majoritatea tim
pului, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avea importan{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut c{\f
63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nainte, dar deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian ma
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 oprit, prinzndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un bra{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri466 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai... nainte
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vii cu noi, trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii ceva
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a dat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
rotesteze, aruncnd fulgere de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3239 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare din oc
hi.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba\i
trebuie\i0 , a insistat Adrian, nfruntndu-i deschis
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 privirea. Rose, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f
} evadezi... {\f63 \u355\'3f}i confirmi, mai mult sau
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia. O sa fii o fugar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te g{\f63 \
u259\'3f}sesc,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 gardienii n-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai aib{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nevoie de vreun proces sau de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 vreo sentin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} te omoare pe loc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Patru perechi de ochi m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fixau n timp ce absorbeam
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntreaga semnifica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie a spuselor lui. D
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} fugeam acum
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prindeau pe urm{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, eram ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moart{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\
'3f}

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mneam, aveam firava {\f63 \u351\'3f}

ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca, n scurtul interval de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 timp pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la proces, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
putem g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si vreo dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} salveze. Nu era imposibil. Dar, n ca
zul n care nu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea nimic, eram, de asemenea, ca {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i moart{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mai mult
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca sigur. Fiecare variant{\f63 \u259\'3f} constituia
un risc asumat. n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fiecare dintre ele exista puternica probabilitate ca
eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 nu scap cu via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie la fel de m{\f63 \u259\'3f}cinat de sentimente
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 contradictorii ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mine. {\f63 \u350
\'3f}tiam amndoi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aveam
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vreo op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune mai favorabil{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. El doar se ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta preocupat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tiu ce anume risc. Dimitri, n schimb... pentru
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 el, nu nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pea discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
i citeam asta scris cu litere mari
\plain\expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 pe chip. El era ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}to
rul regulilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 comportamentului adecvat. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-un as
tfel de caz? Cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse att de infime? Considera prefera
bil riscul unui trai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de fugar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} av
ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moartea, mai bine s-o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nfrunt luptnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri46 \fi284 \expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 Nu, moartea mea nu avea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie programat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 creionul ntr-un calendar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2410 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hai s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} mergem, am zis.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am gr{\f63 \u259\'
3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}im din cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire, ner{\f
63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ducem planul mai departe. Totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i, nu m-am putut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1350 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-i adresez o remarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui Adrian:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur ai ntr
ebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at foarte mult spirit ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 iluzionezi pe paznici.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a e, m-a aprobat el. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu prea mi st{\f63 \u259\'3f} n pute
re
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s-o fac pentru mult timp. Lissa ar fi probabil n star
e s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} o duzin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gardi
eni s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i imagineze c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au v{\f63 \u
259\'3f}zut
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fantome. n timp ce eu abia dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac pe c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i uite pe Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p
e Mihail. De-asta trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cineva de care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
minteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cineva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le atrag{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, iar Dimitri era ideal pe pos
t de {\f63 \u355\'3f}ap isp{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}itor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, {\
f63 \u355\'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc, i-am zis, strngndu-i mna
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Cum un val de c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ldur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncepea deja s{\f63 \u259\'3f} circule ntre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 noi, nu m-am mai sinchisit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai aveam cale
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lung{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fiu liber{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Asta i-ar fi minimalizat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 eroismul faptei. Aveam nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o gr{\f63 \
u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de obstacole n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \
u259\'3f} oricum i eram recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare pentru
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rise as
tfel n ajutor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi respectase
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea de a merge mai departe cu pla
nul de evadare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1277 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Adrian m-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ge
tat cu o privire piezi{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri330 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, sigur, p{
\f63 \u259\'3f}i se presupune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt nebun, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri628 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 O sclipire de afec{\f63 \u355\'
3f}iune i-a luminat atunci ochii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f
}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu sunt prea multe lu
crurile pe care nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 le-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} face pentru t
ine, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat. Cu ct mai tmpite, cu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 att mai bine.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ajungnd la parter, am c
onstatat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Eddie avusese

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dreptate n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei gardienilor. Coridoarele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perile erau, practic, p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}site. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mai privim n
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ne-am repezit afar{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aerul curat mi-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mprosp{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat rezervele de energie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1400 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i-acum? mi-am ntrebat salvatorii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri351 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum, te ducem
la ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri602 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Garajele nu erau departe, dar n
ici prea aproape.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem mult de mer
s n cmp deschis, am zis, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aduc n discu{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie problema principal{\f63 \u259\'3f}: c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram moart{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} observau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ni ntrebuin{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ez spiritul ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe to{\f63
\u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nedeslu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de nerec
unoscut, mi-a zis Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o prob{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de ncercare a aptitudinilor lui magice.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Prea mult nu purea s-o mai duc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ne recunoasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimeni, m-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}murit el,
dect
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se opre{\f63 \u351\'3f}te {\f63
\u351\'3f}i prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}te drept spre noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ceea ce, pr
obabil, n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie cazul, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mihail. Mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n-o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ne observe nimeni. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunt
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prea ngrijora{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pentru propria lor sig
uran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fie
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la al{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ii, ntr-un asemenea haos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Privind n jur, puteam s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} are
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dreptate. Cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa nchisorii era depar
te fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre timp, cei care fuseser{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n apropierea locului
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 exploziei reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
ja s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u259\'3f}n partea aceasta a

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 terenurilor Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Unii alergau spre

re{\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lor. Al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utau gardieni, spernd s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} capete protec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Iar c{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
ve... c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva alergau n aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
e ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i noi,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3897 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 spre garaje.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lumea e ndea
juns de nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imntat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri468 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncerce chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ple
ce de la Curte, mi-am dat seama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ne mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cam ct p
uteam de repede, avnd n vedere
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram cu Adrian, care nu ave
a condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dhampirilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1312 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Garajele or s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ticsite, am mai zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Att vehiculele oficialit{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cele ale
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1537 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 oaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor ei era
u parcate n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i loc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta ar put
ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne fie de folos, a replicat Mihail.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Alt haos {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Cu attea lucruri care s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi capteze aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n propria
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 realitate, nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cufund total n cea a Lissei. O
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncercare a leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi
i m-a informat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era la loc
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sigur, n interiorul palatului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri238 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa ce rol a
re n tot acest timp? m-am interesat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, eram bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se implicase n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nebunia asta a scoaterii mele din n
chisoare. Dar, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cum remarcase Adrian, abilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ile ei de utilizatoare a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spiritului ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63
\u259\'3f} mult mai departe dect ale

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lui. Iar acum, privind retrospectiv, mi era evident f
aptul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia totul despre p
lanul acesta. Fusese secretul ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa treb
uie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streze nevinov{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Nu poate
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fi legat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nicio etap{\f63 \u259\'3
f} a evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii sau a exploziei, mi-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Dimitri, privind fix nainte, s
pre {\f63 \u355\'3f}inta lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Tonul i era hot{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rt. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o privea ca pe mntuitoarea
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 lui.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb280\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E obl
igat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} sub oc
hii celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 familiile regale, a precizat el. La
fel {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, cu o urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de zm
bet. {\f63 \u258\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia doi sigur ar fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 primii suspec{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la care s-ar gndi cinev
a dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 produce vreo explozie, a precizat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} gardienii n-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i suspecteze, ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-or
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} explozi
a n-a fost provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de magie,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am cugetat cu voce tare, amintindu-mi de cuvintele de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai devreme ale lui Mihail. Dar, ia sta{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i, de unde-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut voi rost de C4? Explozibilii mi
litari sunt cam greu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pen
tru voi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 N-am mai primit r{\f63 \u259
\'3f}spuns, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} trei
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 gardieni ne-au s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit n cale. Din cte se
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, nu erau
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 chiar to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mine ne-am repezit
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 naintea grupului, mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cndu-ne ca unul, ex
act cum
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 procedaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mereu n lupte. Adrian afi
rmase c{\f63 \u259\'3f} iluzia
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe care o crease n jurul grupului nostru nu avea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 reziste dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne privea cineva direct.

Voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri vom fi
n prima linie de contact cu
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 gardienii ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia, n speran{\f63 \u355\
'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} astfel nu-i vor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 recunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pe cei din spatele nostru,
M-am aruncat n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ezitare, instinctul defensiv prelund comanda.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n acele milisecunde, realitatea
a ceea ce comi\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 sesem m-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns cu adev{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rat.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb280\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
luptasem cu gardieni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mereu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avusesem un sentiment de vinov{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie din cauza asta. i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 doborsem pe cei din nchisoarea Tarasov, ca {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i pe unii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 din garda reginei atunci cnd fusesem arestat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu-l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team pe niciunul dintre ei.
Era de ajuns de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} erau colegii mei... dar acum? Acum
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nfruntam una dintre cele mai grele provoc{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ri din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 orict de m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut. n definitiv, trei gardieni
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nsemnau o prad{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f
63 \u259\'3f} pentru mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Problema era... c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe gardienii ace{\f
63 \u351\'3f}tia i\i cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team\i0 .
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Peste doi dintre ei nimerisem la destul de pu{\f63 \u
355\'3f}in timp
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} absolvire. Lucrau la Curte {\f63
\u351\'3f}i se purtaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} mereu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 frumos cu mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n schimb, cel de-al treilea ga
rdian nu era doar o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'
3f}: era o prieten{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Meredith, una dintre pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}inele
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fete din clasa mea, de la Sf. Vladimir. I-am v{\f63
\u259\'3f}zut n ochi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de stnjeneal{\f63 \u259\'3f},
sentiment care-l oglindea pe al
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 meu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ei i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
ceva nelalocul lui. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, de-acum
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 era gardian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, la fel ca mine, avea s
im{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul datoriei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 insuflat de-o via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M

{\f63 \u259\'3f} considera vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} vedea

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 liber{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n pozi{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ie de atac. Procedura i dicta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doboare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, nici nu m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 altceva. Asta a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} rolurile ne-ar fi fost
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 inversate. Era pe via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe moarte.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri se aruncase a
supra celor doi tipi, la fel de iute
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de redutabil ca
oricnd. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Meredith ne-am avntat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 una mpotriva celeilalte. La nceput, a ncercat s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 doboare, folosindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i greutatea superi
oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, spernd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}intuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de p{\f63 \u259\'3f
}mnt, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cnd ar fi ajutat-o cineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} imobilizeze de tot.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu eram mai puternic{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ea trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 asta. De cte ori ne luptaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ntre noi
, antrenndu-ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n sala de sport a {\f63 \u351\'3f}colii? Aproape de fi
ecare dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nvinsesem. Iar acum nu mai era un joc, nu era un
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 exerci{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu de antrenament. I-am respins
atacul,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 trimi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-i un pumn n falc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rugndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 disperare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i fi rupt nimic. Ea a
continuat, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 durerea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nc{\f63
\u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} i eram superioar{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prins-o de umeri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am trntit-o jos. S
-a lovit r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u la cap,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat cuno{
\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pentru asta sau nu. Men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inndu-mi strnsoa
rea, am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trecut la o priz{\f63 \u259\'3f} de sugrumare, a{\f63
\u351\'3f}teptnd s-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nchide ochii. I-am dat drumul de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
e am fost
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a le{\f63 \u
351\'3f}inat, cu inima strns{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Aruncnd o privire, am v{\f63

\u259\'3f}zut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 doborse adversarii. Grupul nostru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
reluat naintarea,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum nimic mi s-ar fi ntmplat, ns{\
f63 \u259\'3f} eu am ndreptat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 o scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} privire spre Eddie {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tiind bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}rise mhnirea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el
ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta ndurerat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} a ncercat
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} consoleze n timp
ce mergeam gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut ce trebuia, mi-a zis. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i revin{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. O s-o
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 cam doar{\f63 \u259\'3f} dar o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i revin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb280\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri3086 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am lovi
t-o r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Medicii se desc
urc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cazuri de como{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Ce naiba,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1261 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tu cte de-astea n-ai p{\f63 \u259
\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}it la antrenamente?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Speram s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai
b{\f63 \u259\'3f} dreptate. Grani{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele dintre bine {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ncepeau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f} tulbur
i. Singurul lucru bun,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 presupuneam, era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Meredith fusese a
tt de preocupat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe mine, nct pro
babil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu observase
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
a celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Ei st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} departe
de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierare, ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}posti{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i, din cte speram, de v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lul a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de Adrian prin ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}area spiritulu
i, n timp ce eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri acaparam aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am ajuns n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}
it la garaje, care ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r erau
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mai aglomerate ca de obicei. Unii dintre moroi o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}terseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} deja. O tip{
\f63 \u259\'3f} dintr-o familie regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prad{\f63 \u259\'3f} unei crize de isterie, fiindc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}oferul ei plecase cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cheile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i habar n-avea pe unde o fi. U
rla ntruna la cei
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care treceau pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea, ntrebnd dac{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} putea cineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 i porneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} motorul direct din contac

tul firelor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a mers hot{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rt mai departe, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo clip{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tia precis unde merge. Se pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuise totul n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 detaliu, mi-am dat seama. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cea mai
mare parte probabil
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se pusese la cale ieri. De ce-mi as
cunsese Lissa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 planul? N-ar fi fost mai bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i eu o idee, ct de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3668 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ct, despre el?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb240\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am trecut n grab{\f63
\u259\'3f} prin mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime, ndreptndu-ne spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 garajul din cel mai ndep{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rtat punct. Acolo, parcat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 imediat afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ar{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tnd preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de plecare, era o Honda
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Civic de un gri mohort. Lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea se afla
un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri490 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 examinnd parbrizul cu bra{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ele ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}ate pe piept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri597 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Auzindu-ne c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
apropiem, s-a ntors spre noi.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Abe! am exclamat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri44 \expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 Ilustrul meu tat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors capul spre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri43 \expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 adresat unul dintre acele zmbete
fermec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri642 \expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 capabile s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i a
demeneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe creduli spre pieire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce cau{\f63
\u355\'3f}i aici? l-a luat la rost Dimitri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i tu o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe lista suspec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor!. Era vorba s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} stai deoparte, cu
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Abe i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spu
ns printr-o ridicare din umeri, deloc
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 preocupat de sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea lui Dimitri. N
u mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit ca o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 astfel de furie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ndrepte mpotriva
mea.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vasilisa o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca destule persoane d
in
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 palat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} jure c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-au v
{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut n perioadele suspecte, a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 replicat, ntorcndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i apoi privirea ntun
ecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre mine.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n plus, doar nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec f{\f63
\u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi iau r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas-bun
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3221 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de la tine, nu crezi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1898 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Am cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat di
n cap, exasperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cea parte din planul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u de ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare ca avoc
at
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 al meu? Nu-mi aduc aminte ca evad{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rile cu explozii s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fie incluse n preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tirea juridic{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei,
sunt convins c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-au fost incluse n preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tirea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 juridic{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Damo
n Tarus, a zis Abe, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca zmbetul
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ie vreo clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-am spus eu, Rose. Tu niciodat{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungi la execu{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ie... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car la vreun proces,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 att timp ct am {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu un cuvnt de spus. {\
f63 \u350\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrerupere, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ugat: {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, desigur, am.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am ezitat, ndreptndu-mi privir
ea spre automobil.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el c
u leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura de chei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Cuvintele
lui Adrian mi-au r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat din nou
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 n minte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri307 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fug, n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} face dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
mai vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei deja te cred
vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a argumentat Abe. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri20 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 schimbi nimic dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}

te irose{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti n celula aia. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, doar ne

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}m c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem mai mu
lt timp la dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 facem ce trebuie, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ca execu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne planeze
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 deasupra capetelor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri898 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3
f}i, mai precis, ce-ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} face{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dovedim nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, a interve
nit Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Sau, n fine, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai
omort-o pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mea. Fiindc{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri305 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu de ceva vreme
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti tu chiar att de inocent{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i ce, vre{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} distruge{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prob
ele? am ntrebat,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nelundu-i n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ep{\
f63 \u259\'3f}tura.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, mi-a r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Eddie. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cine
a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 omort-o n realitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Voi n-ar t
rebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i amesteca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n asta, acu
m, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri206 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sunt eu liber{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E
problema mea. Nu de-asta m-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i scos?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o
problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-o rezolvi atta timp
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ct e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti la Curte, mi
-a atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Abe. Avem nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 fii plecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la loc
sigur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3477 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, dar...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ne pierdem vreme
a cu discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile, ne-a ntrerupt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1326 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, oprindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i privirea pe alte garaje.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lumea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nvr
tea haotic, prea preocupat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 propriile temeri, deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ne observe pe noi.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, asta nu-l lini{\f63 \u351\'3f
}tea pe Dimitri. Mi-a ntins o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din argint, iar eu n-am stat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai nt
reb pentru ce. Era o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 arm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a ceva n-aveam cum refuz.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul pare dezorganizat, dar o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
miri ct
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de repede vor restabili gardienii ordinea. {\f63 \u3
50\'3f}i, cnd vor fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gata, vor pune totul sub cheie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici n-au
nevoie, am rostit ncet, n timp ce mintea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mi se nvrtea cu iu{\f63 \u355\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Deja o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem probleme cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irea din Curte. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fim opri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i... dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} am mai ajunge
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la poart{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}irul de ma{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ini se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2526 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntinde pe kilometri ntregi!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, bine, a
zis Abe, examinndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nep{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 unghiile. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu din surs{\f63 \u259\'3
f} sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, foarte curnd, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 deschid{\f63 \u259\'3f} o {\f63 \u8222\'3f}poart{\f
63 \u259\'3f}" nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} n zidul dinspre latura sudic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1112 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Abia atunci mi s-a luminat {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i mie mintea.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O, Doamne. Tu ai fost furnizorul de
C4.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O spui de parcar fi floare la ureche, m-a apostrofat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 el, ncruntndu-se. Pe chestii de-astea
e greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pui
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 mna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri856 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdarea lu
i Dimitri ajunsese deja la sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Gata
, toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea: Rose trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece\i imediat\i0

. E
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri172 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n pericol. O s-o scot cu for{\f63
\u355\'3f}a de-aici, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt obligat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu nu e{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ti obligat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergi cu mine, am ripostat,
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 oarecum ofensat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ipotez{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Amintirea recentelor noastr
e controverse mi-a revenit
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n minte, cu Dimitri sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}innd c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} nu mai e capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 iubeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car prieteni nu vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi port {\f63 \u351\'3f}i singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am argumentat.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu e nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-si mai creeze probleme
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i altcineva. D{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mi cheile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n loc de asta, Dimitri mi-a
oferit una dintre privirile
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 acelea mhnite, prin care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} sunt de-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dreptul ridicol{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
eram la orele noastre din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Academia Sf. Vladimir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, eu ch
iar n-am cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi creez mai multe
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 probleme dect am deja. Cineva trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor pentru evad
area ta. Iar eu sunt cea mai
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 potrivit{\f63 \u259\'3f} variant{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Nu eram chiar att de convins
{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea dreptate. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}
r progrese n convingerea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri
nu reprezenta un pericol, escapada
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 asta ar fi stricat totul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Du-te, m-a n
demnat Eddie, lundu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 surprindere cu o mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
{\f63 \u351\'3f}are rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u354\'3f}inem leg{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tura prin
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mi-am dat
seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} purtam o b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lie dinainte
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri551 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pierdut{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ei to{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i. ntr- adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, era vremea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 L-am mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}at la rndul meu pe Mihail,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2757 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 murmurndu-i la ureche.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc mult p
entru ajutor. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 jur, o s-o g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim. O s-o g{\f63 \u259\
'3f}sim pe Sonya.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
doar cu zmbetul acela trist al lui, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 vorbe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Cu Adrian, desp{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}irea era cea mai grea. mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui i venea
greu, orict de relaxat i-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut zmbetul. N-avea cum s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} se bucure c{\f63 \u259\'3f} plecam cu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u
351\'3f}area noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} a durat ceva mai mult dect
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 celelalte, iar el mi-a d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutare u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, rapid
{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe buze. Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi venea s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} plng, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 curajos fusese el ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}-sear{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Mi-ar fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ve
ni
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cu mine, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} era mai n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1775 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian, {\f63
\u355\'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc pentru...
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 M-a oprit, ridicnd mna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu ne lu{\f63 \
u259\'3f}m adio, micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dhampir. Ne mai vedem
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4334 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 n vis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2041 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu te mbe{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prea tare.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut cu ochiul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1415 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru tine,
poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}
in.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Un bubuit puternic ne-a ntrerupt d
iscu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 un fulger luminnd n dreapta mea. Lumea

din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1072 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 apropierea celorlalte garaje a nc
eput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a, ai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut? m-a ntrebat Abe, destul de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri157 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit de sine.
O poart{\f63 \u259\'3f} nou{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sincronizare perfect{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb280\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 L-am mbr{\f63 \u259\'3
f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}at {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe el, cam cu {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mirat v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-l c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu se desprinde imediat. Dimpotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mi-a zmbit... cu mndrie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, fata me
a, a zis. Doar optsprezece ani, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i deja
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 acuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de asasinat, de favorizarea i
nfractorului, plus un
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 bilan{\f63 \u355\'3f} de vampiri omor{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i mai substan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial dect ar putea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} viseze vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} majo
ritatea gardienilor... Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} pauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a reluat
: Nici nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu mai mndru
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 de-att.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2363 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am dat ochii peste cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1815 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}La revedere,
mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ule. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mersi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Nu mi-am mai b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu
t capul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ntreb ce voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}infractorul".
Abe nu era prost deloc. Din moment ce\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 i pusesem ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri despre o nchisoare n
care mai trziu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns prin efrac{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ie, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elesese cine se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aflase n spatele evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii lui Victor D
ashkov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, uite-a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a, m-am pomenit n ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gonind spre {\f63 \u8222\'3f}noua poart{\f63 \u259\'
3f}" a lui Abe. Regretam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putusem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi iau r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
-bun de la Lissa. Nu eram
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \

u355\'3f}ite cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat datorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'

3f}turii
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 noastre, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea nu putea s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} locul unei comunic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n fa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, merita, dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ferit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 primejdii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i absolvit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de orice implicare n evadarea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mea. Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a spe
ram.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ca de fiecare dat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, Dimitri conducea, ceea ce nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea total nedr
ept. Altceva fusese cnd i eram elev{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dar acum? Oare n-avea de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se dezl
ipeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 de volanul {\f63 \u25
9\'3f}la? Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 momentul potrivit pentru o astfel de discu{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ie... mai ales
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 deoarece nu aveam de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai r{\f63
\u259\'3f}mn mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 cu el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cteva persoane ie{\f63 \u351
\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} locul n care zidu
l
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fusese aruncat n aer, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre ele nu
se num{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreuna cu calitate oficial{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dimitri s
-a n{\f63 \u259\'3f}pustit prin
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 deschiz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-un mod
la fel de impresionant ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cel
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n care trecuse Eddie cu ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina prin poa
rta nchisorii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tarasov, numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Honda Civic nu se d
escurca la fel de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bine pe terenul accidentat, ierbos, pe ct reu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ise SUV-ul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n Alaska. Problema cu crearea propriei ie{\f63 \u351\'
3f}iri era c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea nu aveam la dispozi{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un drum veritabil.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva era pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste
puterile lui Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce o {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tergem cu un Civic? am ntrebat. Nu e
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 prea grozav{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru traseele accident
ate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitrii nu m-a privit, cont
inund s{\f63 \u259\'3f} manevreze pe

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 terenul acela denivelat spre o zon{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma

i bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 condus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} e printre cele mai obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuite ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini
de pe\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aici, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu atrage
aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Iar aceasta ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 singura bucat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de drum accidentat. De
ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ajungem
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 la o autostrad{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternem o distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct mai mare cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 putin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Curte... pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} abandon{\
f63 \u259\'3f}m ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina,
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb240\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri2899 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S-o aba
ndon{\f63 \u259\'3f}m...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat balt{\f63
\u259\'3f} subiectul, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m la un dr
um de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt, care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea cea mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neted{\f63 \u259\'3f} suprafa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de pe glob dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} debutul acela cu
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 hurduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uite ce e,
i-am zis n schimb, vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vorbit serios: nu trebuie neap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} vii cu mine. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunt
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, pentru ajutor. Z{\f63
\u259\'3f}u. Dar nu te-ar avantaja
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 deloc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pierzi tim
pul cu mine. Or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vneze mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ceva dect pe tine. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i iei t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lp{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, p
o{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i duci
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a undeva, printre oameni, unde s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai fii tratat ca
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 un cobai. Poate chiar ai reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f} te strecori iar la Curte.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tasha s-ar bat
e pentru tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri nu mi-a r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}spuns mult timp. Iar asta m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nnebunea. Nu eram genul care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} suporte
prea u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nc{\f63 \
u259\'3f}nesc, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} umplu

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 golul. n plus, cu ct st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team mai mult a

{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, cu att mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tare con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tientizam faptul c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} eram singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, singuri de-a binelea, cu adev{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, pentru prima
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cnd redevenise dhampir. M{\f63
\u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ca o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 proast{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n c
iuda primejdiilor care nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} puteau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne pndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}... n fine
, eram nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} subjugat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de el. Era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceva att de puternic n atitudinea lui... Chiar cnd m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nfuria, tot mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea atr{\f63 \u259
\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} adrenalina care
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} inunda mi z{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63
\u259\'3f}cea creierul.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Oricum ar fi fost, er
am cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu doar de aspectul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 lui fizic... cu toate c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i acesta era, categoric,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nnebunitor. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul, chipul, apropierea
lui fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mirosul... le resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam pe toate {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i-mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau sngele s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 clocoteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitr
i cel din interior {\f63 \u8212\'3f} acel Dimitri
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care tocmai condusese o mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} armat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} n desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urarea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 unei evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri {\f63 \u8212\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} captiva la fel de mult. Mi-a trebuit
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceva timp pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau
seama de ce mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea att
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de putemic: pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l aveam din nou
n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ochilor pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vechiul Dimitri, pe cel care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} temea
m c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pentru totdeauna. Nu era a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Se ntors
ese.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1561 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un trziu, Dimitri mi-a r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spuns:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu te las singur
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Niciunul dintre argumentele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 logicii de tip Rose n-o s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iar dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ncerci s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scapi de mine, te g{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sesc, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gata.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiam c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi n stare, iar asta f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ca

\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f6

3 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai derutant{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri823 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar pentru ce?
Eu nu vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii cu mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355
\'3f}eam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} persist{\f63 \u259\'3f} o anume atrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ie fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de el, e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, dar asta n
u schimba faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}nise,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 rupnd rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia dintre noi. El fusese cel
care m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 respinsese, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fusesem nevoit{\f63 \u
259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi o{\f63 \u355\'3f}elesc inima, cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 att mai mult dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} voiam s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-mi refac via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian. Acum, momentul n care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am un
renume
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nep{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} duc o via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} normal{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rea att de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 departe; totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
vea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple, voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pot ntoarce la Adrian cu bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele desch
ise.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb100\margr280\margl280
\cols2\colno1\colw286\colsr3\colno2\colw5110
\plain\sl-290\fs29\par\pard\pard\sl-265 \li6 \ri0 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 eu.
\par
\column
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li0 \ri9 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu conteaz{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ce vrei tu, mi-a replicat. Nici ce vreau
\plain\par
\sl-276\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li0 \ri4291 \expndtw-21 \i \f20 \fs24 Au!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li0 \ri2109 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa mi-a ceru
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li0 \ri1173 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, dar n-am n
evoie de cineva care...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li0 \ri16 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}i
, a continuat, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ia n seam{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreruperea,
\par
\sect\sectd\sbknone\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eu cred n c
eea ce i-am spus. I-am jurat c-o s-o slujesc
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s-o ajut cte zile voi avea, cu or
ice mi-ar cere. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ea vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fiu bodyg
uard, atunci asta o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 precizat, aruncndu-mi o privire amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f

}{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i n-ai

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scapi de mine prea curnd.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri3544 \expndt
w-26 \b \f20 \fs40 CINCI
\plain\par
\sl-289\fs29\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw-5 \b
\f20 \fs24 FAPTUL C{\f63 \u258\'3f} VOIAM S{\f63 \u258\'3f} SCAP DE DIMITRI\b0
nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea numai de trec
utul nostru amoros plin de obstacole.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Fusesem sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd afirmasem c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nu vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 necazuri din cauza mea. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardieni
i ar fi dat de mine,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 soarta nu mi-ar fi fost cu mult diferit{\f63 \u259\'3
f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cea care
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 deja m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta. Dimit
ri, n schimb? Tocmai ncepuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\
'3f}run{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spre momentul n care avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acceptat. Sigur, progresele acestea erau acum distru
se n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u
259\'3f} tot mai avea o {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} la o via{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nu voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}iasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Curte, sau printre oameni, putea s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n Siberia,
la familia lui. Acolo, pe t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nim{\f63 \u259\'3f}nui, era greu de g{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sit. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ntr-o comunitate att de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 unit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum era aceea, toat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} lumea s-ar fi dat peste cap s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cazul n care ar fi ncercat m{\
f63 \u259\'3f}car cineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 caute. R{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnerea cu mine era, categoric,
cea mai
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 proast{\f63 \u259\'3f} op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune. Treb
uia neap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l conving.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiu la ce te gnde{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, mi-a zis Dimitri, cam la vreo
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 or{\f63 \u259\'3f} da cnd ne ncepuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
drumul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu prea vorbiser{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m ntre noi, pierdu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i amndoi n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 propriile gnduri. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} alte cteva drumur
i de {\f63 \u355\'3f}ar{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n sfr{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem la o autostrad{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 interstatal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne ndre

ptam n mare vitez{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre... n fine,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 habar n-aveam spre ce. Priveam afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pe geam, evalund
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n minte toate dezastrele din jurul meu {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i cum ai fi putut
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le dreg de una singur{\f63 \u259\'
3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri937 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hm? am tres{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rit, ntorcnd capul spre el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} pe buze i-ar fi ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut un zmbet dintre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cele mai imperceptibile, ceea ce mi
se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea absurd, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeau c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru el,
era probabil cea mai rea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de cnd fusese readus la normal
din starea de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ad{\f63
\u259\'3f}ugat. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i faci planuri cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scapi de mine, probabil pentru cnd o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne oprim,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la o benzi
n{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie. Te gnde{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti c{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate o s{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ai atunci o {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o
rupi la fug{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tmpenia era c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} gndurile mele se nvrtiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n mare
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam prin in zon
a aceea. Vechiul Dimitri era un
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bun tovar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f
63 \u351\'3f} de drum, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu eram prea sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea pl{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cere s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu revenit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i vechea capacitate de a\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mi ghici gndurile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta nu-i d
ect o pierdere de timp, am zis,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cuprinznd ntr-un gest toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ina.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da? Ai altc
eva mai bun de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fugi de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cei care vor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te {\f63 \u355\'3f}in

{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncuiat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd te execut{\f63 \u259

\'3f}? Te
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rog, nu ncepe s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi repe{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i ct de periculos e pentru
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1974 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 I-am aruncat o privire furioas
{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e vorba numai
despre tine. Fuga n-ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fie singura mea grij{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. Ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} contribui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dezvinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}irea mea, nu
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ascund n cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce loc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i izolat unde
o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duci tu, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsurile sunt la Curte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iar tu ai o
mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de prieteni la Curte care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ocupe de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i l
or le-ar fi mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiindu-te la
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}post.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar ceea c
e vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu eu este: de ce nu mi-a zis
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nimeni nimic despre asta... sau, mai degrab{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, de ce nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi-a zis Lissa? De ce mi-a ascuns totul? Nu crede{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1234 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 fi fost mai de folos dac-a{\f63
\u351\'3f} fi fost preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lupta era
problema noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu a ta, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Ne-am temut c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac-o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii, ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scapi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 vreun indiciu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se preg{\f63 \u259\'
3f}te{\f63 \u351\'3f}te ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1691 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu n-a{\
f63 \u351\'3f} fi spus sub nicio form{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu,
nu n mod inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat. Dar, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} erai ncordat{\f63 \u
259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sau ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}toare... n fine, paznicii t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 interpreteze astfel de st{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun, acum,

c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am plecat, po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spui {\f6

3 \u351\'3f}i ncotro
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mergem? Am avut dreptate? E vorba despre vreun loc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3660 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 izolat, tmpit?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri672 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Niciun r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
L-am privit, mijindu-mi ochii.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ur{\f63 \u259\'3f}sc s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nu fiu la curent.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul acela minuscul de pe buze
le lui se mai l{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4294 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 un pic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi350 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, a
m eu o teorie personal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care cu ct
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine, cu att
e probabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ndemne
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 curiozitatea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi pe
lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi360 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o prosti
e, am protestat, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, nu era
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 deloc o teorie lipsit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de logic{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Am oftat adnc. Cnd
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 naiba au luat-o lucrurile razna n halul {\f63 \u259\'3
f}sta? am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 continuat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} perorez. De cnd a{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i nceput voi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 creierele ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunii? Eu sunt cea care
n{\f63 \u259\'3f}scoce{\f63 \u351\'3f}te planuri
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cretine, imposibile. Eu trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu
generalul aici.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Acum, de-abia dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt locotenent.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A dat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva, dar imediat a ncremenit,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cteva secunde, n
timp ce pe chip i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area aceea precaut{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i agresiv{
\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gardianului. L-am auzit njurnd pe ruse{\f63 \u351\'3f}
te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1810 \fi60 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care-i
problema? am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Atitudinea lui era molipsito
are, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} uit
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 imediat de planurile mele nebune{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n lumina sporadic{\f63
\u259\'3f} a farurilor celor care circulau n

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt sens, i-am
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut privirea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}getnd spre oglinda
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 retrovizoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Avem o coa
d{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a zis. N-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi crezut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntmple att de curnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3446 \fi60 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti sigur?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Se ntunecase, iar num{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rul vehiculelor de pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 autostrad{\f63 \u259\'3f} sporise. Nu-mi d{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}deam seama cum ar putea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f} descopere o ma{\f63 \u351\'3
f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} suspect{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintre att de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 multe, dar, n fine... era vorba despre Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a mai
njurat o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o manevr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 brusc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, obligndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prind de bordul ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inii, {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat-o scurt cu dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
benzi mai ncolo, trecnd la limit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dubi{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} al c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei {\f63 \u351\'3f}ofer {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a exprima
t
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nemul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umirea printr-o salv{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de claxoane. Chiar acolo era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire de pe autostrad{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se strecoare
pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ating{\f63 \u259\'3f} balustrada. Am auzit o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} explozie de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 claxoane {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cnd am privit napoi, am z{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rit farurile unui
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 automobil care efectuase o manevr{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
fel de nebuneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne urma pe drumul derivat\b .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Curtea pro
babil c-a mpr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiat vestea foarte repede,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a comentat Dimitri. Au pus oameni care s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} supravegheze
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 interstatalele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri130 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate c-ar fi
trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} alegem drumuri l{\f63 \u259\'3f}turalnice.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am fi mers prea ncet, mi-a r{\f63 \u
259\'3f}spuns, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cap. N-ar mai fi lost\b o\b0 prob
lem{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ne-am fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 schimbat ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina, dar ne-au g{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sit prea devreme. Trebuie

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lu{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}m aici alta. E cel mai mare ora{\f63 \u351\'3f} peste care o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2020 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pn{\f63 \u259\
'3f} la grani{\f63 \u355\'3f}a cu Maryland.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Un panou ne-a anun{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}at c{\f63 \u259\'3f} intram n localitatea
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Harrisburg, din statul Pennsylvania, {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i Dimitri a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 manevrat ndemnatic pe o strad{\f63 \u259\'3f} aglomera
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}, plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 activit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i comerciale.
Vedeam cum coada noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 imit{\f63 \u259\'3f} absolut toate mi{\f63 \u351\'3
f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i care ar fi, mai precis, planul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
acem rost
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 de alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u
259\'3f}? l-am ntrebat, precaut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ascult{\f63
\u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bine, mi-a zis, ignorndu-mi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntrebarea. E foarte,\i foa\b rte\b0\i0 important s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} faci exact ce-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 spun. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} improviza{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ii. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} comentarii. n ma{\f63 \u351\
'3f}ina aia
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sunt gardieni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ntre timp, i-au alar
mat pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardienii
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de pe-aici... poate chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i poli{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ia uman{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ne-ar prinde poli{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, nu s-ar crea ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3979 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 probleme?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S-ar descur
ca Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ar avea grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ajungem napoi la moroi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii.
Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 implice {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei. Era vorba despre o soci
etate secret{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 oamenilor care contribuia la protejarea intereselor
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 moroilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ale dhampirilor, ferindune de ochii societ{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 umane. Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3

f}tii n-o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau din bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate. Ei

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ne considerau creaturi malefice {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne
fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, dorindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 principal s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se asigure c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mneam la periferia
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 societ{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lor. Un {\f
63 \u8222\'3f}criminal" evadat ca mine reprezenta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu certitudine o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} n care ei {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ajute pe moroi.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Vocea lui Dimitri era
dur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i poruncitoare cnd mi s-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adresat din nou, de{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i ochii nu-i erau ndrepta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spre mine.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Erau ocupa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu cercetatrea marginilo
r drumului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi396 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Indiferent
ce p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere ai avea despre alegerile pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 care le-au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
pentru tine, indiferent ct de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nemul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai fi de s
itua{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sunt convins
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii {\f63 \u8212\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} nu te-am dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}gii niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci cnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile ne-au fost n primejdie. n trecu
t, ai avut ncredere
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n mine. Ai ncredere {\f63 \u351\'3f}i acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i atrag aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceea ce-mi spu
nea nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 era cu totul adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. El chiar m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}gise. Atunci
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd fusese dobort de strigoi, cnd ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 perfect, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}gise
, destr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mndu-mi imaginea aceea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imposibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, divin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe
care o avusesem despre el. n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 schimb, n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ii mele... Nu, aici mereu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
la ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}post. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cnd era strigoi, niciodat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} n\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am fost pe de-a-ntregul sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63
\u259\'3f} ar fi fost n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ucid{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n noaptea n care fusese atacat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} Academia, atunci
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cnd fusese el transformat, mi ceruse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-l ascult f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pun ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Asta nsemnase s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-l las pe el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lupte cu

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 strigoii; {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, l

ascultasem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi345 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, am ros
tit, lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Fac orice mi-ai spune. ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu uita s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi mai vorbe{\f63 \u351\
'3f}ti de sus. Acum nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 sunt elev{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Acum {\f63 \u355\'3f}i su
nt egal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a smuls o
chii de pe marginile drumului doar ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} surprins
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1566 \fi344 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu mereu
mi-ai fost egal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Roza.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3
f}area numelui rusesc de alint, de afec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 m-a mpiedicat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i m
ai dau vreo replic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 conta. n doar cteva clipe, era din nou concentrat la
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 maximum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri955 \fi60 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uite. Ve
zi colo firma cinematografului?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am privit cu aten{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ie de-a lungul str{\f63 \u259\'3f}zii. Erau attea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 restaurante {\f63 \u351\'3f}i magazine, nct firmele lor
transformau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noaptea ntr-o cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{
\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitoare. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut la ce se referea. CINEMATOGRAFUL
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 WESTLAND.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3447 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2427 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acolo o s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ne ntlnim.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ce, ne desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}eam? Mi-o dorisem, dar nu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 primejdiei, o desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire brusc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea o idee
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 groaznic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, i pr
omisesem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} comentez, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ascultat mai departe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu sunt acolo ntr-o jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate de or{\f63 \u259\'3f}, suni

la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i pleci f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, m-a instruit Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntinzndu-mi o buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ic{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de hrtie scoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} din buzunarul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dusterului; pe ea era mzg{\f63 \u259\'3f}lit un num{\
f63 \u259\'3f}r de telefon, unul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 necunoscut pentru mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt
acolo ntr-o jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate de or{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 . Cuvintele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 erau att de {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocante, nct de data asta nu
m-am putut
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} protestez.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1895 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum adic{\f63
\u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti... au!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri luase un nou viraj brusc,
unul prin care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 trecuse pe ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}u {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i evitase milimetric mai multe ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Alte claxoane au r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat, ns{\f63 \u259
\'3f} mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}carea fusese prea
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nct coada noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} imita.. Iam
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe urm{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ritorii no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri vjind mai departe pe strada
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 principal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, apoi luminile de pozi{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie aprinzndu-se n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 timp ce c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utau un loc n care s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}runs n pa
rcarea unui mall. Era ticsit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am privit c
easul ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama ce or{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pentru oameni. Aproape opt seara. nceputul zilei pent
ru
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 moroi, or{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vrf pentru distrac{\f63
\u355\'3f}iile umane. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trecut pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva intr{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ri la mall, Dimitri a ales n
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} una, parcnd pe un loc rez
ervat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 persoanelor cu dizabilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i. A cobort dintr-o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care fluid{\f63 \u259\'3f}, eu urmn
du-l la fel de repede.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aici ne de
sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}im, m-a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, ndreptndu-se n

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pas alerg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor spre un rnd de u{\f63 \u

351\'3f}i. Te mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti repede, dar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu fugi dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ajungem n{\f63 \u259\'
3f}untru. Nu atragi aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Te
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amesteci n mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime. Cutreieri un pic pe
-acolo, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe oricare u{\f63 \u351\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n afara {\f63 \u259\'3f}steia. Mergi aproape de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 un grup de oameni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i te ndrep{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i spre cinematograf. Du\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 te! m-a ndemnat, n timp ce intram n mall.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum s-a
r fi temut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u
259\'3f}mn
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nemi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-a mpins u{
\f63 \u351\'3f}or spre o scar{\f63 \u259\'3f} rulant{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ce el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a luat t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lp{\
f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}a pe la parter . Ceva din mine {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn mpietri
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} n locul acela, ceva uluit de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 subita n{\f63 \u259\'3f}val{\f63 \u259\'3f} a oamenil
or, a luminii, a activit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Imediat, am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat deoparte acel ceva n
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ndreptat spre scara rulant{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Reflexele
rapide {\f63 \u351\'3f}i reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 instinctive f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau parte din preg{\f63
\u259\'3f}tirea mea. Mi le
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ascu{\f63 \u355\'3f}isem pe
timpul {\f63 \u351\'3f}colii, al c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}toriilor mele
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n cel
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2807 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 petrecut mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
u el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tot ce fusesem nv{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu privire la cum po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 scapi de cineva mi-a revenit imediat n minte. Ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mi doream mai mult dect orice s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac e
ra s{\f63 \u259\'3f} privesc n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 jur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\
'3f}d dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam vreun urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ritor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f
} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 categoric a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi atras aten{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ia. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi imaginez c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n cel mai bun caz, aveam vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} min
ute avans fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ritori. Ei erau obliga{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina ca s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajuni la mall, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s{\f63 \u259\

'3f} se roteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cerc ca s-o

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 descopere pe a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, presupunnd c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ghiceau c-am fi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 intrat n mall. Nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} existau destu
i moroi n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Harrisburg nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
i convoca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prea mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gardieni ntr-un timp att de scurt. Iar cei existen{\f63
\u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 foarte probabil, fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevoi{\f63
\u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se despart{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei, u
nii
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} caute prin mall, iar al{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} intr{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rile. Cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta avea prea multe intr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri nct s{\f63
\u259\'3f} le poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri296 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 toate; {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansele mel
e de salvare erau la mna norocului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am mers ct puteam de repede
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ies n eviden{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 strecurndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre cupluri, familii
cu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rucioare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adolescen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe ch
icotit. Pe cei din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} i invidiam.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile lor p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau att
de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oare n compara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu a mea!
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am mai trecut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuitele magazine din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 malluri, nregistrndu-le numele, dar nimic mai mult:
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ann Taylor, Abercrombie, Forever 21... n fa{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, vedeam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 centrul mallului, unde se ramificau mai multe culoare
.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Curnd trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac o alegere.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Trecnd pe lng{\f63 \u259
\'3f} un magazin cu accesorii, m-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 strecurat n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, p
ref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} examinez benti{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntre timp, priveam pe furi{\f63 \u351\'3f} afar{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, spre principala
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune a mallului. N-am observat ni
mic b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor la ochi.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nimeni nu se oprise din mers; nimeni nu intrase dup{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mine n magazin. Dincolo de raionul cu benti{\f63 \u355
\'3f}e era un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 co{\f63 \u351\'3f} cu solduri, plin cu obiecte care m
eritau clar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vndute la solduri. Unul dintre ele era o {\f63 \u351\'

3f}apc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 baseball pentru {\f63 \u8222\'3f}feti{\f63 \u355\'3f
}e", de un roz aprins, cu o stea din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri206 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}trasuri multicolo
re n partea din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era ngrozitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}rato, recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare gardienilor care nu\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mi luaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} bruma de m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
run{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f} avut{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mine n momentul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 arest{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nchipuiser
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, probabil, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi ajungea ca
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mituiesc pe cineva. Mi-am mai cump
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un elastic
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pentru p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, n tot acest timp fiind cu u
n ochi pe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 magazinului. nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec, mi-am prin
s ct am putut
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de mult p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r cu elasticul, dup{\f63 \u
259\'3f} care mi-am pus {\f63 \u351\'3f}apca. Era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ridicol s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} la deghiz{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul meu m{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea foarte u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de i
dentificat. Era {\f63 \u351\'3f}aten-nchis, aproape
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 negru, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n lipsa tunsori recente, mi a
trna pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatea spatelui. De fapt, cu p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rul meu, plus n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lui Dimitri, am fi fost un cuplu extrem de b{\f63 \u
259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor la ochi
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 pe-aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 M-am amestecat din nou print
re cei veni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i, curnd, am ajuns n centrul mallului.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nevrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t vreo urm
{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ezitare, luat-o la stnga,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spre Macy's. n timp ce mergeam, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim
{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam oarecum
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de {\f63 \u351\'3f}apc{\f63
\u259\'3f}, dorindu-mi ca m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi avut timp
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pentru alegerea uneia mai co
chete. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva minute,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd am descoperit un gardian, m-am b
ucurat pentru o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 astfel de alegere rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} una d
intre tarabele alea pe ro{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe care le
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntlne{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti mereu prin toate mallurilor, pr
ef{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-se

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 interesat de o hus{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru telefonul m

obil. L-am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 recunoscut mai nti dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} alur{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} modul n care
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 izbutea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se pretind{\f63 \u259\'3f}
interesat de o hus{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu imprimeu de
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 zebr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, scrutnd simultan mprejurimile. Pl
us c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dhampirii erau ntotdeauna capabili s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se disting{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre ei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 din din rndul oamenilor, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se prive
au ndeajuns de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aproape. Pentru majoritatea, rasele noastre p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}reau
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 identice, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-l recunosc pe unul de-al meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am avut grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu privesc direct spre el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it ochii trecnd pe lng{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mine. Nu-l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team, ceea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, probabil, nici el pe min
e. Mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 orienta dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o fotografie v{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f} o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i se
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta ca p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}deze imediat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}strndu-mi un
aer ct puteam de nep{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trecut pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el n pas de plimbare, aru
ncnd cte-o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 privire spre vitrinele care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajutau
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau cu ceafa spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 el, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} transmit vreun mesaj ostentativ cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe fug{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n tot acest timp, inima mi bubu
ia n piept.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii aveau dreptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} omoare pe loc. Era oare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 valabil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru centrul unui mall? N
u-mi doream s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 aflu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce am tr
ecut de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rucior, mi-am iu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it un pic
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii. Macy\f13 {\f63 \u900\'3f}\f20 s
probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea propria sa ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire, iar
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acum doar hazardul avea s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-mi arate dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem sau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu o alegere bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} v
enind ncoace. Am intrat n magazin,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 am cobort pe scara rulant{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\

'3f}i m-am ndreptat spre

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irea de la parter... trecnd pe lng{\f
63 \u259\'3f} o foarte dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 selec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de berete simpatice {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii din fetru moale. M\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am oprit lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ele, nu pentru c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi avut de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mbun{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}esc dotarea, ci d
eoarece popasul mi permitea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn imediat n spatele unui grup de fete
care se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ndrepta tot spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \
u259\'3f}sit magazinul mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ochii mi s-au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adaptat repede la schimbarea luminii. Era mult{\f63 \
u259\'3f} lume
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 prin preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n-am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit vreo
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are. Fetele mele s-au oprit la
brf{\f63 \u259\'3f}, oferindu-mi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ocazia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama pe unde sunt, f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 complet r{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cit{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. n dreapta mea, am descoperit strada
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aglomerat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe care veniser{\f63 \u
259\'3f}m, eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri, iar de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acolo, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aju
ng la cinematograf. R{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflnd
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am t{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}iat-o de-a curmezi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul prin parcare, atent{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mereu la ce era n jur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Cu ct m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dep{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rtam de mall, cu att mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aglomerat devenea spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul pentru parc
are. Stlpii pentru
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 iluminat l mpiedicau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie cufundat ntro bezn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 deplin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot aveai
o senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie stranie, pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternea tot
mai mult. Impulsul meu ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fusese s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndrept dire
ct spre strad{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trotuar pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la cinematograf. Era bine l
uminat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 destui oameni. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n clipa imediat urm{
\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era prea b{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor la ochi. Eram destul de
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} mult mai repede puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} traversez
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1733 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 parcarea ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aj

ung la cinematograf.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 S-a dovedit c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} avusesem dreptate... oarecum. Aveam
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a cinematograful, cnd mi-am dat se
ama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tot fusesem urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu departe naintea mea,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 umbra unui stlp de iluminat nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea c
um ar fi trebuit.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Era prea lat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cineva se ascunsese n s
patele stlpului.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreun gardi
an {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi ales printr-o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 coinciden{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} tocmai loc
ul acesta, n speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sau eu am putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecem pe-acolo. M
ai probabil era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi fost o iscoad{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o luase nainte pe
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ocolite, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
ambuscada.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am mers mai departe, str{\f
63 \u259\'3f}duindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ncetinesc
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vizibil, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}chii mi se ncordau pentru atac.\i Eu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cea care ataca prima.
Eu trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} conduc
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 ostilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A sosit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mo
mentul meu, cu cteva secunde nainte
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de cel n care b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pndarul meu va trece la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune. Am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit pe e
l, aruncndu-l {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s-a dovedit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 un dhampir pe care nu-l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team {\f6
3 \u8212\'3f} peste un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 automobil din apropiere. Da, l luasem prin surprinder
e.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Evident, surpriza a devenit reciproc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
clipa n care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 alarma automobilului s-a declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}at, zb
iernd prin
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noapte. Am tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit, ncercnd s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu-i iau n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipetele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i ard un pumn adversarului meu n partea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 stng{\f63 \u259\'3f} a maxilarului. Trebuia s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fac tot posibilul ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 imobilizez.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 For{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
pumnului meu i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut capul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se izbeasc{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 capota ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inii, ns{\
f63 \u259\'3f} a rezistat admirabil, mpingndu-se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prompt napoi, ntr-o sfor{\f63 \u355\'3f}are de a se eli
bera. Era mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 puternic, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} clatin pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, dar nu destul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pierd echilibrul. Lipsa de fo
r{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} o compensam
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prin vitez{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eschivam fiecare tentati
v{\f63 \u259\'3f} de lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 asta nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umea pr
ea tare. Tmpit{\f63 \u259\'3f} aia de alarm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 urla nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} destul de tare, {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i avea pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} atrag{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia altor gardieni, sau a autorit
{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor umane.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 M-am n{\f63 \u259\'3f}pusti
t ntr-o latur{\f63 \u259\'3f} a ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inii, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el s-a
repezit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3
f}reasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, oprindu-se de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte a ei.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram doi copii care se jucau dea prinselea. Ne
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 imitam unul altuia mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rile, ca n oglind{\f63 \u259\'3f}, el ncercnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} anticipeze n ce direc{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ie a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pornesc. n lumina
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aceea slab{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit
ceva surprinz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor ndesat la centura
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lui: o arm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-a nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}
at sngele n vine. Gardienii erau
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i pentru ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}area armelor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} rareori
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 purtau la ei a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Armele noastre
predilecte erau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele. n definitiv, t
reaba noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} omorm
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, iar armele de foc erau ineficiente mpotriva
lor.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Dar mpotriva mea? Mda. O arm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de foc iar fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 simplificat misiunea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam o senz
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar ezita s\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 o foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Alarma unei ma{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ini putea foarte bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cineva care s-a apropiat
prea mult, dar o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mpu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f
}? Asta clar ar fi atras dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} sine sosirea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 poli{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei. Tipul din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}a mea n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trag{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e dup{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} el...
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai ai
b{\f63 \u259\'3f} alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} variant{\f63 \u259\'3f}... Trebuia s{\f63
\u259\'3f} pun
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei ct mai
repede.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n cele din urm{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care spre botul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inii. El a ncerca
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cale, dar atunci l-am
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 luat prin surprindere, {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3
f}nind pe capot{\f63 \u259\'3f} (pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, hai s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fim serio{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, alarma nu putea s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} urle {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai tare de-att).
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea de secund{\f63 \u259\'3f}
c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am aruncat peste
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 el, trntindu-l ct era de lung pe caldarm. I-am aterizat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe burt{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am ap{\f
63 \u259\'3f}sat cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} greutatea, n timp ce-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuprindeam gtul cu minile. S-a zb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut, nc
ercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} arunce de pe el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Dar, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lipsa aerului a nvins. A ncetat s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} se mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}te,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3
f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire. Atunci, i-am dat drumul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, mi-a venit n minte evadarea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de la Curte, cnd folosisem aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i teh
nic{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpotriva lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Meredith. Am rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o z{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cnd ntins{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe jos {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i strnge
re de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Apoi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 am alungat-o. Meredith nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ise nimic. Meredith nici
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu era aici. Nimic din toate ast
ea n-avea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Important
era doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tipul fusese scos din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} eu trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dispar de-acolo. Imediat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai stau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} veneau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, am
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 zbughit-o de-a curmezi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul parc{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rii spre cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cinematografului. M-am oprit o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnd
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternusem ceva distan{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina care se
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}ic{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea n continuare, f
olosindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un alt
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 automobil, pentru acoperire. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se
vedea nimeni n

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 preajma tipului, dar mai ncolo, n partea din fa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii, aproape de mall p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ceva ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune. N-am
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d mai bine. Orice-ar fi fost, pentru mine
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2775 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie c
eva bun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} min
ute mai trziu, ajungeam la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cinematograf, cu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflarea t{\f63 \u
259\'3f}iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 team{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect de efort. Rezisten{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}a la alergare mi-o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}disem cu vrf {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ndesa
t, mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui Dimitri. Dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 unde\i era\i0 Dimitri? Cinefilii se tot nv{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}eau, unii
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aruncnd cte o privire ciudat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nf{\f63 \u
259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii mele r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ite,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce fie a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptau s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cumpere bilete, fie discutau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe tema filmului vizionat. n schimb, nici urm{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, pe nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Nu aveam ceas. Ct s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fi trecut de cnd ne
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259
\'3f}m? Sigur, nu o jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate de or{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am nceput
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} plimb n jurul cine
matografului, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ascuns{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime, c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd orice indiciu al prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lui Dimitri sau a altor urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ritori. Ni
mic. Minutele
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 treceau. Nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f},
am vrt mna n buzunar, atingnd
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ica de hrtie cu nu
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul de telefon. Pleac{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spusese el. Pleac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
sun{\f63 \u259\'3f} la num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul {\f63 \u259\'3f}la. Evident, nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aveam telefon mobil la mine, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa
de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 era cea mai m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt{\f63 \u259\'3f} di
ntre grijile mele...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3907 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Un automobil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} trotuar, n timp
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ce din altele se rev{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rsau pasagerii. Dimitri scosese capul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pe geamul din dreptul volanului, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
m fost ct pe-aci s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 le{\f63 \u351\'3f}in de-atta u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urare. E
i bine, n-a fost ct pe-aci. n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 realitate, n-am pierdut nirio clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn
{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} reped spre
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} arunc pe scaunul din dreapta. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-a nfipt talpa n ambreiaj {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne-am ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt
at
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri161 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 imediat de cinematograf, reintrnd
pe strada principal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 La nceput, n-am zis niciunul n
imic. El era att de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tensionat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu nervii ncorda{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i, nct aveai impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cea mai mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} provocare ar putea face
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plesneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Conducea ct de repede se putea f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} atrag{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia poli{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u
351\'3f}tilor de la circula{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, cu ochii tot timpul pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 oglinda retrovizoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi379 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E cineva n sp
atele nostru? l-am ntrebat n cele
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp ce intra din nou pe a
utostrad{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri11 \fi360 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pare s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fie. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le ia ceva vreme pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i dau
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 seama n ce ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt
em.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Atunci cnd m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
urcasem nu acordasem prea mare
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuntului, ns
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne aflam ntr-o Honda Accord:
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 un alt automobil des ntlnit. Am mai observat {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 era cheie n contact.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri13 \fi357 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai pornit
ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina asta legnd firele? l-am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri935 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am reform
ulat: Ai furat ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina asta?
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi345 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai ni{\f63
\u351\'3f}te principii morale interesante, a remarcat el.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f} evadezi dintr-o nchisoare nu nseamn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nimic. Dar ia
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fure cineva o ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i te sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ultragiat{\f63 \u259
\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi351 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai degrab{
\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt mirat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect ultragiat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-am z
is,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe sp{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tarul scaunului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i oftnd. Mi-a fost
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 team{\f63 \u259\'3f}... n fine, pentru o clip{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, ct am stat acolo, m-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 temut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai vii. C{\f63 \u259\'3f
} te-au prins, sau mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu eu ce.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \fi350 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Cea ma
i mare parte a timpului mi-am pierdut\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 o furi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd o ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} potrivit{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1695 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Au urmat cteva minute de t
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi381 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu mai ntrebat ce mi s-a ntmplat, i-am atras
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2456 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, un pic c
am {\f63 \u355\'3f}fnoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li350 \ri465 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am nevoie. E
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti aici. Asta-i tot ce conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M-am b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut cu unul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li350 \ri1552 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi dau seama.
Ai mneca rupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am cobort ochii. Mda, era
rupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. mi pierdusem
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}apca n goana mea ne
buneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mare pagub{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1039 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Nu vrei s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii nimic despre nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierare?
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a luat ochii de la drumul din f
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi414 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}tiu deja. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-ai dobort adversarul. Ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri341 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 repede, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ai f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cut-o bine. Pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-e valoa
rea.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 I-am cnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit
cuvintele pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} rostite
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o doar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe un ton pur profesional.
.. dar, cu toate
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 astea, afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui mi-a adus un mic
zmbet pe buze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foarte bine
. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-acum, domnule general? Nu crezi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} verifice r
apoartele cu ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini furate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2267 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 afle num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul de nm
atriculare?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foarte pro
babil. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} av
em
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri500 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma{\f63 \u351
\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i una despre care ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} nu aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} habar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3241 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 M-am ncruntat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2009 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe asta de un
de o mai sco{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1081 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ne ntlnim cu ci
neva peste cteva ore.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fir-ar s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} fie.\i Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u\i0 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ur{\f63 \u259\'3f}sc
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu ultima care le afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4156 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pe toate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Peste cteva
ore" ne g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seam n localitatea Roanoke,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din statul Virginia. Cea mai mare parte a drumului
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 decursese f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} incident
e, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n punctul acesta. Dar,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul s-a ivi
t n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri privea cu aten{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie indicatoarele care semnalizau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irile de pe auto
strad{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l-a descoperit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe cel c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat. Ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ind d
e pe interstatal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a continuat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 verifice dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam vreo coad{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n-a z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit niciuna. Am

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ajuns pe o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} strad{\f63 \u259\'3f}

mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}unnd de activit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i comerciale,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el s-a ndreptat spre un McDonald's
care ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea clar n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 eviden{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintre celela
lte firme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} presupun cumva, am zis, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta e locul pe
ntru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3594 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 pauzade mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u25
8\'3f}sta e locul, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, n care ne schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 A ocolit parcarea restauran
tului, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd cu privirea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceva despre care la nceput nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce
poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie. Am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 descoperit-o cu o frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune de secund{
\f63 \u259\'3f} naintea lui. n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul cel mai ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat
al parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii, o femeie st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rezemat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un SUV cafeniu, cu spatele
spre noi. Nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vedeam mare lucru din ea, n afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de f
aptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} purta o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bluz{\f63 \u259\'3f} de culoare nchis{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea un p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r blond, ciufulit,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care-i ajungea pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproape de umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a tras pe locul de
lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina ei, iar eu am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cobort dintr-a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} din clipa n care a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}lcat el
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe frn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am recunoscut-o nainte s{\f63
\u259\'3f} se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3669 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sydney?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Numele a sunat ca o ntrebare, de{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4631 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ntors cap
ul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit chipul familiar {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 chip omenesc {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cu ochii c{\f63 \u259
\'3f}prui care puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb80\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chihlimbarii n b{\f63 \u259\'3
f}taia soarelui, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu un tatuaj auriu,

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3599 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ters, pe obraz.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi381 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Salut, Ros
e, mi-a zis, cu un zmbet melancolic
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 jucndu-i pe buze. Mi-a ntins apoi o pung{\f63 \u259\'3f
} de la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 McDonald's. M-am gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\
'3f}i-e foame.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri4133 \expndt
w-34 \b \f20 \fs40 {\f63 \u350\'3f}ASE
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw2 \b \f20
\fs24 PE BUNE, DAC{\f63 \u258\'3f} STAI S{\f63 \u258\'3f} TE G{\f63 \u258\'3f}N
DE{\f63 \u350\'3f}TI,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Sydney
nu era cu mult mai ciudat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect cel
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate dinntre
lucrurile care mi se ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} mie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n mod regulat. Sydney f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea parte din o
rganiza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tilor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o cun
oscusem n Rusia, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncercam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l omor pe Dimitri. Era de-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i detesta
faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese repartizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 acolo, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n mod sigur, eu i fu
sesem
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare pentru ajutor. Dup{\f63
\u259\'3f} cum precizase
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri ceva mai devreme, Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii
i-ar fi ajutat pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moroi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} captureze. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 judecnd dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncordarea emanat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} n ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}, att
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dinspre ea, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dinspre Dimitri, mi de
venea evident
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajuta n
evadarea aceasta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu mari eforturi, mi-am l{\f
63 \u259\'3f}sat ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile deoparte
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pentru moment. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram fugari, nc{\f63
\u259\'3f} eram, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, urm{\
f63 \u259\'3f}ri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina lui Sydney era o Honda
CR-V
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nou-nou{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, cu num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de nmatriculare din Louisiana {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 un ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}ibild al unei firme de nchirieri

.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce mama nai
bii? m-am mirat. Evadarea asta
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri829 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cutez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare este c
umva sponsorizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Honda?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Vaynd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu pr
imesc r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, am trecut la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1066 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea ntrebar
e, n ordinea importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2206 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mergem n New O
rleans?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Acolo era noul post al lui Sydney
. Priveli{\f63 \u351\'3f}tile erau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ultimul lucru la care-mi st{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tea mintea ntr-un astfel de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 moment, dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot era s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fugi, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fugi ntr-un
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 loc frumos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, mi-a r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea, dnd n mar{\f63 \u351\'3f}arier. Mergem n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Virginia de Vest.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am aruncat o privire t{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui Dimitri, care se
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezase pe bancheta din spate, spernd c
a el s-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2531 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 contrazic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-a c
ontrazis-o,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Presupun c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, prin {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Virginia de Vest", vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
te
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 referi de fapt la {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Hawaii", am zis. S
au alt loc la fel de
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sincer{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi mai bine s{\f63
\u259\'3f} evi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri759 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 atrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile deocamd
at{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dispozitivul GPS al ma{\f63
\u351\'3f}inii a ndrumat-o spre
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul el viraj, care ne conducea na
poi spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 interstatala 81. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a terminat ma
nevra, s-a ntors
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2611 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 spre mine, u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or nc
runtat{\f63 \u259\'3f}:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Virginia de Vest
e, n realitate, destul
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 de dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am amintit c{\f63
\u259\'3f} Sydney era din Utah {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am gndit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, probabil, nu {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tia nici ea prea bine. Din moment ce
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}asem de mult timp la orice posi
bilitate de a de{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 un ct de mic control n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aceast{\f63
\u259\'3f} poveste cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 evadarea, am trecut la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea seri
e de ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 evidente.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2893 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu de ce ne a
ju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri150 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am avut senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sydney se strmb{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ntuneric.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3113 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu de ce crez
i?
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2850 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns o
ftnd:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar ncep s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} New Orleans merita
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3711 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taia de cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Aflasem de curnd c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} Abe {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cu acea inexplicabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 influen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie lu
ng{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a lui {\f63 \u8212\'3f} fusese r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunz{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tor
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pentru mutarea ei din Rusia. Cum de reu{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ise, z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam. n schimb, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sydney i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese datoare, o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 datorie de care el se tot folosea pentru ob{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}inerea de
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 favoruri. Uneori, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebam dac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu cumva
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegerea dintre ei nu se referea doar
la simplul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 transfer; adic{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate c{\f63 \u259\'3

f} el mai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altceva, despre

\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 care niciunul nu-mi spusese. Oricum, am dat s-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}truluiesc din nou {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} te a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tep{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 orice dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nchei pactul cu diavolul, d
ar imediat m-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zgndit. Cu o ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f} ga
{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gardieni pe urmele
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mele probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era o idee prea in
teligent{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tachinez o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ajuta. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am pus o cu
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 totul alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebare.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK. A
tunci, pentru ce mergem n Virginia de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4391 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 Vest?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sydney a deschis gura s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitr
i a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 oprit-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3680 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu nc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri152 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 M-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucit nc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre el, privindu-l furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M-am s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}turat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste cap de astea! Suntem
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 fugi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ase ore deja, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu tot nu cunosc toate
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuntele. n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne {\f63 \u355\'3f}inem departe de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 gardieni, dar chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergem n Virgin
ia de Vest? Ce, o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne instal{\f63 \u259\'3f}m baza op
era{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional{\f63 \u259\'3f} n nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce caban{\f63 \
u259\'3f}?
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cum ar fi, pe versantul unui munte, undeva unde nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3373 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} canalizar
e?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sydney mi-a adresat oftatul
ei exasperat, marc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nregistrat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu, de fapt
, ai m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car cele mai vagi cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2771 \expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 despre Virginia de Vest?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri se coalizau ca s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
n ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sigur, n cazul lui Sydn
ey, reticen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} provin{\f63 \u259\'3f} din n
enum{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate motive. Putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cauza ordinelor lui Abe. Sau poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
doar n-avea chef
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mi
ne. Din moment ce Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii, n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 majoritatea lor, i considerau pe dhampiri {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i pe vampiri
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ca fiind creaturi ale iadului, nu obi{\f63 \u351\'3f
}nuiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne arate prea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} prietenie. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i petrecuse ceva timp cu mine
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n Siberia ii mai schimbase un pic p{\f63 \u259\'3f}re
rile. Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 speram. Uneori, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, instinctul mi spune
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea, n
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 primul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-n p
rimul rnd, nu era o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} chiar att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4066 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 sociabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a fost nscenat totul, da? am ntrebat-o.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n realitate n-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut nimic. Ei zic c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu am omort-o
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 pe regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}tiu, m-a ntrerupt Sydney. Am auzit tot. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu poves
tea. Voi doi sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n vrful listei
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 noastre cu persoanele cele mai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ado
pte un ton profesional, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f} n intregime
stinghereala. Aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri i provoca n mai mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63
\u259\'3f} dect mine
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, ceea ce era de n{\f63 \u355\
'3f}eles, din moment ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe unii
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dintre ai no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f} agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1942 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am f{\f63 \

u259\'3f}cut-o eu, am insistat.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri560 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Cumva, mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ea important ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Sydney n-a dat semne c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} mi-ar lua n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2319 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. n schim
b, mi-a zis:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar fi cazu
l s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nnci. Se r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ce{\f63 \u351\'3f}
te. Mai avem ceva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai mult de trei ore de drum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n-o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ne oprim dect
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 pentru benzin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am recunoscut nota decisiv{\
f63 \u259\'3f} din vocea ei, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 logica. Nu voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai discut{\f63 \u
259\'3f}m despre asta. n pung{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} por{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii uria{\f63 \u351\'3f}e de cartofi pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ji{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i trei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cheeseburgeri. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate aparen{\f63
\u355\'3f}ele, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 destul de bine. Mi-am adunat toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}tarea de care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eram capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} numi umplu gura ntr-o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cartofi. n schimb, i-am oferit un cheeseburger lui
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri593 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vrei {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i tu unul? Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i men{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ii puterile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'
3f}it cteva secunde pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ia. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}re
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} oarecum ui
mit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a trecut prin minte c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mncatul nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsemna o noutate pentru el,
dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} acele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cteva luni. Strigoii se hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}neau numai c
u snge. I-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntins {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva cartofi p
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ji{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m-am ntors la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 loc, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devorez restul. Nu m-am mai s
inchisit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ofer {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lui Sydney. Lipsa ei de apetit era notorie {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i, n plus, mi\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am nchipuit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi mncat deja, dac-ar
fi vrut, ct timp

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ne-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta e pentru tine, mi-a zis Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nmnndu-mi un mic rucsac.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 L-am deschis {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru vreo cteva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 schimburi de haine, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceva obiecte
de baz{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 toalet{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am mai verificat o dat{\f63
\u259\'3f} totul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Pantaloni scur{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i, bluze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o rochie. Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} bat n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Am nevoie de blugi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Rochia era dr{\f63 \u259\'3f
}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, trebuia s-o recunosc: una pentru
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 plaja, lung{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vaporo
as{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu un imprimeu gen acuarel{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n alb, negru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gri. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
total nepractic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Halal recun
o{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a zis Sydney. S-a ntmplat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cam repede. Doar att am putut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} adun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aruncnd o privire n spate, l-am
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe Dimitri
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i propriul ru
csac. Con{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea, la fel ca la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mine, ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}mintele plus...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un duster? m
-am mirat, urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rindu-l cum scoate
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 de-acolo hain{\f63 \u259\'3f} lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}
din piele.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cum de nc{\f63 \u259\'3
f}puse acolo, era ceva care sfida legile
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4325 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 fizicii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lui ai reu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i faci rost de un duster, dar mie n-ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1574 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi g{\f
63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti o pereche de blugi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri609 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Sydney n-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru
t preocupat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea mea.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Abe mi-a zis c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} e ceva esen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial. Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} totul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri656 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 merge a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum treb
uie, n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ba{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri189 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea de
loc cum sun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i Ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}postit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i izolat{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dat fiiind faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} aveam, probabil, cei mai t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tovar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i de drum din lume, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu pot s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept la vreo conversa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ie adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarele trei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ore. Presupuneam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era mai bine a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 posibilitatea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d c
e mai e cu Lissa. Aveam nervii prea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ncorda{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din cauza evad{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rii mele ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi petrec prea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mult timp n mintea ei, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} n-am ncercat dect o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f} evaluare a vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ii de la Curte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Exact a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
prev{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse Dimitri, gardienii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 restabiliser{\f63 \u259\'3f} destul de repede ordinea
. Curtea era sub
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 izolare, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i oricine avea o ct de mic{\
f63 \u259\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mine
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 era supus unor interogatorii extensive. Chestia era
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aveau alibiuri. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i i v{\f63 \u259\'3f
}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe alia{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mei la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nmormntare... sau, n cazul lui Abe,\i aveau impresia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} fete juraser{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
useser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Adrian, ceea ce mi imaginam
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu putea
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie dect rezultatul ntrebuin{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei de
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 constrngere. i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam satisfac{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ia Lissei prin
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 intermediul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii, pe m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce frustrarea gardienilor
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea ntruna.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu toate c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} n-avea habar cnd a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s-o vizitez,

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri46 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi-a transmis un mesaj prin interm
ediul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii:\i Nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 face griji, Rose. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocup eu de tot
. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dovedim
\plain\expndtw-17 \i \f20 \fs24 nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe
sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}tar, ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} simt n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} vi
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, eu avusesem grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea. O
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rasem de pericole {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i m{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem peste cap s-o feresc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Acum, ro
lurile se inversaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise limitele pent
ru mine, salvndu-l pe Dimitri, iar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acum eram la mna ei {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tuturor {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ac
estei evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Era ceva care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 contravenea tuturor instinctelor mele, tulburndu-m{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 eram obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} sl fiu
protejat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, cu att mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 de ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Interogatoriile se desf{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urau n continuare, iar Lissa
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nu trecuse nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin asta, ns{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ceva mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 prietenii mei aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259
\'3f} basma curat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pedepsi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din cauza evad{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rii mele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pentru moment, eu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 eram singura cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat n pericol.., d
up{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 preferam, de altfel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O fi fost Virginia de Vest a
tt de frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ct
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pretindea Sydney, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu puteam s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi dau cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 seama, din moment ce era miezul nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
i cnd am ajuns.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n cea mai mare parte a timpului, am avut senza{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trecem printre mun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, sim{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ind urcu{\f63 \u351\'3f}urile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cobor{\f63 \u351\'3f}urile,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce naintam pe serpentine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin
tuneluri. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aproape exact trei ore, am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns ntr
-o mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}un{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}, cu un singur semafor {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i un local pe firma c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard

\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 scria, simplu, BIRT. Totu{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i, nu v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem nimic circulnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe {\f63 \u351\'3f}osea de mai bine
de o or{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ceea ce nsemna, ntr\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, lucrul cel mai important: nu
fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sydney ne-a condus spre o c
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire cu o firm{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 scria MOTEL. Din cte se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, or{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}elul acesta prefera
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se limiteze la esen{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ial cnd venea vorba despre
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 denumiri. Nu m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi mirat dac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} numele localit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ar fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fost doar ORA{\f63 \u350\'3f}. n timp ce mergeam prin
parcarea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 motelului, am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas surprins{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de ct de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dureau
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 picioarele. De fapt, fiecare p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rticic
{\f63 \u259\'3f} a corpului m{\f63 \u259\'3f} durea,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i somnul mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
o idee formidabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Trecuse mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri254 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mult de o jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate
de zi de la debutul acestei aventuri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney ne-a cazat sub nume f
alse, iar recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionerul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 somnoros n-a pus ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Am pornit a
poi pe un coridor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care nu er tocmai murdar, dar nici unul de care s-ar
fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apropiat vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva dintr-o famil
ie regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Un
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rucior pentru cur{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u355\'3f}enie z{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea rezemat de un perete, ca
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum persoana care-l manevra ar fi
renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 treaba, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sindu-l ac
olo. Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Sydney s-a oprit n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unei u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ntinzndune o cheie. Mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i luase alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} camer
{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1340 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu st{\f63 \u
259\'3f}m to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}? am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, dac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} voi doi ajunge{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
prin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, eu nu vreau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri574 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cumva prin
preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, zmbind.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, senza

{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi dor
it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 doarm{\f63 \u259\'3f} n aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i camer{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}maleficele creaturi ale
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii".
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oricu
m, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu prin apropiere, m-a asigurat. Mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3316 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 vorbim diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Asta m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de altceva. L-am
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}surat cu privirea pe Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1502 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Noi doi mp{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}im aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney a ridicat din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1301 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu att mai bin
e pute{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ne-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat acolo,
plecnd n felul acela brusc al ei, iar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri am sch
imbat o scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} privire ntre noi,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n camer
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. La fel ca restul motelului,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu era prea sofisticat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar mergea.
Covorul era tocit, dar
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntreg, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am apreciat firava tentativ{
\f63 \u259\'3f} de decorare cu un
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 tablou foarte prost pictat, cu pere. Unica fereastr{
\f63 \u259\'3f} micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta ntrist{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. {\f63
\u350\'3f}i nu era dect un singur pat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a ncuiat u{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a cu z{\f63 \u259\'3f}vorul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul, du
p{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe singurul scaun din came
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era din lemn,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cu sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}tarul drept, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
el p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l considere cel mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 confortabil din lume. Avea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nf{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area aceea a lui,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de permanent{\f63 \u259\'3f} vigilen{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} dincolo de ea puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 disting {\f63 \u351\'3f}i epuizarea. {\f63 \u350\'3f
}i pentru el seara fusese lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe marginea patului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2735 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'

3f}i-acum, ce facem?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1770 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum, a{\f63
\u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri4523 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ca Lissa {\f63
\u351\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dovedeas
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1981 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle cine a as
asinat-o pe regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai primesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte explica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
dar nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 m-am ales dect cu t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere. Nencrederea nc
epea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acumuleze n mine. A{\f63 \u351
\'3f}teptasem n seara asta ct de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f
}toare fusesem n stare, presupunnd tot timpul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cond
uc{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce misiune
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 misterioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin care s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} rezolv{\f63 \u259\'3f}m misterul crimei. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd mi-a spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, doar n-o fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri266 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nu aveam dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}... n fine, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3
f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i noi ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem? am insistat. Cum o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4198 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
4\'3f}i-am explicat cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, mai devreme. Tu nu prea ai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} umbli dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} indic
ii la Curte. Tu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 deoparte. Tu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai la ad{\f
63 \u259\'3f}post.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a picat falca {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un gest prin care am
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cuprins camera aia anost{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i asta-i tot? Aici ai de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ascuns{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Eu am crezut... am crezut c-

o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim ceva

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aici. Ceva folositor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E folosito
r, mi-a replicat, cu calmul lui blestemat.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Abe au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
cercet{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri aici {\f63 \u351\'3f}i au ajuns la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 concluzia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e un loc suficient de izo
lat ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fii
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 descoperit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2372 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit ca ar
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe pat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine, tovar{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}e. Avem aici o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} serioas{\f63
\u259\'3f} n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privinji logicii tale. Voi to{\f63
\u355\'3f}i v{\f63 \u259\'3f} comporta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntruna de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtarea mea a
r nsemna un ajutor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O problem{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r serioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} este c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} repet{\f63 \u259\'3f}m la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 infinit conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta. R{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}spunsurile privitoare la cine a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asasinat-o Tatiana se g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc la Curte,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i acolo sunt
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prietenii no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri. Ei vor deduce tot c
e trebuie.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb1340\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar n
u m-am lansat ntr-o curs{\f63 \u259\'3f} de urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rire cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} viteza {\f63
\u351\'3f}i am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit peste cteva grani{\f63 \u355\'3f}e de state,
ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfund ntr-o porc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie
de motel! {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ct ai de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2180 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3
f}ii cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}statul deoparte" aici?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1325 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
-a ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}at bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele pe piept.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Orict
o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie nevoie. Avem bani ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn
em
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3582 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 aici toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\
f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Probabil c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} am eu destul m{\f63 \u259\'3f}run{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'
3f} n buzunar ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 stau aici toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a!
Dar n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 eu ceva. Doar n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} las pe tnjal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ard gazul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Supravie{\f
63 \u355\'3f}uirea nu e chiar att de simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ct
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 crezi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, Doamne,
am exclamat, gemnd. Ai stat pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Abe, nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}tii ce, cnd erai strigoi, mi-ai zis
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} feresc de el. Poa
te c-ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i urmezi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 propriul sfat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am regretat vorbele de nd
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce mi-au ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it de pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 buze, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} am citit n ochii lui c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-l atinsesem destul de
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n avent
ura asta a evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii, se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 comportase la fel ca vechiul Dimitri, perioada n care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fusese strigoi l bntuia nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1211 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi pare r{\f63
\u259\'3f}u, i-am zis. N-am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am terminat cu
discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta, m-a ntrerupt, aspru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri683 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a zis s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}mnem aici, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne
m aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri638 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Furia mi-a ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
tat sentimentul de vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i De-asta\i0 o faci? Pentru c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a zis Lissa?
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Normal. Am jurat s-o slujesc {\f63
\u351\'3f}i s-o ajut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Acela a fost momentul n care am c
edat nervos. Nu\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mi ajunsese c{\f63 \u259\'3f} atun
ci cnd Lissa l f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f} redevin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dhampir, Dimitri considerase de cuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de ea, n timp ce mie mi d{\f63 \
u259\'3f}dea cu piciorul. n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ciuda faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i eu\i0 fusesem d

up{\f63 \u259\'3f} el n Siberia, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i eu

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aflasem despre cum se pricepea Robert, fratele lui V
ictor
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i readuc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} pe strigoi la starea de dinainte... ei bine, se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate acest
ea nu contau. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} conteze numai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa fermecase {\f63 \u355\'3f}ep
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, Dimitri v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd-o acum ca pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un soi de zei{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ngereas
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, una fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de care jurase ntr-un
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 chip arhaic, cavaleresc, s.o slujeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f
}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1206 \fi60 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Las-o b
alt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-am zis.\i Eu\i0 aici nu stau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Din trei pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
am ajuns la u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am izbutit s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} desfac
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul, dar n cteva clipe Dimitri a zbu
rat de pe scaunul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lui, azvrlindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de perete. Sincer vor
bind, a fost o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cam ntrziat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
partea lui. M-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} opreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63
\u259\'3f} doi pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba aici sta
i, mi-a zis categoric, {\f63 \u355\'3f}inndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncheietur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i place, fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ei, acum aveam n fa{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo cteva posibilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn, desigur
. Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pierd zile {\f63 \u8212\'3f} luni,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 poate {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n motelul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta
, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dovedeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Asta, pre
supunnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa ar fi reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mi dovedeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} f
i intoxicat cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mncarea de la birtul numit BIRT. Era varianta cea mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cea mai plicticoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 O a doua variant{\f63 \u259
\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scap de Dimitri prin lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Asta nu era nici sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nici simpl{\

f63 \u259\'3f}. Provocarea ar fi fost

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cu att mai grea cu ct eram nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ncerc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupt
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pa d
ar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l omor sau s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 provoc vreo v{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mare
grav{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Treaba e c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f} la pruden{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam nimic. Ce naiba, {\f63 \u259\
'3f}sta se b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuse cu strigoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate din
gardienii Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Era n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se descurce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cu orice-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut
eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerc mpotriva lui. Doar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cteva confrunt{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ri destul de zdravene la Sf.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Vladimir. Oare mi-ar fi suficiente calit{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile de lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scap de-aici? Era momentul s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} aflu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 I-am tras un genunchi n burt
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lucru la care n mod
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 evidenl nu se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta. A f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cut ochii mari de mirare {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} durere {\f63
\u8212\'3f} oferindu-mi ocazia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} smulg din
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 strnsoarea lui. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i momentul lui de des
cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}nire a durat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 doar ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot trage z{\f63 \u259\'3f}v
orul. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ating clan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri m-a n{\f63 \u351\'3f}f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat din
nou. M-a prins cu putere {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aruncat pe pat, cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n jos, imobilizn
du-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 greutatea corpului s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, {\f63 \u355\'3f}inndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 picioare, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i mai fac surpriza
vreunei lovituri.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Asta era mereu cea mai mare problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}
a mea n lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}:
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 adversarii {\f63 \u8212\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rba{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i, de obicei aveau de partea lor
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 avantajul for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al
greut{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. n astfel de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, vi
teza
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi era atuul cel mai mare, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pozi{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia n care eram
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}intuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\
'3f}cea ca eschivele sau fentele s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu reprezinte o

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f6

3 \u351\'3f}a, fiecare p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rticic{\f63 \u259\'3f} din mine se
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 zvrcolea, ngreunndu-i misiunea de a m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u355\'3f}ine
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 imobilizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nceteaz{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, mi-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}optit la ureche, aproape atingnd\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 o cu buzele. Fii rezonabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m{\f63 \
u259\'3f}car o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-ai cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 treci de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam tru
pul cald {\f63 \u351\'3f}i puternic peste mine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 promis propriului trup o mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}truluial{
\f63 \u259\'3f} zdrav{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri45 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai trziu.\i Las{\f63 \u259\'
3f} asta,\i0 mi-am zis.\i Concentreaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1004 \expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scapi d
e-aici, nu la cum l sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu eu sunt
cea nerezonabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am mrit, ncercnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ntorc fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre el
. Tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cel care s-a prins n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mrejele unui jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt nobil, f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} pic de logic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici {\f63 \u355\'3f}ie nu-{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i place s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai departe de ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune, la fe
l ca
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mie. Ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ajut{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc criminal
ul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ceva util.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am ncetat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} zbat, pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} distras{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cont
radictoriu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-mi plac
e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau degeaba, dar nici s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
vnt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1286 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cu capul nainte ntr-o situa{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ie imposibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Situa{\f63
\u355\'3f}ile imposibile sunt specialitatea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-am
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 ntre timp, am ncercat s{\f63 \

u259\'3f} evaluez pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Strnsoarea nu-i sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}bise, ns{\f63 \u259\'
3f} speram c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ria l-ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putea distrage. n mod normal, Dimitri era prea tare ca
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i piard{\f63 \u259\
'3f} concentrarea. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, acum {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 obosit. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i poate, doar poate, ar manif
esta vreo mic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 neglijen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din moment
ce era vorba despre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 despre un strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri4348 \expndtw-28 \f20 \fs24 N{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 M-am dezl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63
\u355\'3f}uit brusc, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} eliberez {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} strecor de sub el
. Tot ce am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it a fost c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntors pe cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte pn{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ca el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prind{\f63 \u259\'3f} din nou,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}intuindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum cu s
pinarea de pat. Att de aproape
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de el... de chipul lui, de buzele lui... c{\f63 \u259
\'3f}ldura pielii lui
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 atingnd-o pe-a mea... Mda. Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}isem
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi cre
ez un dezavantaj {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mare. El clar nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea afectat de ap
ropierea trupurilor noastre. Avea pe
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} acea tipic{\f63
\u259\'3f} hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rre o{\f63 \u355\'3f}elit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 prostie din partea mea, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi mai pese de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era peste min
e... ei bine, mi
\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O singur{\
f63 \u259\'3f} zi, mi-a zis. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
zi nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3606 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tep{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate, dac
-am merge la un hotel mai dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}. Care
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i cablu.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1325 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e momentul
pentru glume, Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri997 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, las{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu ceva.
Orice.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Se. Poate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Pronun{\f63 \u355\'3f}area acest
or cuvinte i provoca n mod evident
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i asta m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau
seama de ceva.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Fusesem att de furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe el, att de i
ritat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} determine s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau deoparte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu risc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nimic. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nici lui nu-i pl{\f63 \
u259\'3f}cea deloc situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Cum de putusem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} uit ct de mult sem{\
f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}m? Amndoi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tnjeam dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune. Amn
doi ne doream s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim utili,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe cei la
care {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineam. Doar hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea lui de a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o ajuta pe Lissa l mai {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea aici, n mis
iunea asta de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 babysitter. Sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ar fi fost o nes{\f63 \u259\'3f}buin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca eu s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dau buzna napoi la Curte, dar aveam senza{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n-ar fi fost r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
or pentru mine sau, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri260 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi nchipuit c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} e {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ar fi dat el nsu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i buzna acol
o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 I-am studiat fa{\f63 \u355\
'3f}a, ochii ntuneca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63
\u355\'3f}i, expresia
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ndulcit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul casta
niu sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat din elasticul cu care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 l prinsese n coad{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Acum i atrna n jurul fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 atingnd-o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or pe-a
mea. Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai ncerc o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} eliberez, dar ncep
eam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pierd speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era prea apri
g {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prea hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f

} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} la loc

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sigur. Presupun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dat glas b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuielii mele,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el ar dori s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Curte, n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rezolvat nimic. Fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era adev{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu, el se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l contrazic
prin mijloacele logice de tip Rose.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Doar era Dimitri, la urma urmei. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i e
l se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta la orice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2548 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n fine, aproape la orice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ideea mi s-a ivit att de repede n
minte, nct nu m\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am mai oprit s-o analizez. Ci doar
am ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat. Orict de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 imobilizat mi-ar fi fost corpul, capul {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i gtul aveau
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} libertate ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} se mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}te... ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Buzele mele le-au ntlnit pe-al
e lui, ocazie cu care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am descoperit cteva lucruri. Unul, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
ra posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prinzi complet pe nepreg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tite. Trupul
lui Dimitri a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncremenit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a blocat, {\f63 \u351\'3
f}ocat de subita ntors{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 evenimentelor. Mi-am mai dat seama {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruta exact
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 la fel de bine pe ct mi aminteam. Ultima dat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} cnd ne
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m fusese n ti
mp ce era strigoi. Existase atunci
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 o stranie senzualitate, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se comp
ara cu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cu energia vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Buzele i erau a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a cum mi le aminteam
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din vremea petrecut{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Sf. Vladimir:
moi, dar n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 timp {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fl{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnde. Un cur
ent electric mi-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut trupul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cnd mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns la s{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ut. Era ceva att de reconfortant,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ilar.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i aici
era cel de-al treilea lucru pe care-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 descoperisem.\i C{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spundea la s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut\i0 . Poate, doar
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 poate, Dimitri nu era chiar att de hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}

rt pe ct
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pretindea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi. Poate c{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, dincolo de toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} acea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i de certitudinea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai era capabil de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iubire, el nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dorea.
Mi-ar fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot afla {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 asta. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu aveam timp.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2388 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} i-am tras un pumn.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 E adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat: i-am
luat la pumni pe o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tipi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rutau, dar niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe unul pe care a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi v
rut,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de fapt, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n c
ontinuare. Dimitri nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 bine, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocul s{\f63
\u259\'3f}rut{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii l f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u351\'3f}i coboare garda.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Pumnul mi-a {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit, izbi
ndu-l n obraz. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pierd o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l-am mpins ct am putut de tare,
am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit din pat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am repezit spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. L-am auzit {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nind n picioare
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce o deschideam larg. M-am n{\f63 \u259\'3f}pu
stit afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, trn\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tind u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a nainte de a vedea ce mai f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cea el. Nu c-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fi avut nevoie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam bine c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} venea dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ezit o secund{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am mpins c{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ruciorul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 abandonat n dreptul u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i am sprintat de-a lungul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 culoarului. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo dou{\f63 \u259\
'3f} secunde, u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a s-a deschis, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 am auzit un strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}t sup{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rat {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}it de un cuvnt foarte,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 foarte urt din limba rus{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\
'3f} cnd a nimerit peste
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rucior. Nu avea nevoie dect de cteva
clipe ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mping{\f63 \u259\'3f} deoparte, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
tot ce-mi trebuia. Am cobort
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 scara cu fulgerul, ajungnd n holul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}cios, unde
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionerul plictisit citea o carte
. Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pe scaunul lui cnd m-a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut dnd buzna.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard

\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb80\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u351\'3f}te unul! i-am strigat, ndreptndu
-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3936 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionerul
nu prea ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerce m{\f63 \u259\'3f}ca
r
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l opreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Dimit
ri, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s-ar fi oprit oricum, nici s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fi ce
rut. n cel mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u caz,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 omul ar suna la poli{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. {\f63 \u350\
'3f}i, ntr-un ora{\f63 \u351\'3f} ca {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta, POLI{\f63 \u354\'3f}IA
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi nsemnat un tip {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-un cine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Oricum, asta nu mai era prob
lema mea. Sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pasem din
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 motel {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eram acum n mijlocul unui or{
\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}el somnoros de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 munte, cu str{\f63 \u259\'3f}zile nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}lu
ite n umbre. Era posibil ca
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie imediat n urma mea, a{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am avntat
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o p{\f63 \u259\'3f}durice din preajm{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi va fi u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 piard{\f63 \u259\'3f} urma prin ntuneric.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri3825 \expndt
w-28 \b \f20 \fs40 {\f63 \u350\'3f}APTE
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-4 \b \f20
\fs24 PROBLEMA ERA, FIRE{\f63 \u350\'3f}TE\b0 , c{\f63 \u259\'3f} foarte curnd m
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1819 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 am pierdut eu ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
i prin ntuneric.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce tr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}isem n s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ticia din Montana, ajuns
esem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} obi{\f63 \u351\'3
f}nuieasc cu felul n care noaptea putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nghit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n totalitate imediat ce te ndep{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rtai de cea mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de civiliza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Ba chiar eram deprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cesc prin meandrele
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}durilor ntunecoase. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 terenul de la Sf. Vladimir mi era familiar. n schimb,
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard

\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}durile din V
irginia de Vest erau noi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i str{\f63 \u259\'3f}ine, a{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1446 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mi-am pierdut complet sim{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ul orient{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Cum m-am asigurat c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut o distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
motel, m-am oprit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} privesc n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 jur. Insectele nocturne bziau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cntau,
iar umiditatea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare a verii plan
a pretutindeni n preajma mea.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncordndu-mi privirea prin bolta nfrunzit{\f63 \u259\'3f
} a copacilor,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit cerul str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luci
nd de stele, complet neatins de
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 luminile ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ului. Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}
indu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca o veritabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uitoare n jungl{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, am examinat stelele, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cnd am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} descop
{\f63 \u259\'3f}r Carul Mare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} deduc n ce
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie era nordul. Mun{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ii printre care ne adusese
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney cu ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina erau, probabil, la es
t, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n mod
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sigur nu-mi doream s-o iau n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
aceea. Mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 o idee rezonabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca, ndreptndu-m{\f63
\u259\'3f} spre nord, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} la o inters
tatal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac autostopul, fi
e
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc pe jos n lum
ea civilizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era tocmai un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plan beton, dar nici cel mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u din ct
e-mi trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin minte, nici pe departe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu prea eram echipat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} pentru drume{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ochii mi ada
ptau la ntuneric, am izbutit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 evit majoritatea copacilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a celor
lalte obstacole. Mi-ar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fi fost mult mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} urmez minusculul drumeag spre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irea din ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}... dar
ar fi nsemnat exact ce s-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} al
eg.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Am intrat ntr-un ritm constant
, subcon{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient,

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 naintnd spre nord. M-am gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un m
oment
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 prielnic s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d ce mai
e cu Lissa, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot aveam timp la
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i niciun gardian care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aresteze
. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m-am strecurat n mintea ei, g{\f63
\u259\'3f}sind-o undeva n fundul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii gardienilor, stnd pe un corido
r cu scaune
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}irate lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} perete. Mai
st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i moroi,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 printre care se num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rau Christian {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i Tasha.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Or s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} interogheze dur, murmura Tasha. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 special, pe\i tine\i0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2919 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe Chri
stian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu ai fi primul
la care m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} gndi dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1849 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 produce vreo explozie neautoriza
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Asta p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie credin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a tuturor. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} nf{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area ei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tulburat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam se
ama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tasha fusese la fel de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de evadarea mea ca {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i mine ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 prietenii mei nu-i dest{\f63 \u259\'3f}inuiser{\f63
\u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} t{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}enia, ea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pusese cap la cap majorit
atea ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor;
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, ghicise cine se afla n spat
ele lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Christian i-a r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}spuns cu cel mai fermec{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor zmbet
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din cte avea n dotare, ca un pu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti care
se str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 evite interdic{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de a ie{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i din cas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-au dat seama ntre timp c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a fost

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin magie, i-a zis el. Gard
ienii au puricat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 statuile alea centimetru cu centimetru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 N-a mai dezvoltat subiectul,
nu cu voce tare, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mintea Lissei func{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona cam pe aceea{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i lungime de und{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu a lui. Gardienii {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau acum c{\f63
\u259\'3f} explozia nu se datorase
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii magiei el
mentelor. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} prietenii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mei r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mneau principalii suspec{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i, autorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile erau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nevoite s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntrebe {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
la fel cum ntrebasem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu {\f63 \u8212\'3f} de
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 unde ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} rost de C4 o ga{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3866 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 adolescen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd din
cap, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat mna ntr-a lui
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2778 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}im cu bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Gndurile ei s-au ntors spre mine {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i spre Dimitri,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntrebndu-se dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne descurc{\f63 \u259\'3f
}m conform
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 planului. Nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se concentreze a
supra g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sirii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 persoanei care o asasinase pe Tatiana pn{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sunt la ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}post. Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
pentru mine, evadarea reprezentase
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 o alegere dificil{\f63 \u259\'3f}: eliberarea mea m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} punea ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 primejdie mai mare dect r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnerea n celul
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 i erau intense, acute {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un pic mai im
pulsive dect mi-ar
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut.\i Prea mult spirit\i0 , mi
-am dat seama.
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}eaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea m
ult.\i0 Cnd eram n {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 le {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fru cu ajutorul
tratamentului medicamentos
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prescris, iar mai trziu, prin autocontrol. Dar, la un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 momemt dat, pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c

e situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile noastre s-au

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 complicat tot mai mult, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i permisese s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l utilizeze din ce
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n ce mai intens. De curnd, ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase u
n volum
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 uluitor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m realitatea ca atare. Mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 devreme sau mai trziu, felul n care se baza Lissa pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spirit avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} mpotriva ei. A noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prin{\f63
\u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f}? am auzit vocea unui gardian, care scosese
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 capul pe o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} deschis
{\f63 \u259\'3f} vizavi de Lissa. Suntem preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} primim.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Gardianul s-a retras ntr-o pa
rte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n timp ce intra,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1601 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a auzit o voce cunoscut{\f
63 \u259\'3f} rostind:
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ntotde
auna mi face pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri216 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tine, Hans. Ar trebui s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} mai discut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m din cnd n cnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i atunci, a
ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut Abe, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ind {\f63 \u355\'3f
}an{\f63 \u355\'3f}o{\f63 \u351\'3f}, cu obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuita lui
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fanfaronad{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Trecnd pe lng{\f63 \u259\'
3f} gardianul din cadrul u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 le-a adresat Lissea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i celor doi Ozera
un zmbet
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 triumf{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, unul care spunea c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} totul e frumos pe lume.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} o vorb{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, s-a ndreptat apoi spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irea de pe
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 coridor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa ct pe ce s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} zmbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la rndul ei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nfrnat tendin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, arbornd o expresie sobr
{\f63 \u259\'3f} n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 intra, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
orii ei. U{\f63 \u351\'3f}a s-a nchis n urma
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a pomenit n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}a a trei gardieni a{\f63 \u351\'3f}eza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe unul dintre ei l mai v{\f63 \
u259\'3f}zusem pe-acolo, dar nu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuno
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Numele lui de familie mi

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era Steele. Pe ceilal{\f63

\u355\'3f}i doi i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam bine. Unul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 era Hans Croft, cel care conducea activit{\f63 \u259
\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile gardienilor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la Curte. Al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de el {\f63 \u8212\'
3f} spre uimirea mea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Alberta, cea care r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spundea de gardie
nii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de novicii de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 la Sf. Vladimir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce dr{\f63
\u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}, i-a ntmpinat Hans, cu un mrit. Un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3949 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntreg alai!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Christian insistase s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el prezent atunci cnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie interogat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
Lissa, iar Tasha insistase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prezent{\f63 \u259\'3f} al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de Ch
ristian. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Abe ar fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut cnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 era programat interogatoriul probabil c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} s-ar fi al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 el grupului, urmat f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de mama mea... Hans
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nici nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea seama
de ce societate sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pase ca prin
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 urechile acului.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, Christian {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i Tasha s-au a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4233 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 a mesei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Gardian Pet
rov, a exclamat Lissa, nelund n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} comentariul dezaprobator al lui
Hans. Ce face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4471 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 aici?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Alberta i-a adresat Lissei
un mic zmbet, dar altfel {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut comportamentul profesional
de gardian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am venit p
entru nmormntare, iar gardianul Croft
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s-a gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu i-ar strica o opinie d
in exterior n cadrul
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 investiga{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} familiarizat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri716 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Hathaway {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu, hm
, asocia{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ei, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat Hans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri34 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Era genul de tip care merge
a direct la {\f63 \u355\'3f}int{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De obicei,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 atitudinea lui m{\f63 \u259\'3f} deranja {\f63 \u821
2\'3f} era reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea normal{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de majoritatea personajelor reprezentnd autoritatea {
\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} respectam felul n care conducea ope
ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile de la
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 Curte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ntlnirea acea
sta era programat{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar pentru
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Domnia Voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
es{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a precizat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri440 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Noi nu scoatem
o vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l-a asigurat Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa l-a aprobat printr-o nclinar
e a capului,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inndu-{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area amabil{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i politicoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 voce i se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea un mic tremur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu vreau s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajut... Am fost att de, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
cum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri474 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun. Sunt att d
e n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tot ce s-a ntmplat!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt convin
s, a replicat Hans, cu o voce seac{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri856 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Unde v{\f63 \u259\'3f} afla{\f63
\u355\'3f}i atunci cnd au explodat statuile?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}In al
aiul funerar, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam parte din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4219 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 escort{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1354 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Steele avea n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f} un mald{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de hrtii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri982 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Este adev{\f63
\u259\'3f}rat. Avem martori din bel{\f63 \u351\'3f}ug.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foarte convenabi
l. Dar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}? a ntrebat Hans.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri496 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Unde v-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dus dup
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea a intrat n panic{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}napoi, n cl{\
f63 \u259\'3f}direa Consiliului. Acolo ne
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntlniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m la nceput, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
m-am gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi locul cel
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mai sigur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, dar o sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 par{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}at{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi s-a f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cut team{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd a nceput nebunia, a
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem martor
i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n sprijinul acestei afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 confirmat Steele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri96 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Hans a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} b
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} darabana cu degetele pe mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avea{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cuno{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} prealabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n vreun fel
, despre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ceva din toate acestea? Despre expl
ozii? Despre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2838 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 evadarea lui Hathaway?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2575 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a scuturat din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! Nici cea mai
mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} idee. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car n-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi pos
ibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scapi din celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M-am gndit c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 e prea mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} paz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Hans n-a luat n seam{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ep{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura la adresa
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 opera{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunilor sale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ave{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i chestia aia cu leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e? N-a{\f63
\u355\'3f}i aflat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3662 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nimic prin ea?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu n

u pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i citesc gndurile, i-a explicat Lissa.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1941 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Ea, da, dar invers nu func{\f63
\u355\'3f}ioneaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E adev{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rat, a intervenit Alberta, vorbind {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea, n
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Hans n-a contrazis-o, dar to
t nu era convins de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia prietenei
mele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} da{\f63 \u355\'3f}i seama, n cazul n care a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fi prins{\f63
\u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ascuns informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s
au c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ajutat-o {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i nfrunta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e aproape la fel de grave ca
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea.\i Cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii\i0 .
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Apartenen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a la o familie regal{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu v{\f63 \u259\'3f} absolv{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a l
{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat ochii n jos, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ar
ea lui
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ar fi nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}at-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pur {\f63
\u351\'3f}i simplu, nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred... nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cr
ed c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut una ca asta. Era prietena
mea. Am crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cunosc. Nu mi-a trecut prin gnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar p
utea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oricare dintre lucrurile acestea.. Niciodat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu m-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} as
asineze pe cineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi
fost sentimentele pe care le receptam cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ajutorul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii, poate c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it jignit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Totu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam care era adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru
l. Ea se pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}eze de mine. Inteligent{\f63 \
u259\'3f} mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar? Pen
tru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu de mult, jura{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu cerul {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e nevinovat{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Hans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri166 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridic

at din nou privirea, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd ochii mari.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a am crezut! Dar pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}... pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} am auzit ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri775 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 le-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut gardien
ilor acelora, n timp ce evada...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 De data asta, sup{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rarea ei nu era ntru totul pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Avea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se co
mporte ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum m-ar fi
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 considerat culpabil{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} vestea despre starea n care o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adusesem pe Meredith ajunsese {\f63
\u351\'3f}i la urechile ei... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocase cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. Er
am dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta, dar m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 acum {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} Meredith e teaf{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Hans nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rea sceptic cu privire la schimbarea de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 opinie a Lissei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} a l{\f63 \u259\'3
f}sat lucrurile a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar cu Beli
kov cum r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne? A{\f63 \u355\'3f}i jurat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, dar e clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a ntmplat ceva
nepotrivit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Christian a nceput s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} se foiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa. Ca un
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 veritabil avocat al lui Dimitri, Christian se enerva
la fel
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de mult ca noi la auzul b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuielilor {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i acuza{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a replicat nainte ca el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} spune ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3117 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}El nu e strig
oi!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ipostaza ei de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}i
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} privitoare la mine s-a risipit,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd locul vechii {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i aprigei ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare a lui Dimitri.
Nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptase la astfel de ntreb{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ri despre el. Venise
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\

'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} apere pe mine, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i propriul alibi.

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit de reac{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ia ei, Hans a urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit-o cu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mai mare aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri807 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3
f}i atunci, cum v{\f63 \u259\'3f} explica{\f63 \u355\'3f}i implicarea lui?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a fost din cau
z{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar mai avea ceva de strigoi, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Lissa, silind
u-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i recapete st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnirea de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sine; totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pulsul i se accelerase.
A redevenit cel de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dinainte, a insistat ea. N-a mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
nici urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri76 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, a atacat mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni... {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i nu o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Tasha mi-a dat impres
ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intervin{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 acum n ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea lui
Dimitri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o cum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f} buza. Era remarc
abil. Celor din familia Ozera le
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i rosteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndurile pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu
ntotdeauna
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 dnd dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tact.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri33 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a fost di
n cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar mai fi strigoi, a repetat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu a omort pe niciunul dintr
e gardienii aceia.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Pe niciunul. Rose a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ce-a f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut... n fine, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ce. O ura pe Tatiana, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc. Toat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia. Dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri... v{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun, faptul c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} a fost strigoi nu are nicio
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A ajutat-o p
entru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a fost profesor. A crezut
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e n primejdie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O reac{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie destul de exagerat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din partea unui
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 profesor, mai ales a unuia care {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nain
te de a se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 transforma n strigoi {\f63 \u8212\'3f} era recunoscut
pentru gndirea
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 lui limpede {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ion

al{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, dar a
tunci n-a mai gndit ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional, din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Prietena mea s-a ntrerupt br
usc, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-se deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 prins{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie d
ificil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Hans probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63
\u259\'3f}duse
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 repede seama, n decursul conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei,
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea vreo implicare n evenimentele recente {\f63 \u821
2\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se convinsese deocamdat{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ar beneficia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un alibi incontestabil. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, discu{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cu ea i oferise
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} examineze o a
lt{\f63 \u259\'3f} pies{\f63 \u259\'3f} din puzzle-ul evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mele: implicarea lui Dimitri. Dimitri se sacrificase
pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sine, acceptnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia toat{\f63 \u259\'3
f} vina asupra lui, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 asta ar fi nsemnat ca to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceilal{\f63
\u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai recapete
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ncrederea n el. Lissa se gndise
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 conving{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile lui {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineau de instinctul unui fo
st
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 profesor, dar, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum se p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rea, nu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea g{\f63 \u259\'3f}lu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ca asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a mai gndi
t ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional, din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... ? a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mboldit-o Hans, ascu{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nainte de asasinarea reginei
, Hans crezuse sincer n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri redevenise dhampir.
Ceva mi spunea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el credea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-acum, n
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea n fa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}a lui un fir
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 important de care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se aga{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma
s t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu voia ca lumea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l cre

ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 strigoi pe Dimitri. Voia ca lumea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} n puterile ei
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de a-i readuce la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
} pe mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii vii. Dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ipoteza ca
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fi ajuta
t propria elev{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ndeajuns de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare n opinia celorlal{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i, toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nencrederea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 aceea era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'
3f} din nou la suprafa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Plimbndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i oc
hii peste chipurile celor care o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 interogau, Lissa a ntlnit deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} privir
ea Albertei.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Femeia nu spunea nimic. Avea pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f} acea expresie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neutr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cercet{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, n
care excelau gardienii. Mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 plutea n jurul ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un aer de n{\f63 \
u355\'3f}elepciune, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i puse n lucru spiritul, ca s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i examineze la repezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aura. Culorile erau bune, netulburate {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i pline de energie,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iar n ochii Albertei ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} jur
e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} z{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u351\'3f}te un
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 mesaj, un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r cunosc{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri44 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 Spune-le,\i0 p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mesajul.\i
Asta o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} creeze
\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 unele peobleme... dar nu att de grave ct sunt cele
din
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 prezent\i0 . Lissa i-a sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut pr
ivirea, ntrebndu-se dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cumva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i proie
cta propriile gnduri n mintea Albertei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dar nu mai avea importan{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a cui fusese ideea. Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era cea bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dimitri a
ajutat-o pe Rose pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 o rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum am
b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuit, Alberta nu s-a ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat surprins{\f63 \u259\
'3f};
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 dimpotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut u
{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} adev{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rul ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea la

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 iveala. n schimb, Hans {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Steele au fos
t extrem de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri292 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mira{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Iar pe Han
s nu-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat prea de
s.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd spune{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u8222\'3f}rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie" v{\f63 \u259\'3f} refer
i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i... S-a oprit pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i formuleze ct mai
bine ntrebarea. V{\f63 \u259\'3f} referi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3651 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie intim{\f
63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3
f}at, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-se oribil. Dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luise
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acolo un secret foarte important, unul pe care jurase
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi-l p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streze, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o nv
inuiam. Oricum, nu ntr-o
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 astfel de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Iubirea {\f63 \u82
12\'3f} speram {\f63 \u8212\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri962 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 reprezinte o ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra
re pentru faptele lui Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}El o iube{
\f63 \u351\'3f}te, a m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisit Lissa. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ea l iube
{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Iar
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} el a ajutat-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
evadeze...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}El\i chiar
\i0 a ajutat-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evadeze, a ntrerupt-o Hans.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A atacat gardieni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a aruncat n aer st
atui nepre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uite,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1302 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vechi de secole, aduse tocmai di
n Europa!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1522 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spu
ns ridicnd din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n fine, a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a cum am spus. N-a ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional. A
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vrut s-o ajute {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p
obabil a crezut-o nevinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ar face
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 orice pentru ea... iar asta n-are nimic de-a face cu
faptul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost strigoi.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}car att poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} justifice iubirea, a comentat

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1573 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Hans, care clar nu era o fire ro
mantic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1628 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar e minor{\
f63 \u259\'3f}! a exclamat Steele.
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Uite c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuntul {\f
63 \u259\'3f}sta nu-i sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1113 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Are optspreze
ce ani, l-a corectat Lissa.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Hans i-a adresat o privire t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f
}tiu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} calculez, prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. n afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cazul n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care ar fi reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} lege o frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi{\f63 \u351\
'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare poveste
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de dragoste n ultimele cteva s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63
\u259\'3f}mni {\f63 \u8212\'3f} timp n care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 el a fost, n cea mai mare parte, la izolare {\f63 \u82
12\'3f} nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n {\f63 \u351\'3f}coala voastr{\f63
\u259\'3f} se petreceau unele lucruri pe care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cineva ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le raporteze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nu i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3
f}spuns, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} a tras cu coada ochiului
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 spre Tasha {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian. Ei se str{\f
63 \u259\'3f}duiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rile neutre, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vestea
nu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 constituia o surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru ei, ceea
ce nendoios,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 confirma b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuielile lui Hans, cum c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} s-ar fi petrecut
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lucruri nepermise. Eu chiar nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
usem pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tasha {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia des
pre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it un pic vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Oare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut ea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 respinsese, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in n parte, din cau
za mea? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia, c{\f63 \u355\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fi aflat? Ei probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i d{\f63 \u
259\'3f}duse
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}te indicii, ns{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ceva mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 multe persoane ncepeau, la rndul lor, s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} atacul asupra {\f63 \u351\'3f}co
lii, reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea oferise probabil
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 un important indiciu cu privire la sentimentele pe c

are le
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nutream fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Dimitri
. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n definitiv, nu era
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mare nenorocire dac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} afla {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Hans acum. Secretul nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1416 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} secret mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Alberta a tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}
it u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, dregndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i glasul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lund, n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it cuvntul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} avem lucruri mai importante de care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 preocup{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dect o poveste amoroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a existat, sau poate c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Steele s-a ntors spre ea, nev
enindu-i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 aude, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut cu p
alma n mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar e ceva
destul de grav. Dumneata {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiai ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3842 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 despre asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tot ceea c
e {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu este c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne abatem de la esen{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ial, a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 replicat ea, ocolind cu abilitate r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
punsul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Alberta avea vreo dou{\f63 \
u259\'3f}zeci de ani mai mult dect
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Steele, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea dur{\f63 \u259\'3
f} pe care i-a aruncat-o l informa c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar fi o copil{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie din partea lui s-o f
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i piard{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 timpul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu am crez
ut, a continuat Alberta, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m aici
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m seama dac
{\f63 \u259\'3f} domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara Hathaway a avut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vreun complice, nu ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezgrop{\f63
\u259\'3f}m trecutul. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 acum, singura persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre care pu
tem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afirm{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 certitudine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a ajutat-o este Beliko
v, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dintr-o afec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune ira{\f63 \u355\'3f}

ional{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva l eticheteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c

a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fiind un fugar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un nes{\f63 \u259\'
3f}buit, nu un strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndisem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea cu Dimitr
i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ar constitui o {\f63 \u8222\'3f}afec{\f63 \u355\'3f}
iune ira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional{\f63 \u259\'3f}", ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Alberta pusese
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 punctul pe i. Ceva anume de pe chipurile lui Hans {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i lui
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Steele m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, foarte curnd, ntreaga lume
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}tie despre noi doi, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta nu nsemna nimic,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin compara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu o
crim{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} il absolvea pe
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri de b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiala c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ar mai fi strigoi, nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} va fi capturat, ar fi ntemni{
\f63 \u355\'3f}at, nu str{\f63 \u259\'3f}puns cu
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. M{\f63 \u259\
'3f}runt{\f63 \u259\'3f} consolare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Interogatoriul Lissei a mai
durat pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in timp, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardienii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trag{\f63 \u259\'3f} conc
luzia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea nu era implicat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nicio faz{\f63 \u259\'3f} a evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii m
ele (din ce puteau ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dovedeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}). Ea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse
o treab{\f63 \u259\'3f} bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} jucnd tot timpul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 surprinderea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dezorientarea, izbutin
d chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} verse
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cteva lacrimi, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}itndu-se cum de putuse
ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 judece att de gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. n jocul ei artisti
c strecurase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de constrngere: nu destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-i spele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuiva creierul, dar ndeajuns nct indignarea de mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 devreme a lui Steele s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se transforme
n simpatie. Hans
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era mai greu de descifrat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la plec
area grupului, a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le aminteasc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} Tashei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui Christian ca avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 discute mai trziu cu fiecare dintre ei, de preferin{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}itori.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul invitat pe scaunul de tortur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta pe coridor. Eddie. Lissa i-a
zmbit a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum i-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 zmbit oric{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui alt prieten Niciun indi
ciu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 amndoi parte dintr-o conspira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Eddie
a salutat-o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 printr-o nclinare a capului, n timp ce era strigat s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} intre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la interogatoriu. Lissa era ngrijorat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pentru el, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} autocontrolul
lui de gardian va avea grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se abat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la povestea stabilit{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu va v{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsa
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri13 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lacrimi, ca Lissa, ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} cel mai probabil se va preface la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1573 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 fel de {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat ca
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea de {\f63 \u8222\'3f}tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}darea" mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Tasha s-a desp{\f63 \u259\'3
f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}it de Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de Christian de ndat{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ce au ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
mai nti prevenindu-i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V-a{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i scos voi pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum, dar nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardie
nii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri355 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 v-au absolvit n totalitate de b{\f
63 \u259\'3f}nuieli. Hans, mai ales.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, sunt n s
tare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi port de grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a replicat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd-o pe Tasha s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea ochii peste cap {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4067 \expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri14 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, v{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}d bine ce se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te las de capul t{\f
63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Auzi, nu face pe sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rata pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu te-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 informat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe tine
a ripostat el. N-am avut timp, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i doar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 attea erau persoanele pe care puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} le implic{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 plus, tu {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut d

eja norma de nebunii.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E drept, a
recunoscut Tasha. Nu prea reprezenta ea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 un model al respect{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii regulilor. E v
orba doar, a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 continuat apoi, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul a devenit cu
mult mai complicat.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Rose e fugar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iar acum, Dimitri...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S-a ntrerupt, oftnd, {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i nu era nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i termine
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fraza, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ghiceam gndurile. n och
i avea o
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 profund{\f63 \u259\'3f} umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tri
ste{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, una care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. La fel ca noi Tasha {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i dorise ca reputa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} redevin{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ins{\f63 \u259\'3f} el, elibernd-o pe cea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 acuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de asasinarea reginei, {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i risipise n mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansele de a fi acceptat. Z{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi doream ca Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu se fi implicat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i speram ca actual
ul meu plan de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 evadare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i arate ro
adele.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Totul o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} bine, a asigurat-o Christian. O s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4467 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 vezi.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
, nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea la fel de conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor pe ct vorbea,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 iar Tasha i-a adresat un mic zmbet amuzat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oricum, av
e{\f63 \u355\'3f}i grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}. V{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog. Nu vreau s{\f63
\u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pe voi ntr-o celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-am timp pentru v
izite la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare, cu toate ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile astea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, amu
zamentul i-a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut, nlocuit fiind de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1632 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a-numitul
ei spirit de activist{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\tx3538 \tab \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 .

\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Apro
po, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii, familia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} se umple de ridicol. {\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se di
scut{\f63 \u259\'3f} la modul serios ca Esmond s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 candideze din partea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Doamne,
Dumnezeule!
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Deja am trecut prin tragedii, una {\f63 \u351\'3f}i u
na, pe-aici. Ar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trebui, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerc{
\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai salv{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ceva din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 harababura asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri340 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu cred c{\f63
\u259\'3f}-l cunosc pe Esmond, a zis Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce idiot, a rep
licat ea, ntr-o doar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. El, adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tu. Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, cineva tre
buie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le bage min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile-n cap celor din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 familia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
ne facem de rs.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i... las{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghicesc, a rep
licat Christian,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri897 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 zmbind: doar tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}t
i capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Normal, a
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea, cu o sclipire mali{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f
} n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ochi. Am schi{\f63 \u355\'3f}at deja o list{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} cu candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ideali. Cei din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 familia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu au nevoie dect de ce
va munc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 convingere ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
a seama ct sunt de ideali.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-ar fi f
ost mil{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ei, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu s-ar comporta n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 continuare ca jigodiile fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} de noi, a remarcat Christian,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 privindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63
\u351\'3f}a cum se ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Stigmatul transform{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rii p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor lui n strigoi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}inuia nc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} at{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ani. Tasha l accepta cu mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} elegan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2

59\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cu toate v{\f63 \u259\'3f}ic{\f63 \u259\'3f}relile ei

{\f63 \u8212\'3f} doar ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} participa la luarea hot{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rrilor mai de amploare ale
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 familiei Ozera. Christian nu avea astfel de ini{\f63
\u355\'3f}iative de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 comportament civilizat. Era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a destul de ngrozitor s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fie tratat ca fiind mai prejos dect al{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i moroi, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 refuze dreptul la gardieni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altele c
uvenite celor din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 familiile regale. Dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i din parte pro
priilor rude? A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ceva era cu att mai crud. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Christian
refuza s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 prefac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car c{\f63
\u259\'3f} ar accepta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S-or da ei
pe brazd{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis Lissa,
pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri442 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un ton mai optimist dect ceea ce c
redea n realitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Orice r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spun
s ar fi preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit Christian, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-a nghi{\f63 \u355\
'3f}it n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 clipa n care altcineva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a potrivit p
asul dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} al lor: tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 meu. Apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui brusc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} i-a nedumerit pe amndoi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prietenii mei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe mine nu m-a surp
rins. Probabil {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 despre interogatoriul Lissei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i st{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tuse la pnd{\f63 \u259\'3f} n afara
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptnd s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} discute cu ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Frumoas{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vreme, a nceput Abe, privind n jur
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 copacii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i florile, de parc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ei trei ar fi pornit ntr-o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 plimbare prin natur{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo, la Curte.
Dar cnd o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sar{\f63 \u259\'3f} soarele, o s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} prjoleasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntunericul care mie mi f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cea attea necazuri n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}durile Virginiei de Vest nsemna o pe
rioad{\f63 \u259\'3f} pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de {\f63 \u8222\'3f}amiaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}" pentru ce
i care urmau programul vampiric.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa l-a privit piezi{\f63 \u351\'3f}. Cu vederea ei
bine adaptat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lumina sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu ave
a nici cea mai mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} dificultate n

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a-i remarca str{\f63 \u259\'3
f}lucitoarea lui c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} luxoas{\f63
\u259\'3f}, bleu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 verzuie, de sub jacheta sport, bej
. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i un orb probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ar fi v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, cu astfel de culori pe e
l.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Apoi, i-a luat n derdere pret
insa nep{\f63 \u259\'3f}sare. {\f63 \u258\'3f}sta era
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 obiceiul lui, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceap{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cu baliverne nainte de a trece la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 subiectele mai serioase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri588 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar n-ai veni
t ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m despre vreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am ncercat s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fiu civilizat, att, a protestat Abe,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd apoi n timp ce
vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} fete moroi treceau pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei. De ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce lea v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut la o distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} sigur{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat, cu voce sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} presupun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul a decurs
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2319 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 bine la mica voastr{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ntlnire?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Perfect, i
-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} se mai sinchiseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} la curent c
u {\f63 \u8222\'3f}afec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea ira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional{\f63 \u259
\'3f}".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tia c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} tot ce-l interesa pe el era ca niciunul dintre
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 asocia{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fi
fost implicat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Gardienii l
-au luat la rnd acum pe Eddie, l-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 informul Christian. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i vor s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe mine, mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 trziu, dar cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fie ultima etap{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru noi
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sincer{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, a intervenit Lissa, oftnd, am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} interogato
riul a fost partea cea mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n

\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 compara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu ce urmeaz{\f63 \u259\'

3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Se referea la descoperirea a
dev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ratului asasin al
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Tatianei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fiecare lu
cru la timpul lui, a murmurat Abe. N-are
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sens s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}m cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de problemele mai mari. O s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncepem cu nceputul, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gata.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tocma
i asta-i problema, a exclamat Lissa, izbind
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nervoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu picioru
l o creang{\f63 \u259\'3f} care z{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 poteca pietruit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Habar n-am de unde
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncep. Oricine ar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fi omort-o pe Tatiana s-a priceput de minune s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri165 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tearg{\f63 \u259\
'3f} urmele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndrepte toate b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nu
ielile spre Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri915 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fiecare lucru
la timpul lui, a repetat Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Vorbea pe tonul acela viclean al
lui, care pe mine m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 scia uneori; n schimb, pentru Lissa, n
starea ei de azi,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 era de-a dreptul enervant. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum, nt
reaga ei energie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 se concentrase spre scoaterea mea din nchisoare {\f63
\u351\'3f}i spre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ducerea mea ntr-un loc sigur. Era {\f63 \u355\'3f}elu
l care o mnase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o ajutase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
departe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n urma evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 mele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Acum, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
e o parte din intensitatea aceea sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}bise,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} resimt{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ntreaga ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sare a situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei. V{\f63 \u259
\'3f}znd-o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nec{\f63 \u259\'3f}jit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Christian a
cuprins-o cu un bra{\f63 \u355\'3f} pe dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} umeri,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s-a ntors spre Abe, cu o neob
i{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 seriozitate.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai vreo ide
e? l-a ntrebat. Noi sigur nu avem vreo
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 prob{\f63 \u259\'3f} adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem destul
e ipoteze rezonabile, a replicat Abe.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cum ar fi cea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asasinul Tatianei ar
trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie cineva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care are acces n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perile ei particular
e. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i lista nu e
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 deloc una lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nici sc
urt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a ntors-o Lissa, ncepnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 numere pe degete. Cei din garda regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, prietenii,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 familia... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i asta, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f
} presupunem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a modificat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nimeni nsemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile gardienilor cu privir
e la vizitele
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 primite de ea. {\f63 \u350\'3f
}i poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} unele vizite nici nu se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 consemnau m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car. Pro
babil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea tot timpul ntlniri
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 secrete, de afaceri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pu{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}in probabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntlniri de afaceri n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dormitorul ei, n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f} de noapte, a cugetat cu voce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri244 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tare Abe. Desigur, depinde ce fel
de afaceri, presupun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Lis
sa, n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un gnd, a fost ct pe ce s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 se mpiedice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2977 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ambrose, spus
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3887 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un dhampir... fo
arte chipe{\f63 \u351\'3f}... El {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Tatiana aveau,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4407 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O rela{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie? a completat-o Christian, zmbind, ca un

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ecou al interogatoriului.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 De data asta, a fost rndul l
ui Abe s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se opreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. S-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 oprit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa, iar privirea ochilor
lui ntuneca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i a ntlnit\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 o pe a ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1210 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}L-am v{\f63 \
u259\'3f}zut. Un soi de b{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat de alcov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}El ar fi avut a
cces n dormitorul ei, a zis Lissa. Dar,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, nu po
t... nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-l imaginez
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd una ca asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aparen{\f63
\u355\'3f}ele sunt n{\f63 \u351\'3f}el{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, a comentat Abe. P{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri239 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 grozav de interesat de Rose atunc
i, n sala de judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2190 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o surpriz{\f
63 \u259\'3f} pentru Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3369 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce tot spui?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Abe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a mngiat barba
, cu un gest de personaj
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4167 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 malefic.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A vo
rbit cu ea... sau i-a dat nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce semnal. Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 sunt foarte sigur, dar a existat un
anume fel de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3154 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 interac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune ntre
ei,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Iste{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul, vigi
lentul de Abe. l observase pe Ambrose
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cnd imi strecurase biletul, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse bine seama
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ce se ntmplase de fapt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar fi cazul
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu el, a fost de
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Lissa l-a a

probat. n interiorul ei se nvolburau o

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de sentimente contradictorii.
Era entuziasmat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveau o pista... dar {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i nec{\f63 \u259\'3f}jit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 amabilul, blndul Ambrose putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
un suspect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri277 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ocup eu de asta, s-a oferit Abe, cu vioiciune.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 I-am simit privirea Lissei ab{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}tndu-se, intens{\f63 \u259\'3f}, asupra
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lui. N-aveam cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d expresia, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} am remarcat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Abe a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut involuntar un pas napoi, cu
un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mirare, aproape imperceptibil, n ochi. Pn{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 a tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i eu o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis e
a, cu o voce ca o{\f63 \u355\'3f}elul.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu\i cumva\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerci vreun interog
atoriu de tip tortur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 dement{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vrei s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fii prezent{\f63 \u259\'3f} la tortur{\f63 \u259\'3f}? a ntrebat-o Ab
e,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 revenindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-o s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} fie cazul. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu Ambrose ca
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1873 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntre persoane civilizate, ai n{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}eles?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 L-a fixat din nou cu o privi
re dur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n cele din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Abe a ridicat din umeri n semn d
e ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are, ca
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum faptul de a fi cople{\f63 \u351
\'3f}it prin for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o femeie
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 avnd jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate d
in vrsta lui n-ar fi nsemnat mare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4219 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 scofal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1753 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Perfect. O so facem mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Supunerea lui i-a strnit Lissei ce
va b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuieli, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2618 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-a dat seama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem, a repetat, continundu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mersu
l. E
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un moment favorabil {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n fine, la fel d
e favorabil ca
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 oricare {\f63 \u8212\'3f} pentru o investiga{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ie. Curtea o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie cuprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de haos pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce s
e apropie alegerea monarhului.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei de-aici or s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fie ocupa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceap{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} curg{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cu noi-veni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 O u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63
\u259\'3f} briz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de umeze
al{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a ciufulit
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul Lissei. n ea se ntrez{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rea perspectiva caniculei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Abe av
usese dreptate n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ritului. Era de pr
eferat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} devreme la culcare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1243 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd se {\f63 \
u355\'3f}in alegerile? s-a interesat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ndat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ce-o vor pune pe draga de Tatiana la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 locul de odihn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tre
burile astea decurg repede. Avem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de restabilirea guvern{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. O s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ngropat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mine, la biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tot cu ceremonie {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i serviciu religios,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} se mai repete procesiunea. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt destul de
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \
u355\'3f}eam oarecum vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana nu avusese parte, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la sfr{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}it, de funeralii
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 regale complete, dar n definitiv, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
asta nsemna s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fie descoperit adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ratul asasin, poat
e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea ar fi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 preferat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280

\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum s

e termin{\f63 \u259\'3f} nmormntarea, ncep alegerile, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 continuat Abe, iar familiile care vo
r s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nscrie
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pentru coroan{\f63 \u259\'
3f} pot s-o fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 vor. N-ai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut niciodat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} o alegere monarhic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a?
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 E un veritabil spectacol. Evident, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} la vot,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii vor tr
ebui testa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Era o nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u-prevestitoare n felul n care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pronun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase {\f63 \u8222\'3f}testa{\f63
\u355\'3f}i", ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndurile Lissei erau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 altundeva. Tatiana fusese singura regin{\f63 \u259\'3
f} pe care o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cunoscuse vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
treaga nsemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate a acestei
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri de regim era descump{\f63 \
u259\'3f}nitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un nou rege
, sau o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 influen{\f63 \u355\'3f}eze totul... n bine sau n r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}u. Sper s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie cineva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca lumea. Din familia Ozera. Dintre alia{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ii Tashei, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 precizat, ndreptnd o privire plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de sp
eran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Christian, care nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f} altfel dect printr\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o ridicare a umerilor. Sau Ariana Szelsky. mi place de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ea. Nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar avea importan{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe cine a{\f63 \u351\'3f} vrea eu, a
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat cu am{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ciune. Din moment ce nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} votez...
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276
\plain\tx1480 \tab
\plain\tx2880 \tab
\plain\tx4324 \tab

\li290 \ri5 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Voturile

\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 membrilor
\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Consiliului
\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 determinau

\par
\plain\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri15 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}torul alegerilor, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ea era l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe dinafara procedurilor legale ale moroilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foarte mul
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} munc{\f63 \u259\'3f} se depune pentru nominaliz{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ri,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a explicat Abe, ocolindu-i ultima remarc{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Fiecare
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 familie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dore{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pe ci

neva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i promoveze

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 interesele, dar n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp s{\f63
\u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse de a ob{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ine
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 voturi din partea...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4502 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Au!
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M-am pomenit smuls{\f63
\u259\'3f} cu brutalitate din lumea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 calculelor politice ale moroilor {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i ntoars{\f63 \u259\'3f} n s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ticia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Virginiei de Vest... ntr-un chip foarte dureros. Ceva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 solid {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nver{\f63 \u351\'3f}unat m-a t
rntit pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}torit,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} zgrii n frunzele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i crengile de pe jos.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e puternice m
-au ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat, iar vocea lui Dimitri
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat n ureche.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar fi treb
uit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ascunzi prin ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}, mi-a zis, u{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}or
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 amuzat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Greutatea lui {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia nu-mi permiteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac nici
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cea mai mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar fi fost
ultimul loc n care-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
, am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut precis ncotro te ndrep{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine, bine.
Nu mai face tu pe de{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptul, am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nii, scr{\f63 \u351\'3f}nind din
din{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scap
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 din strnsoarea lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Fir-ar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie.
Chiar\i era\i0 de{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 apropierea de el m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezorienta. Ceva m
ai devreme,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l afecteze {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe el, dar, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele
,
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
se lec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri723 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai avut noroc
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ai ghicit, att, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu n-am nevoie d
e noroc, Roza. Te g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc oricnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
depinde numai de tine ct de grea vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n vocea lui era o nuan{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproape colocvial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu att
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mai ridicol{\f63 \u259\'3f} n pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
actual{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pute
m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} repet{\f63 \u259\'3f}m toate astea la infinit, sau po{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 devii rezonabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai la ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}post, cu mine {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri116 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e nimic rez
onabil n asta! E pierdere de vreme!
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Transpira, din cauza c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldurii {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiindc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fusese nevoit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fu
g{\f63 \u259\'3f} zdrav{\f63 \u259\'3f}n ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
prind{\f63 \u259\'3f} din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian folosea o apa de colonie care m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntotdeauna, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mirosu
l natural emanat de pielea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cald{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Dimitri era mb{\f63 \u259\'
3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Uimitor lucru din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 partea mea, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot remarc astfel de m
{\f63 \u259\'3f}run{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}uri {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fiu atras{\f63 \u259\'3f} de e
le {\f63 \u8212\'3f} chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cnd eram cuprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 o legitim{\f63 \u259\'3f} furie impotriva lui pentru
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 captivitate. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tocmai furia er
a excitant{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De cte ori
trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mai explic ce logic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
are tot
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce facem? M-a ntrebat, exasperat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} te saturi, am replicat, mpingndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n el,

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncercare de eliberare, ns{\f6

3 \u259\'3f} n-am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it dect
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai aproape.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i aveam eu
o senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trucul cu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutatul n
-ar mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fi mers de data asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-a smucit n picioare, imobil
izndu-mi minile la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spate. Acum, aveam un spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu de manevr
{\f63 \u259\'3f} un pic mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mare dect avusesem la orizontal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
nu de ajuns ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 scap de el. Cu o mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care lent{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mping{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia din care venisem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu v{\f63 \
u259\'3f} las, pe tine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Sydney, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ave{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i necazuri
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 din cauza mea. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi port singur
{\f63 \u259\'3f} de grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi drumul! am zis, trndu-mi literalmente picioarele.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 V{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd u
n copac nalt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sub{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire, am ntins un picior
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am ag{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at cu el de trunchi, oprindu-ne complet
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 naintarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sco{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd un geam
{\f63 \u259\'3f}t exasperat, Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a mutat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 minile, vrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} despri
nd{\f63 \u259\'3f} de copac. Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mi-a dat o {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} de sc
{\f63 \u259\'3f}pare, dar n-am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac nici
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 doi pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a prins
iar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri568 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, mi-a zis
, plictisit. N-ai cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mai face fa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}a? l-am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 N-aveam cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{
\f63 \u259\'3f}d, n lumina slab{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pumnul pe care i-l expediasem avea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i lase semne pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mine. Mare p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stri

ci o fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca asta, dar o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i poate c-o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-l nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}e minte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nebunul cu Rose Hathaway.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1023 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sau nu. A renceput s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} trasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt uite-att de
aproape de momentul n care-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2185 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 te arunc pe um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r,
m-a avertizat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2024 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\
'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri262 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum crezi c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} s-ar sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i Lissa dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai fi omort{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Strnsoarea i s-a nte{\f63 \u355\'3
f}it {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n timp ce aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ndeplinire amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are
a cu aruncatul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam {\f63
\u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era tentat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} scu
ture bine.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Att era de nervos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Po{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i imaginezi cear nsemna pentru ea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te piard{\f63 \u259\'3f}? m-a mu{\
f63 \u351\'3f}truluit n continuare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas n pan{\f63 \u259\'3f} de replici t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioa
se.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa
ptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi riscam via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a nsemna
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 chiar asta: c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi riscam via{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}a. Pe-a mea, nu pe-a altuia.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} are dreptate. Lissa ar fi fo
st distrus{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi s-ar fi ntmpl
at ceva. Dar, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a... era un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 risc pe care trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-l asum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai pu{\f63

\u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncredere, tovar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}e, am

insistat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nd{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnic{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} las eu omort{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O s{\f63
\u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn n
\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri274 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Nu era r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul
dorit de el. M-a strns {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai tare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i alte moduri n care po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-o aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, n afar{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1580 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce nebu
nii {\f63 \u355\'3f}i trec {\f63 \u355\'3f}ie prin cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-a
m l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat moale. Dimitri s-a mpiedicat,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri324 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 luat pe nepreg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit
e de subita mea lips{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mpotrivire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce s-a ntmpl
at? m-a ntrebat, att nedumerit, ct
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas cu
privirea fixat{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin ntuneric, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat ceva. n
schimb, i vedeam pe Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pe Abe, la Curte, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-mi aminteam de se
nza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 neputin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a Lissei, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i de ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f
} drept de vot.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Biletul Tatianei mi-a revenit n memorie {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i, pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moment, i-am auzit vocea n minte.\i Ea nu este cel di
n
\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} vl{\f63 \u259\'3f}star al fam
iliei Dragomir. Mai exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} unul n
\plain\expndtw-26 \i \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1140 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai dreptate,
i-am zis, n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3079 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu privire la
...?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri era complet descump{\f63
\u259\'3f}nit. Era obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuita
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie a celorlal{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i atunci cnd m{\f63 \u259\'3f} declaram de acord cu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ceva rezonabil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fug napoi la Curte n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fiu de folos

\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Lissei.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb1120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 T{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere.
Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i disting ntru totul expresia,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2069 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} probabil era c
omplet {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ntorc cu tine la motel, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fug la Cur
te, i\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 am promis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un Dragomir
. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un Dragomir, care trebuie
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit. Am inspirat adnc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar n-am de
gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fac nimic. O s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fac ceva pentru Lissa... iar tu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
Sydney o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 ajuta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt1080\margb80\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-492 \li290 \ri4311 \expndtw-36 \b \f20 \fs40 OPT
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \b \f2
0 \fs24 S-A DOVEDIT C{\f63 \u258\'3f} M{\f63 \u258\'3f} N{\f63 \u350\'3f}ELASEM\b
0 cu privire la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} departame
ntul local de poli{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ar fi fost alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dintr-un agenl {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un cine. Cnd am ajuns n
apoi la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 motel, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut lumini intermitente ro
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i albastre
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fulgernd n parcare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
va gur{\f63 \u259\'3f}-casc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 afle ce s-a ntmplat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri888 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S-a ntors tot o
ra{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul pe dos, am comentat.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a oftat adnc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai sim{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}it doar nevoia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spui ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3176 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionerului,
nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am oprit la ceva distan{
\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ascun{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n umbra unei

\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}diri d{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u25

9\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}nate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1431 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M-am gndit c-o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te mai ntrzie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ne ntrzie acum, a replicat, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}turnd cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 privind ntreaga scen{\f63 \u259\'3f
} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nregistrnd toate am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuntele,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n lumina plpitoare. Ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina lui Sydney a
disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut, m-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at apoi. Asta tot e ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1307 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Fudulia de adineauri m-a p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit brusc.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a zici? Tocmai am
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas pede{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu ne p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}te ea; a fost ndeajuns de de{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}teapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nev{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f} nainte ca poli{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i bat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn1000\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, mi-a explicat, ntorcndu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} examineze unica
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 strad{\f63 \u259\'3f} principal{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} a ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ului, Haide, m-a ndemnat.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie pe-aproape, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i sunt destule {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse ca
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 poli{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} se pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe scotocit dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn
cu impresia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri181 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o biat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lipsit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare ar
fi h{\f63 \u259\'3f}ituit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Tonul cu care pronun{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ase {\f63 \u8222\'3f}lipsit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare"
gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ct o b bliotec{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, Dimitri a hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ndrept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m spre drumul care ne adusese n o
ra{\f63 \u351\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 presupunnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sydney ar vrea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de-aici, din

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moment ce acoperirea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese sp

ulberat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prostia mea. Implicarea poli{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei crea
complica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prea regretam ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem. Eram entuzi
asmat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de planul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care-mi venise n minte cnd eram n p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dure
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i voiam, ca
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de obicei, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec imediat la fapte.
Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} boac{\f63 \u259\'3f}na mea ne
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ajuta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \
u259\'3f}m mai repede din v{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}una asta, cu att
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mai bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Instinctul nu-l n{\f63 \u351\
'3f}elase pe Dimitri cu privire la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Sydney. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}
it cu aproape un kilometru din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}, am descoperit o CRV tras{\f63 \
u259\'3f} pe dreapta drumului.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Motorul era oprit, farurile stinse, dar z{\f63 \u259
\'3f}ream ndeajuns
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} disting pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}a cu num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de Louisiana. M-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dus spre portiera din dreptul volanului {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i am b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 geam. n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuto pe Sydney tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind. A
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cobort imediat geamul, cu o expresie incredul{\f63 \u
259\'3f} pe chip.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-ai mai
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut? Nu conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Las-o balt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ur
ca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gata.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw7 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am supus amndoi. Sub
privirea ei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dezaprobatoare, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ca un copil neascult{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a pornit motorul {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se ndrepte n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia din care veniser{\
f63 \u259\'3f}m la nceput,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 intrnd pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe mi
ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}osea statal{\f63 \u259\'3f} care ducea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 napoi spre autostrada interstatal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pr
omi{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva kilomet
ri, a cotit din nou, de ast{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe o ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire ntunecoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
are nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimic
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 deosebit.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Oprind motorul, s-a ntors spr
e bancheta din spate,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fixndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2868 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai fugit, nui a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2400 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, dar mi-a
venit o...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1010 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sydney m-a redus la t{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cere ridicnd mna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu spune ni
mic. Nu nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u355\'3f}i fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pornit cutez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea
evadare f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} atragi aten{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 autorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2150 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i eu, a sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut-o Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 M-am ncruntat spre amndoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1828 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, doar am
venit napoi, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a arcui
t o sprncean{\f63 \u259\'3f} auzindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 comentnd probabil n sinea lui ct de v
oluntar{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntoarcerea mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i acum {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem ca s-o ajut{
\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, le-am dest{\f63 \u259\'3f}inuit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ceea ce tre
buie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem, mi-a ntors vorba
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri828 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sydney, e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sim un loc sigur n care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adic{
\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntoarcem n lumea civilizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alegem un hotel. Unul cu room-servi
ce. Putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 stabilim acolo baza opera{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, ct timp lucr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m la
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul plan.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}utat n mod special ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta! m-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 apostrofat Sydney. Nu putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergem
undeva la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntmplare; cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, nu prin apropiere.
M{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi-ar fi notat num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul, dar e posibil
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cear{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin sta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat modelul
de ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} au a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a ceva, plus
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 descrierile noastre, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se ajunge la p
oli{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia statului, or s\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la Alchimi{\
f63 \u351\'3f}ti {\f63 \u351\'3f}i atunci...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri345 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lini{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}te{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-te, i-a zis Dimitri, prinznd-o de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu era nimic intim n gestul lui,
dar eu tot am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 scnteie de invidie, cu att mai mult
dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} asprele dovezi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de dragoste de care tocmai avusesem parte, fiind apr
oape
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 trt{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dure.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tim dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se va ntmpla ceva din toate astea, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1569 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 argumentat el. De ce nu-l suni p
e Abe?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, a mor
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}it ea, mohort{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Exact ce-mi doream.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l anun{\f63 \u355\'3f} c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} i-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut varz{\f63 \u259\'3f} planul n mai pu{\f63 \u355\
'3f}in de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i patru de o
re.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}i, am intervenit, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta te face s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te s
im{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 bine, afl{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} planul o
ricum o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se schimbe...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Taci odat{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit ea. T{\f63 \u259\'3f}ce{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i amndoi. Am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un s
chimb de priviri cu Dimitri, dar am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat amndoi t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea.
Cnd i spusesem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 modalitate prin care am putea s-o ajut{\f63 \u259\'3

f}m, n modul cel

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mai serios, pe Lissa, i strnis
em interesul. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 detalii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram amnd
oi nevoi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f
}m dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Aprinznd becul din plafon, S
ydney a scos la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 hart{\f63 \u259\'3f} a statului. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ce-a studiat-o un minut, a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}turit-o la loc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, p
ur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas cu privirea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ndreptat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nainte. Nu-i vedeam fa{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a, dar b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncruntat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ntr-un trziu, a oftat n stilul
ei, a jale, a stins
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 becul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a pornit motorul. Am urm{\f63
\u259\'3f}rit cu privirea cum
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 tasteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe dispozitivul ei GPS numele
\i Altswood,
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 Virginia de Vest.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce e acolo,
n Altswood? am ntrebat-o,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}git{\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptul c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu introdusese ceva de genul
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 Atlantic City.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimic, mi-a
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, reintrnd pe {\f63 \u351\'3f}osea. E doar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 locul cel mai apropiat pe care poate s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} GPS\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 ul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Farurile unui automobil veni
t din sensul opus i-au
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 luminat pentru scurt timp profilul lui Dimitri, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 descifrat mirarea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe chipul lui. A{
\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Acum nu mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 eram singura ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiutoare. GPS-ul indi
ca aproape o or{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la destina
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu i-a pus ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu privire la motivele alegerii, ntorcndu-{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i capul din
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nou spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i, care-i treaba cu Lissa? Care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie planul t{\f63 \u259\'
3f}u
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u355\'3f}? m-a luat la ntre

b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a aruncat o privire

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 spre Sydney. Rose spune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am avea ce
va important de
\plain\expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a mi-a ajuns {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mie la urechi, a replicat sec
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4164 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri249 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntor
s iar privirea spre mine, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am inspirat adnc. Sosise momentul d
ezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luirii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri750 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 secretului pe care-l p{\f63 \u259
\'3f}strasem nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la audiere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Deci, {\f6
3 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa ar
e un frate, sau o sor{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar trebui
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim. Sau s-o g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Am izbutit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-mi fac vocea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sune calm{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 indiferent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar, pe din{\f63 \u259\'
3f}untru, inima mi zvcnea. Chiar
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} avusesem timp berechet ca s{\f63
\u259\'3f} rumeg biletul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tatianei, rostirea cu voce tare a cuvintelor le f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 par{\f63 \u259\'3f} reale ntr-un mod n care nu mai fuse
ser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acum. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i m-au {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat, iz
bindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} din plin adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rata
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 semnifica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie a informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
iei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i modul n care ar putea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 schimba tot ce ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} credem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, {\f63
\u351\'3f}ocul meu n-a fost nimic pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} al
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Unu la zero pentru Rose {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru elementul\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sydney n-a ncercat deloc s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 uimirea, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd cu gura c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri ar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ta
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in descump{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i-au mai revenit, i-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tind
u-se

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} protesteze. Fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f}

aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pretind{\f63 \u259\'3f} dovezi, fie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 resping{\f63 \u259\'3f} pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu
ideea, ca fiind ridicol{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am trecut
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 imediat la ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune, nainte de startul
contrazicerilor. Am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 scos la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f} biletul Tatianei {\f63
\u351\'3f}i l-am citit cu voce tare,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-l pe Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Le-am povestit
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 despre ntlnirea mea cu fantoma, cnd sufletul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neodihnit al reginei m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'
3f}cuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred n veridicitatea
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mesajului. Dar, chiar {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}itorii mei au r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
as
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4154 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 sceptici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai nicio
dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana ar fi scris biletul, mi\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 a zis Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Alchimi{\f63
\u351\'3f}tii nu au date despre existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unui alt
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dragomir a replicat Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Fiecare spusese exact ceea c
e m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem. Dimitri
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 era genul de b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat mereu preg{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} un {\f63 \u351\'3f}iretlic sa
u
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 o capcan{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Punea la ndoial{\f63 \u259\
'3f} orice n-ar fi fost sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dovezi incontestabile. n schimb, Sydney tr{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ia ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lume a faptelor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a datelor, {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i avea ncredere deplin{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n informa{
\f63 \u355\'3f}iile lor. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 credeau, nici ea nu credea. Dovezile oferite de fant
ome
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu-i puteau convinge pe niciunul dintre ei doi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar nu v
{\f63 \u259\'3f}d de ce-ar vrea spiritul Tatianei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele, am argumentat. Iar Alchimi{\f63
\u351\'3f}tii nu sunt
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atot{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiutori. Biletul sus{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e un secret foarte bine
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat printre moroi... pare logic s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fie un secret {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pentru Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Sydney a pufnit, displ{\f63 \
u259\'3f}cndu-i remarca mea cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}atot{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiutorii", dar n
rest a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dimitri a fos
t
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cel care a mpins discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mai departe,
refuznd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ceva pe ncredere, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dovezi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-ai zis a
lt{\f63 \u259\'3f}dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu totdeauna se n{\f63 \u
355\'3f}elege
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 limpede ce ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} fantomele s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} transmit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a atras el
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Poate c-ai interpretat-o gre
{\f63 \u351\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tiu... Am t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am gndit iar la fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}a ei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 solemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, translucid{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Dar cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea a scris biletul, am
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 revenit apoi. A{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a-mi spune mie instinctul, am insistat,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ngustndu-mi privirea spre Dimitri. {\
f63 \u350\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} instinctul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 meu nu s-a n{\f63 \u351\'3f}elat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac
um. Nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai ncredere {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4195 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 cu asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-a privit fix pentru cteva m
omente, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu i-am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut privirea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ezitare. n felul acela neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit al
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nostru, puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghicesc ce gnde{\f63
\u351\'3f}te. ntreaga situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea cusut{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu a{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} alb{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} aveam dreptate n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu instinctul
meu. Se dovedise corect n trecut.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Indiferent prin ce trecuse el, indiferent de actualul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 antagonism dintre noi, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea ndeajuns ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 se ncread{\f63 \u259\'3f} n el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, apro
ape f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} voia lui, a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un semn
de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ncuviintare.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar dac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ne hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rm s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}utarea acestui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a-zis vl{\f63 \u259\'3f}star, nc{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}m indica{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile Lissei,
care ne-a
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cerut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m la ad{\
f63 \u259\'3f}post.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu crezi n b
iletul {\f63 \u259\'3f}la? s-a mirat Sydney. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1426 \expndtw-11 \i \f20 \fs24 trecut\i0 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
car prin gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l iei n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Un fulger de mnie s-a aprins n
mine, unul pe care
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m-am str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l asc
und. Evident. Evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tocmai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acesta trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie urm{\f63 \u259\
'3f}torul obstacol: incapacitatea lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri de a manifesta nesupunere fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Lissa. Sydney
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se temea de Abe, lucru pe care puteam s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-l n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 preocuparea lui Dimitri consta nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ace
l nobil
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt cavaleresc f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t Lissei. Am tras adnc aer n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 piept. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spuneam ct de ridicol{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 comportarea lui nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ating
scopurile.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Teore
tic, da. Dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi chiar am putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dovedim c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea nu e
singura r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} din familie, i-am fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de mare ajutor. Nu putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u
259\'3f}m cu piciorul ocaziei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} feri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de necaturi n
tre timp {\f63 \u8212\'3f} m\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f
63 \u259\'3f} strmb la vorbele astea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} atunci n\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o problem{\f63 \u259
\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a stat s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} se gndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la propunerea mea. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea bine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tia {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum vreau
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 eu, eram n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} apelez {\f63 \u351\

'3f}i la o logic{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntortocheat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2042 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine, a rosti
t, ntr-un trziu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 I-am {\f63 \u351\'3f}i observat s
chimbarea din fizionomie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri199 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea fusese lua
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el avea s-o respecte de-acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar de unde
ncepem? m-a ntrebat. Nu ai niciun
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 alt indiciu, n afara biletului misterios.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Era un dej-vu, amintindu-mi
de conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 devreme a Lissei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a lui Christian c
u Abe, cnd ncercau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama de unde
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} porneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} investiga{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, noi
dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} duceam vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}i paralele,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezolva
rea cte unui puzzle
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 imposibil, cu indicii extrem de sumare. Rememorndu-le
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, am ncercat un ra{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ionament similar cu cel
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 folosit de Abe: dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai indicii, ncep
i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lucrezi prin
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 intermediul concluziilor evidente.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E evident c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem de-a face cu un secret, am zis.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Unul mare de tot. Unul care s-a vrut camuflat ct mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bine... ntr-att, nct s-a ncercat sustragerea actelor
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 referitoare la el {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtarea de la putere a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3684 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dragomirilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cineva d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse
o spargere ntr-una dintre cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirile
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i luase
de-acolo documente care atestau
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, Eric Dra
gomir finan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase o femeie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 misterioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Le-am precizat nso{\f63 \u
355\'3f}itorilor mei c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 foarte probabil ca femeia aceea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
mama copilului
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u din flori.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai putea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai faci ceva cercet{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri n acest caz, i\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 am zis lui Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei
nu-i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa de existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} unui Drag
omir,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii doreau n
continuare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce le fusese
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 furat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hopa, ia sta
i! Cum era, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri500 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 parcipam la procesul decizional?
m-a apostrofat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i trecu
se sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ia
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} care dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ncepuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se deruleze f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum decursese
noaptea pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum, nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 prea ncntat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de posibilitatea de a fi a
bsorbit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 co{\f63 \u355\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie de-a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} pentru voi doi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a continuat ea tirada, n-o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fi mare chestie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f
}lca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ordinele Lissei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mine ar nsemna s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}io
nez mpotriva dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri390 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Abe. Iar el ar putea s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nu fie chiar att de ng{\f63 \u259\'3f}duitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2024 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Era un punct de vedere corect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-i cer o favoare, ca fiic{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui, am asigurat-o. n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 plus, mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul\i ado
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 secretele. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i plac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sta, crede-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Iar tu deja ai g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit indiciul cel mai
important dintre toate.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} Eric i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea bani unei femei necunoscute,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri15 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 atunci de ce n-am deduce c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea pentru amanta lui
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2451 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 secret{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i pentru copilul lor?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u822
2\'3f}Necunoscut{\f63 \u259\'3f}" e cuvntul-cheie, a replicat Sydney,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} evident sceptic{\f63 \u259\'3f} n le
g{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}ng{\f63 \u259\'3f}duin{\
f63 \u355\'3f}a"
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Zmeului. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} teoria ta e corect{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e cam
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 for{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'
3f} noi nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avem habar cine a fost amanta aia.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n documentele furate nu se spunea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi356 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai exist{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte documente care se leag{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
cele
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 furate? Sau ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} investighezi b
anca n care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3430 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 depunea el bani?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Preocuparea ini{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f} a Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tilor fusese c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 furase cineva cpii printate ale unor fi{\f63 \u351\'3
f}iere din arhiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Colegii ei descoperiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} care anume d
ocumente fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 luate, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu acordaser{\f63 \u259\'3f
} prea mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie con{\f63 \u355\'3f}inutului
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acestora. Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pariez lini{\f63
\u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utaser{\f63
\u259\'3f} alte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 documente care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f}
leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i subiect.
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Sydney mi confirm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu chiar nai idee ce nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'3f}cercetarea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 arhivei", a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a-i? Nu e chiar att de sim
plu, mi-a atras ea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
a cave vreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}i... cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-asta e bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergem ntr-un
loc,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 hm, sigur, nu? am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Co{\f63 \u351\'3f}tientiznd br
usc faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de timp ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem urm{\f63 \
u259\'3f}torul pas, ncepeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cam n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg dezavantajul pierderii izola
tei noastre
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 ascunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori.
\par

\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur
... n fine, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd din cap, o s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2156 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vedem. Sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
fac o prostie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuvinte
le acestea profetice ale ei, s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu mai multe despre locul spre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care ne ndreptam dar sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} culc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe laurii micii victorii abia repurtate. Sau, cel pu{
\f63 \u355\'3f}in, ai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 victoriei pe care-mi nchipuiam ca a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
repurtat-o. Nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 eram ntru totul convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} Sydney fusese sut{\f63 \u259\'3f} la sut{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de partea cauze
i mele, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Dimitri eram
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l hot{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rsem. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era mai bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} n-o tulbur
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acum. Am aruncat o privire spre GPS. Aproape o or{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Timp suficient ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f
}d ce mai e cu Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a trebuit un minut pn{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recunosc locul n care
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se afla, probabil din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n camera ei. Dar nu, era ntr-un l
oc n care
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fusesem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}: n
casa p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor lui Adrian.
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Surprinz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. n cteva clipe, ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, i-am citit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionamentul din minte. Actualul ei a
partament era n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pavilionul pentru oaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i, n panica ulterioar{\f63 \u259\'3f} evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mele, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa n care locuia mi{\f63 \
u351\'3f}una de vizitatori gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece. Casa din ora{\f63 \u35
1\'3f} a Ivashkovilor, situat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 o zon{\f63 \u259\'3f} reziden{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} permanent{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un pic mai lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f
63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri197 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi fost
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe-acolo vreo c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva vecini pe fug{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian era tol{\f63 \u259\'3
f}nit ntr-un fotoliu, cu picioarele

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rezemate neglijent pe o m{\f63 \u259\'3f}su{\f63 \u3

55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} scump{\f63 \u259\'3f}, aleas{\f63 \u259\'3f} probabil
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de mama lui cu ajutorul unui specialist n decora{\f63
\u355\'3f}iuni
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 interioare. Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian abia s
osiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea tocmai
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 receptase n aer un iz de fum
de {\f63 \u355\'3f}igar{\f63 \u259\'3f} care o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri426 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} Adrian s-ar fi n{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}vit pe furi{\f63 \u351\'
3f}, n prealabil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} avem noroc, le spunea el Lissei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian, entit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile p
arentale vor fi ocupate pentru o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vreme, oferindu-ne lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i pace. Ct de dure v-au fost
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3579 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 interogatoriile?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Chri
stian s-au a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe o canapea mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect confortabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ea s-a rezemat de el,
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 oftnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu prea r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-au convins pe dep
lin c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu avem nimic de-a face cu evadarea lui Rose... dar
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 categoric nu au nicio dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f63
\u259\'3f} mai multe probleme avem cu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tasha, a completat-o Christian. A fost cam ntoars{\f63
\u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dos pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu i-am spu {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i ei care-i treaba. Am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri313 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 impresia c-ar fi vrut s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} arunce n aer ea ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i statuile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f63
\u259\'3f} mai mult s-a sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63
\u259\'3f} l-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 implicat pe Dimitri, i-a atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
a Lissa. Crede c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dus de rp{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansele de a
mai fi acceptat vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la loc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i are dreptate, a confirmat Adrian, lund o

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 telecomand{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pornind

un televizor mare, cu plasm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 T{\f63 \u259\'3f}ind sunetul, a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} schimbe canalele la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri669 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntmplare. Dar nu l-a for{\f63 \u355
\'3f}at nimeni, a precizat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa l-a aprobat, dar ntrebn
du-se n secret dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cumva l for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase ea, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie. Jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul
lui devotat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de a o proteja nu era un secret. Christian p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i simte
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ngrijorarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1838 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, de u
nde {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el n-ar fi...
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri708 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 O b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie n
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-a ntrerupt n mijlocul frazei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fir-ar s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fie, a exclamat Adrian, ridicndu-se. Gata
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3205 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cu lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea {\f63
\u351\'3f}i pacea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i n-ar bate n u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E-adev{\f63
\u259\'3f}rat, dar probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e vreun prieten de-al
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lor, dornic s{\f63 \u259\'3f} soarb{\f63 \u259\'3f}
un vini{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de Porto {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} brfeasc{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre cumplita stare a tineretului criminal din ziua
de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 azi, i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Adrian, din mers.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a auzit u{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a deschizndu-se, apoi o conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nfundat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cteva clipe mai trziu, Adrian s
-a ntors
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu un tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r moroi
pe care ea nu-l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uite ce e,
zicea tipul, privind stnjenit n jur. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc mai trziu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri15 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n clipa aceea, i-a z{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rit pe Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ncremenit..

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2129 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu, a pro
testat Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Trecerea de la indispozi{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ie la cordialitate fusese la fel
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca aprinder
ea luminii dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sarea unui
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntrerup{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt sigur
c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea, dintr-o cl
ip{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2863 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 alta. Voi v{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuno
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}te{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul a ncuvi
in{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}getnd cu privirea de la o fa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 la cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3661 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Desigur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri232 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu te cunos
c, a replicat Lissa, ncruntndu-se.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul nu-i p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sise chipul lui Adrian, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat seama reped
e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era vorba despre ceva
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 important.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}El e Joe. ng
rijitorul care m-a ajutat, depunnd
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu eram mpre
un{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Rose cnd a fost
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 asasinat{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a Tatiana. Cel care lucra n cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa lui
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n clipa aceea, Lissa {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au ndreptat
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 amndoi spin{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mare noroc
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut naintea audierii, a zis
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Christian prudent.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 O vreme, strnise panic{\f63
\u259\'3f} posibilitatea ca Adrian s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 implicat mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mine, ns{\f63 \u259\
'3f} Joe ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise la lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 tocmai la {\f63 \u355\'3f}anc, depunnd m{\f63 \u259\'3

f}rturie cu privire la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 perioadele n care ne v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse, att pe mine
, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, n cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa n care locuiam eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1079 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Joe a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut c{\f
63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i napoi, spre antreu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar trebuie s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} plec. Transmite{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-i doar lui Lady
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am trecu
t... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec de la Curte. Dar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 totul s-a rezolvat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce s-a rezo
lvat? l-a ntrebat Lissa, ridicndu-se
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 ncet.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2843 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\
'3f}i... {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie doamna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, cum o cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f
}team eu, nu ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta ca o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intimideze.
Era dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sub{\f63 \u355\'3f}ir
ic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} spaima de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}a lui Joe... n fine. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 adresase o privire nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnt{\f63 \u259\'
3f}toare. mi amintea de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 confruntarea cu Abe de mai devreme.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1558 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Z{\f63
\u259\'3f}u, a insistat el. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A dat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i continue drumul spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} deodat{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it un val de
spirit nfl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rndu-se n Lissa. Joe s\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a oprit brusc, iar ea s-a apropiat de el cu pa{\f63
\u351\'3f}i mari.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Despre ce a
veai nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cu Lady
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1144 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov? l-a ntrebat, pe un ton
poruncitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}U{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}urel, veri{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a murmurat Adrian. N-ai ne

voie
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de att spirit ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ii r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsuri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i folo
sea for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de constrngere asupra lui Joe,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dar att mult{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
transformase ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 marionet{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Banii, a ic
nit Joe, cu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflarea t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i ochii
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}sca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. S-a rezolvat
cu banii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2220 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care bani? la ntrebat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Joe a ezitat, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i cum ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i reziste, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cedat curnd. N-avea cum s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} se mpotriveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} unei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 constrngeri att de puternice, mai ales din partea unui
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 utilizator al spiritului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Banii... b
anii pentru m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturia... despre unde a fost
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 el\i0 , a biguit, smucindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i capul
spre Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri674 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Calmul de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
a lui Adrian s-a fisurat un pic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum adic{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, despre unde am fost eu? n noaptea n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1480 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 care a murit m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mea? Vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri394 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Christian a continuat de unde s
e poticnise Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lady Ivashkov t
e-a pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-ai v{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}zut pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4188 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Adrian?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1971 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar l-am
\i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut\i0 , a strigat Joe.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Transpira vizibil. Adri
an avusese dreptate: Lissa
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a prea mult s
pirit. i provoca dureri fizice lui
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 Joe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar c{\f63
\u259\'3f}... doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... nu-mi aduc aminte orele... nu\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi aduc aminte nicio or{\f63 \u259\'3f}... Asta i-am
spus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i celuilalt tip.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ea m-a pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit ca s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} spun ora la care ai fost acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lui Adrian nu-i pl{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cea, deloc nu-i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ce auzea.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dar, spre meritul lui, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}strat calmul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1352 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum adic{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, i-ai spus {\f63 \u8222\'3f}celuilalt tip"?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cine a mai fost
? a repetat Lissa. Cine a mai fost cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4573 \expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 ea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimeni! Lad
y Ivashkov a vrut doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se asigure c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiul ei n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie amestecat. Am n{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}scocit am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuntele
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pentru ea. Tipul... cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt tip, car
e a venit mai trziu...
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u259\'3f}la a vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tie cnd a fost Hathaway pe-acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, s-a auzit un zgomot
dinspre antreu, zgomotul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii de la intrare deschizndu-se. Aple
cndu-se n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nte{\f63 \u355\'3f}it for{\
f63 \u355\'3f}a de constrngere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1788 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cine? Cine er
a tipul? Ce voia?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Joe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea acum cup
rins de dureri serioase. A nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2501 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 n sec nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tiu cine era! Nu l-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 moroi. N-a vrut dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} depun m{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rturie despre cnd am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe Hathaway. Mi-a pl{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tit mai mult dect Lady
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov. Niciun r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri898 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ndreptat spr
e Lissa o privire disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Niciun r{\f63 \u

259\'3f}u n-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-am ajutat pe amndoi...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1641 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mai ales fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
Hathaway a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o...
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adri
an? a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat vocea Daniellei, dinspre antreu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4111 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti aici!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Gata, a ave
rtizat-o Adrian pe Lissa, cu voce
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\
'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu glumea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Vocea ei s-a auzit la fel d
e moale, dar ndreptndu-se
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 tot spre Joe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1747 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum ar{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ta? Moroiul. Descrie-l.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri871 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tocurile cui {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}neau pe pardoseala holului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ca oricare! a r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Joe. Jur! Obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit. Banal. n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2060 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 afara minii... v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rog, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a mpins-o deoparte pe
Lissa, ntrerupnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 orice contact dintre ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Joe. Tn{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rul p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, dar deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a n{\f63 \u355\'3f}epenit, n timp ce-i
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 ntlnea privirea lui Adrian. Din nou, for{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 constrngere... dar mult mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63
\u259\'3f} dect cea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uit{\f63 \
u259\'3f} tot, i-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}uierat Adrian. Discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta n
-a existat
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3084 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian, ce to
t...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Daniella s-a oprit n pragul living
ului, examinnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ciudata priveli{\f63 \u351\'3f}te.

Christian nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era pe canapea, dar

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa erau la c{\f63 \u355\'
3f}iva centimetri de Joe, a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
era sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n sudoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1708 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce se-ntmpl{\f
63 \u259\'3f} aici? a strigat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd c{\f63 \u355\
'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i napoi, Adrian i-a d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit mamei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sale unul dintre zmbetele acelea fe
rmec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare cu care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 captiva attea femei.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}B{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}iatul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta a trecut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te viziteze, ma
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}. I-am zis
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri998 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3
f}tepte pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ntorci. Noi tocmai plecam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Daniella {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pli
mb{\f63 \u259\'3f} privirea ntre fiul ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Joe. Era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vizibil stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de scen{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i derutat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe Lissa a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mirat-o partea cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}tocmai plecam", d
ar a pornit imediat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n urma lui Adrian. Christian i-a urmat exemplul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259
\'3f} bucur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} v-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, i-a zis Lissa din mers
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Daniellei, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
compun{\f63 \u259\'3f} un zmbet pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sura
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 celui al lui Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Joe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea to
tal n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ultima comand{\f63 \u259\'3f} a l
ui
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, bietul ngrijitor probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ui
tase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ajunsese n casa Ivashkov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Chri
stian s-au gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63
\u259\'3f} Adrian,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nainte ca Daniella s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai poat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} spune ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce naiba a m
ai fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i asta? s-a mirat Christian,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 imediat cum au ajuns afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 Nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam s
eama dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se referea la

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea demonstra

{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de constrngere din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 partea Lissei sau la dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luirile lui
Joe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu sigur, i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Adrian, ntunecat la fa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Terminase cu zmbetele vesele. Dar, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ugat el, ar fi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cazul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem o discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ie cu Mihail.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3907 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Vocea blnd{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Di
mitri m-a readus la el, la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la ma{\f63
\u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, el mi recunoscuse
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 expresia de pe chip {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tia fusesem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1013 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E totul n
regul{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe-acolo? s-a interesat.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin {\f63 \u8222\'3f}pe-acolo" se referea la Curte, {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i nu la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 bancheta din spate. Am ncuviin{\f63
\u355\'3f}at, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'3f}n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 regul{\f63 \u259\'3f}" nu era exacl calificativul po
trivit pentru ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tocmai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ce v
{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem! Recunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}terea unei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturii false. O recunoa{\f63 \u351\'
3f}tere care contrazicea unele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dintre dovezile existente mpotriva mea. Nu m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} interesa
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 prea tare faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Joe min{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ise pentru binele lui Adrian.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian nu fusese implicat n asasinarea Tatianei, a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 voiam ca el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie liber {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i absolvit de orice b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuial{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt? Moroiul {\f63 \u8222\'3f}ba
nal" care-l pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tise pe Joe s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mint{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu perioada n
care fusesem eu acolo,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'
3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} alibi pentru intervalul producerii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4236 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 crimei?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} prelucrez pe deplin implica{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile, am observat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina se oprise. nde
sndu-mi informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile lui Joe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un sertar din fundul min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, am ncer
cat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evaluez
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 noua situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Laptopul lui Sydney sc
lipea pe scaunul din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp ce ea parc
urgea ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri53 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde suntem? am
ntrebat, privind cu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n lumina farurilor, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut o benzin{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rie jalnic{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4215 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 nchis{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1423 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n Altswood, mi
-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} estimarea me
a, aici nu se mai afla {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altceva n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3402 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 afara benzin{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie
i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe lng{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta, or{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}elul de mai d
evreme parc-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 New York, am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a n
chis laptopul. L-a ntins spre noi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 l-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe locul de lng{\f63 \u259
\'3f} mine, lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} rucsacurile pe
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care, printr-o minune, le nh{\
f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 motel. A intrat n vitez{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ind din parcare. Nu prea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 departe de acolo, vedeam {\f63 \u351\'3f}oseaua {\f63
\u351\'3f}i speram c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va coti
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spre ea. n loc de asta, a trecut dincolo de benzin{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rie,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 afundndu-se {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult n bezn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n locul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 precedent, n jurul nostru erau numai mun{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}duri.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am tot trt a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, ca melcul, pn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} cnd Sydney a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 descoperit un mic drum acoperit cu pietri{\f63 \u351
\'3f}, care disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dure. Pe el nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pea d

oar o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar, nu

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cum, nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63
\u351\'3f}teptam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m peste o circula{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ie prea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intens{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe-acolo. Un drum similar ne-a
adncit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mult {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, nelini{\f63
\u351\'3f}tea lui
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sydney era de-a dreptul palpabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Minutele ni s-au p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rut ore pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd poteca noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strmt{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a deschis ntr-un lumini{\f63 \u
351\'3f} larg, plin de praf.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Erau parcate acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte vehicule, d
estul de vechi.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ciudat loc pentru o parcare, dat fiind c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} tot ce vedeam n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 jurul nostru era p{\f63 \u259\'3f}durea deas{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. Sydney a oprit motorul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1686 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aici e un cam
ping? am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ea nu mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spun
s. n schimb, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ndreptat privirea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3790 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 spre Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1664 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u351\
'3f}ti att de bun pe ct se spune?
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? a ntrebat el, nedumerit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}La b{\f63 \u259
\'3f}taie. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}te despre ct e{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ti de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1057 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 periculos. E adev{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rat? E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti chiar att de bun?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1573 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a stat pu{\f63 \u355\'
3f}in s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se gndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Destul de bun.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am pufnit n rs.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1897 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Extr
em\i0 de bun, l-am corectat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fie de ajuns, a zis Sydney, ntinznd mna
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2952 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spre mnerul portierei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri852 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am deschis {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
eu portiera din partea mea.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2434 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe mine nu m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Despre tine {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tiu deja c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti periculoas{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, mi-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2593 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Doar te
-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Complimentul ei mi-a oferit
prea pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, cum
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 traversam parcarea aceea rustic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1416 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce ne-am o
prit? m-am interesat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri598 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\f63
\u259\'3f} de-acum trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergem pe jos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A aprins o lantern{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, luminnd perimetrul terenului
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 viran. n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, fasciculul a dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luit o potec{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}erpuind printre copaci. Era micu{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de trecut cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vederea, din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
o acopereau tot felul de buruieni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de alte plante.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1464 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta-i, a zis
, pornind n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ei.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai, a oprit-o Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A trecut n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei,
pornind el primul, iar eu imediat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi-am ocupat pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
de ariergard{\f63 \u259\'3f} a grupului nostru.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era forma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia standard pentru gardieni.
O ncadram pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney, la fel cum am fi procedat cu un moroi. Toate
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gndurile legate de Lissa, de mai devreme, mi-au zbura
t
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din minte. Aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mi s-a concentrate
n totalitate asupra
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei prezente, toate sim{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}urile fiindu-mi ncordate
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pentru depistarea poten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ialelor prime
jdii. Vedeam bine
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri era la fe
l, amndoi st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team cu minile
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tite pe {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}e.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400

\margt280\margb40\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ncotro
mergem? m-am interesat, n timp ce evitam
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1308 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cu grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63
\u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}cinile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gropile de pe potec{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2178 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Crengile mi zgriau bra{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Spre unele pers
oane pentru care pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} garantez c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri553 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n-oi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}deze, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, pe un ton ndrjit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Alte ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri m
i se ngr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau pe buze, cnd,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-a orbit o lumin{\f63 \u259\
'3f} puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ochii mi se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 adaptaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ntuneric, iar str{\f63 \
u259\'3f}lucirea aceea nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nsemna pentru ei o schimbare prea brusc{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. S-a auzit un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fo{\f63 \u351\'3f}net printre copaci, am sim{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}it mai multe prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}e n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 jurul nostru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
ur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-mi revenea vederea, am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit pretutindeni chipuri de vampiri
.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri3939 \expndt
w-38 \b \f20 \fs40 NOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}
\plain\par
\sl-219\fs22\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri229 \expndtw-7 \b \f
20 \fs24 DIN FERICIRE, ERAU CHIPURI DE MOROI.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Asta nu m-a mpiedicat s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-mi ridic {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apropii de Sydney. Nu ne ataca nimen
i, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-am
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia; nu c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ar mai fi avut, probabil, importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce distingeam
tot mai mult din scen{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 observam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram complet nconjura{\f63
\u355\'3f}i de vreo zece
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 persoane. i spuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m lui Sydney c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} suntem buni, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 era adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat: Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i cu mine eram, probabil, capabili
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m gata un grup cum
era cel din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile nef
avorabile ne-ar fi ngreunat situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp,
mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} grupul nu era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit n ntregime d
in moroi. Cei afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mai aproape de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noi erau moroi, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n jurul lor vedeam d
hampiri. Iar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lumina despre care crezusem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar pro
veni din tor{\f63 \u355\'3f}e sau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din lanterne era de fapt o minge de foc, din palmele
unei
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 femei moroi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat mo
roi, cam de vrsta lui Abe, cu o barb{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 castanie pufoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o
{\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} din argint n mn{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O parte din minte
a mea a remarcat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a era
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 rudimentar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, prin compara{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ie cu a mea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrful era la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fel de periculos. Privirea tipului m-a m{\f63 \u259\'
3f}surat pe mine,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 apoi pe Dimitri, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care {\f63 \u35
5\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a s-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat n jos. Sydney
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a devenit apoi obiectul cercet{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii; de
odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tipul s-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aruncat spre ea. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri am s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l oprim, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alte bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e s-au ntins s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ne mpiedice. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 luptat cu ei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ncremenit cnd Sydney
a scos un
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Stai" sugrumat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Moroiul b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb
os a prins-o de b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbie, ntorcndu-i fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 astfel nct lumina s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i cad{\f63 \u259\'3
f} pe obraz, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tatuajul
auriu. Atunici, i-a dat drumul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 retras.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2609 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-crin, a morm{\f63 \u259\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-au dest
ins, foarte pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au p{\f63 \u259\'3f}stra
t
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}
ele la pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd n continuare gata s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} atace
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dac-ar fi fost provoca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Conduc{\f63
\u259\'3f}torul moroilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntors fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de la Sydney spre Dimitri {

\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i venit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} al{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i grupului nostru? ne-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat precaut.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am v
enit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}po
st, l-a informat Sydney,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri345 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 frecndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i u{\f63 \
u351\'3f}urel gtul. Ei sunt vna{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de... de P{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63
\u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Femeia care {\f63 \u355\'3f
}inea flac{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra n palme a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o mutr{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 sceptic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri848 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai degrab{\f
63 \u259\'3f} arat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a spioni de-ai P{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Regina P{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor a fost omort{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis Sydney,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri139 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd n cu capul s
pre mine. Ei cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}pta{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Acea parte curioas{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} a mea a vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intervin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut imediat, ndeajuns de n{\f63 \u355\
'3f}eleapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o ntors{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f
63 \u259\'3f} att de bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f} a evenimentelor era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cel mai bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} n seama lui Sydney. Nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam ce tot spune ea acolo. Cnd afi
rmase c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 suntem urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de P{
\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, crezusem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncearc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe cei din gr
up c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem strigoi pe urmele
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 noastre. Acum, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-o men{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ionase pe regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 eram att de sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De asemenea, nici
identificarea mea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ca posibil{\f63 \u259\'3f} criminal{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea prea inteligent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 unde puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} Barb{\f63 \u259\'3f} Castanie nu s-ar fi ntors
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mpotriva mea, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u351\'3f

}tige o recompens{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cum i ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tau hainele, i-ar fi prins bi
ne.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sp
re mirarea mea, informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia i-a adus un
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 zmbet pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i, uite-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un uzurpator {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i d{\f63 \u259\'3f} duhul. Au pus
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3356 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 deja pe altcineva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, i-a r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Sydney. Or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'
3f} alegeri ct de
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 curnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetele celor din grup au l{
\f63 \u259\'3f}sat locul unor
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 strmb{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uitoar
e, nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}ite de bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}neli
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dezaprobatoare cu priviri ale
geri. Nu m-am mai putut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4215 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri232 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar cum altfel
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i aleag{\f63 \u259\'3f} un rege, sau o regin{
\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe calea cea ad
ev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns un dhampir
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 din apropiere. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
cum se proceda pe vremuri. Printr-o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe moarte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud poanta, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} am constatat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
ipul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 chiar vorbea serios. Am fost tentat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s-o ntreb pe Sydney
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n ce ne-a trt, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungnd n punctul acesta
, aveam
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
examenul. Conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 grupului s-a ntors {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a pornit pe potec
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i l-au
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 urmat, ndemnndu-ne s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergem {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i noi. Ascultndu-le
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, nu mi-am putut st{\f63 \u
259\'3f}pni o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncruntare... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu doar din cauz{\f63

\u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era posibil ca vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 noastre s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie n pericol. M{\f63 \u259\
'3f} intriga accentul lor.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionerul motelului avusese un put
ernic accent
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sudist, exact cum te-ai fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \
u351\'3f}teptat n partea aceasta a
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. Cel al tipilor
acestora, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tor,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai avea amestecate n el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cteva alte i
nflexiuni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri290 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi amin
tea un pic de accentul lui Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Eram ntr-att de ncordat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea puteam concentra asupra drumul
ui. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, poteca ne-a adus la ceea ce p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o tab{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 bine camuflat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Un foc uria{\f63 \u35
1\'3f} ardea ntr-un lumini{\f63 \u351\'3f}, iar n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 jurul lui st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau mai multe persoane.
Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ntr-o parte
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 se vedeau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cteva construc{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ii r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zle{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, ntinzndu-se spre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dure de-a lungul potecii, acum mai
largi. Tot nu ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ca un drum veritabil, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} oferea iluzi
a unui or{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}el, sau
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in a un
ui sat. Cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirile erau m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cioase, dar p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau solide. De cealalt{\f63 \u259\
'3f} parte a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 focului, terenul se n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}
a abrupt spre mun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii Apala{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 acoperind stelele. n lumina plpitoare, z{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ream
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 versantul unui munte, cu suprafa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a di
n piatr{\f63 \u259\'3f} aspr{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri136 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 copaci r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zle{\f63
\u355\'3f}i, pres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ici {\f63 \u351\'3f}i colo
de g{\f63 \u259\'3f}uri ntunecoase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntors din nou aten{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ia spre cei vii. Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 strns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n jurul focului {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceva de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 persoane {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut n c

lipa n care escorta noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-a

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 condus ntr-acolo. La nceput, tot ce-am putut s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fost num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul lor. Era latura mea r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}zboinic{\f63 \u259\'3f} preocupat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} numere adversarii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i planifice atacul, la fel ca
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mai devreme. Abia apoi am nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} obs
erv cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele. Al{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i moroi, amesteca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu dhampiri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} am descoperit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}oca
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cu oameni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia din
urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu erau nici hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitori. n fine, nu n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sensul n care-i cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team eu pe hr{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}nitori. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntuneric, puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrez{\f63 \u259\'3
f}resc semnele mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}turilor pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gturile unora dintre oameni, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, judecnd
dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 curiozitatea de pe fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lor, puteam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 oamenii ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruiau cu regularitate sngele. Nu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau droga{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Erau am
esteca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i printre moroi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 dhampiri, stnd jos sau n picioare, discutnd,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 implicndu-se: era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntregul grup
se unise ntr-un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 soi de comunitate. Chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebam dac
{\f63 \u259\'3f} oamenii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia erau asemeni Alchimi{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tilor. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri204 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cei din neamul nostru exista un f
el de rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de afaceri.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Forma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
strns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n jurul nostru a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri595 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 destrame, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu mam tras mai aproape de Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1295 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce Dumnezeu e
toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri822 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\
'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, cu voce sc{\f63 \u259
\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2353 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259
\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii? Cum adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adic{\f63 \u259\'

3f}, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns moroiul b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbos, noi, spre

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 deosebire de ai vo{\f63 \u351\'3f}t
ri, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}m nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ia, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 trebuie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 I-am studiat pe {\f63 \u822
2\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii" ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia, cu ve{\
f63 \u351\'3f}mintele lor
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ponosite, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i copiii murdari, descul{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i. Gndindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ct
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de departe eram fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
e civiliza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la ct de bezn{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teai apr
oape de foc {\f63 \u8212\'3f} puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pariu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aveau curent electric. Ct
pe ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea mea, nu a
{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iasc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} n realitate
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cineva. Dar apoi, amintindu-mi cu ct{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
ep{\f63 \u259\'3f}sare
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vorbiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} tipii ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia
despre luptele pe via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 moarte, m-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strez p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerile pentru mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce caut{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ei aici, Raymond? a ntrebat o femeie de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} foc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era o fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f} uman{\f63 \u259\'3f} obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f
63 \u259\'3f} i se adresa
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 moroiului b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbos cu o total{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} familiaritate. Nu n stilul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acela vis{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, tulbure, folosit ndeob{
\f63 \u351\'3f}te de hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitori fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de moroi. Nu sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na nici m{\f63 \u259\
'3f}car cu conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pedante dintre cei ca mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Alchimi
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2062 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ni se al{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}? a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1196 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Raymond i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
puns scuturnd din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. P{\f63 \u259
\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii i urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}resc pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-a
u omort
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 regina. Sydney a avut grij{\f63 \u
259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nghionteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nainte
\par

\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot nega a
firma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Am strns din din{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptn
d s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sar{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i pe mine. Dar, spre surprinderea mea, m-am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pomenit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}te cu un amestec de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 venera{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de admira
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, exact la fel ca grupul care ne
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntmpinase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Noi le ofer
im ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}post, le-a explicat Raymond,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 privindu-ne bucuros, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-m
i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} aprobarea lui se datora faptului
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am fi fost
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 criminali, sau pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu aten{\f63
\u355\'3f}iei de care se bucura.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cu toate acestea, ne-a zis,\i sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\i0 bine-veni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nou{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} duce{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i traiul aici. Avem loc destul
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 n grote.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Grote? Mi-am smucit capul s
pre versantul muntos de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dincolo de foc dndu-mi abia acum seama ce erau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}urile acelea ntunecate. {\f63 \u350\'
3f}i chiar n timp ce priveam
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntr-acolo, cteva persoane au nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi
{\f63 \u351\'3f}une,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 retr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-se la culcare {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd n profunzimile
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 negre ale muntelui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f
}spuns, n timp ce eu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mi se vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} oroarea pe chip.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem doar
nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m aici... A {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \
u259\'3f}it pentru o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lucru deloc surprinz{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tor, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc la ct de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sumare deveniser{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum planurile noas
tre. Vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 zile, probabil, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ncheiat fraza.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pute{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} locui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu familia mea, a zis Raymon
d.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ultimele cuvinte i fus
eser{\f63 \u259\'3f} adresate lui Sydney, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 le f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} sune ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum i-ar fi acordat o mare
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 favoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umim, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea. V{\f63 \u259\'3f} v
om fi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ne l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne petrecem noaptea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 n\i casa dumneavoastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Accentul pe partea final{\f
63 \u259\'3f} mi fusese adresat mie, din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cte mi-am dat seama. Cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirile din lemn
aflate de-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lungul potecii pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}fuite nu ar{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tau deloc luxoase, orict{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 imagina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ai fi avut, ns{\f63 \u259\'3
f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi preferat oricnd una
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dintre ele fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o g
rot{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Satul, sau comuna, sau ce-o
mai fi fost, era cuprins de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 un entuziasm tot mai mare pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ce noutatea adus{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de noi era con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tientizat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mai bine. Ne-au bombardat cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 rafale de ntrebari, ncepnd cu lucruri obi{\f63 \u351\'3
f}nuite, cum ar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fi numele noastre, dar trecnd repede la am{\f63 \u259\
'3f}nunte
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 precise referitoare la cum anume o ucisesem eu pe
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am fost salvat{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de obliga{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunde atunci
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd femeia uman{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cea care vorbise mai
devreme cu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Raymond, a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
ia pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i trei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ajunge, a
zis, certndu-i pe curio{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Se face trziu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sunt sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63
\u259\'3f} oaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri le e foame.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n realitate, eram lihnit{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, dar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt chiar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n asemenea hal nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nn
c tocan{\f63 \u259\'3f} de oposum, sau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu eu ce altceva putea s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} drept mncare pe-

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aici. Hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea femeii a fost ntmpinat{\f6

3 \u259\'3f} cu o oarecare
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}gire, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea i-a
asigurat pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 discuta cu noi mine. Rotindumi privirea n jur, am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mpurpurare acolo unde probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se afla
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 orizontul estic. R{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ea soarele. Un grup de moroi care
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se ag{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de {\f63 \u82
22\'3f}tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie" respecta mai mult ca sigur un orar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nocturn, ceea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoanele a
cestea mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aveau, probabil, doar cteva ore pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
culcare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Femeia ne-a informat c{\f63
\u259\'3f} se nume{\f63 \u351\'3f}te Sarah {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 condus mai departe pe poteca pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}fuit{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. Raymond ne-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 strigat c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i el curnd. n timp ce mergeam, am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte persoane
cutreiernd prin preajma caselor
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zle{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, d{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}nate, ducndu-se la culcare, sau poate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trezi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} acea z
arv{\f63 \u259\'3f} creat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sarah a aruncat o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 privire spre Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2955 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ne-ai adus ce
va?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, i-a r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spuns Sydney. Am venit aici doar ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4136 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}esc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sarah s-a ar{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tat dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}git{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar a aprobat-o nclinnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4355 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 capul:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2500 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O misiune im
portant{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sydney s-a ncruntat {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4006 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ct timp a tr
ecut de cnd nu v-au mai adus ceva ai

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4460 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 mei?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cteva luni,
a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Sarah, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce s-a gndit o
\plain\expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri327 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sydney s-a ntunecat la fa{\f63 \
u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar n-a mai zis nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, Sarah nea dus ntr-una dintre cele mai mari
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai aspectuose lo
cuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aceasta era
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cl{\f63
\u259\'3f}dit{\f63 \u259\'3f} din scnduri nevopsite. n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntuneric bezn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd Sarah a aprins
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cteva l{\f63 \u259\'3f}mpi str{\f63 \u259\'3f}vechi.
Avusesem dreptate. Nici gnd de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 electricitate pe-aici. Iar asta m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrb dintr\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau cu
canalizarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Podelele erau din lemn de e
sen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} tare, la fel ca pere{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i acoperite cu covoare mari, cu model
e n culori vii.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea n care ne aflam p{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ceva hibrid ntre
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 o buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie, o camer{\
f63 \u259\'3f} de zi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o sufragerie. n centru avea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o vatr{\f63 \u259\'3f} mare, de-o parte a ei fiind o
mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu scaune din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lemn, iar de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, perne mari, ca
re presupuneam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 serveau drept canapele. Un stativ cu plante puse la
uscat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atrna n apropierea vetrei, umplnd nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea
cu un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 miros picant care se contopea cu cel de lemn ars. Pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 peretele opus se vedeau ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}te u{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i, iar Sarah ne-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 semn spre una dintre ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri710 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pute{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dormi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n camera fetelor, a zis ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mersi, i-am r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}spuns, ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind sigur dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi doream
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri157 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r s{\f63

\u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d cum ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta camera noastr{\f63 \u259\

'3f} de oaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1430 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Deja mi era dor de motelul MOTE
L.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am studiat-o, curioas{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, pe Sarah. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie de-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Raymond, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i purta o rochie albastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} uni, lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la genunchi. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
ei blond era piept{\f63 \u259\'3f}nat pe spate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri408 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 legat la ceaf{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea scund{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca to{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i oamenii,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri735 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ti menajera lui Raymond? am ntrebat-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Era singurul rol pe care deduc{\f
63 \u355\'3f}iile mele puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 atribuie. Avea cteva urme de mu{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi, dar categoric
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nu era o hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitoare. Cel pu{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}in, nu una permanent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Poate
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe-aici,
hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitorii aveau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rolul de ajutoare ntr-ale
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3830 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 gospod{\f63 \u259\'3f}riei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1248 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt so{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia lui, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns zmbind.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A nsemnat o not{\f63 \u259\'3f} bu
n{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru autocontrolul meu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri728 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am izbut
it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dau, ct de ct, o replic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3994 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aha.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Privirea t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\
f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Sydney s-a fixat asupra mea, cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un avertisment con{\f63 \u355\'3f}
inut:\i Las-o cum a picat.\i0 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am strns din din{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i
-am dat de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pricepusem,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 printr-o scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} nclinare a capului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n re

alitate, nu pricepeam. Femeile

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dhampir {\f63 \u351\'3f}i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rba{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ii moroi se cuplau mereu. Ele chiar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aveau nevoie de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Leg{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}turile cu caracter de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 permanen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau consid
erate scandaloase... dar nu total
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ite de pe t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmul pos
ibilului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dar ntre moroi {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i oameni? Asta mi dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea puterea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de mea de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegere. Aceste dou{\f63 \u
259\'3f} rase nu se mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpreunau de secole. Mai de mult, asta dusese la apari
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dhampirilor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}su
r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce lumea naintase spre
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 modernitate, moroii renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}aser{\f63 \
u259\'3f} complet la combinarea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 (n accep{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea intim{\f63 \u259\'3f})
cu oamenii. Sigur, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iam printre
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ei. Moroii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dhampirii munceau cot l
a cot cu oamenii, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lumea mare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}rau c
ase n cartierele lor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cte se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, aveau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i u
nele aranjamente bizare cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 societ{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i secrete de ge
nul Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tilor. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 moroii se hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}neau cu snge omenesc... {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i tocmai {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta era
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}pilul. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ineai o fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} uman{\f63 \u259\'3f} lng{\f63
\u259\'3f} tine, era pentru
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o foloseai pe post de hr{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}nitor. Cam acesta era nivelul
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de intimitate. Hr{\f63 \u259
\'3f}nitorii nsemnau hran{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 O hran{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu care te
purtai frumos, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e, dar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i una cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te mprietene{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
. B{\f63 \u259\'3f}rba{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii moroi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\
'3f} sex cu
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 femeile dhampir? Indecen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat moroi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sex
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 cu o femeie dhampir\i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\i0 s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} bea din sngele ei?
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Pornografie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i umilin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat moroi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} sex cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 o femeie uman{\f63 \u259\'3f}... cu sau f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} bea din sngele ei? De
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 nen{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine lucru
ri erau capabile s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocheze sau
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} simt jignit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Aveam vederi destul de liberale
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd venea vorba despre via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a intim{\f63
\u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ideea unei
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii ntre un moro
i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} uman{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea peste
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cap. N-avea importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} femeia era un soi de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitoare {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a cum p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sara
h {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sau cineva
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai {\f63 \u8222\'3f}presus" de asta, cum era Sydney.
Oamenii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 moroii nu se potriveau unii cu al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
Era ceva primitiv {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nepotrivit, motiv pentru care nici nu se mai ntmpla. n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fine, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in acolo de unde veneam
eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri47 \fi284 \expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 Spre deosebire de ai vo{\
f63 \u351\'3f}tri, noi nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} respect{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-14 \i \f20 \fs24 tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nostimada consta n faptul c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, orict de nepotrivite
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mi s-ar fi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut mie toate acestea, Sy
dney sigur le
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai {\f63
\u351\'3f}i, cu toate prejudec{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile ei privitoare
la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vampiri. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, presupun c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fusese preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tocmai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de-aceea izbutea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} atitudinea calm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fusese luat{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin surprindere, ca mine
, sau ca Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam, cu o
oarecare certitudine, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el mi
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea sentimentele. Doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se pricepea mai b
ine ca
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2516 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mine s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f} mirarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 G{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}gia de la u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a trezit, smulgndu-m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} din starea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc. Raymond sosise, {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i nu singur. Un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat dhampir

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de vreo opt ani i st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea coco{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}at pe umeri, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} moroi,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cam de aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f}, se
zorea pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei. i urma o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 femeie moroi dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} v
reo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeci
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceva de ani, iar n spatele ei am v{\
f63 \u259\'3f}zut un dhampir
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 simpatic, cel mult cu doi ani mai mare ca mine, dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 de-o vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Au urmat prezent{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rile. Copiii se numeau Phil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Molly, iar pe femeia moroi o chema Paulette. P{\f63
\u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 locuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aici, d
ar nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} deduc cu precizie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile dintre ei, cu excep{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ia tipului de vrsta mea. El
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 era Joshua, fiul lui Raymond {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al lu
i Sarah. Ne zmbea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cu amabilitate tuturor {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mai ales mi
e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui Sydney {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ochii lui mi aminteau de albastrul p{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
runz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, cristalin
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 al celor din neamul Ozera. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
timp ce n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 familia lui Christian tendin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a era ca
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 culoare nchis{\f63 \u259\'3f}, al lui Joshua era blond
-nisipiu, cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oare accente aurii. Trebuia s-o recu
nosc, era o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 combina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63
\u259\'3f}toare, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} partea aceea buim{\f63 \u259\'3f}cit{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 creierului meu mi amintea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63
\u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rezultatul mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii unui moroi cu o
fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} uman{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu o femeie dhampir, cum m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}scusem eu. Produsul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 finit era acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
calea prin care se ajunsese la el mi
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}i duc n
camera voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at-o Sarah pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri994 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Paulette. Voi ceilal{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i pute{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i podul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a trebuit ceva timp pn{\f

63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'3f}

voi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nsemnau Paulette, Joshua, Moll
y {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Phil.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ridicndu-mi privirea, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c{\f63
\u259\'3f} ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r exista un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pod, acoperind cam jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate din ntinde
rea casei. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea suficient pentru patru pe
rsoane.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu vrem s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} deranj{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, a intervenit Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gndind la fel ca mine. R{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\
'3f}sese t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut pe aproape tot
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 parcursul aventurii noastre din p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dur
e, economisindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 energia pentru ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune, f{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o iroseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe vorbe. Noi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ne descurc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m foarte bine {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i aici, a asigurat-o el pe gazda
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu v{\f63 \
u259\'3f} face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i griji pentru noi, a zis Joshua,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 adresndu-ne iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i zmbet
ul acela dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}. Pe noi nu ne
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 deranjeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nici pe
Angeline.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2337 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe cine? m-am
mirat eu.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe sor{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnit cu gr
eu o strmb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ei cinci,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri631 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ngr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3
f}di{\f63 \u355\'3f}i acolo, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} putem avea noi o camer{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umim, s-a gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun
{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sydney. V{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri673 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 suntem recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
ori. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sau deoparte repulsia fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'
3f} de lumea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vampirilor, Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii puteau s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie politico{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 fermec{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori cnd voiau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1882 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mare p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}cat, a replicat Joshua.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Termin{\f63 \u25

9\'3f} cu flirtatul, Josh, l-a mustrat Sarah. Voi

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trei vre{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} mnca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceva nainte de culcare? Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lzesc ceva
toc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ni{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am mncat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
noi mai devreme,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2498 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cu pine coapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
Paulette.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 La auzul cuvntului\i toc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ni{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},\i0 toate temerile legate de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 oposumi mi-au revenit n goana mare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e nevoie,
m-am repezit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund. Eu a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu pu{\f63
\u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} pine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2073 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i eu, m-a sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le dea mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in de furc{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, sau mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{
\f63 \u351\'3f}ea temerile culinare. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ultima
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 variant{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dimitri era genul de b{\f63
\u259\'3f}rbat pe care puteai s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 azvrli n s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ticie {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i ar fi supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit cu orice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Din cte se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}re
a, Paulette copsese o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pine, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-au l{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem un picnic n mica
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259
\'3f}ru{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu o pit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreag{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un castron cu unt,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut probabil de Sarah. Ca dimensiuni
, era cam ct
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 camera mea de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}min de la Sf. Vladimir
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea ca
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mobilier dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} saltele umplute cu puf,
ntinse pe podea.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Erau acoperite cu pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}pumi, probabil n
efolosite de luni de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zile, cu astfel de temperaturi. Mestecnd o bucat{\f63
\u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pine surprinz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor de bun{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, mi-amm plimbat mna peste
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 una dintre pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}pumile acelea.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-aduce ami
nte de unele modele pe care le-am
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut n Rusia, am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2009 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a studiat {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i el modelul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1468 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Seam{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar nu e tocmai identic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u354\'3f}i
ne de evolu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia culturii, a precizat Sydney. Era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 obosit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nu de aj
uns nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}e la tonul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 didactic. Modelele tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionale ruse
au fost aduse aici {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63
\u259\'3f}, s-au mbinat cu forma compozit{\f63 \u259\'3f} tipic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2914 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 artizanatului american.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri4086 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 Hopa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2069 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hm, e bine de
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut, am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Familia gazd{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne l
{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase singuri, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tindu-se pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 culcare, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am priv
it prudent{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cr{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. Cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}gia {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea impro
babil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne aud{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cineva, dar oricum mi-am cobort tonul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum po{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi explici cine naiba sunt {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tia? am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 luat-o n primire pe Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2712 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ea a ridicat din umeri.
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3
f}torii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, pe-asta am p
rins-o. Iar noi suntem P{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Sun{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1523 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 a denumire mai potrivit{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} pentru strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba nu, m-a c

ontrazis Sydney, rezemndu-se cu

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spinarea de peretele din scnduri. Strigoii sunt Pierd
u{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Voi sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i P{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ii, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} v-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat
civiliza{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 moderne {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i l{\f63
\u259\'3f}sat n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} obiceiurile lor napoiate,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 prefernd uzan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele voastre anapoda.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, am s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rit eu. Nu noi suntem {\f63 \u259\'3f}ia cu salopete {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 banjouri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, m-a m
ustrat Dimitri, privind atent spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ai grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, pe urm{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, n-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut dect o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} n salopet{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} asta te face s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mai bine, mi-a z
is
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Sydney, afl{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} prefer
stilul vostru de via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cnd v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 oameni amestecndu-se n toate astea...
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Masca agreabil{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i profesional{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care o adoptase
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse. {\f63 \u3
50\'3f}i revenise firea ei dintr-o
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 bucat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri673 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E dezgust{\f63
\u259\'3f}tor, a exclamat ea. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} sup{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu se sup{\f63
\u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimeni, am asigurat-o, cutremurndu\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Crede-m{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu simt acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru. Nu pot s{\f63
\u259\'3f} cred...
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\
f63 \u259\'3f}iesc a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
din cap, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare pentru
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'
3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam punctul de vedere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri254 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prefer s{\f63
\u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne{\f63 \u355\'3f}i doar voi ntre voi. Numai c{\f63 \

u259\'3f}...
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}? am mboldito.
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 A f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ru{\f63 \u351\'3f}inat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar dac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} persoanele din care te tragi tu nu se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
toresc cu oameni, voi tot interac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu ei, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele lor. Ei, n schimb, nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i pentru asta i prefer{\f63 \u259\'3f} Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii, a ghicit
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Voi nu sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de acord cu o
biceiurile celor din
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 grupul de-aici, dar v{\f63 \u259\'3f} convine izolare
a lor fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 societatea normal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2821 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sydney a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f
}at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu ct mai mul{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i sunt vampirii care stau doar ntre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ei, prin p{\f63 \u259\'3f}duri, cu
att e mai bine... chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} stilul lor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} e nebunesc. Ti
pii {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia stau doar ntre ei... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}in la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f} pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1597 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prin mijloace
ostile? am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ntmpina{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i de un grup r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboinic, iar ea se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptase la o astf
el de primire. Ei to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i veniser{\f63 \u259\'3f} preg{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lupte: moroi, dhampiri {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i oameni, deopotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri177 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \
u259\'3f} sper{\f63 \u259\'3f}m c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu prea ostile, mi-a r{\f63 \u
259\'3f}spuns, evaziv.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te-au l{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intri, a zis Dimitri. Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii le
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sunt cunoscu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. De

ce te-a ntrebat Sarah dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-ai adus

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4391 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 ceva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} asta facem, a m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisit Sydney. Din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cnd n cnd, pentru astfel de grupuri, aducem provizii:
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mncare pentru toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea, medicamente
pentru
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 oameni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam batjocura n voce, dar imediat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a fost nlocuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ngrijorare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Problema e
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sarah are dreptate, e posibil s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 apar{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreun Alchimist n vizit{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ar fi bafta noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 se-ntmple tocmai cnd suntem noi aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tocmai m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pr
eg{\f63 \u259\'3f}team s-o lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aveam nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m a
scun{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dect vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} zile, cnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri144 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 o afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de mai
devreme mi-a revenit brusc n minte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ia stai. Ai
spus {\f63 \u8222\'3f}astfel de grupuri". Cte comune
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de-astea exist{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Apoi m-am ntors spre
Dimitri. Asta nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 e tot ca treaba cu Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii, nu? Ce
va despre care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri593 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i numai c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3
f}ine{\f63 \u355\'3f}i secret de noi ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3016 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 A scuturat din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri726 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt la fel de
uimit ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tine de toate astea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unii dintre cond
uc{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii vo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vag{\f63 \u259\'3f} idee despre ex
isten{\f63 \u355\'3f}a P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}torilor, a zis Sydney
.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} am{\f63 \u259\
'3f}nunte. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} locuri precise. Tipii {\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ascund destul de bine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sunt n stare
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mute imediat.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Se {\f63 \u355\'3f}in departe de ai vo{\f63 \u351\'3
f}tri. Nu-i agreeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ai vostri.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tocma
i motivul pentru care n-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}deze, am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dedus, oftnd. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i pen
tru care sunt att de entuziasma{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mine, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} presupun c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} am omort-o pe Tatiana.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Apropo, mersi pentru asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri913 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Sydney n-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut
deloc dispus{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se scuze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta ne asigur{\
f63 \u259\'3f} protec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Atta ct{\f63 \u259\'3f} e, a ad{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ugat,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}in
du-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i un c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat. Acum, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sunt moa
rt{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oboseal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} urmez planurile nebune{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ale
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cuiva {\f63 \u8212\'3f} fie ale voastre, fie ale lui
Abe {\f63 \u8212\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu dorm
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} era obosit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar abia acum mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 seama {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Sydney nu era ca noi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i noi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aveam nevoie de somn, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram capabili
, datorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 rezisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei noastre, s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rim peste el n caz de nevoie. Ea,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n schimb, st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuse treaz{\f63 \u259\'3f
} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} noaptea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fusese vrt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cu for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii care
-i dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}eau categoric sfera
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 comodit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Ar{\f63
\u259\'3f}ta de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} adoarm{\f63 \
u259\'3f} pe loc,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum era, rezemat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de perete. Am ntors capul spre
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. El deja m{\f63 \u259\'3f} privea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1450 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Facem cu schi
mbul? l-am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} niciunul dintre noi n-ar fi fost de acord s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnem nep{\f63 \u259\
'3f}zi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntr-un astfel de loc, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 presupunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am fi eroii regicizi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3434 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 A ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1880 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te culci tu p
rima, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 U{\f63 \u351\'3f}a a zburat de per
ete {\f63 \u351\'3f}i att eu, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fost gata s{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rim n ntmpinarea atacului. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 prag am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut o fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
hampir, care ne privea furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i trei. Er
a cu vreo doi ani mai mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect mine, cam
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de vrsta prietenei mele Jill Mastran
o o student{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sf. Vladimir care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} se numere printre moroii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 combativi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i fata de-aici p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrea acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} luam n considerare fie {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i numai pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ei
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboinic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Avea acea
constitu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i supl{\f63
\u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 majorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii dhampirilo
r, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntregul trup i era ncordat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} doboare pe oricare dintre noi. Avea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul drept {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lung pn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} n talie, de un {\f63 \u351\'3f}aten nchis care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aduna n el nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}e aurii {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}mii din soare. Ochii i erau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 la fel de alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri ca ai lui Joshua.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a, a zis ea. Prin urmare, voi sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i marii eroi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care mi-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ocupat camera.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Angeline? a
m ghicit, amintindu-mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Joshua a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pomenit! despre sora lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A mijit ochii spre mine, ne
pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-i faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cine e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3196 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, a r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-a examinat cu o privire neab{\
f63 \u259\'3f}tut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceea vedea. Oc
hii ei ageri s-au mutat apoi spre

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam s

{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ndulceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}teptam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cad{\f63 \u259\'3f} prad{\f63 \u259\'3f} farmecelor
lui, ca majoritatea femeilor. Dar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el a avut parte tot de o c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuitoare. Pe
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ei a rev
enit spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu cred,
a declarat. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti prea moale. Prea
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 dichisit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dichisit{\f63 \u259\'3f}? P
e bune? Eu nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a,
cel
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in nu cu blugii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i t
ricoul meu, purtnd urmele
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ier{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rilor. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, privindu-i vestimenta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, pu
team
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 eventual s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i n{\f63
\u355\'3f}eleg atitudinea. Avea hainele curate, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 blugii erau purta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de ceva vreme, am
bii genunchi fiind
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, zdren{\f63 \u355\'3f}ui{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i. Tricoul era de fapt o bluz{\f63 \u259\'3f} strmt{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mneci, cu bretele, alburie, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fi fost croit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu {\
f63 \u351\'3f}tiam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial fusese alb{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. Poate
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, prin compara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu
ea, eram dichisit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 merita cineva un astfel epitet, atunci aceea era Sydn
ey.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Hainele ei ar fi mers {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru o ntlni
re de afaceri, plus
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea nu fusese angrenat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} n vreo nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierare sau evadare
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 din nchisoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pe e
a Angeline n-o mai nvrednicise {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu o a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 doua privire. Aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} pe-aici Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 reprezentau o categorie bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, un so
i diferit de oameni
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cei care se c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}toreau cu P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}to
rii. Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aduceau provizii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i plecau. Pentru cei

de aici erau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aproape un fel de hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitori, z{\f63 \u
259\'3f}u a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, chestie care-mi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 z{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea mintea. P{\f63
\u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii aveau mai mult respect fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de genul de oameni pe care civiliza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
mea i privea de
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 sus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Oricum, tot nu {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tiam ce replic{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dau Angelinei.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se
spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} c-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi moale, sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} sub semnul ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ii aptitudinile de lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. O
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oarecare scnteie mi-a aprins temperamentul, ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 refuzat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} creez necazuri intrnd ntr-o n
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierare cu fiica
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gazdei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici nu eram dispus{\f63 \u
259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u259\'3f}scocesc detalii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre asasinarea Tatianei. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63
\u259\'3f} am ridicat, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 simplu din umeri.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1367 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aparen{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ele sunt n{\f63 \u351\'3f}el{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri674 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, m-a aproba
t Angeline, cu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sunt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndreptndu-se cu pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spre un mic cuf{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dintr-un col{\f63 \u355\'3f}, a sco
s de-acolo ceea ce p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de noapte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai face bin
e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi strici patul, m-a avertizat,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aruncnd apoi o privire spre Sydney, care st{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tea n capul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 oaselor pe cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} saltea. Nu m{\f63
\u259\'3f} intereseaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 al lui Paulette.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Paulette e
sora ta? m-am interesat, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncercnd o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}imurire a situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei
din familia aceea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
era nimic din ce-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu nsemne o ofens{\f63 \u259\'

3f} pentru fata asta.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu, s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit Angeline, trntind u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a n
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 urma ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eu am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas c
u privirea fixat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia aceea,
\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri752 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 C{\f63 \u259\'3f}scnd de zor, Sy
dney s-a ntins pe patul ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Paulette probabi
l este... ei, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Amanta lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2953 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Raymond. Concubina.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? m-am mi
rat eu. Un moroi, nsurat cu o femeie
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 uman{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncurcat cu o f
emeie moroi? Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cte a{\f63 \u351\'3f} mai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndur.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i locuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3882 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 familia lui?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-mi cere s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i explic eu. Nu vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tiu mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 multe dect sunt obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre obiceiu
rile voastre
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 sucite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri880 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu su
nt obiceiurile\i mele,\i0 am ripostat.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 La scurt timp dup{\f63
\u259\'3f} ntmplare, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut apari{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Sarah, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i cear{\f63 \u259\'3f} scuze pentru Angeline {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ne ntrebe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai avem nevoie de altceva. Am a
sigurat-o c{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 perfect {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umi
t cu vrf {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ndesat pentru
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ospitalitate. Imediat dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} plecarea e
i, eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri ne\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am stabilit turele de somn {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de vegh
e. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi preferat mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}mnem amndoi treji, mai ales din cauza
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 convingerii mele destul de puternice c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} Angeline ar fi

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 capabila s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reteze beregata cuiva n tim
p ce doarme.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, aveam nevoie de odihn{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} amndoi am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} prom
ptitudinea dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar da cineva
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 buzna pe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, l-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea prim
ul de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 veghe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am cuib{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit
n patul Angelinei, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l {\f63 \u822
2\'3f}stric". Era surprinz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor de comod. Sau poate
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram eu prea obosit{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. Am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi las deoparte
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 grijile referitoare la execu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, la c
opii din flori ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 la vampiri care tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iesc departe de lu
me. Un somn adnc
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m-a nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am nceput
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} visez... dar nu un vis
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 oarecare. Era un fel de extensie a tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
irilor mele
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 interioare, o senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de prezen{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} att n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untrul, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 afara realit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Am f
ost atras{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-un vis provocat de
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 spirit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3956 \expndtw-12 \i \f20 \fs24 Adrian!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ideea m-a entuziasmat. mi era dor
de el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eram
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'
3f}toare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discut direct cu cineva, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ceea
ce
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se petrecuse la Curte. N-avusesem prea mult timp pen
tru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii atunci cnd evadasem, iar cu to
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea asta
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb260\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f} din fund
ul p{\f63 \u259\'3f}durii, n care nimerisem, chiar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam nevoia unei f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rme de normalitate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 civiliza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie n jurul meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Visul a nceput s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} se contureze, devenind din ce n ce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mai clar. Era un decor pe care nu-l mai v{\f63 \u259
\'3f}zusem n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mea, o antecamer{\f63 \u259\'3f} protocolar{\f63 \u2

59\'3f}, cu scaune {\f63 \u351\'3f}i canapele

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acoperite de o tapi{\f63 \u355\'3f}erie de stof{\f63
\u259\'3f} cu arabescuri, ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} liliachie. Pere
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii erau pres{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu tablouri pict
ate
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 n ulei, iar ntr-un col{\f63 \u355\'3f} se vedea o harp{
\f63 \u259\'3f} mare.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elesesem de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vre
me c{\f63 \u259\'3f} locurile n care m-ar fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 putut trimite Adrian {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sau ve{\f63 \u
351\'3f}mintele n care m-ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putea mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ca {\f63 \u8212\'3f} erau tot
al imprevizibile. Din fericire,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acum eram n blugi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-n tricou, cu\i n
azar\i0 -ul meu albastru
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 atrnat de gt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntors nelini{\f63 \u351
\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} capul, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utndu-l cu privirea,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-l cuprind ntr-o mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are c
olosal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n timp scrutam nc{\f63 \u259\'3
f}perea, nu chipul lui Adrian a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 fost cel pe care mi-au c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut deodat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ochii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2746 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ci al lui Robert Doru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2141 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Iar Victor Dashkov era cu el.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri4027 \expndt
w-33 \b \f20 \fs40 ZECE
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \b \f20 \fs24 ATUNCI CND IUBITUL
T{\f63 \u258\'3f}U OBI{\f63 \u350\'3f}NUIE{\f63 \u350\'3f}TE
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rund{\f63 \u259\'3f} n vis, mai prinzi din zbor vreo cteva
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Una dintre cele mai importante
e aceea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gesturile fizice din vis le sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la f
el ca n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a real{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Cum ar fi, cnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru{\f63 \u355\'3f}i p
e cineva. ntre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 petrecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} destule scene de s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rutat n vis, suficient de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 intense nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi strneasc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} n trup dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de mult mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mult. De{\f63 \u351\'3f}i niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
-am atacat pe cineva n vis, eram
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dispus{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pariez c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} un pumn tras acum ar fi produs la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fel de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} durere ca unul din reali
tate.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} vreo clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ezitare, m-am avntat spre Victor,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind sigur dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ard un pumn sau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l strng de gt. Ambele mi se p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}reau ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}te idei bune.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n-a fost n
iciuna. nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ating, m-am
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 izbit de un zid invizibil... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dur. N
u doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpiedicat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
el, m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut {\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rico{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ez
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 napoi, n urma impactului. M-am mpleticit, am ncercat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi recap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t echilibr
ul, dar n loc de asta am aterizat,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dureros pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt. Mda: n vis sim{\f63 \
u355\'3f}eai la fel ca n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 real{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 L-am privit chior{\f63 \u351
\'3f} pe Robert, cu un amestec de furie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Pe cea
din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-o
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 ascund.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri63 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ca utilizator a
l spiritului, lucrezi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu telechinezia?"
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} e posibil, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici Lissa, nici Adrian nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} o astfel de capacitate. Nu\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea deloc ideea c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} Robert ar avea puterea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 arunce cu obiecte {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} creeze bariere invizibile. Era un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1859 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dezavantaj de care n-aveam nevoi
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri82 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Robert a preferat s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe misteriosul n continuare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1608 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Eu de{\f63 \
u355\'3f}in controlul asupra visului."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Victor m{\f63 \u259\'3f} privea d
e sus, cu acea expresie de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 superioritate, evaluatoare n care ex
cela. Dndu-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 seama n ce pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie nedemn{\f63 \u259\'3

f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc, am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit n

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 picioare. Am adoptat o postur{\f63 \u259\'3f} aprig{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu trupul ncordat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit, ntrebndu-m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Robert avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} mereu zidul a
cela.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ai terminat cu isteria?" m-a
ntrebat Victor. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 te-ai comporta ca o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} civiliza
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}, discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2647 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 ar fi cu mult mai pl{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ,N-am niciun interes s{\f63
\u259\'3f} discut cu tine", m-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Singurul lucru pe care o s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-l fac e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te vnez n lumea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri920 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 real{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te dau napoi pe mna autorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ilor."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}ncnt{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tor", a replicat Victor {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Am putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mp{\f
63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}im
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4060 \expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 o celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3603 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 Am tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Da," a continuat
el. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu tot ce s-a ntmplat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1133 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmana Tatiana.
Ce tragedie. Ce pierdere."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Tonul lui batjocoritor-melo
dramatic mi-a iscat o idee
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 alarmant{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Tu n-ai avu
t nimic de-a face cu asta, nu?" l-am
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Evadarea lui Victor strnise
multe temeri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i accese de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 paranoia n rndul moroilor. Erau convin{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i atace pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Cu
noscnd adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul despre aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 evadare, respinsesem astfel

de brfe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-mi nchipuisem c\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea la cutie.
Acum, amintindu-mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu de mult {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dorise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} porneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o r
evolu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie printre moroi, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrebam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva persoana care o a
sasinase pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i era\i0 , de fapt, cel mai ma
re tic{\f63 \u259\'3f}los din c{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Da de unde
", a pufnit Victor, ducndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i minile la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i plimbndu-se prin nc{\f63 \u259\
'3f}pere, pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-se c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 studiaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} operele de art{\f63 \u259\'
3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, m-am ntrebat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} unde se ntindea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 scutul lui Robert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Eu dispun d
e metode cu mult mai sofisticate prin
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ating {\f63 \u355\'3f}elur
ile",, mi-a explicat el. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1815 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cobor pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a ceva... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici tu."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Tocmai m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pr
eg{\f63 \u259\'3f}team s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i atrag aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} z{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cirea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii Lissei nu prea putea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} reprezinte o metod{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sofisticat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnd ultimele lui cuvinte
mi-au atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1986 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Tu nu crezi
c-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o eu?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ntors privirea
spre mine, de unde pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1885 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 studia un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat
cu joben {\f63 \u351\'3f}i baston.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Sigur c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu. Tu niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu faci ceva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 necesite attea preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tiri. {\f63 \u350\
'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce am aflat despre
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 locul crimei este adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, e clar c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} tu niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} attea dovezi." Vorbele lui con{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ineau att o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 insult{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un compl
iment.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ei bine, m
ersi pentru votul de ncredere. Chiar mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2231 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam griji pen
tru p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea ta."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Remarca mi-a atras di
n partea lui un zmbet. Mi-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2634 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}at bra{\f63
\u355\'3f}ele pe piept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dar voi de
unde {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car ce s-a ntmplat la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri705 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Curte?"m-am interesat. {\f63 \u8
222\'3f}Ce, ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spioni acolo?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Astfel de v
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti se r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndesc foarte repede prin
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lumea moroilor", mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Victor.
{\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu sunt chiar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 att de ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din circuit. Am aflat desp
re asasinarea ei
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 aproape imediat cum s-a petrecut. Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i despre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2609 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 impresionanta ta evadare."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}stram cea mai mare parte a aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ndreptat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre Victor, mai aruncam cte
o privire rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spre Robert. El r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea t{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, judecnd dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} privirea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 goal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, absent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ochi
lor lui, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} el era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient de ce
se discuta n jurul lui. Ori de cte
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ori l vedeam, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecea un fior rece p
e spinare. Era un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 remarcabil exemplu pentru ceea ce putea fi mai r{\f63
\u259\'3f}u n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}area spiritului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}De ce te i
ntereseaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe tine?" l-am luat la rost pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1229 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Victor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ce
naiba m{\f63 \u259\'3f} deranjezi n vis?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Victor a continuat s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} se plimbe prin nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 oprindu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i treac
{\f63 \u259\'3f} degetele pe suprafa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a neted{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 lemn a harpei.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Pentru c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} intereseaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} enorm politica moroi
lor. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mi-ar pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiu cine e r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor pentru asasinat,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2962 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cam care i-ar fi jocul."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1387 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 I-am adresat un zmbet comp
{\f63 \u259\'3f}timitor.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Am im
presia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti doar gelos, din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f
} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ciupe{\f63 \u351\'3f}te {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i altcineva strunele, cteodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu numai tu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1554 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3
f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac jocuri de cuvinte."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mna i-a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut
de pe strunele harpei, pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} corp,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 iar privirea ascu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
s-a fixat asupra mea, privirea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ochilor de aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nuan{\f63 \u355\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} verde-pal ca ai Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Comentariile
tale spirituale nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunt de niciun
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri538 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 folos", a ripostat. {\f63 \u8222
\'3f}Ori ne la{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, ori
nu."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}E{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti\i ultima\i0 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la care mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
dori un ajutor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3608 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 N-am nevoie."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Da. Lucruri
le par s{\f63 \u259\'3f} decurg{\f63 \u259\'3f} foarte favorabil pentru
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tine, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti o
fugar{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de toat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} lumea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 umbli cu unul pe care mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i l cred nc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} strigoi", a zis
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Victor, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd apoi o pauz{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Evident, sunt convins c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ultima parte nu te deranjeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea ta
re. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tii ce, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} v-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si,\i eu\i0 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} put
ea probabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c, {\f63 \u351

\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} reprimit ca

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4067 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 un erou."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu te baza
pe asta", m-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit, mistuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de furie,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 att din cauza insinu{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor lui, ct {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i amintindu-mi cte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 necazuri ne provocare, mie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui Dimi
tri, n trecut. Cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un mare efort de voin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, am continuat pe un ton sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor: {\f63 \u8
222\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc eu pe tine. {\f63 \u350\'3f
}i probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri734 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai tr{\f63
\u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungi pe mna autorit{\f63 \u259
\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Doar am st
abilit deja c{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre abilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile
tale nu se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i crima", a remarcat Victor, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezndu-se pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri679 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 unul dintre fotoliile tapi{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-se comod.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Robert a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma
s mai departe n picioare, purtnd nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 pe chip expresia aceea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Acum
", a continuat Victor, {\f63 \u8222\'3f}primul lucru pe care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-I facem
este s{\f63 \u259\'3f} determin{\f63 \u259\'3f}m motivul pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care ar fi vrut cineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne omoare r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}posata regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Personalitatea ei col{\f63 \u355\'3f}uroas{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ar fi un motiv temeinic, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea cui
va vreun r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u cu asta. Din ce-am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 auzit, cea mai controversat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac{\f63
\u355\'3f}iune din ultima vreme a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tatianei a fost cea cu legea vrstei... da, asta e. Ce
a care
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 te face s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ncrun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i a
{\f63 \u351\'3f}a la mine. Ar fi logic ca asasinul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1396 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost un
adversar al legii acesteia."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu doream ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f

}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac pe plac lui Victor.

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Nu doream s{\f63 \u259\'3f} port o discu{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ie ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu el. Ceea ce-mi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 doream era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}in vr
eun indiciu asupra locului n care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se afla el, n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a real{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, iar apoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ncerc {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} izbesc din nou de zidul {\f63 \u259
\'3f}la invizibil. Merita riscul,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} provoc ceva pagube. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am fost un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1736 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pic mirat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd m-a
m auzit spunnd:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Sau poate
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}pta{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul ar fi vrut s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} promoveze ceva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u... ceva mai crud fa{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de dhampiri. Decretul ei i s\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3100 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul prea moa
le."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r
ecunosc, faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l prinsesem pe Victor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dashkov pe nepreg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tite era una dintre
cele mai mari
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 bucurii din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea. Am avut acum s
atisfac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia aceasta,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-l cum nal{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f} sprncenele de uimire. Nu era u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i sugerezi unui maestru al intrigi
lor ca el, o ipotez{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se fi gndit deja.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Interesant
", a rostit, ntr-un trziu. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}E posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri499 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 subestimat, Rose. Str{\f63 \u259
\'3f}lucit{\f63 \u259\'3f} deduc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie din partea ta."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1066 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}P{\f63 \
u259\'3f}i, hm... n-a fost tocmai deduc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Victor a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}tepta l{\f63 \u259\'3f}muriri. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert s-a
trezit din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 buim{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceala lui {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a concentrat aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupra mea.
Era
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}A Tatianei

a fost. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu deduc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ei. A afirmat-o

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 direct. n fine, mai bine zis, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a scria
n biletul pe care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3783 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 mi l-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 De ce b{\f63 \u259\'3f}team
cmpii n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u259\'3f}stora? Dar cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in l
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 am surprins nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pe Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Tatiana Iv
ashkov {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat\i {\f63 \u355\'3f}ie\i0 un bil
et cu informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3157 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 secrete? Pentru ce?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}cndu-mi buz
a, mi-am ntors privirea spre unul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre tablouri. nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a o femeie moroi elegant{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aceia{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ochi verzi ca jadul caracteris
tici majorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dashkovilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dragomirilor. Deodat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, m-am ntrebat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva Robert {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
amplasase sediul n cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ce conac al familiei Dashkov, din copil{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ria lor. O
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care sesizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu coa
da ochiului m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntorc instantaneu spre cei doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Victor se ridicase {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre mine
,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri316 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 curiozitatea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vi
clenia fiindu-i ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}rite pe toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mai e ceva.
Ce altceva {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a mai scris? {\f63 \u350\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
e n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pericol. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} legea
reprezint{\f63 \u259\'3f} o parte a pericolului...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2818 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 dar nu numai ea, a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a-i?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas t{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre timp n minte mi se
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 contura o idee tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}snit{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. Chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajute. Fire
{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, privind retrospectiv, nu era
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ceva chiar att de tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}snit, dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} luam n considerare faptul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} deja l scosesem din nchisoare ca s{\

f63 \u259\'3f}-i ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}in ajutorul.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri3127 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Tatian
a zicea..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Oare trebuia s-o spun? Era cazul s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dest{\f63 \u259\'3f}inuiesc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 secretul pe care nici m{\f63 \u259
\'3f}car Lissa nu-l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea? Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Victor afla c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai exista un Dragomir,
putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
pentru vreo intrig{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-a lui? Cum?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam precis, dar m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}asem de mult c{\f63 \u259\'3f} din partea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lui puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63
\u351\'3f}tept la orice nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i...
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Victor cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
ad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de secrete de-ale moroilor.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Mi-ar fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v
{\f63 \u259\'3f}d punndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i iste{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea la ncercare
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cu Abe. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiam
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} multe dintre cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 din interior ale lui Victor i implicau pe Dragomiri {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dashkovi. Am nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n sec {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i-am vorbit mai departe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Tatiana zic
ea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} un Dragomir. C{\f63 \u259\'3f} ta
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}l
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissei a avut o rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} am putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63
\u259\'3f}m cine
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri385 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 e, asta i-ar reda Lissei puterea n
cadrul Consiliului."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 V{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre ei priviri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocate, mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} planul meu d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Victor nu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ofere informa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ii din interior. n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 schimb, eu fusesem cea care tocmai i oferise o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1985 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pre{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Fir-ar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ntors din
nou fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre mine, cu o expresie
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 meditativ{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}A{\f63 \u35

1\'3f}a. Prin urmare, Eric Dragomir nu era sfntul care

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2248 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 se pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea att d
e des c-ar fi."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2768 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am strns pumnii.
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu te lua de tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l
ei."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nici prin gnd numi trece. mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea enorm de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Eric. Dar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e... d
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia e adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, atunci
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana are dreptate. Vasilis
a ar avea practic sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inere
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 familial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar veder
ile ei liberale ar provoca cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 certitudine fric{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni ntr-un Consiliu
care nu d{\f63 \u259\'3f} impresia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar dori vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i schimbe felul de-a fi. Da", a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 continuat, chicotind, {\f63 \u8222\'3f}categoric v{\f
63 \u259\'3f}d cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nec{\f63 \u259\'3f}ji mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} lume... in
clusiv pe un criminal care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 dore{\f63 \u351\'3f}te oprimarea dhampirilor. mi imagi
nez c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 respectivul, sau respectiva, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar
dori ca o astfel de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2461 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f}."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cineva deja
a ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se descotoroseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1026 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 documentele legate de amanta tat
{\f63 \u259\'3f}lui Lissei."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, vorbisem f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndes
c, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f} detestam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru asta. Nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le mai dau {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i alte informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 celor doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Nu voiam s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} dau impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am lucra
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i, las{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghicesc", a zis
Victor. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Tocmai asta
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncerci tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci, nu? S{\f63 \u259\'3f

}-l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe bastardul lui

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3901 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 Dragomir."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3439 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Hei, ia nu..
."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N-a fost dect o
exprimare", m-a ntrerupt el. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f} cunosc bine pe vo
i dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am credin{\f63 \u355\'
3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cunosc {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Vasilisa se str{\f63 \u259\
'3f}duie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te cu disperare, la Curte,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dovedeasc{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, ct timp tu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
Belikov v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntr-o aventur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
u puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f
} sexual{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2303 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 a-i descoperi fratele sau sora."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1137 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Tu nu {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tii nimic despre noi", am mrit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri876 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Da, sigur, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rc{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} sexual{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spun.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Victor a ridicat din umeri.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Chip
ul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u spune tot. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a, nu e o idee rea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Nici prea grozav{\f63 \u259\'3f},
dar nu rea. D{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i familiei Dragomir
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cvorumul, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai n
Consiliu o voce care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri533 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 n numele t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. B{\f
63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vreo pist{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, nu?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1376 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Lucr{\f63 \u
259\'3f}m la asta", i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns evaziv
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Victor i-a aruncat o privire lui
Robert. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ei doi nu exista vreo comunicare pa
rapsihic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 timpul schimbului de priviri am avut senza{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeau

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amndoi acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}i confirmau reciproc. n cele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Victor a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t un semn de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 capul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ntors din nou spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1465 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Foarte bine,
atunci. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 O f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} sune de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost de acord, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f
63 \u259\'3f} prea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri516 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mare tragere de inim{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} un mare serviciu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1509 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N-avem nevoi
e de ajutorul vostru!"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ba sigur c{\f63
\u259\'3f} ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sco{\f63 \u351\'3f}i di
n circuit, Rose. V{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avnta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntr-un viespar
de politici urte, complexe...
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ceva n care nu ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pic de experien{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu e nicio ru{\f63 \u351\'3f}ine
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s-o recuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
nici mie nu mi-e ru{\f63 \u351\'3f}ine s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 recunosc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o ira{\f63 \u355\'3f}io
nal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prost gndit{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupt{\f63 \u259
\'3f} cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri749 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pumnii, voi v-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
dovedi superiori, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2267 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un complimen
t pe dos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ne descurc{\f63
\u259\'3f}m perfect. Avem un Alchimist care ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4312 \expndtw-28 \f20 \fs24 ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Asta o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i arate cine era scos din circuitul cui.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, spre lauda mea, el chiar a p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rut pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in impresionat.
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 Pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}E mai
bine dect m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, a g
{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit deja
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri423 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Alchimistul vostru vreun loc prec
is, sau vreo pist{\f63 \u259\'3f}?"

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1761 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Lucreaz{\f63
\u259\'3f} la asta", am repetat eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1469 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Victor mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
puns cu un oftat iritat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Atunci, nseamn{\
f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem nevoie de timp, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Att pentru Vasilisa ca s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} investigheze la Curte, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1282 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pentru voi, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
da{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de urma celui copil."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Tu e{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti cel care se comport{\f63 \u259\'3f} de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-ar {
\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 toate" i-am atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. {\f63 \u82
22\'3f}Mi-am nchipuit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3596 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i despre asta."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Spre necaz
ul meu, nu", a recunoscut Victor, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea chiar att de pe dinafar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dar, imediat cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prindem un fir, te asigur, eu o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} joc
un rol esen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3507 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 desclcirea lui."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 S-a ndreptat spre fratele s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}u {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-a b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urel
,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}titor, pe bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}. R
obert i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns cu o privire plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 adora{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}O s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} te mai vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. D{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ne de {\f63 \u351\'3f
}tire cnd ai ceva util,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1564 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i atunci venim s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntlnim cu tine."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2850 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ochii
mari.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2584 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N-o s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i una ca..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 M-am oprit, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}. l
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sasem pe Victor s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi scape, n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Las Vegas. Acum, el se oferea s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mine. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a a{\f63 \u351\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'

3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi repar gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}eala {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63

\u259\'3f}-mi duc la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndeplinire amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}area de mai devreme f
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de el. n
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mare grab{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-mi acop{\f63 \u259\'3f}r ezitarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri769 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}De unde {
\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ncredere n voi?"
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu {
\f63 \u351\'3f}tii", mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\
'3f} menajamente. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Trebuie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iei de bun{\f63
\u259\'3f} vorba care spune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} du{\f63 \u351\'3f}manul du{\f63 \u
351\'3f}manului
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3498 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u {\f63 \u355\'
3f}i e prieten"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Niciodat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} n-am suferit zicala asta. Tu o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3482 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 mereu du{\f63 \u351\'3f}man."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas un
pic surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd l-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe Robert
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 prinznd brusc via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Fratele me
u e om bun, fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} atins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}! D
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 faci vreun r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u... dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-i faci vreun r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}te{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti! {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} te mai ntorci. Lumea mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2774 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai dea o a doua {\f63 \u351\'3f
}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f}."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam prea bi
ne c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iau n serios
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile unui nebu
n, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ultimele lui cuvinte mi-au
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 trimis un fior de ghea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'
3f} pe {\f63 \u351\'3f}ira spin{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2183 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Fratele t{\f
63 \u259\'3f}u e un psihopat..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Gata, gata", ma oprit Victor, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu\b - 1\b0 din nou pe
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2208 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Robert pe bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}, c

a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l calmeze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncruntndu-se
la mine, mai tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul frate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dashkov s-a retras, dar puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pari
ez c{\f63 \u259\'3f} zidul acela
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 invizibil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rec{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}tase locul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Certurile
nu ne fac bine", mi-a atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Victor.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Irosim timp... ceea ce {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a nu avem destul. Ne-ar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 trebui mai mult. Alegerea monarhului poate s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nceap{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de pe-o zi pe alta, iar asasinul Tatianei ar putea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i vre
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nasul pe-acolo, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-adev{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r are un plan de urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} t{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}m alegerile: nu numai ca s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 contracar{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe asasin, dar {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig{\f63 \u259\'3f}m timpul
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 necesar pentru ducerea la ndep
linire a sarcinilor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4114 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 noastre."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1540 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncepeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} satur de toate astea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1374 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mda ? {\f63 \
u350\'3f}i cum propui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig{\f63 \u259\'3f}m?"
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Victor mi-a adresat un zmbet.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1048 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Numind-o pe
Vasilisa candidat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la tron."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Dat fiind faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} aveam de-a face cu Victor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dashkov, chiar n-ar fi trebuit s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} surprind{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimic din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce spunea. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, era inevitabil, pen
tru gradul lui de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nebunie, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prind{
\f63 \u259\'3f} n permanen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe nepreg{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1160 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f} Asta", am de
clarat, {\f63 \u8222\'3f}e ceva imposibil."
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu tocmai", a replicat el.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1070 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am azvrlit minile n sus, exasp
erat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N-ai fost atent
la tot ce-am discutat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum? Tot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 rostul e s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ob{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}inem Lissei drepturi depline printre
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 moroi. Ea nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} voteze nu poate! Cum ar putea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3005 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} candideze la
tron?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}De fapt, le
gea spune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate. n conformitate cu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 modul n care a fost redactat{\f63 \u259\'3f} procedur
a nominaliz{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cte o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} din fiecare spi{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} are dreptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 candideze la monarhie. Asta-i tot ce se spune. Cte o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} din fiecare familie poate s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} candideze. Nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} nicio men{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune d
espre cte persoane trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} n familie, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
e n cazul votului din Consiliu.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Ea nu are nevoie dect de trei persoane care s-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nominalizeze... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i legea nu specific{\
f63 \u259\'3f} din ce familie ar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3296 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} provin
{\f63 \u259\'3f}."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Victor vorbise ntr-o ma
nier{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de precis{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi citit dintr-o culegere de legi.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
cumva memorase toate
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 legile. Presupun c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ai de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i faci carier{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lcarea legilor, cam trebuie s{\f63
\u259\'3f} le {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Oricine a s
cris legea asta a presupus probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 orice candidat are {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i membri n familie. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a mai b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut capul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
recizeze explicit. Asta o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 lumea dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} candideze Lissa. Or s{\

f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3536 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mpotriveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri34 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N-au dect s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} se mpotriveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} orict ar vrea. Cei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care-i neag{\f63 \u259\'3f} dreptul la un loc n Consi
liu se bazeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 articolul din legile noastre care men{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ioneaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} necesitatea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei a nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} unui me
mbru n familie. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 argumentul acesta merg ei, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiecare
detaliu\i trebuie\i0 luat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}, atunci sunt obliga{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} procedeze la fel {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 legile electorale: care, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum am s
pus, nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 men{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} obligativi
tatea sprijinului familial. Tocmai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 asta-i frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea porti{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ei g{\f63 \u259\'3f}site: c{\f63 \u259\'3f} adversarii ei nu pot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1993 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s-o foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
ambele sensuri."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Buzele lui Victor s-au strmba
t ntr-un zmbet de o
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ncredere suprem{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Te asigur,
n litera legii nu exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} absolut nimic care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2490 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mpiedice can
didatura."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dar vrsta?"
i-am atras eu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri575 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}esele care ca
ndideaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt totdeauna b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trni."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Titlul de prin{\f63 \u355\'3
f} sau de prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f} i revenea celui mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vrstnic membru al familiei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, conform
tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei, aceasta
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i persoan
a care candida pentru tron. Familia putea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} hot{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} desemnarea altcuiva care i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 potrivit, dar chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-atunci {\f63 \
u8212\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea {\f63 \
u8212\'3f} era

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mereu cineva mai vrstnic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai experi
mentat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Singura res
tric{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie privitoare la vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} se refer{\f63 \u259\'3f
} la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 majorat", m-a contrazis Victor. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Era
are optsprezece ani.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Se ncadreaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Celelalte familii dispun
de o arie de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 selec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie mult mai vast{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, aleg pe cineva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care li se pare mai experimentat. Dar, n cazul familie
i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dragomir... Ei bine, aici nu exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
lte op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni, nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}i se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pare? n plus, un monarh tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r nu e ceva
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} precedent.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A existat o celebr{\f63 \u259\'3f} regin{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Alexandra {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nu cu mult
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mai n vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect Vasilisa. Extrem de iub
it{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu totul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri342 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 remarcabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. St{\
f63 \u259\'3f}tuia ei se afl{\f63 \u259\'3f} lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} catedrala Cur{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ii."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2780 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 M-am foit, stnjenit{\f63 \u259\
'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}La drept vorbin
d... {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu mai e acolo. A cam s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4249 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 n aer."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Victor a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t ochii mari. Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} auzise despre
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 evadarea mea, dar nu cu toate am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunt
ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N-are impo
rtan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}", am zis gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} eram r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, indirect,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de aruncarea n aer a unei renumite regine. {\f63 \u82
22\'3f}Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ideea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta, ca s-o folosim pe Lissa mi se pare ridicol{\f63
\u259\'3f}", am
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 argumentat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N-o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fii singura care gnde{\f63 \u351\'3f}te a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a", m-a asig
urat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Victor. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mpotr
iveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lupte. Dar,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} prevaleze legea. Or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie obliga{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-i

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 accepte candidatura. Ea o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie supus

{\f63 \u259\'3f} la teste {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 probabil, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
le treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Abia atunci cnd se ajunge la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 votare, legea care guverneaz{\f63 \
u259\'3f} astfel de proceduri se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri327 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 refer{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ajutorul
din partea unui membru de familie."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Deja ncepuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} mi se nvrteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul n cap. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam epuizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} mental
de auzirea attor porti{\f63 \u355\'3f}e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 formul{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri legale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tii ce, zi-o pe-a dreapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr-un limbaj simplu", i\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 am cerut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri34 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cnd se ajun
ge la votare, ea n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fie eligibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ea nu are familie care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i ndeplineasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} rolul cerut n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 alegerile propriu-zise. Cu alte cuvinte, legea spune
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 are dreptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} candideze {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea testele. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, lu
mea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nu poate s-o voteze de fapt, din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f
} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu are familie."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2710 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Asta-i... o tm
penie."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}De acord", a r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas un pic pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4172 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 gnduri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici
el nu se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 despre ceva anume.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Lissei n-o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i plac{\f63 \u259\'3f} deloc. Ea niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1648 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n-ar
vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N-ai fost
atent{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ce-am spus?" s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit Victor.

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ea n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie regin{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu\i poate\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E
vorba
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 despre o lege prost conceput{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru
o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pe care
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 n-a prev{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o nimeni. O brambureal{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpotmoleasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n asemenea hal alegerile, nct
o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ofere timp suplimentar pentru g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sirea
rudei Vasilisei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri438 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pentru descoperirea adev{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ratului asasin al Tatianei."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb280\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Hei!
Doar {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am spus: aici nu exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciun noi. Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3412 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 am de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri706 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert
au schimbat o privire ntre ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}F{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-o pe Vasilisa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie nominalizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}", a replicat
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ios
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Victor. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Lu{\f63 \u
259\'3f}m ct de curnd leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stabilim
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri338 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 unde ne ntlnim pentru c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}utarea celuilalt Dragomir."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3685 \expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dar nu..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3351 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i m-am trezit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea imedi
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trag o njur{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apoi, aducndu-mi aminte unde eram, m
i-am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 invectivele doar n minte. Distingeam ntr-un col{\f63 \
u355\'3f} silueta
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 lui Dimitri, cum st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea acolo, vigile
nt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prev{\f63 \u259\'3f}z{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tie treaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nchiznd ochii, mi-am ales o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie mai comod{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sp
ernd ntr-un somn adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, care
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu permit{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}trunderea fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor Dashkov {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a intrigilo
r

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lor ridicole. Lissa, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} candideze pen
tru tron? Ce nebunie!
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i... chiar nu e
ra o idee mai nebuneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 majoritatea lucrurilor pe care le f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
usem eu deja.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 L{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd deopart
e ideile acestea, i-am permis trupului
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se relaxeze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am si
m{\f63 \u355\'3f}it cum ncepe s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nv{\f63 \u259\'3
f}luie
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ratul somn. Cu accent pe\i ncepe
.\i0 Pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dintr\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n jurul meu a nceput s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} se materializeze un alt
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vis indus de utilizarea spiritului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri118 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate
aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o noapte nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rcat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb140\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-464 \li290 \ri2451 \expndtw-16 \b \f20 \fs40 UNSPREZECE
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-7 \b \f2
0 \fs24 M-AM NCORDAT, A{\f63 \u350\'3f}TEPTNDU-M{\f63 \u258\'3f}\b0 s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pe fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii Dashkov r
eap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd, cu cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce {\f63 \u8222\'3f}sfat" de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri299 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ultim moment. Numai c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, n locul lor, l-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3767 \expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Adrian!"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am traversat n fug{\f63 \u259\'3f}
gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dina n care-mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i mi-am azvrlit bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele n jurul lui. M-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri690 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}at la fel de strns, ridicndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la sol.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Micu{\f63
\u355\'3f}ule dhampir", mi-a zis, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m-a pus la loc
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cu picioarele pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt, r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}mnnd totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1539 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 jurul taliei mele. Mi-a fost dor
de tine."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri840 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i mie", i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} sinceritatea.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ultimele dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} zile
, cu evenimentele lor bizare, mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dezechilibraser{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot
al via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, iar prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui {\f63 \u8212\'3f} fie {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 numai n vis {\f63 \u8212\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} recon
forta. M-am ridicat pe vrfurile
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 picioarelor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rutat, savurnd micul moment de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri367 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldur{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te al ntlnirii dintre buzele noastre
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}E{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti bine?" m-a ntrebat, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m-am desprins de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 el. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nimeni nu vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-mi spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} mare lucru despre tine.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}trnul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u zice c{\f63
\u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-ar anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1071 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar ntmpla ceva nedorit."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Nu m-am sinchisit s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i mai spun lui Adrian c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, probabil, nu era adev{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din moment ce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Abe habar n-avea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} plecaser{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}m de capul nostru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aflam acum printre cine {\f63
\u351\'3f}tie ce vampiri din fundul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4199 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}durii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Foarte bin
e", l-am asigurat. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}n cea mai mare parte a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 timpului, plictisit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. St{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m mpotmoli{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n fund{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura asta
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}. Nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne caute aici. Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3273 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i-ar dori."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 O expresie de u{\f63 \u351\'
3f}urare s-a ntins pe chipul lui
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 frumos, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am dat seama ct putea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fie de ngrijorat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}M{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} bucur. Rose, nici prin gnd nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i trece cum e pe-

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aici. Nu doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i interogheaz{\f63 \

u259\'3f} pe cei care puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 implica{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Gardienii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
fac tot felul de planuri cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri619 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vneze. Peste tot se discut{\f63 \u
259\'3f} despre for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} letal{\f63 \u259\'3f}."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ei bine, n
-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Sunt ntr-un loc destul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3984 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 de izolat."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3158 \expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 Extrem\i0 de izolat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2400 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\
'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cu tine."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Grijile p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}siser{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-am pus
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3374 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 un deget pe buze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu. Nu spun
e asta. Stai bine acolo unde e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i e de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 preferat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fii asociat cu mine mai
mult dect e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2909 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 deja. Te-au interogat?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mda, dar nau scos nimic folositor de la mine. Am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 un alibi prea zdrav{\f63 \u259\'3f}n. M-au luat cnd m
-am dus s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l caut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1388 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pe Mihail, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} am stat de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3323 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\
'3f}tiu. Cu Joe."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1045 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Mirarea lui Adrian a fost de s
curt{\f63 \u259\'3f} durat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1637 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Micu{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ule dhampir, ne-ai spionat."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2938 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Era {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f6
3 \u350\'3f}tii ceva, orict mi-ar pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ideea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
xist{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tie oricnd dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai necazuri, tot m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam bucur
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu am pe nimeni de care s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fiu legat a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Nu sunt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri943 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 convins c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a{\f
63 \u351\'3f} dori s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce-am eu n cap."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Iar eu nu
cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar dori cineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}tie ce-ai tu n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cap. E de-ajuns o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoan{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3305 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Adrian Ivashkov."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de
amuzament i-a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n ochi, dar s-a stins
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 imediat cum am revenit la treburi serioase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}n orice caz,
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e. Am auzit cum l-a... {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}, cum l-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 interogat Lissa pe Joe. E o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} g
rav{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ce-a zis
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mihail? Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Joe a min{\f63 \u355\'3f
}it, atunci dispar jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2726 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 dovezile mpotriva mea."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n acela{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i timp, dispare teoretic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alibiul lui
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ei, nu chi
ar jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate. Era mai bine dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Joe declara
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te aflai n camera ta n perioada n care
s-a comis
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 crima, n loc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recunoasc{\f63 \u259\'
3f} doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e un n{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}u care nu\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai aminte{\f63 \u351\'3f}te nimic
. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i la fel de bine era dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisit toate astea constrns de Liss
a. Mihail n-are
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2524 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} raporteze
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am oftat adnc. Tot avnd de-a
face cu utilizatori ai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 spiritului, ncepusem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iau constrngere
a ca un lucru de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la sine n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles. mi venea mai u{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} uit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, printre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 moroi, era ceva tabu, un lucru de genul celor pentru
care
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dai de necazuri serioase.
De fapt, Lissa n-ar fi

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avut necazuri doar pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i-a ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at n mod
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ilegal for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de constrngere. Era posib
il s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie acuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu
, l-ar fi obligat pe Joe s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce a vrut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ea. Orice-ar fi declarat el n favoar
ea mea ar fi dat de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuit. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu l-ar cre
de nimeni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}n plus", a
ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat Adrian, nec{\f63 \u259\'3f}jit, {\f63 \u8222\'3f}dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} s-ar auzi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce-a zis Joe, lumea ar afla {\f63 \u351\'3f}i despre
faptele de iubire
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1473 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 matern{\f63 \u259\'3f} prost n{\
f63 \u355\'3f}elese ale mamei mele."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri391 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}mi pare r{\f63
\u259\'3f}u", i-am zis, cuprinzndu-l cu bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian tot timpul se plngea de p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 maic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-sa chiar {\f63
\u355\'3f}inea. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflase despre mituire
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sigur era o lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} grea pentru el, {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suferea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cauza mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii Tat
ianei. Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam cam
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri369 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i b{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rba{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ndurera{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n jurul meu n ultima vreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Oricum", a
m continuat, {\f63 \u8222\'3f}chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur pentru c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2112 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 te-a absolvit de orice implicare
."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}A fost o p
rostie din partea ei. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva, o s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2784 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} probleme se
rioase."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1749 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Si-atunci, c
e v-a sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit Mihail?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}A zis c-o s{\f6

3 \u259\'3f}-l caute el pe Joe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l interogheze

n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 particular. Nu acolo. Deocamdat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, nu prea avem ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 facem cu informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. E util{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} pentru noi... dar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3556 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 sistemul legal."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mda", am zi
s, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} simt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri278 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 descurajat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f6
3 \u8222\'3f}B{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot e mai mult dect nimic.
"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Adrian m-a aprobat, dup{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a scuturat dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mohort{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n stilul acela u{\f63 \u351\'3
f}uratic al lui. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}inndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, s-a tras pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in n
apoi, zmbindu-mi n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} privea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2249 \fi284 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Apropo,
frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} rochie."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Schimbarea subiectulu
i m-a luat prin surprindere, cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi treb
uit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuiesc pn{\f63 \u259\'
3f} acum cu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceva. Urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rindu-i privirea, am consta
tat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 rochie mai veche de-a mea, cea neagr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, sexy, pe care o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avusesem pe mine atunci cnd Victor dezl{\f63 \u259\'3f
}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}uise un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 farmec de constrngere pasional{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra
mea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Din moment ce nu Adrian m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mb
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}case pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntlnirea din vis, nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} subcon{\f63 \u351\'3f}tientul meu mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dictase apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cam uimea faptul c-o alesese
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 tocmai pe-asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Oh..." Deo
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it jenat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de ce. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}tii", i-am z
is, {\f63 \u8222\'3f}hainele mele sunt cam pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}di

te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1617 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} am vrut ceva contrar lor."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}n orice caz,
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i st{\f63 \u259\'3f} bine", m-a asigurat Adrian,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri647 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 plimbndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i degetel
e pe o bretea.\i {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Foarte\i0 bine."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n vis
, atingerea degetului s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 furnic{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri161 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ai grij{\f63
\u259\'3f}, Ivashkov. Nu avem timp pentru a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri673 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dar dormim. Ce
altceva am putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Protestele mi-au fost n{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ite de o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutare. M-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cufundat n ea. Una dintre mini i-a a
lunecat pe coapsa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mea, aproape de tivul rochiei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am a
vut nevoie de o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de energie men
tal{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} conving pe mine
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-mi ridica rochia, nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajuta probabil
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dovedesc nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3
f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri94 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} tragere de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut un pas napoi.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} descoperim noi c
ine a omort-o pe Tatiana",
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1618 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 am zis, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi recap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t suflul.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu e
xist{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciun noi", mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, ca un ecou la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 replica pe care tocmai i-o d{\f63
\u259\'3f}dusem eu lui Victor. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Sunt
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 numai eu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Lissa. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
Christian. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i priete
ni
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nepotrivi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ai no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri.
" M-a mngiat pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r {\f63 \u351\'3f}i apoi m-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tras din nou spre el, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutndu-m{\f63
\u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or pe obraz. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 face griji, micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir. Ai grij{

\f63 \u259\'3f} de tine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i stai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3453 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 acolo unde e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ,.Nu pot", am ripostat. {\f
63 \u8222\'3f}Nu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegi? Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3313 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac nimic."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Vorbele mi-au p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit buzele nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le pot opri.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Una era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} protestez fa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Dimitri cu privire la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 inactivitatea mea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Adrian aveam nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiu conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fac s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de la Curte, c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam {\f63 \u8222\'3f}ce trebuie".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1673 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}E musai. Ave
m noi grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tine."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elege, mi-am d
at seama. Nu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elege ct de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevoie aveam s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac ceva folositor. Dar, spre
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 meritul lui, inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile i erau bune. Cr
edea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 important s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} grij
{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine. Voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} men{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar nu n{\f63
\u355\'3f}elegea cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat ce tortur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nsemna inctivitatea pentru mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}O s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim noi pe criminal {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-l mpiedic{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}... nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce
-ar mai vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Poate c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1323 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de mult timp, dar o rezol
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}m noi."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Timp...",
am murmurat la pieptul lui, renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mai contrazic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu ajungeam nic{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ieri ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l conving c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aveam nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ajut prietenii; {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i, n orice caz, acum

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aveam propria mea misiune. Atte
a de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in timp. Am r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}mas cu privirea pierdut{\f63 \u259\'3f} n peisajul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 creat de el. Observasem mai devreme copacii {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i florile,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dar abia acum mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} eram n curtea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 bisericii... a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum fusese ea nainte
de atacul dezl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de Abe. Statuia reginei Alexandra era intact{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul ei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lung {\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea blnd{\f63 \u259\'3f}
imortalizate n piatr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 investigarea asasinatului era deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3
f} pe minile
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prietenilor mei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian avusese dr
eptate: era posibil
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dureze ceva. Am oftat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Timp", am r
epetat cu voce tare. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Avem nevoie de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3558 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 mai mult timp"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2557 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Adrian s-a retras un pic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2937 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Hmm? Ce-ai z
is?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ridicat ochii spre el, mu{\
f63 \u351\'3f}cndu-mi buza de jos,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce milioane de gnduri mi se nvrt
eau prin
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 minte. Am privit-o din nou pe Alexandra {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i am luat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea, ntrebndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac
{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stabilesc un nou
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 record de nes{\f63 \u259\'3f}buin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. ntorcndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} la loc spre Adrian,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 l-am strns de mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Am zis c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} avem nevoie de mai mult timp. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cum putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}m... dar... n fine, tu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 faci ceva pentru mine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, {\f63 \u25
9\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar trebui s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1538 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pomene{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti deocam
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Lissa..."
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Abia am avut timp ndeajuns ct s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i transmit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 instruc{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile lui Adrian {\f63 \u8212
\'3f} care a fost att de {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ct m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam {\f63 \u
8212\'3f} nainte ca Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} trezeasc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pentru tura mea de veghe. Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut sc
himbul f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} conversa
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Avea expresia lui obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
tip dur,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} puteam s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d urmele oboselii marcndu-i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile. Nu voiam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l deranjez {\f63 \u8212\'3f} deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 povestindu-i de ntlnirea mea cu Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i cu Robert. Ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai vorbesc despre ceea ce tocma
i i cerusem lui
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mai trzi
u o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem timp berechet
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru recapitul{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Dimitri a adormit
cu u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 caracteristic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar Sydney nu s-a mi{\
f63 \u351\'3f}cat nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe tot ti
mpul schimbului meu. O invidiam
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} doarm{\f63 \u259\'3f} o noapte ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu mi-am putut st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni un zmbet pe m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce camera
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se lumina tot mai mult. Ea ajunsese n chip nepotrivit
, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} orarul
vampiric, ca urmare a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri738 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aventurilor noastre ntinse pe toat
{\f63 \u259\'3f} durata nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Evident, Lissa avea acela{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i program, ceea ce nsemna
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu puteam s-o vizitez pe durata sc
himbului meu. Bine
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Trebuia s{\f63
\u259\'3f} mai fiu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu ochii pe colectivitatea
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 asta sinistr{\f63 \u259\'3f} n care nimeriser{\f63 \
u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} P{\f
63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia n-or v
rea ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}deze,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dar asta nu-i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

fie inofensivi. Nu uitasem nici de

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 temerile lui Sydney referitoare la o posibil{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f} din partea Alchimi{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cnd pentru restul lumii se apr
opia seara, am auzit
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 foial{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin cas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. L-am
atins u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urel pe Dimitri pe um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 iar el s-a trezit instantaneu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}U{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}urel, i-am zis, neputnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ascund zmbetul.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Nu e dect semnalul pentru de{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptare. S
e pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}noi
i no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri se trezesc.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 De data asta, vocile
noastre au trezit-o pe Sydney. S-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 rostogolit spre noi, mijind ochii s
pre lumina care
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trundea prin ferestrele prost acope
rite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri353 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce or{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} este? a ntrebat, ntinzndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i membrele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tiu sigur, i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-aveam ceas.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1043 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Probabil, trecut de amiaz{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie trei? Patru?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 S-a ridicat n capul oaselor
aproape la fel de repede ca
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dup{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-amiaza? s-a mirat, dar soarele i-a oferit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri214 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul. S{\f63
\u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia naiba cu orarul vostru p{\f63 \u259\'3f}gn cu tot
!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi s-a p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rut mie, sau ai zis {\f63 \u8222\'3f}naiba"? Nu e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri724 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpotriva regulilor Alchimi{\f63 \u
351\'3f}tilor? am tachinat-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1798 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uneori e nece
sar, a replicat ea.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 S-a frecat la ochi {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i a aruncat o privire spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Zgomotele slabe care le auzisem n re
stul casei erau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri262 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acum mai puternice, sesizabile pn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru auzul ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri165 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}B{\f63 \u259\'
3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem nevoie de un plan, a mai zis ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem deja unul,
i-am atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1643 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fratele vitreg sau sora vitreg{\
f63 \u259\'3f} a Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}zut niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de acord pe deplin n privin{\f63 \u355\'
3f}a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 asta, mi-a amintit ea. Iar voi tot ave{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajunge
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ca eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}s cteva tas
te, ca nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce hacker din filme,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3
f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc toate r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsurile..
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, m{
\f63 \u259\'3f}car e un loc n care... M-am ntrerupt,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a trecut ceva prin minte,
ceva care putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncurce serios situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Rahat, am excl
amat. Laptopul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu func{\f63 \u355\'3f}io
neaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Are
modem pentru satelit, dar bateria e cea pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne f
acem griji, mi-a explicat Sydney,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 oftnd, ridicndu-se n picioare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i netezin
du-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nec{\f63 \u259\'3f}jit{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}mintele {\f63 \u351\'3f}ifonate. mi
trebuie o cafenea, sau ceva
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Parc{\f63
\u259\'3f} am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut una, ntr-o grot{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mai ncolo, am
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri795 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Replica mea aproape c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} i-a smuls un zmbet.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\f63 \

u259\'3f} existe vreun ora{\f63 \u351\'3f} prin apropiere, unde
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2404 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi folosesc {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i eu laptopul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar probabi
l c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi indicat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu ma{
\f63 \u351\'3f}ina
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 oriunde prin statul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta, a intervenit
Dimitri. Pentru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 eventualitatea n care s-ar fi gndit cineva de la motel
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i ia num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiu, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea, mohort{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M-am gndit {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i eu la
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 O b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie n u{
\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-a ntrerupt str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitele planuri
. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte vreun r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, Sarah {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a vrt capul pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
ne-a zmbit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, ce bine.
V-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i trezit to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Tocmai preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea
m
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 micul dejun, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vre{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} veni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i voi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Prin u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a desc
his{\f63 \u259\'3f}, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trundeau n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere arome a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na cu un mic dejun normal
: bacon, ou{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Pinea mi {\f63 \u355\'3f}inuse de foame peste noapte, n
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum mi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trebuia mncare adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eram dispus{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} risc {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 accept orice ar fi avut de oferit familia lui Raymon
d.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n partea principal{\f63 \u259
\'3f} a casei, ne-a ntmpinat o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 vnzoleal{\f63 \u259\'3f} de activit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i gospod{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Raymond p{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}teasc{\f63
\u259\'3f} ceva pe foc, n timp ce Paulette a{\f63 \u351\'3f}eza masa cea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe ea se vede

a deja un platou cu ou{\f63 \u259\'3f} jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 perfect normale, al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de felii din
pinea de ieri. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cteva clipe, Raymond s-a ridicat de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f
} vatr{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}innd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} o plit{\f63 \u259\'3f} mare de me
tal, plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu bacon crocant.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Un zmbet larg i s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut pe chipul
b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbos la vederea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cu ct i vedeam mai mult pe P{\
f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu att ramarcam un aspect. Acela c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei
nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncercau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ascund{\f
63 \u259\'3f} col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Moroii pe care-i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam eu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 erau nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}a{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i din copil{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zmbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
minim expunerea col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor, pentru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile n care ar fi ajuns n comunit
{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile umane. Aici,
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nici vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cev
a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun{\f63 \
u259\'3f} diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, ne-a zis Raymond, mpingnd cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} baconul pe un alt platou de pe
mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 foame.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Crede{\f63
\u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e chiar bacon\i adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat?\i0 l-a
m ntrebat n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe pe Dimitri.
N-o fi carne de veveri{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sau mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3977 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu eu ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri733 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mie mi se pare
adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}
i eu a{\f63 \u351\'3f} zice la fel a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat Sydney. Totu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 garantez c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e de la
porcii proprii, nu cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 magazin.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri300 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a izbucnit n rs v{\f63 \u
259\'3f}zndu-mi expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mereu mi-a pl{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut la nebunie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d ce anume te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri519 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ngrijoreaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Strigo
ii? Nu. Mncarea dubioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Da.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3036 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-i cu

strigoii?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Joshua {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i Angeline tocmai intrau n cas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. El aducea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un castron cu mure, iar ea i mboldea
pe copila{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum se au
zeau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lor murdare,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i doreau s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la joac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Angeline fusese autoarea ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri989 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri s-a gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f} mofturile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vorbeam despre
unii dintre strigoii pe care i-a ucis
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4397 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Joshua a ncremenit pe loc {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i m-a fixat cu privirea,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 frumo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii lui ochi alba{\f63 \u351\'3f
}tri c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scndu-se de uimire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1469 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai omort Pierd
u{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? {\f63 \u258\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}... strigoi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 I-am admirat ncercarea de a folos
i termenul {\f63 \u8222\'3f}nostru".
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}C{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? s-a interesat el
.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am ridicat din umeri.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar nu mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce, nu mai folos
i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i semnele? m-a luat la rost
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri518 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Raymond. Nu credeam c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} P{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii au renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at la ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1119 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Semnelele...
a! Mda. Tatuajele? Ba da.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntors cu spatele {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i mi-am ridicat p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul. Am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 auzit tr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it de pa{\f63
\u351\'3f}i gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am sim{\f63
\u355\'3f}it un deget
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atingndu-mi pielea. Tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind, m-am r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}sucit repede
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 napoi, tocmai la timp ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u

259\'3f}d pe Joshua cum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i las{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mna n jos, ru{\f63 \u351\'3f}inat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Scuze, mia zis. Doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut niciodat{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de-astea. Numai semnele\i molnija.\i0 A{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a {\f63 \u355\'3f}inem noi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri949 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 eviden{\f63 \u355\'3f}a strigoilo
r uci{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Iar tu ai... o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Semnul n for
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de S e unic pentru\i ei,\i0 a rostit
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Raymond cu o strmb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dezaprobatoare, dar expresia
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a fost nlocuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
foarte repede de admira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3162 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 z\i vezda,\i0 a anun{\f63 \u355
\'3f}at el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Remarca lui a atras icnete d
in partea lui Joshua {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Angelinei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ce?
" dintr-a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Semnul pen
tru b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lie, mi-a explicat Dimitri. Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri358 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei care
-l numesc\i zvezda.\i0 nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'3f}stea".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2275 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aha. A{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg, am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tatuajul era, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259
\'3f}r, oarecum n form{\f63 \u259\'3f} de stea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 i se acorda cuiva care a luptat ntr
-o b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lie suficient de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mare nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} piard{\f63 \u259\'3f} num{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rul strigoilor omor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. La urma
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 urmei, nu avei cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i nghesui prea multe semne
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 molnija\i0 pe gt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Joshua mi-a zmbit ntr-un fel c
are mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 stomacul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tresalte, doar un pic. Po
ate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea el parte
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dintr-o pseudosect{\f63 \u259\'3f} Amish, dar asta n
u schimba faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 era un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat chipe{\f63 \u351\'3f}.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum n{\f63
\u355\'3f}eleg cum de ai putut s-o omori pe regina
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor a remarcat
el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri919 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Probabil c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} e fals, s-a strmbat Angeline.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Tocmai m{\f63 \u259\'3f} preg{\f
63 \u259\'3f}team s{\f63 \u259\'3f} protestez cu privire la partea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu omorrea reginei, cnd comentariul e
i mi-a ab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba nu e! Lam c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigat atunci cnd ne-au atacat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri350 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 strigoii {\f63 \u351\'3f}coala. {
\f63 \u350\'3f}i-am mai dobort destui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Semnul nu p
oate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie chiar att de neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit, a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 intervenit Dimitri. Voi probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i purtat lupte
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 importante cu strigoii, din cnd n cnd.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu c
hiar, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Joshua, cu ochii nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Cei mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dintr
e noi nu s-au luptat niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sau nici
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu i-au v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe
Pierdu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Ei chiar nu ne
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 deranjeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E ceva de
mirare. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} exista {\f63 \u355\'3f}inta ideal{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
ntru
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, atunci aceea ar fi fost tocmai un grup alc{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 moroi, dhampiri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i oameni, aflat n mij
locul pustiet{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2451 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce? m-am i
nteresat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1986 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Raymond mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cut cu ochiul.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ripost{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am cnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit n minte
enigmatica afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, n timp
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea se a{

\f63 \u351\'3f}eza la mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, m-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gndit ct de dispus{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
upte fusese ntreaga comunitate
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 atunci cnd am ajuns noi acolo. Oare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fi fost suficient
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i alunge pe strigoi? E drept c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} strigoii nu se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imntau de prea multe, ns{\f63 \u259\'
3f} poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} anumite
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii erau prea incomode ca s{\f63
\u259\'3f} se complice cu ele.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebam ce p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ere o avea Dimitri despre asta.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Doar propria-i familie provenea dintr-o comunitate c
are
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 se separase de via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a obi{\f63 \u351\'
3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} a moroilor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cu a cel
or de-aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Toate gndurile acestea mi s-a
u nvolburat n minte
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ct timp am stat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mnc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbim. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f
}torii mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aveau nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} destule ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
i privitoare la noi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana. Singura care nu participa la conversa{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ie era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Angeline. Mnca la fel de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in ca {\f63
\u351\'3f}i Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 privea n continuare ncruntat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ne-ar
trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne aprovizion{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu cte ceva, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intervenit brusc Sydney, ntrerupndu-m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} n toiul unei
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 istorisiri nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toar
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Pe mine nu m-a deranjat, ns{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i au p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}gi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde e ora{\
f63 \u351\'3f}ul cel mai apropiat n care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri501 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} vreo cafenea... sau orice fel de restaurant?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}i, i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Paulette, Rubysville e la un pic mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mult de o or{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre nord. Dar avem aici

mncare din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 bel{\f63 \u351\'3f}ug, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru voi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu despre mn
care e vorba, m-am gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 A voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost grozav{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, ntorcndu-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri349 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 privirea spre Sydney. Un drum de
o or{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-a aprobat, dup{\f63 \u259\'
3f} care l-a privit, stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Raymond.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Exist{\f63
\u259\'3f} vreo posibilitate... exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo posibilitate ca
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mprumut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m o ma{\f63
\u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}? O s{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri118 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarele ei c
uvinte era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i provocau durere.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} las cheile de l
a a mea, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntoarcem.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Raymond {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridicat o sprncean{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar ai o ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63
\u259\'3f} frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2300 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney a ridicat din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu ct circul{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}m mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cu ea pe-aici, cu-att e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4066 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mai bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Raymond ne-a r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}spuns c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m camioneta
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el {\f63 \u82
22\'3f}probabil" nici n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevoie s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de CRV. Sydney i-a adresat
un zmbet
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncordat de mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}
umire, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin minte i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri107 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f
}uiau imagini de vampiri plimbndu-se cu ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am pornit la drum la scurt
timp dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, vrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ajungem napoi pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la apusul soarelui. Lu
mea din

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 comunitate era treaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}

i n picioare, ocupndu-se de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 treburile curente, sau de ce altceva mai voia fiecar
e de la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Un grup de copi
i se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} roat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n jurul unui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dhampir care le citea dintr-o carte, ceea ce m-a f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb cam ce soi de proces educa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ional ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}au
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ei acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i P{\f63
\u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii s-au oprit din ndeletnicirile lor cnd
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ne-au v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut trecnd, aruncndu-ne priviri
curioase sau
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 chiar zmbete f{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \
u351\'3f}e. Din cnd n cnd, le mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spundeam la zmbete, dar n cea mai mare
parte a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 timpului am privit doar drept nainte. Joshua ne-a nso{
\f63 \u355\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n {\f63 \u8222\'3f}parcare" {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se strecoare al{\f63 \u259\'
3f}turi de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mine cnd am ajuns la poteca strmt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper c{\f63
\u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lipsi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mult, mi-a zis. A{\f63
\u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mai mult de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f
}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1252 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Sigur, i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
puns. Mi-ar face pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S-a luminat la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu un gest cavaleresc, mi-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1473 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat din cal
e o creang{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1090 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate am ocaz
ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gro
ta mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri583 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-mi... ia stai. Ce? Nu locuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cu tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l t{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}u?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Deocamdat{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. Dar o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un loc al meu, m-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, cu mndrie n
voce. Nu e att de mare ca al lui,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 evident, dar e un nceput bun. Aproape c-am ispr{\f63
\u259\'3f}vit de
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut curat.
\par

\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar e
chiar, {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, grozav. Neap{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duci s-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2888 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d cnd ne ntoarce
m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vorbele mi-au ie{\f63 \u351\'
3f}it cu u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe buze, ns{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 minte cnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
a cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} locuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Raymond ar fi fost, cic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u82
22\'3f}mare".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Joshua s-a desp{\f63 \u259\'
3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}it de noi cnd am ajuns la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 camioneta lui Raymond, un papuc mare, de culoare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie, cu o banchet{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
care nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pream la fix noi trei.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Avnd n vedere faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} P{\f63 \u259\'3
f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii nu prea ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}eau din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dure, camioneta p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut cam prea mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 kilometri. Sau poate doar prea mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
ani de ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 necorespunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ar trebu
i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ncurajezi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, m-a mustrat Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce parcurseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
deja vreo zece minute din drum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Surprinz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor
, Sydney l l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase pe el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nchipuise, presupun, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o camionet{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb{\f63 \u259\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} merita
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie condus{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un
b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Acum, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne pu
seser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care, mintea mi
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 revenise la principala misiune: g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sire
a celuilalt
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Dragomir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1930 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? am ntrebat
, nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1733 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Joshua, zicea
m. Cochetai cu el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1369 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba nu-i adev{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rat! Discutam, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-att.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2415 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu mai e{\f63

\u351\'3f}ti cu Adrian?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri919 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba da! am excl
amat, privindu-l enervat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 St{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea cu ochii pe drumul din fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63
\u350\'3f}i tocmai de-asta nici nu cochetam, am zis. Cum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} interpretezi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? Lui Joshua nici nu-i place de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mine a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum crezi tu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}La drept v
orbind, a intervenit Sydney, care st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntre noi, chiar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a i place.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri746 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntors privirea nencrez{\f63
\u259\'3f}toare c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tre ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar tu de unde
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii? Ce, {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a strecurat vreun bile{\f63 \u355\'3f
}el
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3381 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 n clas{\f63 \u259\'3f} sau cum?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2595 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a dat ochii
peste cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Dar tu {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i cu Dimitri sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i privi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ca ni{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}te zei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3793 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 n tab{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1369 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Suntem intru{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i, i-am amintit. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba nu. Sunte{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i fugari, uciga{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de strigoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 regine. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pe-acolo toate p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau numai farmec {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ospitalitate sudist{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} indivizii pot s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fie de-a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dreptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lbatici. Pun mare pre{\f63
\u355\'3f} pe cine e capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 bat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. {\f63 \u
350\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne gndim {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ct sunt de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 zdren{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ro{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i, n majoritatea lor, voi doi sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i... hai s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 zicem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi doi sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i cele mai fierbin{\f63 \u355\'3f}i apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de pe\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aici, de ceva vreme ncoace.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1025 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i ce, tu nu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti fierbinte? i-am ntors-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Irelevant, a rep
licat, fstcit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de replica mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii nici m{\
f63 \u259\'3f}car nu apar pe radarul lor. Noi nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Ceea ce, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea lor, nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suntem
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 slabi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntors cu gndul la chipur
ile lor captivate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fost nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recuno
sc c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, da, destui dintre cei de-acolo
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tau mb{\f63 \u259\'3f}trni{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i, uza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Aproape.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Famili
a lui Raymond arat{\f63 \u259\'3f} destul de bine, i-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3783 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Imediat, am auzit un morm{\f
63 \u259\'3f}it dinspre Dimitri, care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\
'3f} mi interpreta observa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ca o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} dovad{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f} flirtam cu Joshua.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, a zis e
a. Probabil pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e cea mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 important{\f63 \u259\'3f} familie din sat. Au mncare m
ai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 probabil nici nu sunt nevoi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f} munceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea mult n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 soare. Genul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta de lucruri creeaz{\
f63 \u259\'3f} diferen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nu s-a mai discutat despre f
lirturi pe restul drumului.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am ajuns ntr-un timp destul de bun n Rubysville, care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut sinistru de asem{\f63 \u
259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor cu cel dinti ora{\f63 \u351\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care poposisem. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ne-am oprit l
a ceea ce d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi singura benzin{\f63
\u259\'3f}rie din Rubysville,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sydney s-a dus fuga n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo cteva
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. S-a ntors, informndu-ne c{\f63
\u259\'3f} exista ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 un soi de cafenea n care putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i alimenteze laptopul

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 la priz{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u2

59\'3f} ncerce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} caute ce ne trebuia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A cerut cafea, {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i noi am stat cu ea acolo, prea plini
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} micul dejun ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
comand{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ceva substan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo cteva priviri piezi{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}e din partea unei
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 chelneri{\f63 \u355\'3f}e care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne considere doi pierde-var{\f63 \u259\'3f}, eu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri ne-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem o plimbare prin ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney mi-a dat impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se bucur{\
f63 \u259\'3f} de hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproape la fel de mult ca {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i chelneri{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. Nu cred
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea pl{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cere s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i tot st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 O z{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cisem destul pe Sydney protestnd mpotriva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Virginiei de Vest, ins{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram nevoit{\f
63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recunosc c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 peisajul era superb. Copacii
nal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, plini de frunzele verii,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nconjurau ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul ca n
tr-o mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are. Dincolo de ei, se
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 conturau mun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, foarte diferi{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cei cu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuisem, de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sf.
Vladimir. Ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia erau v{\f63 \u259\'3f}luri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nverzi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, plini de co
paci. n majoritatea lor, mun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care nconjurau terenurile academiei Sf. Vladimir erau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 stnco{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i col{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}uro{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, adesea cu piscurile nz{\f63 \u259\'3f}pezite. O
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 stranie senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de nostalgie m-a cupr
ins deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam la Montana. Erau des
tule {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 n-o mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi petrec restul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ii
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ca o fugar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Sf. Vladimir reprezenta
ultimul loc din lume
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n care puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg. Iar dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prindeau... n fine,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 atunci categoric c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai ajungeam s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}d vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Montana.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sau oricare
alt loc, am murmurat cu voce tare,

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot stpni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2471 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hmm? a f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tocmai m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} gndeam ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne g{\f63 \u259\'3
f}sesc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gardienii. Nu mi-am dat niciodat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} seama cte lucruri a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cte lo
curi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d. Dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, toate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2852 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 astea se pot pierde, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tii?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am mutat pe marginea dru
mului, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tocmai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 venea o camionet{\f63 \u259\'3f}-papuc portocalie. Ma
i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i copii,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri440 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n vacan{\f63
\u355\'3f}a de var{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rdeau n
spatele ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, s{\f63
\u259\'3f} presupunem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mi se dovede{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ratul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asasin. Care ar fi atunci scenariul cel mai favorabil
? n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cazul meu, ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic pe fug{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic ascuns{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Asta mi-ar fi
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. Poate,
cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie, va\i trebui\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}i
esc mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3927 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259
\'3f}torii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu cred s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} se-ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, a zis Dimitr
i. Abe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sydney or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te aju
te s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti un
loc sigur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar exist{\f
63 \u259\'3f} vreun loc sigur? Cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat sigur?
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian mi-a zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardienii {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i nte{\f63 \u355\'3f}esc eforturile pentru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sirea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. I-au
pus s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne caute {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, {

\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe auto
rit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile umane. Oriunde am merge,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 risc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim descoper
i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-atunci, suntem obliga{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m altundeva. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i a
{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, la nesfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar o s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a precizat
el. Asta-i tot ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Bucur{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te de
ce ai, de fiecare mic detaliu al
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 locului n care tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
. Nu te gndi la unde\i nu\i0 po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri213 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, am recuno
scut, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i urmez sfatul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cerul mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut
atunci un pic mai albastru, iar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2212 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rile, ceva mai zgomotoase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}B{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi cazul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}ic{\f63 \u259\'3f}resc pentru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 peisajele de vis pe care n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung
niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f
63 \u355\'3f}umesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
ceva. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iesc ntr-o grot{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ntors capu
l spre mine, zmbind, cu ceva
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 indescifrabil n ochi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2227 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i unde-ai vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3275 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd, acum?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am rotit privirea n jur, cnt{\f63
\u259\'3f}rindu-mi op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Erau pe-acolo un magazin cu articole
pentru pescuit, o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 farmacie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o cofet{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
e cu nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ultima ar reprezenta o escal
{\f63 \u259\'3f} necesar{\f63 \u259\'3f} nainte de plecarea

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4139 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 din ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3165 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, prin lume
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1632 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 I-am aruncat o privire prudent
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sydney s-ar cam
sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} am decola spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2112 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Istanbul, sau mai {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tiu eu ncotro.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri478 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 RepIica mi-a atras un hohot de
rs n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} legea.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu la asta m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam
eu, mi-a zis. Vino.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 L-am urmat spre ceea ce p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lia cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 articole pentru pescuit {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i abia atunci am observat o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrt{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n spatele ci. Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, privirea lui
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ascu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} remarcase {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i ce-mi sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pase mie; probabil, din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} concentrasem pe nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era Biblioteca
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 public{\f63 \u259\'3f} din Rubysville.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hopa, ia st
ai, am protestat. Unul dintre motivele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pentru care am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} termin {\f63 \
u351\'3f}coala a fost s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evit locuri
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 de-astea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Probabil c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} are aer condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat, mi-a atras el
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am cobort privirea spre b
luza mea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} mneci,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 leoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de transpira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pielea mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase o u{\f63 \u351
\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} trandafirie. Cu te
nul meu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bronzat, rareori se ntmpla s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ard{\f63 \u259\'3f} soarele, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acum dogorea, nu glum{\f63 \u259\'3f}, chiar {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i la o or{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 naintat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}-amiezii
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2733 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dup{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} tine, i-am zis.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Slav{\f63 \u259\'3f} Domnului, b

iblioteca era r{\f63 \u259\'3f}coroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i dect cea de la Sf. Vladimir. Cu cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f} neobi{\f
63 \u351\'3f}nuit (sau poate doar fiind un cunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor al
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sistemului de clasificare Dewey, fo
losit in biblioteci),
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri m-a condus spre sec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea reze
rvat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}toriilor... care co
nsta din vreo zece volume, trei
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dintre ele fiind despre Virginia de Vest. Le-a privit
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ncruntat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nn e tocma
i ceea ce m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat, a comentat, n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 timp ce examina nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} raftul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Apoi a extras o carte volumi
noas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, viu colorat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intitulat{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i Cele mai bune 100 de loc
uri de vizitat din
\plain\expndtw-16 \i \f20 \fs24 lume.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat
turce{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pe podea, iar el mi-a ntins mie
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cartea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici gnd, to
var{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}e, i-am zis. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} o carte e o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie imaginar{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, dar nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am chef pentru a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 ceva ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ia-o, totu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i, a insistat el. nchide ochii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i deschide
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 la o pagin{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ntmplare. Mi se p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rea ceva ridicol, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam la tot ce se ntmplase n vie{\f63
\u355\'3f}ile noastre,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} chipul lui mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}te serios. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe plac, am nchis ochii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am ales o p
agin{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe la mijloc.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am deschis cartea acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mitchell, D
akota de Sud? m-am mirat. Dar,

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 amintindu-mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu

ntr-o bibliotec{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cobort tonul. Dintre toate locurile din lume, {\f63 \
u259\'3f}sta intr{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3575 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 primele o sut{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri zmbea din nou, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1133 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 uitasem ct de mult mi lipsise zmbet
ul lui.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri2482 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cite{\f
63 \u351\'3f}te, m-a ndemnat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'
3f}Situat la o or{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate dist
an{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Sioux
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Falls, Mitchell g{\f63 \u259\'3f}z
duie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te Palatul Porumbului." L-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1223 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 privit nencrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toa
re.\i Palatul Porumbului?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 S-a tras degrab{\f63 \u259\'
3f} lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, aplecndu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ilustra{\f63 \u355\'3f}iil
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-am nchip
uit c-ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut din p{\f63 \u259\'3f}n
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de porumh, a remarcat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 De fapt, ilustra{\f63 \u355\
'3f}iile nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}au ceea ce sem{\f63 \
u259\'3f}na a stil
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 arhitectonic est-european {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sau chiar
rusesc {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 turnule{\f63 \u355\'3f}e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cupole n
form{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ceap{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i eu. Apoi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ind, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ug
at: A{\f63 \u351\'3f} merge acolo
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri638 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pariez c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} au tricouri grozave de vnzare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i, m-a completat el, cu un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r viclean n ochi,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pariez c{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo nu ne-ar c{\f63 \u259
\'3f}uta niciun gardian.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 N-am mai ncercat s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-mi ascund rsul, nchipuindu\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mi cum ar fi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}im,
ca fugari, n Palatul Porumbului,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pentru tot restul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor noastre. A
muzamentul meu ne-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 atras o mustrare din partea bibliotecarei, a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-a venit rndul lui Dimitri. Sao Paulo, Brazilia. Apoi
,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din nou eu: Honolulu, Hawaii. Ne-am tot pasat cartea
de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 la unul la cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
nu dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} mult timp, am ajuns
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 amndoi ntin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe podea, unul lng{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
nd reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii amestecate n timp ce ne continuam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}turul mondial imaginar". Bra{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i picioarele ni se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 atingeau, doar un pic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n urm{\f
63 \u259\'3f} cu patruzeci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i opt de ore mi-ar fi spus
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cineva c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau ntin
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe podeaua unei biblioteci
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Dim
itri, citind o carte de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii, a{\f63 \u351\'3
f} fi zis
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a nnebunit de tot
. Aproape la fel de nebuneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tientizarea faptului c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam un lucru perfect
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 normal {\f63 \u351\'3f}i firesc mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cu el. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} din clipa n care ne
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cunoscuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, n vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile
noastre nu existase dect
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}inuire {\f63 \u351\'3f}i primejdie.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i, de fapt, astea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i erau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tematicile dominante n vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile noastre.
Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 orele acestea lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tite, timpul p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fi oprit n loc.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Eram pe timp de pace. Eram prieteni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2354 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Floren{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a, Italia, am citit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri160 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Imagini cu sofisticate biserici
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i galerii umpleau fila.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar dori s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo, l-am informat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 De fapt, ar vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

studieze acolo. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Abe ar reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3

f}-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aranjeze a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, cred c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ea l-ar sluji pentru tot restul
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a i e destul de supus{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a remarcat Dimitr
i. N\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 o cunosc prea bine, dar sunt destul de convins c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} Abe o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 are cu ceva la mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri400 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A scos-o din R
usia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a adus-o napoi n S.U.A.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dimiri a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie mai mult dect att. Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii sunt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 credincio{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ordinul lor. Nu le place de noi. Ea o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ascunde {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sunt antrena{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i pentru a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiecare minut petrecut printre P{\
f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori e pentru ea o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 tortur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pentru ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ne ajute {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i tr{\f63 \u259\'
3f}deze
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 superiorii, trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259
\'3f} o datorie foarte important{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'
3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 de el.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma
s cteva clipe amndoi pe gnduri,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntrebndu-ne ce misterios aranjament
o fi avut tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l meu
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 cu ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i, e irelevant, a revenit el. Ea ne ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i asta\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 i tot ce conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
probabil ar fi timpul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntoarcem la ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63
\u259\'3f} are dreptate, dar nu-mi venea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec. Voiam
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai stau acolo, n iluzia aceea de li
ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}te {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, permi{\f63
\u355\'3f}ndu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea
cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung la Parthenon, sau chiar {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i n Palatul Porumbului,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} zi. I-am ntins din nou carte
a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3220 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hai, nc{\f63 \
u259\'3f} una.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ales o pagin{
\f63 \u259\'3f} la ntmplare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a deschis cartea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3232 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul i-a pierit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2908 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sankt Petersb
urg.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Un straniu amestec de sentimente
mi s-a nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}it n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 piept. Nostalgie... pentru c{\f63
\u259\'3f} ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul e frumos. Necaz... din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vizita mea ac
olo fusese ntunecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cumplita
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 misiune pe care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dusesem s-o ndeplin
esc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a fixat ndelung pagin
a cu privirea, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 melancolia ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
chip. Mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ciuda lejerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii cu ca
re vorbise mai devreme, sigur
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 trecea prin senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile avute de mine c
u privire la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Montana: vechile noastre locuri preferate erau, acum,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pierdute pentru noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2658 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 L-am nghiontit u{\f63 \u351\'3f
}urel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, bucur{\f63
\u259\'3f}-te de locul n care e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-aduci
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1183 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aminte? Nu de cele n care nu po{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i s-ajungi.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} tragere de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a nchis cartea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i-a smuls
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3650 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ochii de pe ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum de-ai
devenit att de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}? m-a ntrebat,
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 n glum{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2217 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am avut un pr
ofesor bun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am zmbit. Atunci, mi-a trecut
ceva prin minte. n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tot acest timp, mi nchipuisem c{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajutase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evadez
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 numai din ordinul Lissei. Dar poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} era ceva mai mult
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 de-att.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De-asta ai
fugit cu mine? l-am ntrebat. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3125 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 alte locuri din lume?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1152 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Momentul lui de surprindere a
fost scurt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu nu ai nevoie
de mine ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Te descurci de minune {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Da, n parte a fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 asta. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la u
rm{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost primit napoi, dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 exista riscul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fie a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-am fost
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 strigoi... S-a mpotmolit pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f
} n cuvinte, apoi a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 continuat: Am dobndit o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} apreciere
a vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Mi-a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 trebuit ceva timp. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu sunt cu totul
aici. Noi
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 discut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m despre cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
te concentrezi asupra
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 prezentului, nu a viitorului... ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr
ecutul e cel care m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bntuie. Chipuri. Co{\f63 \u351\'3f}maruri. Dar, cu ct
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtez
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai mult de moarte, cu att mai mult mi doresc s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}e
z via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. Mirosul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor de-aici {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i al parfumului
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Felul n care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trun
de lumina prin fereastra aia.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gustul micului d
ejun cu P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2818 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum oi
fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i poet.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu,

doar ncep s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul. Respect

legea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 modul n care func{\f63 \u355\'3f}io
neaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} societatea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nici
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prin gnd nu-mi trece s{\f63 \u259\'3f} risc s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-mi irosesc via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n cine
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ce abia din reg{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit-o. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu am vrut
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fug. De-asta te-am ajutat. De-asta
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3725 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 L-am studiat, dorindu-mi cu dispe
rare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fi fost
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 att de priceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. l
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team bine; l n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elele
geam. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f} cte
ceva de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1140 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 S-a ridicat n {\f63 \u351\'3f}e
zut, evitndu-mi privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu conteaz{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Hai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntoarcem la Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vedem dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a descope
rit ceva... cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, orict de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mult mi-ar displ{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s-o spun, mi se
pare pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in probabil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}tiu, i-am zis, ridicndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, dar ntrebndu\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n continuare ce altceva ar mai fi vr
ut el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
de mult, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a nceput
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} joace\i Minesweeper.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am ntors spre cafenea, cu
o scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} escal{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mncatul ei din
mers s-a dovedit o sarcin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 destul de dificil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Soarele se apropi
a de orizont, pictnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 totul n portocaliu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n ro{\f63 \u351\'3
f}u, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mai z{\f63 \u259\'3f
}bovea.
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 Bucur{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te, Rose,\i0 m-am sf{\f63
\u259\'3f}tuit singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i Culorile. Gustul
\plain\expndtw3 \i \f20 \fs24 ciocolatei.\i0 Sigur, mereu mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
use la nebunie
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ciocolata. Nu era nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fie vi

a{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n joc pentru a

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 savura un desert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ajungnd la cafenea, am g{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sit-o pe Sydney aplecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asupra laptopului, cu o gogoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f} abia pe jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb240\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mncat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i cu ceea ce probabil era cea de-a patra cea{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2115 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de cafea. Ne-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ezat lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum a... he
i! Dar tu\i chiar\i0 joci\i Minesweeperl\i0 am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 exclamat, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} privesc mai cu aten
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ecranul,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea l-a ntors dinspre mine. Era vorb
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti vreo
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu amanta lu
i Eric.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri606 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am g{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}sit-o deja, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, cu simplitate.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am schimbat o privire uluit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Dimit
ri.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ct de fol
ositoare o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri602 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Orice e de fol
os, am decretat eu. Ce-ai g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dup{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ce-am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dau de urma tuturor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nregistr{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor {\f63
\u351\'3f}i tranzac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor bancare {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i, da{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-mi voie
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun, nu e\i ni
mic\i0 distractiv n asta {\f63 \u8212\'3f} am descoperit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it o mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Contul bancar pe care-l
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 avem acum e unul mai nou. A fost transferat de la o
alt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 banc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu vreo ci
nci ani. Vechiul cont avea ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 titular tot o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} necunoscut{\f63
\u259\'3f},\i dar\i0 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o men{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 privind ruda cea mai apropiat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentr
u eventualitatea n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care i s-ar fi ntmplat ceva titularului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Cu greu mai puteam s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} respir. Tranzac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile financiare

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nsemnau o limb{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}in{

\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru mine, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram pe cale
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inem ceva palpab
il.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2753 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un nume adev{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rat?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2150 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sydney a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f
}at din cap.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sonya Karp.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt560\margb140\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-460 \li290 \ri2273 \expndtw-15 \b \f20 \fs40 DOISPREZECE
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw2 \b \f20
\fs24 LA AUZUL NUMELUI, AM NCREMENIT
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 amndoi, eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitr
i. Sydney, plimbndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 la unul la cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt, ne-a d{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ruit un zmbet sec.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2159 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u351
\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o cunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}te{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Normal, am excla
mat. Mi-a fost profesoar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1380 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a nebunit {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut n strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2452 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Sydney ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
at iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2296 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u351\'3f}cut ochii
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mari.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar nu... doar
nu ea o fi cea care a avut o rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2827 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cu tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l Lissei,
nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Of, Doamne. Asta ar fi nsemn
at una dintre cele mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptate ntors{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi d
in caruselul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mele. Nici
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncep
evaluarea consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}elor unei
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 asemenea posibilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pu{\f63 \u
355\'3f}in probabil, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea. Contul a fost deschis

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cu mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ani nainte ca ea s{\f63 \u

259\'3f} fie ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 beneficiar: anume, exact atunci cnd a mplinit
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 optsprezece ani. Prin urmare, presupunnd c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deschiderea contului a fost f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63
\u259\'3f} n preajma na{\f63 \u351\'3f}terii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 copilului, nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} at
unci ea ar fi fost mult prea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sonya e, probabi
l o rud{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn480\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Uluirea mea de adineau
ri a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat loc entuziasmului, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1157 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vedeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aceea{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur ai do
cumente legate de familia ei, a zis el.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sau, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ai tu, probabil c-o avea
vreun alt moroi.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Cine se nrude{\f63 \u351\'3f}te ndeaproape cu Sonya? A
re vreo sor{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2368 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney a sctuurat din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri13 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Totu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i, ar fi o op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune evident{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Din neferici
re,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 are alte rude...\i gr{\f63 \u259\'
3f}mezi\i0 de rude. Ambii ei p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}i provin
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 din familii uria{\f63 \u351\'3f}e, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} are o mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de veri. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 unele dintre m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ile
ei au vrste potrivite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar putem
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, nu? am insistat, str{
\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 de un fior de ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fiu, nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem la o informa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ie att
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de important{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rat, una mic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar tot era ceva.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sonya Karp era nrudit{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cu amanta lui Eric, sigur
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 am putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} depist{\f63 \u259\'3f}m c
eva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt prea mu
l{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a repetat Sydney, ridicnd din

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 umeri. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mda, am putea. Dar ar l

ua mult timp pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m istoria vie{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ii fiec{\f63 \u259\'3f}reia, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i-atunci {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ales dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea a fost acoperit{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ndeajuns {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ne-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} descoperim dac{\f63 \u259\'3f
} vreuna dintre ele este femeia pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care-o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Sau m{\
f63 \u259\'3f}car dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreuna dintre ele {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cine ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Cnd s-a hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri, vocea i er
a
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i meditativ{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar exist{\f
63 \u259\'3f} o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} care {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie precis cine e
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 necunoscuta.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am ntors privirile
spre el, att eu, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sydney,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3958 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tteptnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2215 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sonya Karp, a
precizat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1257 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am azvrlit bra{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ele n sus, disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, dar cu ea
n-avem cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbim. E o cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pierdut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mihail Ta
nner {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a petrecut mai bine de un an
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd-o, dar n-a putut s-o g{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} el n-a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit-o, noi nici att nu putem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a n
tors capul dinspre mine, privind fix
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe fereastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, c
u ochii lui c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui plini de am{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ci
une
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu gndurile, pe moment, departe de n
oi. Nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam prea bine ce se petrecea n min
tea lui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 momentele acelea de pace din bibliotec{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} atunci cnd
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri zmbise {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se l{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sase, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} viseze

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cu ochii deschi{\f63 \u351\'3f}i la o via{\f63 \u355

\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} normal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} disp{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ruser{\f63 \u259\'3f}; {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 numai momentele. Disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i acel Dimitri. i revenise
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 acea dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ncrncenat{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi purtat din nou
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pe umeri ntreaga greutate a planetei. n cele din urm{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 oftat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors iar
{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ochii spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta din ca
uz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Mihail nu avea leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 potrivite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mihail a fo
st iubitul ei, i-am atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Avea
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} dect oricine altcineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri nu mi-a luat n seam{
\f63 \u259\'3f} remarca. n schimb, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 redevenit gnditor. Vedeam limpede fr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt
area din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ochii lui, provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cine {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tie ce r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboi interior. ntr-un
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 trziu, se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rr
ea a fost luat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Telel
efonul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u are semnal aici? a ntrebat-o pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4182 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul a f
ost afirmativ. Sydney s-a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat prin
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 geant{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a nmnat telef
onul ei. Dimitri l-a {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, privindu-l
de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} simpla lui atingere ar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fi nsemnat o tortur{\f63 \u259\'3f} suprem{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. n final, cu un nou oftat,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s-a ridicat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a pornit spre ie{\f63
\u351\'3f}ire. Am schimbat o privire
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntrb{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare cu Sydney, dup{\f63 \u259\'
3f} care l-am urmat amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ea a mai z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovit pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
, ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} arunce ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}te bani pe mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i n{\f63 \u351\'3f}face laptopul. Eu am ajuns afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} exact n timp
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ce Dimitri termina de format un num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ducea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 telefonul la ureche. Sydney ni s-a al{\f63 \u259\'3f
}turat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 trziu, persoana apelat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a r{\f63 \u25

9\'3f}spuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2271 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Boris? a ntreb
at Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Doar att am mai n{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
les, din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} restul a fost o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u351\
'3f}iruire de cuvinte ruse{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. O senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie stranie
m-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cuprins n timp ce-l auzeam vorbind. Eram dezorientat{
\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 derutat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam limba... dar nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 numai att. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ngh
e{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pulsul mi-o luase
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 razna, nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}at. Vocea aceea... vocea
aceea o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team. Era a lui, {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu a lui. Era vocea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 co{\f63 \u351\'3f}marurilor mele, o voce a r{\f63 \u
259\'3f}celii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a cruzimii. Dimitri
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se juca de-a strigoiul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n fine, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
{\f63 \u8222\'3f}juca" ar fi o exprimare mult prea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 blnd{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O descriere mai adecvat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ar fi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri338 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dar, oricum ai descrie-o, era al
naibii de conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe
Sydney ncruntndu-se lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 dar nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecea prin ce treceam
eu. Ea nu-l
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cunoscuse niciodat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} n chip de strigoi. Ea nu avea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 amintirile mele oribile. Schimbare
a din comportamentul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lui sigur era evident{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\
'3f} studiindu-i ei fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, mi-am dat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era atent{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Uitasem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 ruse{\f63 \u351\'3f}te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1622 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce zice? am nt
rebat-o n {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncruntarea i s-a accentuat, fie d
in cauza conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1764 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 fie a faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f

}-i distr{\f63 \u259\'3f}geam aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}El... vorb
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}te ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi cineva cu care n-a mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 discutat de ceva vreme. Dimitri l acuz{\f63 \u259\'3f
} pe cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe tnjal{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct timp
a fost el plecat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 A t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut apoi
, continund s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i traduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n gnd. La un
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 moment dat, tonul lui Dimitri s-a ridicat, furios, f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ne s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rim amndou{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-am ntors privirea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare spre ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S-a enervat
din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i s-a pus autoritatea sub
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 semnul ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. Nu-mi dau seama, dar
acum... cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lingu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}te {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cere scuze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu fiecare cuvin{\f63 \u355\'3f}el, ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ei sigur i-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fost greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi traduc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} mie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} asculte, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tonul lui Dimitri a revenit la un nivel normal {\f63
\u8212\'3f} de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i era
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcat n continuare de amenin{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}area aceea cumplit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, prin v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u
259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}agul de cuvinte, am auzit {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Sonya Karp" {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Montana".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ntreab{\f63
\u259\'3f} de domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara Kar... de Sonya? am
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 murmurat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Doar nu-mi mai era profesoar
{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri366 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Acum puteam foarte bine s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sonya.
\plain\tx4951 \tab \expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 '
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda,
a confirmat Sydney, cu ochii nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 i cere {\f63 \u8212\'3f} adic{\f63 \

u259\'3f}, i ordon{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} respectivului s{\f63 \u259\'

3f} dea de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 altcineva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle d
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate s-o g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Sonya.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Persoana... Sydney s-a oprit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai as
culte. Persoana
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 despre care ntreab{\f63 \u259\'3f} pare s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cunoasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} lume din
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 zona n care a fost v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ea ultima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63
\u259\'3f}, n contextul acesta, {\f63 \u8222\'3f}persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}" nsemna
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}strigoi". Dimitri se ridicase rapid n
rang printre ei,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 impunndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i voin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63
\u351\'3f}i puterea asupra altora. Cei mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i strigoi ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionau
solitar, rareori lucrnd n grupuri,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i singuraticii {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recunoasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pericolul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cnd aveau de-a face cu un strigoi mai dominant. Dimit
ri
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a leg{\f63 \u
259\'3f}turile, exact cum spusese mai
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 devreme. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreun strigoi ar fi afla
t despre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 transformarea lui {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
ar mai fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i crezut n realitatea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 acesteia {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n-ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} transmit{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea repede
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, mai ales la ct erau ei de
dezorganiza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri era deja nevoit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} joace capra
, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 surse care cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}teau alte surse care
puteau fi n m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cunoasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} unde se af
la Sonya.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Vocea lui Dimitri a redeven
it puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mnioas{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u8212\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mai era posibil {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai sinistr{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it ca prins{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
tr-o capcan{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sydney
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea acum speriat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind n sec.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}i spune tipu
lui c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu prime{\f63 \u351\'3f}te r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}spunsul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine sear{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-l sf{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i... Sydney nu s-a mai obosit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncheie. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ochii ct cepele. Folose{\f63 \
u351\'3f}te-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu imagina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Ce
va
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3549 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 destul de oribil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, am ajuns la concluzi
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 oarecum bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru faptul c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu auzisem ntreaga
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie n englez{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a te
rminat de vorbit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a dat napoi telefonul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lui Sydney masca r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Era, din nou Dimitri al meu, Dimitri dhampi
rul.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, emana deprim
are {\f63 \u351\'3f}i disperare, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se rezem{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 moale de peretele cafenelei, cu privirea r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cind n sus,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pe cer. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam ce face. ncerca s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} se calmeze, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 recapete controlul asupra emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor ca
re p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u259
\'3f}untrul lui. Tocmai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse ceva care ne-ar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fi putut oferi indiciile necesare... ns{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cu un pre{\f63 \u355\'3f} teribil
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pentru el. mi sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam degetele zvcnind.
A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cuprind cu un bra{\f63 \u355\'3f} lini{\f63 \u351\'3
f}titor, sau m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l bat pe um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 doar ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie c{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu e singur. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, m-am ab{\f63 \u
355\'3f}inut,
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu i-ar pl
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors din nou privirea spre noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri205 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rec{\f63 \u259\
'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnirea de sine; cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f
}in, pe dinafar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am trimis p
e cineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebe despre ea, ne-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 explicat, obosit. E posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ias{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nimic. Strigoii nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 prea sunt genul care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'
3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} baze de date. Dar, din cnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n cnd, mai stau cu ochii unul pe altul, fie {\f63 \u35

1\'3f}i numai din

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 autoconservare. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m curnd dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e vreun rezultat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}i... uau. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc, am zis, bjbind dup{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 cuvinte.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avea nevoie de mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umiri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mie mi se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3474 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau necesare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1133 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 A ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at pri
ntr-o nclinare a capului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar trebui s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ne ntoarcem la P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori... doar dac
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1474 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu cumva crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
aici ar fi un loc sigur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f} prefera s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dispar de pe radarul lumii civilizate,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Sydney, pornind spre camion
et{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n plus, mi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vreau napoi cheile ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Drumul de ntoarcere a p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rut de zece ori mai lung.
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Dimitri umplea cabina,
aproape
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sufocndu-ne cu disperarea lui. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i Sydney o sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 l l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de data asta
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} coduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3
f}deam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 seama dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era bine sau r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}u. Oare drumul avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 distrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ele lui legate de strigoi? Sau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 torturile suflete{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti l-ar distrage de
la condus, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-l s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2090 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ne mpotmoleasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n v
reun {\f63 \u351\'3f}an{\f63 \u355\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Din fericire, am reu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem teferi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am dat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 peste doi P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori ca
re ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptau n locul pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 parcare, o femeie moroi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un b{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rbat uman, ambii cu

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f

63 \u259\'3f}ri aprige. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu izbuteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} eliberez de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 impresia ciudat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a celor dou{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} rase preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tite s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M-am ntrebat dac{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ei doi alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuiau un cuplu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ajungnd n tab{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit focul comun arznd
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lumea a
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n jurul lui, unii mncnd, iar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii doar conversnd. Aflasem la micul
dejun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} focul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 era mereu aprins pentru cei care voiau s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, dar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} destu
le familii r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mneau n propriile lor
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 gospod{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am ntors acas{\f63
\u259\'3f} la Raymond, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} numai Sarah {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Joshua erau acolo. Ea sp{\f63 \u259
\'3f}la vasele, iar el st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neastmp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, pe un scaun. Imediat cum m
-a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a {\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u351\'3f}nit n picioare, cu un zmbet la str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucirea
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 maxim{\f63 \u259\'3f} din nou pe chip.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose! Te-ai
ntors. ncepeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne facem griji...
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vi s-ar
fi ntmplat ceva {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nici nu era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 posibil, cu abilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}il
e voastre {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ci c{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate v-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i hot{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rt
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}si{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n niciun caz
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, a replicat
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sydney, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd pe mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
heile camionetei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Cele ale CR-V-ului a{\f63 \
u351\'3f}teptau deja acolo, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urarea i\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 a inundat fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n timp ce le n{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ca gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sarah ne-a oferit ceea ce l
e mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese de la mas{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dar noi am refuzat, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m plinul cu

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 snackuri de la benzin{\f63 \u259\'3f}ria din Rubysvi

lle.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine, a zi
s ea, atunci, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mnca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, pute{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 duce{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sta{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i cu ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, la foc. S-ar putea ca Jess
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 McHale s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnte ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}-sea
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc s-o fac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} bea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 destul; {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, beat{\f63 \u259\'3f} sau t
reaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, femeia asta are cea mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 minunat{\f63 \u259\'3f} voce din cte am auzit n via{\f
63 \u355\'3f}a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Le-am c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat
scurt privirile lui Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui Sydney.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Recunosc, eram un pic curioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d cum {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 petreac{\f63 \u259\'3f} gruparea asta s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}lb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ticit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n realitate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 clarul de lun{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cntece
le folk nu se situau tocmai n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fruntea topului distrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor mele pr
eferate. Dimitri nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea acea nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}are chinuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe urma convorbirii
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 telefonice.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui i-ar fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 izoleze n camera noastr{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd a auzit-o pe Sydney
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63
\u259\'3f} lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} foc, replica lui a sosit automat:
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Merg {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu." Mi-am d
at seama imediat de ce o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Vremea petrecut{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca strigoi l tortura.
Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbise
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu un strigoi l tortura. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i poate {\f63
\u8212\'3f} ba nu, sigur {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerce blocarea tuturor acestor
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sentimente; {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
el era Dimitri. Iar Dimitri i proteja
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pe cei care aveau nevoie de el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ch
iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ascultarea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unor cntece n jurul focului nu era tocmai un pericol
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mortal, tot r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea o situa{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ie semiprimejdioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 un civil cum era Sydney. Or, el nu putea s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} permit{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ceva. n plus, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sy

dney s-ar fi sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it mai n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ne avea pe amndoi n apropiere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am dat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spu
n c{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu cu ei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Joshua mi
-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 luat-o nainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai vrei s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-mi vezi grota? A mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f} afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a, o s-o vezi mai bine dect dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} folosim o tor{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Uitasem despre conversa{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia cu Joshua de mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 devreme {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am fost tentat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i refuz oferta. Dar atunci,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceva a sclipit n ochii lui Dimitri, ceva dezaprobator.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. El nu voia ca eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} plec mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu un tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chipe{\f63 \u351\'3f} pe deasupra. S{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fi fost vorba despre o legitim{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ngrijorare legat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de P{\f63 \u259\'3f}
str{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori? Sau despre gelozie! Nu,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sigur nu ultima. Doar stabilisem {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de multe,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 multe ori {\f63 \u8212\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitr
i nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea o leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} amoroas{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cu mine. Ba chiar i {\f63 \u355\'3f}inuse partea lui A
drian, mai
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri34 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 devreme. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
i fost un reflex de fost iubit? n Rubysville,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mi nchipuisem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri am putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prieteni, dar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva era imposibil d
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} el credea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} controleze
pe mine, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amoroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cunnoscusem fete cu astfel d
e fo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Eu nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu ca ele. Aveam dreptul s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} umblu cu oricine
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mi venea chef.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur, am
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri s-a ntunecat la fa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 Mi-ar pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i am plecat
mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Joshua, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-i pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, par{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial, hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea mea se datora
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei de a-mi dovedi independen{\f
63 \u355\'3f}a. Dimitri afirmase
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suntem egali; cu toate acestea, lua
se ngrozitor de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 multe hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rri pe parcursul planului de
evadare f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} consulte pe mine. Era pl{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai simt, din cnd n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cnd, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} hot{\f63
\u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}; {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i, n plus, mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de Joshua {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eram oarecum curioas{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu mai multe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre modul de via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
l celor de-aici. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sydney
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n-ar fi vrut ca eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec, ns{\f63 \u
259\'3f} oricum avea Dimitri grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 de ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri34 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce mergeam cu Joshua,
am trecut pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 destui P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori care
umblau pe-afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. La fel ca mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 devreme, destule priviri m-au fixat. n loc s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 potec{\f63 \u259\'3f}, spre casa tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
lui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, Joshua m-a condus prin
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 jurul micului munte. Avea el dimensiuni respectabile,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce tr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}isem n apropierea Stnco{\f63 \u351\'3f}ilor, totul din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Apala{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea {\f
63 \u8222\'3f}mic". B{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} devenisem
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 snoab{\f63 \u259\'3f} n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mun{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
, muntele se cam ntindea ceva cale, iar noi ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtam tot mai mul
t de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezarea principal{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}torilor. P{\f63
\u259\'3f}durea se ndesea, iar lumina se mpu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ina
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce soarele nc
epea, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se cufunde la
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 orizont.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu sunt cam
la periferie, mi-a explicat Joshua, pe

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 un ton de scuz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ne tot nmul{\f63 \u35

5\'3f}im, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu e prea mult loc n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 centrul ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ora{\f63 \
u351\'3f}" mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut un termen cam optimist, dar nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mi-am exprimat impresia cu voce tare. Mda. Categoric
,
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 eram o snoab{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Grotele, n
schimb, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat Joshua, se tot ntind,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai e nc{\f63 \u
259\'3f} spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1815 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt naturale
? m-am interesat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri80 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unele, da. Alte
le sunt tuneluri miniere abandonate.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E destul de dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f
63 \u355\'3f} pe-aici, am apreciat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau foioase
le. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mistuia dorul de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Montana, frunzele late de aici con
trastau pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut cu acele
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 de pin.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i, stai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car ai parte de intimitate
ca lumea,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 este? L-am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Este, mi-a
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, zmbind. Am crezut c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}
i se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 par{\f63 \u259\'3f}... nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Prea
rustic. Sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lbatic. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ne consideri pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Remarca lui m-a uimit. n maj
oritatea lor, P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}raser{\f63 \u259\
'3f} n chip att de aprig modul de via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nici nu-mi trecuse prin gnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar lua c
ineva n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car eventualitatea ca vreunul din a
far{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} sub
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 semnul ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ii... sau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreunuia dintre P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tori i-ar
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3182 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 fi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat de a{\f

63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E doar dif
erit, am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, cu diploma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Foarte
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri827 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 diferit fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de locurile cu care sunt eu obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n clipa aceea, m-a fulgerat d
orul de prietenii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 locurile fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de care e
ram acum ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De Lissa.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 De Adrian. De ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prieteni ai no
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri. De Curte. De Sf.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vladimir. Mi-am alungat iute sentimentul acesta. N\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aveam timp acum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac pe bosumflata,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i oricum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri410 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 puteam m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d, mai trziu, ce mai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am fost pri
n ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele oamenilor, mi-a explicat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Joshua. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i prin alte locuri n care tr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}iesc P{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. mi dau
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 seama de ce-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i plac, a m{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rturisit, pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in ru{\f63 \u351\'3f}inat. Nu mi-ar
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 displ{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am curent
electric.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1037 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i-atunci, voi de ce nu v{\f63 \u259\'3f} folosi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de el?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ne-am folosi, da
c-ar fi posibil. Suntem prea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 departe, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i oricum n
imeni nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie de fapt de prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici. Oamenii-crin spun c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ne ascundem mai
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu-mi trecuse prin minte sim
plul fapt c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei ndurau
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 astfel de condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii din cauz{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} voiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}
tiu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Chiar m-am ntrebat cam cte dintre
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile lor se datorau crampon{\f63
\u259\'3f}rii de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a-zisa tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie...
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cte le fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} infl
uen{\f63 \u355\'3f}atr de Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am ajuns,
m-a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at Joshua, smulgndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cuget{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile mele.
\par

\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a ar{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tat o deschiz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntunecoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la n
ivelul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 solului. Era suficient de mare nct s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund{\f63 \u259\'3f} un
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 adult prin ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3103 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dr{\f63 \u259
\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}, am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Observasem mai devreme c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} unele dintre grote erau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 plasate mai sus n mun{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}risem pe locatarii lor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnduse, fie cu minile goale, fie cu ajutorul unor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri199 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri artizanale.
O intrare lesne accesibil{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea un lux.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1446 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Joshua a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut
surprins de lauda mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3835 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar?
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} pierdem cam mult din lumina zilei,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} el s-a oprit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aprind{\f63 \u259\'3f} o tor{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care l-am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 urmat n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru. La nceput, a trebuit s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ne aplec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, dar pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ce p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trundeam mai adnc n grot{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 plafonul se extindea treptat, deschizndu-se pn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-un spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu larg
, rotund. Podeaua era din p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}torit, iar pere{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ii din piatr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, aspri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i col{\f63 \u355
\'3f}uro{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vedea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} este o grot{\f63 \u259\'3f}
natural{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar sesizam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eforturile
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 depuse pentru modernizarea ei. Podeaua fusese cur{\f
63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nivelat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar ntr-un
col{\f63 \u355\'3f} am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3
f}joar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pietre {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de bolovani, dnd impresia c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} strn{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} loc. Dou{
\f63 \u259\'3f} obiecte de mobilier fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aduse deja: un scaun ngust, din lemn, {\f63 \u351\'3f}

i o saltea care
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}zduiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu greu fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri232 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te gnde{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ti, probabil, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e mic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a zis Jos
hua.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Era adev{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fapt era mai mare dect camera
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1816 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mea din c{\f63 \u259\'3f}minul d
e la Sf. Vladimir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1360 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\
'3f}i, mda, dar... adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tu c{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ani ai?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Optsprezece.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ca {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i mine, am zis, ceea ce a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l bucure
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 foarte mult. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai p
ropria ta, {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, grot{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, la optsprezece
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ani, e destul de tare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Drept e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar
fi fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai tare dac-ar fi avut curent
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 electric, internet {\f63 \u351\'3f}i canalizare, dar
nu era musai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aduc
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 toate astea n discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ochii lui alba{\f63 \u351\'
3f}tri au nceput, practic, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luceasc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Nu m-am putut mpiedica s{\f63 \u259\'3f} remarc ce dr
{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f} contrastau
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cu tenul lui bronzat. Mi-am alungat imediat gndul. Nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 venisem aici ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi g{\f63 \u259\'3
f}sesc un iubit. Dar, din cte se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, eram singura care credea asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1302 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Joshua
a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un pas nainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri13 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrei, mi-a zis. Ceilal{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
nu te-ar g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici. Am putea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ne

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}torim, iar cnd am av

ea copii, am putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri587 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 construim o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}su{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu etaj, ca a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ilor mei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Cuvntul\i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie\i0 m-a determinat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ret
rag spre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire, la fel de {\f63 \u351\'3f}oca
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de panicat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ct a{\f63 \u351
\'3f} fi fost n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cazul unui atac al strigoilor. Deosebirea era c{\f63
\u259\'3f}, naintea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 unui astfel de atac, de obicei eram prevenit{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri903 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hopa, hopa, ia
-o mai ncet, am exclamat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri260 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Era clar. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem la o cerere n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Abia ne-am cunoscut! am ncercat s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} argumentez.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Slav{\f63 \u259\'3f} Domnului, el nu s-a apropiat.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri968 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u
350\'3f}tiu, a zis, dar uneori a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a se procedeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce, c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}toriile ntre persoane care abia s-au
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1603 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cunoscut? am ntrebat, nencrez{\f63
\u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur. Mereu
se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, serios vorbind, n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 timpul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta chiar att de scurt, m-am c
onvins deja c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 place de tine. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti formidabil{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i e evide
nt
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o bun{\f63 \u259\
'3f} lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Iar atitudinea ta... S-a oprit,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd din cap, cu o expresie de ado
ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 n-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, a
exclamat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi prefer
at ca el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fi fost att de dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 simpatic. Cnd un tip oribil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i declar{\f
63 \u259\'3f} adora{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, te
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 descurci mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or dect cu unul care-{\

f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i place. Mi-am

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 adus aminte de ce spunea Sydney, cum c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} eu eram aici o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie extrem de fierbinte. Din cte s
e| p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, mai
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} una prjolitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Joshua, z{\
f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi place de tine, dar, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ug
at n
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 grab{\f63 \u259\'3f}, z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind cum tr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile i se lumineaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} de speran{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 sunt prea tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul meu l
-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ncrunte.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu ziceai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai
optsprezece ani?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 OK. Vrsta probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} nu reprezenta pe-aici un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 argument temeinic. Doar v{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zusem, n ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul natal al lui
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, ct de tineri erau unii p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i. ntr-un loc precum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acesta, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}toreau nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de copii. Am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncercat un alt unghi de abordare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri630 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici m{\f63 \
u259\'3f}car nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} vrea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri14 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Asta nu l-a descump{\f63 \u259\'
3f}nit. A cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap, n semn
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3717 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegere.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Intel
igent. Am putea la nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}im mpreun{\f63 \u259
\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2447 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vedem cum ne n{
\f63 \u355\'3f}elegem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Expresia lui serioas{\f63 \u
259\'3f} a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut imediat, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd locul
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 zmbetului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar s{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt destul de maleabil. O s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} te las s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigi la fiecare controvers{\f63 \u25

9\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1005 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Nu m-am putut ab{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ine. Am izbucnit n rs.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, atunci
o s-o c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig pe-asta de-acum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i spun c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, nu sunt preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'
3f} pentru... nimic
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din toate astea. n plus, am deja pe cineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3399 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe Dimitri?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri909 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Pe altul.
A r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas la Curtea P{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri395 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu-mi
venea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Joshua s-a ncruntat iar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1000 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i-atunci, el de ce nu e aici, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te apere?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}... nu e genul lui. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i sunt capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2890 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 port de grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse ideea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} avea nevoie
de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cineva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} salv
eze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i uite ce e, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi fost el, oricum o s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 plec ct de curnd. Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar putea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntre noi doi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}eleg. Joshua ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}git, dar p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ia n nume r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u refuzul. Dar poate, a ad
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat el, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i rezolvi proble
mele, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-ntorci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am dlat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e cazul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tepte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fi bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nsoare cu altcineva (cu
toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ridicol, la vrsta lui), dar apoi am n{\f63 \u355\'3f}el

es c-ar fi fost o
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 recomandare inutil{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. n fanteziile lui Joshua, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 el putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nsoar
e acum cu altcineva, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} inclu
d{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mai trziu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe mine n harem, ca tat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}l lui, cu Sarah {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cu Paulette. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
replicat cu un simplu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Poate".
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Bjbind dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o schimbare a subiectului,
am c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat orice
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i distrag{\f63 \u259\'3
f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Privirea mi s-a oprit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri251 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 asupra scaunului {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i a modelului cu frunze cioplit pe el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3146 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E chiar dr{\
f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mersi, mi-a r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, apropiindu-se. Spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urarea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mea, n-a mai insistat pe subiectul
anterior. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a plimbat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}stos degetele pest
e lemnul sculptat ornamental,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o mpl
etitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} din frunze. Eu l-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 m-a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at apoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Z{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}u ? l-am ntrebat, sincer surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E... e
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 minunat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3117 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i place...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mna i s-a pus n mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c
are, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am temut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri34 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teap{\f63 \u259\'
3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutare sau o mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}are. n loc de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a vrt-o n buzunarul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a scos de-acolo o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
din lemn, frumos sculptat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era un model simplu,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}erpuit, veritabila minune constnd n ct
era de fin {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 delicat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dintr-o singur{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lemnul fusese {\f
63 \u351\'3f}lefuit

\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucire.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1052 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poftim, mi-a
zis, ntinzndu-mi br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ara.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E pentru mine? m
-am mirat, trecndu-mi degetul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2996 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 peste muchia netezit{\f63 \u259
\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} vrei s-o prime{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o azi,
ct timp ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fost la ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}. Ca s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} aminte de mine dup{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 pleci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am ezitat, ntrebndu-m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva acceptarea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 darului ar fi nsemnat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ncurajez. Nu
, mi-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mi exprimasem limpede punctul de vedere asupra
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}toriei adolescentin
e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i oricum, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea att de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat, nct n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi su
portat gndul de a-i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ni
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri395 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sentimentele. Mi-am strecurat br{
\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ara pe ncheietur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri901 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c-o s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-mi aduc aminte. Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} fericirea de
pe chipul lui, acceptarea br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 compensa refuzul meu de adineauri.
Mi-a mai ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreo cteva am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunte prin grota lui, dup
{\f63 \u259\'3f} care mi-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 urmat propunerea de a ne ntoarce la ceilal{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i din jurul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 focului. Am auzit ecourile muzicii prinre copaci nain
te
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu toate
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in genul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 meu preferat, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ceva c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}lduros {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prietenos n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 modul de via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} al comun
it{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii acesteia. Nu fusesem
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o tab{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{
\f63 \u259\'3f} de var{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar mi nchipuiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dim
itri st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau mai pe la marginea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 grupului. Ei erau t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cntau,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau din palme {\f63 \u351\'3f}i di
scutau ntre ei. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 uimit u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a cu care
puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se amestece ntre ei
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dhampiri, moroi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i oameni. Cupluri mix
te se vedeau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 peste tot, unul dintre ele {\f63 \u8212\'3f} o femei
e uman{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un moroi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cea de cap de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea.
Din timp n
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timp, cnd o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru
ta pe gt, el o mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ca, sorbind
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri181 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cte pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in snge. Am f
ost nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ntorc privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mi-am ntorso spre prietenii mei. Sydney m-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ar{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
i lui Dimitri era
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 impenetrabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ca de fiecare dat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, privirile celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mi\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 au urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, spre surpriza mea, am descifrat o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gelozie nedisimulat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe fe{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ele ctorva tipi. Sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nchipuiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} despuias
em cu Joshua n grot{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri169 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 prea era imaginea pe care mi-a{\f
63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit s-o las n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc cu Sydney, i-am zis, peste toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 h{\f63 \u259\'3f}rm{\f63 \u259\'3f}laia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri15 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ajunsesem la concluzia c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} era cel mai bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strez
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se i
{\f63 \u351\'3f}te vreun zvon, plus c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, Sydney p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrea al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de ea. Joshua a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at din cap {\f63 \u351\'3f}i e
u m-am ntors s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 abia doi pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cnd un pumn s-a repezit
drept spre fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a

\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 mea.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Nu eram preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i abia am mai avut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de spirit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m
i ntorc capul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} primesc
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lovitura n obraz, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} trezesc cu nasul rupt.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} surprinderea ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntreaga mea preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tire {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 intrat n func{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune. M-am retras repede
din calea atacului
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am adoptat postura pentru lupt{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Muzica s-a oprit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m-am ntors cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre atacator.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3423 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Era Angeline.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Luase o pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie as
em{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare cu a mea, cu pumnii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ncle{\f63 \u351\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} complet con
centrat{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 mea.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK,
mi-a zis. E vremea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ct de tare e{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ti n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4139 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 realitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 De fapt, era vremea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zicem,
unul
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 dintre p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u
8212\'3f} s-o ia de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de-acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pedepseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
ovea un oaspete. Dar, uimitor
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lucru, nimeni nu s-a clintit, nimeni n-a ncercat s-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpiedice. Nu... totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n-a fost chiar
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. O persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ridicat. Dimitri a {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ni
t n picioare, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24
}zut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
59\'3f} un
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24
gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit spre
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24
dice fizic, dar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24

nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} din clipa n care a v{\f63 \u259\'3f

n primejdie. M-am
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \
s-o ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rteze pe Angeline, ns{\f63 \u2
grup de P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori s-a
el, spunndu-i ceva
neauzit de mine. N-au ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l mpie
ceea ce i-au spus l-a determinat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r

{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe loc. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu c
e-i spuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Angeline se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 repezea deja din nou spre mine. Se pare c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} eram pe cont
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 propriu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Angeline era scund{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru un dhampir, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntregul ei corp era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcat de for{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i destul de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 iute, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu ntr-att nct s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimereasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a doua
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am eschivat cu elegan{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat distan{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nevrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec la ofensiv{\f63 \u259\'3
f} mpotriva fetei acesteia.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} provoace v{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri ntr-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 confruntare, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n stilul ei era ceva nen
grijit... ba nu,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} rudimentar. Era o b{\f63 \
u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, una care se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierase de multe ori, ns{\f63 \u259\'
3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} vre
o preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tire
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ca lumea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai nnebunit
? am strigat la ea, ferindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} din calea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 unui nou asalt. nceteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu vreau s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} te lovesc.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur
, a replicat ea. Asta vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lumea, este? Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te lup{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i de-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 binelea, atunci to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i or s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} n continuare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} semnele
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sunt autentice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2791 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar\i sunt\i
0 autentice!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Insinuarea cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi falsificat tatuajele mi-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 strnit mnia, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ref
uzat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} las atras{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierarea asta ridicol{\f63 \u259\'3f
}.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dovede{\f63

\u351\'3f}te, m-a provocat, atacndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iar.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dovede{\f63 \u351\'3f}te c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ti cine pretinzi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai fi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Era ca ntr-un dans, cum m{\f
63 \u259\'3f} tot feream de ea. Puteam
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s-o {\f63 \u355\'3f}in a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a toat{\f63
\u259\'3f} noaptea, dar cteva strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}te dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}gite
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 din mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime ne-au cerut s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'3f}trecem la treab{\f63 \u259\'3f}".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri858 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am nevoie s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} dovedesc nimic, i-am zis.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} e o minciun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia i se ngr
eunase deja. Consuma mult mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2683 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} energie dect
mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1112 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tot ce face{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i voi, P{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, e o minciun{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, am in
sistat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 De ce permitea Dimitri s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} continue chestia asta? L\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit cu coada o
chiului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ajute Dumneze
u,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 el\i zmbea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntre timp, Angeline {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i continua tirada, tot ncercnd
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} loveasc{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}To{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i min{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunte{\f63
\u355\'3f}i slabi. Mai ales {\f63 \u8222\'3f}regalii"
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 vo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri. Ei sunt cei mai pr{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}di{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu nu-i cu
no{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti absolut deloc. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii nimic despre
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 ei.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri35 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'
3f} era n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poarte o conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vedeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} frustrare

a i sporea permanent. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fost destul de convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m-ar fi lovit pe la spate, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ales calea cea nobil{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi plecat pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiu destule, a zis. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt egoi{\f63 \
u351\'3f}ti {\f63 \u351\'3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f
}a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nu fac nimic pentru ei. Nu le pas{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
nimeni altcineva.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunt la fel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 De fapt, eram {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i eu de acord cu Angeline n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 unora dintre membrii familiilor regale; cu toate ace
stea,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} genera
liza.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu mai vor
bi despre lucruri pe care nu le n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegi,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 m-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit. Nu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
sunt a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba\i sunt
,\i0 s-a nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}nat ea, bucuroas{\f63
\u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vedea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1858 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nfuriat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \
u351\'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} moar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nu era de ajuns ct s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mping{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ofensiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 comentariul ei mi-a nnegurat gndurile destul ct s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 las o bre{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin garda
mea, una mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tot. Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi avut o astfel de sc{\f63 \u259\
'3f}pare fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un strigoi, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fata asta s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lbatic{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
subestimasem. Piciorul i-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}erpuit,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lovindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n genunchi, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i a fost ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi aruncat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f} de chibrit apri
ns ntr-un butoi cu benzin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Totul a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 explodat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Atins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ac
east{\f63 \u259\'3f} lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat u{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}or, iar ea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a profitat de avantaj. Instinctele mele r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}zboinice au
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 preluat comanda, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n-am avut de ales
, dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ripostez
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nainte ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
loveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} iar. Lumea a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aclame acum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupta {\f63 \u8222\'3f}

era pe bune". Trecusem la

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ofensiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ncercnd s-o pun jos, ceea ce n
semna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} de\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acum, contactul fizic escala
da exponen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial. Oricum eram
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect ea, f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, da
r n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ncercarea de-a ajunge la Angeline, intram n raza
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 loviturilor ei. A reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ating{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu cteva lovituri,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 niciuna serioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} so plachez {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-o trntesc la
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}teptam ca prin asta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ier{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii, ns{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ea s-a mpins n mine nainte s-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imobilizez pe deplin. Ne-am rostogolit pe jos, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i ea a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i adjudece
pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia dominant{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 i permit una ca asta, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am reu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i administrez un
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pumn n obraz, mult mai puternic dect cel de mai
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 devreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Din nou, am crezut c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} lupta se sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise. Lovitura o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 desprinsese de mine, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ridic n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 picioare, dar atunci afurisita asta mic{\f63 \u259\'
3f} m-a apucat de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-a smucit napoi jos. M-am r{\f63 \u
259\'3f}sucit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am smuls
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 din mna ei {\f63 \u8212\'3f} de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sunt
destul de comvins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ceva p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r n pumn {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i de data asta am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s-o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}intuiesc de-a binelea, presnd-o cu to
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 greutatea mea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} o durea, dar n-aveam ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ea ncepuse. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i n plus, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ierarea asta dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 limitele. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} tragi pe cineva de p{\f63
\u259\'3f}r nu nsemna altceva
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} joci murdar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Angeline a mai ncercat de vre
o cteva ori s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 elibereze, dar cnd a devenit limpede c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} nu mai poate, n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 jurul nostru s-au dezl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'

3f}uit fluier{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aclama{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile

.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar cteva clipe, expresia ntuneca
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Angelinei a disp{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rut, nlocuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiind de una
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb80\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 resemnat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am
examinat-o cu pruden{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nevrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m
i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3761 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 las jos garda.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foarte bine
, a zis ea. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e-n regul{\f63 \u259\'3f}. D{\f63 \u259\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1268 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}H{\f63 \u259\
'3f}? Ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie n regul{\f63 \u259\'3f}? m-am mirat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1079 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E n regul{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te m{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu frat
e-meu.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri2051 \expndt
w-14 \b \f20 \fs40 TREISPREZECE
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3045 \expndtw-5 \b \
f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}NU-I DE RAS!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai dreptate, ma aprobat Sydney. Nu-i de rs. E de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3654 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 rs cu\i lacrimi\i0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Eram din nou n casa lui Raymo
nd, n intimitatea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 camerei noastre. Ne luase o ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nicie
pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 festivit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile de lng{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} foc, mai ales dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce aflasem o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ngrozitoare despre obiceiur
ile P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}torilor.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n fine, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in mie mi se p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ruse ngrozitoare. Aflsem
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} voia cineva s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie pe altcineva de pe\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aici, poten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ialul mire {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i posibila mireas{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 confrunte, fiecare, cu ruda cea mai apropiat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sex a fiec{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia dintre ei. Angeline d
escoperise interesul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lui Joshua nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} din clipa apari{\f63 \u

355\'3f}iei mele, iar atunci cnd

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 observase br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ara, pre
supusese c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre noi se ncheiase
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegere.
De aceea, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea n sarcina ei, ca
\par
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\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
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\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sor{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} se asigure c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram demn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nc{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nu se putea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 spune c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i pl{\f63
\u259\'3f}cea de mine, sau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea deplin{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncredere
,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} dovedisem o lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ridicase substan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial n ochii ei, permi
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} consimt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la {\f63 \u8222\'3f}logodna" noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Fusese nevoie de multe vorbe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 iscusite ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i convingem pe to{\f63
\u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u8212\'3f} inclusiv pe Joshua
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu exista nicio l
ogodn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac-ar fi existat, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cum aflasem, Dimitri ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
joace rolul de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}rud{\f63 \u259\'3f}" a mea {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se bat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Joshua.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2375 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nceteaz{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, am repezit-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri se rezemase de unul dint
re pere{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perii,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele ncruci{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ate la piept, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i privea cum mi frecam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pometele lovit de Angeline. Nu era nici pe departe ce
a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mai grav{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}mare din cte avusesem vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sigur a doua zi urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} trezesc cu o vn{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie. Pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lui juca un mic zmbet.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu {\f63 \u
355\'3f}i-am spus s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu\b -\b0 l ncurajezi, am auzit replica
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 lui calm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} rog. Nici tu nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai dat seama ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 doar n-ai vrut ca eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntrerupt, nghi{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}indu-mi cuvintele. Doar nu era

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun ce-mi trecea prin minte: c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} Dimitri era gelos.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sau posesiv. Sau cine mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie cum. {\
f63 \u350\'3f}tiam doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\b -\b0 l
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 iritase comportamentul meu prietenos fa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Joshua... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\b -\b0 1 amuzase pe cinste revolta
mea privitoare la atacul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din partea Angelinei. M-am ntors brusc spre Sydney,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care se distra la fel de mult ca Dimitri. De fapt, su
nt
\par
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\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 destul de convins{\f63 \u259\
'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3862 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 zmbitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1932 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Tu\i0 {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tiai despre obiceiul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, a recunoscut
ea, dar nici nu m-a surprins. Doar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am spus c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} sunt s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lbatici. O mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de probleme
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuite se rezolv{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
rin astfel de lupte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o tmpenie
, am exclamat, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pese c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}ic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream. Mi-am pip{\
f63 \u259\'3f}it cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}tetul, dorindu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi avut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la ndemn{\f63 \u259\'3f} o oglind{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Angeline mi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 smulsese vreo {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f} mai zdrav{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De{\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
n-a fost rea,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat. Necizelat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, dar nu e rea deloc. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a sunt to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1606 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 att de vnjo{\f63 \u351\'3f}i? {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}i oamenii, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moroii?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2687 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cam a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a am n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Am cnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit n minte si
tua{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Eram iritat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ceea ce s
e ntmplase, dar trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 recunosc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63
\u259\'3f}torii deveniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mult mai

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 interesan{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Ce ironie, c{\f63 \u259\'

3f} un grup att de izolat avea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 inteligen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de a-i nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte, indifirent c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rei
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 rase i apar{\f63 \u355\'3f}ineau. n timp ce propria-mi
civiliza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}luminat{\f63 \u259\'3f}" refuza nc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} predea autoap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i de-asta nu sunt deranja{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de strigoi, am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri223 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 murmurai, amintindu-mi de discu{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la micul dejun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu
mi-am dat seama ce spusesem, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}nd am observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} zmb
etul lui Dimitri dispare. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntors fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre fereastr{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, ntunecndu-se brusc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri17 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar fi cazu
l s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l mai caut pe Boris, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d ce
-a aflat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a zis apoi, ntorcndu-se spre Sydney. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} dureze
\par
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\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mult. Nu e nevoie s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} mergem to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. N-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i iau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri62 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina, din moment
ce nu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung prea departe?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ridicnd din umeri, Sydney a n
tins mna dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} chei.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Constataser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mai devreme c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} telefonul ei putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 prind{\f63 \u259\'3f} semnal la vreo zece minute de
drum dinspre sat.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri avea dreptate. Chiar nu aveam motiv s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} mergem
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, doar pentru o convorbire te
lefonic{\f63 \u259\'3f} rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lupta mea, eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Sydney eram destul
de lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tite.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nimeni nu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se pun{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cu mine acum. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fl
dinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ideea ca Dimitri s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i retr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de unul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 singur zilele petrecute n chip de strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu tot ar t

rebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te duci, i-am zis lui Sydney,

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 improviznd la repezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu trebuie s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d ce mai e cu
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Nu era ntru totul o inven{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ie. Ceea ce aflaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 prietenii mei de la Joe, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De obicei,
pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de ce se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} n jurul meu, i-am explic
at, dar ar fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai bine dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu ai fi plecat{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, mai ales n eventualitatea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n care chiar ar ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea Alchimi{\f63 \u
351\'3f}tii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Logica mea era deficitar{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 colegilor ei nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un motiv de ngrijo
rare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} indoiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar veni pe ntuneric, mi-a atras ea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, dar chiar nu-mi doresc s{\f63
\u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn pe-aici dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 doar o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} priv
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti n gol.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 N-a recunoscut-o, iar eu nu
era cazul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai spun
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ceva, dar b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
orice caz, nici s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 altcineva ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
dorea.
\par
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\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri era de p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rere c{\f63 \u259\'3f} venirea ei ar fi inutil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 chiar i-a spus-o, dar, dup{\f63 \u
259\'3f} toate aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, nu se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndemnat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe {\f63
\u351\'3f}eful cu ea, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum se purta cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mine. n consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, au p
lecat amndoi, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} n camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}. I-am u
rm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit cu o privire
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 melancolic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n ciuda a ct de enervante
mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 zeflemelele lui de mai devreme, mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
eam griji pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 el. V{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem ce efect i produsese ultima

convorbire
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 telefonic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f} fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el, ca s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-l alin.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dar aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u mi-ar fi permis-o, motiv
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pentru care socotisem acceptul lui de a fi nso{\f63 \u
355\'3f}it de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sydney ca pe o mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} victorie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} plecarea
lor, m-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt ca, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d ce mai face Lissa. O spusesem mai
mult ca pe un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pretext, dar, sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} fiu, era de preferat alternativei: s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau la discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Nu-mi mai doream
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i aud pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii feli
citndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, plus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum aveam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 impresia, Joshua mi interpretase acel ,,poate", ca {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 acceptarea br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rii, ca pe o veritabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} promisiune. Inc{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 consideram zdrobitor de dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u
355\'3f}, dar nu puteam suporta
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d privirea pli
n{\f63 \u259\'3f} de adora{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezndu-m{\f63
\u259\'3f} turce{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pe patul Angelinei, mi-am
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 deschis mintea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tre leg{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tre ceea ce tr{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ia acum
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. Mergea pe culoarele unei cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}di
ri pe care la nceput
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n-am recunoscut-o. Abia dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva cli
pe am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s-o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 localizez. Era o cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire de la Curte
care g{\f63 \u259\'3f}zduia un vast
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 spa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i salon de nfrumuse{\f63 \u355\'3
f}are... dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vizuina {\f63 \u355\'3f}ig{\f63 \u259\'3f}ncii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Rhonda. Mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea bizar faptul c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} Lissa se ducea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
\par
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\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 se ghiceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} v
iitorul, dar imediat cum i-am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri148 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}itorii, mi-am d
at seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} altceva avea ea de gnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu ea erau obi{\f63 \u351\'3
f}nui{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii suspec{\f63 \u355\'3f}i: Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christ
ian.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}ltat inima rev{\f63 \u259\'3

f}zndu-l pe Adrian... mai ales

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} incidentul cu Joshua. Ultimul meu
vis indus de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spirit fusese prea scurt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Christian o {\f63 \u355\'3f}
inea de mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Lissa n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mergeau, strnsoarea lui fiind cald{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}titoare. Ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i hot{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rt... de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu-i lipsea zmbetul acela
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 impertinent, tipic pentru el. Lissa era cea agitat{\f
63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncordndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i vizibil for{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
le pentru ceva anume. i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam temerile legate de misiunea c
are o a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta, chiar
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} o considera necesar{\f63 \u259\
'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri381 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aid e? a ntreba
t ea, oprindu-se n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unei u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a cred, i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Christian. Tipa de la recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3245 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 a zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e u{\f63
\u351\'3f}a ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o singur
{\f63 \u259\'3f} clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ezitare, Lissa a cioc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ni
t.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nimic. Fie camera era goal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fie b{\f
63 \u259\'3f}taia n u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fusese
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 luat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A ridica
t mna din nou, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i atunci u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a s-a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 deschis. Ambrose st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea n cadrul ei, ul
uitor ca
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntotdeauna, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cat n jean{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un tricou
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 albastru, de purtare. Ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}mintele i mbr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}au trupul ntr\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un fel care-i scotea n relief fiecare mu{\f63 \u351\'3
f}chi. Putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 descins direct de pe coperta revistei\i GQ.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1757 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Salut, a rost
it, evident surprins.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Salut, i-a r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spuns Lissa. Am putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri20 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu tine? Ambro
se {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nclinat aproape
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 imperceptibil capul spre nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400

\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1628 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt ca
m ocupat n clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dincolo de el, Lissa z{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rea o mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru masaj, pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea ntins{\f
63 \u259\'3f} cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n jos, o femeie moroi. Partea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 inferioar{\f63 \u259\'3f} a corpului era acoperit{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cu un prosop, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spinarea i era goal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sclipind de ulei n
lumina slab{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lumn{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri parfumate ardeau n nc{\f63 \u259\
'3f}pere, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o muzic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 New Age se auzea derulndu-se delicat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uau, a exc
lamat Adrian. Nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pierzi vremea, nu-i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? N-au a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat-o n mo
rmnt dect de vreo cteva ore,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu deja ai o alta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana fusese n sfr{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}it a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru odihna ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}
nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi, imediat naintea apusului. nmormnt
area se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri231 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 bucurase de mult mai pu{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}in fast dect tentativa ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri496 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose i-a aruncat o privire t
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o client{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Asta mi-e meseria. Ui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} unii dintr
e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noi sunt nevoi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} munceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vor s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tige
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te rog? a
intervenit Lissa, strecurndu-se gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Adrian. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} dureze mult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
plimbat privirea peste chipurile
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri240 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 prietenilor mei, dup{\f63 \u259\'
3f} care a oftat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a rostit peste um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lorraine? E
u trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ies pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3671 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 imediat, bine?
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri201 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine, i-a stri
gat femeia, ntorcndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Era mai n vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem, undeva pe la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreo patruzeci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ci
nci de ani. Presupun c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}te{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti pentru masaj, nu te mpiedica nimeni
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i alegi un maseur
avnd jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate din anii t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1829 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63
\u259\'3f} vii repede, l-a ndemnat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose i-a expediat un zmbet orbi
tor n timp ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nchidea u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a dup{\f63
\u259\'3f} el, zmbet care a pierit de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas singur cu prietenii mei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun, care-i
problema? Nu-mi place deloc ce fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Orict de radical{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ar fi fost devia{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Ambrose fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unui dhampir normal, el tot ave
a aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tire
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca oricare gardian. Era un bun observator. ntotdeauna
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 era cu ochii n patru dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} poten{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ialele amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri661 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\'
3f}i, {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
discut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu tine despre...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a avut un moment de ezitar
e. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti despre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 investiga{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63
\u351\'3f}i interogatorii era una. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} le {\f63 \u351\'3f}i desf{\
f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ori, era
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cu totul alta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Despre asas
inarea Tatianei, a ncheiat, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1113 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sprncenele lui Ambrose au {\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit n sus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aha. n{\f63 \u355

\'3f}eleg. Nu prea {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce-ar mai fi de spus, n

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptul c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} eu nu cred n vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Rose. Nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ati crede nici voi, n ciu
da a ceea ce se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 petrece. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea vorbe{\f63 \u351\
'3f}te despre ct sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}oca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i de nec{\f63 \u259\'3f}ji{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i parte de mult
{\f63 \u259\'3f} compasiune
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fost n{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ela{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de o {\f63 \u8222\'3f}prieten{\f63 \u259\'3f}"
att de
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 periculoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de sin
istr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}
it cum se mbujoreaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Prin condamnarea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mea public{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin le
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}darea de prietenia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ea se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 punea la ai ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}post de necazuri. Fuse
se sfatul primit de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 la Abe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de la Tasha, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era unul
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tos. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u era dect o pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ea tot se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea vi
novat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Christian s-a gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i s
ar{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1173 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Las-o n pace.
Nu despre asta e vorba.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri957 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, despre
ce e? a ntrebat Ambrose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a intervenit imediat, ngrijo
rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Christian ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-l enerveze pe Ambrose {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri499 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ngreuneze ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inerea
unor r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsuri din partea lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Abe Mazur
ne-a spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n sala de judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-ai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 spun, sau, {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, i-ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ceva lui Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose a f{\f63 \u259\'3f

}cut o figur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3

f}i am fost nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 l aplaud pentru ct era de conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}I-am f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cut ceva? Asta ce mai nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Mazur are
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c
um s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic, m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut da la ea de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2647 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea aceea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tiu, a recunoscut Lissa. El doar a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut ceva,
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 att.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}I-am urat
succes, a zis Ambrose, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} jignit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2765 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 E vreo problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3769 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u355\'3f}inuse neap
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discute cu Ambrose naintea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lui Abe, temndu-se c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
metodele lui Abe ar fi putut
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cuprinde amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} fizic
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar acum se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntreba dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
descurce chiar att de bine pe ct
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nchipuise.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uite ce e,
i-a explicat, noi doar ncerc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cine a omort-o n realitate pe regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tu
ai fost un
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 apropiat de-al ei. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} exist{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ceva {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i orice\i0 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cu care ai
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne a
ju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, noi {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am fi recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori. A
vem mare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4255 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 nevoie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose i-a privit pe rnd, cu
rios. Apoi, a n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Voi crede{\

f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu am fost! Despre asta era vorba!

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} niciunul nu spune nimic, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat: Chiar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu-mi vine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred! Deja mi-au servit
-o gardienii... dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 voi? Am crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
unoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}te{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mai bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu te cunoa
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tem deloc, a replicat Adrian, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 menajamente. Tot ceea ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim este c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} aveai acces din
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 bel{\f63 \u351\'3f}ug la m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a mea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i evident, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, ar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tndu-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri562 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a trebuit mult pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti alta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
4\'3f}i-a sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat cumva partea n care spuneam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ast
a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi-e meseria? i fac masaj, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-att. Nu o
rice trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sordid {\f63 \u351\'3f}i murdar, l-a repezit Ambrose
, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd iritat din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cap {\f63 \u351\'3f}i trecndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i degete
le prin p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul castaniu. Nici
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea cu Tatiana nu avea n ea nim
ic murdar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri647 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u354\'3f}ineam la ea. Nici
odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut vreun r{\f63
\u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu afirm{\f
63 \u259\'3f} statisticile c{\f63 \u259\'3f} majoritatea crimelor se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri573 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 produc ntre cei apropia{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i? s-a amestecat Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri825 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa i-a privit ncruntat{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, pe el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Termina{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i, amndoi. Apoi, ntorcnd capul spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose. Nimeni nu te acuz{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de nimic. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu erai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mult timp prin preajma ei. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Rose mi
-a zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} legea cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vrsta te-a enervat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, prima
oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd am auzit despre ea, a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Ambrose. Dar chiar {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i-atunci, i-am spus lui Rose
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sigur era o gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}eal{

\f63 \u259\'3f} la mijloc... c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vorba despre ceva ne{\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiut de noi. Tatiana nu i-ar fi pus n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri335 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 veci pe dhampiri n primejdie f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} un motiv temeinic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum ar fi,
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} o imagine bun{\f63 \u259
\'3f} n ochii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri568 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tuturor familiilor regale ngrozite
? spuse Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1974 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai grij{\f63
\u259\'3f}, l-a prevenit Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri33 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nici nu mai {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tia ce-o enerva mai tare: faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}itorii ei se coa
lizau mpotriva lui Ambrose sau c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 azvrleau reciproc n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ep{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
uri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! a excl
amat Ambrose, cu o voce care a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de-a lungul coridorului ngust. Ea n-a vrut s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceva. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
-o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea, aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se petreac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 altele, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai rele. Unele persoane vo
iau {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vor nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i adune pe to{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i dhampirii care nu doresc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i oblige. Tatiana a promulgat lege
a cu vrsta doar ca
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'
3f} pe loc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat t{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cerea. Eu aflasem deja asta din biletul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Tatianei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru prietenii mei era
o veste {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocant{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose a con{\f63 \u355\'3f}inuat observnd c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tige
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 teren.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea, n realit
ate, era deschis{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de multe alt
e
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni. Visa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} explo
reze posibilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile spiritului. Era de

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acord ca moroii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}

e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Aici, Adrian a avut o reac{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ie. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} purta pe chip
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 expresia lui sarcastic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar puteam s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i observ {\f63 \u351\'3f}i u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oarele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cute de suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i de necaz. nmormntarea de mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 devreme probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese greu de su
portat, iar faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luiau inform
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii despre care nu avea habar,
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri13 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 privitoare la o persoan{\f63
\u259\'3f} pe care o iubise, sigur era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3367 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dureros pentru el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri18 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, e
clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m-am culcat cu ea, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ca tine,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a replicat Adrian, dar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu o cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team destu
l
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de bine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i n-a suflat niciodat{\f63
\u259\'3f} o vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu n public,
l-a aprobat Ambrose. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 particular. Doar cteva persoane {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau.
Alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuise un mic
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 grup de moroi care se antrena n tain{\f63 \u259\'3f}:
b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rba{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i femei,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de vrste diferite. Voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ct de bine sunt capabili
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 moroii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. Dac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} e posibil ca ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se apere singuri.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tia, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} lumea s-ar fi sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
le-a cerut celor
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 din grup, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i instructorului lor, s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streze t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Adrian nu i-a mai r{\f63 \u
259\'3f}spuns, dar vedeam cum gndurile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 i se nvolburau n minte. Dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luirea lui
Ambrose nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nsemna o veste rea, nu tocmai, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adri
an tot suferea la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a lui i ascunsese a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Lissa, ntre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 timp, devora noutatea, descompunnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
naliznd
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia pe buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1135 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'

3f}i cine erau? Moroii care se antrenau?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tiu, a recunoscut Ambrose. Tatiana a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri14 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea despre ei.
Iar eu niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu le-am aflat numele,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ci doar pe al instructorului lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1488 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care era...?
l-a mboldit Christian.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}-Grant.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri44 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Liss
a au schimbat ntre ei o privire uluit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Grant al meu? a ntrebat ea. Cel pe ca
re mi l-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3271 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 repartizat Tatiana?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1774 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ambrose
a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at din cap.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De-a
sta {\f63 \u355\'3f}i l-a repartizat. Fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea ncredere n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4667 \expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa n-a mai spus nimic, ns
{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndurile i le auzeam
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ct se poate de limpede {\f63
\u351\'3f}i de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spicat. Fusese ncntat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci cnd Grant {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i Serena {\f63 \u8212\'3f} gardienii care
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ne luaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} locul, mie {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i lui Dimitri {\f63 \u8212\'3f} se oferiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, pe ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Chris
tian, figurile de baz{\f63 \u259\'3f} ale
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor. Lissa crezuse c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimerise
din ntmplare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 peste un gardian cu vederi progresiste, f{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea de-a face cu unul dintr
e pionierii pred{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 tehnicilor de lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru moroi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 O anumit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pa
rte a informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei era foarte important{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lucru de care eram sigure amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu
toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciuna
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre noi nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura. Lissa a stat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 deduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259
\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai protesteze la ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile azvrlite de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de Christian. Ambrose era nc
{\f63 \u259\'3f} evident ofensat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de interogatoriu, dar le r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spundea dr
fiecare dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare for{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Avea alibiuri, iar afec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 considera{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de Tatiana erau neclintite. Lissa l
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 credea, dar Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian tot m
ai p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau sceptici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Toat{\f63
\u259\'3f} lumea a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit pe mine din cauza mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
ei, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 afirmat la un moment dat Ambrose, dar nimeni nu i-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pus prea multe ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri lui Blake.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1737 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care Blake? s
-a interesat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1110 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Blake Lazar.
Altcineva cu care a fost...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ncurcat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}? l-a completat Christian, dndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ochii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4035 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 peste cap.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu\i
{\f63 \u259\'3f}la\i0 ? s-a mirat Adrian, dezgustat. Nici gnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1901 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Imposibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nj
oseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-att.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a to
t scormonit memoria, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd printre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele ei din fam
ilia Lazar, dar n-a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri140 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 peste numele acesta. Mai ales c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} erau prea mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i Lazari.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3759 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cine e?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un idiot, i-a r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Adrian. Prin compara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu el,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1430 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 eu sunt un membru marcant al soc
iet{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Remarca lui chiar a adus un
zmbet pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4094 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De acord c
u tine. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e un idiot dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
l, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 asta-i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea Tatianei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am sesizat afec{\f63 \u355
\'3f}iunea din voce n clipa n care i-a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pronun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ai numele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1411 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i cu el se culca? l-a ntrebat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a avut o tres{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rire de durere auzind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 amintea despre via{\f63 \u355\'3f}
a sexual{\f63 \u259\'3f} a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3
f}ii lui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntreg univers de posibilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i li se deschidea acum. Mai
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aman{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nsemna mai
mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i suspec{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri100 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3
f}i tu cum te sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eai n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a asta? ad{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ug{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Expresia de amuzament a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut imed
iat de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1330 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 lui Ambrose. I-a aruncat o privi
re t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu ndeajuns
de gelos nct s-o omor, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} la asta
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 voiai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungi. Aveam o n{\f63 \u355\'
3f}elegere ntre noi. Eram
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 apropia{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u8212\'3f} da, {\f63
\u8222\'3f}ncurcati" {\f63 \u8212\'3f} numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} amndoi ne mai
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 vedeam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1941 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ia stai,
a intervenit Christian.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Aveam senza{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncepuse chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se distreze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Sigur, asasinarea Tatianei nu era
de glum{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era clar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} deveneau spectatori la derularea u
nei telenovele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i\i tu\i0 te culcai cu altele? Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi s
e pare o chestie

\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ncurcat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar nu era valabil {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i pentru Lissa. De fapt, devenea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 din ce n ce mai clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asasinarea Tat
ianei era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fi reprezentat o crim{\f63 \u259\'3f} pasional{\f63
\u259\'3f}, mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect una
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 politic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum afirm
ase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Abe, cineva care avea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acces n dormitorul ei devenea un suspect destul de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 plauzibil. Dar o femeie, geloas{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia sa\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mpart{\f63 \u259\'3f} amantul cu Tat
iana? Era, poate, motivul cel
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor de pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
cum... dar numai dac-am fi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost
femeia aceea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu cine? la ntrebat Lissa. Cu cine te mai vedeai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4612 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 tu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu nimeni c
apabil s-o asasineze, a replicat cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 asprime Ambrose. N-am de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63
\u259\'3f} dau nume. Am {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 eu dreptul la ceva intimitate... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i e
le la fel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreuna dintre ele ar fi fost ntr-att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri248 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 geloas{\f63 \u259\'3f} nct s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-mi asasineze m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, a mrit Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Joshua l desconsiderase pentr
u faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}proteja", ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa a
ceea, ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rndu-i onoarea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii sale, Adrian ar
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta la fel de aprig ca oricare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri292 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 gardian, sau r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zbo
inic P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Era, ntr-un fel, sexy.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Niciuna din
tre ele n-a omort-o, sunt sigur, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 insistat Ambrose. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i orict l-a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f} dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ui, cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Blake. Nu e destul de inteligent nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se fi scos basma
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 curat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63

\u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fi nscenat toate astea lui Rose, a explicat

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un gest spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Avea din{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncle{\f63 \u351\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i cteva cute de iritare i tulburau frumosul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 chip. Uite, chiar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce-a{\f63 \
u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai spun ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 conving, dar acum trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} duc napoi. mi pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c-a{
\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dificil, dar mi e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mie destul de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 greu, bine? Crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fericit dac-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} af
la{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cine i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Un fulger de suferin{\f63 \
u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a luminat ochii. nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sec {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat privire
a n jos, parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevrnd ca ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 seama chiar ct {\f63 \u355\'3f}inuse el la Tatiana. Cn
d {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridicat-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 la loc, expresia i redevenise ndrjit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri37 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Vreau\i
0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar o o s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajut ct pot. Dar,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}uta{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i pe cineva cu un motiv politic. Nu
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 amoros.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa ar mai fi avut nc{\f63
\u259\'3f} un milion de ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose n-avea dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie convins c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} asasinatul nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fusese legat de geloziezie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de sex,
ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea, nu. Chiar ar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle numele celorlalte ama
nte ale lui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntind{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea mul
t coarda. Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 trecut prin gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l constrng{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum procedase cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Joe. Dar, nu. Nu trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai treac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i grani{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aceea, mai ales n cazul cuiva pe care\b -\b0 l conside
ra
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 prieten. Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, nu nc{\f63 \u259\'
3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine, a acc
eptat, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} tragere de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63
\u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umim. Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umim pen
tru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-ai ajutat.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rut surprins de polite{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 i s-au mai mblnzit.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f
63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} desco
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r ceva cu care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ajut. Camerele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i b
unurile ei sunt sub cheie, dar eu poate
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} mai reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} strecor. V{\f63 \u259\'3f} dau de {\f63 \u351\'3f}t
ire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri647 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Lissa i-a zmbit cu o recuno{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} nepref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc. Ar fi min
unat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O atingere pe bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}
m-a readus n anosta c{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din Virginia de Vest. Sydney {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i Dimitri m{\f63 \u259\'3f} priveau
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 amndoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose? i-am a
uzit vocea lui Dimitri, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aveam
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era pri
ma dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi atrag{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Salut, i-a
m r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, clipind de vreo cteva ori, ct
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} reinstalez n reali
tatea de-aici. Te-ai ntors. L-ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3466 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sunat pe strigoi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 N-a avut vreo reac{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ie vizibil{\f63 \u259\'3f} la auzul cuvntului, dar
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} detesta s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-l aud{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri363 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da. Am dat de
persoana de leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Boris.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri727 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nf{\f
63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele n jurul trupului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O conversa{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ie dement{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O parte din ea a fost n

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri234 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 englez{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Chiar mai
nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare dect precedenta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 M-am cutremurat f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreau, bucurndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 fusesem martor{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2896 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar ai aflat
ceva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Boris mi-a dat n
umele unui strigoi care o cunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, probabi
l, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie unde locuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spun
s
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. De fapt, chiar e unul pe care l-am cunoscut
. Dar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pn-aici au func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat discu{\f63 \u355
\'3f}iile teleefonice cu strigoii.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Nu putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lu
{\f63 \u259\'3f}m leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura cu el... dect dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l viz
it{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1624 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 personal. Boris avea numai adres
a lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1986 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i unde st{\f63 \u259\'3f}? m-am interesat.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n Lexington, Kentucky.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, pentru numel
e lui Dumnezeu, m-am plns eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri584 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 De ce nu n Bahamas? Sau n Palatul P
orumbului?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a ncercat s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f} zmbetul. O fi fost el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe socoteala mea, dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mai lumin
ase dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 foarte bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m imediat, putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem pn{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-am rotit
privirea n jur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Grea alege
re. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim toate astea, n favoar
ea
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1947 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 curentului electric {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i a canaliz{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1261 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 A fost rndul lui Sydney s{\f63
\u259\'3f} zmbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2396 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\
'3f}i cererile n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde mai pui c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, probabil, va trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne batem cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2611 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 strigoii, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ug
at Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1840 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit instan
taneu n picioare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3176 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd plec{\f63
\u259\'3f}m?
\plain\par
\sl-297\fs30\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri2319 \expndtw-15
\b \f20 \fs40 PAISPREZECE
\plain\par
\sl-265\fs26\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw2 \b \f20
\fs24 REAC{\f63 \u354\'3f}IILE P{\f63 \u258\'3f}STR{\f63 \u258\'3f}TORILOR FA{\f
63 \u354\'3f}{\f63 \u258\'3f} DE
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-2 \b \f20 \fs24 PLECAREA\b0 noastr{\f63 \u259\
'3f} au fost amestecate. De obicei, se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bucurau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} plecnd
pe intru{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, mai ales din
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moment ce o aveam {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i pe Sydney cu noi. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ierare, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} socoteau un soi de supereroin{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncnta ideea m{\f63 \u259\'3f}riti{\f63 \u351\'3f}ului
meu cu cineva din {\f63 \u8222\'3f}familia"
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lor. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63
\u259\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune, unele dintre femei
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncepuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ochii pe Dimitri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i n-aveam chef s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 le privesc cum cocheteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu el; cu a
tt mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cu ct,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n conformitate cu regulile curtoaziei lor, se pare c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fost nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} bat cu oricare logodnic{\f63 \u259\'3f} aspirant{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, nu
le-am dest{\f63 \u259\'3f}inuit P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}torilor care
ne era
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 planul exact, dar am pomenit despre probabilitatea u

nei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntlniri cu strigoii... ceea ce a strnit o reac{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ie destul de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 intens{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n cea mai mare parte, de entuz
iasm {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 admira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, ridicndu-ne {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult reputa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aprigi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboinici. Chiar {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Angelinei a fost
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 total nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ia-m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} cu tine, mi-a zis, apucndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 tocmai cnd porneam pe potec{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre ma{\
f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi pare r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}u, i-am zis, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} afectat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ostilita
tea ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de mai devreme. E un lucru pe care trebuie s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-l facem
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 singuri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s{\f63
\u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajut! Tu m-ai b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut... dar ai v{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}zut de ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sunt capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sunt tare. Pot s{\f63
\u259\'3f} dobor un strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Orict ar fi fost ea de nfl{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Angeline habar n\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 avea ce-ar fi avut de nfruntat dac-ar fi ntlnit cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat un strigoi. Cei c{\f63 \u355\'
3f}iva P{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori care purtau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 semne\i molnija\i0 vorbeau foarte pu{\f63 \u355\'3f
}in despre astfel de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntlniri, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ser
iozitatea. Ei n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeau. Angeline,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nu. Ea nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea sea
ma nici de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} urice novice
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din {\f63 \u351\'3f}coala sec
undar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la Sf. Vladimir ar fi putut,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 probabil, s-o nfrng{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
E adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, avea poten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial, n
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 stare brut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era m
ult de munc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Probabil c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ai putea, i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, nevrnd s-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 jignesc. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pur {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i simplu, e imposibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te lu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cu noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Puteam s-o mint, oferindu-i

un vag {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Poate alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}",

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dar din moment ce o astfel de replic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
l f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse pe Joshua
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} eram logodi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, m-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mai bine nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 M-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}teptat la alte laude cu privire la talentul ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toate. Aflaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era considerat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca fiind
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 printre cei mai buni lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori tineri
din comunitate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiind nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area ei atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, avea
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i o mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 admiratori. Toate acestea i se cam urcaser{\f63 \u259
\'3f} la cap {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot vorbeasc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} despre cum era ea n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nving{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe oricine sau orice. nc{\f63 \u
259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi amintea de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Jill. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Jill mai avea nc{\f63 \u259\'
3f} multe de nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at despre ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nsemna cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
e ba{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, dar tot era ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se avnte. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, er
a mai t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai precaut{\f63 \u
259\'3f} dect
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Angeline, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\
f63 \u259\'3f}toarea replic{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Angeline m-a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 luat pe nepreg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te rog. Nu
e vorba numai despre strigoi! Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d lumea. Am\i nevoie\i0 s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altceva, nu doar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3681 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 locurile astea!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri399 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Tonul i devenise acum sc{\f63 \u
259\'3f}zut, neauzit de ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am fost dect n R
ubysville, de dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri242 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lumea spune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
e nimic n compara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu alte ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2712 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e, am
aprobat-o.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1554 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Eu nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f
}car nu-l consideram ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te rog, a insist

at din nou, de data asta vocea chiar

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2490 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 tremurndu-i. Ia-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cu tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi
-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pentru ea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i fratele
ei ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 un pic de n{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f} spre lumea exterioar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nu fusese
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nimic, prin compara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Afirmase n glu
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu l-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 deranjat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} curen
t electric, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era destul de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fericit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} minun{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile lumii externe. n schimb,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pentru Angeline, situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia era mult ma
i disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam cum e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te sim{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i captiv n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i re
gretam pe
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} dreptate ceea ce eram nevoit{\f
63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot, Ang
eline. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergem numai noi.
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 mi pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-mi pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n ochii alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}
tri i-a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a rupto la fug{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prin p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dure nainte s-o pot vedea plngnd.
M-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 oribil dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntmplarea aceasta {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i nu m-am putut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpiedica s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot gndesc
la ea ct timp ne-am luat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas-bun de la ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i. Att de z{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cit{\f63 \u259\'3f} am fost, nct
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 chiar m-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Joshua.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ntoarcerea la drum a nsemnat o
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urare. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bucuram s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu departe de P{\f63 \u259
\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\
'3f}eam
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} avnt n ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ncep s-o ajut pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. Lexington era primul nostru pas. Aveam n fa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} un drum de {\f63 \u351\'3f}as
e ore cu ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina, iar Sydney, ca de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 obicei, era neclintit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n convingerea c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimeni nu trebuie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei ma{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ina. Protestele mele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ale lui Dimitri
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 au fost inutile, renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd amndoi pn{\f63

\u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd ne\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
ot aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfrunt{\f63 \u259\'3f}m strigoi
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 curnd, era probabil de prefera
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne odihnim {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 conserv{\f63 \u259\'3f}m for{\f63
\u355\'3f}ele. Adresa lui Donovan {\f63 \u8212\'3f} strigoiul care
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cic{\f63 \u259\'3f} o cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea pe Son
ya {\f63 \u8212\'3f} se referea la locul n care
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 putea fi g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit numai noaptea. Asta nse
mna c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu-l rata, eram obliga{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ajungem n Lexington naintea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ritului, cnd avea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} se duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n brlogul lui pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timpul zilei. Mai nsemna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntlnim cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 strigoi pe ntuneric. Convin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de faptu
l c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu prea avea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple pe drum {\f63 \u8212\'
3f} n special dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 din Virginia de Vest {\f63 \u8212\'3f} am c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}zut de acord cu Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ipim un pic, mai ales c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} niciunul dintre noi nu avusese
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 parte de o noapte ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f} de somn.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} le
g{\f63 \u259\'3f}natul ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inii era lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}titor, eu
am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 adormit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am trezit ntruna, cu un s
omn agitat. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cteva ore petrecute astfel, m-am transpus pur {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i simplu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n acea stare ca de trans{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ducea la Lissa. Era
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 bine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a: am nimerit
peste unul dintre cele mai
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 importante evenimente ale moroilor. Procesul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nominaliz{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor pentru alegerea noului
monarh era pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}eze. n
semna doar primul dintr-o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea avea emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, dat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fiind
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 raritatea desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ur{\f63
\u259\'3f}rii alegerilor monarhice. Era un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 eveniment la care niciunul dintre prietenii mei nu se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} asiste prea
curnd n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
luam n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 considerare ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile de dat{\f63 \u259

\'3f} recent{\f63 \u259\'3f}... ei bine, cu

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii aveam un interes special. Era n
joc nsu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i viitorul
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 moroilor.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa st{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tea pe marginea scaunului, ntr-unul dintre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 saloanele regale pentru baluri, un
imens {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vast spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plafoane boltite {\f63 \u351\'3f}i podoabe din aur pr
etutindeni. Mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fusesem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea asta orbitoare, cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 picturile ei murale {\f63 \u351\'3f}i complicatele o
rnamentele din ipsos.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 De sus scnteiau candelabrele. Acolo se {\f63 \u355\'3
f}inuse dineul cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ocazia absolvirii, cnd gardienii numi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
recent {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 etalaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile cele mai atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \
u259\'3f}toare, spernd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 atrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} repartiz{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri favo
rabile. Acum, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aranjat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca o camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
entru Consiliu, cu o mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o parte, nconjurat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de dou{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sprece scaune. Vizavi de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 masa aceea se aranjaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} rnduri, rnduri
de alte scaune:
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 locurile pentru spectatorii care asistau la {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Consiliului. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de data aceasta
, erau cam de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 patru ori mai multe scaune dect n mod obi{\f63 \u351\'
3f}nuit, ceea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce explica, probabil, necesitatea alegerii acestui sa
lon.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Absolut toate scaunele erau ocupate. De fapt, era chi
ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lume n picioare, nghesuindu-se pe ct putea de bine.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Gardieni cu nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \
u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri agitate se tot foiau prin gloat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asigurndu-se c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu blocheaz{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nimeni ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 spectatorii sunt aranja{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntr-un mod c
are s{\f63 \u259\'3f} permit{\f63 \u259\'3f} un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nivel optim de securitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Christian st{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tea al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de Lissa, iar lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Christian se
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezase Adrian. Spre pl{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cuta mea surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, prin
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apropiere aveau locuri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddie {\f63
\u351\'3f}i Mia. Mia era o fat{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 moroi, prieten{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-a noastr{\f63 \u25

9\'3f}, care nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea la Sf.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Vladimir {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era aproape la fel de mp{\
f63 \u259\'3f}timit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca Tasha n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ideea necesit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ca m
oroii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i singuri.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Iubitul meu tat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nu era de v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri. Niciunul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dintre ei nu vorbea. Oricum, conve
rsa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile ar fi fost greu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de purtat printre attea zumzete {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mur
mure, iar pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 asta, prietenii mei erau mult prea fascina{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i de ceea ce era
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se petreac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Aveau att de multe de v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}it, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i niciunul nu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nchipuise ct de numeroas{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea. Abe af
irmase c{\f63 \u259\'3f} treburile aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}te repede dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} nmormnt
area Tatianei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n mod
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 categoric a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a era.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2946 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}tii cine sunt eu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vocea sonor{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a a
tras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Lissei, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i abia se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 distingea n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac
ea zarv{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ndreptat privirea pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 rndul ei, la cteva locuri mai ncolo de Adrian. Doi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moroi, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i femeie
, st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau unul lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 privind n sus spre o femeie extrem de nervoas{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. Era cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 minile n {\f63 \u351\'3f}olduri, iar rochia din catifea
roz de pe ea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea excentric{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin
compara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu tricourile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i blugii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cuplului. De asemenea, eram convins{\f63 \u259\'3f}
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 simt{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea bine n ea cnd avea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} de sub efectul
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aerului condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2428 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Furia i schimonosea fa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu sunt Marcell
a Badica, a declarat. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inuse nicio r

eac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie din partea perechii, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat:
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul Badica este fratele meu, iar r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}posata noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 regin{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a fost cea de-a treia veri{\
f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gradul al
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doilea. Nu mai sunt scaune, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o perso
an{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca mine\i nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 poate\i0 fi l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea n picioare, rezemat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de perete cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tot restul gloatei.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1435 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Cei doi au schimbat o pr
ivire ntre ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}B{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nuiesc c-ar fi fost bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} veni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mai devreme,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2361 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Lady Badica, i-a zis b{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rbatul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri876 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Marcella a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma
s cu gura c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ofens{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai auzit cine s
unt? Nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti superiorii?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2580 \expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 Insist\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
v{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceda{\f63 \u355\'3f}i locurile!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1554 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Cuplul nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}re
a deloc descump{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}
edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a asta e deschis{\f63 \u259\'3f} particip{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
oricui, iar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 scaunele n-au fost rezervate nominal
, din cte am fost
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 informat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a replicat femeia. Avem to
t att drept asupra
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 locurilor ct ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i d
umneavoastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Marcella {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
ntors privirea ultragiat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre gardianul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea. El i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spu
ns cu o ridicare din umeri.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Misiunea lui era s-o apere de posibilele primejdii. n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 niciun caz s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i izgoneasc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de pe scaunele lor, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 att mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cnd nu nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lc
au vreo regul{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Atunci,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Marcella a mai scos un {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Hm!" seme{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntors scurt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}r

tat, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}lcnd ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'

3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} undeva unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} h
{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}uiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un alt biet suflet
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nevinovat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chestia ast
a, a comentat Adrian, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie de-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dreptul ncnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa l-a gratulat cu un zmb
et, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a renceput
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} examineze rostul persoanelor din nc
{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere. Astfel, am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 devenit con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
ceva uluitor. Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 seama precis cine era fiecare, dar mi era clar c{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea nu cuprindea numai familiile
regale... a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 se ntmpla n cazul majorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}elor de Consiliu.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Era acolo {\f63 \u8222\'3f}p
opor" cu gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mada, exemplu fiind perechea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat{\f63 \u259\'3
f} n apropierea prietenilor mei. Majoritatea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moroilor nu se sinchisea de Curte. Cei care tr{\f63 \
u259\'3f}iau n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lumea larg{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncercau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
upravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ct puteau de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bine, ct timp familiile regale se mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}una
u la Curte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau legile. Dar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi. Urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se aleag{\f63 \u259\'3f} noul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lor conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, ceea ce nsemna un punct
de interes
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pentru to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i moroii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Foiala {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ha
osul au mai continuat o vreme, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 unul dintre gardieni a declarat n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sala s-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 umplut la ntreaga ei capacitate. Cei r{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe-afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 izbucnit n strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}te indignate, reduse ns
{\f63 \u259\'3f} imediat la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri395 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere cnd gardieni
i au nchis u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ile, izolnd salonul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 La scurt timp dup{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} aceea, cei unsprezece membri ai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Consiliului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au ocupat locurile {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u8212\'3f} spre marea mea

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mirare {\f63 \u8212\'3f} pe cel doisprezecelea scaun

s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, Nathan Ivashkov. Fusese ales datorit{\f63 \u
259\'3f} vocii sale
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 remarcabile, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ntrebam mereu de ce, n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 astfel de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, nu puteau s{\f63
\u259\'3f} foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un microfon,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu. Probabil, alt{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie din vechime. n plus,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea avea o acustic{\f63 \u259\'3
f} excelent{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nathan a nceput s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce s-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te n sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1173 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n absen{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a preaiubitei noastre regine...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S-a oprit, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i ochii n jos, cu triste{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri67 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inerea unui moment
de reculegere nainte de a continua.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dac-ar fi fost oricine altc
ineva, poate a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 se preface mai ales dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-i v{\f63
\u259\'3f}zusem atitudinea att de
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 servil{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}a de Tatiana. Dar nu era cazul. Nathan {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri636 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 iubise n{\f63 \u355\'3f}epata m{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it la fel de mult ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i, ca urmare a acestei teribile tragedii, eu voi fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 modruiM; rul probelor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alegerilor ca
re vor urma.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce v-am spus
eu? a bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit Adrian, ale c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri586 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sentimente fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u erau f{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}e. ncnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Nathan a mai morm{\f63 \u259
\'3f}it pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in despre importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a a ceea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ce avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urmeze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i d
espre cteva alte puncte legate de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia moroilor. Era, totu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i, evident faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la fel ca

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mine, toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea p

rezent{\f63 \u259\'3f} chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se treac{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mai repede la principalul eveniment: nominaliz{\f63
\u259\'3f}rile. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 el a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i dea seama de acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} a dat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 zor cu formalit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile. n
sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, a ajuns {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la partea
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 important{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fiecare fam
ilie, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} dore{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f
63 \u259\'3f} cte un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 candidat la coroan{\f63 \u259\'3f}, care va fi supus
la toate ncerc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin care au trecut to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i monarhii, nc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} de la nceputul
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 lumii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mie mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} partea cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}nceputul lumii" nu era
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 altceva dect o exagerare temerar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i, probabil,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 neverificat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar treaba lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unica excep{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ie o reprezint{\f63 \u259\'3f} Ivashkovii, din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 moment ce succesiunea monarhilor din aceea{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i familie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu este permis{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pentru acceptarea can
didaturii, sunt
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 necesare trei nominaliz{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri din partea
unor moroi de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 snge regal {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu vrsta potrivit{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A mai ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}uga
t apoi cte ceva despre ce s-ar ntmpla
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n eventualitatea n care una {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aceea{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i familie ar
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nominaliza mai mult dect un ca
ndidat, dar pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansele de a se ntmpla a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva erau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 inexistente. Fiecare cas{\f63 \u259\'3f} regal{\f63 \
u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}uta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 maximum de avantaje, iar asta implica o sus{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}inere unit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a unui singur candidat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit c{\f

63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elesese, Nathan {\f63 \

u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nclinat aprobator capul, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd un gest
maiestuos c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tre
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 public.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2156 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nceap{\f63 \u259\'3f} nominaliz{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 La nceput, nu s-a ntmplat nimic. Ast
a mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reamintea oarecum de vremea {\f63 \
u351\'3f}colii, cnd un profesor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zicea ceva de genul {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cine vrea s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i prezinte primul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lucrarea?". {\f63 \u350\'3f}i toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
umea cam a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta ca altcineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 taurul de coarne, ceea ce, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, se {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntmpla.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat pe
care nu-l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team s-a ridicat de pe
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 scaun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri791 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O nominalizez
pe prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}esa Ariana Szelsky.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ariana, fiind prin{\f63 \u355\'3f
}es{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea parte din Consiliu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reprezenta o op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A primit propunerea,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nclinndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu gra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ca
pul spre b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbatul respectiv. Un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 al doilea, presupun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot din familia
lor, s-a ridicat la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 rndul lui, oferindu-i cea de-a doua nominalizare. A t
reia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ultima a venit din partea unui alt
Szelsky... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i unul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 extrem de nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat. Era fratele Aria
nei, un globe\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 trotter aproape niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} prezent la
Curte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timp, cel al c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui gardian era mama me
a. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 probabilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile, Janin
e Hathaway se afla {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea n sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 am dat seama. Mi-ar fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ca Lissa
s-o caute cu
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 privirea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i so g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea era mult prea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 concentrat{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra

procedurilor. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prin care trecusem, m-am pomenit deodat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} cuprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 un dor disperat de a-mi vedea mama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cele trei nominaliz{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ri fiind efectuate, Nathan a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4144 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 declarat:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri83 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Candidatura pri
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}esei Ariana Szelsky este validat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A mzg{\f63 \u259\'3f}lit ceva pe foaia de hrtie din fa{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui, cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2585 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ri pline de nflorituri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2357 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Continua{\f63
\u355\'3f}i, a cerut apoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nominali
z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile s-au succedat cu rapiditate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n majoritate candida{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ii erau prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ese, dar ma
i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 intraser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n rndul lor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
respecta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, oricum, de rang
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nalt {\f63 \u8212\'3f} membri ai unor familii regale.
Cel cu numele
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ozera, Ronald, nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea parte din Con
siliu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici nu era
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 unul pe care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l cunosc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu se num
{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u8222
\'3f}ideali" ai m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tasha a murmurat Christian spre Lissa. Totu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i, ea admite
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e un idiot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam pre
a multe nici despre majoritatea celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Despre vreo doi, una fiind
Ariana Szelsky,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aveam o impresie favorabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mai erau
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i doi care mereu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ngrozito
ri. Al zecelea candidat era Rufus
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tarus, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul Daniellei. Ea trecuse pri
n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 familia Tarus n rndul Ivashkovilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi
s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ncntat{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul nominalizat.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400

\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-mi
place de el, a zis Adrian, strmbndu-se.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mereu mi spune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr
ebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac ceva folositor cu via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nathan a nscris numele lui Ru
fus pe foaia de hrtie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe care apoi a rulat-o ca pe un pergament. Cu toat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de cutm{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{
\f63 \u259\'3f}veche, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo secretar{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aflat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n public b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea t
ot ce se spunea acolo pe tastatura
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 unui laptop.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri117 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, a dec
larat Nathan, cu aceasta, se ncheie...
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O nominalizez pe prin{\f63 \u355\'3
f}esa Vasilisa Dragomir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a smucit
capul spre stnga {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, prin ochii ei,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am recunoscut un chip familiar. Tas
ha Ozera. Se ridicase
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rostise cuvintele cu o voce sonor{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 rotindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n jur ochii alba{\f63 \u351
\'3f}tri de ghea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sfidnd pe
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 oricine s-o contrazic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntreaga sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
ncremenit. Nu tu {\f63 \u351\'3f}u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oteli, nu tu foial{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pe scaune. Doar o t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere deplin{\f63
\u259\'3f}, total{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Judecnd dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 chipurile celor prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, candidatul
familiei Ozera ocupa
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 locul al doilea n topul uluirii la auzul cuvintelor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pronun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ate de Tasha. Primul, evident, l
de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea Lissa
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nathan a avut nevoie de ctev
a clipe pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i poat{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pune gura n mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3261 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu este..
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri232 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de lng{\
f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa, Christian s-a ridicat brusc.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}in nominalizarea
.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, nainte ca el m

{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}e
za, Adrian era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3497 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 deja n picioare.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri2379 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Confirm
nominalizarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Toate privirile celor din sal{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} erau acum ndreptate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asupra Lissei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a p
rietenilor ei, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care, ca una
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s-au ntors Nathan Ivashkov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aceasta, a
izbutit el pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ngaime, nu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 este o nominalizare legal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Din cauza
actualelor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 regulamente ale Consiliului, familia Dragomir nu este
,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri158 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fapt regretabil, eligibil{\f63 \u
259\'3f} pentru nscrierea unui candidat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Tasha, care nu se temea nic
iodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\
'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 unei mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imi, sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
izeze pe sor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i imposibili, a {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 din nou de pe scaun. mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} abia
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptase. Se pricepea de minune s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} discursuri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 arunce provoc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri la adresa sistemului
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nominaliza{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pentru monarhie nu au nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} o pozi{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ie n Consiliu, sau de cvorum, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 candideze pentru tron.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri798 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu are nicio n
oim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s-a mpotrivit Nathan.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Imediat, s-au auzit murmure de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f
}are.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai verific{\f63
\u259\'3f} litera legii, Nate... pardon, Lord
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4040 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Da, iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l, n

sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l meu, cel plin de tact,

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 intervenise n conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Abe era rez
emat de un perete,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n apropierea u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii, superb nve{\f63 \u351
\'3f}mntat ntr-un costum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 negru, cu o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o cravat{\f63 \u259\'3f} avnd exact aceea{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de verde-smarald
. Mama era lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el, cu un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 zmbet aproape imperceptibil pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fost captivat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vederea lor, unul ln
g{\f63 \u259\'3f} cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. Mama:
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 perfecta a virtu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i manierelor unui gardian. Tata:
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic capabi
l s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ating{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}elur
ile, orict de sucite i-ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fost mijloacele. Stnjenit{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, ncepeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg de unde\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mi mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tenisem bizara personalitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru cei
nominaliza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nu exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} cerin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e priv
itoare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la cte persoane au n familie, a continuat Abe, jovial.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Singura necesitate const{\f63 \u259\'3f} n trei nomin
aliz{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri din partea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri206 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 unor persoane din familiile regal
e, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie confirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu fac
parte din familia ei! a exclamat Nathan,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 gesticulnd nervos spre locul n care st{\f63 \u259\'3f}
teau Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 propriul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u fiu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{
\f63 \u259\'3f}citor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici nu e n
evoie, l-a contracarat Abe. Nu trebuie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} provin{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintr-o
familie regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i provin.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Candidatura e conform legii... att timp ct prin{\f63 \u
355\'3f}esa o
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 accept{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Toate capetele s-au r{\f63 \
u259\'3f}sucit acum spre Lissa, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 abia n clipa asta ar fi observat-o pentru prima dat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i clintise niciun mu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}chi de la nceputul acestei

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri uluitoare. Era mult prea {\f63
\u351\'3f}ocat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Gndurile
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se mi{\f63
\u351\'3f}te att cu ncetineal{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 repeziciune. O parte a min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ei nici
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}znea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} examineze ceea ce se petrecea n jur.
Cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nvolburat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ce se-ntmpla, de fapt? Era do
ar o glum{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Sau,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 poate, o halucina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie indus{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de spirit? Oare nnebunise,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Visa? Era
o fars{\f63 \u259\'3f}? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era a{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a, atunci
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de ce i-o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau tocmai prietenii ei?
De ce i-ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 una ca asta? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, pentru numele lui Dum
nezeu, nu mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1316 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nceteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63
\u259\'3f} lumea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se holbeze la ea?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f
}tia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se descurce cnd era n centrul aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Fusese n{\f63 \u259\'3f}scut{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i crescut{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c
eva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, la fel ca
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tasha, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se adre
seze mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cutez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare... dar atunci cnd era vorb
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ale altora {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cnd era preg{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. n aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, nu era aplicabil{\f63 \u259\
'3f} niciuna dintre condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acestea. Era, n destul de mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, cam ultimul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lucru la care s-ar fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat sau pe
care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-ar fi dorit.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, nu se putea hot{\f63 \u259\'
3f}r s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze, sau m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 se gndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la o reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
e. R{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea la locul ei, t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca de o exploz
ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cev
a a smuls-o brusc din transa ei. Mna lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian. O apucase, mpletindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i deg

etele cu ale ei. O

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} strngere, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura {\f63 \u351\'3f}i energia transmise de el au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 readus-o la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}i-a rotit ncet privirea prin sal{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntlnindu-le pe ale tuturor celor care o priveau. A v{\
f63 \u259\'3f}zut
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea din ochii Tashei, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}iretenia din ai tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}lui meu,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptarea di
n ai mamei. Aceasta din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} i s-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut cea mai uimitoare dintre toate.
Cum era posibil ca
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Janine Hathaway {\f63 \u8212\'3f} care ntotdeauna f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cea doar ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trebuia, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i care cu greu gusta o glum
{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mpace cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 toate acestea? Cum era posibil ca oricare dintre pri
etenii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mpace cu toate acestea? C
e, n-o iubeau, nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3702 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 le p{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa de ea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri48 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 Rose\i0 , {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i-a zis ea n gnd,\i ce-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii aici {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3387 \expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 mi spui ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fac!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu. Afuri
sit{\f63 \u259\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fu
nc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze doar ntr-un
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 singur sens.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb40\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Avea ncredere n mine mai
mult dect n oricine
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 altcineva pe lume, dar {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea ncredere
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ace{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ti prieteni... n fine, poate cu excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Abe, dar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva era de n{\f63 \u355\
'3f}eles. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau toate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri771 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 astea, atunci sigur...\i sigur..
.\i0 aveau un motiv, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri4262 \expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 Nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu avea nicio logic{\f63 \u259\'3
f} pentru ea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it picioarele m
i{\f63 \u351\'3f}cndu-se, n timp ce se ridica de pe

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 scaun. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} tea

ma {\f63 \u351\'3f}i deruta de care nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cuprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a constatat c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} vocea i s-a auzit inexplicabil de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 limpede {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toa
re, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunnd prin sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2498 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Accept nomina
lizarea.
\plain\par
\sl-297\fs30\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri1851 \expndtw-13
\b \f20 \fs40 CINCISPREZECE
\plain\par
\sl-287\fs29\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw1 \b \f20
\fs24 NU-MI FACEA PL{\f63 \u258\'3f}CERE SA CONSTAT\b0 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri144 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Victor Dashkov avusese dreptate.
Dar, of, ct{\f63 \u259\'3f} avusese!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu dec
lara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Lissei, sala, care pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inuse respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, a ex
plodat deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Chiar m-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat dac-o fi existat vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o {\
f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Consiliu
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic{\f63 \u259\'3f} n istoria moroil
or, sau printr-o simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 coinciden{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot nimere
am eu peste unele controversate.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ceea ce a urmat ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi mi-a amintit f
oarte mult de ziua
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u259\'3f}n care fusese aprobat decretul privi
tor la vrsta la care
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie arunca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n lupt{
\f63 \u259\'3f} dhampirii. Strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}te, certuri, lumea
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n picioare... Gardienii, care n
mod normal st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 alinia{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe lng{\f63
\u259\'3f} pere{\f63 \u355\'3f}i veghind, se amestecaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime, cu nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri ngrijorate, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
indu-se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri184 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pentru dispute care puteau s{\f63
\u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} dincolo de cuvinte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Pe ct de repede intrase Lissa
n centrul aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tuturor, pe att de repede a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut sala
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} uite de prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ei. S-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezala loc, iar Christian i-a
luat din nou mna
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntr-a lui. Ea i-a strns-o cu atta putere, nct m{\f63 \u259

\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntrebam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva i oprea circula{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Privea fix,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 drept nainte, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mintea nu-i era concentrat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 la haosul din jurul ei, dar tot ceea ce-i percepeau
ochii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 urechile ajungea pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mine. ntr-adev{\
f63 \u259\'3f}r, singura
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de care au avut parte prieten
ii mei a fost cnd s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apropiat Daniella s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l certe pe Adrian
pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nominalizase pe cineva din afara familiei sale. El ia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns printr-o tipic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ridicare din umeri, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 plecat {\f63 \u355\'3f}fnoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n{\f63 \
u355\'3f}elegnd {\f63 \u8212\'3f} la fel ca mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dintre noi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avea sens s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ncerci o discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional{\f63 \u259
\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Ai fi zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ntr-o sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} n care toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea se zb{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tea n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 folosul propriei familii, absolut to{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i ar declara, pe cale de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nominalizarea Lissei nu era valabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 toate acestea, n-a fost cazul... mai ales deoarece n
u toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lumea prezent{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ce
a parte\i0 din familiile regale. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cum remarcasem mai devreme, moroi din toat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} lumea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sosiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie martor
i la evenimentele care aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} viitorul. {\
f63 \u350\'3f}i destui dintre ei o priveau cu interes
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe fata din familia Dragomir, pe prin{\f63 \u355\'3f
}esa aceasta dintr-o
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri14 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 spi{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} muribund{\f63 \u259\'3f}, desspre care se spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era c
apabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ptuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} minuni. Nu-i scandau numele n extaz,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i se avntau n foc
ul controversei, sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}innd c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea tot dreptul din lume s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i reprezinte familia. Pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 undeva, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} unora dintre sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii ei {\f63

\u8222\'3f}din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 popor" le pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i simplu, ideea de a pune be{\f63 \u355\'3f}e n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 roatele planurilor celor din familiile regale. Tn{\f63
\u259\'3f}ra
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pereche care fusese mai adineauri scit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de Lady
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Badica nu era unicul caz de abuz dinin partea
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}superiorilor".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dar cel mai surprinz{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tor lucru era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i unii din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 familiile regale i {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineau partea Lisse
i. Orict de loiali le\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ar fi fost propriilor familii, nu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i erau fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e lipsite de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, egoiste {\f63 \u351\'3f}i obtu
ze. Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aveau sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul drept{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 al nedrept{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii... iar
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa avea legea de partea ei,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atunci avea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dreptatea. Plus c{\f63
\u259\'3f} multora dintre cei cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 snge regal le pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea de ea {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i o respectau. Ariana a fost
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 una dintre persoanele care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au ridi
cat vocea n sprijinul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 candidaturii Lissei n ciuda concuren{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei
create. Ariana
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea bine legile {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{
\f63 \u259\'3f}dea seama de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} porti{\f63 \u355\'3f}a care
-i permitea Lissei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} candideze avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dispar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd venea mom
entul alegerilor. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ariana se {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea tare, ceea ce m{\f63
\u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s-o ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gesc nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult. La adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra
ta votare, speram ca Ariana s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tige coroana. Era inteligent{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dreapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}: exact ce le
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 trebuia moroilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, Aria
na nu era singura cunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare a legilor.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii s-au ag{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at de porti{\f63 \u355\'3f}a respectiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, argumentnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nominalizarea unui candidat p
entru care nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 voteze nimeni era lipsit{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de sens. n mod normal, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fost de acord cu ei. Controversa se nfl{\f63 \u259\'3

f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra din ce n ce

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai mult, n timp ce prietenii mei st{\f63 \u259\'3f}te
au t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mijlocul furtunii. n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pr
oblema s-a rezolvat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
rezolve toate problemele: prin
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vot. Lissei nefiindu-i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} permis{\f63
\u259\'3f} ocuparea locului n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cadrul Consiliului, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mneau unsprezece
membri care
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rasc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} viitorul. {\f63 \u350\'3f}ase dintre ei i-au aprobat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 candidatura, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
devin{\f63 \u259\'3f} oficial{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 candideze. B{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
unii dintre cei care votaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 favoarea ei nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i doreau n realitate c
a Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} participe,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dar respectul lor fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de lege prevalase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Destui moroi nu d{\f63 \u259
\'3f}deau doi bani pe hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Consiliului. Avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} grij{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afirme limpede c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea lor, disputa era departe de a
fi ncheiat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dovedind astfel dreptatea pronosticurilor lui Victor:
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lia avea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} continue, nver{\f63 \u351\'3f}unat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva vreme,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nte{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-se n cazul n care ea chiar trece
a testele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ajungea n etapa vot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. Deocamdat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea s-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 risipit, pe chipurile multora citindu-se u{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}urarea: nu doar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i doreau s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} scape de toate acele urlete, ci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tori s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sen
za{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionalele
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n continuare, Lissa n-a prea
vorbit, n timp ce pleca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} de prietenii no{
\f63 \u351\'3f}tri. Trecnd pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} liota de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 gur{\f63 \u259\'3f}-casc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a r{\f63 \
u259\'3f}mas un model de regalitate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de calm, ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi fost deja proclamat{\f63
\u259\'3f} regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n schimb,
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 atunci cnd a sc{\f63 \u259\'3
f}pat n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it de toate acestea, ajungnd

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n camera ei mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, toate acele sentimente
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum z{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zuite, nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ate, au explodat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce\i naiba
\i0 a fost n capetele voastre? a urlat ea. Ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3775 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 mi-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cut?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian
, Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddie, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i restul cons
piratorilor: Tasha, Abe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mama.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii au r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas tota
l n{\f63 \u259\'3f}uci{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Lissei, ntr-att,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nct niciunul n-a putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe moment. Iar
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a profitat de t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-a{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o! M-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vrt drept n mijlocul unui
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 co{\f63 \u351\'3f}mar politic! Voi crede{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu mi doresc a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1708 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Chiar crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} doresc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri752 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, Abe a f
ost cel dinti care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a revenit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar n-o s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fii regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a zis, pe un ton atipic de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit. Cei care fo
losesc ca argument cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 legii au dreptate, nimeni nu poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i voteze n realitate
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pentru tine. Pentru asta {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ar trebui
o familie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1225 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i-atunci, care-i rostul? a izbucnit ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Avea
tot dreptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 indignarea, toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} mnia
asta... erau alimentate de ceva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u dect situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ia n sine. Spiritul ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cerndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pre{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i determinnd-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se simt{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mai sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect ar fi
fost n mod normal.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rostul, a i
ntervenit Tasha, e toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nebunia pe care
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o adineauri n sala de Consiliu
. Cu fiecare
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie n contradictoriu, cu fiecare
ocazie n care mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 scoate pe tapet cineva legile de-acum ncolo, noi
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}m tot mai mult timp ca s-o salv{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe Rose {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1762 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 descoperim cine a ucis-o pe Tati
ana.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oricine ar
fi fost f{\f63 \u259\'3f}pta{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul, sigur avea anumite
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 interese n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a tronului, i-a expli
cat Christian,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} o mn{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} pe um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa s-a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 smucit. Fie pentru el nsu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, fie pentr
u cineva cunoscut.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu ct i ntrziem mai mult desf{\f63 \u
259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urarea planului cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 att avem mai mult timp s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}m despre cine e vorba.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, L
issa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nfipt minile n p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul ei lung.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} smulg colacul acela de fu
rie din ea,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 absorbindu-l n mine. Am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, ntr-o m
ic{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 suficient ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lase
minile pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} corp. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 era iritat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} mai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l caut pe asasin ct timp
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sunt legat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mini {\f63 \u351\'3f}i d
e picioare cu testele alea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tmpite? a cerut ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-o s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-l mai cau{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, i-a replicat, simplu, Abe. O s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2555 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o
chii mari.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta n-a fost ni
ciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n plan! N-am de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi pierd vremea cu ncerc{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rile regale, cnd Rose are
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2185 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de mine. Vreau s-o ajut!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Era o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ie aproape comic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Aproape. Nici eu, nici
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nu nu suportam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'
3f}st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m degeaba" atunci cnd
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 credeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} par
te are nevoie de ajutor. Ne
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 doream s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim n toiul ac{\f63 \u355\'3
f}iunii, participnd activ la tot ce
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la regla
rea situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar
o aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a insistat Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mna i-a zvcnit,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dar n-a mai ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}znit
s-o ating{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Altfel fa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri265 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de cum te-ai fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
teptat, dar oricum o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fie de ajutor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i arg
umente pe care le tot foloseau ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cu mine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i pe ea o enervau la fel de
tare pe ct m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 enervaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe mine, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am tras cu disperare de valul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acela de instabilitate pe care spiritul l tot trimitea
prin
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a mijit ochii, ndreptnd
u-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea acuzatoare
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sprefe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele tuturor, pe rnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cui, Doamne
, iart{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a trecut prin cap ideea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4393 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 asta ?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1824 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 O nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} t{\f63
\u259\'3f}cere stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f} a urmat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri647 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lui Rose, i-a
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucindu-se pe c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}lcie, Lissa i-a aruncat o privire
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4064 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 crncen{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri662 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-i adev{\f63
\u259\'3f}rat! Ea nu mi-ar face una ca asta!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba da, a insista
t el. Am stat de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea n vis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2004 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 A fost ideea ei, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i... e o idee bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri49 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Chiar nu mi-a pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea surprins de chestia asta.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n plus, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat el,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu ai cam pus-o ntr-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie proast{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Se tot plngea ct de na{\f63 \u351\'3f}pa poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul n care ai trimis-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, s-a r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}stit Lissa, nelund n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} partea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 referitoare la v{\f63 \u259\'3f}ic{\f63 \u259\'3f}rel
ile mele. Presupunnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Rose {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi transmis ideea asta {\f63 \u8222\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luc
it{\f63 \u259\'3f}",
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 atunci de ce nu s-a sinchisit nimeni\i s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 mine\i0 ? N-a{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} prevenire ar putea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4081 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 de folos?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Din nou, parc-a{\f63 \u351\
'3f} fi fost eu, plngndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} propria\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mi evadare fusese {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut{\f63 \u259\'3
f} n secret fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu tocmai, a
zis Adrian. Ne-am nchipuit c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionezi exact a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai timp s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti un
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 refuz. Am cam riscat miznd pe faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti luat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pe nepreg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tite, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
accep{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1955 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar a{\f63
\u355\'3f}i riscat, a replicat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar ne-a ie{\f63
\u351\'3f}it, s-a auzit r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul lipsit de

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 menajamente al Tashei. {\f63 \u350\
'3f}tiam c-o s-o faci pentru noi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fie vorba ntre noi, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, f{\f63 \
u259\'3f}cndu-i cu ochiul, eu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai fi o regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nemaipomenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa i-a aruncat o privire t
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ma
i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncercat o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i abso
rb ceva din ntuneric. M-am
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 concentrat asupra emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor acelora nvo
lburate,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nchipuindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe mine cuprins{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de ele, n locul ei. N\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} absorb to
tul, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} suficient ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dispar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 agresivitatea. Furia s-a nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}iat deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n mine, or\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 bindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, dar am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s-o mping ntr-un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cotlon ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat al min{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ii. Dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s-a sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 epuizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu, la fe
l.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Primul test
e mine, a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at ea, lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Da
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pic, am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din curs{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i planul se duce de rp{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Christian a mai f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cut o ncercare de a o cuprinde cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul, iar de data asta ea nu s-a ma
i opus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2095 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-o s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} pici, a asigurat-o el.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa n-a mai spus nim
ic, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urarea pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 chipurile tuturor. Nimeni nu crezu
se nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car pentru o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei i-ar fi pl
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ideea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau convin{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i retrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} candidatura; la mai mult
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de-att nici nu sperau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Mama {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddi
e nu scoseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} o vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} n tot acest timp.

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} obiceiul gardienilor, r{\f63 \u25

9\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f} deoparte, n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ct timp {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rezolv
au moroii propriile probleme.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-a trecut furtuna, a f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mama un pas nainte,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}it de un gest spre Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unul dintre
noi doi o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 permanen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} lng{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} tine, a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at-o ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2159 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru ce? sa mirat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fiindc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim c{\f63 \u259\'3f} exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva care
nu se d{\f63 \u259\'3f} n l{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de la orice ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
b{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceea ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dore{\f63 \u351\'3
f}te, i-a explicat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Tasha. Iar ei doi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mihail sunt sing
urii gardieni n care
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem ncredere cu adev{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}? s-a amestecat Abe, aruncndu-i Tashei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 o privire {\f63 \u351\'3f}ireat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M{\
f63 \u259\'3f} mir c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai adus aici {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i att de
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 specialul {\f63 \u8222\'3f}prieten" gardian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce prieten
special? s-a interesat Christian, sesiznd
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 imediat insinuarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Spre uimirea mea, Tasha s-a mbu
jorat.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar un cunoscut de-al meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care te urmeaz{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cu o privire de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}elu{\f63 \u351\'
3f}, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1388 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 completat-o Abe. Cum l cheam{\f63
\u259\'3f}? Evan?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2242 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ethan, l
-a corectat Tasha.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Mama, p{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rnd exasperat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie att de
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ridicol{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a pus c
ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t cu promptitudine; cu att mai bine,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din moment ce Christian mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea impres
ia c-ar mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 avea de spus vreo cteva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Las-o n pac
e, l-a repezit ea pe Abe. Nu avem timp
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pentru a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Ethan e un tip de tr
eab{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar cu ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ini despre asta, cu att e mai bi
ne. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 moment ce Mihail are un post permanent, eu {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i cu Eddie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ne vom ocupa de securitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eram de acord cu tot ce spus
ese, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 izbit gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru implicarea mamei
n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 povestea, cineva {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Abe, probabil {\f
63 \u8212\'3f} trebuise s-o pun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 la curent cu toate activit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ile ilegale desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urate n ultima
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 vreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el a
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie extrem de conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor,
fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iubea foarte mult. nciudat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, am presupus c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ambele variante erau adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate. Atunc
i cnd moroii se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aflau la Curte, nu mai aveau nevoie ca gardienii lor
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste tot, ce
ea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mama avea, cel
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mai probabil, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie liber{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de la ndatoririle ei, ct timp
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lordul Szelsky mai z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovea pe-acolo.
Ct despre Eddie,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 el nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu primise vreo reparti{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ie, ceea ce, de asemenea i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 oferea un program flexibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa tocmai se preg{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva, cnd o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f} smucitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} di
n propria-mi realitate m-a smuls
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 din mintea ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1895 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Scuze, am auz
it-o pe Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri408 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Frna ei brusc{\f63 \u259\'3f} fu
sese ceea ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} adusese napoi.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400

\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1835 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dobitoc
ul {\f63 \u259\'3f}la mi-a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat calea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri13 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu fusese vina lui Sydney, dar t
ot m-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it iritat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din cauza ntreruperii {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i am fost tentat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urlu la ea.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Inspirnd adnc, mi-am reamintit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar r
esim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 efectele secundare ale spiritului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu puteam permite
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ca ele s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi induc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un
comportament ira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional. Aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 se sting{\f63 \u259\'3f} treptat, ca de fiecare dat{
\f63 \u259\'3f}; {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ceva din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu voi pu
tea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} absorb la infinit ntunericul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 din Lissa. Nu voi fi capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} la infi
nit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Acum, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} reve
nisem la mine ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi, am privit afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pe geam, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} examinez mprejurimil
e. Nu mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 eram n mun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f
}m ntr-o zon{\f63 \u259\'3f} urban{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} traficul nu era ctu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in unul nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcat (dat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiind {\f63 \u351\'3f}i faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne a
flam nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n toiul nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pentru
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 oameni), categoric vedeam mai multe vehicule pe {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}osea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dect de ceva vreme ncoace.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2101 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde suntem?
am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri198 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}La periferia L
exingtonului, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A oprit apoi la o benzin{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rie din apropiere, att pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 alimentare, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ca
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem r{\f63 \u259\'3f}gaz s{\f63 \u259\'3f} introducem adresa
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lui Donovan n GPS-ul ei. Era la vreo opt kilometri
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e o zon
{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea grozav{\f63 \u259\'3f} a ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ului, din cte a
m
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 auzit, ne-a zis Dimitri. Donovan conduce un salon de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tatuaje, deschis numai noaptea. Mai lucreaz{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} vreo doi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i strigoi cu el. Au clien{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i din rndul petrec{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor, sau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u351\'3f}tani be{\f63 \u355\'3f}i... genul

de persoane care pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dispar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. Genul de persoane preferat al strigoilor.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi se
pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} poli{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} observ
e, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de fiecare dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd se duce cineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 un tatuaj, dispare pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am remarc
at eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2774 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri hohotit aspru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, partea
{\f63 \u8222\'3f}nostim{\f63 \u259\'3f}" e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i ucid pe to{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 le vin. Unora chiar le fac tatuaje
le {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i las{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece. Mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fac {\f63 \u351\'3f}i contraband{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
droguri pe-acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 L-am privit curioas{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, n timp ce Sydney se urca
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 napoi n ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2757 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E clar c{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii multe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am avut grij{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu multe, iar strigoii mai au
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nevoie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei de un
acoperi{\f63 \u351\'3f} deasupra capului. De fapt, l\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 am ntlnit pe Donovan o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am luat cea mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mare parte din informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii direct de l
a surs{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 am {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut exact unde lucreaz{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, a{\f63
\u351\'3f}adar, avem informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta despre el. Ce-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3536 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem cu ea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-l ademenim afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. i trimitem un {\f63 \u8222\'3f}client" c
are
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i transmit{\f63 \u259\'3f} din part
ea mea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntlnesc cu el. Nu sunt genul de persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pe care s-o

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ignore... n fine, adic{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu eram... nu

conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Imediat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cum l vedem afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l ducem ntr-un loc pe
care-l
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 alegem dinainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3286 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Am ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-o fac.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1411 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, m-a contr
azis Dimitri. Nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce? m-am mir
at, ntrebndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1260 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ceva p
rea periculos pentru mine.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fiin
dc{\f63 \u259\'3f} or s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti dhampir nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 clipa n care dau ochii cu tine. Prob
abil, or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te simt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 chiar dinainte, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} miros. Niciun str
igoi nu are
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri625 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dhampiri care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
ucreze pentru ei, numai oameni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri765 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n automobil s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ternut o t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere stingherit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri433 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! a exclamat
Sydney. Eu nu fac una ca asta!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici mie nu-mi p
lace ideea, a zis Dimitri, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din cap, dar nu prea avem de ales.
Dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lucrezi pentru mine n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda? {\f63
\u350\'3f}i ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 A vrut ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu prea cre
d c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ri{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Probabil c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 tine ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} verifice, cu gndul c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l min{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
e
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 ucid{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Replica lui n-a f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cut-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se simt{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai bine.
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Dimpotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a scos un geam{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai cum so trimi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe ea n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, i-am atras
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i dea seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e Alchimist. Niciun
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Alchimist n-ar lucra vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Surprinz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor,
Dimitri nu se gndise la asta. Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din nou t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, dar Syd
ney a fost cea care, n mod
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat, a g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit s
olu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd am fost n
{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, n benzin{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie, a rostit ea,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}n
at, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveau, cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i zic
, un raft cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 chestii pentru machiaj. Probabil c-am putea s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} acoperim
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cu pudr{\f63 \u259\'3f} tatuajul, cel pu{\f63 \u355\
'3f}in n mare parte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Zis {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut. Singura pudr{\f63 \u259\'3f} compact{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care o a
vea la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vnzare benzin{\f63 \u259\'3f}ria nu se potrivea prea
grozav cu tenul
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-am nt
ins destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f} crinul a
uriu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de pe obraz. Ne-am mai ajutat un pi
c {\f63 \u351\'3f}i piept{\f63 \u259\'3f}nndu-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul peste fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}inuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m tot ce se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 putea, am pornit spre salonul lui Donovan.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Era situat, ntr-adev{\f63 \u
259\'3f}r, ntr-o zon{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai d{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63
\u259\'3f}nat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ului. La cteva str{\f63 \u259\'3f}z
i distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de salonul pentru
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tatuaje am descoperit ceea ce sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na
a club de noapte,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dar n rest, cartierul p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea pustiu. Cu
toate acestea, nu m-

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat p{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u25

9\'3f}lit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era un loc prin care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i dore{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 te plimbi noaptea, de una singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Scr
ia pe el {\f63 \u8222\'3f}tlharie"
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cu litere ct casa. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai r{\f63
\u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am verificat zona pn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} cnd a g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit Dimitri un loc
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 care i s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut satisf{\f63 \u259\'3
f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. O alee l{\f63 \u259\'3f}turalnic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la dou
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}diri distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de salon. ntr-o parte avea un gard
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 strmb din srm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar n cealalt{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, o cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire scund{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mid{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Dimitri a instruit-o pe Sydney cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 procedeze ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pe strigoi spre noi. Ea a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 memorat totul, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd din cap a ncuvii
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}are, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i disting frica n ochi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E cazul s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} te ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fascinat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
a nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at-o el. Oamenii
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 care-i slujesc pe strigoi i venereaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
.. sunt ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 le fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe plac. Din moment ce stau a
tt de mult timp n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 preajma strigoilor, nu sunt att de speria{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i sau de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ngrozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Tot se tem un pic, normal, da
r nu att ct se
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 vede acum pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar nu p
ot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnesc, a m{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rturisit Sydney,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind n sec.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi era mil{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de ea. Credin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei nestr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mutat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} era c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vampirii sunt
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}i, iar noi o trimiteam ntr-un cuib al
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 celor de cea mai joas{\f63 \u259\'3f} spe{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, supunnd-o unui risc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsemnat. Mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nu v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse dect un singur
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strigoi n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, c
u toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceala lui Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vederea mai multora putea s-o paralizeze de groaz{\f6

3 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea ncremenit{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Donovan, totul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de rp{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Prad{\f63 \u259\'3f} unui impuls, am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri676 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}at-o. Spre mirarea mea, nu s-a mpotrivit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hai c{\f63
\u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, am ncurajat-o. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti o fat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1177 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 iar lor le e mult prea fric{\f63
\u259\'3f} de Dimitri. Bine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a in
spirat adnc de vreo cteva ori, Sydney a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un semn de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3
f}are. I-am mai adresat amndoi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cteva vorbe de mb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tare
, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care ea a trecut
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dincolo de col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
irii, ndreptndu-se spre strad{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apoi disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd din vedere. Am aruncat o
privire spre
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1124 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate c{\f63
\u259\'3f} tocmai am trimis-o la moarte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f
}tiu, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, ntunecat la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Dar acum nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri640 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mai e nimic de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ut. Mai bine {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai ocupa pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu ajutorul lui, am reu{\f63
\u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r pe acoperi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 scund al cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}diri. N-a fost nimic inti
m n felul n care m-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ltat n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, dar nu
mi-am putut st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni acea senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 electrizant{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care mi-o d{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}dea orice atingere a lui, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nici s{\f63 \u259\'3f} remarc ct de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}
or conlucram amndoi. De ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ce m-a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut plasat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Dimitri a pornit spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dir
ii pe care o ocolise Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas la pnd{\
f63 \u259\'3f} imediat dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} col{\f63 \u355\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'

3f} care n-am mai

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1532 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 avut altceva de f{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cut dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era un chin... {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i nu doar din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne aflam n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pragul unei confrunt{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Nu puteam s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi iau gndul de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la Sydney, de la ceea ce-i ceruser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sarcina
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mea era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de r
ele pe nevinova{\f63 \u355\'3f}i... nu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i arunc n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cuibul r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ului. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pl
anul nostru d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}? Au trecut
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mai multe minute pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd, n sfr{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}it, am auzit zgomot
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i murmur de v
oci, n timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea acel
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 familiar val de grea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
i scoseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe strigoi din
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 brlog.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Trei dintre ei au ap{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rut pe dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii
, cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Sydney n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lor. La un moment dat, s
-au oprit, ocazie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cu care l-am dibuit pe Donovan. Era cel mai nalt dint
re
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ei {\f63 \u8212\'3f} fusese moroi nainte {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i avea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul nchis la culoare
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o barb{\f63 \u259\'3f} care-mi ami
ntea de cea a lui Abe. Dimitri mi-l
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 descrisese, ca nu cumva (eventual) s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-l ucid. Acoli{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'
3f} n spate, vigilen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, n gard{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M-am ncordat,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}innd strns {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a n mna dreapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Belikov? a
strigat Donovan, cu o voce aspr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Unde
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4483 \expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aici, s-a
auzit r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul lui Dimitri... cu acea voce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rece, ngrozitoare, de strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Imediat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} col{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ul opus al
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii, dar men{\f63 \u355\'3f}innd
u-se n umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Recunoscndu-l, Donovan a avu
t o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} relaxare...
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dar chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe ntuneric, adev{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rata identitate a lui

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri tot s-a materializat. Donovan s-a crispat...
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sesiznd brusc primejdia, chiar
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era una care-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 deruta, sfidnd tot ce {\f63 \u351\'
3f}tia el. Exact n aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, unul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dintre ciracii lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a smucit capul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2296 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dhampiri! a e
xclamat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}turile lui Dimitri i oferiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pontul, ci
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mirosul nostru., {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr-o mut{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umire la adresa Divinit{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le luase
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 att timp pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i dea seama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, am s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rit de pe acoperi{\f63 \u351\'3f}. Nu era o distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'
3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fie u{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sari... dar nici una care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} moartea. Plus c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
aterizarea mi-a fost amortizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 un strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am nimerit peste unul dint
re tipii lui Donovan,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 doborndu-l la p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt. Mi-am repezit {\f6
3 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a spre inima
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lui, dar avea reflexe repide. Fiind mai u{\f63 \u351
\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, eram lesne
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de mpins. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem
la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am reu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in echilibru
l. Cu coada ochiului, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pe Sydney l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-se n jos {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtndu-se n grab{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 conform instruc{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunilor noastre. O voi
am departe de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lie {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i-o nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}aser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
e duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru ple
care, pentru eventualitatea n care
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 ar fi ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Evident, cu strigoii era me
reu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Donovan {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tip se ndreptaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} amndoi spre Dimitri,
considerndu-l
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pericolul cel mai mare. Adversarul meu, judecnd dup{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 zmbetul col{\f63 \u355\'3f}uros, nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} considere ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in un pericol. S-a avntat spre mine
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu m-am ferit,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dar nu nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i strecor o lovitur{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cu piciorul care l-a
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nimerit n genunchi. Nu mi-a da
t impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 durut, dar tot l-a dezechilibrat.
Am mai ncercat o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} m-a mbrncit din nou, trntindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 putere pe jos. Cimentul zgrun{\f63 \u355\'3f}uros mi
-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuit gambele
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 goale, jupuindu-mi pielea. Din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} blugii
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fie p
rea murdari {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prea rup{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, fusesem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbrac o pere
che de pantaloni scur{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 rucsacul adus de Sydney. N-am luat n seam{\f63 \u259\
'3f} durerea,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nind imediat napoi cu
o iu{\f63 \u355\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f} la care strigoiul nu se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptase. {\f63 \u354\'3f}epu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a din mna mea i-a nimerit inima.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lovitura n-a fost att de puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
ct mi-ar fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ajuns ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l azvr
l n spate, ceea ce mi-a permis
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 apoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mping {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63
\u351\'3f}a mai adnc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l lichidez. F{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tept pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}irea, mi-am smuls {\f63 \u355\'3f
}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 am ntors spre ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu ezitasem nicio clip{\f63
\u259\'3f} n lupta pe care tocmai o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ncheiasem, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum, ceea ce am v{\f63
\u259\'3f}zut m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} opresc. Fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Di
mitri. Era... ngrozitoare. Feroce.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Avusese o nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}are asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare atunci cnd m{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rase, cu ocazia arest{\f63 \u259\'

3f}rii mele: expresia aceea de zeu

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nemblnzit al r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboiului, care spunea c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dea piept cu iadul ntreg. Dar felul n care ar{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ta acum...
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ei bine, ducea ndrjirea aceea la un nivel cu totul nou.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era ceva personal, mi-am dat seama. Lupta cu strigoii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aceia nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea doar de g{\f63 \u259\'
3f}sirea Sonyei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ajutarea Lissei.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u354\'3f}inea de rena{\f63 \u351\'3f}tere, era
o tantativ{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i distruge
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 trecutul prin distrugerea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ului ie{\
f63 \u351\'3f}it n cale.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M-am repezit s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-l secundez, exact n timp ce-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pungea cu {\f63
\u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a pe cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt ajutor al lui Donovan
. A
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 existat atta putere n lovitura aceea, mult mai mult{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dect i era necesar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-l repead{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe strigoi n zidul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 din c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mid{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pung{\f63 \u259\'
3f} inima. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imposibil, mi-am imaginat {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a trecnd de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 parte a corpului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nfigndu-se n zid. Di
mitri pusese n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 acea ucidere mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} concentrare {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dect ai fl fost cazul. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reac{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionasem eu, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} imediat spre urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are, din moment ce strigoiul e
ra mort. n loc de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta, Dimitri s-a fixat att de intens asupra victimei
lui,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nct n-a observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Donovan ncerca s{\f63
\u259\'3f} profite de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri179 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Spre nor
ocul lui, eram acolo ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i {\f63 \u355\'3f}in spatele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am repezit trupul ntr-al l
ui Donovan,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mbrncindu-l lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri. n acela{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i timp, l-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe Dimitri sco{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {
\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a din trupul strigoiului mort,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe care apoi l-a izbit nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \

u259\'3f} de perete. Acum,

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}isem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i captez at
en{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Donovan {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aveam de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 furc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, evitndu-i atacurile f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ucid.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dimitri! a
m urlat. Vino s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Am nevoi
e de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4483 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 tine!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 N-aveam cum s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea el, dar n numai cteva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 secunde era lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine. Cu ceea ce a sun
at aproape ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un r{\f63 \u259\'3f}get, a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit pe Do
novan, cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u25
9\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 doborndu-l. R{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflnd u{\f63 \u351\'3f}u
rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am apropiat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ajut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 la imobilizare. Atunci, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut {\f63
\u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a lui Dimitri
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ndreptat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre inima lui Donovan.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! a
m strigat, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} jos spre caldarm {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncercnd att s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l {\f63
\u355\'3f}in acolo pe Donovan, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i abat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri566 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul lui Dimitri
. Avem nevoie de el! Nu-l omor!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Din expresia lui Dimitri, nu
-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} auzea. n ochii lui se vedea moartea.
Voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri184 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 omoare pe Donovan. Dorin{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}a devenise brusc prioritar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u354\'3f}inndu-l nc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} pe Donovan cu o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l-am plesnit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe Dimitri peste fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
u cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}... alegnd obrazul n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care nu-l izbisem cu pumnul alalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}sea
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu cred s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it vreo durere cu toat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} adrenalina care-l potopise,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} palma l-a trezit la realitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2244 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-l omor! i-a
m repetat.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Comanda mea a izbutit s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Dimitri. Din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nefericire, lupta dintre noi i ofer
ise spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu de manevr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lui Donovan, care a ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se elib
ereze, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 simultan, ne-am aruncat amndoi pe el, {\f63 \u355\'3f
}intuindu-l. Asta\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi amintea de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile n care nterogas
em strigoi n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Rusia. Fusese nevoie de un ntreg grup de dhampiri ca
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nfrneze un singur strigoi, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri p
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} supranatural{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1475 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd i interogam
, obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntrerupt, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} Dimitri se hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}eze propria
metod{\f63 \u259\'3f} de interogare. L-a apucat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe Donovan de umeri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-a scuturat en
ergic, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-l
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pe strigoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se izbeasc{\f63 \u259\'
3f} n repetate rnduri cu capul de
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 ciment.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1068 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde st{\f63
\u259\'3f} Sonya Karp? a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnit Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu..., a nceput Donovan.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ins{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dim
itri nu avea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare pentru eschiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3930 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 strigoiului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1928 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde e? {\f63
\u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu o cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti!
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3538 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde st{\f63
\u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 In acea clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am v
{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe chipul lui Donovan un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lucru pe care nu-l mai v{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zusem niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 un strigoi: frica. Fusesem convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} era o stare pe care,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, ei n-o cuno{\f63 \u351\

'3f}teau. Sau, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} da, atunci

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea numai n luptele dintre ei. Doar
nu erau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 piard{\f63 \u259\'3f} timpul cu frica atunci cnd aveau
de-a face cu
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}di{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ii de dhampiri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o,
Doamne, lui Donovan i era fric{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ochii aceia ro{\f63 \u351\'3
f}ii se f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} mari: mari, dispera{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ngrozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Cnd Donovan a bolborosit urm{\
f63 \u259\'3f}toarele lui
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cuvinte, ceva mi-a spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau since
re. Frica nu-l l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri238 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mint{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Era prea {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prea surprins de toate as
tea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1893 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n Paris, a icn
it el. E n Paris!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iisuse, am exclam
at.\i N-avem cum\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3504 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina n Paris.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Donovan a scuturat din cap (
att ct mai putea, fiind
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 zgl{\f63 \u355\'3f}it de Dimitri).
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E un or{\f
63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}el mic... la o or{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-aici. Acolo e
lacul {\f63 \u259\'3f}la
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mititel. Nu prea e nimeni pe el. Cas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
albastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1023 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Indica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii vagi.
Aveam nevoie de mai mult.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai vreo adre...
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, Dimitri nu-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f
}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea nevoia de informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii suplimentare. Pn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mi termin eu ntrebarea, {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia... n

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 inima lui Donovan. Strigoiul a scos un {\f63 \u355\'3
f}ip{\f63 \u259\'3f}t oribil,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nfior{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, care s-a stins pe m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-l cuprindea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 moartea. Am tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit. Ct avea s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} mai dureze pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2125 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 aud{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva {\f63
\u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cheme poli{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
tras {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dup{\f63 \u259
\'3f} care l-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}puns
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe Donovan nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {
\f63 \u350\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. L-am privit
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 oripilat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nevenindu-mi s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cred, paralizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru cteva
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 clipe. Apoi, l-am apucat de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f} pe D
imitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am nceput
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l scutur, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea
m impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai mult efect a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut zgl{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind cl{\f63
\u259\'3f}direa din spatele meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri805 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E mort, Dimitr
i! E mort! Termin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Te rog.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Pe chipul lui Dimitri era nc{\f63
\u259\'3f} zugr{\f63 \u259\'3f}vit{\f63 \u259\'3f} acea expresie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cumplit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nespus de
cumplit{\f63 \u259\'3f}: de furie, dar acum
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 marcat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63
\u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} disperare. Disperarea care-i spunea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l distrugea pe
Donovan, poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 distrug{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul din
via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fac. Trebuia neap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ple
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 de-acolo. Trebuia s-o aducem pe Sydney, s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dezintegreze cadavrele. Timpul trecea, iar eu nu put
eam
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} repet acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
cuvinte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1740 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E mort! Las{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-l.\i Te rog.\i0 E mort.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i atunci, cumva, n
u {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cum, cuvintele mele au
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Dimitri. Mi{\f63
\u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile i-au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncetinit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, s-au oprit. Mna n care

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\

'3f}a i-a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, moale, de-o parte a corpului, n
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 timp ce fixa cu privirea ceea
ce mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Donovan... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu er
a deloc ceva pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut la vedere. Furia
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a cedat c
omplet locul dezn{\f63 \u259\'3f}dejdii... care, la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rndul ei, a fost nlocuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de disperare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2539 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 L-am tras u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ure
l de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Gata. E destul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Niciodat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nu e destul, Roza, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, cu o durere n voce care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ucidea. Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie destul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri204 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba e, deocamda
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-am zis, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-l spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3
f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mpotriveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a l{\f63 \
u259\'3f}sat {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cad{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ngropat fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}a n um{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul meu. Mi-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i eu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i l-am mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}at, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f
}gndu-l {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai aproape. M-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat la rndul lui cu
bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd contactul cu o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} vie, contactul pe care {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam de mult c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-l
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 dorea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu e{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti singura, mi-a zis, ag{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-se mai strns
de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mine. Singura care n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elege. Singura ca
re m-a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut cum
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 am fost. N-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea niciodat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i explic altcuiva... tu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti singura. Singura c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}reia pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun...
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am nchis ochii pentru o clip
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vorbele
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lui. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i jurase supunere Lis
sei, asta nu nsemna
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ruise pe deplin inima. De att timp, noi doi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 eram ntr-o perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f} sincrozare, perman
ent n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegndu\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ne unul pe cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} era a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, indiferent dac-am fi fost
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, indiferent dac-a{\f63 \u351\'
3f} fi fost cu Adrian. Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zise ntotdeauna inima {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i sentimentele pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cunoscuse pe mine. Crezusem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i le ferecase la loc, dar
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 din cte se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ea, avea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncredere n mine cat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1324 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dezv{\f63
\u259\'3f}luie ce-l m{\f63 \u259\'3f}cina pe din{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am deschis ochii {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i i-am ntlnit privirea ntunecat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E bine, i-a
m zis. E bine acum. Sunt aici. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mereu cnd ai nevoie de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}i tot visez,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii? Pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nevinova{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pe care
i-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ucis, mi-a m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisit, n timp ce ochii i
fugeau iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 spre cadavrul lui Donovan. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot gnde
sc... poate, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 distrug suficien{\f63 \u355\'3f}i strigoi, co{\f63 \u
351\'3f}marurile mi-ar disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu sunt unul dintre ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 L-am prins cu mna de b{\f63
\u259\'3f}rbie, ntorcndu-i fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mine, ct mai departe de Donovan.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Tu sim
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nevoia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i distrugi pe strigoi pentru
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei sunt r{\f63 \u259\'3f}i. Pentru
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta-i ceea ce facem noi. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dispar{\f63
\u259\'3f} co{\f63 \u351\'3f}marurile, trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i\i tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti\i0 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 E singura cale. Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi murit amn
doi acum. N-am

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 murit. Poate c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} murim mine. Nu {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tiu. Dar ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} este c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunte
m vii n clipa asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}team cmpii
deja. Nu-l mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri att de pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it,
nu dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} rena{\f63 \u351\'3f}terea lui.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Pretinsese c{\f63 \u259\'3f} traiul de strigoi i distr
usese attea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sentimente. Nu fusese a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Erau prezen
te, mi-am dat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 seama. Tot ce avusese nainte era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f
63 \u259\'3f}untrul lui,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea doar n m
ici izbucniri... ca n momentul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acesta, de furie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de disperare. Sau
atunci cnd m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rase de gardienii veni{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aresteze. Vechiul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri nu disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse. Doar st{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tuse ncuiat, iar eu nu
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiusem cum s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l eliberez. Nu se ntmplase a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a datorit{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 a ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem e
u. El fusese mereu cel r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vorbele n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elepte, cu putere de p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}trundere. Nu eu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, acum m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ascult
a. i captasem aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Ce-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1234 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun? Cum a{\f
63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ajung la suflet?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u354
\'3f}i-aduci aminte ce mi-ai spus mai devreme? l-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat. Cnd eram n Rubysville? Via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a e n
detalii.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} apreciezi detaliile. E sing
ura cale prin care
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nvingi ce {\f63
\u355\'3f}i-au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut strigoii. Singura cale ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 redevii cel care e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cu adev{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rat. Ai zis-o tu nsu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i: ai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fugit mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mine, ca s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i lumea din nou. S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a dat s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} iar ochii spre Donovan,
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 dar nu l-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri101 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aici nu e nimi
c frumos. Doar moarte, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-att, a zis.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce spui tu nu poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fie adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, dect dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 permi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i\i tu\i0 s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} se adeveresc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am insistat disperat{\f63 \u259\'3
f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind n continuare presiunea timpulu
i. G{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}te ceva.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ceva frumos. Orice. Orice care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i demonstreze c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti de-al lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Privirea i se ntorsese spre
mine, studiindu-mi chipul
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 n t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere. M-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de panic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Nu mergea.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}isem. Dar trebuia neap{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de-acolo,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 indiferent de starea lui. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}
asem ceva, atunci era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} instinctele de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboinic ale lui Dimitri func{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ionau nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 se apropie primejdia, reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneaz{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} instantaneu, oricte
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 chinuri interioare ar fi resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it. To
tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Nu voiam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece mnat de disperare. Voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 plece de-aici apropiindu-se cu nc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} un pas de b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbatul pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care-l {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam eu. Voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu un co{\f63 \u351\'3f}mar n
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 minus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, era m
ai presus de priceperea mea. Doar nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 eram psihoterapeut. Tocmai m{\f63 \u259\'3f} preg{\f
63 \u259\'3f}team s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-i declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}ez reflexele sold{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u
355\'3f}e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cnd, deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a vorbit. Abia {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}optit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3480 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri4523 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m
-am ntrebat dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva luase
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 foc, sau mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu e
u ce. Mi-am pip{\f63 \u259\'3f}it o {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zlea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nu, nu era nimic, dect c{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tea vrai{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Mi-l legasem
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 naintea luptei, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mpiedic pe stri
goi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} trag{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 el, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse Ange
line. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, o mare parte se
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse n timpul nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, a repetat Dimitri. Avea ochii mari,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 aproape fascina{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u e att de frumos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu eram de aceea{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in nu n actuala
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 stare. Dar, desigur, lund n considerare faptul c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aflam pe o alee ntunecoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pres{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu cadavre,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile lui erau oarecum limitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vezi? Nu e
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti unul de-al lor. Strigoii nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea. Ci doar moartea. Tu ai g{
\f63 \u259\'3f}sit ceva frumos.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Un lucru care {\f63 \u355\'3f}i se pare frumos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}ov{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ielnic, emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a trecut degetele prin
tre
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele pe care mi le
pip{\f63 \u259\'3f}isem mai devreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2726 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} fie de ajuns?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb100\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Este
, deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l-am asigurat, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutndu-l ap{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri352 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe frunte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ajutnd
u-l s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ridice. Este, deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\sl-297\fs30\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri2361 \expndtw-16
\b \f20 \fs40 {\f63 \u350\'3f}AISPREZECE
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw1 \b \f20

\fs24 AVND N VEDERE FAPTUL C{\f63 \u258\'3f} SYDNEY

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 distrugea vadavre n mod regulat, ma cam surprins ct
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 de {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost de nf{\
f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile noastre n urm
a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 confrunt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pentru ea strigoii mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nu erau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 altceva dect simple obiecte, n schimb, Dimitri {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mine eram persoane vii, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ar{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tam ca naiba.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tot ce spe
r e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ma{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ina, ne-a zis, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ce a sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat de cadavre {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i am pornit la drum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era c
ea mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} tentativ{\f63 \u259\'3f} de glum{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 partea ei, n sfor{\f63 \u355\'3f}area de a-{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i masca stnjeneala
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vederea ve{\f63 \u351\'3f
}mintelor noastre rupte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nsngerate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce facem, m
ergem la Paris? am ntrebat,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-mi privirea spre Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1480 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Paris? a repe
tat Sydney, surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} nu, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Dimitri, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i c
apul pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2825 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 rezem{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea ban
chetei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta dun nou
ca un gardian st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pn pe sine. Toate
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 semnele crizei lui de mai devreme disp{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ruser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar eu nu
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aveam nici cea mai mic{\f63 \
u259\'3f} inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de a tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}da ceva din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce se ntmplase nainte s-o chem{\f
63 \u259\'3f}m pe Sydney.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ceva att de m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt... {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, att de monumental. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 extrem de intim. Deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, el p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rea mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 obosit.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar trebui
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fa
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ziu{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis. Trebuia
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m acum pe Donovan, dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sonya are o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cas{\f63 \u259\'3f} a ei, nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} e acolo tot timpul. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i e mai sigur
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 s-o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe lumin{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri508 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De unde {\f63
\u351\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a min{\f63 \u355\'3f}it? a ntre
bat Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Conducea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63
\u259\'3f} vreo destina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie anume, doar sco{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ne din cartier ct mai repede cu put
in{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu raporta
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cineva c{\f63 \u259\'3f} auzise urlete {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i zgomote de nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am amintit de groaza de
pe chipul lui Donovan {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 m-am cutremurat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2559 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu cred ca min{\f63 \u355\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney n-a mai pus alte ntreb{\f63
\u259\'3f}ri, cu excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia celor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 legate de direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n
care ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ndrepte. Dimitri
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a propus s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim un h
otel, unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne putem sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}la {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 odihni pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in naintea misiunii de a dou
a zi. Din fericire,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n Lexington exista o gam{\f63 \u259\'3f} mult mai lar
g{\f63 \u259\'3f} de hoteluri
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ultimul ora{\f
63 \u351\'3f} n care fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utam luxul,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa mare, cu a
spect modem, pe care am ales-o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea parte dintr-un lan{\f63 \u355\'
3f} hotelier {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era curat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i elega
nt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sydney s-a ocupat de formalit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ile de cazare, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ne-a condus n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru pe o u{\f63 \u351\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} lateral{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 speriem pe eventualii oaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}i r{\f63
\u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}i treji n toiul nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280

\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Luase o camer{\f63 \u

259\'3f} cu dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} paturi duble. N-a comentat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nimeni, dar cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam nevo
ia de a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntlnirea noas
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mai devreme cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 strigoii. Dimitri ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta mult mai jaln
ic dect mine, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 halul n care-l mutilase pe Donovan, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-am trimis
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nti pe el la du{\f63 \u351\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te-ai descu
rcat grozav am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}udat-o pe Sydney n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 timp ce a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezasem pe podea (care era mult
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai curat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect cea a precedentei camer
e) ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 murd{\f63 \u259\'3f}resc patul. Ai fost cu adev{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rat curajoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1639 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns cu
un zmbet strmb.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tipic. Tu iei b
{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie, aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te {\f63 \u351\'3f}i omoar{\f63
\u259\'3f}, dar tot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3324 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pe mine m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lauzi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, dar eu
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocup tot timpul cu asta. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} intri
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acolo de una singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cum ai f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cut tu... ei bine, e o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 chestie destul de tare. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i n-am luat
b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie chiar\i att\i0 de
\plain\expndtw-29 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mi minimalizam r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}nile, exact cum ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Sydney, examinndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i-a dat seama.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Picioarele mi se juliser{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai r{\f63
\u259\'3f}u dect crezusem: pielea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 era jupuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sngeram n
locurile n care c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ciment. O glezn{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} du
rea ca urmare a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}riturii de pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acoperi{\f63 \u351\'3f}, iar pe restul corpului avea
m mpr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiate destule
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 zgrieturi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vn{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \
u259\'3f}i. Cele mai multe habar n-aveam de
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 unde proveniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2431 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Sydney a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tin
at din cap.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum de reu{\f63

\u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i voi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i can
gren{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai des e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1353 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mai presus de puterile mele de n{
\f63 \u355\'3f}elegere.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totusi, {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tiam amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum. Se datora imunit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 naturale cu care m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
n{\f63 \u259\'3f}scusem ca dhampir, lund ce era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai bun din tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turil
e ambelor rase. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i moroii erau, de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fapt, destul de s{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}to
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu toaze c{\f63 \u259\'3f} uneori se alegeau cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 maladii unice pentru rasa lor. Victor reprezenta un
astfel
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de exemplu. Suferea de o maladie cronic{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, odinioar{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase pe Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
vindece. Puterile ei magice i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 redaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} la acea vreme, s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatea deplin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} boala se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 furi{\f63 \u351\'3f}a napoi, treptat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am dus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i e
u la du{\f63 \u351\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a terminat Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a n
trebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at pe amndoi trusa de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prim-ajutor. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ne-a bandajat {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i dezinfectat ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fie satisf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-a scos laptopul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit o hart{\f63
\u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 localit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii Paris, din
statul Kentucky. Ne-am nghesuit
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 tustrei n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ecranului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O gr{\f63
\u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ruri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rule{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, a m
editat ea cu voce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tare, parcurgnd harta. Lacuri, nu prea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Crezi c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta ar fi? am ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat spre o minuscul
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntindere de ap{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsemnat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cu denumirea de IAZUL
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 APPLEWOOD.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Posibil. A,
uite alt iaz. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el ar putea fi suspectul,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sau... A! Chiar aici? a ntrebat, cioc{\f63 \u259\'3f}n
ind cu unghia

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ecranul n dreptul unei alte acumul{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri

de ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}, un pic mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mare dect cele dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} iazuri: LACUL MART
IN.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 L{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-se pe s
pate, Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a frecat ochii cu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mna, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scnd.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pare
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie varianta cea mai probabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nu,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 oricum nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
e-ar lua mult s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem cu ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 la celelalte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u258
\'3f}sta {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-era planul? s-a mirat Sydney. Doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri731 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 plimb{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu ma{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ina {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}m o cas{\f63 \u259\'3f} albastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am schimbat o privire cu Dim
itri, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ridicat din umeri. Orict de viteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase Sydney pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 parcursul expedi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei noastre, {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiam bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru ea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 conceptul de {\f63 \u8222\'3f}plan" diferea un pic fa
{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de al nostru.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Planurile ei erau structurate, bine concepute {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i aveau o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}int{\f63 \u259\'3f} precis{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. n plus, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i detalii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E un plan m
ai solid dect majoritatea celor ale
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 noastre, am replicat, n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Soarele avea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam peste o or{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eram
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} pornim n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utarea Sonyei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a insistat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dormim pn{\f63 \u259\'3f
} la amiaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ales un pat, eu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sydney urmnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ni-l
mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}im pe cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. Nu prea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 eram de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f} fi avut ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 odihn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum preti
ndea el, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} organismul nu m-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aprobat. Am adormit aproape instantaneu.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ca aproa
pe de fiecare dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ultima vreme, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} am fost atras{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr
-un vis indus de spirit. Speram s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fie Adrian venit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} la sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it ultima noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. n locul lui, n jurul meu sa materializat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea cu harp{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i mobilier tapi{\f63 \u355\'3f}at. Oftnd, mi-am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntors privirea spre fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii Dashkov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Grozav", iam ntmpinat. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un apel n
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 conferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Chiar o s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} b
lochez num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri755 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Victor mi-a r{\f63 \u259
\'3f}spuns printr-o mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciune.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1856 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ca totdeauna
, o pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere, Rose."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Robert, n schimb, nu f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cea altceva dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i n gol. mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere s{\f63 \u259\'3f} constat
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} unele lucruri
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 nu se schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1367 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ce vre{\f63
\u355\'3f}i?" l-am luat la rost pe Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f
}tii ce vrem. Suntem aici s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s-o aju{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4044 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 Vasilisa."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu credeam asta nici pentru
o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Victor avea el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreo uneltire n minte, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} speran{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a mea era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 capturez nainte ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai poat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} provoca vreo pagub{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 M-a examinat cu privirea, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1117 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}nc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nu l-ai g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit pe cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt Dragomir?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri920 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ochii m
ari, nevenindu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dar n-a trecut d
ect o zi!" am exclamat, aproape
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1383 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind nevoia s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} refac calculul n minte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fi trecut zece ani. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, numai o
zi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trecuse de cnd vorbisem ultima oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2353 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i?" m-a mboldit Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2210 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i. Tu ct de tari ne crezi?"
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 A stat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se gndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3234 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Destul de ta
ri."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ei bine, mersi p
entru votul de ncredere, dar nu e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 chiar att de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or pe
ct pare. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, la drept vorbind... dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc ct de bine a fost acoperit{\f
63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2067 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nu mi se pare deloc u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1407 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dar a{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit ceva?" a insistat Victor.
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Nu i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f
}r de ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare i s-a aprins n ochi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cut un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri897 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pas nainte. Eu, prompt{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut unul napoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3155 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}A{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i\i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit\i0 ceva?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3903 \expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Poate."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nehot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rre
de rndul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trecut. Oare Victor, cu toate intr
igile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i manevrele lui, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut ceva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi fie de folos? Data trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu-mi
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 oferise nimic, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum aveam ceva mai
multe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Cum se exprimase el? C{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de-un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2095 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fir, ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}l desclceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} el?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3844 \expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Rose..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Victor vorbea cu mine ca {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost un copil, pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tonul folosit adesea de el fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Robert. Asta m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncrunt la el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u35
4\'3f}i-am mai spus-o: n-are importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ncredere ai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n mine sau n inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile mele. Pentru mo
ment, amndoi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 suntem interesa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de atingerea acelui
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}i scop pe termen
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 scurt. Nu l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa grijile fa{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de viitor s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ruiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3779 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 din prezent."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Era nostim, fiindc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na cu principiul dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghidasem cel mai mult n via{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}: tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te n prezent.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Avnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te pe dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i las{\f63 \u259\'3f} grijile privitoare la consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pe mai trziu. De data asta, ezitam, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}nesc lucrurile nainte s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} iau o hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rre. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am ales s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi as
um riscul, spernd nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Victor ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ajute.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Noi credem
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mama... mama fratelui, sau surorii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1630 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissei\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldi
nst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }} se nrude{\f63 \u351\'3f}te cu Sonya Karp."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1156 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sprncenele lui Victor s-a
u n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}at brusc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1149 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'

3f}tii despre cine e vorba?" l-am ntrebat.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Normal. S-a tra
nsformat n strigoi... cic{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a nnebunit. Dar no
i doi {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost ceva mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3034 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 complicat decl att."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1415 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Am ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} tragere de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri626 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Era utilizatoa
re a spiritului. Nimeni n-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Capul lui Robert s-a r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}sucit cu o asemenea iu{\f63 \u355\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2076 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nct aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit din loc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1817 \fi284 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cine e
utilizatoare a spiritului?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi369 \expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Fost{\f
63 \u259\'3f}\i0 utilizatoare a spiritului", l-a corectat Victor,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trecnd instantaneu la tonul lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}titor
. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}S-a transformat n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1328 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 strigoi ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sca
pe de efectele secundare."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Privirea ascu{\f63 \u355\'3
f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i concentrat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care o ndrep
tase
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri400 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Robert spre noi s-a topit la loc n
tr-o visare mole{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Da... mere
u ispita asta... ucizi ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}
ti, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ucizi. Nemurirea {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i eliberarea din lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}urile astea,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3039 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dar, o, ce pierdere\expndtw-14{\
field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Erau sporov{\f63 \u259\'3f}i
eli de nebun, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveau o sinistr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}nare cu unele dintre lucrurile pe
care le spunea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 uneori Adrian. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cea deloc asta. ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prefac c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Robert ni
ci n-ae fi n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere, m-am ntors
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 la loc spre Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri890 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3

f}tii ceva despre ea? Cu cine se nrude{\f63 \u351\'3f}te?"

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd d
in cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1727 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Are o famili
e foarte numeroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1070 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am azvrlit minile n sus, exasp
erat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ai p
utea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii ceva mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in inutil? Te tot compor{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri34 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai {\f63 \
u351\'3f}ti o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de lucruri, dar nu ne spui d
ect
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1536 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ce am aflat deja. Nu ne aju{\f63
\u355\'3f}i cu nimic!"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ajutorul p
oate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} sub mai multe forme, Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2944 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u355\'3f}i g{\f63 \u259
\'3f}sit-o pe Sonya?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Da", am zi
s, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m-am mai gndit pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in. {\f63 \u8222\'3f
}De
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fapt, nu tocmai. Am aflat unde st{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O
s-o vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mine
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2644 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-i punem ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
i lui Victor gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ia ct o ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 bibliotec{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre ct de ridicol{\f63
\u259\'3f} i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i sunt convins c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ard{\f63 \u259\'3f
} de ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4314 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 ajute."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2782 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am ridicat din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1289 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dimitri {\f63
\u351\'3f}tie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie foarte conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Am auzit {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i eu", m-a aprobat Victor. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri794 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Sonya Karp nu e o adolescent{\f6

3 \u259\'3f} impresionabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}."

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti
t pumnul, dar m-am gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 posibil ca Robert s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
fi instalat iar cmpul lui
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 energetic. Victor a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nici nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama de furia
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Spune-mi u
nde sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i", mi-a cerut. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ve
nim la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4452 \expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 voi."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dilem{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fra{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ii puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajute cu mare lucru. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a se putea ivi ocazia
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 recaptur{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii lui. n plus, dac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-l aveam prezent n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri222 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}, poate c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ar nceta s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi mai ntrerup{\f63 \u259\'3f} visele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Suntem n Ken
tucky", l-am informat, n cele din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2068 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u822
2\'3f}n Parisul din Kentucky."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i i-am
dat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, despre
casa
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4141 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 albastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri790 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fim acolo mine", m-a asigurat Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1955 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\
'3f}i-atunci, acum unde sunte..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar, exact la fel ca data trecut{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, Robert a pus brusc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t visului, l{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sndu-mi ntrebarea atrnat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n aer. Oare
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrsem, cu cei doi? Dar, pn{\f63 \
u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot gndi,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m-am pomenit furat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un alt vis prov
ocat de spirit.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Doamne, Dumnezeule. Chiar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un de
j-vu. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lumea voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discute cu mine n vis. D
in fericire, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 data trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cea de-a doua vizit{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de care aveam parte era
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 a lui Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Acum eram n salonul n care se n
trunise Consiliul.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu mai erau scaune, nici spectatori, iar zgomotul pa
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ilor
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mei pe podeaua din lemn de esen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f} tare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suna cu ecou.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea, care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse a
tt de m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i auto
ritar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fusese ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f}, acu
m d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea o senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 prevestitoare de singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian st{\f63 \u259\'3f}te
a n picioare lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} una dintre ferestrele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nalte, arcuite, d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruindu-mi unul dintre
zmbetele lui
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}mechere{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti n timp ce\b
- 1\b0 mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}am. Prin compara{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ie cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ct de murdar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de sngeros era totul n l
umea real{\f63 \u259\'3f}, el
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea imaculat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i perf
ect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ai reu{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}it", i-am zis, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutndu-l la repezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pe buze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1342 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}I-ai convins so nominalizeze pe Lissa!"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 La ultima noastr{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ntrevedere din vis, cnd mi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suges
tia lui Victor ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 o oarecare valoare, fusesem nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duiesc din
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l con
ving pe Adrian c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nominalizarea Lissei ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o idee bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}... cu a
tt mai mult cu ct eu ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi nu eram
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 convins{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mda, cu grup
ul n-a fost deloc greu", a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dndu-mi impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} admira{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ia mea i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere, dar

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntunecndu-se la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ti

mp ce-mi cnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea cuvintele.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ea nu e delo
c bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mam{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ce mai perdaf
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3498 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 ne-a tras dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}!"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Am v{\f63
\u259\'3f}zut. Ai dreptate cnd spui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei nu-i place...
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dar a fost mai mult dect att. A fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
ntunericul adus
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de spirit. Oparte din el am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} i-l iau, dar... mda, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4064 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 fost r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am amintit cum, absorbind
u-i furia, am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 se nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieze, pentru sc
urt timp, n mine. Spiritul nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 afecta la fel de grav ca pe ea... dar asta era numai
ceva
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 temporar. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f},
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} absorb destul,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de-a lungul anilor, putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} preia con
trolul. L-am prins
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a
m adresat o privire ct puteam
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 de rug{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Tu trebuie
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea. Eu o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac ce
pot, dar tu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii la fel de bine ca mine n ce m{\f63
\u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} agite
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 spiritul grijile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i stresul. M{\f63 \
u259\'3f} tem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu i se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la fel
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ca alt{\f63 \u259\'3f}dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-a{\f63
\u351\'3f} fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu acolo, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot avea gri
j{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2679 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de ea. Te rog... ajut-o tu."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a ndesat pe dup{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ureche o {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}r, cu o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ngrijorare n verdele nchis al o
chilor lui. La
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nceput, am crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} grijile se refere
au doar la Lissa.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri35 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}O s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} am", mi-a promis. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac tot ce
pot. Dar,
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Rose... oare o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
i se-ntmple {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mie? A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2267 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 eu? Ca ea, sau ca to{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 La Adrian nu se manifestaser
{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} efectele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 secundare extreme din cazul Lissei, n mare m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 deoarece nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
a att de mult spiritul, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 datorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} automedica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
i intensive cu alcool. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ct avea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l mai {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Din ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 observasem, doar cteva lucruri erau capabile s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} amne
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nebunia: autodisciplina, tratamentul cu antidepresiv
e, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura cu cineva de umbr{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Adrian nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea interesat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de niciuna dintre variantele acestea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ciudat lucru, ns{\f63 \u259\
'3f} momentul lui de vulnerabilitate mi\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a amintit de ceea ce tocmai se ntmplase cu Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti doi b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rba{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i, amndoi att de puternici {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori n felurile lor, aveau, cu to
ate acestea, nevoie
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de sprijinul meu.\i Tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cea pute
rnic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Rose,\i0 mi-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}optit
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 o voce n minte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1045 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ndre
ptat privirea n alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Uneori... uneor
i reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nebunia asta
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 e numai imaginar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegi? Eu n-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it-o niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ca al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, ca Lissa, sau ca b{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}trnul Vlad. Dar, din cnd n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cnd..." T{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a
poi continu{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. M{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} simt
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 att de aproape, Rose. Att de aproape de marginea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}pastiei. Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum,
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} ng{\f63 \u259\'3f}dui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fac un pas
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, ct de mic, m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n abis {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu m-a{\f63 \u351
\'3f} mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1075 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntoarce niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
E ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} pierde."

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 l mai auzisem {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i nainte rostind astfel de lucruri,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cnd b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea cmoii n cine
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f} direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 tangen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, avnd logic
{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar pe jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate. Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se apropiase mai mult dect att de indiciile c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} spiritul ar
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i tulbure {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l
ui mintea. Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era c
on{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient de acele momente, sau
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 de ce semnifica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie puteau s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1632 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ntors din n
ou ochii spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Atunci cnd beau.
.. nu-mi mai fac griji pentru asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai nelini{\f
63 \u351\'3f}te{\f63 \u351\'3f}te posibilitatea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nnebunesc. Dar,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi zic... poate c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} sunt deja. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt, dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nimeni nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e{\f63 \u351\'3f}te s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama atunci cnd sunt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4373 \expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 beat."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Tu nu e{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ti nebun", am afirmat, nfl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 l spre mine. mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea la nebunie c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}ldura lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i felul n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care-i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam pielea lipit{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} de a mea. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii bine. E{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ti
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4031 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 puternic."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2197 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 M-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat ap
{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe frunte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tiu", mi-a zis. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Am impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu e{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti puterea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4373 \expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 mea."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi350 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Era o declara{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ie frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i romantic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63
\u259\'3f} ceva din

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ea m{\f63 \u259\'3f} stnjenea.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu e chiar
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a", am zis, ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi t
ranspun
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mai bine sentimentele n cuvinte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63
\u259\'3f}, ntr-o rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l nt{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ti, po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l sprijini. Dar nu po{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i, n realitate,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci chiar totul pentru el. N-ai c
um s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i rezolvi toate
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 problemele.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1551 \fi60 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}
Trebuie s-o g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti n interiorul\i ...\i0 "
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ceasul de{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor din camera de hotel a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 urle, smulgndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} din vis {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}git{\f63 \u259
\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 att din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea de Adrian, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i pentru
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu putusem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spu
n tot ce-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut. Ei bine, acum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu mai aveam ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac pentru el. Nu p
uteam dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 sper c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i singur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mine,
Sydney ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta toropit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu ochii cr
pi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era normal s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie epuizat{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, din moment ce ntregul ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 program de somn {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cnd mai reu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} doarm{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat {\f63 \u8212\'3f} fusese dat
peste cap. n schimb, la mine?
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Oboseala era psihic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Prea mult{\f63
\u259\'3f} lume, mi-am zis. Prea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} lume are nevoie de mine... dar
e att de greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3894 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ajut pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Evident, Dimitri era n picioa
re, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit pentru
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 plecare, se trezise naintea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. P
arc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici nu existase
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 criza nervi azi-noapte. Am aflat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m

urea dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o cafea,

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dar ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptase r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, nevrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne lase adormite {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lipsite de ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare. L-am expediat {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i, dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeci de minute
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai trziu, s-a ntors cu cafele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu o c
utie de gogo{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mai cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}rase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un lan
{\f63 \u355\'3f} extrem de rezistent dintr-un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 magazin cu articole de fier{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie de pe
ste drum, {\f63 \u8222\'3f}pentru
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cnd o s-o g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim pe Sonya", ceea ce m-a
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 simt stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntre timp, ne preg{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u351\'3f}i noi pentru plecare, {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m-am hohot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pun
cep ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nnebuneam de pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbrac iar n pantaloni
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 scur{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, mai ales cu halul n care-mi er
au picioarele, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u
355\'3f}eam prea ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aj
ung la Sonya nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1779 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 insist n favoarea unei opriri la
mall.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 M-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt, n
schimb, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} venise momentul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pun la curent partenerii de expedi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351
\'3f}adar, am nceput, pe un ton de conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, e
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 posibil ca Victor Dashkov s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ni se al
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ture ct de curnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A fost meritul lui Sydney c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ne-a vrt imediat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un {\f63 \u351\'3f}an{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2114 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Cine?\i0
Tipul care a evadat?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri15 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Citeam n ochii lui Dimitri c{\f63
\u259\'3f} era tot att de {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streze calmul {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnirea de sine, ca
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntotdeauna.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce, a ncep
ut el ncet, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ni se al{\f63 \u259\'3f}ture Victor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4004 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Dashkov?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1823 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\
'3f}i, e o poveste cam ciudat{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259
\'3f} o astfel de introducere, le-am oferit o scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dar cuprinz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare re
capitulare, ncepnd cu trecutul lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Robert Doru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncheind cu recentele viz
ite din vis ale
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 celor doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Am trecut n grab{\f63
\u259\'3f} peste {\f63 \u8222\'3f}misterioasa"
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 evadare a lui Victor din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu cteva
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mni, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ceva mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri, cu acea neo
bi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} abilitate
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe care o aveam noi doi de a ne ghici unul celuilalt
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gndurile, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pusese buc{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}elele cap la cap. Att
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 eu, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa i spuseser{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m lui Dimitri c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin multe pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nv{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l readucem, ns
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i relataser{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m ntreaga poveste... omi{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai ales partea cu scoaterea lui Victor dm nchisoare
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pentru ca el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ajute s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim fratele.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uite
ce e, fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ajute, fie c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nu, avem
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-l prindem, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat n grab{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}
i asta e bine,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4546 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o problem
{\f63 \u259\'3f} de care o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ocup{\f63 \u259\'3f}m... mai trzi
u,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 a sosit replica.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am recunoscut tonul. Dimitri
l folosise de-attea ori
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la Sf. Vladimir. De obicei, nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 viitor o discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ntre patru ochi, n ca

re s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu pus{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 jeratic pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd ies cu mai multe am{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}nunte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Kentucky s-a dovedit destul
de frumos, n timp ce ne
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ndreptam spre Paris. Peisajul era v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lu
rit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nverzit dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irea din ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}, {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i nu-mi venea greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi imaginez de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ce {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai putea dori s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ntr-o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}su{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe-acolo.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntrebat, ntr-o doar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu cumva acesta
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fusese {\f63 \u351\'3f}i motivul stabilirii Sonyei a
colo, dar apoi m-am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zgndit. Tocmai afirmasem fa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Dimitri c{\f63 \u259\'3f} strigoii
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nu erau capabili s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3
f} frumosul. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi n{\f63 \u351\'3f}elat? Oare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1619 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pentru ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cont
eze un peisaj superb?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am descoperit r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}spunsul la ntrebarea mea dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 GPS-ul ne-a condus c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tre lacul Martin.
Nu se vedeau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dect vreo cteva case mpr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f
}tiate n jurul lui, iar dintre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acestea, una era albastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Oprind la
o distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} prudent{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cas{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, Sydney a parcat ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina ct mai la marginea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 drumului i-a fost cu putin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Era strmt, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rginit de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 copaci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de o iarb{\f63 \u259\'3f} nal
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am cobort to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mers pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in pe jos, dar tot men{\f63 \
u355\'3f}inndu-ne la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun.
E o cas{\f63 \u259\'3f} albastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a afirmat Sydney,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pragmatic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar o f
i a ei? Nu v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d vreo cutie po{\f63 \u351\'3f}tal{\f63 \u259\'3f},
sau
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 altceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am privit mai atent{\f63 \u
259\'3f} curtea. Tufe de trandafiri, pline
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de boboci roz {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii
, cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}teau n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a verandei. Co{\f63 \u351\'3f}uri
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pline cu flori albe ale c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ror nume nu
le cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 atrnau de stre{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini, iar volbura albast

r{\f63 \u259\'3f} se c{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra pe un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spalier. n jurul casei, abia distingeam un gard din l
emn.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Peste tot pe el se ntindeau vrejuri cu flori portocal
ii, n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 forma unor trompete.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, o imagine mi-a fulg
erat prin minte, disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la fel de iute pe ct venise. Domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara
Karp, udnd
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ghivecele cu flori din sala ei de clas{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, flori care d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
incredibil de repede {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de nalte. Ca
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 orice adolescent{\f63 \u259\'3f} interesat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fug{\f63 \u259\'3f} de teme
,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndisem prea mult la ele. Abia ma
i trziu,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind-o pe Lissa cum f{\f63 \u259\
'3f}cea plantele s{\f63 \u259\'3f} creasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mboboceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cadrul experien{\f63 \u355
\'3f}elor cu spiritul, am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles ce se petrecuse n clasa domni{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}oarei Karp. Iar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acum, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i deposedat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} de spirit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i posedat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sonya Karp continua s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i ngrijeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} florile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1962 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, am zis.
Chiar e casa ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri s-a apropiat de veranda d
in fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, examinnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri713 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 orice detaliu. Am dat s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-l urmez, dar m-am oprit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce faci? l
-am ntrebat, cu voce sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ar putea s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 te vad{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Alea sunt d
raperii de camuflaj, mi-a explicat,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-se lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine. Nu las{\f63 \u259
\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumina
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici ea nu poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nimic. Mai
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e probabil ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pet
reac{\f63 \u259\'3f} timpul mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mult la parterul casei dect la subsol.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
urmez cu u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ra{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ionamentul. Anul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trecut, cnd fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m captura{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i de strigoi, ne {\f63 \u355\'3f}inuser{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe prietenii mei, ntr-un sub
sol. Nu doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 era convenabil pentru strigoii care voiau s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} evite lumina
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 soarelui, ci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa m
ai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine posibilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de ie{\f63 \
u351\'3f}ire sau de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intrare nedorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era mai u{\f63 \u351
\'3f}or pentru strigoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prizonierii ntr-un subsol. Cu ct aveam mai multe u{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ferestre, cu att era mai bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} cercetez {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe partea cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a anun{\f
63 \u355\'3f}at
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, pornind spre curtea din spate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1075 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 M-am gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit du
p{\f63 \u259\'3f} el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am prins de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Las{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe mine. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt orice strigoi... nu-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ar putea ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar, n fine, pentru orice
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 eventualitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 A ezitat pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}
in, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
nervez la gndul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri606 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} credea n stare. Dar, tocmai atunci, a zis:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2723 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine. Dar fii
atent{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mi-am dat seama
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar era ngrijorat pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4395 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 M-am deplasat n jurul casei
ct am putut de lin {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} zgomot, descoperin
d n scurt timp c{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardul din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lemn avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ngreuneze vederea cur{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii din spate. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 temeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a{\f6

3 \u351\'3f} fi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat pe el, a{\f
63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s-o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 previn pe Sonya n leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'
3f} cu prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 stat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc ce e
de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. Solu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mi-a venit sub
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 forma unui bolovan mare care
z{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} marginea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gardului. L-am tras mai ncoace {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i m-am suit pe el. Nu\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi ajungea ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe
rfect dincolo, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} am putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi pun minile n vrful gardului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} salt ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1566 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 arunc un ochi, cu ct mai pu{\f63
\u355\'3f}in zgomot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Parc-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi p
rivit Gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dina Raiului. Florile din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect prologul. Al{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i trandafiri, magnolii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i meri,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 iri{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un miliard d
e alte flori necunoscute mie. Curtea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din spate a Sonyei era un paradis de culori luxuriant
e.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am depistat ce era necesar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am gr
{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 la Dimitri. Sydney a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta nc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O u{\f63 \
u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} la patio {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ferestr
e, am raportat. Toate
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cu draperii. Mai sunt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un scaun din
lemn pentru
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 verand{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o cazma {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o
roab{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3392 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vreo furc{\f
63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Din nefericire, nu, dar e un pie
troi barosan imediat n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 afara gardului. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i, ar fi greu de luat n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru. Mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 bine-l folosim ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ajute la s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rit gardul. N-are poart{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 n gard. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o a
dev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fort{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat di
n cap n semn de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegere {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai continu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ia, am {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut ce era de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. Am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 luat lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul din ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i l-am ncredin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at lui Sydney. I\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am zis s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte a
far{\f63 \u259\'3f}... cu indica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia strict{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f} plece
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ne ntoarcem ntr-o jum{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tate de or{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Detestam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spun astfel de lucruri {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i chipul lui Sydney mi ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nici ei nu-i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
le-aud{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era inevitabil. Dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n-o nfrngeam pe Sonya n intervalul acesta de timp,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai aveam s-o nvingem nicio
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nici s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai pl
ec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m vii. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n schimb, reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam so
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 supunem, aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m lui Sydney un anumit semnal,
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu lan{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ochii maro-chihlimbarii ai l
ui Sydney erau plini de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te n timp ce ne urm{\f63 \u259\'
3f}reau ntorcndu-ne spre
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 spatele casei. Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a venit
s-o tachinez pentru
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa de do
u{\f63 \u259\'3f} creaturi malefice ale nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 m-am ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut la timp. Putea ea s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i deteste pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dhampiri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moroi din lume, dar la un
moment dat,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ajunsese s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i plac{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de mine. Iar asta nu era
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 de rs.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri s-a c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat pe bolovan {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a cercetat cu
rtea. Mi\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a mai murmurat cteva instruc{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni de ul
tim moment,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m-a prins de mini {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i m-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ltat peste gard.

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea lui a contribu

it mult la desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urarea manevrei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu ct mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ct mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in zgom
ot{\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu chiar deloc. M-a urmat imed
iat, ateriznd
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de mine cu un mic bufnet.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am
{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit amndoi nainte, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3
f} z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bav{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sonya ne-o fi auzit, n-avea rost
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pierdem timpul.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Aveam nevoie de orice avantaj posibil. Dimitri a n{\f
63 \u351\'3f}f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cazmaua {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a repezit-o n geamul u{\f63
\u351\'3f}ii: o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ori. Prima lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost cam la niv
elul capului meu, iar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cea de-a doua, mai jos. Sticla s-a cr{\f63 \u259\'3f
}pat tot mai mult cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiecare izbitur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Imediat dup{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} a doua lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}pustit, trntind roaba n u{\f63 \u351\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ar fi fost mult mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 interesant s-o ridic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-o arunc n gea
m, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era prea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 masiv{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s-o pot ridica prea sus. n c
lipa n care roaba a
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intrat n contact cu sticla dej
a sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cr{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi
le au
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cedat, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmi{\f63 \u
355\'3f}nd-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}i crend o deschiz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
suficient de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mare ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pem amndoi p
rin ea. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, am fost
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nevoi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i amndoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ap
lec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m; mai ales Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Un atac declan{\f63 \u351\'
3f}at simultan din ambele p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ale casei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ar fi fost ideal, dar nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea deloc
probabil ca Sonya s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se repead{\f63 \u259\'3f} afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe u{
\f63 \u351\'3f}a din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Grea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a a
nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cuprind{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ne
-am apropiat de patio, senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 izbindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} for
{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n clipa n care am intrat n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 living. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
destul de repede, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ndeajuns

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrecem cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra

t n vitez{\f63 \u259\'3f} reflexele strigoilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sonya Karp era chiar acolo,
preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntmpine,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd tot posibilul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
evite lumina soarelui rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 living. Prima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd l v{\f63 \u259\'
3f}zusem pe Dimitri n chip de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, fusesem att de {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, nct ncremenisem.
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Momentul meu de paralizie i permisese s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 captureze, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} de da
ta asta m-am ncordat mintal,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam s{\f63
\u259\'3f} resimt acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc la vederea fostei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mele profesoare, devenit{\f63 \u259\'3f} strigoi. {\
f63 \u350\'3f}i\i a fost,\i0 ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocant. Exact ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la
el, att de multe dintre tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sonyei erau neschimbate: p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul castani
u-ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pome{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii nal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i... ns{\f63
\u259\'3f} frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea i era schimonosit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate celelalte caracteristici ngrozitoare: pielea alb
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 precum creta, ochii ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i expresia aceea de cruzime
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le fie c
omun{\f63 \u259\'3f} tuturor strigoilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-o fi
recunoscut, n-a dat niciun semn, ci s-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aruncat spre Dimitri, mrind {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ar{\f63
\u259\'3f}tndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Era o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tactic{\f63 \u259\'3f} obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63
\u259\'3f} pentru strigoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ocupe mai nti de
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pericolul cel mai mare, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f} scia faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntotdeauna l considerau astfel pe Dim
itri. El {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndesase {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a la curea,
ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lua cazmaua
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru cu el. Cazmaua nu putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} omoare un strigoi,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dar cu suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f} putere {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i elan, categoric era n stare s-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Sonya la dista
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}. Dimitri a lovit-o c
u
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ea n um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} prima te
ntativ{\f63 \u259\'3f} de asalt, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a dobort-o, oricum a determinat-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} s

e mai gndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nainte de urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea ncercare de atac.
Au nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 roteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cerc, unul n fa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}a celuilalt, ca lupii preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierare, n timp ce ea {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i evalua {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansele. Un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 singur asalt, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
ei superioar{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l d{\f63 \u259\'3f}rme, cu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sau f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} cazma.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Toate acestea s-au derulat n
doar cteva secunde, iar
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 calculele Sonyei m{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}
saser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n afara ecua{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei. Mi-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lansat propria {\f63 \u351\'3f}arj{\f63 \u259\'3f},
izbind-o din partea cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 m-a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut venind cu coada ochiului {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i a ripostat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 instantaneu, aruncndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe jos, f{\f63
\u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ia pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreo clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} ochii de pe Dimitri. Mi-ar
fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cazmaua la mine, ca s-o pot lovi de la o distan{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Tot ce aveam era {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu ea trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}, di
n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moment ce putea s-o ucid{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cercetnd la
repezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 livingul ei bizar de normal, n-am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} descop{\f63 \u259\'3f}r vreo
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 poten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f} arm{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 La un moment dat, Sonya a f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o fent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar Dimitri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat p{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}lit. A reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se redreseze n ultimul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 moment, n timp ce ea {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}n
ea n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, vrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} profite de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ocazie. L-a mbrncit de perete {\f63 \u355\'3f}intuindul acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 zburndu-i cazmaua din mn{\f63
\u259\'3f}. El s-a zb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 scape, dar minile ei i s-au ncle{\f63
\u351\'3f}tat de gt. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncerca s-o trag de pe el, for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea, a
d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat{\f63 \u259\'3f} celei a lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, putea probabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l eliberez
e. Voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac asta
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ct mai repede posibil, n orice caz, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dau o lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} de

{\f63 \u351\'3f}oc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am alergat spre ea, cu {\f63
\u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a n mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 implantat-o n omoplatul drept, spernd s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} nu nimeresc
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prin apropierea inimii. Argintul fermecat, att de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 chinuitor pentru pielea strigoilor, a f{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cut-o urle de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 durere. nnebunit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-a mbrncit cu o for{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} uluitoare
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru un strigoi
. Am c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe spate,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dezechilibrndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lo
vindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu capul de o m{\f63 \u259\'3f}su{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Vederea mi s-a nce{\f63 \u355\'3f}o{\f63 \u351\'3f}at
pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} instinctul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adrenalina m-au readus pe picioare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Atacul meu i oferise lui Dimi
tri frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 secund{\f63 \u259\'3f} de care nevoie. Imediat, a do
bort-o pe Sonya la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 podea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a nh{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}at {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a nfipt{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine, pot
rivind-o la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gtul ei. Sonya a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\
'3f}ipe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se zvrcoleasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 eu m-am apropiat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ajut, {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tiind ct de greu e s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 imobilizezi un strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1028 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ad-o pe Sydne
y..a morm{\f63 \u259\'3f}it el. Lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat ct de r
epede am putut, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ochilor mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63
\u355\'3f}uiau stele verzi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i umbre. Am descuiat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am deschis-o cu piciorul, n chip de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 semnal, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care am alergat napoi la D
imitri. Sonya
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse progrese nsemnate n privin{\f63
\u355\'3f}a ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii lui. M\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cad n genunc
hi, ajutndu-l pe Dimitri s-o
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259
\'3f} pe loc. n ochii lui ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i acel nesa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboinic, o expres
ie care spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voia s-o distrug{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imediat, pe loc. Dar mai era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altcev
a. Ceva care m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} era mai st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pn pe sine, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbele pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care i le spusesem pe alee chiar avuseser{\f63 \u259\
'3f} impact.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Oricum, am {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
previn.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem nevoi
e de ea... aminte{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem nev
oie
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 de ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
printr-o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are, exact n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timp ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea apari{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sydney, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd dup{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul. La vederea scenei, a c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}scat ochii, dar a ezitat doar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
are s-a gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit spre noi.\i Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tot facem noi o lupt{\f63 \u
259\'3f}toare din ea,\i0 mi-am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
mine ne-am ndreptat aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia spre
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea etap{\f63 \u259\'3f} a mis
iunii. Depistaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m deja cel mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bun loc n care s-o {\f63 \u355\'3f}inem legat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} pe Sonya: un fotoliu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 masiv, greu, extensibil, dintr-un col{\f63 \u355\'3f}
. Ridicnd-o {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 manevr{\f63 \u259\'3f} periculoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, di
n moment ce continua s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 zbat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nebune{\f63 \u351\'3f}te {\f63
\u8212\'3f} am aruncat-o pe fotoliu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Apoi, ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-i {\f63
\u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a pe gt, Dimitri a ncercat s-o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe loc, iar eu am
apucat lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu aveam timp s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc la vreun sistem anume.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Am nceput doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u351\'3f}or, mai nti n jurul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 picioarelor, apoi, ct am putut de bine, n jurul bustul
ui,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i imobilizez bra{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ele lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} corp. Slav{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Domnului, Dimitri cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}rase un lan{\f
63 \u355\'3f} lung, nu glum{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am gr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}bit nebune{\f63 \u351\'3f}te s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \
u351\'3f}or n jurul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fotoliului, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd tot posibilul s-o fi
xez acolo.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb80\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cnd, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}
it, s-a terminat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul, Sonya era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 imobilizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} destul
de bine. Era lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul ceva de care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} elibera? F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63
\u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu o {\f63 \u355\'3f}ep
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 argint la gt? Nu prea lesne. Cu acestea amndou{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}... ei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bine, acum era prizoniera noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ma
i bine de-att nici
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sper{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am schimbat cu Dimitri o pr
ivire scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, istovit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, dar m-am luptat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec peste asta,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} misiunea noa
str{\f63 \u259\'3f} era departe de a se fi ncheiat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri386 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A sosit vremea
ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor, am rostit, ndrjit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri1941 \expndt
w-15 \b \f20 \fs40 {\f63 \u350\'3f}APTEPREZECE
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-2 \b \f20
\fs24 INTEROGATORIUL N-A DECURS\b0 chiar att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4436 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A, sigur, am lansat amenin{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri din bel{\f63 \u351\'3f}ug {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne-a
m
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 folosit {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele n chip
de instrumente pentru tortur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu ne-am ales cu prea mare lucru. Dimitri nc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor n timp ce se
ocupa de Sonya, dar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 izbucnirea cu Donovan, avea grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu cad{\f63 \u259\'3f} iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 acea furie turbat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era mai s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tos pentru el, la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu prea favorabil pentru smulgerea prin nfrico{\f63 \u
351\'3f}are a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor de la Sonya. Nu ne era
de ajutor nici faptul
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nu aveam ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri chiar concrete pe car
e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i le
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400

\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 adres{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. n pri
ncipal, era o serie pe care o tot repetam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} mai exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} un Dragomir? Era rud{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mama
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 acestuia? Unde sunt mama {\f63 \u351\'3f}i copilul? S
itua{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult cnd Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat seama c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aveam prea mare nevoie de ea nct s-o ucidem, orict
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am fi torturat-o noi cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a din argint.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut-o a
stfel mai mult de o or{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncepuser{\f63 \u259\'3f
}m
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}im epuiza{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i. Eu, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in. M-am rezemat de un
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 perete n apropierea Sonyei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu toat
e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am constata
t c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bazam pe perete un pic mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mult dect mi-ar fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} recunosc, n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnerii mele n picioare. O vreme, nici
unul dintre noi
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 n-a mai spus nimic. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i Sonya renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mrielile ei amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}toar
e. St{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea doar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i privea atent{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\
'3f} pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i salvarea, nchipuindu-{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} obosim pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci. T{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea aceea era mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare dect toate
amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile din lume.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Eram obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca stri
goii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cuvinte ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} intimideze. Nicio
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi trecuse prin minte
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ct{\f63 \u259\'3f} putere putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib
{\f63 \u259\'3f} o atitudine t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i o privire
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-ai p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}it la cap, Rose? m-a ntrebat Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 observndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eram un pic cu gndurile n alt{
\f63 \u259\'3f} parte; mi-a trebuit
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ceva timp pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau
seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbea cu mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}H{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}? am ng{\f63 \u259\'3f}imat, mpingndu-mi spre tmple
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1182 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63 \u355\'

3f}ele care-mi acopereau o parte a frun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Degetele mi-au r{\f63
\u259\'3f}mas lipicioase de snge,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}ndu-mi vagi am
intiri despre ciocnirea cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}su{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. Am ridicat din
umeri, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ignor
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}eal{\
f63 \u259\'3f} resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2546 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am nimic, i
-am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri i-a adresat lui Sydney c
ea mai rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f} privire
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4147 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 posibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Du-te cu ea
, pune-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntind{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cur{\f63 \
u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i rana.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 N-o l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} adoarm{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim siguri c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} n-a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 avut o como{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba nu, nu s
e poate, m-am mpotrivit. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te las
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 singur cu ea...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} descurc, mi-a zis el. Odihne{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-te, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe urm{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. Nu-mi e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti de niciun folos dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} le{\f63
\u351\'3f}ini.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am mai ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} protestez, dar n clipa n care
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sydney m-a apucat, cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, de bra{
\f63 \u355\'3f}, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tin{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura mea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 m-a tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dat. M-a condus n singurul dorm
itor din cas{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 spre marele meu necaz. Mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ce
va sinistru s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau n patul unui strigoi... chiar
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era nvelit cu o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cuvertur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu un motiv floral n albastr
u {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alb.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mam{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, am exclamat, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-mi capul pe pern{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri924 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce Sydney mia cur{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at rana de pe frunte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n ciuda refuzului meu de mai
devreme, pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 odihn{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea gr
ozav{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuiesc, i-am zis lui Sydney c
u
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ciud{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}enia faptului ca
un strigoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} o locuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f} att
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2340 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 de... normal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tu
cum rezi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai
bine dect voi, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea, nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urndu
-se cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i examinnd stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea. n prezen{\f63 \u355
\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri353 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 strigoilor, voi ncepe{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi mai p{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u355\'3f}i att de r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, m{\f63
\u259\'3f}car a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceva bun din toate astea,
am
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 remarcat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} glu
ma ei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ngrozit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am dat
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nchid ochii, dar m-am trezit tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind
cnd Sydney m-a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mpuns n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu dormi,
m-a mustrat ea. R{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi treaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vorbe
{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 cu mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 N-am nicio como{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ie, am bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit. Dar presupun c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 am putea recapitula planurile prin care s-o facem pe
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Sonya s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sydney s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
ezat la picioarele patului, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd o
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 strmb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri366 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu te sup{\f63

\u259\'3f}ra, dar eu nu prea cred c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cedeze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} cedeze, dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} stea cteva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3594 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 zile f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} snge.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2620 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney s-a albit la fa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3361 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cteva zile?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1574 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n fine, ct o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fie nevoie ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Un ghimpe de emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
e a zburat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mine prin
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura cu Lissa,
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncremenesc. Sydney a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit ca ars{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63
\u259\'3f}getnd cu privirea mprejur, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat ca un grup de strigoi s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}leasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} deodat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2393 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-ai p{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}it? a strigat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2080 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc la Lissa.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri2240 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar n-a
i voie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} adormi...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1322 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu dorm, am r
eplicat, cu brutalitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu asta, mi-a
m luat zborul din dormitorul Sonyei,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2472 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunznd n mintea
Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 C{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}torea ntr-un microbuz, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu cinci alte
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 persoane pe care le-am recunoscut imediat ca fiind a
l{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nominaliza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pentru alegerea monarhulu
i. Microbuzul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea opt locuri, n el aflndu-se un gardian pe post de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ofer {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un altul care

st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea cu ochii pe Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}itorii ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fiecare va
fi l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat ntr-un alt loc, la marginea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}durii, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i va fi dota
t cu o hart{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o busol{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u3
54\'3f}elul final
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 este s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajunge{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la des
tina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia marcat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe hart{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri297 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} se face ziu{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnd vom veni s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} lu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cei
lal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nominaliza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-au privit, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f
} care,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aproape ca unul singur, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au ntors pri
virile spre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 geamurile microbuzului. Era aproape amiaz{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, iar soarele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsa cu generozitate. {\f63 \u82
22\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptarea pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} se face
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ziu{\f63 \u259\'3f}" nu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie pl
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nici nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 imposibilitate. Cu un gest absent, Lissa {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i-a sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rpinat un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mic pansament de pe bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}, dar {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i-a dat imediat seama,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 oprindu-se. I-am descifrat gndurile, aflnd despre ce e
ra
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vorba: un punctule{\f63 \u355\'3f} minuscul, aproape
imperceptibil,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tatuat n pielea ei. Era, de fapt, asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}
n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor cu al lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney: snge {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt, am
estecate cu constrngere.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Orict de tabu ar fi fost constrngerea printre moroi, a
ici
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 era o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie special{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Farmecul acestui tatuaj i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mpiedica pe candida{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luie celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i neim
plica{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri928 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n ce constau testele. Acesta era c
el dinti test.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe ce gen
de teren ne trimite{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? a ntrebat vehement
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Marcus Lazar. Nu avem cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii aceea{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Nu este corect ca unii dintre noi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} b

eneficieze de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 avantaje.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1243 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Era cu ochii pe Lissa n timp ce
vorbea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Este mult de mer
s pe jos, a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at gardianul,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu o expresie serioas{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Dar nimic din ceea ce oricare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 candidat {\f63 \u8212\'3f} de oricare vrst{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n-ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} suporte.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, sincer s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, pri
ntre calit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile solicitate unui rege sau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unei regine se num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i un anumit nivel de vigoare
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Vrsta aduce odat{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cu ea n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elepciunea, dar un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 monarh trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tos. n niciun caz sportiv, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat gardianul, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Marcus deschide gura.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n-ar fi bie pentru moroi s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} un monarh
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 boln{\f63 \u259\'3f}vicios, care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-un an. E un adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r aspru,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dar adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r. De asemenea, va trebui s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i capabili s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ndura{\f63 \u355\'3f}i situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de dis
confort. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu rezista{\f63 \u355\'3f}i o zi n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 soare, nu pute{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\
f63 \u259\'3f} descurca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nici cu o {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Consiliu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} avusese n inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o glum{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, dar era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dai seama,
din moment ce nu zmbea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Totu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i, nu este o ntrecere, a precizat mai departe.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu v{\f63 \u259\'3f} gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bi{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajunge{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la sosire dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
ste necesar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mai z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Pe hart{
\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt marcate locurile n care au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fost ascunse anumite obiecte... care v{\f63 \u259\'3f
} vor face sarcina
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai suportabil{\f63 \u259\'3f
} n cazul n care pute{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} descifra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4107 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 indiciile.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Putem s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ne folosim magia? a ntrebat Ariana
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Szelsky.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Nici ca nu era tn{\f63 \u259
\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta c{\f63 \u259\'3f}lit{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 accepte o ncercare a rezisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri969 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, pute{\f63
\u355\'3f}i, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, solemn, gardianul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Exist{\f63 \u259
\'3f} vreun pericol pe acolo? s-a interesat un alt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1286 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 candidat, Ronald Ozera. n afara s
oarelui?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acesta, a re
plicat gardianul, pe un ton misterios,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 este un r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns pe care va trebui s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-l afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i singuri. Dar,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 oricnd ve{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A scos un s{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
le{\f63 \u355\'3f} cu telefoane mobile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a dat cte
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 unul fiec{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia. Apoi a mp{\f63 \u259\'
3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}it h{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i bus
ole.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Suna{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i la num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul programat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vom veni s{\f63
\u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Nimeni n-a mai avut nevoie s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cear{\f63 \u259\'3f} preciz{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 despre mesajul ascuns n spatele acestor cuvinte.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Apelarea acelui num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r nsemna s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} scapi de lunga zi de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncercare a rezisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei. Dar mai nsemna {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai picat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 testul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \
u351\'3f}eai din cursa pentru tron. Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a privit
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}t telefonul, oarecum surprins{
\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car semnal. Plecaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cam de o or{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la Curte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 naintaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} bine n peisajul rural. Un {\f
63 \u351\'3f}ir de copaci a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 determinat-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nchi
puie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se apropiau de destina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Un test
de rezisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era tocmai
la ce
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptase. ncerc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ril

e prin care trecea viitorul monarh

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 erau de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}l
uite n mister, dobndind o
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 reputa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie apr
oape mistic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Testul de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un
ul destul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de practic, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa
i n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegea ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Marcus, nu. ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, nu era o compe
ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie atletic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 gardianul avusese dreptate afirmnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
viitorul monarh
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} posede un anumit nivel de
condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Aruncnd o privire pe dosul h{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ii, unde erau n{\f63 \u351\'3f}iruite
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 indiciile, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat seama c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} le va fi pus la ncercare
\plain\expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionamentul. Toate
, lucruri extrem de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fundamentale... dar esen{\f63 \u355\'3f}iale pentru g
uvernarea unei
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 na{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Microbuzul i-a l{\f63 \u259
\'3f}sat, unul cte unul, n diferite puncte
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de pornire. Cu fiecare candidat cobort, sporea {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea Lissei.\i Nu e niciun mot
iv de nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te,\i0 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a zis.
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 Nu trebuie dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezist unei zile n
sorite.\i0 Ea a fost
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 penultima debarcat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, doar Ariana r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}mnd n urma ei. n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 clipa n care s-a deschis u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, Ariana a
atins-o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urel pe
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3182 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Succes, drag{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
cu un zmbet scurt. Testele acelea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsemnau doa
r un {\f63 \u351\'3f}iretlic din partea Lissei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pentru Ariana contau cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, a{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa s-a rugat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ca mai vrstnica femeie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} trece cu succes prin ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas{\f63 \
u259\'3f} singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} plecarea microbuzului, Lis
sa a

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fost cuprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tulburare. Simplul t

est de rezisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea dintr-o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} mult
mai descurajant {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai dificil.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Era pe cont propriu, ceea ce nu i se ntmpla prea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 frecvent. Fusesem al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de ea n cea
mai mare parte a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar cnd pl
ecasem, avea prieteni n preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dar acum? Nu era dect ea, cu h
arta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu telefonul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1520 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mobil. Iar telefonul mobil i era
inamic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 S-a dus la marginea p{\f63
\u259\'3f}durii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a oprit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
studieze
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 harta. Un stejar desenat mare nsemna startul, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 indica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se porneas
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre nord-vest. Cercetnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 copacii, Lissa a recunoscut trei ar{\f63 \u355\'3f}ar
i, un brad {\f63 \u351\'3f}i... un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 stejar. ndreptndu-se spre el, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a s
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni un zmbet.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} altcineva avea tot repere botani
ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 plantele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i arborii, putea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ia adio de la candidatur{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 chiar de la nceput.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Busola era una clasic{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} comoditatea GPS-ului
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aici. Lissa nu se mai folosise niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de o astfel de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 busol{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i latura mea
protectoare ar fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n ajutor. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ar fi trebuit s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc mai bine.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa era inteligent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat seama lesne cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} procedeze. ndreptndu-se spre
nord-vest, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns n p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dure. Cu toa
te c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu exista vreo potec{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 delimitat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, solul p{\f63 \u259\'3f}du
rii nu era acoperit de o vegeta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 excesiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nici pres{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra
t cu prea multe obstacole.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Partea pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} a faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se afla n p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dure er
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 arborii blocau par{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial p{\f63 \u259\'3

f}trunderea soarelui. Tot nu

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nsemna o vreme ideal{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru moroi, da
r era mai bine
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat ntr-un
de{\f63 \u351\'3f}ert. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile cntau, iar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 peisajul era luxuriant {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nverzit. Aten
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sesizeze
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul punct de reper, Lissa a ncer
cat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se relaxeze
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri191 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nchipuie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era dect o drume{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ie de pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}iu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i... i era greu, cu attea n minte. Abe {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prieteni preluaser{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} acum sarcina cercet{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 punerii ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rilor cu privire la crim{\f63 \u259\'3f}. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dormeau n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} era toiul nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pentru moroi {\f63 \u
8212\'3f} ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia cnd avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i putea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni ciuda fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de ct timp i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pea testul acesta. Ba
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu, i\i irosea\i0 timpul. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-ar fi d
orit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajuta n mod
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 activ.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Gndurile ei nvolburate au fos
t ct pe ce s-o conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 drept pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul
ei punct de reper: un copac
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut de-o ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nicie. Er
a acoperit de mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}chi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o mare
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 parte din lemn putrezise. Pe hart{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o
stea l nsemna ca
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fiind locul unui indiciu. Desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63
\u351\'3f}f{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i harta, a citit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3802 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarele:
\plain\par
\sl-276\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1585 \expndtw-5 \b\i \f20 \fs24 Cres
c\b0 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i scad. Gonesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63
\u259\'3f}sc.
\plain\expndtw-9 \b\i \f20 \fs24 Urmeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 -\b0\i mi glasul, de{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1173 \expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 Niciodata nu plec, dar hoin
{\f63 \u259\'3f}resc de zor:

\plain\expndtw-8 \i \f20 \fs24 Plutesc pe cer {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-n tin{\f63 \u259

\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} strecor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1386 \expndtw-10 \i \f20 \fs24 Am taini{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ascuns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu am avere,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1011 \expndtw-9 \i \f20 \fs24 De-mi vei g{\f63 \u259\'3f}
si declinul, vei c{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta putere.
\plain\par
\sl-275\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri4246 \expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 Hm.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n clipa aceea, mintea mi-era goal{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} a Lissei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 func{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona n vitez{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. A citit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i recitit versurile, examinnd
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fiecare cuvin{\f63 \u355\'3f}el n parte, precum {\f63
\u351\'3f}i felul n care fiecare
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie contrasta cu precedenta.\i
Nicicnd nu plec.\i0 De\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aici trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pornesc, a tras ea con
cluzia. E ceva
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 permanent. Privind n jur, s-a gndit la copaci, dar apo
i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 i-a scos din ecua{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Copacii puteau
oricnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ia{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i du{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i de-acolo. Atent{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea departe de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trunchiul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, a d
at roat{\f63 \u259\'3f} zonei, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1131 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Teoretic, totul era trec{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tor. Dar ce r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 Urmeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m
i glasul.\i0 Oprindu-se n loc, a nchis ochii,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 absorbind sunetele din jurul ei. n general, p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Cnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cnd, fo{\f63 \u351\'3f}net de frunz
e. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a d
eschis ochii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a pornit iute spre dreapta.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sunetul pe care-l auzise cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea, bol
borosind {\f63 \u351\'3f}i susurnd.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-\b 1\b0 . Un mic pru curgea prin p{
\f63 \u259\'3f}dure, cu greu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sesizabil. ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, p{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rea prea mititel pentru albia
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n jurul lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar pun pa
riu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} plou{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cre{\f63 \u351\

'3f}ti, a murmurat
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ea, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-i pese c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbea cu un curs de ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a aruncat
din nou privirea asupra indiciilor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it cum mintea ei ager{\f63 \u259\
'3f} pune totul cap la cap. Prul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 era statornic, dar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f
}torea. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot schimba m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rimea.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Avea glas. Curgea n locuri adnci, se tra pe unde
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntlnea obstacole. Iar cnd se evapora\b ,\b0 plutea pe c
er.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ajungnd acolo, s-a ncruntat, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nedumeri
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 parte a ghicitorii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri669 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar unde e dec
linul? a ntrebat cu voce tare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A mai examinat o dat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} zona, gndindu-se nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} declinul se putea
referi la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a oric{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei plante.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Privirea i s-a plimbat pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} un ar{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ar masiv, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 a revenit brusc la el. La baza arborelui, cre{\f63 \u
351\'3f}tea un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunchi de ciuperci albe {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i maronii, unele dintre ele
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}tejite {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nnegrite.
S-a repezit ntr-acolo, s-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 genunchi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i atunci a observat-o: o mi
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} groap{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt, n apropi
ere. Aplecndu-se spre ea, a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1020 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de culoare:
un s{\f63 \u259\'3f}cule{\f63 \u355\'3f} purpuriu, cu {\f63 \u351\'3f}nur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Triumf{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare,
Lissa l-a scos de-acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ridicat.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f}cule{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul era din pnz{\f
63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea un {\f63 \u351\'3f}nur lung, care-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 permitea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l atrne d
e um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r n timp ce mergea.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Deschizndu-\b 1\b0 , a aruncat o privire n{\f63 \u259\'
3f}untru. Acolo,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ndesat n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ptu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eala pufo
as{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moale, se afla cel mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ios lucru din lume: o sticl{\f63
\u259\'3f} cu ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum, Lissa
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse seama ct de
nfierbntat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 deshidratat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajunsese s{\f63 \u259\'3

f} fie. Candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}tui{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poarte nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}minte rezistent{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ve{\f63
\u351\'3f}minte practice,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu li se permisese s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ia niciun fel de provizii.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Descoperirea sticlei era nepre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezndu-se pe
trunchiul pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a luat un r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}gaz,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 grijulie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}streze ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De{\f63 \u351\'3f}i harta mai semnala
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vreo cteva alte indicii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u8222
\'3f}recompense", {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} conteze neap{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rat pe alte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}cule{\f63 \u355\'3f}e la fel de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ndatoritoare. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, d
up{\f63 \u259\'3f} o odihn{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cteva minute, a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pus sticla la loc n s{\f63 \u259\'3f}cule{\f63 \u355\
'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a atrnat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}cule{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ul pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r. Harta o ndruma spre vest, a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre vest a
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 pornit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ar{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}a o dogorea n timp ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i continua drumul,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 oblignd-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vr
eo cteva popasuri (cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 economie) pentru hidratare. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot spu
nea n sinea ei c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu era o ntrecere {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
trebuia s-o ia mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreo alte cteva indicii, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat seama
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} harta nu era
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 tocmai la scar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu totdeauna era clar ct de lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie fiecare etap{\f63 \u259\
'3f} a expedi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei. Dar, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a,
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era ncntat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori
de cte ori dezlega cte un indiciu, cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri501 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} recompens
ele deveniser{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot mai derutante.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 U'na dintre ele fusese repr
ezentat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunchi de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 be{\f63 \u355\'3f}e a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe o piatr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} jure c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} era o

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u25

9\'3f} n-ar fi fost evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 civilizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} le strnsese ntr-o leg{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i le vrse n sac,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de o prelat{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
in plastic verde, ngrijit mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}turit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Acum, transpira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
roia deja, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i suflecas
e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mnecile bluzei din bumbac cu guler r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sf
rnt n-o ajuta
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 prea mult. Popasurile au devenit mai frecvente. Arsu
rile
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 din cauza soarelui deveniser{\f63 \u259\'3f} un motiv
serios de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ngrijorare, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pent
ru ea a nsemnat o uria{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 momentul n care urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul ei indiciu a
dus-o spre un
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 flacon cu lo{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune protectoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo do
u{\f63 \u259\'3f} ore de lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ar{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\
'3f}a intens{\f63 \u259\'3f} a verii,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ajuns s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se simt{\f63 \u259\'
3f} att de ncins{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de istovit{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nct nu-i mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea destul{\f63 \u259\'3
f} energie mental{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} griji pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pi
erdea ce s-ar fi putut petrece la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Curte. Tot ceea ce mai conta era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aj
ung{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu bine la
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul testului. Harta i mai ar{\f63
\u259\'3f}ta nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} indicii, ceea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ce i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea un semn promi{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Curnd, avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 la fini{\f63 \u351\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care, p
ur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte pn{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 venea cineva s-o ia. Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a str{\f
63 \u259\'3f}fulgerat-o o idee.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Prelata. Prelata putea s-o apere de soare, {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i-a dat ea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 seama. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}adar, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la u
rm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tot i era de folos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi363 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Descoperirea a avut darul s
-o nveseleasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la fel ca
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul premiu ob{
\f63 \u355\'3f}inut: din nou, ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie moale, cu borur
i largi, care o ajuta s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}posteasc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de soare. Din nefericire, pe urm{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, ceea

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ce p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fie o etap{\f63 \u259\'3f} scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\
f63 \u259\'3f}toriei s-a dovedit de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori mai lung{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ct se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptase. Cnd, n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, a ajuns la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
torul indiciu, mai mult o interesa
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ia o pauz{\f63 \
u259\'3f} pentru hidratare dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la iveal{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce i-or mai fi l{\f63 \u259
\'3f}sat acolo gardienii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-era mil{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
e ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi doream att de mult s-o fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 putut ajuta. Asta mi-era menirea, s-o protejez. Ea n
-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sau da? Nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i asta parte din test? ntr-o lume n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care cei din familiile regale erau aproape permanent
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nconjura{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de gardieni, singur{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tatea aceasta trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsemnat un {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc total. Moroii erau vigur
o{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aveau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}uri excelente, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u erau f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pentru ar{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru mersul pe terenuri dificile. Eu probabil c-a{\
f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 parcurs traseul n pas alerg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Bine,
recunosc, nu sunt
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f} fi avut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aptitudinile deductive ale Lissei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 la descifrarea indiciilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Cea din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
recompens{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru Lissa a constat ntr\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un amnar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o cremene, cu toate c{\f63
\u259\'3f} ea habar n-avea ce
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reprezinte. Eu le-am recuno
scut instantaneu ca
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fiind unelte pentru aprins focul, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nici prin cap nu-mi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trecea motivul pentru care ar fi avut nevoie s{\f63
\u259\'3f} aprind{\f63 \u259\'3f} un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 foc ntr-o zi ca asta. Ridicnd din umeri, ea {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i-a vrt
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 obiectele n sac {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
continuat drumul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i atunci a n
ceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} se r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 nu glum{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par

\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 La nceput, ea n-a con{\
f63 \u351\'3f}tientizat-o pe deplin, n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 principal din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} soarele str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucea mai departe, la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fel de aprins. Creierul i spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de
fapt, ceea ce
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea era cu neputin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pielea ca de g{\f63 \u259\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}n
itul din{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor l contraziceau. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a tras mnecile la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 loc n jos {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a gr{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}bit pasul, dorindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ca subita
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}corire s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost m{\
f63 \u259\'3f}car nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de nori
i care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 acopere soarele. Mersul mai iute {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c
onsumul mai mare
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de energie i ncingeau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai tare corpu
l.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2303 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd a nceput p
loaia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S-a pornit ca o bur{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, preschimbndu-se apoi ntr-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ploaie moc{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, transformndu-se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o perdea continu{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ap{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}mintele i se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mbibaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} deja, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd ca
frigul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 insuportabil. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
... soarele str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-acum,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lumina lui iritndu-i pielea sensibil{\f63 \u259\'3f},
dar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 compenseze prin c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldur{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era\i magie,\i0 a n{\f63 \u
355\'3f}eles ea.\i Vremea se datora magiei.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea parte din test. Cumva, utilizat
ori moroi ai magiei
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aerului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a apei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i uni
ser{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, sfidnd vremea
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 nsorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, canicular{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Deasta avea prelata: s-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}posteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de soare,
dar\i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\i0 de ploaie. S-a gndit dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s-o scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din sac {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}oare n ea ca ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pelerin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} la fel de
repede s-a hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte pn{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cnd ajunge n punctul final. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n-a

vea habar ct de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 departe putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie, de fapt. Dou{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}uzeci de pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i?
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeci de kilometri? Umezeala rece o
nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luia,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 intrndu-i n piele. Era groaznic.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Telefonul mobil din s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cule{\f63 \u355\'3f} nsemna biletul ei de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire. Abia era du
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}-amiaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} trzie. Mai avea destul de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ncheiere
a testului. Nu trebuia dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 apeleze un num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r... un singur num{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pa de toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nenorocirea asta, putnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntoarc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} la ceea ce avea de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut la Curte.\i Ba nu.\i0 Scnteia h
ot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrii i s-a aprins n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 minte. Acum, provocarea nu mai {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea
doar de c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigarea
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 tronului moroilor sau de descoperirea asasinului
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tatianei. Era un test pe care trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-l treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru ea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Dusese pn{\f63 \u
259\'3f} acum o via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} lejer{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i ferit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 se protejat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
Acum, trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndure totul de una
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea acea
sta a condus-o pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul h{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ii,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 un lumini{\f63 \u351\'3f} nconjurat de copaci. Doi di
ntre ei erau mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}run{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i suficient de apropia{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntre ei nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ntinderea prelatei ca ad{\f
63 \u259\'3f}post rezonabil. Cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 degetele nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ate, nesigure, a reu{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}it s-o scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din sac {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s-o desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}oare la ntrea
ga ei m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rime... care, din fericire,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea cu mult ceea c
e-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i imaginase. Buna dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i revin{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe m
{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ntindea prelata {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea seama cum putea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i construiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un acoperi{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mititel. Cum a terminat, s-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i strec
urat sub el, bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} scap{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ploaie.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dar asta nu schimba cu nimi
c faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ud{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 la piele. Sau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}mntul era ud... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i noroios. De
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 asemenea, prelata n-o ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i de frig. Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea o und{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciune, amintindu-{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i ce spusese gardianul, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cadrul testului era permis{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebin{\f
63 \u355\'3f}area magiei.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n momentul acela, ei n
u i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse c{\f63 \u259\'3f} magia ar putea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi de folos, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum
vedea limpede avantajul de a fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 utilizator al apei, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} erai capa
bil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} manevrezi ploaia
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-o ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtezi de tin
e. Sau, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai bine: s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 utilizator al focului. I-ar fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost Christian cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ea. I-ar fi prins bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura lui, m
agia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}rile.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de genul acesta, s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fii utilizator al
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spiritului era na{\f63 \u351\'3f}pa r{\f63 \u259\'3f
}u... n afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cazul posibil n care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-ar alege cu un {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc hipotermic {\f63
\u351\'3f}i ar avea nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lecuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} (cee
a ce niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea la fel de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bine ca atunci cnd i lecuia pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii). N
u, a tras ea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 concluzia. Nu exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici urm{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}: utilizatorii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri332 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 apei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ai focului
erau avantaja{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n cadrul acestui test.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri53 \fi60 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i acela a
fost momentul n care i s-a luminat mintea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri4064 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 Focul!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ndreptat spina
rea n locul n care se ghemuise.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu recunoscuse amnarul {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i cremenea ca fiind ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 erau, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum, vagi amintiri despre a
prinderea unui foc
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau n minte. Nici
odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu i se predaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} astfel de

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, n mod direct

, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era destul de sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prin ciocnirea celor dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre ele ar
ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine o scnteie...
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} lemne uscate. Or, totul pe-acolo era
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mbibat de ploaie...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia l
eg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii de be{\f63 \u355\'3f}e din sacul ei. Rznd
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 zgomotos le-a dezlegat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i le-a a{\f63
\u351\'3f}ezat ntr-un loc
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}postit de ploaie. Dup{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ce le-a aranjat n ceea ce i s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi un tipar
favorabil aprinderii unui foc de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 tab{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ncercat s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama cum trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 procedeze cu amnarul {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i cremenea. Din filme, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era de
-ajuns s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le ciocne{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ntre ele, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri154 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 gata, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau scntei
le. Prin urmare, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a a procedat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3830 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} alte trei ncer
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, entuziasmul ei de adineauri a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat locul unei frus
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri ntunecate de spirit. I-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 absorbit-o par{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial, avnd nevoie de ea c
oncentrat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. La
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cea de-a patra ncercare, a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit o scnt
eie, dar a zburat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-a stins; totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, era tot ce-i trebui
a ei ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleag{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 principiul. N-a trecut mult pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 scntei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} efect n contact cu lemnul. Sus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i jos:
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dipozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ei era ca un montagne-russe,
oscilnd ntre
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}gire.\i Nu renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}a,\i0 a{\f63 \u351\'
3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce-i mai absorbeam din negativism.\i Nu ceda.
\i0 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai fi vrut eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dau {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i o lec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie despre aprinderea
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri195 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 focului, dar asta ar fi nsemnat s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc limitele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind-o, a
m nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg ct de mult i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 subestimasem inteligen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. {\f63 \u350
\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntotdeauna mi-o imaginasem ca fiind neajutorat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 astfel de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Ei, uite c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nu era. Era capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 judece conjunctura. Scnteia aceea minuscul{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nu putuse
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund{\f63 \u259\
'3f} n lemnul be{\f63 \u355\'3f}elor. Avea nevoie de o flac{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai mare. Avea nevoie de ceva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aprinde
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de la scnteie. Dar ce? Categoric, nimic din p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}durea
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 mbibat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, ochii i-au c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}zut pe harta care i se i{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea din sac.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 N-a avut dect o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ezitare pn{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rup{\f63 \u259\'3f} hrtia,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sf{\f63 \u351\'3f}iind-o n buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ngr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}dind-o deasupra
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 surcelelor. Presupunea c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ajunsese la cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul expedi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu mai avea nevo
ie de hart{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Presupunea. Dar acum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era prea trziu, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dus planul mai departe. n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 primul rnd, a rupt o parte din c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ptu{\f
63 \u351\'3f}eala pufoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sacului, ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugnd buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u355\'3f}elele peste mormanul de hrtii.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a luat din nou amnarul {\f63
\u351\'3f}i cremenea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit o scn
teie care imediat a aprins o buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ic{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 hrtie. O flac{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} portoc
alie s-a iscat, dar s-a stins ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fum. A mai ncercat o dat{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, aplecndu-se n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i suflnd u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urel peste
hrtia pe care aterizase scnteia.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Acum, a produs o flac{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3
f} micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, care a aprins un petic
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nvecinat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i apoi s-a stins. Adunndu-{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i curajul, Lissa a

\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o ultim{\f63 \u259\'3f} nce

rcare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hai, hai, a
bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi putut
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 constrnge focul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} prind{\f63 \u259\'
3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 De data asta, scnteia {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i-a nimerit {\f63 \u355\'3f}inta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a rezistat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-se ntr-o flac{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
{\f63 \u259\'3f} mic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, apoi ntr-una mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mare, care curnd i-a mistuit hrtiile. Lissa s-a rugat
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aprind{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vreascurile,
fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} altfel se termina cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 norocul ei. Flac{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra a crescut, tot mai
mare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitoare, consumnd ceea ce mai r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 hrtie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i din pnz{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dup{
\f63 \u259\'3f} care s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndit asupra
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 be{\f63 \u355\'3f}elor. Lissa a continuat s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} sufle u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, ca s-o ntre{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu mult dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} aceea
focul de tab{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ardea din plin.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Focul acesta nu putea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} alunge frigul p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru ea, era de parc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ar fi {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut n mini ntreaga
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldur{\f63 \u259\'3f} a soarelui. Zmb
ea, cuprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o mndrie pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care n-o mai sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}isem de ceva vreme. n
sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, putnd
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se relaxeze
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ndreptai privirea spre p{\f63 \u259\'3f}durea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de ploaie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a observat, n dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtare mici, foa
rte
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mici str{\f63 \u259\'3f}fulger{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri de
culoare. ndrumndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i spiritul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} puterile mag
ice ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sporeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} abilitatea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de a vedea aurele. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, foarte clar, a
scunse departe, foarte
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 departe printre copaci, distingea dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
aure pline de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 culori puternice, neab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tute. Posesorii
lor st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nemi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, t{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ascun{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Zmbetul Lisse
i s-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}rgit.

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Erau gardieni. Sau, poate, utilizatorii aerului {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i apei, care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 controlau vremea. Niciunul dintre candida{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i nu fusese
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat singur acolo. Ronald Ozera nu a
vusese de ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dar, n
definitiv, de unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie el?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Numai ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia. Ei, poate c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} spiritul nu era chiar att de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 inutil acolo, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ploaia a nceput s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}beasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n intensitate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}ldura
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 focului a continuat s-o aline. Nu nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} citeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ora
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cer, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cumva, {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar mai avea nicio
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tepte venirea zilei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i atunci...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3884 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O voce m-a rech
emat din testul de supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uire al
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4314 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri880 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, treze{\f
63 \u351\'3f}te-te, sau... cum vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i zici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am deschis ochii, clipind m{\f63
\u259\'3f}runt, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care i-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 concentrat asupra chipului lui Sydn
ey, aflat la c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 centimetri de al meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri623 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce e? m-am r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}stit la ea. De ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} deranjezi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 A tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit {\f63
\u351\'3f}i s-a smucit napoi, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe moment f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 grai. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} abs
orbisem din ntunericul Lissei ct timp
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fusesem n leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
ur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} afectase la momentul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 respectiv, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum,
con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\'3f} n propriul meu trup, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam inundat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fur

ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de enervare.\i Nu e vorba

\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 despre tine, nici despre Sydney,\i0 mi-am zis.\i
E spiritul.
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 Potole{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-te.\i0 Am inspirat adnc,
refuznd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} las
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de spirit. Eram
mai puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect el. Cel
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a speram.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
uptam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi alung sentimentele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acestea, am privit n jur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am amint
it c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dormitorul Sonyei Karp. Toate problemele mele mi-au
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lit napoi n minte. Av
eam o femeie strigoi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 prizonier{\f63 \u259\'3f}, legat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ca
mera de al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi, una pe care cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 greu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam s-o {\f63 \u355\'3f}inem
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i care nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea dispus{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ofere prea curnd r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsurile dorite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntors privirea spre Sydn
ey, care nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}at{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Scuz{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}... n-am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}stesc la tine. Doar
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am speriat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 A ezitat cteva clipe pn{\f63 \
u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}eze,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acceptndu-mi scuza. Pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ce teama i disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe chip, observam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o mai scia {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i altceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce nu e bin
e? am ntrebat-o, gndindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, att
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 timp ct eram vii, iar Sonya r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea lega
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lucrurile n\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2173 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aveau cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea
prea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri42 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sydney a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un
pas napoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}at bra{\f63
\u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Victor Dashkov {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fr
atele lui sunt aici.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt560\margb80\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-460 \li290 \ri2185 \expndtw-15 \b \f20 \fs40 OPTSPREZECE
\plain\par

\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw0 \b \f20

\fs24 AM {\f63 \u354\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}NIT DIN PAT, BUCUROAS{\f63 \u258\'3f}\b0
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut de-binelea. Tot
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai durea capul, dar nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63
\u259\'3f}, ceea ce speram s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsemne c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r evitasem o como{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ie. O privire ndreptat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 spre un ceas de{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}to
r, n timp ce ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam din
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dormitorul Sonyei, m-a informat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} z{\
f63 \u259\'3f}bovisem n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mintea Lissei vreme de cteva ore. Testul ei fusese cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult mai ntins ca durat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ct mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem eu
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 seama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n living, m-a ntmpinat o imagin
e aproape comic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert erau acolo, n carne {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i oase, examinnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 detaliile nconjur{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Pn{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prezent cu mintea acolo de ast{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vreme ce Victor studia totul n felul lui calculat, Ro
bert
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i concentrase aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia a
supra Sonyei. Avea ochii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 bulbuca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de uimire. Dimitri, ntre tim
p, nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i schimbase
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in pozi{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sonya, nici nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtase {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a de gtul ei. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} atitudinea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} privirea v
igilent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i privea pe cei
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ca pe o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se str{\f63 \u259
\'3f}duia {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sfidnd imposibilul {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fie n gard{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpotriva tuturor.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut bucuros c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vede {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} are ceva
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inere.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn480\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sonya st{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tea perfect nemi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}urile
ei, ceea ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea absolu
t deloc. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} pune
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ceva la cale. Ochii ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii i se ngustas

er{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntreaga situa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ie era ncordat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i primejdioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{
\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte din mine a resim{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}it o satisfac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie infatuat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 timp ce-l studiam mai ndeaproape pe Victor. ntlnirile
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din vis fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} am{\f63 \u259\'3f}gi
toare. Exact la fel cum puteam eu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi schimb nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area n vis, Victor se f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mai puternic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tos n cadrul acelor vizite fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de cum era n realitate. Vrsta, boala {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de fugar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 luaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} tributul. Umbre ntunecate i ncad
rau ochii, iar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}run{\f63 \u355
\'3f}it p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea mai rar fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de acum
o lun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 tras la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta obosit, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tot r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 periculos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a, i-am zis, proptindu-mi minile n {\f63 \u351\'3f}olduri. Ai
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne g{\f63 \
u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Exist{\f63
\u259\'3f} un singur lac n ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}, a replicat Victor. O
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cas{\f63 \u259\'3f} albastr{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i avut probleme cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 astfel de indica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, dar pentru noi,
ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, n-a fost chiar
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 att de greu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunei, dac
{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti att de de{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept, care {\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i-e
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 planul? l-am luat la rost.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncercam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr
ag de timp, n vreme ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 disperare care ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie planul
meu. Voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 capturez pe Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Robert, dar
nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam cum. Din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 moment ce trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne mp{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}im aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ntre ei doi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sonya, nu mai puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac echip{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cu Dimitri. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu ne mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese vreo
bucat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}. Pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard

\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imobilizarea fizic{\f63 \u259
\'3f} a fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor, mai trebuia neap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat le
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mpiedic{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i minile, astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le reducem
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 capacitatea de ntrbuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are a puterilor
magice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} tot e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti\i tu\i0 att de de{\f63 \u351\'3f}teapt{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, m-a contrat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri170 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Victor, presupun c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ai ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut deja informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia necesar{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea, am zis,
gesticulnd spre Sonya, n-a prea fost
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ndatoritoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1340 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Privirea lui Victor s-a ab{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}tut asupra ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sonya Karp. Teai schimbat de cnd nu te-am mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4359 \expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} ucid pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a mrit Sonya. {\f63 \u350\
'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 storc, unul cte unul. n mod normal, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} f
i nceput cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 oamenii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a pn{\
f63 \u259\'3f} la moroi, dar... {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ndreptat spre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre mine o privire nc{\f63
\u259\'3f}rcat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de furie. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe voi doi o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} las
la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
prelungesc
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 chinurile. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f
} de pauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, aproape
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 comic. Voi m-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i enervat cel mai mult
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oare to{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i strigoii frecventeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i tab{\
f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tire {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nva{\f63 \
u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe de rost acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i amenin{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri? M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mir c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cotcod{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ce{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, i-am zis, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m-am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntors spre Victor. Ai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut? Nu e chia
r att de simplu.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am ncercat toate metodele. Cu b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taia, c
u tortura.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sydney i-a n{\f63 \u351\'3f}irat toate numele rudelor

ei. Nicio reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Victor a studiat-o atunci p
entru prima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pe Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri777 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a. Ea e Alchimistul vostru de companie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney nici nu s-a clintit. {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}tiam sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i era fric{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 stea n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a cuiva ca
re, pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era vampir, mai era {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 un criminal periculos. Am fo
st nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o laud n sinea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mea pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
i-a nfruntat privirea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 clipeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a cugetat Victor. Dar, normal c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trebuia. mi nchipui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a putea{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-o manipula{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gnd-o n mica voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f
} escapad{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt aici
din proprie voin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a replicat Sydney, cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 o nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}
are n continuare calm{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
. Nu m-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 manipulat nimeni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, {\f63
\u351\'3f}antajul lui Abe nu era relevant ntr-un astfel
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 de moment.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uite ce e,
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineai neap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} torturezi mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 departe cu comentariile tale deloc amuzante, puteai
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mi invadezi visele ca pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum, m-am r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nimic util cu care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} contribui, atun
ci car{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te de-aici {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 las{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ne s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd foamea o s-o sl{\f63 \u259\'3f
}beasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 Sonya.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri48 \fi284 \expndtw1 \b\i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, prin
\b0\i0 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ratul de-acolo,\b\i voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun:\b0
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 nchipui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ca pro{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pleca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nestingheri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ca s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} pot eu
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} dau cap n cap {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i\b s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}sc\b0 n
apoi pe mna
\plain\expndtw-8 \i \f20 \fs24 gardienilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Putem s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, a zis Victor, atingndu-i u
{\f63 \u351\'3f}or
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul lui Robert, care a tres{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rit, smulgndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de la Sonza {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ndreptnd-o spre fratele s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Metodele
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 voastre erau menite s{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ueze. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vre{\f63 \u355\'3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsuri,
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cale
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n acea clip{\f63 \u259\'3f},
Sonya a ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat. Dimitri era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} lng{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ea, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai era atent cu un ochi {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i la noi ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i,
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 evident, eu fusesem concentrat
{\f63 \u259\'3f} n totalitate asupra
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 scenei cu Victor. Era, probabil, ce
a mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocazie la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spere Sonya.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu acea putere demen{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f} a strigoilor, s-a ridicat,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncordndu-se pe fotoliu. Lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul o nf{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ura peste tot, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rapiditatea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mi
{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii au fost suficiente ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rup{\f63 \u259\'3f} n dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} locuri. Res
tul continua s-o nconjoare, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} bre{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} i ajungea ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 scape pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dist
ras sau nu, Dimitri tot s-a ab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ca fulgerul asupra ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n clipa imed
iat urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, l-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 imitat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu. Sonya se zb{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tea pe scaun, consumndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiecare f{\f63 \u259\'3f}rm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de energie
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de vitez{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f

}i scuture
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul de pe ea. Dac-ar fi sc{\f63 \u
259\'3f}pat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi pornit o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncle{\f63 \u351\'3f}tare aprig{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. I-am nllnit pentru o frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 secund{\f63 \u259\'3f} privirea lui Dimitri {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i am {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucruri. Mai nti, cum aveam s-o
mai leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i? Poate c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} am fi reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} repar{\f63 \u259\'3f}m l
an{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul, dar pentru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 asta ar fi fost nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l desf{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ur{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-o lu{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}m de la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t cu legatul, misiune vecin{\f63 \
u259\'3f} cu imposibilul. n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam amnd
oi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}im s-o doborm {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
doua oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar acum mai aveam
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pe-aici {\f63 \u351\'3f}i persoane nevinovate, care
nu puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n schimb, Sonya le putea ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n fol
osul ei,
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 cumva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tot ce puteam s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} facem era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, pe ct
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 posibil, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ridice. Fixarea ei pe
o suprafa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} plan{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 podeaua, ar fi fost mult mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} dect pe fotoliul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acela m{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}h{\f63 \u259
\'3f}los. Se tot zgl{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n timp ce ea se lupta cu
\par
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\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 noi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i noi ne
chinuiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inem o pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie favo
rabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri avea {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a n mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} eu o l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sasem
jos pe-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mea ceva mai devreme {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a scrijelit pielea cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ea, oferindu-ne un oarecare avantaj n confruntare.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a scos un urlet nfuriat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am
ag{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at de speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-o
obosim. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu. Noi aveam
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ced{\f63 \u259\'3f}m primii. Durere
a mea de cap era o dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f} a faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflam ntr-o form{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vrf.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit cu

coada ochiului o mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care fulger{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare,

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care mi-a declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}at o nou{\f63 \u259\'
3f} alarm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Robert Doru se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ndrepta spre noi... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea n mn{\f63 \u
259\'3f} o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} din argint.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Priveli{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea era att de bizar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l alertez p
e Dimitri. Cnd mintea mea lene{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a revenit brusc la via{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, era prea trziu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! am {\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ipat, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-l pe Robert c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i ridic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3263 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a. N-o omor!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, Dimitri a ntors capu
l {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe Robert,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dar nu mai avea ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri i creasem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ocazia perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine
am imobilizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pieptul ei fiind vulnerabil, Robert putea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} dea lovitura la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fix. nnebunit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am ntrebat ce puteam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mpiedicam, o eliberam pe Sonya. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u, era posibil
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ca el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ucid{\f63 \u259\'3f} ulti
ma speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a afla cine...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Prea trziu. {\f63 \u354\'3f}e
pu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns cu o for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f} care m-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 uluit. Lissei i fusese foarte greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pung{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i presupusesem c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ar fi la fel pentru cineva ca
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Robert, mai b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
o aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de fragil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu. Tot a fost nevoit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ambele mini, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
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\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
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\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns cu fermitate n pieptul Sonyei,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3011 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pungndu-i inim
a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a scos un {\f63 \u355\
'3f}ip{\f63 \u259\'3f}t asurzitor. O lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitoare, orbitoare, a inundat de
odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea,

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 exact n timp ce o for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}

invizibil{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} azvrlea ct colo.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-am izbit de un perete, dar creierul meu abia dac-a
mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nregistrat durerea. C{\f63 \u259\'3f}su{\f63 \u355\'3f
}a s-a zguduit toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu o
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} prind de ceva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 proptesc. De{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am nchis strns ochii,
tot vedeam
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 stele verzi. Timpul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ncetinit curg
erea. B{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ile inimii
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 mi s-au r{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Apoi... totul s-a oprit. To
tul. Lumina. Vibra{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile. Am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} respir normal. Totul era t{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nemi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cum ceea ce abia se petrecuse n-ar fi fost dect o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nchipuire de-a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am clipit, ncercnd s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-mi limpezesc la loc vederea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evaluez situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. A
m f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut tot posibilul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ridic,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 stngace, n picioare, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am v{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zut pe Dimitri f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el azvrlit, numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prinsese de perete ca de un reazem, nu se izbise de e
l.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Robert z{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea lat pe podea, iar Victor
tocmai se repezea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ajute. Sydney nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cea altceva dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncremenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca o statuie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3759 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Sonya?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2634 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Incredibil, a
m {\f63 \u351\'3f}optit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sonya era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe f
otoliu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea, trntit{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe spate, era evident c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fusese {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea izbit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca noi to{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i. Lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n jurul ei, ns{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ea
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
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\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ncetase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se

mai zbat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n poal{\f63 \u259\'3f} i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'

3f}sese {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 argint care, cu doar cteva clipe ma
i devreme, fusese n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 minile lui Robert. Sonya reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i strecoare o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} din lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}, doar ct
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} mngia cu degetele
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 suprafa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ei. Ochii i se m{\f63 \u259\'3f}riser{\f63 \u259\'3f} de uimire... ochi
de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 un albastru adnc, azuriu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Robert o readusese la via{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Sonya Karp. Ea nu mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 era strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Atunci cnd Lissa l salvase pe
Dimitri, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}isem
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 puterea magiei prin intermediul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
urii, care-mi oferise
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 deplina {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}itoar
ea tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ire a ntregii fapte. Iar acum,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 fiind martor{\f63 \u259\'3f} la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ce
va, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} beneficiez de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele oferite d
irect de Lissa, tot mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea la fel
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de incredibil. Continuam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} caut ceva
{\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i orice\i0 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} furniza fie
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cel mai mic indiciu despre
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei anterioar{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Nu exista niciunul. Tenul ei
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}stra paloarea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 caracteristic{\f63 \u259\'3f} moroilor, ns{\f63 \u259
\'3f} era plin de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 avnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o foarte slab{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de culoare: nu ca strigoii,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 complet v{\f63 \u259\'3f}duvi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de pi
gment. Ochii i erau injecta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 snge, dar asta se datora lacrimilor care se ngr{\f63 \
u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nea
sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nici urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cercuri ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii n ju
rul iri{\f63 \u351\'3f}ilor.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Iar n expresia ochilor acelora... nici urm{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de cruzime
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sau r{\f63 \u259\'3f}utate. Nu erau ochii cuiva care
abia adineauri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne omoa
re pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. n ei nu se vedea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dect {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i team{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i derut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi iau
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 privirea de la ea.
\par

\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O minune. nc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} o minune. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l readuce
la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Dimitri, o anume parte din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mine crezuse, n secret, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu voi mai f
i niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 martor{\f63 \u259\'3f} la un astfel de eveniment. A{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a se ntmpla cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 miracolele. Aveai parte de unul singur ntr-o via{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Pretutindeni, se discutase o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f
63 \u259\'3f} despre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}area spiritului pentru salvar
ea strigoilor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile se domoliser{\f63 \u259\'3
f} atunci cnd o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dram{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asasinarea unei regine {\f63 \u8212\'3f} c{\f63 \u259
\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase primordialitate la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Curte. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} existau extrem de pu{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ini utilizatori ai
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 spiritului contribuise, de asemenea, la sc{\f63 \u259
\'3f}derea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 popularit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii unei astf
el de idei, oricine cunoscnd ce
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 greut{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ar ntmpina un m
oroi care voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pung{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a un strigoi. Dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} gardienii antrena{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mureau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 luptndu-se cu strigoii, cum ar putea un moroi s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mplnte cum trebuie {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a ntr-un astfel de adversar.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ei bine, aici era r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul: putea, da
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} strigoiul era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 imobilizat. Un moroi putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i nfig{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cu ambele
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mini, mai ales dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ajutat de gard
ieni. Perspectivele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iscate mi provocau ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Magia lui Robert era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} el, ca p
ersoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}, era b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3
f}ubred. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} el reu{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ise, atunci ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta ori
care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 utilizator al spiritului? El f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse c
a totul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproape
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or. Oare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian a
r fi fost capabil de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva? Oare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2235 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} re
pete minunea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri37 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Un miracol. Sonya Karp era un mi
racol viu, nsufle{\f63 \u355\'3f}it.

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ea a n

ceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urle.
\par
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\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Totul a debutat ca un
soi de vaiet sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sporindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i repede
volumul. Zgomotul m-a trezit brusc
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din medita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, dar n-am {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tiut precis cum trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionez. Dimitri, n schimb, a {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiut. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i cad{\f63 \u259\'3f} din mn{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a repezit lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sonya, ncepnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s-o elibereze de lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}uri. A tres{\f63
\u259\'3f}rit la atingerea lui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sfor{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile ei nu mai er
au acum nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcate de acea for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 supranatural{\f63 \u259\'3f} a unui monstru mort-viu n
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utarea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zbun{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. Erau gestu
rile cuiva disperat, ngrozitor de
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}urasem destul de bine cu lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul acela, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri i l-a nl{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat n cteva secunde. D
up{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 eliberat-o, s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe fotoliu {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i a tras-o spre el, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ngroape fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}a la pieptul lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} hohoteasc{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 plns. Am nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n sec. {\f63 \u350\'3f}
i Dimitri plnsese cnd fusese
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 preschimbat la loc. Nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptata imagin
e a unui copil
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nou-n{\f63 \u259\'3f}scut mi-a fulgerat prin minte.
Oare plnsul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fost reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia natural{\f63 \u259\'3f}
a oricui se n{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sau, n cazul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2461 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 acesta, ren{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} pe lume?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 O mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care bru
sc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a captat aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Sydney
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse ochii mari {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c
hiar se ndrepta spre Dimitri... cu
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 gndul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l opreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1598 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce faci? a st
rigat ea. N-o elibera!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri n-a luat-o n seam{\f63 \u

259\'3f}, iar eu m-am gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s-o

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2992 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 prind {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-o trag
npoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-i nimic
, nu-i nimic, i-am zis, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tesc.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sydney era factorul c
el mai stabil din ntreaga noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri708 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 opera{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune. Nu put
eam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} o las s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ias{\f63 \u259\'
3f} din fire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu mai e s
trigoi, i-am zis. Uite. Prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-o bine. E
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 din nou moroi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1648 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sydney a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tin
at nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or din cap.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu se poate. Adineauri am v{\f63 \u
259\'3f}zut-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a s-a ntmplat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Dimitri. Exact la fel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Despre el nu crezi c-ar fi strigoi
, nu? Doar ai ncredere n
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 I-am dat drumul, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i ea a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas pe loc, dar cu o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 expresie de ngrijorare pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Coborndu-mi privirea spre cei
doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, mi-am dat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lor
era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie mai grav{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 crezusem. Robert, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu era strigoi,
ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta la fel de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 palid ca unul. Ochii i erau goi, iar din gura ntredesc
his{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 i se prelingea o dr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de saliv{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Asta m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 reevaluez observa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de mai devreme, d
espre ct de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cuse Robert s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f} recuperarea unui strigoi. O
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}punsese cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a ca un profesionist, dar era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 existau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vreo cteva efecte secundare.
Victor ncerca
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sprijine fratele

, murmurndu-i cuvinte de alinare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de ncurajare. Iar pe chipul lui Victor... ei bine, ac
olo se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternuse o expresie de comp{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}timire {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de team{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n-o mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} la el. Creierul meu nu era
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 capababil s-o lege pe de-a-ntregul de bine definita
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imagine de tic{\f63 \u259\'3f}los pe care mi-o formas
em despre el.
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Acum, d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea impresia c-ar fi o perso
an{\f63 \u259\'3f} adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ridicndu-{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i privirea spre mine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a strmbat buzele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3103 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un zmbet amar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce, {\f63
\u355\'3f}i-ai epuizat n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ep{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile spirituale? Ar t
rebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fii fericit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Noi v-am dat ce v{\f63 \
u259\'3f} dorea{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Ai nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsuri de la Sonya Karp? Du-te s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} le prime{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, m-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndemnat, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-mi cu capul spre ea. E c
lar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-ai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut cu un pre{\f63 \u355\'3f} con
siderabil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! a excla
mat atunci Dimitri. O {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Sonya la pieptul lui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} expresia fe{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ei i-a devenit dur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 la auzul cuvintelor lui Victor. Ce, e{\f63 \u351\'3f}
ti nebun? l-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1544 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 apostrofat. N-ai v{\f63 \u259\'3
f}zut ce s-a ntmplat?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1974 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a arc
uit o sprncean{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da. Am observat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea nu e n starea
necesar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea vreun r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2760 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 E sub {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc. Las-o n
pace.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu te mai c
omporta de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i ea\i0 ar fi cea care
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 sufer{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici, s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}st
it Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Intorcndu-se spre Robert, l-

a ajutat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ridice {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 se duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre canapea. Robert cu greu
putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}te,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} picioarele i tremurau, cedndu-i
de-a binelea n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 timp ce se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}eza. Victor l-a cuprins
cu un bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1052 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fii bine, l-a ncurajat. Totul e bine.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie? l-am ntreba
t, neconvins{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Robert nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ct
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ntr-o form{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 prea grozav{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Gnduri
le mele de mai devreme, cu privire
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 la utilizatorii spiritului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i salvarea
strigoilor, mi se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau din ce n ce mai nerealiste.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}El..
. el a mai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a revenit, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1511 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 l-am ntrebat. Iar Lissa se simte
perfect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Robert era
atunci mult mai tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r... cum e acum
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Vasilisa, a replicat Victor, mngindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
fratele pe um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} spui c-ar fi un simplu act de magie. S{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pn{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} e ceva monum
ental. Dar
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori? Ei bine, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}tim amndoi cum lucreaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} spiritul,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o astfel de reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cere tributul, att asupra trupului
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Robert
a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un imens sacrificiu pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4548 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 voi,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2712 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1756 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umim, Robert, i-am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele mi-au ajuns cu destul{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe buze.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri901 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert n-a
dat impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-ar fi auzit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri s-a ridicat, s{\f63
\u259\'3f}ltnd-o cu u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n bra{\f
63 \u355\'3f}e pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sonya. Ea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} plngea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
hohotele sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} mult n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 intensitate ntre timp.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Are nevoie
de odihn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a rostit, pe un ton ar{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
}gos.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, habar n-ave
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ce se petrece n clipa asta
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untrul ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2865 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O, te cred, a
m zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri924 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunte{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i idio{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit Victor. Amndoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mare minune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pr
ivirea furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Dimitri nu l-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2654 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}intuit pe Victor
de podea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri974 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Deocamdat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, nici vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} de interogatorii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, ar{\
f63 \u259\'3f}tndu-mi aprobarea, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce altceva a{\
f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac. Atunci cnd Lissa l
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 transformase pe Dimitri, adoptase o atitudine
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \
u259\'3f}toare, la fel de nver{\f63 \u351\'3f}unat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i de protectoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu el fus
ese cel care-o preschimbase pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sonya, era singurul dintre cei de-aici care {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tia prin ce
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 putea ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f
63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} adaptarea lui fusese
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 anevoioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} efectele ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}iale ale refacerii lui i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 provocaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezorientare. Asta, f{\f63
\u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai punem la
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 socoteal{\f63 \u259\'3f} depresia ulterioar{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A trecut repede pe lng{\f63
\u259\'3f} noi to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ducnd-o pe Sonya
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n dormitorul ei. Sydney i-a urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit di
n ochi, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aruncat o privire spre canapea, unde Victor nc{\f63 \
u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul pe dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} umerii
fratelui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Fata Alchimist mi-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat privirea, cu o expresie de mir
are pe chip.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1254 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am auzit... d
ar nu mi-a venit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Cteodat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, i-am m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisit, nici mie nu-mi vine
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri879 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Asta contrazic
e toate regulile universului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Spre surprinderea mea, ea {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a pip{\f63 \u259\'3f}it micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}a cruce din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aur de la gt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unele dintr
e reguli sunt mai mari dect nsu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 universul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Victor s-a ridicat de pe ca
napea, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd satisf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Robert se odihnea acum. M-a
m ncordat brusc.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 L{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd deoparte minunile, el tot un cri
minal r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} unul pe care inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ionam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l prind. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd un pas
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 spre mine, mi s-a adresat pe un sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu
t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi cer scuze
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrerup cursul de metafizic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 elementar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar trebuie s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fii atent{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mine, mi-a zis. Ai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Rose. Ai foarte mare grij{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Att de multe sunt
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 acum n sarcina ta. Nu-i permi
te lupului t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u preferat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2246 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mpiedice s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afli c
e {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie Sonya.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Totu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i, el are dreptate, am exclamat. S-au scurs
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 abia cinci minute! Prin ce-a trecut ea... prin ce-au

trecut
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 amndoi... n fine, sunt chestii cam importante.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Literalmente, din cele care-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i schimb{
\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se refac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se adapteze, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie salvat.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Cum se reface, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ajute {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ti convins{\f63 \u259\'3f}? m-a ntrebat, mijind ochii spre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mine. Oare ea crede c-a fost salvat{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
Ai uitat un lucru:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri159 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Belikov a fost transformat mpotriv
a voin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei lui. Ea, nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-ce tot s
pui? C{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ncerce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} redevin{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4236 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 strigoi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Spun, a re
plicat Victor, ridicnd din umeri, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ine{\f63 \u355\'3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsurile ct mai repede. {\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i singur{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu acestea, Victor ne-a ntors
spatele, plecnd spre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie. S-a ntors re
pede, aducnd un pahar cu ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Robert a b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut-o cu l{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
omie, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s-a cufundat ntr\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un somn greu. Oftnd, m-am rezemat de un perete, lng{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney, total epuizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nc{\f63 \u259\'
3f} aveam dureri de pe urma
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 luptei de mai devreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1787 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i-acum? s-a interesat Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tiu, i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd din cap. A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4131 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cred.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri s-a ntors pu{\f63 \u
355\'3f}in mai trziu, aruncnd o scurta
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 privire spre Robert.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280

\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63

\u350\'3f}i ea doarme, m-a informat. Transformarea... e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4218 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 dificil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 i vedeam bine lic{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rul chinuit din ochi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat care dintre amintiri l-o mai tortura acum.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Amintirea momentului n care fusese transformat? Aceea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1532 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a perioadei petrecuta n chip de s
trigoi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu cred c-a
r fi bine s-o l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Sony
a,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 am zis {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu coada ochiului, am obser
vat zmbetul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 superior al lui Victor. Ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
tea cineva cu ea,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pentru eventualitatea n care s-ar trezi. N-o s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce se\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri nu mi-a r{\f63 \u259
\'3f}spuns timp de cteva secunde,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cercetndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu privirea. M{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea ndeajuns de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bine nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63
\u259\'3f} poate mai aveam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altceva n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 minte. Din fericire, n-a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo fisur{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 logica mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai dreptat
e. Te-ar deranja s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai cu ea? a ntrebat-o
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pe Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am scormonit mintea dup{
\f63 \u259\'3f} un argument. Nu, nu.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r Sony
a s-ar fi ntors mpotriva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ne trebuia altcineva care s-o
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cineva capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lupte cu ea. Sydn
ey, ghicindu-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 probabil gndurile, m-a scutit de o minciun{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri... sau de m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisirea adev{\
f63 \u259\'3f}ratului meu motiv de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ngrijorare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea nu m{\f
63 \u259\'3f} cunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259
\'3f} mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u cnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 se treze{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n plus
...
\par

\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Pe chipul lui Sydney a
ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut acea expresie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1594 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dezgustat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n care
excelau Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n plus, nu m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt prea n largul meu cu cineva
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care, acum cinci minute, era un monstru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar ea nu
mai e strigoi, a exclamat el. E categoric,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2424 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din nou moroi!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i eu am fost un pic nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f} de duritatea
din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vocea lui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia v
ehement{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m-a surprins n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 totalitate. Avusesem mult de furc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i conving{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se transfo
rmase la loc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e greu de crezut, a reluat, mblnzindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i un
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pic tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile, dar e
a chiar s-a schimbat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1468 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, stau
eu cu ea, m-am oferit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu, a refuza
t Dimitri, scuturnd din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney are dreptate ntr-o privin{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}: e posibil ca Sonya s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fie dezorientat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E bine s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fie acolo cineva care n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elege
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ce s-a petrecut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am dat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l c
ontrazic, cu argumentul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu eram
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 singura pe care o cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea Sonya cu a
dev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, dar m-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gndit apoi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era mai bine s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn cu cei doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau inofensivi acum, dar nu puteam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ncredere
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n ei. Din cte se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, nici Dimtri. A na
intat c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a aplecat sp
re mine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}optindu-mi la ureche.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fii cu ochi
i pe ei, m-a sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit. Robert e d{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 acum, dar e posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i revin{\f63 \u259\'3f} mult mai repede dect
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 credem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4003 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u3
50\'3f}tiu.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 A dat s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} plece, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a mai ntors o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} privirea spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 mine. Figura lui poruncitoare se ndu
lcise,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1055 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 transformndu-se n ceva meditativ,
tem{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3866 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose?
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a... a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a a fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mine cnd m-a transformat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4312 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 Lissa?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2350 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai mult sau
mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1790 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu mi-am dat
seama... a fost...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Se lupta s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i caute cuvintele. Total necaracteristic
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4055 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pentru el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Felul n care
lumina aia a inundat camera, felul n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care s-a schimbat ea... Cnd am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c
um r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sare via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 din moarte a fost...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3639 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Frumos?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3434 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 A ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri35 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O astfel de via
{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}... nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i... nu, nu po{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i s-o irose{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, l-am aprobat. Nu po{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c
eva mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cndu-se n el. Ceva
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt, la fel ca pe

alee, dar am {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se descotorosise
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte a traumei provocate de
existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ca
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 N-a mai spus nimic, {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i l-am urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit cu privirea n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 timp ce nainta pe coridor. Neavnd altceva mai bun de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, Sydney s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ez
at turce{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pe podea, cu o carte n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 poal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-a deschis-o, fiindc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} gndurile i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau, clar,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie pe unde. ntre timp, Victor s
-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}tarul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fotoliului, pe care l-a ntins ca pe o canapea. Nu ar{
\f63 \u259\'3f}ta la
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fel de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u ca
Robert, dar semnele epuiz{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii se v{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 amndoi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Bun.
Cu ct erau mai mult timp sco{\f63 \u351\'3f}i din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 uz, cu att mai bine. Mi-am adus un scaun din buc{\f63
\u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau jos
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} supraveghez nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea. Totul
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 era pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63
\u355\'3f}eam ca o d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i presu
pun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta cam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eram. Fusese o zi lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i noaptea a ntunecat curnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ferestrele. Asta m-a ngrijorat. De unde puteam s{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva Sonya o fi avut ceva pr
ieteni strigoi, care
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} n vizit{\f63
\u259\'3f}? Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Donovan o cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea ne
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta cu certitudine c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ea nu era tocmai o proscris{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 rndurile lor. Gndul acesta mi-a sporit vigilen{\f63 \u
355\'3f}a, dar n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp eram {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i
stovit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cei doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dormeau deja.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Sydney, ntr-o ncercare de a-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i respecta
orarul uman, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 a g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} o pern{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, ncovrigndu-se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe patul improvizat de pe podea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ct despre mine? Eu m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} situam cam pe la jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 drumului dintre orarul uman {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cel vam

piric. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i aveam

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i pentru Dimitri era valabil acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru. n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 realitate, noi urmam un orar de genul faci-ce-trebui
e, n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care somnul prelungit nu reprezenta o op{\f63 \u355\
'3f}iune.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Un zumzet de emo{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de uimire mi-a zbmit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin intermediul leg{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}turii mele cu Lissa. Nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam vreo primejdie sau vreo amenin
{\f63 \u355\'3f}are, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 curiozitatea m-a hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} verific oricum ce mai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ea. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mintea mi p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}trundea ntr-a ei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trupul avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} vigilent, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tiu cum
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 decursese pentru ea restul testului.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb240\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Splendid, normal. Se nt
orsese cu microbuzul la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Curte, epuizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, da
r mndr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu era singura. To{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}itori ai e
i aveau nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri ase
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare...
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, n afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Ava Dro
zdov. Ea fusese singura care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cedase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i folosise t
elefonul mobil, cernd ajutor. Pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a mirat-o faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tocmai ea cl
acase. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}ic{\f63 \u259\'3f}relile lui de la nc
eput, Marcus Lazar d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi cel mai probabil s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} abandoneze. Dar nu,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trnul reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise cumva, c
eea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai departe cu testele pentru m
onarhie. Ava
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 refuza contactul vizual cu oricine altcineva, prefern
d s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, deprimat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
pe geam, n timp ce se ndreptau
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 spre Curte. Avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} locul din Consiliu, dar
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa de a deveni regin{\f63 \u259\'3
f} se dusese.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissei i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}re

a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pentru ea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i permitea

s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iroseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea multe griji pentru altc
ineva. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a erau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 testele, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a erau determina{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii cei mai potrivi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n plus, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea
propriile probleme. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuse afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe timpul
zilei contravenise orarului
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vampiric, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia i se conforma n mod no
rmal. Acum,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aju
ng{\f63 \u259\'3f} napoi la Curte, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 camera ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} doarm{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva ore. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie l{\f63 \u
259\'3f}sat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 n pace.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n l
oc de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, s-a trezit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o a{\f63 \u351\'3f}t
epta o
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f} gloat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt560\margb80\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-460 \li290 \ri1851 \expndtw-16 \b \f20 \fs40 NOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}S
PREZECE
\plain\par
\sl-107\fs11\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \b \f20 \fs24 MICROBUZELE AU PARCAT INTR-O\b0 zon{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ceva mai ret
ras{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} imaginea suprafe{\f63
\u355\'3f}ei ticsite
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de moroi plini de ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare a nsemnat
un {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc pe cinste
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pentru Lissa. Gardienii se mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cau ca f
antomele prin
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime, exact ca n {\f63 \u351\'3f}edi
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}a cu nominaliz{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 men{\f63 \u355\'3f}innd pe ct posibil ordinea. Numai c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea tot
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea n drum n timp ce microbuzele ncer
cau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 la garaje, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i numeroase fe{\f63 \u355
\'3f}e se ntindeau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 geamuri, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} prind{\f63 \u259\'3
f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car o imagine fugar{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor la coroan{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa se holba {\f63 \u351\
'3f}ocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime, aproape temndu-se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri608 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} coboare. Ariana
i-a adresat un zmbet lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}titor.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E ceva nor
mal. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie cine a reu{\f
63 \u351\'3f}it {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cine
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nu. Mai ales ei vor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i-a nclinat capul spre partea din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 microbuzului. ncordndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea prin
parbriz, Lissa
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 i-a observat pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i candida{\f63
\u355\'3f}i. Din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} traseul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 din p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dure nu putea fi conceput pentru
mai multe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 persoane, grupul fusese mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}it n dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} serii. Candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}i aveau s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine prin acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i test {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, erau curio{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} afle care dintre rivalii lor
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn480\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa era familiariza
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ordinea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu buna-cuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 din mediul regal, a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o uimea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum cuprin
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de o asemenea ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, desigur, moroii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}din popor" sosi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la
Curte se amestecaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea s
e mpingea, fiecare lungindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gtul peste um{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul celorlal{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle ce se ntmplase.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Se strigau numele unora dintre candida{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m-am mirat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se vedeau pancarte {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i nu se intonau
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 cntece.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nso{\
f63 \u355\'3f}itorii ei au cobort din microbuz,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntmpina{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de valul de ova{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ii care a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut ntreaga
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime. Destul de repede a devenit ct
se poate de clar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cine trecuse {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cine nu. Asta a provo
cat o rumoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} n rndul privitorilor. Lissa a r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas pe loc, ca
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nr{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}cinat{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, privind n jur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-se r{\f63 \u259\'3f}

tcit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Una

\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discute, n mod ra{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ional, cu prietenii ei,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 argumentele n favoarea candidaturii ei la tron. {\f63
\u350\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 totul alta nsemna s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie arucat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} n ceea ce semnificau,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, alegerile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i limitase
concentrarea la cteva subiecte:
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea, descoperirea criminalu
lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i trecerea cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bine a testelor. Acum, privind mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}im
ea adunat{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} procesul el
ectoral era mai important dect
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ea, mai important dect orice {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi p
utut imagina.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Pentru cei din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei, nu era o glum{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}mecherie menit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} suceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} legile pe toate p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trag{\f63 \u259\'3f} de timp. Vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile
lor erau miza simbolic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Moroii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dhampirii tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iau n mai multe {\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri diferite, supunndu-se
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 legilor acestora, ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} se supuneau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i acestei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 guvern{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, care-{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ura activitatea la Curte. O
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 guvernare extins{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ntreaga lume {\f63
\u351\'3f}i afectndu-i pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dhampirii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moroii care alegeau s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n societatea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Da, exista dreptul la vot, ns
{\f63 \u259\'3f} viitorul nostru era
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 conturat de rege sau de regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rcina{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu paza mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imii le-au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it semn rudelor c{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
ot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i croiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} drum spre
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lor. Lissa nu avea pe nime
ni. Att Janine, ct
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddie {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n ciuda afir
ma{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor precedente {\f63 \u8212\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 treziser{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} primesc mi
siuni temporare care i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mpiedicau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se afle non-stop al{\f63
\u259\'3f}turi de Lissa, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avea nici rude care s{\f63 \u25

9\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru ea. R{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} la

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 voia ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii, se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea
ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} n mijlocul acelui
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 haos, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de momentul ei de str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucire.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sentimente contradictorii se luptau n ea. Faptil c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}ela pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i o f{\f63 \
u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se simt{\f63 \u259\'3f} nedemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at acum la candidatur{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, i ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de a s
e ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta demn{\f63 \u259\'3f} de aceste alegeri.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cu capul sus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} de t
este cu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mndrie, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cea din alte motive.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, o mn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} energic{\f63 \u259\'3f} a prins-o de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}. Era a
lui
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hai. S{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}im odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-aici. Tr{\f63 \u259\'3
f}gnd-o dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 croit drum cu coatele printre gur{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ca
sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Hei, a strigat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 spre doi gardieni r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i mai spre marginea mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imii. Se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1528 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 poate o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} de aju
tor pentru prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Era pentru prima dat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd l vedeam comportndu\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 se ca un membru al unei familii reg
ale, uznd de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 autoritatea rangului s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Pentru mine
, era sarcasticul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cinicul Christian. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n societa
tea moroilor, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mplinirea vrstei de optsprezece ani trebuia practic s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se adresezi numindu-l Lordul Ozera. Uitasem de asta.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Cei doi gardieni, nu. S-au gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit ime
diat s-o ncadreze pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, ajutndu-l pe Christian s{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\
f63 \u259\'3f}pung{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Pentru Lissa, chipurile celor din jur nu erau altcev
a dect
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 o cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar zarva, un
vuiet nfundat. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, din cnd n

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cnd, cte ceva mai ajungea pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ea. Scan
d{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 numelui ei. Afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii despre ntoarcerea
dragonului,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 simbolul familiei Dragomir.\i Se ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat,\i0 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tot repeta n sinea ei.\i Se ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu a
dev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii au condus-o, cu o
bi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuita lor eficien{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, prin
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime, traversnd domeniile Cur{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care locuia. De ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce au v{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}zut-o n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s-au
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 retras, iar ea le-a mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit cu gra{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ie, pentru ajutor. Dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd a ajuns, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Christian, n came
ra ei, s-a
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cad{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} pe pat, n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1202 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, Doamne, a
exclamat. Ce nebunie!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}La ce anume te r
eferi? s-a interesat Christian,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 zmbind. La primirea ta? Sau la test
ul n sine? Ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}... n fine, nici nu {\f63 \u351\'
3f}tiu precis\i ce\i0 ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ncercat s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} se examineze la repezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 drumul de ntoarcere i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duser{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} prosoape uscate, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}mintele tot umede i erau {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i se bo{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce se
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 uscau. Pantofii {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i blugii erau pline de noroi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri356 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nu voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se gndea
sc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la cum putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i arate p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3605 \fi284 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63
\u259\'3f}i, am...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi374 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vor
bele i-au r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas lipite pe buze... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dintr-o
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s-ar fi hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot s{\f

63 \u259\'3f} spun, a murmurat atunci. Chiar

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Farmecul
nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f} voie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2374 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce farmec? sa mirat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Suflecndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mneca,
Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridicat pansamentul,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri661 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu-i minusculu
l punct tatuat de pe bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un farmec
de constrngere, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 despre test. Cum au {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Alchimi{\f63 \
u351\'3f}tii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uau, a excl
amat el, cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat impresionat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri888 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am cre
zut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, efect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f63
\u259\'3f} au. E foarte ciudat. Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 despre asta, dar, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu... nu
pot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-i nimic,
i-a zis el, ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtndu-i de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
o
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvii{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r umed. Ai trecut. Numai asta are
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri525 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Numai la asta trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te concentrezi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Singurul lu
cru la care a{\f63 \u351\'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} concentre
z n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 clipit de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} e un du
{\f63 \u351\'3f}... ceea ce poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f} caraghio
s
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc ct de le
oarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Cu toate acestea, nu s-a ur
nit, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fixeze cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 privirea peretele din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, a int
erpelat-o Christian cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. Ce ai? Te\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3214 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 a speriat mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime
a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1545 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
ntors din nou fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre el.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, a
sta-i problema. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mda, m-a cam
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 intimidate. Dar tocmai am n{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} particip la u
n proces de o importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} major{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 unul care se desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}oa
r{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De la nceput
urile lumii? a completat-o glume{\f63 \u355\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri795 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Christian citnd aberanta afirma{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ie a lui Nathan.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aproape, i
-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea, cu un mic zmbet care s-a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 stins curnd. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva trece dincolo de
tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian. Alegerile sunt parte integrant{\f63 \u259\
'3f} a societ{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastre. nr{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}cinat{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Putem noi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m despre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 modificarea legii cu vrsta, sau despre lupt{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, sau despre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 orice-am vrea, dar asta e ceva str{\f63 \u259\'3f}vec
hi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cu b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}. i vezi pe cei de-afar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}? Nu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunt americani. Au
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 venit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i din alte {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}ri. Cteodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, uit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i Curtea e aici,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ea i guverneaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe moroii de pretutinde
ni. Ce se\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici afecteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
umea ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri638 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde vrei s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ajungi cu asta? a vrut el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa era cufundat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} n propriile gnduri, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vad{\f63
\u259\'3f} pe Christian la fel de obiectiv pe ct l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vedeam eu. El o cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea hine. O n{\f63
\u355\'3f}elegea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o iubea.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntre ei doi exista o sincronizare asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}
n{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare celei
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dintre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri. Uneori, totu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i, gndurile Lissei se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ndreptau n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pe care el nu putea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le ghiceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Nu recunoscuse niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta, ns{\f63
\u259\'3f} eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nu-

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre motivele

pentru care o iubea att: acela c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spre deosebire de mine, cunoscut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de t
oat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea ca
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 avnd o fire n{\f63 \u259\'3f}valnic{\f63 \u259\'3f},
Lissa p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse totdeauna imaginea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 calmului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunii
. Dar, dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea cte ceva
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 total nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}tep
tat. Iar lui, astfel de momente i produceau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncntare... de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cteodat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} l {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imntau, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63
\u259\'3f}dea seama cu precizie ce rol juca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spiritul n ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile ei. Iar acum era u
nul dintre aceste
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 momente. Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} alegerile o stresau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mine, era con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient de faptul c{\f63
\u259\'3f} puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 era mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am de gnd s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} iau testele astea la modul cel mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 serios, l-a n{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at ea
. Ar fi... ar fi ru{\f63 \u351\'3f}inos s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 insult{\f63 \u259\'3f} la adresa societ{\f63 \u259\'
3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii noastre. {\f63 \u354\'3f}elul meu suprem e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu cine i-a nscenat totul lui Rose
, dar pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac? O s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} trec testele ca o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian a ezitat nainte s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva, lucru rar
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pentru el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2613 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu\i vrei\i0
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri13 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Replica lui a smuls-o brusc pe L
issa din filosof{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile ei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1952 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 vis{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare despre
tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i onoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! Sigur
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu. Am optsprezece ani. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} beau alcool n-am voie.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar asta nu
te-a mpiedicat niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} bei, i-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri772 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 atras el aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia,
redevenind aproape cel obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu vorbesc
serios! Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg la facultate.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vreau s-o aduc napoi pe Rose.\i Nu\i0 vreau s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} guvernez
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 peste na{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea moroilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 O privire {\f63 \u351\'3f}ir
eat{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a luminat lui Christian ochii
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f6
3 \u350\'3f}tii ce, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a Tasha tot spune n glum{\
f63 \u259\'3f} despre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri37 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai fi de fap
t o regin{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect celelalte,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, uneori... nu prea cred c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} glume{\f63 \u351\'3f}te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1164 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Gemnd, Lissa s-a ntins pe spate
pe pat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi e drag{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, dar ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu ochii pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ea. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-adev{\f
63 \u259\'3f}r exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} schimbe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri478 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 legea aia, atunci ea ar fi, cu to
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prietenii ei activi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, n
u-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i face griji. Problema cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}prietenii ei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 activi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti" e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au atte
a pentru care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} protesteze, nct
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc de obicei s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} se ocupe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, i-a explicat Christian,
ntinzndu-se lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gnd-o spre el.
Dar, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rerea,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu cred c-ai fi o regin{\f63 \u259\
'3f} formidabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Dragomir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1480 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} te murd{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, l-a prevenit ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt deja. A, vr

ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui, de la hainele tale? a

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat-o, cuprinznd-o n bra{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}e, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i pese de ct era
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de ud{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de nn{\f63 \u
259\'3f}molit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-am petrecut cea mai mare
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 parte a copil{\f63 \u259\'3f}riei ascunzndu-m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ntr-un pod plin de praf
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i avnd exact o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de purtare. Chiar crezi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1662 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar putea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-mi pese de tricoul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ea a izbucnit n rs {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i l-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat, eliberndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 un minut mintea de griji {\f63 \u351\'3f}i savurndu-i
doar gustul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 buzelor. Gndindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
erau ntr-un pat, m-am ntrebat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva sosise vremea s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} retrag. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva secunde, s-a retras oftnd mu
l{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri829 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3
f}tii ceva, uneori am impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te iubesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri655 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uneori? a ntreb
at el, pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-se ofensat.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tot
timpul, s-a gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
asc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}indu\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri56 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul. Dar trebui
e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cu picioarele pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn
t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2348 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Consider{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a apropiat din
nou buzele de ale ei, oprindu-se ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la auzul unei b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f
63 \u259\'3f}i n u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ea s-a tras napoi din acea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aproape-s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutare, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
iciunul dintre ei nu s-a desprins
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i din mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1821 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}spunde, i-a zis Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a privit ncruntat{\f63 \u25

9\'3f} spre living. Desprinzndu-se

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urel din bra{\f63
\u355\'3f}ele lui, s-a ridicat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a pornit spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Cnd a ajuns la c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i de ea, a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap, n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 semn de confirmare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2460 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E Adrian, a a
nun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un motiv n plus s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunzi, a insistat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4041 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ia n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Lissa a deschis u{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat, n pragul ei a ap{\f63
\u259\'3f}rut non{\f63 \u351\'3f}alantul meu
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 iubit. Din spatele Lissei, l-am auzit pe Christian
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3172 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pronun{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd sacadat:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1547 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cel. Mai. Pro
st. Moment. Posibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a studiat-o mai nti pe Liss
a, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ndreptat privirea spre Christian, r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}chirat pe pat n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte a apartamentului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hm, a bomb
{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit el, intrnd. Prin urmare, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a vre{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezolva{\f63 \u355\'3f}i voi proble
ma familiei. Mici Dragomiri.
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 Bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} idee.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri561 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ridicndu-se, Christian s-a
apropiat agale de el.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda,
exact cum ai spus. Ceea ce nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1162 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 perturbi problemele oficiale ale
Consiliului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian avea o vestimenta{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ie neprotocolar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru el,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 blugi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un tricou negru, de{\f63 \u3

51\'3f}i le f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f} produse d

e
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 firm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De fapt, probabil c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i erau. Doamne, ct de dor
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mi era de el! mi era dor de ei to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1390 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce s-a ntmplat?
l-a ntrebat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce Christian p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia sosirea lui Adrian ca
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pe o ofens{\f63 \u259\'3f} persona
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian n-ar fi fo
st
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 acolo f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} un motiv nte
meiat... mai ales att de devreme
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pentru orarul moroilor. Cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} av
ea pe chip
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuitul lui zmbet lene{\f63 \u351\'
3f}, n aura lui se ntrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea un
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i de ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare. Avea ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri334 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}L-am prins, a
anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at el. L-am prins n capcan{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe cine? s-a interesat Lissa, nedum
erit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe idiotul {\f63 \u259\'3f}la de Bl
ake Lazar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum adic{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, l-ai prins n capcan{\f63 \u259\'3f}? l-a ntrebat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Christian, la fel de perplex ca {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa. Ai ntins o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri902 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 capcan{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru ur{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe terenul de tenis, sau ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f} fi vrut eu. E colo, la S{\f63 \u259\'3f}geata Aprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}. To
cmai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am mai dat un rnd, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim acolo
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri524 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ne gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bim. El crede c-am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it la o {\f63 \u
355\'3f}igar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Judecnd dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
miresmele care-l nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luiau pe Adrian,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa avea senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
el chiar ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise la o {\f63 \u355\'3f}igar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63
\u350\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 probabil, nu st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuse nici pe uscat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1380 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai fost ntr-un
bar att de devreme?
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a ridicat din umeri.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1873 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru oameni
, nu e devreme.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri3075 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar tu
nu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1113 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, las-o, ve
ri{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a protestat Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Aura lui nu avea culorile estompa
te ale cuiva complet
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri521 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 beat dar, da, categoric d{\f63 \u
259\'3f}duse pe gt cteva pahare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul de Ambrose a avut dreptate cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 privire la m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a Tati
ana, atunci individul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ne spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} numele altor femei geloase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i-atunci, de ce nu l-ai ntrebat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i singur? a replicat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun eu ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri despre via{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a sexual{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii mele ar fi cev
a scrbos {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nelalocul lui, a explicat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian. n timp ce Blake ar fi mai mult dect fericit s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri122 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 discute cu fermec{\f63 \u259\'3f
}toarea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f}, aici prez
ent{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar f
i dorit amarnic s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas n pat, dar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} af
le ceva de folos pentru mine i-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aprins un nou rezervor de energie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, dar d{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-mi voie m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi g{\f63 \u259\'3
f}sesc altceva de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} piept{\f63 \u259\'3f}n.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce ea se schimba n dorm
itor, l-a auzit pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2106 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Adrian spunndu-i lui Christian:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\

'3f}tii ceva, tricoul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u arat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam jegos. Cred car
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci un pic mai multe efort
uri, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot umbli cu
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 o prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproximat
iv un sfert de or{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tripleta era n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 drum, traversnd terenurile Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, spr
e un bar ascuns n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 incinta unei cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}diri administrative.
Mai fusesem acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 la nceput, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndisem c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
era un loc cam ciudat pentru
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 un bar. Dar, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce, recent, fusesem
pedepsit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 corvoada ndosarierii actelor,
ajunsesem la concluzia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, dac-ar fi treb
uit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ca
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-un biro
u, mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit probabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am la
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ndemn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o surs{\f63 \
u259\'3f} rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f} de alcool.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Barul era slab luminat, att pe
ntru atmosfer{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru confortul moroilor. L{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd deopar
te gluma lui
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, era ntradev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r devreme pentru m
oroi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n local
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nu se aflau dect vreo doi clien{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Adr
ian i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un mic
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 gest barmani{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei, unul despre care am p
resupus c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 reprezenta o comand{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiindc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} femeia s-a ntors imediat
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} preg{\f
63 \u259\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o b{\f63 \u259\'3f}utur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1437 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, Ivashkov
! Pe unde-ai umblat?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri13 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Cineva striga spre Lissa {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i prietenii ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 clipe, ea a descoperit un tip stnd
singur la o mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintr\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un col{\f63 \u355\'3f}. n timp ce Adrian i conducea ntracolo, ea a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 remarcat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
cam de vrsta lui Adrian, cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 negru cre{\f63 \u355\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ochi str
{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitori, bleu-verzui, cam n nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cravatei purtate recent de Abe. Era de parc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ar fi luat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cineva culorile uluitoare ale ochilor lui Adrian {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i-ai lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i le-ar fi amestecat ntre el
e. Avea un corp
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 suplu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i musculos, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i un ten att de nchis ct era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 posibil pentru un moroi... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, chiar {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i avnd un iubit,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nu se putea mpiedica s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l admire
ct e de
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ca s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} aduc o companie mai ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}toas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spuns
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i un s
caun.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Moroiul i-a observat a
bia atunci pe nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}itorii lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a s{\f63
\u259\'3f}rit ca ars. I-a luat mna Lissei, s-a aplecat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 peste ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutato.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prin{\f63 \
u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dragomir. Ce onoare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'
3f} cunosc, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. V{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-v{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} din dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtare, am considerat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri217 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i frumoas{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Dar de aproape? De-a dreptul divin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vi-l prezin
t, a rostit Adrian, pe un ton m{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u355\'3f}, pe
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Blake Lazar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1247 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ncntat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}spuns ea.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Blake i-a adresat un zmbet str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitor
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2415 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spun Vasilisa?
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-mi spui Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}
i po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i iei mna de pe ea acum,
a intervenit
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4041 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Christian.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Blake {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nt
ors privirea spre el, mai z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovind cteva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 secunde pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i elibere
ze mna Lissei... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 foarte mndru pentru aceste secunde suplimentare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri425 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3
f}i pe tine te-am mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut. Ozera. Crispin, nu?
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Christian, l-a corectat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Exact, a ncuviin{
\f63 \u355\'3f}at Blake, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gnd un scaun {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 jucnd nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} rolul gentle
manului des{\f63 \u259\'3f}vr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Te rog, i-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 zis Lissei, stai cu noi. Nu l-a invitat {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i pe Christian, care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s-a dat peste cap ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea lng{\f63 \
u259\'3f} Lissa. Ce bei? a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat-o. Fac eu cinste.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2417 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimic, a r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}spuns Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Barmani{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut tocmai atunci apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, aducnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri821 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 un pahar pentru Adrian {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i un altul pentru Blake.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nicio
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e prea devreme. ntreab{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov. Tu ncepi s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} bei de cum te rostogole{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti jos din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3995 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 pat, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am o sticl
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu scotch chiar pe noptier{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a replicat
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} tonul u{\f63 \u351\'3f}uratic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a concentrat asupra
aurei lui. Avea acel auriu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitor propriu tuturor utilizator
ilor spiritului, dar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or ntinat de alcool. Mai avea {\f63
\u351\'3f}i o foarte slab{\f63 \u259\'3f} nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}u: nu de furie adev{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ci, categoric, de iritare.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a amintit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
ici Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici Ambrose nu
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 aveau o p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere prea bun{\f63 \u259\'

3f} despre Blake {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i, ce v{\f63 \u259\'3f} aduce pe-aici, pe tine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Christ
opher? a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat Blake, golind un pahar cu un lichid n nuan{\f63
\u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 chihlimbarului, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezndu-l al{\f63 \u259
\'3f}turi de b{\f63 \u259\'3f}utura abia
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 primit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1664 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}C\i hristian,
\i0 l-a corectat Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai devreme, vor
beam despre m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mea, i-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3576 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 amintit Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct se po
ate de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 comunicativ, dar orict de mult {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi
dorit el s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dovedeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ia, era evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f} scormonirea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 detaliilor crimei a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei victim{\f63
\u259\'3f} fusese Tatiana l deranja.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul lui Blake {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i-a mai pierdut un pic din
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1448 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ct de depriman
t. Pentru amndoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Remarca era adresat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} Lissei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui Adrian. Christian
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2807 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici n-ar f
i existat.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi pa
re r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru faza cu Hathaway, a ad{\f63 \u259
\'3f}ugat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 el, doar pentru Lissa. Am auzit ct a
i fost de sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2395 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Cine-ar fi prev{\f63 \u259\'3f}z
ut a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a dedus c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} se referea la ct se sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 jignit{\f63 \u259\'3f} se pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse e

a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi din cauza mea.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, ia r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, cu am{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciune, presupun
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e cnd nu te pricepi s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-i cite{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Am avut
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sub ochi un milion de indicii. Pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
simplu, nu le-am dat
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i tu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, a z
is Christian. Am auzit
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} erai destul de apropiat de regin{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1258 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Rnjetul lui Blake a revenit la
locul lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda... ne cam cun
o{\f63 \u351\'3f}team reciproc destul de bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 O s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi lipseasc{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Orict de rece li s-ar fi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut unora,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se distreze, a comentat Blake,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea spre Adrian. Tu pr
obabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiai
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i n felul n care-l {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiai tu, a replicat Adrian,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 oprindu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} soarb{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
in pahar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} avea nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} bea ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i nfrneze
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 replicile t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, nu i-o luam n nume de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Ba chiar i admiram autocontrolul.
Dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 locul lui, de mult i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi ars un pum
n lui Blake.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1499 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu, sau Ambro
se, a reluat Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Frumosul zmbet al lui Blake s-a tra
nsformat ntr-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2760 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ncruntare n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
egea.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cine

? {\f63 \u258\'3f}la? Care se prostitueaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru snge? Nu

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 merita s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea n fa{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a reginei. Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l mai
las{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea la Curt
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}El, de fap
t, crede c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i tu\i0 ai asasinat-o pe regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a z
is
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugnd apoi n grab{\f63 \u259\'3f
}: Ceea ce e ridicol, din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 moment ce toate dovezile o indic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe R
ose ca fiind
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 autoarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu erau tocmai cuvintele lu
i Ambrose, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-i provoace o reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i a putut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3561 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Ce\i0 cr
ede?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da. Categoric,
nici urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de zmbet acum. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 el, Blake deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u mai p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea la fel de chipe{\f63 \u351\'3f} ca mai
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 devreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce jigodie
mincinoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}! Am un alibi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie
. E
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntors pe dos doar fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} prefera pe mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i-atunci, de ce-l mai {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe el? s-a mir
at
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian cu un chip aproape ngeresc. Ce, tu nu-i erai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4058 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 de-ajuns?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Blake l-a fixat cu o privir
e mnioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 golit noul pahar aproape dintr-o singur{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}itur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin farmec, a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut barmani{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}a cu un altul. Blake i-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit printr-o nclinare a capului, na
inte de a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 continua.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O, ba-i era
m mai mult dect de ajuns. Mai mult
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dect de ajuns {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru o duzin{\f63 \

u259\'3f} de femei, numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i eu

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prosteam cu alte amantlcuri, ca
el.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Expresia fe{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ei lui Adrian devenea tot mai chinuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu fiecare re
ferire la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a sexual{\f63 \u259\'3f} a Tatianei. {\f63 \u350\'3
f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i juca mai dep
arte rolul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Presupun c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti despre celelalte feti{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
ale lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3682 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}-h. Numai c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'3f}feti{\f63 \u355\'3f}e" mi se pare un termen cam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 exagerat. Toate erau mai b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trne {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i, sincer s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, cred
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pl{\f63 \u259\'
3f}teau. Nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mama ta ar fi avut nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe cineva, a
ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat Blake. Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic, e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chiar destul de cu vino-ncoace. Dar, {\f63 \u351\'3f}
tii, ea chiar nu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie cu el n vreun fel adev{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i au avut
nevoie de cteva clipe pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri150 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 seama la ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
aluzie Blake. Adrian s-a prins primul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3417 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-ai\i spus
\i0 ?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Au! Blake p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns de o surprindere legitim{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era greu s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dai seama dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se pref{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cea sau nu.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Credeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii. Maic{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-ta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Ambrose... m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, cine-ar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vreo vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Cu unul ca taic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-t{\f63 \u
259\'3f}u?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ntre noi doi fie vorba, eu cred
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} altul mai bu

n.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i din tonul
lui Blake se n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegea precis care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri257 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 considera el c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar
fi fost altul mai bun pentru Daniella.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sub ochii Lissei, aura lui A
drian s-a aprins n v{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Javra naib
ii! a exclamat el. Nu era genul care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ia la b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} exist{
\f63 \u259\'3f} un nceput pentru orice... iar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Blake tocmai trecuse un hotar destul de grav. Mama n
u
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 l-a n{\f63 \u351\'3f}elat pe tata, s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3
f}stit Adrian. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, chiar dac-ar fi
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o... sun
t al naibii de sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3065 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u
259\'3f} pentru asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Blake n-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rut descump{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit, dar poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} situa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ia ar
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fi fost cu totul alta dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian l-a
r fi lovit ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, Lissa i-a pus o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pe um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-a strns cu
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2564 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}U{\f63 \u351\
'3f}urel, i-a murmurat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i am sim{\f63 \u
355\'3f}it o firav{\f63 \u259\'3f} furnic{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} a u
nei constrngeri la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 calm trecnd dinspre ea spre el. Adri
an a recunoscut-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imediat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a tras br
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul, aruncndu-i o privire care-i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i aprecia deloc {\f63 \u
8222\'3f}ajutorul".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Credeam c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i place de taic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-t{\f63 \u259\
'3f}u, a zis Blake,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neavnd ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in hab
ar de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nout{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aduse de el\i ar putea\i0 fi deranjante. {\f63 \u3

50\'3f}i, la urma urmei, nu

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 te o{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}r la mine. Nu eu m
-am culcat cu ea. Eu nu fac
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun ce-am auzit. {\f63 \u350\
'3f}i, cum ziceam, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ncepi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} arunci cu acuza{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ii la nimereal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, atunci uit{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} unul ca Ambrose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intervin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mpiedicndu-l pe
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Adrian s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
va.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri101 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cte femei? {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}tii cumva cu cine mai avea el rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} trei, a r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}spuns Blake, num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd pe degete.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Marta Drozdov {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mi
rabel Conta. Stai. Astea ar fi dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i Daniella; ar fi trei. Dar atunci,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} patru, cu regina. Mda, patru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Pe Lissa n-o interesau cuno{
\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele aritmetice
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deficitare ale lui Blake, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva venea n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sprijinul etichetei de {\f63 \u8222\'3f}idiot" pe ca
re i-o atribuise anterior
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian. Marta Drozdov era o
femeie cu snge regal cu o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 reputa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie destul de
proast{\f63 \u259\'3f}, care alesese s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63
\u259\'3f}toreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 prin lume la b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trne{\f63 \u355\'3f}e.
Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} estim{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile Lissei, Marta
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lipsea din S.U.A. n cea mai mare parte a anului, necu
m
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fie prezent{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
Curte. Nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie suficient de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o asasineze pe Tatiana. Ct d
espre Mirabel
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Conta... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea avea o reputa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ie, dar din cu totul alt motiv.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Era cunoscut{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru faptul c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} se culcase cu jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dintre b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rba{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de la
Curte, fie nsura{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, fie nu. Lissa n-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea prea bine, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Mirabel nu se ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{
\f63 \u259\'3f} de interesat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vreun tip, oricare

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ar fi fost el.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Faptul c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} se culca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu alte femei n-ar fi nsemnat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tocmai un motiv ca el s-o omoare pe regin{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, i-a atras
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, a apro
bat-o Blake. Cum spuneam, e evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Hathaway aia a fost. Al naibii p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat,
a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrerupere. Era destul de sexy
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i asta. Doamne, ce
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 corp! Dar, oricum, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Ambrose ar fi
ucis-o, ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era gelo
s pe mine, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prefera. Nu din cauza tuturor celorlalte femei c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rora le-o
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar de ce n
u te-ar fi omort Ambrose pe tine? a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat Christian. Ar fi fost mai logic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Blake n-a mai avut ocazia s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Adrian r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese nc{\f63
\u259\'3f} fixat pe subiectul anterior, cu ochii
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aruncnd fulgere de mnie.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mama n
u s-a culcat cu nimeni. Ea nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3500 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 tata nu se culc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, dar iam v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut eu, a insistat Blake, n felul lui
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 non{\f63 \u351\'3f}alant. Erau c{\f63 \u259\'3f}lare
unul peste cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-am spus
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cumva ct de sexy {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-e...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Inventeaz{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, l-a prevenit Lissa. Nu ne ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri796 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a strns
cu putere paharul n mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1535 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimic din toa
te astea nu ne ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lucrur

ile nu decurgeau a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum sperase el

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 atunci cnd i chemase pe Lissa {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i pe Christian din
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 camera ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iar eu n-am
de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai stau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ascult
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3421 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 porc{\f63 \u259\'3f}riile {\f63
\u259\'3f}stuia!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a dat pe gt
paharul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit de pe scaun,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-se brusc spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire. n drum, a
azvrlit ceva
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 bani pe tejgheaua barului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bietul b{\f
63 \u259\'3f}iat, a comentat Blake, revenit la obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuita
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lui atitudine calm{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
arogant{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A trecut prin multe, cu
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-sa, cu maic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-sa, ba{\f63 \u351\'3f}ca iubita asasin{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Iat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ce,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 la urma urmei, nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ai ncredere n femei, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 decretat, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-i Lissei cu ochiul. Pe
rsoanele de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 se exclud, fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ea la fel de dezgustat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian, iar o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} privire ndreptat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} pe chipul prevestitor de furtun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 al lui Christian i ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el avea acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sentiment.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Era vremea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece, nainte s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i trag{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 un pumn lui Blake.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei,
ne-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discut{\f63 \
u259\'3f}m cu tine, dar acum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3547 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 trebuie plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1450 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Blake i-a adresat o privire de
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}elu{\f63 \u351\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar abia a{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i venit! Speram c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3106 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}tem mai bin
e.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1477 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Era de la sine n{\f63 \u355\'3f
}eles la ce se referea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri836 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, da, {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i pe Kreskin a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l cunosc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian nici nu {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i-a mai b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut capul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l corecteze
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri913 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de data asta, ci doar a luat-o de
mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2775 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2399 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, l-a sus{
\f63 \u355\'3f}inut Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri15 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Blake a ridicat din umeri {\f63
\u351\'3f}i a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut semn s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3517 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un pahar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, o
ricnd ve{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}te{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 lumea, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}uta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-m{\f63
\u259\'3f} pe mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
Lissa au pornit spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire, n timp ce el
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3923 \expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nea:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar sper
ca ultima parte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost pentru tine, nu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pentru mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta nu-i o
lume pe care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreau s-o cunosc, a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 replicat Lissa, strmbndu-se.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ajun{\f63 \u351\'3f}i afar{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, a privit n jur, vrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian mai z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovise. Nici gnd. Plecase
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu i-o lua n
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 nume de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum v{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}d, a continuat ea, de ce nu-l agreeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose, nici Adrian. E de-a dreptul...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Jigodie? a
sugerat Christian, n timp ce coteau spre
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa n care locuia Lissa.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400

\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri3166 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cam a{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1606 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ndeajuns ct s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} comit{\f63 \u259\'3f} o crim{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sincer? Nu, a r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Lissa, oftnd. Cam sunt de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rere cu Ambrose... Nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Blake ar fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 suficient de inteligent pentru un asasinat. Sau c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} mobilul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar fi ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r acesta. Nu pot s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi dau seama doar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} aur{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} minte cineva sau nu. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui nu mi-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luit nimic exagerat de necinstit.
Tu ai zis-o n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 glum{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} comit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva o crim{\f63 \u259\'3f} din gelozie,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de ce n-ar vrea rivalii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ucid{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ntre ei? Ar fi mult mai
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Amndoi aveau
acces la Tatiana, i-a reamintit
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\
'3f}tiu. Dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici s\i unt\i0 implicate dragostea {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sexul... pare mai probabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost
vorba despre cineva
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 gelos pe regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O femeie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 O lung{\f63 \u259\'3f} t{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cere, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elesu
ri, s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntre ei, niciunul nevrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \
u259\'3f} cu voce tare ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gndeau amndoi. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, Christian a fost cel care
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 a spart t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri980 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum ar fi, s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} zicem, Daniella Ivashkov?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} cred a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Lissa, scuturnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2372 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 din cap. Nu pare s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} fie genul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Criminalii
niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu par s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie genul. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1414 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce, ai studia

t criminologia, sau ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, a replicat el
. Cum ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} la intrarea n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire, i-a deschi
s u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a Lissei. Doar pun cap la cap unele
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fapte. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tim c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} mama lui Adrian n-a agreat-o niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana, din motive de personalita
te. Acum, afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau acela{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i amant.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri454 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar ea are un
alibi, a insistat Lissa, inflexibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Toat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} lumea are cte un alibi, i-a amintit el. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum am aflat,
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cump{\f63
\u259\'3f}rat.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Daniella a pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit deja pentru unul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mie tot nu
-mi vine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u
259\'3f} alte dovezi.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai degrab{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} un motiv politic dect
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 personal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1236 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici Ambrose
nu e exclus de pe list{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n dreptul camerei Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1056 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E mai greu de
ct a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi crezut, a oftat ea.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Au intrat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian a cuprins-o n
bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}
tiu. Dar o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}im mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ne d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m noi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 seama ce s-a petrecut. Dar... poate
c-ar fi mai bine ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unele lucruri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le p{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m doar pentru noi. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 exagerez aici, dar cred c-ar fi mai bine s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nu-i spunem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, lui Adrian c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mama lui ar fi

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 avut un motiv excelent de a-i asasina m{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3637 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, crezi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1317 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a l{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sat capul pe pieptul lui, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E vremea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} faci nani, a hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt Christian,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3007 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 conducnd-o spre pat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1597 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar tot a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f} avea nevoie de un du{\f63 \u351\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai nti, somnul. D
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul, pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a zis el,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri991 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ternuturile. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} culc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu cu tine.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te cu
lci, sau\i te culci\i0 ? l-a ntrebat ea, laconic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1781 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 timp ce se strecura mul{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}umit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n pat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} culc ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dorm. Tu ai nevoie de somn. S-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntins lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea, nghesuindu-se {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i capul pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 um{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul ei. Normal dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vei vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecem la vreo
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} oficial{\f63 \u259\'3f} a C
onsiliului...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i jur c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui cumva {\f63 \u8222\'3f}mi
ci Dragomiri", te
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trimit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dormi pe coridor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Eram convins{\f63 \u259\'3f}
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va urma o replic{\f63 \u259\'3f} marc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nregistrat{\f63 \u259\'3f} Christian, ns{\f63 \u259\'3
f} o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie n u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
} i-a retezat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 orice posilulitate. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ridicat priv
irea, exasperat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1358 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}spunde. De data asta, pe bune.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa nu se put
ea st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni. Desprinzndu-se din
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1968 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3

f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area lui, a cobort din pat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3194 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e Adrian..
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, probabil
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e nici important, a zis
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4041 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2296 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-avem de und
e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Lissa s-a dus
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} deschid{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, n pragul c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}reia a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4301 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 mama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Janine Hathaway a p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}truns n camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu tot att de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in formalism ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i A
drian, dar studiind cu o privire
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri340 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ascu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259
\'3f} orice detaliu, n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utarea posibilelor pericole.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Scuz{\f63
\u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c-am lipsit, i-a zis Lissei. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c
u Eddie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} punem la punct un sistem d
e alternan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ne-am trezit amndoi chema{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la datorie
mai devreme. A
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aruncat o privire spre patul n neornduial{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, cu tot cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Christian n el, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiind cine era, a a
juns la o concluzie
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb80\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pragmatic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
u la una romantic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Taman la timp. Mi-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nchipuit c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrei
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dormi dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} test. N-ai grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu
o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau de paz{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} asigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se
-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
Lissa au schimbat ntre ei o privire
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de regrete.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2451 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mersi, a r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}spuns Lissa.

\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri2984 \expndt
w-22 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI
\plain\par
\sl-107\fs11\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1472 \expndt
w-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}AR TREBUI S{\f63 \u258\'3f} DORMI PU{\f63 \u354\
'3f}IN.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Vocea lui Sydney aproape c{\f63
\u259\'3f} m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi sar din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 propria piele, ca dovad{\f63 \u259
\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cnd m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} aflam n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mintea Lissei, eram capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-mi men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in vigilen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. M\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 am ntors n ntunecosul living al Sonyei. Cu excep{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ia lui
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney, peste tot era lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i pace.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar{\f63 \u
259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ca un zombi, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat ea. {\f63 \u350\
'3f}i n-o spun deloc
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 n glum{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1585 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} stau de paz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-am zis.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stau eu. Tu dormi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu nu e{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ti antrenat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca mine, i-am atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
E
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2860 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u355\'3f}i scape ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}car mie n-ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi scape un strigoi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care ar bate u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a
replicat. Uite ce e, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i tari.
Nu e nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} convingi. Dar am senza{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lucrurile or s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} se complice {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi le{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ini n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce moment crucial. Dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} adormi acum, po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nlocuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti mai trziu pe Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Numai referirea la Dimitri
m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cedez. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f},\i trebuia\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f

} ne nlocuim unul pe cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f

},
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} tragere de inim{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, m-am trt pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n patul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 improvizat de Sydney pe podea, dndu-i din mers tot
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 felul de indica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pe care cred c{\f63
\u259\'3f} ea le-a primit
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 rostogolindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ochii n orbite. Am ador
mit aproape
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 instantaneu, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m-am trezit la
fel de repede cnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 am auzit zgomotul unei u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nchizndu-se.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Imediat m-am ridicat n capul
oaselor, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d strigoi dnd buzn
a pe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n loc de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut soarele strecurndu-se n{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}untru prin ferestre {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sydney privindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} amuzat{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. n living, Robert st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 canapea, frecndu-se la ochi. Victor nu mai era. M-am
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntors, alarmat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, spre Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E n baie, ma informat ea, anticipndu-mi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntrebarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Prin urmare, acela fusese s
unetul auzit de mine. Am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am ridicat n picioare, surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de mult m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcaser{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cu energie doar cteva ore de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 somn. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}car dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fl
avut ceva de mncare, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu gata pentru orice. Sonya nu ave
a nimic, desigur,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dar m-am mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit cu un pahar de ap{\
f63 \u259\'3f} din buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cum st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i be
am, am constatat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dashkov se f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} com
ozi, ca la ei acas{\f63 \u259\'3f}: hainele
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ag{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ate n cuier, cheile ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inii pe mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe acest
ea din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-am nh{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} zgomot {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i am strigat-o pe
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 A intrat, iar eu i-am strec

urat cheile, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 evit orice z{\f63 \u259\'3f}ng{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri702 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tot te mai pri
cepi la ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini? am murmurat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Printr-o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i intens{\f63 \u259\'3f} privire, mi-a transmis c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1817 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 era o ntrebare ridicol{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i jignitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK. Ai put
ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dai o fug{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru aprovizionare?
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne trebuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mnca
re. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, poate, n drumul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, ai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva ma{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ina lor are
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 probleme la motor, sau mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu eu ce
? Orice i-ar putea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine pe loc. Dar nu ceva b{\f63 \u259\
'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor la ochi, de genul
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cauciucurilor t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Simplu, ma asigurat, vrndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cheile n buzunar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2285 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Ai ceva preferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
e alimentare?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2112 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Am stat pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1040 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Orice cu zah{
\f63 \u259\'3f}r. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cafea pentru Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cafeaua se subn{\f63 \u355\'3f}elege
, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, a intrat Victor n buc{\f63
\u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie, expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei lui,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 tipic nep{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}toare, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu auzise ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 instruc{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem
lui Sydney cu privire la sabotarea
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inii lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sydney se
duce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia mncare, i-am zis, spernd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 i atrag aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u observe lipsa cheilor. Ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3502 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de ceva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un hr{\f63
\u259\'3f}nitor ar fi grozav, dar, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd abstrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
de

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, Robert are o preferin{\f63 \

u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} special{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Cheerios. Din cele cu mere {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i scor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Apoi,
zmbind
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spre Sydney: N-am crezul c-o s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ziua n care s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d un Alchimist transformndu-se n fata
cu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 aprovizionarea. Fermec{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney a deschis gura, f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} avnd preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit
un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri139 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns mu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, dar eu m-am gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} scutur din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2881 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Du-te, am zor
it-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ea a plecat, iar Victor s-a ntors
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea cu Robert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptul
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-aveau unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece n plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} zi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} e timpul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d ce face
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Spre mirarea mea, Sonza era treaz{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. St{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 turce{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pe pat mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cu el, discutnd n {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Avea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul r{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'
3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, att de pe urma somnului, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ca rezultat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 al nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ier{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii, dar n rest
, nu se vedeau t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieturi sau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vn{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i. Cu Dimitri fuse
se la fel dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} transformarea lui,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnd de arsuri groaznice. Puterea de
refacere proprie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strigoilor i vindecase toate r{\f63 \u259\'3f}nile. Cu
picioarele mele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 julite {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pseudocomo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
, parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 transforme {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe mine cineva n strigoi
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nto
rs capul dinspre Dimitri n timp ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intram. Un {\f63 \u351\'3f}ir de emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}i

i i-a traversat chipul. Team{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Uimire. Recunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}tere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3884 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Era destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f} n felul n care mi pronun{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ase
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 prenumele, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum
s-ar fi temut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 halucina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. M-am for{\f63 \u355\'3f}
at s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zmbesc.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f
63 \u259\'3f} bucur s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}d, i-am zis, avnd gri
j{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 adaug: Acum, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu n
cerci s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi sorbi toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a din
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a cobort pr
ivirea spre minile ei, studiindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 degetele de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost fermecat
e, minunate. Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce fusese un monstru, poate c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} rec{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tarea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}vechilor ei mini" chiar i se p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rea o minune. n ziua de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} transformarea lui, Dimitri nu p{
\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse chiar att de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fragil, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} categoric se aflase sub sta
re de {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc. Tot
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 atunci i debutase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i depresia. La ea,
cum o fi? Nu cumva
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se transform
e la loc n strigoi, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3398 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 insinuase Victor?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun. Totul era att de straniu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 stnjenitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sydney s-a
dus s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia de mncare, l-am informat,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 stngace, pe Dimitri. A stat ea treaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
azi-noapte, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dorm {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiu, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, cu un mic zmbet. Am trecut {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 eu o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63
\u259\'3f}d ce faci.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it cu
m m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nro{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc, oarecum jenat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fapt
ul
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusesem surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} nt
r-un moment de sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}biciune.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Po{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te odihne{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu, iam zis. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}nnci ceva,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau eu cu och
ii pe toate. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu din surs{\f63 \u259\'3f} sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Victor o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} probl
eme la ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
Robert se d{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n vnt dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} Cheerios, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu, n-ai noroc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1389 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu mi se pare genul care s{\f63
\u259\'3f} mpart{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul lui Dimitri s-a l{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rgit. Sonya a ridicat
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} capul.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai
e un utilizator al spiritului aici, a zis ea, pe un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ton extrem de agitat. l simt. Mi-aduc
aminte de el, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 insistat, plimbndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea de la Di
mitri la mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 napoi. Nu e bine Nu suntem n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Noi n-ar
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim n preajma voastr{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Totul e bin
e, a asigurat-o Dimitri, cu o voce foarte
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4287 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 blnd{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era un ton rar ntlnit la el, da
r eu l mai auzisem. l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mine,
n cteva dintre momentele
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mele de maxim{\f63 \u259\'3f} disperare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2083 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i face griji, i-a mai zis.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Voi nu n{\f63
\u355\'3f}elege{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Noi... suntem capabili de
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lucruri ngrozitoare. Fa{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de noi n{\f63 \u351\'3f}ine, fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'
3f} de al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. De\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 asta m-am transformat, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} opresc t
oat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nebunia. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 oprit-o, numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... a fost mai r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}u. ntr-un fel. Ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-le, acele
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}i remu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri care-l bntuiser{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Aproape temndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} el va ncepe s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri552 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici pentru ea
nu exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} mntuire, am intervenit:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1311 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu erai tu. E
rai st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de altceva.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ngropat fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
n palme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar eu am f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut alegerea. Eu. Eu am provocat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3803 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntmplarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Spiritul a
fost, i-am zis. E greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te lup{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu el. A{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cum ai spus, te poate mpinge spre fapte ngrozitoare. T
u
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu gndeai limpede. Lissa se lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} mereu
cu acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 lucruri.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri3607 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vasilis
a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri13 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridica
t ochii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas privind n gol. Cred
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
scormonea printre amintiri. De fapt, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 incoeren{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei de acum, nu mi se p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi tot att de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 instabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ct fusese imediat nainte d
e transformarea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ei n strigoi. Noi aflaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} farmecele de t{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}duire
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} atenueze nebunia adus{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} de spirit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 transformarea nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}ptuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de Robert mai luminase par{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntunericul din ea, deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, sigur, a
continuat ea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Vasilisa l are.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Cuprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de panic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sa ntors spre mine. Ai ajutat-o? Ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3435 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 scos-o de-acolo?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, i-am r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} imit blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 lui Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa fu
giser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de la Sf. Vladimir pentru o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri656 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vreme, n parte din cauza avertisme
ntelor Sonyei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am plecat,
dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care ne-am ntors {\f63 \u351\'3f}i... {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}... am
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} oprim ceea c
e o h{\f63 \u259\'3f}ituia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rut nimerit ca Sonya s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de fapt,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ce {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sau, mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, cine {\f63 \u8212\'3f} o h{\f63 \u259\'3f}ituise pe Lissa se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 afla acum chiar n livingul ei. n schimb, am f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cut un pas
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i tu ai putea s-o aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe Lissa, am nceput. Avem
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, m-a ntrer
upt Dimitri, de data asta f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} nicio
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e n privir
ea pe care mi-a aruncat-o. Nu
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3907 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar...
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri3680 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu nc{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 I-am ripostat cu o privire sup{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar n-am mai zis
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nimic. Eram ntru totul de acord s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m Sonyei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timpul necesar pentru refacere, dar nu puteam nici s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m o ve{\f63 \u35

1\'3f}nicie. Vremea trecea, iar noi aveam
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ce {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tia Sonya. Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri ar fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fost capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne fi dat o astfel de
informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie imediat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} transformarea lui. Normal, el nu
fusese instabil
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 psihic naintee, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
vea un oarecare avantaj. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Doar nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ne juc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m la infinit de-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 menajul n comun prin Kentucky.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d florile? a ntrebat Sonya. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ies
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3376 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi v{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}d florile?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1723 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am schimbat o privire cu Dimit
ri.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} da, a r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spuns el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am pornit cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
i spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i atunci m-am g{\f63 \
u259\'3f}sit eu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3237 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i pun ntrebare
a:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce-ai mai cu
ltivat flori cnd erai... a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum erai?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1437 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 A z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovit pu{\
f63 \u355\'3f}in pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund{\
f63 \u259\'3f}:
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu mereu am cultivat flori.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f
}tiu. Mi-aduc aminte. Erau superbe. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cele de-aici
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sunt superbe. De-asta... adic{\f63
\u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f
}din{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2051 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, chiar
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} erai strigoi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntrebarea a prins-o pe nea{\
f63 \u351\'3f}teptate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 descump{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit-o chiar. Tocmai m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}team s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi iau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi primi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spu
ns, cnd ea, ntr-un trziu, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4577 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 zis:

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb500\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu.
Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m-am gndit la\i frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}e.\i0 Era...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Ceva de f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut. Totdeauna am cultivat flori.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d dac{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} mai sunt n stare. A fost... ca un fel
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de verificare a capacit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ilor mele, cred.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am ntlnit din nou privirea l
ui Dimitri. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, prin
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 urmare. Frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cea parte din lumea ei. Era
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 exact a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum i spusesem. Strigoii era
u de o arogan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 notorie, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
florile nu fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 demonstra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie a aptitudinilor. Cultiva
rea lor fusese pentru
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un tabiet familiar, ceea ce mia amintit de cum citea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri romane western chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cnd era
strigoi. Chiar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul de a fi strigoi i priva de
sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul binelui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cel al moralit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, vec
hile deprinderi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i hobby-uri
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 persistau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am condus-o prin living, ntre
rupnd o conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dintre Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert. Att Sonya, ct {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert au
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncremenit, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}surndu-se reciproc din pri
viri. Victor ne\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a adresat unul dintre zmbetele lui cunosc{\f63 \u259\
'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea t
reaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i activ{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
aflat deja ce ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4191 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 trebuie?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt540\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri l-a s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}getat cu o privire asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare celei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
ate de mine cnd ncercasem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec la

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 interogatoriu.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3662 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu nc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a smuls
cu greu privirea de pe Robert {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ndreptat repede spre u{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a de la patio, oprindu-se cnd ne\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a observat crpeala de mntuial{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1981 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-a{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i spart u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, a exclamat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1528 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pagube colate
rale, am replicat eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri14 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu coada ochi
ului, mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Dimi
tri
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2757 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ochii pest
e cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Neavnd nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fie condus{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Sonya a deschis u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f
}it afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Deoodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, icnind u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, s
-a oprit pe loc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridicat privirea spre cer. Era u
nul perfect, albastru,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} pic de nor, iar so
arele trecuse deja de orizont,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldnd totul ntr-o lumin{\f63 \u259\'3
f} aurie. Am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, dorind
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura soarelu
i pe piele. Ceva din r{\f63 \u259\'3f}coarea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mai z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovea, dar
era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta o zi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fierbinte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Au ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca Son
ya s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ridicase bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
cum s-ar fi gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 prind{\f63 \u259\'3f} soarele n mini.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Ct e de fr
umos, a murmurat. n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a mutat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 privirea, ntlnind-o pe-a mea. Nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a?
Ai mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2323 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva att
de frumos?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2318 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E frumos
, am aprobat-o.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn460\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dintr-un oarecare mot
iv, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam att bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3564 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntristat{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} se plimbe prin gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}din{\f63 \u259\'3f}, examinnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiecare plant{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fieca
re floare. Le atingea petalele, le
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 inhala miresmele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Att de altfel
..., {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot repeta. Att de altfel, la
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 soare...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri266 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Vreo cteva flori i-au captat n mo
d special aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cele de colo nu
se deschid noaptea! Le vezi? Le
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1602 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 vezi culorile? Po{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mirosul?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile nu
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fie adresate cuiva anume.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit-o cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} hipnotiza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. n cele din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe un
scaun din patio, privind fericit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 jur, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cit{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} n acea supranc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcare a sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}urilor... n toat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}e care
-i fusese interzis{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca strigoi. Cnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a devenit evident faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea nu ave
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in pentru o vreme, m-am ntors s
pre Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am repetat sfatul lui Sydney, cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
r fi rndul lui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doarm{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct timp a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i revin{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sonya. Spre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mirarea mea, el chiar a fost de acord.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Inteligent.
Imediat cum va fi capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sonya s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} va trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ne punem n mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care. Sydney, a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat el, zmbind, ncepe s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f} un creier al
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 strategiei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, nu uit
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ea e la comand{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici, l-am

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 apostrofat n glum{\f63

.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24
probat el, mngindu-mi u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or obrazul
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 degetele. Scuze, c{\f63

\u259\'3f}. Nu-i dect un soldat

{\f63 \u8212\'3f}Corect, a a
cu
\u259\'3f}pitane.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Gener
ale, l-am corectat, cu respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3581 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 scurta atingere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i-a luat r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas-bun de la Sonya, pe un ton la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fel de blnd, a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n cas{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Ea a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 semn de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are, dar nu-mi dau sea
ma dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 auzit, n realitate. Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i-au adus dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 scaune din buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-au a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat la umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu mi-am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ales un loc pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt. Nimeni n-a scos
o vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 chiar cea mai bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f} situa{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ie din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea, dar n mod
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cert era destul de ciudat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Sydney s-a ntors ceva mai trz
iu cu cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am p{\f63 \u259
\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit grupul pentru scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme, ca s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} aflu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ce-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. Cheile lui Victor z{\f63
\u259\'3f}ceau la locul lor, pe mas{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce am interpretat ca fiind un semn bun. Sydney a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot fe
lul de alimente, ntinzndu-mi o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cutie cu dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}sprezece gogo{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1652 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a comentat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-am strmbat la remarca ei, dar or
icum am luat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4102 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 gogo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd termini,
vino {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-am zis. Parc-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 picnicul damna{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor. Numai c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}... lipse{\f63 \u351\'3f}te gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}tarul.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut
nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar cnd ni s-a al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva minute, cred c-a n{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}eles la ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} referisem.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Robert {\f63 \u351\'3f}i luase cu el un castron cu Che
erios, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Sydney, nici Victor nu mncau. I-am dat Sonyei o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gogoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, primul lucru c
are i-a ab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri234 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}din{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. A {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut-o n mini, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucind-o pe toate p{\f63
\u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\
f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} sunt n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4158 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nnc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba sigur c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, i-am zis, amintindu-mi cu ct{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nesiguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} privise {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri mncarea. Sunt cu glazur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 de ciocolat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Foarte bune.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A luat o mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} minuscul{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de ncercare. A
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mestecat-o de un miliard de ori pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nghit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri346 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. A nchis ochi
i pentru cteva clipe, suspinnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3038 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Ct{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} dulcea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncetul cu ncetul, a continuat s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nnce, cu alte
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ituri microscopi
ce. I-a luat o ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nicie pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 termine jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate de gogoa{\f63 \u351\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar atunci s-a oprit. Eu deja
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesem trei gogo{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, i
ar ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdarea de a realiza ceva mi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sporea nencetat. n parte, vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} era a
cea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 persistent{\f63 \u259\'3f} iritabilitate provocat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de spirit, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 permanentul meu neastmp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r la gndul s-o
ajut pe Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sonya, am r
ostit, pe un ton agreabil, pe deplin

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ct se va

sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra Dimitri pe mine din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i nesocotisem dispozi{\f63 \u355\'
3f}iile. Noi am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbim cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tine despre ceva anume.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mm-hmm, a nc
uviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at ea, urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind cu privirea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 albinele care se roteau deasupra caprifoiului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai cumva o
rud{\f63 \u259\'3f}... pe cineva care, {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, a n{\f63 \u259\'3f}scut un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2821 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 copil acum ceva vreme?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2746 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur, a r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 O albin{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i-a luat zborul de pe caprifoi, poposind pe
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 un trandafir {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i,
\plain\tx2023 \tab \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 privirea Sonyei n-a ncetat s-o
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1689 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}reasc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri2470 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} O mul
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri135 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Logic, Rosemar
ie, a remarcat Victor. Foarte logic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat buza,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bufnire ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri923 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tulburat-o pe Sonya. {\f63 \u350\
'3f}i, probabil, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Robert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E vorba de
spre un copil {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut secret, i-am zis. Iar tu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 erai beneficiara unui cont bancar pentru ntre{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}inerea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 copilului... un cont alimentat de Eric Dragomir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Capul Sonyei s-a r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sucit brusc spre mine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n ochii
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ei alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri nu mai era acum nici urm{
\f63 \u259\'3f} de reverie absent{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Au trecut cteva secunde pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iar tonul i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 devenise rece {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dur; nu unul de stri

goi, dar categoric de

\plain\expndtw-9 \i \f20 \fs24 retrage-te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1459 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Nu {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiu nimic despre a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Minte, a intervenit Robert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-aveam nevoie d
e puteri magice ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri441 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 seama {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, a rep
licat Sydney, pufnind n batjocur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2476 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 I-am ignorat pe amndoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sonya, noi {\f63
\u351\'3f}tim c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i e cu
adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat foarte
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 important s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63
\u259\'3f}sim pruncul... {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}... cop
ilul. Persoana
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 aceea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ncercaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghicim vrsta posibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nu eram
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 sut{\f63 \u259\'3f} la sut{\f63 \u259\'3f} siguri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai devreme
ai spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i faci griji pentru Lissa.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Asta ar ajuta-o. Ea\i are nevoie\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} afle. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mai are pe cineva n familie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nto
rs din nou privirea spre albine, dar
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-acum nu le
mai urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2366 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiu nimic, a repetat.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ea un tremur n vocea ei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceva mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 poate n-ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ez nota, n definitiv. Nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama dac{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-i era team{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sau dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ajunsese n pragul unei crize de furie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i-atunci, de ce erai trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca beneficiar al
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4081 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 contului?
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1920 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Victor fusese cel care ntrebase
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tiu nimic, s-a nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}nat ea, cu o
voce care ar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri53 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} formeze
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ur{\f63 \u355\'3f}uri pe arborii ornamentali. Nimic!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Termin{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cu minciunile, s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit Victor. {\f63 \u350\'3f}ti
i ceva,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne spui {\f63
\u351\'3f}i nou{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei! am exc
lamat. Ia taci. Tu n-ai dreptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pui
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri244 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu nu dai impr
esia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-ai descurca prea grozav.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2804 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am zis s{\f63
\u259\'3f} taci, da?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am ntors din nou capul spre Sonya,
nlocuindu-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1821 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 privirea fioroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cu una zmbitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te rog, am
zis. Lissa are necazuri. Asta ar ajuta-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri879 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut mie,
sau ai zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai vrea s-o aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3484 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am jurat...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri21 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Vocea Sonyei devenise att de sc{\
f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct de-abia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3401 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 am putut s-o aud.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2164 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-ai jurat?
am ntrebat-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-9 \i \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare, r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}bdare.\i0 Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strez calmu
l. Nu\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1473 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mi permiteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r
isc o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}dere nervoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 A nchis ochii, strngndu-{\f63
\u351\'3f}i cu putere pleoapele, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nfipt mna n p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r cu v
iolen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, aproape ca un copil
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f} declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}eze

o scen{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am ju
rat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu spun... Am jurat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i spun
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4017 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 nim{\f63 \u259\'3f}nui...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri45 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi venea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} reped la ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-o zgl{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.\i R{\f63
\u259\'3f}bdare,
\plain\expndtw-8 \i \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare,\i0 mi-am repetat singur{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i N-o nec{\f63 \u259\'3f}ji.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu te-am f
i rugat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nclci jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} n-ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi fost important. Poate... poate dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
iei leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 persoana aceea... (Oare cui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fi ju
rat? Amantei lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1212 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Eric?) {\f63 \u350\'3f}i s-o ntre
bi dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne spui?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, pentru
numele lui Dumnezeu, a exclamat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Victor, iritat. E o prostie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu ne d
uce nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri. Apoi,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri990 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea
spre fratele lui. Robert?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Robert nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
use mai nimic pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 comanda lui Victor s-a aplecat n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3775 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sonya?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} evident tulbur
at{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ea s-a ntors s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2847 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a i-a devenit
imobil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Spune-ne c
e avem nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, a cerut Robert
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vocea lui nu ora att blnd{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, ct calm{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}titoare,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dar cu o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} not{\f
63 \u259\'3f} sinistr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Spune-ne cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i unde e
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 copilul. Spune-ne cine e mama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 De data asta, chiar am s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rit n picioare. Robert {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 folosea for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de constrngere mpotriva e

i, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsurile. Ochii Sonyei au r{\f63
\u259\'3f}mas fixa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i asupra lui,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tremure d
in tot corpul. Buzele i s-au
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntredeschis, dar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
a vreun sunet s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre ele.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Un v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3
f}ag de gnduri a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se nvrteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prin minte. Constrngerea ne-ar ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine c
eea ce ne
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trebuia, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva mi spunea c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu e bine...
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Sonya mi-a ntrerupt me
dita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. A {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit n picioare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aproape la fel de repede ca mine. l
fixa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i acum cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 privirea pe Roberl, dar nu n acel mod transfigurat,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 hipnotizat. Destr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mase constrngerea, i
ar acum... acum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era enervat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63
\u259\'3f}turile ei, speriate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fragile, mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 devreme, erau acum pline cu furie. Eu nu dispuneam d
e
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}iri magice, dar dup{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ct st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tusem al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de Lissa,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}asem s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} recunosc izbucnirile de furie ale spiritului
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 atunci cnd le ntlneam. Iar Sonya era ca o bomb{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} explodeze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum ndr{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}zne{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti..., a {\f63 \u351\'3f}uierat ea. Cum\i ndr{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}zne{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3581 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} constrngi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Plantele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i v
i{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele din preajma lui Robert au prins
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 brusc via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, crescnd pn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} la n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}imi imposibile. S-au
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntins, ncol{\f63 \u259\'3f}cindu-se n jurul picioarelor
scaunului, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tras. Scaunul s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sturnat cu tot cu
Robert. Victor s-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 repezit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ajute fr
atele, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Robert deja ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ocupe de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Revenindu-{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i remarcabil de repede, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a mijit ochii spre Sonya, iar ea a zburat nd{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}t, n gardul

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 din lemn. Utilizatorii aerului reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea

u uneori {\f63 \u351\'3f}mecheria
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum nu aerul era cel care-o
arunca n spate.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Era abilitatea telechinetic{\f63 \u259\'3f} a spirit
ului. Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Robert
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 o avea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n interiorul viselor. Ce dr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} utilizatori ai spiritul
ui
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 confruntndu-se ntre ei, atunci cnd Avery Lazar {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa se luptaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} una cu cealalt{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Nu fusese deloc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, mai ales din momenl ce se petr
ecuse {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altceva
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 dect acest fenomen psihic exterior. Avery chiar
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunsese n mi
ntea Lissei... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntr-a mea. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu le
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team ntreaga cap
acitate, nici a lui Robert, nici a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sonyei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} din {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} n-avea cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se termine cu
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1192 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dimitri! am u
rlat, {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nind spre Sonya.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam precis c
e aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea cel
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 mai s{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tos s-o plachez. Din cte observasem,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}area spiritului presupunea n fo
arte mare
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} contactul vizu
al cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}inta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, dup{\f63
\u259\'3f} cum m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam, cnd am reu{\f63 \u351\
'3f}it s-o pun la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt, s-a luptat cu ceva mai pu{\f63
\u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} tragere de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, e
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 drept, dar n principal s-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} privirea
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 spre Robert. Brusc, el a scos un {\f63 \u355\'3f}ip{\
f63 \u259\'3f}t alarmat,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 coborndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea ngrozit{\f63 \u259
\'3f} spre propriul corp. Sonya
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 i implanta vedenii n minte. Expresia lui a devenit dur
{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sigur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu era dect o iluzie, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva clipe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ri
dicat din nou privirea, rupnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 farmecul la fel cum se smulsese ea mai devreme de su
b
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 efectul for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei lui de constrngere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n momentul acela, Dimitri a
n{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lit pe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tocm
ai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cnd Robert azvrlea, prin puterea min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
, un scaun spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sonya. Evident, eu fiind deasupra ei, scaunul m-a lov
it
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 pe mine\i0 n spinare. Dimitri a dedus destul de re
pede ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 se petrecea, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
dat fuga spre Robert, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 adopte aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i tactic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
folosit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine. Victor, creznd
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe fratele lui l amenin{\f63
\u355\'3f}a o primejdie fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l trag{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe D
imitri ntr-o parte, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eforturile
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lui nu puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie dect zadarnice. Al
te vrejuri au
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
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\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nt
ind{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre Robert, ceea ce m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} imo
bilizarea Sonyei nu era chiar att de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 folositoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Du-l n cas{
\f63 \u259\'3f}! am urlat spre Dimitri. ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de ea! Dimitri deja se gndise la asta {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i ncepuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 trasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Robert spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu interven{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile lui
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Victor, Dimitri era destul de puternic nct s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-l poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lua
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pe Robert de-acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-l duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru. Imediat cum
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inta ei nu s-a mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
zut, toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} energia parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a scurs
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} din Sonya. N-a mai ncercat s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} mi se mpotriveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351
\'3f}it pe jos. Am oftat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiindc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 temusem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpotriva mea dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 plecarea Robert. Prudent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, men{\f63 \

u355\'3f}inndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n gard{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am ajutat-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ridice n {\f63 \u351
\'3f}ezut. S-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe mine, moale
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ca o p{\f63 \u259\'3f}pu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de crpe, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi plng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pe um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r.
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}dere nervoas{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tot
ul s-a rezumat la limitarea pagubelor. Ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f
} desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe cei doi utilizatori
ai spiritului,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri l-a dus pe Robert n dormitor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
l-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Victor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea cu el. Robert p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rea la fel de epuizat ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Sonya, iar Dimitri considera c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram d
estul de n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa pe cei doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i singuri. Sonya s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it pe canapea {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce am ncercat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri s-o calm{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, ne-am ndep{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rtat, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd-o pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sydney s-o {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mn{\
f63 \u259\'3f} pe femeia moroi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 L-am pus la curent pe Dimitr
i, pe scurt, cu tot ce se
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntmplase. Pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui se a{\f63 \u351\'3
f}temea tot mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nencredere pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
e-i povesteam.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era momentul! a exclamat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1278 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Ce-a fost n capul t{\f63 \u259\'
3f}u? E nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta nume{
\f63 \u351\'3f}ti tu sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit{\f63 \u259\'3f}? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, i
a stai, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} descurcam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 perfect. Abia cnd s-au amestecat Victor {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i Robert s-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dus naibii totul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri424 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
un pas spre mine, radiind de furie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei n-ar fi treb

uit implica{\f63 \u355\'3f}i niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tot tu, iar{\f63 \u259\'3

f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 comportndu-te iresponsabil, avntndu-te
proste{\f63 \u351\'3f}te,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
te gnde{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti la consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1594 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Asta m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt ofensat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, eu ncercam s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} avansez cumva. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 responsabil nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai degeaba {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci {\f63 \u
351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de terapie, atunci m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m-am avntat de partea
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mie nu mi-e fric{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intru n hor{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri960 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Habar n-ai ce
vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti acolo, a mrit el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Acum eram foarte aproape unul de
cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt, abia mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd un pic de spa{
\f63 \u355\'3f}iu ntre noi, cum ne angrenasem
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} confruntare a voin{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}elor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri138 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu asta poate
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-ai tras napoi, a argumentat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba v-am tras\i n
ainte.\i0 Am aflat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie despre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Eric Dragomir. Problema e c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} a jurat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu spun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nim{\f63 \u259\'3f}nui despre existen{\f63 \u355\'3f
}a copilului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1472 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, am jurat,
s-a amestecat Sonya.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am ntors simultan, att eu, ct {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri, dndu\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ne seama abia acum c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cearta noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese pe
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 deplin vizibil{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aud
ibil{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am jurat, a
repetat ea, cu o voce foarte slab{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, parc{\f63 \u
259\'3f} implorndu-ne.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri2003 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney i-a strns u{\f63 \
u351\'3f}urel mna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}
tim. Nu-i nimic. E bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}ii j
ur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mintele. Te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4226 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1835 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a privit-o cu recuno{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc. Mul{\f63
\u355\'3f}umesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Totu{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i, a reluat Sydney, precaut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am auzit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f
63 \u355\'3f}ii la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3477 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Lissa Dragomir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri72 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot, a ntreru
pt-o Sonya, redevenind tem{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}tiu. Dar dac-ar exista o cale prin care s-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, f{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ncalci jur{\f63 \u259\'
3f}mntul? Sonya a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ochii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mari. Dimitri mi-a aruncat o privire ntreb{\f63 \u259\
'3f}toare. Am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ridicat din umeri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am ntors {\f63
\u351\'3f}i eu ochii spre Sydney.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-ar fi ntrebat cineva cine ar fi
capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trateze
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai bine cu o femeie nebun{\f63 \u259\'3f} care pn{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} mai adineauri
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 fusese un monstru mort-viu, Sydney Sage ar fi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 reprezentat ultima mea op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune posibi
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Sonya s-a ncruntat, concentrnd
u-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntreaga aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3812 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 spre Sydney
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2773 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-ce vrei s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} spui?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\'3f
}i... ce anume ai jurat, mai precis? C{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spu
i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nim{\f63 \u259\'3f}nui c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} Eric Dragomir avea o amant{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un copil cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4573 \expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 ea?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1300 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a nclinat din cap a ncuvii
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}are.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2082 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui cine sunt?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1325 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 O nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncuviin{\
f63 \u355\'3f}are din partea Sonyei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney i-a d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit a
tunci cel mai cald {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prietenos
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 zmbet pe care l-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}z
ut vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unui
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Alchimist.
\par
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\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri937 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai jurat
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu spui nim{\f63 \u259\'3f}nui unde se afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a dat din cap n semn afirmat
iv, iar zmbetul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lui Sydney s-a ofilit un pic. Apoi
, s-a luminat din nou la
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai jurat c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i conduci\i0 pe nimeni spre locul n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4031 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 care stau?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a ezitat, f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucind n minte pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 toate p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile fiecare
cuvin{\f63 \u355\'3f}el. Apoi, a scuturat ncet din
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri4542 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3
f}adar... ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne conduci acolo. Dar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f
63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ne spui de fapt unde sunt. A{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a, n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ncalci
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Era cea mai ntortocheat{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai ridicol{\f63 \u259\'3f} demonstra{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 logic{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cte auzisem de ceva vreme nc
oace. Una care
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi apar{\f63 \u355\'3
f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} mie.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1416 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate..., a z

is Sonya, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nesigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i ncalci jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul, a repetat Sydney. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2084 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i foarte, foa
rte mult pe Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri524 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu un pas nainte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am spus:
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}L-ai ajuta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Mih
ail, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas cu
gura c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f} auzind numele fostei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3978 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sale iubiri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1664 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe Mihail? l c
uno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe Mihail?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1024 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E prieten cu
mine. E prieten {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am fost gata-gata s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vl{\f63 \u259\'3f}starul secret al
lui Eric Dragomir, o s-o putem duce
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe Sonya la Mihail. Dar, amintindu-mi ct de nedemn se
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ise Dimitri
, m-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt c{\f63 \u259\'3f} deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f} e de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 preferat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evit o a
stfel de tactic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam cum ar fi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat Sonya dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi ntlnit iubitul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i el vrea s-o ajute pe Lissa, i-am zis, n schimb.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar nu poate. Niciunul dintre noi nu poate. Nu avem
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 suficiente informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3659 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mihail...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a l{\f63 \
u259\'3f}sat din nou ochii n jos, privindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 minile, n timp ce mici lacrimi ncepea
u s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se scurg{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pe obraji.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63

\u355\'3f}i ncalci jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul, a insistat Sydney. Parc\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar fi fost un utilizator al spiritului, apelnd la for{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 constrngere. Nu trebuie dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne condu
ci, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-att.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Asta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar dori Mihail {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i Lissa. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e drept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu care d
intre argumente a convins-o cel mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mult pe Sonya. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} partea referi
toare la Mihail. Sau
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 poate gndul de a face ceea ce e {\f63 \u8222\'3f}drep
t". Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la fel
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca Dimitri, Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}scumpere crimele
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 comise ct timp fusese strigoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vedea
n asta o {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ridicndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ochii, a nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f
}it n sec {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a ntlnit
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2302 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} conduc, a {\f63 \u351\'3f}optit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Plec{\f63 \u259
\'3f}m ntr-o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie cu ma{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ina, a declarat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3066 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 Sydney. Preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i-v{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri
eram nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} unul lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt, iar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea dintre noi ncepea s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} se risipeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sydney
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea mndr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea {\f63
\u351\'3f}i se str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duia n continuare s-o aline
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe ct posibil pe Sonya.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb200\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri m-a privit cu
un mic zmbet care a devenit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or crispat cnd {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i-a dat seama ct eram de aproape.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} afirm cu certitudine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ar fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fost. Chipul lui tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}da prea pu{\f63 \
u355\'3f}in. Ct despre mine, eram
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ct se poate de con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de apropiere {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ca
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 drogat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de trupul lui, de mirosul lui
. Fir-ar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie. De ce
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trebuia mereu ca orice confruntare cu el s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}reasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 atrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia? Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f

63 \u351\'3f}i-a nclinat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or capul n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sydney, iar zmbetul i-a revenit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai avut dr
eptate. Ea este, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, noul
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 general.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 I-am ntors zmbetul, spernd s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fi dat seama de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri374 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia trupului m
eu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o apropiere att de mare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri503 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate. Dar nui nimic. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii colonel.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a arcuit o sprncean{\f63 \u259\'3f}
a mirare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da? Ce-ai f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cut, te-ai degradat singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Colonelul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri463 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vine imediat dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
general. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-atunci, tu ce mai e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am vrt mna n buzunar {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i am scos la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 triumf{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare cheile de la CR-V, pe ca
re le {\f63 \u351\'3f}terpelisem
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 atunci cnd intraser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m napoi n cas{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2507 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}oferul, i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri1361 \expndt
w-14 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I UNU
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt540\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li290 \ri1009 \expndtw-5 \b\i \f20 \fs24 DAR N-AM MAI AJUNS
S{\f63 \u258\'3f} CONDUC.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nici {\f63 \u8
222\'3f}generalul" Sydney, spre marea ei sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare, cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri sa str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i explice la repezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f
} de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ce era mai bine a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totul a nceput atunci cnd Vict
or a descoperit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina lui avea {\f63 \u8222\'3f}pan{\
f63 \u259\'3f} de motor". N-a fost deloc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bucuros. N-a lansat vreo acuza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, dar
cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lumea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert {\f63 \u8212\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

ghiceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o astfel de defec{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}iune nu reprezenta o simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 coinciden{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Asta nsemn
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne nghesuim
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n CR-V, autoturism care nu fusese
proiectat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuprind{\f63 \u259\'3f} attea persoane... motiv pentru
care Dimitri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 venise cu o idee inovatoare de repartizare a locurilo
r.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Evident, unul dintre {\f63 \u8222\'3f}locuri" s-a do
vedit pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 era portbagajul din spate. Avea dimensiuni convenabi
le,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd Sydney a aflat c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} tocmai acela era locul\i ei,\i0 l-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acuzat pe Dimitri c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ce a jignit-o lundu-i cheile, i\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 a pus capac cu noua ofens{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 N-am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}i spun asta, dar plasarea ei n spate
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nsemna o op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune rezonabil{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. Repartizarea gndit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri fusese configurat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru mini
mizarea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pericolelor din ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Dimitri s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat la volan, pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Robert l-a instalat n dreapta lui, iar pe mine pe ban
cheta
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 din spate, ntre Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sonya. Asta n
semna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cte un gardian pe fiecare rnd, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i des
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam pe cei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-i {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineam separat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe utilizatorii spiri
tului.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Cnd i-am argumentat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fac schimb de locuri cu
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn460\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} beneficiem de aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, Dimitri mi-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 demonstrat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar
fi deloc sigur ca eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau la volan,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n eventualitatea n care a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost nevo
it{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec brusc n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mintea Lissei. Era un punct de vedere corect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ct despre Sydney... ei bine,
ea nu reprezenta nicio
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are, nicio for{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f} combativ{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
am nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcat-o

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n portbagaj. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3

f} tot a venit vorba despre
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3
f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum ar fi
\i cazul\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne debaras{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de Victor {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Robert, i-am murmurat lui Dimitri, n timp ce ndesam n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 portbagaj provizii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i firavele noastr
e boccele (reducndu\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul l
ui Sydney, spre {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai marea ei
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare). Au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ce
ne trebuia. S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu noi ar
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fi periculos. A venit timpul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i d{\f
63 \u259\'3f}m pe minile
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cei doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
voiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai departe cu noi,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dorindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei cine era copilul nelegitim al lui
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Eric Dragomir. Noi acceptaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m... dar
nu din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 generozitate. Ci pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pur {\f63
\u351\'3f}i simplu, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ne
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 permiteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}m din ochi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De acord,
mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Dimitri, ncre{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i u
{\f63 \u351\'3f}or
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fruntea. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-avem la dispozi{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ie vreo posibilitate
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 acum. Nu nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu putem s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m lega{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la marginea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 drumului. Nu m-ar mira s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se eliberez
e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i apoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 autostopul. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nici nu putem s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-i denun{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}m chiar noi, din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 motive evidente.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am vrt sacul n{\f63 \u259\'
3f}untru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am rezemat de bara
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 de protec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1839 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar pute
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i denun{\f63 \u355\'3f}e Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri m-a aprobat printr-o scur
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} nclinare a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4195 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 capului.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar fi, pro
babil, cea mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} variant{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru noi...
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dar nici n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
e desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}im de ea pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ajungem la... n fine, unde-om ajunge. Am putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} avem
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de ajutorul ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri78 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am concluzionat, oftnd, i trm dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'3f} tem c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} da, mi-a zis, privindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} circumspect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tii ce, cnd or s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fie n arest, sunt destule {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse ca ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le trnteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} auto
rit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor o poveste pe cinste
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 despre noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, am ncu
viin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mie mi trecuse p
rin
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 minte posibilitatea asta. Dar cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
e o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care s-o l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe mai tr
ziu. Acum, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ocup{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 problemele imediate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Spre mirarea mea, Dimitri mi
-a zmbit. M-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri320 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat la cine {
\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce observa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie prudent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n{\f63 \
u355\'3f}eleapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, a
sta a fost totdeauna strategia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu?
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 a replicat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 I-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
tot cu un zmbet, care a avut ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-am
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut la drum. Slav{\f63 \u259\'3f} Domnului,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Victor nu era n obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuita lui dispozi{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ie de palavragiu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 enervant... ceea ceea ce b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} era rezultatul unei
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}biciuni tot mai accentuate din lip
sa sngelui. Probabil
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert se s
im{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau la fel. Avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu g{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}seam un hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitor curnd, lucru pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam cum am putea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-l realiz{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Impresia mea
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400

\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sydney
nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse seama de nimic din toate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 astea, ceea ce era cu att mai bine.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost un om
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi aflat n mijlocul unui grup de vampiri
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fl{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnzi, sigur nu m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
fi sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n apele mele. Probabil
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea era mai la ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}po
st sechestrat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n portbagaj, izolat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 de to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Indica{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile S
onyei erau vagi, limitndu-se la strictul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 necesar. Ne oferea numai informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de
ultim moment,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 prevenindu-ne deseori c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} vir{\f63 \u259\'3f}m abia n clipa
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n care ajungeam exact n intersec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Du
p{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a studiat o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 hart{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a spus lui Dimitri s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} se ndrepte spre nord, pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 interstatala\b 75\b0 . Cnd am ntrebat-o ct putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} dureze
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2558 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 drumul, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul
ei a fost:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri827 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu prea mult.
Cteva ore. Poate mai mult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu aceast{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} misterioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, s-a instalat
la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 locul ei, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altceva.
Avea o nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 chinuita, gnditoare, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am ncercat s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-mi imaginez cum
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea. Cu doar o zi n urm{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fusese strigoi. Oare nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 analiza ce se petrecuse? Oare vedea chipurile victim
elor
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sale, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum le v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zus
e Dimitri? Oare era torturat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri877 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ie? {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea cumva s{\f63 \u259\'3f} redevin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
strigoi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Oricum, am l{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sat-o n pace. Nu era momentul acum
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pentru terapie de recuperare. M-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu comod{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'
3f}toare. Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o

\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} furnic{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63

\u259\'3f} a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mine p
rin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-mi concentrarea spre interior
. Lissa se trezise.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Clipind mirat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am verificat ceasul d
e la bordul ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inii.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pentru oameni, era dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}-amiaz{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Moroii de la Curte
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri13 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} do
arm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mult la ora asta. Dar, nu, ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3473 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 anume o trezise.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Doi gardieni i ap{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ruser{\f63 \u259\'3f} la u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu chipurile
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 impasibile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} veni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu noi, i-a zis unul dintre ei. E
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 vremea pentru urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul test.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Vestea a cople{\f63 \u351\'3
f}it-o de uimire pe Lissa. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiuse c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul test avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fie {\f63 \u8222\'3f}curnd", dar nu mai aflase
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 alte am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunte de cnd se ntorsese dup{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} testul de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 rezisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i expedi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia aceea se desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ur
ase n timpul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii moroilor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
l pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in atunci fusese prevenit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prealabil. Eddie era n camera ei, n apropiere, dup{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ce-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nlocuise pe mama n postul de protector al Lissei cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cteva ore n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Christian era n pat, r
idicat n capul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 oaselor, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scnd. Nu ajunseser{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} la chestii nfierbntate,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa prefera s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi. Giugiuleala cu iubitul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ei ct timp se afla {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddie n camer{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea la fel de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 stnjenitoare ca atunci cnd era mama acolo. {\f63 \u350
\'3f}i n-aveam
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cum s-o contrazic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1657 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} schimb? a ntrebat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1511 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar repede, i
-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns gardianul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a nh{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \

u355\'3f}at primele haine care i-au c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut n mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a gr{\f63 \u259\
'3f}bit spre baie, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-se dezorientat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cnd s-a ntor
s, Christian deja {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 blugii pe el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}uta tricoul. ntre timp, Eddie i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sura cu privirea pe gardieni, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghicesc ce-i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 umbla prin cap, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i eu a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi gndit la fel.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Convocarea avea aerul uneia oficiale, ns{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nu-i cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pe gardienii din fa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}a lui a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib
{\f63 \u259\'3f} deplin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3608 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ncredere n ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2077 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s-o nso{\f
63 \u355\'3f}esc? a ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Numai pn{\f63 \u
259\'3f} la intrarea n spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul rezervat testului,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1859 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns cel d
e-al doilea gardian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1786 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar eu? a ncer
cat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Numai pn{\f63 \u
259\'3f} la intrarea n spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul rezervat testului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsurile gardia
nului m-au mirat, dar pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era, probabil, cev
a obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit pentru
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii la monarhie s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} la teste cu alai... pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la cele sosite pe nea{\f63 \u351\'
3f}teptate, n toiul nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Sau, poate
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu att de pe nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept
ate. Terenurile Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii erau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 practic pustii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci cnd grupul di
n care f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 parte Lissa a ajuns la destina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f
63 \u8212\'3f} o mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 arip{\f63 \u259\'3f} a unei vechi cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}
diri din c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mid{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
a treibuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai mult

e alte grupuri de moroi pres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe coridoare. Din cte se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, se dus
ese vorba.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Cei strn{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ac
olo s-au dat deoparte, respectuo{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Unii
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} probabil, sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tori ai altor familii {\f63 \u8212\'3f} i-au adresat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi ncruntate. n sc
himb, foarte mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dintre
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i i-au zmbit, proclamnd prin stri
g{\f63 \u259\'3f}te
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}ntoarcerea dragonului". C{\f63 \u355\'
3f}iva chiar i-au atins n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}t bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, parc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} vrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} primeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la ea putere
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 sau noroc. Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea era considerabil m
ai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 numeroas{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de cea care o ntmpinase dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} primul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 test. Acest fapt i-a mai alinat ngrijorarea, dar nu ia
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}mutat hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea de m
ai devreme referitoare la luarea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n serios a testelor. Chipurile privitorilor str{\f63
\u259\'3f}luceau de
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 admira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i de curiozitate, ntrebndu-se dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2514 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea lor crm
uitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} din cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul coridorului a nsemnat sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}itul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}toriei. Nici Christ
ian, nici Eddie nu mai aveau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} li se spun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} numai pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo aveau voie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nainte de a-l urma n{\f63 \u259\
'3f}untru pe unul dintre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gardieni, Lissa le-a aruncat o privire peste um{\f63
\u259\'3f}r, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sprijin pe chipurile celor dragi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} eroica a
ventur{\f63 \u259\'3f} a celui dinti test, Lissa se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptase la ceva la fel de intimidan
t. n loc de asta, a dat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 peste o femei, moroi b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat{\f63 \u259\'3f} comod pe un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fotoliu, ntr-o nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere mai mult goal{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Avea minile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpreunate n poal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u355\'3f}innd n
ele un obiect nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o bucat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pnz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Fe

meia fredona nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 foarte satisf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\
f63 \u350\'3f}i, cnd am spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun\i foarte b{\f63 \u259\'
3f}trn{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i0 Moroii puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ias
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 peste o sut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ani, dar nu cu mult,
iar femeia aceasta era
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecuse de respectiva born{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Chipul ei palid era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un veritabil labirint de zbrcituri, iar p{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt i se
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}rise, reducndu-se la cteva m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}nunchiuri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A ntmpinat-o cu un zmbet pe Lis
sa, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 semn spre un scaun din apropiere. Lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
el, era o mas{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pe care se afla o caraf{\f63 \u259\'3f} din sticl{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, cu ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Gardienii le-au
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat apoi singure pe cele dou{\f63 \
u259\'3f} femei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ro
tit privirea prin jur. Nu exista vreo alt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mobil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar se vedea o u{\f63 \u351\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n partea opus{\f63 \u259\'3f} celei
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prin care intrase. S-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat, ntorcndu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streze vocea ct
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1596 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai ferm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu sun
t Vasilisa Dragomir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul femeii s-a l{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rgit, dezvelindu-i dantura
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ng{\f63 \u259\'3f}lbenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Unul dintre
col{\f63 \u355\'3f}i i lipsea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ntotdeauna a
tt de maniera{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, cei din familia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a rostit ea, cu un glas r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Cei mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 intr{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cer s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} trecem imediat la lucrurile serioase.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, mi-aduc aminte de bunicul t{\
f63 \u259\'3f}u. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el a fost la fel
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de politicos pe timpul testelor.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri795 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}L-a{\f63 \u355

\'3f}i cunoscut pe bunicul? s-a mirat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Bunicul ei murise cnd era foarte,
foarte mic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Abia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1292 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 apoi a sesizat altceva din cuvin
tele femeii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2211 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}El a candidat
pentru tron?
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}trna a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at din
cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A trecut toate t
estele, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cred c-ar fi c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alegerile dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu sar fi retras n ultimul moment. Pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a fost de ales ntre Tatiana Ivash
kov {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Jacob
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Tarus. Foarte strns, rezultatul. Familia Tarus a r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}mas {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 acum cu ciuda.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri782 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nu auzise vreodat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ceva din toate astea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2123 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i de ce s-a retras bunicul?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tocmai
se n{\f63 \u259\'3f}scuse fratele t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Frederick s-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 decis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era necesa
r s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i consacre energia tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}rului s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nepot, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu unei na{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
uni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa l n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg
ea. C{\f63 \u355\'3f}i Dragomiri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost pe-atunci?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Bunicul, tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i An
dre... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mama ei, dar ea era o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dragomir numai prin c{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}torie. Eric Dragomir nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 avusese nici fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, nici surori. Lissa
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia prea pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre bunicul ei, ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s-a gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost n locul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lui, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea ar fi al
es s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i petreac{\f63 \u259\'3f} timpul mpreun{\f63
\u259\'3f} cu fiul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu nepotul, n loc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

asculte nesfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}itele discursuri pe

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care fusese obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} le suporte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mintea Lissei r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea, iar b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trna o urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea cu
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i... acesta e testul? a ntrebat Lissa, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea se prelunge{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
peste m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E, cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic, ca un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4119 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 interviu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2444 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Femeia a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tin
at din cap.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Acesta este.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a despachetat
obiectul din poal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era o cup{\f63 \u259\'3f}: un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pocal, sau un potir, nu {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tiu precis cum i zicea. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era frumos, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut dintr-un argint care
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} degaje
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 propria sa lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe marginile lui e
rau pres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate rubine
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sngerii, sclipind la fiecare mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care a
cupei. Femeia l-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 privit cu mndrie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E vechi de
mai bine de o mie de ani, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 sclipe{\f63 \u351\'3f}te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lund carafa de pe mas{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, a umplut potirul cu ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 timp ce eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa ncercam s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i deslu{\f63 \u351\'3f}im cuvintele. O
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mie de ani? Nu eram nicidecum expert{\f63 \u259\'3f}
n metale, dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} argintul ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i piard{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 luciul ntr-un timp att de ndelungat. Apoi, femeia i-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntins Lissei cupa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri194 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bea din ea. {\
f63 \u350\'3f}i cnd vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncetezi, spune {\f63 \u8222\'3f}stop".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ntins mna spre cup{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, mai derutat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca oricnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuitele in
struc{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni primite. Ce-ar fi trebuit ea
\par

\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb900\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceteze? B{\
f63 \u259\'3f}utul apei? Dar, imediat cum a atins
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 metalul cu degetele, a n{\f63 \u355\
'3f}eles. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, oarecum. O
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuse o furnic{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, una pe care o cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea prea
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2935 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E fermecat, a
zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2796 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}trna a ncuviin{
\f63 \u355\'3f}at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Impregnat cu toa
te cele patru elemente {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3109 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 farmec de mult uitat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 Fermecat {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i cu spirit,\i0 a completat-o n gnd Lissa. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se uitase, dar era ce
va care-i ntindea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nervii la maximum. Farmecele magiei elementelor avea
u
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 efecte diferite. Farmecele cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt {\
f63 \u8212\'3f} ca, de exemplu,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1958 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 tatuajul care-i fusese f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cut {\f63 \u8212\'3f} erau
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt540\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deseori legate de cons
trngeri minore. Toate patru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 combinate ntr-o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} sau n dispozitivele de paz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 produceau o explozie unitar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de via{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} care-i nfrngea pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii vii. n schimb, spiritul... ei bi
ne, ea nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 repede c{\f63 \u259\'3f} farmecele spiritului acoper
eau o mare varietate
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de efecte imprevizibile. Apa, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63
\u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, activa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 farmecul, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa avea senza{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} spiritul urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 joace rolul-cheie. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea n sng
e o astfel de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putere, tot o nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnta. Farmecul impreg
nat n cupa
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 aceasta era unul complex, cu mult mai presus de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 abilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile ei, {\f63

\u351\'3f}i se temea de ce avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} produc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. B{\f63

\u259\'3f}trna
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 o privea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} clipeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri638 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Lissa n-a mai ezitat dect o clip
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Apoi, a b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lumea s-a nce{\f63 \u355\'3f}o{\f
63 \u351\'3f}at, disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd, apoi materializndu\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se la loc, dar n ceva cu totul difer
it. Am recunoscut
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce era: un vis indus de spirit
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri34 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Acum, nu se mai afla pe un s
caun, n camera aceea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Se g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sea afar{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vntul i spulbera p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul lung,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 biciuindu-i fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a cu el. {\f63 \u350\'3
f}i l-a dat deoparte ct a putut de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 bine. Erau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii n j
urul ei, to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n negru, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 curnd a recunoscut biserica {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cimitiru
l Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Lissa
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i era nve{\f63 \u351
\'3f}mntat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n negru, cu un palton lung din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ln{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe deasupra, care s-o apere de fri
g. Erau aduna{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 jurul unui mormnt, lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} care st{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tea un preot, straiele
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cinului s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u oferind singura pat{\f63
\u259\'3f} de culoare ntr-o zi att
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 de cenu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn460\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a mai f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cut c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nume era nscris pe piatra de mormnt.
Descoperirea m\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat mai mult pe mine dect pe ea: RO
SEMARIE
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 HATHAWAY.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Numele meu era cioplit n gra
nit cu litere complicate,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rege{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Dedesubtul numelui se vedea s
teaua b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}liei,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 semnificnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ucisesem mai mul{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i strigoi dect ar fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} numere cineva. Bravo mie. Ma
i jos, trei rnduri
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de text, n rus{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n romn{\f63 \u259\'3f}

{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n englez{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu mai aveam

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de traducerea englez{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63
\u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg ce scria,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era formula standard pentru mo
rmintele
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor: {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Serviciu Etern".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Preotul a rostit cuvintele t
radi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionale pentru
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nmormnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruindu-mi
binecuvnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile unei religii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n care nu eram convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} crede. Dar asta ocupa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ultimul loc pe scara ciud{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\
'3f}eniilor, dat fiind faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 asistam la propria-mi nmormntare. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ce a terminat
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 el, Alberta i-a luat locul. Prosl{\f63 \u259\'3f}vire
a realiz{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 decedatului era, de asemenea, ceva normal la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nmormntarea unui gardian... iar Alberta avea destule
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de spus despre ale mele. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost a
colo, m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'
3f} la lacrimi. A ncheiat descriindu-mi cea din
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'
3f}lie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum murisem ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd-o pe Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Chestia asta, de fapt, nu mi
s-a mai p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut att de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ciudat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elege{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gre{\f63
\u351\'3f}it. Totul era
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 complet demen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial. Dar, la drept vorb
ind, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream propria inmoemntare, era logic
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi murit
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd-o pe ea.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nu-mi mp{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea sentimentele. Vestea fusese
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pentru ea ca o palm{\f63 \u259\'3f
} peste fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a deveni
t
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\'3f} de prezen{\f
63 \u355\'3f}a unei oribile senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de gol n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 piept, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum o parte din ea ar fi
murit. Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 func{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona ntr-un singur sens; cu toate
astea, Robert jura
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pierderea partenerului s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}u de leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} i provocase
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 chinuri cumplite. Lissa o n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegea {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i ea acum, groaznic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 durere a singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f6

3 \u355\'3f}ii. i lipsea un lucru despre care nici

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiuse s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-l fi avut. Lacrimile i umpleau ochii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 E doar un vis,\i0 {\f63
\u351\'3f}ispunea.\i Nimic mai mult.\i0 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avusese vreun astfel de v
is provocat de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spirit. Experien{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele ei se petrecusera
mereu numai cu
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, iar visele i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruser{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de nivelul unor
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 convorbiri telefonice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce part
icipan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii la nmormntare au nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se risipeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sind cimitirul, Lissa a sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 atingndu-i um{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul. Era a lui Christian
. I s-a aruncat n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare,
str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-se din r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sputeri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} hohotele de p
lns. Christian i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri784 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 impresia de realitate, de solidit
ate. De siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cum de s-a
-ntmplat?" l-a ntrebat. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cum de-a putut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3523 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Christian i-a dat drumul di
n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, privind-o cu ochii
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lui alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri
\plain\tx1484 \tab \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 precum cristalul, mai serio{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1747 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ndurera{\f63 \u355\'3f}i d
ect i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tii cum. Strigoii {\f63 \u259\'3f}ia ncercau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te omoare pe
tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1344 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ea s-a sacrificat, ca s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} te salveze pe tine."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nu-{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i amintea a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, dar nu mai avea
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3898 \expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \

u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1235 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu pot... nu
pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri489 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Pustietatea aceea chinuitoare s
porea n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untrul ei.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mai am {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte ve{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ti rele", a zis Christian.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ochii mari de uimire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1520 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ce-ar putea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u de-att?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri4009 \expndtw-28 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Plec."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2211 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Pleci... cum
? De la Curte?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Da. P{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc totul", i-a explicat, n timp ce triste{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ea i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1170 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 se adncea pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Te p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i pe tine."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1339 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
aproape cu gura c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1597 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dar... ce nu
e bine? Ce-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nimic", i-a r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}spuns el, strngndu-i u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or mna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apoi dndu-i drumul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cad{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Te iubesc. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iubesc toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. Tu
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cine e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ultima din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 neamul Dragomir. Mereu o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie cte ce
va care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ia
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine... Iar eu n-a{\f63 \u351\
'3f} face dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i stau n drum.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Tu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i recl{
\f63 \u259\'3f}de{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti familia. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu nu sunt cel de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3550 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 care ai nevoie."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ba sigur c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti! Tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti\i singurul\i0 ! Si
ngurul cu care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2376 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi cl{\
f63 \u259\'3f}desc viitorul."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Spui asta

acum, dar mai a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i varia

nte mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bune. Ai auzit guma lui Adrian, cu\i micii Dragomiri
\i0 ?
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Peste c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva ani, cnd o s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fii preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai copii, or s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i trebuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o gr{\f63
\u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dragomirii au nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 redevin{\f63 \u259\'3f} o for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. n timp ce eu... Nu sunt de ajuns de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1034 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 responsabil nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} descurc cu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb1560\margr2020\margl560
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li10 \ri46 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ai fi un
tat{\f63 \u259\'3f} grozav", a insistat ea.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt540\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mda",
a replicat el, n zeflemea, {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru tine a{\f63
\u351\'3f} fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 un bun de mare pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}
: uite-o pe prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}esa care s-a m{\f63 \u259\'3f}ritat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1485 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cu tipul provenit din familia de
strigoi."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri15 \fi284 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Pu{\f63 \
u355\'3f}in mi pas{\f63 \u259\'3f} de toate astea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu o {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tii!" S-a ag{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de tricoul lui, silindu-l s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre ea. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Te
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iubesc. Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci parte din via{\f
63 \u355\'3f}a mea. Nimic din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate astea n-are sens. Te sperie ? Asta era? Te sper
ie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2022 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 povara numelui meu de familie?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2247 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Christian i-a ocolit privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri18 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Hai s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} spunem doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e un nume u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de purtat.
"
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l zgl{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu te cred! Tu n
u te sperii de nimic! Tu nu dai
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3345 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} napoi."

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Uite c{\f63
\u259\'3f} dau acum napoi", a replicat el,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 desprinzndu-se cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e de ea. {\f63 \
u8222\'3f}Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te iubesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2098 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 De-asta o {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac.
E mai bine a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dar nu po{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i..." Lissa a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un gest spre mormntul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 meu, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Christian ncepuse deja s{\f63
\u259\'3f} se ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rteze. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i! Ea s-a dus. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
te duci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu, n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai am pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4013 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 nimeni..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar Christian\i disp{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ruse\i0 deja, pierzndu-se ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} care, cu trei mi
nute mai devreme, nu fusese acolo.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Iar Lissa a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas doar cu mormntul meu
drept
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 companie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, pentru prima oar{\f63 \
u259\'3f} n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, era cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu des{\f63 \u259\'3f}vr{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ire singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ise singur{\f63 \u259\'3f
} atunci cnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 i murise toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} familia, ns{\f63 \u259\'
3f} eu i fusesem ancor{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mereu
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn460\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n umbra ei, mereu ap{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rnd-o. Cnd ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse Christian, i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 alungase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el sing
ur{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatea, umplndu-i sufletul de iubire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dar acum... acum ne pierduse
pe amndoi. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pierduse familia. Golul acela interior amenin{\f63 \u
355\'3f}a s-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nghit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu era vorba
numai despre pierderea leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii singur e groaznic, grogroaznic
de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. N-ai la cine
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dai fuga, n-ai cui s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturise{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti secretele, n-ai
pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nimeni c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i pese
de ce {\f63 \u355\'3f}i se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Fusese
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} n p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dure, dar er
a nimic pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acum. Absolut nimic.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Privind n jur, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} scufunda n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mormntul meu, punnd cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t chinurilor. B
a nu... ia stai.
\plain\expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 Spune\i0 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}\i stop"\i0 , o nv{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trna. Doar att trebuia s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sc{\f63 \u259\
'3f}pa de chinurile astea. Doar era un vis
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 provocat de spirit, nu? Drept e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rea mai veridic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai devastator dect oricare altul cunoscut de ea; {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63
\u259\'3f}, to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei care visau se trezeau. Un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 singur cuvnt, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i toate astea n-ar mai
fi dect un co{\f63 \u351\'3f}mar
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 care se destram{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Privind n jur prin Curtea pus
tie, a fost ct pe ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pronun{\f63 \u355\'3f}e cuvntul. Dar... oare ea chiar {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul? Jurase
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va lupta pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 testele acestea. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} abandoneze din cau
za unui vis? Un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vis despre ce nsemna s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie singur{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}? P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea un lucru att
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de nensemnat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ul acela rece a izbit-o din nou.
\plain\expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 Eu n-am mai fost niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} singur{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i0 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia cum ar fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se desurce pe cont propriu;
pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar
fi un vis {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, bunule
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dumnezeu, ct de adev{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rat p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nu exista
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 niciun {\f63 \u8222\'3f}stop" cu pu
teri magice. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} suporte
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatea ntr-un vis, nu va putea so suporte
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe trezie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}
i, orict de mult ar fi nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imntat\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 o, s-a hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se d
ea napoi din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a acestei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i. Ceva o atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gea spre cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a pornit
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 spre ea... singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ar fi t

rebuit s-o duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dina bisericii. n loc

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de asta, lumea s-a materializat nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea s-a trezit
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f} a Consiliului. Era una deschis{\f63 \u259\'3f} publicului,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cu mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i moroi ca spectatori. Spre de
osebire de ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 se ntmpla n mod obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit, Lissa nu st{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tea n public.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 St{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea la masa Consiliului, cu cele t
reisprezece scaune
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ale ei. Ea st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea pe scaunul familiei
Dragomir. Locul din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mijloc, cel al monarhului, era ocupat de Ariana Szel
sky.
\plain\expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 Categoric e un vis\i0 a remarcat o voce ascuns{\f
63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 interiorul ei. Lissa avea un loc n Consiliu {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i Ariana era
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Prea frumos ca s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fie adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ca de fiecare dat{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, Consiliul era adncit ntr-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 controvers{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfiebntat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i
ar subiectul, unul familiar:
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 decretul cu vrsta. Unii membri ai Consiliului
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 argumentau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era o hot{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rre imoral{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii veneau cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 contraargumentul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} primejdia repreze
ntat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de strigoi era
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prea mare. La vremuri disperate se cereau m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}suri
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 disperate, ziceau aceia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri156 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ariana {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
ndreptat privirea peste mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, spre Lissa.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt540\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li290 \ri1268 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Care a
r fi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea familiei Dragomir?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ariana nu era nici blnd{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, cum fusese n microbuz,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nici ostil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca Tat
iana. Ariana era neutr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o regin{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 conducea o de {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de Consiliu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aduna toate
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile necesare. Toate perechile
de ochi din
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere s-au ntors atunci spre Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dintr-un motiv oarecare, toa
te ideile coerente i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 zburaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} din minte. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea limba ngreunat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n gur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ce p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere avea? Care era opinia ei cu

privire la decretul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu vrsta? Se str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duia cu disperare s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} pescuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2594 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Eu... eu cre
d c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Leo Szelsky, care probabil ocupas
e locul cuvenit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 familiei dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce Ari
ana devenise regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a pufnit
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 dezgustat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1363 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ai putea s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} dezvol{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ideea, prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\
'3f}?"
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n sec.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Coborrea limitei
de vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru numirea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor nu este o cale de a ne
ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra. Avem nevoie...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1647 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 avem nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
e ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u351\'3f}i singuri."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele i-au fost ntmpinate
cu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i consternare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i, rogu-te, ne spui", a intervenit Howard Zeklos,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}cum pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuie{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezolvi problema aceasta? Care {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-est
e
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 propunerea? Antrenamente obligatorii pentru toate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri970 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 vrstele? Declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}are
a unui program n {\f63 \u351\'3f}coli?"
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn460\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o d
at{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Lissa bjbia n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utarea cuvintelor. Care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost planul? E
a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Tasha l discutaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nenum{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate rnduri, conturnd tocmai stra
tegia acestei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 probleme, a modului de implementare a preg{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tirii. Tasha
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 o b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuse practic la cap cu toate acel
e am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunte, spernd
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i va face voce

a auzit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i iat-o acum,

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reprezentndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i familia n cadrul Consili
ului, avnd
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa de a schimba situa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ia existent{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de a le
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mbun{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a moroilor. Tot ce trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 explice. Att de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} lume se bizuia p
e ea, att de mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 erau cei care a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptau s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} aud{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuvintele n care ea credea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu att de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} pasiune. Dar care s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fi fost cuvintele
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 acelea? De ce nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i le putea aminti?
Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovise
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 exagerat de mult cu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul, fiindc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} Howard {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 zvrlit minile n sus, n semn de dezgust.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Am {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiut eu. Am fost de-a dreptul idio{\f63 \u355\'3f}i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd
o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 feti{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund{\f63 \u259\'3f} n Consiliu. Ea nu poate contribui cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nimic util. Dragomirii nu mai sunt. S-au stins odat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri805 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ea, iar noi trebuie s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} accept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul acesta."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 S-au nu atins odat{\f63
\u259\'3f} cu ea.\i0 Povara de a fi cea din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 din neamul ei o ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase pe Lissa nc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} din clipa n care
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 un doctor o anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fratele ei muriser{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cea din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintr-un neam care le co
nferise autoritate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moroilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i din care proveniser{\f63 \
u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva dintre cei mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u355\'3f}i monarhi, regi s
au regine. Ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i jurase, n repetate
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 rnduri, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i va dez
am{\f63 \u259\'3f}gi nainta{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va avea grij{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} readuc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mndria famili
ei sale. Iar acum, totul se
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i Ariana, pe care Lissa o considerase
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sprijinitoarea ei, ar{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ta dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}git{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Publicul a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3

f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strige n batjocur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, rennoind apelul la nl
{\f63 \u259\'3f}turarea din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Consiliu a copilei cu limba legat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. U
rlau la ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u: {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dragonul e mort! Dragonul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4161 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 e mort!"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa se preg{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerce nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 discursul, cnd ceva a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} privirea n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spate. Acolo, pe un perete atrnau blazoanele celor
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}sprezece familii. Un b{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rbat ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse ca din p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 acum desprindea efigia Dragomirilor, cu dragonul ei
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cu inscrip{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n limba romn{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Moralul Lissei se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea tot mai mult,
pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}tele celor din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}teau n intensi
tate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i umilin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a sporea. S-a ridicat,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 vrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fug{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-acolo {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ru{\f63 \u351\'3
f}ine. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n loc de asta, picioarele au purtat-o spre peretele cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 blazoane. Cu mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect s-ar fi crezut
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a smuls efigia cu dragonul d
in minile
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbatului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu!" a urla
t ea, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors privirea spre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 public, ridicnd blazonul, sfidnd pe oricine s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 i-l ia, sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i nege dreptul la locu
l cuvenit din Consiliu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1235 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Este. Al. Meu.
M-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i auzit?\i Este al meu!"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u351\'3f}tie niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac-o auziser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiind
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut brusc, exact cum se ntmplase c
u cimitirul. S-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea. Era a
cum ntr-unul dintre cabinetele
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 medicale pentru consulta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de la Sf.
Vladimir.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuntele familiare erau neobi{\f63
\u351\'3f}nuit de reconfortante:
\par

\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 chiuveta, cu s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}punul ei portocaliu, dulapurile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sertarele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ngrijit etichetate, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f
} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i afi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele informative pentru
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate de pe pere{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i. ELEVI: PRACTICA{\f63 \u354\'3f}I SEXUL
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3767 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 PROTEJAT!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 La fel de bine-venit{\f63 \
u259\'3f} era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia medicului intern
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 al {\f63 \u351\'3f}colii, doctori{\f63 \u355\'3f}a O
lendzki. Doctori{\f63 \u355\'3f}a nu era singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n preajma Lissei {\f63 \u8212\'3f} care st{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tea pe marginea unui pat
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pentru consulta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s
e aflau dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoane: un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 psihoterapeut, pe numele ei Deirdre, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i... eu. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe mine ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ut o tmpenie, dar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 povestea cu nmormntarea, cam ncepusem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuiesc cu toate astea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Un surprinz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tor amalgam de sentimente o str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe Lissa, sentimente pe care nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} le controleze.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Fericire c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne vede. Disperare fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Derut{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Suspiciune. Nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} re{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine vreo emo{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ie, sau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vreun gnd. Era o senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie extrem de di
ferit{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 din Consiliu, cnd doar nu fusese capabil{\f63 \u259\'
3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se explice.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mintea i fusese n ordine: doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u351\'3f}i pierduse firul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ideilor. Aici, nu mai exista vreun fir. Exista doar o
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 harababur{\f63 \u259\'3f} mental{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri311 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3
f}elegi ce-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spun?" o ntreba doctori{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Olendzki.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuia c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} femeia i mai pusese deja ntrebarea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4208 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 aceasta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}E mai presu
s de ce am putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} control{\f63 \u259\'3f}m noi.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1005 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Tratamentul medicamentos nu mai

are efect."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Crede
-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, noi nu vrem ca tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fad r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}u singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum ceilal{\f63
\u355\'3f}i sunt n pericol... n fine, n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegi de ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2777 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lu{\f
63 \u259\'3f}m m{\f63 \u259\'3f}suri."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Asta era Deirdre. Mereu mi s
e p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse o ncrezut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ales din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} metod
a ei terapeutic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2853 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunderea la nt
reb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cu alte ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
i. Acum, nici urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de {\f63 \u351\'3f}iretenie.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Deirdre era de o sinceritate implacabil{\f63 \u259\'
3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nimic din vorbele lor nu ave
a sens pentru Lissa, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 partea cu\i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fac
i\i0 r\i {\f63 \u259\'3f}u singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 a declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
t ceva n ea.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a cobort privirea spre propriile br
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. Erau goale {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 br{\f63 \u259\'3f}zdate de t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieturi.
T{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieturi pe care obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i le
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci cnd presiunea spiritului de
venea prea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Fuseser{\f
63 \u259\'3f} unica ei supap{\f63 \u259\'3f} de refulare, un soi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oribil de eliberare. Studiindu-le acum, Lissa a obser
vat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieturile erau mai
mari {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai adnci dect nainte.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 T{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieturi de genul celor care dansau p
e pragul suicidului.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridicat nou privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2294 \fi284 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cui...
cui i-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri269 \fi60 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu-{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i aminte{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti?" a ntrebat-o doctori{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Ole
ndzki.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a scuturat din cap, pli

mbndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la un chip la altul, c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}utnd r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsuri. Ochii
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 i s-au oprit asupra mea, iar fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mi-e
ra la fel de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntunecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de sumbr{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ca a lui Deirdre.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri845 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}E OK, Liss",
i-am zis. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Totul o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie OK."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri13 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu m-a surprins. Fire{\f63 \u351\
'3f}te, era ceea ce a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi zis eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri15 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mereu a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut so lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tesc pe Lissa. Mereu a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi avut
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N-ar
e importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}", a zis Deirdre, cu o voce delicat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mngietoare. {\f63
\u8222\'3f}Important este ca nimeni altcineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu mai fie r{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Tu nu vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3323 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nimeni, nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a?
"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Normal c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lis
sa nu voia, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mintea ei tulburat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 alunecat n alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1482 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu mai vorbi
ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi copil!"
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul ei a umplut nc{\f63 \u259\'3
f}perea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri21 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N-am vrut", a
zis Deirdre, etalonul r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N
oi nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vrem dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ajut{
\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Noi vrem ca tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3947 \expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f}."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Paranoia s-a ridicat n prim-p
lanul emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor Lissei.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri nu era n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Doar de atta lucru era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dar n rest, nimic. Poate, do
ar, de ceva legat de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 un vis. Un vis, un vis...

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Vor putea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tine acolo, la Ta
rasov", i-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 explicat doctori{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Olendzki. {\f63 \u8
222\'3f}Se vor asigura c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3679 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i comod."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri402 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}La Tarasov?"am
strigat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa, la unison.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} cealalt{\
f63 \u259\'3f} Rose {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ncle{\f63 \u351\'3f}tat pumnii, aruncnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri90 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 priviri furioase. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie tipic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru m
ine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri185 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ea\i n-are\i0
ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} caute acolo", a mrit cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Tu crezi c{\f63
\u259\'3f} noi vrem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva?" m-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat Deirdre. Era pentru prima o
ar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd i vedeam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ada acee
a calm{\f63 \u259\'3f} sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmndu-se. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vrem. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} spiritul... efectele lu
i... nu avem de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4290 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 ales..."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Imagini ale expedi{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}iei noastre la Tarasov s-au
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 perindat fulger{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor
prin mintea Lissei. Coridoarele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acelea reci, att de reci. Gemetele. Celulele minuscule
.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a amintit cum v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse
pavilionul de psihiatrie, acea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie n care erau {\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i la izolare, sub cheie al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 utilizatori ai spiritului. nchi{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe te
rmen nedeterminat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu!" a strigat ea, s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rind de pe patul pentru consulta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2363 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} trimite{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la Tarasov!"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a rotit pr
ivirea n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utarea unei posibilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
de

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pare. Cele dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} fem

ei se interpuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa n-avea cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fug{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. Ce farmec ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}eze? Sigur exista ceva. Mintea
ei a invocat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 spiritul, scormonind parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \
u259\'3f} un farmec.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi345 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} Ros
e a prins-o de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}, probabil din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ise vnzoleala spiritului {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i voia s-o opreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mai exist{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cale", le-a zis alter egou
l meu lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Deirdre {\f63 \u351\'3f}i doctori{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei
Olendzki. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l absorb eu din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ea. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} absorb totul din ea, a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a cum a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Anna
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru Sfntul Vladimir. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i nl{\f63
\u259\'3f}tur ntunericul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 instabilitatea. Lissa ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} red
evin{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}toas{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4243 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 minte."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea
s-a holbat la mine. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, la cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-28 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}mine".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi348 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dar, n aces
t caz, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul ar fi n tine, am dreptate?" m\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri947 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 a ntrebat doctori{\f63 \u355\'3f}
a Olendzki. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N-ar disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu-m
i pas{\f63 \u259\'3f}", am replicat, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}nat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc eu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 la Tarasov. N-o trimite{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i pe ea. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac asta, att timp
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2685 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ct ea are nevoie s-o fac."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa m{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rea cu privirea, cu greu venindu-i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce auzea. Printre gndurile ei h
aotice {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 loc bucuria.\i Da! M{\f63 \u259\'3f} salvez.\i0 N-o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai nnebuneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fie trimis{\f63 \u259\'3f}
la Tarasov... {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, undeva
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 n v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f
}agul amintirilor ei...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Anna s-a s
inucis", a murmurat ea. Contactul ei cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 realitatea era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} fragil, ns{\f63 \u259
\'3f} gndul acela o trezise n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63
\u259\'3f} nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} domoleasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru moment,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vrtejul din mintea ei. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}A nnebunit din
cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2521 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ajutat pe Sfntul Vladimir."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt eu
al meu a refuzat s-o priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ochi pe
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu e dect o
legend{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iau eu ntunericul. Trimite{\f63 \u355\'3f}i\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3734 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe mine."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nu mai {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tia ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sau ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Nu voia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie trimis{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Taras
ov. nchisoarea aceea i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 co{\f63 \u351\'3f}maruri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i iat{\f63
\u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, oferindu-i {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oferindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o salvez, ca de fiecare
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lissa ar fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vrut. Voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie salvat{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Nu voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nnebuneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la fel
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ca to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i utili
zatori ai spiritului. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi accepta
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 oferta, avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie liber{\f63 \u259\
'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i... pe muchie de cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it sau nu, {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea p
rea mult
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 la mine. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem prea multe sacrifici
i pentru ea. Cum ar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lase s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fac una ca asta? Ce prieten{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar mai fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ea, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} condamne la o
astfel de via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Tarasov o
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnta pe Li
ssa. Via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ntr-o cu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o nsp{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}imnta
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pe Lissa. Dar gndul ca eu s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} nfrunt a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnta chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai m
ult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu exista deznod{\f63 \u259\
'3f}mnt fericit aici. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-ar fi dorit ca
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 totul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dispar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pur {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu. Poate dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar nchidea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ochii... ia stai! {\f63 \u351\'3f}i amintea din nou.
Visul. Era ntr-un vis
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 indus de spirit. Tot ce avea de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se trezeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3430 \expndtw-12 \i \f20 \fs24 Spune {\f63 \u8222\'3f}sto
p".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Era mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de d
ata asta. Pronun{\f63 \u355\'3f}area acelui cuvnt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era drumul cel mai scurt spre ie{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ire, solu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tarasov, pentru n
iciuna dintre noi, corect? Apoi, a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it cum presiunea exercitat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} asupra min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ei sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}be{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iar sentimentele acelea haotice ncremenesc pe loc. A
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ochii mari, n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele
gnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu deja ncepusem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 absorb ntunericul. Cuvntul\i {\f63 \u8222\'3f}stop"\i0
i-a pierit din
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 memorie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3315 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu!" a striga
t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Spiritul s-a nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}iat n ea, n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd un zid n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri974 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 interiorul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur
ii, blocndu-mi accesul la ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri649 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ce faci?" a nt
rebat-o cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} ipostaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Te salvez", mia r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Lissa. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'3f} salvez pe min
e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4157 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S-a ntors spre doctori{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a Olendzki {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre Deirdre.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg ce ave{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. E bine a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Duce{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Tarasov. Duce{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} und
eva unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai pot face r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4028 \expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 nim{\f63 \u259\'3f}nui."

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 La Tarasov. Locul n care ade
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}ratele co{\f63 \u351\'3f}maruri se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plimbau pe coridoare. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ncordat for{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, n timp ce
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imaginea cabinetului se {\f63
\u351\'3f}tergea treptat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea et
ap{\f63 \u259\'3f} a visului: o celul{\f63 \u259\'3f} rece din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 piatr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}uri pe p
ere{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lumea v{\f63 \u259\'3f}itndu-se pe
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 culoare...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar cnd lumea s-a reconstitui
t la loc, nici urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Tarasov. Doar o nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere aproape goal{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, n care se aflau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o femeie b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i un potir din argint. Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a rotit
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 privirea n jur. Inima i gonea nebune{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pierduse
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 no{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea timpului. Ceea ce v{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}zuse durase o ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nicie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp,
i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar cteva
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 secunde de cnd conversase cu b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1355 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce... ce-a fo
st asta? a ntrebat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Avea gura uscat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i tare mult ar fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} bea pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
n{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2146 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}... ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} pocalul era acum gol.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Temerile ta
le, i-a explicat b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trna, cu sclipiri n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ochi. Toate temerile tale, frumos n{\f63 \u351\'3f}ir
ate la rnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri64 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat po
tirul pe mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu mini tremur{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A fost groaznic. A fost spiritul, dar... n-a sem{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}nat cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nimic din ce-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}z
ut pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum. Mi-a invadat mintea,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mi-a jefuit-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Totul p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
att de real... n unele momente, chiar am

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e real.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1977 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu l-ai f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceteze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a ncruntat, amintindu-{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i ct de aproape
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4291 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 fusese.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri4542 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri563 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}trna i-a zmbit,
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i altceva.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb140\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am..
. am terminat? a ntrebat-o Lissa, derutat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4195 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}trna i-a f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut un semn aprobator. Ridicndu-se,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a plimbat privirea ntre cele
dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cea prin
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care intrase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3
f} simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din fund. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sub efectul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocului, Lissa s-a ntors instinctiv spr
e u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a prin care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 venise. Chiar n-ar fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mai v
ad{\f63 \u259\'3f} iar pe cei alinia{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de-a lungul coridorului, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i-a jurat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i va pune o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 masc{\f63 \u259\'3f} perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f} de prin{
\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n plus, cei de acolo nu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 reprezentau dect o frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune nesemnific
ativ{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 compara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu grupul care o ntmpinase du
p{\f63 \u259\'3f} primul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 test. Dar pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii i s-au oprit n clipa n
care b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trna a vorbit
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ar{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tndu-i spre fundul nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Aceea
e pentru cei care nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc. Tu ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3889 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cealalt{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-se, Lissa a pornit sp
re u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cea simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\
'3f} spre exterior, ceea ce, probabil, era cu att
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mai bine. Lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p
ace. Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i m

ai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trnei, dar
nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia anume. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a ap{\f63 \u
259\'3f}sat
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 pe clan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ... drept n bra{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ele unei mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imi care ova{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 dragonul.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li6 \ri1481 \fi284 \e
xpndtw-14 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I DOI
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt540\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li290 \ri1491 \expndtw-8 \b \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f
63 \u350\'3f}TI TERIBIL DE FERICITA.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Clipind, m-am trezit privit{\f63
\u259\'3f} cu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de Sonya.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Motorul automobilului gonind pe sup
rafa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a neted{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 interstatalei 75 zumz{\f63 \u259\'3f}ia n jurul nostru
, exteriorul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luind prea pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in,
n afara cmpiilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i copacilor din
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Midwest. Sonya nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ctu{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in nebuna
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare de la {\f
63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sau chiar de la ea de-acas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rea doar nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i derutat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce era de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat. Am ezitat pn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund, dar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ajuns la
concluzia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} avea niciun
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 motiv s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ab{\f63 \
u355\'3f}in.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri130 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa a trecut
cel de-al doilea test pentru monarhie
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Normal c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-a trecut
, a replicat Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Privea afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe g
eam, cu spatele spre mine. Tonul lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea de n{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ir
osesc timpul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spunnd un lucru de la sine n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri312 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E teaf{\f63 \u
259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}? s-a interesat Dimitri. N-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}it nimic?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Alt{\f63 \u259\'3f}dat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile lui ar fi aprins n mine scnteia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4150 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 geloziei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Acum, nu reprezentau dect un
semn al preocup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 noastre comune fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
binele Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E bine, am
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, ntrebndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n sinea mea
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} este ntru totul adev{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Nu suferise vreo v{\f63 \u
259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mare fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot
ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse... n fine, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c
eva sigur l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa cicatrice, de un cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 totul alt gen. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
din spate nsemnase o surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f} destul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de mare. Cnd v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse o mic{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime la prima u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn460\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nchipuise c{\f63 \u259\'3f} do
ar pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} lume se trezise la ora aceea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trzie ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i vad{\f
63 \u259\'3f} pe candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Dar nu. Se dovedise c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta pu
r {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu la ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irea din spate, ca
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe nving{\f63
\u259\'3f}tori. Fidel{\f63 \u259\'3f} jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntului ei, Lissa nu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat descump{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. A ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it cu capul sus, zmbindu-le
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 privitorilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i admiratorilor, ca {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi fost deja
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 posesoarea coroanei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncepuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi
se fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} somn, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} zmbetul provocat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de triumful Lissei mi-a z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovit mult t
imp pe buze. E
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceva istovitor istovitor ntr-o por{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune
de autostrad{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aparent nesfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}, necun
oscut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Victor nchisese deja
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ochii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i rezemase c
apul de geam. N-am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pe Sydney cnd mi-am ntors capul, ceea ce nsemna c{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rse {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea s{\f63

\u259\'3f} trag{\f63 \u259\'3f} un pui de somn, sau doar se

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntinsese. Am c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat, ntrebndu-m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} puteam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}zni s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi asum riscu
l de a adormi. Dimitri chiar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 insistase cnd plecasem din casa Sonyei, {\f63 \u351\'
3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-ar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 prinde bine ceva mai mult dect cele dou{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ore pe care mi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 le oferise Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stur
nat capul pe rezem{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am nchis
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ochii, adormind instantaneu. ntunericul acelui somn m
i\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a cam dat senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia unui vis provocat d
e spirit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi sare inim
a din cauza panicii, dar, totodat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de bucurie. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}isem testul odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Lissa,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 visele induse de spirit mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau deod
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} o seniza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sinistr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i tim
p, puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa revederii lui
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Adrian. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i... a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a a fo
st.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ne-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ntr-un decor total
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat: n gr{\f63
\u259\'3f}dina Sonyei. Am privit uimit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cerul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 albastru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i senin {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f
lorile acelea str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitoare, ct pe ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l trec cu vederea pe Adrian. Purta
un pulover din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca{\f63 \u351\'3f}mir, verde-nchis, care-l f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se confunde cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 peisajul. Pentru mine, era mai formidabil dect toate
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 celelalte minuni ale gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dinii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3749 \expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Adrian!"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 M-am repezit spre el {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i Adrian m-a ridicat cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{\f63 \u355\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nvrtindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin aer. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ma pus din
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nou pe picioare, a examinat gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dina,
cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd aprobator
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ar trebui s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} te las mai des pe tine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} alegi locul. Ai

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gusturi nume. Evident, din moment ce umbli cu mine,
e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3182 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 un lucru deja {\f63 \u351\'3f}t
iut."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cum adic{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aleg eu locul?" l-am ntrebat,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}uindu-mi minile pe
dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} gtul lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2928 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 A ridicat din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cnd am tatonat {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it c{\f63 \u259\'3f} dormi, am invocat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 visul, dar n-am avut chef s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la un loc
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 anume. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-am l{\
f63 \u259\'3f}sat n seama subcon{\f63 \u351\'3f}tientului t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u."
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Oarecum iritat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ciupit puloverul
cu dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} degete.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, mi se pare c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu sunt mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat pentru aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 ocazie", a zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Puloverul a nceput s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} plpie, fiind imediat nlocuit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri354 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de un tricou gri-deschis, cu un m
odel abstract n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1749 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}E mai bine?"
mi-a cerut p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3156 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mult mai bin
e."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1888 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Zmbind, m-a s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rutat pe cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}tet.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mi-a fost dor d
e tine, micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir. Tu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ne spionezi pe Lissa {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i pe noi, ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, oricnd vrei, dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cel mai bun lucru pe care pot eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}in sunt visele
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 astea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, sincer s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
u, nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2865 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 orar func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionezi
acum."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259

\'3f}, datorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'3f}spionajului" meu,

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam mai multe dect el despre ceea ce
tocmai se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 petrecuse la Curte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1306 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Lissa a luat
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i al doilea test", i-am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mda. Expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ei lui mi confirma supozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. El nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri782 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiuse despre test
, probabil din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} dormea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3884 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cnd?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri271 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Chiar adineaur
i. A fost foarte greu, dar l-a trecut."
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Spre marea ei ncntare, sunt convins. {
\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta ne ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f} n conti
nuare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig{\f63 \u259\'3f}m timp, ca s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}m acuza{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}iile {\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te aducem din nou acas{\f63 \u259
\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi n loc
ul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, nu sunt sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} dori
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc", a remarcat
, privind din nou gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dina.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Virginia de Vest arat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cu mult mai bine fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3984 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 imaginat."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2993 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am izbucnit n rs.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dar nu e Virgin
ia de Vest... care oricum nu e chiar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2168 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 rea, apropo. E la Sonya Karp..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, ne
venindu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred ce-mi ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eram att de fericit{\f63 \u259\'3
f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d, att de n largul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 meu... nct mi permisesem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac o gaf{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Chipul lui
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a devenit extrem, extrem de serios.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1997 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ai spu
s cumva Sonya Karp?"
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mai multe variante mi-au trecut pr
in minte. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} mint
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri16 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ar fi fost cel mai u{\f63 \u351\'3
f}or. Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pretind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e un loc n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care fusesem mai demult, ca de exemplu unul n care ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dusese ea, ntr-o excursie la ea acas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, era ceva
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 destul de cusut cu a{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
alb{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Plus c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din cte b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei mele urla a vinov{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} prinsese. O
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 minciun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, orict de dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n-ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}leasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pe Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1568 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Da", am recun
oscut, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Rose. Sonya Karp e strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3579 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu mai e."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a oftat din r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}runchi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f
}tiam eu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} statul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u la ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}post e
prea frumos ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2177 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fie adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. Ce
s-a ntmplat?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri862 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u258\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}... Robert Doru a transformat-o la loc."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3779 \expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Robert."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Buza lui Adrian s-a r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}sfrnt a dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}. Cei doi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 utilizatori ai spiritului, adic{\f63
\u259\'3f} el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Robert, nu se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea bine nt
re ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i doar pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trundem n plin
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pe Teritoriul Nebuniei {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ceea ce nsea
mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva, venind
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din partea mea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r
isc, ghicind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Victor Dashkov e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4182 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 cu voi."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
, dorindu-mi cu disperare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu trezit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de cineva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scap de

interogatoriul lui Adrian. Fir-ar

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie. Cum fusese posibil s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-mi scape chiar n halul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4429 \expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian mi-a dat drumul
din bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2280 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 plimbe, descriind mici cercuri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}OK, s{\f63
\u259\'3f} recapitul{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Tu, Belikov, Alchimistul,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Sonya Karp, Victor Dashkov {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert
Doru v{\f63 \u259\'3f} pierde{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri754 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 vremea cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mpr
eun{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin Virginia de Vest."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3459 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu", am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri4073 \expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri515 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu, adic{\f63
\u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu suntem n Virgin
ia de Vest."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Rose!" a exclam
at Adrian, oprindu-se din patrulat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-se cu pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spre mine. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Atunci, unde
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 naiba e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti? B{\f63 \u259\'3f}trnul t{\f
63 \u259\'3f}u, Lissa... toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea te crede
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2927 \expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 teaf{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nev{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Sunt", am
replicat, semea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Doar c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu n Virginia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4085 \expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 de Vest."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3239 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Atunci, unde
?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu pot... nu po
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spun." Doamne, ct detestam
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun asta {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d expresia pe care i-o provoac{
\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}n parte, din motive de siguran{\f63

\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n parte, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}...

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2286 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog... nici nu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu, de fapt."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi351 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu po{\f63
\u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci una ca asta", a exclamat, prinzndu\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mini. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu po{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fugi dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
e ce toan{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nebuneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de data
asta. Nu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegi? {\f63 \u258\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia te omoar{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3064 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 pe loc dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te p
rind."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dar nu e o
toan{\f63 \u259\'3f} nebuneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}! Urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rim ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1258 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 important. Ceva care o s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ne ajute pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ceva despr
e care nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spui nimic", a ghicit
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 el.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}E ma
i bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fii implicat", i-am zis, strngndu-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 minile cu putere. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}E
mai bine dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3731 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuntele."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\
'3f}i, ntre timp, pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dorm lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2780 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 spate o echip{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
e elit{\f63 \u259\'3f}."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Adrian, te r
og! Te rog, ai doar ncredere n mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri146 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Crede-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} am un motiv ntemeiat", l-am implorat eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cred c{\f63
\u259\'3f} tu\i crezi\i0 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai avea un motiv ntemeiat", mi-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zis, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-mi minile libere. {\f63 \u82
22\'3f}Dar pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pri
n minte vreunul care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} justifice
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2931 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63

\u355\'3f}i ri{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cu asta m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ocup eu", i-am zis, eu ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi mirat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri646 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 seriozitatea tonului. {\f63 \u822
2\'3f}Unele lucruri merit{\f63 \u259\'3f} riscul."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Tot felul de parazi{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i mi-au tulburat imaginea, ca la un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 televizor dereglat. Lumea din jurul meu a nceput s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 estompeze contururile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1902 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ce se-ntmpl{\f
63 \u259\'3f}?" l-am ntrebat.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 El s-a ncruntat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cineva, sau ceva
, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} treze{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Probabil mama,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1397 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 venita pentru a suta oar{\f63 \
u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce fac."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntins spre el, dar deja d
isp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse aproape de
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 tot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri765 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Adrian! Te rog
, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu afle nimeni!\i Nimeni."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri14 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} mi-a auzit sau nu rug{\f63 \u259\'3f}mintea, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 visul s-a risipit complet. M-am tr
ezit n ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mea imediat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
trag o njur{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar n-am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dez idio{\f63 \u355\'3f}enia comis
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ntorcndu-mi capul, aproape c\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit ct col
o de pe banchet{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2158 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Sonya privindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} concentrat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri879 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai avut un vis
indus de spirit, mi-a zis ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3281 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De unde {\f63
\u351\'3f}tii?
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} aur{\f63 \u259
\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chestia cu aure
le mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea super, am comentat,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 strmbndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar acum
chiar ncepe s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 scitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A rs nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or,
pentru prima oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cnd fusese
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 readus{\f63 \u259\'3f} la normal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt surse
foarte bune de informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1202 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pricepi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le des
cifrezi. Ai fost cu Vasilisa?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri234 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Cu iubitul
meu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el e utilizator al spiritului.
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 A f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ochii mari, mirat{\f63 \u259
\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2642 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu el erai ad
ineauri?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1795 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda. De ce? C
e e n neregul{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S-a ncruntat, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd
nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cteva clipe mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 trziu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridicat
privirea spre locurile din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Rob
ert, apoi m-a examinat cu o privire
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri179 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunz{\f63 \u259
\'3f}toare care mi-a trimis fiori reci pe {\f63 \u351\'3f}ira spin{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri575 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimic, mi-a r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Nimic nu e n neregul{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 M-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} pufnesc la faza asta.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, doar mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru
t clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acolo! a exclam
at Sonya, ntorcndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i brusc fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dinspre mine, aplecndu-se n fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd ceva. Ia-o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pe ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irea de-acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de {\f63 \u8222\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}
irea de-acolo",
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri fiind obligat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} apeleze la o
manevr{\f63 \u259\'3f} fantezist{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cam n genul
celei de cnd fugiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de gardieni n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2057 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Pennsylvania {\f63 \u8212\'3f} c
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o rateze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina s-a sm
ucit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am auzit-o
pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney scncind n spatele meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un pic mai
mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} promptitudine data viitoare n-ar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 strica, i-a atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Dimitri, dar
Sonya nu-l mai
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 asculta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Privirea i era total absorbit
{\f63 \u259\'3f} de drumul pe care
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Ajungnd
la un semafor, am remarcat un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 panou de ntmpinare: BUN VENIT N ANN ARBOR,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 MICHIGAN. Scnteia de vitalitate pe care o observasem
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 la Sonya cu cteva clipe mai devreme disp{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ruse.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Revenise la starea ei de ncordare, aproape robotic{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ciuda inteligentei abord{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri a lui Syd
ney, Sonya tot p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u
259\'3f}toria aceasta. Tot se mai sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sperjur{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am ajuns? a
m ntrebat, ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ct am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4366 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 mers?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Abia dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} fu
sesem atent{\f63 \u259\'3f} la drum. n prima lui parte,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesem treaz{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, dar tot restul fusese ca o cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, prin
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care-i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem doar pe Lissa {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i pe Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1762 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}ase ore, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ia-o la stnga la
al doilea semafor, l-a ndrumai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2058 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Sonza. Acum, dreapta, dup{\f63 \
u259\'3f} col{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tensiunea se acumula n interi
orul ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inii. Acum,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea era treaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, iar eu mi sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam inima b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din ce n ce mai repede pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ce ne afundam n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 suburbie. Care o fi casa? Suntem aproape? O fi una
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre astea? Drumul fusese p
arcurs rapid, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar nti
nde la nesfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflat cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
i
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ura{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dup{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ce Sonya ne-a ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat, deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, locul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3830 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a intrat pe aleea din fa
{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unei case dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}e din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1862 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}mid{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu un gazon perfect tuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}tii cumva dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} rudele tale locuiesc tot aici? am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat-o pe Sonya.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sp
uns n niciun fel, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ajunsesem napoi pe teritoriul jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntulu
i. Ora
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nchiderii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3418 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Halal progres.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}B{\f63 \u259\'3
f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-avem dect o cale prin care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul, am zis,
desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-mi centura de siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2899 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Planul a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas a
cela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ceva mai devreme, discutase
m cu Dimitri despre cine
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i cine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} afar{\
f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sonya
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ne ducea acolo unde trebuia. S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i l{\
f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe cei doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} era la mintea
covo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ului. Problema era cine s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\

'3f}i ne-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt ca Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie acela, iar eu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Sydney s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergem m
preun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Sonya, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}tem rudele... pe care le a{\f63
\u351\'3f}tepta, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintre cele mai {\f63 \u351\'3
f}ocante.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acela{\f63
\u351\'3f}i, m-a aprobat Dimitri. Du-te tu. Pari mai
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in periculoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri4024 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2269 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns cu
un zmbet.
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8
222\'3f}pari".
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
, ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionamentul lui era logic. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cnd era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 relaxat, Dimitri avea n el ceva care
degaja for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intimida. Trei femei care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sune la u
{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-ar nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oricum mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in pe oamenii aceia... c
u att mai mult
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntmplarea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ca
rudele Sonyei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fi mutat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntre timp. Ce naiba, de unde puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1497 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 condusese, inten{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ionat, spre o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cas{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai grij{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, m-a sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit Dimitri, n timp ce coboram
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 din ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2769 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i tu, i-am replicat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, prin asta, miam mai atras un zmbet, unul ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2806 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mai cald {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai p
rofund.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile pe
care le-a strnit n mine au zburat n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timp ce parcurgeam, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Sydney {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Sonya,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aleea. Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it cum mi se strnge piept
ul. Asta era.

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sau nu? Oare aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem la punct
ul final al
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 expedi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei noastre? Oare aveam ntr-ade
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}r s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ultimul Dragomir, mpotriva tuturor sor{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ilor? Sau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1124 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fusesem jucat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
degete nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la nceput?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Nu numai eu eram cuprins{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Le sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pe Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Sonya vibrnd de ncordar
e. Am ajuns
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pe treapta de sus. Inspirnd adnc, am ap{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sat pe butonul
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 soneriei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva sec
unde, ne-a deschis un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 moroi, pe deasupra. Semn promi{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ne-a privit pe rnd fe{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ele, ntrebndu-se f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiala
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ce puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} caute la u{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a lui trei feluri de femei: o
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb260\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 reprezentanta a moroilor, una
a dhampirilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alta a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri861 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 oamenilor. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea nc
epuiul unei glume proaste.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri910 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu de folos cu ceva? a ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}mas f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuvinte. Planul nostru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 acoperise p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ile importante: descoperirea amantei lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Eric Dragomir {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a copilului lor din
flori. Ceea ce aveam
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spunem odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajun{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i acolo nu mai era la fel de clar.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia cuvnt
ul una dintre nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}itoarele mele,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dar n-a mai fost nevoie. Capul b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbatu
lui s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucit
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 brusc dinspre mine, tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind surprin
s.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri420 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sonya? a ntreba
t, cu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflarea t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tu e{\f63

\u351\'3f}ti?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care am auzit
o voce feminin{\f63 \u259\'3f} tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} strignd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3606 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 din spatele lui:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2865 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, cine e a
colo?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Cineva s-a strecurat pe lng{\f63 \u
259\'3f} el, cineva nalt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sub{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire, cineva cuno
scut. Mi s-a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mie respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
a la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vederea valurilor de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r rebel, {\f63
\u351\'3f}aten-deschis, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a ochilor
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de un verde deschis... ochi care ar fi trebuit s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-mi dea un
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 indiciu cu mult timp nainte. Nu eram capabil{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 vorbesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri517 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, a exclam
at Jill Mastrano. Ce cau{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aici?
\plain\par
\sl-89\fs9\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri1265 \expndtw-14 \
b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I TREI
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \b \f20 \fs24 CELE CTEVA SECUNDE
DE T{\f63 \u258\'3f}CERE\b0 care au
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 urmat p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau se ntind
{\f63 \u259\'3f} la infinit. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea era
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 derutat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar fiecare din motive total
diferite.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Surprinderea ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
lui Jill fusese amestecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 entuziasm, dar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i-a tot mutat privirea de pe un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chip pe altul, zmbetul i s-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}ters, {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i s-a tot {\f63 \u351\'3f}ters, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cnd a ajuns s{\f63 \u259\'3f} arate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
ea la fel de buim{\f63 \u259\'3f}cit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca noi to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri600 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce se-ntmpl{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} acolo? a ntrebat o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} voce.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva clipe,
Emily Mastrano {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de fiica ei
. Ne-a aruncat o privire curioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lui Sydney, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care i s-a t{\f63 \u2

59\'3f}iat respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cnd a

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 observat cine era cel de-al treilea membru al grupulu
i
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 nostru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sonya! a ex
clamat, smucind-o pe Jill napoi, cu
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a invadat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pani
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Emily nu avea rapiditatea un
ui gardian, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 admirat viteza de reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Emily...?
rosti Sonya cu o voce foarte firav{\f63 \u259\'3f}, gata
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se frng{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu... eu s
unt... eu, cea\i adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Emily tocmai ncerca s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-l trag{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat n cas
{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oprindu-se ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa n care a v{\f63 \u
259\'3f}zut-o mai bine pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sonya. La fel ca toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea, Emily er
a nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 recunoasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} eviden{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. S
onya nu mai avea nicio tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 specific{\f63 \u259\'3f} strigoilor. Plus c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} umbla pe-afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} n plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} zi.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ezitnd, a deschis gura s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ceva, dar buzele nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 prea-i erau capabile s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} vreun sunet. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s-a ntors spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2591 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose...
ce se petrece?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-a surprins faptul c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} privea ca pe o autoritate,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 att din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63
\u259\'3f} ne ntlniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 acum, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, nici eu nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 precis ce se petrece. Mi-au trebuit vreo cteva ncerc{\
f63 \u259\'3f}ri
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi reg{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sesc graiul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri199 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu cred... eu
cred c-ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergem n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Privirea lui Emily s-a oprit din

nou asupra Sonyei. Jill

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tot ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} loc, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i ea despre ce era
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 vorba, nsa Emily bloca u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a n continuare,
nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 neconvins{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntru totul c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ar fi n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu puteam
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-o iau n nume de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
u. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nclinat ncet
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 capul n semn de aprobare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a dat de
oparte f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-ne
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 loc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney tot tr{\f63 \u259\'3f
}gea cu coada ochiului spre ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri445 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 care r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte Victor, Ro
bert {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1909 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu ei ce face
m? m-a ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am ezitat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spund. mi doream ca Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cu mine atunci cnd avea s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} cad{\f63 \u259\'3f} bomba, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Emily n-ar fi fost n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndure dect
cte o lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe rnd. Moroii nu aveau nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nvrt
easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cercurile regale ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f
}tie cine e Victor Dashkov, sau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cum arat{\f63 \u259\'3f} el. Expedi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} n Las Vegas ne-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri632 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dovedise. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} am cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap spre Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2822 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} mai a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am instalat n livingul casei, o
cazie cu care am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aflat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tipul care
ne deschisese u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a era so{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul lui Emily,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 John Mastrano. Emily a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut gesturile
obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuite unei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gazde, oferindu-ne de b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ur, ca {\f63
\u351\'3f}i cum ar fi fost o vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 perfect obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}n

uit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} expresia de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei con

firma
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se afla nc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} n stare de {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc. Ne ntindea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 paharele cu ap{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri de robot, att de palid{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 puteai foarte bine s-o iei drept strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 De ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce s
-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Emily, John {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a l{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sat mna
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe a ei. Pe noi ne privea n continuare cu precau{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea era tot num
ai afec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune {\f63 \u351\'3f}i preocupare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1707 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce se ntmpl{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}? A ntrebat-o el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1075 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n ochii lui Emily se vedea nc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}eala.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\'3f
}i... nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Var{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mea e aici... dar nu n{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}eleg
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cum... {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a plimbat
din nou privirea de la mine la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney, apoi la Sonya. Cum e posibil? a ntrebat, cu
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 vocea tremur{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa a f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o, nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? s-a repezit Jill, care f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea sordida
istorie a rudei sale. Era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lucru lesne de
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un pic emo{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ionat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} entuziasmul ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
revin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am auzit
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntmplarea cu Dimitri. E adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, nu? L
issa poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vindece pe strigoi. L-a salvat pe el. A salvat-o...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 S-a ntors spre Sonya, entuzi
asmul sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-i un pic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri292 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb ce soi de
pove{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti o fi auzit ea despre Sonya.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2595 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te-a salvat {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a fost Lissa,
i-am zis. A fost... {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}... alt uti
lizator
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3848 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 al spiritului.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2726 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Jill s-a luminat la fa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3716 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1481 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Uitasem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adri
an i picase cu tronc.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu..
. altcineva. N-are nicio importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am ad{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ugat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n grab{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sonya... n fi
ne, e din nou moroi. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, e
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dezorientat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e n
tru totul ea ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sorb
ea veri{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara din priviri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum s-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntors la mine, cu un zmbet crispat, n{\f63 \u355\'3f}el
eg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1075 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} vorbesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu pentru mine, Rose.
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Scuz{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, i-am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Emily s-a ntors spre Sydney, ncrunt
at{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Li se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1335 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} prezent{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile, dar nimic mai mult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu de ce e{
\f63 \u351\'3f}ti aici? a ntrebat-o. Emily nu mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce gnd
ea n realitate. Voia doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ce putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} caute acolo o liin{\f63 \
u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i uman{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i0 E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti hr{\f
63 \u259\'3f}nitoare? a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 vrut ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! a excla
mat Sydney, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind de pe locul ei de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, de pe micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
canapea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} no mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem att de nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de furi
e
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 scandalizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de dez
gust.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri151 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai spune o da
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i plec imediat! Sunt Alchimist.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri33 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Replica ei a fost ntmpinat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} cu priviri nedumerite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2458 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am tras-o la loc lng{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}U{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}urel, fato. Nu prea cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce sunt
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fiu, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucuram n secret. Cnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 descoperisem pentru prima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} existe
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tilor,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}isem ca {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost ultima persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lume care afla despre asta. Era pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 erau la fel de ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiutori pe ct fusesem
eu. Ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 simplific lucrurile, deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-am
explicat lui Emily:
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri2994 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sydney
ne ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lacrimile i-au umplut lui Emily
ochii alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors din nou
fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre veri{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara ei. Emily
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mastrano era una dintre cele mai uluitoare femei din
cte
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cunoscusem vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f
} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lacrimile erau frumoase la
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ti chiar tu, nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? Mi te-au readus. O,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Doamne, a exclamat, ridicndu-se {\f63 \u351\'3f}i apro
piindu-se de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 veri{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara ei, pentru o strns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are. Ct de dor mi\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a fost de tine! Nu-mi vine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} e adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mie aproap
e c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi venea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plng, dar mi-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 reamintit singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu toat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} asprimea, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} venisem aici cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 o misiune. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam ct de uluitor avea s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fie. Tocmai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntorseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe dos ntreaga lume a famil
iei Mastrano...

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu eram pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c

omplic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult lucrurile.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Detestam gndul acesta. Mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit c
a ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 timpul necesar ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se adapteze, ca
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb{\f63 \u259\'3f}toreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 minunea ntoarcerii Sonyei. Cu toate acestea, ceasul d
e
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 la Curte {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cel car
e mi m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sura via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u8212\'3f} tic{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ia f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 mil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V-am aduso..., am zis, n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un alt motiv pentru prezen{\f63 \u
355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu prec
is ce anume transmisese tonul vocii mele,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dar am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe Emily c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} devine brusc rigid{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 retrage din dreptul Sonyei, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezndu-se
la loc lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} so{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ei. Cumva, n clipa aceea, cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse perfect
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 seama de ce veniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Vedeam n ochii
ei c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se temea:
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta
t cu groaza-n suflet o astfel de
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ani d
e-a rndul, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi imaginat-o de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3936 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sute de ori.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2737 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am mers mai departe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Noi {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tim... noi {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim despre povestea cu Eric
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3995 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Dragomir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, m-a opr
it Emily, cu un neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit amestec de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 asprime {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de disperare n voce.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}narea ei era remarcabil de asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}toare cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 refuzul ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial al Sonyei de a ne aju
ta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1227 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Nu facem
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, a declarat ea.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Din clipa n care o v{\f63 \u259\'
3f}zusem pe Jill, din clipa n care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 recunoscut ochii aceia, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tiusem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am nimerit unde
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 trebuia. Cuvintele lui Emily {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i, mai important, lipsa
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 unei t{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}duiri {\f63
\u8212\'3f} mi confirmau intui{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1264 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie, am z
is. E o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} grav{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Emily s-a ntors spre Sonya.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1684 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai jurat! Ai
jurat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am spus, a neg
at Sonya, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe chip i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3216 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 persistau ndoielile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a spus,
am confirmat, cu fermitate, spernd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tesc pe amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E
greu de explicat... dar ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 respectat jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, a repet
at Emily. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva nu se poate. Nu se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbim despre a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce... ce se
-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}? a intervenit John, cu scntei
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mnioase n ochi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Nu-i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} un grup de str{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ini i nec{\f63 \u259\'3f}je{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 so{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1988 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Eu m-am adresat tot lui
Emily.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Trebuie\i0 s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbim despre asta. V{\f63 \u259\'3f} rug{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Ave
m
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de ajutorul dumneavoastr{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Avem nevoie de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1011 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ajutorul\i t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u,\
i0 am repetat, de ast{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1536 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Ce vrei s{\f

63 \u259\'3f} spui? m-a ntrebat Jill.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Scnteia entuziast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de mai devreme disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse, stins{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2973 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mamei
sale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2955 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E vorba despr
e...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntrerupt brusc. M{\f63 \u259\'
3f} avntasem n toate astea,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc Lissei fratele sau sora {\f63 \u8
212\'3f} acum
\par
\plain\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam, era sora
ei
\plain\tx2334 \tab \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} dnd prea pu{\f63 \u355\
'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}elor
. Ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un s
ecret pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea... inclusiv pentru copilul
respectiv Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gndisem ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} fie pentru ea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vorba despre o str{\f63 \u259\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
oarecare. Ci despre\i Jill.\i0 Jill.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Prietena mea. Fata care ne era tuturor ca o sor{\f63
\u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fata de care aveam grij{\f63 \u
259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Ce aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac eu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acum? ntorcndu-mi privirea spre John, mi-am dat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia era n
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai rea. Oare Jill credea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 el e tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l ei? ntreaga familie avea s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fie zguduit{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 temelii... iar eu eram de vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! a strig
at Emily, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind din nou n picioare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri840 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i de-aici! Cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii! Nu vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3
f} mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doamn{\f63
\u259\'3f} Mastrano..., am nceput. Nu pute{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 preface{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi ad
ev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfrunta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 realitatea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Nu!\i0

a insistat ea, ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Afa

r{\f63 \u259\'3f}! Ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri139 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 casa mea, sau... sau chem poli{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ia! Sau pe gardieni! Tu...
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocul ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial al vederii
Sonyei se mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 estompase, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat s
eama. Victor nu era singurul
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 criminal de care trebuiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}zeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} moroii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1738 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu e{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti o evadat{\f63 \u259\'3f}! O criminal{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba nu! a interv
enit Jill, aplecndu-se n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri267 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mai spus, mami. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i
-am mai spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost o gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f}..
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2446 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Afar{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, a repetat Emily.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ne izgoni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, tot nu schimba{\f63 \u355\'3f}i adev{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rul, i-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri820 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, fo
r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}stre
z calmul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E cineva am
abil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mie ce\i naiba
\i0 se\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici? s-a repezit din nou John,
ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}u la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nfuriat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i apere familia. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu primesc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns n treizeci de secunde, chem
eu poli{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia\i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 gardienii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ndreptat privirea spre
Jill, dar n-am putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vorbesc. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam cum s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} spun ceea ce trebuia, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} par lipsit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tact. Sydney, n schimb, nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea attea probleme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 El nu e tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l

t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, a rostit, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} menajamente, a

r{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 spre John.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut o
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere de scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} durat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Jill p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aproape dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}git{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi sperat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud{\f63 \u259\'3f} ve{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mai palpitante.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiu. E tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l meu vitreg. Sau, n fine, tata, din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 punctul meu de vedere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Emily s-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cad{\f63 \u259\'3f} la loc pe canapea, ngropndu\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ntre palme. D{\
f63 \u259\'3f}dea impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} plnge, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 destul de convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sar{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintr-o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} n alta {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cheme autor
it{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezolv{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}m repede
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1448 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 problema, indiferent ct de durero
s ar fi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a. Nu el e tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u biologic, i-am zis lui
Jill,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fixnd-o cu o privire st{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1356 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ochii. Cum de nu-i observasem
ochii?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1027 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}l t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat a fost Eric Dragomir.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Emily a scos un sunet slab, ndurerat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1116 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, m-a implo
rat. Te rog, nu face asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Furia lui John s-a topit la loc n
nedumerirea care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1382 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fie la mare mod{\f63 \u259\'3f} n camera asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2838 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Ce?\i0 a
exclamat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta... nu, a zi

s Jill, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd ncet din cap. Asta

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu se poate. Tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l
meu a fost... a fost doar unul care ne-a
\plain\expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri494 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un fel, cred c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} nici nu era departe de adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eric Dragomir a
fost, i-am zis. Tu faci parte din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1792 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 familia lor. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
sor{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Lissa. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Uluirea m-a cople{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}it {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia s\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o privesc pe Jill n cu totul alt fel de-acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2777 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u351\
'3f}ti de neam regal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Jill era permanent plin{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} de energie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de optimism,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 trecnd prin via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cu speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} naiv{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i cu farmec. Acum,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a i era ntunecat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i grav{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd-o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 matur{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de cei cincisprezece ani ai ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. E doar
o glum{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l meu a fost om din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1587 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 popor. Eu nu sunt... nu. Rose, t
ermin{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3812 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Emily!
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rit auzind vocea Sonyei, mirat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult m-a surprins
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ar
ea ei. Autoritar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Serioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sonya era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect Emily cu.
.. ct? Cu vreo zece ani, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau cu presupusul. Cu toate
acestea, Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fixa veri{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara cu o privire care o f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cea pe Emily s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 o feti{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} neascult{\f6

3 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Emily, e ti
mpul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la ascunzi{\f63 \u351\'3f}uri. Tre
buie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spui. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, pentru
numele lui Dumnezeu, trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spui lui John. Nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mai {\f63 \u355\'3f}ii totul ngropat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri42 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Emily {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridica
t capul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a privit-o pe Sonya n ochi.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun... Tu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii ce s-ar ntmpla... Nu pot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2995 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac ei una c
a asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimeni dint
re noi nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce se va ntmpla, a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 replicat Sonya. Dar situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia se va nr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu preiei
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 controlul chiar acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o t{\f63
\u259\'3f}cere prelungit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Emily {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ab{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tut n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 privirea, cobornd-o spre podea. Triste{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ea, nespusa
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri235 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 triste{\f63 \u355\'3f}e de pe fa{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei mi frngea inima. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu doar mie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mami? a ntre
bat-o Jill, cu o voce tremurat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Care-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri223 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 problema? Totul nu e dect o confuz
ie general{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a-i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri569 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Suspinnd, Emily {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i-a ridicat ochii spre fiica ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. E{\f63 \u351\
'3f}ti fiica lui Eric Dragomir. Rose a spus
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4069 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 John a scos un mic sunet sugr
umat, dar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntrerupt so{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Ea i-a strns din nou mna
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce v-am spus
amndurora, de-a lungul anilor... a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fost adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. n cea mai mare parte. N
-am avut dect o
\par

\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f}... rela
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Nu tocmai una ieftin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar scurt{\f63 \u259\'
3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Oprindu-se, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntor
s privirea, de data aceasta spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri391 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 John {\f63 \u351\'3f}i expresia f
e{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei i s-a mai ndulcit. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-am spus...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1444 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 El a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un s
emn aprobator din cap:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Iar eu {\f63 \
u355\'3f}i-am spus\i {\f63 \u355\'3f}ie\i0 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecutul nu m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} intereseaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 N-a afectat niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3
f} sentimentele mele fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tine, fa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de Jill. Dar nu mi-am imaginat...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici eu, a
ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at ea. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car n-am {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
t cine
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 e cnd l-am ntlnit prima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era pe cnd
locuiam n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Las Vegas {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am avut primul meu servi
ciu, ca dansatoare
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un show, la Witching Hour.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut och
ii mari. Nimeni n-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} observe.
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 Witching Hour.\i0 Fusesem mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
u prietenii mei n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cazinoul acela, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utndu-l pe Robert, {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i un tip de-acolo
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse o glum{\f63 \u259\'3f} referit
oare la ct de interesat ar fi fost
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l Lissei de dansatoare. {\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Emily lucra acum
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o companie de balet din Detroit; era {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i motivul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru care locuia n Michigan. N-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
ghicit n ruptul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 capului c{\f63 \u259\'3f} debutase ntr-un show din Las
Vegas, ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dansatoare mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n pen
e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i paiete. Dar de ce nu?
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Doar trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceap{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de undeva, iar statura ei nalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 gra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} i permitea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} abordeze orice tip de dans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ura att de d
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-att de trist, a continua
t

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Emily. Tocmai i murise tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l, {\f63 \u

351\'3f}i venise s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cam nece
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amarul. n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam cum era posibil ca un
deces s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 distrug{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o asemenea m{\f63 \u259\'
3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar acum... n fine,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 acum n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg cu\i adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rat.\i0 Era o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} pierdere pentru
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 familia lui. Efectivul le sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea dras
tic. Emily {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ncre{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fruntea, gnditoare, apoi a rid
icat din umeri. Era de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 treab{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i iubea cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
so{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 era ntr-o dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ntunecat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, deprimat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a folosit de mine. {\f63 \u354\'3f}inea la mine, de{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ce s-a ntmplat ntre noi s-ar fi ntmplat n alte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 circumstan{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. n orice caz, m-am mp{\f63
\u259\'3f}cat cu modul n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care s-a sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i am fost mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-mi duc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mai departe... pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cnd a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut Jill. Am luat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura cu Eric, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} am considerat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie... de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am dat
de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles ct se poate de limpede c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept nimic din partea lui. {\f63
\u350\'3f}i, n momentul acela,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind cine era, chiar nu\i voiam\i0
nimic. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 permis, cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el te-ar fi recunoscu
t ca fiic{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui, ar fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 avut un rol n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ta, a precizat Emi
ly, acum cu ochii pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Jill. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu
sem cum ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta lumea aceea. Via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de la Curte e alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit{\f63 \u259\'3f
} numai din politic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i din minciuni
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i din tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259
\'3f}ri. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, singurul lucru pe care l-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acceptat de la el au fost banii. Nici asta n-a{\f63 \
u351\'3f} fi vrut. N\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}antaja... dar am\i vrut\
i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 asigur viitorul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1767 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, m-a luat gura pe dinai
nte.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri152 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu mi se p
are c{\f63 \u259\'3f} v-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i folosit de banii ac
eia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am regretat vorbele de ndat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ce le-am rostit. Casa
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lor era ct se poate de dr{\f63 \u259
\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nici vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} de s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}cie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lucie. Dar nici nu se potrivea cu fondurile pe care l
e
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem circulnd prin conturile acelea
bancare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici nu mam folosit, a confirmat Emily. O parte i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am la ndemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru situa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ii de urgen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, normal, dar
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 majoritatea e la loc sigur, p
entru Jill, pentru viitorul ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2805 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} tot ce vrea cu ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum adic{\f
63 \u259\'3f}? a ntrebat Jill, ngrozit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Despre ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3516 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 bani tot vorbi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri141 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ti mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tenitoare, i-am explicat.\i {\f63 \u350\'3f}i\i0 de ne
am regal.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu sunt nimic din toate astea, a re
plicat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Acum era chiar disperat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, privindu-ne pe rnd pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri708 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mi amintea de o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
prioar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, gata s-o rup{\f63 \u259\'3f} la fug{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o nen{\f63
\u355\'3f}elegere, a insistat ea. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 victimele unei nen{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ridicndu-se, Emily s-a apropi
at de scaunul lui Jill,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ngenunchind pe podea n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i prinzndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fiica de
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 mini.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tot ce-ai a

uzit e adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-mi pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\

f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afli a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Da
r asta nu schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimic. Vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastre n-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se schimbe. O s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}im exact la fel ca
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f} vari
etate de sentimente s-a perindat pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chipul lui Jill {\f63 \u8212\'3f} predominnd teama {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i deruta {\f63 \u8212\'3f} dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} fata s-a apl
ecat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat capul pe
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 um{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul mamei sale, acceptnd adev{\f63
\u259\'3f}rul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3553 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, a zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Era un moment mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
mi venea s
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4348 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 plng.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Avusesem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
eu parte de suficiente drame de familie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de probleme cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nainte, mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit c
a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 familia Mastrano s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streze acest moment... dar nu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 era posibil.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu se
poate, le-am zis. Nu pute{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} continua{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i ca
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri794 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum. Jill... J
ill trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Curte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Emily s-a smucit de lng{\f63
\u259\'3f} Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-a fixat cu privirea.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Cu doar o secund{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai devreme, chipul
i fusese plin de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mhnire {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de nefericire. Acum, vedeam p
e el furie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nver{\f63 \u351\'3f}unat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i ferocitate. Peste albastrul ochilor ei se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntinsese furtuna, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
priveau t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ios.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Nu.\i0
Ea nu merge acolo. Nu va merge niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 acolo.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri34 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Jill mai fusese n vizit{\f63
\u259\'3f} la Curte, numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} att eu, ct
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Emily {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu era vorba despre vreo excursie de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere. Jill trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo sub adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rata ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 identitate. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, poate c{\f63 \u259
\'3f}\i adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rata\i0 nu era tocmai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 termenul potrivit. Uzurparea calit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ilor de membru al
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 unei familii regale nu-i st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea n fire,
cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i care fusese ntotdeauna, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 numele i se schimbase. Iar schimbarea aceasta trebui
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 fie adus{\f63 \u259\'3f} la cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a public{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fapt care avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zgudui
e
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din temelii Curtea moroilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie, a
m insistat. Curtea devine din ce n ce mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 corupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar familia Dragomir trebuie
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i joace rolul n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndreptarea situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei. Lissa nu are nici
o putere de una
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu n
trune{\f63 \u351\'3f}te cvorumul necesar unei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 familii. Toate celelalte familii regale... nu fac dect
s-o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 calce n picioare. Vor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} promoveze cu
for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a legi care nu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ne avantajeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe nimeni dintre noi.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Emily era n continuare n
genuncheat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} scaun,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} stnd s-o apere
cu propriul trup pe Jill de cuvintele
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 mele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i exact {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta e motivul pentru care Jill n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Curte. E {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
motivul pentru care nu i-am permis
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lui Eric s-o recunoasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu vreau ca
Jill s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie implicat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Locul acela nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} otrav{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Asasinarea Tatianei o
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 dovede{\f63 \u351\'3f}te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntrerupndu-se, Emily mi-a aru
ncat o privire t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amintindu-mi de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu eram susp

ectul principal.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}iser
{\f63 \u259\'3f}m nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecem peste asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}To{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i cei din familiile astea regale... sunt plini de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vicii. Nu vreau ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Jill s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. N-o s-o\i las\i0 s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 transforme n cineva ca ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu to{\f63
\u355\'3f}i din familiile regale sunt a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, am contrazis\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri156 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 o. Lissa nu e a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
Ea se str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te s{\f63 \u259\'3f} schimbe siste
mul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1691 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Emily mi-a zmbit cu am{\f63 \u
259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciune.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f
}i tu ce p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i despre reforma
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ei? Sunt sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} destui din familiile regale care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sunt ferici{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-o vad{\f63 \u259\'3f}
redus{\f63 \u259\'3f} la t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere... c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rora nu le-a
r
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i vad{\f63 \
u259\'3f} familia ren{\f63 \u259\'3f}scnd. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-am mai spus: Eric
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 a fost un om bun. Uneori, nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
oar printr-o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 coinciden{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-a pieri
t familia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2338 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas cu gu
ra c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E absurd, am exclamat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri361 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dintrodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu mai eram att de sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie? Emily era cu ochii pe mine, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi-ar fi citit gndurile. Ce crezi c
-ar face ei dac-ar ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
\par
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\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un Dragomir? Cei care i se mpotrivesc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Vasilisei? Ce crezi c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ar face dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ar

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1437 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sta ntre ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i put
erea familiei Dragomir?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele
la care se referea ea erau {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocante... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i imposibile. Aruncnd o privire spre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Jill, am avut o senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de gol, de p
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire, n stomac.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Oare la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva aveam s-o supun? Pe d
ulcea, pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nevinovata de Jill... Pe Jill, care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aventuri ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ite din comun, dar care ab
ia era n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 schimbe dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbe cu un b{\f63 \u259
\'3f}iat f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nro{\f63 \u351\'
3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei de a nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lupte se datora pe jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 impulsului juvenil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe jum{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tate instinctului care-i cerea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i apere neamul. P{
\f63 \u259\'3f}trunderea ei n lumea regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea, practic, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i f
ie de folos neamului ei... de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntr-un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fel la care nu s-ar fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat nicio
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iar asta nsemna
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund{\f63 \u259\'
3f} n atmosfera tenebroas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sinistr{\f63 \u259\'3
f} care
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 domina uneori Curtea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Emily p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi interpreteze t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea ca o aprobare.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Un amestec de triumf {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de u{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}urare i-a luminat fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa n car
e, deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Jill s-a hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3889 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Merg.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Toate privirile s-au ntors spre e
a, uluite. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 o privisem cu mil{\f63 \u259\'3f},
gndindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ea ca la o victim{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Acum, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} uimea nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63
\u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area ei curajoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ho
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Exista nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f} de teama {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
vea n ea o
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie de o{\f63 \u355\'3f}el cum nu
mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2483 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? a ex
clamat Emily.

\par
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\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Merg,
a repetat Jill, cu o voce mai sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O s-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ajut pe Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i familia Dragomir. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc la Curte
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 cu Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
n-avea rost pe moment s{\f63 \u259\'3f} amintesc
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 despre nenum{\f63 \u259\'3f}ratele dificult{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe care le-ar ntmpina
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 orice ncercare a mea de a m{\f63 \u259\'3f} apropia,
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car, de Curte.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, ajunses
em ntr-un punct n care-mi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 interpretam partitura dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ureche, cu
toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd furia lui Emily ab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu-se de
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 la mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba nu merg
i nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri! Nu te las nici s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te apropii de
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu po{\f63
\u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} alegi n numele meu! a strigat Jill. Nu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai sunt copil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri620 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nid adult,
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, a ripostat Emily.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Cele dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-au lan
sat ntr-un tir ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}at al
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 argumentelor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, fo
arte curnd, a intrat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i John n lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n tab{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra so{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei sale. n t
oiul acestei ciorov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieli de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 familie, Sydney s-a aplecat spre mine {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i mi-a murmurat:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pun pariu c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a trecut nidodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin cap
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 partea mai dificil{\f63 \u259\'3f} a misiunii de desc
operire a
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}salvatoarei" tale va fi s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-i convingi mama s-o lase afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ora stingerii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ghinionul era c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} gluma ei cam avea un smbure de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r. Noi aveam mare nevoie de Jill
, iar eu clar nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gndisem la o astfel de complica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Da

c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Emily avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 refuze? Categoric, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strarea secretulu
i cu privire la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 descenden{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Jill fusese un capito
l cu privire la care ea
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 se ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase ne
clintit{\f63 \u259\'3f} un timp destul de lung: s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zicem,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cincisprezece ani. Aveam eu o senz
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Jill nu s-ar da
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n l{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fug{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de-acas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se duc{\f63
\u259\'3f} la Curte, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri211 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ajungea la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cev
a. Iar eu nu m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} da n l{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi s-o ajut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, Sonya a intervenit pe nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptate n
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Emily, n-ai
auzit ce {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am spus? Totul se va
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntmpla, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu s
au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} consim{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o la{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Jill s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece acum, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece ea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mna viitoare. Sau l
a anul. Sau peste cinci ani.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ideea e c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, orice-ai face, tot la\i
asta\i0 se ajunge.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Emily s-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
at s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cad{\f63 \u259\'3f} lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} scaun, cu o expresie
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2368 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Nu vreau
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri85 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Chipul frumos al Sonyei s-a adum
brit de am{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciune.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, din nefericire
, nu pare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} seama de ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri34 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vrem noi. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}-o acum
, ct mai po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r s-o salvezi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de la un dezastru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2037 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te rog, mami,
a insistat Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ochii ei ca jadul, ochii neamulu

i Dragomir, o priveau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cu afec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune pe Emi
ly. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Jill ar putea, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f
}r,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o asculte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} fug{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-acas{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dar nu voia, cel pu
{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Emily a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
cu privirea a{\f63 \u355\'3f}intit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n gol, ochii ei
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 umbri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de gene lungi fiind acum pust
ii, nfrn{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea n cal
ea planurilor mele, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 face dintr-o dragoste {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o preocupare
pe deplin legitime...
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi care probab
il l atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Eric spre ea.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, a
rostit, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, oftnd. Jill poate s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dar merg
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu. Ea n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfrunte un astfel de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 loc f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1799 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sau f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat John.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rea buim{\f63 \u259\'3f}cit, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sprijine
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 so{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i fiica vitreg{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Jill i-a privit pe amndoi cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 recuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, amintindu-mi nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} toc
mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adusesem nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea ntr-o familie lini
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu intrase n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 planurile mele posibilitatea ca Emily {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i John s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 noi, dar nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-o iau n nume
de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vedeam ce r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} produc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Oricum am fi avut
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de Emily ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le spun{\f63 \u
259\'3f} tuturor despre Eric.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc, le-am zis. V{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f
}umesc foarte
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4483 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 mull

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2377 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 John m-a fixat cu privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} n-am rezolvat problema prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei unei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2872 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 evadate n casa noastr{\f63 \u259\
'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu Ros
e a fost vinovata! strig{\f63 \u259\'3f} Jill, pe care n-o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sise nc{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nfl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea. A fost o nscenare, a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 argumentat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a e, am confirmat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rostesc
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarele cuvinte am avut un moment
de ezitare.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Probabil, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, pus{\f63 \u259\
'3f} la cale de persoanele care i se
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 opun Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Emily s-a albit la fa{\f63 \
u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam nevoia s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fiu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f}, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pri
n asta i confirmam temerile. A
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 respirat de cteva ori adnc, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ca
lmeze.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te c
red. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o tu. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}t
iu de ce... dar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 te cred. Oprindu-se, aproape c{\f63
\u259\'3f} mi-a zmbit. Ba nu,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu de ce. Din cauza a ceea ce
am spus adineauri,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre viperele alea de la Curte. Alea sunt persoanel
e
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 capabile de astfel de fapte. Nu tu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ti sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}? a ntrebat-o John, stingherit.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncurc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura asta cu Jill ne-ajunge {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ad{\f63 \u259
\'3f}postim un
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 criminal n cas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt convi
ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Emily. Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Ji
ll au
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ncredere an Rose, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
am {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu. Sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i toate bine-

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 venite s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne{\f63 \u

355\'3f}i aici peste noapte, din moment ce nu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 prea avem cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m spre Curte chiar acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am deschis gura s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} discu{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ie ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m imediat, numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} Sydney mi-a tras un ghiont
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 scurt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umim, doamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} Mastrano, a zis ea, f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 apel la ntreaga ei diploma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de Alchi
mist. Ar fi grozav.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnit
cu greu ncruntarea. Timpul m{\f63 \u259\'3f} presa
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n continuare, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} familia Mastrano avea dreptul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'
3f} unele preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tiri. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torim pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 timp de zi era preferabil. O verificare sumar{\f63 \
u259\'3f} a h{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mintea mea m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am putea parcurge
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntreaga distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63
\u259\'3f} la Curte ntr-o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} zi. Am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, aprobnd-o pe Sydney {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i resemnndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ideea unui popas de-o noapte n casa Mastrano.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1099 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mul{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}umim. V{\f63 \u259\'3f} suntem recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-am da
t seama de ceva, amintindu-mi de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri46 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cuvintele lui John.\i ncurc{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tura asta cu Jill ne-ajunge {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb80\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \
u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}postim un criminal n cas{\f63 \u259
\'3f}.\i0 I-am adresat lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Emily un zmbet ct am putut de conving
{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}titor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u258
\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}... mai avem cu noi c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pri
eteni, care au
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne astepte n

ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}...

\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri1025 \expndt
w-13 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I PATRU
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \b \f2
0 \fs24 DAT FIIND ANTAGONISMUL\b0 manifestat ntre ei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai devreme, am fost un pic surprin
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Robert {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au unit puterile, crend o ima
gine iluzorie a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor Dashkov. nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile le-au fost ascunse {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i, cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ajutorul unor nume false, familia Mastrano a presupu
s c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nu erau dect doi membri ai anturajului nostru din ce n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce mai bizar. Cu tot necazul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i haraba
bura pe care le
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aduseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m deja n casa lor, dou{\f63 \u
259\'3f} persoane n plus
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reprezinte c
el mai m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt dintre motivele de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ngrijorare ale celor trei Mastrano.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Rolul de gazde bune n tradi{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ia moroilor nu s-a limitat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 doar la preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tirea cinei. Emily a reu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} rost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 un hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitor: un soi de {\f63 \u8222\'
3f}livrare de snge la domiciliu". n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mod normal, moroii care vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uiau n afar
a zonelor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 supravegheate, amestecndu-se printre oameni, aveau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acces n secret la hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitori care locui
au n apropiere. De
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 obicei, ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}t
i hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitori aveau un fel de supraveghetor, un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 moroi care c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiga ba
ni pentru aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Era ceva
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit ca moroii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
par{\f63 \u259\'3f} pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu acas{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}proprietarul" hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit
orului, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cazul de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Emily
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aranjase ca hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitorul s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fie adus la domiciliul ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea din c
urtoazie, un gest pe care l-ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pentru oricare oaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}i moroi... chiar
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 unor ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ror pri

mire i umpluse de groaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} o mare
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 parte din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Prea
putin {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia chiar ct de disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nevoia de snge n cazul moroilor pe care-i aduseser{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu noi. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} deranja ca Victor {\f63
\u351\'3f}i Robert s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sufere o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 oarecare sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}biciune, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f
} Sonya categoric avea nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 snge dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u351\'3f}i continue refacerea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ntr-adev{\
f63 \u259\'3f}r, atunci cnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut apari{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitoarea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i suprave
ghetorul ei, Sonya a fost prima la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 rnd. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri am fost nevoi{\f63
\u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m la etaj,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nev{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Iluzia provo
cat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de Robert prin
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}area spiritului nu se putea nt
inde mai mult de\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 att, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ascunderea identit{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor lui Robert {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui Victor
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de moroiul venit
cu hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitoarea era imperioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ar fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fost prea mult s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ascund{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lund n considerare statutul nostru de cele mai c{\f63
\u259\'3f}utate
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 persoane, era esen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nu ne asum{\f63 \u259\'3f}m vreun risc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sam nesupraveghea{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe cei doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea, pe mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
pe Dimitri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau mult
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 prea dispera{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dop{\f63 \u259\'3f} sng
e nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerce vreo figur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Oricum, voiam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i noi s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ne punem un pic n ordine, din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moment ce nu mai avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m vreme pent
ru du{\f63 \u351\'3f} de
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Am dat cu banul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg eu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prima. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ce mi-am terminat du{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 scotocind printre ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}minte, am descope
rit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 epuizasem stocul de {\f63 \u8222\'3f}echipament spor

t", r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd doar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cu rochia pe care mi-o ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugase Sydne
y n rucsac. M-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 strmbat, dar m-am gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nimic dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbr{\f63
\u259\'3f}cam n rochie pentru o sear{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aveam mare lucru de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, dect s{\f63
\u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m plecarea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de mine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Em
ily avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi permit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sp{\f63 \
u259\'3f}l
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cte ceva nainte de plecare. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce miam aranjat ct
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de ct podoaba capilar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu usc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}torul, m-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n fine
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 din nou ca o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} civilizat{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu m
ine primiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m una dintre camerele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru oaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, pe care urma s-o mp{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}im, iar cei doi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aveau s-o mpart{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
e cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sonya fusese
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 repartizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n camera lui Jill, iar lui
Dimitri i se oferise
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 canapeaua. Nu m-am ndoit nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car pe
ntru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st
ea la pnd{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin hol dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adormeau gazdele, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
la un moment dat trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 schimb n postul de veghe. Deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, e
l era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 du{\f63 \u351\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} m-am strecurat pe coridor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am aruncat o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 privire spre parter, pe deasupra balustradei. Cei tre
i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mastrano, Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cei doi fra{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i erau cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii strn{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitoarea
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu supraveghetorul ei. Nimic
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie n neregu
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am ntors n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 camera mea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi folosesc timpul liber
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pentru o vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n mintea Lissei.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
e entuziasmul ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial datorat trecerii testului s\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a mai stins, o sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}
isem lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tindu-se {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am presupus c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} se

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 bucura de somnul att de necesar. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i to

tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu. i luase
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Eddie, {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i plecaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l viziteze pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, ceea ce m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trezise din visul n care-l ntlnisem n timp ce eram n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O scurt{\f63 \u
259\'3f} verificare a amintirilor ei cele mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 recente mi-au oferit un rezumat a ceea ce s-a petrec
ut din
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 clipa n care el m-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sit, ducndu-se cu pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mpletici{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} deschid{
\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce s-a ntmpla
t? i-a luat el la rost, privindu-i pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 rnd. Tocmai visam frumos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am nevoie de
tine, l-a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta e o chestie
pe care o tot aud din partea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2571 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 femeilor, a replicat Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Christian a scos un sunet d
e parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi vomat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 buzele lui Eddie am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut fluturnd un
zmbet aproape
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri477 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 imperceptibil, cu toat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} atitudinea lui de gardian dur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu vorbesc
serios, a insistat ea. Tocmai am primit
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 un mesaj de la Ambrose. Are s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne spu
n{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva important
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i... nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. nc{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu-mi dau seama ce rol a jucat el n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea. Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} mai am un punct de vedere n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui. Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
am {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea ta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta, a zis
Adrian,\i nu\i0 e o chestie pe care s-o tot
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 aud.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu doar gr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}be{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-te s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te mbraci, da? i-a spus,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 poruncitor Christian.
\par
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\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280

\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f

} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, era o minune s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai doarm{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cineva,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} gndesc ct de des eram smul{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele somnului. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, Adrian s-a mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 repezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n ciuda c
omentariilor lui u{\f63 \u351\'3f}uratice, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era interesat de orice avea leg{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu disculparea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mea. Ceea ce nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam sigur era dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} avea de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuiva despre ncurc{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tura n care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrsem, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ce-mi sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pase porumbelul {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i-i dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luisem cte ceva din
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ratele mele activit{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Prietenii mei s-au ndreptat g
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spre aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire pe care o mai vizitaser{\f63
\u259\'3f} recent, cea n care locuia
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i muncea Ambrose. Curtea se trezise
la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lumea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 umbla de colo-colo, mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vrnd f{\f63 \
u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cum decursese cel de-al doilea test pentru candida{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ii la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 monarhie. De fapt, vreo cteva persoane, z{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rind-o pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, au strigat-o bucuro{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, felicitn
d-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am mai trec
ut printr-o prob{\f63 \u259\'3f} n noaptea asta, l-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 informat Lissa pe Adrian, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce tocm
ai o felicitase
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cineva. Una nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a avut un moment de e
zitare, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l aud spunnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} afla
se deja de la mine. Mai a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le transmit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocantele ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti despre unde {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i cu cine
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 umblam n prezent.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri268 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Cum a fost? a
ntrebat-o el, n loc de toate astea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am trecut, i-a r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Lissa. Altceva nu mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4078 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu-i venea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-i povesteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre lumea care o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ova{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionase, despre cei care n-o sus{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ineau numai din
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cauza legii, ci datorit{\f63
\u259\'3f} faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei credeau cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n ea. Tasha, Mia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\
f63 \u355\'3f}iva prieteni din {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, care-i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} o surpriz{\f63
\u259\'3f}, fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre spectatori,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 zmbindu-i. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Daniel
la, sosit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte rndul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lui Rufus, o felicitase cam nciudat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mire
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise. ntreaga expe
rien{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} avusese un aer
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 suprarealist, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa nu-{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i dorise dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape mai
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 repede.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Eddie fusese chemat n ajutorul
altor gardieni, cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 toate protestele lui cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia so nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tasha {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i Christian fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevoi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} singuri pe Lissa acas{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, aproape singuri.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Li se mai al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turase un gardian, pe num
ele lui Ethan
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Moore, cel pe tema c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia o tachinase
Abe pe Tasha.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Abe mai exagera n unele privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, ns{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de data asta
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 avusese dreptate. Ethan p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea la fel
de dur ca oricare alt
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gardian, numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} atitudinea lui r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}zboinic{\f63 \u259\'3f} se domolea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ori de cte ori {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ndrepta privirea spre T
asha. O adora
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de-a binelea. Era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i ei i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea de el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cocheta cu el pe drum... spre considerabila stnjeneal
{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lui Christian. Mie mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea simpati
c. Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i tipi
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se apropiau de Tasha di
n cauza
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cicatricelor ei. mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea pl{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cere s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d c-o aprecia
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cineva pentru caracterul ei, indiferent ct l-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dezgustat pe Christian gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a lui umbla cu un
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat.\i0 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, de

fapt, chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} distra s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe C

hristian
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 att de evident deranjat. Bine i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ethan {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i Tasha au plecat imediat cum au v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a cam
erei sale. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva minute, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i Eddie, bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nind ceva la adresa celor
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care-l ntrziaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu nu {\f63 \u351\'3f
}tiu ce {\f63 \u8222\'3f}porc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie de misiune",
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} are altceva
mai bun f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse att t{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}boi, nct pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} l l{\f63 \u259\'3f}saser{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plece, iar el se gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bise s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Lissa. Reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 apar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu doar zece minute nainte de so
sirea biletului de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 la Ambrose, ceea ce nsemna o sincronizare norocoas{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eddie probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar fi dat de ceasu
l mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii dac-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ajuns n camera ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi v{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era acolo. S-ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri546 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n lipsa lu
i, strigoii i-or fi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pit protejata.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Aceasta a fost n{\f63 \u351\'3
f}iruirea evenimentelor care au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 condus spre ceea ce se ntmpla acum: Lissa {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i cu cei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trei nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}itori ai ei, mergnd s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} se ntlneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n tain{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i ajuns devreme, i-a ntmpinat el, deschizndu\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 le nainte ca Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cioc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ni a doua oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Acum, erau chiar n camera lui
Ambrose, nu ntr-un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 salon sofisticat pentru clien{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Sem{
\f63 \u259\'3f}na cu o camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}min... numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} una
foarte dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mult mai dr{\f63 \u
259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dect oricare dintre cele pe care le suportasem eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa se concentrase pe depli
n asupra lui Ambrose,

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu l-a observat

pe Eddie examinnd la repezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 camera cu coada ochiului. M-am bucurat c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i vedea de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 treab{\f63 \u259\'3f} n modul cel mai serios {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i am dedus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncredere n Ambrose... sau n oricine care nu f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cea parte
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din cercul nostru restrns de prieteni.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce sa ntmplat? s-a interesat Lissa, de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose a nchis u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. D
e ce ne-ai chemat att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4218 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 urgent?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceva, a r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}spuns el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat spre pat, unde se afla o stiv{
\f63 \u259\'3f} de hrtii, din care el a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 luat-o pe cea de deasupra. V{\f63 \u259\'3f} aminti{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i cnd v-am spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 au pus sub cheie bunule Tatianei? Ei bine, acum le
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 inventariaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i le iau
de-acolo. Adrian s-a foit, stnjenit:
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 din nou, un am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunt observat numai de
mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea avea un
seif n care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea documentele
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 importante; pe cele secrete, evident. {\f63 \u350\'3
f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2509 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i? l-a mboldit Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}
i n-am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} altcinev
a, a continuat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c
e e cu multe dintre ele, dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259
\'3f} secrete... Pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63
\u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam combina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}... le-am
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 furat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Pr fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f} i str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucea vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, ns{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nu una uciga{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cuiva culpab

il de furt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ndr
eptat privirea ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare spre teancul
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 de documente.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri4107 \expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\
'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Niciunul dintre
ele nu are vreo leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ceea ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}uta{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i voi... poate cu o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, a ad{\f63
\u259\'3f}ugat,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntinzndu-i Lissei o foaie de hrtie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri944 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christ
ian s-au nghesuit lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea.
\plain\par
\sl-286\fs29\par\pard\pard\sl-265 \li290 \ri2755 \expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 Scumpa
mea Tatiana,
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 Sunt pu{\f63 \u355\
'3f}in surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd modul n care s-au
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\
'3f}urat aceste din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} evenimente. Credeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 avem o n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegere n privin{\f63 \u355\
'3f}a faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f} siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 poporului nostru necesit{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai mult
dect simpla
\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 producere a unor promo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de gardi
eni mai tineri. I-am
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe preamul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i d
intre ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se iroseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n mod
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 special pe femei. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-ai preocu
pa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ezi
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 ntoarcerea\i0 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii bine la ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} refer {\f63 \u8212\'3f} efec
tivele
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 gardienilor ar spori considerabil. Actuala lege e
ste total
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 inadecvat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mai ales dup{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ce am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut cum a e{\f63 \u351\'3f}uat
\plain\expndtw-12 \i \f20 \fs24 experimentul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u cu {\f63 \u8222\
'3f}preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tirea".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \fi284 \expndtw4 \i \f20 \fs24 La fel de consternat{\f63
\u259\'3f} sunt s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud c{\f63 \u259\'3f} iei n
\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 considerare eliberarea lui Dimitri Belikov de sub
paz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 Nu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg cu exactitate ce s-a ntmpla
t, dar nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 te ncrezi n aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. E posibil s{\f6

3 \u259\'3f} la{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n libertate un

\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 monstru {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sau, n cel mai bun caz,
un spion {\f63 \u8212\'3f} chiar n
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 mijlocul nostru, unul care ar trebui {\f63 \u355\'
3f}inut sub o paz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \i \f20 \fs24 mult mai strict{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect este n prezent.
De fapt,
\plain\expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 permanentul sprijin pe care-l acorzi studierii sp
iritului
\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 produce oricum tulbur{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, conducnd,
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \i \f20 \fs24 spre aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ie nefireasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu consider c{\f63 \u259\'3f} exist{\f63 \u259\'3f
} o
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune pentru care elementul aces
ta ne-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas str{\f63 \u259\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 att de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme: nainta{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ii no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri i-au sesizat
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 pericolele, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
-au curmat. Avery Lazar constituie
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 dovada n acest sens, iar copilul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
minune, Vasilisa
\plain\expndtw4 \i \f20 \fs24 Dragomir, i va urma cu certitudine exemplul.
\plain\expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 ncurajnd-o pe Vasilisa, ncurajezi degradarea
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 neamului Dragomir, un neam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia a
r trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri44 \expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 permit{\f63 \u259\'3f} di
spari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile de istorie cu ono
are, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri45 \expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 purtnd ru{\f63 \u351\'3f}inosul
stigmat a demen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei. Prin sprijinul pe
\plain\expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 care i-l acorzi ei este posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f} supui propriul
\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}nepot unor mari riscuri, ceea
ce niciuna dintre noi
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 n-ar dori s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntmple.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri47 \fi284 \expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 mi pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te mpov{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rez cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 attea repro{\f63 \u351\'3f}uri. Nutresc cea mai nal
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} stim{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu am
\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 dect respect fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
moduln care ai guvernat, cu atta
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 pricepere, poporul nostru pe parcursul unei perioa
de
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 att de ndelungate. Sunt convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} vei ajunge curnd
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} adop{\f63 \u355\'3f}i deciziile
corespunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare... cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw5 \i \f20 \fs24 ngrijoreaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} posibilitatea ca al{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f
}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncrederea fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tine. Sus-n

umitele
\plain\expndtw3 \i \f20 \fs24 persoane ar putea ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i asume personal
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 rezolvarea problemelor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} tem de ce ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \i \f20 \fs24 urmeze.
\plain\par
\sl-275\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Scriso
area era dactilografiat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu avea semn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pentru cteva clipe, Lissa n-a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it so analizeze ca
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntreg. Era total absorbit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de partea cu
dispari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 neamului Dragomir, purtnd un ru{\f63 \u351\'3f}inos st
igmat. Se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nimerise mult prea aproape de viziunea avut{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} de ea n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 timpul testului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Christian a fost cel care a
readus-o la realitate. {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 a zis el. S-ar p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
Tatiana avea du{\f63 \u351\'3f}mani. Dar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n etapa ast
a era deja ceva evident.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1537 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De la ci
ne e? s-a interesat Adrian.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Era ntunecat la fa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, furios ca urmare a amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rilor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1425 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 foarte vag voalate la adresa m{\
f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii sale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu, i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Ambrose. E exact a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit-o eu. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ni
ci m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car ea nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia cine a fost
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 expeditoarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1578 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa l-a aprobat, cl{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tinnd din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Are, categoric, u
n aer de anonimat... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, |H* wn
za{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana o cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri177 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Adrian i-a aruncat o privire b{
\f63 \u259\'3f}nuitoare lui Ambrose.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De unde {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tim c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai scris-o chiar tu, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te sc
o{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3952 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri465 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian, a excl
amat Lissa, pe un ton mustr{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 N-o spusese cu voce tare, dar sp
era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l mping{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cerceteze
aura lui Ambrose, poate g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sea ceva
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 din ce nu putea ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} detecteze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o nebunie,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea Christian,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cioc{\f63 \u259\'3f}nind cu degetul foaia de hrtie. P
artea despre luarea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dhampirilor cu arcanul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i obligarea lo
r s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 gardieni. La ce crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se refer{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}... cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile" despre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2901 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care ar fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut
Tatiana?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam, fiin
dc{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusesem informat{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre multe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dintre acestea. Constrngerea, afirmase Tatiana n bilet
ul
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu precis, a zis Lissa, recitind scrisoarea doar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru ea. Dar partea cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}experimentu
l"? Crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vorba despre {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele
de antrenament pe care le {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3406 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Grant cu moroii?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a am crezut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, a confirmat Ambrose. Dar nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3990 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 sunt sigur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Putem s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vedem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i restul? a ntrebat Adrian,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gesticulnd spre stiva de hrtii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam
seama dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuitoa
re

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 se datora unei legitime nencrederi fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}

{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Ambrose, sau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era doar rezultatul sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rii provocate de asasinarea
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose le-a ncredin{\f63 \u
355\'3f}at documentele, dar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 le-a parcurs, Lissa i-a dat dreptate: nu era nimic ut
il n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ele. n majoritatea lor, reprezentau coresponden{\f63 \
u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 juridic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i personal{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Atunci, Lissei i-a trecut prin minte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mie {\f63 \u82
12\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era posibil cu Ambrose s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu le fi
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat chiar tot ce g{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sise. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu avea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dovedeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. n{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}indu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i un
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat, i-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a plecat mp
reun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sperase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} po
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} dormi, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mintea ei nu se mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 putea opri din analiza tuturor posibilit{\f63 \u259\'
3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor care
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 decurgeau din scrisoare. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era una
autentic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Scrisoarea
dovede{\f63 \u351\'3f}te faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} exista cineva cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mult mai multe motive de sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare mpot
riva Tatianei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dect ar fi avui Rose, a remarcat Christian, n timp ce{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 urmau drumul ntortocheat pe palierul lui Ambrose, spr
e
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irea din cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire. M
{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mea Tasha zicea odat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 furia ntemeiat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe motive calculate e m
ult mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri863 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 periculoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect fu
ria ntemeiat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ura oarb{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ta e un filosof n toat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} legea, a replicat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, plictisit. Numai c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} tot ce avem noi deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 irelevant.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose fusese de acord ca
scrisoarea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, iar ea o mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}turise {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o strecurase n buzunarul
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 blugilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt curio
as{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d ce-ar avea Tasha de zis
despre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 asta. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Abe, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}uga
t, oftnd apoi. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Grant nu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Era un t
ip de treab{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i poate c-ar fi n{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
les
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai multe din asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Tocmai ajunseser{\f63 \u259
\'3f} la o ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire l{\f63 \u259\'3f}turalnic{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la
parter,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 iar Eddie le-a deschis u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. n timp ce
ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}eau, Christian a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntors capul sprv Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1018 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ct de apropia{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i erau Grant {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Serena...?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Eddie s-a pus n mi{\f63 \u351\'3f
}care cu o frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune de secund{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nainte ca Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
sizeze problema, dar, desigur,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Eddie deja era cu ochii n patru dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} pr
obleme. Un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat {\f63 \u8212\'3f} un moroi, de
fapt {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta printre copacii din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 curtea care desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea c
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa lui Ambrose de cea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nvecinat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era tocmai un loc izolat
, dar suficient de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} de aleile principale nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}man{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cel
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai adesea pustiu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbatul naint
a, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas nedumerit cnd l-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 observat pe Eddie repezindu-se spre el. Eu puteam s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 analizez situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ntr-un mod care nu-i
era Lissei la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ndemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Judecnd dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ungh
iul de deplasare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile tipului, se n
drepta spre Lissa... cu un cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lissa a ncremenit de spaim{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400

\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 partea cuiva nepreg{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze n astfel de situa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce Christia
n a tras-o brusc napoi, ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 revenit la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i s-a retras repede, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Atacatorul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
Eddie au fost n impas pentru cteva
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 momente, fiecare ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l doboare p
e cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. Am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 auzit-o pe Lissa urlnd dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajutor, ns{
\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 concentra exclusiv asupra combatan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilo
r. Tipul p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 destul de puternic pentru un moroi, iar manevrele lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63
\u259\'3f} fusese antrenat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lupte. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ndoiam, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar
fi antrenat nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} din {\f63 \u351\'3f}coala
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri373 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 elementar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i nici c-ar fi avut mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}chii unui dhampir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cum era de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
teptat, Eddie i-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}puns garda {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trntit la p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt pe individ, dup{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} care a ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 imobilizeze mna dreapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}itul din ecua{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Moroi sau nu, tipul chiar era destul de exersat n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mnuirea lamei, mai ales dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce eu ({\f
63 \u351\'3f}i, probabil, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Eddie) am remarcat cicatricele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cee
a ce sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na cu un
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 deget ndoit la mna lui stng{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tipul proba
bil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mersese pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} foarte departe ca s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ascut{\f63 \u259\'3f} reflexele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 minii cu cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}itul. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut sol, tot a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}erpuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n sus cu lam
a, {\f63 \u355\'3f}intind f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ezitare spre gtul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lui Eddie. Dar Eddie era mult prea iute ca s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-i permit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} i-a blocat lovitura cu bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul, primind n
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 el t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ietura lamei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Parada lui Eddie i-a oferit
moroiului un pic mai mult
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu de mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care, a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el s-a ncordat, azvrlindu-l

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 deoparte pe prietenul nostru. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f6

3 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} piard{\f63 \u259\'3f} o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u8212\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} era impresionant tipul {\f63 \u8212\'3f} moroiul s-a avntat din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nou spre Eddie. Nu putea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} existe vreo ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor l
ui. N-avea de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se opreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Venise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ucid{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lama
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}uta snge. Gardienii {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} imobilizeze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ia prizonieri, dar mai fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i pentru cazuri n care lucrurile evoluau prea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 repede {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se ajungea la situa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ii de noi-sau-ei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i atunci...
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n fine, aveam grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fie ei. Eddie era mai rapid dect
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 potrivnicul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era
mnat de instinctele care ne
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} inoculate ani de-a rndul: s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-i oprim pe cei care
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ucid{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Eddie nu avea vreo arm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de foc,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nici cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it, doar era la Curte. A{\f63
\u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, atunci cnd tipul s-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aruncat pentru a doua oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra lui
, cu cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}itul ndreptat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 tot spre gtul lui, Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a folosit
unica arm{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 care putea fi sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i salveaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1126 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u354\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a. L-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}puns cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a pe m
oroi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri comentase odat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} n glum{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu trebuia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 neap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fii strigoi ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te r{\f63 \u259\'3f}neasc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} care-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}punge inima. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, h
ai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim serio{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} care-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trece prin inim{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu te r{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, n realitate. Te ucide.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana era o astfel de dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cu{\f
63 \u355\'3f}itul individului chiar a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ajuns la gtul lui Eddie... dar apoi a c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}zut, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pung{\f63 \u259

\'3f} pielea. Ochii i s-au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut mari de {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc {\f63
\u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 durere, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care n-au mai v{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}zut nimic. A murit. Eddie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat napoi pe c{\f63 \u259\'3f}lci
e, privindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fix victima cu acel
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nesa{\f63 \u355\'3f} alimentat de adrenalina care ur
ma oric{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Un strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}t i-a atras deodat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit n picioar
e,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit pentru urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
oarea amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ceea ce a v{\f63 \u259
\'3f}zut a fost un grup de gardieni, care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsese la strig{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tele de ajutor de mai devreme ale
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissei. Au cuprins dintr-o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} pr
ivire ntreaga scen{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i au ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat imediat
n conformitate cu concluziile spre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care i conducea preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tirea lor. Aveau
un moroi mort {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe cineva care {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea n mn{\f63 \u259\'3
f} o arm{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsngerat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gardienii s-au avntat asupra lui Eddie, aruncndu-l ntr\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un perete {\f63 \u351\'3f}i smulgndu-i {\f63 \u355\'3f
}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a din mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lissa le tot
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 striga c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleseser{\f
63 \u259\'3f} gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Eddie i salvase via{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3907 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vocea frenetic{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
lui Dimitri m-a smucit napoi n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 casa Mastrano. St{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
eam pe pat, iar el ngenunchease n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea, cu chipul plin de team{\f63
\u259\'3f}, apucndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2036 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, ce-ai p
{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}it? E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti bine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri4522 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri882 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 L-am mpins deoparte {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i am pornit spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie... trebu

ie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc la Curte. Acum,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1596 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa e n pericol. Are nevoie de
mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2528 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose.\i Roza
.\i0 Mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 M-a prins de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu exista sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pare dintr-o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ca a lui. M-a ntors cu fa{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}a spre el. Avea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul ud
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} du{\f63 \u351\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i mirosul curat al s{\f63 \u259\'3f}punului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al pielii umed
e
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ne nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luiau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1765 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poveste{\f63
\u351\'3f}te-mi ce s-a ntmplat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1310 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 I-am recapitulat la iu{\f63 \
u355\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Cin
eva a ncercat s-o omoare, Dimitri! {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu n-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3972 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fost acolo!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar a fost
Eddie, a replicat Dimitri, lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit. Ea n\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 are nimic. E n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a dat drumul, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i eu m-am rezemat, istovit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 perete. Inima mi b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea nebune{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}te, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} prietenii
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mei erau teferi, nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-mi alung panica.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iar acum e
l are necazuri. Gardienii {\f63 \u259\'3f}ia erau foarte
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Numai din
cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau ntreaga poveste. A
u
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut un cadavru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o a
rm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, att. De ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce strng
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 datele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturiile,
totul o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie bine. Eddie a salvat un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 moroi. E datoria lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar a omort
un alt moroi pentru asta, i-am atras

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Nu avem voie s{\f63 \u259\'3

f} facem a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Suna ca o afirma{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ie a eviden{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar una
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prosteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} dar {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegea la ce m{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 refer. Scopul gardienilor e s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i prot
ejeze pe moroi.\i Ei au
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 ntietate.\i0 Uciderea vreunuia era ceva inimaginab
il. Dar,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n definitiv, era valabil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru ei cn
d ncercau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 ucid{\f63 \u259\'3f} reciproc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri546 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a fost o sit
ua{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie normal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a afirmat Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat capul pe spate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}
tiu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} suport
gndul c-o las
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare. mi doresc att de mult s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ntorc la ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 s-o ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r. Imediat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri857 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Mine mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
la o distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ani.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1981 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai ntmple?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt
al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii acolo care s-o apere, m-a asigurat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, apropiindu-se de mine, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am mirat v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 un zmbet pe buze, date fiind ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile s
umbre.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Crede-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu vreau
s-o ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r dar ne-am risca vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 degeaba dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} am pleca imediat. Mai st
ai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ri{\f63 \u351\
'3f}ti via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a pentru ceva important.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1856 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Panica mi-a mai disp{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rut par{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2321 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iar Jill e im
portant{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foarte.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ndreptat spinarea. O parte d
in creierul meu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} atacul asup
ra Lissei,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} analiznd ntre timp toate reali
z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile noastre de
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am reu{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}it, am zis, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind cum un zmbet ncepea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se ntind{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lent,
pe buze. mpotriva oric{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei logici...
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cumva i-am descoperit Lissei sora ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}
tiut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i dai seama
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ce-nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta? Lissa poate acum s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i recapete toate
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 drepturile cuvenite. Nn mai au cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-i t{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}duiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nimic. Ce naiba, ar\i putea\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i regin{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrea. Iar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Jill... Aici, am ezitat pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in. Ei bine
, ea apar{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine unei
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}vechi familii regale. Asta ar tre
bui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ceva bun,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4564 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} depinde de Jill, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Dimitri. {\f63 \u350\'
3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 efectele ulterioare ntregii pove{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Sentimentul de vinov{\f63 \
u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
putea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 distruge via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Jill mi-a revenit,
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cobor ochii.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, n
u-i nimic, mi-a zis el, ridicndu-mi b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 napoi, iar n ochii lui c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}prui se vedeau c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 afec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea. Ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut c
eea ce trebuia, mi-a argumentat el.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nimeni altcineva n-ar fi ncercat ceva att de imposibil
.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Numai Rose Hathaway. Ai riscat totul ca s-o g{\f63 \
u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Jill. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-ai riscat via{\f63 \u355\'3f
}a, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lcnd dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile lui Abe... {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. A meritat

totul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian de aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rere, am rostit,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 gnditoare. El crede c{\f63 \u259\'3f} plecnd din {\f63
\u8222\'3f}locuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}" am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut cea
mai mare prostie din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1951 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Mna lui Dimitri a c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}zut brusc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1725 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}I-ai povestit
despre toate astea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i despre Jill. Dar accidental i-am zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 suntem n Virginia de Vest. Totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i, el a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat secretul,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 m-am gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} adaug.
Nu mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie nimeni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta pot so cred, a zis Dimitri, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pierduse ceva din c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura de adineaur
i, att de efemer{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 El... el pare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fi
e destul de loial, a remarcat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1448 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Chiar e. Am
total{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncredere n el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2845 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\
'3f}i te face fericit{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tonul lui Dimitri nu era unul as
pru, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea n el o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 intensitate care-l aducea pe aceea{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i treapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu un
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 interogatoriu poli{\f63 \u355\'3f}ienesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-am gndit la timpul petrecu
t cu Adrian: la glumele
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 noastre, la petrecerile, la jocurile {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i, fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, la s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 noastre.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda.
M{\f63 \u259\'3f} face. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} distrez cu el. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, e
el
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 enervant uneori {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
bine, n destule situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u8212\'3f} dar nu te

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri221 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa indus n eroare
de toate viciile lui. Nu e un tip r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e, m-a aprobat Dimitri. E bun. Nu e u{\f63 \u351\
'3f}or
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de observat pentru oricine, dar eu pot. nc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 se adune, dar e pe drumul cel bun. Am v{\f63 \u259\'
3f}zut, cu ocazia
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i dup{\f63
\u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri275 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
i-au r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas pe limb{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri141 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dup{\f63 \u259
\'3f} Siberia, el a fost al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de tine? Te-a ajutat?
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de toate aceste ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i s-a dovedit c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nu reprezentau dect nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lzirea pentru
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 cea mare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3557 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}l iube{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Existau doar cteva, foarte pu{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ine, persoane pe lume
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi p
un{\f63 \u259\'3f} astfel de ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri nebunesc de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 intime f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} se aleag{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in un pumn. Dimitri se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 num{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra printre ele. ntre noi nu existau
ziduri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} compli
cat{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ca subiectul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 suprarealist. Cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-i descriu iubirea fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 altcineva unui b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat pe care l-am iu
bit?\i Unui b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat pe
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 care-l iubeam nc{\f63 \u259\'3f},\i0 mi-a {\f63 \u
351\'3f}optit o voce n cap. Poate.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Probabil. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m
i-am amintit mie ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 firesc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} port n mine reminiscen{\f63
\u355\'3f}e ale sentimentelor fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de Dimitri. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se sting{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i Trebuiau\i0 s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 se sting{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la fel ca ale lui. El nsemn
a trecutul. Adrian era
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 viitorul.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, am zi

s, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o pauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai lung{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect ar fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trebuit, probabil. l... l iubesc.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri3068 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun. M{
\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Chestia e c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Dimitri nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rea chiar att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 bucuros, n timp ce privea, absent,
afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe fereastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Deruta mi-a sporit. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fi sup{\f63
\u259\'3f}rat? n ultima vreme,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri240 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cuvintele lui parc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} nu prea se mai potriveau cu faptele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2842 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 M-am apropiat de el.
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E vreo problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Niciuna. Doar a
m vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ti bine. C{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3869 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti fericit{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ntors di
n nou fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre mine, compunndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri317 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 zmbet for{\f63 \u355\'3f}at. Spuse
se adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul... dar nu tot adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lucrurile s
-au schimbat, asta-i tot. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i m-au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi mai revizuiesc p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rerile. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cnd cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Donovan... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cu Sonya... e ciudat. Am crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 totul s-a schimbat n noaptea n care m-a salvat Lissa.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar n-a fost a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Mai era att de mult,
att de mult de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vindecat fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ct crez
usem eu... Era ct pe ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alunece ntr-o dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie meditativ{\f63
\u259\'3f}, dar s-a recules
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 repede {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a continuat. n fiecare zi mi
dau seama de cte
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ceva nou. De cte o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} senza{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ie pe care uitasem s-o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 simt. Cte o revela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, despre ceva car
e-mi sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pase cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 totul. Cte o frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}e pe care n-o obs

ervasem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, faza
de pe alee cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul meu\i nu\i0 intr{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe lista
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 asta, bine? l-am tachinat eu. Erai n stare de {\f63 \
u351\'3f}oc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri200 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul lui for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
t s-a transformat ntr-unul natural.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, Roza.\i Era\i0 frumos. {\f63
\u350\'3f}i-acum e frumos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rochia asta te
induce n eroare, am zis, ncercnd o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4289 \expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 glum{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri483 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n realitate, m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} sub privirea l
ui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Ochii aceia ntuneca{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i, att de ntuneca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 priveau... m{\f63 \u259\'3f} privea
u\i cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat,\i0 cred eu, pentru prima
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cnd intrase n camer{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. O expresie amestecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 traversat chipul, una din care nu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele
geam nimic.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} disting emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}
iile con{\f63 \u355\'3f}inute n ea, dar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 anume le provocase. Adora{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Uimire.
Triste{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. Regret.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-i? l-am n
trebat, stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4487 \expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din
cap, iar zmbetul i-a devenit acum
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 melancolic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, uneori, cineva e posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lase ntr\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 att de captivat de am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunte, nct s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu observe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntregul. Nu e vorba doar despre rochie, sau despre p{
\f63 \u259\'3f}r.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 E vorba despre\i tine.\i0 E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti frum
oas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Att de frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nct simt c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} doare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it o c

iudat{\f63 \u259\'3f} tulburare n piept. Fluturi, stop

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cardiac... greu de spus ce anume. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n acea clip{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai aflam n camera pentru oaspe{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i a casei
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Mastrano.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mai rostise {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuvintele acestea, sau unele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 foarte apropiate ca n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles.\i Att de f
rumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct simt
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} doare.\i0 Era
atunci, n baraca de la Sf. Vladimir,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prima {\f63 \u351\'3f}i singura dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cnd f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem dragoste. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i atunci
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} privise ntr-un fel foarte asem{\f63
\u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor celui de-acum,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \
u259\'3f} triste{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. Dar, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a, auzind din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nou cuvintele acestea, o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} pe care-o {\f63 \u355\'3f}inusem ncuiat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n inima mea s-a deschis cu violen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe ea au n{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lit
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate s
entimentele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}irile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sim{\f63
\u355\'3f}ul de uniune pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care-l mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}isem mereu. Privindu-l, doar ct {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am
sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
o senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 supranatural{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} l-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi cunoscut de cnd e lumea.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 De parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} am fi fost lega{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i... dar nu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum eram legat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 de Lissa, printr-o leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} creat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, a{\f63
\u355\'3f}i... oh! Sydney s-a oprit n pragul u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate deschise {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, cu promptitudine, doi pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 napoi. Scuze. Eu... adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i Dimitri am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut imediat cte un pas n spate.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam nc{\f63 \u259
\'3f}lzit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tremuram, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i abia acum am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 observat ct de aproape fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m unul
de cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. Nici
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu-mi aminteam cnd m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} apropiasem, dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \

u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i doar de o respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Ce se\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntmplase? Fusese ca o trans{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ca un vi
s.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind n sec,
m-am str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ncetinesc
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ile inimii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1777 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nicio problem
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Care-i treaba?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney ne-a privit, cnd pe unul, cn
d pe cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tnd stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei
amoroas{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 inexistent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63
\u259\'3f}dea pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea seama peste ce nimerise.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car unul din
tre noi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea seama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu... adic
{\f63 \u259\'3f}... eu am vrut doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai stau pe-aici, cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 voi. Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} suport chestia\i aia\
i0 de jos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri47 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 Am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} zmbesc, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} total dezorientat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 sentimentele mele.\i0 De ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pr
ivea Dimitri a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? De ce
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spusese toate astea? Doar nu era posibil ca el nc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb100\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vrea. Doar spusese c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} nu. Doar mi ceruse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l las n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4433 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 pace.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri188 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur. Noi doa
r... st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Evident, ea nu m-a crezut. M-am
str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri841 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s-o conving... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} conving pe mine ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vorbeam des
pre Jill. Ai vreo idee despre cum am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 putea s-o ducem la Curte... avnd n vedere faptul c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2566 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 suntem sco{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n afa
ra legii?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o
fi fost Sydney expert{\f63 \u259\'3f} n rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile intime,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n problemele de perspicacitate repre
zentau un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 teritoriu familiar pentru ea. S-a destins dintr-odat{
\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 concentrndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s
pre dezlegarea problemei
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 noastre.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri412 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, putem
oricum s-o rug{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe mama ei...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Un zgomot puternic venit dinspre
parter a ntrerupt-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cu brutalitate. Simultan, eu {\f63
\u351\'3f}i Dimitri am {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nfrunt{\f63 \u259\'3f}m orice ncurc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
putut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 provoca Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert. Am frnat brus
c amndoi n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 capul sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii, auzind strig{\f63 \u259
\'3f}tele care le cereau tuturor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 arunce la podea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Gardienii,
a zis Dimitri. E o descindere a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor.
\plain\par
\sl-309\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li6 \ri1101 \fi284 \e
xpndtw-13 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I CINCI
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt540\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \b \f20 \fs24 DEJA AUZEAM PA{\f63
\u350\'3f}II BUBUIND\b0 prin cas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} eram la cteva secunde distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de momentul n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care armata de gardieni de jos avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se ndrepte spre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 etaj. Am b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut tustrei n retragere {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i, spre surprinderea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mea, Sydney a fost cea care a ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona
t prima.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1876 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ie{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i voi. Eu o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i {\f63 \u355\'3f}in pe loc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u354\'3f}inutul pe loc pro
babil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsemne ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 stea n cale pentru un moment, pn{\f63

\u259\'3f} ca ei s-o mping{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deoparte, dar cele cteva secunde c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigat
e puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}reasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} enorm. {\f63
\u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu suportam gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aveam s-o p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim acolo
. n schimb, Dimitri nu avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 astfel de rezerve, mai ales cnd s-au auzit zgomotele
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}ilor pe scar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1341 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hai! a striga
t, apucndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am parcurs n goan{\f63 \u259\'3f}
coridorul, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre dormitorul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cel mai ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat, c
el repartizat lui Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui Robert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri781 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Imediat nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
ntr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, i-am urlat lui Sydney:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2584 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Du-o pe Jill
la Curte!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri14 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} m-o fi auzit, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cte se p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rea,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 gardienii ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
deja la ea. Dimitri a deschis imediat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 singura {\f63 \u351\'3f}i larga fereastr{\f63 \u259\
'3f} a dormitorului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors spre
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mine privirea plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de n{\f63 \u355\'3
f}elesuri. Ca de obicei, nu aveam
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} comunic{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i prin vorbe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit el p
rimul, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrnd s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ia asupra lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n totalitate eventualele primejdii care ne-ar fi a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}teptat
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 jos. L-am urmat imediat. Am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit pe a
coperi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 parterului, m-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} alunec pe el, apoi am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn460\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 saltul cel mare, pn{\f63 \u259
\'3f} la sol. Dimitri m-a prins de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 echilibrndu-mi aterizarea... dar nu
nainte ca una dintre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gleznele mele s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se suceasc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or. Era aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ndurase greul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}riturii de pe acoperi{

\f63 \u351\'3f} cnd cu Donovan,

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit s{\f63
\u259\'3f}getat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de durere, o durere pe care ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 am ignorant-o cu promptitudine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mai multe siluete ntunecate s
-au repezit spre noi,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind dintre umbrel
e serii, din tot felul de ascunzi{\f63 \u351\'3f}uri
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ale cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii din spatele casei. Evident
. Gardienii nu d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 buzna pe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i gata. Aveau grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mpnze
asc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 perimetrul. Intrnd n ritmul nostru firesc, eu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i Dimitri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ne-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat spate-n spate, preg{\f63
\u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne nfrunt{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 atacatorii. Ca de obicei, era greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-i scoatem din lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe adversari f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-i omorm. Greu, dar necesar, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne descurc{
\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i omor pe ai mei,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dhampiri care nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ceau dect datoria de a aresta doi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fugari. Nici rochia mea lung{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f
63 \u259\'3f} avantaja ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in. mi tot prindeam picioarele n mat
erialul ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ceilal{\f63
\u355\'3f}i or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintr-o clip{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n alta, a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 morm{\f63 \u259\'3f}it Dimitri, n timp ce trntea la p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}mnt un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 gardian. Trebuie s-o lu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m din loc...
uite colo. Poarta aia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 N-am putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund, dar l-am urmat spre o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 porti{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} din gard, ap{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rndu-ne n continuare. Abia
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} scoatem din lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} brigada din curte, cnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni au nceput s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} se reverse afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ne\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 am strecurat pe poart{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ie{\f63 \u351\
'3f}ind pe lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tita strad{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nvecinat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu o latur{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
casei Mastrano, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am fugit.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Curnd a devenit clar, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} mi-era cu neputin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}in pasul cu
Dimitri. Mintea mea n-avea dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ignore

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 durerea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} trupul n
u putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi oblige glezna
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze cum se cuvenea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} piard{\f63 \u259\'3f} o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Dimitri
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a strecurat un bra{\f63 \u355\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 jurul meu, ajutndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} alerg {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lundu-mi greutatea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de pe glezna luxat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am ie{\f63 \u351
\'3f}it de pe strad{\f63 \u259\'3f}, t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ind-o prin
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreo cteva cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, astfel nct gardienilor
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le fie mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 greu {\f63 \u8212\'3f} dar nu imposibil {\f63 \u8212
\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne depisteze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
ugim mai repede ca ei, am zis. Eu te
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ncetinesc. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Nu-mi\i0
spune s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te las, m-a ntrerupt. Suntem
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 amndoi n asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 Vj, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}j.\i
0 Un ghiveci cu flori de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi a explodat
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr-un nor de {\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trag n noi,
am exclamat, nevenindu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2948 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u258\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}
tia chiar trag n noi!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} atta preg
{\f63 \u259\'3f}tire pentru lupta corp la corp, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 folose{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti arme de foc mi se p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rea ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ai tri{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd venea vorba s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vnezi asasina unei re
gine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 complicele ei? Aici nu mai putea fi vorba despre ono
are.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ci doar despre rezultate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri690 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un glon{\f63
\u355\'3f} a {\f63 \u351\'3f}uierat, primejdios de aproape.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu surdin{\f63
\u259\'3f}, a remarcat Dimitri. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, sunt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pruden{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Nu vor ca
tot cartierul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ar fi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 atacat. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
im un ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}post. Repede.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
e strecuram literalmente printre gloan{\f63 \u355\'3f}e,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 glezna mea nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai reziste mu
lt.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a mai cotit o
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} scurt, afundndu-ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 complet n cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile din
spate ale caselor suburbiei. Nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d n spate, d
ar auzeam strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}te care-mi
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pasem nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1952 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acolo, a zis
deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63
\u259\'3f} se vedea o cas{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntunecoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 patio spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ios din s
ticl{\f63 \u259\'3f}, amintindu-mi de cel al Sonyei.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 U{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, tot din sticl{\f63 \u259\'3f}, e
ra deschis{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i o alta, cu plas{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 bloca intrarea. Dimitri a ncercat z{\f63 \u259\'3f}vo
rul. ncuiat. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} din plas{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nu prea avea cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f
} n loc, nu pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noi. S{\f63 \u259\'3f}rman{\f63 \u259\'3f} familie ncr
ez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare... Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a scos
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o despic{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} lung{\f63
\u259\'3f}, vertical{\f63 \u259\'3f}, prin care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ne-am gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne stre
cur{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru. Imediat, m-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 smucit ntr-o parte, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fiu v{\f63 \u
259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ducndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i un
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 deget la buze, m-a {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut aproape de t
rupul lui, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} topesc la c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar ctev
a secunde, i-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe gardieni
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cercetnd cur{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ile. Unii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au continuat drumul,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu cumva fugiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mai departe.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii au mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} investigheze locurile care puteau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} constituie ascunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
ori. Seara devenea din ce n ce mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntunecoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am aruncat o privire spre u

{\f63 \u351\'3f}a din plas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 T{\f63 \u259\'3f}ietura fusese una curat{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, nu o gaur{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar tot p
utea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie observat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ritori
i
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sesiznd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el
acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru, Dimitri s-a strecurat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 prudent n living, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd tot posibilul s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} evite ferestrele
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i locurile n care ar fi putut s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-l vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva. Am t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat-o
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 apoi prin buc{\f63 \u259\'3f
}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit o u{\f63 \u351\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dnd spre garaj.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1726 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Acolo a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta un
Ford Mustang ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O familie
cu dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini, a murmurat el. Asta {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 speram.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sau poate
c-or fi ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se plimbe pe jos, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 revin{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd o echip{\f
63 \u259\'3f} SWAT ntorcndu-le cartierul pe
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dos, am replicat n {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri970 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Gardienii nu s
e las{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a precizat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m locurile mai potrivite unde-ar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri34 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} cheile. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am
g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit o leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ag{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pe o margine a unui dulap, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am cules-o imediat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2001 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ale mele sunt
, l-am anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Din moment ce cheile erau la mine
, Dimitri cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m-ar fi putut l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} urc la volan. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, din cau

za
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gleznei mele drepte, am fost nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} i le azvrl lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri552 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Ciudat sim{\f63 \u355\'3f} al umo
rului mai avea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i universul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oare ar pu
tea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne descopere n asta? am ntrebat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce Dimitri deschidea u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a garajul
ui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pornea n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mar{\f63 \u351\'3f}arier. E, hm, un pic mai b{\f63 \u
259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare la ochi dect
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuitul nostru tipar al ma{\f63 \u
351\'3f}inilor furate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Era, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i timp, o ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} minunat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lui Sydn
ey,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 turbat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma{\f63 \
u351\'3f}ini cum era, i-ar fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut la nebunie.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat buza, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 faptul c-o l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sasem acolo. Deocamdat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi alung a
stfel de gnduri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cam e, m-a
aprobat Dimitri. Dar mai circul{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini pe strad{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O pa
rte din gardieni probabil scotocesc
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Iar al{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ii stau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
amilia
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mastrano. Doar n-au un efecti
v nelimitat. N-au cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 supravegheze totul n acela{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i timp, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sunt convins c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 se str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duiesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a, mi-am {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia pn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} cnd am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din cvartal. De dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori, am avut impr
esia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} z{\f63 \u259\'3f}resc
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 siluete furi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ate pe marginea drumului
, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dreptate: n-aveau cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} verifice chia
r toate ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inile,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un cartier suburban att de aglomerat. Plus c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntunericul ne ascundea fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri {\f63 \u355\'3f}inus
e minte drumul pe care veniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo cteva
cotituri, am ajuns la {\f63 \u351\'3f}osea.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el n-avea n gnd
vreo destina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie oarecare,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dect\i departe de-aici.\i0 Neavnd vreun indiciu evid
ent c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am fi urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, mi-am
schimbat n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am ntins piciorul care-mi zvcnea de durere. n piept
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aveam acea senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie nebuloas{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, de plutire, specific{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 momentelor n care e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti alimentat de pre
a mult{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 adrenalin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ne-au denun
{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e? l-am ntrebat. Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Robert ne-au prt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe urm{\f63 \u259\'
3f} au {\f63 \u351\'3f}ters-o. Ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 stau cu ochii pe ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tiu, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Dimitri. E posibil. I-am v{\f63 \u259\
'3f}zut
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 imediat nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin la tine, {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i totul p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie normal.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Au vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu noi
ca s-o g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim pe Jill, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu e dect o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} de timp pn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i denun{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 autorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor. Nu m-ar
mira s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ntre timp un
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 plan de evadare. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-au folosit
de prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitoarei c
a o diversiune, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i cheme pe gardieni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3081 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} debaraseze de
noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mama m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-sii, am oftat, dndu-mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul pe spate {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dorindu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi avut un elastic cu c
are s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l prind ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 coad{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi s
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat noi de\i ei,\i0 ct am avut ocazia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2388 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-acum, ce-o s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1011 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas

t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut vreo cteva secunde.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Familia Mastran
o o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie interogat{\f63 \u259\'3f}... minu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ios.
De
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fapt, toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie. Pe Sonya or s-o nchid{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pentru investiga{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, cum au f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cut cu mine, iar pe Sydney
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 or s-o fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pachet {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o
r s-o expedieze napoi la
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1860 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\
'3f}i acolo ce-ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351\'
3f}tiu. Dar b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajutorul dat de ea unor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri573 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vampui fugari n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} le pice prea bine superiorilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mama m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-sii, am repetat; totul se dusese de rp{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3056 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i noi ce-o s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} facem?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ternem ceva distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre noi {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i gardienii {\f63 \u259\'3f}ia.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ne ascundem undeva. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i ngrijim glezna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3164 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 L-am privit lung.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1160 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uau. Ai planu
ri preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tite pentru orice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu tocmai, mi-a
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, ncre{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i u{\f63 \u351\'
3f}or
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fruntea. Asta e partea mai u{\f63
\u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ce se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 asta-i partea mai grea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri34 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mi s-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
inima ct un purice. Avea dreptate,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Presupunnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} familia Mastrano n-ar fi
fost acuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 autorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile moroilor
de favorizarea infractorilor, nu mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 era nimeni care s-o for{\f63 \u355\'3f}eze pe Emily s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} recunoasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400

\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 descenden{\f63 \u355\'3f}a l
ui Jill. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sydney era trimis{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu for{\f63 \u355
\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 napoi la ai ei... ei bine, nici ea n
-avea ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun altcuiva, mi-am dat
seama. Data
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 viitoare cnd intru n leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259
\'3f} cu Adrian, trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 divulg adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul, astfel nct s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car prietenii mei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze cumva n pr
oblema cu Jill. Nu mai puteam
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}inem totul secret.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a cotit pe urm{\f63
\u259\'3f}toarea ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire de pe autostrad{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 determinndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} reconectez la realitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2643 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hotel? l-am nt
rebat.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu tocmai, a zis el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Eram ntr-o zon{\f63 \u259\'3f} ag
lomerat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, comercial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu departe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de Ann Arbor, m-am gndit. Una dintre
suburbiile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Detroitului. Tot felul de restaurante {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i de magazine se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}iruiau de-o parte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c
ealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} a drumului, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndreptat spre un supermagazin cu program non-stop,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care se l{\f63 \u259\'3f}uda c{\f63 \u259\'3f} are {\
f63 \u8222\'3f}de toate". Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a parcat, a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 deschis portiera.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3659 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai aici.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri mi-a adresat o privire p
lin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de semnifica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} las privirea n jos. Ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}isem mai {\f63 \u351
\'3f}ifonat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 din b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lie dect mi d{\f
63 \u259\'3f}dusem seama, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rochia mi era
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sf{\f63 \u351\'3f}iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Aspectul meu z
dren{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ros ar fi atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, ca {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}chiop{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatul. Am ncuvii
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, iar el a plecat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptndu-l, a
m stat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sucesc pe toate fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 problemele noastre, certndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} singur{

\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sisem o cale de a-i denun{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a pe cei doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i imediat
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce Robert
reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise s-o transforme pe Sonya.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Fusesem preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f
63 \u259\'3f} pentru o eventual{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dare din parte
a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 lor, dar numai sub forma unui oarecare atac prin
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intermediul magiei. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351
\'3f}teptasem la ceva att de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 simplu ca un telefon dat gardienilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, ca ntotdeauna efici
ent la cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi, s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntors repede cu dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} saco{\f63 \u351\'3
f}e voluminoase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu ceva
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 atrnat de um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r. A aruncat totul pe ban
cheta din spate, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 eu m-am ntors s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} uit
, curioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3560 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-i asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri829 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Era ceva lung {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
cilindric, nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat n pnz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un cort.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f
}i ce ne trebuie... M-am ntrerupt, cu un geam{\f63 \u259\'3f}t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2317 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Nu mergem la hotel, nu-i a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am fi mai
greu de g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit ntr-un camping. n special
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina ar fi greu de g{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sit. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-avem cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de ea, mai ales cu piciorul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bie{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ii oameni, am zis. Sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asigurarea lor la
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} acoper{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i furtul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Revenind pe autostrad{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit curnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aglomera{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia urban{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i n-a trecut mult pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} z{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rim
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 panourile de reclam{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru campinguri
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i parcuri de

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rulote. Dimitri a oprit ntr-un loc numit La Pinii Lin
i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} negocier
e cu func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionarul de la recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 scos la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva bancnote noi. nc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} un motiv pentru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergem la un hotel,
am n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles atunci.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pentru majoritatea aveai nevoie de un card de credit,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 toate erau la Sydney (cu num
e false, fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te). Acum eram
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2414 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nevoi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}im din numerar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneru
l ne-a ndrumat pe o potec{\f63 \u259\'3f} din pietri{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 care ducea spre un loc aflat n cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul
opus al
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 campingului. Era destul de aglomerat, mai multe fami
lii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aflate n vacan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} poposin
d acolo, dar nimeni nu ne-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acordat prea mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ie. Dimitri a avut grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 parcheze ct mai aproape de un plc de copaci, ca s{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ct posibil ma{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ina {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele ei de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nmatriculare. Cu toate protestele mele, nu m-a l{\f63
\u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ajut la ridicarea cortului, pretinznd c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} se descurca mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 repede f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine {\f63
\u351\'3f}i atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-mi aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 stau n picioare. Am mai protestat, dar numai pn{\f63 \
u259\'3f} cnd
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} asambleze cortul. Atunci,
l-am urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gura c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ct de re
pede punea totul la locul lui.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car de instruc{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
uni n-a avut nevoie. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 stabilise un soi de record.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Cortul era mic, dar trainic
, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-ne loc ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 jos sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntindem, de{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i el cam trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 coco{\f63 \u351\'3f}eze cnd st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ezat. Ajun{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, i-am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 inventariat achizi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile. O mare parte
era reprezentat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cele necesare pentru primul ajutor. Mai era {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i o lantern{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pe care a ag{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at-o de
sus, ca pe o lamp{\f63 \u259\'3f} improvizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1165 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}D{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d glezna, mi-a poru
ncit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntins piciorul {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i el mi-a ridicat fusta pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 genunchi cu degete u{\f63 \u351\'3f
}oare. M-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut un frison,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 simultan cu senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de dej-vu. P{\f63
\u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ceva cu care
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntlneam foarte des n ultima vreme. Mi
-am amintit
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de toate d{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ile cnd m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajutase s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi lecuiesc dif
erite
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 alte v{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259
\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Parc-am fi fost iar napoi, n sala de sport
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de la Sf. Vladimir. Mi-a ncercat cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'
3f}e mobilitatea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 gleznei, pip{\f63 \u259\'3f}ind {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ap
{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd cte pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in. Degetele lui nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncetau niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f
63 \u259\'3f} uimeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Erau capabile s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 frng{\f63 \u259\'3f} gtul unui b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat,
dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} panseze o ran{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sau s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 alunece, senzuale, pe pielea mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu cred s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fie ceva rupt, a apreciat n cele din
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a luat minile d
e pe piciorul meu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 remarcat abia acum ct de cald mi fusese n timp ce m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 atinsese el. Doar scrntit, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cam a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a ceva se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd sari ntruna de pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acoperi{\f63 \u351\'3f}uri, am zis eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Glumele reprezentau vechiul
meu paravan n spatele
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia mi ascundeam stnjeneala.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tii ceva, chestia asta n-am exersat-o niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 antrenamentele noastre, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
printr-un zmbet {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a scos fe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ile,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urndu-mi glezna pn{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cnd a considerat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pansamentul e ndeajuns de solid {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
stabil. Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 scos...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1798 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O pung{\f63
\u259\'3f} cu maz{\f63 \u259\'3f}re congelat{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ridicnd din umeri, Dimitri mi-a a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat punga pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 glezn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. R{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ceala m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut instantaneu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} simt mai
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai simplu
dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}r o pung{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreag{\f63 \
u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 ghea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Inventiv m
ai e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, Belikov. Ce-ai mai ascuns pe\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4471 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 aici?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am constatat c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} saco{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele mai con{\f63 \u355\'3f}ineau p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
turi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceva
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de mncare. I-am d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit un zmbet uria{\f
63 \u351\'3f} cnd am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mie mi cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}rase chi
psuri cu smntn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un baton
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de ciocolat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
la nebunie faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea minte
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 astfel de detalii m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runte referitoare
la mine. Dar
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 zmbetul mi s-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}ters degrab{\f63 \u259
\'3f} cnd mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit n minte
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1857 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai cump{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i haine, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Haine? s-a mirat
, de parc-ar fi fost un cuvnt total
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4345 \expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}in.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1750 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 I-am ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat ro
chia mea zdren{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} mai stau mult cu asta. Ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac? S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m
i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 improvizez o tog{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
intr-o p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Tipic pentru b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rba{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se gndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nicio
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la chestii de-astea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu m-am gnd
it la r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uire. Hai
nele
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 noi sunt un lux. Nu o necesitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri866 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i dusterul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u? am ntrebat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}ireat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a ncremenit pentru o clip{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat o njur{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu avusese nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea cu haina
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe el acas{\f63 \u259\'3f} la familia Mastrano {\f63
\u8212\'3f} sincer vorbind, n-ar fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avut nevoie nici afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3
f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase acolo cnd
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 izbucnise lupta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i face probleme, tovar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}e, l-am persiflat
. Mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 au destule acolo de unde {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a cump{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rat-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut p
{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile pe jos {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a lungit pe ele. Avea o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are
att de nec{\f63 \u259\'3f}jit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea apro
ape
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 comic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Desci
nderi, gloan{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, criminali... nicio problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1559 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Lipsa unui duster? Criz{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} legea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i facem rost de altul, l-am consolat. Adic{\f63 \u259\
'3f},
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii tu, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-o g{\
f63 \u259\'3f}sim pe Jill, mi dovedesc nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i salv{\f63 \u259\'3f}m lumea.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, doar att?
a ntrebat el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i amndoi am izbucnit
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 n rs.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar cnd m-am ntins {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i eu lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el, am redevenit
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 serio{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2071 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i, ce facem? l-am ntrebat.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Era ntrebarea serii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dormim, mi-a r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, stingnd lanterna. Mine, o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lu{\f63 \u259\'3
f}m cumva leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura cu Abe, sau cu Tasha, sau cu...
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cineva. i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe ei s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ocupe de tot {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-o duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Jill acolo unde trebuie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 M-am mirat ct de firav{\f63
\u259\'3f} mi-a sunat vocea cnd am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 vorbit din nou.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Simt c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} am dat-o n bar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eram att de bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acolo! Credeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am reu{\f63 \u351\'3
f}it imposibilul, dar m-am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 bucurat degeaba. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} munca asta, de
geaba.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Degeaba? a
repetat, uluit. Ceea ce am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut noi... e
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceva uria{\f63 \u351\'3f}. Ai descoperit-o pe sora L
issei. Ai descoperit
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un Dragomir. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tu nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegi cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de
scoperirii. Noi n-am avut aproape
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nimic de la care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3
f}m, dar tu tot ai insistat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ai
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri384 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u3
50\'3f}i l-am pierdut pe Victor Dashkov. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei b
ine, problema la el e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea ascuns
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prea mult timp. E unul dintre cei c
are vor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} de{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 permanen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a controlul. O s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} el, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care, iar cnd o face... l prindem no

i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul mi-a reap{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rut pe buze, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
nu
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vad{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i eu, care credeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} rolul optimistului mi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 apar{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine... {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E contagi
os, a replicat el. Apoi, spre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 surprinderea mea, mi-a g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit mna pe ntu
neric {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit degetele. Te-ai
descurcat bine, Roza. Foarte
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 bine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-acum, dormi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu ne-am mai atins {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i altfel, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n mna lui se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 concentrase toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldu
ra din lume. Nu era nici pe
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 departe un moment perfect, cum fusese cel din
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 bibliotec{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} conexiun
ea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} familiar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegerea dintre noi erau mai intense
ca oricnd, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bine. Normal. Firesc. Nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dorm
. Nu voiam
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} savurez faptul de a fi cu el. Asta
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u351\'3f}el, am de
cretat, cu gndul la Adrian. Ci
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur de ap
ropierea aceasta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i, somnul era esen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial. Ne-am stabilit un
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 program n care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem amndoi de veghe,
cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 schimbul. El avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea treaz acum,
ct timp m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 odihneam eu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aveam senza{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dorm, nici el nu urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} doarm{\f63 \u
259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce va veni
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 momentul schimbului. Am nchis ochii, dar de data asta
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nu b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ile inimii treb
uia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi le ncetinesc. Ci mintea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca o roat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu hamsterul alergnd n ea f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 undeva, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama ce e de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut pe mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri50 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 departe.\i Doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} Jill la Curte. Doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3

f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 Jill la Curte.\i0 Asta-i tot ce avea importan{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura cu cineva care s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} da de Jill. ntre timp, eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63
\u259\'3f}m ascun{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptnd ca totul s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rezolve de la sine, ct de curnd...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2988 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Slav{\f63 \u
259\'3f} Domnului."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 M-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucit brus
c, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi dau seama
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cufundasem ntr-un vis indus de spirit. Eram din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nou n gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dina Sonyei, cu tot soarele {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i culorile ei, iar ea
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea pe un scaun, p{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rnd ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mi-era team
{\f63 \u259\'3f} c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} noaptea treaz{\
f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zindu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pielea", a
continuat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}A{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, dac-ar fi fost dup{\f63 \u259
\'3f} mine", i-am
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, apropiindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} agale de ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu era tocmai persoana pe ca
re m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s-o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntlnesc n vis, dar bine m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} intram n contact cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lumea exterioar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Aici, purtam o roch
ie n alb {\f63 \u351\'3f}i negru,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dar, spre deosebire de cea din realitate, era curat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dimitri cr
ede c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suntem ntr-un loc sigur... cu toate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1876 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el acum treaz
, de paz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, evident."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Evident",
a repetat ea, cu un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r amuzat n ochi,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dar care n-a {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut mult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Unde e{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ti?" am ntrebat-o. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Te-au arestat cumva
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3931 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 gardienii?"

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N-au mai aj
uns", a replicat, pe un ton de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 automul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umire. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Voi er
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prioritatea lor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb140\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 constrngere i-a ajutat s{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} recunoasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am {\f63 \u351\'3f}t
ers\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri509 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 o... de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu mi-a
venit deloc u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or s-o las pe Emily."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam, d
ar entuziasmul provocat de vestea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sonya sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pase era p
rea mare. n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, o veste bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Atunci, po{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i s-o duci pe Jill la Curte. Doar e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4224 \expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 liber{\f63 \u259\'3f}."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Sonya m-a privit de parc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} tocmai a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vorbit
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 fran{\f63 \u355\'3f}uze{\f63 \u351\'3f}te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2184 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N-am cum s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ajung la Jill."
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 M-am ncruntat, nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}De ce, e p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zit{\f63
\u259\'3f} prea strict?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Rose", mi-a r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Sonya, {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Jill nu e la gardieni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2468 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert
au r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pit-o."
\plain\par
\sl-161\fs16\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri1241 \ex
pndtw-14 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I {\f63 \u350\'3f
}ASE
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-1 \b \f20
\fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}CE-AU F{\f63 \u258\'3f}CUT?" AM STRIGAT\b0 , {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare din vis au
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut brusc. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Au luat-o cu\i ei?\i0 De\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2291 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 asta i-au chemat pe gardieni?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri211 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas ca
lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a ncruntat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu Victor {\f63
\u351\'3f}i Robert i-au chemat pe gardieni. De ce\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3664 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o?"
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Pent
ru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se desc
otoroseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3017 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de min
e..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Poate", a
acceptat Sonya. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dar nu ct timp mai erau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei n cas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Victor e
la fel de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tine. Numai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1785 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 magia lui Robert a putut s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i scape."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3233 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Atunci, cine
..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dar r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul mia venit de la sine, smulgndu-mi un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4206 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 geam{\f63 \u259\'3f}t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 John {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Emil
y Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chiar att de simplu. Prea repede au acceptat prezen{\f
63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2236 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 unor fugari c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n casa lor."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Eu, de fap
t, cred c-a fost John. Emily chiar p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ti nevinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}... chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cea pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 motivul venirii tale. Mai b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea griji ca nu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cumva chemarea gardienilor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} atrag{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 asupra identit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui
Jill. Nu m-ar mira dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} John i-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 chemat f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca m{\f63
\u259\'3f}car s-o previn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Probabil, s-a gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2549 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 le face tuturor un serviciu."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i, n loc de asta, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a pierdut fiica vitreg{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

Dar de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce-ar fi luat-o pe ea Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert
? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n definitiv,
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 cum naiba au reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it doi b{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rni s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia cu for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3694 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 adolescent{\f63 \u259\'3f}?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Probabil c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt mai puternici dect par", mi-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Sonya, ridicnd din umeri. {\f6
3 \u8222\'3f}La fel de probabil e
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi avut un rol {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f
or{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de constrngere. Ct despre de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ce au luat-o... Greu de spus. Dar Victor {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i dore{\f63 \u351\'3f}te putere
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} de{\f63 \u355\'3f
}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} controlul. Faptul c-o are la el pe odrasla
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 secret{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui
Dragomir e o metod{\f63 \u259\'3f} bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin care s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3156 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 asigure toate astea."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri233 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 M-am pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63
\u351\'3f}it cu spinarea de trunchiul unui copac.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}N-o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}im niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o ducem la Curte", am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4475 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 spus
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu trebuie d
ect s-o g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim", m-a lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit Sonya.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ceea ce ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} adoarm{\f
63 \u259\'3f}."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mda, iar p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}trunderea n visele altora", am zis,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ncepnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se
reaprind{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ar trebui s-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2548 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cau{\f63 \u355\'3f}i chiar acum
. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} afli..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Am ncercat.
Nu doarme. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i sunt gata s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun pariu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei o {\f63 \u355\'3f}in treaz{\f63
\u259\'3f} tocmai din motivul acesta, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri155 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}terne ceva dista
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre noi. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} mai ncerc."

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu era ce mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3
f} fi dorit, dar la mai mult n-aveam cum
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sper n clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri317 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3
f}i ce s-a ales de Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de familia Mastrano?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}I-au bombardat c
u ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri", mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Sonya, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3670 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a i se lungi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pentru
faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 abandonase veri{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara, exact cum regret
am eu c-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri297 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sisem pe Sydney. Am atins-o cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e pe bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Las{\f63 \
u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e bine. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie bine. Ceea ce ai f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut a fost
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3125 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 de folos pentru Jill."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2910 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri13 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cum mai {\f63 \
u355\'3f}inem leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura? Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}tept mereu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4107 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 adormi."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2015 \fi284 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Am t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut.
Excelent{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebare.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Poate
reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}im s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem rost de un telefon mobil,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 chiar azi... Dumnezeu mi-e martor
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tare ne-ar fi trebuit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unul. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n definitiv... ce-ar fi s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vii tu la noi? De fapt,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3925 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 unde e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntrebat n sinea mea dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva comiteam
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 o gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f} invitnd-o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ni se al{\f63 \u259\'3f}ture. Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mine

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ne str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m din gr

eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim o ascunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 secret{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar ntlnirea noastr{\f63 \u259
\'3f} cu gardienii fusese {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 un pic mai apropiat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect mi-ar fi pl{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut. L{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 deoparte problemele evidente {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nchiso
area, execu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 etcetera {\f63 \u8212\'3f} capturarea noastr{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ne-ar scoate complet din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 misiunea de a o ajuta pe Lissa. Cu toate acestea, era
m
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 destul de convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} S
onya ne era aliat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n faza
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 actual{\f63 \u259\'3f}, era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} reprezinte unica noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 cu Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi asumasem un risc asem{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luindu-i lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Victor locul n care ne aflam. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu t
oate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, practic, ne
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ajutase, ajutorul acesta fusese, n mod evident, cu du
s {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntors. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, iam dest{\f63 \u259\'3f}inuit Sonyei numele
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 campingului n care ne aflam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am ofe
rit toate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndrum{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile posibile. Mi-a spus c-o s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cum, dar b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
vea ea destule resurse {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tot ncerca, ntre timp, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea de Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3737 \expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Sonya..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am ezitat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost d
e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 preferat s-o las s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t visului. Doar aveam
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 probleme importante, mult mai grave dect ceea ce m{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
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\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}team s-o n
treb. Plus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} intram pe un teritoriu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4370 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 intim.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ce-ai vrut
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui atunci, n ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}... cnd {\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i-am zis
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am ntlnit n vis cu iubitul meu? P{\
f63 \u259\'3f}reai surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}."

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sonya m-a studiat ndelung, oc
hii aceia alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunznd n mine mai mult dect mi-ar fi p
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Uneori, mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
eram mai n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea cnd
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 o apuca nebunia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Aurele spu
n multe, Rose, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pricep destul de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le descifrez. Mult mai bine, p
robabil, dect
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prietenii t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i. Un vis provocat de spi
rit {\f63 \u355\'3f}i nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luie propria
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aur{\f63 \u259\'3f} n auriu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a am {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut despre ce era vorba. Aura
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 personal{\f63 \u259\'3f} e unic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentr
u fiecare, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fluctueaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de sentimente {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i de suflet. Cnd cineva e
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gostit, ea o arat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Aura acelei persoane str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luce{\f63 \u351\'3f}te.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce visai tu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aura ta era str
{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitoare. Culorile
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 erau str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitoare... dar nu cum m-a{
\f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat n cazul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 unui iubit. Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, nu toate rela{\f
63 \u355\'3f}iile sunt la fel. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri217 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 afli n etape diferite. N-a{\f63 \u
351\'3f} fi luat n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}, numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3513 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Numai c{\f63
\u259\'3f}?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Numai c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, atunci cnd e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cu Dimitri, aura ta e ca
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2900 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 soarele. La fel {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i a lui."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a zmbit, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
zndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac ochii mari,
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 holbndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit{\f63
\u259\'3f} la ea, n t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1655 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Te surprinde
ceea ce {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am spus?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\'3f
}i... adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntre noi s-a terminat totul. Am fost
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} dar dup{\f63
\u259\'3f} transformarea lui, el nu m-a mai vrut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2327 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Iar eu mi-am continuat via{\f63
\u355\'3f}a."
\par

\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
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\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Continuarea asta a vie
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsemna s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inem de mn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} petrecem momente apropiate,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nfierbntate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}De-asta {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i sunt cu Adrian. Sunt fericit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Adrian",
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ulti
ma afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie suna aproape ca una de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare. Pe cine ncercam eu s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} conving? Pe ea, sau pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3734 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mine ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Comportamen
tul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sentimentele rareori se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 suprapun", mi-a zis ea, pe un ton extrem de asem{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 celui al lui Dimitri cnd f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea pe filo
soful Zen. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu mi-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lua n nume de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, dar cred c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ai unele probleme de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4044 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 rezolvat."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri67 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Grozav. {\f63 \u350\'3f}edin{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de terapie {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
o femeie nebun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}OK, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} presupunem c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi ceva n toate astea. Eu n\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 am renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at cu adev
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat la Dimitri dect acum vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mni. E\i posibil\i
0 ca, probabil, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3808 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 sentimente."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Posibil? Mi-am amintit ct de
acut eram con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori
de cte ori eram mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de armonia lip
sit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de griji din bibliotec{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de ct
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de bine m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam cola
bornd cu el n felul acela al
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nostru, amndoi att de hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aproape niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}elndu-ne n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a int
en{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor celuilalt. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, nu mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 departe de acum cteva ore, n camera pentru oaspe{\f63
\u355\'3f}i...
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1788 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a avut ndr{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zneala s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rd{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Posi
bil? Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} numai dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}mni? Rose, tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleapt{\f63 \u259\'
3f} din attea puncte de vedere... dar att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3138 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 necoapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} n altele
..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Detestam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
iu judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrsta mea, dar nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aveam vreme pentru crize temperamentale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}OK, fie. E
u nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai am unele sentimente. Dar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 el. Tu nu l-ai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut dup{\f63 \u259\'
3f} transformare. A fost oribil. Era
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 deprimat. Zicea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} evite cu orice pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mai era capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iubeasc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} pe cineva. Abia de cnd cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nebunia asta a evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii a nceput s{\f63
\u259\'3f} se comporte ca
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2834 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri cel de alt{\f63 \u259\'
3f}dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Am discuta
t cu el despre asta", mi-a zis, nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3
f}area
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 serioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} revenindu-i. {\f63 \u8222\'3
f}Despre depresie. l n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ce-am fost strigoi... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-am f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cut ce-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut... nu ne mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}im demni s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}im. Nu avem n noi dect vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntuneric, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i amintir
ile zdrobitoare ale relelor comise",
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a ncheiat, cutremurndu-se.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dar tu... t
u ai reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat altfel dect el. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, e
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pari att de
trist{\f63 \u259\'3f} uneori, dar alteori... e ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cum nu s-ar fi ntmplat nimic. Tu deja ai revenit la ce
ea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ce erai. n cea mai mare parte. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-atunc
i, de ce e o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1752 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 diferen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f} att de mare ntre voi doi?"
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}A, vinov{\
f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mi-a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ut, te asigur. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2391 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ce m-a transformat Robert..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it din
plin veninul n clipa n care i-a rostit
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 numele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}n fine, nu
voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai plec din casa mea, din patul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 meu. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} uram pe mine ns{\f63 \u259\'3f
}mi pentru ce-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. mi
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 doream s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
murit atunci cnd m-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}puns cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar apoi Dimitri a vorbit cu mine..
. Mi-a explicat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia era inevitabi
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nsu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i faptul c-o resimt
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dovede{\f63 \u351\'3f}te c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai su
nt strigoi. Dar mi-a mai spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta nu poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpie
dice s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ez din
nou
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. Mi-a fost oferit{\f63 \u259\'3
f} o a doua {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui, {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i mie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta nu e de lepdat. Mi-a mai spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
-a trebuit ceva
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 timp pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i dea seama de asta, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu vrea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fac {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 eu acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}eli. M
i-a spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ez
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, cu frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile e
i, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu persoanele pe care le
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iubesc, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e prea trziu... chiar dac
{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 greu. Eliberarea de trecutul de strigoi... e ca o pov
ar{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} apas{\f63 \u259\'3f} permanent
. Mi-a jurat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lase st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnit de trecutul acela {\f63 \
u8212\'3f} ceea ce, crede-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, e o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie nobil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i foarte greu de dus la ndeplinire {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} permit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i treac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} rost. A
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pierdut deja pentru totdeauna unele lucruri, dar la
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2517 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 celelalte refuz{\f63 \u259\'3f}

s{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}e."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}A zis el to
ate astea? Eu... eu nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu sunt
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama
ce nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3372 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate din ele
."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ez
via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile ei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu p
ersoanele pe care le iubesc, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nu e prea trziu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cteodat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, nici eu. Cum {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am spus, e mai simplu de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zis dect de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i, cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el m-a ajutat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 revin mult mai repede fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de ct a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sunt recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Ct despre voi, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i aurele voastre..."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1599 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Micul ei zmbet i-a reveni
t pe chip.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ei bine, aici t
rebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} da{\f63 \u355\'3f}i seama {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i singuri. Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cred n suflete-pereche, nu tocmai.
Mi se pare ridicol s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i nchipui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} exist{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} pentru tine o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lume. Dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sufletul t{\f63 \u259\'3
f}u pereche tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Zimbabwe? Dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} moare de tn{\f63 \u
259\'3f}r? La fel de ridicol{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mi se pare ideea cu dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} suflete care d
evin unul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 singur. Tu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strezi personalitatea. n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 schimb, cred n sincronizarea dintre suflete, n suflete
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 care se oglindesc unul n cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d n aure
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sincronizarea asta. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i v{\f63 \u259\'
3f}d tot ce {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am spus n aura lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntr-a ta. Numai tu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ce faci cu informa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri724 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pe care {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am dat-

o... dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} crezi m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car n ea."

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2098 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mda, nu z{\f
63 \u259\'3f}u", am bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a dat impresia c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t visului, dar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a oprit {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i a ndreptat spre mine o privire
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mai e un lu
cru de care ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Rose.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aurele voastre se potrivesc, dar nu sunt identice. A
lui
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri e str{\f63 \u259\'3f}puns{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
f{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii de ntuneric, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}e ale
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 traumei lui. ntunericul din ea se estompeaz{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, de la o zi la alta. {\f63 \u350
\'3f}i a ta poart{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntuneric n ea...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2449 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} la tine
nu dispare."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3077 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 M-am cutremurat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri562 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Lissa. E ntuner
icul pe care-l iau de la ea, nu?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Da. Nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu prea multe despre leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi, dar ceea ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 faci tu {\f63 \u8212\'3f} chiar da
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ea o ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} e foarte pericu
los.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Spiritul ne sf{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{
\f63 \u259\'3f} discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, dar ntr-un fel... eu cred
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi, utiliz
atorii spiritului, suntem un pic mai bine
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 construi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pentru a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi ceva vizibil
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 totdeauna", a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, crispndu-se. {\
f63 \u8222\'3f}n schimb, tu? Nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 e cazul. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} absor
bi prea mult, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntmple. Mi-e team{\f63 \u259\'3f} c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} se acumuleze, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se tot
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 acumuleze. Mi-e team{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie nevoie dect de o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 scnteie {\f63 \u8212\'3f} de un catalizator {\f63 \u8

212\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} explodeze

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4189 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 n tine."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri530 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3
f}i-atunci, ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie?" am ntrebat-o n {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 A cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat ncet din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3754 \expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tiu."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2114 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cu asta, vis
ul s-a estompat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am cufundat la loc ntr-un somn f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} vise, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 organismul meu {\f63 \u8212\'3f} d
e parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era vremea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi iau schimbul n primire {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s-a trezit
de unul singur
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva ore. ntunericul nop{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ii m-a nconjurat iar, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de undeva, foarte de aproape, auzeam r{\f63 \u259\'3f
}suflarea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 regulat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, statornic{\f63 \u259\'3f},
a lui Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntreaga discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie purtat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cu Sonya mi-a revenit n minte.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Prea multe, prea multe lucruri. Nici nu {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tiam de unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncep s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le analizez. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
, nu, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} le
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cred, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a real{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 Comportamentul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sentimentele rare
ori se suprapun.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Inspirnd adnc, m-am str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fiu gardian, nu o fat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 cu tulbur{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona
le.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1390 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u354\'
3f}i-a venit rndul la somn, tovar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Vocea lui a plutit spre mine ca
lumina prin ntuneric,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3426 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 moale {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sc{\f63
\u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri811 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Po{\f63

\u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te mai odihne{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti dac{\f63 \u259\'3f

} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nevoia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri15 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Nu, mi ajunge,
i-am zis. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, aminte{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, nu e{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ti
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4532 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 tu...
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63
\u350\'3f}tiu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu, m-a ntrerupt, chicotind. Nu sunt eu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 generalul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 O, Doamne! Am ajuns s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ne spunem fiecare poanta la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gluma celuilalt.\i Cred n sincronizarea dintre suflet
e.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-mi aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mie
ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} asprimea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vizita Sonyei nu avusese de fapt ca subiect via{\f63
\u355\'3f}a mea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 amoroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-am povestit lui Dimitri re
stul visului,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri898 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 descriindu-i tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}da
rea lui John {\f63 \u351\'3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pirea lui Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Oare... oa
re am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut bine spunndu-i Sonyei unde
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4148 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 suntem?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri892 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Au trecut cteva clipe pn{\f63 \u
259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Da. Ai dreptate
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem nevoie de ajutorul ei... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ea poate s-o g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seas
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Jill. Problema e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Victor
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Robert {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu sigur asta, a ad{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ugat, oftnd. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ai dreptate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 e mai bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu odihnit pentru ce-o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urmeze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, n stilul lui att de eficient, n-a mai zis nimic.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Foarte curnd, respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia i s-a auzit al
tfel, semn c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cufundase n somn. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} uimea cum putea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} adoarm{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 att de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in efort. Sigur, era ceva dep
rins n cadrul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tirii de gardian: dormi atunci cn
d ai posibilitatea,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai de unde s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii cnd o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai iveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Era un truc care niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi reu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}ise. Privind n gol
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe ntuneric, mi-am ascu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it toate sim{\f
63 \u355\'3f}urile, cu urechile
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ciulite dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} orice sunet care ar putea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 primejdia.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3
f} nu aveam eu talentul adormitului
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 instantaneu,\i eram\i0 capabil{\f
63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in vigilen{\f63 \u355\'3f}
a n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 stare de trezie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, simultan, s-o viz
itez pe Lissa. Povestea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cu Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fuga noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f
} mi ocupaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreaga zi de azi,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} evenimentele de la Curte tot m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sau cu putere.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cineva ncercase s-o\i omoare\i0 pe Lissa, iar un gru
p de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gardieni l luase pe sus pe Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cnd am privit prin ochii ei, n
u m-am mirat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc pe aproape to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
prietenii mei laolalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Erau ntr-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere cu aspect auster, intimidant, a
sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 celei n care fusese interogat{\f63 \u259\'3f} referit
or la evadarea mea...
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era mai spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
oas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} mot
iv. Era ticsit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de tot felul de lume. Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christ
ian erau lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu aveam nevoie s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} descifrez aure ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau la fel de stnjeni{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea. Hans st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 picioare de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte a unei mese
, sprijinit cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 palmele de ea n timp ce se apleca n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i privea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 chior{\f63 \u351\'3f} spre toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea
. Vizavi de Lissa, lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} peretele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din partea cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Eddie st{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tea pe un scaun, cu chipul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpietrit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cte un gardian de-o parte {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Amndoi paznicii erau ncorda{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, preg{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune. l considerau pe Eddie un peric
ol, mi-am dat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 seama, ceea ce mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ridicol. {

\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, Hans p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} opinia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Tocmai mpungea cu degetul o
fotografie de pe mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Apropiindu-se, Lissa a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-l nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}a pe tipul care o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atacase... o fotografie f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} moartea lui. Avea
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ochii nchi{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i tenul palid... dar tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile fe{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ei se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1626 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vedeau n detaliu, a{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a inerte cum erau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1137 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai omort un mo
roi! a exclamat Hans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri510 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimer
isem exact n toiul conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu fie o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Ai fost preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit ca s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4377 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 aperi!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ceea ce am
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, a replicat Eddie. Era att de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 calm {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de serios, nct ceva din mine reu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 invoce sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul umorului {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} remarce c{\f63 \u259\'3f} parc-ar fi fost
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri junior. Am ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat-o pe ea, a
replicat Eddie. Ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 diferen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} este ntre o p
rimejdie venit{\f63 \u259\'3f} din partea unui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2434 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 moroi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dintr-a
unui strigoi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu avem nic
io dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru niciunul dintre
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuntele atacului, a mrit Hans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ave{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i trei martori oculari! s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit Christian. Vre{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri452 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spune{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} declara{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile noastre n-au nicio valoare
?
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vreau s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prieteni cu el, ceea
ce v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pune sub semnul ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii declara{\f63
\u355\'3f}iile. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi preferat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fi fost un gardian prin preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} le pot verifica.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 De data asta, Lissa a fost c
ea care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 pepeni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2012 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i avut! Eddie a fost acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f
}i nu era alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} posibilitate s-o aperi\i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63
\u259\'3f}\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l omori?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3537 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 a ntrebat Hans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Eddie nu i-a r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}spuns imediat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} anali
zeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 modul cel mai serios ntrebarea, gndindu-se dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ntr\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fi ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a scuturat din cap.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri653 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu l-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi omort eu, m-ar fi omort el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Hans a oftat, cu o privire obosi
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mie mi venea u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nfurii pe el n clipa asta, dar trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 amintesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cea dect datoria.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i nimeni dintre voi, a ntrebat el, ridicnd
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fotografia,\i nimeni\i0 dintre voi nu l-a v{\f63 \
u259\'3f}zut niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2872 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbatul din foto
grafie?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a mai examinat o dat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} poza, st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fior. Nu, nu-l recunoscuse nici pe parcursul atacului
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu-l recuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea nici acum. Chiar nu er
a absolut nimic

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 remarcabil la el: nicio tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u2

59\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} aparte pe care s-o po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 scoate n eviden{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ceil
al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prieteni ai no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri au cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 din cap, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} fruntea Lissei s-a ncre{\f
63 \u355\'3f}it deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da? s-a rep
ezit Hans, prinznd imediat din zbor
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aproape insesizabila schimbare de fizionomie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1567 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu-l cunos
c..., a rostit ea, lent.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cu Jo
e, ngrijitorul, i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rise brusc n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4387 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 minte
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1286 \expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 Cum ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta ti
pul?\i0 l ntrebase ea pe Joe.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit. Banal. n afara minii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A mai fixat o clip{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cu privirea fotografia, n care abia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}puse o mn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cicatrice {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu vreo dou{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 degete ndoite. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu le observasem n ti
mpul nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ier{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Apoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridicat ochii spre Hans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu-l cun
osc, a repetat. Dar cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cineva care-l cunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Un ngrijitor...
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, un fost
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ngrijitor. Cel care a depus m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturie c
u privire la Rose.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el l-a mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}z
ut nainte. ntre ei era o rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 afaceri interesant{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Mihail voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se asigure c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3392 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 plece de la Curte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Adrian nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rea deloc bucuros de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se aducea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vorba despre Joe, dat fiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era po
sibil ca mama lui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fie acuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mituire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri350 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259

\'3f} le fie greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva de la el, spuse e
l.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Hans l-a privit cu ochii miji{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1011 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, dac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ceva, l facem noi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259
\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 A f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un semn s
curt spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i unul dintre gardie
nii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2166 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Eddie a po
rnit imediat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}G{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-l pe individ. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i spune-le {\f63 \u822
2\'3f}oaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor" no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd un semn
de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are, gardianul a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1265 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce fel de oas
pe{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? s-a interesat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, a repli
cat Hans, e interesant c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai amintit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre Hathaway. Pentru c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} tocmai avem ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti despre
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri44 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ncremenit, ca fulger
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} de panic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i Au g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit-o
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 pe Rose. Dar cum?\i0 Doar Abe o asigurase c{\f63
\u259\'3f} eram la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}post, n ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul acela
din Virginia de Vest.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i cu Belikov au fost depista{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n apropiere de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Detroit, de unde au r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pit o fat{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri398 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei n-ar fi...
Lissa s-a ntrerupt. Detroit a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spus?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}pnire de sine i-a mai trebuit ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu arunce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri744 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 priviri ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
spre Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Hans a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3
f}at {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea im
presia
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar transmite o informa{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ie, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea pe
\par

\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb80\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 prietenii mei, a{\f63 \u351\'3
f}teptnd cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3353 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 compromi{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai erau ctev
a persoane cu ei. Unii au reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 scape, dar pe una am prins-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1022 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe cine au r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}pit? s-a interesat Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri13 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nici uimirea lui nu era pref{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el crezuse c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2658 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m deoparte, l
a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}post.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mastrano, a
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Hans. Mastrano {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}
tiu
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 cum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1685 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Jill\i0 M
astrano? s-a repezit Lissa.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ispita? a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri15 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Hans
nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie la curent cu porecla,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dar n-a mai avut ocazia s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri pe tema ei,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tocmai atunci s-a deschis u{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a. Pe ea au intrat trei
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 gardieni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
ei... Sydney.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri982 \expndtw
-14 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I {\f63 \u350\'3f}APTE
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw0 \b \f20
\fs24 A{\f63 \u350\'3f} FI RAMAS CU GURA CASCATA\b0 dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fost acolo, att din cauza {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ocului provocat de vederea lui
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sydney, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ia unei fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e umane pe domeniile
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. A mai multora, de fapt, fiind
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai erau al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i doi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cu ea, un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o
femeie. B{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbatul era tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, doar cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in mai matur dect Sydney, cu p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rul {\f63 \u351\'3f}aten-nchis {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ochii c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui.
Femeia era mai n vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea acea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
{\f63 \u351\'3f}are dur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ncercat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vreme, pe car
e obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuiam s\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o asociez cu Alberta. Avea tenul nchis la culoare, da
r tot
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d tatuajul
auriu pe care-l purta, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 oameni prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ii Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i era eviden
t c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia nu erau de
loc
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bucuro{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Femeia mai vrstnic{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} avea o atitudine st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pe sine, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ochii care-i s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}getau n toate p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi dorit
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie altundeva... oriunde altundeva.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt tip
nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ascundeau deloc teama. S-o fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit ea, Sydney, cu mine {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i cu Dimitri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tocmai p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise, mpreun{\f
63 \u259\'3f} cu colegii ei, ntr-un cuib al
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ului, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in din
punctul lor de vedere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Alchimi{\f
63 \u351\'3f}tii nu erau singurii care se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 incomoda{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. De ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
intraser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, gardienii nu l-au mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 considerat pe Eddie ca fiind principalul pericol din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i erau cu o
chii pe oameni, cercetndu-i de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-ar fi crezut strigoi. n schimb,
prietenii mei
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} cur
io{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dect tem{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Lissa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m o vreme print
re oameni, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea pu{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ine contacte cu ei, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} le
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sam deoparte pe cele cu hr{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}nitorii. Vederea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tilor pe {\f63 \u8222\'3f}ter
enul nostru" ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}uga nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un element
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de stranietate ntregii pove{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Eu sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
ram uimit{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd-o att de curnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acolo pe Sydney. Sau... s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost chi
ar att de curnd?

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo cteva ore de cnd fugiser
{\f63 \u259\'3f}m din casa lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Jill. Nu destul timp ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungi la C
urte cu ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina, dar
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 categoric mai mult dect sufici
ent pentru un zbor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i schimb
ase hainele fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ultima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sub ochi
avea cearc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ne. mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}biser{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nicio clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu tirul ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor nc{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd o prinseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Misterul era altul: c
e rost avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ac
olo, la o discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie despre faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Eddie omorse un moroi necunoscut? Erau dou{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 subiecte cu totul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu totul diferit
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2982 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa gndea la fel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cine sunt oameni
i ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia? l-a ntrebat pe Hans,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri51 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i cam d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea destul de bine seama cine era Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 I-o descrisesem destul. La rn
dul ei, Sydney a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}surat-o cu privirea din cap pn{\f63
\u259\'3f}-n picioare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a dedus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea ide
ntitatea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Alchimi{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ti, i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Hans, moroc{\f63 \u259\'3f}nos. {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3594 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceil
al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prieteni ai mei au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut semne
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 afirmative.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i ce-au ei de-a face cu Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu tipul care m-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 atacat? a ntrebat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} au. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu, a replicat Hans, ridicnd
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din umeri. Dar ceea ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu este c{\f6

3 \u259\'3f} se petrece ceva

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ciudat, ceva n care sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i to{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i implica{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dau seama ce anume. Ea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a continuat
Hans, ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spre Sydney {\f63 \u8212\'3f} era mpreun{\f63 \u259\'
3f} cu Hathaway n Detroit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi vine foarte greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i niciunul\i0 dintre voi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia nimic despre asta.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i-a ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}at bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele pe piept {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
s-a rezemat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri610 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de perete, ca o perfect{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ntruchipare a indiferen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ave{\f63
\u355\'3f}i dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ce vre{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i, dar eu nu cunosc
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe\i niciunul\i0 dintre oamenii ace{\f63 \u351\'3f
}tia, a spus el. Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1126 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nu cumva ne ur{\f63 \u259\'3f}sc
? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-atunci, ce caut{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, culmea ironiei, era
singurul dintre prietenii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mei care {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiuse c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
mai eram n Virginia de Vest, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri251 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n-ai fi putui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i dai seama n veci dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} atitudinea lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} avem de-a face cu o asasin{\f63 \u259\'3f} fugar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i interog{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
complicea n persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s-a auzit
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul aspru al lui Hans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissei i st{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
ea pe limb{\f63 \u259\'3f} o negare a vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei m
ele,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cea mai vrstnic{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
tre Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit prima cu
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 gura.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu ave{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i nicio dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} domni{\f63 \u351\'3f
}oara Sage i-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 fost {\f63 \u8222\'3f}complice" criminalei pe care o
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}uta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e ridicol

s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ne l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ne desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ur{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-8 \i \f20 \fs24 propriile\i0 interogatorii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu v{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ga{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n oricare al
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a am fi procedat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} Stanton, i-a
replicat Hans, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntre ei doi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} se n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355
\'3f}a un zid din ghea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a continuat el,
dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum v{\f63 \u259\'3f} pute{\f63 \u355\'3f}i imagina, este un
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pic mai grav{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect majoritatea. Regina
noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 asasinat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tensiunea escalada nc{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult ntre gardieni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lo
r profesional{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era tocmai una
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fericita, din cte-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama. n ac
ela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, mi-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 trecut prin minte c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} superiorii lui Sydney ar fi
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 considerat-o vinovat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de vreo infrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune, tot n-ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 recunoscut-o de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ai mei... ceea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 paranoia lui Hans nu era chiar total nentemeiat{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 V{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciunul dintre
Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti nu-i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunse,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Hans a interpretat t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea ca pe o ap
robare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a nceput s\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 o ia la ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri pe Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}i cuno{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti pe ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia trei? A ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat spre priete
nii
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mei, iar Sydney a scuturat din cap. Ai comunicat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3588 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ei?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri4542 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri33 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 El a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat pu{
\f63 \u355\'3f}in, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi sperat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2127 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 schimbe r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul

. N-a fost a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri75 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, cum ai
ajuns s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii implicat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Hathaway?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ea l-a studiat ncordat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu team{\f63
\u259\'3f} n ochii c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui. Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63 \u259\
'3f} neap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de el. ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r, avea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 multe motive de agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie n prezent, cu
m ar fi faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sea acolo, sau eventuala pedeaps{\f
63 \u259\'3f} pe care ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 i-o aplice Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii. Pe urm{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, desigur, mai era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Abe.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Practic, el reprezenta motivul pentru care ajunsese
ea n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncurc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tot ce trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 denun{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \
u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el o {\f63 \u351\'3f}antajase. Asta o salva pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 moment... dar i atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gea mnia lui. A{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sec {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a for{\f63 \u355\'3f}at s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} adopte o atitudine sfid{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1450 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am cunoscut-o
pe Rose n Siberia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine, bine, a zi
s Hans. Dar cum de-ai ajuns s-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2804 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} evadeze de-aici?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am nicio
leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu evadarea ei de-aici! a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 exclamat Sydney. (Era pe jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate ade
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, presupun.)
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri34 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ea a luat leg{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tura cu mine acum cteva zile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a cerut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ajutorul ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajun
g{\f63 \u259\'3f} la o cas{\f63 \u259\'3f} de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Detroit. Afirma
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e nevinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta ar ajuta-o s-o dovedeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Alchimi{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tii aflaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre timp c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e o evadat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 precizat Hans. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea avea ordin
s-o caute. Ai fi

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 putut s-o denun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd am cunos
cut-o pe Rose, nu mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} de crim{\f63 \u259\'3f}... vr
eau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic, n afara uciderii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 strigoilor. Ceea ce nu e ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f
63 \u355\'3f}in o crim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 realitate, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat ea, amestecnd n pr
opozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f} de Alchimist {\f63 \u8212\'3f
} dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, atunci
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cnd mi-a spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e nevinovat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate s-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dovedeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt
s-o ajut. Am condus-o cu
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Deja am ntre
bat-o noi despre asta, a intervenit,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 iritat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Stanton. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i d
eja v-am spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ntrebat-o. Ceea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ce a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ea a fost o nes{\f63 \u259
\'3f}buin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}: o r{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ire naiv{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 discern{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntului. Este o problem{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de care trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ocup{\f63 \u259\'3f}m noi, nu voi. Voi bate{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i-v{\f63 \u259\'3f} capul cu demonii
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 vo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri asasini.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Vorbise cu u{\f63 \u351\'3f
}urin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi urmat s-o
ia pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney acas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-o ped
epseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la fel ca pe un copil
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 neascult{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoies
c c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie att de simplu.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cine erau persoanele care o nso{\f63
\u355\'3f}eau? a ntrebat Hans,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nelund-o n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Stanton.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1516 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul lui S
ydney s-a intensificat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unul dintre ei e
ra individul acela... Dimitri
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Belikov. Cel despre care crede{\f63
\u355\'3f}i c-ar fi fost {\f63 \u8222\'3f}lecuit".
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri14 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nu {
\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cine erau. Doi b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rba{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i o femeie. Nu ne\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2240 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut nicioda

t{\f63 \u259\'3f} prezent{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Era o minciun{\f63 \u259\'3f
} bine ticluit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cutul ei dezgust la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 adresa lui Dimitri mascndu-i cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ele despre ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}itori ai no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{
\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, s-a aplecat n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lundu-i-o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nainte lui Hans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i ce era n Detroit? Cum avea de gnd Rose s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri498 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dovedeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevinov
{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, mai ales, de ce cu Jill?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Hans nu s-a ar{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tat prea bucuros de ntrerupere, dar
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i el curios s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle ce era cu Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Detroitul. N-a zis nimic, spernd poate c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} va sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pa
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cineva vreo informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie-cheie. Sydney,
cu toate acestea,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a jucat n continuare rolul distant
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i rece.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am idee. N
ici fata aceea, Jill, nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}
tie
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ceva. Rose mi-a zis doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem la ea, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ajutat-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum, a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a, orbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}te? a intervenit Hans. Chiar te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri678 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tep{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai avut ncredere n ea uite-a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3812 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-e...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a mu{\f
63 \u351\'3f}cat buza, nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cuvntul care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} era {\f63 \u8222\'3f}prieten{\f63 \u259\'3f}", {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a reveni
t la atitudinea
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 profesional{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-a dat i
mpresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e credibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am nch
ipuit
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar nsemna o risip{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
nutil{\f63 \u259\'3f} de resurse dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 v-ar fi ajutat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} h{\f63 \u259\'3f}it

ui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} acuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe nedrept.

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungeam la concluzia c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ea e vinovata, puteam s-o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 denun{\f63 \u355\'3f} oricnd. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i m-am
mai gndit... m-am gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezolvam
eu cazul acesta, puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t pre{\f63 \u355\'
3f}uire
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3198 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fiu promovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ei, asta era o minciun{\f63
\u259\'3f} bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, foarte bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O fat{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ambi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}utnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} avanseze n carier{\f63 \u259\'3f} printr-un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 tertip? Foarte bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n fine, nu pentru
toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} Hans a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tin
at din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1845 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu tot nu v{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cred, pe niciunul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt Alchimist
a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un pas nainte,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 determinndu-i pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
gardienii din nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ncordeze, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} sar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ea spune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a s-a ntmplat, atunci a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a s-a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ntmplat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Avea aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
ver{\f63 \u351\'3f}unare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nencredere pe care le
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 manifestase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Stanton, dar la el p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 altceva. Un soi de atitudine protectoare fa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Sydney,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu caracter personal, nu doar profesional. {\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dat seama de asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}U{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}urel, Ian, a zis Stanton, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ia ochii de la
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 Hans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 St{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnirea ei d

e sine mi amintea tot mai mult de

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Alberta. N-avea cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se simt{\f63 \u
259\'3f} n largul ei ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gardie
ni, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-are impo
rtan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} o crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i sau nu. Esen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ialul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 e acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i: domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara
Sage v-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns la ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Am
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 terminat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri889 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ceva? a ntrebat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} evolu
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie a situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nu mai pomenesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i d
espre faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} plecasem din
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}postul ora
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ului meu de munte {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocazia ace
asta
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 misterioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a-mi
dovedi nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia era prea
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 important{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-o putea l{\f63 \u259\'
3f}sa s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i scape.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney s-a ntors spre Lissa {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i practic am putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 citesc gndurile fetei Alchimist. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tia ct
de apropiate
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 eram, eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
ar fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dea o veste ct de ct
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}titoare. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
Sydney n-avea cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu attea persoa
ne. Mai era con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de faptul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi nu-i spuses
em Lissei nimic despre Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, i-a r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea. Noi doar ne-am dus acolo, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Rose i-a zis lui Jill c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea. Domnul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 doamna Mastrano n-au {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut motivul. {
\f63 \u350\'3f}i pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} Rose a luat-o cu ea. Sau Jill sa dus de bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}voie.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu sigur ce s-a ntmplat. Totul s-a
transformat n

\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 haos.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Nici Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f
}tii, nici gardienii n-au pus sub semnul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu a
{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi luat-o pe Jill, ceea ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} era varianta ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i acceptat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 att din partea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}il
or lui Jill, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dintr-a lui Sydney.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Avea n ea suficient adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r nct s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fie plauzibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 explice dispari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Jill. Nu aduce
a vorba, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, despre
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 secretul Dragomirilor, asupra c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia
Emily era probabil,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 mai mult dect bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streze t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iat{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, a zis Stanton. Exact ce v-am spus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 devreme. Acum, trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \
u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri206 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i s-a ntors
spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardienii i-au barat
calea.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Impos
ibil, a zis Hans. Este o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} de maxim{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, iar domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara Sage reprezint{\f63 \u259\'3f} singura
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} de care dispu
nem cu un asasinat... un asasinat
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 regal. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cu o r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pire
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Stanton a pufnit dispre{\f63
\u355\'3f}uitoare, amintindu-mi de ce\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi spusese odinioar{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sydney, c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii considerau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ridicol sistemul monarhic al moroilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu mi se par
e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} v-ar mai putea fi de folos {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 altceva. Dar nu v{\f63 \u259\'3f} face{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i probleme: o re{\f63 \u355\'3f}inem noi. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, con
tacta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ne.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri518 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Inacceptabil,
a decretat Hans. Ea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne aici.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ian, cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt Alch
imist, s-a al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei
n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri138 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 contradictoriu, plasndu-se protect
or n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n niciun caz
n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m aici pe cineva de-al
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4253 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 nostru!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, am avut senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia aceea neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\
f63 \u259\'3f} legat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de el. Un ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gostit, asta era. Era ndr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}gostit de ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trata afacerea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altfel dect doar pro
fesional. Stanton i-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aruncat o privire prin care-i spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} rezolv{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 problema. El a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, put
e{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne{\f63 \u355\'3f}i to{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i, a zis Hans. Pentru
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mine e totuna. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
repartiz{\f63 \u259\'3f}m camere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2331 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a ceva\i0 e inacceptabil!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri13 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 De aici, ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
Hans s-au lansat ntr-o controvers{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4197 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 ncins{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sar fi ajuns la lovituri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni apropiindu-se pu{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}in, ca m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 precau{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Privirea lui Ian tot
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}geta de la Stanton la Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 napoi, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} el nu s-a
mai amestecat n t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mb{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. La un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 moment dat i-au c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut ochii pe masa d
e care se sprijinea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Hans {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l-am
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind la vederea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fotografiei. N-a fost dect o scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} opr
ire, o dilatare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aproape imperceptibil{\f63 \u259\'3f} a pupilelor...
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, Lissa a

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 observat-o.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A inaintat cu un pas spre Ia
n {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre Sydney. Unul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre gardieni a z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit mi{\f63 \u351\
'3f}carea, dar a considerat-o pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa neprimejdioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a ntors la supravegherea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 lui Stanton.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}l cuno{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti, a murmurat Lissa, men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i tonul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sub cel al vocifer{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor celor doi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n realitate, a fost un ton un
pic cam prea sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Ian a
u privit-o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}
eleag{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Urechile lor nu erau capabile s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ceea ce-ar fi auzit
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 un moroi sau un dhampir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a privit stnjenit{\f63
\u259\'3f} n jur, nevrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} atrag{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a mai ridi
cat pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in volumul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1583 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}l cuno{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ti. Pe tipul din fotografie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ian a privit-o fix, pe chip ap{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rndu-i o nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mirare, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i una d
e pruden{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoi
al{\f63 \u259\'3f}, avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i atitudine de respingere fa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vampiri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cuvintele ei l prinseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe picior gr
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}it . {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ea era tot o creatur{\f63 \u259\'3f} malefic{\f63 \u
259\'3f} a nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car era una
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 foarte frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1399 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}lan, a r
ostit nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or Sydney. Ce e?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Era o nuan{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} insistent{\f63 \u259\'3f} n vocea ei, una care ap{\f63 \u259
\'3f}sa n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 chip nepotrivit asupra dragostei lu
i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea mea.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ian a deschis ochii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ceva, dar tocmai atunci

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia" dintre c

eilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-a sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Sydney a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 redevenit centrul aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei, iar Ian {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors privirea de la
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Compromisul la care ajunseser
{\f63 \u259\'3f} Stanton {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Hans
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 exact asta era: un compromis. Niciunul nu era mul{\f
63 \u355\'3f}umit
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de el. Era un or{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}el l
a mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in de patruzeci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cinci de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 minute distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Curte, iar Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii urmau s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 stea acolo... cu c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva gardieni pe cap.
mi suna ca un
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 arest la domiciliu, iar expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
i lui Stanton p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aprobe. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu c
onsim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ise dect pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vorba despre un ora{\f63 \u351\'3f} al oamenilor. {\
f63 \u350\'3f}i, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le permit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tuturor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece, Hans a {\f63 \u355\'
3f}inut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mai ntrebe pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ultima oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe prietenii mei, studiind
u-le cu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3696 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele tuturor:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i niciunul dintre voi {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i niciunul\i0 dintre voi {\f63 \u
8212\'3f} n-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cunoscut-o pe fata aceasta Alchimist, sau n-a fost n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea? Sau na {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut despre rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia dintre ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3900 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Hathaway?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i au r{\f63 \u259\'3f
}spuns negativ {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} Hans n-a avut
de ales dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le accepte,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nciudat, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsurile. Toat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} lumea a pornit spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Hans n-a vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
lase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Eddie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu nu, Cast
ile. Tu mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} stabilim {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 probleme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2494 \fi284 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}ia ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rite.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard

\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri3336 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? Dar
el...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i face probleme, a ntrerupt-o Eddie, cu un mic
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri411 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 zmbet. Totul o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
as{\f63 \u259\'3f} bine. Tu doar ai grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ezitat, de{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i Christian o tot tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gea de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f} s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 plece. De{\f63 \u351\'3f}i totul ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Eddie i ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rase via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Lissei,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea valabil faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} omorse un moroi. Iar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu se trata cu u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Gardienii trebuiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie sut{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sut{\f63 \u259\'3f} convin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} el nu avusese ncotro, nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 drumul. Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rindu-i nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i calm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el era preg{\f63 \u259
\'3f}tit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se descurce cu orice-ar
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 fi urmat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc, i-a zis, trecnd pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el. {\f63 \u
355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-ai sal
vat via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 El i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spu
ns doar printr-o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} nclinare a capului,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iar Lissa a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it pe coridor... pomeni
ndu-se n mijlocul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 unui alt haos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2215 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde sunt? In
sist s{\f63 \u259\'3f}... ah!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Prietenii mei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i A
lchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii se ndreptau spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 escorta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de un grup
de gardieni. ntre timp, cineva
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunsese pe coridor {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i fusese oprit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i somat de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 gardieni. Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in de
o secund{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a nmagazinat toate
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 detaliile bizarei scene, trecnd cu privirea peste Syd
ney
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i Alchimi{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ti, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum nu i-ar fi v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut n via{\

f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lui. Prin ochii Lissei, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe
Sydney albindu-se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nimeni alt
cineva n-a mai observat. Abe i-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 zmbit Lissei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a strecurat lng{\f63
\u259\'3f} ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri112 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iat{\f63
\u259\'3f}-te. Te cheam{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ultimul test pentru monarhie.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63
\u350\'3f}i te-au trimis tocmai pe tine? l-a ntrebat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3349 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Christian, sceptic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}i, m-am oferit voluntar, a replicat Abe. Am auzit
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici era ceva, hm, palpitant. Crim
e, fanatici religio{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 umani, interogatorii. Chestii care-mi trezesc intere
sul, nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4515 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a d
at ochii peste cap, dar n-a zis nimic pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd ntregul grup a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din cl{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}dire. Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nedorita lor escort{\f63 \u259\'3f} au pornit ntr-o d
irec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prie
teni ai no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri n alta. Lissa tare ar fi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre
Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Ian {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, la rndul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 meu {\f63 \u8212\'3f} dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63
\u259\'3f} e mai bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i continue drumul {\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i urmeze exemplul lui Abe, mai ale
s din moment ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unii dintre gardieni p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} nu fie cu ochii numai pe
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 De ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce gr
upul prietenilor mei a ajuns la o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} suficient de
mare fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de autorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i, zmbetul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prietenos al lui Abe a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut {\f63
\u351\'3f}i el a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt pe Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce naiba sa ntmplat? Am auzit tot felul de

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri735 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pove{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti tmpite. Cin
eva spunea chiar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai murit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am fost
departe, i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Lissa, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care i-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 povestit despre atentat, exprimndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
temerile cu privire
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 la Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimic, a replic
at Abe, cu un gest
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 indiferent. n cel mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u caz, se aleg
e cu o pat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la dosar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a sim{\f63 \u355\'3
f}it u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Abe, n
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tot m{\f63 \u259\'3f} connsideram vinovat{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Din cauza mea, dosarul lui
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Eddie era deja p{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tat. Reputa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui impecabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2679 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 deteriora de la o zi la alta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aia era Sy
dney Sage, a zis Lissa. Credeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri861 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n Virginia de
Vest. Ea de ce nu e cu Rose?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta, a r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Abe, ntunecndu-se la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, e o
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ntrebare excelent{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, se pare, s-au dus n Detroit s-o r{\f63 \u259\'3f}peasc{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe Jill Mastrano. Ceea ce mi se pare ciudat. Dar nu c
el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai nebunesc lucru pe care cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar
putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2669 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Mersi pentru sus{\f63 \u355\'3
f}inere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Abe a beneficiat de o istorisire
pe scurt a acestei noi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 evolu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii a situa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}iei, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau prietenii mei
din
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ea... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceea ce nsemna doar o frntur{\f

63 \u259\'3f} din toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 povestea. Abe a n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles imediat c{\f63
\u259\'3f} fusese tras pe sfoar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} furia de pe c
hipul lui, era evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \
u355\'3f}inut n ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i Bine-a
i venit n club,
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ule,\i0 i-am zis n gnd, cu o u{\f
63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} satisfac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 uitasem nimeni nu-mi suflase o vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
espre planul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii mele. Dar satisfac{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ia mi-a fost de scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} durat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ngrijora ceea
ce putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se ntmple lui
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sydney, acum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Abe
era furios pe ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fata asta m
-a min{\f63 \u355\'3f}it, a mrit el. n fiecare zi,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 raporta despre ct{\f63 \u259\'3f} lini{\f63 \u351\'3f
}te {\f63 \u351\'3f}i plictiseal{\f63 \u259\'3f} e n Virginia de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vest. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb dac-or fi ajuns m{\f63 \
u259\'3f}car n ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul {\f63 \u259\'3f}la.
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 Trebuie\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
uc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mult succes
, i-a urat Adrian, sco{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd o {\f63 \u355\'3f}igar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aprinznd-o.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, n lipsa mea, contractul de curtare, pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care-l ticluise n glum{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i unde promitea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i va {\f63
\u8222\'3f}reduce
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 drastic" viciile, nu era respectat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu cred c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} te-ar l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa ciracii ei, sau gardienii, nici
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te apropii d
e ea, ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ug{\f63 \u259\'3f} el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, ajung eu
la ea, nicio grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis Abe. Are o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mada de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsuri
de dat. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-a ascuns fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i idio{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, brav
o ei. Dar\i mie o\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, scnte
ia unei idei i s-a aprins Lissei n

\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 minte.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cu Ian. Tipul de la Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ti.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 El l cunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pe {\f63 \u259\'3f}la di
n fotografie... {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, adic{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, pe-{\f63 \u259\'3f}la
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 omort de Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1923 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u351\
'3f}ti sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}? a ntrebat-o Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, a intervenit
Adrian, surprinzndu-i pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Categoric Ian a avut o reac{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mai e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gostit
de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Sydney aia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1823 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am observat {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, a zis Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea pare cam b{\f
63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}oas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a remarcat Adrian,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1306 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncruntndu-se. Dar poate c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a o fi la ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Faptul c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} e ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gostit ar putea chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne fie
de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 folos, a remarcat Abe, gnditor. Voi, femeile, habar n\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ce putere exercita{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i. L-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe gardianul cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1438 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 care umbl{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ta? Pe Ethan Moore?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri287 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, a gemut Ch
ristian. Nu-mi mai aduce aminte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tasha e, totu{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i, destul de atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, a remarcat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4230 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri96 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i poanta ta, destul de proast{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ripostat Christian.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hai, n
u te mai nfoia, l-a potolit Abe. Ethan face
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 parte din garda palatului. A fost a
colo n noaptea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 crimei... ceea ce-ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne fie
de foarte mare folos,
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e{\f63 \u
351\'3f}te s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ntre{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} interesul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1171 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Christian a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tinat nencrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cei din gard{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} au depus deja m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturie. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri178 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} importan{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lui Ethan i se spune ce trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u351\'3f}tie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu sunt
chiar att de sigur, l-a contrazis Abe. Se
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} mereu tot felul de lucruri care n
u apar n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 consemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile oficiale, {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i sunt ncredin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tuturor celor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din gard{\f63 \u259\'3f} li s-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
instructajul, cu ordine stricte cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 privire la ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}
luie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ce nu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i e posibil ca m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} suficient fa
rmec ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle ceva folositor
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pentru noi. Abe a oftat, ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd nc{\f63
\u259\'3f} nemul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 brusca r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sturnare a planurilor lui att
de bine puse la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 punct. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}car dac-ar fi fost {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i Sydney ndeajuns de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fermec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se s
coat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din interogatoriul lor, ca
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s-o interoghez\i eu.\i0 Acum
, trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec peste to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gardien
ii {\f63 \u259\'3f}ia ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung la ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi dau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 seama unde-o fi Rose. A, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu chiar
trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te duci s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i dai testul, prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Credeam c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} era doar un pretext ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungi la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mine, s-a mirat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2403 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, chiar teau chemat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i i-a dat toate i
nstruc{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile despre cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri607 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Era n cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa n car

e d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse cel de-al doilea test.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Duce{\f63
\u355\'3f}i-v{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care lua{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i un gardian care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} napoi. Nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}si{\f63 \u355\'3f}i camera pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu apar Janine
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sau Tad. (Tad era unul dintr
e oamenii de ncredere ai lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2019 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Abe.) Gata cu atentatele-surpriz
{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa ar fi vrut s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} protesteze, afirmnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici prin
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gnd nu-i trecea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} n arest la domiciliu, dar s-a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} damblaua lui Abe, deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. El a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 plecat gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} emann
d agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, iar Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 au pornit spre locul testului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri654 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mam{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}uc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit mai e, a remarcat Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}
i po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-o iei n nume de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u? l-a
ntrebat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian. Tocmai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
-a pierdut calitatea de membru n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 clubul geniilor r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ului. Planul lui st
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucit s-a dus de rp{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 iar acum a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
fiic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-sa cnd el o credea ntr-un
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 loc sigur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1155 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Adrian s-a cufundat ntr-o t{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cere ironic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fie bine, a suspinat Lissa, cu un nod n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 stomac. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, Dumneze
ule, ce leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63
\u259\'3f}\i Jill
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3639 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cu toate astea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nimeni nu avea ce s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f} la asta. Cnd au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajuns la locul testului, Lissa a g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit
o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie aproape

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 identic{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259

\'3f} de precedenta. O mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de spectatori
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}ira{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe coridor. Gard
ieni care blocau intrarea. Mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ca oricnd erau cei care-i aclama
u numele n timp
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ce se apropia, unii fiind moroi {\f63 \u8222\'3f}din
popor", iar al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 familiile regale ale c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ror candida{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f} din curs{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 C{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva dintre nominaliza{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i nu trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} testul temerilor,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiimiliile lor {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i schimbaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} preferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Din nou, Lissa a fost invit
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Inima a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i bat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu put
ere cnd a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Oare avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndure {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte viziuni cumplit
e? Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vedea potirul pe nic{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ieri, dar asta nu nsemna o garan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era niciun scaun n plus, a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a oprit pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 simplu n picioare n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a b{\f63 \u259\'
3f}trnei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ziua, a rostit ea, respectuoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucu
r s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f} rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}d.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri188 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}trna i-a zmbit,
ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lipsurile din dantur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cam ndoiesc, dar ai spus-o ntr-un chip foarte
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2047 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Ai p
olitica n snge.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}... mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc..., a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Lissa, ne{\f63
\u351\'3f}tiind sigur
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese un compliment sau nu. Ce d
ori{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4008 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 acest test?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri951 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ascul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Atta tot. E unul simplu.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lic{\f63
\u259\'3f}rul din ochii femeii o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea pe Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1463 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie chiar att de simplu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tot ce treb
uie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci este s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunzi la
o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntrebare. R{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunzi corect, {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i ai ajuns la vot. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 distractiv o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}trna p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi rostit aceste din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuvint
e mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru ea dect pentru Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1200 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine, a zis L
issa, tulburat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sunt gata.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Femeia a m{\f63 \u259\'3f}surato cu privirea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a dat impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2899 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ceea ce-a
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iat{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, atunci: ce trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} posede o regin{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2171 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 guverneze cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rat poporul?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mintea Lissei s-a golit com
plet pentru moment, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 care un ntreg v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63
\u351\'3f}ag de cuvinte i-a umplut-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1778 \expndtw-8 \i \f20 \fs24 Integritate? n{\f63 \u355\'3f}
elepciune? Judec\i0 at{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb80\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu,
nu, nu-mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunde, i-a zis b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trna, urm{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rind-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Nu nc{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Ai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}gaz pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, la aceea{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i or{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te gnde{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. ntoarc
e-te cu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul corect, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trecut testele. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i... {\f63 \u8212\'3f
} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-i cu ochiul {\f63 \u8212\'3f} este de la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sine n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu nimeni despre asta.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3
f}at, frecndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or micul punct
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tatuat pe bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}. N-o s-o ajute nimeni c
u acest r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ind din camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i-a tot r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucit ntrebarea n minte.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Erau prea multe r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsuri la o astfe
l de ntrebare, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 zis. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i oricare dintre ele putea...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 O mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care di
n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea real{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a smuls instantaneu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 din mintea ei. Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam s-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Sonya
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lind n cort, dar nu,
nu asta fusese ceea ce-mi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Fuse
se o mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care mult mai m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 infinit mai intens{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2317 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri era n bra{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ele mele.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri1419 \expndt
w-14 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I OPT
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw2 \b \f20
\fs24 MI S-A T{\f63 \u258\'3f}IAT RESPIRA{\f63 \u354\'3f}IA.\b0 Aveam fiecare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura lui, dar chia
r {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n miezul verii, temperatura
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse vertiginos pe timpul nop{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii. Dimitri, n somnul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lui, se rostogolise peste mine, adunnd toate p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}turile
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i capul pe pieptul meu. Trupul i era
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lipit de al meu, cald {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i familiar, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar s-a cuib{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3779 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mai aproape.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era mai istovit dect mi d{\f63
\u259\'3f}dusem eu seama dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva n somn.
La urma urmei, el era genul de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 tip care dormea cu un ochi deschis. Acum, ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase jos garda, trupul lui c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}utnd incon{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient... ce?
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura? Pe mine? Fir-ar s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} fie. De ce-i mai

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pusesem Sonyei ntrebarea aia? De ce nu putusem s{\f63

\u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 joc mai departe rolul meu u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de iub
it{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de prieten{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Dimitri? Fiindc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 descurcam prea bine n prezent cu niciuna dintre astea
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Prudent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, te
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, m-am mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urel, ca s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-l pot
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cuprinde pe Dimitri cu un bra{\f63 \u355\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l trag mai aproape.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un risc,
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l trezesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} destram
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vraja. Dar n-a fost a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s-a ntmplat ceva, atunci a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fost c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} se relaxeze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult. Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-l
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a... {\f63 \u355\'3f}inndu-l n bra{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}e... un ntreg roi de emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nvolbura n mine. Aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i durere pe care
-o sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}isem de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cnd l pierdusem mi ardea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pieptul. n ac
ela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 felul n care-l {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineam mi d{\f63 \u259\'
3f}dea impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-ar umple
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acel gol dureros, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum acea part
e lips{\f63 \u259\'3f} din mine s-ar
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 fi pus acum la loc. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu-mi
d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mi lipse{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. mi blocasem toate aceste
sentimente, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cnd cuvintele Sonyei mi zguduiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} frag
ila mea nou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 acceptare a vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nici nu mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}
tiu ct timp am stat a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cu Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Oricum, destul de mult, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} soarel
e r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumineze pnza transparent{\f63
\u259\'3f} a cortului. Era
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 exact atta lumin{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ct{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi trebuia ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d acum p
e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i z{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}resc tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile fin cizelate ale fe{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 moliciunea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rului, cum st{\f63 \u259

\'3f}tea ntins, lipit de mine. mi

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 doream att de tare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ating p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rul acela, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 simt la fel ca nainte. Era, fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, u
n sentiment prostesc.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul lui n-avea cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fie altfel. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i... imboldul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acela era acolo, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-am cedat, plimbndu\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mi cu mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri blnde deg
etele peste cteva {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63 \u355\'3f}e r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zle{\f63
\u355\'3f}e.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Erau delicate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f
63 \u259\'3f}soase, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-acea intim{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri765 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 atingere mi-a strnit fiori reci. I
ar pe el l-a trezit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A deschis ochii, instantane
u alarmat. M-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca ars de lng{\
f63 \u259\'3f} mine, dar n loc de-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, el
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 doar a evaluat situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i nu s-a clintit. Mi-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat mna
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acolo unde era, continund s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mngi p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rul. Privirile ni
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-au nl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit, transmi{\
f63 \u355\'3f}nd nenum{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate lucruri. ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca asta, nu mai eram n cort, mpre
un{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu el, ca doi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fugari ferindu-se de to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei care-i p
riveau ca pe doi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}uf{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tori. Nu mai exista vreun criminal de descoperit,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nu mai exista traum{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nvins. Nu eram
dect eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sentimentele aprinse ntre noi d
e atta timp.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Cnd s-a mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ca
t, n-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se retrag{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n l
oc de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}at capul, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n jos, spre mine.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Doar c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva centimetri ne desp{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ochii i tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gndurile. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rute... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-o doream {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i eu.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 S-a aplecat spre mine, cu o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe obr
azul meu. M-am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ntlnesc bu
zele {\f63 \u8212\'3f} aveam nevoie de ele {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cnd colo, el a ncremenit. S-a tras na
poi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ridicat n {\f63 \u351\'3f}ezut, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflnd
frustrat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntorcndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par

\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 privirea de la mine. M-am rid
icat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu n capul oaselor,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2831 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 respirnd scurt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
agitat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1450 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-ce s-a ntmpl
at? l-am ntrebat.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ntors din nou privirea spre mine.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Alege. Ai destule variante.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am trecut un deget peste buze.
Att de aproape.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3049 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Att, att de aproape.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\
'3f}tiu... {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lucrurile s-au schimbat. {\f63
\u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 avut dreptate. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din nou s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iube{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Masca i reap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
use deja pe chip n timp ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i formula
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1868 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aici nu e vor
ba despre iubire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri13 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tot ce se ntmplase n acest ultim min
ut mi s-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 derulat din nou n minte: leg{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tura aceea des{\f63 \u259\'3f}vr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}, felul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} privise {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-mi
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse inima s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tresalte. Ce
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 naiba, Sonya sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea chiar c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ntre noi exista un soi de
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} mistic{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nu despre iubire e vorba, atunci despre ce?
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 m-am mirat eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri960 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Despre ceea ce
e bine, a replicat, lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ceea ce e bine? Binele {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} subiecte
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 perpetue la Sf. Vladimir. Eu nu ave
am optsprezece ani.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 El mi era profesor. Era vorba s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim g
ardienii Lissei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i consacr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m

ntreaga noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Toate
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 aceste argumente n favoarea ideii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr
ebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inem distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ntre
noi doi fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} valabile atunci.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dar ntre timp picaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mult de pe t
apet.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} ma
i fi pus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri... dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nar fi rcit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2411 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cineva la u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cor
tului nostru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351
\'3f}nit amndoi n picioare, dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtndu-ne {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntinzndu-ne dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ele lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} care dormiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi n{\f63 \u351\'3f}f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cam {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea doar de in
stinct,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu avea cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie strigoi persoana de\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n ulti
mul timp, strigoii reprezentaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cea mai m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintre
grijile noastre.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3309 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Rose? Dimitri?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri14 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vocea abia se auzea... dar era un
a bine cunoscut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Destinzndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \
u351\'3f}or, am desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut fermoarul de la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 intrarea n cort {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
a ochilor no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut Sonya,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ngenuncheat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dinaintea lui. La fel ca n
oi, avea pe ea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}minte ca a
tunci cnd o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem ultima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 iar p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul castaniu i era r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Altfel p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fi sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 nev{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ritorii ei. M-am gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-i fac loc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 intre.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Confortabi
l, a apreciat ea, rotindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea n jur.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 V-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ales cel mai ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rtat loc din tot campingul. Mi-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 luat o ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nicie pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f

63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina pe care mi-ai

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 descris-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1444 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum ai ajuns
aici? m-am interesat.
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut {\f63 \u351\'3f}treng{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u351\'3f}te cu ochiul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu numai voi v{\
f63 \u259\'3f} pricepe{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fura{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini. Sau, n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri15 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cazul meu, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac
e{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe oameni s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le ofere cu mprumut
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}de bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}voie".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te-a urm{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rit cineva? a ntrebat-o Dimitri. Era din
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nou seriozitatea ntruchipat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \
u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}deze prin cel mai
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mic semn ceea ce se petrecus
e doar cu cteva clipe mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4091 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 devreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, din cte
mi-am dat seama, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezndu-se turce{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Vre
o doi gardieni m-au urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin cartier, dar mi-au pierdut repede urma. n general
,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 erau interesa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i doar de voi doi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi imaginez
, am bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit. Mare p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri922 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tersese deja: p
utea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat el prioritate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, dar el
n-a omort nicio regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a replicat ea,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntristat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, tot trebuise s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spunem de ce era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} el fusese cel pe care-l sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ise Sonya
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o pnde{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pe Lissa cn
d eram la Sf. Vladimir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar vestea
cea bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a continuat ea, este c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}
tiu

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 unde sunt ei acum.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri585 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde? am ntreba
t la unison {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Un mic zmbet cunosc{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tor i-a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut pe buze la auzul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4042 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n vestul st
atului Michigan, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Au pornit n
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2056 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Naiba s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i ia, am bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri ne nd
reptaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m din Ann Arbor spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sud-est, t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ind-o pr
in suburbiile Detroitului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i trecnd de
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in n Ohio. Aleseser{\f63 \u259\'3f
}m direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri758 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar pe Jill ai
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o? E bine? am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut semn c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
da.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foarte bine. Sp
eriat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar n rest, foarte bine. Mi-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 descris suficiente puncte de reper
ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
e g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim motelul. Am ntlnit-o n vis acum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ore; treb
uiau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se odihneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Victor
nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea bine. E posibil s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-acum acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, e c
azul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m imediat, a hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, instantaneu gata pentru ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
une. Ct timp or s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fie n mers, nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} J
ill e treaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu se poate lua
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura cu ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am strns cortul {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i lucrurile cu o iu{\f63 \u355\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f} uluitoare.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Glezna nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai durea prea r{\f63 \u

259\'3f}u, dar era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} umflat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sesizndu-mi {\f63 \u351\'3f}chiop{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatul
, Sonya a cerut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne oprim
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in nainte de a ne sui n ma{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ina ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3466 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sta{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat n genunch
i n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea, examinndu-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 glezna umflat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lesn
e de z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit prin rupturile rochiei.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Inspirnd adnc, mi-a pus palmele pe ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
un flux
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 electric mi-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}getat prin gamb{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, urmat de valuri de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cnd a terminat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sa ridicat la
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 loc, durerea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i umfl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu
ra mi disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zgrieturile de pe picioare. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}nile de la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cap. Utilizatorii spiritului m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vinde
cau att de frecvent,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nct ai fi crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob
i{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuisem cu asta, dar tot era
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ceva oarecum n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mul{\f63 \u
355\'3f}umesc, i-am zis. Dar n-ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri593 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 asta... n-ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i irose{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti puterile magice...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem nevoi
e de tine n perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f} stare, mi-a zis ea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i privinrea i s-a ab{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
ut de la mine, fixndu-se asupra
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 copacilor. Iar magia... ei bine, e greu s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} stai departe de
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3
f}r, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a era, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\
'3f}eam vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i-o folosise cu mine... apropiindu-se astfel cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un pas de nebunie. Transformnd-o la
loc, Robert i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lecuise ntr-o oarecare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mintea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea ar fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} profite de asta. Totu{\f63

\u351\'3f}i, n-aveam vreme s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i {\f63 \u355\'3f}in

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 predici, iar expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei lui Dimit
ri mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 era de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere c{\f63 \u259\'3f} treb
uie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi revin n form{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am pornit spre locul n care
ne spusese Sonya c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 afla Jill, iar de data asta, indica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
le ei au fost ct mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 precise cu putin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Gat
a cu informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile vagi, gata cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mintele care s-o lege. Ne-am opri
t o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'3f}procur{\f63 \u259
\'3f}m" o ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} facem rost de o hart{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile pe care le culesese Sonya
de la Jill ne-au
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 condus ntr-un ora{\f63 \u351\'3f} numit Sturgis. De{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i era n jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vestic{\f63 \u259\'3f} a statului Michigan, se situa
spre sud... ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a nu er
a chiar att de mare pe ct ne
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Chiar {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, Dimitri tot a condus n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 permanen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu cel pu{\
f63 \u355\'3f}in dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cinci de kilometri pe
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 or{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste viteza legal{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acolo, a an
un{\f63 \u355\'3f}at Sonya, n timp ce rulam prin
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri177 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 centrul ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ului S
turgis... care nu prea sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na a centru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Eram aproape de un motel cu
nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are modest{\f63 \u259\'3f}, d
e
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 pe o strad{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}turalni
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Exact cum
mi l-a descris. Motelul Sunshine, a spus
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4341 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 Sonya
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a intrat n spa{\f63 \
u355\'3f}iul de parcare din spatele
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am r{\f63
\u259\'3f}mas tustrei pe loc, examinnd motelul,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care nu ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta att de vesel pe ct i era n
umele. B{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400

\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}itorii mei ncercau, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mine, s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cum ar fi mai bine s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} abord{\f63 \u259\'3f}m problema. Visul lui Jill ne
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adusese aici, dar Sonya nu mai avea vreo alt{\f63 \u
259\'3f} informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ajute la g{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sirea camerei... asta dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei ar mai fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fost acolo. n mod cert nu se nscriseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cu numele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate. Tocmai m{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
reg{\f63 \u259\'3f}team s{\f63 \u259\'3f} propun s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecem,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fiecare u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} Sonya
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l simt{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
e Robert, cnd ea ne-a ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1281 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-le ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina, a exclamat. Sunt aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a era. Vedeam li
mpede Honda CR-V cu care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m acas{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} la Jill. Asta zic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu karma. i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}terpelisem cheile lui Victor, iar el
ne ntorsese serviciul,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lundu-le pe ale noastre. Nimeni dintre noi nu se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gndise, n tot haosul ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor, la vehi
culul cu care\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i luaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} t{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}lp{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Neglijen{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i, a murmurat Dimitri, ngustndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri662 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gnditor ochii. Ar fi trebuit s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i schimbe ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta-i a lu
i Sydney, i-am atras eu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Practic,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu e furat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu apare pe vreuna dintre listele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 poli{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei. n plus, mi spune c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert nu sunt
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 profesioni{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti la pornitul ma{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}inilor din dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} fire, ca\i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe care-i cunosc eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n definitiv, l{\f63 \u259\'3
f}saser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n urma noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} un ntreg {\f63 \u351\'3f}ir
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini furate de-a lungul Midwestu
lui.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri m-a aprobat dnd din c
ap, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cui, de fapt, un compliment.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1070 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oricare
ar fi motivul, e clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri719 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u
350\'3f}i cum facem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim? a ntrebat Sonya.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am dat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} propun i
deea cu aura, dar m-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zgndit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Robert ar fi sim{
\f63 \u355\'3f}it-o pe Sonya n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 beneficiind astfel de o n{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiin{\f63 \u
355\'3f}are de ultim moment. Plus
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i g{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}seam pe cei doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, foarte probabil avea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}eze o lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Iar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, n incinta motelului,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ar fi atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. n schimb, parcare
a era amplasat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 spatele cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii, departe de strada p
rincipal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351
\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, am zis. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, e mare
minune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un popas att de lung. Dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} au un dram de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece
ct de curnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De acord, ma sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut Dimitri, ntlnindu-mi
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 Suflete sincronizate.\i0
Amintirea acelui aproape-s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi-a revenit n minte, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ntorc capul,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 temndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ce-ar putea s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-mi tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}deze fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Parcarea e {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de supravegheat, a argumentat
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 el. Nu prea e loc pentru fug{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Era adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
ntr-o parte era m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rginit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de motel, iar
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de un zid din beton. Nici
prea multe cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}diri
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nu erau prin preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a mutat ma{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ina noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cel mai ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 loc pe care l-a g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit, unul care ne of
erea o vizibilitate
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irii din motel... dar care
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ne {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ascundea pe jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tate. Ne-am gndit la nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnem n ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, dar pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri am ajuns
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 la concluzia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era mai bine s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiindc{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aveam mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f
} libertate de mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care. Am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat-o pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri893 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sonya n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru. n def
initiv, nu era r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboiul ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Cum st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, ascuns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Dimitri dup{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 automobil, la umbra unui ar{\f63 \u355\'3f}ar frunzo
s, am devenit acut
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\'3f} de apropier
ea lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de postura sa aprig{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboinic. Orict i-ar fi simn{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}it el lipsa dusterului, eram
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recunosc c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea imaginea lui f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 hain{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}B{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}nuiesc, am rostit nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} vorbim
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2698 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 despre azi-diminea{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ochii lui Dimitri fixau att d
e intens CR-V-ul, nct
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} pe Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe cei doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 materializeze n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untrul lui. Pe mine, ns
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}lea.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi evi
te privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1922 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-avem despre
ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbim.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}
tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui. De fapt, aveam de dat cu

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri931 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 banul ntre asta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
{\f63 \u8222\'3f}nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu despre ce vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri787 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri nu mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3
f}spuns dect printr-un oftat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}
i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, am urmat eu,\i avem\i0 ceva despre care s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vorbim. Cum ar fi despre momentul n
care ai fost ct pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ru{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ce-ai vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui prin
{\f63 \u8222\'3f}ceea ce e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4317 \expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 bine"?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3988 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 T{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai vrut s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru{\f63 \u355\'3f}i! am exclamat. m
i venea greu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri298 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}strez tonul sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut. Am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut clar, am insist
at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Simplul fa
pt c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am vrea ceva nu nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 trebuie.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar c
eea ce am zis eu... e adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, nu? Tu\i e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iube{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ti, nu? Acum mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, imediat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} transformare, tu chiar ai crezut
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai putea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici nu puteai. Dar lucrur
ile s-au schimbat.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Redevii tu nsu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1403 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri mi-a aruncat o privire
piezi{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri652 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da. Lucrurile
s-au schimbat... ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} unele nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, domnule Eni
gm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar asta nu explic{\f63 \u259\'3f} partea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3194 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}ceea ce e b
ine".

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2157 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Iritarea i-a umbrit tr{\f63 \
u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, am f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de lucruri rele, iar pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 multe n-am cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
e mai ndrept vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi le
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}scump{\f63 \u259\'3f}r. Singura me
a variant{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 recap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, este s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} merg nainte, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} opresc r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fac ceea ce e bine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ceea ce\i nu e
\i0 bine este s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i iau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 femeia altui b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat, a unuia pe care-l
simpatizez {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 respect. Fur ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini. Dau buzna n casele
altora. Dar
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i grani{\f63 \
u355\'3f}e pe care\i n-o\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le trec, indiferent ct a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Deschiderea u{\f63 \u351\'3
f}ii din spatele motelului ne-a smuls din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, captn
du-ne ntreaga aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Nu e de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mirare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea am
oroas{\f63 \u259\'3f} era att de dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste cap,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate momentele mele mai profund
e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai intime
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 erau mereu ntrerupte de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pe mu
chie de cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 la urma urmei, nici nu mai avea importan{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din moment
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n vecii vecilor, nu m-a{\
f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat la o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 astfel de declara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie:\i Ceea ce\i0 n
u\i e bine este s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i iau
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 femeia altui b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat, a unuia pe car
e-l simpatizez {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l
\plain\expndtw-11 \i \f20 \fs24 respect.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Noile ntmpl{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ri au c{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat prioritate. Victor a ie{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}it
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 din cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire, ncadrat
de-o parte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Robert {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de Jill. Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem s-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d legat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 surprindea faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i nso{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ea att de lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Prea

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-am dat s

eama imediat. Nu era ceva firesc. n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile ei era ceva
aproape de robot: fusese constrns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 la docilitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}For{\f63 \u
355\'3f}a de constrngere, a comentat ncet Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el seama de
acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru. Tu ia-l pe Victor.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Eu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocup de Robert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3286 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Am ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Jill o s-o rup{\
f63 \u259\'3f} la fug{\f63 \u259\'3f} imediat cum dispare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2800 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 constrngerea. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
sper.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu m-ar fi mirat din partea
ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se al{\f63 \u259\'3f}ture nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ier{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rii,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva ar fi adus mai mult r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}u dect bine. Aveam
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m r{\f63 \u259
\'3f}spunsul ct de curnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Din fericire, nu era nimeni
altcineva prin preajm. Era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} destul de devreme. Am {\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ascunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f},
traversnd n cteva clipe spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. Doi dhampiri s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}to{\f63 \u351\'3f}i puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fug{\f63 \u259\'3f} doi moroi b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trni l
a orice or{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, orict de abili ar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fi fost ei, cei doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nu se a{\f63
\u351\'3f}teptaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} la apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Cu coada ochiului, l-am put
ut z{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri pentru o frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de secund{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Dimitri comutndu-se la i
postaza lui de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 zeu al r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboiului, aprig {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i de neoprit. Apoi mi-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 concentrat ntreaga aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie asupra lui
Victor, aruncndu\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} greutatea pe el {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i doborndu-l la sol. S-a izbit cu
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 putere de asfalt, iar eu l-a
m imobilizat imediat, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 i-am repezit un pumn n nasul pe care
i l-am umplut de
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 snge.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2579 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine lucrat,
a icnit el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tii de cnd a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac asta, i-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3109 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns printre
din{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri858 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} durerea
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sngele, Victor a zmbit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} da. Eu tot credeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Belikov era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lbaticul, dar n rea
litate tu erai, nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? Tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 animalul necontrolat, care nu e capabil s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} judece mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 presus de b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
omor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri561 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 L-am apucat de c{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am aplecat spre el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu? Nu eu sunt c
ea care a torturat-o pe Lissa
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pentru propriile interese. Nu eu su
nt cea care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 transformat propria fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n strigoi. {\f
63 \u350\'3f}i sunt al naibii de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici cea car
e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a folosit for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de constrngere
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1308 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}peasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cincisprezece ani!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Spre dezgustul meu, {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i zmbet
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nnebunitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea e pre{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Rose. Foarte, foarte pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioas{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Habar n-ai ct de pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'
3f} poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea nu e un
obiect pe care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l manipulezi tu! am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3454 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipat. Ea e... aa
a!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul a ncep

ut deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se zgl{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie sub mine:

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 un cutremur n miniatur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu epicentrul
n dreptul nostru.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Asfaltul s-a cabrat, oferindu-i lui Victor un punct d
e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sprijin, astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
arunc de pe el. N-a fost un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 brnci prea energic, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a{\f63 \u351
\'3f} fi rec{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat lesne echilibrul
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu s-ar
fi unduit solul n jurul meu, rostogolindu-se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca valurile oceanului, ncercnd s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} doboare. Victor
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a magia p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}mntului, controlnd suprafa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care ne aflam. Strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}te slabe de mira
re m-au informat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i resim{\f63
\u355\'3f}eau un pic din el, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} magia era n mod
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 clar ndreptat{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpotriva mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} un pre{\f63 \u355\'3f} de pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti
t. Victor era b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn: un
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn pe care tocmai l trntisem pe asfal
t {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l lovisem
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu pumnul. Durerea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i epuizarea fizic
{\f63 \u259\'3f} l cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}eau, iar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui anevoioas{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} exercitarea unei
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 magii att de puternice {\f63 \u8212\'3f} era un lucru
pe care nu-l mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la v
reun utilizator al p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntului {\f63 \u8212\'3f} i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 consuma {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ultimul dram de energie r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Un singur pumn zdrav{\f63 \
u259\'3f}n. Att mi trebuia. Un singur
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pumn zdrav{\f63 \u259\'3f}n l-ar fi pus jos {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i l-ar fi scos din lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i eu\i0 eram cea pus{\f63
\u259\'3f} jos. Literalmente. Orict m\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit, micul m
eu cutremur personal m{\f63 \u259\'3f} biruia,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 doborndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n genunchi. Eram {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i acum n rochia aia
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 tmpit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ceea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
picioarele mele abia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vindecate aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se umple din nou de
julituri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce am c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, asfa
ltul s-a ridicat n jurul meu. Mi\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor avea s{\f63 \u

259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prind{\f63 \u259\'3f} n captivitate,

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 crend n jurul meu o carcer{\f63 \u259\'3f} din piatr{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Or, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva nu
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i permit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}To{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}chii {\f63 \u259\'3f}ia, degeaba, a icnit Victor, n t
imp ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 transpira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia i {\f63 \u351\'3f}iroia p
e fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i folosesc la nimic, pn{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rata pute
re e n minte. n {\f63 \u351\'3f}iretenie.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Controlnd-o pe Jillian o controlez pe Vasilisa. Prin
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Vasilisa, i controlez pe Drag
omiri, iar de la ei... pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri440 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 moroii. Asta nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f
} puterea.\i Asta\i0 nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cea mai mare parte a tirade
i lui ngmfate a trecut pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot
a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas ceva:\i Controlnd-o pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 Jillian, o controlez pe Vasilisa.\i0 Pe Lissa. N
u puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 permit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei vr
eun r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i permit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea. De fapt, nu pute
am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i permit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici de Jill. Lissa mi d{\f
63 \u259\'3f}ruise un\i chotki,\i0 ceva
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 ntre o br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ar{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un rozariu. Era o mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tenire a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dragomirilor, ncredin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f
} celor care ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rau familia.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Asta era datoria mea: s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ap{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i Dragomirii.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Str{\f63 \u259\'3f}vechea mantr{\f63 \u259\'3f} a ga
rdienilor mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat n minte:
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 Ei au prioritate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Cu o ndemnare pe care nu {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} avea-o, m-am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 apucat de asfaltul tremur{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ridic
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din nou n picioare. Am {\f63 \u351\'3f}i reu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}it, dansnd practic n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 parcarea aceea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n timp ce-l fixam c
u privirea pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Victor, am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it acel lucru asupra c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia m{\f63 \u259\'3f} avertizase
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Sonya: catalizatorul. Scnteia menit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} aprind{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntunericul pe care-l adunasem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l tot

adunasem din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. Privindu-l pe el, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut tot
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 concentrat ntr-o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoan{\f63
\u259\'3f}. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost ntru totul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat? Nu, nu tocmai. ns{\f63 \u259
\'3f} el i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u celei mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bune prietene a mea: aproape c-o omorse. Se jucase cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Dimitri, complicnd ceea ce
deja era o rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 foarte ncurcat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Acum, ncerca s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-i manipuleze pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Cnd avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{
\f63 \u259\'3f}? Oare cnd aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceteze
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 relele lui? Vederea mi s-a nce{\f63 \u355\'3f}o{\f63
\u351\'3f}at de pete ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i negre.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am auzit o voce strigndu-m{\f
63 \u259\'3f} pe nume: a Sonyei, cred.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n momentul
acela, pentru mine nu mai exista
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 altceva pe lume n afara lui Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
a urii mele fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am aruncat asupra lui, ali
mentat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de furie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 adrenalin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind n af
ara epicentrului acelui cutremur
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nghit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit pe el,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dar n-am mai atins solul. Ne schimbaser{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n loc s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ne trntim pe asfalt, ne-am izbit de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 peretele din beton... cu exact aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu care a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aruncat un strigoi. Capul lui Victor s-a ndoit pe spa
te n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 momentul impactului. Am auzit un prit neobi{\f63 \u351\
'3f}nuit,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care Victor s-a prelins pe jos.
M-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat imediat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el, apucndu-l de bra{\f63 \u355\'3
f}e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i zgl{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-l.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri230 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ridic{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-te! am {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipat. Ridic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te cu mine!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dar, indiferent ct l-a{\f63 \u351
\'3f} fi zguduit eu sau ct a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi urlat,
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Victor tot nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} stea pe picioare. Tot nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}te singur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} bra{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}e m-au n{\f63 \u351\'3f}f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duin
du-se zadarnic s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} smulg{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1845 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose... Rose!
Gata.\i nceteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 N-am luat n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} v
ocea, n-am luat n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele. Eram toat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} numai furie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i energie, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ba nu,\i n
evoia {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i0 ca Victor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfrunte
, o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru totdeauna. Brusc, m-a nv{\f
63 \u259\'3f}luit o senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 stranie, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi s-ar fi plimbat vr
furile degetelor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuiva pe piele.\i D{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i drumul.\i0 Na{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s-o fac, dar,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pentru o frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune de secund{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi o idee
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rezonabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi
-am sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in strnsoarea, suficient
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru ca bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele ac
elea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} smuceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe el. {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 uite-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, m-am trezit brusc din ame{\f
63 \u355\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am dat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 seama ce se petrecuse. Cea care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}sese fusese
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Sonya, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i folosise
o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmi{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} din puterea de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 constrngere, doar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a reu{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ind s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia de-acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dau drumul l
ui Victor. Puterea ei era suficient
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de mare nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
evoie de contactul vizual. M-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut n continuare n st{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pnirea ei, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta nsemna
risip{\f63 \u259\'3f} de efort.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-l opresc, am zis, zvrcolindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 strnsoarea ei. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fac s{\f63
\u259\'3f} pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2010 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i m-am ntins di
n nou spre el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
la constrngerea fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, apelnd n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3326 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 schimb la cuvinte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, a pl{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tit! E\i mort.\i0 Nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dai seama? E mort.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Victor e mort.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Nu, nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
usem seama; cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, nu de la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nceput. Tot ce vedeam era obsesia mea oarb{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, nevoia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mea de a ajunge la Victor. Dar atunci, cuvintele ei a
u
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mine. Cnd
l-am n{\f63 \u351\'3f}f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat pe Victor, i-am
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it moliciunea trupului. I-am v{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}zut ochii care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 priveau, inexpresivi, spre... nimic. Sentimentul acel
a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nebunesc, nvolburat, din mine s-a stins treptat, l{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}snd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 locul {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocului. Strnsoarea mi-a sl{\f63
\u259\'3f}bit n timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 holbam la el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elege
am cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat ce-mi spusese ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2622 \fi284 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam
ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Apoi, am auzit un sun
et ngrozitor. Un vaiet sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zb{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tut prin zidul nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}at al ororii din mintea mea. Mi\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 am ntors privirea, alarmat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i l-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Robert. Robert avea bra{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ele imobilizate la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri l {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} pic de efort, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 moroiul f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea tot ce-i st{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tea n puteri {\f63 \u8212\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} succes {\f6
3 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se elibereze. Jill era n apropier
e, privindu-ne pe
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i stingherit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tul
burat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3108 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Victor! Victo
r!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}tele lui Robe
rt erau sugrumate de hohotele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri14 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 plnsului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la fel d
e inutile ca eforturile mele de a-l face
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pe Victor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea pe picioare. Mi-am n
tors privirea spre
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cadavrul din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea, cu greu venind
u-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred ceea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem. Avusesem impresia c{\f63
\u259\'3f} gardienii fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sminti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionnd astf
el fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Eddie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 omorse un moroi, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum ncepeam s{\f63
\u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg. Una
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ucizi un monstru, cum erau stri
goii. Ins{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cuiva, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a cuiva care...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3387 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ia-l de-aici!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Sonya era att de aproape de mine,
nct nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptata
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ei exclama{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie m-a f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tresar. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ea ngenunchease,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rise n picioa
re, ntorcndu-se spre Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1567 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Du-l de-aici!
Ct po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de departe!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut mi
rat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} energia din tonul ei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 poruncitor l-a pus imediat n mi{\f63
\u351\'3f}care. A nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} el pe Rober
t, ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtndu-l. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 clipe, s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zgndit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ltat pur pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rndu-l astfel ma
i repede. M-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb840\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aud {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipete de
protest, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Robert amu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ise. Era cu ochii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri16 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 spre cadavrul lui Victor: o privir
e att de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nct p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} sfredeleasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o gaur{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin cineva.

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Sonya, nel{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-se prad{\f63 \u259\'3f

} acelora{\f63 \u351\'3f}i imagini fanteziste
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ca ale mele, s-a aruncat ntre cei doi fra{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-se din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nou jos {\f63 \u351\'3f}i acoperind trupul lui Victo
r cu al ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Scoate-l deaici! a strigat din nou. ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri164 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 readuc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la via{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Victor! {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ar deveni atins de umb
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Eu eram nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
erutat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tulburat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ngrozit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pri
mejdia din afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ei m-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 izbit cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} puterea. Nu trebuia s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-i permitem lui
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Robert s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l readuc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Victor. Cei doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i era
u
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a destul de prime
jdio{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fie lega{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe plan
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri828 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spiritual. Nu trebuia s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-i permitem lui Victor s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 invoce fantomele, a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a cum puteam eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac. Victor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2850 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63
\u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} mort.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri730 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-are nevoie s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ating{\f63 \u259\'3f} corpul? am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ca s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} finalizeze leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura, da. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa asta
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 folose{\f63 \u351\'3f}te un volum im
ens de spirit, rechemndu-i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sufletul lui Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'
3f}cndu-l s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n preajm{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, mi\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 a explicat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce Dimi
tri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert nu s-au mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, Sonya
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mi-a cerut s-o ajut la ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtarea cad
avrului. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prea mult zgomot {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era chiar de mirar
e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nimeni nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Jill ni s-a al{\f63 \u259\
'3f}turat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am mutat f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca eu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rat ce fac. Sonya a g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit cheile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 CR-V-ului asupra lui Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a rabat
at bancheta din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spate, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}reasc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul portbagajului. Ne-am
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nghesuit n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, fiind nevoie s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m toate trei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ghemuite, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fim v{\f63 \u259\'3
f}zute. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in timp, am
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 auzit voci, semn c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea venise s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce s-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntmplat. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ct timp au z{\f63 \u259
\'3f}bovit n parcare, ci doar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din fericire, nu le-a trecut prin
cap s{\f63 \u259\'3f} caute {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini. Vre{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} fiu sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f}? De-abia dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai aveam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreo cteva gnduri coerente. Furia aceea turbat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} mi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trecuse, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mintea mi era vrai{\f63 \u
351\'3f}te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
mai eram n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ag{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
55\'3f} de nimic
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 concret. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam bo
lnav{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam altceva dect
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urmez ordinele Sonyei: s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} stau ghemuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pe ct
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 posibil, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu privesc spre cadavrul
lui Victor.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce nu s-au mai auzit vocile, ea ne-a mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut acolo, n ma{\f
63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}suflat adnc
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ndreptat aten{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ia spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3884 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2692 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 N-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns i
mediat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3884 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1599 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda? am rosti
t, cu o voce frnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n schimb, vocea ei era lini{\f63 \
u351\'3f}titoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mieroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam iar{\f63 \u
259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i furnic{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi pe piele, nso{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ite de nevoia de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 a-i face pe plac.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vreau ca t
u s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la cei mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Deschide
-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ochii
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pentru ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 La mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? Nu
. mi sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam mintea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a sc{\f63 \
u259\'3f}pat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sub control, dar mai aveam destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} ra
{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aducerea fantomelor aici ar
fi o idee proast{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3763 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1331 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba po{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i, mi-a zis. Te ajut eu. Te rog.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} mpotrivesc constrngerii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Extinzndu-mi sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}uril
e, mi-am ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat zidurile de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nconjuram. Erau zidurile care b
locau accesul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 spre mine al celor din lumea mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor
, al fantomelor care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau pretutinde
ni. n cteva clipe, n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea au
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut tot felul de chipuri transluci
de, unele sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}nnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cu fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}e normale, iar altele cumplite,
nfior{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Aveau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gurile deschise, vrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63
\u259\'3f}, dar fiindu-le cu
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 neputin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1948 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce vezi? m-a n
trebat Sonya.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1772 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Spirite, i-am
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns n {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri2924 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe Vict
or l vezi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ncordat privirea spre roiul
de fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3342 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 vreuna cunoscut{\f63 \u259\'3f}

.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri4542 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri123 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Alung{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-le la loc, a zis ea. Ridic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i napoi ziduri
le.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cu
m mi spunea, dar mi-era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 greu. Nu aveam voin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f} suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncurajat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sonya nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 exercita constrngerea asupra mea. Ea nu putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dispar{\f63 \u259\'3f} fantomele, ns
{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-i sprijinul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea, m-am nt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit. Am
reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i alung pe dece\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 da{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lipsi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de tihn
{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nseamn{\f63
\u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a dus, a zis Sonya. Ori a fost mistuit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 complet de lumea mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor, ori r{\f63
\u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ce{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, ca un spirit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neodihnit. Oricum ar fi, e clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} toa
te firele care-l mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 legau de via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-au rup
t. Nu mai poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Du-te s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l iei pe Dimitri, i-a zis ap
oi lui Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri535 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tiu unde e, a replicat Jill, nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sonya i-a zmbit, dar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu ochii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe-aproape, sunt
convins{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i e atent la toate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Plimb{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te n jurul mo
telului, al cvartalului, pe unde vrei.
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63
\u259\'3f} el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri36 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Jill s-a
dus, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fie nevoie de cons
trngere.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} plecarea ei, mi-am ngropat fa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}a n palme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O, Doamne.
O, Doamne. Tot timpul, n-am vrut s-o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 recunosc, dar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e:\i sunt\i0 o cr
iminal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri658 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu te gndi
acum la asta, m-a sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit Sonya.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Atitudinea ei, de per
soan{\f63 \u259\'3f} care prelua controlul, era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aproape reconfortant{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Aproape. Era mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ascul{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ordine dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te descurci pe cont pro
priu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Las{\f63 \u
259\'3f} pe mai trziu vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, a continuat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri697 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne debaras{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de cadavru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Descoperindu-mi ochii, m-am
silit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} privesc spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Victor. Un val de grea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
} mi s-a ridicat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n gt, iar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile acelea nebune{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ti au nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nvrteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mai necontrolat. Am izbucnit ntr-un rs aspru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da. Cadavru
l. Mi-ar fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie Sydney aici.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dar noi nu avem nicio po{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune magic{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i soarele n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 l distrug{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ciudat nu? Strigoii sunt m
ai greu de ucis...
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mai greu de ucis, mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de nl{\f63
\u259\'3f}turat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am rs din nou, fiindc{\f63 \
u259\'3f} n vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ria mea incoerent{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era ceva familiar... da, eram ca Adrian, ntr-unul dint
re
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 momentele acelea bizare ale lui. Sau ca Lissa, cnd
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spiritul o mpingea spre marginea pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}pa
stiei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta e, nu?
am ntrebat-o pe Sonya. Torentul...
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 torentul despre care m-ai prevenit. Lissa a sc{\f63 \
u259\'3f}pat de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spirit, dar el m-a nvins pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63
\u259\'3f}... exact ca pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Anna... exact ca n vis... o, Doamne. {\f63 \u258\'3f}
sta e un vis, nu-i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? Dar nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} trezesc...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Sonya m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pri
vea fix, cu ochii ei alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri m{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i de...
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de ce? De team{\f63 \u259\'3f}? De batjocur{\f63 \u2

59\'3f}? De alarm{\f63 \u259\'3f}? S-a ntins

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-a luat de mn{\f63 \u259
\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1191 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}R{\f63 \
u259\'3f}mi cu mine, Rose. l alung{\f63 \u259\'3f}m noi.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 O u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oa
r{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie n geam ne-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut pe amndou
{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rim dup{\f63 \u
259\'3f} care Sonya le-a deschis lui Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1738 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Robert unde e
? s-a interesat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a aruncat o privire n jos,
spre Victor, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2591 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care a ntors prompt capul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri765 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Incon{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tient, ascuns ntr-un tufi{\f63 \u351\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} col{\f63 \u
355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ncnt{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tor, a apreciat Sonya. Crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elept?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3505 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l l{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m aici?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-am nchipui
t c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elept s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu v{\f63 \
u259\'3f}zut
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e un tip f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
el, ridicnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din umeri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, la drept vorbind... da
, cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m aici. O s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} se trezeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. El nu e un fugar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat. {
\f63 \u350\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor, e... m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} rog, nu inofensiv. Dar mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}un{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Oricum, nu
putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m dup{\f63 \u259\'3f
} noi ntruna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am izbucnit iar{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n rs, n acel rs care pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mie
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea dezechilibrat, isteric.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E incon{\f63
\u351\'3f}tient. Normal. Normal. Tu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta. Tu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci c

e e bine. Eu, nu. Mi-am cobort
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 privirea spre Victor. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Un animal", a
zis el. Avea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dreptate. Incapabil de o judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} sup
erioar{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-am cuprins singur{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} cu bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, nfigndu-mi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 unghiile n carne cu atta putere, nct a {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u351\'3f}nit sngele.
\plain\expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 Durerea fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f} face s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} plece durerea mental{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i0 Nu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3090 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 spunea mereu Lissa?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri m-a privit fix, dup{\
f63 \u259\'3f} care a ntors capul spre
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 Sonya.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1012 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce s-a ntm
plat? a ntrebat-o, st{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruitor.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse
m de-attea ori riscndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, dar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri184 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63
\u259\'3f} acum, nu ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat nfrico{\f63
\u351\'3f}at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Spiritul,
i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Sonya. L-a tot absorbit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i iar l\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a absorbit, att de mult timp... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a r
eu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l nfrneze.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cu toate acestea, el a stat la pnd{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M
ereu, la pnd{\f63 \u259\'3f}... S\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a ncruntat pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, dndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
poate seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la fel ca mine. Atunci, s-a
ntors spre Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2843 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat-o: E din argint?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a l{
\f63 \u259\'3f}sat ochii spre medalionul n form{\f63 \u259\'3f} de inim{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe care-l purta la gt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3600 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a cred.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3014 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Po{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-l dai?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a desf{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cut nchiz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea l{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\

f63 \u351\'3f}orului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i l-a

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nmnat. {\f63 \u354\'3f}inndu-l ntre pa
lme, Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nchis ochii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u355\'3f}uguind
u-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i buzele. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 deschis, mi-a ntins mie medalionul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3605 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pune-{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i-l.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri462 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Doar atingndu-l, am sim{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}it o furnic{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} stranie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Inima... Mi-am nd
reptat privirea spre Dimitri, n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 timp ce-mi nchideam l{\f63 \u259\'3f
}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}orul. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-aduci aminte?
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Unde e inima?" ai ntrebat. {\f63 \u3
50\'3f}i uite-o. Uite...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntrerupt. Lumea, dintr-o
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a devenit mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 clar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Gndurile mele nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}
lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ite au nceput, ncetul cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncetul, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} revin{\f63 \u259\'3f} la loc
ul lor, alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuind o oarecare
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de normalitate
. I-am fixat cu privirea pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}itorii mei {\f63 \u8212\'3f} pe ce
i vii {\f63 \u8212\'3f} abia acum v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-i cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. Mi-am dus degetele spre med
alion, atingndu\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 l.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb40\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri2415 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E un fa
rmec de lecuire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2910 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351\'
3f}tiam dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} efect {\f63 \u351\'3f}i asup
ra min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cred s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o rezolv
are permanent{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dar, cu ajutorul lui,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al voin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei tale, o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii bine o vreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu dau prea mare aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie acestor din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuvinte.\i O vreme.\i0 n schimb
, am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ceva din lumea care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nconjura. Sau ce

era cu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cadavrul din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1366 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-am f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut? am ntrebat n {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Jill m-a cuprins cu un bra{\f63
\u355\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri a fost cel care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3709 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3025 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ceea ce trebu
ia.
\plain\par
\sl-161\fs16\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri1205 \ex
pndtw-15 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I NOU{\f63 \u258\
'3f}
\plain\par
\sl-255\fs25\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw-4 \b
\f20 \fs24 NTMPL{\f63 \u258\'3f}RILE CARE AU URMAT\b0 au trecut ca
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prin cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Orict ar fi {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut Sonya n fru efectele
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 spiritului, n-avea nicio importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram sub stare
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu eram cap
abil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc. M-au instalat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe scaunul din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ct
mai departe cu putin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Victor.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri ne-a dus undeva {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n-am prea
fost atent{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncotro
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} unde el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sonya sau descotorosit de cadavru. Nu mi\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 au spus ce-au f{\f63 \u259\'
3f}cut, ci doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'3f}s-au ocupat de el". Iar eu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3030 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 n-am cerut am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nu
nte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ne-a
m ntors, ndreptndu-ne spre Curte.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri s-au ntrecut lansnd var
iante despre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce era de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut cnd aveam s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ajungem. Dat fiind
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimeni nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ise nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dovedeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, planul ac
tual era ca Sonya s-o nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Jill la Curte. Jill a ntrebat dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar p
utea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sune
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, ca s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-i anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era teaf{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri a fost
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi nsemn

at un risc pentru siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sonya a promis c-o s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ncerce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Emily n vis, ceea ce a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o pe Jill
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se simt{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat cu
drumul ncercnd s-o vizitez pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. Concentrndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ea, m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} mai ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtam de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acel oribil sentiment de vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pustietatea pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care le sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam, de oroarea a ceea cei f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Victor. Cnd eram cu Lissa, nu mai eram eu {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i n clipa
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 asta era cea mai mare dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} a mea. Nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lucr
urile nu st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau tocmai perfect nici
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru ea. Ca de fiecare dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mai mul
te probleme o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mpov{\f63 \u259\'3f}rau. Se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea apr
oape {\f63 \u8212\'3f} att, att de aproape {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de descoperirea persoanei care o asasinase pe Tatiana
.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i fie la ndemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ar putea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai apropie doar pu{\f63 \u355\
'3f}in. Gardienii l s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ltaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Joe, ngrijitorul, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'
3f} destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} persuasiune {\f63 \u8212\'3f} aveau ei
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 metodele lor, care nu solicitau constrngeri magice {\
f63 \u8212\'3f} el
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 recunoscuse c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zus
e pe moroiul cu mna strmb{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa mea n
noaptea crimei. Toate st{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele n-au
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fost suficiente s{\f63 \u259\'3f}l determine pe Joe s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recunoasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese mituit: nici de individ, nic
i de Daniella. N-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mers cu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisirile dect pn{\f63 \u259
\'3f} la faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, poate,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fusese {\f63 \u8222\'3f}un pic pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}"
cu precizarea momentelor din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 noaptea aceea. Iar asta nu nsemna, n niciun caz, o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndeajuns de important{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} disculpe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa mai avea {\f63 \u351\

'3f}i scrisoarea luat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la Ambrose, cea

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n care Tatiana fusese subtil amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Expeditoarea se
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 opunea legii cu vrsta, considernd-o prea moale,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dezaproba faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana ncuraja ut
ilizarea spiritului
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i exprima resentime
ntele privitoare la {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 secrete de antrenament. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} to
nul scrisorii era de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o polite{\f63 \u355\'3f}e impecabil{\f63 \u259\'3f},
era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} autoarea i purta o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 serioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} pic{\f63 \u259\'3f} reginei.
Iar acest adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r venea n sprijinul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 teoriei cu mobilul politic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Evident, existau ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i destule motive personale
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pentru comiterea crimei. Sordida ncurc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose, Blake {\f63 \u351\'3f}i femeile implicate i d
esemna pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiecare dintre ei ca posibil asasin. Prezen{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}a pe list{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Daniellei Ivashkov nsemna un permanent motiv de stres
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pentru Lissa, care nu ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}znea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} sufle o vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian. Consolarea era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mituirea de
care se f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} Daniella avusese ca scop sco
aterea din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lui Adrian... nu n nt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rirea nvinuirii mel
e. Moroiul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 necunoscut plusase la mita aceea. E clar c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea ar fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fost asasinul Tatianei, Daniella ar fi trebuit s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pentru ambele minciuni ale lui Joe.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, evi
dent, asupra min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii Lissei ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
acel ultim
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 test. Ghicitoarea. Acea ghicitoare
care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} att
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de multe r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsuri... {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i, cu toate acestea, absolut
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 niciunul.\i Ce trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} posede o re
gin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 guverneze cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat poporul?\i0
ntr-un fel era mai greu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dect celelalte teste. Acelea avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
o component{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 palpabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spune
m a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Acesta, n schimb? Nu mai

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 era vorba dect despre propria-i inteligen{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu despre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aprinderea unui foc. Nu despre temeri cu care s{\f63
\u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 confrun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Detesta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fa
ptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lua ghicitoarea att de n serios.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu mai avea nevoie s-o streseze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ast
a, pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 celelalte ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri curente. Via{\f63 \u
355\'3f}a ar fi fost mai simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi tratat n continuare testele
doar ca pe un truc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin care c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigam timp. Curtea se umple
a din ce n ce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mai mult de cei sosi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} asiste la alegeri, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dintre ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia {\f63 \u8212\'3f} spre
marea ei mirare {\f63 \u8212\'3f} i nchinau ei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inerea. Cu greu mai putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} un pas pe undeva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca lumea s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} strige despre {\f63 \u8222\'3f}dragon", sau despre
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}rena{\f63 \u351\'3f}terea Alexandre
i". Se mpr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vestea despre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atentat, ceea ce p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-i fi ndrjit chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 suporterii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dar, desigur, Lissa ntmpina nc
{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} opozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
e.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cel mai important argument mpotriva ei era acela{\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vechi obstacol legal: ea nu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
ie eligibil{\f63 \u259\'3f} la vremea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 votului propriu-zis. Un alt obstacol n calea ei era vr
sta.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Era prea tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sus{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ineau adversarii ei. Cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar dori
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 un copil pe tron? ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} admiratorii Liss
ei nici nu voiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 aud{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Aminteau
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncetare de domnia tinerei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Alexandra {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de minu
nile nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}ptuite de Lissa prin
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vindec{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile ei. Vrsta nu era relevant{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. Moroii au nevoie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de snge tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, strigau ei. n acela{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i timp, cereau ca
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 legea electoral{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
ie modificat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Deloc surprinz{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tor, oponen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ei nu uitau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} invoce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea era legat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} de cea care a asasinat-o pe regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta a
r reprezenta cea mai mare problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mpotriva candidaturii ei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa fuse
se att de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare cu privire la ct de mult
o {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocasem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dasem, nct mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cons
iderau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} alegerea ei ca regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chiar ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndrepte r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ul comis de mine. Ea se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mai folosise {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de cte pu{\f63 \u355\'
3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} constrngere ori de cte ori
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 se pusese subiectul pe tapet, ceea ce contribuise mu
lt la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 crearea impresiei celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cum c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ea se disociase acum
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 total fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M-am s{\f63
\u259\'3f}turat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste cap de toate astea, i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 spunea lui Christian, n camera ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Se gndise c{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i poate g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}parea doar acolo,
iar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acum st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea ntins{\f63 \u259\'3f} n pat,
n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lui. Mama era
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 acolo, de gard{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chestia ast
a cu regina a fost o idee oribil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s-a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 plns Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2192 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Christian i-a mngiat p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-i a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a. Abe zice c{\f63 \u259\'3f} alegerile or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se amne din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cauza tulbur{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor
create. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, orict te-ai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}ic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri tu,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti mndr{\f63 \u259
\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i era. Testul cu potirul redusese la jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul candida{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ilor. Mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
oar cinci. Ariana
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Szelsky era printre ei, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i v{\f63

\u259\'3f}rul Daniellei, Rufus Tarus.

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa era a treia, iar Marcus Lazar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
Marie Conta
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri453 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntregeau grupul. Ronald Ozera nu r
eu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2064 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, a luat cuvntul mama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am v{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}zut a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva de cnd m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu:
e incredibil
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ct de mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i te spriji
n{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Consiliul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 familiile regale nu au nicio obliga{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
de a modifica
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 legea. Dar vocea mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imii e foarte put
ernic{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigarea simpatiei {\f63 \u8222\'3f}c
elor din popor" ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigat unii din familiile regale. Sus
{\f63 \u355\'3f}inerea dreptului t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 la candidatur{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar reflecta n mod sigu
r foarte bine
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asupra ctorva familii ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ite din gra{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ii. Tot ceea ce-i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mpiedic{\f63 \u259\'3f} este gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
u ai putea chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigi. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fac dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ce
rte ntruna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3011 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ncremenit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u259\'3
f} c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig... dar asta n-ar fi posibil, n realitate, nu-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1464 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? Ariana e ca
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nving{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, corect?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Victoria ei nu f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cuse niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte din planul acesta
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nebunesc, iar acum, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd att de pu{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ini candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 presiunea aducerii Arianei pe tron devenea chiar {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mare. Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in din punctul de vedere
al Lissei, ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nu v{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau vre
un semn promi{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor pentru
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mbun{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
rea vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii moroilor. Ariana\i trebuia\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu a{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a a{\f63 \u351\'3f} zice, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Janine, {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i n vocea ei se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea mndria, dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii
nd apropierea att de mare fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de familia Szelsky. Ariana e
extrem de inteligent{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 competent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i majoritatea lumii {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie asta. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i tra
teze
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cu dreptate pe dhampiri... cu mult mai mult{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} dect unii
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dintre ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i candida{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i. Deja a vorbit n favoarea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii legii cu vrsta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissei i s-a strns stomacul
la gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 apar{\f63 \u259\'3f} legi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai rele
care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i oprime pe dhampiri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doamne, spe
r s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tige ea. Nu se poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i altceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie n u{\
f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ca maic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-me
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 instantaneu n des{\f63 \u259\'3f}vr{\f63 \u351\'3f}ita
ipostaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} a gardianului, dar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2053 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 numai pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd Lissa
a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3574 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'3
f} rog, a bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit Christian, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in a nimerit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2321 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ceva mai bine dect de obicei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ntr-adev{\
f63 \u259\'3f}r, iubitul meu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut intrarea n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luit n de-acum
obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuitele lui arome de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 tutun {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de alcool. Drept e c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} viciile lui reprezentau cea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai nensemnat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintre preocup{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rile mele, dar tot m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 scia gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea nevoie de prezen{\f63
\u355\'3f}a mea personal{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l for{\f63 \u355\'3f}eze la o bu
n{\f63 \u259\'3f} purtare. Asta-mi amintea de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 visul n care-mi spusese c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu sunt put
erea lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Toat{\f63
\u259\'3f} lumea sus, a comandat el, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd extrem de

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ncntat de sine. Avem de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o vizit{\

f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri770 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a ridicat n capul oaselo
r, nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2452 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Despre ce tot
vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i N-am\i0 de gn
d s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi mai pierd vremea cu Blake
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2396 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lazar, l-a avertizat Christian.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunte
m doi, l-a asigurat Adrian. Dar am pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 altcineva mai bun. {\f63 \u350\'3f
}i mai atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. V{\f63 \u259\'3f} aminti{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i cnd v\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntrebat ct de apropiat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} o fi fost Serena de Grant? Ei
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 bine, se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pute{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i s-o ntreba{\f63 \u355\'3f}i personal. Am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit-o.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, da, n-ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pentru
ce.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri680 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 O u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ncruntare i-a ncre{\f63 \u355\'3f}it fruntea mamei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ultima oar{\f63
\u259\'3f} cnd am auzit despre ea, Serena fusese
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trimis{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} predea la o {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Una de pe Coasta de Est
,
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 cred.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} atacul s
trigoilor, n care Grant {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} omor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, gardien
ii se hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o retrag{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pentru o vreme pe Serena din serviciul activ de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bodyguard. Ea fusese singura supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}
uitoare dintre
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 gardieni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a e, dar fiind var{\f63 \u259\'3f}, au chemat-o napoi, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
jute
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la {\f63 \u355\'3f}inerea sub control a mul{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}imii venite pentru alegeri.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Acum lucreaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} la por{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
le principale.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri598 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christi
an au schimbat o privire ntre ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea, s-a entuziasmat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. Ea s-ar putea s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie pe cine nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Grant n secre
t
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar asta nu
nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreunul dintre ei ar fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 asasinat-o pe Tatiana, le-a atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ia mama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3011 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, dar o leg{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} exist{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne l
u{\f63 \u259\'3f}m dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 scrisoarea pe care ne-a dat-o Ambr
ose. Ea e acolo acum?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4099 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 La por{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda,
a confirmat Adrian. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2321 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de b{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ut n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie nevoie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, ha
i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergem, a hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt Lissa, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind
din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utndu-{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i pantofii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ti sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}? a ntrebat-o Christian. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tii ce te\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ezitat. Era {\f63 \
u8222\'3f}noaptea" trziu pentru moroi, dar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 asta nu nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
lumea ar fi fost n pat; cu att
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in la por{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, n ul
tima vreme permanent asaltate
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 de lume. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, disculparea mea era m
ult prea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 important{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a concluzionat Lissa.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2571 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda. Hai s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} mergem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Cu mama n avangard{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, prietenii mei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au croit drum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spre intrarea n domeniile Cur{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii. ({\f63 \u8222\'3f}Poarta" inventat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Abe fusese, ntre timp, zidit{\f63 \u259\'3f} la loc.)
Curtea era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nconjurat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ziduri nalte din piatr{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, multicolore, ceea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ce contribuia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult la conturare
a, n rndul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oamenilor, a impresiei c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era, de fapt
, o {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 elite. Por{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile din fier forjat ale in
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii erau deschise, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un grup de gardieni bloca drumul care p{\f63 \u259\'3
f}trundea pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 terenurile Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. n mod normal, ar fi
fost nevoie doar de
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 doi gardieni care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocupe ghereta de
la poart{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Efectivele suplimentare erau att pentru afluxul mult
mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mare al ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inilor, ale c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ror ocupan{\f63 \u355\'3f}i trebuiau supu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor de rigoare, ct {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i pentru {\f63 \u355\'3f}inerea sub control a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imii. Spectatorii st{\f63 \u259\'
3f}teau alinia{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe ambele margini
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ale drumului, urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind sosirea ma{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}inilor, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fost pe covorul ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}u la o premier{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Janine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia un drum
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ocolit, datorit{\f63 \u259\'
3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evite ceva lume... dar nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4154 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 pe toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i fie fric{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit-o Christian pe Liss
a, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timp ce treceau pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} un grup mai zgo
motos dect
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 altele, care o observase. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti candida
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} la tron.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Comport{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te ca atare. O meri{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cea din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintre
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dragomiri. O fiic{\f63 \u259\'3f} de neam regal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa i-a aruncat o scurt{\
f63 \u259\'3f} privire uimit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mirat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nfl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea din vocea l

ui... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el, clar, credea

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n ceea ce spunea. ndreptndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i spinarea,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre fanii ei, zmbind {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-le cu mna, ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 i-a entuziasmat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i.\i Ia totul n serios\i0 , {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a amintit
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.\i Nu ne face istoria de ru{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} loc prin m
ul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 poart{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a dovedit o treab{\f63 \u259
\'3f} mai simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inerea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ctorva minute de singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate cu Serena
. Gardienii erau
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i insistau ca Serena s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
ntru trierea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nou-sosi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mama
a purtat o scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gardianul aflat la comand{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A {\f63 \
u355\'3f}inut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i reaminteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a persoanei Lissei {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i s-a oferit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} locul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Serenei pentru cteva minute.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Serena se vindecase de mult{
\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme de urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 atacului strigoilor. Era de vrsta mea, blond{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 S-a ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat vizibil surprins{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} de vederea fostei ei protejate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prin{\f63
\u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a salutat-o ea, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strnd formalit{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile. Cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3098 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ce v{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot fi de f
olos?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a tras-o deoparte
din m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunchiul de gardieni
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ocupa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} stea de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu {\f63 \u351\'3f}oferii moroi alinia{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 poart{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Po{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spui Lissa. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tii asta. n definitiv,
m-ai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} njunghii pernele.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1441 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Serena i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sp
uns cu un mic zmbet.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vremurile s-au
schimbat. E posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i viitoarea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3603 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} regin{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pu{\f63 \u
355\'3f}in probabil, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Lissa, strmbndu-se.\i Cu
\plain\expndtw3 \i \f20 \fs24 att mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cu ct habar n-am cum s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} dezleg
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 ghicitoarea,\i0 a completat n sinea ei. Dar s{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 chiar am nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu ceva. Tu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Grant v-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 petrecut mult timp mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i-a pomenit vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 despre faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i antrena pe moroi d
in ordinul Tatianei?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 C{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea, cum s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} zic, {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e secrete de preg{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tire pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4333 \expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Chipul Serenei a tr{\f63 \u
259\'3f}dat imediat r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul, dar ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 ab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am voie s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc despre a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Iar el nici
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car n-avea voie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi spun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a prins-o de bra{\f63
\u355\'3f} pe tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra gardian,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 entuziasmat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd-o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tresar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spui ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii. Orice. Pe cine antrena...
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cum li se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea lor... cine reu{\f63
\u351\'3f}ea.\i Orice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2662 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Serena s-a albit la fa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri14 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu\i pot,\i0
a {\f63 \u351\'3f}optit ea. Totul se petrecea n secret. Din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3549 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ordinul reginei.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280

\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f

63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mea a murit, a intervenit, brutal, Adrian. {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tu ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i ai spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai de vorb{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} cu viitoarea
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri481 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Asta i-a atras o privire furioa
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} din partea Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Serena a mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{
\f63 \u259\'3f}it pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a tras aer adnc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4177 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 n piept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s{\f63
\u259\'3f} alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuiesc o list{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu nume. Totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i, e posibil
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mi le amintesc chiar pe toate.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i habar n-am ct de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bine se descurcau... ci doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} multor
a le displ{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Grant avea impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana i aleses
e n mod
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat pe cei mai pu{\f63 \u355\
'3f}in dispu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mul{\f63 \u
355\'3f}umesc, i-a zis Lissa, strngndu-i mna. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc foarte mult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Serena nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rea cuprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f} la gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}deze inform
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia secret{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i Ei au prioritate\i0 nu
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 func{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona chiar totdeauna cnd loialitat
ea {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-era
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f
}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v-o
dau mai trziu. Acum
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 au nevoie de mine aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Serena sa ntors la postul ei, trimi{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd-o pe mama
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 napoi la Lissa. Ct despre mine, m-am ntors n propria
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 realitate, n ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina care tocmai se opri
se. Am clipit ca
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi limpezesc vederea {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} examinez mprejurimile.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Alt hotel. Deja trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} primim stat
utul de clien{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 baz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3209 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care-i treaba

?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Facem popas, m-a
informat Dimitri. Tu ai nevoie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3987 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 de odihn{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba n
u, n-am. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergem mai departe spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Curte. Trebuie s-o ducem acolo pe J
ill la timp pentru
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 alegeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Scopul nostru ini{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ial, atunci cnd porniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s-o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe Jill, era s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-i red{\f63 \u259\'3f}m Lissei dreptul de vot. ntre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 timp, ne trecuse prin minte c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} participarea Lissei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea peste cap alegerile, surprinz{\f
63 \u259\'3f}toarea apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 surorii ei foarte probabil avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cr
eeze la fel de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nencredere.
Un test genetic urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ture
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 orice ndoieli {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i c
onfere Lissei puterea votului, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 confuzia ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
menit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruiasc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din timpul de care aveam att de amarnic{\f63 \u259\'3
f} nevoie pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 descoperi rea asasinului. Cu toate dovezile aleatorii
pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care le tot scoteau la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f} prieteni
i mei, tot nu aveau
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 vreo ipotez{\f63 \u259\'3f} consistent{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cu privire la un posibil vinovat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri46 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri mi-a aruncat o priv
ire la modul\i nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} min{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \i \f20 \fs24 tu pe mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tocmai ai v
izitat-o pe Lissa. Alegerile sunt chiar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4317 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 acum?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2754 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, am recuno
scut.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, te odihne{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1805 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} simt\i bine,\i0 m-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cretinii
n-au vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} asculte. Cu cazarea au
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fost complica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, f
iindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciunul dintre noi nu avea card
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de credit, iar politica hotelului nu accepta plata n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 numerar. Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a exercitat for{\f63
\u355\'3f}a de constrngere,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 determinndu-l pe recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioner s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dimpotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 asta\i0 era politica hote
lului, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n-a trecut mult pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2143 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 primim dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} camer
e nvecinate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Las{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc cu ea ntre patru ochi, i-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 murmurat Dimitri Sonyei. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} descurc e
u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri786 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai grij{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, l-a prevenit Sonya. E nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} fragil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, voi de colo, eu sunt aici! am
exclamat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a luat-o de bra{\f63 \u355\
'3f} pe Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a condus-o n una
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3662 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dintre camere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri811 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Haide s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} comand{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ceva la room-service.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a deschis cealalt{\f63 \
u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-a privit, a{\f63
\u351\'3f}teptnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Oftnd, am intrat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m
-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe pat, ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}ndu\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele la piept. Camera era de o s
ut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ori mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect cea din Virginia de Vest
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1590 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Putem s{\f63
\u259\'3f} comand{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\i noi\i0 ceva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 El {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a tras un s
caun {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea, la do
ar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3202 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai nti treb
uie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbim despre ce s-a ntmplat
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cu Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-avem desp
re ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbim, am replicat,
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 deprimat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Sentimentele ntunecate pe ca
re mi le-am tot alungat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n fundul min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pe timpul drumului m-a
u cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}it dintr\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M-au n{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}it. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam mai afectat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 claustrofobie dect n celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Vinov{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia era o nchisoare
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 n sine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ntr-adev{\f
63 \u259\'3f}r, sunt o criminal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum sus{\f63
\u355\'3f}ine toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lumea. N-are importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cum era Victor. L-am ucis cu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 snge-rece.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri2269 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a pre
a fost snge-rece.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe naiba c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} n-a fost! am strigat, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind cum din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ochi ncep s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi {\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}neasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} lacrimile. Planul era s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 imobiliz{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, pe el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p
e Robert, ca s-o putem elibera pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Jill. S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i\i imobiliz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m.\i0 Victor nu nsemna un pericol
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pentru mine. Era un bo{\f63 \u351\'3f}orog, pentru nu
mele lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3868 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Dumnezeu!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsemne un pericol, m-a contrazis Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 al c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui calm era invers propor{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ional cu isteria mea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 crescnd{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca de obicei. {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i folosea magia, a argumentat
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri111 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din
cap, ascunzndu-mi fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ntre palme.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \

u259\'3f} omoare. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 era n stare s-o mai {\f63 \u355\'3f
}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} mult a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tept pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 obosea, sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scap. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
, ce naiba, chiar am sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat!
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n loc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ca
pturez, am dat cu el ntr-un zid
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din beton! Nu era un adversar pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur
a mea. Era un
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn. Am omort un\i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}
trn.\i0 Da, poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 intrigant {\f63 \u351\'3f}i depravat, dar nu voiam s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} moar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} la loc dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} gra
tii. Voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i petreac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot restu
l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii nchis, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ind lao
lalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu crimele lui.\i Tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ind,
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ciudat
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, dac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ct de mult l uram pe Victor. Dar era adev{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rul: nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fusese o lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dreapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionasem f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
gndesc.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tirea mea se referise mereu la ap
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 anihilarea mon{\f63 \u351\'3f}trilor. Despre onoare n
u fusese vorba
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb240\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, brusc, pentru mine c{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta o nsemn{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3689 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 considerabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri441 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a fost nici
pic de onoare n ce i-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut lui.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sonya spune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a f
ost vina ta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Vocea lui Dimitri era tot blnd{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, ceea ce, ntr-un fel,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri35 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}u. Mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 certe, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi confirme vinov{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia pe care o resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam. Mi\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ins
tructorul meu, cel care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot critica.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea zice c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} n-a fost dect o izbucnire violent{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 spiritului, a continuat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A fost... M
-am ntrerupt, amintindu-mi pe ct
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 puteam de bine toate acele imagini nce{\f63 \u355\'3f}
o{\f63 \u351\'3f}ate ale
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nfrunt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. Apoi am continuat: Pn{\f63 \
u259\'3f} atunci, nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elesesem niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat prin ce-a trecut Lissa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n cele mai grele momente ale ei. Doar l-am privit pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Victor... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut n
el tot r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul din lume... un r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l opresc. Da, era un
tip r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, dar nu merita
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. N-a avut nici cea mai mic{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Onoarea,\i m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} tot gndeam.\i0 Ce onoare putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4449 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai fost
atent{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ce-am spus, Rose. N-a fost vina
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ta. Spiritul are o magie extrem de puternic{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, pe care noi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 abia dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} putem s-o n{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
legem. Iar latura lui ntunecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ei bine, despre ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} e capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} de lucruri
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri753 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ngrozitoare. De lucruri care nu po
t fi controlate.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt540\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li290 \ri1853 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ridicat privirea s
pre a lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1605 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar fi trebuit
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu mai puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l {\f63 \u82
12\'3f} gndul care st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea n spatele ntregii mele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri376 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ii, n spatele tuturor acelor sentimente oribile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri321 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar fi trebuit
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu mai puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am fost slab{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit
oare din partea lui Dimitri nu s-au

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3578 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} apar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti invincibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a zis, ntr-un trziu. Nimeni
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nu se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar\i eu,
\i0 da. Ceea ce am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut... M-am oprit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri139 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nghit nodul din gt. Ceea ce am f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cut a fost de neiertat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2202 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}sca
t ochii, {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta... asta-i o
nebunie, Rose. Nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pedepse{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pentru o
fapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra c{\f63 \u259\'3f}reia n-ai avut nicio
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 putere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2090 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda? Atunci,
tu de ce tot...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntrerupt iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acuz pe Dimitri c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
e pedepsea. Doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... nu mai era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cazul. Se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea vinovat pentru faptel
e lui ca strigoi?
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Eram convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} da. {
\f63 \u350\'3f}i Sonya o recunoscuse. Dar, la un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 moment dat, pe parcursul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}toriei noastre, el ncepuse
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i recapete control
ul asupra propriei vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in. Ea mi-o spusese, dar abia acum n
{\f63 \u355\'3f}elesesem cu
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd? l-am ntr
ebat. Cnd {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3
f}ti mai departe... chiar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} vinov{\f63 \u
259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3601 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 care o sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eai?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn460\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri3252 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tiu sigur.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebarea mea
l-o fi surprins, a {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut s-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Privirea lu
i era nl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a mea, dar nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tocmai concentrat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre mine. Misterul
acela i ocupa
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 gndurile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De fapt, s
-a ntmplat pe buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele. La nceput, cnd
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 au venit la mine Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Abe, cerndumi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te scot din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 arest, am fost gata s-o fac, pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mi-o cerea ea. Pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu ct m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam ma
i mult, cu att n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceva personal
. Nu puteam suport gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1367 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 stai ncuiat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o
celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}, izolat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de lume
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nu era drept. Nimeni nu ar
trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a; {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} am n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} eu eram n aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie... dar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prin propria alegere. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} izolam de lu
me, cu vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu autoflagelarea mea. Mi se oferise o a doua {\f63 \
u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar eu o arunc
am.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Eram nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tulb
urat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de furie {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i de necaz,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} istorisirea lui m{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
bliga s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ascult, transfigurat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Rar aveai ocazi
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l auzi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 deschizndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i inima.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M-ai auzit
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbind despre asta, a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 continuat. Despre scopul meu, de a aprecia micile de
talii
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ale vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, pe ct na
intam n expedi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe att
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mai mult mi aminteam cine sunt. Nu doar un lupt{\f63
\u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f} lup{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nu e greu.\i
Motivul\i0 pentru care lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}m conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de fapt, iar n noaptea aceea, pe alee, cu Donovan...
S-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cutremurat, amintindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Acela a fos
t momentul n care

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec gr

ani{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, devenind unul care lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} omoare,
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} noim{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dar tu m-ai tras napoi
, Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Acela a fost momentul de cotitur{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Tu m-ai salvat...
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntocmai cum m-a salvat Lissa, cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a. Am {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 atunci c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} voiam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} las n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceea ce fusesem ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
lupt ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu ceea ce\i nu sunt\i0 ei.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ez ceea ce resping ei: frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 iubirea, onoarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n momentul acela, n mine erau
dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoane. Una
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de bucurie. Auzindu-l vorbind astfel,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lupt{\f63
\u259\'3f} cu demonii din el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se apropie
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de victorie... ei bine, aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi
-a venit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sar n sus
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de bucurie. Asta-mi dorisem de atta vreme pentru el.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i tim
p, cuvintele lui n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare nu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi aminte
asc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ct de jos m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}isem. A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i autocomp{\
f63 \u259\'3f}timirea au pus
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 din nou st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnire pe mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, ar t
rebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegi, am rostit, cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 am{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciune. Tocmai ai
spus-o: onoarea. Conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim amndoi. Eu mi-am pierdut-o pe a me
a. Mi-am
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pierdut-o acolo, n parcare, cnd am omort un
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nevinovat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n timp ce eu
am omort sute, a replicat el, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 menajamente. Persoane mult mai nevinovate dect
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Victor Dashkov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e acela{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru! N-ai avut ncotro! am strigat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sentimentele mi ie{\f63 \u351\'
3f}eau din nou la suprafa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 explodnd de-a binelea. De ce tot repet{\f63 \u259\'3f}

m ntruna
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3470 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucruri?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ie nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i intr{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
cap! Nici\i tu\i0 n-ai avut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncotro, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i am observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdarea lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cedeze. N-ai dect s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} te sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-ai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} jele{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ce s-a n
tmplat. Dar mergi mai departe!
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Nu te l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa distrus{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
e asta. Iart{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}nit n picioare, prinzndu-l pe nepreg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tite. M\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 am aplecat spre el, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1520 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iert? Asta vrei? Tocmai\i tu!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}te cuvintele.
Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 legat de apropierea mea. N-a izbuti
t dect o nclinare a
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 capului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, spun
e-mi ceva. Sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai trecut peste
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} te-ai hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te bucuri de via{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 departe. Dar, n sufletul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, chiar teai iertat\i pe tine
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 nsu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,\i0 cu-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra
t? {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-am spus mai de mult c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te iert
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri405 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pentru tot ce-a fost n Siberia, da
r tu? Tu te-ai iertat?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2445 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adineauri {\f
63 \u355\'3f}i-am spus...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri16 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu e acela{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru. Tu mi ceri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iert {\f63
\u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 merg mai departe cu via{\f63 \u355\'
3f}a. n schimb, tu nu faci asta.

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti un ipocrit, tovar{\f63 \u259\'3f

}{\f63 \u351\'3f}e. Ori suntem amndoi vinova{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ori suntem amndoi nevinova{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Alege.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 S-a ridicat {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i el, privindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la impun{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea lui
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2206 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e chiar att
de simplu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}at bra
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele pe piept, refuznd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} las
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3941 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 intimidat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba\i e\i0
chiar att de simplu. Suntem la fel! Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Sony a zis-o. Mereu am fost la fel, iar acum amndoi n
e
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 comport{\f63 \u259\'3f}m fel
de proste{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Ne credem situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1315 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 standarde mai nalte dect tot restu
l lumii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2834 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri s-a ncruntat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri365 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu... Sonya? C
e-are ea de-a face cu toate astea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea zice c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} aurele noastre se potrivesc. Zice c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f}m unul n prezen
{\f63 \u355\'3f}a celuilalt. Zice c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu nc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iube{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} sufletele noastre
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sunt sincronizate, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}... Am oftat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am ntors spatele,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncepnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} plimb aiure
a prin camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. N-ar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pomenesc despre asta. Nar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}li{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de chestia cu aurele, mai ales cnd vine
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din partea utilizatorilor spiritului, care sunt deja
pe
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate nebuni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am dus la fereastr{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am rezemat fruntea de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 geamul rece, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sc asupra a ceea ce

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aveam de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut.\i S{\f63 \u259\'3f}

m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iert.\i0 Dar puteam? n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntindea un or{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}el, dar
nu mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam unde m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu. Sub
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ochii mei, ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
oamenii erau n mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care, suflete
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 libere, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}indu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i vie
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile. Am inspirat adnc. Imaginea lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Victor z{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd pe asfalt avea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}reasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mult{\f63 \u2
59\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme. Comisesem o fapt{\f63 \u
259\'3f} oribil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} avu\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sesem inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii bune, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f
} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea avea dreptate: nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fusesem eu ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi. Dar oare asta schimba
ceea ce se\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntmplase? Putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l aduc{\f63 \u259\'
3f} napoi pe Victor? Nu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, nu {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tiam cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec peste ceea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem, cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
alung imaginile nsngerate din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 minte. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
rebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg mai departe.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} las nfrnt{\f63 \u259\'3f} de asta, am murmurat,
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nu fac nimic... abia atunci comit r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul cel mai mare. Mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mult bine fac dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} supravie{\f63 \u355
\'3f}uiesc. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupt n
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 continuare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1795 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce tot spui?
a ntrebat Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Spun... c{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iert. Asta nu face ca totul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 perfect, dar e un nceput, am remarcat
, urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind cu
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 degetul o cr{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f
63 \u259\'3f} minuscul{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe suprafa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a geamului.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie? Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} izb
ucnirea mea din parcare a mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 evacuat ceva din ntunericul pe care Sonya zice c{\f63
\u259\'3f} l-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 avea n aur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Orict a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
de sceptic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 recunosc unele merite. A avut dreptate spunnd c{\f63
\u259\'3f} eram

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pe muchie de cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}

tot ce-mi trebuia era doar o
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 scnteie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A mai avut d
reptate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu altceva, a zis Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o lung{\f63 \u259\'3f} t{\f63 \
u259\'3f}cere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Eram cu spatele la el, ns{\f
63 \u259\'3f} n vocea lui era o intona{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ciudat{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2607 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu ce? l-am nt
rebat.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}C{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
te iubesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu aceast{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} unic{\f63 \u259\'3f} propozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, ntreg universul s-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4037 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 schimbat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Scurgerea timpului a ncetini
t pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ntreaga lume s-a concentrat n
ochii lui, n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vocea lui. Nu, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva nu se ntmpla. N
u era adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nimic din toate astea nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ca ntr-un vis indus de spirit.
M-am mpotrivit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tenta{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei de a nchide ochii, ca s{\f63
\u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trezesc dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cteva clipe. Nu. Orict ar fi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut totul de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 incredibil, nu era un vis. Era n re
alitate. Era n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n carne {\f63 \u351\'3f}i oase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri74 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De... de cnd? am
izbutit, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ntreb.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De... dintotdeauna, mi-a zis, tonul
lui dndu-mi de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea evident. Am negat asta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce am fost readus. Nu mai aveam l
oc n inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru altceva n afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vinov{\f63 \u
259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. n special, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam vinovat fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f

63 \u259\'3f} de tine... pentru ce {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut...
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-am respins.
Mi-am ridicat un zid, ca tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-a mers p
entru o vreme... pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd inima a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nceput, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} acce
pte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totul s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntors. Toate sentimentele fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} de tine. Nu plecaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}: doar se ascunseser{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de mine, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 momentul cnd aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu preg{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tit. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spun... aleea aia a fost punctul de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
scruce. Te-am
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 privit... {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut
bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatea, speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncrederea. El
e
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sunt cele care te fac s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii frumoas{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Att, att de
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}adar, nu era p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul, am zis, ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind cum de
mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 eram m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} gl
umesc ntr-un astfel de
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 moment.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba nu, m-a
contrazis, cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul t{\
f63 \u259\'3f}u era
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 frumos. Totul din tine. Erai uluitoare cnd te-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cunoscut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c
um, inexplicabil, ai devenit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Mereu ai fost numai energie pur{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, neprelucrat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 acum po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-o controlezi. E{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ti cea mai uluitoare femeie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din cte am cunoscut, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} bucur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am avut n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mea dragostea fa{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i regret c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am pier
dut-o, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}znd pe gnduri. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dat orice {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i orice {\
f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din lumea asta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
putut ntoarce n trecut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 modific istoria. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} alerg n bra{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ele tale imediat cum m-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 readus Lissa. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} am o via{\f63 \u355\'

3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu tine. Acum,

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sigur, e prea trziu, dar m-am mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat cu
ideea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2067 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce... de c
e e prea trziu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri555 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 O umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de trist
e{\f63 \u355\'3f}e a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n ochii lui Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Din cauza lui Ad
rian. Din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai mers mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 departe. Nu, ascult{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, mi-a zis, retezndu-mi protestele.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ai avut dreptate s-o faci, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum m
-am purtat cu tine.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, mai mult dect orice, vreau ca tu s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii fericit{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dovedim nevi
nov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ob
{\f63 \u355\'3f}inem
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 recunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}terea lui Jill. Tu ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ai zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian te face
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 fericit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tu ai spus c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-l iube{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar... adi
neauri ai spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iube{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. C{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cu mine, am argumentat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuvintele m
ele mi se
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau stngace, nedemne de elocin{\f63
\u355\'3f}a lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am mai spus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am de
gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} umblu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} iubita altuia. Vrei s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti despre onoare? Iat-o,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 n forma ei cea mai pur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am pornit spre el, cu fieca
re pas escaladnd tensiunea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre noi. Dimitri sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea ntruna c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} momentul de pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alee nsemnase momentul lui de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}scruce.
Iar pentru
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mine? Era chiar\i acum.\i0 St{\f63 \u259\'3f}team p
e marginea unei
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}stii, a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}teptnd un pas care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi schimbe via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. n
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 ultima s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} descurcasem de minune
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 deta{\f63 \u351\'3f}ndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de orice im
plica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie intim{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Dimitri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400

\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i... reu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}isem? n definitiv, ce\i e\i0 dragostea n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 realitate? Flori, ciocolat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i poezii? Sau e altceva? N-o fi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 capacitatea de a spune poanta la gluma celuilalt? No fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncrederea absolut{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
cineva acolo, n spatele t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u? N\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 o fi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe cin
eva att de bine, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleag{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 instantaneu, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie d
e ce-ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ceea ce ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut... {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2155 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i mp{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate crezurile?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mna, pretinsesem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} iubirea mea fa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri se stinge. n realitate, crescuse tot mai mult
. Nici
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem sea
ma. Restabilisem vechile
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 noastre raporturi, nt{\f63 \u259\'3f}risem leg{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tura cu el. Reafirmasem
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dintre toate fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ele din lume {\f63 \u8212\'3f} inclusiv Lissa, chiar
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Dimitri era unicul care m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}\i n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegea\i0 cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Fusesem sincer{\f63 \u259\'
3f}: l iubeam pe Adrian. mi venea greu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi imaginez via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} el, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} celelalte cuvinte ale
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mele, din casa Mastrano, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u
259\'3f}duser{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gol:\i M{\f63 \u259\'3f} distrez
\plain\expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 cu el.\i0 Acum, e normal s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te dis
trezi mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 persoana iubit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nu acesta ar trei
bui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie primul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lucru care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vin{\f
63 \u259\'3f} n minte. Ar fi fost cazul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun:
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 Ne d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruim for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f} reciproc.\i0 Sau:\i El m{\f63 \u259\'3f} face s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
doresc
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i0
Poate, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai important:\i El m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3
f}elege
\plain\expndtw-11 \i \f20 \fs24 perfect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nim
ic din toate acestea nu era adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu le zisesem. l c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut
asem pe Adrian pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 comoditate. Familiaritatea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i umorul l
ui reprezentau o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 parte important{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lumii mele. {\f63 \

u350\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} el ar fi fost n

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vreo primejdie? Mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dat via{\f63
\u355\'3f}a pentru el exact cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o pentru Lissa. {\f63 \u350\'
3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu-l inspiram, acesta
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 era adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul.
El se str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duia. El chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fie mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bun, dar n perioada aceasta a vie{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ii lui, {\f63 \u355\'3f}elurile {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineau
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} de impresionarea celorlal{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i... de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 impresionarea mea. Nu era pentru el. Nu-l f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, sau slab, ci f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ce
a din mine crja lui. Avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 peste asta, eram convins{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 el nsu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat formidabil, numai c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 atinsese nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} punctul acela al descoper
irii sinelui. Eu, da.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Acum, st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea
m n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Dimitri, privindu-l din nou
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n ochii lui ntuneca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, n ochii pe care-i
iubeam att de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mult. I-am pus minile pe piept, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind
u-i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 puternice {\f63 \u351\'3f}i regulate ale inimii... po
ate un pic mai iu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dect ar fi fost normal. C{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura mi s-a n
tins, din
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 vrfurile degetelor, prin tot trupul. M-a prins de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncheieturi, dar nu m-a ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat. Tr{\f
63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile superbului
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u chip p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau ncordate
, semn c{\f63 \u259\'3f} purta cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lie interioar{\f63
\u259\'3f}, dar acum, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam... acum, c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sigur... i citeam n ochi iubirea pentru mine. Iubire,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 amestecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Era att, att de limpede...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuia s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fi spus, l-am mustrat. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fi spus asta de mult. Te iubesc. N-am ncetat niciodat
{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 te iubesc. Tu trebuie s-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 I s-a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat
respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cnd am spus\i te iubesc,\i0 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vedeam

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cum lupta lui interioar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru rec{\
f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tarea st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnirii de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sine se transforma ntr-un r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboi total
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ar fi sch
imbat nimic. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ct timp e implicat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, mi-a zis el.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Degetele din jurul nch
eieturii mele s-au strns pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum chiar ar
fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rteze de data ast
a.
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Dar n-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vorbesc se
rios, a continuat el. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu eu acela,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Rose. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cel care s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-i ia femeia altcuiva. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acum, te rog. Las-o a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Nu-mi ngreuna
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu i-am luat cererea n seam{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, putea s-o fac{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. Mi-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sfirat degetele,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 atingndu-i tot mai mult din piept, sorbind senza{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 acelei atingeri calde care-mi lipsise att de mult{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu sunt a
lui, i-am zis, cu glas sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, mpingndu\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai aproape de el {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-mi capul pe spate, astfel
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i pot vedea limpede chipul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Attea emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
attea conflicte, n timp ce inima lui
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} disting{\f63 \u259\'3f} bine
le de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Stnd a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a lipit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de el,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ca... o com
pletare. Sonya afirmase c{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciun
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cuplu nu poate avea o aur{\f63 \u259\'3f} comun{\f63
\u259\'3f}, sau un suflet
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 comun, dar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ale noastre nu erau meni
te s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ite. Se potrive
au ca dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} piese dintr-un puzzle,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoane distincte alc{\f63 \u259
\'3f}tuind mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u355\'3f} dect luate separa
t.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-i apar{\
f63 \u355\'3f}in nim{\f63 \u259\'3f}nui. Sunt singura care alege
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pentru mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1337 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cu Adrian, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar sunt sortit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cu tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i asta a fost. Or
ice preten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnire sau de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune s-a topit d
in amndoi. Zidurile s-au n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 ce ne re{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu
ser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m unul fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cel{\f63 \u259\'
3f}lalt a n{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lit afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am ntins spre el, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f
}gndu-l spre mine pentru un s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut...
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut la care el, de data asta, n-a
mai renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at. Un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia nu i-am ma
i pus cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t printr-un pumn.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lui m-au cuprins {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i m-au ridicat pe pat, o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alunecndu-mi foarte curnd spre {\f63 \u351\'3f}old {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i mai jos, pe
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 pulp{\f63 \u259\'3f}, deja pe jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta
te goal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rmanei mele
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 rochii jerpelite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nervii d
in trup mi-au luat foc, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a aceea revenind n el... {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i crescnd nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fusese n lumea mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor, p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aprecieze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 iubirea. Nu doar att, avea\i nevoie\i0 de ea. Avea
nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Avea nevoie de
mine: nu numai fizic, ci la fel cum
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mi {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipau mie mereu inima {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i sufletul dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} el. Ce-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 urmat, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce hainele au zburat de p
e noi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne-am unit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trupurile, a fost ceva mai mult dect poft{\f63 \u259\'
3f} carnal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost, din plin, {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i din aceea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cu el
dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} atta timp, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nduraser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m... era ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

cum m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi ntors acas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi ajuns, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
t, unde {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu cine {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mi era
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 locul. Lumea mea, inima mea se sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmas
er{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd l-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pierdut. Dar acum, cnd m{\f63 \u259\'3f} privea, cnd b
uzele lui mi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rosteau numele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi se plimbau pe pi
ele... {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 frnturile acelea puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lipeasc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} la loc. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam, cu o certitudine absolut{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptarea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 momentului acestuia {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a momentului cnd
aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 facem dragoste pentru a doua oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f
63 \u8212\'3f} fusese ceea ce era
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac.
Cu oricine altcineva, oricnd altcndva... ar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3993 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 fi fost r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cnd am terminat, parc{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ndeajuns de aproape. Ne strngeam unul pe cel{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}lalt, cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu picioare
le ncol{\f63 \u259\'3f}cite, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum am fi crezut
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} reducerea distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei
, acum, ar fi compensat dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtarea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre noi atta
amar de vreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am nchis ochii, cu toate sim
{\f63 \u355\'3f}urile inundate de el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 am suspinat, vis{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} bucur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai cedat. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} autocontrolul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u nu e la fel de puternic ca al meu
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Asta l-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rd{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3
f}it rsul huruindu-i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 prin l-irpt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Roza, auto
controlul meu e de zece ori mai puternic
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 dect al t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am deschis ochii, mi{\f63 \
u351\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} privesc

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntr-ai lui. I-am dat p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul pe spate {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i am zmbit, convins{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} inima avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se
umfle, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se tot umfle,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimic din mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, da? Nu e
tocmai impresia pe care am avut-o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 adineauri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}teapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi tu data viitoare, m-a amenin
{\f63 \u355\'3f}at el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri600 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te fac s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pierzi controlul n cteva secunde.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Replica lui cerea pur {\f63
\u351\'3f}i simplu una dintre n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ep{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spirituale {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ustur{\f63 \u259\'3f}toa
re marca Rose Hathaway. n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
sngele s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi clocoteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n vine,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 motiv pentru care amndoi ne-am mirat cnd eu am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3813 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 rostit, brusc:
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1399 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate n
-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fie o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} viitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Degetele lui Dimitri, care tocmai
mi trasau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1808 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 contururile um{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru
lui, au ncremenit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3261 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum? De ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri372 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai avem cte ce
va de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} data viitoare.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian, a ghicit el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2615 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Am ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at di
n cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iar asta e probl
ema\i mea,\i0 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} las{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i deoparte
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 gndurile onorabile. Trebuie s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-l privesc n ochi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 asum r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunderea pentru asta. Iar tu.
.. Nu-mi venea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f

} spun a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Nu-mi venea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gndeam. Tu
nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ier{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} tot
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Expresia lui de nedumerire s
-a transformat n
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3819 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vorbesc serios,
am zis, sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inndu-i privirea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} clipesc.\i Tu\i0
trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ier{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i te-au iertat. Dac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, atunci nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nici s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mergi mai departe. Nu\i putem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era una dintre cele mai mari
cacealmale din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mea. Alt{\f63 \u259\'3f}dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63
\u351\'3f} fi dat fuga la el f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} discu{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ie, nelund
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate problemele noastre, cople
{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 bucuria de a fi cu el. Acum\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fld
inst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate cele prin care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trecusem, eram alta. l iubeam. l iubeam att de mult, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 l doream. Dar tocmai din cauza intensit{\f63 \u259\'
3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii acestei iubiri
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac asta. Dac{\f63 \u259\'
3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, atunci s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fie a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum trebuie. Era minunat s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} faci dragoste, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un leac mir
aculos pentru orice. Fir-ar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie. La un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 moment dat, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
cnd, g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sisem judecata s{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}toas{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Da, aveam nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dau ochii cu Adrian. Iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri nu se conforma cu ce-i cerusem, chiar aveam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 l p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc. I-a{\f63 \
u351\'3f} pierde pe amndoi, dar era de preferat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fiu singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot respecta pe mine ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi, dect
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 implicat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}i

e nepotrivit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Dimitri, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Nu {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldins
t SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, ho
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-te ct mai repede, i-am zis.
Nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trebuie chiar n clipa asta, dar, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 N-am mai insistat asupra sub
iectului. Deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aveam s-o las a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum a picat, de{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 re{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sesizeze importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dreptate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63
\u259\'3f}t neclintit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. El n-avea cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie feri
cit
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cu mine dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era fericit cu el nsu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i atunci mi-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dat seama, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} felul n care mi sus{\f63
\u355\'3f}ineam cauza {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nevoile, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} rolurile noastre de profes
or {\f63 \u351\'3f}i elev{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 duseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru totdeauna. Acum eram
cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat egali.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat
capul pe pieptul lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it cum se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 destinde. Ne-am bucurat de pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea c
lipei, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 numai pentru scurt timp. Sonya spusese c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} avem nevoie
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 de {\f63 \u8222\'3f}odihn{\f63 \u259\'3f}", ceea ce
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mai aveam nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de petrecut ceva timp pe-aici, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd c
easul care
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 tic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne mne din no
u spre Curte. Cum st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 continuare lipit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Dimitri, m-am pom
enit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, mi se face somn. Eram epuizat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe urma
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ier{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii... care, mi d
{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama, luase o ntors{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb400\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 extrem de nea{\f63 \u351\'3f
}teptat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sentimentele mele de vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de disperare fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de ceea ce se ntmplase cu Victor, ca
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i explozia provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de spirit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceruser{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ele tribut
ul,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cu tot medalionul vindec{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor pe carel purtam nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la gt.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, da, mi-am spus cu un mic zmbet, er
am pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 epuizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceea ce
tocmai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem cu Dimitri. Era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 destul de pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
folosesc trupul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru ceva din
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu rezulte v{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri grave, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car o dat{\f63 \u259
\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Am adormit n mbr{\f63 \u259\'3
f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area lui, ntunericul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urndu-m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} la fel de cald ca bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele. Att de simplu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie. Ar fi trebuit s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie un somn odihnitor,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tihnit, fericit. Dar, ca de obicei, nu aveam eu noroc
ul
\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Un vis indus de spirit m-a s
muls din profunzimile
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luitoare ale somnului {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i, pentru o frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 secund{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
poate Robert Doru se hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mine, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utndu-{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zbunarea pentru moartea
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 fratelui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu.
Nici vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vreun Dashkov r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zbun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tor.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n loc de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, m-am pomenit privin
d ntr-o pereche
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de ochi verzi ca smaraldele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3627 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Era Adrian.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb80\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-464 \li290 \ri3184 \expndtw-19 \b \f20 \fs40 TREIZECI
\plain\par
\sl-107\fs11\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw2
\b \f20 \fs24 N-AM DAT FUGA N BRA{\f63 \u354\'3f}ELE LUI,\b0 ca de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 obicei. Cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi pu
tut? Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem? Nu. Nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai prefa
c. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam prea sigur ce ne

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rezerva viitorul, mie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui Dimitri,
cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spundea el la ultimatum. {\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiam, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 redau libertatea lui Adrian. Sentimentele mele fa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de el
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 erau nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} puternice, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} exista m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 posibilitate, orict de ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, ca noi doi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnem
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prieteni. Oricum ar fi fost, n-aveam cum s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-l mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncurajez dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cul
casem cu Dimitri. Nu fusese o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri142 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 crim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, e adev{\f63
\u259\'3f}rat, dar categoric fusese ceva dezonorant.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i... mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam bine seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu puteam s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 spun lui Adrian nimic din toate astea acum. Nu putea
m
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s-o rup cu el ntr-un vis. Era aproape la fel de nepot
rivit
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ca o desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire printr
-un bile{\f63 \u355\'3f}el. n plus, aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... n fine, probabil o s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} mai am nevoie de ajutorul lui.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Halal onoare!\i Curnd,\i0 mi-am jurat.\i Curnd o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu mi-a dat impresia c{\f63
\u259\'3f} ar lua n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} absen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. n schimb, a observat altceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri4020 \expndtw-30 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Uau."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eram, dintre toate locurile din l
umea asta, tocmai n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 biblioteca de la Sf. Vladimir, {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i l-am privit nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 peste mesele pentru studiu ntinse naintea noastr{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri3722 \expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Uau ce
?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}E... aura ta. E..
. uluitoare. Str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luce{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luce{\f63 \u351\

'3f}te mereu, dar azi... n fine, n-am mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Nu
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate cte s-au
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3908 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntmplat."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M-am foit, stnjenit{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n mod normal m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aprindeam n preajma lui Dimitri, oare ce Dumnezeu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple cu aura mea dup{\f63
\u259\'3f} ce am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3585 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dragoste cu el?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Dup{\f63 \
u259\'3f} toate cte s-au ntmplat?" am repetat, deviind
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 subiectul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Chicotind, s-a apropiat de m
ine. O mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} a pip{\f63 \u259\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 instinctiv dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ig{\f
63 \u259\'3f}ri, dar s-a oprit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i apoi a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut moa
le
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} corp.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ei, haideacum! Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}te despre asta.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Despre cum a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pit-o,
tu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Belikov pe Ispita {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 apropo, care-i treaba cu asta? {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i cum a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i obligat-o pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fata aia Alchimist s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ajute. Sunt {\f63 \u351\'3f}tirile cele mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fierbin{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de pe-aici. n fine, n afara a
legerilor. Se apropie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3748 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 ultimul test."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2624 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}A{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a e", am murmurat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproape
dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i patru de ore de cnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 primise Lissa ghicitoarea. i mai r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese foarte pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 timp {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, din cte {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
eu, ea tot nu avea un r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i de fapt, de ce dormi n plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} zi?" s-a mirat el. {\f63 \u82
22\'3f}Nu
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} dau de tine. Mi-am nchipuit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2204 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionezi dup{
\f63 \u259\'3f} orarul uman."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard

\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}A... a
fost o noapte grea, cu fuga de un batalion
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2107 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntreg de gardieni, {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i toate alea."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian m-a luat de mn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, ncruntndu-se u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or cnd
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund la strnsoare. Dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncruntarea s-a risipit repede, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd loc
ul zmbetului
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u indolent.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ei bine, eu
mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} face mai multe griji n leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trnul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u dect cu ei.
S-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut\i foc\i0 din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
-ai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas la cutie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e{\f63 \u351\'3f}te s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung
{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2434 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, crede-m{\f63
\u259\'3f}, a tot ncercat."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi
-a venit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rd, numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici acesta nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 era un deznod{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt pe care s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} mi-l fi dorit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Prin urmare,
nu e chiar att de atotputernic", am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 remarcat, oftnd. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Asta-i ceea ce ne tr
ebuie. Sydney.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sau, n fine, tipul care e cu ea. Cel care se zice c-ar
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4319 \expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 ceva."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntors cu gndul la ntmplarea
aceea, rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 expresia de recunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}tere de pe fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}a lui Ian.\i El l
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 cunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pe tipul care a atacat-o p
e Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-a mituit
\plain\expndtw-12 \i \f20 \fs24 pe Joe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2774 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}De el avem n
evoie."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Din ce-am prins
din zbor", mi-a zis Adrian,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}gardienii doar cam
ard gazul prin hotel, preocupndu-se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mai ales s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu plece Alchimi{\f63 \u3

51\'3f}tii. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot i controleaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pe cei care intr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-or s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ne lase pe niciunul dintre noi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici pe al{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre.
Mai sunt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 destui oameni caza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i acolo, {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Abe a ncercat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1913 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se deghizeze..
. dar nu i-a mers."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri3480 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Bietul Zmeu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ar trebui s{\f63
\u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncredere n gardieni. Ei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lase pe nim
eni s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n afar{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4472 \expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 lor."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri206 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Propriile-mi cuvinte m-au f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} opresc brusc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3714 \expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Asta e..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2303 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Adrian m-a privit b{\f63 \u259
\'3f}nuitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}O, nu. Cunosc pri
virea asta. O nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} nebunie e pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3113 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntmple."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 L-am prins de mn{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, acum mpins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de entuziasm mai
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect de dragoste.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1278 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Du-te la Miha
il. Zi-i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntlnim..."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 N-am mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut ce
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun mai departe. Mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul n care st{\f63
\u259\'3f}teau acum Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii. Fiind cel mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 apropiat fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Curte
, trecusem deseori cu ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina prin
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 el. Mi-am scormonii creierul, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc vreun
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}La restaura

ntul cu firma ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie. E n cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul mai

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri304 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat. {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i face mereu reclam{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru bufetul lui."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}U{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}or de zis, greu de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir.
Ei se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 folosc de to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardienii de la Curte c
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} alegerile
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sub control. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa n-ar fi fost
atacat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nici pe mama
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ta n-ar fi l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
stea cu ea. Nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Mihail ar putea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4006 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}G{\f63 \u259
\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}te el o metod{\f63 \u259\'3f}", am replicat, ncrez{\f63 \u
259\'3f}toare.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Spune-i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta e...
e cheia rezolv{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii crimei. R{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3282 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 E foarte inventiv."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian mi s-a p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rut sceptic, dar i era greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3850 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 refuze ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3884 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cnd?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, cnd? Era
aproape amiaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu prea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fusesem atent{\f63 \u259\'3f} unde
anume poposiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Ct ne-ar lua
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem la Curte? Din cte {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiam eu despre alegeri,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cei care treceau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ultimul test tr
ebuiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 discursuri la nceputul zilei moroilor, teoretic, pe u
rm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se trecea direct la vot... numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, d
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} planul nostru
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea rezultate, implicarea Lissei av
ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} prelungeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 procesul electoral zile n {\f63 \u351\'3f}ir. Cu cond
i{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} testul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1774 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}La miezul no
p{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii", i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghiceam eu co
rect, Curtea avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie total
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 absorbit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de specta

colul alegerilor, ceea ce-i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea lui
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mihail mai multe {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse de sc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}pare. Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 speram.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri923 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-i transmi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?" l-am ntrebat pe Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri21 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Pentru tine, or
ice", a replicat Adrian, d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruindu-mi o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciune galant{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mie mi se pare nc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri248 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 primejdios pentru tine s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} te implici direct n a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Trebuie so fac personal", i-am zis. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu mai pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3822 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ascund."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at,
ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles. Dar nu eram
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 prea sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c-ar fi fost a{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc", i-am zis. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mu
l{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc foarte mult
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2553 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pentru tot. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-ac
um, du-te."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2276 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Adrian mi-a zmbit strmb.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Mam{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu stai pe gnduri cnd e
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2459 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 alungi pe unul din pat, hm?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit,
gluma nimerind pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cam prea aproape
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 de {\f63 \u355\'3f}int{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Vreau ca M
ihail s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit din timp. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
mai am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1323 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}resc ultimul test al Lissei."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri899 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Cu asta, i-am readus seriozitat

ea lui Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri665 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Are vreo {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f}?" s-a interesat. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1035 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tiu", am recunoscut. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}E greu de tot."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}OK. S{\f63 \u259
\'3f} vedem ce putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem", a conchis,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dndu-mi o mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rutare, iar buzele mele i-au r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mecanic, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} implice {\f63 \u351\'3f}i inima. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}i, R
ose?" mi-a mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zis. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Vorbeam serios. Ai grij{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii groaznic de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aproape de Curte. Ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai pomenes
c de ga{\f63 \u351\'3f}ca de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardieni care te are n fruntea listei cu cei mai c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}uta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri764 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 criminali {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, prob
abil, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ncerce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te omoare."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}tiu", am zis, prefernd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i atrag aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie vorba de niciun {\f63 \u
8222\'3f}probabil".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cu asta, el a disp{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rut, iar eu m-am trezit. Ciudat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lucru, ceea ce am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit n propria mea
lume sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mult a vis dect ceea ce fusese cu Adrian. Eram nc{\f63
\u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pat cu Dimitri, cuib{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i n a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternuturi, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncol{\f63 \u259\'3f}ci{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 unul de cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. Dormea, cu acea nf{\
f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic{\f63 \u
259\'3f} rar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pentru el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\i aproape\i0 mi d{\f63
\u259\'3f}dea impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} zmbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}te.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Pentru o frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune de secund{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, m-am gndit dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trezesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l anun{\
f63 \u355\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era timpul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pornim la drum. O
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privire ndreptat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre ceas mi-a n{\f63
\u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, din fericire,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gndul acesta. Mai aveam timp, plus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
e apropia ora
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280

\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 testului. Trebuia s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ajung la Lissa, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aveam ncredere c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sonya ar veni s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
trezeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} dormeam cumva prea
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 mult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Cum era de a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}teptat, estimasem bine cu privire la test.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 l.issa tocmai traversa peluzele Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
i, mergnd de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s-ar fi dus la o nmormntare. Soarele, florile {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nici nu existau pentru ea. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car
alaiul ei nu prea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea s-o nveseleasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Era cu Christian, cu mama mea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Tasha.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot, a
zis ea, privind drept nainte, spre cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}ras
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} destinul. Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec de testul
\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri167 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Tatuajul o mpiedica s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} divulge vreo alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u351\'3
f}ti inteligent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ncur
ajat-o Christian,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}innd-o de dup{\f63
\u259\'3f} mijloc, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ntr-un astfel de moment, l
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adoram pentru ncrederea care i-o ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta
. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treci, i-a
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 zis el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1381 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu nu n{\f63 \
u355\'3f}elegi, a replicat ea, oftnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sise vreun r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns pentru {\f63 \u351\'3f}arad{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ceea ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} planul nos
tru era n pericol... ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 de a se dovedi vrednic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}car o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}elege {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el, a intervenit
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Tasha, cu o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ten
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} zeflemitoare n voce. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.\i Trebuie\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Ne baz{\f63 \u259\'3f}m att de mult pe asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncrederea ei n-o f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cea pe Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se simt{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai bine.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea un efect, atunci acela era
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sporea presiunea

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 asupra ei. Avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}u
eze, exact cum i ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase visul cu
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}a de Consiliu, provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de potir. Nici acolo nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3432 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sise r{\f63 \u
259\'3f}spunsul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3882 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul i-a f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se opreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
, ntorcndu-se,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe S
erena alergnd spre ea, acoperind
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 repede cu picioarele ei lungi, atletice, distan{\f63
\u355\'3f}a dintre ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, Serena, i-a zis Lissa. Nu putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Testul...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3588 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}tiu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Serena era mbujorat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nu de efort, ci din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri611 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cauza nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii.
I-a ntins gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit{\f63 \u259\'3f} o foaie de hrtie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u354
\'3f}i-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut lista. Attea nume cte mi-am putut
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 aminti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2251 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce list{\f63
\u259\'3f}? s-a mirat Tasha.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu moroii pe ca
re i-a pus regina s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se antreneze, ca
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri401 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ct de bine sunt n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}e s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} se lupte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Sprncenele Tashei s-au n{\f63
\u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}at n semn de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 surprindere. Nu fusese de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} cnd discutaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} data
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tatiana ant
rena moroi pentru lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}? N-am auzit

\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a

ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-ar fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se numere {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i ea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 printre instructori.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cei mai mul
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n-au {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut, a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at Lissa,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri916 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}turind foaia
de hrtie. A fost strict secret.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-a
u nghesuit n jurul ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} citeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} numele,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}irate cu caligrafia ngrijit{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} a Serenei. Christian a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i scape un fluierat u{\f63 \u351\'
3f}or.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate
c-o fi fost Tatiana deschis{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de ideea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri712 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 autoap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rii, dar numai pentru anumite persoane.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, l-a apr
obat Tasha. Asta e, categoric, lista
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vedetelor de prima mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Toate erau nume din familiil
e regale. Tatiana nu-i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 introdusese n experimentul ei pe cei {\f63 \u8222\'3f
}din popor". Aici
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 era elita elitelor, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cum remarcase
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose, Tatiana f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse tot posibilul
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aleag{\f63 \u259\'3f} o mare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri321 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 varietate din punctul de vedere a
l vrstei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al sexului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Camille Con
ta? s-a mirat Lissa. N-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi crezut.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mereu a fost foarte slab{\f63 \u259\'3f} la orele de
sport.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i iat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} veri{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de-a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian, ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd locul n care era nscris
numele\i Lia
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 Ozera.\i0 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ntors privirea spre
Tasha, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}reia nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 venea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63

\u350\'3f}tiai ceva, a ntrebat-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2541 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nici n-a{
\f63 \u351\'3f} fi ghicit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f
}i jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate dintre candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a cugetat cu voce ta
re
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. Rufus Tarus, Ava Drozdov {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i Ellis Badica. Mare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1101 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ei\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }} o, Doamne! Mama
lui Adrian?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1782 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Da, scria clar: Daniella Ivash
kov.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hopa, a exclamat Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2251 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Cam asta era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt destul de c
onvins c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian n-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut nimic
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2766 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 despre asta, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ugat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i ea e partizana luptei pentru moroi? a ntrebat
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mama, surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2620 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tinat din cap.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. D
in cte {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu eu despre ea, e categoric n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri355 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 favoarea l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63
\u259\'3f}rii ntregii ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri n seama dhampirilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Niciunul dintre noi nu {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i-o putea imagina pe frumoasa
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cuviincioasa Daniella Ivashkov lup
tndu-se.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a o ura pe Tatiana, a remarcat Tasha. Sunt
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta a con
tribuit ntr-un mod ncnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 evolu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei dintr
e ele. Astea dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ciorov{\f63 \u259\'3f}iau
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mereu n spatele u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ilor nchise.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1972 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 S-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut o
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1418 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridi
cat privirea spre Serena.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cei de pe list{\
f63 \u259\'3f} o ntlneau frecvent pe Tatiana?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3174 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Aveau intrare la ea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, i-a r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, stingherit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Serena. Din ce spunea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Grant, Tatiana urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea fiecare {\f63
\u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de antrenament.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} moartea lui... ea a nceput s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i examineze
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 individual pe elevi, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ct de bine nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}aser{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dup{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 o scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} ezitare, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ugat: Cred... cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi ntlnit cu unii dintre ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n noaptea n
care a fost
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 omort{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}F{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} destule progrese nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nve{\f63 \u355\
'3f}e cum se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mnuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a? s-a interesat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, i-a r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Serena, nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cuvntul cu
o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 grimas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Unii mai mult, al{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ii mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a studiat din nou num
ele, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i vine r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Attea ocazii. Attea mobiluri. Oare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
fost aici
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul, pe bucata asta de hrtie? Oar
e numele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 criminalului s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost chiar sub och
ii ei? Serena spusese
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 data trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatian
a i alesese n mod inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat pe
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cei mai refractari fa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de antrenamente, probabil ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nd{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnicii erau n stare s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. Oare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fi mers prea departe cu cineva? n mod special, un num
e
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 i tot ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea Lissei n minte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri438 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi pare r{\f63
\u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrerup, a intervenit mama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tonul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alura ei
ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai era timp s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 detectivii: era momentul s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la lucrurile
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 serioase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, a zis ea, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ajungi p
rea
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 trziu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i seama c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} mama avea dreptate, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vrt foaia de hrtie n buzunar. ntrzierea la test era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 egal{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ecul. I-a mu
l{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit Serenei, asigurnd-o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse ceea ce era bine. Apoi, prieten
ii mei s-au pus
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 repede n mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
nd presiunea timpului, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 se zoreau spre cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa n care se {\f6
3 \u355\'3f}inea testul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fir-ar s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fie, a bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit Lissa, ntr-unul dintre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 rarele ei momente cnd njura. Nu prea cred c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trna
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 doamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar tolera o ct de mic{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ntrziere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimic, a ro
stit ea nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or. O regin{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 posede nimic ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} guverneze, fiindc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri850 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruiasc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} poporului ei tot ce are. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum se nti
ndea zmbetul {\f63 \u351\'3f}tirb al Ekaterinei,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spunsese corect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Felicit{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ri, draga mea. Ai reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungi pn{\
f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 votul de mine. Sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f
}i-ai preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit un discurs cu care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u351\'3f}
tigi Consiliul de partea ta. Va trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l roste{\f63 \u351\'3f}

ti
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 de diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a cl{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tinat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind sigur ce-ar putea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum, dar{\f63
\u259\'3f}mite ntr-un discurs oficial. Ekaterina a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i dea seama prin ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc trecea Lissa, iar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 zmbetul care d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse mereu impresia c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ar fi unul
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}cios a devenit b
lnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fie bine. Ai reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum. Discursul e
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 partea cea mai simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tat{\f63 \u259
\'3f}l t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u ar fi fost mndru de tine.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i Dragomirii dinaintea ta ar fi fo
st mndri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele ei au fost ct pe ce
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} lacrimi n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ochi Lissei, care a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tim cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu nu sunt o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 candidata adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A
fost doar... n fine, un fel de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 teatru. Cumva, nu-i venea greu s-o recunoasc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ekaterinei. Ariana e cea care merit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
coroana, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ochii b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trni
ai Ekaterinei au sfredelit-o, iar zmbetul
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 acela s-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}ters.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nseamn{\f63
\u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai auzit. Nu, normal c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-aveai cu
m
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} auzi, la ct de repede s-au ntmplat to
ate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3460 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} aud?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O expresie nduio{\f63 \u351\'3f}at
{\f63 \u259\'3f} a traversat fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Ekaterinei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ulterior, aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{

\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aceast{\f63 \u259\

'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 compasiune se datora mesajului pe care avea s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 transmit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sau reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
i Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ariana Szels
ky n-a trecut testul... n-a putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dezlege enigma...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3376 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, Ro
se.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} zgl{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am avut nevoie de cteva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 secunde ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac tr
anzi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocata Lissa pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 buim{\f63 \u259\'3f}cita Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2218 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}..., a nceput el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O, Doamne, l-am
ntrerupt. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}\i crezi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3277 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 ce-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut acum
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3103 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 A n{\f63 \u355\'3f}epenit brusc
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3293 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa e bine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2460 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, foarte b
ine, dar...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, ne batem
capul cu asta mai trziu. Acum,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2885 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, trebuie s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Abia atunci am observat c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} el era complet mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce eu eram nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} goal{\f63 \u259\'
3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3086 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce se-ntmpl{\f
63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri384 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A trecut Sonya
pe-aici {\f63 \u351\'3f}i... nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i face probleme.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Expresia mea {\f63 \u351\'3f}oca
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} care sigur mi ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f} l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3074 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} zmbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M-am mbr{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cat eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat-o s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} intre. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mi-a zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au sunat de la recep{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie. Au nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au operat o cazare neobi{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rem de-aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 La miezul nop{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ii.\i0 Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntlnim cu Mihail la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 miezul nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inem ultima pies{\f63 \u259\'3f} din puzzle-ul
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 care ne ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nicio probl
em{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am zis, azvrlind p{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile de pe
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Imediat, am sim{\f63 \u355\
'3f}it privirea lui Dimitri oprindu-se pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trupul meu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
oarecum surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ct de
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 admirativ{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i fl{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnd{\f63 \u259\'3f} era. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
de ce, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}m dragoste, m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} cam fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat ca el s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deta{\f63 \u351\'3f}eze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i afi{\f63 \u351\'3f}eze masca de gardian... mai ales
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}innd seama de necesitatea subit{\f63
\u259\'3f} a plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai v{\f63
\u259\'3f}zut ceva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i plac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
? l-am ntrebat, ca un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ecou a ceea ce-i spusesem demult, cnd m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} prinsese ntr\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 o pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie compromi{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f}toare la {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2237 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O mul{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ime, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia pe care o v

edeam arznd n ochii aceia era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prea de tot pentru mine. Mi-am ab{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tut privirea, iar inima
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi bat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
putere n timp ce-mi tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}geam
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 hainele pe mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1313 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu uita, i-am
zis nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or. Nu uita...
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 N-am mai ncheiat, dar nu era nevoie.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu, Roza. N-am uit
at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am strecurat picioarele n pant
ofi, dorindu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fost mai slab{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi trecut peste ultimatum. Cu toate
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acestea, nu puteam Indiferent de tot ce se petrecuse
ntre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 noi, att verbal, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fizic, indiferen
t ct de aproape era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 finalul nostru de basm frumos... nu exista viitor pn{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cnd el nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ierte pe sine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Jill
erau gata {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptau deja cnd am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i ceva mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia ce se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntmplase ntre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri. Blestemate
aure! Sau
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici nu era nevoie de puteri
magice ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 observi astfel de lucruri. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
ra vorba doar despre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lumina aceea care persista firesc pe chipul cuiva.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb140\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am ne
voie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci un farmec, i-am zis Sonyei de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ne-am a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ternut la drum. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poposim
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n Greenston.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri739 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n Greenston? sa mirat Dimitri. Pentru ce?
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acolo sunt {\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63
\u355\'3f}i Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Deja ncepusem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
un piesele cap la cap. Cine o ura
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe Tatiana... att din cauza personal

it{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ei, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l avea pe Ambrose? Cine-i
purta pic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei ca moroii s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} se lupte cu strigoii? Cine se temea
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea ncuraja
spiritul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i efectele sale
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 periculoase asupra utilizatorilor lui, cum ar fi, s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} zicem,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Adrian? Cine-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe tron o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} familie, care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sprijine noile crezuri? {\f63 \u350
\'3f}i cine s-ar fi bucurat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie nchis{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i scoasa din peisaj? Am inspirat adnc, cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 greu venindu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred ceea ce eram
pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i acolo e locul n care o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim dovada c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Daniella Ivashkov a asasinat-o pe Tatiana.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri1559 \expndt
w-13 \b \f20 \fs40 TREIZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I UNU
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw4 \b \f20
\fs24 N-AM FOST EU SINGURA\b0 care a ajuns la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 concluzia asta n{\f63 \u259\'3f}uci
toare. Cnd s-a trezit Curtea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 moroilor, la cteva ore dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce pornise
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m la drum, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa punea piesele cap la c
ap n camera ei, n timp ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2233 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea discursu
l preelectoral.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Se gndise la toate argumentel
e pe care le
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 enumerasem eu, plus alte cteva: cum ar fi, la ct de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase D
aniella ca nu cumva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fie implicat odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mine, situa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ie n care, nendoios, ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it la lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f} un p
lan minu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ios ticluit. Mai era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 oferta Daniellei, ca v{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul ei avocat,
Damon Tarus, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 apere la proces. Oare chiar m-ar fi ajutat? Sau nu c
umva
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Damon ar fi lucrat, cu subtilitate, la {\f63 \u351\'
3f}ubrezirea ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mele? Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} amestecul grosolan al l

ui Abe fusese o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 binecuvntare pentru mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Inima i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea
repede {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu putere n timp ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul ntr-un co
c. Prefera s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l lase liber, dar se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 gndise c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru evenimentul care urm
a, ar fi cazul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i compun{\f63 \u259\'3f} o nf{\f63 \u
259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are mai demn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Rochia ei
era din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase, de un ivoriu mat, cu mneci lung
i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i volane,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lung{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la genunch
i. Unii poate ar fi fost de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o astfel de c
uloare o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} arate ca o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mireas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar cnd am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}z
ut-o n oglind{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nimeni n-ar fi putut face o astfel de gre{\f63 \u351\
'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 luminoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucito
are. Maiestuoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu se poat
e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, a zis ea, n timp ce-{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 completa toaleta cu cerceii cu perle care-i apar{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}inuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mamei ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Le mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise teoria ei lui Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Janinei
, care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 erau acum cu ea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sperase pe jum{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tate ca ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e nebun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu-i spu
seser{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pare l
ogic, a remarcat Christian, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} pic din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2940 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sarcasmul lui obi{\f63 \u351\'3f
}nuit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar c{\f63
\u259\'3f} deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu prea exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dovad{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 solid{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat mama
, mereu practic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Doar gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mezi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de chestii indirecte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259
\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a Tasha vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}te cu Ethan, s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} afle dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Daniella a fost cumva acolo n noaptea crimei, a zis
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Christian, strmbndu-se u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, nc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} deloc bucuros s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a lui are un iubit. Daniella nu ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea pe listele
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 oficiale, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63
\u351\'3f}a Tasha e obsedat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} unele
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 consemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri e posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fi fost modificate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri15 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu m-ar mi
ra. Dar, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, plasarea Daniellei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acolo la momentul potrivit ar fi un nceput de prob{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, nu
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 o dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} solid{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri15 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} mama ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} avocat. Ea
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Abe ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i d
eschid{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} un birou de
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 avocatur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tot attea do
vezi au {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mpotriva lui Rose! a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 exclamat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} la{\f63 \u351\'3f}i deoparte {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, i-a a
mintit Janine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lumea e mai dispus{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dea crezare unor dovezi sumare
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 care s-o acuze pe Rose, dect pe Lady Daniella
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1517 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a oftat, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea dreptate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
car dac-ar reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i Abe s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1118 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii. Avem
nevoie de ceea ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s-o fac{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, a replicat mama, ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Doar c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ia ceva timp.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1077 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar noi
n-avem timp! a explodat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dramatica ntors{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur
{\f63 \u259\'3f} a evenimentelor i oferea
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spiritului o frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3

f} ocazie de a-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ridica hidosul cap, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ca ntotdeauna am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} absorb ntuner
icul din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. Ai fi zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-am nv{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at lec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntmplarea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cu Victor, dar, ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i faci, vechile
deprinderi se uit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 greu.\i Ei au prioritate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Marie Cont
a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Rufus Tarus sunt singurii candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}i! a continuat ea
. Dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tige el, Daniella o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 capete mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} influen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-atunci, n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mai dovedim
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ecul Arian
ei la ultimul test se ab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuse ca o uria{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra tuturor, zdrobind un
viitor pe care Lissa
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 l crezuse d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ltuit n piatr{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} Ariana, deznod{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nu ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta deloc pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut.
Marie Conta nu era printre
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 preferatele Lissei, dar sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea c{\f63
\u259\'3f} ar fi o mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare dect Rufus. Din nefericir
e, familia Conta
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cam t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse n domeniul politicii n ultim
ii ani, fapt care
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 o l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase cu mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ini
alia{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prieteni. Balan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a se apl
eca
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 periculos n favoarea lui Rufus. Era frustrant. Dac{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam s-o ducem pe Jill acolo, atunc
i ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 voteze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa, iar ntr-un Consiliu di
n dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}sprezece
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 persoane, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un sin
gur vot putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie decisiv.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem timp,
a replicat mama, calm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 niciun vot ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
controversele pe care o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 provoci. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu fiecare zi de amnare a
alegerilor, avem
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'
3f} de a ne consolida situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Suntem aproape.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Putem s-o facem.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280

\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar

nu putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spunem lui Adrian despre asta,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 i-a prevenit Lissa, pornind spre u{
\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} venise
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 vremea plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri152 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tipicul rnjet superior a revenit
pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta, a zis el,
e o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra c{\f63 \u259\'3f}reia putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3100 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 fim cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de a
cord.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sofisticatul salon de bal {
\f63 \u8212\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} transformat n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Consiliu, din motive de spa{\
f63 \u355\'3f}iu {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta ca la un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 concert de rock. n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, lumea se b{\
f63 \u259\'3f}tea pentru locuri.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Unii, dndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
r fi inutil, se instalaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 afara cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii, pe jos, ca la un picn
ic. Din fericire, cineva
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 avusese str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucita idee de a amplasa u
n sistem de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sonorizare, cu difuzoare n exterior, astfel nct cei car
e
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} intre s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ascu
lta dezbaterile.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i croiau drum prin mul{\f63
\u355\'3f}ime, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 haosul n fru... mai ales la sosirea candida{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Marie Conta {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia imediat naintea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
era candidata cea mai slab cotat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tot
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 s-au auzit urlete {\f63 \u351\'3f}i izbucniri entuzia
ste n rndul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imii. n grab{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu brutalitate, cnd era necesar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} gardienii au mpins gloata deoparte,
astfel nct ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} trece. O astfel de aten{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ie trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, ns{\f63 \
u259\'3f} M{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie n-o ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta. nainta mndr{\f63 \u259\'3
f},
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 zmbindu-le deopotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f} sus{\f63 \u355\'
3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}torilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nesus{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}torilor.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Att eu, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa ne-am amintit cuvint
ele lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Christian:\i E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti candidata la tron.

Comport{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te ca
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24
din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintre
\plain\expndtw-9 \i \f20 \fs24

atare.
O meri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cea
Dragomiri. O fiic{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
neam regal.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i exa
ct a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a s-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i comportat. Era vorba {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i de altceva,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} imboldurile l
ui Christian. Acum, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecuse de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 toate cele trei teste, solemnitatea str{\f63 \u259\'
3f}vechii festivit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spre care se ndrepta continua s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sporea
sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lissa a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns n cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire, cu c
apul sus. N-aveam cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tot corpul, dar recuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team senza{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ia mersului ei gra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ios,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 demn. Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea i-l adora, {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i mi-a trecut prin mine c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 publicul acesta era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai zgomotos d
atorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n majoritate, nu provenea din familii regale. Cei strn
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau moroi de rnd, cei care ajun
seser{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s-o iubeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Urma{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a Alexandrei!" {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Aduce{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dragonul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 napoi!" Iar pentru unii era de ajuns s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-i strige numele,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugnd epitete mprumutate de la eroina
unei vechi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 legende ruse{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cu acela{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i nume: {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Viteaza Vasilisa!"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3023 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Frumoasa Vasil
isa!"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nimeni nu-i ghicea temerile interioare. Se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pricepea att de bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i le-ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mama,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care la nceput o ncadraser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, au r{\f63
\u259\'3f}mas n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca la un
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 semn, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd-o pe Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nainte.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i autoritatea
Lissei nu puteau fi puse la ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Fiecare pas l f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea cu ncredere, amintin
du-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bunicul ei mersese pe acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i drum. A n
cercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}imii un zmbet care era att demn, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sincer. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a dat roade, fiind

c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea a

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nnebunit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Iar
cnd s-a oprit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} comenteze
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 stindardul nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \
u351\'3f}nd un dragon pe care-l pictase un tip
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inerea ei, artistul a fost
ct pe ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le{\f63 \u351\'3f}ine
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o pe
rsonalitate ca ea l observase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3538 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 complimentase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E ceva f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} precedent, a remarcat mama, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 au ajuns s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre cu bine. Niciodat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} n-a mai fost att
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 popor. n mod sigur nu la ultimele alegeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce sunt
att de mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de data asta? a ntrebat-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri392 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i readuc{\f63 \u259\'3f} respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia sub control.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s-a iscat atta senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, cu asasinatul {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 felul n care ai tulburat tu legile. Pentru asta {\f63
\u351\'3f}i... n fine,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru modul n care le-ai c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigat inimil
e tuturor ne\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 regalilor de-afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
dhampirilor, de asemenea. Avem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 emblema dragonului ntr-una dintre camerele noastre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru cafea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiai? Cred c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i unii dintre cei din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 familiile regale te iubesc, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i poate
asta s-ar datora
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 numai ciudei fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de c
ine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} familie cu care ar fi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n disput{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar, sincer? Dac-ar fi dup{
\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea asta,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu numai dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} Consil
iu {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, dac{\f63 \u259\'3
f} tu ai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ndeplini condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile de eligibilitate {\
f63 \u8212\'3f} eu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiga.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 De{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a strmb
at, Lissa a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat apoi, cam cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3437 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate de glas
:

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vrei s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fiu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Cred c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ar\i trebui\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 alegem conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii prin vot popular.
Fiecare moroi ar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} voteze, nu doar o mn{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de familii de elit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai grij{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a glumit Christian, petre
cndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul pe dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} al ei.
E genul de afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii care ar putea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri557 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}a o nou{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} revolu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Cte una, pe rnd, bine?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}im
ea din salonul de bal nu era att de nnebunit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pe ct se ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase cea
de-afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dar era destul de aproape.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 De data aceasta, gardienii erau preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pentru un num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 att de mare de spectatori {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se asigura
ser{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 totul sub un strict control nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la
bun nceput. {\f63 \u354\'3f}ineau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 o eviden{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} riguroas{\f
63 \u259\'3f} a tuturor persoanelor c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rora li se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 permitea accesul n sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i puneau cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t oric{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei glcevi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntre cei din familiile regale {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceilal
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Dar tot era o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 priveli{\f63 \u351\'3f}te de natur{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} intimideze, iar Lissa sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nevoia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i aminteasc
{\f63 \u259\'3f} n permanen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ju
cnd acest
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 rol, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajuta pe mine. Pentru mine, e
ra n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndure
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 orice, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spectacolul acesta pu
blic. De ast{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fericire, au dus-o destul de repede n partea din fa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lii, unde fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
plasate trei scaune pentru
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre
mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime. Rufus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Marie se
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} deja, discutn
d cu voce sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva ale{\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 membri ai familiilor. n jurul lor se postaser{\f63 \u
259\'3f} gardieni.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, evident, era singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \

u259\'3f}, cnd a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe Tasha

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 apropiindu-se, le-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut semn gardie
nilor din preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i permit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Tasha s-a ghemuit lng{\f63 \
u259\'3f} Lissa, vorbind ncet {\f63 \u351\'3f}i stnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cu un ochi prudent pe Rufus, care discuta cu cineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ve{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ti rele. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, depinde din ce unghi le prive{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ti.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ethan zice c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Daniella a fost acolo n
noaptea aia. Ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana s-au ntlnit, singure. El nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}ia dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fost trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f} n registru. Altcineva a f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut nsemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 numele tuturor gardienilor de serviciu, dar el jur{\f
63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe Daniella cu ochii lui.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a crispat. Sp
erase, n adncul sufletului {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ba
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 chiar se rugase {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi comis o eroare, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imposibil ca mama lui Adrian s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fos
t f{\f63 \u259\'3f}pta{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nclinat repede capul, n semn c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \
u355\'3f}elesese.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi pare r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}u, i-a mai zis Tasha. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u355\'3f}i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea de
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} mai mult m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ngrijoreaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian. Nu {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cum o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndure el toate astea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Greu, a re
plicat Tasha, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} menajamente. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f
} tot
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ce nfruntase ea de pe urma p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63
\u355\'3f}ilor lui Christian, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai bine dect oricine ce nsemna s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dat de cineva
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din propria familie. Dar o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reziste
el, a asigurat-o apoi.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, imediat cum o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pu
tem scoate la lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri581 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dovezile, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i a

vem pe Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Rose napoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele acestea au umplut
-o de speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Lissa,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dndu-i putere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-e att de
dor de ea, a m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisit. Mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie deja aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri216 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Tasha i-a zmbit comp{\f63 \u259\
'3f}timitor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut-o pe um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foarte curnd. Or
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} foarte curnd. Tu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri174 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treci de a
sta. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-o faci. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} schimbi
totul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nu era att de convins{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tasha s-a gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 se al{\f63 \u259\'3f}ture {\f63 \u8222\'3f}prietenil
or ei activi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti" {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a fost nlocuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de...
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Daniella.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Venise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dis
cute cu Rufus, oferindu-i sprijin {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dragoste familial{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lissa nici nu sup
orta s-o priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-se {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}u cnd Daniella i s-a adresat.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {
\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu sigur cum ai ajuns s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii amestecat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1743 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 povestea, draga mea, dar mult no
roc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul Daniellei p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rea sincer, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu exista nicio
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a candid
atului pe care l sprijinea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri330 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, expresia
ei amabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat locul ngrijor{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}L-ai v{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}zut cumva pe Adrian? Eram sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-l
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri766 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc aici. {\f63
\u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardienii l-ar fi l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} intre.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Excelent{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr
ebare. Lissa nu-l mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse cam de o
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 zi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu l-am
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar ntrzie. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 aranjeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul, sau
mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu eu ce.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri971 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f} sper{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}m c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai era le{\f63 \u351\'3f}inat pe undeva.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Daniella a oftat.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i a plecat, ocupnd
u-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i locul din public. Din nou,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l lui Adrian er
a cel care conducea {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dup
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri334 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cteva ncerc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri nereu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ite, n sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut t{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cerea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n ultima s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a nceput Nathan, vorbind
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un microfon, mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i candida{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i merituo{\f63 \u351\'3f}i au dat testele
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cerute pentru guvernarea poporului nostru. n fa{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} se afl{\f63 \u259\'3f} cei tr
ei r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}i: Rufus Tarus, Marie Conta
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Vasilisa Dragomir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tonul lui Nathan a sunat ne
mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit la pronun{\f63 \u355\'3f}area
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ultimului nume, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, deocamdat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, legea i permitea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u35
5\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} discursul. Abia dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} aceea avea s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 intre n rol inconsisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}a legii {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i ntreg iadul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 dezl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}uie.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ace{\
f63 \u351\'3f}tia trei au demonstrat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au capacitatea de a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 domni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ca o ulti
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune din partea lor, nainte ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vot{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, fiecare v

a vorbi despre planurile sale n

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 favoarea poporului nostru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Rufus s-a ridicat primul, t
ransmi{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd exact genul de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mesaj la care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tep
tasem. Miza pe temerile moroilor,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 promi{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd forme extreme de protec{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ie... majoritatea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acestora implicndu-i pe dhampiri, dar f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 prea multe detalii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Siguran{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie principala
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 preocupare, a proclamat el. Cu orice pre{\f63 \u355\'
3f}. Va fi greu?
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Da. Vor fi sacrificii? Da. Dar nu merit{\f63 \u259\'
3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva copiii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2746 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri? Nu ne pa
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ei?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Aducerea n discu{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ie a copiilor era ceva pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 josnic, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea m
ea. Bine m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase pe
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}elu{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i n pace.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 De asemenea, a folosit {\f63
\u351\'3f}i trucuri politicianiste
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 murdare, def{\f63 \u259\'3f}imndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i r
ivalii. Marie a fost blamat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 principal pentru lipsa de activitate a familiei sale.
n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 schimb, Lissa reprezenta o {\f63 \u355\'3f}inta groza
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A tot b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cmpii pe seama vrstei ei, pe primejdiile utiliz{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spiritului, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe faptul c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei acolo
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 constituia, n primul rnd, o violare a legii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Discursul {\f63 \u355\'3f}in
ut de Marie a fost mult mai gndit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nun{\f63 \u355\'3f}it. A expus ntrun mod foarte explicit planuri
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de rezolvare pentru tot felul de probleme, n majorita
tea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lor rezonabile. Nu eram de acord cu tot ceea ce spus
ese,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e com
petent{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se coboar{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280

\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ponegri

rea contracandida{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor. Din nefericire, nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 avea nici pe departe carisma lui R
ufus, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tristul adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva putea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} conteze enorm. Monotona ei
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 ncheiere i-a rezumat nu numai discursul, ci {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 personalitatea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acestea sun
t motivele pentru care ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f} v-a pl
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut discursul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ve{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i vota pentru
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mine cnd va sosi momentul. V{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63
\u355\'3f}umesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3000 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i s-a a{\f63 \
u351\'3f}ezat brusc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 A sosit, n fine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
rndul Lissei. Stnd n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 microfonului, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ochii visul din potir,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd se blbise n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Consiliului. Dar nu,
aici era n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 realitate. N-avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea gre{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}. Avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 departe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Suntem un
popor n r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboi, a nceput ea, cu o voce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sun{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i limpede. Suntem ataca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i permanent... dar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nu numai de strigoi. Ci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ai no{\
f63 \u351\'3f}tri. Suntem diviza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ne lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ntre noi. Familie contra fami
lie. Regali
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 contra ne-regali. Moroi contra dhampiri.\i Evident\i
0 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 strigoii ne decimeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ei, m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}car, sunt uni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n spatele
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 unui {\f63 \u355\'3f}el: s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ucid{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fo
st eu acolo, n public, sigur m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi aplecat
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu gura c{\f63
\u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, erau destui care f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ceau asta
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n locul meu. Cuvintele ei erau alerte. {\f63 \u350\'3f
}ocante. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 absolut captivante.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Suntem un s
ingur popor, a continuat ea. Moroi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 dhampri deopotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri971 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Mda, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aic
i s-au mai t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat cteva respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f6
3 \u350\'3f}i, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e imposibil ca fiec{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei
persoane s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 se fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe voie, ni
meni nu va ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine nimic dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ne
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vom uni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu vom g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si
calea de a ne ntlni la mijloc...
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta implic{\f63 \u259\'3
f} op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni dificile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i atunci, nt
r-un stil extraordinar, a explicat cum se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 putea proceda. E adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, n-avea tim
p s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ofere detalii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de fine{\f63 \u355\'3f}e pentru absolut toate proble
mele lumii noastre,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-a atins pe foarte multe dintre
cele importante. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s-o fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-un
mod n care nu ofensa\i prea\i0 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nimeni. La urma urmei, avea dreptate afirmnd c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu li
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se putea face pe voie tuturor. n continuare, a vorbit
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 despre dhampiri, care reprezentau cei mai buni
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboinici ai no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri..
. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i despre faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
buni
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar avea o voce mai puternic{\f63
\u259\'3f} n favoarea lor. A
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cei care nu
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau parte din familiile regale
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aveau nevoie ca vocea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} li se aud{\f
63 \u259\'3f} mai puternic... dar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nu cu pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul pierderii pream{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ritelor spi{\f63 \u355\'3f}e regale care ne
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 defineau poporul. n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, abo
rdnd problema
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tirii moroilor pentru autoap{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rare, i-a accentuat ntr\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a... d
ar nu ca pe ceva obligatoriu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ca pe unica metod{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care ar fi nece
sar s-o explor{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Da, avea cte ceva pentru fiec
are, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se exprima
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 superb {\f63 \u351\'3f}i carismatic. Era genul de dis
curs care putea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri160 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 determina poporul s-o urmeze oriu
nde. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i a ncheiat cu:

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Noi totdea
una am mbinat vechiul cu noul. Ne-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat magia, al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi
de tehnologie. Ne desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ur{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aceste {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e cu perg
amente {\f63 \u351\'3f}i... cu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat
,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 zmbind {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cioc{\f63 \u259\'3f}nind mic
rofonul cu degetul. Astfel am
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63
\u259\'3f} supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uim. Ne p{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m r{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}cinile trecutului
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne mbr{\f63 \u259
\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}m prezentul. Lu{\f63 \u259
\'3f}m din toate ceea ce este
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 mai bun {\f63 \u351\'3f}i devenim mai puternici. Astf
el am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit. Astfel\i vom\i0 supra
vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncheierea ei a fost urmat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i deodat{\f63 \u259\'3
f} au
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pornit ova{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile. De fapt, am auzit ma
i nti vuietul celor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de pe gazon, nainte s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nceap{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Persoane despre care a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi jurat c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-i sprijin{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii erau
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 practic n lacrimi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu uitasem c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} majoritatea celor pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care-i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea
aceasta era alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 membrii familiilor regale. Lissa ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i ar fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 izbucneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n lacrimi, ns{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat cu mult curaj
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 rangul. Cnd, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, s-a a{\f63 \u351\
'3f}ezat la loc, iar mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea s\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit, Nathan {\f63 \u351\'3f}ia reluat rolul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, a zis
el. A fost un discurs foarte dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}, unul pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care l-am savurat cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Acum, ns{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, a sosit momentul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n care Consiliul va vota noul nostru conduc{\f63 \u259
\'3f}tor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 potrivit legii {\f63 \u8212\'3f} numai doi candida{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i sunt eligibili pentru
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} demnitate: Rufus Tarus {\f63
\u351\'3f}i Marie Conta.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Doi moroi, cte unul pentru fa
milia Tarus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 respectiv, Conta s-au apropiat, al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turn
du-li-se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor. Privirea lui Nathan s-a
oprit asupra Lissei,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri170 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 care se ridicase odat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} cu ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}sese singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n conformita
te cu legile electorale {\f63 \u8212\'3f} legi n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vigoare nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la nceputurile lumii {\f
63 \u8212\'3f} fiecare candidat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se prezinte n fa{\f63 \u355
\'3f}a Consiliului nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}it de cineva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din neamul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} demonstreze puterea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1347 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 unitatea familiei. Ai o astfel d
e persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1246 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa l-a privit n ochi f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} clipeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2741 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, Lord Ivas
hkov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} tem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} rolul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u din acest joc s-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 terminat, prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\
f63 \u259\'3f} Dragomir, a rostit el, zmbind. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 stai jos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Da. Acesta a fost momentul n
care s-a dezl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3901 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntreg iadul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Auzisem de-attea ori expresia
: {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nnebunit!" Acum, o vedeam cu ochii mei. n bun{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} parte
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a timpului, nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu puteam s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama cine
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 striga {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n sprijinul a ce. Se contrazi
ceau n grupuri, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unu la unu. Vreo doi moroi n blugi provocau oricare
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} bine mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} peste care d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau, ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionnd
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 conform ira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionalei presupuneri c{\f63
\u259\'3f} oricine purta
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}minte frumoase era dintr-o familie

regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c

ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din familiile regale o urau pe Lissa. Devotamentul lo
r
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea era admirabi
l, nfior{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, dar admirabil. Un
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 grup provenit din familia Tarus st{\f63 \u259\'3f}te
a fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu alt
ul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 din familia Conta, ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd de parc{\f63
\u259\'3f} s-ar fi preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit fie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru o b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lie ntre ba
nde, fie pentru un concurs de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dans. Era una dintre cele mai bizare mperecheri dintre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate, din moment ce tocmai aceste dou{\f63 \u259\'3f
} familii erau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 singurele care ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se afl
e ntr-un perfect
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 consens n toate privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i tot a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a au {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut-o. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea se contrazic
ea pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tema posibilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ca
Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie eligibil{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru vot. Se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 contraziceau pe tema convoc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii unei
sesiuni menite s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 modifice legile chiar atunci, pe loc. Unii se contra
ziceau
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cu privire la lucruri de car
e nu mai auzisem n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Un val de gardieni n{\f63 \u259\'3
f}pustindu-se spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea de af
ar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre. Mama f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 parte din acest sistem defensiv, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avusese
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dreptate: nu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se {\f63 \u355\'3
f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} nicio votare azi, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 anarhia asta. Erau obliga{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nchid{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ncerce o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa fixa mul{\f63 \u355\'3
f}imea cu privirea, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-se ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 paralizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, incapabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} pasul cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3
f} aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sto
macul i-a tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}ltat n clipa n care
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 prin minte i-a trecut un gnd. n tot acest timp, ea jur

ase
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va respecta demnitatea tradi{\f63
\u355\'3f}iilor electorale. Cu toate
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 acestea, tocmai din cauza ei situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
era acum... oricum,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 numai demn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu. Totul era din vina ei.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i atunci,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 privirea i s-a oprit asupra unei persoane a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ezate ntr-un
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 col{\f63 \u355\'3f} mai ascuns, departe de vacarm. Er
a Ekaterina
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Zeklos. B{\f63 \u259\'3f}trna fost{\f63 \u259\'3f} re
gin{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a ntlnit privirea Lissei...
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut cu ochiul
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am {\f63 \u351\'3f}ters-o d
in sala aceea, nemaiavnd nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nimic din certurile lor. M-am ntors la c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}toria cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 automobilul, cu un nou gnd n minte. Cuvintele Lissei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi arseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} sufletul. mi tulburaser{\f63
\u259\'3f} inima. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, chiar
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f
}inuse discursul doar ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le ntind{\f63 \u259\'3f} o momeal{\f63
\u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pusese pasiune n aceste cuvinte: un crez arz{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tor. Dac-ar
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fi fost regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s-ar fi {\f63 \u355\'
3f}inut de aceste cuvinte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i acela a fo
st momentul n care am {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut. Ea\i va fi
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rt, acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i atunci, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi face s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fie a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. N-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-o aducem pe Jill la Curte doar ca
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i oferim Lissei
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 locul din Consiliu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dreptul de vot.
Jill i va d{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui Lissei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 statutul care le va permite moroilor s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} voteze\i pentru ea.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Lissa va c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiga.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri123 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, mi-am p
{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat pentru mine gndurile acestea.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta numesc eu o nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are periculoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, aruncndu-mi o scurt{\f63 \
u259\'3f} privire, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntors ochii spre drum.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1125 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce nf{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are? am ntrebat, nevinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f
}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri818 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cea care spune
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tocmai {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a venit o idee.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu mi-a venit do
ar o idee. Mi-a venit o idee
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4134 \expndtw-20 \i \f20 \fs24 grozav{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Astfel de glume o f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ceau de obicei pe Jill s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rd{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd m-am ntors spre bancheta din spate, unde st{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ea, am constatat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu prea g{\f63 \u
259\'3f}sea motive de amuzament.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1940 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, e{\f63 \
u351\'3f}ti bine? am ntrebat-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri538 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ochii aceia ca jadul s-au conce
ntrat asupra mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tiu sigur. S-au ntmplat cam multe. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu prea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama
ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple mai departe. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 simt... ca un fel de obiect care urmeaz{\f63 \u259\'
3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie folosit n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 planul de baz{\f63 \u259\'3f} al cuiva. Ca un pion.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it o
strngere de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Vict
or
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mereu ne folosea de al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii n jocurile lu
i. Oare nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 procedam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu la fel? Ba nu. Eu {\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ineam la Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu nu e{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ti un obiect, nici un pion, i-am zis. Dar e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 foarte, foarte important{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i, datorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, multe lucruri
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 foarte bune se vor ntmpla.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Totu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie chiar att de simplu, nu? a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 remarcat ea n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleapt{
\f63 \u259\'3f} n ciuda vrstei. Situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri629 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3
f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}esc nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mbun{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259

\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1795 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63
\u355\'3f}eam n stare s-o mint.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda. Dar apoi o
s-ajungi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iei leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura cu mama
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ta... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n fine, cum
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am spus, se vor ntmpla lucruri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bune. Gardienii mereu spun {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ei au pri
oritate" atunci
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cnd vine vorba despre moroi. Nu e exact acela{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i lucru
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pentru tine, dar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd asta... adic{\f
63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri248 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a adresat un zmbet care nu p{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rea prea bucuros.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri32 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, m-am prins
. E pentru un bine general, corect?
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i petrecuse cea mai mare parte
a drumului de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum lucrnd la un
farmec pentru mine, cu ajutorul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 unei br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ri din argint pe care o cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}raser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de la un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 magazin cu cadouri de la marginea {\f63 \u351\'3f}os
elei. Ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta cam de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prost-gust, dar era din argint veritabil, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i asta conta.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Cnd mai aveam cam o jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate de or{\f63
\u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Greenston, a considerat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e gata {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a ntins br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ara.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am strecurat-o la ncheietur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i i-am privit pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri4116 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu v{\f63 \u
259\'3f}d nimic, mi-a zis Sonya, dar, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2134 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc, nici na{\f63 \u351\'3f} avea cum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2132 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a mijit
ochii spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pari un pic nce{\
f63 \u355\'3f}o{\f63 \u351\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f}... ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar
trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1844 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 clipesc de cteva ori pn{\f63 \u259
\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1517 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\

'3f}a zic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, a confirmat Dimitri.

\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a fost mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit{\f63 \u259\'3f
}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} arate cineva n ochii celor care {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i s-a f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cut un farmec. Sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i gardieni or
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} o cu totul al
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Era o variant{\f63 \u259\'3
f} a ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse Lissa atunci cnd l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 scoseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe Victor din nchisoare. Dif
eren{\f63 \u355\'3f}a era c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aici fusese nevoie de ceva mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\
f63 \u259\'3f} magie, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sonya nu trebuise dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi modifice
pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nefiind necesar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ascund{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i originea de dhampir. n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, avea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} experien{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Restaurantul pe care-l alese
sem n Greenston era de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mult nchis cnd am ajuns noi, pe la unsprezece {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate. Parcarea era aproape ntunecat
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar tot am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} disting o ma
{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-un col{\f63 \u355\'3f} din fundul ei. Tot
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sper era ca Mihail s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi ajuns mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 devreme... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu o trup{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc a gardienilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dar, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
am parcat n apropiere, am observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, Mihail era cel care cobora
din ea... mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cu Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 A zmbit v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndum{\f63 \u259\'3f}, bucuros c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe bune, ar fi trebuit s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva
,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce i-am cerut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
transmit{\f63 \u259\'3f} mesajul lui Mihail.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian sigur g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sea el cum s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Stomacul mi s-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntors pe dos. Nu, nu. Nu asta. N-aveam timp s{\f63 \u

259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocup

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de problemele mele amoroase. Nu acum. Nici m{\f63 \u
259\'3f}car nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-i spun lui Adrian. Din fericire, nici
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n-am mai avut ocazia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mihail s-a ndreptat cu pa{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i mari spre noi, cu acea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 eficien{\f63 \u355\'3f}a a gardienilor, preg{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle ce misiune aveam
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n minte. S-a oprit brusc cnd a
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe Sonya
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cobornd din ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. La fel {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea. Au r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas amndoi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncremeni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, cu ochii mai mari dect p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rea posibil din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 punct de vedere fizic. Am {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut atunci
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi, ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncetaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai exist
{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, la fel ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i planurile noastre,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 misiunile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i... n fine, lumea ntreag{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. n momentul acela,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 doar ei doi mai existau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Son
ya a scos un strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}t sugrumat, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-a repezit spre el. Asta l-a smuls pe Mihail din vis
are,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tocmai la timp cu s-o cuprind{\f63 \u259\'3f} n bra{\
f63 \u355\'3f}e. Sonya a nceput
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plng{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut lacrimi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe chipul lui. Dndu-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 deoparte p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe
fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a cuprins obrajii cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri734 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 palmele, privind-o cu nesa{\f63 \
u355\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i repetnd, iar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i iar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2459 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti tu... e{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ti tu... e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti tu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri466 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sonya a ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} ochii, dar degeaba.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Mihail... mi pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u... mi pare att de
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Nu conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a opr
it-o el, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutnd-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}i apoi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 retr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-se doar ct s
-o poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} privi n ochi. Nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nimic nu mai con teaz{\f63
\u259\'3f}, dect c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suntem din

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nou mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Asta a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plng{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai tare. {\f63 \u350
\'3f}i-a ngropat fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 la pieptul lui, iar bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lui Mihai
l au strns-o cu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} ardoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Noi, ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m la fel de ncremeni{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i pe ct
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in mai de
vreme, cei doi ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gosti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Mi se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea nepotrivit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} as
ist{\f63 \u259\'3f}m la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Era prea intim:
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noi n-ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim acolo. {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i... n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 timp, nu-mi ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea din minte gndul c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} exact a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mi
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nchipuisem eu c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ar ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta rentlnirea mea cu Dimitri
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-l readusese
Lissa la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iubire. Iertare.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Acceptare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 I-am ntlnit pentru scurt timp
privirea lui Dimitri, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul acela supranatural mi-a spus c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i amintea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 acum cuvintele mele:\i Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
ier{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 atunci nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nici s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mergi mai departe. Nu putem.\i0 Mi\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am ntors ochii de la el, privind din nou fericitul cup
lu,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ca nu cumva el s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi observe sf{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ierea interioar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Doamne, ct mi doream {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu ceea ce aveau
Mihail {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sonya! Un final fericit. Iertarea trecutului. Un viit
or
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 luminos nainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Jill s-a smiorc{\f63 \u259\'
3f}it lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am cuprins-o cu un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}. Micul sunet parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
l-a adus pe Mihail din nou n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lumea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u355\'3f}innd-o pe Sonya n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ndreptat privirea spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc pentr

u asta. Orice ai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nevoie. Absolut orice...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai, stai,
l-am ntrerupt, de team{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sufoc. Abia izbutisem s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-mi alung, clipind, lacrimile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. M{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} bucur... m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur c-am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rog... de fapt n-am fost deloc eu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Totu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i... Mihail {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a cobort privirea spre Sonya,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri483 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care-i zmbea printre lacrimi. Tu m
i-ai redat lumea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt att de
fericit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru tine... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 parte de fericirea asta, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te bucuri
de ea chiar acum. Dar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi faci un serviciu. Un
ultim serviciu.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i Mihail au schimbat ntre ei o privire
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. N-ai
fi ghicit n ruptul capului c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i vreme de trei ani. Ea a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un semn de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri782 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are, iar el
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors privirea spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-am nchipu
it c{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-asta m-a adus el aici, a zis,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nclinndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i capul n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ia lui Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am nevoie s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} strecori n hotelul n care stau
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Micul zmbet de pe fa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}a lui Mihail a pierit
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 instantaneu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose... nu
pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te strecor nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri. Simplul fapt c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti att de aproape de Curte e {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a destul de periculos.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1209 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, mi-am scos br{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ara din buzunar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'3
f} deghizez. N-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu sun
t. Exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreun
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 motiv pentru care ai avea nevoie s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3822 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea n cont
inuare pe Sonya n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, dar ochii i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s-au nnegurat, n timp ce se gndea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt gardie
ni n apropierea camerelor lor. Am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri150 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 putea, probabil, s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ne d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m drept cei veni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i schi
mbe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1580 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti
nat aprobator din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u259\'
3f} e prea mare diferen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o
ra la care au
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 programat schimbul, s-ar cam ridica
vreo cteva
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sprncene... dar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sper{\f63 \u259\'3f
}m c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ve{\f63 \u355\'3f}i avea timp suficient ct
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ce trebuie. Probabil c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} gardienii se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 preocup{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai mult s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u le ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre la ei pe al{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i gardieni.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Abso
lut, a confirmat Mihail. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}adar, tu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mine,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4355 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 Rose?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}h, am zis. Cu
ct mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ini, cu att mai bine.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Destui c{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i lu{\f63
\u259\'3f}m la ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri pe Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Ian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1111 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Presupun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
aici, nu?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu plec
nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri, a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at Sonya, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutndu
-l pe
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 obraz.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian se apropiase agale nt
re timp, iar acum tocmai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 trimitea un pumn u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, fr{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}esc, n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul lui Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iar eu o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} stau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu cum Dumnezeu ai ajuns
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 implicat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n toate astea, Ispit{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Jill a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe buze un zmbet pentr
u el.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse cu tronc destul de r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}u, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era doar o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} a stresului prin care trecea fa
ptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu i se nmuias
er{\f63 \u259\'3f} genunchii. Au nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 converseze ntre ei, iar Dimitri mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cut semn s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cu el n spatele ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inii, unde s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu fim v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E periculos
, mi-a spus, ncet. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} farmecul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pierde efeclul, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai aju
ngi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i din
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 hotelul {\f63 \u259\'3f}la.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri435 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mai era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un\i
vie\i0 nerostit ca ncheiere a frazei lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l piard{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sonya e foarte priceput{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 plus, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fim prin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, poate c-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} napoi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 la Curte, n loc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
moare. nchipuie-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ct ar ntrzia
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 asta\i0 alegerile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2359 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, eu
vorbesc serios.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63
\u350\'3f}tiu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu, am zis, prinzndu-l de mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or. n mai pu{\f63
\u355\'3f}in de o or{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim intra{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, dar
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri930 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Doamne, ct detestam continu{\f63
\u259\'3f}rile sumbre!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nu ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}im, atunci trimite-o pe Jill la Curte cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, iar tu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
Sonya ascunde{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-v{\f63 \u259\'3f} undeva, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cnd... nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i face tu griji pentru noi, a replicat. Ai grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 doar de tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1038 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 S-a aplecat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
m-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe frunte.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir, ai
...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian ocolise tacticos ma{\f63 \
u351\'3f}ina, ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd tocmai la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 timp ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie mart
or la acel mic s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut. Mi-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat mna
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cad{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintr-a lui Di
mitri. Niciunul dintre noi n-a scos o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar n momentul acela, ochii lui
Adrian... ei bine,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut cum ntreaga lui lume se n{\f63
\u259\'3f}ruie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. M-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u dect ar
fi fost dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-ar fi nconjurat o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 hoard{\f63 \u259\'3f} de strigoi. M-am sim{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}it mai rea dect un strigoi.
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 Onoarea,\i0 m-am gndit. Pe bune: gardienii ar fi
trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ne predea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
Fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu n-o nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}asem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hai mai rep
ede, m-a mboldit Mihail, apropiindu\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se la rndul lui, ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind ce dram{\f63
\u259\'3f} tocmai explodase
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el. Sonya mi-a zis c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} voi sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntr-o curs{\f63 \u259\'3f} contra
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cronometru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu ceva de la Curte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
nodul din gt, smulgndu-mi privirea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de pe Adrian. Inima mi se zvrcolea n piept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3853 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1913 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Du-te, m-a nde

mnat Dimitri.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63
\u354\'3f}ine minte, i-am murmurat. Discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cu el e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2274 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 responsabilitatea mea. Nu a ta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 L-am urmat pe Mihail spre m
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina lui, n timp ce-mi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 strecuram la ncheietur{\f63 \u259\'3f} br{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ara fermecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 urc, am aruncat o privire iute napoi. Jill {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i Sonya
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vorbeau ntre ele. Dimitri st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea singur
, iar Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 scotea o {\f63 \u355\'3f}igar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu sp
atele spre ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt o jav
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am rostit, nec{\f63 \u259\'3f}jit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp ce M
ihail
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pornea motorul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu era un termen prea elocve
nt, dar mi rezuma n
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} sentiment
ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mihail n-a reac{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ionat, probabil pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era ceva
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 relevant pentru misiunea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ori
asta, ori era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns de rena{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
rea propriei vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}i amoroase.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Norocosul de el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 N-a durat mult pn{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem la hotel. Erau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gardieni posta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n jurul lui, ascun{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu le
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia oamenilo
r. Niciunul dintre ei nu ne-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mpiedicat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Unu
l chiar l-a recunoscut pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mihail {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-a salutat cu un semn din
cap. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f} priveau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum... n fine, ca {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i cum nu m-ar cunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 era bine. Fiind att de mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni
chema{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n ajutor la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Curte, te a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptai s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tot ntlne{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}e noi, iar a mea nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na cu a lui Rose Hathaway. Prin u
rmare, nu interesa
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pe nimeni.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n ce camere
sunt? l-a ntrebat Mihail pe un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gardian care st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea n holul de la rece
p{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Ne-au trimis
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Atitudinea lui Mihail
era perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de tip sigur pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sine, suficient pentru ca gardianul
ui {\f63 \u8212\'3f} chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 produs un pic de mirare {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} i se par{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ceva
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 normal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1212 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Numai voi doi
? Sunt patru acolo, sus.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Aici am salvat eu situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Au nevoie de ma
i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la Curte. Situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ncepe s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 scape de sub control, a{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai repartizeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 doi aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Probabil c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici n-ar trebui mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\
'3f}at
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gardianul. Etajul al treilea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri236 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Repede ai mai
gndit-o, m-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}udat Mihail n lift.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta n-a fost ni
mic. M-am scos eu cu vorba din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3181 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 altele mult mai rele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Camerele erau u{\f63 \u351\
'3f}or de dibuit, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lor st{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un gardian.\i Ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunt n{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}untru,\i0 mi-am dat seama,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntrebndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta ar
putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ridice o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ati
tudine autoritar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Mihail l-a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pe gardian c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ce
ilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} rechema{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la Curte.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Gardianul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a chemat imediat colegii
{\f63 \u8212\'3f} cte unul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pentru fiecare dintre camerele Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3
f}tilor, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m sea

ma cine unde st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ne-au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un
scurt raport nainte de plecare,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 informndu-ne inclusiv cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n ce came
r{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} plecarea
lor, Mihail {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors privirea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2514 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sydney,
i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Primiser{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m cartelele pentru deschiderea u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ilor, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am pornit direct spre camera lui Sy
dney. Am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit-o
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 stnd turce{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pe pat, citind o carte {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 dezn{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}jduit{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. A oftat la vederea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2796 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, acum ce m
ai e?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am scos br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ara, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-mi iluzoria imagine s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4204 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 dispar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Nici tu gur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nici tu sprncene ridicate din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 partea lui Sydney. Doar o privire de cunosc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar fi trebu
it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama. Ai venit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 eliberezi? m-a intrebat, cu speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f} n glas.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hm, nu tocm
ai, am zis. Detestam gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Sydney avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie pedepsit{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, dar scoaterea ei de acolo
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f} par
te din plan. Avem nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vorbim cu Ian, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i probabil c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ar fi mai bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. El {\f63 \u351\'
3f}tie ceva important. Ceva de care avem nevoie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Aici, da, m-am ales cu o sp
rncean{\f63 \u259\'3f} ridicat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Apoi,

\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mi-a ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\

f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1596 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei nu ne las{
\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbim ntre noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei nu mai sunt a
colo, i-am replicat, cu un aer
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4172 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 infatuat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1304 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Sydney a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tin
at din cap, melancolic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, tu chiar m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imn{\f63 \u355\'3f}i uneori. Doar c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din motivele pentru care a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f} fi crezut ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial. Hai. E
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri328 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi, dar s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l faci prea u{\f63 \u351\'
3f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aici o s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i tu, i-am zis, n timp ce ie{
\f63 \u351\'3f}eam pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 coridor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-mi strecuram br{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ara la loc pe mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri244 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 complet topit dup{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} tine. O
\plain\tx2831 \tab \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-ajute dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i ceri tu.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cu
m b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuisem, Sydney habar n-avea de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2784 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ian era ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gostit
de ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3214 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? Ba nu e..
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, a nchis gu
ra, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tocmai intram n camera
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lui Ian. St{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea la
televizor, dar a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit ca ars cnd ne-a
\plain\expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2798 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sydney! E{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ti bine?
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 I-am aruncat lui Sydney o privire
plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3817 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 semnifica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ea mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spu
ns cu una suferind{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 concentrat aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupra lui Ian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri315 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea are nevoie
s-o aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu ceva. Cu o informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors spre
mine privirea, care imediat a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3434 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 devenii una rece.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri382 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V-am r{\f63 \u
259\'3f}spuns de sute de ori la toate ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu chiar la toa
te, i-am zis. Cnd ai fost la Curte, ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri360 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut o fotografie
pe o mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A unui mort. Cine era?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri841 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Buzele lui Ian s-au strns ntr-o l
inie sub{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am v{\f63 \u259
\'3f}zut... {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, adic{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-ai recunoscut, l-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2545 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 contrezis. Ai avut o reac{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sincer{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut,
a recunoscut
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Sydney.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2292 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Tonul lui a devenit rug{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Haide,\i0 S
ydney, nu mai trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mult. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} poveste
a asta cu hotelul-nchisoare e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 destul de nepl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M
-am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat de jocurile lor.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu puteam s{\f63 \u25

9\'3f}-l nvinuiesc pentru asta, z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu, dar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aveam prea mare nevoie de el. I-am
adresat o privire
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 imploratoare lui Sydney, prin care-i spuneam c{\f63
\u259\'3f} numai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ea ne putea scoate din impas.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2147 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ntors {\f63
\u351\'3f}i ea fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre Ian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care-i treaba cu
tipul din poz{\f63 \u259\'3f}? E ceva... e ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2515 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 prea nepl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut? Ce
va secret?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, i-a r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns el, ridicnd din umeri. Doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ajut pe ei. E irelevan
t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu vrei s-o
faci pentru mine? a insistat ea, cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dulcea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n glas. Dac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} te rog? Ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajute s{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 scap de necazuri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney nu era o maestr{\f63
\u259\'3f} a cochet{\f63 \u259\'3f}riei, dar cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 doar faptul de a se fi apropiat de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a ceva l-a n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ian. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva secunde de ezitare, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors privirea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre Mihail, apoi din no
u spre ea. Sydney i\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 a zmbit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3205 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Ian s-a dat b{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a e cum am spus. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cine e tipul. Doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 venit intr-o zi, mpreun{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cu o femeie moroi, la sediul din
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 St. Louis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ia stai, am
zis, dezorientat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Moroii vin la sediile
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4166 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 voastre?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uneori, mia r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Sydney. La fel cum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i noi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 venim la ale voastre. Unele ntlniri au loc fa{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, noi nu obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuim

s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i {\f63 \u355\'3f}inem prizonieri pe ai

\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 vo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era bodyguardul ei, sau cam a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 continuat Ian. Ea venise cu treab{
\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo. El doar o urma
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f
}inea gura.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2528 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un bodyguard
moroi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e nimic neobi
{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit pentru cei care nu primesc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 gardieni, mi-a explicat Mihail. Ab
e Mazur e o dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 El {\f63 \u351\'3f}i are propria armat{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri510 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu i-a{\f63 \u
351\'3f} zice mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} mafie, am bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 L{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd deoparte glu
ma, ncepeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu derutat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tot dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul larg
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndit manifestat fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ideea de
a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
lupte, uneori moroii erau nevoi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i angajeze
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}rzi de corp chiar din rndurile moroil
or, doar din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu puteau ob{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ine un gardian. Pentru cineva ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Daniella Ivashkov n-ar fi existat o astfel de problem
{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 De fapt, eram destul de convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ar fi primit dreptul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la doi gardieni dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi trecut dinc
olo de grani{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 protectoare... iar ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i exprimase clar
convingerea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 moroii nu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte. De ce-ar
fi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torit ea cu un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 moroi ca gard{\f63 \u259\'3f} de corp cnd putea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardieni mult
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai bine preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? Navea nicio logic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i... dac
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} asasinezi o regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti s{\f63 \u2

59\'3f} faci tot felul de lucruri mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in ortodoxe.

\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Care nu trebuie neap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} logic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1673 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cine era? l-a
m ntrebat. Femeia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici pe ea n-o c
unosc, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Ian. De fapt,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doar am trecut pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ei, n timp ce se duceau spre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ceva. Spre o ntlnire, poate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2075 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u
354\'3f}i-aduci aminte cum ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb80\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ceva. Ne trebuia\i cev
a.\i0 Planul nostru era pe punctul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de a se duce de rp{\f63 \u259\'3f},
dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Ian ar fi putut s-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 identifice pe Daniella, totul era rezolvat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1301 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur, a zis
el. E u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de recunoscut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri728 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 T{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea care a u
rmat ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} enerveze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2058 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei? am insist
at. Cum ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta?
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri582 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Iar descrierea nu era cea la ca
re m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri1641 \expndt
w-12 \b \f20 \fs40 TREIZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I DOI
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-2 \b \f20
\fs24 SYDNEY {\f63 \u350\'3f}I PRIETENII EI\b0 nu s-au bucurat deloc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1743 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 aflnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aveam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i lu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351
\'3f} fi vrut, i-am zis ei, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'
3f} de ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aflasem de la Ian. Dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a ne-a fost destul de greu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intr{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}m {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}im! Dac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} facem un singur pas
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu voi, n
e salt{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. n plus, curnd n-

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fie probleme. De ndat{\f63 \u

259\'3f} ce le spunem tuturor
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 celor de la Curte ce-am aflat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-mi d
ovedesc nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 gardienii n-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai aib{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nevoie de voi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu din cauza
gardienilor mi fac eu griji, mi-a
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Folosea tonul acela blazat al
ei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} i z{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 justificatul lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de spaim{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} din ochi... ceea ce m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ntreb la cine se referea. La Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti? Sau la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3997 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 altcineva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sydney, am n
ceput, ezitnd, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
u
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mihail trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
lec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ct mai repede de-acolo. De
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fapt, ce-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut Abe pentru tine? Treb
uie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie vorba
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 despre ceva mai mult dect transferul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri828 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sydney mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sp
uns cu un mic zmbet trist:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-are importan{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Rose. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} descurc eu, orice-ar fi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1034 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Acum, du-te, bine? Du-te s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prietenii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} spun mai multe... s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu mai multe. ns{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 chipul lui Mihail mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} este de
aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere cu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ea, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \
u259\'3f} un scurt r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas-bun, am plecat amndoi.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Cnd am ajuns unde ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptau ceilal{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i n parcare, am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 constatat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n
u se prea schimbase. Dimitri tot
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 patrula, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259
\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 afara ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunii. Jill st{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tea lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sonya, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 protec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia femeii mai mature, iar Adri
an era la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de to{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i, abia nvrednicindu-ne cu o privire cnd a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina lui Miha
il.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cnd le
-am dest{\f63 \u259\'3f}inuit celor din grupul meu ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aflasem a avut o reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Imposibil.
Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, a exclamat,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 stingnd m piciorul {\f63 \u355\'3f}igara. Prietenii t
{\f63 \u259\'3f}i Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti s-au
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}elat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nici mie nu-mi prea venea s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cred, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n-aveam
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nici un motiv s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gnd
esc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Ian ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mint{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, sincer voi bind, dac{\f63 \u259\'
3f} Adrian suporta cu greu vestea
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 asta, cine mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tir i < p{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rere ar fi avut dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturiseam c
are fusese suspecta no.m tr{\f63 \u259\'3f} anterioar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am fixat cu privirea ntunericul nop
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}dum du-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpac cu ideea c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} tocmai acea persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 asasin.\fs15 IM\fs24 * pe Tatiana {\f63 \u351\'3f}imi nscenase mie totul, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} vinov.il.l Tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
darea era cumplit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri357 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i motivele..., am zis, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tragere de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Imediat cum mi-o descrisese Ian p
e acea persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f
} de el, o duzin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mobiluri ale crimei mi
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}riser{\f63 \u259\
'3f} n minte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i\i sunt,\i0 ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, politice, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ug
at. Ambrose
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 a avut dreptate.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Faptul c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} Ian a identificat-o constituie o dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 solid{\f63 \u259\'3f} a remarcat Dimitri, la fel de
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat ca noi to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} o mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de
goluri, de piese care nu se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 potrivesc n puzzle.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, l-am
aprobat, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai ales una dintre ele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea pace. Cum ar fi, am zis c
u voce tare, de ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mi s-a nscenat tocmai mie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1250 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Nimeni n-a avut un r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}spuns la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ne ntoarcem la Curte, ne-a atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri540 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, Mihail. Altfel, or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea disp{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit l
ui Jill un zmbet care speram s{\f63 \u259\'3f} arate
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ncurajator.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iar pentru
tine a venit momentul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i faci intrarea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n societate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu care din dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi nebunia mai mare, a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 comentat Adrian. Identitatea criminalului, sau c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} Ispita e
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 o Dragomir.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele lui, fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine, erau reci, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} privirea pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o ndrepta spr
e ea avea mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. Orict de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nebune{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ar fi fost ve{\f63 \u351\'3
f}tile, lui Adrian nu-i fusese chiar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 att de greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
obr{\f63 \u351\'3f}ia lui Jill. Era ndeajuns de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imoral nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} accepte ideea infidelit{\f
63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui Eric, iar
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ochii aceia tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori
pecetluiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} capitolul. Am impresia
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lucrurile aflate de la Ian l f{\f63
\u259\'3f}ceau pe Adrian s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sufere
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mai mult dect l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
vad{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Aflarea ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 persoana r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare

de asasinarea m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii sale era

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 una cunoscut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de el sigur i intensifica
durerea. Iar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 descoperirea rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei dintre mine {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri nu putea, nici
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ea, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mbun{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u
259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} starea de spirit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Spre marele necaz al lui Mih
ail, Sonya s-a oferit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe loc, astfel nct
noi ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} putem pleca la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Curte. N-aveam cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lu{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m ambele ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini, iar ntr-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lui nu nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}peau dect cinci persoane. Ea
se considera cea
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in util{\f63 \u259\'3f} n acea
st{\f63 \u259\'3f} misiune.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} nenum{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rate mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f}ri, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lacrimi, i-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 promis lui Mihail c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se vor revedea de
ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce se vor
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 descurca toate i{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele. Speram {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Farmecul creat de ea avea s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f} chipul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 suficient ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec de poart{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Cu Jill, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, problema
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie mai delicat{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. R{\f63 \u259\'3f}pirea ei era {\f63 \u351\'3f}tirea la ordinea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zilei pentru moroi, iar dac-o recuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}t
ea vreunul dintre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardienii de la poart{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o oprea imedia
t acolo. Riscam,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 miznd pe faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} paznicii vor fi pre
a tracasa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nct s\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o observe, cum ne-ar fi remarcat pe mine sau pe Dimi
tri.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ceea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri devenea prior
itar pentru
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deghizat... fiind nevoie de a
jutorul lui Adrian. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, chiar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian nu era
att de exersat ca Sonya n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cre{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii iluziilor, se pricepea destul
ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i modifice
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ar
ea lui Dimitri pentru ochii celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Era ceva
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor cu felul n c
are-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase spiritul pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 durata evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii mele. ntrebarea era da

c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian ar fi,

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dispus s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta pentru noi. Nu suflase o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de nimeni despre ce v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse petrecndu-se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sigur sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}terea brusc{\f63 \u259\'3f} a ten
siunii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ne trebuie
ca s-o ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe Lissa, i-am spus cnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 el n-a reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat la solicitare. Timp
ul se scurge. Te rog.
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Te rog, ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ne.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Nu m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi d
at nd{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}t nici s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
milogesc de el, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 asta voia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Din fericire, n-a fost cazu
l. Inspirnd adnc, Adrian a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nchis ochii pentru scurt timp. Eram convins{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dorit n clipa aceea ceva mai tare dect {\f63 \u355\'3f
}ig{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile. n cele
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ne-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut u
n semn de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2897 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u259\
'3f} mergem, a zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 I-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat Sonyei
cheile celei de-a doua ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas acolo, urm{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rindu-ne plecarea cu ochi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitori. Dimitri, Mihail {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i cu mine ne-am petrecut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cea mai mare parte a drumului analizndu-ne datele
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 colectate. Femeia descris{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Ian nu
putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut tot
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ce-i atribuiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m noi criminalului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Eu st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team p
e bancheta din spate, cu Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Jill,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aplecndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i enumernd pe degete.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mobil
? Da. Posibilitate? Da. Mituirea lui Joe? Da.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2399 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Acces n camerele Tatianei...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am ncruntat, amintindu-mi de

odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ceea ce

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 auzisem ct timp fusesem n mintea Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3429 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mi-a atr
as o privire surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} din partea lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4177 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar? Asta
era o chestie pe care nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam s-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4278 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt destu
l de convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cum a proceda
t, am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 replicat eu. n schimb, scrisoarea anonim{\f63 \u259\'3
f} trimis{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tatianei n-are niciun sens. Ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
mai vorbesc despre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ascunderea surorii Lissei... sau tentativa de asasina
t
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mpotriva ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri196 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Sau ncercarea de a m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} scoate pe mine {\f63 \u355\'3f}ap isp{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}itor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E posibil s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} avem de-a face cu mai multe persoane,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1218 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nu doar cu una, {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i-a dat cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri658 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum, ca o cons
pira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie? l-am ntrebat, uluit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 A scuturat din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, adic{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fi purtat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\i altcineva\i0 pic{\
f63 \u259\'3f} reginei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dar nu cineva care s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-att de departe nct s\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 o omoare. Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoane, dou{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}fuieli. Probabil, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie una de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Noi n-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} amestec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dovezile ntre ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas t{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntorcndu-i cuvintele pe toate
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau logice,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sesizasem nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, prin
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 altcineva,\i0 se referea la Daniella. Avuseser{\
f63 \u259\'3f}m dreptate cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privire la motivele pentru care ei i displ{\f63 \u259\
'3f}cea Tatiana:

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 antrenamentele, legea cu vrsta
care nu i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ndeajuns de dur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ncur
ajarea spiritului... {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 erau motive suficiente pentru o crim{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
O scrisoare
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mituirea cuiva pentru sigur
an{\f63 \u355\'3f}a propriului fiu?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Da, acestea erau ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni de genul celo
r pe care le-ar fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntreprins Lady Daniella Ivashkov. Nu str{\f63 \u259\'3
f}pungerea
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 cuiva cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea car
e a urmat, am auzit o conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ntre
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian, care discutau nceti{\f
63 \u351\'3f}or ntre ei ct timp noi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ne puneam la cale strategia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri750 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3
f}i ce fac? l-a ntrebat Jill, cu o voce firav{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul lui a venit iute {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i pe un ton hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri15 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te compor{\f63
\u355\'3f}i ca o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} care merit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fie acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2616 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Nu te la{\f63 \u351\'3f}i intimi
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri762 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar Lissa? Ea
ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre mine?
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Adrian n-a avut dect o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ezitar
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-are importan{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tu doar comport{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te cum {\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4422 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 spus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it un
gol n stomac auzindu-l cum d{\f63 \u259\'3f} sfaturi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 att de sincere, de binevoitoare. Grosolan, ncrezut,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 frivol... da, i se potriveau toate astea. ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} avea inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Inima pe care tocmai am frnt-o.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}el n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a poten{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ialului s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Adrian era un tip
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 grozav. Era capabil de fapte grozave. Nu puteam dect

\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l mpinsese
m napoi prin ceea ce-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem. Bine m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mama lui era o criminal{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dar, oric
um.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Am t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii cnd am ajuns la poart{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Automobilele a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept
au {\f63 \u351\'3f}i acum la rnd, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noast
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sporea pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ne
trm nainte. O scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 incursiune n gndurile Lissei m-a informat c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pierduser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m nimic referitor la Consil
iu. Haosul era, n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 destul de mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f},
acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ca pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ar
ea exasperat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Nathan m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 foarte curnd avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} anun{\f63 \u355\'3
f}e ncheierea {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 continuarea pentru a doua zi. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia
m sigur dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fost un lucru bun sau r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii l-au recunoscut, f
ire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, pe Mihail {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pierdus
er{\f63 \u259\'3f} vigilen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, instinctul lor ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
al
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu-i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l b{\f63
\u259\'3f}nuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fapte necurate. El le-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 explicat ceva destul de vag, cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
usese trimis s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cineva. Gardianul care cerceta ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina
a trecut cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 privirea peste Dimitri, peste mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
{\f63 \u8212\'3f} slav{\f63 \u259\'3f} Domnului
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} peste Jill. Adrian, personaj bine
cunoscut, ne-a atras
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 un respect sporit. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} obligatoria ve
rificare a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 portbagajului, am fost l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, Doamne.
A mers, am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflat, n timp ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri721 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mihail ducea spre parcarea rezerv
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardienilor.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2165 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'

3f}i-acum? s-a interesat Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum, reconstit
uim familia Dragomir {\f63 \u351\'3f}i denun{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2651 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 un criminal, i-am r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}spuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3160 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, numai att?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri649 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Sarcasmul lui Adrian era de-a d
reptul palpabil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f
}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ne-a atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Mihail, c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} din clipa n care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iluziile nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor voastre nceteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ga
rdienii or s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe voi do
i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} arunce la loc n nchisoa
re.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3804 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 Sau mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1723 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am schimbat o privire cu Dimit
ri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}
tim, am zis, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu iau n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amintirile acelei
\plain\tx2029 \tab \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 experien{\f63 \u355\'3f}e teribile, d{\f
63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 claustrofobie. Dar dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} totul iese cum trebuie... n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trebuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \
u259\'3f}mnem prea mult acolo. Se vor folosi de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ce-am descoperit noi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pn{\f63 \u259
\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ne vor elibera.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Tonul mi suna mai optimist fa
{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ct eram n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 realitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Imediat dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ce am parcat ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina, grupul nostru s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndreptat spre cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa cu salonul de ba
l, care putea fi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la kilometri

distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu ct{\f63 \u259\'3f} lume se adunase

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n jurul ei. Ce ciudat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu cu mult timp n urm{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, parcursesem acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i drum,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu aproape acelea{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i persoane, gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 plec\i0 de la Curte. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i atunci fus
eser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m deghiza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajutorul spiritului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}utaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}parea. Acum, ne
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ndreptam cu bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiin{
\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre primejdie. Eram convins{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}eam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung acolo nedepistat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 anun{\f63 \u355\'3f} ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}tile, totul a
vea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ias{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Farmecul f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sonya func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionase perfect atunci cnd fu
sesem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vizitez pe Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Nu aveam motive
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l pun la
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} teama tot er
a ascuns{\f63 \u259\'3f} undeva, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}fundurile min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii me
le: dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceta s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 efectul? Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} deghizarea mi e{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ua {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eram descoperit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nainte ca m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}trund n cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire? Oare m-ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri934 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 arestat? Sau, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i simplu, ar fi tras mai nti?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Accesul spectatorilor
pe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i era blocat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor le era permis, a{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} Mihail a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne strecoare
cu vorbe dulci... folosindu-se de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moroc{\f63 \u259\'3f}nosul Adrian drept pretext. Nu p
rea aveai cum
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l refuzi pe str{\f63 \u259\'3f}nep
otul r{\f63 \u259\'3f}posatei regine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, la tot acel
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 haos de din{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, apari{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ia unor gardieni noi {\f63 \u8212\'3f} impresie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe care le-o ofeream eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri {\f
63 \u8212\'3f} era bine-venit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut-o cu bra{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ul pe dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} umeri pe Jill n timp
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri306 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ce intrau, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} gardienii au l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe ea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am strecurat n sal{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, total neobserva{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem cearta prin ochii Lissei, dar
acum era ceva
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 complet diferit, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut la fa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}a locului. Mai zgomotoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mai strident{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am schimbat cteva privi
ri ntre noi. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tisem suflete{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
pentru o m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} confruntare cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 publicul {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ce naiba, n-ar fi fost pen
tru prima oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva era o grea n
cercare pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aptitudinile mele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem nevoi
e de cineva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} atrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lii,
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 am zis. De cineva care nu se teme s{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
e dea n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 spectacol... adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n afara mea, evide
nt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2541 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mihail? Undeai fost?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am ntors {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe Abe drept n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4206 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, pentru
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeam despre lup, am exclamat.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Exact ce ne trebuia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Abe m-a privit cu aten{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ncruntat. Farmecele
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 puteau fi str{\f63 \u259\'3f}punse cu vederea de cei
care {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau despre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}area lor asupra unei persoane.
Ele aveau, de
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 asemenea, o eficien{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai redus{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci cnd ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}teau foarte bin
e persoana n cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Magia Sonyei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 era prea puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru ca Abe s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} trece prin ea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de-a binelea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot putea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ceva
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 n neregul{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1609 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce se-ntmpl{\f

63 \u259\'3f}? a cerut el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chestiile obi{\
f63 \u351\'3f}nuite, mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ule, i-am replicat, voioas{\f63 \u259\'3f
}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Primejdii, planuri demente... {\f63
\u351\'3f}tii tu, treburile normale din
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 familia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 A mijit din nou ochii, nc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} neputnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} bine prin
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 farmec. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ap{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ream ca prin cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1665 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose? Tu e{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ti? Unde-ai umblat?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem nevoie s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} atragem aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lii, i-am zis, n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebam d
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a era cnd p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i certau
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 copiii pentru c-au trecut de ora permis{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ci Abe avea o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mutr{\f63 \u259\'3f} extrem de dezaprobatoare. Am g{
\f63 \u259\'3f}sit modalitatea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri320 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de rezolvare a ntregii controverse
, l-am anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at apoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri16 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n fine, a co
mentat pe un ton sec Adrian, sau cel
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit modalit
atea de a porni una nou{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am avut ncre
dere n tine la audierea mea, i-am zis
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri432 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lui Abe. Nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu acum ncredere n mine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri872 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Abe
a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut o expresie viclean{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Se pare c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} n-ai avut destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncredere nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1635 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi la ad{\f63 \u
259\'3f}post, n Virginia de Vest.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chi{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ibu{\f63 \u351\'3f}uri, am replicat. Te rog. Avem nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri519 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3
f}i suntem n criz{\f63 \u259\'3f} de timp, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Abe l-a studiat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe el.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri1632 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}D{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi voie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghicesc. Belikov?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n vocea tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}lui meu
era o oarecare nesiguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Adrian f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse treab{
\f63 \u259\'3f} bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inerea iluziei n cazul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lui Dimitri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Abe era ndeajuns de in
teligent nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 deduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} identitatea celui care putea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie cu mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bim. Avem numele
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 criminalului... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am g{\f63 \u259\
'3f}sit Lissei...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2220 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Cum era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-i explic?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1127 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}I-am g{\f63 \
u259\'3f}sit {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa de a-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i schimba via{\f63 \u355\
'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu prea multe lucruri erau capabi
le s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l uimeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Abe, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul c{\f63
\u259\'3f} pronun{\f63 \u355\'3f}asem cu atta seriozitate
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cuvntul {\f63 \u8222\'3f}tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}" chiar l
-a uluit. Scrutnd nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 oprit ochii asupra cuiva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i-a smucit u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or capul. Cteva
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 secunde mai trziu, a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut mama, croi
ndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i drum prin
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime spre noi. Grozav. El o cheam{
\f63 \u259\'3f}; ea vine. Erau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ngrozitor de apropia{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n ultima vreme. C
eea ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sper c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} Lissa va r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne singura care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 parte de o surioar{\f63 \u259\'3f}-surpriz{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1819 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei cine sunt?
a ntrebat mama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri11 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ghici, i-a r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spuns Abe, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ironie. Cine-ar putea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie att de nes{\f
63 \u259\'3f}buit nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund{\f63 \u259\'3f} ile
gal la Curte

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2773 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-a evadat
din ea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2462 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Mama a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut oc
hii mari.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3718 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum...?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2249 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e timp, a
oprit-o Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Privirea t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} pe care a ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut-o la schimb m-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 informat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mamei nu
-i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ntrerupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Poate c{
\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 la urma urmei, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mneam singur{\f63 \u
259\'3f} la p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am se
nza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, i-a explicat el, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat
e dintre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gardienii din sala asta or s{\f63
\u259\'3f} dea n{\f63 \u259\'3f}val{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste noi ct de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1991 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 curnd. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti preg{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmana mea m
am{\f63 \u259\'3f}, att de respectuoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri795 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lege, a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut ndure
rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegnd ce i se cerea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3611 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, a zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2208 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i eu, a sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut-o Mihail.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Abe ne-a studiat pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri525 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Presupun c-au
existat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mai disperate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A pornit spre locul n care Nathan
Ivashkov st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sprijinit de tribuna lui. Ar{\f63
\u259\'3f}ta istovit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nfrnt... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i total
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dezorientat n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a a cum ar fi tre
buit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} procedeze cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 harababura din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui. La apropiere
a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 la tron ne-au privit curio{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, {\f63 \

u351\'3f}i am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it o brusc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rire
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
ura cu Lissa. Ea era capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} dincolo de farmecele spiritului.
Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it cum i se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 taie respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia la vederea noastr{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Teama, {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocul, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urarea o str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63
\u259\'3f}teau, rnd pe rnd. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i deruta, fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bucura att de mult s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne vad{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, nct a uitat complet de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alegeri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a dat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
ridice la apropierea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 scuturat repede din cap spre ea, ndemnnd-o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nu ne
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dea de gol, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} u
n moment de ezitare, s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 loc. Era ngrijorat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dar avea ncredere n
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nathan s-a trezit la via{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd ne-a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, mai ales
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cnd Abe l-a mpins pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu deopart
e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a n{\f63 \u351\'3f}f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 microfonul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3365 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, ce
tot...
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\
f63 \u351\'3f}teptam ca Abe s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le urle tuturor s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tac{\f63 \u259\'3f} naibii,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sau cam a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. D
esigur, Nathan tot ncercase asta de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vreme
, dar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciun rezultat. Motiv
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pentru care am fost deslul de {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ca to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
{\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cnd Abe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dus dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
egete la gur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a scos cel mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 asurzitor {\f63 \u351\'3f}uierat din cte am auzit vre
odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Un fluierat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ca {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta, printr-un microfon? Mda. M{\
f63 \u259\'3f} dureau urechile.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pentru moroi, iar stridenta
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 microfonie n-a mbun{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}{
\f63 \u355\'3f}it cu nimic situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere ct s{\f63 \u25

9\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi el

\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 auzit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum, c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} v-a venit mintea la cap s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u355\'3f}ine{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gurile,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a rostit Abe, avem... cte ceva de spus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i folosea ton
ul lui st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pn pe sine, de eu-sunt\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 buricul-p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntului, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f
}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergea foarte mult pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncredere de data asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Termina{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i repede, a murmurat, ntinznd
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 microfonul spre noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1718 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 L-am luat eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
mi-am dres glasul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Suntem aici ca
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, punem cap{\
f63 \u259\'3f}t controversei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2112 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 acesteia o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
entru totdeauna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 S-au auzit morm{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ieli, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ridic t
onul
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nainte ca vulcanul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lii s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} erup{\f63 \u259\'3f} iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Legile pot
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum sunt
. Vasilisa
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dragomir e ndrept{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f
63 \u259\'3f} la votul ei din Consiliu... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 eligibil{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru postura de candidat
cu drepturi depline la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tron. Mai exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva n familia ei.
Ea nu este singurul
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 Dragomir r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Au izbucnit murmure {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oteli, dar asta nu era nimic
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de vuietul de mai adineauri: cel mai probabil,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} moroii adorau intrigile {\f63
\u351\'3f}i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau nevoia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cum se va derula totul. Cu coada ochiului, i-am v{\f
63 \u259\'3f}zut pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardieni alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuind un cerc foarte larg

n jurul nostru.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Preocuparea lor se ndrepta spre siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu spre
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 scandal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 I-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s
emn lui Jill s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nainteze. Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a ncremenit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am ntrebat dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai aducea aminte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de sfaturile lui Adrian din ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63
\u259\'3f}. A venit al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mine, att de palid{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct m-am temut c-o s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} le{\f63 \u351\'3f}ine.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi venea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
mie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le{\f63 \u351\'3f}in. Tensiunea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 presiunea erau cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}itoare. Nu. Ajuns
esem deja prea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 departe ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai dau napoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V-o prezint
pe Jillian Mastrano Dragomir. Este
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiica nelegitim{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Eric Dragomir..
. dar\i tot\i0 fiica lui
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 este, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} face part
e n mod oficial din neam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Detestam folosirea termenul
ui de\i nelegitim{\f63 \u259\'3f},\i0 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acest caz, era o precizare necesar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea
de secund{\f63 \u259\'3f} de t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere care a urmat, Jill s\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se aplece
spre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre microfon.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Sunt\i0
o Dragomir, a rostit ea limpede, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 tremurau minile. Familia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i ntrune{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cvorumul, iar so-sora mea are toate drepturile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam cum
se preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}te{\f63 \u351\'3f}te o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} explozie, {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i Abe a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit ntre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Jill
, nh{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd microfonul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru cei
care nu cred, un test ADN va nl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 orice dubii cu privire la descenden{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
ei.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Eram obligat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i admir cutezan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Abe. Nu erau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nici {\f63 \u351\'3f}aizeci de sec

unde de cnd aflase informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i deja

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} sigura
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum el personal ar fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 efectuat testele necesare n propriul s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}u laborator genetic
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de acas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dovad{\
f63 \u259\'3f} de ncredere... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un avantaj pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l rateze. B{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}trnul meu adora tainele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Vestea a declan{\f63 \u351\
'3f}at reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia la care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptase
m. De
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce publicul a procesat informa{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ia, s-a iscat un val
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de comentarii strigate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eric Dragom
ir n-a mai avut al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i copii, nelegitimi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4253 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 sau nu!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3177 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o {\f63 \u
351\'3f}arlatanie!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri947 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ne dovada! Unde v{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt testele?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1078 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\
'3f}i... el cam era genul care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} flirteze...
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, a mai\i avut\i0 o fat{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri33 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cea din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} repli
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a redus mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea la t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost rost
it{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu autoritate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i deoarece a venit din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 partea Daniellei Ivashkov. Se ridicase n picioare {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chiar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} microfon, av
ea o voce capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zbat{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 printr-o nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere. Era, n acela{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i timp, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndeajuns de important{\f63 \u259\'3f} n societatea noas
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f} nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 atrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Multor
a dintre membrii familiilor regale
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 le intrase practic, n reflex s-o asculte. n sala acum
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Daniella a vor
bit mai departe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eric Drago
mir a avut ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r o fiic{\f63 \u259\'3f} nelegitim{\f63 \u259\
'3f},
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cu o femeie numit{\f63 \u259\'3f} Emily Mastrano: o
dansatoare, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi amintesc bine. A vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} un secret {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a avut

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}ptuiasc{

\f63 \u259\'3f} anumite lucruri {\f63 \u8212\'3f} lucruri pe
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care n-ar fi putut s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} le fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} personal {\f63 \u8212\'3f} care s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-l ajute n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 acest scop. Eu am fost printre cel
e cteva persoane care
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 l-au ajutat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri73 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Un zmbet atipic de amar i-a ridic
at col{\f63 \u355\'3f}urile buzelor.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}i, sincer{\f63 \u259
\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, nu m-ar fi deranjat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3027 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 secret pe mai departe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Alte piese se lipeau la locu
l lor n puzzle-ul din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mintea mea. Acum {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam cine p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}trunsese n arhivele
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tilor. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i de c
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}lii, nici eu n-am mai avut nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 microfon ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dau replica.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ndeajuns ct s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dispar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
anumite
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 documente.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri753 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Daniella {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nto
rs spre mine zmbetul acela.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau Dragomirii, era posibil
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dispar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spiritul. Iar Adrian ar fi fost n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Spiritul atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gea prea mult{\f63 \u259\
'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu prea mare
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 rapiditate, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de orice dovad{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri342 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 legat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Jill ca
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i distruge{\f63 \u355\'3f}i credibilitatea Vasilisei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Expresia Daniellei mi confirm
a presupunerile.

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Trebuia s-o las a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tipica mea curiozitate nu mi-a
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 permis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1401 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i-atunci, de ce recunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}te{\f63 \u355\'3f}i acum?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dreptate, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Daniella,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ridicnd din umeri. Un singur test A
DN, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul va fi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 demonstrat.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am auzit icnete de ul
uire din partea celor care-i luau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuvntul drept liter{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de Evanghelie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se ntrebau ce-o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai nsemna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i asta. Al{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ii nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} refuzau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i afi{\f63 \u351\'3f}au
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mutre dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uitoare. Daniella, f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}git{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea chiar {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 resemnat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dispus{\f
63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l accepte. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, zmbetul i-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pierit curnd, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i anume cnd a ncercat s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} studieze
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai ndeaproape.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri225 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ceea ce a{\f63
\u351\'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu este: cine Dumnezeu\i e{
\f63 \u351\'3f}ti?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 O bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte a pu
blicului p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i doreasc{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 asemenea, acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i l
ucru. Am {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}it. Deghizarea ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu ajutorul farmecului creat de Sonya m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} adusese destul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de departe, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici. Ob{\f63 \u355\'3
f}inusem o fragil{\f63 \u259\'3f} acceptare a lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a familiei Dragomir. Dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sam sistemul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 urmeze cursul, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
Lissa c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiga, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum mi doream
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eu acum... aveam de partea mea o regin{\f63 \u259\'3f
} care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ajute s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dovedesc nevinov{\f63 \u

259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, fixnd
cu privirea mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 persoane pe care le cunoscusem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i res
pectasem, dar care
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 tot m{\f63 \u259\'3f} condamnaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pun{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri {\f63 \u8212\'3f} am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it cum se aprinde mnia nl{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}untrul meu. Indus{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 spirit sau nu, nu mai avea importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ofensat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{\f63
\u355\'3f}a cu care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} acuzaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aruncaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} la gunoi. Nu voiam ca toat
{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 rezolve n cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce birou lini{\f63
\u351\'3f}tit al gardienilor. Voiam
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i nfrunt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Voiam ca ei s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt nevinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}... cel p
u{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 asasinarea reginei.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb80\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}indu-mi prop
riile recorduri de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 comportament periculos {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i nechibzuit, mi-am smuls de la
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ncheietur{\f63 \u259\'3f} br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ara Sonyei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2553 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt Rose Hat
haway.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri1443 \expndt
w-12 \b \f20 \fs40 TREIZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I TREI
\plain\par
\sl-107\fs11\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri5 \expndtw0
\b \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u354\'3f}IPETELE {\f63 \u350\'3f}I URLETELE DIN PUBLIC\b0
m-au
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1601 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 informat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} deghi
zarea mea disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Multe priviri s-au ndreptat, n
acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, spre
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Adrian renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i el la farmec, din moment ce
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 eu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lep{\f63 \u259\'3f}dasem de al m
eu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum ne
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, gardieni

i care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ocupaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} treptat pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n jurul nostru s-au n{\f63 \u259\'3f}pustit nainte, nar
ma{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu pistoale.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eu tot eram de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} asta nsemna s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tri{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezi. Din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fericire, mama {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mihail s-au postat r
epede n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} blocheze
trecerea atacatorilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mpiedice orice focuri de arm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, m-am r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}stit la Dimitri, despre care {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 probabil se preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}te{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se al{\f63 \u259\'3f}ture celor doi ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63
\u259\'3f}tori ai
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Era de o importan{\f63 \u355
\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} capital{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca noi doi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}mnem
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 perfect nemi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ca
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fim considera{\f63 \u355\'3f}i o amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am mers chiar pn{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ntr-acolo nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ridic bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} tragere de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam {\f63
\u8212\'3f} Dimitri mi-a urmat
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 exemplul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tepta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, am strigat. Mai nti, asculta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ne, v{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 rug{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cercul gardienilor era strns,
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturi. Eram
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 destul de convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
umai mama {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mihail i mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mpiedicau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne mpu{\f63 \u351\'3f}te p
e loc. Gardienii ntotdeauna
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 evit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe ct posibil, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se lupte cu al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni. Doi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori erau u{\f63 \
u351\'3f}or de dobort, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, iar gardienii
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia nu aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte la infinit. Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
Abe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 au naintat, ocupndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pozi{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ii al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de noi. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 paveze. L-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe unul dintre ame
nin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii gardieni
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strmbndu-se. Prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a civililor complica
lucrurile.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian nu se clintise, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fusese prins n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 interiorul cercului tot f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea din el
un obstacol.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pute{\f63
\u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe urm{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vre{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, am zis. N-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne mpotrivim. Dar trebuie s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ne l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbim mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nti. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tim cine a asasinat-o pe regin{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i noi, a replicat unul dintre gardieni. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-acum,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 voi ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i... retrage{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i-v{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i ceva. Ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sunt fugari periculo{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Au dreptul
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a intervenit Abe. Au
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 dovezi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a nota, ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu-se ncrez{\f63 \u259
\'3f}tor cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 privire la lucruri despre care habar n-avea. Miza to
tul pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mine. ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi plac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de el. Era oarecum spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nenorocul nostru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} dovada de care dis
puneam nu era
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sut{\f63 \u259\'3f} la sut{\f
63 \u259\'3f} solid{\f63 \u259\'3f}, precum sperasem, dar, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cu
m
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1734 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 spusesem mai devreme... chi{\f63
\u355\'3f}ibu{\f63 \u351\'3f}uri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2566 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}L{\f63 \u259
\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri34 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Era o voce nou{\f63 \u259\'3f},
dar una pe care o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam att de bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa tocmai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cea loc printre doi dintre gardieni. Ei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inuser{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia strns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, imediata lor preocupare
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fiind s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu le sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f

63 \u259\'3f}m Asta i-a permis ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se strecoare...

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dar numai pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd unul dintre ei a prin
s-o de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mpiedicat-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
a noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Au ajuns pn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} aici. Au spus adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul despre...
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Jill...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Mam{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar {\
f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i nu-i\i0 venea deloc u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a inexpresiv{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, dat fiind faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nu se mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}case pe deplin cu ideea. Moart
ea mea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 iminent{\f63 \u259\'3f} era, probabil, singurul lucru
capabil s-o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 distrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la cutremur{\f63 \u259\'3
f}toarea experien{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} are
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 o sor{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ea mergea m
ult pe ncredere aici, convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 spuneam adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}i ave{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i la ndemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-au cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece de-aici.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 L{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-i doar s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu dovezi n sprijinul
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai bine t
e-ai ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}lui, Liss, i
-am zis,
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 cu voce sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa credea nc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} n faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Daniella ar fi fost
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 autoarea crimei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n-avea s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} se bucure la auzul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rului. Mi-a adresai o privire ne
dumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar n-a
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 protestat.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Haid
e{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i auzim, a rostit unul dintre gardieni... {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu unul oarecare, ci Hans. Dup{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} o evadare ca a lor, chiar
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mi-ar pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu c
e i-a adus napoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3371 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Hans ne ajuta?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Totu{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i, a continuat el, sunt convins c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi doi ve{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elege necesitatea
de a v{\f63 \u259\'3f} imobiliza nainte de marea
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntors privirea spre Dim
itri, care era deja cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre mine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiusem
amndoi n ce ne vram {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sincer vorbind, era un scenariu mai favorabil fa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cel
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pe care-l ntrev{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, a zis D
imitri, aruncnd o privire spre nobilii
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri protectori. E OK. L{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri737 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Mama {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceilal{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i nu s-au urnit din prima clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Haide{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i, i-am ndemnat. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ajunge{\f63 \u355\'3f}i colegi de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3734 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 celul{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Eram aproape convins{\f63 \
u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nebunii {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia adorabil
i n-or
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} asculte. Totu{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i, Mihail s-a retras primul, apoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, practic sincroniza{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i. Iu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ca fulgerul, gardienii i\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 au nh{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, ndep{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rtndu-i. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nemi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i patru gardieni s-au ndreptat spre noi, doi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i doi pentru mine. Adr
ian se retr{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ns{\
f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355
\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de noi, punndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncrede
rea n mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i-i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie, ne-a ndemnat Hans, care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u355\'3f}inea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 strns de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul drept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 I-am c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat
privirea Lissei, detestnd ceea ce trebuia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun. Dar nu. Nu ea era cea pentru
care-mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 griji c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va s
uferi cel mai mult. C{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd cu privirea prin
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 public, l-am descoperit pe Christia
n, care, lesne de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles, urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea drama c
u aviditate. Am fost nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi ntorc privirea de la el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nfrunt mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea ca pe un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntreg, refuznd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d chi
puri individuale. Ci doar o
\plain\expndtw-28 \f20 \fs24 cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am omort-o
eu pe Tatiana Ivashkov, am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nceput, iar mai multe persoane au morm{\f63 \u259\'3f
}it a ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 N-am agreat-o. Dar n-am omort-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1886 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Privirea mi s-a ntors spre Hans
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}L-a{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i interogat pe ngrijitorul care a depus m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 despre ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam eu
n perioada comiterii crimei, corect?
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i l-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i identificat p
e cel care a atacat-o pe Lissa ca fiind
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu pers
oana care l-a pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mint{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu locul n ca
re m{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Aflasem de la Mihail c{\f63
\u259\'3f} Joe recunoscuse, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} primise bani
de la misteriosul moroi, de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ce gardienii l ncol{\f63 \u355\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu-i fotografia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Hans s-a ncruntat, a ezitat,
dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 semn s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc mai departe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu exist{\f
63 \u259\'3f} niciun fel de consemnare a existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lui... cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, nu n documentele gard
ienilor. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cine
era. L-au v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut la unul dintre sediile
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lor... jucnd rolul de bodyguard al cuiva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Privirea mi-a c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}zut pe Ethan Moore, postat mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cu al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} u

{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bodyguardul
unei persoane care a fost l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri658 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 intre la Tatiana n noaptea mor{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ii ei: Tasha Ozera.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 N-a mai fost nevoie de
vocifer{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri din sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} de data
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 asta, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tasha
le-a {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut locul cu vrf {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ndesat. A
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit ca un arc de pe s
caunul ei de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce Dumnezeu
spui acolo, Rose? a strigat ea. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3597 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din min{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ct timp st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tus
em acolo sfid{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nfrunt mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} pretind dreptate, fusesem
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de triumf {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i de putere. Acum... acum eram doar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trist{\f63 \u259\'3f}, privind n ochi o persoan{\f63 \
u259\'3f} n care avusesem
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 totdeauna ncredere, o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} care-mi n
torcea o
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 privire att de {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ofensat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-a{\f63 \
u351\'3f} fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a... dar acesta e adev
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f} l {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim la fel de
bine. Tu ai omort-o pe
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nencrederea Tashei a sporit,
nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum de ceva
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 furie, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi acorde prezum{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu niciodat
{\f63 \u259\'3f},\i niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 n-am crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ai fi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 omort-o tu... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am luptat pentru ti
ne din cauza asta.

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 De ce faci a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva? Mizezi pe pata ad

us{\f63 \u259\'3f} de strigoi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 familiei noastre? Credeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu e{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ti mai presus de astfel
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 de prejudec{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n s
ec. Crezusem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inerea dovezilor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie partea cea mai dificil{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Nu fusese nimic n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 compara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}lui
rea lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ceea ce af
irm eu nu are nimic de-a face cu strigoii.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} dori s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi avut. Tu o urai pe Tatiana
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru legea cu vrsta {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i pentru refuzul de a-i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3606 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 moroi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o amintir
e mi-a revenit n minte, a clipei n care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tasha aflase despre {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ele secrete de antrenament.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Fusese ngrozit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ceea ce b{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}nuiam acum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia provocat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o judecase gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}it pe
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea era
fascinat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a revenit l
a via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}: un Ozera pe care nu-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team, dar care, dup{\f63 \u259\'3
f} toate aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, avea bine
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n minte ideea s
olidarit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de familie. Se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ridicase n picioare, ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}ndu-{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele pe piept ntr\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 o atitudine sfid{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Jum{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tate din persoanele de la Curte o urau pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1239 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana pentru legea asta. {\f63
\u350\'3f}i tu, printre ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, numai c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu nu mi-am pus bodyguardul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mituiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un martor, sau s-o atace pe
Liss... pe prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}esa

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dragomir. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu te preface c{\f63 \u2

59\'3f} nu-l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, am avertizat\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 o. A fost bodyguardul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. A{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i fost v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Descrierea pe care i-o f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cuse Ian, atunci cnd vizitase
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sediul din St. Louis, fusese perfect de clar{\f63 \u
259\'3f}: p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul negru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lung, ochii bleu-pal, {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i cicatrice pe o parte a fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, nici
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu-mi vine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmp
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Jam
es {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a l chema {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a f{\f63 \u259\
'3f}cut tot
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce spui tu, atunci a ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat pe
cont propriu. Mereu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a avut idei radicale. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam asta cnd l
-am angajat pentru
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 protec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n exterior, dar niciodat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu l-am crezut capabil
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 de crim{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ro
tit privirea n jur, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd pe cineva cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 autoritate, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a h
ot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} n favoarea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Consiliului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri34 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu mereu a
m crezut n nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Rose. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 James este cel r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunz{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tor pentru asta, atunci o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri143 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun tot ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu, ca s-o disculp pe R
ose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ce u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, ce u
{\f63 \u351\'3f}or... Misteriosul moroi {\f63 \u8212\'3f} James {\f63 \u8212\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fusese aproape peste tot unde fusese {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i Tasha. n plus,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fusese depistat n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ndoielnice, l
a care ea nu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 participase: cum ar fi mituirea lui Joe {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i atentatul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpotriva Lissei. Puteam s-o salvez pe Tasha {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} vina doar pe el. Doar era deja
mort. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Tasha

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnem prieten

e. Doar ea ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionase n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri643 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 virtutea unui principiu, corect?
Ce era r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u n asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 S-a ridicat {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i Christian de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea, privindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca pe
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 o str{\f63 \u259\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, cum p
o{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva? Doar o\i cun
o{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar face una
ca asta. nceteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu scenele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i las{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ne s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m seama cum
ar fi putut James {\f63 \u259\'3f}la s-o
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 asasineze pe regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1575 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Ce u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, ce u{\
f63 \u351\'3f}or... Mortul e de vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}James n-ar fi pu
tut s-o str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pung{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Tatiana cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a, am zis. Avea o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mat{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Un moroi are
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de ambele mini ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \
u259\'3f}pung{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cineva. Am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut asta de dou{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ori ntmplndu-se. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pun pariu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine{\f63 \u355\'3f}i u
n r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns direct
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de la Ethan Moore...
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ndreptat privire
a spre gardianul care devenise
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntre timp palid. Probabil era n stare
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se arunce n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} omoare f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ezitare. Dar o astfel de cercetar
e
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 atent{\f63 \u259\'3f}? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i posibilele
interogatorii din partea {\f63 \u351\'3f}efilor? Nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cred c-ar fi rezistat. Era, probabil, {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i motivul pentru care
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 putuse Tasha s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l manipuleze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}James n-a
fost acolo n noaptea mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii Tatianei, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 e? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici Dan
iella Ivashkov n-a fost, n ciuda a

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce i s-a spus mai devreme prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}es
ei Dragomir. n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 schimb, Tasha a fost. A fost n camerele reginei... ia
r tu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n-ai raportat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ethan p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
gata s-o rup{\f63 \u259\'3f} la fug{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ansele lui de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pare erau cam la fel de mari ca ale
mele sau ale lui
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. A cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat ncet din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1506 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tasha n-ar om
or pe nimeni, a zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu era tocmai confirmarea prezen
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei Tashei, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi doream... dar pe-aproape. Gardie
nii aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mai multe de la el ulterior.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose! Chris
tian se enervase deja, iar vederea lui,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 att de ofensat, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} durea mai r{\f63 \u
259\'3f}u pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dect expresia
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Tashei. nceteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}! s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f
}stit el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieln
ici nainte. Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din gndurile ei c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici ea n-ar fi vrut
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 spuneam... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
avea ncredere n mine. I-a venit o
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 idee controversat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e bine... dar dac-am folosi constrngerea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 asupra suspec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor...
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu te gnde{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva! a s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rit Tasha,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre Lissa. Nu te amesteca.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Aici se joac{\f63 \u259\'3f} viitorul t{\f63 \u259\'
3f}u. Un viitor pe care ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 faci s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie m{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63
\u355\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}ptuie{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ti ceea ce-i este necesar
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 poporului nostru.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un viitor p
e care tu ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l manipulezi, am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intervenit, n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegnd deodat{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Lissa crede n multe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dintre reformele n care crezi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu...
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai nchipuit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ai putea s-o convingi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de cele n car
e nu crede. Mai ales
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu nepot
ul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. De-asta te-ai luptat cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 atta ndrjire pentru schimbarea legii cvorumului. {\f63
\u354\'3f}i-ai
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dorit ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie regin{\f63 \u259\'
3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian a dat s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} un pas nainte, dar Tasha l-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 oprit, punndu-i o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe um{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r. n schimb, asta nu l-a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mpiedicat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta-i o i
dio{\f63 \u355\'3f}enie. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} voia ca Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
regin{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1167 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de ce l-ar mai fi pus pe James {
\f63 \u259\'3f}la s-o atace?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i pentru mi
ne era un mister, unul dintre golurile pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}isem s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} le umplu cu deduc{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile. n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 schimb, Dimitri reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient de
prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a celor doi care-l p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeau, s-a tras
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai aproape de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1190 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\f63
\u259\'3f} nimeni nu trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} moar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vocea joas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sun{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, a lui Dimitri s-a auzit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 minunat, cu acustica s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}lii. N-avea nevoie de microfon n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 timp ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ndrepta cuvintele spre Tash
a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1008 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu te-ai
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie un gardian cu ea.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Avea dreptate, acum mi
d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama. Eddie fusese
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 chemat n noaptea aceea sub un prete
xt bizar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ultima c
lip{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s-o poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe Lissa
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 la Ambrose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}James urma,
probabil, a continuat Dimitri, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mimeze un atentat, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fug{\f63 \u259\'3f}... destul ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 genereze simpatie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult sprijin
pentru Vasilisa.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ceea ce, cu siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
s-a ntmplat doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gnd
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e ceva mai severe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Expresia ofensat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} a Tashei s-a transformat atunci ntr\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 o alta pe care n-am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din prima
clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o descifrez
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n totalitate. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse ofensat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} la acuza{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile mele, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 partea lui Dimitri... era ceva mai mult. P{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rea justificat
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lezat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Zdrobit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cuno
{\f63 \u351\'3f}team expresia aceea. O v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pe chipul lui Adrian, acum vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ore.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2312 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dimka, nu {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i tu, a zis ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Prin ochii Lissei, am v{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zut cum aura Tashei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f} culorile, m
ai aprinse, mai str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitoare, n timp
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ce-l privea pe Dimitri. Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f
63 \u259\'3f}d exact ce-mi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 explicase Sonya, cum nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}a aura afec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i de-asta a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut totul pe mine, am murmurat
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu m-a auzit nimeni, cu exce
p{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2013 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hmm? m-a ntreb
at Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Nu i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns,
doar am cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap. n tot acest
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 timp, Tasha continuase s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-l iubeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Dimitri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiusem
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 asta anul trecut, cnd ea chiar i propusese s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} se cupleze

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} copii... {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} de care
nu se bucurau prea mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dhampiri b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rba{\f63
\u355\'3f}i. El o refuzase, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i crezusem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 acceptase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63
\u259\'3f} doar prieteni. Nu fusese a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ea l iubea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Atunci cnd Lissa dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luise rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mea cu Dimitri fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
Hans, Tasha o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia deja. Dar de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ct timp? Nu eram sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiuse
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nainte s-o omoare pe Tatiana, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i arunca
rea crimei n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 crca mea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ca Tasha s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} curat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l
iber{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 redeschizndu-i\i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\i0 por{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ile spre Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 N-avea niciun rost s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} scot pe tapet motivele ei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 personale pentru care aruncase vina pe mine. Asasina
rea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tatianei era adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rata problem{\f63 \
u259\'3f} n joc. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar mi\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 am ntors privirea spre Hans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri20 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pute{\f63
\u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aresta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, n-am ni
mic mpotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ave{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i destule motive s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i lua{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i pe ea... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4281 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 Ethan?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Chipul lui Hans era impenetr
abil. Sentimentele lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine cunoscuse
r{\f63 \u259\'3f} sui{\f63 \u351\'3f}uri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cobor{\f63 \u351\'3f}u
ri, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ziua n care ne cunoscuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Uneori, e
ram o r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zvr{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciun viitor. Alt
eori, aveam poten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Crezuse c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
eu comisesem crima, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mi permisese s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} adre
sez mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imii. Nici pe prietenii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri213 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mei nu-i prea agrea. Cum avea s{\

f63 \u259\'3f} reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze el acum?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ridicat
ochii de pe chipul meu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a ndreptat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spre locul n care mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni f
useser{\f63 \u259\'3f} posta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 public, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pent
ru orice ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune. Le-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un scurt
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 semn cu capul.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lua{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i-o pe Lady Ozera. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i pe Moore. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3959 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 interog{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dat fiind faptul c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} Tasha st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea printre alte persoane,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-a iscat un pic de team{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i de panic{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa n care
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 patru gardieni au pornit spre ea. Evitau pe ct posibi
l s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 le aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo v{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63
\u259\'3f}mare celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spectatori, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mbrnceli {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nghionteli au fost destule.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ceea ce a reprezentat o tot
al{\f63 \u259\'3f} surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost ardoarea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cu care s-a mpotrivit Tasha. Era antrenat{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, mi-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amintit. Nu la fel ca gardienii, dar destul ct s{\f63
\u259\'3f} se lase
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 greu prins{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era n stare s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} dea cu picioarele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu pumnii
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pung{\f63 \u259\'3f} reginele cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar a izbutit
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l doboare pe unul dintre gardieni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Putea chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ncerce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape de-acolo, mi-am dat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 seama... cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am crezut nici
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car pentru o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar reu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i. Era prea mare aglomera{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, prea mult
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 haos. Mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni se ndreptau sp
re locul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1296 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'
3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}elii. Moroii ngrozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utau s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rteze.
\i0 To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le stea n cale a
ltora.

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, un\i poc\i0 r{\f63 \u259\'

3f}sun{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor a reverberat prin sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Un foc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de arm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cei mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
dintre moroi s-au aruncat la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 podea, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i gardienii tot soseau. {\f
63 \u354\'3f}innd n mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} o arm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe care o smulsese probabil de la gardianul dobort,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Tasha a nh{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at cu mna r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} liber{\f63 \u259\'3f} primul moroi ie{\f63 \
u351\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n cale. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m-ajute Dumnezeu, s-a ntmplat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mia Rinaldi\b .\b0 Ea st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuse lng{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} Christian. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tasha
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri408 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu obse
rvase pe cine-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i alesese ca ostatic.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \b \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\b
0 Nu mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i! a urlat Tasha spre gardienii care o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nconjurau\b .\b0 Gura armei era la
tmpla Miei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se opre{\f63 \u351\'3f}te inima
n loc. Cum de escaladase situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-un asemen\b ea\b0 punct? A{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a ceva nu prev{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Misiunea mea trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie curat{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dema{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe Tasha. O aresteaz{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Rezolvat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii au ncremenit, nu att
din cauza comenzii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ei, ct mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} evalueze cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trateze
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}area total{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ntr
e timp, Tasha a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 loc, ncet {\f63 \u8212\'3f} foarte ncet spre ie{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ire, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gnd-o pe Mia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea. naintarea ei era lent{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i greoaie, din cauza
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 tuturor scaunelor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i persoanelor din d
rumul ei.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncetineala le-a oferit r{\f63 \u259\'3f}gaz gardienil
or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezolve urta
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dilem{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i Ei au prioritate.\i0 Via{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a Miei {\f63 \u8212\'3f} o via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
moroi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} era n pericol. Gardienii nu voiau ca
Mia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 omort{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici nu putea
u s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i permit{\f63 \u259\'3f} unei femei
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 moroi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboinice {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nar
mate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece liber{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Problema e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tasha nu era singura femeie moroi r

{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboinic din

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cuse cea mai proast{\f63 \u259\'3f} alegere
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 posibila n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ostaticului, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 seama dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul din
ochii Miei c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avea de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 se lase luat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu una, cu dou{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Lissa a n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lucru. Una dintre ele, sau chiar amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 omort{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar Lissa nu putea s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} permit{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i at
rag{\f63 \u259\'3f} privirea Tashei, ar constrnge\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se predea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 Nu, nu, nu,\i0 m-am mpotri
vit, n gnd. N-aveam
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o prieten{\f63 \u259\'3
f} implicat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Att eu, ct {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i Lissa am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe Mia ncordndu-se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape din strnsoa
rea Tashei. Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze i
mediat. Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it-o prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam gndurile, hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rrea, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i felul n care i se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cau mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}chii {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i nervii corpului, naintnd ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 atrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Tashei.
Le sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam pe toate att de clar,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nct parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} am fi avut unul {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i trup. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam ncotro
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se va mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ca Lissa chiar naintea ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2823 \expndtw-7 \b \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\b0 Tasha,
te rog, nu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}nit n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul ei rug{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tor ntrerupndu\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se n clipa n care Mia {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i-a repezit piciorul n spate,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lovind-o pe Tasha {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eliberndu-se, apoi
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-se n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 jos din calea armei. Tasha, surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}
din dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 avea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} arma ridicat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese f{\f63 \u259\'3f}
r{\f63 \u259\'3f} Mia, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 totul se ntmpla att de repede, Tasha a tras disperat{\f

63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} focuri spre primul pericol care
se apropia de ea... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 acela nu era reprezentat de gardienii naintnd cu iu{\f
63 \u355\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Ci de sub{\f63 \u355\'3f}iratica siluet{\f63 \u259\'
3f} alb{\f63 \u259\'3f} care strigase la ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sau, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, n
ea ar fi tras. Cum spuneam, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 precis unde avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun{\f63 \u259\'3f
} piciorul Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ce urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i n aceste pre{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ioase secunde de dinainte ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze, m-am smuls din minile pazni
cilor mei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 am azvrlit n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Lissei. Cineva a s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rit dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era prea trziu. Asta s-a ntmplat cnd s-a desc{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rcat
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 arma Tashei. Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it o mu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o arsur{\f63 \u259\
'3f} n piept,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care n-a mai fost nimic, dect dur
ere... o durere att
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de total{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de intens
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ea puterea
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegere.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f
}it cum cad, am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it cum m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prinde Lissa {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 strig{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva... poat
e spre mine, poate spre altcineva. Era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 atta zarv{\f63 \u259\'3f} n sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct nu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce s-a mai ntmplat cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Tasha. Nu eram dect eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i durerea c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}reia mintea mea se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i blocheze
accesul. Lumea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 din ce n ce mai t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe Lissa coborndu\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea spre mine, strigndu-mi ceva
neauzit. Era
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitoar
e. ncoronat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dar mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntunericul, care o nv{\f63 \u259
\'3f}luia. Iar n ntunericul acela,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 z{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele... fantom
ele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spiritele care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} urmau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 permanent. Iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-le, tot mai consistent
e, apropiindu-se.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Chemndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 O arm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fo

c. Fusesem dobort{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o arm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de foc.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Practic, era comic.\i Tri{\f63 \u351\'3f}ori,\i0 mi
-am zis. mi petrecusem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntreaga via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} concentrndu
-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra luptei corp la
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 corp, nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} feresc de col{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de mini
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 puternice, capabile s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi frng{\f63 \u
259\'3f} gtul. O arm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de foc?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Era att de... n fine, de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or. Trebuia
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt jignit{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam. Conta? Nici asta nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiam. Tot ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 momentul acela era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} mor, indiferent de toate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vederea mi se nce{\f63 \u355\
'3f}o{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, ntunericul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fantomele se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 apropiau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, jur, parc{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-l auzeam pe Robert {\f63 \u351\'3f}optindu-mi la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ureche:\i Lumea mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor n-o s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mai dea o a doua
\plain\expndtw-26 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Chiar nainte ca lumina s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} dispar{\f63 \u259\'3f} complet, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chipul lui Dimitri ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd lng{\f63 \u259
\'3f} al Lissei. Am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atunci c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din moment ce ambele persoa
ne pe care le
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 iubeam mai mult pe lume erau n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb80\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plec de pe lumea asta. Mor{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ii puteau, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre ei. {\f
63 \u350\'3f}i mi mplinisem menirea, nu? De
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 protejare. Asta f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem. O salvasem p
e Lissa, exact cum
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 jurasem c-o s-o fac mereu. Muream n lupt{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Nu cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 programare pe calendar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Lissei
str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucea de lacrimi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i speram ca a mea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i transmit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct de mu
lt o iubesc. Cu ultima scnteie de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f
}mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc, am ncercat s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dau de {\f63 \u351\'3f}tire lui Dimitri c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-l iubesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s-o protejeze de-acum ncolo. Nu cred c{\f63 \u

259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles, dar cuvintele acelei mantra a g
ardienilor au
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit ultimul meu gnd con{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tient.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3244 \expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 Ei au prioritate.
\plain\par
\sl-125\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri1102 \expndt
w-12 \b \f20 \fs40 TREIZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I PATRU
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1229 \expndtw-7 \f20
\fs24 NU M-AM TREZIT N lumea mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu m-am trezit nici m{\f63 \u259
\'3f}car ntr-un spital, sau n vreun
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alt tip de centru medical... ceea c
e, crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi s-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntmplat de destule ori. Nu, m-am trezit nconjurat{\f63
\u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lux, ntr-un dormitor imens, cu mobilier poleit. S{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fi fost
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n Rai? Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu, {\f63 \u355\'3f
}innd seama de comportamentul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 meu. Patul cu baldachin avea o cuvertur{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie-aurie
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 suficient de groas{\f63 \u259\'3f} nct s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi luat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i drept
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o saltea. Mai multe lumn{\f63
\u259\'3f}ri plpiau pe o m{\f63 \u259\'3f}su{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} peretele opus, u
mplnd camera de mireasma
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 iasomiei. Habar n-aveam unde sunt, sau cum de-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ajuns acolo, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci cnd ultimele me
le amintiri, de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 durere {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ntuneric, au nceput s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi joace prin minte,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 am decis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} simplul fapt c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} mai respiram era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 destul de bun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1680 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Se treze{\f63
\u351\'3f}te Frumoasa Adormit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Vocea aia... vocea aia minunat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, ca mierea, cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 accentul ei catifelat... M-a nv{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}luit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea a sosit
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i imposibilul adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r,
cu ntregul lui impact: eram vie.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Eram vie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Dimitri era acolo.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d, dar am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it un zmbet
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rndu-mi pe buze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1959 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu cine e{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ti, infirmiera mea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 L-am auzit ridicndu-se de pe un s
caun {\f63 \u351\'3f}i venind spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mine. Vederea lui, cum st{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tea a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, n picioare, deasupra
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mea, mi-a adus aminte ct de nalt era n realitate. M{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 privea de acolo, de sus, zmbind {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el:
unul dintre
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 zmbetele acelea pline, rarit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i pentru el. Se sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}lase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 schimbase de cnd l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem ultima dat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i legase
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 frumos p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul castaniu la ceaf{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, dar nu se b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbierise de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} zile. Am ncercat s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ridic n capul oaselor,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dar m-a {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}it napoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1878 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu, trebu
ie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai ntins{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Durerea din piept mi spunea c{\f63
\u259\'3f} are dreptate. Chiar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mintea mi-era t
reaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, restul trupului se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 epuizat. Habar n-aveam ct timp s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi tr
ecut, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} organismul meu purtase o b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lie:
nu cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreun strigoi sau cu orice altceva
de acest gen, ci cu el
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nsu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. O b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}lie pentru supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri604 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, apropi
e-te, i-am zis. Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A stat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se gndea
sc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 azvrlii pantofii din picioare. ntorcn
du-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe o parte

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ceea ce m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s

{\f63 \u259\'3f} tresar de durere {\f63 \u8212\'3f} am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fac pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in loc aproape de marginea patu
lui. S-a suit,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncovrigndu-se lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine. Fe{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ele noastre se odihneau
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pe aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pern{\f63 \u259\'3f}, doar
la c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva centimei distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} una de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp ce ne priveam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2256 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E mai bine? m
-a ntrebat.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu degetele lui lungi {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i gra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioase, mi-a ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul care-mi c{\f63
\u259\'3f}zuse pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, trasndu-mi apoi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 contururile pometului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3210 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum te sim{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2901 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Moart{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de foame.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Rznd nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-a strecurat mna n josul spin{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri627 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mele, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd-o acolo
ca un fel de semimbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Normal. Cre
d c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-au reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} bage n tine dect
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sup{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum. M{\f63 \u
259\'3f} rog, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i perfuzia de ceva mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 devreme. Probabil ai o criz{\f63 \u259\'3f} de hipog
licemie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 M-am crispat. Nu-mi pl{\f63
\u259\'3f}ceau acele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici tuburile, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m-am bucurat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fusesem treaz{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri584 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 (Acele pentru tatuat erau o cu to
tul alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}.)
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2076 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ct timp am fos
t... plecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cteva zile.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li290 \ri3277 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cteva zil
e...
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tut un nou fior, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el mi-a tras mai sus
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2346 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile, creznd c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-e frig.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1304 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ar trebui s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fiu vie, am {\f63 \u351\'3f}optit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Astfel de mpu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}turi... erau prea rapide, nimeriser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 prea aproape de inim{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Sau n inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Mi-am dus o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 la piept. Nu mi-am dat seama precis unde fusesem
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nimerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} durea pes
te tot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1040 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O, Doamne! Ma lecuit Lissa, nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} co
nsume att de mult spirit! Nu, nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri13 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63
\u259\'3f} asta. Nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i permit{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, de ce ma
i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam durere? Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lecuit ea, ar fi disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut cu totul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2374 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu te-a v
indecat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu? Mi-am ncre{\
f63 \u355\'3f}it fruntea, nereu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ind s{\f63 \u259\'3f} analizez
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Cum altf
el a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn n via{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}? In
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 minte mi-a venit un r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns surprinz{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am ntrebat:
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Atunci... Adrian? Dar el nu... dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
um m-am purtat cu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 el... nu. Nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1336 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce, crezi c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} el te-ar fi l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mori?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Nu i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} gloan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruser{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mult, gndul la Adrian tot mi d{\f63 \
u259\'3f}dea dureri {\f63 \u8212\'3f} la figurat
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Indiferent
de cum s-ar sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i el... Dimitri a avut un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 moment de ezitare, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ci, n definitiv, e

ra un subiect
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20
\u259\'3f}sat s{\f63
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o

\fs24 delicat. n fine, a reluat apoi, el nu te-ar fi l{\f63

\u259\'3f} mori.
\fs24 Chiar a vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te vindece. Dar n-a f
nici el.

\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 M-am sim{\f63 \u355\'
3f}it vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l subestimasem
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 att pe Adrian. Dimitri avea dreptat
e. Adrian nu m-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 abandonat niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}zbunare; totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, mi epuizam
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cu rapiditate variantele posibile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2593 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, cine?
Sonya?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimeni, mi-a r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, simplu. Sau, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, tu,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4076 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3671 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu... ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lumea se mai vin
dec{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cnd n cnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ajutorul magiei, Rose, a replicat
el, cu o not{\f63 \u259\'3f} amuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 voce, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i men{\f63 \
u355\'3f}inea seriozitatea pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iar r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}nile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tale... au fost destul de grave. Nimeni n-a crezut co s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 scapi cu via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ai int
rat n opera{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care noi to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar de ce.
.. M-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it peste m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} de arog
ant{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din cauza urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarei mele ntreb{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ri. De ce\i nu\i0 m-au
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2325 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vindecat ei, Adrian sau Lissa?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O, au vrut,
crede-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar n urma ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tot haosul... Curtea a intrat n carantin{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. I-au luat pe
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 amndoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-au pus sub paz{\f63 \u259\
'3f} stra{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic{\f63 \u259\'3f} nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \

u259\'3f} ei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo ncercare.
Nimeni nu i-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se apropie
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de tine, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in ct timp nc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} au mai crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai putea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii o criminal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Av
eau nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie siguri mai nti cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tasha, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} propriile ei fapte a
u fost destul de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 incriminante.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a trebuie ceva pn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} accept ideea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} medicina
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 modern{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rezisten{\f
63 \u355\'3f}a organismului meu fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} cele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vindecaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Aj
unsesem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuiesc n
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 prea mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
ur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu spiritul. Altceva nu mi se mai p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 posibil. n timp ce ncercam s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuiesc cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 conceptul, mi-au venit n minte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cele
lalte afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ale
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 lui Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2606 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tasha... mai
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1828 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Expresia lui de triste{\f63 \u
355\'3f}e se adnci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da. Au prins-o i
mediat dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce te-a mpu{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tine, nainte ca oricine altcineva s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fie r{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit. Au
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nchis-o, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au tot ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte dovezi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Denun{\f63
\u355\'3f}area ei a fost unul dintre cele mai grele
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lucruri din cte am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut vreodat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, i-am zis. Mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi-a venit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupt
cu strigoii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mie mi-a fost greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'
3f}d, mi-a fost greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cred, a zis Dimitri, cu o privire ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rtat{\f63 \u259\'3f} care-mi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 amintea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el o cunoscuse de mai mult
{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme dect pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mine. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, a continuat el, ea {\f63

\u351\'3f}i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut alegerea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 toate acuza{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile mpotriva ta au fost r
etrase. Acum e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 femeie liber{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mai mult. O eroin{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Abe se tot laud{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 totul a fost numai datorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri659 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Ultima remarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
i-a readus zmbetul pe buze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Normal. Probabil
c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} primesc ct de curnd o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3567 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 factur{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la el
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63
\u355\'3f}eam ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}, att de bucurie, ct {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i de uimire.
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 O femeie liber{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i0 Fusesem mpov{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de acuza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i d
e o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 condamnare la moarte parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ani ntregi,
iar acum...
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 acum, totul disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a rs, {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i eu mi-am dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi putut r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru totdeauna, doar noi doi, tandri {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i nep{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 rog... poate nu chiar a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a. Nu m-ar fi deranjat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dispar{\f63 \u259\'3f} durerea {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i pansamentele groase pe care le
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam pe piept. Noi doi avuseser{\f
63 \u259\'3f}m parte de att de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine momente de intimitate, momente n
care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 putem relaxa cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}tem deschis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 iubeam. Lucrurile abia ncepuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} se dreag{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre noi,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ct pe ce s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie prea trziu. Sau poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 era.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2406 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i-acum? l-am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351\'
3f}tiu sigur, a zis, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i obrazul pe fruntea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mea. Pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu,

sunt att de bucuros... att de

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bucuros c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti. De prea multe ori a fost ct pe ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 te pierd. Cnd te-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut acolo, pe po
dea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era atta
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vnzoleal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i atta confu
zie... M-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it ngrozitor de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neputincios. Mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai avu
t dreptate. Ne
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 irosim vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile cu vinov{\f63 \u259\'3
f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu autoflagelarea. Cnd m\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ai privit atunci, n ultimele clipe... am v{\f63 \u259
\'3f}zut. ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r,
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iubeai.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3311 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te-ai ndoit?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea fuse
se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sune a glum{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuvintele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mi-au ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it pe un to
n ofensat. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam, un pic. Doar i spusesem c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-l iubesc de-attea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i attea ori.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Am vru
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut atunci nu doa
r c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri648 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iube{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ti. Am n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, mai iertat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1349 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-aveam nimic
de iertat, nu tocmai.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i pe-asta i-o mai spusesem.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu am
crezut tot timpul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveai, a replicat,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 retr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-se doar ct
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} privi din nou. {\f63 \u
350\'3f}i asta
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 era ceea ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} re{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea
, mi-a zis. Orice mi-ai fi spus, eu,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, nu puteam s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} cred... nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mi-ai ierta tot ce {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cut acolo, n Siberia, sau aici,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m-a vindecat Lissa. Am crezut
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te am{\f63 \u259\'3f}ge{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda. N-ar f

i fost prima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut a{

\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ceva. Dar nu, de data asta, nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu revela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia as
ta... n acea frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de secund{\f63 \u259\'3f} n care am {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
ut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-ai iertat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, aveam toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dra
gostea ta, am fost n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iert {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i eu. Toate poverile, toate lucrurile
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} legau de trecut... s-au dus.
Era de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2267 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Zburai? Te si
m{\f63 \u355\'3f}eai liber?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da. Numai c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}... venea prea trziu. Poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sune
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a sminteal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar n t
imp ce te priveam, cu toate gndurile
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 astea ntlnindu-mi-se n cap, era de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
... de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fi v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut gheara mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
ntinzndu-se spre tine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac nimic. Eram neputincios
. Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 ajut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba m-ai aju
tat, i-am zis. Ultimele imagini pe care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 le-am mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} mi se ntunece totul au fost
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 chipul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al Liss
ei (M{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam abstrac{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ie de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 chipurile alea scheletice, dar o astfel de referire
ar fi ucis
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 romantismul momentului.) Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cum d
e i-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit mpu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63
\u259\'3f}turii, mpotriva tuturor {\f63 \u351\'3f}anselor...
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dar sunt foarte convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} dragostea voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ammdurora {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mia dat puterea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupt pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t. Eram obligat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc la voi doi. Dumnezeu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie de cte belele a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
fi dat f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri n-a mai g{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}sit ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} la faza asta, dar mi\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, n schimb, apropiindu-{\f63
\u351\'3f}i gura de a mea. Ne\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat, u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or la nce
put, iar pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea momentului mi-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrecut orice durere. Dar abia ncepuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} creasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 intensitate, cnd el s-a retras.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1308 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, ce nseamn
{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta? am protestat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ti nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n refacere, m-a mustrat el. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri640 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nchipui tu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u355\'3f}i-ai revenit la normal, dar nu e a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Asta\i0
nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} normalul pentru mine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, {\f63 \u351\'3f}
tii ce, am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate c
hestiile astea cu eliberarea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 descoperirea de sine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i exprimarea iu
birii dintre noi, am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} termin{\f63 \u259\'3f}m odat
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elepciunea asta de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 maestru Zen {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rahaturile de sfaturi
practice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1024 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Tirada mi-a atras un zmbet cu t
oat{\f63 \u259\'3f} gura.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Roza, a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a ceva n-ai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi. Asta-i situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, accep
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4253 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 sau nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2179 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 L-am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat a
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe buze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri638 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} asta nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te am pe tine, accept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-l s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut din nou {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
dovedesc cine are,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de fapt, mai mult autocontrol, dar
afurisita aia de chestie
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 numit{\f63 \u259\'3f} realitate mi-a invadat mintea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri186 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dimitri... ser
ios acum, ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple cu noi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Via{\f63 \u355\'3

f}a, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, pe un ton lejer. Merge mai

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 departe. Noi mergem mai departe. Su
ntem gardieni. Ne
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i, poate, ne schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f}m lumea.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu,
z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, am replicat. Dar ce e cu chestiile astea, cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}noi", {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}gardieni"? Eram convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s-a terminat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cu carierele noastre.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mmm, a murm
urat el, prinzndu-mi fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ntre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 palme {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nce
rce o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutare {\f63 \u
8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar speram s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a. Odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 iertarea, mi-a explicat, ne-am primit napoi {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i statutul de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 gardieni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i tu? Acum te cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti strigoi?
m-am
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 mirat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3452 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 A ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hm. Chiar dac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dovedesc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ia, tot nu vedeam un viitor mai bun dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} la munca de birou, ct mai aproape
unul de cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri s-a tras mai aproape
de mine, cu ochii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri731 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 scnteind, semn c{\f63 \u259\'3f} u
rma dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luirea unui secret.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1418 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i mai bine: e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti gardianul Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? am strigat,
gata s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtez. E imposibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4132 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Ei n-ar...
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba, au. Ea
o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i gardieni, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 au nchipuit, probabil, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i nimic d
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te las{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te nvrte{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe-a
colo, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te mai {\f63 \u3
55\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe tine cineva n fru, m-a tachinat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i tu nu... Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it cum mi se formeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} un
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 bulg{\f63 \u259\'3f}re n stomac, amintindu-mi de o pr
oblem{\f63 \u259\'3f} care ne
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 torturase mai demult. Tu nu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti prin
tre gardienii ei, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4685 \expndtw-28 \f20 \fs24 e?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mereu fusese pentru no
i un motiv de ngrijorare,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 conflictul acesta de interese. Mi-l
doream lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totdeauna. Dar cum am mai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ave
m grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} punem pe pr
imul lor siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam griji unul pentru cel{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}lalt? Trecutul se ntorcea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ne chinuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai departe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, mi-a r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Am primit o cu totul alt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 reparti{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3976 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aha.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dintr-un anume motiv, {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i vestea asta m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrista
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri150 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, chiar dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e alegerea cea mai n{\f63 \
u355\'3f}eleapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1981 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt gardianu
l lui Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 De data asta, chiar m-am ridicat n
capul oaselor, cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 toate ordinele medicilor. Cus{\f63
\u259\'3f}turile din piept amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}au
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi plesneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
n-am luat n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} usturimea.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri469 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar asta... as

ta practic nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 S-a ridicat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Di
mitri n {\f63 \u351\'3f}ezut, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi savureze
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri13 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocul, ceea ce z{\f
63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era o dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cruzime, c{\f63
\u259\'3f} doar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fusesem ct pe ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mor, {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mai departe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oarecum, mia zis. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei n-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} chiar tot timpul, mai ales cnd
ea o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lehigh. El nu merge, dar or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se tot
viziteze unul pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cnd se viz
iteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei, ne vedem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i noi. E un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aranjament bun. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n plus..., a ad{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ugat, redevenind
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 serios. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-ai dovedit tuturor
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti dispus{\f63 \u259\'3f} pui
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei pe primul loc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2878 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Am cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat di
n cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri514 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, dar n tine
n-a tras nimeni. Numai n ea.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Vorbisem pe un ton le
jer, dar asta m-a determinat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi pun ntrebarea: oare ce-a{\f63 \u
351\'3f} face dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi amndoi n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 primejdie?\i Ai ncredere n el,\i0 m-a sf{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tuit o voce care mi\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat n cap.\i Ai ncredere c{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i poarte singur
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 de grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el va
face la fel cu tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntors privirea spre el,
amintindu-mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 z{\f63 \u259\'3f}risem cu coada ochiului o umbr{\f63
\u259\'3f}, atunci, n salonul de
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 bal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu m-ai urm
at cnd am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Lissei, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1372 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Spre cine s{\f63 \u259\'3f}reai?
Spre mine, sau spre ea?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 M-a studiat timp de cteva se
cunde care mi s-au p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nespus de lungi. Ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mint{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aleag{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul cel m
ai facil, spunndu-mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avusese
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne mping{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe amn
dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} din calea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 glon{\f63 \u355\'3f}ului... dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f
63 \u259\'3f}car ar fi fost posibil a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nu-mi aminteam. Dar Dimitri n-a min{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2443 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tiu, Roza. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Am oftat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2820 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-o s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ne fie u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Niciodat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu e, a replicat el, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n bra{\f63
\u355\'3f}ele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4577 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am rezemat capul de piept
ul lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am nchis ochii.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu, n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, d
ar o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merite efortul. Ct timp o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fim mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merit
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a mult timp, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd o discret{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63
\u259\'3f}taie
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a pe jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate desch
is{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne desp{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}im.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa era n prag.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Scuz
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis, cu chipul str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucind
de bucurie la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vederea mea. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} pune{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceva n u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu mi-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nfierbnt{\f63 \u259\'3f
} lucrurile pe-aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E inevitabi
l, am explicat, pe un ton frivol,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prinzndu-l de mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Dimitri. Lucrurile
mereu se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nfierbnt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd e el pe-aici.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
a scandalizat. Nu se re{\f63 \u355\'3f}inuse niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cnd eram n pat mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f
} firea lui rezervat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 permitea nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo aluzie despre astfel de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lucruri fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de al{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ii. Era o r{\f63 \u259\'3f}utate din partea mea, dar am
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 rs {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat pe o
braz.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O, ce-o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ne mai distr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, am zis. Acum, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
otul a
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it la lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, a zis
el. M-am ales cu o privire {\f63 \u8222\'3f}distractiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}"
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 alalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri de la tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
l t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-a aruncat Lissei o privire
rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f}, semnificativ{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s-a ridicat. Aplecndu-se napo
i, m-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pe cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}tetul capului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri755 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu ar fi cazul
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
s s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te mai ntorci? l
-am ntrebat, n timp ce se ndrepta
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4137 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 spic u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 S-a oprit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
mi-a zmbit, iar ochii aceia ntuneca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mi\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 au r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns la ntrebare, dar {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i la multe altele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3689 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Evident.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa i-a luat atunci locul, a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ezndu-se pe marginea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 patului. M-a mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}at cu ging{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie, f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de r{\f63 \u259\'3
f}nile mele. M-a certat apoi pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ridicasem, dar nu-mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa. Fericirea
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} inunda n valuri.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280

\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucuram att
de mult c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea era bine, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam
att
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3578 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1569 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i habar n-avea
m cum se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura disp{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ruse. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu ca atunci, naintea evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mele cnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ridicase
zidul acela. Acum, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nu mai era nimic ntre noi. Eu eram doar cu mine
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi, complet {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu dd
es{\f63 \u259\'3f}vr{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, exact cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fusesem cu ani n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am f{\f63 \u259\
'3f}cut ochii mari {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rd{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri438 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ntrebam cnd o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} observi, mi-a zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2524 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum... cum e
posibil?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram nghe{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f}, amor{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Leg{\f63
\u259\'3f}tura. Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 nu mai era.\i0 M{\f63 \u259\'3
f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum mi-ar fi fost amputat
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 un bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2859 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i tu de unde {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Par{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ial, din instinct..., mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, ncre{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fruntea. Dar Adrian a {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o. A v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aurele
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 noastre nu mai sunt conectate ntre ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1848 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar cum? Cum
a fost posibil?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Vocea mi suna nnebunit{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Imposibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2463 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut leg{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}tura. Imposibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu sunt ntru
totul sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a recunoscut ea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncruntarea i s-a accentuat. Am discutat mult despre a

sta
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cu Sonya {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu, hm, cu Adrian. Am aju
ns la concluzia c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd te-am readus eu, numai s
piritul a fost
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cel care nu te-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ajungi pe t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmul mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut legat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine.
De data asta... ai fost iar la un pas
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de moarte. Sau poate chiar ai murit, pentru o clip{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i organismul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u v-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i luptat s{\f63
\u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntoarce{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.\i Tu\i0
ai fost cea care s-a salvat, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciun
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ajutor din partea spiritului. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, din
moment ce s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntmplat a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a... Lissa a ridicat din umeri
. Cum {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spus, facem doar presupuneri. Dar Sonya e de p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rere c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din moment ce propria ta putere te-a smuls din moarte
,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n-ai mai avut nevoie de vreun alt ajutor. Ai f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut-o prin
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele proprii. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n
clipa n care te-ai eliberat de spirit,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 te-ai eliberat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de mine. N-ai mai av
ut nevoie de vreo
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} te {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre cei vii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2136 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Era o nebunie. Era imposibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}... dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am evadat din lumea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor, doar nu nse
amn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt, cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1822 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nemuritoare, sau mai {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tiu eu ce, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2022 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a izbucnit din nou n rs.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, de asta sunt
em sigure. Sonya mi-a explicat,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mi-a zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} orice e
viu poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} moar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ct timp ai o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u

259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti viu. Strigoii sunt nemuritori, dar

\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nu au via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-au nici aur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri627 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lumea ncepuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se nvrteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n jurul meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Gata, te cred pe
cuvnt. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate chiar am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3160 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} ntind.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2045 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar fi, probab
il, o idee bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntins u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urel
pe spate. Avnd disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevoie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de ceva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} distrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la ceea ce tocmai aflasem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ireal, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} imposibil de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prelucrat {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mi-am studiat mprejurimile
. Luxoasa
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} era mai mare dect mi d{\f63 \u259
\'3f}dusem seama la
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nceput. Se ntindea {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i se tot ntindea, ramificndu-se n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 alte nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}peri. Era o s
uit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de camere. Poate un
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 apartament. Distingeam un living cu mobilier mbr{\f63
\u259\'3f}cat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n piele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un televizor cu ecran plat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3163 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde suntem?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri411 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n aripa pentru
locuit a palatului, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n aripa pentru loc
uit a\i palatului\i0 ? Cum de-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3952 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ajuns aici?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1662 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu cum crezi?
m-a ntrebat, sec.
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Gura mi s-a ncle{\f63 \u351\'3f}ta
t pentru cteva clipe. Nu aveam
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\

f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama ce se ntmplase.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o imposibilitate devenise posibil{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ct timp fusesem
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 eu scoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} din circuit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rahat! S-au
{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut alegerile, nu? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i te-au ales regin{\f63 \u2
59\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din moment ce a fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Jill acolo, ca
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i reprezinte
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 familia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1650 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 A cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din
cap, aproape rznd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Reac{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ia mea a fost un pic mai tare dect {\f63 \u8222\'3f}rahat",
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2054 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Rose. Ai cumva idee ce-ai f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ngrijora
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}, stresat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i total cople{\f63 \u
351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu serioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i reconfortant{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de dragul ei... dar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam cum pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} mi se ntinde un rnjet bleg. Lissa a
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 scos un geam{\f63 \u259\'3f}t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3293 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu te bucuri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri12 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Liss, tu e{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti n{\f63 \u259\'3f}scut{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru asta! E{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ti mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2680 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dect oricare alt candidat.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose!
a strigat ea. Candidatura mea trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri896 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 doar o diversiune. N-am dect\i op
tsprezece\i0 ani.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2412 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Att avea {\f63
\u351\'3f}i Alexandra.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1565 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tina
t, exasperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tul{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n gt s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot aud despr
e ea! A tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}it
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 acum cteva secole, {\f63 \u351\'3f}
tii? Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe-atunci se murea la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 treizeci de ani. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, practic, era de vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} medie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2366 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 I-am luat mna ntr-a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu o s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fii o regin{\f63 \u259\'3f} grozav{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-are importan{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai. {\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i doar n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
onvoci ntruniri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} analizezi codurile de legi de una s
ingur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f},\i eu\i0 sigur n-o s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fac nimic din astea, dar mai sunt
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte persoane, mai inteligente. Ar
iana Szelsky n-a luat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ultimul test, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c-o s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} te-ajute dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ceri. Ea face
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte din Consiliu, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i mai sunt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pe care ai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te bazezi. Nu trebuie dect s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim. Eu cred
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 n tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Oftnd, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat privirea n jos, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 acoperindu-i fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ca o cortin{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i o parte din mine e entuziasmat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la gn
dul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a redau onoarea f
amiliei mele. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta e ceea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ce m-a salvat de la o total{\f63 \u259\'3f} pr{\f63
\u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire nervoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, da
r dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f}... atunci, o s-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fac cum trebuie. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt de parc{\f63
\u259\'3f}... de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} avea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea la degetul mic, de parc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac att
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de mult bine... Dar mi e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fric{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o dau n bar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ridicat scurt privirea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nici nu ren
un{\f63 \u355\'3f} la restul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mele. Cred c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu prima regin{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} la facultate.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Super,
i-am zis. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe messe
nger cu

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Consiliul, din campus. Poate le {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i porunce{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti unora s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei temele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
i gluma nu i s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut la fel de amuzant{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe ct o considerasem eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ntorcndu-m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}\i la familia\i0 mea, Rose... de ct timp
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3489 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiai despre Jill
?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Fir-ar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 partea asta a conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu de prea m
ult. N-am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te stres{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu asta
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri442 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tiam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ug
at n grab{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri14 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} cred... Pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cre
d, a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 repetat, scuturnd din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} orientez dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} tonul ei, nu dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era att de ci
udat, nct parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi pierdut
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 unul dintre sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}urile de baz{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. V{\f63 \u259\'3f}zul. Auzul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3196 \expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ti sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri400 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Normal c{\f63
\u259\'3f} sunt! Cum de poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te surprind{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-am nchipuit c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
te bucuri...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u259\'3f
} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur aflnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tata a n{\f63 \u351\'3f}elat-o p
e mama? S{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} am o sor{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care abia o cunosc? Am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cu ea, dar... E att de bizar, a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 continuat ea, oftnd din nou. Aproape {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i mai bizar dect
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 faptul c-am devenit dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} regin
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac.

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred des

pre tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l meu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i sunt al naibii de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tiu ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac cu ea.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iube
{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-i pe amndoi, am sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit-o, cu afec{\f63 \u355\'
3f}iune n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 glas. Ei sunt familia ta. Jill e o
tip{\f63 \u259\'3f} grozav{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
i.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Fi
i entuziasmat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu o s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-mi fii mai sor{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dect ar putea ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fie vreodat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Lissa, cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 privirea pierdut{\f63 \u259\'3f} n gol. {\f63 \u350\'
3f}i tocmai ea... att de mult timp
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am fost convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} er
a ceva ntre ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, d
in toate grijile de pe lumea asta, iat{\f63 \u259\'3f} una
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pe care po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-o ui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e nimic adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i, n comentariul ei mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt
ceva
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sumbru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i trist.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2465 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce mai face C
hristian?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ntors din nou
fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre mine, cu ochii plini de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4280 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 durere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}i e foarte g
reu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mie mi-e. O tot viziteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Tasha. Detest{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceea ce a f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cut ea, dar... n fine, tot ruda
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 lui e. Sufer{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar ncearc{\f63 \u259\'
3f} s-o ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f}. l {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii cum e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3306 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i petrec
use o bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mascndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sentiment

ele ntunecate cu impertinen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sarcasm. Era un profesionist cnd venea vorba s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}leasc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ratelor
lui
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 sentimente.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiu c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i revin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu timp
ul... Sper doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i pot
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fi al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi suficient timp. Se-ntmpl{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} att de multe.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Facultatea, faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt regin{\f63
\u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totdeauna,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 totdeauna, spiritul e prezent, ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu
-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}indu\plain\expndtw-32 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Un fulger de alarm{\
f63 \u259\'3f} m-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut brusc. {\f63 \u350\'3
f}i de panic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Panic{\f63 \u259\'3f} provocat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de ceva mult mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u dect c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce simte Lissa, sau unde e. Spiritul. Mi-era team{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spirit... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupt eu cu el,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pentru ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ntunericul.
.. Eu n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l mai absorb. Ce-o s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4008 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ne facem?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1355 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Un zmbet strmb i-a fluturat pe b
uze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vrei s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} spui, ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac eu. E problema mea acum,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1448 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Rose. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum ar
fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie mereu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1266 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar, nu... nu
po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Sfntul Vladimir...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri33 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e una {\f63
\u351\'3f}i aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mine. {\f63 \u350\
'3f}i tu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri868 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aperi de unele
lucruri, dar nu chiar de toate.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu, am
insistat, scuturnd nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}nat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} din cap.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Nu te las s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfrun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i si
ngur{\f63 \u259\'3f} spiritul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu sunt to
cmai singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am discutat cu Sonya. Ea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 e foarte priceput{\f63 \u259\'3f} la farmecele pentr
u vindecare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i crede
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar exista o metod{\f63 \u259\'3f}
prin care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in echilibrul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oksana spun
ea acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru, mi-am amintit, dar
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt prea lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i... oricnd mai exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i antidepresivele. Numi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 place s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le iau, dar acum sunt regin{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunderi. O
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri192 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac ce-o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} trebuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O regin{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} la orice, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a cred, i-am zis. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu-mi puteam st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 frica, sentimentul de inutilitate. Doar c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-mi fac attea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 griji pentru tine, i-am zis, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu mai
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ajut
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 acum.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb340\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63
\u354\'3f}i-am mai spus: nu trebuie. Eu o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ap{\f63 \u259\'3f
}r
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri5 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mintea. Datoria ta e s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-mi aperi trupul, corect? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri620 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri va fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i e
l prin preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Totul o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie OK.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c
u Dimitri mi-a revenit n minte.\i Spre
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 cine s{\f63 \u259\'3f}reai? Spre mine sau spre ea
?\i0 I-am d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit cel mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 frumos zmbet de care eram n stare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2350 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda. Totul o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie OK.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri7 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tii ct m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-ai ntors, Rose, mi-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 zis, strngndu-mi mna. Tu o s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fii ntotdeauna o parte
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 din mine, orice-ar fi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, sincer{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu... m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam bucur
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-mi mai vezi via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a sexual{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-acum nainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri899 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aici suntem do
u{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am asigurat-o, rznd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Gata cu leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura.
Gata cu conexiunea magic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Avea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ciudat, dar,
de fapt... chiar aveam nevoie de ea? n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a real{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntre dou{\
f63 \u259\'3f} persoane se formau leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alte feluri. Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi prin iubire, sau
prin loialitate. Da,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pes
te asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oricum, o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu mereu lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} tine, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tii. Pentru
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 orice ai nevoie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}tiu, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, la drept vorbind... am
acum
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de tine pentru ceva...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2759 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Zi, am ndemnat
-o.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mi-a zis.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb80\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-464 \li290 \ri1263 \expndtw-12 \b \f20 \fs40 TREIZECI {\f63 \u350
\'3f}I CINCI
\plain\par
\sl-311\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw3 \b \f20
\fs24 MI-A{\f63 \u350\'3f} FI DORIT CA LISSA S{\f63 \u258\'3f} FI AVUT
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}nevoie" ca eu s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} dobor o armat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de strigoi. M-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it mai comod dect cu ceea ce avea
ea acum nevoie:
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntlnesc cu Jill {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m despre ncoronare.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu acolo ca un sprijin,
ca un fel de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 intermediar. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu eram n stare s{\f63
\u259\'3f} merg prea bine, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am mai a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat o z

i. Oricum, Lissa mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 bucure pentru amnare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Jill ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tep
ta ntr-o camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem s-o mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}: salona{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul n care m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rse Tatiana din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} umblam dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Fusese o experien{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
stul de bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f} la vremea aceea,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adr
ian nu exista de fapt nicio
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pe-atunci. Acum, dup{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} tot ce se ntmplase ntre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el, mi se mai p{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rea doar ceva... straniu. Derutant.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce se mai n
tmplase cu el dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} arestarea
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Tashei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Intrnd acolo, m-am mai sim{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}it {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cumplit de...
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu, nu singur{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. Neinformat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Vulnerabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Jill
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea pe un fotoliu, cu minile mpreunat
e n poal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Privea drept nainte, cu o nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are impenetrabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mine, Lissa avea tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
turile la fel de neutre. Se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea...
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ei bine, tocmai asta era. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam.\i
Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam.\i0 Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} era stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nu-mi
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau gnduri n
minte care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ofere vreun indiciu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 N-aveam nimic concret. nc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am fost nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi amintesc mie ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} tot restul lumii func{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionai de unul singur. F{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ceai tot posibilul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 descurci n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile ciudate {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} cunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}terea magic{\f
63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gndurilor altei persoane. Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} numi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 seama ct de mult luasem drept ceva firesc cunoa{\f63
\u351\'3f}terea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gndurilor fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ale unei singure pers
oane.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Unicul lucru pe care-l {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiam sigur era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} att Lissa,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i |ill erau nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnta
te una de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de mine. De-asl.i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eram aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri917 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Salut, Jill, a
m zis, zmbind. Ce mai faci?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Smulgndu-se din cine {\f63 \u351\'
3f}tie ce gnduri i ocupau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri13 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mintea, Jill a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
t imediat n picioare de pe fotoliu. Mi s\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut ciudat, dar abia pe urm{\f63 \
u259\'3f} am priceput rostul.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. Te ridicai cnd intra regina n camer{\f63 \u259\
'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E OK, i-a zi
s Lissa, mpleticindu-se pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cuvinte. Stai jos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 S-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea, fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cu Jill. Era fotoliul cel mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mare din nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere: cel pe care st{\f63
\u259\'3f}tea totdeauna Tatiana.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri12 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Jill a ezitat pentru o clip{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a mutat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privirea napoi spre mine. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
-am oferit ceva
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncuraj{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a n
tors la locul ei. Eu m-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe cel de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa, tres{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rind cnd o mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} durere mi-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strns pieptul. Grija pentru mine i-a distras pe moment
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Jill de la Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum te sim{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i? E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti bine? Dar ai voie m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3583 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cobori din pat?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Simpatica ei fire vor
b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucuram
s-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4355 \expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1444 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Perfect, am m
in{\f63 \u355\'3f}it-o. Sunt ca nou{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am fost nelini{\
f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cnd am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut ce s-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntmplat. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, era att
a snge, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i atta nebunie, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nimeni nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sca
pi... Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu, a zis Jill,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncruntndu-se. Totul a fost att de nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 bucur foarte mult c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ti bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat
zmbetul la locul lui, spernd s-o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tesc. S-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternu
t apoi t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea. n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere, tensiunea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea. n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de
natur{\f63 \u259\'3f} politic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Lissa era experta,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mereu capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nete
zeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} asperit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile cu cuvintele
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 potrivite. Eu eram cea care lua cuvntul n cazul scenel
or
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 incomode, spunnd lucruri care-i {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocau p
e ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lucruri pe care nimeni nu voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le a
ud{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rea dintre cele care solicitau diploma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n sarcina mea
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea preluarea frielor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Jill, am z
is, am vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti dispus{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fine, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} participi la ceremonia de nco
ronare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Privirea lui Jill a zburat s
curt spre Lissa {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpietrit{\f63 \u259\'3f} la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ntors iar la mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce nseamn{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'3f}particip", mai precis? Ce treb
uie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4287 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e nimic
greu, am asigurat-o. Doar anumite
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 formalit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ndeplinite d
e obicei de membrii familiei.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Chestii care {\f63 \u355\'3f}in de ceremonial. Cum ai
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut cnd s-a
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 votat.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400

\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Nu v{\f63 \u259\'3f}z
usem asta, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cte {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam Jill trebuise doar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea al{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}turi de Lissa, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} demonstreze for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a fami
liei.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Un lucru att de m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt ca s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} pui n mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care o lege.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n general, e
vorba s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii prezent{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ai o
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
re s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb{\f63 \u259\'3f}toreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, a
gndit cu voce tare Jill, e tocmai ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 am {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut cel mai mu
lt s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mna asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu am f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cut-o n cea mai mare parte a vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 intervenit Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Jill mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rut uimit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dezorientat{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63
\u259\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tonul Lissei nu clarificase
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 semnifica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei
sale. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost o provocare la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 adresa lui Jill, cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fata nu nfrunt
ase nici pe departe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce avusese de ndurat Lissa? Sau se voia s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fie o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 manifestare de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegere fa{\f63 \u355
\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de lipsa de experien{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4519 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 Jill?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri622 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}... o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, am zi
s. Cu timpul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri59 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Jill a scuturat din cap, cu un m
ic zmbet amar pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} zic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nici eu nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam.
Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam sigur cum te compor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de ge
nul celei n care fusese aruncat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am parcurs la repezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f} n minte o list
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu alte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nimicuri amabile pe care le-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi put
ut rosti, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa a

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trecut, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, la conducerea discu{\

f63 \u355\'3f}iei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2246 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}tiu ct e de ciudat, a zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A privit cu hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rre
n ochii verzi ai lui Jill: unica
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} comun{\f63 \u259\'3f} a celor dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} surori,
am stabilit n gnd.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Jill avea construc{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ia unei Emily n devenire. Lissa purta
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri807 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 n ea o combina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
a tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turilor ambilor p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i pentru mine e ciudat, a asigurat-o ea. Nici eu nu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1597 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu ce vrei? a
ntrebat-o ncet Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am dat seama care era adev{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rata ntrebare. Jill
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tie dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa o voia pe ea. Lissa fusese distrus{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de moartea fratelui ei... ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} o sor{\f
63 \u259\'3f} vitreg{\f63 \u259\'3f} ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 senin nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i {\f63 \u355\'3f}i
n{\f63 \u259\'3f} locul lui Andre. Am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi imaginez cum m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi sim{\f63 \u355
\'3f}it dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost n locul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 uneia sau alteia dintre fete. Am ncercat, dar n-am re
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri663 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tiu, a m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisit Lissa. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce vreau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Jill a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at,
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ochii n jos, dar nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i z{\f63 \u
259\'3f}resc sentimentul fluturndu-i pe chip.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}gire... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul Lissei nu fusese ntru
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 totul nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Fata a trecut la cea de-a do
ua ntrebare n ordinea

\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri778 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu vrei... tu\
i vrei\i0 ca eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu la ceremonie?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntrebarea a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pluteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin aer. Bine gndit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Era motivul pentru care veniser{\f
63 \u259\'3f}m aici, dar Lissa chiar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 voia a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva? Studiind-o, nc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu eram singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva ea
doar respecta protocolul,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncercnd s-o determine pe Jill s{\f63 \u259\'3f} joace u
n rol a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 printre familiile regale. n cazul de fa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu aveam vreo
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lege care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} Jill avea ceva de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut neap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ea, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, trebuia s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} existe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1855 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, a r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Lissa, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}
it adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul n tonul ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi s-a ridicat o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 greutate de pe inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Lissa n-o voia pe Jill doar de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dragul imaginii. O parte din Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}io dorea pe Jill n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei... cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} va fi greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ce
va.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, era un ncepu
t, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Jill p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f} seama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri531 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, a zis ea.
Spune-mi doar ce trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Atunci mi-a trecut prin minte c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} tinere{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nervozitatea lui Jill erau am{\f63
\u259\'3f}gitoare. Exista n ea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 scnteia curajului, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cea a ndr{\f63
\u259\'3f}znelii, scntei care
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sigur {\f63 \u8212\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum sim{
\f63 \u355\'3f}eam {\f63 \u8212\'3f} aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nte{\f63 \u355\'3
f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 chiar era o Dragomir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut

u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} datorit{\f63

\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 minusculului pas nainte f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut spre sora
ei. Nu avea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nimic de-a face cu ncoronarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i explice altcineva. Sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fiu, nici eu nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu sigur ce trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} faci. Dar Rose are dreptate. N-o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie greu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Jill a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spu
ns printr-un simplu semn de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cu capul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mul{\f63 \
u355\'3f}umesc, a zis Lissa. S-a ridicat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cu ea,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ne-am ridicat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
Jill. S{\f63 \u259\'3f}... s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunt cu
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toa
re.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Stnjeneala a revenit n atmosf
er{\f63 \u259\'3f} n timp ce st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acolo, toate trei. Ar fi fost un moment bun pentru o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
re ntre surori, dar chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}reau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncntate de progresul rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei, niciuna
nu era preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Cnd o privea pe Jill,
Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vedea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l cu alt{\f63 \
u259\'3f} femeie. Cnd o privea pe Lissa, Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vedea via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a co
mplet ntoars{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe dos: o via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} alt{\f
63 \u259\'3f}dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sfioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i retras{\f63 \u259\'3f}, acum etalat{\f63 \u259\'3f} astfel nct s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ca{\f63 \u351\'3f}te ochii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 la ea ntreaga lume. Soarta n-aveam cum s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} i-o schimb,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dar s-o mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ez, da. Nep{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-mi de cus{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile mele,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am cuprins-o n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e pe fata mai tn{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mul{\f63 \
u355\'3f}umesc, am zis, ca un ecou al Lissei. Totul o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} bine. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Jill a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f
}at din nou {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nemaiavnd altceva de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 discutat, eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa am pornit spre
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Vocea lui Jill ne\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne oprim.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei... dar
ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncoronare? Cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3635 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mine? Cu noi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am privit-o repede pe Lissa
. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o ntrebare bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a s
pre Jill, dar tot f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 n ochi, deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}... o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne cunoa{\f63 \u351\'
3f}tem mai bine. O
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai bine
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul care a ap{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rut pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Jill era unul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 autentic: mic, dar autentic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3553 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, a zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Da, era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i speran{
\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n zmbetul acela. Speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4195 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2358 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-ar pl{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cea, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ct despre mine, a trebuit s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi ascund ncruntarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3
f} func{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona ceva, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afirm, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ncrederea, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa nu spunea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chiar ntregul adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r. Ce anume nu-i spu
nea lui Jill?
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\i
dorea\i0 ca situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se amelioreze,
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de asta eram sigur{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia precis cum.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dar mai era ceva... un lucru m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}runt pe care Lissa nu ni-l
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luia niciuneia dintre noi, ceva
care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gndesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa nu credea, de fapt, n po
sibilitatea
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mbun{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f
}irii st{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii de fapt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ca din senin, un straniu eco
u al vorbelor lui Victor
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dashkov mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat prin minte, apro
po de Jill.\i Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} i\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 a mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas vreun pic de ra{\f63 \
u355\'3f}iune, Vasilisa o s-o trimit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \i \f20 \fs24 de-acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu de c
e mi-am amintit a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} m-a
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut un fior de
ghea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cele dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} surori reu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i compun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cte un zmbet,
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} le
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 urmez exemplul, nevrnd ca vreuna dintre ele s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ghiceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} preocup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile
. Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa am plecat,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ndreptndu-ne spre camera mea. Mica mea ie{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ire fusese
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai obositoare dect m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}teptat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, orict a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri162 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 detestat s-o recunosc, abia a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}teptam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntind la loc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri13 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cnd am ajuns n camera mea, tot
nu eram hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o ntreb pe Lissa despre Jill sa
u s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lui Dimitri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i n-a mai trebuit s{\f63
\u259\'3f} iau vreo hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rre,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit acolo
un vizitator nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat: pe Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 St{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea pe pat
ul meu, cu capul dat pe spate, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar fi fost complet absorbit de studierea tavanului. D
ar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam eu mai bine. El {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse din timp seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 apropiem... sau, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} se apropie Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am oprit n prag, {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i el, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spre noi. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu f

i dormit de ceva vreme. Umbre

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntunecate i se vedeau sub ochi, iar tr{\f63 \u259\'3f
}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile frumoase
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb180\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 i erau n{\f63 \u259\'3f}sprite
de cutele extenu{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 extenuare mental{\f63 \u259\'3f},
sau una fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 seama. Oricum, zmbetul lui lene{\f63 \u351\'3f} era ac
ela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i din
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 totdeauna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri611 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Maiestatea Voa
str{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a rostit, cu un aer m{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri68 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Termin{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, l-a certat Lissa. Ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii mai b
ine.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am {\
f63 \u351\'3f}tiut mai bine, a ripostat el.\i Tu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3182 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tii asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut un n
ceput de zmbet pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Lissei; apoi,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ea m-a privit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
redevenit serioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu prea putea s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fie un moment de genul hai\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-rdem-cu-Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine, a zi
s, jenat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
emene absolut deloc a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu am cte ceva de f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Avea s-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}te
arg{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-am dat seama. Eu o nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}isem la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de familie, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ea voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} abandoneze acum.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, era bine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta cu Adrian era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 inevitabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-o f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem cu mna mea. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pun cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t prin for{\f63 \u355\'3f}e p
roprii, exact cum i spusesem lui
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1335 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, sunt conv
ins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai, am replicat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Pe chip i-a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru
t o umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ezitare, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 stat, deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} se mai gndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea vinovat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea griji pentru m
ine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fie al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi. I-am
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 atins u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri894 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E OK, Lis
s, i-am zis. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu OK. Du-te.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ca r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
puns, mi-a strns mna, dorindu-mi noroc cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ochii. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a luat r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}mas-bun de la Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a plecat,
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nchiznd u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1934 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Acum, era doar ntre mine {\f63
\u351\'3f}i el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 A r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ezat pe patul meu, privindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
stra {\f63 \u351\'3f}i acum zmbetul pe care i-l oferise Lissei, de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi fost mare scofal{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ce se petrecea. Dar eu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam mai bine, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am ncercat deloc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ascund
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sentimentele. Statul n picioare m{\f63 \u259\'3f} obo
sea, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe un fotoliu din apropiere, ntr
ebndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 tulburat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
spun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3653 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hai s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-ncepem cu asta, micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir, a rostit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri906 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 el, jovial. A fost {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pleci de la Curte?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-au trebuit cteva clipe pn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} adaptez la stilul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional abrupt al lui Adrian.
M{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreba dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 reluasem rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cu Dimitri nainte de
arestarea mea. Am
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or din c
ap.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1597 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Eram cu t

ine. Numai cu tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Drept e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sentime
ntele mele fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrai{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3102 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile erau f
erme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2314 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun. Tot e ce
va, a zis el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Cte ceva din aerul agreabil afi{\
f63 \u351\'3f}at pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum ncepea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dispar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Atunci, am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it mirosul, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} foar
te
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 slab: alcool {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tutun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prefer s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} se fi reaprins scntei din focul b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}l
iei,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sau expedi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei, sau ce-o fi fost, dect
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi n{\f63 \u351\'3f}elat
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 chiar sub nasul meu.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am scuturat iar{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i din cap, de data asta cu mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4125 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rre.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, jur. Nam... nu s-a ntmplat nimic atunci...
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 M-am oprit, ne{\f63 \u351\'3
f}tiind cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi formulez
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 continuarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai trziu? a
ncercat el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghiceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i asta ar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3255 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e bine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2470 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! Sigur c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu. Am...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Fir-ar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie. O z
brcisem. Numai faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}elasem pe Adrian ct
timp fusesem la Curte nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i nu\i0 l-a{\f63 \u351\'3f
} fi n{\f63 \u351\'3f}elat prin ceea ce-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut mai

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 trziu. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-o formulezi oricum vrei,
dar hai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} privim
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}: cnd te culci cu un alt tip ntr-o camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de hotel nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cam mare m{\f63 \u259
\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n{\f63 \u351\'3f}eli
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 iubitul, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c
eva. N-avea importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tipul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 respectiv era sau nu dragostea vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
tale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi pare r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}u, am zis, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era lucrul cel mai simplu {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai potrivit din cte a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} spun. mi pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. N\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a fost bine ce-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. N-am vrut s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple. Am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 crezut... chiar am crezul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre mine
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i el se terminase.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Eram cu tine. mi doream s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cu tine
. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2724 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu... opr
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a ridicat o mn{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, vocea devenindu-i acum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncordat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp ce fa
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ada calm{\f63 \u259\'3f} continua s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se
\plain\expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Crede
-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, chiar\i nu\i0 vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud despre marea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 revela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie avut{\f63
\u259\'3f} de tine, cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi doi a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fost
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dintotdeauna destina{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sau ce-o mai fi
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 fost.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas t{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, cam de genul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acesta mi fusese revela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1687 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a tre
cut o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, serios, eu s
unt de vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Totul era acolo. De o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ori a fost a

colo. Ct de des am observat? Am

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut. Se tot ntmpla, mi tot spuneai, iar
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i iar, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 terminat-o cu el, iar eu te credeam... indiferent de
ce-mi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vedeau ochii. Indiferent de ce-mi spunea inima. Eu.
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 Sunt. De. Vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Era, din nou, acea vorb{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rie u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or dezlnat{\f63 \u259\'3f}: nu n felul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 emotiv al lui Jill, ci n cel care demonstra instabili
tate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mi provoca griji despre ct de mult se apropia el de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pragul nebuniei. Un prag spre care era posibil s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-l fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mpins {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu. Mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi d
orit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc la el, dar am avut
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elepciunea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63
\u259\'3f}mn a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3349 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian, eu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te-am iubit! a u
rlat el, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind n picioare att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 iute, nct nici nu l-am observat. Team iubit, iar tu m-ai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 distrus. Mi-ai luat inima {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-ai sf{
\f63 \u351\'3f}iat-o. Puteai la fel
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1807 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 de bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-o s
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}pungi cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i schimbarea
din tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile lui m-a luat prin
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 surprindere. Vocea lui umplea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea.
Mult necaz,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} furie. Mult deosebit fa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuitul Adrian. S-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ndreptat spre mine, strngndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pieptul
cu o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu. T
e-am. Iubit. Iar tu te-ai folosit de mine tot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4265 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 timpul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu. Nu
e adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. Nu mi-era fric{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Adrian,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unei astfel d
e emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, m-am pomenit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fac mic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu m-am folosit de tine. Te
-am iubit. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 te iubesc, dar...
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2265 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 A f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o figu

r{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezgustat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Haide,\i0 Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1380 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar vorbesc s
erios! Chiar te iubesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 De data asta, m-am ridicat, cu to
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} durerea,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri2334 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l prives
c n ochi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} te iubesc mereu, dar noi nu... Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ne
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 potrivim ca un cuplu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta-i o re
plic{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tot rahatul din filmele cu
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}iri, {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i tu o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cam avea dreptate, dar gndul
mi-a zburat napoi la
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 momentele petrecute cu Dimitri... ct de bine ne
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sincronizam, cum p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea el totdeauna c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elege exact ce
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 simt. Da, fusesem sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd afirmase
m asta: chiar l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iubeam pe Adrian. Era minunat, cu toate defectele lui
.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe bune acum, cine nu are
defecte? Noi doi ne
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 distram mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Exista {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i afec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune, dar nu ne
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 potriveam a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum m{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
otriveam cu Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu simt.
.. eu nu sunt potrivit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru tine, am
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 zis, cu voce slab{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2180 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Din cauz{\f63
\u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cu altul?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, Adrian. Din
cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... nu sunt. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sunt... Bjbiam, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-i explic ce
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam, cum
era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ii la cineva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i plac{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nebunie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai cu p
ersoana aceea... dar tot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 func{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ca un cupl
u. Eu nu te echilibrez a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum ai
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 avea nevoie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri885 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta ce naiba
mai nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f}? s-a mirat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} durea inima pen
tru el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea att de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pentru ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
sem... dar acesta era adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul care
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sintetiza totul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Simplul fap
t c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti nevoit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ntrebi spune
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 totul. Cnd o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i g{\f
63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti persoana aceea... o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tii. N\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am mai ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, la trecutul lui, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va avea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 destule ncerc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri e{\f63 \u351\'3f}uate
pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe acea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, am mai s
pus, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca o alt{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} replic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de tot rahatul din filmele cu desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{
\f63 \u355\'3f}iri, dar z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreau
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim prieteni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 M-a privit fix timp de cteva
secunde grele, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a izbucnit n rs... de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu cu prea mult
umor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}tii care-i partea cea mai grozav{\f63 \u259\'3f}? C{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbe{\
f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 serios.\i0 Prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, a exclamat, gesticulnd, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cum chiar a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} studiez. Tu chiar crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 att de simplu, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu pot s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} stau spectator {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}resc happy-endul. S{\f63 \u259\'3
f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d cum ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i tot ce v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 dori{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ducndu-v{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} fermecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3446 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fermecat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i comp{\f63 \u259\'3f}timirea care se r{\f63 \u259\'3f}z
boiau n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untrul
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1360 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 meu s-au nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu un strop de mnie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cam greu. {
\f63 \u350\'3f}tii prin ce-am trecut eu n ultimul an?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 L-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe Mason cum moare, m-am l
uptat n atacul
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de la Sf. Vladimir, am fost
prizoniera strigoilor n Rusia,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care am dus o
via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe fug{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca o criminal{\f63
\u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Asta nu suna deloc a via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fermecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te, triumf{\f63 \u259\'3f}toar
e dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce s-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntmplat. Ai sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat de moarte {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i te-ai eliberat de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lissa e regin
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tu {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigat eroul {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fericirea pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la adnci b{\f63 \u259\'3f
}trne{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri172 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 I-am ntors spatele {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i m-am ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat cu pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nce{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri31 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian, ce-ai vr
ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spun? Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi tot cer
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 scuze la infinit, dar nu mai am ce
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac. N-am vrut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te r{\f63
\u259\'3f}nesc; orict a{\f63 \u351\'3f} repeta-o, tot nu e de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajuns. Dar n rest? Tu chiar te a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tep{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntristez
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
t bine? Ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi doresc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2514 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas tot acuzat
{\f63 \u259\'3f} de crim{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, mi-a r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Nu vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} suferi. Prea mult.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, data viitoare cnd o s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} fii n pat cu Belikov,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 opre{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-te pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aminte{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} nu pentru
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it att
de bine ca n cazul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1581 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntors din nou cu fa{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a spre el.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian, eu niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e vorba doar
despre mine, micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, pe un ton l
ini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit. S-au produs cam multe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pagube colaterale pe drum, n timp ce tu te r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}zboiai cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lumea ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu, evident, am fost un
a dintre victime.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dar ce p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere ai despre Jill? Ce-o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple acum cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ea, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-ai p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sit-o n gura lupilor regali? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Eddie?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri901 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 La el te-ai gndit? {\f63 \u350\'3f
}i fata Alchimist, unde {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-e?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Fiecare cuvnt pe care
mi-l arunca era ca o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}geat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pungndu-mi inima
mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u dect gloan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele. Faptul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se referise la Jill spunndu-i pe nu
me, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ispita",
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nsemna o lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ma
i dureroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Deja mi umpleam
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sacii cu vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pe
tema ei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i... ei bine, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ei era un mister. Auzisem unele zvonuri despre Eddie,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dar nu-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem de la ntoarcerea mea.
Fusese absolvit
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de moartea lui James, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} omorrea unui m
oroi {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 despre care al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii credeau {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i acum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 capturat de viu {\f63 \u8212\'3f} i aducea un grav st
igmat. Precedenta
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 lui nesubordonare {\f63 \u8212\'3f} tot {\f63 \u8222\
'3f}mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit{\f63 \u259\'3f}" mie {\f63 \u8212\'3f} l
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 condamna, de asemenea, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} fus
ese {\f63 \u8222\'3f}pentru un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bine superior". Ca regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Lissa nu p
utea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 multe. Gardienii i slujeau pe moroi, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fusese
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncet{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}enit obiceiul ca
moroii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea deoparte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i las
e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe gardieni s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i rezol
ve problemele ntre ei. Eddie nu

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fusese alungat, nici nchis... dar ce reparti{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ie mai aveau
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dea? Greu de spus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri44 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sydney... Cu ea era un miste
r chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mare.\i {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 fata Alchimist, unde {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-e?\i0 Ceea
ce se ntmpla cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gruparea aceea m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{
\f63 \u351\'3f}ea, dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea grani{\f63 \u355\'3f}el
e lumii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mele. mi amintesc de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei cnd o v{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}zusem ultima
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n hotelul acela: puternic{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, dar trist{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timp fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} elibera{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
, ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, ns{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 expresia ei mi spusese c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nu sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pase de necazuri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar Victor Dashkov? El unde
se ncadra? Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 precis. Malefic sau nu, tot era cineva care avusese d
e
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 suferit ca urmare a ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunilor mele,
iar ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile care
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 i-au nconjurat moartea aveau
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}rite
pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3621 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 vecie n minte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 Pagube colaterale.\i0 T
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesem n jos destule persoane
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, cu sau f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{
\f63 \u259\'3f} inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
, pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cuvintele lui Adrian continuau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund{\f63 \u259\'3f} n minte,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 unul dintre ele m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} opresc deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Victim{\f63
\u259\'3f}, am rostit, ncet. Asta e diferen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a dintre
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}H? M{\f63 \u
259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rise ndeaproape ct timp m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 gndisem la destinele prietenilor mei, iar acum l
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prinsesem pe picior gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Ce tot spu
i acolo? m-a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri34 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ziceai c{\

f63 \u259\'3f} ai fost o victim{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ce... ia

t{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ce,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n ultim{\f63 \u259\'3f} instan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, noi doi nu suntem potrivi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. n ciuda a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tot ce s-a ntmplat, eu nu m-am considerat niciodat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ceva. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti victim
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ne
putincios. C{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu vei ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona n niciun fel. Eu mereu.
.. mereu am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cte ceva, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupt pentru mine ns{\f63
\u259\'3f}mi... sau pentru
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Orice-ar fi fost.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Nu mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zus
em niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o expresie att de ofensat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe chipul lui Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta crezi
tu despre mine? C{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt un lene{\f63 \u351\'3f}? Un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3801 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 neputincios?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri32 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu chiar. Dar aveam senza{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncheierea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei, avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
ea fuga s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i caute alinarea n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}ig{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i-n alcool, poate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-n cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce companie
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 feminin{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu,
i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti un tip m
inunat. Cred
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ti puternic. Dar nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai dat seama... sa
u c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri349 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ai nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'
3f}at s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te folose{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti de oricare din calit{\f63 \u
259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile astea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, a{\f63 \u
351\'3f} mai fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} adaug, nu eram eu persoana
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i inspire
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta, mi-a
zis, n timp ce se ndrepta spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, e
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ultima chestie la care m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f63
\u351\'3f}teptat. mi distrugi via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care-mi vri pe gt filosofie ilumin
ist{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63
\u355\'3f}eam oribil, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era unul dintre acele momente
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n care mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit ca gura s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu-mi scape chiar primul
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 lucru ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n minte. nv{\f63 \u259\'3f
}{\f63 \u355\'3f}asem n mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} mi-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 controlez... dar tot nu suficient.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu fac dect
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spun adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul. Tu e{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti mai bun
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dect... mai bun dect orice-ai avea de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} faci
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd cu mna pe
mnerul u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii, Adrian mi-a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 adresat o privire melancolic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, sunt
un dependent, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} etica muncii, care
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 probabil o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
a demen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu sunt ca tine. Nu sunt
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 un supererou.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3027 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu nc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pufnind dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit
or, Adrian a scuturat din cap {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 deschis u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Chiar n
ainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors o ultim{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 privire spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Apropo, con
tractul dintre noi se consider{\f63 \u259\'3f} nul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 neavenit. M-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it ca p{\f63 \u259
\'3f}lmuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350
\'3f}i, ntr\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unul dintre acele rare momente, Rose Hathaway a fost
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} glas. Nu mai aveam la ndemn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb100\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ep{\f63 \u259\
'3f}turi spirituale, nici explica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii sofisticate, nici
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3030 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 introspec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii prof
unde.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a plecat, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i m-am ntrebat dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par

\sl-161\fs16\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-442 \li290 \ri1419 \ex

pndtw-12 \b \f20 \fs40 TREIZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I {\f63 \u350\'3f}ASE
\plain\par
\sl-255\fs25\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri8 \expndtw-7 \f2
0 \fs24 ADESEA M-AM VISAT TREZINDU-M al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, trezindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
tr-un fel care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie... obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}. Nu dup{\f63 \u
259\'3f} un pui de somn furat n grab{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nainte
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lia cu urm{\f63
\u259\'3f}torul inamic. Nu ca o refacere dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 partid{\f63 \u259\'3f} de sex desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f} obligatoriu pe ascuns, partid{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de sex mpov{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de remi
niscen{\f63 \u355\'3f}e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de nenum{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 complica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. mi doream doar att: s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ne trezim m\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 preun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, eu n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lu
i, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o diminea{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2764 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi era ziu
a aceea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri748 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De cnd te-ai tr
ezit? l-am ntrebat, ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri13 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Eram cu capul pe pieptul lui, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuib{\f63 \u259\'3f}risem n el
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ct putusem de bine. R{\f63 \u259\'3
f}nile mi se vindecau repede, dar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 tot mai trebuiau cocolo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ite. Azi-noap
te, reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 descoperim cteva inedite metode ocolitoare. Acum,
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lumina soarelui se rev{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rsa n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru prin ferestre,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2143 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 umplndu-mi dormitorul de aur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} privea n f
elul acela t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, solemn, al lui, cu ochii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri262 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aceia ntuneca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n ca
re era att de lesne s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te r{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ce{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De pu{\f63
\u355\'3f}in timp, a recunoscut, ridicndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 spre fereastra sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} n soare. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 orarul uman. Ori asta, ori corpul meu vrea doar s{\f6

3 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 treaz odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu soarele. Vederea lui nc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se pare
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 uimitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2424 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am n{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63
\u351\'3f}it un c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2116 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuia s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} te ridici din pat.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te dera
njez.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am plimbat degetele pe pieptul
lui, suspinnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3922 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 satisf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta e perf
ec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea, am zis. Fiecare zi o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4555 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 fel?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Palma lui Dimitri a poposit
un pic pe obrazul meu,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a cobort, ridicndu-mi b{\f63
\u259\'3f}rbia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1605 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu chiar fiec
are, dar majoritatea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Buzele ni s-au ntlnit, {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lumina din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} au p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}lit prin compara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu ceea ce ardea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untrul meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M-am n{\f63
\u351\'3f}elat, am murmurat, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, ne\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am desprins din lunga, languroasa noastr{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutare.\i Asta
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 e perfec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 A zmbit, chestie care i se ntm
pla ngrozitor de des
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n ultima vreme. mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea la nebunie. Lu
crurile
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 probabil aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se schimbe de ndat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ce ajungeam din
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nou n lume. Chiar dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} eram acum mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, latura de
\plain\par

\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 gardian a lui Dimitri avea s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} fie mereu prezent{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i vigilent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i acum. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i n momentul
\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3025 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce e? a ntreba
t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind, mi-am d
at seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncepusem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncrunt. Nechemate, cuvintele lui Ad
rian mi reveniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n minte, invitndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca, urm{\f63 \u259
\'3f}toarea dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd aveam
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu n pat cu Dimitri, s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc la ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i care n\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 au fost la fel de noroco{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ca mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri848 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu crezi c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} eu distrug vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? l-am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? Sigur c{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu, a exclamat, zmbetul fiindu-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nlocuit do o expresie {\f63 \u351\'
3f}ocat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De unde {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a mai venit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3948 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ideea asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri2782 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am ridicat din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'3
f} gndesc doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
persoane
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri32 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ale c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ror vie{\f63
\u355\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt cam ntoarse pe dos. La prietenii
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mei m{\f63 \u259\'3f} refer.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Corect, a
zis el. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, d{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi voie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghicesc.
Tu vrei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le rezolvi problemele tuturor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri582 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 N-am mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
. Dimitri m-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat din nou.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri21 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Roza, mi-a zis,
e normal s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dore{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-i aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri460 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cei pe care-i iube{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ti. Dar nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dregi chiar totul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta-s eu,
am ripostat, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} un pic cam

\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}goas{\f63 \u259\'

3f}. i protejez pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u35
0\'3f}tiu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i e unul dintre motivele pentru care te iubesc.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar, deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu trebuie s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ba{\f63 \u355\'3f}i capul dect cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 protejarea unei singure persoane: pe Lissa.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntins, lipindu-m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} de el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i remarcnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}nile
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mele se vindecau din ce n ce. Foarte
curnd, corpul meu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} de toate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta s{\f63
\u259\'3f} nsemne c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ziua
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 n pat? am ntrebat, plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de speran{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri5 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Din neferic
ire, nu, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rindu-mi cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 degete u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oare curbura {\f63 \u351\'3f}
oldului. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se sature
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi studie
ze corpul.\i Ei au prioritate,\i0 a zis
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 apoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1423 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am apropiat din nou gura de
a lui.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu chiar imediat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri9 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, m-a aprobat e
l, strecurndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mna la ceafa
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri15 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncurcndu-{\f63
\u351\'3f}i degetele n p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r n timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}gea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spre el. Nu chiar imediat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu mai participasem pn{\f63 \u
259\'3f} acum la o ceremonie de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncoronare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, speram s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici nu mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 particip vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. mi doream ca, pe ti
mpul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mele,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu existe dect actuala regin{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ca un am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nun
t sinistru, ncoronarea a fost un fel de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 revers al nmormnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii Tatianei. Cum suna

vechea
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}?\i Regina a murit. Tr{\f63 \u
259\'3f}iasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} regina.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cere
a ca viitorul monarh s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i petreac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
prima
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 parte din ziua ncoron{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii la biseric{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, probabil rugndu\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}uzire, pu
tere {\f63 \u351\'3f}i toate chestiile astea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 spirituale. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu precis care s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fi fost tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n cazul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 monarhilor atei. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei mimau
. n cazul Lissei, o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 credincioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} autentic{\f63 \u259\'3f},
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu reprezenta o
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea, probabil, se ruga ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3009 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 treab{\f63 \u259\'3f} bun{\f63
\u259\'3f} ca regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} rug{\f63
\u259\'3f}ciune, Lissa, nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o uria{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 procesiune, a traversat domeniile Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ii spre palat, unde
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 se oficia ncoronarea. Reprezentan{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ai
tuturor familiilor
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 regale i s-au al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat, mpreun{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} cu muzican{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii care
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 interpretau melodii mult mai vesele dect pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 procesiunea Tatianei. Gardienii Lissei {\f63 \u8212\'
3f} avea acum o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mergeau oda
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} num{\f63 \u259\'3f}ram printre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ei, purtnd cea mai frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} uniform{\f
63 \u259\'3f} n alb {\f63 \u351\'3f}i negru
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 din cte aveam, cu tot cu gulerul ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}u
care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} desemna
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ca gardian regal. Aici, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, er
a o diferen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} notabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nmormntare. Tati
ana era moart{\f63 \u259\'3f}: gardienii ei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru parad{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. n schimb, Lissa era ct se poate
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de vie, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tige votul Consiliului,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 avea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} du{\f63 \u351\'3f}mani. Eu {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i colegii mei eram n alert{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 maxim{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi

fost nevoie de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, la cum ova{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 privitorii. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei care-{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i instalaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} tab{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra n aer liber
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe timpul testelor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al alegerilor r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} festivitate, {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} soseau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Nu {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tiu sigur
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i moroi strn{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un singur loc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} lungul
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntortocheatul drum, Lissa a ajuns la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 palat, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63
\u351\'3f}tepte ntr-o micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} antecamer{\f63 \u259\'
3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nvecinat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ceea ce servea drept sala
tronului moroilor.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sala tronului nu era aproape niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
folosit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 problemele vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii moderne, dar din cnd
n cnd {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cum
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ar fi, cnd depunea jur{\f63 \u
259\'3f}mntul o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} regin{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 moroilor le pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\
'3f}vechile tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea, mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiind, nu
putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i cuprind{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 spectatorii de afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu putea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-i cuprind{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei care alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuis
er{\f63 \u259\'3f} procesiunea. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, membrii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Consiliului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cei cu rang nalt din fam
iliile regale erau
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 acolo, deopotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu c{\f63 \u355\'3f}
iva invita{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ale{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ai Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Eu am stat deoparte, privind
toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fermec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63
\u351\'3f}urare. Lissa nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse nc{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 grandioasa apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se auzea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} murmurul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut al conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iil
or. Sala era toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} numai verde {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 auriu, trecnd printr-o temeinic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f} renovare n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ultimele zile, din moment ce obiceiul dicta ca sala
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 tronului s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} drept
culori dominante pe cele ale

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 familiei monarhului.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Tronul era amplasat sus, li
pit de peretele din cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t al s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lii, accesu
l spre el fiind asigurat de mai multe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trepte. Sculptat ntr-un lemn a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui p
rovenien{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 puteam identifica, tronul fusese purtat prin lume ti
mp de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 secole de monarhii moroilor. Participan{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ii se aliniaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1109 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii minu{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ios repartizate, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tindu-se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pentru clipa n care urma s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} intre, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, Lissa. Eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tocmai studiam unul dintre noile candelabre, admirnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ct de realist era aspectul {\f63 \u8222\'3f}lumn{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rilor" din el. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 erau electrice, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} me{\f63 \u351\'3f}t
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ugarii f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} o treab{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 minunat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tehnologie mascat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} n splendoarea vechii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lumi, exact cum le pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea moroilor. U
n mic ghiont mi-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 distras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la ele.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f
63 \u259\'3f}i, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}i, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}i, am zis. Z{\f63 \u259\'3f
}u dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-or fi tocmai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 persoanele r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunz{\
f63 \u259\'3f}toare de aruncarea lui Rose
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Hathaway n lumea mare. Ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i destule pe
ntru care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 da{\f63 \u355\'3f}i seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ochilor
i aveam pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mei, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 costuma{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile lor caracteristice {\f63
\u351\'3f}i strident contrastante.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mama purta acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i echipament de gardi
an ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mine,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 bluz{\f63 \u259\'3f} alb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu pantalon
i largi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i jachet{\f63 \u259\'3f} negre. Ct despre
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Abe, el era... m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, Abe. Venise ntr
-un costum negru
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu dunguli{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, cu o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} neagr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gal{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
e dedesubt.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntunecime
era mpro{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu o cravat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ln{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu arabescuri, galben{\f63 \u259\'

3f} ca l{\f63 \u259\'3f}mia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitoare.

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dintr-un buzunar al hainei se ivea o batist{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} asortat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} cerceii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lan{\f63
\u355\'3f}urile lui din aur, mai purta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie neagr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} din fetru moale, o noutate a extravagantei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lui garderobe. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voia s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 elegan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a pentru un astfel de eveniment
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in nu
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 era o p{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie de pira
t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu ne nvinui
pe noi, a replicat mama. Nu noi am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aruncat n aer jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate din Curte, nu no
i am furat o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 duzin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini, nici
n-am denun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at o criminal{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mijlocul unei mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imi, nici n-am f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cut astfel nct
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri388 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 prietena noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
dolescent{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ncoronat{\f63 \u259\'3f} regin{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fie vorba nt
re noi, a intervenit Abe, eu chiar am
\plain\expndtw-8 \i \f20 \fs24 aruncat\i0 n aer jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate din Curt
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mama nu l-a luat n seam{\f63
\u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i expresia ei s-a ndulcit,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} studia cu ochi de gardian
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2186 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, seri
os... cum te sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Pe ei i v{\f63 \u259\'
3f}zusem doar foarte pe fug{\f63 \u259\'3f} n zilele de dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trezirea mea, doar ct s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} constat{\f63 \u259\'3f}m fiecare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suntem
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai stat ngro
zitor de mult n picioare ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi, a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 continuat ea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i deja i-am spus lui H
ans s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu te treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 serviciu activ pentru o vreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era una dintre cele mai mate
rne replici pe care le
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 auzisem vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din partea ei.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}... m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt bine. Mult mai bine. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 intru n serviciul activ chiar acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri21 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} faci tu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, a replicat, exact pe tonul pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care l-ar fi folosit comandnd un deta{\f63 \u351\'3f}
ament de gardieni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2240 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-o mai cocol
o{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, Janine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba n-o cocolo{\
f63 \u351\'3f}esc! Am doar grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea. Tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ce
l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3668 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 care-o r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sfa{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am plimbat privirea ului
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la unul la cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 napoi. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} as
ist la o ceart{\f63 \u259\'3f} sau la un preludiu.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} entuziasma niciuna dintre varia
nte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Gata, gata
, potoli{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-v{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat cu via{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, bine?
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Asta-i ceea ce conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a e, a confirmat Abe. Dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, avea un aer
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 extrem de patern, care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} uluia {\f63
\u351\'3f}i mai mult dect
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 purtarea mamei. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu toate daunele
aduse propriet{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nesfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}itul {\f63 \u351\'3f}ir de nc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}lc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri ale legii, sunt mndru de tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Aveam eu o b{\f63 \u259\'3f
}nuial{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n secret, era mndru de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mine\i tocmai\i0 din aceste motive. Cinicul meu co
mentariu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 interior a fost ntrerupt n clipa n care l-a sus{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}inut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 mama.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63
\u350\'3f}i\i eu\i0 sunt mndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Metodele tale... n-au fost cele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ideale, dar ai nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt
uit un lucru grozav.\i Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f},\i0 de fapt. Ai

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 descoperit att criminalul, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Jil

l.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am remarcat grija formul{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rii cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}criminalul". Cred
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} greu tutur
or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} accept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul n
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Tasha.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foarte mult
e se vor schimba datorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui Jill, a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 precizat mama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am ndreptat cu to{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ii privirile spre picioarele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tronului. Ekaterina st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea de-o parte
a lui, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile pentru jur{\f63
\u259\'3f}mintele regale. Cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 rezervat{\f63 \u259\'3f} membrilor familiei monarhul
ui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 se g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sea acolo dect o singur{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}: Jill. Cineva se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 descurcase de minune dichisind-o. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ul ei cre{\f63 \u355\'3f} fusese
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aranjat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prins cu migal{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu o rochie de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 gal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lung{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} la genunchi, cu guler extrem de evazat,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu-i doar pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in um
erii. Croiala rochiei scotea tot
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ce era mai bun din silueta ei de{\f63 \u351\'3f}irat
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar satinul verde\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nchis d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea bine cu tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile ei. St{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea dreapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbia ridicat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea o cuprinsese din cap pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n picioare, ceea ce devenea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai ev
ident prin faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea att de izbitor de singur{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri23 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntors privirea spre Ab
e, care mi-a sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut-o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptnd. Aveam o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma
d{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri pentru el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 era unul dintre pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}inii care puteau s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Problema era: cu care ntrebare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncep?
Era de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fi fost n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unui duh din pove{\f63 \
u351\'3f}ti: nu mi se puteau
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ndeplini dect attea dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-o

s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple cu Jill? am ntrebat, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} se-ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i gata? Or s-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri2553 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}teasc{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri27 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nu putea s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fostul ei titlu i revenea urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torului
membru al familiei,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n ordinea vrstei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2186 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Abe n-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
pe moment.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pn{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cnd Lissa nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e{\f63 \u351\'3f}te s{\f63 \u259\'3f} schimbe
legea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri33 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sper{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Jill este tot ceea ce-i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 permite s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}streze tronul. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Jill ar p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i ceva, Lissa
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri1655 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n-ar mai fi regin{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Tu ce-ai face?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1842 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351
\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine-o ct mai n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spunsul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri30 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E unul cam vast,
am remarcat. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri3484 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} multe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \fi284 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ibrahim, la certat mama. Ajunge. Nu e nici
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 momentul, nici locul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Abe mi-a mai sus{\f63 \u355
\'3f}inut un pic privirea, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 destins ntr-un zmbet frivol.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur, sigu
r. Suntem la o adunare de familie. O
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri735 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb{\f63 \u259\'
3f}toare. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}: apare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cel mai
nou membru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri tocmai sosise lng{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} noi, mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat n alb {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 negru, ca mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ca mama. S-a oprit a
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de mine,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 evitnd ostentativ s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ating{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Domnule Ma
zur, a rostit el, protocolar, nclinndu\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i capul n semn de salut spre amndoi. Ga
rdian
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Hathaway.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb120\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri11 \fi284 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri era cu {\f63 \
u351\'3f}apte ani mai mare ca mine, dar n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 clipa aceea, nfruntndu-mi p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi avut doar
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}aisprezece ani {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ar
fi venit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ora{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, Belikov
a exclamat Abe, strngndu-i mna lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Chiar speram s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimerim unul
peste cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-ar pl{\f63 \
u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te cunosc mai bine. Poate g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 un pic de timp ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discut{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}m, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mai multe despre
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, despre dragoste
etcetera. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i place s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vnezi? Pari
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 genul de vn{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Asta ar trebui s{\f63
\u259\'3f} facem, ntr-o bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} zi.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cunosc eu un loc grozav n p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dure. Depar
te, foarte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 departe. Am putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne petrecem o zi
pe cinste. Sunt
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} avea o mul{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
pun. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de lucruri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spun, de asemenea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am aruncat fulger{\f63 \u259
\'3f}tor o privire panicat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre mama,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 implornd-o pe mute{\f63 \u351\'3f}te s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} mpiedice toate astea. Abe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 petrecuse o bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de timp discutnd cu Adrian
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cnd ncepuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim mpr
eun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, explicndu-i cu cele
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mai vii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai ngrozitoare am{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}nunte cum avea el
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 preten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fie tra
tat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiica. Nu-mi doream deloc ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Abe s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie singur cu Dimitri n pustieta
te, cu atl mai

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mult cu ct ar fi fost implicate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i arm

e de foc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De fapt, a r
eplicat mama, ca ntr-o doar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i eu. Am {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu vreo cteva ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pus... mai ales despre vremea cnd era{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i amndoi la Sf.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Vladimir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Voi nu ave
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} treab{\f63 \u259\'3f}? m-am gr{\f63 \u259\
'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ntreb.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceap{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr280\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Asta, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
car, era adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Aproape toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
umea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 intrase n forma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, i
ar peste mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime ncepuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lase
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} da, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Abe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, spre uimirea
mea,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nainte de plecare, m-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat u{\f63 \
u351\'3f}urel pe frunte. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bucur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-ai ntors, mi-a zis. Apoi,
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-i cu ochiul
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 lui Dimitri: Abia a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fugi, l-am n
demnat pe Dimitri dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} plecarea lor.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dac-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tergi acum, poate c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} n-or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} observe. ntoarce-te
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 n Siberia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri8 \fi284 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}La drept vo
rbind, a replicat Dimitri, sunt destul de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 convins c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Abe ar observa. Nu-{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i face probleme, Roza.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nu mi-e fric{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Suport orice perdaf di
n partea lor, numai
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cu tine. Merit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar e{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ti cel mai viteaz b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat din c{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiu, i-am
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a zmbit, ndreptndu-{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i ochii spre mica

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}e

al{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la intrarea n sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri1578 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Se pare c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ea e gata, a murmurat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri632 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fiu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, tot n {\f63 \u351
\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un stil cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rat grandios, un herald a cerut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri6 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te n sal{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. S-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut o t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere des{\f63 \u259\'3f
}vr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu mai
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 auzeai nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car o respira{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri443 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Heraldul a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
un pas n lateral din dreptul u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prin{\f63 \u355\
'3f}esa Vasilisa Sabina Rhea Dragomir, a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri4649 \expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a intrat {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem cu mai pu{\f63 \u355\'
3f}in
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate de or{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ur
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tot mi s-a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Purta o rochie n stilul cerut
de protocol, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, reu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evite mnecile. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiam c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} biata
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 croitoreas{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse o c
riz{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nervi. Rochia era lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la podea, cu o fust{\f63 \u259\'3f
} n straturi din m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}ifon,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care se tot mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f
luturau pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa n timp ce
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nainta. Materialul avea aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nuan{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de jad ca a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ochilor ei, la fel fiind {\f63 \u351\'3f}i corsajul r
ochiei, prins n jurul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 gtului cu o benti{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} aco
perit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de smaralde care d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 iluzia unui colier. Smaralde identice marcau talia
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 rochiei, iar br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rile completau imaginea. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lung liber, piept{\f63 \u259\'3f}nat pn{\f63 \u259\'3

f} la o perfec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune cu sclipiri de

\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 platin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca o aur{\f63 \u259\'3f} n s
ine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri31 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian mergea al{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}turi de ea, oferind un contrast
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 izbitor cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul lui negru {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i costumul de culoare nchis{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cunoscuse ast{\f63 \u259\'3f
}zi o semnificativ{\f63 \u259\'3f} modificare,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n mod normal Lissa ar fi trebu
it escortat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 membru al familiei sale, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}... n fine,
se cam
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 epuizaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i eu eram nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recunosc c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta uluitor, iar mndria {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i dragostea pentru Lissa i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luceau pe chip... indiferent de t
ulburarea sa din cauza
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Tashei. Era\i Lordul Ozera,\i0 mi-am zis. {\f63 \u
350\'3f}i aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} titlul acesta avea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} capete, de-acum ncolo, o tot mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mare importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dup{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ce a condus-o pe Lissa pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 picioarele tronului, s-a al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat del
ega{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei familiei Ozera
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 din rndul asisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ekaterina a f{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cut un mic gest spre o pern{\f63 \u259\'3f} mare din
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 satin, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe pode
a n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a treptelor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri3078 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ngenunchea
z{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A fost o ezitare aproa
pe imperceptibil{\f63 \u259\'3f} din partea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissei, una observat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} numai de mine. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, eram att de a
cordat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei, nct puteam
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i percep pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i cele mai nensemnate gesturi.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Privirea i s-a oprit asupra lui Jill. Expresia fe{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ei nu i s-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 schimbat absolut deloc, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi s-a p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rut att de straniu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu-i pot descifra sentimentele. Puteam, totu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} emit
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cteva ipoteze. Nesiguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Dezorientare.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Din nou... ezitarea n-a dura
t dect o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lissa a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ngenuncheat, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i artistic fustele n jurul ei.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ekaterina p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse mereu att de fragil{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ofilit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea pentru teste, ns{\f63 \u259\'3
f} acum, cum st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea acolo, cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}vechea carte a ncoron{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rii moroilor, puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fosta regin{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}inuia nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o anume putere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri24 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cartea era scris{\f63 \u259\
'3f} n limba romn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Ekaterina
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 traducea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} efort, ci
tind cu voce tare, mai nti un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 discurs despre ceea ce se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta din
partea monarhului,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trecnd apoi la jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mintele pe care treb
uia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2675 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i vei sluji poporul?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri3160 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u354\
'3f}i-l vei ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri2420 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vei domni cu
dreptate?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Erau dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}sprezece n
total, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cu cte trei de {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Da" la fiecare: n englez{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rus{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n romn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai aveam leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi confirme sentimentele ei era nc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} destul de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit pentru mine, ns{\f63 \u259\'
3f} i citeam pe chip c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 credea n fiecare {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Da" pronun{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}at. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce s-a terminat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 partea aceasta a ceremoniei,
Ekaterina i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut semn lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri29 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Jill s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nainteze. Am
remarcat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de cnd o privisem
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ultima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, venise cineva s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i ncredin{\f63 \u355\'3f}eze spre p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 coroana. Fusese confec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} special pentru Lissa, o

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 capodoper{\f63 \u259\'3f} din aur alb {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i galben pres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu smaralde {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 diamante. Se asorta superb cu costuma{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ia ei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la fel,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum am constatat, tres{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rind, se putea spune {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 despre Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 O alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} tradi
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cerea ca monarhul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ncoronat de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un membru al familiei sale, tocmai acesta fiind rolul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care-i fusese rezervat lui Jill. i vedeam u{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}orul tremur al
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 minilor n timp ce a{\f63 \u351\'3f}eza minun{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nestemate
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe capul surorii ei. Privirile li s-au ntlnit pentru un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 scurt moment. Din nou, un vrtej de emo{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ii tulburate s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oglindit n ochii Lissei, disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd ns{\f63
\u259\'3f} repede dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Jill a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i napoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nsemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatea ceremoniei
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a rec{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259
\'3f}tat prioritatea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri1883 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ekaterina i-a ntins mna Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri27 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ridic{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-te, i-a zis. Nu vei mai ngenunchea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}a cuiva. {\f63 \u354\'3f}innd-o de mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Ekaterina s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntors, astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie amndou{\f63 \u259
\'3f} cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre restul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 celor din sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Apoi, cu o voce uimito
r de puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pentru trupul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}pn
d, Ekaterina a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at: Regina
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Vasilisa Sabina Rhea Dragomir, cea dinti cu acest
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 nume.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri22 \fi284 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea
din sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cu excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Ekaterinei
{\f63 \u8212\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut n genunchi, plecndu-{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i capetele. Doar cteva
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 clipe au trecut nainte ca Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spu
n{\f63 \u259\'3f}: {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ridica{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-v{\f63 \u259\'3f}."
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb60\margr260\margl280
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Aflasem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} er
a ceva la discre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia monarhului. Unii dintre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri21 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 noii regi sau noile regine {\f63 \u

351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i lase

pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ngenunchea{\f63 \u355\'3f}i t
imp ndelungat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 A urmat semnarea documentel
or, la care am asistat cu
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuviin{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Practic, Lissa semna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar Ekaterina {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva martori semnau c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd fusese Li
ssa f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f} regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Trei exemplare
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 erau pe acea hrtie ornamentat{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de i
ubit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de moroii
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de neam regal. Un al patrulea era pe o coal{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} alb{\f63 \u259\'3f} simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cu antet, fiind destinat Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tilo
r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri26 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce s-a
terminat cu semnatul, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ocupat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 locul pe tron, iar imaginea ei urcnd treptele acelea {\
f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ia respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Era o
imagine care avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n minte pentru
tot restul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Sala a erupt n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aclama{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aplauze n c
lipa n care ea s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tronul mpodobit. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
gardienii, care n mod normal
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strau o seriozitat
e extrem{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe chipuri, s-au al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aplauzelor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i atmosferei s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tore{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Lissa le zmbea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 tuturor, ascunzndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de minune toate n
elini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tile
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri30 \fi284 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 A cercetat sala cu privirea
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i zmbetul i s-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}rgit la
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 vederea lui Christian. Apoi m-a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat
pe mine.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul adresat lui fusese afectuos; cel pentru mine
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea n el un dram de umor. I-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
zmbind la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 rndul meu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntrebndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ce mi-ar fi transmis ea dac\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ar mai fi fost posibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri28 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care-i poan
ta? m-a ntrebat Dimitri, coborndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 spre mine privirea amuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn200\pard
\jexpand\viewkind1\paperw5960\paperh8400
\margt280\margb620\margr280\margl280

\plain\pard\sl-279 \li6 \ri9 \fi284 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tocma

i m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam ce-ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi zic{\f63 \u259\'3f} L
issa
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri1599 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dac-am mai fi avut leg{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tura dintre noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri7 \fi284 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o extrem de grav{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lcare a protocolului
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor, Dimitri m-a prins de mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-a tras spre
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li290 \ri333 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3
f}i? a ntrebat, nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri10 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} m-ar ntreba: {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Acum n ce ne-am mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri4244 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vrt?"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri3241 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\
'3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li290 \ri6 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 C{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura lui era pre
tutindeni n jurul meu, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 dragostea lui, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nc
{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it acea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 complementaritate. mi rec{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259
\'3f}tasem acea parte a lumii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mele care-mi lipsise. Sufletul care-l completa pe al
meu.
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Perechea mea. Egalul meu. Nu doar att, mi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 rec{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tasem via{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a:\i propria\i0 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Aveam s-o protej
ez pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li6 \ri132 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, aveam s-o slujesc, dar era
m, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, eu ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li6 \ri10 \fi284 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu, i-am zis, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-mi capul pe pieptul lui.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cred c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
e bine.
\par
}