* * *
Constanta noticed the two red Xs on Oana’s hand that morning. She wasn’t sure what they meant. She approached Crina, whom she saw sitting in the midst of a group of people seated on the ground conferring quietly. She tapped her on the shoulder and whispered in her ear: “I have something to ask you.”
Crina excused herself from the group and stepped off to the side and asked Constanta, “What is it?”
“Oana’s been marked with two red Xs on the backs of her hands,” Constanta explained, “I don’t think it’s a good thing, is it?”
“It means she’s marked for slaughter,” Crina said. She was troubled by the news.
“What should we do?” Constanta asked.
“I don’t know,” Crina said.
“How many people did you tell about the vampire that took Nicoleta?” Constanta asked.
“Not many,” Crina said, her eyes narrowing, “Why do you ask?”
“You told me these people here are burning for action,” Constanta said, “Tell them about Nicoleta. The vampire that took her knew her, and she hasn’t returned. She’s alive; she has to be. Tell them she was freed and that Oana is slated for death.”
Crina admonished facetiously, “We don’t know that for certain, and Dragomir wouldn’t be happy about me spreading such a baseless rumor.”
“I bet he wouldn’t,” Constanta laughed.
“Alright. I’ll spread the word,” Crina said, “Be prepared for anything.
Elixir of Flesh Page 60