The breeze gently ruffled my hair. I looked into the lake. And it was like a window opened in front of me in that room.
I didn't pay any attention to my carcass, which Mechislav held in his arms (this one won't miss his own anywhere, he'll rake someone else's). I took a glimpse of Charles, who was holding me by the wrist and looked so that at least the pillars themselves were supported. He was clearly listening to something. Cheating?
The trees are clearly approving. I held out my hand and gently clicked Charles' reflection in the water on his forehead. Dragonfly jumped up and froze on the sides. Yeah, it wasn't there!
You won't see me! I'm right here. And you are there.
The lake shifted the angle a little, and I saw Alfonso in all its glory. Finitely and irrevocably dead. But...
The mirror swept across one symbol of the circle. It was like it wanted to tell me something.
- I don't understand. The wrong symbols? But they seem to be the same.
The lake flashed and showed me close-up the triangle with Alfonso.
It hasn't come to me yet.
- A triangle in a circle? So what? Or should we look for this symbolism? But there's too many! Okay, I'll remember, I'll deal with it later. What does it look like in the power plan?
Powerfully, Alfonso looked pretty... decent. He was finally dead. And he'd drink. Just as completely empty as the first two dead.
- I don't see any difference. Is it - or do I just not remember? - I confessed to everything around me.
The lake flashed. And it's gone out. Yeah. Shit for me. With a tassel. You wanna know, you gotta stay put. On your own. This isn't a memory recovery course. Oh. Tomorrow you're gonna have to call the I.P.F. to find out about the symbols next to Natashkin's dead body.
But you can also learn something from Mieczysław.
May I?
We'll find out!
Today! If a vampire hasn't photographed the crime scene, the Lavric murder scene, call me a gorilla. Or Godzilla. It doesn't matter. And we'll get the rest from the IPF. And we'll compare them. Or...
Anyway, let's think.
I smiled at the world around me.
- I am so grateful to you... What would I do without you...
The trees made a noise. And from somewhere, I knew exactly their answer. And what would this place do without people like us? It would have withered and disappeared.
But we do. And when I get tired of this life, I'll just come here. And I'll merge with this meadow. I'll merge forever. And it's gonna be good. And it'll be good.
Now I understood a little more. Every person who was absorbed into this place became a part of it. Like the edge of a crystal. And the more facets, the more interesting, beautiful, complex the crystal.
I know this crystal gets energy from the world around it, lets it pass through itself - and gives it back. Now I know. And I'm starting to realize some of my abilities.
I'm a universal recipient. I also absorb power from the world around me, from those who try to harm me, from someone else's, evil power, in general, no matter what, what matters is that I am able to do it - and I easily give it to others. Specifically to a vampire. Why is it so easy for Mieczysław to receive power from me? That's why.
I'm part of this place. Even now, I am his accepted and beloved daughter. And we have similar talents. Only this clearing shares power with me. And I'm just a vampire.
Slap!
There was a big bump on my forehead. I wonder what it was for. To Mieczysław?
Or maybe it's right. He's a vampire. You can't argue with that. But in his own way, he's not a bad vampire. As powerful as he is, as kind as he is, taking care of his people. I know for a fact that most of the power I get is spent on the needs of younger vampires like Katya Anna. If Mechislav had kept everything, he could have applied to the Council long ago. In terms of strength. Instead, he helps the younger ones. Why is that?
I strongly suspected we had a "vampire selfish sensible" here. It's when he realizes the stronger your guard, the better you're doing.
But what kind of rat got into our guard? He's definitely a vampire. Not a visitor. Alfonso's dead. Godwin and Gloria are importable. At least not today. Yeah, there's someone in the bushes. But who!?
I'm gonna calculate that shit again!
That's the idea I fell into my body.
* * *
The first thing he got was the nose of Mečislav. I wasn't aiming. He just held me in his arms, and I unsuccessfully twitched my head when I regained consciousness.
- Ow! - vampire, to put it.
- Whoo! - I stuttered. By the way, putting your head on a vampire is painful, too. If you want to, you can try it! Let go! Zagreb is like a sausage in a deficit period!
Mecislav obediently lowered me to the floor, continuing with one hand to hold me at the waist. With the other hand, he rubbed the affected area.
- It's okay. You vampires are a bruise, and you won't be.
- Your opinion on my character is already known. You'd better tell me. Did you get anything?
I sighed, and I got down to business.
- It's still the same in strength. No new ideas yet. Slavka, do you have any photos from the scene? The first one? Without them, it doesn't matter what we understand.
Mechislav nodded.
- I gave Leonid an assignment. I should have asked him.
- Honey!
The werewolf who showed up at my scream obediently reported. The symbolism is not familiar to him personally. The cuts don't add up to anything meaningful. Neither are any of the vampires we interviewed. So he took the risk of recruiting several people from the local history department. They earn their living, we get knowledge. But you can't tell them the truth, so as soon as they understand something, it's like that. But so far nobody understands anything. And if Julia Yevgenyevna is interested in photos, it is at least in six copies. Look at your health.
- Promise the historians of money and tell them to hurry up," said Mieczyslaw. - Something tells me that time is running out.
- For an hour, not three holes in the body? - I didn't hold back.
- And so are they. Who's digging under me...
- We have to find this creep! - Charles is shaken up. - Another time and we might not be able to make it. And we don't want to die now...
- You have to," I gave it to you. - I want to look into his eyes. Shameless. Not for long.
- I hope you'll have a chance," sighed Mechislav. - Charles, what did you see when Julia tried to sort it out?
Charles has eaten a little.
- It's no good. It's a... weird place. It's like Julia went somewhere in the crystal. It's just a crystal. And I couldn't go there either. And no one can. It blinds, burns, repels... Yulia, you'd better not be there!
I shrugged my shoulders. Better? What if I have all the magic through this place? And the manipulation of auras, but that's true, in little things. And there... there I truly enjoy my power. And why do they all hate this place so much? It's where... I'm home.
- Let's just think about what we should do," I asked. - We have the corpse of a Council member in our hands. How do we turn around?
- Let's look for the murderer, - shrugged Mechislav. - Now we'll go back to the club, I'll talk to Godwin and Gloria - and describe the situation. After that, we'll have three days to find the killer's grief. Then you and I will be very jealous of Alfonso.
- You have them in this council.
- Julia, you have no idea how much," said Charles quietly. In such a tone that it gave me the creeps. The size of Madagascar cockroaches.
I had to squeeze them down quickly and smile at my brother. Yeah, it's my brother now.
- We'll figure it out. Mecislav, I'll meet with the gentlemen from the IPF tomorrow.
- What for?
- I'll show them where Lavric died. Didn't they clean up there?
- No. Are you hoping to get any information from them?
- Yeah. Pictures from the second murder scene. -
I literally felt the sand in the hourglass pouring over my skin. And there was less and less. For us. Not for our opponent. Who's that!? Who!? - And ask Lenka to help me if anything comes to mind.
- Julia, you're my last name. They have a duty to help you. And who thinks differently... since this one can't use his head, he doesn't need it. Okay?
- Sadist.
- But at my house, there's peace and order.
- It's like a coffin.
- And where else is the true home of a vampire?
Where, where, where, I'd tell you... I don't fight. For it's disgusting. I'm a woman, not a drunken sucker, after all.
- So it's a deal. Then we went home?
Green eyes glowed with a cold emerald shine.
- Absolutely, Julia. You've had enough for today. But keep in mind - once the killer is caught, you and I will sit down and talk. About your brotherhood. About everything you've done. About how to use your power properly. I haven't reprimanded you for being stupid yet! Do you realize you took a crazy risk trying to save me?
It was the last straw. Will he still scold me for the risk he took in saving his skin?
- I see. If you don't like it, just kill yourself back," I snapped. - And we're going home. I'm sleepy. I want to eat! And there's nothing to smile about! I was hungry two hours ago! Now I'm hungry!!!! And anyone who stands between me and the refrigerator will be equated with the enemies of the people! Have I announced my plans? Yes, you did! Do we have an agreement for tomorrow? We have a deal! Adios, amigo!
I turned around and left the room. And in principle I did not notice how Charles and Mecislav said goodbye with a short handshake. What changed between those two? And when?
Is the female soul a mystery to men?
They're... riddles. The word is a bastard! That's it. Bathe, eat, sleep! I can't do anything else! Everything else is tomorrow!
Except for one...
* * *
- You promised!!! You said he'd be dead by now!!! Where did you find those idiots? They didn't even finish him off!!!!
- And let!
- He could have been dead!!! Forever!!!! You promised me, didn't you?! You swore!
The vampire looked at his accomplice with disgust. A rare hysterical personality! But you shouldn't let her yell like that. Anybody else will hear...
- Shut up, you idiot!
Heavy slapping made the woman fly to the wall.
- Are you thinking it over? Yelling down your throat, here, where the walls have ears!
You sobbed and pressed your hand to a red palm print.
- Calm down. It'll pass quickly. And listen to this. He was hurt. Deadly. But Yulka pulled that shit out.
- Bitch! Б…!!!
- No. This one isn't. As much as you'd like. According to my records, she and Mieczyslaw only happened once. And when he was in a fit of rabies. Yule just didn't want to lose his head. And so, she wouldn't...
- And why are you protecting her!? You like that too?!
The vampire's crooked. What fools these women are!
- Learn to respect a worthy opponent. Otherwise, you won't live long. Yulia is more than worthy. And today only she saved Mieczysław. Although there were almost no chances.
- How did she do it!?
- She's very strong. And she doesn't know her own strength yet.
- Then how do you kill him?!?
- We may not have to do this.
- Why?
- Alfonso da Silva is dead. Godwin and Glorianne will accuse Mečislav of the death of a Council Member. All we have to do is wait for him to be slaughtered.
- And who's the killer?
No, what an idiot!? Great gods, he was willing to bet that Julia would never ask such a question. Quickly, how do you find the killer?
- I don't know. It doesn't matter. I don't think you can find him in one day. And it'll be too late at night.
- And what happens after Mieczysław's execution?
The vampire could hardly resist the eccentric: "Half of his vampires will die because they are too weak, and who else but this altruist needs useless ballast for now? »
- We'll sort it out there. I hope to intercept the power. While Boris is in Tula. Vadim will be too shocked by the death of his chief. It'll hit Yule, too. And before anyone wakes up, power will be in our hands. And Mechislav is dead.
- I want Leoverenskaya! If she can survive his death!
- What for?
- I want to kill her with my own hands! It's all her fault... B... p...
The vampire's got his head shaved. He was frankly warped when women started swearing. But his face remained as calm on the outside. And he responded politely:
- Okay, honey. If you say so.
The woman's face lit up with a predatory smile. The trembling fingers squeezed, as if they could already feel the throat of a hated opponent.
She genuinely hated Julia. And she was sure of her triumph. Soon, very soon.
She wouldn't be so careless if she knew what her ally was thinking.
"This one will have to be killed first. She needed you, Julia. No, she didn't. This is my source of strength. And I'm not going to give it to anyone. And it's crazy to kill such a strong surname. I'm more than sure she'll outlive her master. And after Mieczysław's death, it'll be easy to get along with her. She'll be confused, depressed... just to offer her protection and help..."
* * *
All the way home, Charles was suspiciously quiet. As he got from Vadim then, he sat in the car for the rest of his time.
Apparently, there was a retreat.
It's bad. We have to fix it.
I slammed the door of my home (yes, already home) apartment, grabbed a half dragon by the hand and dragged it into the kitchen. I shoved on the chair and took a bottle of vodka out of the drawer. I don't drink. My grandfather insisted that I always have alcohol at home. Just in case. That's how it stood, just like I put it. I twisted the lid in one jerk, stuffed the vodka into the first cup I got (three hundred milliliters came out) and pushed the guy.
- Zalp. Well!?
Charles had obediently thrown vodka at himself like water. He choked and coughed to tears. I walked around him, patted him on the back, and suddenly found that the tears flowed by themselves. And the coughing spasms somehow got hysterical.
Charles wrapped his arms around me, stuck his face in my jacket, and wept and sobbed, spewing out everything he could not spill next to the body of his tormentor.
And I stood there and stroked him over the head. And I quietly hoped that he wouldn't clamp half my vessels. Otherwise, the grip was dead. It's like I've been hooped across the body.
- It's over. It's gonna be okay. He's dead.
I spoke in a quiet and soothing voice, but I knew it wasn't over. Well, Alfonso's dead. So...? It's good for Charles. And for all of us?
And for all of us, we need to find the killer as soon as possible. Otherwise...
Otherwise, it'll be a complete ambush. Godwin and Glorianne, don't go to the fortune teller, they'll hang all the dogs on us. No matter how much we get accused. Why? Alfonso wanted Charles back. I didn't want to give him back. So she shanghaied that poor, sweet vampire. And the sacrifice?
For camouflage! Actually, it's Leoverenskaya, she's a cunt, she sucked all the power out of him, she can... and if you think she can't, she's just pretending! Fuck her, you bastard!!! Under torture, she'll tell everything and admit everything!!!
And the worst part is proving that you're not a camel. It's a killer number.
So we have to find the killer by tomorrow night. And what do we have?
And we have three murders. First, Lavric was sacrificed. Then there was Natasha. Then Alfonso.
What could they have in common?
Their killer. Someone they caught their eyes on and trusted.
Trusted?
They may not have trusted him, but they went with him to point "X"!
Who could a pop singer go with, a religious girl turned on her superiority...
religious though? Believing in God, Natasha has become in the last year. Before that, she had lived without a hitch. It's been a year, worse than leap year. Who believes, who communicates with vampires...
Thoughts didn't stop me from repeating the same nonsense and ironing half a dragon in my hair. And my thoughts were walking down the detective's paths...
Ah, where are you, where are you, Mr. Holmes?
I'm a bad detective. And I'm not gonna catch that freak in my life.
But you have to think.
And who could Alfonso have gone with?
With any of your informants here? Or did he just see someone he knew? Yeah, he might know a hundred people like that. So what, we check everyone? You're gonna get one gasoline in here while you're at it. Yeah, I will. So what's next? I'm gonna drag everyone to the clearing and check for lousyness? You mean for slugs? Yeah, very funny! And on what comrade will I pass out clean? On the fifth? The tenth?
It's better with Nazi methods then. Light in your face, tell the truth, one word of untruth breaks your finger. Or you get one tooth knocked out. Ha-ha. Three times. Why isn't anyone laughing?
Anyway, looking for a killer in our town is a black cat in a dark room.
Charles shaken his hands so sharply, I almost fell.
- Julia... are you all right?
- Yes. And you?
- I don't know," said the dragonfly honestly. - I'll take a bath, okay?
- Drowning?
- Swimming. Rubbing your back, sister?
- If you discuss the matter with Mieczysław, I snapped at you. - And you'll ask for a sponge at the same time.
Charles gave me a crooked smile.
- Absolutely. Right on Friday after Saturday.
- It's a deal, brother. Swim, and come to bed. Tomorrow's gonna be a tough day.
As I fell asleep, I thought of one more thing. But it'll have to be discussed with Leonid tomorrow. Let him say that my idea is stupid.
* * *
Death, death, death...
The victim, my victim...
It's nice to know you'll be free soon. My priest did the right thing. He brought me three. A part of their psssims went into a magical circle. A part of it went to me.
The problem is different. I'm weak. A lot's been lost. I can get out of the locket - ssshhass. I can subdue the human rassssum for a while. But to destroy it in its entirety would be difficult for me. I can use it with the nonsense. I can do that. But I still have to find them. I don't want to know whose body it is. A body that's unconscionable, that's gonna take a lot of energy to strengthen...
Ring of Madness Page 181