Richelle Mead Limitele Spiritului 5

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\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn193900\pard
\plain\pard\sl-382 \li286 \ri2142 \fi2117 \expndtw-35 \b \f20 \fs40 UNU
\plain\par
\sl-294\fs29\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \
b \f20 \fs24 E O MARE DIFEREN{\f63 \u354\'3f}{\f63 \u258\'3f} NTRE\b0 amenin{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 moartea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i scrisorile de dragoste {\f
63 \u8212\'3f} chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoana
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i trimite o amenin{\f63 \u355\'
3f}are cu moartea tot mai pretinde
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de fapt, te iube{\f63 \u351\'3f}t
e. Desigur, dat fiind faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i eu\i0 am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncercat odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} omor pe
cineva pe care-1 iubeam,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am dreptul s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} judec.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Scrisoarea de azi a picat la
{\f63 \u355\'3f}anc, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a luat prin surprindere. Am
citit-o pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acum de patru ori {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, chiar dac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} eram n ntrziere, nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m-am putut mpiedica s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o citesc {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i a cincea oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\sl-276\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2990 \expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63
\u8222\'3f}Draga mea Rose,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 Unul dintre cele cteva dezavan
taje ale faptului de a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 fi trezit este acela c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu mai avem nevoie de somn; din
\plain\expndtw-8 \i \f20 \fs24 aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu m
ai putem nici s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vis{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Mare p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat,
\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} visez, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-a{\f63 \
u351\'3f} fi visat pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 tine. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi visa
t mirosul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i felul n care {\f63 \u355\'3f}i simt p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ul
\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 ntunecat, ca pe o m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase printre de
getele mele. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 visat netezimea pielii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ardoarea

buzelor, atunci cnd
\plain\expndtw-13 \i \f20 \fs24 ne s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 Lipsit de vise, sunt nevo
it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc cu
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 propria imagina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie... despre care p
ot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 aproape la fel de bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pot s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi imaginez perfect
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 toate aceste lucruri, precum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ce
va fi cnd {\f63 \u355\'3f}i voi lua
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a din
lumea asta. Este un fapt pe care-l regret, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 tu ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ca alegerea mea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie inevitabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Refuzul
\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi te al{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}turi n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dragostea etern{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nu-mi
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 las{\f63 \u259\'3f} alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} variant{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu pot permite s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 cineva att de primejdios ca tine. n plus, chiar dac
{\f63 \u259\'3f} te\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} trezi cu for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a,
ai acum att de mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i du{\f63 \u351\'3f}mani printre
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 strigoi, nct unul dintre ei tot te-ar ucide. Dac{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} tot
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mori, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie de mna mea. De a ni\plain\expndtw-10 \i \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nui altcuiva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 Cu toate acestea, {\f63 \
u355\'3f}i doresc tot binele pentru ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi,
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 cnd {\f63 \u355\'3f}i vei da testele; nu c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ai avea nevoie de vreun
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 noroc. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei te oblig{\f63 \
u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le dai mi se pare o
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 pierdere de timp pentru toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea
. Tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cea mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} din tot grupul, iar pn{\f63 \u
259\'3f} disear{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} por{\f63 \u355\'3f}i semnul
\plain\expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntului. Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
, asta nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vei reprezenta
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 pentru mine o provocare cu att mai mare atunci cnd
\plain\expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 ne vom rentlni... ceea ce, categoric, mi va face
\plain\expndtw-18 \i \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw3 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i noi\i0
ne vom rentlni\i cu siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 absolvire, vei pleca din Academie, iar de ndat{\f63
\u259\'3f} ce vei
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 fi n afara dispozitivelor de paz{\f63 \u259\'3f},
te voi g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si. Nu exist{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 loc pe lumea asta n care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te po{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i ascunde de mine. Te
\plain\expndtw-14 \i \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3846 \expndtw-9 \i \f20 \fs24 Cu drag,
\plain\expndtw-10 \i \f20 \fs24 Dimitri"
\plain\par
\sl-275\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Cu toate {\
f63 \u8222\'3f}caldele ur{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri", scrisoarea nu mi se p{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tocmai nsufle{\f63 \u355\'3f}itoare,
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c-am azvrlit-o pe pat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, tulbur
at{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} las
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 influen{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cuvinte
le lui, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i era imposibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu te
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}eze a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.\i
Nu exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} loc pe lumea asta n
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i asc
unde de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiam
de asta. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri are spioni.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 De cnd fostul meu instructor-transformat-n-iubit
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fusese transformat ntr-un malefic vampir mort viu,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 devenise {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un soi de lider al lor: si
tua{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie la a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bire contribuisem {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i eu, omornd-o pe fosta lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}ef{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i dintre spionii lui erau fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e umane,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptau s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc dincolo de grani{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ele {\f63 \u351\'3f}colii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mele. Niciun strigoi nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea
la pnd{\f63 \u259\'3f} dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeci
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i patru de ore din dou{\f63 \u259\'3
f}zeci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i patru. n schimb, oamenii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 puteau, iar eu aflasem recent c{\f63 \u259\'3f} destu
i oameni erau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dispu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i slujeasc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} pe strigoi n schimbul promisiunii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de a fi trezi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntr-o bun{\f63 \u259\'
3f} zi. Oamenii ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia credeau c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n schimbul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii eterne merita s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i corup{\f63 \u259\'3f} sufletele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ucid{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe al{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii, pentru supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uire. Oamenii ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
a
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau grea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dar nu oamenii erau cei care
-mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau pasul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie n timp ce mergeam
prin iarba devenit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 verde-deschis la atingerea verii. Dimitri era. Mereu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Dimitri, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbatul pe care-l i
ubeam. Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strigoiul pe care doream s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l salvez.
Dimitri, monstrul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pe care, cel mai probabil, eram nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f
} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ucid.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Iubirea pe care amndoi o mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam ardea n mine,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 indiferent de cte ori mi spuneam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tre
buie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec mai
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 departe, indiferent ct de mult credea lumea c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trecusem mai departe. El era
mereu cu mine, mereu n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mintea mea, punndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} tot timpul n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de-a m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ndoi de mine ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri652 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de parc-ai fi gata s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfrun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
o armat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit, ie{\
f63 \u351\'3f}ind din bezna gndurilor mele. Eram
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 att de absorbit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de D
imitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de scrisoarea lui, nct
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 mergeam prin campus f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f
} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dau aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie lumii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 exterioare, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici nu observasem c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} prietena mea cea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Lissa, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pot
rivise pasul cu al meu, purtnd
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pe chip un zmbet scitor. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} luase pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptate era o raritate, fiindc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ntre noi exista o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} parapsihic{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, una care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea permanent
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\'3f} de prezen{\
f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de sentimentele ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} eram distras{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f
} n-o observasem,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie vo
rba {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de o distrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, atunci aceea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 consta n faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voia cineva s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} omoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am oferit Lissei ceea ce s
peram s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie un zmbet
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c
e se ntmplase cu Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta acum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} omoare, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ncercasem eu {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i e{\f63 \u351\'3f}uasem {\f63 \u821
2\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l omor. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, scr
isorile pe care
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 le primeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnal de
la el o ngrijorau, iar ea avea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 oricum destule de care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ocupe n v
ia{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai adauge pe list{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe iubitul meu mor
t viu care m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 vna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi506 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cam\i nfru
nt\i0 o armat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-am atras eu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 doar nceputul serii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} vara trzie ne l
{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} soarele
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pe cerul Montanei, sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldndu-ne ntr-o lu
min{\f63 \u259\'3f} aurie n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 timp ce mergeam. Mie mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea la nebu
nie, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiind
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 moroi {\f63 \u8212\'3f} un so
i de vampir pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic, viu {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Lissa ar fi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ajuns pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} se simt{\f63 \u259\'3f} sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i incomodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lumina aceasta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A izbucnit n rs {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a aruncat peste um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 culoarea platinei. Soarele i lumina nuan{\f63 \u355\'
3f}a pal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dndu-i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 o str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucire ngereasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e. Dar n-am crezut c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii chi
ar att
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de ngrijorat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 i n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam ra{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ionamentul. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 afirmase c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era o pierdere de timp. n d
efinitiv, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dusesem pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n Rusia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
caut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nfruntasem strigoi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, omornd de una
singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} destui dintre ei.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} tem de testele care urmau,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mb{\f63 \u259

\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i toate a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rile ncepeau deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} apese. Pulsul mi
cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea. Dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam?
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu eram att de bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pe ct m{\f63 \u259\'3f} credeam?
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii care aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ncercare n-or fi ei
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 strigoi adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ns{\
f63 \u259\'3f} sunt abili {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mult mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme dect mine. Arogan{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}a putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sumedenie de necazuri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} o d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam n bar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, atunci
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a tuturor
celor care {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineau la mine. A
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tuturor celor care aveau atta ncredere n mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1834 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai preo
cupa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs17 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\fs24 mi fac grij
i n leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu felul n care mi vor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 afecta viitorul calificativele ast
ea, i-am zis. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i acesta era
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul. Testele reprezentau examenu
l final pentru un
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 gardian novice, cum eram eu. Ele mi asigurau
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 posibilitatea absolvirii Academiei Sf. Vladimir {\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ocuparea unui loc printre gar
dienii adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, care-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rau pe moroi de strigoi. Testele ho
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rau n mare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri307 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'
3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui moroi i va fi repartizat fiecare gardian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it compasiunea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissei... precum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ngrijorarea ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Alberta cre
de c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse bune ca noi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri687 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnem mpreun{\f63 \
u259\'3f}... c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot tu mi vei fi gardian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1947 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 I-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns cu
o strmb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu cred c{\f63
\u259\'3f} Alberta a spus asta doar ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3228 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}mn n {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} retr{\f63
\u259\'3f}sesem cu cteva luni n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnd
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 plecasem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vnez pe Dimitri, dar apoi
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntorsesem: ceva care nu prea d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea bine
n foaia mea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 matricol{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mai exista {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i un alt mic am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunt: faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 regina moroilor, Tatiana, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} detesta
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} probabil s-ar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fi dat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i peste cap ca s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-mi influen{\f63 \u355\'3f}eze repartizarea; ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 asta era alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} poveste.
\plain\par
3 \u259\'3f} Alberta {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} singura posibili
tate ca
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lase s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} te ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r pe tine ar fi ca eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}mn
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ultimul gardian n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Dar chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-atunci, {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mele tot ar fi destul de mici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, urletul mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imii se nte{\f63 \u355\'3f}ise. Unul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre numeroasele terenuri de sport ale {\f63 \u351\
'3f}colii noastre
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 fusese transformat n aren{\f63 \u259\'3f}, amintind cu
mva de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}vechea epoc{\f63 \u259\'3f} a glad
iatorilor romani. Gradenele
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} perfec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionate
, transformate din simple b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nci de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lemn n luxoase banchete tapi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ate, cu c
opertine care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 apere de soare pe moroi. Terenul era mprejmuit cu
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 steaguri, culorile lor vii fi
ind vizibile chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de-aici,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cum flfiau n vnt. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu le vedeam, dar {\
f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 construiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} un fel de bar{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ci n apropierea intr{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 stadion, unde a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptau novicii, cu ner
vii ntin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i la ma\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ximum. Terenul nsu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fusese pref{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut ntr-un traseu cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 primejdioase obstacole {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncerc{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ri. Iar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum sunau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aclama{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile acelea asurzitoare, era cl
ar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} martori la

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 eveniment erau deja acolo din bel{\f63 \u351\'3f}ug.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu-mi p
ierd speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, mi-a spus Lissa, iar prin
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri192 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 intermediul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu
rii noastre, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} spune adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru
l.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Era una dintre minunatele e
i calit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i: aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} credin{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 neab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, acest optim
ism care ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}tejea pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cele mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cumplite nefericiri. Contrasta puternic cu cinismul
meu
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 de dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} recent{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350
\'3f}i am ceva care ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ajute ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi, m
i-a
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 S-a oprit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
s-a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat prin buzunarul blugilor,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sco{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd de acolo un mic inel din argint,
pres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pietricele minuscule sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}nnd cu perido
tele. Nu aveam
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} apelez la leg{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tura noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ce-mi oferea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, Liss...
Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic. N-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} vrea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri829 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 beneficiez de vreun... hm... avan
taj inechitabil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2085 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat
ochii peste cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e cazul, {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i tu o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii. Inelul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta e n regul{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4576 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 jur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Inelul pe care mi-1 oferea e
ra unul fermecat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 impregnat cu acel rar tip de magie st{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pnit de ea. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 moroii st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnesc

magia unuia dintre cele cinci
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 elemente: p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul, ae
rul, apa, focul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spiritul. Magia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spiritului e cea mai rar ntlnit{\f63 \u259\'3f}: att de
rar, nct a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fost uitat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-a lungul secolelor. Lis
sa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f} recent la ivea
l{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca utilizatori ai ei. Spre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 deosebire de celelalte elemente, cu o prezen{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 concret{\f63 \u259\'3f} n natur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, spir
itul era legat de minte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de toate
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 tipurile de fenomene parapsihice. Nimeni nu-1
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegea pe deplin.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}ptuirea far
mecelor cu ajutorul spiritului era un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 domeniu pe care Lissa ncepuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l exp
erimenteze abia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de curnd... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se
pricepea prea bine. Cel mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult se pricepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} utilizeze spiritul
pentru vindecare,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ncerca s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} farmece n acest scop. Cel mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 recent rezultat fusese o br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ar{\f63 \u259\'3f} care-mi nfl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra acum
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 mna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u25
8\'3f}sta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} func{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ioneaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Numai un pic, dar tot
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i alunge ntuneric
ul pe parcursul testelor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vorbea pe un ton lejer, ns{\f
63 \u259\'3f} amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gravitatea spuselor ei. Toate aceste daruri ale spiri
tului
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 erau nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}ite {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de un pr
e{\f63 \u355\'3f}: un ntuneric care se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 manifesta acum sub forma furiei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
dezorient{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii, dar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} ducea la demen{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ntuneric care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 uneori se rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsa n mine prin leg{\f63
\u259\'3f}tura noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Aflaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, prin int
ermediul farmecelor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al puterii
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ei de vindecare, puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l alung{\f
63 \u259\'3f}m. Iar {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta era un alt
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lucru pe care nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-l deprindem.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 I-am adresat un zmbet
slab, mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de preocuparea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am acceptat inelul. Nu mi-a fri
pt palma, ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut un semn promi{\f63 \u355
\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Era mititel {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu mi se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 potrivea dect pe degetul mic. N-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}
it absolut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nimic n timp ce mi l-am strecurat pe deget. A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntmpla n cazul farmecelor de vindecare. Sau putea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mai nsemne {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} inelul
era complet ineficient. Fie ntr\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 un caz, fie n cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt, nu-mi f{\f63 \
u259\'3f}cea niciun r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mersi, i-am
zis. Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it ncntarea care-o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 invadase. Ne-am continuat drumul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntins mna n fa{\f63 \u355
\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, admirnd sclipirea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pietrelor verzi. Bijuteriile nu erau grozav de indica
te
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pentru genul de ncerc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri fizice pe care
le aveam de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri225 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nfruntat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} urma s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} port m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i care s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} le acopere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi vine greu
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate astea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajungem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} termin{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}coala {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}im n
lumea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am rostit cu
voce tare, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} gndesc
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prea mult la ce spuneam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, Li
ssa a n{\f63 \u355\'3f}epenit, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} regret
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imediat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbisem. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}
S{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}im n lumea adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259
\'3f}"
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nsemna ca noi dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nt
reprindem o misiune la care
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} din nefericire {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mi
promisese cu vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} luni n
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ajute.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce eram n Siberia, afla
sem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cale prin care l-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut face pe D
imitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} redevin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dhampir, la fel ca mine. Era ceva destul de vag {\f6
3 \u8212\'3f} poate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chiar o minciun{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam la ct de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ndrjit era el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} omoa
re, nu-mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam iluzii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fi putut avea de ales, dect s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-l omor eu, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajungea la o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de genul ori el,
ori eu. Dar nainte
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de a se ajunge la asta, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} exista v
reo cale prin care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 l pot ajuta, trebuia s-o descop{\f63 \u259\'3f}r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Din nefericire, singura pist
{\f63 \u259\'3f} care ne conducea spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}ptuirea acestui miracol era prin int
ermediul unui
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 criminal. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu un criminal oarecare,
ci Victor
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dashkov, un moroi dintr-o familie regal{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, care o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 torturase pe Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i comisese tot fe
lul de alte atrocit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care ne f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} vie{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ile un iad. Justi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'
3f}cuse
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 datoria, iar Victor fusese aruncat n nchisoare, ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 complica lucrurile. Aflaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, atta timp ct avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 convingerea c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p
etreac{\f63 \u259\'3f} restul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii n spatele
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gratiilor, nu vedea niciun motiv s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
e mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia despre fratele s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}u vitreg: unica persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre care se spunea c-ar fi salvat odat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} un strigoi.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m la concluzia {\f63 \u8212
\'3f} ilogic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, poate {\f63 \u8212\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ne-ar fi furnizat informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia doar dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ofeream
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 singurul lucru pe care nimeni .ltcineva nu i l-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 oferit: libertatea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ideea nu era lipsit{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de nes{\f63 \u259\'3f}buin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din mai mult
e
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 motive, n primul rnd, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam dac-o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 treab{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea important{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. n al doilea, habar n-aveam cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se pune la cale o evadare, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ma
i vorbesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car unde s

e g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}te nchisoarea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 fine, mai era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i faptul c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l eliber{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 du{\f63 \u351\'3f}manul nostru de moarte. Era o idee
zdrobitoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pentru mine, dar{\f63 \u259\'3f}mite pentru Lissa. T
otu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, orict ar fi
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tulburat-o acest gnd {\f63 \u
8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, chiar o t
ulbura
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, jurase cu toat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajute
. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} oferisem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-o dezleg de leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt de zeci de ori n u
ltimele dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 luni, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u
259\'3f}sese ferm{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f
}te, dat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fiind faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aveam nici m{\f63 \
u259\'3f}car cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nchisoarea, jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul ei putea s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nici nu conteze,
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
umplu t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea stnjenitoare dintre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 noi schimbnd vorba {\f63 \u351\'3f}i explicndu-i c{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi doream
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 foarte mult s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb{\
f63 \u259\'3f}torim ziua de na{\f63 \u351\'3f}tere {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mna care urma {\f63
\u8212\'3f} n stil mare. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tentativa mi-a fost ntrerupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Stan,
unul dintre vechii
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mei instructori.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hathaway! a
zbierat el, din direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia terenului.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f} din partea ta s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ni te al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi. Mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-te imediat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4139 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ncoace!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Gndurile legate de Victor i-a
u disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut Lissei din
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 minte. M-a mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63
\u351\'3f}at la repezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri435 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mult noroc, mi
-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}optit. Nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai avea nevoie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei lui
Stan mi-a dat de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
{\f63 \u351\'3f}area aceasta de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas-bun, de zece secunde,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fusese cu zece secunde prea lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iam adresat Lissei
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 un zmbet n chip de mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umire, dup{\f63
\u259\'3f} care ea a plecat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spre gradene, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i caute pe ceilal{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i prieteni ai no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri, n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 timp ce eu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}beam
spre Stan.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai noroc c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti printre primii, a mrit el.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lumea chiar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea pariuri dac-o s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} apari sau nu.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar
? l-am ntrebat, vesel{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Care e cota? Pentru
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zgndesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} pariez {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu. Mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig ceva bani de buzunar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Ochii miji{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
i-au sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, trimi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-mi un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 avertisment care nu mai avea nevoie de cuvinte, n tim
p
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ce p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trundeam n zona de a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}teptare al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat{\f63 \u259\'3f} terenului,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vizavi de tribune. Mereu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} uimise, n
anii preceden{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 volumul de munc{\f63 \u259\'3f} depus pentru testele
acestea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 eram mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in impresionat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nici acum, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd totul de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aproape. Baraca n care a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptau novici
i era construit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 din lemn, inclusiv acoperi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul. Ar{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ta de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 parte dintotdeauna din stadion. Fusese n{\f63 \u259\'3
f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iu{\f63 \u355\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f} remarcabil{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie demolat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
la fel de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 repede dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncheierea testelor. O u{\f
63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncap{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ea trei persoane mi oferea o vedere par{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 terenului, unde una dintre colegele mele de clas{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fie strigat numele. Tot felul de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 obstacole fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} instalate acolo, m
enite s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncercare echilibrul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i coordonarea, n ti

mp ce trebuia
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 oricum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ferim de gardienii adul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 care pndeau dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} diversele obstacole sa
u prin
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 unghere. La un cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t al terenului fus
eser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pere{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de lemn, alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuind un ntunecat {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i derutant labirint.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Deasupra unor suprafe{\f63 \u355\'3f}e atrnau plase {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i platforme
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 instabile, cu rolul de a testa capacit{\f63 \u259\'3
f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile noastre de lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii dificile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 C{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva novici
se nghesuiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cadrul u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii, spernd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f
} un avantaj din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rirea celor de dinaintea
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lor. Eu, nu. Eu aveam s{\f63
\u259\'3f} merg acolo orbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} accept orice mi-a
r fi fost aruncat n cale. Studierea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 traseului pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu m-ar fi f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc prea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mult {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intru n pani
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iar calmul era tot ceea ce-mi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 trebuia acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} m-am rezemat de unul dintre pere{\f63 \u355\'3f}i bar{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ii,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rindu-i cu privirea pe cei din ju
rul meu. Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r venisem ultima, ceea ce m{\f
63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntreb dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pierduse c
ineva banii, pariind pe mine.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Unii dintre colegii mei de clas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oteau n grupule{\f63 \u355\'3f}e.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau exerci{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ii de mobilitate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lzire. Al{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau cu instructorii care le fusese
r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndrum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau cu aprindere elevii,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dndu-le sfaturi de ultim moment. Tot auzeam cuvinte
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de genul\i concentrare\i0 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\i cal
m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 V{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-i pe in

structori, mi s-a strns inima. Nu cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iat
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum mi nchipuiam eu ziua
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aceasta. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} imaginam pe mine stnd mpreun
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, el spunndu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iau totul n se
rios {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 mi pierd calmul cnd ies pe teren. Alberta m{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ndrumase n bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f
63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntoarcerea mea din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Rusia, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n calitatea ei de c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}pitan, se afla acum pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 teren, ocupat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu tot soiul de respon
sabilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Nu avea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 timp s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mine {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iar prietenii
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mei care mi-ar fi putut oferi alinare {\f63 \u8212\'
3f} Eddie, Meredith
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u821
2\'3f} erau nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}lui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de propriile temeri. A{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 eram singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ea sau f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
sau, n fine, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} oricine
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 altcineva {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, m-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f
}it str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un surprinz{\f63
\u259\'3f}tor
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sentiment de singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate. Nu era drep
t. N-ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiu singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dimitri ar fi trebuit s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fie acolo, cu mine.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost.
nchiznd ochii, mi-am permis
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi nchipui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el chia
r era acolo, la doar c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 centimetri de mine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Nu-{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i face griji, tovar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}e. Pot s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fac asta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i legat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ochi. Ce naiba, poate chiar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a o s-o
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac. Ai o bucat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de pnz{\f63 \u259\'3f} la-ndemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} te por{\f63 \u355\'3f}i frumos cu mine, te
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 las chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} legi t
u." {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, din moment ce fantezia asta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-ar fi desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat dup{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} culcasem cu el, existau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse considerabile ca el s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi ajutat, pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 scot leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura de la ochi... printre a

ltele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
imaginez perfect cum m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi ales din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 partea lui cu o cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinare exasperat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} din cap. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Rose, {\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 jur, uneori am impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiecare zi
al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de tine
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2383 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} propriul m
eu test."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} oricum ar fi zmbit, iar privirea plin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de mndrie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ncurajare pe care mi-ar
fi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit-o n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 timp ce m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi ndreptat spre teren ar
fi fost tot ceea ce\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi trebuia ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec cu bine testele
...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2835 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce faci, medi
tezi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri905 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am deschis ochii, uimit{\f63 \u
259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud acea voce.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2523 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mam{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}? Ce cau{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aici?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mama, Janine Hathaway, st{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tea acolo, n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era doar cu c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva cen
timetri mai scund{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect mine,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea drzenie n ea ct cineva de dou{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ori ct mine.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Expresia amenin{\f63 \u355\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare a chipului ei bronzat sfida,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 provocnd pe oricine s-o pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ncercare
. Mi-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns printr-un zmbet piezi{\f63 \u35
1\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nfipt mna n
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}old.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu chiar cr
edeai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259
\'3f}d cum te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4057 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 descurci?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu, am m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisit, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} oarecum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri997 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru fa
ptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoisem de ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Noi dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
prea avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
e de-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lungul anilor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i doar ntmpl{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rile mai recente {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 majoritatea nepl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cute {\f63 \u8212\'3
f} duseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} la refacerea ct de ct
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii noastre. n cea mai mare pa
rte a timpului, eu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 tot nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce simt pentru ea. Oscila
m ntre nevoia
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 unei feti{\f63 \u355\'3f}e de mama ei absent{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i resentimentul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 adolescentei abandonate. n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i tim
p, nu eram ntru
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 totul convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o ie
rtasem pentru pumnul pe care mi-l
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse {\f63 \u8222\'3f}accidental", n
timpul unei lupte de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 antrenament.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-am nchipu
it c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii tu, lucruri mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 importante de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, i-am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici nu m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lipsesc de la asta, mi-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, aplecndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ca
pul spre tribune {\f63 \u351\'3f}i leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}nndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele castanii, ond
ulate. La fel {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4527 \expndtw-21 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-am repezit spre u{\f63 \u351\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am ncordat privirea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spre teren. Nu vedeam prea bine tri
bunele, din cauza
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 tuturor acelor obstacole de pe teren, dar tot era
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 suficient. Iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l acolo: Abe Mazur. Er
a lesne de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 descoperit, cu barba {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i musta{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
rfa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 verde-smarald nnodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste gulerul c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii de lux.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se topea pe c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ldura aia, dar mi-am nchipuit
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost nevoie de ceva mai mult
dect de un pic de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 transpira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pentru ca el s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}e la gusturile lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vestimentare stridente.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} rela{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ia mea cu mama era destul de sumar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l meu era, practic, inexistent{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. l cunoscusem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doar prin mai; chiar atunci, cnd abia ajunsesem aici
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 napoi, aflasem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram fiica lui. To{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i dhampirii aveau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cte un p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rinte moroi, iar eu l aveam pe
el. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama precis ce sim{\f63 \u355\
'3f}eam pentru el. Cea mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mare parte a trecutului s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}mnea pentru mine un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mister, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} existau zvonuri din bel{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ug cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 implicat n afaceri ilegale. De asemenea, lumea se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 comporta ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum el ar fi fost genul
rup{\f63 \u259\'3f}torului de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 oase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u prea aveam dovezi n acest sens,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ceva surprinz{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tor. n Rusia, era numit
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 Zmeu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Cum m{\f63 \u259\'3f} holba
m eu la el, uluit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mama s-a apropiat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 agale de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} se bucure c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai ajuns la timp, mi-a zis. A pus
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un pariu uria{\f63 \u351\'3f} pe prezen{\f63 \u355\'3
f}a ta. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i a pariat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vei veni,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta te face s{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
e sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mai bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Normal, am
gemut eu. Normal c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el e tartorul din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 spatele pariurilor. Ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi dau seama imediat
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cum...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2390 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m
i-a picat falca.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri1048 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar ce
face acolo, vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}te cu Adrian?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 h. Lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Abe st{\f63
\u259\'3f}tea Adrian Ivashkov: mai mult sau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, parteneru
l meu oficial. Adrian era dintr-o

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 familie regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} de moroi {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i un alt utilizator al spiritului,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la fel ca Lissa. Era nebun dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine (
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de multe ori
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 doar nebun {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-att) inc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de cnd m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cunoscuse, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu avusesem ochi dect pentru Dimitri. Dup{\f63 \u259\'
3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ecul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 meu din Rusia, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorsesem {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i-i promisesem lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ofer o {\f63 \u351\'3f
}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Spre surprinderea mea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lucrurile ntre noi mergeau... bine. Grozav, chiar. mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 scrisese un eseu n care-mi argumentase de ce alegerea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de-a m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cupla cu el ar fi fost una int
eligent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Indusese
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i promisiuni de ge
nul {\f63 \u8222\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f} la {\f63 \u355\'3
f}ig{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cazurilor n care o s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} am mare,\i mare\i0 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trag cte una" {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u8222\'3f}O s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fac surprize romantice n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiecare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}: un picnic improvizat, un buchet de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trandafiri sau o excursie la Paris... dar, de fapt, n
iciuna
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri217 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dintre variantele acestea, fiindc
{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar mai fi surprize."
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu mpreun
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu el nu era acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru cu a fi m\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 preun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Dimitri, dar, la urma urmei
, presupun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 posibil ca dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} perfect identice.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n definitiv, era vorba despre doi b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i diferi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} trezeam zi de zi ndurerat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de pierderea lui Dimitri
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a iubirii noastre. M{\f63 \u259\'3
f} chinuia amintirea e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ecului de a-l
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ucide n Siberia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de a-1 elibera din
starea lui de mort\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 viu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, disper
area aceasta nu nsemna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}itul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mele amoroase: mi luase destul{
\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme s{\f63 \u259\'3f} accept
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ideea asta. mi venea greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec mai d
eparte, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cea fericit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, deocamdat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, asta mi era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4103 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 de ajuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dar asta nu nsemna neap{\f63
\u259\'3f}rat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit ca el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se trag{\f63 \u259\'3f} de {\f63 \u
351\'3f}ireturi cu piratul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i banditul de taic{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1725 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o influen{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} rea! am protestat.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mama a pufnit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ndoiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian l-ar putea influen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a prea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3822 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 tare pe Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu Adrian!
\i Abe.\i0 Adrian ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fac{\f63 \u259\'3
f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1974 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cuminte. Iar Abe o s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} strice totul!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun
{\f63 \u355\'3f}area la fumat, Adrian mi mai jurase
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lase de b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de alte vicii, n eseul lui
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 romantic. Mi-am ncordat privirea spre locul unde
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Abe, n
tribuna n{\f63 \u355\'3f}esat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 deduc ce subiect putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie att de i
nteresant.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2685 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Despre ce-or
vorbi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} asta ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie cea mai mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 problemele tale, n clipa de fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a atras ea aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 N-ar fi fost Janine Hathaway dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi manifestat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spiritul practic. Preocup{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te mai pu{
\f63 \u355\'3f}in de ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de terenul de colo, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1760 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Crezi c{\f63
\u259\'3f} vorbesc despre\i mine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose! a exclamat
mama, lovindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pumnul n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ntorc {\f6
3 \u8212\'3f} cu greu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} privirea spre ea. Trebuie s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} iei treaba asta n serios.
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}streaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355

\'3f}i calmul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu te l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa distras{\f63 \u259\'3f
}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele ei sem{\f63
\u259\'3f}nau att de mult cu ceea ce-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 imaginasem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-ar
fi spus Dimitri, nct un mic
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 zmbet mi s-a furi{\f63 \u351\'3f}at pe fa{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n definitiv, nu eram chiar
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 att de singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri525 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-i att de amu
zant? m-a ntrebat, precaut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimic, i-am r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}nd-o. La n
ceput, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 stat ncordat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar p
e urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a destins, mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 la rndul ei. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti aici, i-am explicat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Mama nu era genul de persoan
{\f63 \u259\'3f} excesiv de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri835 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 afectuoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o prinsesem pe picior gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}i, a ng{\f63 \u259\'3f}imat, evident fstcit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, doar {\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i-am spus
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lipses
c.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri915 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntors din nou privirea spr
e tribune.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri29 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe de alt{\f63
\u259\'3f} parte, n leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Abe nu sunt la fel
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3407 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca tine
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Sau... ia stai! O idee neob
i{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a venit n minte.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu, de fapt, nu era chiar att de neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f
}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dubios sau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu, Abe avea rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii: ndeajuns de multe
, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} strecura un mesaj n nchisoare lui
Victor
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dashkov. Abe fusese cel care-i ceruse informa{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ii despre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Robert Doru, fratele utilizator de spirit al lui Vict
or,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} un servi
ciu. Cnd Victor i trimisese
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 napoi mesajul, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunznd c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nu avea niciun motiv s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ajute pe Abe cu ceea ce-i trebuia, {\f63 \u351\'3f}te
rsesem cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 promptitudine de pe list{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajutorul tat
{\f63 \u259\'3f}lui meu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri233 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 avntasem asupra ideii mele cu evad
area. Dar acum...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2476 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rosemari
e Hathaway!
\par
\plain\pard\sl-291 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Alberta era cea care m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} strigase, cu o voce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sun{\f63 \u259\'3
f}toare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i limpede. Era ca o trompet{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca o chemar
e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Toate gndurile ndreptate spre
Abe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, da, chia
r {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre Dimitri {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mi-au disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din minte. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mama mi-a urat succ
es, numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 exprimarea ei exact{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am prins-o, fii
ndc{\f63 \u259\'3f} deja
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pornisem cu pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mari {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i repezi spre Alberta, intrnd n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aren{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Adrenalina m-a cople{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}it. ntreaga mea aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 concentrat{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum asupra a ceea ce ave
am n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}: testul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n urma c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it,
deveneam gardian.
\plain\par
\sl-138\fs14\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\pard\pard\sl-400 \li286 \ri2197 \fi2173 \ex
pndtw-39 \b \f20 \fs40 DOI
\plain\par
\sl-293\fs29\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri107 \expndtw-6 \b \f
20 \fs24 TESTELE MELE AU TRECUT\b0 ca printr-o cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'
3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ai fi zis {\f63 \u8212\'3f} gndindu-te la faptul c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ele reprezentau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 partea cea mai important{\f63 \u259
\'3f} a studiilor mele de la Sf.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vladimir {\f63 \u8212\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi amintesc totul n cel mai mic
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunt, cu o limpezime de cristal. {
\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, gndurile

\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 mele de mai devreme se cam transformaser{\f63 \u259\'
3f} n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 realitate. Cum s-ar fi putut m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sura cu
ceea ce deja
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nfruntasem? Cum ar fi putut luptele acestea mimate s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se compare cu n{\f63 \u259\'3f}pustirea unei ntregi ha
ite de strigoi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 asupra {\f63 \u351\'3f}colii noastre? Fusesem nevoit{
\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfrunt
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}itoare,
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cei pe care-i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 iubeam erau vii sau mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. {\f63 \u35
0\'3f}i cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} tem
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de o a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a-zis{\
f63 \u259\'3f} lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu unul dintre instructorii {\f63 \u351\'3f}
colii,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce l nfruntasem pe Dimitri? Ca dha
mpir, fusese
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 implacabil; ca strigoi, era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Nu nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi tratat cu u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} testele
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 acestea. Erau chiar serioase. Mereu picau destui nov
ici,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 iar eu am refuzat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r printre ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia. Am fost
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atacat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din toate p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ile de gardieni care luptau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rau pe moroi nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
dinainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nasc eu. Arena
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nu era plan{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ceea ce complica totul.
O umpluser{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu tot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 felul de capcane {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de obstacole, de br
ne {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de trepte
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care-mi puneau echilibrul la ncercare. .. inclusiv o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 punte, amintindu-mi n chip dureros de ultima noapte n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem pe Dimitri. l mpinsesem
de pe ea dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ce-i mplntasem n inim{\f63 \u259\'3f} o {\f63 \u355\'3f
}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} din argint... {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse de-acolo n timpul pr{\f63 \
u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}irii lui n apele
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rului de dedesubt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Puntea din aren{\f63 \u259\
'3f} era un pic altfel fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cea solid{\f63 \u25
9\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din lemn, pe care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} luptasem cu Dimit
ri n Siberia.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aceasta era {\f63 \u351\'3f}ubred{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o

trecere prost construit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 scnduri, avnd ca sprijin doar funii, n chip de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 balustrade. Fiecare pas f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ca ntreag
a punte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 legene {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tremure,
iar g{\f63 \u259\'3f}urile din scnduri mi ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 locurile n care fo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii mei colegi (din
nefericire pentru
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ei) i descoperiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} punctele slabe. Te
stul pe care mi-1
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 repartizaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} mie pe punte probabil c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} era cel mai greu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dintre toate. Scopul meu era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scap
un {\f63 \u8222\'3f}moroi" urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de un grup de {\f63 \u8222\'3f}strigoi". Rolul moroi
ului meu era jucat
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 do Daniel, un gardian nou care sosise n {\f63 \u351\'3
f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu al{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ii, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i nlocuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe cei uci{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 decursul atacului. Nu-1 cuno{\f63 \
u351\'3f}team foarte bine, dar n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cadrul exerci{\f63 \u355\'3f}iului se pref{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cea total docil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i neajutorat;
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chiar pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}at, e
xact a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum ar fi fost oricare
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 moroi pe care l-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi ap{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a opus o mic{\f63 \u259\
'3f} rezisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd a fost s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}im pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pod, iar eu mi-am folosit tonul cel mai calm {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor cu putin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l determin ca, n cele din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} naintea mea. Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se testau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aptitudinile umane, pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} cele de lup
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu departe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de noi, pe traseu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} se apropie gardienii care-i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntruchipau pe strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Daniel a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u351\'3f}it pe punte, iar eu l-am urmat ca o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, continund s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i o
fer replici lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}titoare, n timp
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce aveam toate sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}urile n alert{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. La un moment dat,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 puntea s-a zdruncinat cu violen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}, fapt care m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg c{\f63 \u259

\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ritorii no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri ne ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'
3f} din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am privit iute in spate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am z{\f63
\u259\'3f}rit trei {\f63 \u8222\'3f}strigoi" venind
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pe urmele noastre. Gardienii care-i interpretau se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 descurcau admirabil: se deplasau cu la fel de mult{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dexteritate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vitez{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i veritabilii strigoi. Aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 prind{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ne mi{
\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mai repede.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri847 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te descurci gr
ozav, i-am spus lui Daniel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi venea greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strez tonul potrivit. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipai la moroi, ris
cai s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i arunci ntr-o stare de {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc. Prea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e putea s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nu erai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 destul de serios.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63
\u350\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} te mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti mai repede de-att.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \
u259\'3f}m distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ei: uit
e-i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2423 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 apropie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.\i Haide!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Cu certitudine c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} am trecut de partea aceasta a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 testului, referitoare la puterea de convingere, fiind
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a iu{\
f63 \u355\'3f}it pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii; nu tocmai suficient ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fie pe potriva urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ritorilor no{\f63 \
u351\'3f}tri, dar era un nceput.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, puntea s-a zguduit din nou,
nebune{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Daniel
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a scos un scncet conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i a ncremenit, {\f63 \u355\'3f}inndu\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 se strns de funiile laterale. n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lu
i, la cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 al pun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut un
alt gardian-pe-post-de-strigoi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptnd. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} numele
lui era Randall, un nou
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 instructor. Eram f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sandvi{\f63 \u351\'3f} ntre el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i grupul din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 spate. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Randall st{\f63 \u259
\'3f}tea nemi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptnd pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prima scndur{\f63 \u259\'3f} a pun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
ca s-o poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} zgl{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, n\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 greunndu-ne naintarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mergi nainte
, l-am zorit, n timp ce mintea mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1651 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 func{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona ca o vrt
elni{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Hai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar e un st
rigoi acolo! Suntem prin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n curs{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 exclamat Daniel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i face probleme. Rezolv eu cu el. Tu doar
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 mergi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 De data aceasta, tonul meu f
usese vehement,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 determinndu-l pe Daniel s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se trasc{\f63
\u259\'3f} mai departe,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 impulsionat de comanda mea. Urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
le cteva clipe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 solicitau o sincronizare perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f} a a
c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunilor mele. Era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i supraveghez pe {\f63 \u822
2\'3f}strigoii" afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe ambele
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i laterale {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in pe Daniel n mi{\f63 \u351\'3f
}care,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind n ace
la{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n care ne aflam
pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 punte. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce parcurseser{\f63 \u259
\'3f}m aproape trei sferturi din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3222 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 drum, i-am {\f63 \u351\'3f}uiera
t:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Las{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-te jos, n patru labe, imediat! Hai, repede!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1637 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 continund s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbe
sc cu glas sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri573 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} strig la tine. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lua n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu o voce mai
puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dedicat{\f63 \u259\'3f} celor care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1379 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 veneau n urma noastr{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, l-am apostrofat:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1095 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce tot faci?
N-avem voie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne oprim!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri563 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Daniel nu s-a clintit, iar eu a
m reluat n {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine. Vezi locul
n care funiile se unesc cu baza,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la balustrade? Prinde-te de-acolo.
Prinde-te ct po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 strns {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\i nu\i0 le da drumul, orice
s-ar ntmpla. nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri829 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-le n jurul minilo
r, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie. Hai, acum!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, docil, mi
-a ascultat ordinul. Vremea trecea, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am mai pierdut nicio clip{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. Dintr-o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} stnd ghemui
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am izbit
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 funiile cu t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul cu{\
f63 \u355\'3f}itului pe care-l primisem laolalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. {\f63 \u350\'3
f}i era ascu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it, Slav{\f63 \u259\'3f} Domnului! Gardienii care
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 organizaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} testele nu se jucau. N-a
retezat instantaneu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 funiile, dar le-a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat att de repede, n
ct {\f63 \u8222\'3f}strigoii"
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de-o parte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-au mai avut timp s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Funiile au plesnit exact n c
lipa n care, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 i aminteam lui Daniel s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se {\f63 \u355
\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} bine. Cele dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 por{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni ale pun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii s-a
u repezit spre marginile
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 e{\f63 \u351\'3f}afodajului din lemn, trase de greut
atea celor afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ele. n fine, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in partea noastr{\
f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. Iar eu {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cu Daniel eram preg{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Cei trei urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ritori din spatele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nostru, nu. Doi dintre ei au c{\f63
\u259\'3f}zut. Al treilea abia a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 izbutit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se prind{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
ultima clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de o scndur{\f63 \u259\'3f},

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alunecnd pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f} se stabilizeze. Distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 jos era cam de un metru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i optzeci, ns{
\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se spusese
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi imaginez c-ar fi de cincispreze
ce metri: o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}dere
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 care ne-ar fi omort pe amndoi, att pe mine, ct {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Daniel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpotriva a{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor, el se {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de funie.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineam, la rndul meu,
iar de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce funia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 scndura au ajuns s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lipeasc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de marginile
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 e{\f63 \u351\'3f}afodajului, am nceput s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}r ca pe o scar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mi-a fost u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f
63 \u259\'3f} urc peste Daniel, dar am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce mi-a oferit nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o {\f63 \u351\'
3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ndemn s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} bine. Randall, car
e a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse. Avusese picioarele pe punte at
unci cnd o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iasem totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i fusese surprins doar ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i piard{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 echilibrul. Revenindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i iute, acum zgl
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia funiile,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se suie pe planul solid de de
asupra. Era
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mult mai aproape de el, dect eram eu, dar am izbutit n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ultima clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l apuc
de picior {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l mpiedic. L-am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 smucit spre mine. El s-a {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut bine n c
ontinuare de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 punte, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-am lup
tat. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, probabil, n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l dau jos; n schimb, aveam po
sibilitatea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apropii de el. n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am l{\f
63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi cad{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}itul din mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi scot {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}a de la
\par
\plain\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 centur{\f63 \u259\'3f}: o
\plain\tx1416 \tab \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 piatr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ncercare pentru
echilibrul meu.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Postura incomod{\f63 \u259\'3
f} n care se afla Randall mi oferea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-o nfig n inim
{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am profitat de ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Pentru teste, primiser{\f63
\u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e boante, care n-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fost capabile s{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}p
ung{\f63 \u259\'3f} pielea, dar puteau fi folosite
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i conving{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe adversarii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tiam ce facem. {\f63 \u354\'3f}inta mea a fost perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Randall, acceptnd faptul c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ar fi reprezentat o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} fatal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ren
un{\f63 \u355\'3f}at s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe punte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea chin
uitoarea misiune de a-l convinge pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Daniel s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ca{\f63 \u355\'3f}ere, l
a rndul lui. Mi-a luat destul timp,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dar nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun, comportamentul lui era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 potrivit personajului, conform cu modul n care ar fi
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat un moroi cuprins de fric{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. i eram
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu considerase c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 un moroi adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat n-ar fi putut s{\f63
\u259\'3f} se {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} aceast{\
f63 \u259\'3f} provocare au urmat multe altele, dar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 m-am b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut mai departe, f{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}besc ritmul sau s{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} las afectat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de epu
izare. M-am comutat pe modul de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionare n b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63
\u259\'3f}lie, cu toate sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}urile concentrate pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 instinctele primare:\i atac{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ap{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te, ucide.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n timp ce
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mneam acordat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe aceste
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 frecven{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, tot mai era nevoie s{\f63
\u259\'3f} manifest spirit inovator
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} culc pe-o ureche. Altfel, n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} mai fi fost
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reac{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ionez la o surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f} de genul celei cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 puntea. M-am descurcat cu toate, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu
-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntruna,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} alte gnduri dect cel
e legate de ndeplinirea
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 misiunilor din fa{\f63 \u355
\'3f}a mea. Am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 la instructorii mei ca la persoane pe care le cuno{\
f63 \u351\'3f}team.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 I-am tratat ca pe strigoi. N-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
deloc economie de
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 pumni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Iar cnd, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}
it, s-a ncheiat totul, aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nu mi-am dat seama. R{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3
f}sesem pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu acolo,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 la centrul terenului, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ca vreun atacator s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndrepte spre mine. Eram singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ncetul
cu ncetul,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am devenit con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de detaliile lumii nconjur{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imile din tribune ova{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ionnd. C{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva instructori
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i semne aprobat
oare unii altora n timp ce li se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turau spectatorilor. B{\f63 \u259\'
3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ile puternice ale propriei
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 inimi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Abia cnd o zmbitoare Alberta
m-a tras de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}, mi\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se terminase. Testul p
e care-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri963 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem toat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, terminat ntr-o clipit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Haide, mi-a
zis, cuprinzndu-mi umerii cu bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i conducndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre ie
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire. Bea pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i stai jos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, m-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat condus{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea n afara
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 terenului, n jurul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia lumea continu
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aclame {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi strige numele, n spatele nostru,
i-am auzit pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 unii spunnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau nevoi{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia o pauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} repare
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 puntea. Alberta m-a dus napoi spre spa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}iul de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-a mpins cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e p
e o banc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Altcineva s-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine {\f63
\u351\'3f}i mi-a ntins o sticl{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntors privirea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}

zut-o pe mama. Avea pe chip o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 expresie pe care n-o mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem nici
odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}: de mndrie
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 pur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iradiant{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri588 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta a f
ost tot? am ntrebat-o, ntr-un trziu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri86 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-a surprins din nou, cu un hoho
t de rs nepref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u8222\'3f}Asta a fost tot"? m
-a ngnat ea. Rose, ai stat pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 teren timp de aproape o or{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Ai trecut testele n chip
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucit: probabil c-a fost una dintr
e cele mai bune
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 evolu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii din cte a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu
t vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}coala asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2316 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Z{\f63 \u259\
'3f}u? Mie mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1367 \expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 U{\f63 \u351\'3f}or\i0 nu
era tocmai termenul adecvat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri859 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am trecut prin
el ca prin cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, asta-i tot.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mama mi-a strns mna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai fost uluitoar
e. Sunt foarte, foarte mndr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4492 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tientizar
ea acestui fapt m-a izbit atunci cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, dar cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
at, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un zmbet tipic pentru
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mine mi-a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut pe buze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri602 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3
f}i-acum, ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple? am ntrebat-o.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum, devii gardian.
\plain\par
\sl-276\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Fusesem tatu
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} de multe ori, dar niciuna dintre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acele ocazii nu sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}
na cu ceremonia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fastul celei n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care mi-am primit nsemnul jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntului. Pn
{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 primisem semne\i molnija\i0 pentru cei pe care-i uc
isesem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n circumstan{\f63 \u355\'3f}e nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta
te, tragice: luptndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 strigoii din Spokane, sau n cursul atacului asupra {\
f63 \u351\'3f}colii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a misiunii de salvare ulterioare, e
venimente care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aduceau dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ele doliul, nu s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rb{\f63 \u259\'3f}torirea. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 acele omoruri, ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} le cam pierdem
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 socoteala, drept pentru care gardienii me{\f63 \u351
\'3f}teri n tatuaje,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i se str{\
f63 \u259\'3f}duiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} consemneze to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i strigoii uc
i{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}riser{\f
63 \u259\'3f} un semn n form{\f63 \u259\'3f} de stea, ca o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 modalitate fantezist{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a ar{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ta c{\f63 \u259\'3f} li se pierduse
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tatuarea nu este o opera{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ie rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f}, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} este
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vorba despre semne mai mici, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntreag
a mea clas{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 absolven{\f63 \u355\'3f}i trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i primeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} partea. Ceremonia s\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat n ceea ce d
e obicei era sala de mese a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Academiei, o nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere pe care organizato
rii fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 capabili s-o transforme, n chip remarcabil, ntr-o sal{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 la fel de grandioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i de mpodobit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca saloanele de la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Curtea Regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Spectatorii {\f63 \u82
12\'3f} prieteni, rude, gardieni {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpnziser{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea n care A
lberta ne-a strigat pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nume, unul cte unul, citind rezultatele, n timp ce ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apropiam de artistul specializat n tatuaje. Rezultatel
e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 erau importante. Ele aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie date
publicit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mediile generale de pe parc
ursul {\f63 \u351\'3f}colii, ne
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 influen{\f63 \u355\'3f}au reparti{\f63 \u355\'3f}iil
e. Moroii aveau dreptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} solicite
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ca to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardienii lor s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} fi avut o anumit{\f63 \u259\'3f} medie minim{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceruse pe mine, fire{\f63 \u
351\'3f}te, dar nici cele mai bune
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 rezultate din lume n-ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} co
mpenseze toate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bilele mele negre pe partea comportamental{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, adunate
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n dosar.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, la ac
east{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceremonie nu erau prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moroi, cu excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia celor c{\f63 \u355\'
3f}iva invita{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de proaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 absolven{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n calitate de oaspe{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i. n rest, to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei strn{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 acolo erau dhampiri: fie gardieni deja consacra{\f63
\u355\'3f}i, fie pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cale de devenire, cum era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cazul meu
. Oaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii erau
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}eza{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i n spate, iar gardienii veterani, n partea din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Colegii mei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mine am stat tot tim
pul n picioare,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 poate ca un fel de ultim test de rezisten{\f63 \u355
\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu m-a deranjat. mi schimbase
m hainele rupte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 murdare cu o pereche de pantaloni largi {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i un sveter, o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vestimenta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}ic ce p{
\f63 \u259\'3f}stra n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp un aer
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 solemn. Era un eveniment important, fiindc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} atmosfera
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de tensiune, pe toate chipurile
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 citindu-se un amestec de bucurie pentru succesul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nostru, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ngrijorare fa{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de noul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i implacabilul rol
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe care aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l juc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m n lume. Am privit cu ochi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitori cum erau striga{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i prietenii mei, surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 impresionat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de multe dintre rezultat
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Eddie Castile, un prieten ap
ropiat, ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inuse un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 rezultat extrem de bun la proba de protejare a moroi
ului
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de unu-la-unu. Nu mi-am putu
t st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zmbet urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind cum i ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rea specialistul semnul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lui Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ntreb cum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o fi trecut el moroiul peste
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 punte, am murmurat cu glas sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut. Edd
ie e un tip
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 destul de inventiv.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, o a
lt{\f63 \u259\'3f} prieten{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Meredith, m-a privit
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Despre ce t
ot vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti? Tonul ei era la fel de
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Despre cnd
am fost urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe punte cu cte un
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 moroi. Al meu a fost Daniel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri343 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dar ea tot p{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rea nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-am expli
cat.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri228 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u
350\'3f}i au pus un strigoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne atace din ambele p{\f63 \u259\'
3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu am trecut pun
tea, mi-a spus n {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 numai pe mine m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ur
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau. Pe moroiul meu l-am dus
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 printr-un labirint.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 O privire piezi{\f63 \u351\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a unui coleg din apropiere ne-a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncet{\f63 \u259
\'3f}m conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, dar mi-am ascuns
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncruntarea. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu\b f\b0 usesem
singura care trecuse
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin teste ca prin cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Meredith ncurca
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 faptele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Cnd Alberta mi-a strigat nume
le {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 rezultatele mele, am auzit cteva icnete. Punctajul me
u
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 era de departe cel mai mare din clas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. M-am bucurat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu mi-a citit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mediile din {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-ar fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}ters ceva
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din gloria cucerit{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin restul evolu{
\f63 \u355\'3f}iei. Mereu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 descurcasem bine la orele de lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, d
ar la matematic{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sau la istorie... n fine, acestea l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa
ser{\f63 \u259\'3f} un pic de dorit,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai ales de cnd d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem impresia c{\f63
\u259\'3f} tot vin {\f63 \u351\'3f}i plec
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 din {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mi legasem strns p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rul ntr-un coc, iar toate
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele rebele erau pr
inse cu agrafe, astfel nct
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 specialistul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fie stnjenit de nimi
c n munca lui.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 M-am aplecat n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ofer o priveli{\f63 \u351\'3f}te cum trebuie,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am auzit morm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ind
surprins. Cu ceafa mea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acoperit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de semne, avea de furc{\f63
\u259\'3f}. De regul{\f63 \u259\'3f}, noii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardieni i ofereau un cmp de ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune cu
totul liber.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, tipul {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia mes
erie, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it pn{\f63 \u259\
'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} strecoare cu delicate{\f63 \u355\'3
f}e nsemnul jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntului pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mijlocul cefei mele. nsemnul ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta ca u
n S alungit,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntins, avnd capetele buclate. A
rtistul l-a potrivit ntre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 semnele\i molnija,\i0 l{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}sndu-1 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}oare n jurul lo
r
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ca o mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'
3f}are. M-a durut, dar chipul mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 impasibil, refuznd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tresar. Mi-a ar{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tat rezultatul final
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o oglind{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
mi-a acoperit locul cu un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri144 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pansament, pentru ca rana s{\f63
\u259\'3f} se nchid{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} probleme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am
ntors al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de colegii mei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit cum le erau f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ute tatuajele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i celor r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Asta a nsemnat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai stau dou{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ore n picioare, dar nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m-a deranjat. Capul nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se nvrtea, du
p{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate cele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 petrecute azi. Eram gardian. Un gardian adev{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rat, z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u!
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar, odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu acest gnd, au ap{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile. Ce
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai ntmple de-acum? Oare avus
esem
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 rezultate suficient de bune, ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi f
ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}terse
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 consemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile actelor de rea purtare? O
are urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ajung gardianul Lissei? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ce va fi cu
Victor? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4139 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am foit, stingherit{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, izbit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} puterea de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nsemn{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatea ceremoniei de numire drept
gardian. Aici
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu era vorba doar despre Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Vi
ctor. Aici era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vorba despre mine: despre restul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
i mele. {\f63 \u350\'3f}coala se
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 terminase. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai am profesori car
e s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}reasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiecare mi{
\f63 \u351\'3f}care, sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} corecteze cnd
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc. Toate hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rril
e vor c{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea n seama mea, cnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 voi fi n lumea larg{\f63 \u259\'3f}, protejnd pe cineva
. Moroii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vampirii mai tineri m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vor privi ca p
e o autoritate. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 voi mai beneficia de luxul antrenamentelor de lupt{\f
63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 urmate imediat de lncezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n camera me
a. Nu vor
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mai fi ore de clas{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} cu teme precise. Voi fi la datorie tot
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 timpul. Gndul acesta era intimidant, presiunea aproap
e
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prea mare. Mereu pusesem semnul egalit{\f63 \u259\'3f
}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ntre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 absolvire {\f63 \u351\'3f}i libertate. Acum, nu mai e
ram chiar att de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 convins{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Oare ce form{\f63 \u259\'3f
} avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbrace via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea de\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acum ncolo? Cine va lua hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrile? {\f63
\u350\'3f}i cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung la Victor, dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} repartizau drept
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2161 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gardian al altcuiva dect Lissa?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am ntlnit privirea Lissei, n
locul n care st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte a nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p
erii, n rndurile publicului.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ardea de o mndrie la fel de mare ca a mamei mele {\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi-a zmbit larg cnd a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c-o privesc
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}terge-{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i expresia aia de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},\i0 m-a mu

strat ea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura dintre noi.\i N-ar treb
ui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i att de
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 ngrijorat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu azi. Azi trebuie s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tore{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63
\u259\'3f} are dreptate. Eram capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} descurc
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cu ceea ce avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urmeze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Grijile mele, destul de mul
te la num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte o zi... mai ales c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia exuberant{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prietenilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ilor mei m{\f63 \u259\'3f} asigura c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se va l{\f63
\u259\'3f}sa cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 chef. Abe, cu influen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a pe care p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} o exercite
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 oriunde {\f63 \u351\'3f}i oricnd, rezervase o mic{\f63
\u259\'3f} sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 banchete {\f63 \u351\'3f}i organizase n cinstea mea o
petrecere mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 potrivit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru o tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
{\f63 \u259\'3f} prezentat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru prima oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Curtea Regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dect pentru o umil{\f63
\u259\'3f}, nechibzuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} fat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dhampir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 naintea petrecerii, m-am schi
mbat nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Straiele de petrecere, mai frumoase, p{\f63 \u259\'3f
}reau acum mai
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 potrivite dect banala vestime
nta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pentru o ceremonie
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 molnija.\i0 Mi-am pus o rochie petrecut{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, cu mneci
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 scurte, de un verde-smarald, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am
atrnat la gt
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 nazar-ul,\i0 cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se aso
rta. Nazar-ul era un mic
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pandantiv ce sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na cu un ochi, nconju
rat de diferite
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}e de albastru. n Turcia, de unde
provenea Abe, se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 credea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ofer{\f63 \u259\'3f} prote
c{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie purt{\f63 \u259\'3f}torului. El l d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruise
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mamei mele cu ani n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar ea, la rnd
ul ei, mi-l
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse mie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m-am
machiat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am piept{\f63 \u259\'3f}nat p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nclcit, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-1 rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsat

n valuri lungi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntunecate
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 (fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pansamentul de peste tatuaj
nu se asorta\i deloc
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cu rochia), cu greu m-ai fi putut lua drept cineva
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lupte cu mon{\f63 \u351
\'3f}tri, sau chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} administreze
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un pumn. Ba nu... nu era ntru totul adev{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rat, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi-am dat seama n clipa imediat urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}to
are. Studiindu\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n oglind{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am r{\f63
\u259\'3f}mas surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} remarcnd n ochii
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mei c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui privirea aceea bntuit{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Era suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i o pustietate pe care nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car cea mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} rochie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cel
mai reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it machiaj n-ar fi putut
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} n-o iau n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am plecat spre sa
la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru banchete, dnd de Adrian imediat cum am ie{\f63
\u351\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din c{\f63 \u259\'3f}minul meu. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f
63 \u259\'3f} vreun cuvnt, m-a nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-a sufo
cat cu o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutare. M-a prins
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 complet nepreg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ca
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi! Creaturile
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntunericului nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} luau prin surprinde
re, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} un frivol
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 moroi de snge regal, da.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ce
mai s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutare, una care aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentr
u faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat cufundat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n ea. mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem destule griji atunci cn
d ncepusem
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} umblu cu Adrian, dar multe dintre
ele disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruser{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 timpul. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zus
em flirtnd f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ru{\f63 \u351\'3f}ine {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nelund nimic n serios att de mult timp, nu m-a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la u
n asemenea devotament din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 partea lui, n rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noastr{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem nici s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 descop{\f63 \u259\'3f}r c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sentimente
le mele fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de el evoluau... ceea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ce mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea att de contradictoriu,

dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} l iubeam pe Dimitr
i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot n{\f63 \u259\'3f}scoceam planuri
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 imposibile prin care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l salvez.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am izbucnit n rs n clipa n care
Adrian m-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 jos din bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. n apropierea noastr{\f63
\u259\'3f}, c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva moroi mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tineri se opriser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
e priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era ceva prea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit, la vrsta noastr{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, ca un moroi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} umble cu o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dhampir, dar ca o fat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} dhampir cu o asemenea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 notorietate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} umble cu str{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}nepotul reginei? Era prea de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tot; mai ales c{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
lumea {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia ct de mult m{\f63 \u259\'3f} detest{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 regina Tatiana. Fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pu{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ini martori la ultima mea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrevedere cu ea, cnd {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipase la mine, ce
rndu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 stau departe de Adrian, dar pove{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti d
e genul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta ajung
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mereu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndeasc{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V-a pl{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cut spectacolul? i-am ntrebat pe cei c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 curio{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Dndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i seama c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} descoperi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u351\'3f}tanii moroi s-au gr{\f63 \u259\'3f
}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i continue drumul. Eu m\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am ntors spre Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am zmbit. Ce-a
fost asta? l\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am ntrebat. Cam tare scena cu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutul,
cu-atta public!
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f6
3 \u258\'3f}sta, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns pe un ton m{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63
\u355\'3f}, a fost premiul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pentru c{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ai pus c
u botul pe labe la testele alea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pauz{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat: {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a mai fost {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i pentru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i de-a dreptul r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pitor n rochia asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2017 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 I-am aruncat o privire piezi{\
f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Premiu, hm? Iubi
tul lui Meredith i-a adus cercei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3768 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cu diamante.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-a prins de mn{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a ridicat din umeri impasibil,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce porneam mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre petrecer
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vrei diaman
te? {\f63 \u355\'3f}i dau eu diamante. Te scald n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ele. Ce naiba, {\f63 \u355\'3f}i iau o {\f63 \u355\'3
f}inut{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f} numai din diamante.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dar ar fi prea pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in.
\plain\par
3 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, aleg s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru
tarea, am replicat,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nchipuindu-mi-l pe Adrian cum m-ar nve{\f63 \u351\'3f}
mnta ca pe
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 un model pentru costume de baie. Sau ca pe o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dansatoare la bar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Faptul c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} pomenise de bijuterii mi-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 adus brusc n gnd o amintire nedorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}: cn
d Dimitri m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inuse captiv{\f63 \u259\'3f} n Siberi
a, adormindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o stare de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 extatic{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umire cu
mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile lui, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldase n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 bijuterii.
\plain\par
\'3f}tiam eu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti o tip{\f63 \u259\'3f} redutab
il{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a continuat
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Adrian.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri318 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 O
\plain\tx769 \tab \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cald{\f63 \u259\'3f} briz{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de var{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a ciufulit p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul {\f63 \u351\'3f}aten
, pe
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri300 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l di
chisea cu atta migal{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fiecare zi, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259
\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 folosindu-se de mna liber{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ncercat a
bsent s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aranjeze la loc. Dar nu mi-am dat seama {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i ct, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri868 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cnd nu te-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut
acolo, dnd de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt cu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 gardienii.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta
nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii mai dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \

u355\'3f} cu mine? l-am
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 tachinat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Deja sunt d
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f} cu tine, a replicat el, seme{\f63 \u355\'3f}
. Ai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 idee ct de tare mi-e poft{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o {\f63
\u355\'3f}igar{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa asta? Dar,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu! ndur cu b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ie renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}area la nicotin{\f63 \u259\'3f}: totul,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 numai pentru tine. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cred c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce te-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acolo, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu un pic mai prudent pri
n preajma ta. Iar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nebunul {\f63 \u259\'3f}la de taic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-t{
\f63 \u259\'3f}u o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fiu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 precaut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am scos un geam{\f63 \u259\
'3f}t, amintindu-mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Abe
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpreun{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dumnezeule
... Chiar trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pierzi vremea cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4619 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 el?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, dar e
un tip fantastic. Un pic dus cu pluta, dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fantastic. Ne-am n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles de minune, mi-a
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisit
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, deschiznd u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cl{\f63 \u259\'3
f}dirii pe care o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utam. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i e
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 un tip redutabil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el, n felul lui, a
ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cine-ai mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} po
arte e{\f63 \u351\'3f}arfe ca aia? Ar fi fost de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 rsul {\f63 \u351\'3f}colii. Dar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i A
be. Ar fi b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut pe oricine
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aproape la fel de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pe ct l-ai fi cot
onogit tu. De
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 fapt...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri918 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Aici, tonul lui Adrian a deveni
t cam agitat.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 L-am privit surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3363 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De fapt, ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\'3
f}i... Abe mi-a zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i place de mine. Dar mi-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pus n vedere ct se poate de limpede c
e mi-ar face
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai suferi
din cauza mea, sau dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 comite vreo fapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} urt{\f63 \u259\'3f},

mi-a explicat Adrian, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd o
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 grimas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De f
apt, mi-a descris n imagini ct se poate de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 plastice tot ce mi-ar face. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i apoi,
uite-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, a trecut la un
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 subiect oarecare, unul vesel, mi place tipul, dar e
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E total an
apoda! am exclamat, oprindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 salonului n care avea loc petrecerea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Prin u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}, auzeam zumzetul conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei. Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eram printre ultimii sosi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Asta nsemn
a, presupun, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fac o intrare grandioas{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, potrivit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 un oaspete de onoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}El n-are ni
ciun drept s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e iubi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
Am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 optsprezece ani. Sunt adult{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pot s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-mi amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} iubi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Indignarea mea l-a amuzat pe
Adrian, care mi-a
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit un zmbet lene{\f63 \u351\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De acord c
u tine. Dar asta nu nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 iau {\f63 \u8222\'3f}sfatul" n serios. Am o mutr{\f63
\u259\'3f} prea dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 expun riscurilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mutra lui\i era\i0 dr{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar asta nu m-a mpiedicat s{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 clatin din cap, exasperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am ntins mn
a spre clan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dar Adrian m-a tras napoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2792 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\
'3f}teapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 M-a tras din nou n bra{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ele lui, buzele ntlnindu-ni\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se intr-o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rutare fierbinte. Trupul meu s-a lipit
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 strns de al lui, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3

f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pomenesc tulburat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de propriile-mi sentimente {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de con{
\f63 \u351\'3f}tientizarea faptului
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungeam ntr-un punct din care a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreau
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mai mult dect doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ri.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, a
zis Adrian, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, ne-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri577 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 descle{\f63 \u351\'3f}tat din mbr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are.\i Acum\i0 putem s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} intr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Avea acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
ton lejer, dar n ochii lui de un verde\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nchis z{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream v{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ile pasiunii. Nu eram singura care se
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 gndea la mai mult dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ri. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 evitaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discut{\
f63 \u259\'3f}m despre sex, iar el fusese destul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de bun, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pres
eze. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tia, cred, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu eram
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri, dar n astfel de momente
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d exact ct d
e greu i venea lui Adrian s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 se ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Gndul acesta a ndulcit ceva d
in mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ridicndu\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri396 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n vrful picioarel
or, i-am d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta ce-a m
ai fost? m-a ntrebat, cteva secunde
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai trziu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1260 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Premiul\i t{
\f63 \u259\'3f}u,\i0 i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, zmbind.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cnd am intrat, n cele din urm{\f63
\u259\'3f}, toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 salon m-a ntmpinat cu aclama{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu zmbete de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mndrie. Mai demult, rvneam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu n cent
rul aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a aceasta se mai estompase pu{\f
63 \u355\'3f}in cu timpul, dar
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acum mi-am compus o

\plain\tx2830 \tab \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 figur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncrez{\f63 \u259\'
3f}toare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\par
\plain\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acceptat laudele celor dragi,
cu infatuare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu bucurie.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ridicat bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, triumf{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}toare, c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tignd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 multe aplauze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aclama{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Petrecerea mea a trecut apro
ape la fel ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i testele:
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ca prin cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu-{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i dai seama niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u355\'3f}i oameni {\f63
\u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la tine, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu apar cu to{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ii, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ofere sprijinul. Asta
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt umil{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\i aproape\i0
gata s{\f63 \u259\'3f} izbucnesc
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n lacrimi. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i, m-am ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut. Nu prea era cazul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} apuce plnsul la propria petrecere d
e triumf.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea
voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i e
ram
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncntat{\f63
\u259\'3f} ori de cte ori se apropia cineva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de mine. Nu se ntmpla des s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i am ntr-un
singur loc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i oamenii pe care-i iubeam mai m
ult {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-am dat
seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o astfel de ocazie ar
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se mai iveasc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, n s
fr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigat permisul pentru a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ucide. Era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i timpul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am
ntlnit privirea amuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian Ozera, un tip care ntr-o vreme m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}lca pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nervi, dar apoi mi devenise un bun prieten. Att de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bun, nct, n zelul meu provocat de bucurie, m-am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntins spre el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am mbr{\f63 \u259\'3
f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}at: gest la care el, evident,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta. Ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi r
eu{\f63 \u351\'3f}isem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} surprind pe toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 lumea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hopa, hopa,
a exclamat el, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-se napoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nro{\f63 \u351\'3f}indu-se. Ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi!
E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti singura fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} care se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nduio{\f63 \u351\'3f}eaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} la jindul co s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ucid{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nici nu vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gndesc ce se poate ntmpla cnd e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti singur{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, uite c
ine vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Ce-ai mai vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3940 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 locul meu!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian a ridicat din umer
i, aprobndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 regul{\f63 \u259\'3f} standard n lumea noastr{\f63 \u
259\'3f}: gardienii i protejau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe moroi. Moroii nu se implicau n lupte. {\f63 \u350\'
3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} recentele atacuri ale strigoilor
, foarte mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i moroi
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} de{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i nici pe departe majoritatea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ncepuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 argumenteze c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era vremea s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei un pas nainte
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceap{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ajute pe gardieni. Utilizatorii focului,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cum era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian, erau cei mai pr
e{\f63 \u355\'3f}io{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, din moment
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce focul reprezenta una dintre cele mai bune arme cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care puteai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ucizi un strigoi (al{\f
63 \u259\'3f}turi de mplantarea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ei n inim{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i decapitare). Mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}carea de educare a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 moroilor pentru lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} era n prezent {\f
63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n mod
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat {\f63 \u8212\'3f} t{\f63
\u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}nat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de guvernarea mo
roilor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acest fapt nu-i mpiedicase pe unii dintre moroi s{\f63
\u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 antreneze n secret. Christian se num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
a printre ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Aruncnd o privire n spatele lui, am clipit, uimit{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era cineva cu el, o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care n
-o observasem
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai nainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Jill Mastrano se nvrtea ca o u
mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin preajma
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lui. O fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} moroi din anul nti {\f63 \u8
212\'3f} n fine, curnd avea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie n al doilea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse pasul n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, declarnd c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte. De
venise, ntr-un fel, eleva lui
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, Jill, i-am zis, d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruindu-i un zmbet
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}lduros. Mersi pentru c-ai venit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Jill s-a mbujorat la fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apere singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar se fstcea n prezen{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}a altora: mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ales, a {\f63 \u8222\'3f}celebrit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ilor" ca mine. Reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ei emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} bat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cmpii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuia, mi
-a zis, ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul lung,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}aten-deschis, de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ca ntotdeauna, era o ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nclceal{\f63 \u259\'3f} de {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}e ondulate. Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic, a fost att
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de super ce-ai f{\f63 \u259\'
3f}cut! La teste. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 uimit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. L-am auzit pe un gardian spunnd
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a ceva, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, atunci cnd m-a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat Christian dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreau s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} vin,\i normal\i0 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic da. A! a exclamat, n timp ce och
ii ei de un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 verde-deschis se f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau din ce n ce mai
mari. Nici
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1213 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu te-am fe
licitat. Scuze! Felicit{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de ea
, Christian se for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}streze
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 seriozitatea pe chip. Eu nici n-am mai ncercat {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 izbucnind n rs, am mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{
\f63 \u351\'3f}at-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe ea. Eram n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 primejdie de a deveni cordial{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63

\u351\'3f}i duioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dac-o mai {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineam a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a,
se alegea praful de reputa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de gardian dur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mersi, i-a
m r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Voi doi ce face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i deja
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1742 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 gata s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dobor{\f63
\u355\'3f}i o armat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de strigoi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ct de curnd,
m-a informat Christian. Dar s-ar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem nevoie de ajutorul t{\f
63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 El {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia la fe
l de bine ca mine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} strigoii erau mult
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prea puternici pentru cei ca ei. Magia focului utiliz
at{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de el mi fusese de foarte mare ajutor, dar de unul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 singur? Asta ar fi fost o cu totul alt{\f63 \u259\'3f
} poveste. El {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Jill se antrenau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} magia n scopuri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ofensive, iar atunci cnd avusesem timp, ntre ore, i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}asem cteva figuri de
lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1878 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Chipul lui Jill s-a pleo{\f63
\u351\'3f}tit pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri67 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} se termine totul dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece Christian
.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntors privirea spre el. Nu era nicio surpriz{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri346 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} plece. Noi\i to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i\i0 aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pl
ec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri103 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu ce ai
de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci cu via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ta? l-am ntrebat.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ridicnd din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u259\'3f
} merg la Curte cu voi. Tanti Tasha spune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem o {\f63 \u8
222\'3f}discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie" legat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de viitorul meu, a ad{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ugat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd o grimas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Oricare
ar fi fost planurile lui, era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se potriveau cu cele ticlui

te de Tasha. Cei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dintre moroii din familiile
regale se ndreptau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 spre facult{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de elit
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Despre Christian nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam precis
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ce gnduri avea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Practica standard era ca noi
i gardieni, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 absolvire, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
a Curtea Regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} a moroilor pentru
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 instruc{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru
ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inerea reparti{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i peste vreo
dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} zile. Urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rindu-i privirea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lui Christian, am descoprrit-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a lui, care {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Doamne, ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \
u259\'3f}! {\f63 \u8212\'3f} discuta tocmai cu Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tasha Ozera se apropia de tr
eizeci de ani {\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r negru, luc
ios, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aceia{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ochi de un albastru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de ghea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca a lui Chri
stian. Frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei i era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i stricat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o ci
catrice cumplit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe unul dintre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 obraji: rezultat al r{\f63 \u259\'3f}nilor provocate
de n{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lu
i
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Christian. Dimitri fusese transformat n strigoi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mpotriva voin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei sale, ns{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cei doi Ozera aleseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}voie prefacerea, de dragul nemuri
rii. Ironia sor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu vie{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ile lor pentru asta, fiind vna{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardieni. Tasha l crescuse pe Christian (pn{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cnd el
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ajunsese de {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}) {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i era unul dintre principalii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori ai mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rii de sprijinire a moroilor care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 doreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte mpotriva strigoilor.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Cu sau f{\f63 \u259\'3
f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} cicatrice, eu o admiram {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 consideram frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} atitudinea capriciosului
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 meu tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, era limpede c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el avea aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tocmai i turna {\f63 \u351\'3f}ampanie n pahar {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i-i spunea ceva care

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rd{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Tasha s-a aplecat n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i cum i-ar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spune un secret, iar el a rs, la rndul lui, f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn cu gura c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de la o asemenea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtare, era evident c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} flirtau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doamne, Du
mnezeule, am exclamat, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri142 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un frison, ntorcndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} n grab{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mpart{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre un sentiment de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 superioritate fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
stnjeneala mea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i propria sa jen{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la vederea unei femei pe care o privea ca pe o mam{\f
63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 curtat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un tip cu reputa{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ie de gangster. n clipa
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 imediat urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, expresia fe{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ei i s-a ndulcit, n timp
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntorcea capul spre Jill {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i revenea la conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, dar nai nevoie de mine, i-a zis. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i g{\f63 \u259\'
3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pe-aici. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dai seama, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai deja propriul
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u club de super-eroi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am pomenit zmbind din nou, n
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sentimentele
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mele cordiale au fost deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} destr{\
f63 \u259\'3f}mate de un junghi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de gelozie. Nu era a mea, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Era
a Lissei, ajungnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 la mine prin intermediul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii no
astre. Uimit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am rotit privirea n jur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am descoperi
t-o de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 parte a nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perii, fulgerndu-1 pe Christ
ian cu o privire
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ucig{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare n timp l vedea vorbind cu Ji
ll.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 E cazul s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} men{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionez c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christia
n umblaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i Umblaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0
e prea pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in spus. Fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gosti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i profund unu
l de cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fiu,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cam erau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-acum. Din nefericire, even
imente mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 recente aduseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} o anumit{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ncordare n rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lor, iar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Christian o rupsese cu ea. O iubea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pierduse
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ncrederea n ea. Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pierduse contro
lul n timp ce
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} utilizatoare a spiritului, pe n
umele fi Avery
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Lazar, ncercase s-o manipuleze. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la u
rm{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 izbutiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s-o mpiedic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m pe Avery, care n prezent
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era nchis{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o institu{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ie pentru bolnavi psihici, din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cte {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam. Christian cuno{\f63 \u351\'3
f}tea acum motivele care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 duseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} la oribilul comportament al
Lissei, dar r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deja f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. La nceput, Lissa fusese dep
rimat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 necazul ei se transformase acum in mnie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ea sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-a face cu
el,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura dintre noi
o tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}da. Era geloas{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe oricare
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu care vorbea el; {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i, n mod special, pe Jill, cu care
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i petrecuse o mul{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ime de timp n ultima
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 vreme. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u exista nimic de natur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 romantic{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre ei. Jill l idolatriza, co
nsiderndu-1 un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 profesor n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elept, dar nimic mai mult. D
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 picat cineva cu tronc, atunci acela era Adrian, dar e
l o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 trata mereu ca pe o sor{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai mic{\f63
\u259\'3f}. De fapt, cam to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tratam la fel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Christian mi-a urm{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rit privirea, iar expresia i s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndrjit. Dndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
captase aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, Lissa s-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntors imediat cu spatele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a nceput s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} discute cu
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 primul tip care i-a ie{\f63 \
u351\'3f}it in cale, un chipe{\f63 \u351\'3f} dhampir din
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 clasa mea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a pus imediat n func{\f63
\u355\'3f}iune farmecul
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cochet{\f63 \u259\'3f}riei, att de lesne accesibil uti
lizatorilor
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 spiritului, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, foarte curnd, amndoi rdea
u {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sporov{\f63 \u259\'3f}iau ntr-un mod foarte asem{\f63
\u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor celui n care
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 se conversau Abe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Tasha. Petrecerea
mea se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1009 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 transformase ntr-o partid{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de cupl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri rapide.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2016 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian s-a ntors spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1037 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, se p
are c{\f63 \u259\'3f} are destule ocupa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Auzindu-l, mi-am dat ochii peste
cap. Lissa nu era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 singura victim{\f63 \u259\'3f} a ge
loziei. Exact la fel cum se enerva
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ea ori de cte ori l vedea cu alte fete, Christian se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 zbrlea ca un arici cnd vorbea ea cu al{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Dect
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recunoasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau ceva unul pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} trebuiau doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i repare rela{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ia, idio{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia doi nu f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ceau dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} etaleze reciproc tot mai
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} ostilitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai de gnd
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncetezi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerci s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cu ea ca o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ional{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr-o bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} zi? am
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} da, mi-a replicat, cu am{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciune. n z
iua
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n care o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-nceap{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i\i ea\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se comporte ca o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, Doamne.
.. Voi doi m{\f63 \u259\'3f} face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi smulg
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul din cap, nu alta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar fi p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cat de un p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r att de frumos, a zis

\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Christian. n plus, atitudinea ei e mai mult dect
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 evident{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am dat s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} protestez {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun ct de tmpit era,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici prin gnd nui trecea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai z{\f63 \u259\'3f}boveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asculte o predic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care i-o mai {\f6
3 \u355\'3f}inusem deja de cel
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in zece ori.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Haide, Jill
, a zis el. Rose trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntre{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i cu al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i a plecat
repede, n timp ce eu tocmai m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi cazul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}i trag o b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i bage min{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ile-n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cap, cnd s-a auzit o voce.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri761 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd ai de gnd s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} rezolvi problema asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era Tasha, care se oprise lng{\f63
\u259\'3f} mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tina din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri522 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cap urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rindu-l pe
Christian cum se ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei doi tre
buie neap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie din nou mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, a
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu asta. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i tu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii asta. Dar lor pare s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nu le
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin minte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, ar
trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ocupi tu, mi-a zis. n cazul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n care Christian se hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}te s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece la o facultate din
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt cap{\f63 \u259\'3f} al {\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie prea trziu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it o n
uan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} seac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i exasperat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vocea ei, in timp ce vorbea despre plecarea lui Chri
stian
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 la facultate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Lehigh, o universitate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 situat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproape de Curte, ca urmare a
unei n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncheiate cu Tatiana. Prietena mea avea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} frecventeze
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cursurile unei universit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i mai importante dect cele la
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 care se duceau de obicei moroii, n schimbul
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 promisiunii c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
va petrece o parte din timp la Curte,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 deprinznd tainele activit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ii regale.
\plain\par
0\'3f}tiu, am replicat, exasperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar de ce trebuie s-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3891 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 rezolv e\i u!?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2954 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tasha mi-a zmbit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti singura ndeajuns de conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2479 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i readuci la
ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} las s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} neobservat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} insolen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Tashei, n principal pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, vorbind
cu mine,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai vorbea cu Abe. Aruncnd
o privire
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte a nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
perii, am ncremenit deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. El
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vorbea acum cu\i mama mea.\i0 Frnturi din conversa{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lor
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi-au ajuns la urechi, peste tot acel zgomot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Janine, toc
mai zicea el, pe un ton de cuceritor, n\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ai mb{\f63 \u259\'3f}trnit nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car c
u o zi. Ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treci drept
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sora lui Rose. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-aduci aminte de noap
tea aia, n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3756 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Cappadocia?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mama chiar a chicotit. Nu o
mai auzisem niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. {\f63 \u350\'
3f}i am ajuns la concluzia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici nu mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mai fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} da. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mi-aduc aminte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ct de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor erai s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, cnd mi s-a rupt breteaua de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 la rochie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1198 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doamne, sfint
e, am zis. E de neoprit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tasha a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o m
utr{\f63 \u259\'3f} nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar numai pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1897 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cnd a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut despre
cine vorbeam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1013 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cine, Abe? E
chiar fermec{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, de fapt.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 I-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns printr-un geam{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}t.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri2995 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Scuz{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am ndreptat spre locul n care st{
\f63 \u259\'3f}teau p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mei. Acceptasem ideea c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} odinioar{\f63 \u259\'3f} existase o poveste
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de dragoste ntre ei {\f63 \u8212\'3f} una care dusese
la conceperea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mea {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, dar asta nu nsemna c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i privesc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 retr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ind-o. Povesteau despre nu {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiu ce plimbare pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 plaj{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnd am ajuns la ei. L-am tras i
mediat de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Abe. St{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea mult prea aproape de ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri344 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, pot s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vorbesc ceva cu tine? l-am ntrebat.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 S-a ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat surprins, dar a ridicat di
n umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur, a accepta
t, adresndu-i mamei un zmbet
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2020 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Discu
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mai trziu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nicio feme
ie nu poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe-ai
ci?
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 l-am luat la rost, n timp ce-l duceam mai ncolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2415 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Despre ce tot
vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1689 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am oprit lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
vasul cu punci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri262 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V{\f63 \u259\'
3f}d c{\f63 \u259\'3f} flirtezi cu toate femeile din camera asta!
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mustrarea mea nu l-a descump{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit ctu{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\'3f
}i, sunt att de multe femei ncnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare aici...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1560 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Despre asta voiai s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cu mine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! Voiam s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc despre faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri763 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at iubitul.
N-ai niciun drept s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri741 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Sprncenele lui ntunecate s-au rid
icat brusc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce, asta era? O
nimica toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nimic altceva dect
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2262 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 grija unui tat{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fiica lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Majoritate
a ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor nu-i amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe iubi{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ii felelor
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le scot ma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e
adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n orice caz, nu asta i-am zis.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Altceva, mult mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri671 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am oftat. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ncnte exasperarea mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Consider{\f63 \u
259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost un cadou pentru absolvire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Sunt mndru de tine. Toat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} lumea {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 grozav{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nimeni nu s-a gndit c-o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fii\i att\i0 de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 grozav{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a explicat, f{\f63 \u259\'
3f}cndu-mi cu ochiul. n mod
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri691 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sigur, nu s-au a{\f63 \u351\'3f}t
eptat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le distrugi proprietatea.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2907 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care propriet
ate?
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Puntea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3213 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 M-am ncruntat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuia s-o fac.
Era metoda cea mai eficient{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Doamne, dar afurisit{\f63 \u259\'3
f} prob{\f63 \u259\'3f} a mai fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aia! Ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 absolven{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ce-au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
? Doar nu s-au luptat n mijlocul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3331 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 chestiei {\f63 \u259\'3f}leia, n
u?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Abe a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tin
at din cap, savurndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i peste m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 superioritatea cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3
f}elor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri217 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimeni altcine
va n-a mai fost pus n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia aia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba sigur c-au f
ost. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i am avut de trecut acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4420 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 teste.
\plain\par
351\'3f}i tu. Cnd au pus la cale testele, gardienii au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu ai nevoie d
e ceva... suplimentar. De ceva
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 special, n definitiv, tu ai luptat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
lumea real{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4517 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Volumul vocii mele a atras aten{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ctorva persoane.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 L-am mai cobort, n timp ce-mi revenea
u n minte
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cuvintele de mai devreme ale lui Meredith.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3020 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu-i
cinstit!
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li286 \ri2505 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Abe nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rea preocupat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Le e{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ti superioar{\f63 \u259\'3f} celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. N-ar fi fost cinsti
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2378 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i dea de trecut
probe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mai ntlnisem o mul{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ime de lucruri ridicole n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mea, dar {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta le ntrecea pe toate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}adar, m-au pus s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aiureala aia cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 puntea, n schimb? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'
3f} i-am surprins c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat-o,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atunci ce naiba s-ar fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fac? Cum altfel ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1760 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} suprav
ie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uiesc la faza aia?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hmm, a mor
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}it, mngindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbia cu un gest
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 absent. Sincer s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, nu cred c{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri194 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, pentru num
ele lui Dumnezeu! E de necrezut.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar de ce te enervezi a{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a? Ai trecut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m-au pus ntr-o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie din care nici
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car ei nu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiau cum s-ar putea ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, i-am explicat,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aruncndu-i o privire b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuitoare. {\f63
\u350\'3f}i tu de unde {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 despre asta? Sunt probleme de-ale gardienilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 O expresie care nu-mi pl{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cea ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in i-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 traversat chipul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri961 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}i, eram cu maic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ta azi-noapte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hopa, OK. Opre{\
f63 \u351\'3f}te-te, bine? l-am ntrerupt. Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tiu ce-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut tu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mam
a azi-noapte. Cred
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e ceva mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u dect
cu puntea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3110 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Abe mi-a zmbit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ambele {\f63 \u3
55\'3f}in de trecut, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu trebuie s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mai

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1584 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 faci griji acum. Savureaz{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i succesul.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerc. Iar tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi mai faci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
alte servicii
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Adrian, b
ine? Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai venit
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sus{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ii, dar e mai mult dect suficient.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Abe mi-a adresat o privire
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ireat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, amintindu-mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n spatele acelei fanfaronade era, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'
3f}r, un tip
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 viclean {\f63 \u351\'3f}i primejdios.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai fost mai
mult dect bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd m-am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 oferit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fac un ser
viciu, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntoarcerea ta din
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Rusia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 M-am strmbat. Avea dreptate,
dat fiind faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
\plain\expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 chiar\i0 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} strecoare un mesaj ntr-o nchisoare de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 maxim{\f63 \u259\'3f} securitate. Chiar dac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} asta nu ne dusese
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri, tot puncta la impresia gene
ral{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, am admi
s. A fost ceva destul de ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 comun. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunt recuno
sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Nici acum nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cum ai tras sforile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca u
n vis pe care {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-l aminte{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti a doua zi,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi-a revenit n minte gndul care-mi ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru
se imediat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2615 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 naintea altora. Am {\f63 \u351\'3
f}optit:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1796 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar n-ai fos
t acolo, nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} nu, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, pufnind. Nici n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 putea ntr-un loc ca {\f63 \u259\'3f}
la. Pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, mi-am pus
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 re{\f63 \u355\'3f}eaua n mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar\i unde
\i0 e chestia aia? l-am ntrebat, spernd ca
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 tonul meu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f} indi
ferent. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu s-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat p{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}lit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2865 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce vrei s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii?
\plain\par
259\'3f} sunt curioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}! Criminalii condamna{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dispar mereu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f
63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu sunt de-acum gardian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 toate astea, nu cunosc nici
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car o iot{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre sistemul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nchisorilor noastre. Exist{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} nchisoare? Sunt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4081 \expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mezi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Abe nu mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3
f}spuns imediat. n schimb, m-a studiat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 precaut. n afacerile lui, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuia pe ori
cine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar putea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea motive ascunse. Iar eu, ca fiic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
a lui, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 eram de dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori suspect{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Chestie de gene.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Trebuie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi
-a subestimat poten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iala nebunie,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1770 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63
\u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Exist{\f63
\u259\'3f} mai multe. Victor e ntr-una dintre cele mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 rele. E numit{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tarasov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3499 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\
'3f}i unde e?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n prezent? m-a ntr
ebat, gndindu-se pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in. n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3409 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Alaska, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} crede.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2225 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum adic{\f63
\u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u8222\'3f}n prezent"?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Este mutat pe pa
rcursul anului. n prezent, e n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1346 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Alaska. Mai trziu, o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fie n Argentina.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a adresat un zmbet viclean
, dndu-mi impresia
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntreab{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct sunt de
perspicace.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2601 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ghice{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ti de ce e a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1491 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, eu... ia
stai! Lumina soarelui!
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Da, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a era perfect logic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Alaska are, n per
ioada asta a anului, lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aproape nonstop... iarna, n schimb,
e noapte nonstop
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fo
st mai mndru de deduc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea, dect de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rezultatul ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut la teste.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Orica
re prizonier care ar ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evadeze ar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 avea mari probleme, a confirmat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Intr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, n
plin soare, niciun moroi fugar nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} depart
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar putea cineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evadeze, c
u un
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 asemenea nivel al securit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ii, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu iau n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u prevestitor
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 suna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, nse
amn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au plasat-o destul de departe,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spre nord, n Alaska, am zis, spernd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
ot smulge
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 indirect informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia despre pozi{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, ar fi
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumin{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3349 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Abe a chicotit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}car eu nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spun una ca asta. E o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pe care
gardienii o p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} strict secret{\f63 \u259\'3f
},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ngropat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la sediul lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2504 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am ncremenit.\i Sediul...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar Abe, cu obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nu
itul lui spirit de observa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi-a sesizat reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
. Ochii lui urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau ceva n alt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 parte a nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cea de-acol
o nu e cumva Renee Szelsky? M{\f63 \u259\'3f}i,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri842 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}i..." s-a f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut ncnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, ce trece timpul...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 I-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s
emn, moroc{\f63 \u259\'3f}noas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} plece, n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}resc mai bine
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n minte noul plan... dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} Renee nu se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 num{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra printre cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele mele apropiate, drept
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru care gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el ar putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} se ia de ea mi se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ceva mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in ng
rozitor.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-293 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \b \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\
b0 Bine\b ,\b0 bine, nu am de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te mpiedic. Du-te {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1770 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ademene{\f63 \u351\'3f}te {\f63
\u351\'3f}i alte femei n plasa ta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Abe nu mai avea nevoie de im
bolduri suplimetare.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-am l{
\f63 \u259\'3f}sat creierul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} proceseze,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntrebndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} planul
meu fantasmagoric, aflat n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezvoltare, avea {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i vreo {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} de reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\
'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele lui aduseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} scnteia care-mi
aprinsese n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 minte un nou plan. Nu era mai nebunesc dect multe
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 dintre cele precedente. Traversnd nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}per
ea cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privirea, am ntlnit din nou ochii ca de jad ai Lissei.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd din raza ei vizual{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia i se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mbun{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ise. Se distra {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era entuziasmat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de aventurile
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care ne st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, acum fiind libere s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pornim prin
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lumea larg{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mintea mi-a zburat napoi
la nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tile pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care le resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}isem ast{\f63 \u259\'3f
}zi, mai devreme. E drept c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 noi libere acum, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} realitatea avea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne prind{\f63 \u259\'3f} curnd
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ceasul tic{\f63 \u259\'3f}i
a nainte. Dimitri a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ur\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea. Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f},
m-am ntrebat dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-acum
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncolo, plecnd din {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai primesc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnal
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 scrisori de la el. I-am zmbit Lissei, sim{\f63 \u355\'
3f}indu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prost la gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i voi strica dispozi{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cnd i voi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 spune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} avem acum o {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} real{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a-l
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 scoate pe Victor Dashkov din nchisoare.
\plain\par
\sl-138\fs14\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\pard\pard\sl-400 \li3 \ri2085 \fi2345 \expn
dtw-30 \b \f20 \fs40 TREI
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \b \f20 \fs24 URM{\f63 \u258\'3f
}TOARELE DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f} ZILE\b0 au fost ciudate. E
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 drept c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i novici avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m parte de cea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mai sclipitoare absolvire, dar nu numai noi ne ncheia
m
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 studiile la Sf. Vladimir. Moroii avuseser{\f63 \u259
\'3f} la rndul lor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceremonia de acordare a diplomelor, iar campusul se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 umpluse ochi de vizitatori. Apoi, la fel de repede p
e ct
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruser{\f63 \u259\'3f}... lundu-{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i cu ei fiii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fiicele. Moroii din familiile regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
lecaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 petreac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vara mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lor, n re{\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\
'3f}e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 luxoase: multe dintre ele, situate n emisfera sudic{\f
63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 unde zilele erau mai scurte n aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
perioad{\f63 \u259\'3f} a anului
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i moroii {\f63 \u8222\'3f}obi{\f63 \
u351\'3f}nui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i" plecau mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lor,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 spre locuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e mult mai modeste; poate
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ia
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cte un serviciu pe durata verii, pn{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceap{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 facultatea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}l, fire{\f63
\u351\'3f}te, din moment ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}coala se nchidea pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 timpul verii, plecau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i elevi. Unii care nu aveau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 familii ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece acas{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, dhampiri de obicei, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mneau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n continuare, participnd la cursuri speciale, ns{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 reprezentau minoritatea. Campusul se golea de la o z
i la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alta, n timp ce eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i colegii mei a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}teptam ziua n care
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim du{\f63 \u351\'3f}i la C
urtea regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ne luaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bun de la ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, de la moroii care
plecau, sau de la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dhampirii mai mici ca vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f}, care aveau
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne calce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 curnd pe urme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 O persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
e care-mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} despart era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Jill. ntmplarea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dau peste ea n timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 duceam spre caminul Lissei, n
preziua c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}toriei mele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spre Curte. mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
u Jill era o femeie, probabil
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mama ei, ambele c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd tot felul de cuti
i. Jill s-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 luminat la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd m-a
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut.
\plain\par
259\'3f}, Rose! Mi-am luat r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas-bun de la toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lumea, numai pe tine n-am putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc! mi-a zis,
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, i
-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, zmbind, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a
i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 prins acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}i spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu fusesem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi iau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas-bun. mi petrecusem cea din urm{\f
63 \u259\'3f} zi la Sf.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vladimir plimbndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin toate locuril
e familiare,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncepnd din campusul elementar, unde o cunoscusem
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pe Lissa, pe cnd eram amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f} la gr{\f63
\u259\'3f}dini{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Explorasem coridoarele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i col{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}oarele internatelor n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tusem, trecusem pe lng{\f63 \u
259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lile mele de clas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 preferate, vizitasem pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i biserica. mi mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 petrecusem o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
timp {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n zone cu amintiri
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dulci-amare, cum erau terenurile de antrenament,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 locurile unde l cunoscusem pe Dimitri. Pista pe care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} alerg multe tururi. Baraca n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, ne d{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui
ser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m unul celuilalt. Fusese una
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dintre cele mai formidabile nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din
via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 gndul la ea mi aducea mereu att bucurie, ct {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pe Ji
ll nu era cazul s-o mpov{\f63 \u259\'3f}rez cu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceva. M-am ntors spre mama ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am nt
ins mna,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dar mi-am dat seama imediat c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avea cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 strng{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u355\'3f}innd {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i cutia n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu sunt Ro
se Hathaway, m-am prezentat. Ia, da{\f63 \u355\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi mie asta s-o car.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i i-am luat
cutia din bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e nainte ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri858 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 protesteze, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} eram sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta va face.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mul{\f63 \u
355\'3f}umesc, mi-a zis, pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 potrivit pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii cu ai lor, n timp ce-{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i reluau drumul. Eu

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sunt Emily Masdrano, s-a prezentat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
ea. Jill mi-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 povestit o mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de lucruri despre
tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, da? am nt
rebat-o pe Jill, cu un zmbet
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}galnic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, nu chia
r att de multe. Doar cum mai stau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cteodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu tine, s-a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rat Jill. n ochii ei verzi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream un u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or aver
tisment, care m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Emily, probabil, nu {\f63
\u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fata ei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 practica, n timpul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u liber, forme in
terzise ale magiei,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 antrenndu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} omoare strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ne place s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Jill cu noi, am zis, evitnd s-o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dau de gol. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ntr-o zi, o s-o nv{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mblnzeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul {\f63
\u259\'3f}sta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2607 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Emily a izbucnit n rs.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu tot ncerc de a
proape cincisprezece ani. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3150 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, v{\f63 \u259\
'3f} doresc noroc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Mama lui Jill era uimitoare.
Ele dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu prea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}nau, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in nu
la prima vedere. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul lucios al
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lui Emily era drept {\f63 \u351\'3f}i negru, ochii de
un albastru
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 profund {\f63 \u351\'3f}i genele lungi. Se mi{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a la fel de gra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca o
\par
\plain\pard\sl-238 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trestie, ceva foarte diferit
de mersul mereu timid al lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Jill. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i, remarcam unele gene comune, pe ici, pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 colo, cum ar fi fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele n form{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, conturul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 buzelor. Jill era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tn{\f63 \u259\'3f
}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 maturizeze tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile
, foarte probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ea ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i o r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}pitoare de inimi: lucru pe care, probabil,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu-l {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia n clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tot ceea ce speram era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dezvolte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncrederea n sine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1778 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Voi unde sta{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i? le-am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri595 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n Detroit, mi-a
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Jill, strmbndu-se.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, nu e chiar a
tt de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, a replicat mama ei,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4241 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 rznd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri985 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acolo nu sunt
mun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Numai autostr{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu sunt ntr-o com
panie de balet de-acolo, mi-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 explicat Emily. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u351\'3f}i noi unde pot s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tesc
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 facturile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai m
ult m{\f63 \u259\'3f} surprindea faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mergea la spectacole de balet n Detroit, dect c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} Emily
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 era balerin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rea normal acum, privind-o; {\f63 \u351\'3f}i z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, avnd constitu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ac
eea nalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i supl{\f63 \u259\'3f}, moroii erau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dansatorii ideali, din punctul de vedere al oamenilor
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, dar e
un ora{\f63 \u351\'3f} mare, i-am zis eu lui Jill.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Bucur{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te de agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
ct po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ntorci n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pustietatea asta plicticoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, desp
re antrenamentele de lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} ilegale {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 despre atacurile strigoilor nu puteai s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} spui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plicticoase, dar voiam s-o fa
c pe Jill s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se simt{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai

\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 bine.
\plain\par
\'3f}i, oricum, n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dureze chiar att de mult, am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat. Vacan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele de v
ar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ale moroilor {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineau abia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} luni. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ii erau ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i readuc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 odraslele la ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}postul sigur al Acade
miei.
\plain\par
1\'3f}a cred, a zis Jill, dar p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd neconvins{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ajungnd la automobilul lor, le-am nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rca
t cutiile n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 portbagaj.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i trimit cte un mail cnd o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot, i-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 promis. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i pun pariu c-o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i scrie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian. Poate-l
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 conving {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Jill s-a luminat la fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am bucurat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\
f63 \u259\'3f}d c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 revine la starea ei normal{\f63 \u259\'3f} de suresc
itare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri176 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar? Ar fi gro
zav. Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu tot ce se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri583 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 la Curte. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} o s-ajungi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci tot felul de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri371 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 chestii super mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cu Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Adrian, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sunt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri753 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} descopere tot felul de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 chestii... despre chestii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Emily nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru
se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} observe stngacea tentativ{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri148 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 corectare a lui Jill; m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} privea fix, cu un zmbet dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mersi pentr
u ajutor, Rose. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-am
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cunoscut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3421 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'
3f}i eu... uff!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri223 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Jill se azvrlise deja asupra mea
, mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mult noroc cu to

ate, mi-a zis. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 norocoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}...o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ai o via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de grozav{\f63 \u259\'3f
} de-acum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4258 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ncolo!
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 I-am ntors mbr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area, neputnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i explic
ct de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 geloas{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram pe ea.
Via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei era, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 inocent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
displ{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i petreac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} o var{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Detroit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}ederea avea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} fie scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ct de curnd avea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n familiara
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i comoda lume de la Sf.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vladimir. Nu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se arunce n n necun
oscut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 primejdiile acestuia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Abia dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
automobilul cu ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mama ei se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri408 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtase, am
reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund la remarca ei.
\plain\par
1\'3f}a sper, am murmurat, gndindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ce avea
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a sper.
\plain\par
\sl-276\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i colegii mei de clas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i cu elita
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 moroilor, am decolat a doua zi, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd n
urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} mun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 stnco{\f63 \u351\'3f}i din Montana n favoarea dealuril
or v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lurite din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Pennsylvania.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Curtea Regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}
era n mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum mi-o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aminteam, dnd aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i senza{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ie impun{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}vechi, pe care {\f63 \u259\'3f}nce
rca s-o dea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sf. Vladimir, cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirile sale seme{\f63 \u355\'3f}e d
in piatr{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i complexitatea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 arhitecturii. Dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}coala d{\f63 \u259\
'3f}dea impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 degaje un aer de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elepciune, de studi
u srguincios, n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 timp ce Curtea era mult mai ostentativ{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Era ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirile nsele ar fi ncercat s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} se asigure c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ce era acolo: loca{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ul puterii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al regalit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pri
ntre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moroi. Curtea Regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} voia s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fim uimi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, poate, un
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pic intimida{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, chi
ar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fusesem acolo, tot eram
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 impresionat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. U{\f63
\u351\'3f}ile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ferestrele cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirilor din piatr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cafenie erau d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ltuite {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i ncadrate cu decora{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni din aur
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 curat. Erau foarte departe de str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luci
rea pe care o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem n Rusia, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum
mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 proiectan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mo
delaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirile acestea dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cele vechi europene: fort{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i palatele din Sankt
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Petersburg. Sf. Vladimir avea b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nci {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i poteci n cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 sale interioare, dar Curtea mergea cu un pas mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 departe. Fntni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i statui mig{\f63 \u259
\'3f}los sculptate, nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}nd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti domnitori, mpodobeau peluzele, mi
nunate opere
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 din marmur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ascunse alt{\f63 \u259\'
3f}dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n z{\f63 \u259\'3f}pad{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Acum, n plin{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 perioad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de na{\f63 \u351\'3f}tere a v
erii, erau str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 evidente. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, pretutindeni, pretutinde
ni, flori n copaci,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prin tufi{\f63 \u351\'3f}uri, pe alei... era de-a dr
eptul orbitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Era logic ca noii absolven{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} viziteze administra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 central{\f63 \u259\'3f} a gardienilor, ns{\f63 \u259\
'3f} acum mi trecea prin minte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un alt mo
tiv pentru care-i aduceau aici,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vara, pe noii gardieni. Voiau ca noi s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} vedem toate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acestea, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}im c
ople{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aprec

iem toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 splendoarea aceea pentru care luptam. Privind chipur
ile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noilor absolven{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, mi-am dat seama c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} tactica d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 roade. Cei mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dintre ei nu mai
fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pe-acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adri
an fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i avion cu mine,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-am strns tust
rei laolalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp ce mergeam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu grupul. Era la fel de cald p
e ct fusese n
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Montana, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} um
iditatea de-aici era mult mai dens{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Transpirasem deja, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o mic{\f63 \u
259\'3f} plimbare u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
4\'3f}i-ai\i luat\i0 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o rochie de data asta, da? m-a ntrebat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Normal, i-a
m r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Sunt unele chestii mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 simandicoase la care vor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ducem,
n afara recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 principale. De{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, e posibil ca pentru
asta s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 uniforma alb-negru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 L-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd din cap {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mna
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 i {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
spre buzunar, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie un p
ic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 apoi, se retrage la loc. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cea el progrese n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rii la fumat, dar eram destul de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} imboldul in
con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient de a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}uta automat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pachetul de {\f63 \u355\'3f}ig{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri cnd s
e afla aer liber era ceva de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri259 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care-i venea greu s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} se descotorosesc{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de repede.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri587 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} refeream pentru disear{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pentru cin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 I-am aruncat Lissei o privire ntr
eb{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Programul

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ei la Curte cuprindea ntotdeauna div
erse activit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care nu participau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u8222\'3
f}persoanele obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuite". Cu noul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nesigurul meu statut, nu eram sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cu ea. I\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it, prin intermediul leg{\f63
\u259\'3f}turii, ncurc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea n
-avea habar despre vreun plan
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 special pentru cin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2264 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care cin{\f63
\u259\'3f}? l-am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri537 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cea pe care am
pus-o la cale cu familia mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cea pe care...
M-am oprit brusc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am holbat la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 el, nepl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-mi abso
lut deloc zmbetul superior de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pe chipul lui. Adrian! am exclamat. C{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
va dintre
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 proaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii abs
olven{\f63 \u355\'3f}i au ndreptat spre mine priviri
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 curioase, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au continuat drumul
pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, haide,
doar suntem mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 luni. ntlnirile cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ii fac parte din ritualul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gosti{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor. Eu am cu
noscut-o pe mama ta. L-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cunoscut pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe nfric
o{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul de taic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-t{\f63 \u259\'3f}
u. Acum, e
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rndul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i garantez c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimeni din familia mea n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri130 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sugestii de g
enul celor pe care le-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut taic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-t{\f63 \u259\'
3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 De fapt, l cam ntlnisem odat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} pe tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l lui Adrian.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Sau, n fine, l z{\f63 \u259\'3f}risem la o petrecere.
M{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 avea habar cine eram... dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \
u259\'3f}sam deoparte reputa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mea de nebun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iar despre mama lui Adr
ian nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aproape nimic. El, de fapt, vorbea foarte pu{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}in despre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 membrii familiei lui... n fine, despre majoritatea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-8 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar\i0
cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i? m-am interesat,
precaut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1392 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 e vreo rud{\f63 \u259\'3f} despr
e care ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3960 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259
\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mna lui Adrian a zvcnit din nou. Cr
ed c{\f63 \u259\'3f} de data
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 asta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea o {\f6
3 \u355\'3f}igar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca un soi de protec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie fa{\f63 \
u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nota
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de avertisment din vocea mea. Lissa, dup{\f63 \u259\'
3f} cum am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri415 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 observat, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ex
trem de amuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de toate acestea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E posibil
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe-acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i str{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mea
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 preferat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tatiana? am
strigat eu. Pentru a suta oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrebam cum de se brodise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cu un
tip nrudit cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea ntregii lumi a moroilor.
Dar ea m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ur{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}te! am exclamat. {\
f63 \u350\'3f}tii doar ce s-a ntmplat ultima
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd ne-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Maiestatea sa regal{\
f63 \u259\'3f} se n{\f63 \u259\'3f}pustise asupra mea, urlnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram mult prea nensemnat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} valoare ca s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ag{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f} de nepotul ei {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea avea {\f63 \u8222\'3f}planuri" m{\f63 \u259\'
3f}re{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 privitoare la el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1923 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu cred c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} s-a dat pe brazd{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei,\i nu\i0 mai spune.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, serios, a in

sistat el, aproape dndu-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} spune ad
ev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul. Am vorbit cu mama
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 alalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i... nu {\
f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a Tatiana nu pare s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} te mai
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 urasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} att.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri550 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 M-am ncruntat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
ne-am reluat drumul tustrei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a admirat recentele realiz{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri pe cont
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1695 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 propriu, a cugetat cu voce tare
Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate, am z
is. Dar n realitate nu credeam. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vagabondajul meu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} vreun efect n ochii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reginei, atunci acela era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai demn{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63
\u355\'3f}eam oarecum tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cauz{\f63 \u259\
'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rise cu cina asta pe capul meu, dar
acum nu mai era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nimic de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. Singura parte bun{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} era impresia mea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doar voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nec{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}jeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} spunnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e posibil s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe-acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\
f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a lui. I-am spus c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg, iar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea mea i-a conferit o stare de sp
irit suficient de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 favorabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu pu
n{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea multe ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri atunci
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa l-am anun{\f63 \u355\'3
f}at c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne vedem
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}de-ale noastre" n dup{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-amiaza aceea. Colegii mei de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 clas{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergeau to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntrun tur al Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, al terenurilor ei,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca parte a ndoctrin{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii lor, ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} eu v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem deja totul,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} fofilez f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\
f63 \u259\'3f} probleme. Ne-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f} lucrurile n camerele noastre, d

up{\f63 \u259\'3f} care am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pornit spre partea cea mai ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} a Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, unde
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lociau persoanele nu-chiar-att-de-rege{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd ai de gnd
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spui care ar fi\i cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 parte a planului t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u? m-a ntrebat Liss
a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cnd mi ex
plicase Abe cum era cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nchisoarea lui Victor, mi alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuisem o n
ou{\f63 \u259\'3f} list{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mental{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu problemele c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rora trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t. n principal, erau dou{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, adic{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar cu una mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de cte avusesem nainte de dicu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cu Abe.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sarcina mi-ar fi devenit cu adev
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat mult mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n primul rnd, hab
ar n-aveam\i unde\i0 anume n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Alaska s-ar fi aflat nchisoarea aceea. Pe urm{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cum ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta sistemul de paz{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuirea nchisorii.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Habar n-aveam nici cum ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta locul n ca
re trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m buzna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i, ceva mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate aceste r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spun
suri
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 puteau fi g{\f63 \u259\'3f}site ntr-o unic{\f63 \u259
\'3f} surs{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ceea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n realitate, aveam doar o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} prob
lem{\f63 \u259\'3f} imediat{\f63 \u259\'3f}:
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung la acea surs{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. Din fericire, cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cineva care poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost n m{\f
63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ajute s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ajungem acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mergem s-o
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe Mia, am anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at-o pe
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mia Rinaldi era moroi {\f63
\u351\'3f}i o fost{\f63 \u259\'3f} coleg{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-a noastr{\f63 \u259
\'3f};
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de fapt, o fost{\f63 \u259\'3f} du{\f63 \u351\'3f}man
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mai era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prototipul
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 copilului care cunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}te transform{\f63
\u259\'3f}ri totale ale
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 personalit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Trecuse de la ipostaza de trf{\f63 \u259\'3f} intrigant{\f63 \u
259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dispus{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} se cupleze {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se culce
{\f63 \u8212\'3f} cu oricine, n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 goana ei dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} popularitate, la cea de
fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu picioarele
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt, ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare n pr
opriile-i puteri,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}e cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se apere pe sine, dar {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, de strigoi. Locuia aici, la Cu
rte, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Crezi c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} Mia {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trun
zi ntr-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3888 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mia e tare,
dar nu chiar ntr-att. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, probabil
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-ar putea ajuta s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inem informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2583 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a scos un geam{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai folosit termenul de\i informa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea chiar
se transform{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-un film cu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 spioni, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Tonul i era lejer, dar i sim{\
f63 \u355\'3f}eam ngrijorarea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 interioar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. U{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}a tonului i masca teama, stinghereala
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe care nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea n
leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu eliberarea lui
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Victor, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} promisiunea pe care
mi-o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Aceste persoane f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} snge regal, care munceau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ndeletniceau cu treburile obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuite la
Curte, locuiau n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apartamente situate departe de re{\f63 \u351\'3f}edin
{\f63 \u355\'3f}a reginei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 salonul pentru recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. F{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cusem rost dinainte de adresa
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Miei, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-am a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ternut acum la drum peste
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 peluzele perfect tunse, bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nind una
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tre cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mers despre canicul{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am g{\f63 \u259\
'3f}sit-o acas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 neprotocolar, n blugi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntr-un tricou,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu o nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pe b{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u
355\'3f} n mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ochii mari cnd ne-a v{\f63 \u
259\'3f}zut n
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1571 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu a naibii, a exclamat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am izbucnit n rs. Era genul de rea
c{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pe care l-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3826 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fi avut {\f63 \u355\'3f}i eu.
\plain\par
f}i noi ne bucur{\f63 \u259\'3f}m c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te vedem. Putem s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} intr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Normal! a r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spuns, dndu-se ntr-o parte. Vre{\f63 \u355\'3f}i o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3983 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba bine c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu! Am luat una de grepfrut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Lissa, n micul living. Era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 foarte departe de opulen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a saloanelor
pentru oaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 regali, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era confortabil {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i curat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiesc,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 foarte ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}git de Mia {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i de tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l ei.
\plain\par
\'3f}tiam c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} absolven{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
a zis Mia,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nl{\f63 \u259\'3f}turndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351
\'3f}uvi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele blonde de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar
nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri245 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii {\f63
\u351\'3f}i tu printre ei sau nu. Ai absolvit, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, i-am r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Am primit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i semnul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot ce t
rebuie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri110 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ridicat p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rul, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} vedea pansamentul.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'3f} surprinde c{\f63
\u259\'3f} te-au mai l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ntorci, dup{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ce-ai plecat brambura la omort de st
rigoi. Sau ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1188 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut aprecieri
suplimentare pentru asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate a
paren{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mia auzise aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i po
veste
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre aventurile mele ca tot restul lumii. Din parte
a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mea, era perfect. N-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63
\u259\'3f} vorbesc despre cea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-a{\f63 \u
351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc despre Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu crezi c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} e cineva n stare s-o mpiedice pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Rose s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce vr
ea ea? a ntrebat-o Lissa, zmbind.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} abat
{\f63 \u259\'3f} discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu intr{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}m n prea multe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 detalii despre trecutele mele pereg
rin{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, fapt pentru
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care i eram recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mia a rs {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
ron{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}it dintr-o bucat{\f63 \u259\'3f} zdrav{\f63 \
u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f} de l{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}mie verde. Mare minune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 creierul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Corect, a a
probat ea. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} zmbetul i s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ters de pe chip n timp ce nghi{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ea. Ochii ei alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mereu ageri, m-au studiat n t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere pre
{\f63 \u355\'3f} de cteva clipe.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Iar Rose vrea acum ceva, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat Mi
a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, noi do
ar suntem bucuroase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te vedem, am
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 protestat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri322 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te cred. Dar b
{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai ai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un alt motiv.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul Lissei a devenit mai larg.
O amuza faptul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri159 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} picasem n capcan
a propriului meu joc de-a spionii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce te face
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui asta? a descusut-o ea. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 descifrezi chiar att de bine pe Rose, sau doar presup
ui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1435 \expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 ca de obicei\i0 c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} are vreun motiv ascuns?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1085 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Acum, Mia era cea care zmbea di
n nou.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ambele, a zis, t
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-se n grab{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai aproape
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pe canapea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fixndum{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu o privire plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 seriozitate. Oare cnd devenise att de perspicace? OK,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a zis apoi. N-are sens s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pierdem vrem
ea. Cu ce ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3379 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ajut
?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2697 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am suspinat, nfrnt{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am nevoie s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ajung n biroul principal de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2732 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 securitate al Gardienilor.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-238 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 n spatele meu, Lissa a
scos un soi de sunet
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sugrumat. mi era cam mil{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de ea. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ea, ocazional, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
scund{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndurile fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine, nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prea multe din ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea sau spune
a m-ar fi putut
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 surprinde cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. iar eu? n conti
nuare, o legam la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ochi. n cea mai mare parte a timpului, ea habar n-ave
a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urmeze; cu toate acestea, sinc
er{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scoatem din

nchisoare un infractor
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 notoriu, atunci p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunderea frauduloa
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-un birou de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 securitate n-ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsemne u
n {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc att de mare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uau! a excl
amat Mia. V{\f63 \u259\'3f}d c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pierzi vreme
a
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 cu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}run{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351
\'3f}uri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1624 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul i s-a schimonosit un pi
c.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri19 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sau, fire{\f63 \
u351\'3f}te, dac-ar fi m{\f63 \u259\'3f}run{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}uri,
nici n-ai mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1608 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 veni la mine. Le-ai rezolva {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Po{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}... s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne aju{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m? am ntrebat-o.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti n rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii amicale
cu unii dintre gardienii de-acolo...
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 iar tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u are acce
s ntr-o mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de locuri...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam prec
is ce post ocupa domnul Rinaldi, dar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ceva l
egat de ntre{\f63 \u355\'3f}inere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce anume ca
u{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? m-a ntrebat ea. V{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 deschid gura s{\f63 \u259\'3f} protestez, a ridicat o
mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 opreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu! N-a
m nevoie de am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunte. Doar o idee
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 general{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau
seama ce e de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intri acolo doar ca s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} vezi cum arat{\f63 \u259\'3f} locul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri668 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am nevoie
de cteva dosare, i-am explicat.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De pe
rsonal? m-a ntrebat, n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1379 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sprncenele. Ce, vrei s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cau{\f63 \u355\'3f}i un post?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3636 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\
'3f}i... nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Hm! N-ar fi fost o idee rea, dat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fiind precaritatea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}anselor mele de a-i
fi repartizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissei. Dar, nu.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Fiecare problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la vremea ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am nevoie d
e documente legate de sistemele de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 securitate ale anumitor locuri: {\f63 \u351\'3f}coli,
re{\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e regale,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nchisori.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 M-am str{\f63 \u259\'3f}dui
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in o intona{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie nep{\f63
\u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce pronun{\f63 \u355\'3f}am cel din urm{\f63 \
u259\'3f} cuvnt. Mia era pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 felie cu unele chestii tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}snite, dar pn
{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 limitele sale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acolo {\f6
3 \u355\'3f}in a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, mi nchipui, nu? am ntrebat\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acolo, a co
nfirmat ea. Dar n cea mai mare parte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sunt n format electronic. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, nu te sup
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra, dar asta ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \
u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe tine. Chiar
dac-am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem la vre
unul dintre computerele lor,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 totul e protejat cu parole. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, atunci
cnd pleac{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ncuie computerele. B{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu te-ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 hacker, de cnd nu te-am mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu, sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, spre deosebire de eroii filmelor
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 acelora cu spioni, cu care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot tach
ina Lissa, nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aveam prieteni exper{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n tehnologie car
e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se poat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 apropia m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car de spargerea acelui gen
de criptare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 securitate. Fir-ar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie! Am r{\f63
\u259\'3f}mas cu privirea fixat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 podea, posomort{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntrebndu-m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai aveam o
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ct de mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alt
e informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4457 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar, a cont
inuat Mia, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de care ai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nevoie nu este\i prea\i0 uzitat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, e
posibil ca ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vreo copie pe hrtie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1747 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am smucit brusc capul n sus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4262 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Au camere de dep
ozitare, pe undeva, prin
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 subsoluri. Dosare peste dosare. To
tul sub cheie, la fel {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 astea... dar probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi o cale
mai accesibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dect
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te iei la trnt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu c
omputerele. Dar, din nou, depinde
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de ce-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i trebuie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i d
e ct de veche e informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Abe mi l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase
impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nchisoarea Tarasov se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sea acolo de ceva vreme. Sigur exis
ta o consemnare
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 legat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea n arhivele acelea. Nu m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceva vreme, gardienii trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} la fo
rmatul digital, ceea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunte de ultim{\f63 \u259\'3f} or{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre sistemul de securitate al nchisorii, dar tot a{
\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} prind cte ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E posibil s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ceea ce ne trebuie. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3605 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 strecori acolo?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Mia a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai multe clipe, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i parc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vedeam
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cum i se nvrtesc roti{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele n minte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E posibil,
a zis pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, aruncnd o privire
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 spre Lissa. Tu mai po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-i constrngi pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3895 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 faci sclavi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2949 \fi346 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a strmbat.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-mi pla
ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, dar, md
a,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4540 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 pot.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2348 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Era un alt dar al spirit
ului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mia s-a mai gndit un timp, dup{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} care a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3018 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 semn de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ar
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK. ntoarce
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-v{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam pe la dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vedem
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ce putem face.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ora dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-amiaza pentru tot restul lumii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nsemna miezul nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pentru moroi, car
e-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urau
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 activit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile dup{\f63
\u259\'3f} un orar nocturn. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} ies n plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumin{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 a zilei nu mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ceva prea taini
c, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} deduc c{\f63
\u259\'3f} planul Miei se baza tocmai pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la acea or{\f63 \u259\'3f}
a zilei, aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 persoane prin preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Tocmai ncercam s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sc dac-ar fi cazul s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai facem pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} conver
sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, cnd o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie n u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} mi-a ntrerupt gndurile. Mia a tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut, deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, stingh
erit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. S-a ridicat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
o voce cunoscut{\f63 \u259\'3f} a plutit de-a lungul antreului
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la noi.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1191 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Scuze c-am ve
nit mai devreme, dar...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cut apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n living. A t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut brusc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd ne-a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, pe mi
ne {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Lissa. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nghea{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe loc, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am consider
at c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 datoria mea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prefa
c c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie oribil de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 stnjenitoare.
\plain\par
259\'3f}, Christian, am exclamat, voioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ce mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4452 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 faci?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ochii lui se opriser{\
f63 \u259\'3f} asupra Lissei, iar el a avut
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de cteva clipe pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i smulg{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ndrepte spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine, a zi
s, ndreptndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i apoi privirea spre Mia.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2542 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a ridicat gr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}bit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e cazul, a zi
s, pe un ton rece, potrivit unei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri419 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ese. Rose {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i cu mine oricum trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, am ap
robat-o, prelund {\f63 \u351\'3f}tafeta. Avem... tre\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri576 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 buri. .. de rezolvat. {\f63 \u350
\'3f}i nu vrem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}inem de la...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pe naiba, nici n-aveam idee
ce urmau ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nici nu eram convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2649 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Mia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a reg{\f
63 \u259\'3f}sit glasul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Christian ar vr
ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva dintre mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rile
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri585 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe care le-am tot exersat cu gard
ienii din campus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Super, am z
is, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strndu-mi zmbetul pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timp ce, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Lissa, ne ndreptam s
pre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se {\f63
\u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct mai departe cu putin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Christian. Jill o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie geloas{\f63
\u259\'3f}, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu numai J
ill. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o serie de salut{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas-bun, eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Li
ssa am plecat, ntorcndu-ne prin
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dinile Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Cu aj
utorul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii noastre, o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam cum tremur{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
furie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gelozie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-i vorba
dect despre clubul lor de lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Liss, i-am zis, neavnd nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i replica ei ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 deschid conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Nu se-ntmpl{\f63
\u259\'3f} nimic. Doar discut{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 despre cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea pumni {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}uturi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i despre alte chestii
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 plicticoase.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog
, n realitate subiectul era destul de atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dar nu era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} idealizez faptul c{\f63
\u259\'3f} Mia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 petreceau mult timp mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i acum\i0 nimic, a mrit ea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privind nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355
\'3f}nat{\f63 \u259\'3f} drept nainte. Dar cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce-ar
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai urmeze? {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
petrec timpul mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 exerseaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}ri fizice, o chestie duce la alta...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o prosti
e, i-am zis. Chestiile de genul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta nu au
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 absolut nimic romantic n ele.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o minc
iun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din moment ce exact a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 debutase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia me
a cu Dimitri. Dar, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 preferabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu amintesc despre a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n plus, Chr
istian n-are cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ncurce cu\i toate
\plain\expndtw3 \i \f20 \fs24 c\i0 fetele iu care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i petrece timp
ul. Mia, Jill... f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri425 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare, dar nu m
i se pare chiar genul de curtezan.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Totu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i, arat{\f63 \u259\'3f} chiar bine, a argumentat ea,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 clocotind nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} din{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru
de sentimentele acelea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntunecate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mda, am recunoscut, avnd grij
{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strez
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 privirea fixat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe drumul din fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar e nevoie de mai
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 mult de att. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n plus, credeam c{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu te mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 intereseaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce face el.
\plain\par
59\'3f}i, nu, a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at ea, dar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car pe ea ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i, dar{\f63 \u259\'3f}mite pe mine. Absolut
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 deloc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncerc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile mel
e de a o distrage s-au dovedit cam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 inutile n tot restul zilei. Cuvintele rostite de Tasha
mi\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 au revenit n minte:\i De ce n-ai rezolvat problema a
sta?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Liss
a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian erau prea afurisit de
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionali, captivi amndoi n mrejele pro
priilor
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mbufn{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri... ceea ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
am mbufna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe mine, n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 schimb. Christian ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fi
e destul de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 folositor n cadrul escapadelor mele ilicite, ns{\f63 \
u259\'3f} trebuia
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strez distan{\f63
\u355\'3f}a, de dragul Lissei.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat-o cu mbufnarea ei, cnd am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se apropie or
a cinei. n compara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ei pe plan sentimental, rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea cu
un semi-r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 playboy regal dintr-o familie care o dezaproba p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 de-a dreptul str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Ct de trist{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare devenea lu
mea... Am asigurat-o pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc im
ediat dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cin{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mergem mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Mia. Men{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ionarea numelui Miei n\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a prea ncntat-o pe Lissa, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndul la o p
osibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trundere prin efrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
e i-a deturnat pentru moment
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Rochia pe care mi-o luasem p
entru cin{\f63 \u259\'3f} era una
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 maro, dintr-un material u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, diafan,
excelent pentru
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 temperaturile verii. Decolteul era decent, iar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mnecu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele care acopereau doar umerii i c
onfereau o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 not{\f63 \u259\'3f} de elegan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. Cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul prins ntr-o coad{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ceaf{\f63
\u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ascunznd destul de bine tatuajul pe cale de vindecare,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream o iu
bit{\f63 \u259\'3f} respectabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}... ceea ce nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} demonstrez
e ct de n{\f63 \u351\'3f}el{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare sunt
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, din moment ce eram p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rta{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} la o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nebuneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} uneltire, prin care s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi readuc din mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fostul iubit.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian m-a examinat di
n cap pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n picioare, n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 clipa n care am sosit la casa p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ilor lui. Ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o re{\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} permanent{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici, la Curte. Micul zmbet de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe chipul lui mi-a dat de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 vedea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri730 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Se aprob{\f63
\u259\'3f}? l-am ntrebat, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd o piruet{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a strecurat un bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}
pe dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} mijlocul meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Din nefericire,
da. Speram c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} apari n ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mult mai dezm{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63
\u355\'3f}at. Ceva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi scandalizeze
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uneori, am
impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pas{\f63 \u259\'3f} de min
e, ca
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am remarcat, n timp ce intra
m n cas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E ca
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum m-ai folosi pentru capacitatea
mea de a-i intriga
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Amndou{\f63
\u259\'3f} sunt valabile, micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir. {\f63 \u354\'3f}in la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f} folosesc de
tine pentru capacitatea ta de a-i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 intriga pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ascuns zmbetul n timp c
e menajera familiei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov ne conducea spre sufragerie. Curtea avea, de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fapt, restaurante {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cafenele strecura
te printre celelalte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}diri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} membrii une
i familii regale, cum erau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui Adrian, c
onsiderau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} este mai elegant dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 organizeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} o cin{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu f
ast la ei acas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu, una, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 preferat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie n public. A{\f63 \u351\
'3f} fi avut mai multe variante
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3889 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de evadare,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2486 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu trebuie s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fii Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Munca mea de evaluare a posibili
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor de evadare a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fost ntrerupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa
n care o extrem de nalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 extrem de elegant{\f63 \u259
\'3f} femeie moroi a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Purta o rochie dintr-un satin verde
-nchis, care m-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut imediat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} simt distonant, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i asortat{\f63 \u259\'3f} perfect c
u
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ochilor ei... {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
ai lui Adrian. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul nchis era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 piept{\f63 \u259\'3f}nat ntr-un coc, iar n clipa n care
mi-a luat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mna, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a cobort spre mine un zmbet plin
de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 nepref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu sunt Dan
iella Ivashkov, mi-a zis. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 foarte mult s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te cunosc, n sfr{\f63 \u
351\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Oare? I-am strns mna ca r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spuns, ntr-un gest
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 automat.
\plain\par
f}i eu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} cunosc, Lady
Ivashkov.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Spune-mi Daniella, te rog.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 S-a ntors spre Adrian {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i a {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}it din buze, n timp ce\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri961 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 i ndrepta gulerul c{\f63 \u259\'3f
}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii nchise pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la gt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, serios
, dragule, a zis. Nu te prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti n oglind{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe u{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}? P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u este vrai{
\f63 \u351\'3f}te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian s-a ferit de mna ei, c
are se ndrepta spre
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 capul lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Glume{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti? Mi-am petrecut ore ntregi n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 oglinzii ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l\i fac\i0 s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} arate a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1815 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Ea a scos un suspin de suferin
{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt zile n care
nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1164 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fost sau nu norocoas{\f63 \u259\
'3f} neavnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i copii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n spatele ei, servitori t{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezau mncarea pe

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Din platouri se n{\f63 \u259\'3f
}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}au aburi, iar mie mi chior{\f63 \u259\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 stomacul. Speram doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fi auzit cineva.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Daniella a aruncat o privire n
lungul coridorului de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3666 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dincolo de ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nathan, e{\
f63 \u351\'3f}ti amabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}be{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ti? Se r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ce{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mncarea. Cteva clipe mai trziu, zgomot de pa{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i grei
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunau pe ornmentata podea din lemn,
iar Nathan
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trundea n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p
ere. La fel ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i so{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea o {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut{\f63 \u259\'3f} protocola
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}, satinul albastru al cravatei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sale sclipind al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de rigiditatea i
mpozantei haine a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 costumului negru. Chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucuram c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} aveau aer
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat acolo, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'
3f} altfel s-ar fi topit n stofa
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aceea ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Dar
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura lui care ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea cel mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mult n eviden{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} era cea
pe care mi-o aminteam de data
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}: distinctivul argintiu al p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al must{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Oare p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul lui Adrian va ar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ta la fel cnd va ajunge mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn? Noo, asta nu o s-o aflu niciodat
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Adrian
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar vopsi
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul la primul semn de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}run{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire... sau de ar
gintare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
at{\f63 \u259\'3f}l lui Adrian ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta exact a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
mi\b -\b0 l
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aminteam, era limpede c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el habar n-a
vea cine eram eu.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 De fapt, a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut cuprins de o autentic
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nedumerire la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 vederea mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea este, {
\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, prietena lui Adrian, Rose Hatha
way,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m-a prezentat Daniella, cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. {\f
63 \u354\'3f}i-aduci aminte:
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ne-a zis c-o va aduce ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}-sear{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1037 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ncntat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} cunosc, Lord Ivashkov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Spre deosebire de so{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ia lui, nu mi-a oferit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 posibilitatea adres{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rii cu prenumele, ceea ce m-a lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 un pic. Strigoiul care-l transformase cu for{\f63 \u
355\'3f}a pe Dimitri
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 se numea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i e
l tot Nathan, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu era un prenume pe care
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l pot rosti cu voce tare. Tat{\f63
\u259\'3f}l lui Adrian m-a m{\f63 \u259\'3f}surat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din cap pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n picioare, dar nu cu aprec
ierea pe care
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi-o ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase Adrian mai devreme. Era,
mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi reprezenta
t o curiozitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2918 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A! Fata dhamp
ir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 N-a fost neap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
nepoliticos, ci doar dezinteresat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nici nu m{\f
63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse prostituat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru snge, sau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 altfel. Ne-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat cu to{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mnc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu toate c{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea tipic
ul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u zmbet flu{\f63 \u351\'3f}turatic pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am sim{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}it nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o und{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m-a
informat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tare,\i tare\i0 mult {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi dorit
o {\f63 \u355\'3f}igar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Probabil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceva
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie n preajma
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor s{\f63 \u259\'3f}i nu era ceva care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ncnte. Cnd unul dintre servitori nea turnat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 tuturor vin, Adrian a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut str{\f63
\u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut de o imens{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urare
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu s-a mai ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut.
L-am fulgerat cu o privire de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 avertisment, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} el nu m-a luat n seam{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Nathan a izbutit s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i devoreze cu rapiditate
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 medalioanele de porc glasate cu sos balsamic, dar s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 arate n continuare elegant {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cuviinci
os.
\plain\par
1\'3f}a, a zis, concentrndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupra lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, acum, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Vasilisa a absolvit,
ce ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de gnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu vie{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ile voastre? N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} duce{\f63 \u355\'3f}i o via{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lipsuri al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de studen{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ii de la vreo facultate, nu? N\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 are rost s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai merge{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i acolo.
\plain\par
351\'3f}tiu, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns alene Adrian. A cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat di
n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cap, ciufulindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m
ai mult p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul r{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
t cu atta
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mie-mi cam place s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} pierd vremea cu ei, a
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisit apo
i. Ei m{\f63 \u259\'3f} consider{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai amuzant dect
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sunt n realitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} surprinde, a replicat tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l lui. Nu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 absolut deloc amuzant. E vremea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac
i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceva
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 productiv. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ai de gnd s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} te ntorci la facultate,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncepi
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} participi la unele ntlniri
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de afaceri ale familiei. Tatiana te r{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sfa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}i multe de la Rufus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team des
tule din politica regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 recunosc numele. Cel mai vrstnic membru al fiec{\f63
\u259\'3f}rei
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 familii era, de obicei, {\f63 \u8222\'3f}prin{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ul", sau {\f63 \u8222\'3f}prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}esa", {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea un post n Consiliul Regal... {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i era eligibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 devin{\f63 \u259\'3f} rege, respectiv regin{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Atunci cnd Tatiana
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 preluase coroana, Rufus devenise prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ul familiei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov, fiind urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul n ordinea vrs
tei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Corect, a z
is Adrian, cu o figur{\f63 \u259\'3f} lipsit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 expresie. El nu prea mncase, mai mult {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
f{\f63 \u355\'3f}ise
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 mncarea prin farfurie. Chiar a{\f63 \u351\'3f} vrea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu, a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 continuat el, cum reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e{\f63 \u351\'3f
}te s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streze amantele
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiute de so{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian! sa r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit Daniella, n timp ce o ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuprindea obrajii palizi. Nu se spun astfel de lucrur
i la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n mod sigur
nu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un musafir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nathan a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} observe din nou {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a ad
resat
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 o ridicare nep{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3040 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea nu conteaz
{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat buzel
e, reprimndu-mi tenta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vedea dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva
pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi azvrl farfuria din
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 por{\f63 \u355\'3f}elan ca p
e un larabee {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l izbesc drept n cap. Am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e cazul. N
u numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi distrus cina, dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nici nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} farfuria ar fi putut c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta portan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 necesar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri315 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nathan {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors
privirea ncruntat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n schimb,\i tu,\
i0 da. Nu vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d stnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 degeaba {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nef{\f63
\u259\'3f}cnd nimic... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i folosindu-te de banii
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri pentru finan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ar
ea inactivit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ceva mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} era cazul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau deoparte, dar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nu puteam suporta s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'
3f}d pe Adrian f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut cu ou {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 o{\f63 \u355\'3f}et de enervantul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Adrian\i chiar\i0 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea degeaba
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i risipea banii, dar Nathan nu avea
dreptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rd{\f63 \u259\'3f} de el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din cauza asta. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sigur, eu f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ceam a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva tot
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 timpul. Dar asta era altceva.
\plain\par
355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te duci la Lehigh, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa, i-am
propus.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f} continui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} studiezi
spiritul mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care... s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ce
ai data trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd ai fost n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 facultate...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adic{\f63 \
u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} bea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} chiuleasc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de la cursuri, a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 precizat Nathan.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Art{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, a intervenit Daniella. Adrian lua cursuri de
\plain\expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 art{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar? am n
trebat surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntorcndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 el. Cumva, puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-l nchipui ca fi
ind genul de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 artist. Se potrivea cu personalitatea lui dezordonat{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri155 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, ar fi perfect, am continu
at. Ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le reiei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a ridicat din umeri {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat gata cel de-al
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 doilea pahar de vin.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\
f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Facultatea asta ar avea probabil acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lipsuri ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i precedenta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri392 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care anume? mam interesat, ncruntndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Temele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2229 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian, a mrit
tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E OK, a zis Adr
ian, plin de vioiciune, sprijinindu\plain\par

\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nep{\f63 \u259\'3
f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul pe mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu nu am cu
adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de un serviciu, sau de bani n plus. Dup{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
toresc cu Rose, eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i copiii o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3
f}im doar din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 salariul ei de gardian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}at cu
to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam foarte b
ine c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 glumea. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi nutrit fantezii legate de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i de copii ({\f63 \u351\'3f}i eram\i foarte\i0 convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu era
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cazul), s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmanul salariu pe care-1 pr
imea un gardian n\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ar fi ajuns\i niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 ca s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-i asigure via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de lux dorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 de el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l lui Ad
rian, cu toate acestea, n mod evident\i nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 credea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el glume{\f63 \u351\'3f}te.
Daniella p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea nedecis{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n ce
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, eu eram do
ar stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era un subiect
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 foarte, foarte nepl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut de pus pe tape
t la o astfel de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu-mi venea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian ntinsese att de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult coarda. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu credeam c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} alcoolul ar fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 avut vreo vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
simplu, lui Adrian i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 chinuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l n asem
enea hal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 T{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea aceea
cumplit{\f63 \u259\'3f} a devenit din ce n ce mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dens{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Instinctul meu visceral de a um
ple vidul de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie se dezl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{
\f63 \u355\'3f}uise, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mai bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strez t{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea. Tensiunea sporea. n clipa
\par
\plain\pard\sl-238 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n care s-a auzit soneria de la
intrare, tuspatru aproape
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1278 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rit ca ar{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pe scaunele noastre.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Menajera, Torrie, a dat fuga
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} deschid{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar eu am
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 scos, n gnd, un suspin de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urare. Un vi
zitator
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ave
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} contribuie la detensionarea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 atmosferei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3202 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sau poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Torrie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dres g
lasul cnd s-a ntors, evident
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fstcit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp ce-{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i plimba privirea de la Daniella la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nathan {\f63 \u351\'3f}i napoi. Maiestatea Sa regina
Tatiana este aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3169 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Se. Poate
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Tustrei Ivashkovii s-au ridicat b
rusc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate de secund{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, eram {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu n picioare. Mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 devreme, nu-l credeam pe Adrian cnd mi spusese c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} apar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i Tatiana. Din ceea ce vedeam pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chipul lui, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el
surprins acum. Dar, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 poate, iat-o. S-a strecurat n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere,
elegant{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n ceea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ce pentru ea probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} reprezenta st
ilul\i business
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 casual:\i0 jachet{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i pantaloni largi, negre, de comand{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cu o bluz{\f63 \u259\'3f} din m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase
ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie cu dantel{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe dedesubt. n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul ntunecat i sclipeau mici agrafe cu
pietre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioase, iar privirea aceea poruncit
oare s-a ab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asupra noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} n timp ce ne-am repezit
cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 facem plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciuni dinaintea ei. Pn{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i propria ei familie
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 respecta formalit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana, a rostit Nathan, for{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ndu-se ca pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 chipul lui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} apar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
va ce aducea a zmbet. Nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea prea d
es. Ne faci pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai la mas{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4499 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 noi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1564 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ea a respins propunerea cu un
gest.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu. Nu pot s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn. Eram n drum spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Priscilla, dar m-am gndit s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} opresc pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cnd am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 auzit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a ntors Adrian, a zis, oprin
du-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 asupra lui. Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ai fost aici toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ziua {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2913 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ai venit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vizitezi!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Vocea i suna rece, dar jur c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} avea un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amuzament. Era ceva nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnt{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tor. Tatiana nu era o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care s-o consider cald{\f
63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moale. ntreaga
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 experien{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n afara vreun
uia dintre saloanele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri852 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ceremoniale ale Cur{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ii avea ceva cu totul ireal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
spuns cu un zmbet generos. Era, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mod evident, persoana cea mai n largul ei din ntreaga
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere, n clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. Din motive pe care niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nu le-am n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles, Tatiana l iubea {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-l r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}a pe Adrian.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Asta nu nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i iubea {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i membri ai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 familiei; numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pur {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i simplu, se vedea ct se poate
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el era favoritul ei. Iar as
ta fusese mereu o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru mine, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}tiind ct de tic{\f63 \u259\'3f}los putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie el
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 uneori.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, mi-am nc
hipuit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai lucruri mai importante de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} vezi pe mine, i-a zis el. n plus, m-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat de fumat, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} acum n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tragem
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cte o {\f63 \u355\'3f}igar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe furi{\f
63 \u351\'3f} mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n spatele s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lii tronului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian! l-a
repezit Nathan, fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a colorndu-i-se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}u aprins. Atunci mi-a trecut
prin minte c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
ornesc un joc de be{\f63 \u355\'3f}ivi pe baza num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rului
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii n care r
ostea pe un ton dezaprobator numele
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 fiului s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2389 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi cer scu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1768 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana a ridicat din nou o mn{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O, mai taci, Nat
han. Nu vrea nimeni s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aud{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4180 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 scuzele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mam necat. Era ceva oribil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere cu regi
na, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} merita
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, ca s-o vezi p{\f63 \u259\'3
f}lmuindu-l verbal pe Lordul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov. Tatiana s-a ntors spre Adrian, ghea{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}a de pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 chip topindu-i-se.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te-ai l{\f
63 \u259\'3f}sat, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it? Era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i timpul. B{\f63 \u
259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3762 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 opera ta, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a trebuit o clip{\f63 \u
259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorb
ea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu mine. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n acel punct, sperasem s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nici nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 observat. Asta mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea unica expl
ica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie a faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipase la ei s-o
dea afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe mica rebel{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prostituat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru snge. Era {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ocant. Tonul ei nici
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu suna acuzator. Ci... Impresi
onat.
\plain\par
59\'3f}-p{\f63 \u259\'3f}i, n-am fost eu, Maiestatea Voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am
zis.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Umilin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea era foarte departe de co
mportamentul pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care-1 avusesem la ultima noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntlnir
e. Adrian a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri289 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fost cel care\i a\i0 , hm..., m
anifestat hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri675 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana a chicotit: a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ajute Dumnezeu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foarte diplomati
c r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul. Ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2232 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 repartiz{\f63 \u259\'3f}m lng{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} un politician.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lui Nathan nu-i pl{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cea faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} acaparasem aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 reginei. Nici eu nu eram convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea, fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe acel ton oarecum glume{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai afaceri
de discutat n seara asta cu Priscilla? s-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri506 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 interesat el. Sau doar lua{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i o cin{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca ntre prietene?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1312 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a sm
uls privirea de la mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ambele. S-a isca
t o oarecare glceav{\f63 \u259\'3f} inter\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 familial{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu n mod p
ublic, dar urmeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Unii fac
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 zarv{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu privire la moralitate. Al{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ii sunt preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nceap{\f63 \u259\'3f} imediat antrenamentele. Iar al{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ii se ntreab{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva gardienii pot s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} reziste {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} somn.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2558 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a dat ochii
peste cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iar astea nu sun
t dect propunerile cele mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3311 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 blnde, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, vizita aceasta devenise deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
u
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mult mai interesant{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-i vei nchide pe ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a-zi{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i militan{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mrit Nathan. Noi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de gardieni ar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nsemna o inutilitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Absurdit
atea,\i0 a replicat Tatiana, este faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrajb{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre fami
liile regale. Asta-i ceea ce vreau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'3f}nchid".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1252 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Tonul ei devenise seme{\f63 \u
355\'3f}, foarte regesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Noi suntem condu
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii printre moroi. Noi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} constitui
m un exemplu. Noi trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 uni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} supravie{
\f63 \u355\'3f}uim.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am examinat-o, plin{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de curiozitate. Ce voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nsemne asta? Nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i exprimase nici acord
ul, nici
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dezacordul fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f} de punctul de vedere al lui Nathan cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 privire la posibilitatea ca {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i moroii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte. Nu
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pomenise dect de statornicirea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cii n rn
dul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 poporului ei. Dar cum? Metoda ei consta n ncurajarea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sau n strivirea noii mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ri? Securitatea reprezenta o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 imens{\f63 \u259\'3f} grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru to
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea, n urma atacului, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 umerii ei c{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea sarcina s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-i dea de cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mie mi sun{\
f63 \u259\'3f} destul de dur, a zis Adrian,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-se ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiutor n
privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a gravit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii problemei.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu {\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mor{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f} la {\f63 \u355\'3f}igara de dup{\f63 \u259\'3f},

o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac o
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prefer s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-mi faci o vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca lumea mine, a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 replicat ea, sec. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i las{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i acas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ig{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
le.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri435 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A aruncat o privire spre paharu
l lui de vin, golit.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}i alte lucruri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Un fulger de o{\f63 \u355\'3f}el
it{\f63 \u259\'3f} hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rre i-a trecut prin ochi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a topit
la fel de repede pe ct ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
t. Iat-o pe acea Tatiana de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ghea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care o cuno{
\f63 \u351\'3f}team.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2383 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 El i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
cu un salut.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S-a notat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana ne-a d{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui
t nou{\f63 \u259\'3f}, celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, cte o privire
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4267 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 fugar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i o sear{\f63 \u259\'3f} bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a fost s
ingura ei urare de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas-bun. Ne-am nclinat din nou, iar
ea s-a ndreptat
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n timp ce mer
gea, am auzit foieli {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 murmure de voci. Avea dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea o suit{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, acum mi
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase pe toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea n antreu ct
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 timp venise s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l salute pe Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Cina s-a desf{\f63 \u259\'3
f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat n t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} plecarea ei. V
izita
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tatianei ne cam l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase pe to{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i paf. Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, asta
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai eram nevoit{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i aud ciorov{\f63 \u259\'3f}indu-
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se pe Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe tat{\f63 \u259\'3f

}l lui. Daniella a ntre{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut n mare
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} bruma de convers
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie care a mai urmat,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se intereseze de pasiunile m
ele, ceea ce m\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seam
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea nu spusese nicio vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tot timpul scurtei vizite a Tatianei. Daniella intras
e n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 familia Ivashkov prin m{\f63 \u259\'3f}riti{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}, ceea ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntreb dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva regina o intimida.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cnd a venit vremea ca noi s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, Daniella a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fost un zmbet, n timp ce Nathan s-a retras n biroul
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai fi cazul
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vii mai des, i-a zis ea lui Adrian,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 netezindu-i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul n ciuda protestelor l
ui. Iar tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 oricnd binevenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc, am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, consternat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. i tot
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 examinam fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f
63 \u259\'3f}d dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea, dar nu cred c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cazul. Nu avea nicio logic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Moroii n
u aprobau rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pe termen lung cu dhampirii. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n mod
special, moroii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din familiile regale nu aprobau astfel de rela{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ii. Iar
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 moroii din familiile regale nrudi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu
regina le
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dezaprobau n mod {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai\i special,\i0
cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 experien{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele de dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} re
cent{\f63 \u259\'3f} constituiau un indiciu n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acest sens.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3362 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a oftat.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate
, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el pe-aici. Of, fir-ar s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fie!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-am amint
it. Mi-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat aici pardesiul data
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}... am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
plec ct mai repede.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}i, ai vreo, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic, cincizeci de pardesie, am
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 remarcat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ntreab-o pe
Torrie, l-a sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit Daniella. Ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 precis unde este.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a plecat s-o caute pe
menajer{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mama lui. Ar fi trebuit s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} rostesc tot felul de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nimicuri politicoase, nensemnate, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
uriozitatea m-a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 biruit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cina a fost
chiar grozav{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-am zis, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sinceritatea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-o lua{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n nume de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u... dar vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zi
c c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... n fine, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de acord
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cu rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia dintre mine {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1630 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 A ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, cu
toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} senin{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatea.
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2456 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ei bine, trebuia s-o spun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tati... Regina T
atiana p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4338 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 acord,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3476 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar este.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am verificat dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu cumva mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse falca direct
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4044 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pe podea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar... adic
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ultima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd am vorbit cu ea, a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fost de-a dreptul furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. mi tot spun
ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-mi tot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 repeta c{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} permit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca noi doi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe vii
tor, sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne c{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}torim, sau orice
de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 genul acesta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri514 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit, ami
ntindu-mi de gluma lui Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-am nchipuit c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dumneavoastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunte{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rere. Oricum, Lordul Ivashkov este. Doar nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pute{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259
\'3f} dori{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat ca fiul dumneavoastr{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru totdeauna
cu o fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dhampir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri585 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul Daniellei era unul blnd,
dar crispat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri19 \expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu\i0 ai de
gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi cu el pentru totdeauna?\i Tu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ai de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63
\u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}eza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la casa
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}? ntrebarea m-a prins pe picior
gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu... nu..
. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f} o jignire
fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Adrian. Pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, niciodat{\f63
\u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
355\'3f}i-ai planificat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezi la casa ta? a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 completat ea, ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd cu n{\f63 \u355
\'3f}elepciune. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a m-am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gndit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu. Crede-m{\f63 \u259\'3f},
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian n-a vorbit serios
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mai devreme. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea se gr{\f63 \u
259\'3f}be{\f63 \u351\'3f}te s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trag{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 concluzii care nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu au o baz
{\f63 \u259\'3f} real{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am auzit
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 despre tine, Rose... la fel ca toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
lumea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i te admir. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bazndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ceea ce am aflat, presupun
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 genul care ar renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}a la via{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}a de gardian pentru cea de
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 gospodin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1754 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ave{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i dreptate, am recunoscut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, nu v{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}d care ar fi problema. Sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i tineri
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 amndoi. Ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i tot dr
eptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} distra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i tot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce vre{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, acum, dar eu... eu {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i cu tine... noi dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te vezi cu Adrian, din an n Pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}te,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pentru tot restul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, tot n-o s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i, sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}eza{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i la casa voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i asta n-are nimic dea face cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce spune Nathan, sau oricine a
ltcineva. {\f63 \u258\'3f}sta este
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mersul lumii. {\f63 \u258\'3f}sta este genul t{\f63
\u259\'3f}u de persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o citesc n ochi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Tatiana a n{\f63 \u
355\'3f}eles acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de ce a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat-o mai moale. Tu ai nevo
ie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii n lume, la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i asta-i ceea c
e vei face. Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii
gardian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri4533 \expndtw-20 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} holbam la ea,
minunndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Atitudinea ei era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 uluitoare. Era prima persoan{\f63 \
u259\'3f} dintr-o familie regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care nu se nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imntase toat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu nnebunise la auzul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ideii unei leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi dintre un moroi {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i o fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dhampir.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte persoane i
-ar fi mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}it punctul de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vedere, asta ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ca vie{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ile multora s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oare. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i avea drepta
te. Nu conta p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea lui Nathan.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 N-ar fi contat nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ar fi fost Dimitri prin
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ideea de baz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mine n\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} pen
tru tot restul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 noastre, din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
u aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu permanent n
\plain\expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 serviciul de gardian, nu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lncezesc ca
el.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tientizarea acestui fapt d{\f63 \u

259\'3f}ruia libertate multor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri691 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 altora... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu t
oate acestea, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntrista un pic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n spatele ei, l vedeam pe Adri
an apropiindu-se pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 coridor. Daniella s-a aplecat n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, coborndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i tonul,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o aud dect eu. {\f63 \u3
50\'3f}i, atunci cnd a vorbit,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n voce i s-a sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it o not{\f63 \u259\'
3f} de melancolie, de ngrijorare
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 matern{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar
Rose, din moment ce sunt de acord ca voi doi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ave{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i o rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i ferici{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, te rog, ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 rndul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i frngi
inima\i prea tare,\i0 atunci cnd va
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2809 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 veni vremea desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}
r{\f63 \u355\'3f}irii!
\plain\par
pndtw-26 \b \f20 \fs40 PATRU
\plain\par
\sl-267\fs27\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \b \f20 \fs24 AM A
JUNS LA CONCLUZIA\b0 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era de preferat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i pomenesc lui Adrian despre con
versa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia avut{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu mama lui. Nu-mi trebuiau puteri parapsihice ca s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intuiesc dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia confuz{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, n timp ce ne ntorceam
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 spre pavilionul pentru oaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Tat{\
f63 \u259\'3f}l lui l enervase, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aparenta acceptare din partea mamei lui i ridicase
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 moralul. N-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} i-1 stric aducndu-i la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f} faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea era de acord ca noi doi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} numai fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ceva de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4025 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 distrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie,
\plain\par
0\'3f}i ce faci, ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i acum cu Lissa? m-a ntrebat el cnd
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am ajuns dreptul camerei mele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1472 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mh. Scuze. {\f
63 \u350\'3f}tii tu: de-ale fetelor.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin {\f6
3 \u8222\'3f}de-ale fetelor" n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1042 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunderea prin
efrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ntr-un loc interzis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ut un pic dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}git, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u ne
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 poart{\f63 \u259\'3f} pic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru pri
etenia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-a d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit un mic
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zmbet {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a petrecut b
ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele pe dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} mijlocul meu,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aplecndu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f}rute. Buzele ni s-au ntlnit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldur{\
f63 \u259\'3f} care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} curprindea mereu mi s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
pndit
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prin tot trupul. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva dulci clip
e, ne-am desprins,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} expresia din ochii lui mi spunea c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i venise
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 deloc u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or s-o fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe mai trzi
u, i-am zis. Mi-a mai d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutare
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a plecat spre camera lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Imediat, am c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}utat-o pe Lissa, care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea de lucru
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prin camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Privea concentrat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} o lingur{\f63 \u259\'3f} de argint {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f},
i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ncordarea. ncerca s-o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 impregneze cu puterea de constrngere a spiritului,
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 astfel nct oricine ar fi {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut-o n mn{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nsenineze. M-am ntrebat dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era pentru
ea, sau doar
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 experimenta la ntmplare. Nu i-am mai verificat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 gndurile, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu exact.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1386 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O lingur{\f63
\u259\'3f}? am ntrebat-o, amuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1145 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 A ridicat din umeri {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat jos lingura.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, nu e deloc s
implu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pui mna pe ceva din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1097 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 argint. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} folosesc de ce g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n fine, ar merge
pentru nveselirea cinelor festive.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A zmbit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a pus pic
ioarele pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}su{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de lemn de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 abanos a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} n mijlocul livingului micului ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apartament. Ori de cte ori vedeam m{\f63 \u259\'3f}su{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a aceea, nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} puteam mpiedica s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
-mi amintesc de mobilierul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 negru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucios din apartamentul care
-mi fusese temni{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cnd eram n Rusia. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} luptasem cu Dimitr
i folosind o
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
onfec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintr-un picior de scaun,
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor ca stil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri403 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}C{\f63 \u
259\'3f} veni vorba... cum a mers la cina\i ta\i0 festiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu att
de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pe ct am crezut, i-am m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, niciodat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nu mi-am dat seama ct de javr{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l lui Adrian
. Mama lui a fost chiar destul de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}to. N-o deranjeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi doi suntem mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, am cu
noscut-o. E dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}... cu toate c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fi crezut niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fie att de dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 accepte o rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie scandaloas{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Maiestatea Sa nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2226 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut apari{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia, presupun, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a-i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa glumea, a{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul meu a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat-o cu
gura
\plain\expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1273 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba da, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i... n-a fost nimic ngrozitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri688 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? Mi s-a p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rut mie, sau ai zis {\f63 \u8222\'3f}n-a fost"?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, da, {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu. A fost o nebunie. A trecut ntr-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f} extrem de ra
pid{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Adrian, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 comportat ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum prezen{\f63 \u355\
'3f}a mea acolo n-ar fi fost o
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu mi-am mai b{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tut capul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aprofundez vederile
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 politicii Tatianei cu privire la preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tirea moroilor
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 pentru lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur, am a
d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce s-ar mai fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntmplat dac-ar fi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas? Poate c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi revenit la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 starea ei obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i atunci, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi avut nevoie de un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntreg set de argint{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie fermecat{\f63
\u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpiedice s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nfig un cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose,\i nu
se poate\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci glume de genul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta, a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 gemut Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3511 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 I-am zmbit.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu fa
c dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} exprim gndurile pe care {\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u355\'3
f}i-e
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fric{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le roste{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti cu voce tare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri370 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Replica mea a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cut-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zmbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la rndul ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E mult{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} vreme de cnd n-am mai auzit asta, a zis
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3774 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ea, nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 C{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}toria mea n Rusia fusese o sincop{\f63 \u259\'3f} a prieteniei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 noastre, dar ca rezultat, toate astea mi ar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}taser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mult nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n realitate, pentru mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am petrecut restul timpul
ui stnd de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 discutnd despre Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i brfind pe div
erse teme. M\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am relaxat vaznd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea trecuse peste to
anele de mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 devreme, legate de Christian, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe m{
\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ziua
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nainta, cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i neli
ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea privitoare la misiunea care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu M
ia.
\plain\par
259\'3f} fie bine, i-am zis cnd a sosit clipa.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Traversam din nou terenurile Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, m
br{\f63 \u259\'3f}cate comod,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n tricouri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i jean{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. E
ra bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai aveam de-a face
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu programul de stingere de la {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflam n b{
\f63 \u259\'3f}taia soarelui str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitor nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} simt grozav de ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}postit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fie u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, am
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 insistat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa m-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}g
etat cu privirea, dar nu a zis nimic. n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 lumea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, gardienii reprezentau f
or{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 securitate, iar acolo era sediul lor central. P{\f63
\u259\'3f}trunderea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n el era oricum, numai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Cu toate acestea, Mia p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rea hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd am ajuns
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la ea, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt ncurajat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de atitudinea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ei... ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} era mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat{\f63 \u259\'3f} complet n negru. E
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, nu i
-ar fi fost deloc de ajutor la lumina
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 soarelui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin asta f{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cea ca totul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 legitim. Muream de curiozitate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl
u cum decurseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 treburile cu Christian, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa,
de altfel, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era unul dintre acele subiecte care mai bine r{\f63 \
u259\'3f}mneau
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 neabordate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, Mia n
e-a explicat planul ei, despre care, cu
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} sinceritatea, am fost de p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rere c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aproximativ {\f63 \u351\'3f}aizeci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
cinci la sut{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse de reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f
} de rolul pe care-l avea de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 jucat, din moment ce implica utilizarea for{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ei de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 constrngere, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a declarat de acord c
u el, ca un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 soldat credincios. Am trecut n revist{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de cteva ori
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuntele, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
care am pornit spre cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care g{\f63 \u259\'3f}zduia sediul opera{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ional al gardienilor. Eu mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fusesem acolo o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnd m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} dusese Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vorbesc cu Victor, n celulele de deten{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ie de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sediul gardienilor. Nu-mi petrecusem niciodat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} prea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mult timp prin birourile principale, care, dup{\f63 \
u259\'3f} cum
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 anticipase Mia, erau foarte pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in pop
ulate la acea or{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 zilei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 La intrare, ne-a ntmpinat un s
pa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu de recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 genul celor pe care le po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntlni n orica
re cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 administrativ{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Un gardian sever st{\
f63 \u259\'3f}tea la un birou dotat
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cu un computer, nconjurat de tot felul de mese {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dulapuri cu acte. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu prea
avea mare lucru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut la acea or{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} orarul nostru, dar tot
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 era, n mod evident, extrem de vigilent. n spatele lui
se
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vedea o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, care mi-a captat aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Mia mi explicase
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri18 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era poarta de int
rare spre toate secretele gardienilor,
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 spre documentele lor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre birourile
cele mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 importante... ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre spa{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}iile de supraveghere care
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 monitorizau n regiunile de nalt risc ale Cur{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sever sau nu, tipul {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i-a g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit resurse pentru un mic

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 zmbet pentru Mia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e un pic
cam trziu pentru tine? Doar n-ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2927 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 venit pentru lec{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ii, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mia a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
la zmbet. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost unul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dintre gardienii cu care ea ajunsese s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} se mprieteneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de cnd ajunsese la Curte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Noo, doar
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram cu dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} prietene {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-am vrut
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 le ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t locurile de pe-aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Gardianul {\f63 \u351\'3f}ia arcuit o sprncean{\f63 \u259\'3f} n timp ce ne
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 examina, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
pe Lissa. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a nclinat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 capul, n semn de salut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1023 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prin{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dragomir. Gardian Hathaway.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Din cte se pare, reputa{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne precedase. Era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pentru prima oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd
mi se adresa cineva cu noul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 meu titlu, ceea ce m-a luat prin surprindere... {\f63
\u351\'3f}i m-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} simt pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cam vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dam
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 gruparea a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei membr{\f63 \u259\'3f
} abia devenisem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}El este Don
, ni l-a prezentat Mia. Don, prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}esa
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te roage s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i f
aci un serviciu, i-a explicat,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 privind-o cu subn{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles pe Lissa.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a inspirat adnc {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n timp ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i concentra
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 privirea asupra lui, fierbin{\f63 \u355\'3f}eala mag
iei de constrngere
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 se rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsa, prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
ura noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, peste mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Don, a rost
it ea pe un ton hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt, d{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ne cheile {\f63 \u351\'3

f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 codurile de acces pentru arhivele de la subsol. {\f63
\u350\'3f}i ai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie deconecta
te camerele de supraveghere video
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 din zona aceea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3243 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 El s-a ncruntat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2818 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce-a{\f63
\u351\'3f} face eu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dar, cum ea continua s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-l fixeze cu privirea, puteam
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f
}d cum pune st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnire pe el for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de constrngere.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile fe{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ei i s-au destins n semn de docilitate. Am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 suspinat, u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era
u destui cei care aveau suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 putere, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reziste for{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ei de constrngere; mai ales a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 celei exercitate de moroii obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nui{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i. De{\f63 \u351\'3f}i a Lissei era cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult mai puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiind utilizatoare
a spiritului, nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 puteai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii dac{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu cumva d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea peste cineva capabil
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} opun{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezisten{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} da, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns el, ridicndu-se n picioare.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A deschis un sertar al biroului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a
nmnat Miei o
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} de chei, pe ca
re ea mi-a pasat-o cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 promptitudine. Codul este\b 4312578\b0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
t n memorie succesiunea de cifre, iar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 el ne-a invitat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
rundem pe acea atotputernic{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dincolo de ea, coridoarele se r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndeau
n toate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri241 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile. El nea ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat spre unul din dreapta noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe-acolo. n
cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t, face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la stnga, cobor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dou{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 etaje {\f63 \u351\'3f}i u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a de pe dre
apta.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mia mi-a aruncat o pr
ivire, vrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se asigure c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles. I-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un s
emn de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntors din nou privirea spre el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum, ai gr
ij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} opre{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti camerele de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 supraveghere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Du-ne la ce
ntrul de comand{\f63 \u259\'3f} al supravegherii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 video, a cerut cu fermitate Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Don nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} se mpotriveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ordinului ei, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mia au pornit dup{\f63 \u259\'3
f} el, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de una singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Partea important{\f63 \u259\'3f} a planului depindea
numai de mine,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am gr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pornesc spre cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul holului.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sediul era slab populat, t
ot era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 peste cineva pe-acolo... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu mai ave
am la dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vreo for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de constrnge
re care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din necaz
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cu vorba bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Indica{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile l
ui Don s-au dovedit perfecte, dar eu tot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam preg{\f63
\u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd am tastat codul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns n pivni{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}iruri dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}iruri de du
lapuri cu acte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se ntindeau de-a lungul unui uria{\f63 \u351\'3f} culo
ar. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu-i z{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul. D
ulapurile erau stivuite n teancuri
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de cte cinci, iar iluminatul fluorescent, slab, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sinistr{\f63 \u259\'3f} i confereau ntregului loc o at
mosfer{\f63 \u259\'3f} bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aproape bntuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Toate informa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}iile gardienilor de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dinaintea erei digitale. Dumneze {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie
ct de departe se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntindeau n trecut aceste consem{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Pn{\f
63 \u259\'3f} n Europa
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 medieval{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, m-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram n stare s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} merg mai departe cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 povestea.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-am dus pn{\f63 \u259\
'3f} la primul dulap din stnga mea,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} vad c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era etichetat. Pe el scria AA\b 1\b0 .
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dedesubt era AA\b 2\b0 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a mai departe. Of, Doamne!
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec de mai multe dulapuri
ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} termin doar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu A-urile. Le eram recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare pe
ntru o organizare
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 att de simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum era cea alfabetic{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam de ce dulapurile p{\f63 \u259
\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se n{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nesfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Am fost nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f
} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} parcurg mai mult de trei
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sferturi din nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere ca s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ajung la T-uri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i abia la
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 compartimentul TA\b 27\b0 am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit do
sarul pentru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nchisoarea Tarasov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi s-a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat
respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Dosarul era gros, plin cu tot
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 felul de documente. Erau file despre istoria nchisori
i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 despre tiparul dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care migra, ca {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i planuri de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amplasare pentru fiecare dintre localiz{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ri. Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu-mi venea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred. Attea informa{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii... dar mie ce
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 anume mi trebuia? Ce mi-ar fi fost de folos? R{\f63 \
u259\'3f}spunsul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a sosit repede:\i tot.\i0 Am nchis compartimentul {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ndesat dosarul sub bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}. OK. Era vreme
a s-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}terg de\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut stng
a-mprejur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am pornit spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pas alerg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Acum, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
aveam ceea ce-mi trebuia,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 urgen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a fugii m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ap{\f
63 \u259\'3f}sa. Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajunsesem, cnd am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 auzit un u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit, urmat de deschiderea u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii. Am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ncremenit n clipa n care, pe ea, a intrat un dhampir pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care nu-l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team. A ncremenit {\f63
\u351\'3f}i el, evident uluit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am luat ca pe o mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} binecuvntare faptu
l c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri529 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}intuit imediat de
perete {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu m-a luat la ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri.

\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li286 \ri1538 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu e{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ti Rose Hathaway, mi-a zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Doamne sfinte! Mai exista {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i cineva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4000 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cine sunt?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M-am ncordat, nesigur{\f63 \u
259\'3f} cu privire la ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tept de la o astfel de ntlnire, dar am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vorbit de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea ar fi fost una per
fect normal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
'3f}a s-ar p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea. Dar tu cine e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mihail Tanner,
mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nedumerit. Ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3990 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 cau{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aici?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un comision
, l-am informat, voioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dosarul. Gardianul de serviciu de-aici avea nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Min{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i, a replicat el.\i Eu\i0 sunt gardianul de serviciu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 la arhiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi a
vut nevoie cineva de ceva, pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mine m-ar fi trimis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Oh, ce de rahat! Asta zic {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i eu plan perfect care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ueaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3
f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team acolo, un gnd ciudat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi-a trecut prin minte. nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area lui nu-mi era deloc
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cunoscut{\f63 \u259\'3f}: p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul {\f63
\u351\'3f}aten cre{\f63 \u355\'3f}, n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime medie,
vrsta spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 treizeci de ani. Destul de z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} numele... era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ceva legat de numele lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Domni{\f63
\u351\'3f}oara Karp! am icnit deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cel
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care... ai avut o leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cu domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara Karp.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 A n{\f63 \u355\'3f}epenit, ia

r ochii lui alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri s-au ngustat,
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 precau{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2516 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce {\f63
\u351\'3f}tii tu despre asta?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Am nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}
it n sec. Ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ncercasem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac pent
ru Dimitri nu era ceva f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 precedent.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai iubit-o
. Te-ai dus s-o ucizi dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce... dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce s\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a transformat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara K
arp ne fusese profesoar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva ani
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era utilizato
are a spiritului, iar cnd efectele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acestuia ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o duc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} spre demen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unicul lucru prin care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i salveze min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile: s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strigoi. Iar Mihail, iubitul ei, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cus
e unicul lucru prin
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia\i el\i0 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
poate s pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t acelei st{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri mal
efice:
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s-o caute {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-o ucid{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Mi-a trecut prin minte c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aflam fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n fa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu eroul unei pove{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti de dragoste
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aproape la fel de dramatic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ct era
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri156 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar n-ai g{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sit-o, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. A{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a e?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 A z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovit mult tim
p pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rindu-m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} intens cu privirea. Chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebam la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ce se gndea. La ea? La propria suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Sau doar m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4163 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 analiza?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, mi-a r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncetez s-o caut. Gardienii aveau mai mult{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vorbea pe acel ton calm, st{
\f63 \u259\'3f}pnit, n care excelau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardienii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ochii lui vedeam durere
a: o durere pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 care o n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam cum nu se putea mai b
ine. Am ezitat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ncerc singura {\f63 \u351\
'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a nu fi dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gol
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aruncat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o celul
{\f63 \u259\'3f} a nchisorii.
\par
\u350\'3f}tiu... {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai toate motivele din lu
me s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sco{\f63 \u355\'3f}i afar{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de-aici, apucndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} predai.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ar trebui. Asta-i ceea ce se presu
pune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar trebui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri462 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci... asta a{
\f63 \u351\'3f} face {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu. Dar chestia e c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\
f63 \u259\'3f}sta...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri634 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut nc{\f63
\u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} semn din cap spre dosar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, eu cam n
cerc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac ceea ce ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut tu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2574 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncerc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} salvez pe
cineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 A r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas t{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cut. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghiceasc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} la cine
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} refeream {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleag{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u8222\'3f}salvarea"
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nsemna {\f63 \u8222\'3f}uciderea". Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f
} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia cine sunt, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cine-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fusese ndrum{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul. Pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
ni aflaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mea sentimental{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Dimitri, ns{\f63 \
u259\'3f} faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 el era de la sine n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E zadarnic
, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii, a zis pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} Mihail. De
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 data asta, vocea lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai pierduse di
n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am ncercat, m-am str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit din r{\f63 \
u259\'3f}sputeri s-o g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc. Dar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cnd ei dispar nu vor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie g{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}si{\f63 \u355\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2865 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Am cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din
cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, noi nu m
ai avem ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem. n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ce vrei s-o faci. Crede-m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, te n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg. Dar e imposibil.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} el nu vrea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntrebat ct de multe a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisesc lui Mihail... ct de multe a
r fi trebuit, de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fapt. Mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} mai exista cineva pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lumea asta care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele
ag{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin ce treceam, atunci el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar fi fost acela. n plus, n clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici nu aveam
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prea multe variante.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ches
tia e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l g{\f63
\u259\'3f}sesc, am rostit,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2394 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}nat. De fapt, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} caut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? s-a mir
at Mihail, n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sprncenele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3778 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Cum de {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri379 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fiindc{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, hm, mi trimite scrisori {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-o spune.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Expresia de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboinic aprig i-a reven
it imediat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii asta, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i\i0 s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti... atunci ar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2031 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii ajutor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ucizi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit
la auzul celor din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuvinte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nc{\f63 \u259\'
3f} o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a fost fric{\f63 \u259\'3f} s

{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun ceea ce a urmat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M-ai crede
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} spune c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} o cale prin
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3415 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care l pot salva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri889 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adic{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l distrugi. Am cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu .. Adic{\f63
\u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l salvez cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. O cale prin
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1924 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l aduc la
starea lui ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri74 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, a ripostat
gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit Mihail. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva e imposibil.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu. {\f63 \
u350\'3f}tiu pe cineva care a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o... care a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2419 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 transformat la loc un strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 OK, era o mic{\f63 \u259\'3
f} minciun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n realitate, nu cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 persoana, dar nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intru n lan{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ul sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}biciunilor
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de genul {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu-pe-cineva-care-{\f63 \u
351\'3f}tie-pe-cineva...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E imposibil
, a repetat Mihail. Strigoii sunt mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vii. Tot aia.
\plain\par
\'3f}i dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar exista o {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f}? i-am
zis. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 putea realiza? Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} domni{\f63 \u351\
'3f}oara Karp... dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sonya... ar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} redevin{\f63 \u259\'3f} moro
i? Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din nou
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3960 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Bine, asta ar fi nsemn
at ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} redevin{\f63 \u259\'3f} nebun{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri402 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dar era un am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunt
care putea fi l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe mai trziu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} a trecu
t o ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nicie pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea mea sporind. Lissa nu putea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 constrngerea la infinit, iar eu i spusesem Miei c-o s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c repede. Planul
avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de rp{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam ct mai curnd. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rindu-l cu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d cum masc
a i se clinte{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot acest
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 timp, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o iubea pe Sonya lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n cazul n ca
re ceea ce spui este adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat {\f63 \u8212\'3f} de{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu cred {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, atunci vin cu tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1641 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Hopa, asta nu. Asta nu era n pl
an.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu po{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i, i-am zis la repezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Deja am oamenii la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 locurile lor (nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} minciun{\f63 \u259\'3f}). O persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} n plus
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ar putea strica totul. Nu sunt de una singur{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat retezndu-i ceea ce mi-am nchipui
t c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fost urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul argument. Dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} vrei cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i... dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrei cu a
dev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai o {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f
} de a o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 readuce... trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dai drumul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E imposibil
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, a repetat el. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tonul lui era o ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar eu am miz
at pe ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2033 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u351\
'3f}ti dispus s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i joci {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Din nou, t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere.
Deja ncepusem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} transpir. Mihail
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a nchis ochii pentru o clip{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a tras aer adnc n piept.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Apoi, a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un pas ntr-o parte {\f63
\u351\'3f}i un gest n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3854 \fi283 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Du-te.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Aproape c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m-am ofilit de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am gr{\f63 \u259\
'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3707 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nchid clan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri842 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc foarte mu
lt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3
f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de necazur
i din cauza
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asta, spuse cu un glas istovit. {\f
63 \u350\'3f}i tot nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 posibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3033 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar speri s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu mai aveam nevoie de vreun r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}spuns din partea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lui ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i dea seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam dreptate. Am deschis
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, am dat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ies, dar
m-am oprit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am aruncat o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 privire. De data asta nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai ascund
ea durerea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de pe chip.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ai vorbit serios... dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i... ar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 putea fi o cale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 O nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} pies{
\f63 \u259\'3f} din puzzle mi se dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luise, o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cale
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prin care puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} continu{\f63 \u259
\'3f}m. I-am explicat de ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aveam nevoie din partea lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}mas surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de repede s-a declarat de acord. ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'
3f}r, mi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na, mi-am dat seama. {\f63 \u350\
'3f}tiam amndoi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ideea de a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 readuce la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} un st
rigoi era incredibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
noi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ne doream att de mult, att de tare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
e poat{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am
strecurat napoi sus de una singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Don era la biroul lui, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar m-am nt
rebat ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mia cu Lissa. N-am mai a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} aflu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire, ntr-o curticic{\f63 \u259\'3f}

pe care ne-o stabiliser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 punct de ntlnire. Mia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa erau amndo
u{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 patrulnd ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. N
emaifiind distras{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, m-a
m deschis c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tre leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i i-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3614 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Slav{\f63 \
u259\'3f} Domnului, a zis, n clipa n care m-a z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-au prins.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2008 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine... e
o poveste lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri603 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Una pe care nu m-am sinchisit s
-o mai relatez.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am ob{\f63 \u355
\'3f}inut ceea ce-mi trebuia. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i... de fapt, cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1324 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mult mai mult. Cred c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} putem s-o facem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mia mi-a adresat o privire c
are era, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 confuz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gnditoa
re.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt sigur
{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} dori s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce pune{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la cale
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 voi dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri456 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din
cap n timp ce plecam toate trei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te n{\f63 \u351\
'3f}eli, i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Eu nu sunt a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a de sigur{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-273 \li3 \ri3822 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3
f}i-ai dori.
\plain\par
pndtw-25 \b \f20 \fs40 CINCI
\plain\par
\sl-306\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \b
\f20 \fs24 AM HOT{\f63 \u258\'3f}RT C{\f63 \u258\'3f} AR FI\b0 cel mai bine ca
eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m treze pn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} trziu dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ne-am ntors n

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 camera ei, studiind cu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie documen
tele. Lissa a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trecut printr-un ntreg v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ag de sentimente cnd i\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am povestit ntlnirea mea cu Mihail... despre care nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pomenisem de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu M
ia. Reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ei ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 surprindere, dar au mai fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altele
. Team{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 necazurile pe care a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le am. Un pic de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldur{\f63 \u259\'3f} roman{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} n leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceea ce era
m dispu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 facem, att Mihail, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, pentru pers
oanele iubite.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i ea ar fi procedat la fel n cazul n care
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ar fi fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian ntr-o astfel d
e situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i concluzia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 instantanee ar fi fost c{\f63 \u259\'3f} da: iubirea
fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de el era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntr-att de puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe urm{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spusese c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 realitate el n-o mai interesa, ceea ce mi s-ar fi p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rut
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 enervant dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
fost att de gnditoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1737 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care-i proble
ma? m-a ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pasem un oftat
zgomotos, de necaz, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dau seama n timp ce-i citeam gnduril
e. Nevrnd ca ea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-i invadasem mintea, i-am ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat spre hrtiile
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndite pe patul ei.
\plain\par
9\'3f} chinuiesc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le dau {\f63 \u259\'3f}stora de cap{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}t. Ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu era ntru totul departe de adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuirea nc
hisorii era complex{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Celulele ocupau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} etaje {\f63 \u351\'3f}i erau minu
scule: doar cte un de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 fiecare. Documentele nu explicau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
ce, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 motivele erau evidente. Se potrivea cu ceea ce-mi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 spusese Abe, referitor la mpiedicarea criminalilor s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 transforme n strigoi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu, s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fi fost aruncat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare pentru mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ani, a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f} fi n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles tenta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceda nervos {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de a-mi ucide colegul,
devenind astfel
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 strigoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i evadnd. n plus, celulele era
u amplasate chiar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n centrul cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii, fiind nconjurate de
g{\f63 \u259\'3f}rzi, de birouri,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 de {\f63 \u8222\'3f}spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pentru exe
rci{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii", la care se ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugau buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\
f63 \u259\'3f}ria
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i camera cu hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitori
. Documentele explicau modul de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 rota{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie a g{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rzilor, precum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i programul de hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nir
e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Se par
e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau escorta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cte unul la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitori, stra{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}zi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, permi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-se doar scurte
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sorbituri de snge. Din nou, totul era menit s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-i men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}bi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mpiedice se transforme n strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Toate informa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}iile erau bune, dar nu aveam motiv s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreuna dintre ele ar fi fost l
a zi, din moment ce
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ultimele nregistr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri din dosar aveau o
vechime de cinci
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ani. Mai era posibil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ca nchisoarea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fi instalat
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 ntre timp tot felul de echipamente noi pentru
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 supraveghere. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} singurele lu
cruri pe care
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 puteam conta c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi neschimbate era
u amplasamentul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nchisorii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i modul de alc{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tuire a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum sim{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-au mai evoluat talentele de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri944 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f
}toare de farmece? am ntrebat-o pe Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u fusese capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi impregneze
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 inelul cu tot att de mult spirit vindec{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tor pe ct reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 o femeie pe care o cunoscusem, pe nume Oksana,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 observasem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n tunericul pe care mi-l

inducea spiritul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissei se mai domolise pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in. Lissa f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse un inel {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pentru Adrian, dar nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afirm
cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 certitudinea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el ar fi fost cel care
-l ajutase s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 controleze viciile n ultima vreme, vicii la care se de
da
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de obicei ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ate
nueze efectele spiritului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ridicat din umeri {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a rostogolit pe pat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntinzndu-se pe spate. Epuizarea o cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}
ise, dar se
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} treaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} de dragul meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri579 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Spre bine
. Mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} dori s-o cunosc pe Oksana.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate
, ntr-o zi, i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, cam ambiguu. Nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 prea credeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Oksana ar fi fost dis
pus{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'
3f} Rusia. Doar fugise mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu gardianul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ei, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voia s{\f63
\u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} neobservat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n plus, n-a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vrut ca Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se apropie prea curnd
de locurile
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri486 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acelea, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate
cele pe care le p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}isem eu acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai reu{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} utilizezi spiritul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru imp
regnarea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lucrurilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu altceva n afara capac
it{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de vindecare?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-am {\f
63 \u259\'3f}spuns singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A, da. Treaba aia
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cu lingura.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t o strmb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, care ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a transfor
mat
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1781 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu cred c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it prea grozav.
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hmm.
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hmm?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1112 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am privit din nou fotocopiile
planurilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \b \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\b0 M{\f63 \u
259\'3f} gndesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac-ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai faci cteva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 farmece de constrngere, ne-ar ajuta
foarte mult. Avem
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nevoie ca lumea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ceea ce vrem noi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ale c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui puteri de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 constrngere nu erau nici pe departe att de mari ca ale
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ei {\f63 \u8212\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise un farmec
de constrngere pasional{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 putea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} realize
ze ceea ce-mi trebuia mie. Nu avea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nevoie dect de mai mult exerci{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu. Liss
a n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 principiile de baz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
avea greut{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu privire la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 durabilitatea efectelor dorite. Singura problem{\f63
\u259\'3f} era c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rugnd-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta, o
obligam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i utilizeze n mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} spiritul.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} efectele secundare
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
arate imediat, era probabil ca ele s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 revin{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe viitor, bntuind-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-a privit curioas{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, dar v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd-o cum casc{\f63 \u259\'3f} iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 i-am spus s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
bat{\f63 \u259\'3f} capul cu asta. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i explic
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eu mine Nu s-a mpotrivit ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63
\u355\'3f}in {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
re gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ne-am retras fiecare n propriul pat.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu ne mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese prea
mult timp pentru somn, dar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umim
cu ce aveam. Mine urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 o zi important{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\sl-276\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cnd part
icipasem la procesul lui Victor, purtasem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un fel de variant{\f63 \u259\'3f} a echipamentului co
nven{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional al
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor, n negru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alb. n situa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}iile normale, cnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ne jucam rolurile de g{\f63 \u259\'3f}rzi de corp, mb

r{\f63 \u259\'3f}cam ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}minte
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuite. n schimb, pentru evenimentel
e mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sofisticate, se dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ca sco{\f63 \u351\'3f}i din cutie, cu o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ar
e profesional{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n diminea{\f
63 \u355\'3f}a urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cutez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarei noastre p{\f63 \u259\'3f
}trunderi prin efrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pentru prima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu adev{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rat gustul modei pentru
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 gardieni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 La judecata lui Victor mbr{\f
63 \u259\'3f}casem haine de ocazie,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum aveam un echipament oficial de
gardian,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 croit exact pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sura mea: pantaloni l
argi, negri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 drep{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, o bluz{\f63 \u259\'3f} alb{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ncheiat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n gt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un s
acou
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 negru care-mi venea perfect. Era clar c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} nu fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 menite s{\f63 \u259\'3f} arate sexy, dar felul n caremi mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}au
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 abdomenul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}oldurile
mi provoca senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cute. M\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it satisf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\
f63 \u259\'3f} de imaginea mea din oglind{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva minu
te de medita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, mi-am prins p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un coc mpletit cu grij{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f} semnele
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 molnija\i0 . Pielea era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} iritat{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, dar bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pasem de pansament. Ar{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tam foarte... profesionist.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Toate acestea mi reaminteau de Sydney. Ea era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Alchimist: o fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din rndul oamenilor,
care colabora cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 moroii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu dhampirii, ascunznd de res
tul lumii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a vampirilor. Cu sim{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ul ei vestimental deosebit,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta mereu ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum a
r fi fost preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntlnire de afaceri. Chiar mi doream s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
trimit o
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 serviet{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca dar de Cr{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ciun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ei, bine, dac{\f63 \u259\'3
f} vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost cazul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
etalez,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atunci acum era momentul. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecere
a testelor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 absolvire, era urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul pas important
spre trecerea la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 rangul de gardian. Se organizase un prnz oficial, la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care participau to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i proaspe{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ii absolven{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. De asemenea,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 participau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moroii care urmau s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} primeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardieni,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de a-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ademe
ni candida{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Rezultatele
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 noastre de pe parcursul {\f63 \u351\'3f}colii {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i cele de la teste
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre timp cunoscute public,
iar aceasta era o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} oferit{\f63 \u259
\'3f} moroilor de a ne cunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}te {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de a opta
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pentru cei dori{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe post de gardieni.
Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 majoritatea acestora, oaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii erau di
n familiile regale,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dar fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} selecta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva moroi mai importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Eu chiar nu aveam niciun in
teres s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac parad{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} leg de vreo familie {\f63 \u351\'3f
}ic. Lissa era unica pe care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 voiam s-o protejez. Dar chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a, trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac o
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} impresie
. Aveam nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dau de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles ct mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri372 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 limpede c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i eu\i
0 eram cea care trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fie gardian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Noi dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} am m
ers mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre salonul regal de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bal. Era o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} sal{\f63 \u259\'3f
} suficient de spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pem cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, din mom
ent ce participarea nu se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 limita doar la absolven{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de la Sf. V
ladimir. Toate
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}colile americane {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tr
imiseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} recru{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, pentru
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, marea aceea de negru {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i alb mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}itoare. Frnturi de culoare {\f63 \u
8212\'3f} moroii din familiile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 regale, nve{\f63 \u351\'3f}mnta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n tot c

e aveau mai bun {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsufle{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau un pic paleta cromatic{\f63
\u259\'3f}. n jurul nostru,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 delicatele fresce n acuarel{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ceau ca pere{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitori. Lissa nu mbr{\f63 \u259\
'3f}case vreo rochie de bal, sau
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 altceva asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, ns{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta extrem de elegant{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 rochie mulat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, verde-alb{\f63 \u259\'
3f}struie, din borangic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Cei din familiile regale se
amestecau cu acea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lejeritate a socializ{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii cu care fuse
ser{\f63 \u259\'3f} crescu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 colegii mei se foiau stnjeni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. De{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i niciunul dintre ei nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-agite prea
tare. Nu era treaba noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe al{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ii: trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim aborda{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. To{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i absolven{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 purtau ecusoane cu numele lor: ecusoane metalice,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 gravate. Aici nu existau insigne cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f
}Bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ziua, numele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 meu este...Ecusoanele ajutau la identificarea noastr{
\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 astfel nct moroii din familiile regale s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}| poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} veni la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 noi, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rile de rigoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63
\u351\'3f}teptam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre altcineva n vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu min
e,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n afara prietenilor mei, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Lissa, ne\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 am ndreptat direct spre bufet, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca
re ne-am ocupat
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 locurile ntr-un col{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}or lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit, unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne put
em ron{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tartinele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i caviarul. M{\f63 \u259\'3
f} rog, caviar mnca Lissa. Mie
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi amintea prea mult de Rusia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, fire{\f63 \u351\'3f
}te, a fost primul care ne-a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat. L-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntmpinat cu un zmbet strmb.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu ce cau{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i aici? {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai fost selectat s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 prime{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti gardian.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Nemaiavnd planuri concrete pe
ntru viitor, se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 presupunea Adriann urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} locuiasc{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Curte. Din acest motiv, nu avea nevoie de protec{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pentru exterior; totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ar fi fost cu
siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} eligibil, n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cazul n care se hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} porneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n lume.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E adev{\f63
\u259\'3f}rat, dar z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi vine s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ratez vreo
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 petrecere, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u354\'3f}inea n mn{\f63
\u259\'3f} un pahar cu {\f63 \u351\'3f}ampanie, ceea ce m-a
'3f} ntreb dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva efectele inelului pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care i-l d{\f63 \u259\'3f}du-se Lissa se vor fi risip
it. Sigur, un pahar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din cnd n cnd nu nsemna sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}itul lumii, ia
r limbajul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 eseului de cucerire era destul de vag la acest capit
ol. n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 principal, fumatul era cel de care doream s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} se {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 departe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai fost dej
a abordat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vreo duzin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de moroi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3348 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 plini de speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri30 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cine {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-ar dori-o pe nes{\f63 \u259\'3f}buita de Rose Hathaway?
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am replicat, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd din cap. Aia car
e las{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul balt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri311 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe nepus{\f63 \u259\'3f} mas{\f63
\u259\'3f}, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i rezolve propriile probleme?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O mul{\f63
\u355\'3f}ime, a zis el. Eu sigur te-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} vrea. I-ai f{\f63 \u259\
'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 praf to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, plus
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, adu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aminte: toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 crede c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai p
lecat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te distrezi omornd strigoi. Unii ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63
\u259\'3f}, pentru asta, merit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i ndure
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 personalitatea extravagant{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai dreptat
e, s-a auzit deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o voce. Ridicndu\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi ochii, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe Tasha Ozera, s
tnd lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu un zmbet pe chipul br{\f63 \u259\'3f}zdat de cicatr
ice. Cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 desfigurarea mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} arat{\f63 \u259\'3f} frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi: mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 regesc dect o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem vreodat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul ei lung {\f63 \u351\'3f}i negru
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lucea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cu o fust{\f63 \u259\'3f} bleumarin {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o bluz{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dantelat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} mneci. Purta chiar pantofi cu tocuri
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nalte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i bijuterii: cu a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a ceva n mod sigur n-o mai
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucuram so v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d: nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} venise {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i ea la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Curte. Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, un gnd neobi{\f63 \u351
\'3f}nuit mi-a trecut prin
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 minte.
\plain\par
\'3f}i-au dat voie, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai un gardian? am
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat-o. Familiile regale aveau o mul{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ime de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 modalit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i t{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cute, politicoase, prin care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i evite pe cei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n dizgra{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ie. n cazul familiei Ozera, alocarea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor fusese redus{\f63 \u259\'3f} la jum{\f63
\u259\'3f}tate, ca un fel de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pedeaps{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\
'3f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui Christian.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Era ceva total nedrept. Familia Ozera merita s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bucure de acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i drepturi ca oricare
alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} familie
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3207 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Ea a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} sper{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi nchid{\f63 \u259\'3f} gura pe te
ma luptei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1015 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 moroilor al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi
de dhampiri. Un fel de mit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri437 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Una care
n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nas, sunt convins{\f63 \u259\'3f
}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N{\f
63 \u355\'3f}. Dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreun efect, atunci a
cela o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri944 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ofer{\f63 \u
259\'3f} pe cineva cu care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} antrenez.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul i s-a {\f63 \u351\'3f
}ters de pe chip, iar privirea i s-a
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 plimbat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ielnic{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, peste noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper c{\f63
\u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te superi... dar am naintat o cerere
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pentru tine, Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu m
ine am avut un schimb rapid de priviri
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4377 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 uluite
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A! am excl
amat. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce altceva a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 spun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper c-o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} i te repartizeze Lissei, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 graba Tasha, evident stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ns{\f63
\u259\'3f} regina pare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}neze
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u n propriile alegeri. Iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} va fi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cazul...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E OK, am nt
rerupt-o. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cu Lisau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 atunci chiar te-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} prefera pe tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Era adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
. Mi-o doream pe Lissa mai mult dect
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe oricine altcineva pe lume, dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 despart{\f63 \u259\'3f}, atunci f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\
f63 \u259\'3f} discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie c-o preferam pe Tasha fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de oricare persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} de familie regal{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Desigur, eram
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 destul de con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansele de a-i fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 repartizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei erau la fel de slabe ca
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cele de a-i fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 repartizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissei. Cei care-mi purta
u pic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru vina
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de a fi fugit n lume aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se dea p
este cap ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cea mai nepl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut

{\f63 \u259\'3f} situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu putin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, chiar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se oferise posibilitatea de a a
vea un gardian,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aveam eu o presim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} preferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele Tashei nu vor fi
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 socotite, nici ele, mai prior
itare. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} viitorul meu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un mare semn de ntrebare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei! a excl
amat Adrian, ofensat de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 numisem pe el ca a doua op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune. I-am
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 scuturnd din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar {\f63
\u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu oricum repartizat{\f63
\u259\'3f} unei femei.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n plus tu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci ceva n via{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u351
\'3f}tigi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dreptul la gardian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea
fusese doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} glumesc, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 se cam mbufnase m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-mi treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin gnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 poate chiar l jignisem. Tasha, n schimb, p{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
9\'3f} bucur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu te superi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ntre timp, o s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} fac
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tot posibilul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} aj
ut pe voi dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a promis, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul peste c
ap. Nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea mea ar avea prea
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mare importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ad
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi exprim n
doielile cu privire la repartizarea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mea mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea inutil. n schimb, am dat
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pentru ofrt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnd un nou oaspete s-a a
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat grupului
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nostru: Daniella Ivashkov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian, la mustrat, cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, schi{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd un mic
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 zmbet, nu se poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le {\f63 \u355\'
3f}ii numai pentru tine pe Rose

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Vasilisa. Apoi, s-a ntors spre mi
ne {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre Lissa.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Regina ar vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} va
d{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ne-a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ce dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63
\u355\'3f}! Ne-am ridicat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat, nedorind ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i viziteze m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Din cte se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, nici Tasha. Observndo, Daniella a
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 salutat-o printr-o scurt{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i politicoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} nclinare a
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 capului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lady Ozera,
a zis ea, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a plecat,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 presupunnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o vom urma. Mi se p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rea ridicol faptul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Daniella se ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta d
ispus{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} accepte pe mine, dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu se dezb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra de acea prejudecat{\f63
\u259\'3f} conform c{\f63 \u259\'3f}reia
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 oricare Ozera trebuia {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. B{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 amabilitatea ei nu se ntindea dect pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
ici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tasha, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
, ajunsese de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme imun{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 genul acesta de tratament.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Distrac{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ie pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis ea, dup{\f63 \u259\'
3f} care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri703 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ndreptat privirea spre Adrian. nc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} o {\f63 \u351\'3f}ampanie?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lady Ozera,
a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns el cu emfaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, noi suntem
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} spirite unite ntr-acela{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i gnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am ezitat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s-o urmez pe Lissa spre Tatiana.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Remarcasem apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia impresionant{\f63
\u259\'3f} a Tashei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} abia
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acum acordam aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie unui am{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}nunt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Toate bijut
eriile tale sunt din argint? am ntrebat\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a pip{\f63
\u259\'3f}it absent{\f63 \u259\'3f} colierul cu opal de la gt.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Degetele i erau mpodobite cu trei inele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1148 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, mi-a r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}spuns, nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De ce?
\plain\par
'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i se par{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-a dreptul ciudat... m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} rog, poate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu, prin compara
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu ciud{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}enia mea obi{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri682 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dar ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}, h
m, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ni le mprumu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe toate?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa m-a fulgerat cu privir
ea, dar a ghicit imediat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 motivul meu. Aveam nevoie de ct mai multe farmece,
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne cam lipsea argintul. Tasha {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-a arcuit o
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sprncean{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
la fel ca att de mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dintre prietenii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mei, avea o remarcabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} abilitate de
a se adapta la ideile
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mele bizare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur, mi-a
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Dar n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vi le d
au
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mai trziu? Nu prea m-ar tenta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} jumulesc de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bijuterii n timpul petrecerii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2996 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nicio problem
{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1083 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} aranjez s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vi le trimit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n camer{\f63 \u259\
'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} stabilite a
cestea, eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Lissa am pornit spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 locul unde se afla Tatiana, nconjura
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} de admiratori {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de doritori s{\f63 \u259\'3f} o lingu{\f63 \u351\'3f}
easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Daniella probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}elase afirmnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatian
a voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe

\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i0 Amintirea urletelor ei
, cerndu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 departe de Adrian, mi nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ia nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mintea, iar cina cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 familia Ivashkov nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'
3f}cuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi nchipui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 regina deveniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m dintr-odata cele m
ai bune prietene.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu luate acestea, uimitor lu
cru, cnd a dat cu ochii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de mine a fost numai zmbet
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vasilisa. {
\f63 \u350\'3f}i Rosemarie, ne-a salutat, invitndu-ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu un gest s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne apropiem, iar grupul
din jurul ei s-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-ne loc.
M-am apropiat odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Lissa,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cu pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nesiguri. Oare avea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} urle la mine n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2699 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tuturor acestor persoane?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate a
paren{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, nu. Mereu mai existau c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de la familiile regale de cunoscut, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana le-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prezentat mai nti pe Lissa tuturor acestora. Cu to{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 erau curio{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu privire la prin{\f63
\u355\'3f}esa Dragomir. Regina m\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a prezentat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe mine, dar nu {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i-a mai dat tot atta
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 osteneal{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-mi nal{\f63 \u355\'3f}e imnuri de slav{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca n cazul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissei. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, simp
lul fapt c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ga n seam{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 uluitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vasilisa, a
zis Tatiana, de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 formalit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile, m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} gndeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci ct de
\plain\expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 curnd o vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Lehigh. S-au pus la c
ale
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aranjamentele necesare pentru ca tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pleci ntr-acolo
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 peste, hm, poate o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3
f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate. Ne-am gndit
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi un cadou dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g
u{\f63 \u355\'3f} cu ocazia zilei tale de na{\f63 \u351\'3f}tere.

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Serena {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Grant te vor nso{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i, fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i voi mai trimite
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}iva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Serena {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Gr
ant erau gardienii care ne nlocuiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Dimitri, n calitatea de viit
ori protectori ai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissei. Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea
u s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea. Dar apoi,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri174 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana a rostit cea mai n{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ucitoare replic{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintre toate.
\plain\par
0\'3f}i po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu, dac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} vrei, Rose. Nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Vasilisa ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tori f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a luminat la fa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Universitatea Lehigh. Ispita
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care o determinase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} accepte via{\f63
\u355\'3f}a la Curte. Lissa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tnjea dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} nv
{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu putin{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 regina i oferise {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa s-o ob{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Perspectiva unei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vizite acolo o umpluse de ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i de entuziasm...
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mai ales dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb{\f63 \u259\'3f}toreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} a optsprezecea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aniversare acolo, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mine. Era
suficient ca s-o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 distrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la problemele cu Victor {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Christian, ceea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ce nsemna ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri982 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V{\f63 \u
259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc, Maiestate. Ar fi grozav.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Exista o serioas{\f63
\u259\'3f} posibilitate, o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam, ca eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pot fi disponibil{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru aceast{\f63
\u259\'3f} vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f} programat{\f63 \u259\'3f}:
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aceea ca planul meu cu privire la Victor s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} dea roade.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stric bucuria Lissei..
. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, oricum, nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prea puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pomenesc despre a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a ceva n anturajul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acesta regal. n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp eram cam b
uim{\f63 \u259\'3f}cit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 urmare a faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusesem invitat{

\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}area
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 invita{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei, regina nu mi se mai adres{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nicicum,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 continund s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discute cu ceilal{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i din preajma ei. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fusese agreabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cel
pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, pentru felul ei de-a fi \plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 atunci cnd mi se adresase, exact ca n casa familiei
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov. Nu tocmai dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n sensul de cea-mai\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}-prieten{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar n mod
cert nici c{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea-turbat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 delir. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Daniella avusese drep
tate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Au urmat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
lte dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}enii, to
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}vr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
gind {\f63 \u351\'3f}i str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} impresie bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a reginei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i curnd a
devenit limpede c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai era
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de mine acolo. Rotindu-mi privirea prin
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere, am descoperit pe cineva cu ca
re aveam nevoie
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu toat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} sfiala cuvenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am apropiat de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 grup, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa
se putea ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra {\f63 \u351\'3f}i singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eddie, am s
trigat, ajungnd de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 salonului de bal. n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, te prind si
ngur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Eddie Castile, un vechi prie
ten de-al meu, mi-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 zmbit cu gura pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urechi cnd m-a v{\f
63 \u259\'3f}zut. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dhampir, nalt, cu o fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
} lunguia{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ngust{\f63 \u259\'3f}
care nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea o nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are simpatic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De data asta,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mblnzise p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul castaniu
-nchis. Lissa sperase
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 odinioar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca e
u {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Eddie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne cupl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, ns{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
seser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m dect prieteni. Cel mai bun prieten al lui
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fusese Mason, un tip ncnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, nebun du

p{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, dar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pe care l asasinase un strigoi. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
oartea lui Mason,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Eddie adoptaser{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m o atitudine protectoare unul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cel{\f63 \u259
\'3f}lalt. Mai trziu, el fusese r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pit, in decursul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 atacului asupra {\f63 \u351\'3f}colii Sf. Vladimir,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} experien{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 l transformase ntr-un gardian serios, uneori, un pic
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cam\i prea\i0 serios. Mi-ar fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d distrndu-se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mai mult, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am fo
st ncntat{\f63 \u259\'3f} z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind acum lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de bucurie din ochii lui c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri330 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am impresia c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} fiecare moroi regal din sala asta a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri119 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te corup
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l-am tachinat eu. Dar nu era ntru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri688 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 totul o glum{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Fus
esem cu un ochi pe el de cnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri70 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncepuse petrecerea {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i mereu l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem cu cte cineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1137 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Rezultatele lui erau excep{\f63
\u355\'3f}ionale. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri257 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uise ntmpl{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor acelora cumplite din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lui poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l marcase, dar se {\f63
\u351\'3f}i reflectase ct se poate
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de favorabil n aptitudinile lui. Avea note grozave di
n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri440 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un rezultat excelent la teste. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ce era m
ai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 important, nu avea reputa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea, de
nes{\f63 \u259\'3f}buit. Era o
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 partid{\f63 \u259\'3f} bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cam a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a se pare, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, rznd. Chiar nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c
eva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prea mult{\
f63 \u259\'3f} modestie. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cel mai tare din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2427 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} compar cu tine.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda.
Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum demonstreaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i coada
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 interminabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} a celor care vor s{\f63
\u259\'3f} discute cu mine. Din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cte {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu, Tasha Ozera e singura care m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} vrea. n afara
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissei, binen{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1828 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Cteva cute i-au ncre{\f63 \u355\
'3f}it fruntea.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba o s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Nici gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
jung cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3366 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vreuna dintre ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Am t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut amnd
oi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o subit{\f63 \u259\'3f} nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te m-a str{\
f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Venisem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i cer un serviciu lui Eddi
e, dar nu mi se mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea o idee nimerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Eddie se afla n pragul unei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cariere str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucite. Era un prieten cre
dincios, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-ar fi ajutat cu ceea ce ave
am nevoie... dar,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu mai puteam s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} i-o cer. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, la fel ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mia, Eddie era un bun observator.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2782 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce te apas{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, Rose?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n tonul lui se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ea preocuparea: firea aceea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1992 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 protectoare n{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{
\f63 \u259\'3f}lind la suprafa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1119 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am scuturat din cap. Nu puteam
s-o fac.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimic, i-am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri436 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, a exclam
at el, pe un ton de avertisment.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am ntors capul, nefiind n stare s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-i ntlnesc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4146 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2450 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimic importa
nt. Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1781 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 G{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc eu alt{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cale, cu altcineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Spre surprinderea mea, a ntins mna
, m-a apucat de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbie {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i mi-a nclinat capul pe spate. Privirea lui a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 captat-o pe-a mea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i lase {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse de sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pare.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri2968 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce a
i nevoie?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 L-am privit fix, ndelung. Eram att
de egoist{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pun n pericol vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}il
e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i reputa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile unor prieteni la care
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineam att de mult. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f
} Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian n-ar fi fost
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii att de proaste l-a{\f63 \u351
\'3f} fi rugat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe el. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Eddie era singurul care mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63
\u259\'3f}sese.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am nevoie d
e ceva... de ceva destul de ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 comun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}arearea i era serioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
ol{\f63 \u355\'3f}urile buzelor i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s-au ntins intr-un zmbet crispat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri686 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tot ceea ce fa
ci tu e ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din comun, Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu ca asta.
Asta-i... n fine, e ceva care ar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te fac{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pierzi. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} te vre n mari necazuri. {
\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cer una c
a asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1143 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul schi{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
i-a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut de pe chip.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu conteaz{\f63
\u259\'3f}, a replicat, ndrjit. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai nevoie de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1227 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mine, te ajut. Indiferent despre
ce e vorba.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1239 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tocmai, c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii despre ce e vorba.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am ncredere n tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1362 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E ceva cam il
egal. O tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dare, chiar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri19 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Asta l-a descump{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nit pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nu i-a clintit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4014 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Orice, dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ai tu nevoie. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} intereseaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Orice-ar fi, {\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}in spa
tele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 i salvasem via{\f63 \u355\'3
f}a lui Eddie n dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} rnduri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbea ct se poate de serios. Se sim
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea ndatorat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine. S-ar fi d
us oriunde i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi cerut, nu din
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 romantismul unui ndr{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}gostit, ci din prietenie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 loialitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E ceva ileg
al, am repetat. Va trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te furi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la Curte... n seara asta. {\f
63 \u350\'3f}i nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cnd ne mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntoarcem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era ntru totul posibil s{\f63
\u259\'3f} nici\i nu\i0 ne mai ntoarcem.
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ni se ntmpla s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne c
iocnim de g{\f63 \u259\'3f}rzile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nchisorii... ei bine, era posibil ca acestea s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} apeleze la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}suri radicale, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} datoria. Pentru a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ne preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu to{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} regizez
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 evadarea asta numai cu ajutorul for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei
de constrngere
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pe care o de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea Lissa. Mai aveam nev
oie de un
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi {\
f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} spatele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri831 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu trebuie s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spui dect cnd plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i asta a fost to
t. Nu i-am mai dest{\f63 \u259\'3f}inuit amploarea

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 planului nostru, informndu-1 doar de
spre locul de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntlnire pentru noaptea aceea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i enumerndu
-i ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 anume trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia cu el. Nu mi-a pus
nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrebare. Mi-a spus doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va fi acolo
. Al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i moroi de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 snge regal au sosit atunci s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discute
cu el, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-1 voi revedea mai trziu. mi venea greu,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dar tot am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
rec peste sentimentul de vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 legat de posibila primejduire a viitorului lui.
\plain\par
\sl-276\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Eddie
a sosit, exact dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum promisese, n clipa n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care planul meu ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se deruleze,
ceva mai trziu,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n noaptea aceea. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} precizez,\i noapte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsemna {\f63 \u8222\'3f}plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} zi". Resi
m{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te ca
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 atunci cnd ne strecuraser{\f63
\u259\'3f}m n sediul gardienilor,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Mia. Lumina zilei scotea tot
ul la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dar, la urma urmei, cei mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dor
meau. Lissa, Eddie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mine am traversat terenul Cur{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ii furi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ndu-ne ct
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am putut de bine pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la locul de ntlnire
cu Mihail,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o zon{\f63 \u259\'3f} a complexului care cuprindea
tot felul de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 garaje pentru vehicule. Garajele erau cl{\f63 \u259\'
3f}diri mari, din
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 metal, ca ntr-un spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu industrial, amp
lasate la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri786 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 marginile terenurilor Cur{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ii. Totul p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea pustiu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am strecurat n garajul pe
care mi-1 indicase el
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 noaptea trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, sp
re marea mea u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urare, nu am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe nimeni altcineva pe-acolo. Mihail ne-a examinat pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tustrei cu privirea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd surprins de {
\f63 \u8222\'3f}echipa mea de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc", dar nu a pus nicio ntrebare, nic
i nu a mai ncercat
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ni se al{\f63 \u259\'3f}ture. Din n
ou m-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut un val de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. nc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i risc{\f63 \u259\'3f} vii
torul pentru
\plain\par
'3f} fie cam nghesuial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a cugetat el cu voce tare.
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i0 Suntem doar ntre prieteni, i-a
m r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, cu un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3670 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 zmbet for{\f63 \u355\'3f}at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu a rs la gluma mea, a desch
is n schimb portiera
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 unui Dodge Charger negru. Nu glumise deloc
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 referindu-se la nghesuial{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era un mode
l nou: mare
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat. Unul mai vechi ar fi fost mai nc
{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gardienii nu foloseau dect ce era mai bun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Imediat cu
m ajungem suficient de departe, trag pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dreapta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i v{\f63 \u259\'3f} las s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a zis el.
\plain\par
u259\'3f} ne descurc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, l-am asigurat. Hai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg
em.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am ngr{\f63 \u259\'3
f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}dit tustrei n portbagaj: eu, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, Doamne
, a murmurat Lissa. Sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu sufer{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nimeni de claustrofobie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Era ca ntr-un joc tmpit de Tw
ister. Portbagajul era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 destul de nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor pentr
u cteva bagaje, dar nu fusese
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 proiectat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}zduiasc
{\f63 \u259\'3f} trei persoane. Eram ct se poate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de nghesui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul pe
rsonal fiind inexistent. Eram
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f}, unul peste alt
ul. Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}puser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m to{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i, Mihail a nchis portbagajul, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntunericul ne-a nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it instantaneu. Un
minut mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri342 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trziu, motorul a pornit {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}l ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina s-a pus n mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ct o dura pn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne oprim? m-a ntrebat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri157 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Sau mai nti murim intoxica{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i cu monoxid de carbon?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n-am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din perimetrul Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, am const
atat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 eu, smulgndu-i un oftat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Automobilul {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i-a continuat drumul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu mult mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trziu, s-a oprit. Mihail probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
junsese la poart{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 discuta cu cei care f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau de paz{\f63
\u259\'3f}. mi spusese mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 devreme c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} inventeze un pretext sa
u altul {\f63 \u8212\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} un comi
sion de pild{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu aveam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 motive s{\f63 \u259\'3f} credem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} paz
nicii nu l-ar fi luat la ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sau i-ar fi perchezi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat ma{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ina. Curtea nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 griji cu privire la cei care voiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se furi{\f63 \u351\'3f}eze afar{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cum fusese cazul n {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. Cea mai mare preocupare
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 era legat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cei care voiau s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} intre.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A trecut un minut, ceea ce m
-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu cumva intervenise vreo problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Apoi, automobilul a pornit di
n nou, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tustrei am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 suspinat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ura{\f63
\u355\'3f}i. Am prins vitez{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cam un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 kilometru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate,
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} socotisem bine, ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tras pe dreapta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a oprit. Portbaga
jul s-a deschis, iar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 noi ne-am rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsat afar{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu am fost att de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} respir ae
r curat. M-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe scaunul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din dreapta lui Mihail, iar Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i E
ddie au ocupat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bancheta din spate. De ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ne-a v{
\f63 \u259\'3f}zut instala{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mihail a pornit din nou, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am mai ng{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
uit cteva clipe de remu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de cei pe care-i implicasem, dar pe urm{\f63 \u259\'
3f} le-am alungat.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Acum era prea trziu pentru astfel de griji. Mi-am l{\
f63 \u259\'3f}sat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ngrijor{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sentime
ntul de vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de Adrian.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S-ar fi dovedit cu siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f} un bun aliat, dar nu prea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aveam cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i cer sprijinul pentru a
{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cu asta,
m-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}tarul scaunului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
m-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gndit la misiunea care ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta. Avea
m nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aproximativ o or{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ajungem la aeroport, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tustrei zburam spre Alaska.
\plain\par
\sl-94\fs9\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\pard\pard\sl-443 \li286 \ri2074 \fi2050 \expn
dtw-33 \b \f20 \fs40 {\f63 \u350\'3f}ASE
\plain\par
\sl-307\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1771 \expndtw-9 \f20
\fs24 \cf52 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\b \cf0 {\f63 \u350\'3f}TI{\f63 \u354\'3f}I CE NEAR TREBUI?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 St{\f63 \u259\'3f}team ntre Eddie
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa, n avionul care ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ducea din Seattle n Fairbanks. Fiin
d cea mai scund{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 de departe {\f63 \u8212\'3f},
dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i creierul opera{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunii, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pricopsisem cu locul din mijloc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1809 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un plan nou?
a ntrebat Lissa.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un miracol? a zis Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am oprit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nain
te de a le r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunde, i-am privit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chior{\f63 \u351\'3f} pe amndoi. De cn
d f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau pe {\f63 \u351\'3f}mecherii pe-
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4463 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 aici?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Lucruri
. Avem nevoie de instrumente super,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrem s-o scoatem la cap{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am cioc{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit c
u degetul n planul nchisorii, care
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuse n poala mea aproape n fiecare c
lip{\f63 \u259\'3f} a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}toriei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastre de pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci. Mihail ne l{\f63
\u259\'3f}sase lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} un mic
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 aeroport aflat la o or{\f63 \u259\'3f} distan{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Curte.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Prinseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m o curs{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
pasageri de acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Philadelphia, pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} o alta pn{\f63 \u
259\'3f} n Seattle, iar acum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zburam spre Fairbanks. mi amintea un pic de nebunia
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 zborurilor pe care fusesem nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} le fac la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntoarcerea din Siberia n S.U.A. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}toria aceea m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 purtase prin Seattle. ncepeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul acela
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri374 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 era poart{\f63 \u259\'3f} de trec
ere spre tot felul de locuri obscure.
\plain\par
\'3f}i eu care credeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} singurele instrumente
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 necesare sunt inteligen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele noastre,
a cugetat Eddie. O fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fost el n majoritatea timpului serios cnd era vorba
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 despre munca lui de gardian, dar cnd se relaxa, {\f63
\u351\'3f}tia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i umorul. Nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar fi sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it complet n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 largul lui cu misiunea care ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta
, mai ales acum,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce aflase mai multe detalii (nu c
hiar pe toate).
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de ndat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ce vom ateriza, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i va pune
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 instantaneu n func{\f63 \u355\
'3f}iune vigilen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. Fusese, lesne de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles, {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat atunci cnd i
dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luisem c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-1 vom
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 elibera pe Victor Dashkov. Nu-i povestisem nimic leg
at
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de Dimitri, sau de utilizarea spiritului, ci doar c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 scoaterea lui Victor din nchisoare juca un rol import
ant
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o pies{\f63 \u259\'3f} mult mai m{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ncrederea lui Eddie n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mine era att de nestr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mutat{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, nct m{\f63 \u259\'3f} crezuse pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cuvnt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu mai aprofundase subiectul.
Asta m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb cum va reac
{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona cnd va afla adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ne-ar trebu
i un GPS, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, am spus eu. Pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 chestia asta nu sunt dect latitudini {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i longitudini. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 indica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii clare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ar trebui
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie greu, a zis Lissa, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucind
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntruna n mini o br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ar{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse t{\f63 \u259\'3f}vi{\f63
\u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsase pe ea bijuteriile Tashei. Su
nt convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n Alaska a p{\f63
\u259\'3f}truns tehnica modern{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Afi{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i ea o atitudine ironic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, prin leg{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ngrijo
rarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri115 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Buna dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
a lui Eddie s-a mai estompat un pic.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu te gnde{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ti la arme sau la altceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3835 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Absolut
deloc. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne iese mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}carea cum
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trebuie, atunci n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tie nimeni c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am trecut pe-acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O comfruntare fizic{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} era destul de probabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 speram s{\f63 \u259\'3f} diminueze riscul unor v{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri grave.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a suspinat {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i mi-a ntins br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ara. Era ngrijorat{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o mare par
te a planului meu depindea de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 farmcele mele: att la propriu, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la
figurat.
\par
f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} efect, dar poate c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i va da
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am luat br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ara {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am strecurat-o pe ncheietur{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 N-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it nimic, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rareori sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam cnd era vorba
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de obiecte fermecate. i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sasem lui Ad
rian un bile{\f63 \u355\'3f}el n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care-l informam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i Lissa ne doriser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m o evadare,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o {\f63 \u8222\'3f}escapad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-a fete
lor" nainte de repartizarea mea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de vizita ei la la facultate. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l r{\f63 \u259\'3f}nesc.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Povestea cu excursia ntre fete avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
atrne greu n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 balan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'
3f} tot s-ar fi sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it lezat din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fusese invitat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el ntr-o expedi{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie cutez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, asta n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cazul n care m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car ar fi crezut c{\f63
\u259\'3f} n a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva ne
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lansaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ntre timp ajunsese s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cunoasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} suficient de bine, nct s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 majoritatea lor, ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile mele aveau
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mobiluri
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ascunse. Speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea era ca el s{\f63
\u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 povestea printre oficialit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ile Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, atunci cnd avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ni se remarce dispari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Tot aveam s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de necazuri,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} un weekend de nebunii era preferabi
l fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 spargerea unei nchisori. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cinstit v
orbind, ce s-ar mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi putut nr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea? Singura hib{\f63 \u259\'3f} era c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian era capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} viziteze n vis {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tortureze pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} afla ce se petrecea n real
itate. Era una
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre cele mai interesante {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i uneori enervante {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 abilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ale spiritul
ui. Lissa nu nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259
\'3f}trund{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 visele altora, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea cuno{\f63 \u351
\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e rudimentare de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 principiu. C{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd o cale de mijloc ntre

aceasta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 utilizarea for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei de constrngere, ncerc
ase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} farmece o
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i blocheze accesul lui Adri
an mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trziu, cnd aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} adorm.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Avionul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a n
ceput coborrea spre Fairbanks; am
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aruncat o privire pe fereastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, spre p
inii nal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntinderile nz{\f63 \u259\'3f}pezite. n gndurile Lissei, d
escifrasem
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar cam fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta
t la ghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ari {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la troiene de z{\f63 \u259\'3f}pad
{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} era plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} var{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
fusesem n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Siberia, nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}asem s{\f63
\u259\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f} la idei preconcepute
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 privitoare la stereotipurile regionale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cea mai mare grij{\f63 \u259
\'3f} a mea o reprezenta soarele.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Plecaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de la Curte n plin{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} zi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}toriile
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 noastre ne purtaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre apus, schim
barea fusului orar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} soarele mersese cu noi. Acum,
de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aproape nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} seara, ne a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}tepta un cer albastru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nsorit,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 gra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie latitudinii nordice la care ne
g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Era ca o uria{\f63 \u351\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} prelat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. Nu pomenisem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de Lissa sau de Eddie, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea probabil ca Dimitri s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} spioni pretutindeni. La
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sf. Vladimir, la Curte, fusesem intangibil{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 scrisorile lui afirma clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} va a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi trece
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dincolo de hotarele acestora. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
ct de ntins{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 era re{\f63 \u355\'3f}eaua, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} existe
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unor oameni afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n slujba
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 strigoilor, care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} supravegheze pe t
impui zilei, nu m-ar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fi surprins. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'

3f} plecasem ascuns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 portbagaj, erau mari {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse ca Dimitri
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fi lansat deja
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rirea mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i aceea{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f} care-i nfrna pe de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ne fie nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Nu aveam dect cteva ore de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 noapte n care s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ne p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zim, iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63
\u259\'3f}m repede,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m din Al
aska n timp record. Desigur,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 asta nu trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie neap{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rat o treab{\f63 \u259\'3f} bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nsemna
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pierdem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Cea dinti complica{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ie a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut imediat ce-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aterizat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
chiriem o ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aveam deja optsprezece ani, dar niciuna dintre firme
nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nchirieze un automobil cuiva att
de tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cel de-al treilea refuz, enervar
ea mea a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 creasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cine-ar fi crezul c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} vom fi {\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n loc de o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 asemenea idio{\f63 \u355\'3f}enie? Dar n sfr{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}it, la cel de-al patrulea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ghi{\f63 \u351\'3f}eu, o femeie ne-a informat, ezitan
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un tip
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pe la vreun kilometru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i jum{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tate distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aeroport care, foarte probabil, ne-ar fi nchiriat o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu condi{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem un card de credit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un cont
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 suficient de burdu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am parcurs drumul pe o vrem
e pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar puteam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} soar
ele ncepuse s-o deranjeze pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ajuns la destina{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ie. Bud {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}eful firmei
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 Ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini de nchiriat de la Bud\i0 {\f
63 \u8212\'3f} nu s-a dovedit\i chiar
\plain\expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 att\i0 de del{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor
pe ct ne-am fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nchiriat ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r un automobil, dup{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ce i-am oferit
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 suficien{\f63 \u355\'3f}i bani. Plecnd de-acolo, am g

{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit o camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 un motel modest {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-am trecut din nou n
revist{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 planurile noastre.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Toate informa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}iile pe care le de{\f63 \u355\'3f}ineam indicau faptul
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nchisoarea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i derula p
rogramul dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} orarul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vampirilor, ceea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tocmai ac
easta era
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 perioada lor de activitate zi
lnic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Planul nostru
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 prevedea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnem n hot
el pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ziua urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cnd venea {\f63 \u8222\'3f}noaptea" moroilor, uf pn{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} atunci s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prindem n prip{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva somn. Astfel, Liss
a avea mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult timp la dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie n care s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} lucreze la farmecele
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ei. Camera noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} era lesne de ap{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Somnul meu a fost lipsit de
prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Adrian, fapt
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care m-a mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit, nsemnnd fie c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} el acceptase ideea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 excursiei ntre fete, fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu putuse t
rece de farmecul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 br{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruite de Lissa. Diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut rost de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cteva gogo{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru micul dejun {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i le-am mncat, cu
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 ochii un pic cam crpi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de somn. Invers
area
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 programului nostru normal, cel al vampiresc ne cam
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea peste cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Zaharurile ne-au ajutat totu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bateriile, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddie am plecat pe la ora zece
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o recunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}tere, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd
-o pe Lissa n camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat GPS-ul rvnit de mine {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i vreo cteva alte
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lucruri de la un magazin de articole alternative din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 drum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne-am folosit de el avntndu-ne
pe drumuri de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}ar{\f63 \u259\'3f} izolate care p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie
ri. Atunci cnd
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 GPS-ul ne-a informat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai aveam apro
ximativun
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 kilometru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate pn
{\f63 \u259\'3f} la nchisoare, am oprit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina pe marginea unui mic drum de p{
\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 luat-o pe un cmp cu iarb{\f63 \u259\'3f} nalt{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, care se ntindea la
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nesfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Credeam c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} n Alaska e tundr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a zis Eddie,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scr{\f63 \u351\'
3f}neasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sub t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lpi tulpinile nalte. Cerul
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era din nou albastru {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i senin, cu doar c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva nori{\f63 \u351\'3f}ori
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care nu se sinchiseau s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} acopere soarele. Plecasem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu o geac{\f63
\u259\'3f} sub{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire, dar v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncep
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 transpir, mi-o scosesem, iar acum o purtam legat{\f63
\u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 jurul mijlocului. La r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stimpuri, cte o
binevenit{\f63 \u259\'3f} rafal{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de vnt mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea pn{\f
63 \u259\'3f} la noi, turtind iarba {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 spulberndu-mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}B{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu peste tot. Sau poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar tre
bui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 o lu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mai mult spre nord. A, ia uite
! Arat{\f63 \u259\'3f} promi{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am oprit n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unui gard nalt din sr
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghimpat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un enorm panou prins de el pe care scria: {\f63 \u822
2\'3f}Proprietate
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 privat{\f63 \u259\'3f} accesul interzis persoanelor n
eautorizate".
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Literele erau ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii, aparent ca s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} accentueze seriozitatea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mesaju{\f63 \u351\'3f}ui. Personal, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
fi ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat un craniu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 oase ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}ate deasupra, ca mesajul s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ating{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sigur scopul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am nvrtit pre{\f63 \u355\'3
f} de cteva clipe studiind gardul,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un
schimb de priviri resemnate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa o s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ne vindece toate r{\f63 \u259\'3f}nile, am zis eu,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 optimist{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f} escaladezi
srma ghimpat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 imposibil, dar nici distractiv. Punndu-mi geaca pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 srmele de care trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} apuc, am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 protejez n bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, dar tot m-am ales cu cteva
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 zgrieturi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am rupt {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i hainele. Imediat cum am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajuns pe gard, am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit de cealalt{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} parte, prefernd o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aterizare dur{\f63 \u259\'3f} unei coborri la fel de n
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ep{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Eddie
\par
\plain\pard\sl-238 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 mi-a urmat exemplul, strmbndu-s
e din cauza
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3237 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 impactului violent.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am mai mers pu{\f63 \u355\'3
f}in, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care ne-a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ochilor conturul ntunecat al unei cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}di
ri. Ne-am oprit
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 simultan {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-am ngenuncheat, c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}utnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem ca iarba
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o acoperire ct de ct rezonabil{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Dosarul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nchisorii preciza c{\f63 \u259\'3f} existau camere de
supraveghere pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 exterior, ceea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} riscam s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} fim depista{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne apropiam prea mult. Odat{\f63
\u259\'3f} cu GPS-ul,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}rasem un binoclu foarte puternic
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-am scos
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri334 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 imediat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am ap
ucat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} studiez exteriorul cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Binoclul era bun {\f63 \u82
12\'3f} cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat bun {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, cum era {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cazul, la pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul acela. Gradul de deta
liere era uimitor.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 La fel ca att de multe dintre crea{\f63 \u355\'3f}iil
e moroilor, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era un amestec de vechi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nou. Ziduri
le erau alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuite
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din sinistre blocuri de piatr{\f63 \u259\'3f} cenu{\
f63 \u351\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau aproape
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 total nev{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f} nchisoare
a propriu-zis{\f63 \u259\'3f}, al c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acoperi{\f63 \u351\'3f} abia dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se

i{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea pe deasupra lor. Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} siluete
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se vedeau patrulnd pe culmea zidurilor, ochi vigilen{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} completeze camerele video. Lo
cul acela ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta ca
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 o fort{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, impenetrabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse de sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pare. Ar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fi meritat o amplasare pe o falez{\f63 \u259\'3f} stn
coas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe fundalul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unui sinistru cer negru. Cmpia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i soare
le p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} not{\f63 \u259\'3f} discordant{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 I-am intins binoclul lui Ed
die. La rndul lui, a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cteva observa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, apoi mi-a ar{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tat spre stnga.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3847 \fi283 \expndtw-12 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acol
o!
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncordndu-mi privirea, am
z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit cu chiu, cu vai o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} sau un SUV ndrep
tndu-se spre nchisoare. A
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ocolit prin spatele ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a disp{\f63
\u259\'3f}rut din vedere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Singura no
astr{\f63 \u259\'3f} intrare, am murmurat, amintindu\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi fotocopia planului. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nu aveam nicio {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de a escalada zidurile, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ne apropiem suficient
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe jos f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fim descoperi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Aveam nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intr{\f63
\u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 literalmente pe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a di fa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tocmai n punctul acela
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 planul devenea pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in mai sumar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Eddie a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa
t jos binoclul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors privirea spre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mine, ncre{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i frun
tea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am vorbit
serios mai nainte, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii. Am ncredere
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n tine indiferent de ce faci asta, {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e pentru o cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i pn{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ca lucrurile s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} n mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}car
e, te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1639 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntreb: e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti sigur{
\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1088 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 I-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns cu
un hohot de rs scr{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri783 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} vreau? Nu. Dar sunt nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o fac.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A dat din cap n semn de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Suficient.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Am mai supravegheat o vreme nchiso
area,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 deplasndu-ne ncoace {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i-ncolo, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inem unghiuri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 diferite, crendu-ne n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp un cmp
vizual ct
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai larg. Locul ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta cam cum ne a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}teptaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, dar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam acum {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i o imagine tridimensional{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ne era de folos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproxima
tiv o jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate de or{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am pornit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 napoi spre hotel. Lissa st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea turce{\f
63 \u351\'3f}te pe unul dintre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 paturi, lucrnd nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la farmecele ei. Sent
imentele care
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ajungeau la mine dinspre ea e
rau de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umire. Utilizarea spiritului o f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ntotdeauna s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se simt{\f63 \u259\'3f} bine {\f63 \u8212\'3f} chiar
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ulterior avea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i efecte
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 secundare {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, iar acum avea impresin c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 progrese.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian m-a
sunat de dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori pe mobil, m-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 informat ea, n timp ce intram.
\plain\par
'3f}i n-ai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns?
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N{\f63 \u355\'3f}. Bietul b{\f63 \
u259\'3f}iat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2745 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am ridicat din umeri.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E mai bine-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 I-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un rezu
mat a ceea ce v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem, iar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 moralul ei a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} se pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Vizita noastr{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse ca toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}iunea pe care aveam s-o desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ur{\f63
\u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ceva mai trziu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} capete contururi din
ce n ce mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 reale, iar lucrul cu spiritul deja i ntinsese nervii la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 maximum. Cteva clipe mai trziu am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
t-o cum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nghite frica. Devenise hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Mi-a spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ceea ce trebuia {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
respecte
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cuvntul dat, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiecare secund
{\f63 \u259\'3f} care o aducea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai aproape de Victor Dashkov o ngrozea tot mai
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 mult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 A urmat masa de prnz, iar ap
oi, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva ore, a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sosit timpul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne punem planul n mi{\f
63 \u351\'3f}care. Pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oamenii obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, era n
ceputul serii, ceea ce nsemna
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} noaptea vampiric{\f63 \u259\'3f} av
ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} foarte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 curnd. Prin urmare, acum, ori niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Lissa ne-a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}it surescitat{\f63
\u259\'3f} farmecele pe care le crease pentru
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noi, ngrijorat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
la gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fa
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 efectul. Eddie s-a mbr{\f63 \u259\'
3f}cat n proasp{\f63 \u259\'3f}t primita uniform{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 negru cu alb a gardienilor, n timp ce eu {\f63 \u355\'
3f}i Lissa am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas n hainele noastre de strad{\f63 \
u259\'3f}... cu doar cteva
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 modific{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul Liss
ei avea acum o nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre gri
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 deschis {\f63 \u351\'3f}i maro, rezultatul aplic{\f63
\u259\'3f}rii unui {\f63 \u351\'3f}ampon
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 colorant care avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'
3f} la sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}lat. Eu mi prinsesem
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 strns p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul {\f63 \u259\'3f}ntr-o peru
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie, crea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca
re-mi amintea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un mod stnjenitor de mama. Ne-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}e
zat pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 bancheta din spate a automobilului, iar Eddie ne-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 condus ca un stilat {\f63 \u351\'3f}ofer profesionist
pe izolatele
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 drumuri parcurse mai devreme. De data aceasta ns{\f63
\u259\'3f}, n\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 am mai oprit. Ne-am continuat drumul direct spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare... sau, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, spre ghereta
pazei. Niciunul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre noi nu a vorbit n tot acest timp, ns{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ncordarea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea din noi
cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea nentrerupt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne a
propiem m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car de zidul exterior, am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dat de un post de control n care se afla un gardian.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eddie a oprit n timp ce eu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63
\u259\'3f}duiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi iau o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ar
e ct mai calm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A cobort geamul din dreptul
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 lui, iar gardianul de serviciu s-a apropiat {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ngenuncheat, astfel nct ochii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le fie
la acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nivel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2295 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu ce problem
{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe-aici?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Eddie i-a ntins o bucat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de hrtie, cu o atitudine
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, voit ne
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul ar fi fos
t
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 perfect normal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2311 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am adus
hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitoare noi.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Dosarul cuprindea tot
felul de formulare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 documente privind treburile nchisorii, inclusiv rapoa
rte
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de activitate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tipizate pentru apro
vizionare... cum ar fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cele pentru hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitori. F{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m o copie dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} unul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dintre formularele de solicitare a hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nitorilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 completaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am fost a
nun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at de vreo livrare, a replicat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gardianul, nu att b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuitor, ct derutat.
A privit apoi cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie documentul. Acesta este un for

mular vechi, a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 remarcat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2417 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Eddie a ridicat din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta mi-au dat,
asta am adus. Sunt cam nou n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4060 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 domeniu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3300 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tipul a zmbit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri994 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, pari c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de-abia ai terminat {\f63 \u351\'3f}coala.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A aruncat o privire spre Lissa {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i spre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\
'3f}pnirea mea de sine att de exersat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ncordat. Gardianul s-a ncruntat n timp ce ne examina.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse un colier, n timp ce ea {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i pusese un
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 inel, ambele fermecate cu o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63
\u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 constrngere care-i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea pe ceilal{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suntem
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din rndul oamenilor obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nui{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i. Ar fi fost mult mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 simplu dac-ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i determine victima poarte un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 obiect fermecat care s-o for{\f63 \u355\'3f}eze s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suntem
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 oameni obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ns{\f
63 \u259\'3f} acum era imposibil. n condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 date, magia era mai dificil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Gardianu
l a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ochii
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mici, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-ar fi v{\f63 \u259\
'3f}zut prin cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} farmecele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ar fi fost perfecte, el nu ne-ar mai fi privit {\f63
\u351\'3f}i a doua
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63
\u351\'3f}a, nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem o mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} hib{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Ne modificau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, dar nu att de clar ct am fi sp
erat. Tocmai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de-aceea ne d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m o
steneala s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 culoarea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rului: n cazul n care iluzia
uman{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 e{\f63 \u351\'3f}uat, tot am mai fi avut ceva care s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ne protejeze
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 identitatea. Lissa era preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \
u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aplice direct
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 constrngerea, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i speraser{\f63 \u259\

'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ajungem la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ceva cu fiecare persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntlnit{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Cteva clipe mai trziu, gardian
ul ne-a ntors
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 spatele, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi aj
uns la concluzia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n definitiv,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu eram dect dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
e umane. Am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat aerul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} din pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}mni {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i mi-am descle{\f63 \u351\'3f}tat pumnii. Nici
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem se
ama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i {\f63 \u355\'3f}inusem strn{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}teapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} las s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trece{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, i-a zis
lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 S-a ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridicat receptorul unui telefon din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ghereta lui. Eddie a ntors capul spre noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2996 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E bine pn-aici
?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri598 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n afara formula
rului vechi, am morm{\f63 \u259\'3f}it eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-avem cum s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} farmecul meu {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i face
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2526 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 efectul, s-a interesat Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse
unul dintre inelele primite de la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tasha, fermecndu-l astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bronzat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul ne
gru. Din moment ce nu-i modifica
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rasa, farmecul nu trebuia s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-i estompeze tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 La fel ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i farmecele mele, menite s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne dea aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 uman{\f63 \u259\'3f}, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nici la noi nu proiecta exact
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 imaginea pe care o sperase ea, dar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ne schimbase
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area suficient, nct nimeni s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l poat{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 identifica mai trziu pe Eddie. Dat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fiind rezisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 slab{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de constrngere {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}tiam despre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unui farmec, ceea ce-i anula
efectul asupra
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa nu
puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m seama cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 precizie ce se vedea prin ochii altora.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri627 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt convins{\
f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e perfect, l-a lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit Lissa.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Gardianul s-a ntors.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri381 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pute{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} descurce ei totul acolo.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mersi, a spus Eddie, lundu-{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i napoi formularul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Atitudinea gardianului de servici
u d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el b{\f63 \u259\
'3f}nuia existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unei erori func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ion{\f63 \u259\
'3f}re{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Fusese
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 vigilent {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ideea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar
putea cineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f} strecoare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fraudulos hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitoare ntr-o nchisoare nu
prea era de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 genul celor la care s-ar fi pretat cineva... sau al c
elor
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 privite ca riscante pentru securitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3542 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Bietul b{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Doi gardieni ne-au ntmpinat cnd am a
juns la u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din zidul exterior al nchisorii. Neau cerut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} coborm
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 tustrei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne-au condus n zona cuprins{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre zid {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nchisoarea propriu-zis{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} terenurile de la Sf.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Vladimir {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cele ale Curte erau luxuri
ante, pline de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 plante {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de arbori, p{\f63 \u259\'3f
}mntul de-aici era sterp {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pustiu.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car iarb{\f63 \u259\'3f}, doar
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt bine b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}torit. Oare
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acesta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost cel care le slujea d
e{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor drept
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu pentru exerci
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii"? Oare li se permitea m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n aer lib
er? Chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} surprindea faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu vedeam pe nic{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ieri vreun soi de {\f63 \u351\'3f}an{\f63 \u355\'3f} cu ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}, d
e
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 genul celor din jurul fortifica{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor
medievale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Interiorul cl{\f63 \u259\'3f
}dirii era la fel de posomort ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 exteriorul. Celulele pentru deten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie d
e la Curte erau
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 sterile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aveau numai metal {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i pere{\f63 \u355\'3f}i goi. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntlnesc {\f
63 \u351\'3f}l aici ceva asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate acestea, oricine ar fi fost proiectantul nchisor
ii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tarasov, e clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lep{\f63 \u259\'
3f}dase de aspectul modem,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imitnd n schimb acel gen de pu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rie pe care-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 putut-o ntlni prin Romnia Evului Mediu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Pere{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii aspr
i din piatr{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntindeau mai departe, de-a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lungul holului, cenu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u-prevestitori, iar aerul era
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 rece {\f63 \u351\'3f}i umed. Gardienii deta{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aici sigur aveau
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de munc{\f63 \u259\'3f} dint
re cele mai nepl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cute. Probabil
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se voise ca fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ada
intimidant{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntind{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste tot,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii care intrau pentru prima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acea poart{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Potrivit planului nostru,
exista {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un mic
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 corp cu dormitoare, unde locuiau angaja{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ii. Speram ca
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car acelea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} arate
mai bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
ecorul era de Ev Mediu, pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mergeam pe coridor mai treceam din cnd n cnd pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} o camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} de suprav
eghere. Sistemul de securitate
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nu era n niciun caz primitiv pe-aici. Uneori, mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 auzeam trntindu-se o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
greoaie, dar, n ansamblu,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 domnea o t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere deplin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, sinistr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, aproape mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri745 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f}toare dect ar fi fost urletele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipetele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ne-au dus n biroul directoru
lui, o nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere care nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 avea aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i arhitectur{\f63 \u259\'3f
} posac{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i era plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuitele a
ccesosorii administrative: birou, computer
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 etc. Ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta eficient {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
nimic mai mult. nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}itorii no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ne-au explicat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} urma s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-l ntlnim pe directorul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adjunct, din moment ce directorul cel mare era nc{\f63
\u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pat. Ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi. Subalternul se procop
sise cu schimbul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de noapte. Speram ca asta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsemne c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} era obosit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 avea o vigilen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} sc{\f
63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era cazul.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Asta li se ntmpla foarte rar gardienilor, indiferent de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 posturile n care erau repartiza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Theo Marx, s-a prezentat dir
ectorul adjunct,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strngnd mna lui Eddie. Era un dhampir nu cu mult
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mai n vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect noi, ceea ce m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fusese proasp{\f63 \u259\'3f}
t deta{\f63 \u351\'3f}at aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Larry Brow
n, a replicat Eddie. i inventaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nume anost, unul care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ias{\f63
\u259\'3f} n eviden{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, folosindu\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 l {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe formularul pe care-l completa
ser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Theo nu ni s-a adresat, mie
sau Lissei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aruncat privire nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i primul gardian ntlnit,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce farmecul ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} efectul. A urmat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o ncetinire a reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
i, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de data aceasta am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 trecut proba. Theo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors aten{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ia asupra lui Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a luat formularul de livrare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri803 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E altfel fa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cel obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit, a remarcat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Habar n-am, a r
ostit Eddie, pe un ton de scuz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3282 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prima mea livrare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1943 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Theo a oftat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
s-a uitat la ceas.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Directorul o s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} intre de serviciu peste vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ore. Cred c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tre
buiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} vine el
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncoace, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ne d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m seama ce se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De regul{\f63 \u259\'3f}
,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cei de la Sommerfield au actele puse la punct.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Erau cteva institu{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ii ale moroilor n ntreaga {\f63 \u355\'3f}ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care se ocupau cu recrutarea hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitori
lor {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a celor
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la periferia societ{\f63 \u259
\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii omene{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, care se mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umea
u
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i petreac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} restul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii droga{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu endorfinele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vampirilor {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu rep
artizarea lor. Sommerfield era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 numele uneia dintre aceste institu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
avnd sediul n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Kansas City.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu sunt
singurul nou-venit de la ei, a zis Eddie.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Poate a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut cineva o ncurc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tipic, a p
ufnit Theo. Ei bine, ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai jos {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tep{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aduc o cafea, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} v
rei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Noi cnd mai
avem vreo hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nire? am ntrebat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, folosindu-mi cea mai scncit{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai aerian{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 voce de care eram capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A trecut
att de mult...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2463 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a luat dup{\f63 \u259\
'3f} mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri424 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ne-au zis c-o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} putem cnd o s-ajungem aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat och
ii peste cap, exasperat de ceea ce

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 reprezenta un comportament caracter
istic pentru
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitori.
\plain\par
'3f}a mi-au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut tot drumul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri69 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-mi dau seama, a zis Theo. Hm. Hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitorii...
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 U{\f63 \u351\'3f}a biroului era pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
ntredeschis{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a strigat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4223 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 prin ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1735 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, Wes? Po{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vii pn-aici?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Unul dintre gardienii din escort
{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a vrt capul pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4528 \expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri4341 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1181 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Theo ne-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
semn s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Du-le pe-astea
dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} n spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul pentru hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nire, ca
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ne nnebuneasc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} de cap. Dac-o fi cineva treaz,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Wes a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f
}at {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut semn s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \
u351\'3f}im. Eddie
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mine am schimbat cea mai scurt{\
f63 \u259\'3f} privire cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 putin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Chipul lui nu
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}da nimic, dar l-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it c{\f63 \u259\'3f} er
a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit. De-acum, eliberarea lui Vi
ctor era sarcina
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar lui Eddie nu-i pl{\f63 \
u259\'3f}cea faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne trimitea n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 brlogul lupului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Wes ne-a condus pe mai mult
e u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe la mai multe
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 puncte de control, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunznd tot mai adn
c n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare. Mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru
fiecare punct al
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sistemului de securitate de care treceam ca s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} intru,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aveam cte unul de trecut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la ie{\f63
\u351\'3f}ire. Conform planului,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul pentru hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nire
era situat de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte a
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 nchisorii. Presupusesem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum urma o
rut{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ocolitoare, pe la periferia cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii, n
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dimpotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m drept prin ce
ntrul acesteia: locul n care se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aflau de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Studie
rea planului mi oferise o idee
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 asupra dispunerii interioare, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa
nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 seama ncotro ne ndreptam pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd nu a v{\f
63 \u259\'3f}zut
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 afi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul: {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Aten{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ie: intrarea in spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ilor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 (Criminali)". Mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea o exprimare
cam ciudat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1536 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Oare nu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei
de-aici erau criminali?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 O pereche de u{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i masive bloca p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunderea n
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} sec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune, iar W
es a folosit att un cod
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 electronic, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i o cheie obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 departe. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ritmul pa{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ilor Lissei a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 neschimbat, i-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it nelini{\f63 \u
351\'3f}tea ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ind n timp ce
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 intram pe un coridor lung, pe care, de-o parte {\f63
\u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, se aflau celule cu gratii. N
ici eu nu eram n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 largul meu, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Wes {\f63 \u8212\'3f} d
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n permanen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}urile treze {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nu a
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta nici cel mai mic semn de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 team{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Wes intra tot timpul prin zona
asta, mi-am dat
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 seama. i cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea nivelul de securitate
. Orict de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 primejdio{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ar fi fost de{\f63 \u355\'
3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe lng{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ei
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 reprezenta, n cazul lui, o activitate de rutin{\f63 \

u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Oricum, privirile aruncate p
e furi{\f63 \u351\'3f} n celule mi-au
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut inima s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi stea n
loc. Micile compartimente
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 erau ct se poate de ntunecate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de lug
ubre, con{\f63 \u355\'3f}innd
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 doar un mobilier minimal. Cei mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i dintre de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dormeau, din fericire. C{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva ne-au priv
it totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 treceam pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei. Niciunul nu a scos
vreo vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea lor era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Unii dintre moroii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nchi{\f63 \u351\'3f}i acolo sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}nau cu
oamenii obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care treceai pe strad{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \u259\
'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb ce fapt{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 putuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} comit{\f63
\u259\'3f} de ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici. Chipurile le erau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 triste, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}duvite de orice speran{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind, mi-am dat
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} unii dintre de{\f63 \u355\'3f
}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nu erau moroi: erau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dhampiri. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea logic, dar tot m{\f63
\u259\'3f} luase pe nepreg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tite.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n definitiv, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i printre cei din neamul
meu puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 existe criminali, care trebuiau pedepsi{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dar nu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i d
e{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau impresia c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} erau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 inofensivi. Al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
au ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum locul lor ar fi fost f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i poate
aici, n Tarasov. Aveau n ei o anumit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}utate, {\f63 \u355\'3f}i strneau o se
nza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie sinistr{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd te {\f63 \u355\'3f}intuiau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cu privirile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
mai d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau drumul. Ne examinau n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cel mai mic am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunt, de{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i, din ce motiv, nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi dau seama. Oare c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utau ceva care l
e-ar fi putut oferi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa de evadare? Oare puteau s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} dincolo de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tile noastre? Sau e
rau, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, nfometa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? Nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsurile la t

oate aceste ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, dar m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a gardi
enilor t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i posta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe toat{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntinderea culoarului. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai lini{\f63
\u351\'3f}tea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vedeam pe Victor, ceea ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \
u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} presupun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}zduit pe un alt culoar. Nu puteam ri
sca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 recunoscute, nu nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it de pe culoarul de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ilor
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe o pereche de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ajungnd n sfr{\f63
\u351\'3f}it n spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul pentru
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i aici plana
senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de temni{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} medieval{\f63
\u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imaginea trebuia men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, pentru de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. L{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deoparte aspectul, alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuirea camerei
hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitorilor era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 similar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu cea de care dispunea Sf. V
ladimir, doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 era mai mic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cteva {\f63 \u355\'3f}i o
fereau o intimitate moderat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iar un moroi cu nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f
63 \u351\'3f}are plictisit{\f63 \u259\'3f} citea o carte la un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 birou, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe cale
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} adoarm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era dect un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitor n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere, un b{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat costeliv, ntre dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vrste, care st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea pe un scaun, cu un a
er de drogat pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, holbndu-se n gol.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Moroiul a tres{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rit la intrarea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd ochii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mari. n mod evident, reprezentam pentru el cel mai
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 palpitant eveniment din acea
noapte. Nu a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut mirat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cnd ne-a privit; din cte se p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rea, avea o slab{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rezisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de constrngere, ceea ce era bine
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 de {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3542 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-i asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri132 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dou{\f63 \u259

\'3f} prosp{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi, tocmai sosite, l-a informat Wes.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu sunt pentru noi, a zis moroiu
l. Noi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avem p
arte de unele att de tinere. Mereu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ne dau hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitori b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trni
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i stor{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
u259\'3f}-ntreba pe mine, a replicat Wes, pornind
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 deja spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63
\u259\'3f} ce ne-a ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat, mie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissei, scaunel
e
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pe care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ez{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}m. Era evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f} escortarea a dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitoare era o misiune mai prejos d
e nivelul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Marx le-a t
rimis aici pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} se treze{\f63 \u351\'3f}te Sullivan, a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 explicat el din u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se l{\f63 \u259\
'3f}mureasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} a fost o eroare. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} astea se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 plngeau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au nevoie de o doz{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Minunat, a
oftat moroiul. Ei bine, urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} e program
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste un sfert de or{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dau o pauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
ui Bradley, {\f63 \u259\'3f}la de colo. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 att de dus, nct m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiesc c-o s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} observe dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 altcineva snge n locul lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3049 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Wes a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri922 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Anun{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}m noi dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce l{\f63 \u259\'3f}murim lucrur
ile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Gardianul a plecat, iar moroiul a
ridicat o map{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe birou, suspinnd din nou. Aveam s
enza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de pe-aici se s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turaser{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de slujbele lor. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-i n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 perfect. Probabil c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} era un loc de munc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-a dreptul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1011 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mizerabil. Preferam la orice or{
\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea larg{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cine e pro
gramat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}neasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste un sfe
rt de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 or{\f63 \u259\'3f}? am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Capul moroiului s-a smucit n
sus; ochii-i erau plini
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de mirare. Nu era genul de ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri pe
care le puneau
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitorii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3542 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-ai zis?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1420 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a ridicat {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i i-a captat privirea.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}R{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunde-i la ntrebar
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Chipul individului a devenit fla
sc. Chiar\i era\i0 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4002 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 constrns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3128 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rudolf Kaiser
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Un nume pe care niciuna dintre no
i nu-1 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 N-aveam de unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tim dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva era aici pentru
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 asasinate n mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sau pentru o banal{\
f63 \u259\'3f} delapidare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Victor Dash
kov cnd este programat? a ntrebat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3087 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Peste dou{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ore.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Modific{\f63 \u
259\'3f} programul. Spune-le paznicilor lui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 produs o rearanjare {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} el acum, n
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri580 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 locul lui Rudolf.
\plain\tx4711 \tab \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 |
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ochii inexpresivi ai m
oroiului {\f63 \u8212\'3f} acum cu o privire
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 att de buimac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ct era a lui Bradley,

hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitorul, z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. D{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau impresia c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} posesorul lor avea nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cteva clipe ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} prelucreze ordinul p
rimit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3027 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, a sp
us apoi.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Este
un lucru care se poate ntmpla n mod
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1933 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 normal. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr
ezeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuieli.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} trezeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuieli, a repetat el, cu o
voce
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 molcom{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}F{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-o, i-a ordonat ea, cu duritate n glas. Sun{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aranjeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} treaba, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
u-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i lua ochii de la mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Moroiul a executat ordinul.
Vorbind la telefon, s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prezentat ca fiind Northwood. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
a nchis, totul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 era deja aranjat. Nu mai aveam altceva de f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cut dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. ntregul meu tr
up p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea torsionat de-atta
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tensiune. Theo spusese c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai aveam m
ai mult de o or{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca directorul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin
{\f63 \u259\'3f} la serviciu. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nimeni nu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne pun{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Eddie trebuia pur
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i omoare timpul mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Theo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu strneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} alte b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuie
li n afara celor date de o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 eroare birocratic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i Fii calm{\f63
\u259\'3f}, Rose. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-o faci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce a{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
ptam, Lissa l-a constrns pe Bradley,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitorul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se cufund
e ntr-un somn adnc. Nu-mi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 doream martori, nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car droga{\f63
\u355\'3f}i. La rndul meu, am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 deviat cu o for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} apro
ape insesizabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} camera video din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere, astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu

poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuprinde cea mai mare
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 parte a interiorului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, treb
uia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne descurc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m la plecare cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntregul sistem de supraveghere al nchisorii, ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pentru moment era necesar ca nimeni din personalul d
e
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 securitate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
umva ceea ce urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntmple.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Abia m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} instalasem ntr-o ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnd s-a deschis u{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe
scaunul ei, de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} biroul lui
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Northwood, astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} concentra
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 constrngerea asupra lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem ins
truc{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu eu hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitoarea. Ch
iar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram ntr-un spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu
aproape nchis, prin ochii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissei am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zul intrnd grupul: doi gar
dieni... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Victor
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Dashkov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sufer
in{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care o resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ise v{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}zndu-l la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 proces a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}getat-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
cum. Pulsul i-a crescut. Minile
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 au ncepui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i tremure. Unicul lucru c
are o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se calmeze a
tunci, la proces, fusese
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 deznod{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul, faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
Victor urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie nchis
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pentru totdeauna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu mai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri210 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Iar acum, ne preg{\f63 \u259\'3
f}team s{\f63 \u259\'3f} schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f}m toate acestea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Prin puterea voin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ei, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a alungat temerile din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 minte, astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streze influen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a asupra lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Northwood. Gardienii care-l ncadrau pe Victor erau

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 severi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63
\u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune,
de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n realitate
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nu aveau nevoie de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Maladia
care-l m{\f63 \u259\'3f}cina de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 at{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ani {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cea pe care
Lissa i-o vindecase temporar
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ncepuse din nou s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} capul. Lipsa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 exerci{\f63 \u355\'3f}iului fizic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
aerului proasp{\f63 \u259\'3f}t p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i fi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cerut, la rndul lor, tributul, la fel ca {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i limitarea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cantit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor de snge de
care se presupunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 parte de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Paznic
ii l nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}aser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca o m{\f63 \u259\'
3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 suplimentar{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
e precau{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, iar greutatea metalului l
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gea n jos, aproape f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cndu-l s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i tr{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie picioarele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri86 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acolo, i-a zis
Northwood, ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd spre mine. Aia.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii l-au condus pe Victor pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f
} Lissa, iar el
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 abia dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a nvrednici
t-o cu o a doua privire. Lissa
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lucrase acum cu o dubl{\f63 \u259\'3f} constrngere: l {
\f63 \u355\'3f}inea pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Northwood sub control {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n acela{\f63
\u351\'3f}i timp, ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 o explozie rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f}, astfel nct s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} i se par{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nesemnificativ{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui Victor atunci cnd t
recea pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ea. Gardienii l-au a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe un scaun
lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care s-au retras, dar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ia ochii de pe el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Unul dintre ei a pornit o c
onversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu Northwood,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 remarcnd tinere{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram noi n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 domeniu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} va mai
trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac una ca asta vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o s-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri278 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 rog pe Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
farmece, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mai b{\f63 \

u259\'3f}trne.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat al{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}turi de mine, Victor s-a aplecat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deschis gura. Hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nirea era o a doua na
tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 prea avea nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se gndeasc{\f63 \u
259\'3f} la ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea. Era
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum nu m-ar fi v{\f63 \u259\'3f
}zut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri728 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tocmai
n clipa aceea... m-a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 A ncremenit, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd o
chii mari. Anumite
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 caracteristici individualizau famil
iile regale ale
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moroilor, iar ochii de culoare deschis{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, verzi ca jadul,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 se ntlneau att la Dashkovi, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la Drago
miri.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Privirea aceea istovit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, resemnat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse, iar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ascu{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea {\f63 \u351\'3f}ireat{\f63
\u259\'3f} care-l caracteriza ntr-o att de mare
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3
f} acel intelect viclean pe care-l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team att
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de bine - revenise brusc la
locul ei. mi amintea n chip
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sinistru de unii dintre de{\f63 \u
355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} care trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f
}m
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai nainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
tulburat. La fel ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n cazul celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pe care-i ntlniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, farmecul meu i nclcea
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 gndurile. Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}urile i spuneau c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} eram un om
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu toat
e acestea, iluzia nu era perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Mai exista {\f63 \u351\'3f}i faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
Victor, fiind un redutabil
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mnuitor al for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei de constrngere, dar f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 utilizator al spiritului, era relativ imun la ea. {\f
63 \u350\'3f}i, exact
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum eram noi, adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
eu, Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa, imuni
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiecare la farmecele celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, pentr
u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ratele identit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i, acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i efect l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea acum {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Victor. Orict ar fi insistat mintea lui c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 femeie oarecare, ochii opuneau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sun
t Rose Hathaway,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu peruca pe care-o purtam. {
\f63 \u350\'3f}i, de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie a c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat contururi ferme, iluzia
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 uman{\f63 \u259\'3f} a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut pent
ru el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Un zmbet intrigat i s-a ntins
lent pe chip,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dezgolindu-i n mod ostentativ col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
59\'3f}i, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}i. Asta ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie cea mai bun{\f
63 \u259\'3f} mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Vocea abia i se auzea, acop
erit{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiind de conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Apropie-{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i din{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de mine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fie ultima ta
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am murmurat, la fel de ncet. Dar
, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreo {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} scapi de-aici {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai vezi lumea, o s{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 faci exact ceea ce-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spun eu.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a adresat o privire
ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Am inspirat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 adnc, ngrozit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ceea
ce aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 continuare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3488 \fi283 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atac{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\sl-131\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-443 \li286 \ri1928 \fi1906
\expndtw-27 \b \f20 \fs40 {\f63 \u350\'3f}APTE
\plain\par
\f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}NU CU DIN{\f63 \u354\'3f}II, AM AD{\f63 \u258\'3f}U
GAT\b0 n grab{\f63 \u259\'3f}\b .
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Arunc{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te n mine! Folose{\f63 \u351\'3
f}te-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele! Orice crezi c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci. Victor D
ashkov nu era nicidecum un prost.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii poate ae fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\
f63 \u259\'3f}it, sau ar mai fi pus ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. El,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia
precis ce avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntmple,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era o {\f63
\u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\
'3f} libertatea. Poate chiar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 singura {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} de care a
r avut vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte. Era o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i petre
cuse bucat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ticluind tot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 felul de planuri complicate, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} era un profesionist
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cnd venea vorba s{\f63 \u259\'3f} participe la ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ridicndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i br
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele att ct putea, s-a n{\f63 \u259\'3f}pustit
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 asupra mea pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-se de minune c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sugrume cu lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul care unea c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele. La rndul meu,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am scos un {\f63 \u355\'3f}ip{\f63 \u259\'3f}t r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sun{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. ntr-o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, gardienii erau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 deja acolo, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l opreasc{\f63 \
u259\'3f} pe de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inutul dement
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care ataca, n nes{\f63 \u259\'3f}buin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
a lui o biat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l supun{\f63
\u259\'3f}, am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu atacndu-i chiar pe\i e
i.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sar fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu periculoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prin gnd nu le trecuse a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva {\f63 \
u8212\'3f}, i luasem pri
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 surprindere {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu au mai avut timp s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze.
\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 Aproape\i0 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pentru ct de nedrept era fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 de ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Pe primul, l-am pocnit sufi
cient de tare ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l scape
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din ochi pe Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} zboare napoi, izbindu-se de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 peretele de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa, care-1 constrng
ea cu disperare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe Northwood s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}streze calmul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu sune pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nimeni, n toiul acestui haos. Cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt
gardian a avut
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ceva mai mult timp la dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ca s

{\f63 \u259\'3f} reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tot s-a mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat prea lent, dndu-i drumul
lui Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-se spre mine. M-am folosit de faptul c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 garda jos {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am nimerit cu un pumn,
for{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd trecerea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o ncle{\f63 \u351\'3f}tare corp la corp. Era masiv
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i redutabil, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a ajuns s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} considere o amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}sre, nu s\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a mai dat napoi. Un pumn primit n um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r m
i-a trimit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un junghi de durere prin tot bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul, ns
{\f63 \u259\'3f} replica mea a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fost o lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de genunchi n burt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ntre timp,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 colegul lui s-a pus pe picioare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a
ndreptat spre noi.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun ct mai repede cap{\f63 \
u259\'3f}t luptei, nu doar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pentru binele meu, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fiindc{\f63
\u259\'3f}, nendoielnic, aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cheme nt{\f63 \u259\'3f}riri dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} li s
e ivea o ct de mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocazie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 L-am n{\f63 \u351\'3f}f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cat pe cel aflat mai aproape de mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am mbrncit ct am putut de tare ntr-un perete... cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 capul nainte. S-a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat, n{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ucit, iar eu am repetat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}carea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu partene
rul lui care tocmai ajunsese lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mine. Primul gardian s-a pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}it pe podea, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire. Detes
tam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac una ca asta, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} din fericire,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un capitol al preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
irii mele se ocupase de distinc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntre a scoate pe cineva din lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i a omor. S{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmanul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se aleag{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
ect cu o durere de cap. Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a speram. Cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt g
ardian se avntase totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i deja n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ofensiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} am nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne rotim, unul n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 celuilalt, trimi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-ne cte un pumn {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i ferindu-ne de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cte un altul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu trebuie
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l dobori! am strigat spre Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1950 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Avem nevoie de el. Constrnge-l!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Replica ei mi-a venit prin
intermediul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii. Era
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} constrng{\f
63 \u259\'3f} dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoane n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta cerea o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{
\f63 \u259\'3f} de energie. De{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 consumase nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu putea risca s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o epuizeze att de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 devreme. Frustrarea ei lu{\f63 \u259\'3f} locul fric
ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Northwood,
la culcare! s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit ea. Chiar acolo!
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Cu capul pe birou! E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti mort de obose
al{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dormi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ore n {\f63 \u351\'3f}ir. Privind cu coada ochiului, l
-am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Northwood pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}indu-s
e, izbindu-se cu capul de birou
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu un\i buf\i0 zgomotos. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne terminam noi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 treaba, to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei de-aici aveau s{\f63
\u259\'3f} se aleag{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu creierii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zdruncina{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Atunci, m-am azvrlit asupr
a gardianului,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 folosindu-mi toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} greutatea ca s{\f63
\u259\'3f} l aduc n raza
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vizual{\f63 \u259\'3f} a Lissei. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea loc n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierarea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Gardianul i-a aruncat o priv
ire surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nici nu i-a trebuit mai mult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3989 \fi283 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai!
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu a reac{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ionat la fel de repede ca Northwood, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri469 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tot a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut. Indiv
idul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta se dovedea mai rezistent.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i nceteaz{
\f63 \u259\'3f} lupta!\i0 a strigat ea cu mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 intensificndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i puterea voin{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Rezistent sau nu, n-avea cum
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mpotriveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unui atac att de puternic. Bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele i-au
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 corp, iar el a ncetat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai lupte
cu mine. M-am tras
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 napoi, respirnd normal {\f63 \u351\'3f}i potrivindu-mi

peruca la
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 locul ei.
\plain\par
9\'3f}-l {\f63 \u355\'3f}in pe {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a o s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} fie cam greu, mi-a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisit Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri981 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Greu, adic{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cinci minute, sau cinci ore?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Undeva pe la mijloc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, hai s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} mergem! Ia de la el cheia lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4265 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 I-a cerut gardianului cheia
de la c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e. Victor ne-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era la cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt
gardian. Zis {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut: l-am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 perchezi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionai pe s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rm
anul incon{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient {\f63 \u8212\'3f} respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 era regulat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Slav{\f63 \u259\'3f} Do
mnului! {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit cheia. Pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-am ndreptat ntreaga aten{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie spre Victor. De
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ncepuse lupta, retr{\f63 \u259
\'3f}sese ntr-o parte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 simplu, urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rise t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
scena, n timp ce, nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ndoiam, tot felul de noi posibilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i prindeau contur n
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mintea lui sucit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 M-am apropiat de el {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i mi-am pus {\f63 \u8222\'3f}masca de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1178 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 groaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}", in timp
ce ridicam mna cu cheia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum, o s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i descui c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele,
l-am anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at cu o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 voce n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp mieroas{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. O
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci exact
ceea ce-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spunem noi. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fugi, n-o s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sari la b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici
n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te amesteci n vreun fel n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3426 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 planurile noastre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da? Nu cumv
a mai nou ai nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} folose{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tu constrngerea, Rose? a replicat el sec.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am nevoie
, am ripostat, descuindu-i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te las f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63
\u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire la fel de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or ca pe tipul de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 colo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te tr{\f63 \
u259\'3f}sc dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pentru mine, e tot
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 aia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 C{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ele grele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul au c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu
t pe podea. Expresia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aceea viclean{\f63 \u259\'3f}, plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
e sine, i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas mai departe
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe chip; {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-a frecat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, cu degetele,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ncheieturile fiec{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei mini. Am observat
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieturi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i. C{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele nu erau comode,
ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 refuzam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fie mil{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de el. Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridicat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 privirea spre noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Absolut ncnt{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, a meditat cu voce tare. Dintre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate persoanele care ar fi putut ncerca s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} salveze,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nu m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat ni
ciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la voi dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 stau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc, proba
bil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i singurele
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 capabile s{\f63 \u259\'3f} face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ast
a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-avem nevo
ie de compunerile tale, Hannibal, l\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am ntrerupt eu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu folosi termenul d
e\i salvare.\i0 D{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri194 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 impresia c-ai fi cine {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tie ce erou ncarcerat pe nedrept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a a
rcuit o sprncean{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 considerat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f
}r, acesta era cazul lui. Dar, n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 loc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} contrazic{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un semn din cap spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Bradley, care chiar dormise pe toata durata luptei. L
a
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ct era de drogat, constrngerea
Lissei era mai mult
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2106 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dect suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l doboare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1869 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i-mi-l mie, a cerut Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri638 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? m-am r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}stit. N-avem timp de-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iar eu nu am for
{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru ce-ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i voi de gnd, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3636 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}uierat Victor\b
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Masca lui agreabil{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i atotcunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd loc unei ce v{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea
viciu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i disperare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nchisoarea
implic{\f63 \u259\'3f} mult mai multe dect gratiile.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ne nfometeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, privndu-ne de alimente {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i de snge,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63
\u259\'3f} ct mai sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}bi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Mersul e singurul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 exerci{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu fizic de care am avut parte
aici, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} un efort destul de mare. A{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ai de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gnd cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-aici, d
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4307 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 snge!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri894 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Asta mi-a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat
orice posibilitate de replic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hai, dar gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}be{\f63
\u351\'3f}te-te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am privit-o, uluit{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. Fusesem pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l refuz pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Victor, dar prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tura noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} receptasem un
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit amestec de sentimente din p
artea ei.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Compasiune {\f63 \u351\'3f}i... n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elege
re. O, sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l ura n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 continuare, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} discu
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Dar mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia {\f63 \u351\'3f}l ce nseamn{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti din cantit{\
f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}muite de snge.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Din fericire, Victor s-a mi{
\f63 \u351\'3f}cat repede. Gura lui s-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lipit de gtul omului, practic nainte ca Lissa s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 termine vorbele. N{\f63 \u259\'3f}uc sau nu, pentru B
radley era de\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ajuns s{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt{\f63 \u259\'3f} din{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii nfip{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n gtul lui, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 trezeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit,
ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} i s-a ntip{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rit imediat
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 extazul tipic hr{\f63 \u259\'
3f}nitorilor, provocat de endorfinele
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vampirilor. Un scurt jet de snge era ce i-ar fi fost
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 necesar lui Victor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci cnd ochi
i lui Bradley au
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mari
de surprindere, mi-am dat seama
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor voia mai mult dect o sorbitu
r{\f63 \u259\'3f} rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dintr\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 un salt, l-am {\f63 \u351\'3f}i smuls pe Victor de pe
hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nitor, care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 avea un aer buimac.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce naiba fa
ci? l-am luat la rost pe Victor,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zgl{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-l cu putere. Era un gest pe car
e-mi doream
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fa
c. Credeai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l sec{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de snge {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te prefac
i n strigoi chiar sub ochii no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu prea, a
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Victor, crispndu-se sub
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 strnsoarea mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu asta f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cea, a intervenit Lissa. Doar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a pierdut
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 controlul pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Setea de snge fiindu-i satisf
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lui Victor i-au
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 revenit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i manierele elegante.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1529 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O, Vasilisa!
Mereu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-o lua n cap, a
mrit ea.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 M-am uitat chior{\f63 \u351\'3f} la amndoi.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63
\u259\'3f}m. Imediat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M itiu ntors spre gardianul aflat
sub constrngerea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4302 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Du ne n sala
unde sunt monitorizate camerele de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 supraveghere\b .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nu a reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}io
nat la comanda mea, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, oftnd, am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privit-o ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare p
e Lissa. Ea a repetat cererea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mea, iar el s-a ntors imediat spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
re. Nivelul
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 adrenalinei mi-a crescut mult
, ca urmare a luptei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 eram ncordat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} termin
{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu toate astea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \
u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de-acolo. Prin intermediul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii
o sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe ea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 agitat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i j
ustificase nevoia de snge lui
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Victor, n timp ce mergeam se {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea ct m
ai departe de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 el cu putin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Con{\f63
\u351\'3f}tientiza treptat ce anume era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ce
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea. Mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit
s-o pot face s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se relaxeze, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aveam timp.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 L-am urmat pe gardian {\f63
\u8212\'3f} Lissa l ntrebase cum l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cheam{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Giovanni, i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sp
unsese {\f63 \u8212\'3f} prin mai multe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 coridoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i puncte de control. Drumul
pe care ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 conducea trecea pe la marginile nchisorii, nu printre
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 celule. Mi-am {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut respira{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ia aproape tot timpul,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ngrozit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am p
utea da peste cineva. Prea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i factori con
lucrau mpotriva noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}; nu ne mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trebuia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. N
orocul era de partea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n continuare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n-am dat peste nimeni;
probabil ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rezultat al faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne desf{\f63 \
u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}uram activitatea spre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}itul nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i nici nu treceam printr-o zon{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} securitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mia
l-au obligat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe gardianul de la Curte

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne dea nregistr{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile
camerelor de supraveghere de\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acolo, cnd nu am fost de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Cnd Giovanni ne-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 condus n sala de supraveghere a nchisorii, nu mi-am
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 putut st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni un mic icnet. Monitoarele
umpleau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pere{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, iar n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lor
se ntindeau console cu tot felul de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 butoane {\f63 \u351\'3f}i comutatoare complicate. Bir
ouri ticsite de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 computere erau pretutindeni. Aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea asta
avea puterea de a decola ca o rachet{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul cosmic. Tot ce se afla n nchisoa
re putea fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut de-aici: fiecare celul{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, cele cteva holuri, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 biroul directorului, unde Eddie st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea
la palavre cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Theo. Iar n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru mai erau doi gardieni
, ceea ce m-a
'3f} ntreb dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva ne v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
trecnd
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe coridoare. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu; erau mult pr
ea concentra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 asupra unei alte imagini, cea a unei camere video
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntoarse cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre un perete gol. Era
cea pe care o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}casem eu, n sala hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nitorilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 St{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau aple
ca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spre acel monitor, iar unul dintre ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tocmai spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era cazul s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} cheme pe cineva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 verifice ce se petrecuse acolo. Apoi, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i-au ridicat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 amndoi privirile observndu-ne.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ajut-o s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-i doboare, i-a ordonat Lissa lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Giovanni. Din nou, o ezitare. Ne-am fi descurcat mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bine cu un {\f63 \u8222\'3f}ajutor" dotat cu o voin{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai slab{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nu avea de unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tie atunci cnd l alesese. Ca
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai devreme, a reac{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ionat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i tot la fel
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ca mai devreme, surpriza a jucat un rol important n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nfrngerea rezisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei celor doi gardieni
. Eu eram o
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\

'3f} ceea ce i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} imed
iat n gard{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 , dar tot le p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream o fiin{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} omeneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n schimb,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Giovanni era colegul lor de munc{\f63 \u259\'3f}; nu
s-ar fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un atac din partea lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Cu toate acestea, nu a fost
deloc simplu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doborm. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam un ajutor mi era
de mare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 folos: Giovannl {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}
tea bine meseria. L-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 destul de repede f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pe unul dintre gardieni,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Giovanni folosindu-se de o priz{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cu strangulare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}indu-i respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia pn
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd l-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se pr{\f63 \u259\
'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt gardian s-a {\f63 \u355\'3f}
inut la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259
\'3f} cum am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 remarcat, i tot fugeau ochii spre unul dintre pere{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Acolo se g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seau un extinctor, un ntreru
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor pentru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un buto
n rotund, din argint.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta-i ala
rma! a exclamat Victor, exact n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gardianul se repezea spre buton.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Giovanni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c
u mine l-am placat n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oprindu-l numai cu o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} nainte ca de
getele lui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ating{\f63 \u259\'3f} butonul, ceea ce ar fi nsemnat s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie trimis{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f} legiune de gardieni asupra noa
str{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Un pumn n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cap l-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe ult
imul knock-out. Cu fiecare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care o doboram n aceast{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nchisoare, un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nod de vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63
\u351\'3f}i de grea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucea
tot mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strns n stomac. Gardienii erau b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii buni, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 puteam mpiedica s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}

gndesc mereu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu eram
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 n tab{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Acum, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m numai noi, Lissa {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tia
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie pasul urm{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Giovanni, s
coate toate camerele din func{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}terge nregistr{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile din
ultima or{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De data aceasta,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ezitarea lui a fost mult mai mare. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}cn
du-l s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mpotriva prietenilor s{\f63 \u259\'3f}i, Lissa avuses
e nevoie de foarte
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} putere de constrngere. Acum, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i exercita
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 controlul asupra lui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ele ei sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 devin{\f63 \u259\'3f} din ce n
ce mai greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se supun{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 comenzilor.
\plain\par
9\'3f} ce {\f63 \u355\'3f}i spune, a mrit amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}to
r Victor,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 postndu-se lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa. Ea a tres{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rit sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 apropierea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci cnd privirea lui
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a unit
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 puterea cu a ei, Giovanni s-a supus ordinului {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trag{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ntreru
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarele de pe consol{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Puterea lui Victor nu se compara nici pe departe cu a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mica lui explozie de constrn
gere sporise
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 efectul celei exercitate de ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Unul cte unul, monitoarele sau ntunecat, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care Giovanni a tastat cteva comenzi la computerul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care nmagazina imaginile digitale captate de camere.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Mai multe rnduri ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii de eroare au ncep
ut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 clipeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe console, dar acum nu mai
era nimeni acolo
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezolve problema.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} le {\f63 \u351\'3f}terge, exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} speciali{\f63 \u3

51\'3f}ti care ar
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le recupereze de pe hard-disc
, a remarcat
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E un risc p
e care va trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ni-l asum{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ripostat, enervat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Reprogramarea, sau
cum i-o zice,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu intr{\f63 \u259\'3f} n panoplia
mea de aptitudini.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1990 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat
ochii peste cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri154 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} da, dar distrugerea sigur este printre ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-au trebuit cteva clipe pn{\f63 \
u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg la ce se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 referea, dar apoi mi-a picat fisa.
Oftnd, am n{\f63 \u351\'3f}f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 extinctorul de pe perete {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am izbit c
omputerul pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cnd n-a mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas din el dect un morman
de frnturi
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din plastic {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i din metal. Lissa tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea la fiecare lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gea cu ochiu
l spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie bine izolat{\f63 \u259\'3f} acustic nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea, a
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pare zdrav{
\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am replicat, ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Iar
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acum, a venit vremea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa i-a poruncit lui Giova
nni s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 biroul directorului, aflat la intrarea n nchisoare. El
s-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 supus ducndu-ne napoi prin labirintul prin care
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 merseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mai devreme. Codurile {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiute de el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cardul lui de securitate ne-au trecut de fiecare punc
t de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 control.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Presupun c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l constrngi pe Theo s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ne lase ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}im, nu? am ntrebat-o pe Lis
sa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Buzele i s-au strns ntr-o lin
ie aspr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A scuturat din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cap. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car
pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l mai {\f63 \u355\'3f}in pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Giovanni. N-am mai folosit niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pe cineva n chip
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 de marionet{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-i nimic,
i-am zis, ncercnd s-o lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tesc, dar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri462 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dai {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i mie curaj. Hai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproape am terminat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} treb
uia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai trecem de o nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierare.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tusem m{\f63
\u259\'3f}r jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate din strigoii Rusiei, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam pe propriile
puteri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} sentimentul de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie nu reu{\f63
\u351\'3f}ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m peste o duzin{\
f63 \u259\'3f} de gardieni, nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mele nu aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie suficiente. mi cam
pierdusem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 orientarea dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} planul fotocopiat, dar
am observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 drumul pe care ne ducea Giovanni napoi spre biroul
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 directorului trecea, pn{\f63 \
u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, printr-un bloc de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 celule. Din nou, un afi{\f63 \u351\'3f} prevenitor de
asupra capetelor
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 noastre: {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie: int
rarea n spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 (Psihiatrie)".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1322 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Psihiatrie? a
m ntrebat, nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Normal, a murmu
rat Victor. Unde altundeva crezi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri955 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i trimite pe de{
\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii cu probleme psihice?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n spitale, a
m replicat, ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}inndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 glum{\f63 \u259\'3f} legat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de conving
erea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i criminalii au
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 probleme psihice.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2401 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, nu t
otdeauna...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3929 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stop!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa l-a ntrerupt {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i s-a oprit brusc n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii. Noi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aproape c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ne-am ciocnit de ea. S-a retras
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cnd c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1628 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care-i proble
ma? am ntrebat-o.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ea s-a ntors spre Giovanni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1969 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}G{\f63 \u259\
'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}te alt drum spre birou.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E cel mai rapid,
a argumentat el. Lissa a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3390 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or din cap.
\plain\par
\u259\'3f} intereseaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. G{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}te alt
ul, unul pe care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nu d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de lume.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Gardianul s-a ncruntat, ns{\f
63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei de constrngere
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 l {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sub control.
S-a ntors brusc, obligndu-ne
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bim ca s{\f63
\u259\'3f} putem {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine pasul cu el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care-i prob
lema? am insistat. Gndurile Lissei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 erau prea nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \
u351\'3f}ite ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot extrage motivul din ele.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 A f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o grimas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri1205 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am sim{
\f63 \u355\'3f}it aure ale spiritului dincolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3505 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Ce?\i0 Ct
e?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri227 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cel pu{\f63 \u
355\'3f}in dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-au
sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it sau nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi fost
vorba despre faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l mai

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 putea {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine mult sub
st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnirea ei pe Giovanni, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nevoia de a ne gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bi, m-a{\f63 \u351\
'3f} fi oprit imediat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2306 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Utilizatori a
i spiritului...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa c{\f63 \u259\'3f}uta de mul
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} asiduitate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alte persoane ca ea. Cine-ar fi cre
zut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-am fi putut
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si acolo. Dar, la urma urmei... poa
te c-ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Doar {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} utilizatorii spiritului
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mergeau pe buza unei pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}stii a demen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei. De ce n-ar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fi sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it ei ntr-un astlel de loc? {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam la
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ct{\f63 \u259\'3f} osteneal{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne d{\f63
\u259\'3f}dusem doar ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de existen{\f63
\u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nchisorii acesteia, nu era de mirare c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 utilizatori ai spiritului r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u
259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ascun{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiesc
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreunul dintre cei care lucrau aic
i avea vreo idee ct
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 de vag{\f63 \u259\'3f}, despre ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri45 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am schimbat o scurt{\f63 \u259\'
3f} privire ntre noi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam cu ct{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ardoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cerceteze, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era timp
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acum. Victor p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea d
eja mult prea interesat de ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vorbiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63
\u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarele cuvinte ale Lissei au
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat doar n capul meu:\i Sunt dest
ul de convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 oricare utilizator al spiritului ar putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} dincolo
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 de farmecul meu. Nu putem risca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
afle cum ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 realitate... chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} descrierile
ar proveni de la
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 persoane considerate nebune.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am nclinat din cap n sem
n c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elesesem, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 deoparte curiozitatea, {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i chiar regretul. Va trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vedem alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre
ce e vorba; s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zicem, data
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 viitoare cnd ne vom hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}r\i s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m o\i0 spargere ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare de maxim{\f63 \u259\'3f} securitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Am ajuns n fine n biroul lui T
heo, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} alte
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 incidente; capul mi bubuise cu furie pe tot timpul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 drumului, n timp creierul mi repeta ntruna:\i Du-te!
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 Du-te! Du-te!\i0 n clipa n care grupul nostru {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intrarea, Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Theo sporov{\f63 \u
259\'3f}iau pe tema politicilor
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de la Curte. Eddie a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit imediat n pi
cioare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aruncat asupra lui Theo, dndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i seama
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a venit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vremea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. L-a s
trangulat la fel de eficient pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Theo cum f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem eu mai devreme cu Gi
ovanni, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 am bucurat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai ocupa {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i altcineva de treburile
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 murdare, nu numai eu. Din nefericire, Theo a izbutit
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} un chel{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63
\u259\'3f}it pe cinste nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le{\f63 \u351\'3f}ine {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} pe podea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Imediat, cei doi gardieni ca
re ne escortaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 devreme au n{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lit n bir
ou. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Eddie ne-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avntat n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierare, iar Lissa {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i Victor l-au constrns
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 pe Giovanni s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ni ne al{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ture. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ngreuneze misiunea, chiar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-am re
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nfrngem pe unul dintre gardieni, Giovanni s-a smuls
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de sub efectul constrngerii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a nceput
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte\i contra
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, a dat
fuga spre peretele pe care am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 constatat {\f63 \u8212\'3f} prea trziu {\f63 \u8212\'3
f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sea un alt buton de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 alarm{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot din
argint. A izbit cu pumnul n el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 vaiet p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor a um
plut atmosfera.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2259 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fir-ar al nai
bii! am urlat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Abilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ile Lissei nu cuprindeau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nfrunt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile fizic
e,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iar Victor nu era cu mult mai breaz
. C{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea n sarcina
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a lui Eddie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
ermin{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu cei doi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}i... {\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s-o facem ct mai\i repede.\i0 Cel de-al doil
ea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dintre gardienii din escort{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a pr{\
f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas numai noi doi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
Giovanni, A izbutit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dea o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} stra{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic{\f63
\u259\'3f}: una care m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} dau cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 capul de perete. Nu fusese suficient de tare nct s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le{\f63 \u351\'
3f}in, dar oricum lumea s-a nvrtit cu mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pete negre {\f63 \u351\'3f}i albe mi-au d{\f63 \u259\
'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit prin fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ochilor.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lovitura m-a {\f63 \u355\'3f}intuit pe loc pentru mo
ment, dar imediat
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Eddie s-a aruncat peste el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n scurt
timp, nici
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Giovanni nu mai reprezenta un pericol.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eddie m-a prins de bra{\f63
\u355\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} echilibreze, dup{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it tuspatru n goana mare din
camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai aruncat o privire peste um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r spre
trupurile f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire, certndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu ave
am timp pentru nvinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}iri.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}im de-aco
lo imediat. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardienii din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f
} aici n mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in de un
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 minut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Grupul nostru a alergat spre
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ile principale, dar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 numai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} constate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
rau ncuiate pe din{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru. Eddie a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tras o njur{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i ne-a cerut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
acolo. A
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fugit napoi biroul lui Theo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ntors
cu unul dintre
\par
\plain\pard\sl-238 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cardurile de acces cu care Gi
ovanni deschisese o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de u{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum era de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat, acesta ne-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 permis s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}im, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i ne-am repezit nebune{\f63 \u351\'3f}te spre ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ina
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nchiriat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ne-am nghesuit to{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i patru; spre bucuria mea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Victor a {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut pasul cu noi {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i s-a ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut complet de la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 scitoarele lui comentarii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nfi
pt piciorul n ambreiaj {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a pornit pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri132 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 drumul pe care veniser{\f63 \u259
\'3f}m. Eu st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el, n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i garantez c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tipul de la poart{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 alarm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l-am prevenit pe Eddie. Spera
ser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vom putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}im pur
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, spunndu-i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri187 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fusese vo
rba despre o ncurc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} birocratic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mh, m-a apro
bat Eddie, cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mpietrit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cum m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam, gardia
nul a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din ghereta lui,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 agitndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i minile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2032 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aia o fi o ar
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}? am strigat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar n-o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} opresc ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu, a ripostat Eddie
,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 proptindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu pute
re talpa pe accelera{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, iar cnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardianul a n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} or
icum aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecem, s-a dat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 imediat la o parte din drum. Am spulberat bra{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ul de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lemn care bloca drumul n mii de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}chii
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri516 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bud o s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu garan{\f63 \u3

55\'3f}ia, am remarcat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n urma noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am
auzit zgomotul focurilor de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 arm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eddie a mai s
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat o njur{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar pe m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 goneam mai departe, sunetele deveneau din ce n ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai slabe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, curnd, am ie{\f63 \u351\'
3f}it din b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taia focului. Abia
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 atunci, a suspinat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ne nimerea vreun cauciuc sau vreun geam,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aveam mult mai multe motive de ngrijorare dect
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 garan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
259\'3f} trimit{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi, a rostit Victor, de pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 bancheta din spate. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, Lissa se dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtase de el
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ct putuse. Probabil chiar acum pornesc camionetele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai impresia
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ne-am dat seama {\f63 \u351\'3f}i noi? l-am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bru{\f63 \u351\'3f}tuluit. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} util, ns{\f63 \u259\'
3f} era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ultima persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}reia
a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i aud vocea n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 clipele acelea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, chiar n timp ce vo
rbeam, aruncnd o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privire napoi, am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit contururile ntun
ecate a dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vehicule, gonind pe drum n urma noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. C{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 repede teren, nl{\f63 \u259\'3f}turnd orice ndoial{\f63
\u259\'3f} cu privire la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} SUV-urile ar fi fost capabi
le s{\f63 \u259\'3f} prind{\f63 \u259\'3f} curnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} micul nostru automobil compa
ct.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2448 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am consultat GPS-ul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} cotim n curnd, l-am prevenit pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1290 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Eddie, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu av
ea nevoie de sfatul meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Ne alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuise
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m anticipat un traseu pentru fug{\f63 \u259\'3f}, unul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care cuprindea o mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de viraje strn
se pe acele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 drumuri ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i iz
olate. Din fericire, chiar erau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu duiumul. Eddie a tras cu putere de volan n stnga {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aproape imediat, n dreapta. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i, vehiculele
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ritoare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \
u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai departe vizibile n oglinda
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} retrovizoare. Abia dup{\f63 \u
259\'3f} alte cteva cotituri,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 drumul a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas liber n urma noastr{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere ncord
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} plutea n automobil n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ajung{\
f63 \u259\'3f} din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardienii. Dar nu ne-au
\par
\plain\pard\sl-238 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ajuns. Luasem viraje derutant
e, dar mi-au trebuit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 aproape zece minute ca s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} accept c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, probabil,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s-o scoatem
la cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f63
\u259\'3f} i-am pierdut pe drum, a zis Eddie, cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mirare n glas, n ton cu sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f}mintele mele. Avea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a br{\f63 \u259\'3f}zdat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de cute de ngrijorare, iar degetele lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 strngeau cu putere volanul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-o s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i pierdem pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}im cu bine din
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Fairbanks, am replicat. Sunt convins{\f63 \u259\'3f}
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 scotoceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu e d
eloc un ora{\f63 \u351\'3f} prea mare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde mergem
? s-a interesat Victor. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-e
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 permis s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ntreb.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M-am foit pe scaunul meu pn{\
f63 \u259\'3f} am ajuns ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie n care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l pot
privi n ochi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta tu tre
buie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne spui. Orict de greu ar fi de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 crezut, n-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut toate astea pentru
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne-ar fi fost dor
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de amabila ta companie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1401 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta chiar ar
fi fost greu de crezut.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 L-am privit cu ochii miji{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri513 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vrem s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de fratele t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. De Robert Doru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am avut satisfac{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ia de a-l fi prins pe Victor pe picior
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}it pentru o cli
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Apoi, expresia viclean{\f63 \u259\'3f} a revenit
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 pe chipul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fire{\f63 \
u351\'3f}te! E urmarea cererii lui Abe Mazur, nu? Ar
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} nu e genul care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} accepte
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns negativ. Dar, desigur, n-a
{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi ghicit vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n crd{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie cu el.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
oate aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, Victor nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
realitate
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 crd{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ia era o leg{\f63
\u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} de familie, cu Abe, dar n-aveam
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mbog{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \
u355\'3f}esc cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Irelevant,
am replicat, cu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iar acum, o s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2508 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duci la Robert
. Unde e?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai uitat, R
ose, a rostit Victor, gnditor. Nu tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cea care se ocup{\f63 \u259\'3f} de constrngeri pe-ai
ci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, dar sun
t cea care poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te lege fedele{\f63 \u351\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 marginea drumului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dea un telefon anonim la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri649 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i coordonatele geografice.
\plain\par
0\'3f}i eu de unde {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ce vrei de la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mine n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} predai o
ricum? m-a ntrebat. N-am

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 niciun motiv s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncre
d n tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai dreptate
. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu sunt al naibii de sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 avea ncredere n mine. Dar, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul ie
se cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuie, ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} existe o {\f63 \u
351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca, pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m liber.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1509 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ba nu, n realitate nu exista ni
ciuna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e o carte pe
care ai vrea s-o joci? N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1239 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o ocazi
e ca asta, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Victor nu a mai avut vreo r
eplic{\f63 \u259\'3f} spiritual{\f63 \u259\'3f} de data
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 asta. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un punct pentru mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri639 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'
3f}adar, am continuat, ne duci la el, sau nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tot felul de gnduri pe care nu le
puteam descifra i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se nvolburau n minte. F{\f63 \u259\'3
f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, chibzuia cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n avant
ajul lui, probabil ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama cum ar fi putut s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} scape de noi nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ajungem la Robert. Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, eu a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi procedat.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Las V
egas, a rostit el, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Trebuie s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2905 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ajungem la Las Vegas.
\plain\par
\expndtw-39 \b \f20 \fs40 OPT
\plain\par
\f20 \fs24 DUP{\f63 \u258\'3f} CT I F{\f63 \u258\'3f}CUSEM\b0 capul mare lui Abe
n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu faptul c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ajungeam mereu n locuri
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtate, de rahat, ar fi trebuit s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 entuziasmat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de perspectiva unei excur
sii n Ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}catului. Din nefericire, aveam cteva
rezerve n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu urm{\f63 \
u259\'3f}toarea mea expedi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie eroic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n primul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 rnd, un loc ca Las Vegas ar fi fost ultimul n care m-a
{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63
\u259\'3f}sesc un sihastru pe jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate nebun. Din
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 frnturile de informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pe care le avea
m, Robert
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ajunsese s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie cam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
it de pe fix {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 singur. Un ora{\f63 \u351\'3f} aglomerat, plin de tu
ri{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, cam greu s-ar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fi potrivit cu aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} descriere. Pe
urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} astfel
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}e constituiau terenuri de vn{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}toare perfecte
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pentru strigoi. Aglomerat. Nechibzuit. St{\f63 \u259\
'3f}pnit de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 inhibi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Era foarte u{\f63 \u351\'3
f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dispar{\f63 \u259\'3f} oamenii de acolo...
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai ales c{\f63 \u259\'3f} majoritatea ie{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ea pe timpul nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 O parte din mine era convin
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam de-a face cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 un {\f63 \u351\'3f}iretlic din partea lui Victor, ns{
\f63 \u259\'3f} el s-a jurat cu cerul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} spusese adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul. n consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f},
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neavnd vreo vreo alt{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} pist{\f63 \u259\'3f} de urmat, Las Vegasul a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 devenit urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea noastr{\f63 \u259\'
3f} destina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Oricum, nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aveam prea mult timp la dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ca
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezbatem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 problema, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ritorii no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri vor ntoarce pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dos ntregul Fairbanks n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utarea noastr
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 farmecele Lissei ne modificaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} nf{\f
63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile destul ca
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu caute persoane care s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ne semene. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pe
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Victor l {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau prea bine cum arat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, deci cu ct
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream mai curnd din Alaska asta, cu
att era mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri803 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Din nefericire, mai aveam o mic
{\f63 \u259\'3f} problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Victor nu are a
cte, a remarcat Eddie. Nu putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3522 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 urc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n avion.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
Toate bunurile lui Victor fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 confiscate de autorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ile nchisorii, iar n vltoarea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dezactiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii sistemelor de securitate
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i a doborrii a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate de duzin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de g
ardieni, nu prea avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 timp s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m obiectele personale. For{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de constrngere a Lissei era mental{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 epuizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct o ntreb
uin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase n nchisoare. n plus,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 era foarte probabil ca aeroportul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fie supravegheat de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 gardieni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Prietenul"
nostru Bud, tipul care nchiria ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini, a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cel care ne-a oferit solu{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia. Nu fusese deloc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 entuziasmat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i vad{\
f63 \u259\'3f} automobilul restituit cu toate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acele zgrieturi rezultate din cutez{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor
ul pilotaj al lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Eddie, dar un suficient de gros teanc de bancnote f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncete
ze bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nelile omului despre
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} mai nchiriezi ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini unor pu{\f63 \u351\'3f}tani". Victor a
fost
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cel care s-a gndit la un plan altern
ativ {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i l-a sugerat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 lui Bud.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Exist{\f63
\u259\'3f} vreun aerodrom particular prin preajm.Am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2430 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-nchiriem
un avion?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} da, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Bud. Dar n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie del
oc
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ieftin.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1573 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta nu e o p
roblem{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am zis eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1331 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Bud ne-a aruncat o privire b{\
f63 \u259\'3f}nuitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri156 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar voi ce-a{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i jefuit vreo banc{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, sau ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Nu, dar eram plini de bani. Lissa
avea un fond
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 succesoral care-i aloca lunar bani
pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mplinirea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vrstei de optsprezece ani, precum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un
card de credit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu o limit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ridicat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A
veam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu un card de credit,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas de cnd l dusesem cu z{\f63 \u259\'
3f}h{\f63 \u259\'3f}relul pe Adrian,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 convingndu-l s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi finan{\f63 \u355\'3f
}eze expedi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n Rusia.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}asem la restul averilor, ca de e
xemplu la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 impresionantul cont bancar pe care mi-l deschisese.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} procedam incorect, chi
ar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}strez un as n mnec{\f63 \u259\'3f}, era doar
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pentru cazuri de urgen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Iar aceasta era categoric o
urgen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
folosit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cardul pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tind o parte din costul zbor
ului particular.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Pilotul nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne duc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} tocmai pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Las Vegas,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dar tot putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne duc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Seattle, unde urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ne pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} n leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63
\u259\'3f} cu alt pilot, cunoscut de-al lui, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 parcurgem restul drumului. Iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63
\u351\'3f}i bani.
\par
3 \u350\'3f}i iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i Seattle, am cugetat cu voce t
are, nainte
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca avionul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} decole
ze. n interiorul micului avion cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie erau patru scaune, cte dou{\f63
\u259\'3f} pe fiecare parte,

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor, iar Edd
ie, vizavi
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 de el. Ne imaginaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} era cea mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri905 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 configura{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie din p
unct de vedere al siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1605 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-i cu Seatt
le? s-a mirat Eddie.
\plain\expndtw-14 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i0 Nu conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Micile avioane particulare nu sun
t nici pe departe la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fel cu marile avioanele comerciale,
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} drumul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nostru ne-a luat cea mai mare parte din zi. Pe durat
a lui,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am continuat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ntreb pe Victor despr
e rolul fratelui
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u n Las Vegas {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n cel
e din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am primit
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul dorit. Victor tot ar fi tre
buit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne spun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 devreme sau mai trziu, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63
\u259\'3f} avusese o pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 sadic{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} prelungeasc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptarea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Robert nu l
ocuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te chiar n Las Vegas, ne-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 explicat el. Are acolo o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}su{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} o caban{\f63 \u259\'3f}, presupun
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Rock Canyon,
la destui kilometri distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 de ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Aha. Abia acum sem{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}na cu ceea ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa , a n{\f63 \u355\'3f}epenit auzind cuvntul {\f63
\u8222\'3f}caban{\f63 \u259\'3f}", iar eu i-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it stinghereala prin leg{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tura noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Atunci cnd o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pise Victor, o dusese ntr-o caban{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} din p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dure {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 torturase acolo. I-am adresat o privire pe ct de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}titoare mi st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea n
puteri. Erau momente n care\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mi doream ca leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fi func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat n ambele
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sensuri, astfel nct s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-i pot trimite cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat o

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 alinare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1943 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prin urmare,
acolo mergem?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Victor a pufnit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} nu. Robert {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pre
a mult
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 intimitatea N-ar l{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sa persoane str{\f63 \u259\'3f}ine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} acas{\f
63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 el. n schimb, ar veni el n ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}, dac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} l-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} ruga eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa mi-a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
utat privirea.\i Victor ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 atrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o curs{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Are o mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de adep{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Acum, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 e n libertate ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i cheme pe
ei la ntlnirea cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 noi, n loc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-l aduc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} pe Robert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 I-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un
semn de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are aproape
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 imperceptibil, dorindu-mi nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fi putut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunde la fel, prin leg{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tura dintre noi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gndisem la acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru. Era absolut n
ecesar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m niciodat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} singur pe Victor, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nesupravegheat la telefon.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i, de fapt, planul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 acesta, de a ne ntlni cu Robert chiar la Las Vegas, m{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} simt mai bine. Pentru siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de acoli{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui Victor, era de prefera
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim n ora{\f63 \u351\'3f}, nu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 n mijlocul pustiet{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dat fiind
faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am fost att de ndatoritor, a zis
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Victor, am dreptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}
tiu ce vre{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de la fratele meu.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Vre{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afla{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i de o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} utilizare a spiritului? a ntrebat,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aruncnd o privire spre Lissa. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} fi desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 excelent{\f63 \u259\'3f} munc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de inv
estiga{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, dac-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aflat despre el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai niciun
drept s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti planurile, am

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ripostat eu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-o spun pe bune? Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot {\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eviden{\f63 \u355\'3f}a cu ci
ne pe cine ndatoreaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai mult, atunci
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 afl{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te surclas{\f63
\u259\'3f}m total pe foaia de punctaj. Mai ai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult de tot pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te re
van{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezi pentru ce-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut la
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Tarasov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri308 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Unicul r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns a
l lui Victor a fost un mic zmbet.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 O parte a zborului nostru s-a der
ulat pe timpul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, ceea ce nsemn
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} devreme
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 atunci cnd am ajuns n Las Vegas. Siguran{\f63 \u355\'3
f}a oferit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lumina zilei. M-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d ct de aglomerat era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aeroportul. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i pe cel particular, din
Seattle, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 destul de multe avioane, dar cel din Fairbanks fusese
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aproape pustiu. Pista de aterizare de aici era n{\f63
\u355\'3f}esat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mici avioane cu reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, pe multe din
ele scriind {\f63 \u8222\'3f}lux".
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 N-ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
urprind{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Las Vegas e fieful
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 celebrit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i al altor oameni boga{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 considernd probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar fi njosit c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torind cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 avioanele comerciale, al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de pasa
geri de rnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Erau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i taxiu
ri acolo, scutindu-ne de chinul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nchirierii unui automobil. Dar cnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}ofer
ul ne-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat unde mergem, am t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut to{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i mlc. Atunci, m\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am ntors spre Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1533 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n centrul ora{
\f63 \u351\'3f}ului, da? Pe F{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, a aprobat el
. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i exprimase convingerea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Robert ar fi fost de acord cu o ntlni
re cu persoane
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}ine ntr-un loc foarte populat. ntrun loc din care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fugi cu u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{
\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\'3f}ia e mare, a insistat {\f63 \u351\'3f}oferul. C{\f63 \u259\'3f}uta{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i vreun loc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1001 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n mod special, sau v{\f63 \u259\'
3f} las n mijlocul str{\f63 \u259\'3f}zii?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 T{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere
a s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut din nou. Lissa m-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}getat cu o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3025 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 privire semnificativ{\f63 \u259\
'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2722 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}La Witching H
our?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am cnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit n minte p
ropunerea. Las Vegas se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 num{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra printre locu
rile preferate ale unora dintre moroi.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Soarele putemic l f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea mai pu{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}in atractiv pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, iar cazinourile f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ferestre creau o atmosfer{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 confortabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntunecoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Witching Hour era un hotel
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un cazinou de care auziser{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}m cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. De{\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 foarte mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i clien{\f63 \u355\'3f}i d
in rndul oamenilor normali, era de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fapt proprietatea unor moroi, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de facilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i clandesti
ne care f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau din el o mare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pentru vampiri. Hr{\f63 \u259
\'3f}nitori, n camerele secrete
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 din spate. Foaiere speciale rezervate exclusiv moroi
lor.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i un num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r destul de
mare de gardieni care patrulau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3699 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Gardieni...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din c
ap, aruncnd o privire piezi{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4265 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1971 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu putem s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-l ducem acolo.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dintre toate hotelurile din Las V
egas, Witching
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Hour era ultimul la care ar fi fost
indicat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergem.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} evadarea lui Victor consti
tuia {\f63 \u351\'3f}tirea zilei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 printre moroi. S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ducem n acel loc di
n Las Vegas cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cea mai mare concentra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de moroi {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i de gardieni ar fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fost, probabil, cea mai grav{\f63 \u259\'3f} gre{\f63
\u351\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care am fi
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 putut s-o comitem n acest moment. n oglinda
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 retrovizoare, observam ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdarea cres
cnd pe chipul
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}oferului. Edd
ie a fost cel care s-a trezit vorbind, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3534 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}La Luxor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Noi doi st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team p
e bancheta din spate, ncadrndu-1
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1092 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pe Victor, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-am lungit gtul spre el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1971 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta de unde
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a mai venit?
\plain\par
u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ceva distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ntre noi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Witching Hour ne-a explicat Eddie,
al c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui ton
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 devenise deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} oarecum stnjenit. {\f
63 \u350\'3f}i ntotdeauna mi\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau acolo. Adic{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot vii n Vegas, de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2369 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu stai ntro piramid{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1030 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o logic{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} inatacabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a apreciat Lissa.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Luxor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie, l-am a
nun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at pe {\f63 \u351\'3f}ofer.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Drumul a fost parcurs n t{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cere, noi to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u8212\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cu excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Vict
or {\f63 \u8212\'3f} holbndu-ne ului{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 priveli{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ti
mpul zilei, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}zile din Las Vegas
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 erau un furnicar de oameni. Tineri fermec{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tori se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plimbau cot la cot cu numeroase cupluri de vrstnici
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din clasa medie, care probabil f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse
r{\f63 \u259\'3f} economii peste
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 economii pentru o astfel de excursie. Hotelurile {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cazinourile pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} care treceam erau e
norme,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i ispititoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Iar cnd am ajuns la Luxor...
mda. Era exact cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spusese Eddie. Un hotel n form{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pira
mid{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M-am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 holbat la el dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce am cobort din ma{
\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} din r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sputeri s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu casc gura ca un turist z{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cit ce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 eram. I-am pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit {\f63 \u351\'3f}ofe
rului, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care am intrat cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 N-aveam de unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
ct putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dureze {\f63 \u351\'3f}ederea
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo,
nct categoric ne trebuia o camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne stabilim baza opera{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ional{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cnd am intrat n hotel, m-am si
m{\f63 \u355\'3f}it ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns din nou ntr-un club de noapte d
in Sankt
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Petersburg sau din Novosibirsk. Lumini stroboscopice
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}itor miros
de fum de {\f63 \u355\'3f}igar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i zgomot.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Zgomot, zgomot, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i iar zgomot. Aparate
le de jocuri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 piuiau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i zbmiau, jetoanele c{\f63 \u259
\'3f}deau, lumea zbiera de
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 necaz sau de ncntare, iar zumzetul sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu
t al
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor umplea nc{\f63 \u259\'3
f}perea, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era acolo un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 roi de albine. M-am strmbat. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ace{\
f63 \u351\'3f}ti stimuli mi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 zgriau sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}urile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Am trecut printr-o margine a
cazinoului ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajungem la recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, iar recep{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ionerul nici nu a clipit

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 auzind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trei adolescen{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn {\f63 \u351\'3f}i luau o camer{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-am imaginat c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} de toate pe\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acolo. Camera noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} era de m{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rime medie, cu dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 paturi duble {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}t
iu cum, dar avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m noroc de o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 priveli{\f63 \u351\'3f}te formidabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Lissa s-a oprit lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} fereastr{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 captivat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de furnicarul de oameni {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i automobile de pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u351\'3f}ia de dedesubt; n schimb, eu am intrat
direct la
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 afaceri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, sun{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-l, i-am ordonat lui Victor. El se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 instalase pe unul dintre paturi, cu bra{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ele ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}ate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 privirea senin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
cum am fi fost cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat ntr-o
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 vacan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar, cu tot zmb
etul acela superior, i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 observam oboseala ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit{\f63 \u259\'
3f} pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alimentase cu snge, evadarea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63
\u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}toia asta lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} epui
zante, iar efectele maladiei care se ntorcea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncetul cu ncetul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i puneau n mod firesc am
prenta
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 asupra formei lui fizice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Victor a ntins imediat mna dup
{\f63 \u259\'3f} telefonul din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}. L-am oprit, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tinnd din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Liss, d{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sune de pe mobilul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Vreau ca
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n memorie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ntins cu precau{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie telefonul, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum el ar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l contamineze. Victor l-a
luat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a adresat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 o privire angelic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oare n-a{\
f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur de pu{\f63 \u355\
'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} intimitate?

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A trecut mult mult timp de cnd n-am mai vorbit cu
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Robert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, i-am r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit. Asprimea tonului m-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 surprins {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe mine, ceea ce m-a dete
rminat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} deduc c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu numai Lissa avea de suferit dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
att de intens{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 utilizare mentalului pe ziua de azi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Victor a ridicat u{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}or din umeri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 formeze num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul. Ne spusese n timpul un
uia dintre
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 zborurile noastre c{\f63 \u259\'3f} memorase num{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rul de telefon al lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Robert, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
cred pe cuvnt c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el era cel pe
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 care-1 apelase. Mai trebuia spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Ro
bert nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 schimbase ntre timp num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul de telefon
chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Victor nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zus
e fratele de ani de zile, nu st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuse
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dect pentru scurt timp n nchisoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pr
obabil, nainte
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de asta, l {\f63 \u355\'3f}inuse pe Robert sub observ
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tensiunea umpluse camera n ti
mp ce a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sune telefonul. O clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai trziu, am a
uzit o voce
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 venind din difuzorul aparatul
ui... dar n-am putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 disting cu precizie cuvintele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Robert, a
rostit Victor, cu o voce pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, eu sunt,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 A primit un r{\f63 \u259\'3f
}spuns surescitat din partea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 interlocutorului lui. Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud
dect jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi
se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ciudat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. La nceput,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Victor a fost nevoit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\
'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de timp ca
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l conving{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Rober
t ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise din nchisoare. Din cte
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, Robert nu era chiar att de d
esprins de lumea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 moroilor, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fie la curent cu ult
imele {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiri.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Victor i-a spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} detaliile vor fi d
ezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luite mai trziu,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nceput m
unca de l{\f63 \u259\'3f}murire, astfel nct
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Robert s{\f63 \u259\'3f} accepte o ntlnire cu noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A avut nevoie de mult timp.
Aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Robert tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ia cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}it
de fric{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de paranoia, ceea ce-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amintea de domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara Karp, cnd ajunses
e n stadiile
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 avansate ale demen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei provocate de ut
ilizarea spiritului.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pe toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} durata convorbirii, Lissa a r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas cu privirea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fixat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la priveli{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea d
e dincolo de fereastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sentimentele ei le oglindeau pe ale mele: teama c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, ntr\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 o zi, asta ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i soarta ei. Dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a mea, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 absorbeam efectele spiritului. Imaginea anun{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ului din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nchisoarea Tarasov i-a fulgerat pentru o frac{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}iune de
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 secund{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin minte: Aten{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ie: intrarea n spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor (Psihiatri
e).
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Vocea lui Victor devenise s
urprinz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor de mieroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce vorbea cu fratele s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u; blnd{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, chiar. mi
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 reamintea n chip stnjenitor de
vechile vremuri, de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dinainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}m de demen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ialele planuri ale lui Victor
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pentru ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inerea domina{\f63 \u355\'3
f}iei asupra moroilor. Pe atunci,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe noi ne tratase cu blnde{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, practic, fusese ca o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 rud{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru Lissa. Chiar m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} intrebam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la un
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 moment dat, o fi fost sincer, sau totul nu fusese de
ct o
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproape dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeci de minute,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Victor l-a convins pe Robert s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\
f63 \u259\'3f} la ntlnirea cu noi.

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele nedeslu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ite, venind din dif
uzorul telefonului,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 erau pline de nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i, n acel moment, am fost
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fapt c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Vi
ctor vorbea cu fratele lui atins de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nebunie, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu cu vreun complice de-al
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Victor a
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 aranjat o ntlnire pentru cin{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-unul di
ntre
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 restaurantele hotelului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n sfr{\f63 \
u351\'3f}it, a ncheiat
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 convorbirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cin{\f63 \
u259\'3f}? l-am ntrebat pe Victor, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat
jos
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 telefonul. Nu-l ngrijoreaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sarea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3672 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntunericului?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E vorba des
pre o cin{\f63 \u259\'3f} timpurie, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Victor. La patru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i jum{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tate. Iar soarele nu apune dect
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aproape de opt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Patru {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate? m-am mirat. Doamne sfinte! O
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1776 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fi ofert{\f63 \u259\'3f} special
{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru pensionari?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea mare
dreptate cu privire la or{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la soare.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lipsa de siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a pe care mi-o oferi
se lumina aproape
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nentrerupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} a verii din Alaska, ncepeam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sufocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de presiunea grani{\f63 \u355
\'3f}elor reprezentate de orele
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ritului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i apusului, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i aici era var{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nefericire, o cin{\f63 \u259\'3f} timpurie, n condi{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ii de siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tot
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mneau ore
bune de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Victor s-a ntins pe spate n pa
t, cu minile sub cap.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} simul
eze indiferen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, dar a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de fapt epuizarea fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f} l determina s

{\f63 \u259\'3f} caute confortul
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 patului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vre{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i norocul n ca
zinoul de jos?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ne-a propus, aruncnd o privire spre Lissa. Utilizatori
i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spiritului sunt juc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori de c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de-a dreptul remarcabili.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Nu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spun e
u ct de bine te pricepi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cite{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3068 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Ea nu i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spu
ns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimeni nu iese d
in camera asta, am decretat. Nu\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea pl{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cere ideea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnem cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
nchi{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acolo, dar nu-mi permiteam riscul unei tentative de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 evadare, sau a ntlnirii cu strigoii care ar fi putut s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 stea la pnd{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin ungherele ntunecate a
le cazinoului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i-a sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}lat colorantul de pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, Lissa
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tras un scaun lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} fereastr{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. A refuzat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se apropie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in de Victor
. Eu m-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat turce{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt pat, n care avea destul loc s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}eze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddie,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} el a preferat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n picioare, sprijinit de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 perete, ntr-o ipostaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} perfect{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de gardian, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zindu-l pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Victor. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
Eddie era capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia aceea ore n {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
r, indiferent ct de incomod{\f63 \u259\'3f} i\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ar fi devenit. Eram cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii antrena{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndur{\f63 \u259\'3f}m condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dintre cele mai aspre. Se descurca de minune s{\f63
\u259\'3f} afi{\f63 \u351\'3f}eze
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o figur{\f63 \u259\'3f} impas
ibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar din cnd n cnd l observam
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l examineaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Vic
tor cu mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} curiozitate. Eddie
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fusese al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de mine n acest act de

tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dare ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 acum nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia de ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
user{\f63 \u259\'3f}m toate acestea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Eram acolo de cteva ore, cnd
a b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut cineva la u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit imediat n picioare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Eddie parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
era imaginea mea n oglind{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i invers:
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 amndoi luaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
rigid{\f63 \u259\'3f} de drep{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, cu minile n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utarea {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}elor. Comandaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m masa de prnz cu o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 or{\f63 \u259\'3f} n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar angajat
ul de la room-service venise {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plecase de mult. Era prea devreme ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fi fost Robert
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n plus, el nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia
sub ce nume nchinaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m camera.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam nici
pic de grea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}adar, la u{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se afla un strigoi. I-am c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}utat privirea lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am schimbat ctva mesaje t{\f63
\u259\'3f}cute ntre noi n
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ce era de
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa a fo
st cea care a reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat prima,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ridicndu-se de pe scaunul ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cnd c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3560 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1618 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? m-am mira
t eu. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at. De ob
icei, utilizatorii spiritului nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vedeau dect aurele, dar se puteau s
im{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntre ei dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aflau destul de aproape: exact cum i se ntmplase n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, niciunul dintre noi
nu s-a clintit. Ea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi-a aruncat o privire.
\plain\par
\'3f}tie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt aici, a precizat ea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el poate
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 simt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am oftat, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u355\'3f}innd mna pe {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n tim
p ce
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndreptam cu
pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mari spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-am ncordat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 privirea pe viyor. {\f63 \u350\'3f}
i iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l acolo, cu nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\
'3f}area lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i neastmp{\f63
\u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Adrian n persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai vedeam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe altcineva, a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, neavnd vreun
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 semn cu privire la prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a vreunui s
trigoi, am deschis
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a. S-a luminat la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de bucurie cnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m-a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut. Aplecndu-se, m-a s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rutat gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit pe obraz
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nainte de a intra n camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce, voi chi
ar a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pute{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} pleca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 petrecere de weekend f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mine? Ia spune{\f63 \u355\'3f}i! {\f63 \u350\'3f}i tocmai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aici, din attea locuri...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A ncremenit brusc: unul dintr
e acele rare momente
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri583 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n care Adrian Ivashkov era prins p
e picior gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}it.
\plain\par
0\'3f}tii, a rostit el t{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}nat, c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe patul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u st{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4007 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Dashkov?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, i-am r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i pentru noi a cam fost un
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Smulgndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pr
ivirea de la Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rotind-o prin
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Adrian l-a observat n sfr{\f63
\u351\'3f}it {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Eddie, care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese nemi{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}cat, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte din
mobilierul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 camerei. Adrian s-a ntors spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri357 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce\i naiba\i0
se petrece aici? Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea l caut{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa mi s-a adresat prin interme
diul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastre.\i Ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-i spui. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} oricum n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
ai
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 plece acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Avea dreptate. Nu {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tiu cum f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse Adrian de ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sise, dar acum, n niciun caz nu avea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai plece.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am ndreptat o privire {\f63 \
u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ielnic{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre Eddie, care mi\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3306 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a ghicit gndurile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i face probleme pentru noi, mi-a zis el. Du-te
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i discut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} am grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se ntmple nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iar eu miam rec{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} putere nct s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 constrng, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
eva, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2919 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am suspinat adnc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2053 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK. Ne ntoarce
m imediat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 L-am luat de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}
pe Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am scos din camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri445 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Imediat cum am ajuns pe culoar, a
nceput din nou:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2606 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, ce mama
nai...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am scuturat din cap a nega{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ie. De cnd st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 acolo, auzisem destule zgomote din
partea altor oaspe{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ai hotelului afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe culoar, nct s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prietenii mei ne-ar fi auzit conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ia, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} discutam
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n acel loc. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am l
uat amndoi liftul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am cobort
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 la parter, unde zarva cazinoului ne acoperea vocile.
Am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit un col{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u
351\'3f}or pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in mai retras, iar Adrian practic m-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mpins n perete, ntunecat la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Atitudinea lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 superficial{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} enerva

uneori, dar o preferam situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n care era sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, n mare m{\f63 \u259
\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 temeam ca nu cumva spiritul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i adaug
e o doz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 instabilitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-ai l{\f
63 \u259\'3f}sat un bilet n care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ai c{\f63
\u259\'3f} o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tergi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pentru un ultim weekend de petreceri, n schimb, te
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc ascuns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpreun{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cu unul dintre cei mai notorii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 criminali din toate timpurile? Cnd am plecat eu de la
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Curte, {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta e
ra subiectul pe care-l discuta toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1639 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Nu tipul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta a nc
ercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te omoare?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri508 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 I-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns la n
trebare printr-o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2347 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar cum de ne
-ai g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prin cardul de c
redit, a zis. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2230 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 folose{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Am f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut ochii mari.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-ai promi
s, cnd mi l-ai dat, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vri
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2861 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nasul n treburile mele!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Din moment ce conturile {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i cardurile erau primite de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 la el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea a
cces la istoricul opera{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunilor, dar
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 l crezusem cnd mi spusese c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi va respec
ta
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 intimitatea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd ai fost n
Rusia, mi-am {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut promisiunea.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Aici e vorba despre altceva. Am tot verificat la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 compania emitent{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i
mediat cum a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut plata pentru
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 avionul charter, am sunat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am aflat
unde te duceai.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui
Adrian aici, la att de scurt timp dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sosirea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu mai p{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rea att de incredibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 moment ce {\f63 \u355\'3f}inuse cardul sub supraveghe
re. Imediat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cum avusese informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia necesar{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, i fusese u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 rezerve bilet la o curs{\f63 \u259\'3f} aerian{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Un avion cu reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie al
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unei companii comerciale, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} escale pe traseu, putea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 foarte lesne s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recupereze timpul pe
care-l pierduser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 noi, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torind mult m
ai lent {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu multiple opriri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici gnd s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} pot rezista ispitei, cnd am auzii Las
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vegas, a continuat el. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} m-am gndit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} apar ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} particip la distrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am dat seama c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} folosisem cardul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pl{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tesc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i camera, dezv{\f63
\u259\'3f}luind nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} locul n care m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seam. Nimeni altcineva nu mai avea l
eg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cardul meu, sau al Lissei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \
u351\'3f}urin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a cu care ne
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse el de urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} enerva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ar fi tre
buit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci una ca asta, am mrit
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 printre din{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3
f} suntem mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, exist{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 anumite grani{\f63 \u355\'3f}e pe care trebuie s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} le respec{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Asta nu te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3498 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pe tine,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar nu e
ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi citit jurnalul i
ntim! N\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am vrut dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se
sc iubita {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Era un semn al sup{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii lui Adrian faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mintea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 abia acum ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} deruleze filmul nap
oi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 piesele cap la cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O, Doamne.
Rose, te rog, spune-mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu voi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei care l-au scos din nchisoar
e! Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 caut{\f63 \u259\'3f} doua fete umane {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat dhampir. Descrierile
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu se potrivesc deloc...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3014 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 S-a oprit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
oftat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar voi a{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i fost, nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cum, dar a{\f63
\u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns ilegal ntr-o n
chisoare de maxim{\f63 \u259\'3f} securitate.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nseamn{\f63
\u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce securitate, am
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 remarcat eu n glum{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose! Indi
vidul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a b{\f63 \u259\'3f}gat picioarele n v
ie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1721 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 voastre. De ce a{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l elibera{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3428 \fi283 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov
{\f63 \u259\'3f}it cu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul. Cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i explic
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate lui Adrian? Cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i explic ceea
ce, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dovezile din lumea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, era un luc
ru imposibil? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri426 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun ce s
cop m{\f63 \u259\'3f} condusese spre a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Victor are
unele informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de care avem nevoie.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sau, hm, are acces la cineva de care avem nevoie. {\f
63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 era singurul prin care puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajun
gem la el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar ce Dumn
ezeu ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie el, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2184 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 determine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} face
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i toate astea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n se
c. Umblasem prin nchisori {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 viesparele strigoilor, dar ceea ce trebuia s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-i spun acum
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lui Adrian m{\f63 \u259\'3f} umplea cu adev{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rat de nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar putea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} existe o cale de salvare a strigoilor.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Prin care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i tr
ansforma la loc, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i faci ca nainte.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Iar Vic...Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie pe cineva care
s-ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 asta. Adrian m-a privit fix timp de cteva secunde
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 foarte lungi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar nconjurat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i larma
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cazinoului, mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ntreaga lume ncremenise {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 amu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ise.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2448 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, asta e
imposibil.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}tii {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i tu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ar fi existat o astfel de posibilitate, am fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4443 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Implic{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} utilizatori ai spiritului. Iar noi de-abia am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aflat de existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri954 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta nu nseamn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i este... a! n{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
leg.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ochii lui verzi aruncau fulgere,
iar de data asta erau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4031 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 de mnie.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E vor
ba de el, nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? E ultima ta ncercare
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nebuneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a ajunge la el. La Dimi
tri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri18 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu doar la
el, am replicat, neconving{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Asta i-
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ar putea salva pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i strigoii.

\plain\par
f63 \u259\'3f} s-a terminat! a exclamat Adrian.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vorbisem suficient de tare, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac
{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre cei de la aparatele de jocuri din apropiere s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} privirile spre noi. Mi-ai spus
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a terminat.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mi-ai spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} treci peste capitolul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fii
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cu mine.
\plain\par
\'3f}i am crezut n ce {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am spus, am replicat,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi de d
isperarea din vocea mea. Dar e
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceva de care abia am aflat. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ncerc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
0\'3f}i pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} fantasmagoria asta prosteasc
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}| roade? L-ai elibera pe Dimitri pr
in nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce fapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 miraculoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar pe mine m-ai arunca\i
uite-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a\i0 , a zis,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 trosnind din degete.
\plain\par
351\'3f}tiu, i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, istovit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\
'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vedem ce se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} pas cu pas. Ador s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cu tine.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u! Dar nu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec cu
vederea treaba asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Normal c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a replicat, ridicndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pri
virea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 spre cer. Vise, vise, vise. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund n
ele; tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iesc n ele.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} am{\f63 \u259\'3f}gesc cu ele. E d
e mirare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai sunt n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 disting realitatea. Tonul ciudat al vocii lui m{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea. Recuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team
simptomele uneia dintre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oarele sale c{\f63 \u259\'3f}deri n
nebunia provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de utilizarea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 spiritului. Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a ntors spatel
e, oftnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1101 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Simt nev
oia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} beau un pahar de ceva.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Orice urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de mil{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de el mi s-a transform
at n
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4409 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 furie.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, c
e bine! Asta rezolv{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, ntr-o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lume care a luat-o razna, tu tot {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat vechii
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Privirea lui furioas{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tresar. Nu-1
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vedeam a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a prea des, dar atunci cnd se
ntmpla, era o
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri711 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar tu ce te-a
i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac? m-a ntrebat.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai putea... ai putea...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3602 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 O Doamne!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, acum, d
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti aici, ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. n discu{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie mai e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tipul cu care o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntlnim.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 E un utilizator spiritului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}ia tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dat gndurile, dar aveam eu o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i strnisem i
nteresul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, astai tot ce-mi doream. S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ajut iubita s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vindece fostul iubit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri80 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a ntors din nou spatele {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am auzit bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nind:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri747 \fi60 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Simt nev
oia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} beau dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} pahare de ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Patru {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate, am strigat dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} el. ntlnirea
e
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 la patru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri134 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Adrian s-a pier
dut n mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntors n camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
negurat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lucru evident
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru cei de-acolo. Lissa {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i Eddie au avut suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de spirit s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3
f} Victor,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, nu avea scrupule.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum?
Domnul Ivashkov nu ni se al{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}? {\f63 \u350\'3f}
i eu,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri925 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam com
pania cu atta ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Taci, l-am
repezit, ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}ndu-mi bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 piept {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rezemndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
perete, lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Eddie. Nu vorbi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dect atunci cnd {\f63 \u355\'3f}i se cere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarele
dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ore au trecut foarte greu. Fusesem
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dintr-un
minut n altul, Adrian avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, chiar f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} tragere de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
accepte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ajute. Cnd s-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut patru {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i un sfert, Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 privirea spre mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri505 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce facem, n-ar
fi cazul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ep{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
" o mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, i-am r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spuns. Eram agitat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nec{\f63 \u259\
'3f}jit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mai voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau n
camera aia, prad{\f63 \u259\'3f} unor sentimente
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntunecate care nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau pace. Vict
or s-a ridicat de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe pat ntinzndu-se de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar fi trez
it dintr-un
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 somn relaxant. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} jur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n adncul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ochilor lui e ascuns{\f63 \u259\'3f} o scnteie de ner{
\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
fratele s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u vitreg erau destul de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 apropia{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu obs
ervasem nimic care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dea de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor putea d

a dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de afec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune sau de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1615 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 loialitate fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de cineva, dar cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe
undeva, exista o afec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune veritabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de Robert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu
it un soi de dispozitiv de siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajungnd n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Eddie la
urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar cei doi moroi, la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mijloc. Deschiznd u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a camerei, am dat n
as n nas cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian cu mna ridicat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i cum tocmai ar fi fost pe
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cioc{\
f63 \u259\'3f}neasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M-a privit, arcuindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 sprncean{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2390 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, bun{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, m-a salutat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Avea pe chip acea expresie stand
ard, de Adrian-las{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}-s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-te-las, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vocea i era cam ncordat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l interesa
nimic din toate astea. Vedeam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 limpede acest lucru, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncle{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tarea maxilarelor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ochilor. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i t
otu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} salveze aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ceilal{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i, fapt pentru care i eram recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cel mai important, se ntorsese. Ast
a era ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 conta, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}adar puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu iau n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} mirosul de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 alcool {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de fum de {\f63 \u355\'3f}i
gar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care-l mpr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia.
\plain\par
1\'3f}a... Am auzit c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o petrecere pe-aici. V{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2615 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 deranjeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} vin {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri766 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 I-am d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit un zm
bet firav, de recuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4015 \expndtw-17 \b \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\b0 Hai!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i grupul nostru,
ajuns acum la un efectiv de cinci
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri798 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 membri s-a pornit pe culoar, n dir
ec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia liftului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M-am cam cu
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at la poker, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}
tii, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri668 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63
\u259\'3f} ar fi cazul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merite ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea asta.
\plain\par
351\'3f}tiu dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merite, am rostit, gnditoare, n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 timp ce se nchideau u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ile ascensorului
. Dar cred c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fie ceva suportabil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am intrat n cabin{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am cobort s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntlnim cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Robert Doru. El putea fi unica {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de salvare a lui
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-464 \li286 \ri1986 \fi1961 \expndtw-37 \b \f20 \fs40 NOU{\f63 \u2
58\'3f}
\plain\par
\sl-251\fs25\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri457 \expndtw-4 \
b \f20 \fs24 ROBERT DORU A FOST LESNE\b0 de reperat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Nu pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sem{
\f63 \u259\'3f}na cu Victor. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar fi petrecut,
ntre el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fratele lui, vreo scen{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dramatic{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tipul ntlnirilor cu alergat
-unul-spre\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. Mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mintea Lissei a fost cea care mi-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vndut pontul. l vedeam pe Robert prin ochii ei, aura
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}lbuie specific{\f63 \u259\'3f} util
izatorilor spiritului luminnd ca o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 stea col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul de restaurant n care se afl
a el. Imaginea a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 luat-o prin surprindere, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd-o s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} se mpiedice pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Utilizatorii spiritului repre
zentau pentru ea o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 priveli{\f63 \u351\'3f}te mult prea rar{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nui pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 deplin cu ei. Vederea aurelor era o capacitate pe ca
re ea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o controle

ze, poten{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd-o sau blocnd-o. De
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, chiar nai
nte de a-i pune stavil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a observat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i avea acel aur
iu str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitor pe care-l remarcase
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la Adrian, percepea o anumit{\f63 \
u259\'3f} instabilitate. Se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sclipiri
de alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} culoare, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} tremur{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nesigure. Lissa chiar se ntreba dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
cumva acesta
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 era semnul instal{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii demen{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ei provocate de spirit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Ochii i s-au luminat cnd l-a
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe Victor
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 apropiindu-se de masa la care st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea,
ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cei doi nu s\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 au mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3
f}at; nici nu s-au atins. Noi, ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe loc pentru moment, stingheri. ntreaga situa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ie era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prea bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era mo
tivul pentru care veniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63
\u259\'3f} alte cteva secunde, eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prietenii mei ne-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat n jurul meselor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Victor... a
rostit Robert, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd ochii mari. O fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 avut Robert ceva din tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}turile faciale ale Dashkovilor,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ochii i erau c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui,
nu verzi. Luase n mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} un
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}erve{\f63 \u355\'3f}el {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i se juca cu el. Nu-mi vine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred... De-atta
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 vreme am tot vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te v{\f63 \u259\
'3f}d.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Victor i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
spuns cu o voce blnd{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la fel cum i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vorbise {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la telefon, de parc{\f63 \u
259\'3f} i s-ar fi adresat unui
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 copil.
\plain\par
f}tiu, Robert. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mie mi-a fost dor de tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai de gnd s{\f63
\u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi? Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ntorci s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} stai cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4344 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 mine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O parte din mine era gata s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} explodeze: mi venea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era o idee
ridicol{\f63 \u259\'3f}; ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} disperarea din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vocea lui Robert mi-a declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}at o f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am continuat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} priv
im, urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 derularea dramei din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
259\'3f} te ascund eu. Ar fi formidabil. Numai noi
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 doi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Victor a ezitat. Nu era pros
t. Cu toate afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ambivalente care le f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem eu n avion
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l las n libertate erau, practic, in
existente.
\plain\par
351\'3f}tiu, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tiu. Venirea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 chelnerului ne-a smuls din tulburare, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i-am cerut cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii cte ceva de b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut.
Adrian a cerut un gin tonic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu l-au legitimat. Nu {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiu precis dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 era din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeci {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i unu de ani,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sau acesta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i e
xercita magia spiritului ntr-un mod
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Oricum
ar fi fost, nu eram deloc
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 entuziasmat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Alcoolul reducea spiritu
l la t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} era pr
ecar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi lovit n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plenitudinea for{\f63 \u355\'3f}elor. Desigur, {\f63
\u355\'3f}innd seama de faptul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}use {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i mai devreme, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici nu mai conta
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Abia dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} pl
ecarea chelnerului, Robert a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 remarce {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe noi ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i. Privirea lui a trecut repede
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 peste Eddie, a devenit mai atent{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd
a dat de Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian iar asupra mea a z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovit ndelung
. Am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncremenit, nepl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fiu cercetat{\f63 \u259\'3f} astfel. n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri187 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Rob
ert {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors ochii spre fratele s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1689 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe cine mi-ai
adus aici, Victor?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Robert nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea ace
la{\f63 \u351\'3f}i aer distrat dintotdeauna, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea la fel de mpr{\
f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuielile
sale
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ncepuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} prind{\f63
\u259\'3f} contur. Team{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i paranoia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cine sunt
copiii {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia? Doi utilizatori ai spiritului
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ochii i s-au ab{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tut din nou la mine. Mi-a descifrat
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 aura.
\plain\par
3f}i una dintre cei atin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m
-a uimit folosirea termenului. Apoi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi-a revenit n minte ceea ce-mi spus
ese Mark, so{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Oksanei. Robert fusese odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} legat de
un dhampir... iar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dhampirul murise, gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bind n mod drasti
c deteriorarea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mintale a lui Robert.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prie
teni, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Victor lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit. Prieteni care vor
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discute cu tine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva ntrb{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2919 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Robert s-a ncuntat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Min{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama. Iar ei nu te considera
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri229 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 prieten. Sunt ncorda{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}streaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a fa{\f63 \u3

55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri747 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Victor nu a negat afirma{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ia privind prietenia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oricum ar fi, ei
au nevoie de ajutorul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, iar eu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 le-am promis c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-1 vo
r avea. A fost pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul pe care l-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 avut de pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit pentru permisiunea de
a te vizita.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri204 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ar fi trebui
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci promisiuni n numele meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}erve{\f63 \u355\
'3f}elul lui Robert era acum buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele. mi venea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2920 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-l ntind pe-al
meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu-{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i doreai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi? a pus Victor
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntrebarea c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. T
onul lui era cald, iar zmbetul,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aproape autentic. Robert p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea tulbura
t. Derutat. Din
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nou, mi amintea de un copil, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncepeam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndoieli cu privire la posibilitatea ca tipul din fa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}a mea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi transformat vreodat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} un strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A fost scutit de r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}spuns nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de sosirea
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}uturilor comandate. Niciunul dintre
noi nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deschisese nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} meniul spre marea {\f63
\u351\'3f}i evidenta iritare a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chelnerului. Omul a plecat n timp ce eu l deschideam
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri402 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe-al meu, dar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
ce scria n el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Apoi, Victor ne-a prezentat
pe fiecare dintre noi lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Robert la fel de protocolar pe ct ar fi f{\f63 \u259\
'3f}cut-o dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ocupat o func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie diplomatic{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}ederea n nchisoare nu-i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 tocise sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul etichetei regale. Victor
a rostit doar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prenumele fiec{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia dintre noi. ncrunta
t, Robert a
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntors iar capul spre mine, ap
oi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a plimbat privirea de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la mine la Lissa. Adrian ne spusese
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ori de cte ori
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 eram mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, aurele noastre ne dezv{\
f63 \u259\'3f}luia leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O leg{\f63
\u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}... aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} uitasem cum arat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}... dar...
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu l-am putut uita pe Alden
...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Privirea i-a devenit vis{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}toare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aproape goal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Retr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ia o amintire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi pare r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}u, i-am zis, surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ct{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 compasiune am pus n cuvinte. Nu prea sem{\f63 \u259\'3
f}na cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 interogatoriul aspru pe care-l anticipasem. Nu pot d
ect
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi nchipui cum trebuie s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fi fost, am continuat.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Pierderea lui...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Privirea vis{\f63 \u259\'3f
}toare s-a transformat ntr-una t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 dur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba nu. Nu
po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Nu seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu nimic din ce {\
f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putea nchipui. Cu nimic. n clipa asta... n clipa asta...
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea e a ta. Un ntreg univers de
sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}uri, mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 presus de ale celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, o n{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}elegere a altei persoane pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care nimeni altcineva n-ar putea s-o aib{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} pierzi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceva... s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i se smulg
{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva... te-ar face s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i dore{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 moartea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Uau! Robert se cam pricepea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} strice o conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am amu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, de
data aceasta a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptnd parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntoarcerea chelnerului. Cnd s-a produs evenimentul,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ne-am apucat fiecare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} comand{\f63 \u
259\'3f}m mncarea, cam cu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate de gur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, exce
p{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd Robert {\f63 \u8212\'3f} majoritatea

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rndu-ne pe ceva. Restaurantul serv
ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i specialit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 asiatice, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu am comandat primul fel pe care l-am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit n meniu: rulouri cu ou{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} asortate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} comanda
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} mncarea, Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a reluat cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fermitate atacul asupra lui Robert, lucru de care eu
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream incapabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri815 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunz
i la ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi473 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor l mboldea astfel pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Robert ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spl{\
f63 \u259\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe noi pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 eliberaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i din
cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} firea lui intrigant{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} moar{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de curiozitate n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a secretelor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 scopurilor celor din jurul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Rober
t a oftat. Ori de cte
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ori l privea pe Victor, avea o expresie plin{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 devotament {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar de idolatrie. Robe
rt probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i refuze nimic fratelui s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}u. Era exemplul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 perfect de unealt{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru planurile l
ui Victor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate trebuia s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fiu mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Robert
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 devenise instabil psihic. Dac-ar fi fost pe deplin s
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}pn
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe puterile lui, Victor nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar mai f
i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut capul cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, cum a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ultima oar{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-ar fi avut deja
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 propriul utilizator al spiritului, de care s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} se foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 oricnd ar fi dorit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce vrei s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii? a ntrebat istovit Robert. Mi se
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 adresa mie p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi r
ecunoasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} rolul de
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am aruncat o privire spre pr
ietenii mei, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sprijin dar nu l-am primit. Nici Lissa, nici Adrian n
u
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} de acord, de la bun nceput, cu
misiunea aceasta,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 iar Eddie nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f
}tea scopul. Am nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n sec,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i concentrndu-mi ntreaga aten{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 asupra lui Robert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am auzit c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} odinioar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai eliberat un strigoi. C{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fost capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l transformi {\f63 \u8
212\'3f} sau s-o transformi {\f63 \u8212\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 loc, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l aduci la starea ini{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de
surprindere a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut pe chipul, de regul{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 netulburat al lui Victor. Era evident c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} nu se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptase
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 la altceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri587 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De unde ai auz
it asta? a cerut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie Robert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De la un cuplu
pe care l-am cunoscut n Rusia. Se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2712 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 numeau Mark {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Ok
sana.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2871 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mark {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i Oksana...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Din nou, Robert a privit n zare, p
re{\f63 \u355\'3f} de o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} asta se ntmpla destul de des, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nu petrecea prea mult timp n realitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri598 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tiut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai sunt mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis apoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt. Se n{\f63 \
u355\'3f}eleg chiar grozav, l-am asigurat eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1649 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, trebuia s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l readuc n prezent.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E adev{\f63
\u259\'3f}rat? Chiar ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ce-au zis ei? Este
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4186 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 posibil?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsurile
lui Robert erau ntotdeauna precedate
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 de o pauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3884 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe ea.
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hm?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1252 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O femeie a fo
st. Pe ea am eliberat-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am icnit f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63
\u259\'3f} voia mea, abia ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}znind s{\f63 \u259\'3f} prelucrez
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3023 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 spusele sale n minte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3845 \fi283 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Min{\f63
\u355\'3f}i!
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li286 \ri287 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian fusese cel care vo
rbise, cu asprime n glas.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Robert i-a aruncat o privire amuz
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3125 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 timp, dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uito
are.
\plain\par
0\'3f}i tu cine e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui asta? Cum po{\f63
\u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 seama? {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-ai m{\f63 \u259\'3f}cinat {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai strivit puterile n asemenea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 hal, nct e de mirare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai po{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te apropii de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 magie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i toate chestiile pe care {\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i le faci... nu prea te
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f} n realitate, nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a? Pedeapsa spiritului tot te
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 afecteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}... curnd, n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} mai fii capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} distingi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 visul de realitate...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele lui l-au n{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ucit pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Adrian,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} el a continuat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
nsiste.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu am nevo
ie de dovezi fizice ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 O {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce desc
rii e imposibil. Nu ai cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 salvezi un strigoi. Cnd s-a dus, s-a dus. A murit. E u
n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mort viu. Pentru totdeauna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri226 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ceea ce este m
ort nu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne mort ntotdeauna...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Replica lui Robert nu-i fusese ad
resat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri787 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Fusese ndreptat{\f63 \u259\'3f} sp
re mine. M-am cutremurat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2619 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum? Cum ai f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu o {\f63 \u355
\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Afost ucis{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu o {\f63
\u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, astfel a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3096 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 fost readus{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, am repl
icat. Asta chiar e o minciun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ucis o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de stri
goi cu diverse {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, crede\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i au r{\f63 \
u259\'3f}mas.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu oric
e fel de {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a precizat Robert,
n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timp ce b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea cu degetele pe buza paha
rului. O {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 special{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O {\f
63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} fermecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu spi
ritul, a rostit deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4362 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1130 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 El {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridicat
ochii spre ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a zmbit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da. E{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti o fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} istea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, foarte is
tea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} istea{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri863 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dulce. Dulce {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pot s-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d n aura ta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas cu
privirea fixat{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra mesei, cu mintea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sleit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} fermecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu spiritul. {\f63 \u354\'3f}ep

u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 argint fermecate cu cele patru elemente principale al
e
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 magiei moroilor: p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt, aer, ap{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i foc. Aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 infuzie de via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} era c
ea care distrugea for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a strigoilor. De{\f63 \u351\'3f}i descoperiser{\f63
\u259\'3f}m de curnd cum se pot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fermeca obiectele cu ajutorul spiritului, impregnarea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 unei {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e nu ne trec
use niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin minte. Spiritul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vindeca. Spiritul m{\f63 \u259\'3f} readusese pe mine
din mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugndu-1 celorlalte elemente impregna
te ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
oare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat posibil ca ntunericul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 diform care-i prindea n chingi pe strigoi s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fie risipit cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 des{\f63 \u259\'3f}vr{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire, readucnd astf
el persoanele respective la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3210 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 forma lor de drept?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare pentru sosirea mnc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 deoarece creierul nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi func{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}iona alene. Rulourile cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ou{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau o bine-ve
nit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} n care puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc.
\plain\par
9\'3f} fie cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat att de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or? l-am ntrebat, n
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2183 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Robert a pufnit, n derdere.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e deloc u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar t
ocmai ai spus... tocmai ai spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f
63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} fermecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu spiritul. {\f63 \u350\
'3f}i pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ucid strigoiul cu ea. Sau, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, nu
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ucid. Dar
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuntele erau irelevante.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2077 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul i-a revenit pe buze.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu tu. Tu nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i so faci.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, cine...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntrerupt, restul frazei stingn
du-mi-se pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4408 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 buze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2197 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu se poate.
Nu se poate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cei atin{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i de umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu au darul de a reda via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ne-a explicat el. Doar cei binecuvnt
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu spirit l au.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntrebarea este: cine ar fi capabil s-o fac{\f63 \u259
\'3f}? Fata Dulce,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3167 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 sau N{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul Be{\f63 \u355\'3f}iv?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri902 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Privirea i s-a plimbat de la Li
ssa la Adrian.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu a{\f63 \u351\'3f} miza pe Fata D
ulce.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tocmai cuvintele acestea m-au smu
ls din starea de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 buim{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceal{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. De fapt, ele aveau darul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spulbere
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} iluzia, tot acest vis fantasmago
ric de a-l salva pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu se poate
, am repetat. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, chiar dac-ar fi cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 putin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'
3f} iar eu nu sunt convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te cred {\f63 \u821
2\'3f}, nu se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 poate s-o fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea. N-o las eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dar, printr-o ntors{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie aproape la fel de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 uluitoare ca dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luirea lui Robert, L
issa s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucit
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 spre mine cu o furie care ne-a cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}
it leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura.
\plain\par
50\'3f}i de cnd mi spui\i tu\i0 ce pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c
e nu?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De cnd
nu-mi aduc aminte ca tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} preg{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tire de gardian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi nv{\f63 \u259\'3f

}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at cum se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nfige {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ntr-un stri
goi, am ripostat pe un ton egal,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strez vocea ct mai calm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe Reed
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 doar l-ai pocnit cu pumnul, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot {\f
63 \u355\'3f}i-a fost destul de
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 greu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Atunci cnd Avery Lazar ncerca
se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnire
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pe mintea Lissei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i trimisese fratele
, atins de umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se ocupe de unele treburi murdare. Cu ajutorul meu,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa l pocnise {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l {\f63 \u355\'3f}i
nuse la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Fusese o lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 splendid executat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dar ea {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i detestase reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ita.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1365 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar l-am pocn
it, nu? s-a repezit ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Liss, s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i tragi cuiva un pumn nu seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 nicidecum\i0 cu mplntarea {\f63
\u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ei ntr-un strigoi. Ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nu mai pun la socoteal{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul c{\f63
\u259\'3f} ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te apropii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de strigoi, n primul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n primul rnd. Tu
crezi c-ai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungi la un pas de el f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}te sau s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 rup{\f63 \u259\'3f} gtul? Nu, nu.
\plain\par
59\'3f} nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Hotrrea din vocea, dar {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i din mintea ei era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 admirabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63
\u259\'3f} gardienii avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevoie de zeci de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ani ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}e ceea ce
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau acum... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot mureau cu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 duiumul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Edd
ie p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau stnjeni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de ciorov{\f63 \u259\'3f}iala
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
Robert se ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tau att intriga{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ct
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i amuza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. {\f63 \u350
\'3f}i mie nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea asta. Doar nu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 veniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m aici ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
distr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe ei.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am ncercat s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} deviez discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la subiectul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 periculos, ntorcndu-mi aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia spre Rob
ert.
\plain\par
u259\'3f} un utilizator al spiritului readuce la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} un
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, atunci acea persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} va deve
ni atins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu am mai subliniat c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tre Lissa concluzia, care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oricum era evident{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O parte din ceea
ce o mnase pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Avery spre nebunie (n afara uzurii normale pentru un
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 utilizator al spiritului) fusese faptul c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} se legase cu mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 multe persoane, nu doar cu una. Procednd astfel,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 crease o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie extrem de instabil{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, care-i condusese
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cu rapiditate pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei implica{\f63
\u355\'3f}i spre ntuneric {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 demen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ochii lui Robert au c{\f63
\u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r vis{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, n
timp
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ce priveau n gol, dincolo de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Leg{\f63 \
u259\'3f}turile se formeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci cnd cineva moare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd sufletul l p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}te cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se mut{\f63 \u259\'3
f} n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lumea celor mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Readucerea sa la v
ia{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} este ceea ce-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 face s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f} atins de
umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar stigmatul mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne asupra lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3159 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 M-a privit brusc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2119 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Exact a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a cum este la tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am refuzat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i o
colesc privirea, n ciuda fiorului de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri536 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ghea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'
3f} pe care vorbele lui l trimiseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Strigoii su
nt mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l salvezi pe unul dintre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 el nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i readuci
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui sufletul din lumea celor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4402 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, m-a con
trazis el. Sufletele lor nu trec mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 departe. Sufletele lor r{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\
'3f}cesc... nu sunt nici n lumea
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta, nici n urm{\f63 \u259\'3
f}toarea. E ceva anormal {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nefiresc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Asta-i face s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie c
e sunt. Uciderea sau salvarea unui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 strigoi i trimite sufletul napoi spre o stare normal{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 se creeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} nicio leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, nsea
mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e nicio primejdie, a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 constatat Lissa, privindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n afar{\f63
\u259\'3f} de cea ca un strigoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te omoare, i-am
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3804 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Termin{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}m conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta mai trziu, i-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1512 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 retezat-o fulgernd-o cu o privire
dur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas ctev
a momente ochi n ochi, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ea s-a ntors spre Robert. Prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur
a dintre noi, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam la ea o nd{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tnicie care nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea deloc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum faci s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} farmeci {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? l-a ntrebat. Eu sun
t
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Din nou, am deschis gura ca
s-o cert, dar apoi m-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zgndit. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Rober
t se n{\f63 \u351\'3f}ela. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuia pentru reconvertirea unui strigoi era o {\f63
\u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 impregnat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu spirit. El credea c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} numai un utilizator al
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spiritului putea s-o fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar pentru
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Cic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n plus, preferam de departe ca Li

ssa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 preocupe de farmece, dect de lupte. Acum partea cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 farmecul i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea prea dificil{\f63
\u259\'3f}, era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 oricum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Robert a aruncat o privire s
pre mine, apoi spre
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unul dintr
e voi sigur are o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} la el. O s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4494 \expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu se
poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sco{\f63 \u355\'3f}i o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zul lumii, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 exclamat Adrian cu un remarcabil de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
lept spirit de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 observa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Oamenilor ar putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} li se par{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva ciudat,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dar tot vor observa c{\f63 \u259\'3f} este, evident,
o arm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1651 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Are dreptate,
l-a sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ne ntoarcem n camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2632 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mnc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, a propus Vi
ctor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Pe chip avea aceea{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i expresie pe deplin agreabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 blazat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd l-am studiat, spernd ca nf{\
f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area mea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 exprime ct limpede nencrederea mea. Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}
eam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa o ezitare cu tot cu zelul ei. Nu era deloc dorn
ic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} asculte de vreo expunere de-a lui
Victor. V{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n trecut ct de departe era n stare Victor s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 disperatele lui tenta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii a-{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i duce la mplinire planurile.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i convinsese propria fiic{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se prefac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n strigoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 l ajute s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evadeze din nchisoare. De un
de puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva pl{
\f63 \u259\'3f}nuia acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru cu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta e, am
icnit, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind cum ochii mi se casc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 singuri n timp ce-l priveam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2125 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fie? s-a mirat Victor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De-asta ai deter
minat-o pe Natalie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 transforme n strigoi. Ai crezut...
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiai de toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asta. De ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse Robert. Aveai
de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 folose{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti de for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei
de strigoi, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ceri lui s-o
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 prefac{\f63 \u259\'3f} la loc.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Chipul deja palid al l
ui Victor s-a albit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dar a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} mb{\f63 \u259\'3f}trneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} brusc, sub ochii no{\f63 \u351
\'3f}tri.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Expresia de superioritate a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut d
e pe chipul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat privirea n j
os.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Natalie e m
oart{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gata, a rostit el, ferm. N-are
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 rost s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m despr
e ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 S-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat o t
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere grea, iar c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva dintre noi am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mnc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, ns{\f63 \
u259\'3f} rulourile cu ou mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acum f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciun gust.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa gndeam acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 lucru. Dintre toate p{\f63 \u259\'3f}catele lui Victo
r, mereu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 consideraser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fapt
ul de a-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i convinge propria fiic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se transforme n strigoi era cel mai
cumplit. Acesta
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fusese cel care pusese, din punctul meu de vedere,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pecetea de monstru asupra lui. Dintr-odat{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, eram silit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reevaluez totul; silit{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l reevaluez pe el. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s-o readuc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fapta lui groaznic{\f63 \

u259\'3f} n\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ar mai fi fost chiar att de groaznic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
n mintea mea, tot
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 malefic l consideram, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3
f} discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r crezuse c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea
s-o renvie pe Natalie, atunci
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea ncredere n puterea lu
i Robert.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Tot nu aveam ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3
f}in inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s-o las pe Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 se apropie de vreun strigoi, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} basmul
acesta de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 necrezut devenise un pic mai plauzibil. A{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f} la el
, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} alte investiga{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Putem s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} urc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
mnc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 zis un trziu. Dar nu pentru mult timp.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele mi le ndrepta
sem spre Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Robert. Robert p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se fi pierdut din nou n lumea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un
semn de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 L-am privit iute pe Eddie {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i am ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut din partea lui
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 o aplecare scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} a capului, de cu tot
ul alt gen. mi
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 confirma c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elege risc
ul pe care mi-l asumam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ducndu-i pe cei doi fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntr-un loc pri
vat. Eddie m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri149 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 informa c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fie vigilent... nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi fost deja.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Cnd ne-am terminat cina, att
eu, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddie eram
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 deja aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncorda{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i. El s-a dus lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Robert, n timp
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ce eu am mers lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor. Pe Lissa {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 plasaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ntre cei doi fra{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, chiar mergnd n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 grup compact, ne venea greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} o t{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}iem prin cazinoul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aglomerat. Cte unii se tot b{\f63 \u259\'3f}gau n drum
ul nostru, sau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 treceau pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi, printre ace{\f63 \
u351\'3f}tia fiind un adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 haos. n dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} rnduri, grupul nostru a fo
st desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}it de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 turi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti distra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Nu er
am departe de ascensoare, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 ncepusem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt neli
ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu gndul la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 posibilitatea ca Victor, sau Robert, s-o rup{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} la fug{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pierzndu-se n gloat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trenuie s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}im din ngr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}deal
a asta, am strigat
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tre Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
printr-o nclinare rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f} a capului,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tipic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
cotit brusc la stnga, lundu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prin surprindere. L-am dirijat pe Victor n aceea{\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, iar Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
Adrian au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut cte un pas lateral,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u355\'3f}ine dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi. Nedumerirea mea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa n car
e am observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne apropiam
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de un coridor avnd pe el semn
ul de ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire pentru cazuri
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de urgen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtndu-ne de aglomera{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cazinoului,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nivelul zgomotului sc{\f63 \u259\'
3f}dea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M-am gndit c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} probabil e o scar{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo, mi-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 explicat Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce gardian
abil e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti! l-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}udat, d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruindu-i
un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 zmbet fugar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o alt{\f
63 \u259\'3f} cotitur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit o toalet{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} pentru
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 personal la dreapta, iar n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} avnd pe ea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 simbolul sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor. Scara p{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} att spre exterior,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre etajele superioare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2909 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Splendid, am
zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar voi sta{\f63
\u355\'3f}i, cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic, la etajul al zecelea,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi-a atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
Adrian. Erau primele lui cuvinte dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu exist{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nimic mai bun dect un mic exerci{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fizic s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii... fir-ar al naibii! am e
xclamat, oprindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 brusc n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii. Avea
un mic anun{\f63 \u355\'3f} de avertizare, pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 care scria c{\f63 \u259\'3f} deschiderea u{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ii duce la declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}area
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 alarmei. Ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Scuze, a zi
s Eddie, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cnd el ar fi fost cel
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e{\f63 \
u351\'3f}ti tu de vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l-am lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit, ntorcndu-m{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3659 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 napoi cu noi!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eram nevoi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} risc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec
em prin mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocolul nostru i obosise pe Vi
ctor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Robert
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndeajuns ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le piar{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
heful de evadare. Niciunul
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dintre ei nu era tn{\f63 \u259
\'3f}r, iar Victor nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} se afla ntr-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2795 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 form{\f63 \u259\'3f} destul de
proast{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa era prea ncordat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai stea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} er
a plimbat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de colo-colo, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Adrian m-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}getat privire care spune
a limpede c{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 hoin{\f63 \u259\'3f}reala asta era pentru el o pierd
ere de timp. Sigur,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 el considera c{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
povestea cu Robert era o pierdere
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de timp. Mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a{\f63 \u351\'
3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat de la el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n cazinou, cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}ig{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile
lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i paharele cu b{\f63 \u259\'3f}utur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Eddie, care mergea n fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63
\u351\'3f}i napoi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe coridor, n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cazinoului. {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}i atunci, mi-am dat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4259 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 seama!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3074 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai! am r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cnit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 A reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat inst
antaneu, oprindu-se n spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul acela
\plain\par
\pard\sl-273 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 strmt. A urmat un scurt moment de d
erut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Victor, luat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin surprindere, s-a ciocnit de Eddie, iar apoi Liss
a a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dat peste Victor. Instinctul l-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t pe Eddie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i duc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mna spre {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu o aveam deja preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. O
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri570 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}f{\f63 \u259\'3f}
casem de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} izbise valul de grea{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri939 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n drumul nostru spre cazino
u erau strigoi.
\plain\par
\sl-174\fs17\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-400 \li3 \ri2032 \fi2290 \
expndtw-32 \b \f20 \fs40 ZECE
\par
\plain\pard\sl-238 \li286 \ri847 \expndtw-3 \b \f20 \fs24 IAR UNUL DINTRE EI\b0
... unul dintre ei...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu se poate, am
gfit, chiar n timp ce {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}neam
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri18 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 spre strigoiul aflat cel mai aproap
e de mine {\f63 \u8212\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 femeie. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate aparen{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ele, eram ncercui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de trei
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Eddie se
pusese n mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care; ncercam amndoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 i mpingem pe moroi n spatele nostru. Nu aveau nevoie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de mai multe imbolduri. La vederea strigoilor, to{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 moroii au dat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se retrag{\f63 \u259
\'3f} n spatele nostru... crend o

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 busculad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} frum
use{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea. Printre reflexele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fulger{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare ale lui Eddie {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i panica de care fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuprin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i moroii, eram destul de covins
{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimeni nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 observase ceea ce descoperisem eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1313 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i anume,
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri se afla printre ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri598 \expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 Nu se poate, nu se poate, nu s
e poate\i0 , am repetat,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri32 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n sinea mea.
Doar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} avertizase. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 iar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i iar, n scrisorile lui, c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce voi fi ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 perimetrul sigur al dispozitivelor de paz{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine. Nu crezusem, {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i... s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d amenin{\f63 \
u355\'3f}area
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 devenind realitate era cu totul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
totul altceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri402 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} trei lun
i, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa aceea, un milion de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri544 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 amintiri mi-au str{\f63 \u259\'3f
}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut mintea cu o limpezime de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri299 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cristal. Captivitatea n care m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea Dimitri. Felul n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri465 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care gura lui {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a
tt de cald{\f63 \u259\'3f}, att de cald{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri203 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceala pielii {\f
63 \u8212\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutase pe-a mea. Cum i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}isem
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-mi gtul,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dulcele extaz care urma de
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 fiecare dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el
ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta exact la fel, cu paloarea aceea ca varul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ochii cu cercurile ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii, contrastnd att
de mult cu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul lui lung pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la u
meri, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile fe{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ei, altfel
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 splendide. Avea chiar un\i duster\i0 de piele pe e
l. Sigur era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nou, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} haina lui de dinainte fusese
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 zdrav{\f63 \u259\'3f}n sf{\f63 \u351\'3f}iat{\f63 \u2

59\'3f} n ultima noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncle{\f63 \u351\'3f}tare, de pe pod.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1804 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 De unde tot f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea rost de ele?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Afar{\f63 \
u259\'3f}! am urlat. Strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul meu le era adresat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moroilor, n timp ce nfigeam {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a n inima femeii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 strigoi. Debandada de moment c{\f63 \u259\'3f}reia i
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii prad{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe coridor
se dovedise mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 detrimentul ei, dect al meu. O aveam n raza mea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vizual{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-era cla
r c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea nu se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu att de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 iute. Ucisesem o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f
} de strigoi ca urmare a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusesem subestimat{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Eddie nu avusese norocul me
u. Se mpiedicase cnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse Victor peste el, permi{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ndu-i celuilalt strigoi {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat aflat n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l expedieze cu un dos
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de palm{\f63 \u259\'3f} drept n perete. Totu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i, era genul de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 care ne loveam tot timpul, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63
\u259\'3f} Eddie avusese o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} frumu
se{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i revenise imediat dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, din moment
ce nu-l mai avea pe moroi n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 calea sa, reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
arunce asupra strigoiului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 angreneze ntr-o lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe via{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe moarte\i .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu? Eu mi c
oncentrasem aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupra lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am trecut peste femeia strig
oi pe care o doborsem
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o nvrednicesc ni
ci m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car cu o privire. Dimitri se
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nvrtise n ariergard{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, expediindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i locotenen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 prima linie a luptei. Poate pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team att de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 bine, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l
surprindea absolut deloc faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 l doborsem pe unul dintre ei, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63
\u259\'3f} Eddie i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea mari
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i de cap celui de-a
l doilea. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} cei
doi locotenen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ai s{\f63 \u259\'3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mneau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} sau mureau. Pent
ru el nu reprezentau dect o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 diversiune ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f
} la mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te-am preve
nit, a rostit el, cu o privire n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 timp amuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i t{\f63
\u259\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. mi urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea fiecare mi{\f63 \u351\
'3f}care,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 amndoi imitndu-ne reciproc, incon{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient
, gesturile, n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptarea unei bre{\f63 \u351\'3f}e p
rin care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} putem declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 atacul. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-am spus c-o s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} te g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, i-am
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu iau n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 morm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ielile lui Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i ale celuilalt strigoi. Eddie
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l dea gata. {\f63 \u350\'3f}t
iam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-am primit
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rile, i-am replicat lui Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Fantoma unui zmbet i-a ridica
t pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in col{\f63 \u355\'3f}urile
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 buzelor l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-i la iveal{\f63 \u259\'
3f} col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii care, cumva, declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n mine amestec de poft{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i scrb{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Instantaneu, am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 alungat aceste senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Alt{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnd ezitasem n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lui Dimitri, fusesem ct pe ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu om
ort{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cauza
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta. Refuzam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} repet gre{\f63 \u351\
'3f}eala, iar adrenalina care-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 clocotea prin corp mi slujea drept un bun memento al
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflam ntr
-o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i de
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 moarte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 El a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut pr
ima mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s-o evit:
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}isem ven
irea ei. Tocmai asta era
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 problema la noi. Ne cuno{\f63

\u351\'3f}team att de bine unul pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt... ne cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
am att de bine mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile. Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta nu nsemna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ave
am for{\f63 \u355\'3f}e egale. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 era n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, avusese ma
i mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} experien{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect mine,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 iar nzestr{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile lui de strigoi i ridica
u cota.
\plain\par
0\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ind cu nes{\f63 \u259\'3f}buin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n lumea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mare, cnd puteai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi
la ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}postul sigur al Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu mi-a venit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred cnd m-au anun{\f
63 \u355\'3f}at spionii mei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 N-am zis nimic, ncercnd n schim
b o lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 violent{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63
\u351\'3f}a. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse sosind {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i se tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o parte. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea spioni nu m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} surprindea;
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car pe timpul zilei. Avea sub c
ontrol o re{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} att din strig
oi, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i din oameni, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 avea ochi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i urechi care supravegheau
Curtea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntrebarea era urm{\f63 \u259
\'3f}toarea: cum naiba de ajunsese n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 hotelul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta n toiul zilei? Chiar {\f63
\u351\'3f}i avnd observatori
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 umani la aeroport, sau urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile de credit, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cum procedase Adrian, Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prie
tenii lui strigoi tot
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tep
te pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sarea serii ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu, nu neap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
at, mi-am dat seama n clipa imediat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Cteodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, str
igoii aveau la dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie c{\f63 \u259\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ocolite. Camionete sau dubi{\f63 \u355\'3f}e ale c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}ror cabine erau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntunecate, ermetice. Intr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri subterane.
Moroii de la
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Witching Hour care doreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} schimbe c
azinoul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}teau tuneluri secrete de leg{\f63
\u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre anumite
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}diri. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri le {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u35

1\'3f}tepta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aventurez n afara dispozitivelor de paz{\f63 \u259\'3f
} nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea tot pos
ibilul ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mine. Iar eu {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tim mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bine ca oricine ct de ingenios putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dar mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia
m {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
distrag{\f63 \u259\'3f}, vorbind
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntruna.
\plain\par
0\'3f}i, cel mai ciudat lucru dintre toate, a continuat el,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 este c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ai venit singur{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. Ai adus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moroi cu tine.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mereu {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai asumat riscuri privind pr
opria via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}a de pripit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile altora.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, mi-a venit o idee. E
xceptnd zumzetul slab
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din cazinou, de la cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt cap{\f63 \
u259\'3f}t al coridorului, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 zgomotul b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}liei noas
tre, restul era t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere. Lipsea un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sunet important. Cum ar fi, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zicem,
cel al alarmei
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dinspre o ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire de incendiu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa! am r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnit. Ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i naibii de-aici! Scoate-i pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3868 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de-aici!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ea ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie. Ei to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie. U{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aceea ducea spre etajele superioare... {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Soarele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe cer. N-avea importan{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} alarma ne
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aducea pe cap agen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de securitate ai
hotelului. Ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 naiba, asta putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i alunge pe strig
oi. Ceea ce conta
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} moroii puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fug{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre un loc sigur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dar o verificare rapid{\f63
\u259\'3f} prin intermediul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii m-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}murit care era problema. Lissa st{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tea ncremenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 N{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Observase cu c
ine m{\f63 \u259\'3f} luptam, iar {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocul era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prea mare. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri era strigoi era una. Dar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 l {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212
\'3f} vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} n rea
litate {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, ei
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bine, asta era cu totul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totul altce
va. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam din
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 propria experien{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ch
iar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, apari{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ia lui tot m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 descump{\f63 \u259\'3f}nea. Ct
despre ea, era ca paralizat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 incapabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeasc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nu mi-a trebuit dect o frac{
\f63 \u355\'3f}iune de secund{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 evaluez sentimentele, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o lupt{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cu un strigoi, o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} secund{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} diferen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a dintre via{\f63 \
u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 moarte. Flec{\f63 \u259\'3f}reala lui Dimitri {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i atinsese scopul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream mi{
\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eram n gard{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, el
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 izbutise s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dribleze ap{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rarea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbrnceasc{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de perete, {\f63 \u355\'3f}intuindu-mi bra{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ele cu minile sale ntr-un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mod att de dureros, nct {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a mi-a sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat din mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a apropiat
fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de-a mea, att de mult, nct
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 frun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile ni s-au atins.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Roza... a
murmurat el. i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflarea, cald{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dulce pe piele. Ar fi trebuit s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} miroas{\f63 \u259\'3f} a mort, sau a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 descompunere, dar nu era cazul. De ce? m-a ntrebat.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 De ce trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii att de nc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}nat{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Am fi putut s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 petrecem ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nicia mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3
f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Inima mi-a bubuit n piept. M
i-era fric{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ngrozea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de care {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt la numai cteva secunde
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'
3f}i, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, eram plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de necaz,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} l pierdusem. Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
indu-i tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 auzindu-i vocea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i binecunoscutul lui
accent, care pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i acum m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nv{\f63 \u259
\'3f}luia ca o catifea, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam cum mi se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 frnge inima iar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i iar. De ce? De ce ni
se ntmplase
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asta tocmai nou{\f63 \u259\'3f}? De ce era universul
att plin de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4081 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cruzime?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am izbutit nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionez ntrerup{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}torul,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd din nou abstrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
e de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era Dimitri. Eram
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 doar pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}torul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prada... iar eu eram n pericol s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fiu
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mncat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi pare r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}u, am scr{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit printre din{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ncle{\f63
\u351\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mpingndu-l cu putere, dar nereu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ind s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} scap din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strnsoarea lui. Pentru mine, ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nicia n
u nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fac parte din mafia mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor vii.
\plain\par
\'3f}tiu, a spus el. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} jur c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} pe chip i se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternuse triste{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea, ns
{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai trziu aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} conving
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe mine ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fuse
se dect o nchipuire de-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mea. Ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nicia va fi pustie f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Un {\f63 \u355\'3f}ip{\f63
\u259\'3f}t sf{\f63 \u351\'3f}ietor mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat deodat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} n urechi. Am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}epenit amndoi. Zgomotele menite s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i alarmeze pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oamenii obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i erau
iadul pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt pentru auzul
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nostru sensibil. Cu toate acestea, nu m-am putut

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mpiedica s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, idio{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ii {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, da, nu aveam rem
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi numesc prietenii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 idio{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, cnd se comportau a{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a {\f63 \u8212\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}siser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam lumina soarelui prin leg{\f63
\u259\'3f}tura cu Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-mi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utam consolarea n ea, n timp ce col{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui Dimitri se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 apropiau de artera de pe gt, prin care avea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} mi se
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 scurg{\f63 \u259\'3f} sngele vital.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sperasem ca alarma s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-l distrag{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prea puternic. M-am mai zb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut o dat{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, miznd pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l luasem prin surprindere, n
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} rost. Ceea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ce chiar l-a surprins a fost {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63
\u351\'3f}a pe care Eddie i-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nfipt-o n burt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dintr-o parte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a mrit de durere {\f63
\u351\'3f}i mi-a dat drumul,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-se spre Eddie. Fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a acestuia di
n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mpietrit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, impa
sibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vederea lui Dimitri l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 descump{\f63 \u259\'3f}nise, oricum
prietenul meu nu ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta vreun
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 semn. Din cte-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama, Eddie n
ici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 1 considera pe cel din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui ca fi
ind Dimitri. Probabil
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceea ce vedea era doar un strigoi.
A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a eram noi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 antrena{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} vedem mo
n{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri, nu persoane.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de
la mine.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi lungeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ag
onia. Iar Eddie nu nsemna
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dect o chestie care-l scia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de care era
nevoit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 descotoroseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
putem continua jocul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dim
itri s-au lansat ntr-un dans asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cu cel n care fusesem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu angrenat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 devreme, numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Eddie nu cuno{\f63 \
u351\'3f}tea la fel de bine ca
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mine mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile lui Dim
itri. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu a fost capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 evite ca Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l n{\f63 \u351\'3f
}face de um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l trnteasc{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de perete. Manevra era menit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i zdrobeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}easta,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Eddie a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} se fereasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndeajuns, nct corpul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u s{\f63 \u259\'3f} preia grosul im
pactului. De durere nu a sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat,
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car a r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}mas n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Toate acestea s-au petrecut n
cteva milisecunde.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Iar n scurte momente, perspectiva mea s-a schimbat. n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 timp ce Dimitri se n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ase amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor deasupra mea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, izbutisem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nving acel impuls
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 de a m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndi la el ca la Dimitri, cel p
e care-l
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cunoscusem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l iubisem odinioar{\f63
\u259\'3f}. For{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 continuare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocup pozi{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ia de victim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp ce via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mea fusese pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}itul, m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} tot
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mboldisem singur{\f63 \u259\'3
f} spre modul de func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionare\i lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3314 \expndtw-12 \i \f20 \fs24 lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i-iar-lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Acum, cnd vedeam pe altcineva
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboindu-se cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri... cum {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a l
ui Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}erpuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te spre el... ei
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 bine, dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-am pierdut obie
ctivitatea. Mi-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amintit de ce veniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m aici. Mi-am am
intit ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tocmai aflaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de de la Robert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Fragil. Totul era nc{\f63 \u
259\'3f} att de fragil. mi jurasem mie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac-am fi ajun
s ntr-un moment n care

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} omoare, iar eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fi aflat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mai multe despre cum poate fi salvat un strigoi, s-o
fac.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ucid. Iar aceasta era sarcina mea
. mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eddie, l puteam dobor pe Dimitri. Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} punem
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri419 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t st{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rii lui de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, exact a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i d
orise el nainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i... cu
mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in de o or{\f63 \u259\'3f} n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, primisem
o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}rm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de speran{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, aflnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} un strigoi putea fi salvat.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 E-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, partea conform c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}reia era necesar ca un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 utilizator al spiritului s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie autoru
l era absurd{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Victor o credea. Iar cnd cineva ca el credea...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nu puteam s-o fac. Nu se pu
tea ca Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} moar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Nu nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 M-am repezit fulger{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tor cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a spre el, lovindu-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putemic, astfel nct i-am zgriat cu vrful ei de argint
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 partea din spate a craniului. A scos un r{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cnet de furie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a izbutit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mping{\f63 \u259\'3f} depar
te de el,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 continund n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-l {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f} pe Eddie.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Att de bun era n lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Numai c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a lui Eddie se
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tot apropia de inima lui, ia
r privirea prietenului meu era
\par
\sect\sectd\sbknone\cols2\colno1\colw3787\colsr857\colno2\colw769
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri0 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 neab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut{\f63
\u259\'3f}, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}dind rvna sa de a-l ucide.
\par
\column
\plain\pard\sl-148 \li0 \ri652 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs16 :
\par
\sect\sectd\sbknone\plain\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Di

mitri era atent cnd la unul, cnd la cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 acel scurt moment de sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pare {\f63 \u
8212\'3f} att ct apuci s{\f63 \u259\'3f} respiri
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 doar jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, l-am
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe Eddie {\f63 \u355\'3f}innd {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit s-o mp
lnte n inima lui Dimitri. O
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lovituri care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse de reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, pe cnd a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mea e{\f63 \u351\'3f}uase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i tocmai de
aceea, printr-o mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care fluid{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 avntat eu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, br{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}zdndu-i chipul lui Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dndu-i la o parte bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul lui Eddie, n a
cela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp. Avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un chip superb. Detestam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-1 vat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}m, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se vindece. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
din aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care de atac, mi\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut drum pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
mpingndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n Eddie,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne mpleticim amndoi spre ie{
\f63 \u351\'3f}irea de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 incendiu a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei alarm{\f63 \u259\'3f
} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}iuia. Pe chipul mpietrit al
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lui Eddie a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut o expresie surprin
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ne-am blocat: eu l mpingeam pe el spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f} iar el m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 mpingea pe mine spre Dimitri. Cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 remarcat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ezita. Pozi{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ia se schimbase, iar Eddie era pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 punctul de a m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpinge ntr-un strigoi, l
ucru pe care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tirea lui nu i-l permitea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n schimb, Dimitri deja profi
ta de ocazie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ntins
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-a apucat de
um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 smuceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} napoi. Eddie m-a prins {\f63
\u351\'3f}i el de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nainte {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\
'3f}ip de uimire {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de durere. Parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveau de gnd s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rup{\f63 \u259\'3f} n'dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri era de departe cel mai puternic, ns{\f63 \u259
\'3f} chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 prins{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mijl

oc fiind, greutatea mea juca un rol
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 important, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-am
ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a la cea a lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eddie, ceea ce ne-a ajutat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u
351\'3f}tig{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ceva teren. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, luptam cu ncetinitorul. De par
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am fi mers prin
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 miere. Cu fiecare pas nainte pe care izbuteam s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-l fac,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri m{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}geanapoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i, eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddie ne apropiam lent {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i foarte,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 foarte greu de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a la care alarma cont
inua s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}iuie.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cteva clipe mai trziu, s-a auzit zgomot de pa{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 voci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri117 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Paza, a morm{\
f63 \u259\'3f}it Eddie, smucindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Naiba s-o ia, am replicat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai cum s{\f63
\u259\'3f} scapi, a {\f63 \u351\'3f}uierat Dimitri. ntre timp,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 izbuti s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} prind{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ambii umeri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ne cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3669 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prin trupul lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu z{\f63 \
u259\'3f}u? Dintr-o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ntr-alta urmeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri960 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 soseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntraga bri
gad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de asalt de la Luxor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dintr-o cli
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ntr-alta urmeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem aici un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 morman de cadavre. Umane, a precizat el, dispre{\f63
\u355\'3f}uitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele uma
ne au ajuns la noi. Nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ce impresie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-or fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cut. C{\f63 \u259\'3f} un tip atacase doi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 adolescen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? Ne-au strigat s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ncet{\f63 \u259\'3f}m lupta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntoarcem cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre ei, ordin pe care
l-am ignorat
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 tustrei, fiind prin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i noul nostru joc
de-a trasul de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 frnghie. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au ncercat s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} mna pe Dimitri.

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse drumul
, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} strnsoarea lui a sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 suficient, nct printr-o smucitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} puter
nic{\f63 \u259\'3f} din partea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lui Eddie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un salt de-al meu am putu
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} eliberez.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Eddie
nu ne-am mai uitat napoi, dar paznicii
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 strigau la noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar nu numai ei strigau. Cu
o frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune de secunda
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mping u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, l-am
auzit pe Dimitri
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Vocea lu
i parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} rdea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu s-a ter
minat, Rose. Chiar ai impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} exist{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri807 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vreun loc n lumea asta n care s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu te g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri502 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i avertism
ent, mereu acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i avertisment.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut tot posib
ilul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu iau n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} frica pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care mi-o inspirau cuvintele lui. E
u {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Eddie am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lit afar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} n aerul poluat al de{\f63 \u351\'3f}ertului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n lumina
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 soarelui, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} prezent{\f63 \u259\'3f},
de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncepuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se nsereze.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Eram n parcarea hotelului Luxor... nu suficient de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aglomerat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sim vreo ascunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai scoatem vreo vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am zbughit-o a
mndoi spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ticsita F{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} posibilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile noastre fizice le
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 surclasau pe ale oric{\f63 \u259\'3f}ror urm{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ritori umani {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ne permit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne pierd
em n mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea de oameni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ne-a mers. Nici n-am mai v{
\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ne urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}riser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 dar b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63
\u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii din echipa de paz{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 concentraser{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia a

supra tipului nalt care omora
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lumea prin hotelul lor. Zgomotul vocilor care strigau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi s-a stins treptat {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am ncetinit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne-am oprit n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} la New York, New York, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care {\f63 \u8212\'3f} tot f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \
u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f}m vreun cuvnt ntre noi {\f63 \u8
212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 am intrat imediat n hotel. Avea o alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tuire similar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 era mai aglomerat dect Luxor, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ne-am amestecat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 bine prin mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime, strecurndu-ne pn{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cnd am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}m de o bucat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de perete liber, de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
parte a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2949 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cazinourilor hotelului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Fuga fusese dificil{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru noi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aveam
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de cteva clipe s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259
\'3f}m acolo, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne rec{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u
259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 suflul. Mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} situa{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia era grav{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Eddie s-a ntors n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre min
e, cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mnie. Eddie era ntruchiparea
calmului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnirii de sine, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
e prima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd fusese r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de strigoi, cu un an n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Intmplarea l
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}lise, l
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse mai hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nfrunte orice provocare. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, of,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n clipa asta era furios pe mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce naiba a
fost asta? m-a luat el la rost. L-ai l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am luat cea mai dur{\f63
\u259\'3f} nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are de care eram
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri455 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar el p
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
ziua de azi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce, ai rata
t partea n care l-am spintecat cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4223 \expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}i aveam ini
ma n b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie! Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dau lovitura
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2028 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de gra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, dar tu
m-ai mpiedicat!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Veneau cei
de la paz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu mai aveam timp.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}im de-aco
lo, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i noi\i0 era
m criminali.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu cred ca mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas vreunul dintre ei capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 raporteze c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu
t ceva, a replicat pe un ton egal
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Eddie. D{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i restabileasc{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnirea de sine.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dimi
tri a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat n urma lui un morman de cadavre,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a continuat el. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i t
u {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii asta. Au murit oameni, din
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i tu\i0 nu
m-ai l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ucid cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit,
dndu-mi seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Eddie avea dreptate.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ar fi trebuit ca totul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se termine
acolo. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 apucasem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} arunc o privire ca lumea,
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d c{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 paznici erau. Oare c{\f63 \u355\'3f}i or fi murit? Da
r num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul lor nu
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 era relevant. Numai faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} muriser{
\f63 \u259\'3f} oameni
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nevinova{\f63 \u355\'3f}i avea importan{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} victim{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ar fi fost prea mult. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i din vina mea
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 T{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea mea i
-a dat ocazia lui Eddie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} profite de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 avantaj.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum ai put
ut, tocmai tu, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i lec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta?
{\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a fost instructor:\i {\f63 \u355\
'3f}i-a fost\i0 . Dar nu mai e acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Ni s-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 tot repetat la lec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, iar {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i iar. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ezi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i! S{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri776 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gnde{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti la el ca la
persoana care a fost cndva!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}l iubesc, am
zis, lundu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gura pe dinainte.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Eddie habar nu avea. Doar cteva persoane {\f63 \u351\'
3f}tiau de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea sentimental{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cu Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ceea ce se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 petrecuse n Siberia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? a stri
gat Eddie, cu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflarea t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Su
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 i s-a transformat n uluire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri479 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dimitri... e m
ai mult dect instructorul meu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eddie a continuat s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} fix timp de alte
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3031 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cteva secunde grele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1448 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i A fost\i0
, a subliniat el ntr-un trziu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4423 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hm?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i A fost\
i0 mai mult dect instructorul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Iar tu\i l-ai
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4419 \expndtw-11 \i \f20 \fs24 iubit.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Deruta de moment a lu
i Eddie disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse. Acum, era
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 din nou gardianul sever, lipsit de sentimente, de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 compasiune.
\plain\par
63 \u259\'3f}u, dar asta {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine de trecut, tot ce a fost
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntre voi. Tu trebuie s-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii. Persoan
a pe care ai iubit-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu mai e. Iar tipul pe care l-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut
adineauri? E cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 totul altcineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2487 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat len
t din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da... {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tiu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e el. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} e un monstru,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dar noi putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
salv{\f63 \u259\'3f}m... dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}im s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} facem ceea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ce ne spunea Robert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Eddie a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t ochii mari {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a r{\f63 \u259\'3
f}mas
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 buim{\f63 \u259\'3f}cit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Despre asta
era vorba? Rose, dar e o prostie! Nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a eva. Strigoii sunt mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Pentru noi, nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai exist{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Robert {\f63 \u351\'3f}i V
ictor {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-au vndut o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 gogo{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1235 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 De data aceasta, eu eram cea s
urprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, tu de c
e e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti aici? De ce-ai mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1235 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 noi? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a aruncat
bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele n sus, exasperat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} mi-e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti\i prieten{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 . Am stat al
{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de tine
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea asta... l-am ajutat pe
Victor s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 evadeze, l-am ascultat pe smintitul de frate-s{\f63
\u259\'3f}u... pentru
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} tu ai grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i avea{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne{\f63 \u355\'3f}i teferi. Am crezu
t c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e un motiv ntemeiat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pentru care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l sco{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
pe Victor din nchisoare. .. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai de gnd
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l duci napoi. Sun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cumva aiurea?
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Da, dar pentru tine e ceva normal. Tu mereu ai avut
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 motive temeinice pentru ceea ce faci. Dar asta, a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat el, urlnd, asta ntrece orice nch
ipuire. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} la{\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 un strigoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape numai pentru c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} tu vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o idee {\f63 \u8212\'3f} o idee imposibil{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} e de zece ori mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dect ceea ce am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut pentru Victor. F
iecare zi n care
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri umbl{\f63 \u259\'3f} n voie prin lume nseamn{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o zi n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care mor oameni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M-am sprijinit cu spatele de
perete {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am nchis
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ochii, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi v
ine r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u de la stomac. Eddie avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dreptate. O d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem n bar{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. mi jurasem mie ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-1 voi ucide pe Dimitri dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-l voi mai avea n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mea, nainte de a putea pune n aplicare solu{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ia lui
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Robert. Totul ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se sfr{
\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi... ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 eu o zbrcisem. Din nou.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am deschis ochii {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i mi-am ndreptat spinarea, avnd
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc un
nou scop, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu izbucneam n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 plns n mijlocul acelui cazinou.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Au r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}mas singuri,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 neproteja{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era probabil unicul argument
care-l putea opri n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 clipa aceea pe Eddie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi mai fac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} moral{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Instinctul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 datoriei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a spus cuvntul. Ap{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rarea moroilor, nainte
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de toate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1156 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai idee pe un
de-ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie Lissa?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura noastr{\f
63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strase n contact cu ea n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timpul fugii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} numi permisesem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu mai mult
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dect c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era vi
e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i teaf{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Acum, mi-am extins pu
{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3943 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cercetarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2450 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Peste drum. L
a MGM.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}risem enormul ho
tel atunci cnd intraser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 goan{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cel n care ne
aflam acum, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem atunci seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
Lissa era acolo. Acum, o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ascunzndu-se prin mul{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ime la fel ca noi,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 speriat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nev{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f
63 \u259\'3f}mat. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi preferat ca ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceilal{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mai fi z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovit la lumina zilei, ns{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} instinctul o mnase
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 spre ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}postul pere{\f63 \u355\'3f}il
or.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddie
n-am mai adus vorba de Dimitri, n timp
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam din hotel {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
traversam {\f63 \u351\'3f}oseaua aglomerata.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Oriyontul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase nuan
{\f63 \u355\'3f}a piersicii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot mai la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}post m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u
355\'3f}eam acolo, dect afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cu mult mai la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}post dect pe coridorul hotelului Lu
xor. Cu ajutorul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii, puteam s-o g{\f63 \u259\'3
f}sesc oricnd pe Lissa, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ezit vreo clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l-am condus pe Eddie prin
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 meandrele de la MGM {\f63 \u8212\'3f} z{\f63 \u259\'3
f}u a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuirea acestor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 hoteluri devenea din ce n ce mai derutant{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cnd i-am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit pe Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i pe Adrian, lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} un rnd de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aparate pentru jocuri. El fuma. Ea m-a observat {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i a dat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fuga la mine, ncol{\f63 \u259\'3f}cindu-m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cu bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, Doamne
! Ct de fric{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a fost! Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s-a ntmplat cu voi. Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i suf{\f
63 \u259\'3f}r\i0 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura asta ntr\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 un singur sens.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2491 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-am silit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
zmbesc.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Suntem bine.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un b
ine cam vn{\f63 \u259\'3f}t, a meditat Adrian, apropiindu\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se de noi. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoi
am de spusele lui. Sub efectul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 adrenalinei, era lesne s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu iei n seam
{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}nile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 durerea, n toiul luptei. Ceva mai trziu, dup{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ce pofta
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboinic{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai trecea,
ncepeai s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dai seama prin ce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trecuse trupul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Eram att de ferici
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 era bine, nct mi-a sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat am{\f63 \u259
\'3f}nuntul pe care Eddie l
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 remarcase deja.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1069 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ia spune{\f63
\u355\'3f}i, unde sunt Victor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Chipul fericit al Lissei a deven
it ncruntat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2574 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Eddie s-a ntunecat la fa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fir-ar s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} fie! am exclamat, neavnd nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 explica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii suplimentare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3
f}at, cu ochii mari {\f63 \u351\'3f}i plini de
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 dezn{\f63 \u259\'3f}dejde.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3273 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}I-am pie
rdut.
\plain\par
\expndtw-16 \b \f20 \fs40 UNSPREZECE
\plain\par
\sl-314\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-271 \li286 \ri1718 \expndtw-5 \b \
f20 \fs24 EI BINE, ASTA MAI LIPSEA!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-271 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ne-a luat ceva timp pn{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rm ce aveam de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut n continuare.
Am aruncat n discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cteva idei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 firave prin care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le d{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m de urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui Robert {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Victor,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dar pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-am ar
uncat pe toate la gunoi.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Robert avea un telefon mobil
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} agen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii CIA erau

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} localizeze fel de fel de aparate, noi sigur
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nu eram. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
adresa lui Robert ar fi fost
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cartea de telefoane, {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor nu l-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l duc{\f63 \u
259\'3f} acolo. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i orict de capabili ar fi Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} depisteze aura unui utilizato
r al spiritului nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prea puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63
\u259\'3f}cim f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}int{\f63 \u259
\'3f} printr-un ora{\f63 \u351\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 sper{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}m de ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Nu, n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
celor doi, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} norocul ne
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sise. Nu mai aveam
altceva de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntoarcem la Curte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
frunt{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pedeapsa care ne
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta, indiferent care-ar fi fost a
ceasta. O d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i eu\i0 o d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse
m - n bar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Din moment ce soarele urma
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} apun{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dat f
iind
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai aveam cu noi un r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}uf{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor notoriu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} necaz
uri {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, ne-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt, deprima{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ndrept{\f63 \u259\'3f}m spre Wit
ching Hour, unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne punem
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 la pum la cale planurile de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63
\u259\'3f}torie. Era posibil ca eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim recunoscute acolo, ns{\f63
\u259\'3f} fetele fugare nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau parte tocmai din aceea{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i categorie cu tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 evada{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Ne-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ducem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne petrecem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timpul n preajma gardienilor, dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma
i risc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alte atacuri din partea strigoilor, nainte de a putea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m din Vegas. Witching Hour nu p{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} difere de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 alte cazinouri prin care fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m...
asta, doar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiai ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cau{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i. Oamenii prea ispiti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de jocuri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lux
nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 observau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dintr
e ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i clien{\f63 \u355\'3f}i erau la fel de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, de zvel{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i de palizi. Ct despre dhampiri,

\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oamenii nu aveau cum s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi nu eram
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ca ei. Doar acel sim{\f63 \u355\'3f} supranatural ca
racteristic moroilor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dhampirilor ne permitea s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} pricepem cu cine avem
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de-a face.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea ce
lor care strigau de bucurie, flec{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cteodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212
\'3f} se v{\f63 \u259\'3f}ic{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau, erau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gardien
i. Cu o
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cerere att de mare de gardieni, doar o mn{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dhampiri putea fi canalizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nonstop un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 astfel de loc. Din fericire, hotelul era nt{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rit de gardienii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 celor puternici {\f63 \u351\'3f}i boga{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i veni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} joace. Moroii exalta{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 chiuiau la aparate sau la rulet{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n tim
p ce gardienii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i vigilen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i se nvrteau n spatele lor, fiind cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ochii pe tot ce-i nconjura. Niciun strigoi nu s-ar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aventurat acolo.
\plain\par
\'3f}i acum, ce facem? s-a interesat Lissa, aproape
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 urlnd ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} acopere zgomotul. Era prima
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 unul dintre noi spunea ceva, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
ne hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mergem ntr-acolo. Trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe lng{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}te mese de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 black-jack, taman unde era mbulzeala mai mare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am suspinat. Dispozi{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ia mea era att de ntunecat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nct nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu mai aveam nevoie de ef
ectele
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 secundare spiritului.\i L-am pierdut pe Victor, l-am
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 pierdut pe Victor.\i0 Autoculpabilizarea mea ment
al{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 urma traseul f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} de s
fr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it al unei bucle.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}C{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m centrul comercial al hotelului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i reze
rv{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bilete de-aici, am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. n func{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie de ct vom avea

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} prindem
un avion, e posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 lu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m o camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian scruta activita
tea din jurul nostru, z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovind
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri648 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 asupra unuia dintre numeroasele b
aruri de-acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu moare ni
meni dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne petrecem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i noi pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 timp pe-aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, z{\f63
\u259\'3f}u? l-am repezit. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce s-a-ntmplat,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri102 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 asta e tot ce-{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i trece prin minte?
\plain\tx5228 \tab \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 .
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a nto
rs privirea concentrat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre mine, aceasta
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 devenind deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aspr{\f63 \u259\'3f
}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aici sunt c
amere de supraveghere. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 recunoscut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai un
alibi zdrav{\f63 \u259\'3f}n {\f63 \u8212\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai fost aici, n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cazinoul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu n A
laska {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ar strica.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Just, am re
cunoscut. Aveam impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de data
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta, prin aerul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u blazat, tipic pen
tru el, Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 masca de fapt stnjeneala. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce aflas
e motivul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat pentru care venisem eu n Las V
egas, mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse peste strigoi, iar printre ei,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i peste Dimitri. N-ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi fost o experien{\f63 \u355\'3f}a comod{\f63 \u259\
'3f} pentru niciun moroi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n-avem niciun alibi pentru peri
oada n care am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fost ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r n Alaska, am ad{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ugat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ct timp Vict
or nu se las{\f63 \u259\'3f} descoperit pe-aici,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nimeni n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} leg
{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura, a replicat Adrian, al c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ton devenise amar. Ceea ce arat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ad
ev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat ct de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti sunt cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}L-am ajutat
pe Victor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape, a zis Lissa. N-ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimeni
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suntem ntr-att de nebune,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l scoatem din nchisoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri893 \fi283 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Eddie, t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t, mi-a aruncat o privire t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atun
ci, s-a aranjat, a zis Adrian. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezerve biletele. Eu m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} duc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi iau ceva de b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ncerc mna la cteva jocuri. Universu
l mi-a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas dator cu pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in n
oroc.
\plain\par
9\'3f} duc eu dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} bilete, s-a oferit Lissa, studiind
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 un panou care indica direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile spre
piscin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, toalete {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 centrul comercial.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Merg cu tin
e, s-a hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt Eddie. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 devreme expresia lui fusese una acuzatoare, acum p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi evite cu des{\f63 \u259\'3f}vr{\
f63 \u351\'3f}ire privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Perfect, am
acceptat, ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}ndu-mi bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri755 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Da{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-mi de {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tire cnd termina{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i v{\f63 \u259\'3f} g
{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Cu Lissa vorbisem {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i-i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1008 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 comunice cu mine prin intermediu
l leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Convins c{\f63 \u259\'3f} er
a liber, Adrian s-a dus direct spre bar,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cu mine ca remorc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un Tom Coll
ins, i-a cerut el barmanului moroi.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} n minte un ntreg dic{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionar al

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cocteilurilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ea dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} verifice denumirile,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 una cte una. Aproape niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l v{
\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} bea de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori acelui lucru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}l vrei nt{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rit? l-a ntrebat barmanul. Purta o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
scrobit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un papion negru, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu
cred s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai n vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1010 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, i-a r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spuns Adrian, strmbndu-se.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Barmanul a ridicat din umeri {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ntors cu spatele,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} prepare b{\f63 \u
259\'3f}utura.\i nt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit\i0 nsemna, n limbajul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 codificai al moroilor, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} amestece n co
cteil o doz{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 snge. n spatele barului erau do
u{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, care d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 probabil spre camerele hr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}nitorilor. Aruncnd o privire
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de-a lungul barului, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut mai mul
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i moroi ferici{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 rznd, avnd n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pahare c
u un lichid ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}iatic. Unora
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 le pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ideea de a bea snge amesteca
t cu alcool. Dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 majoritatea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cum era {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i cazul lui Adrian, din cte se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nu voia snge de
ct {\f63 \u8222\'3f}direct de la surs{\f63 \u259\'3f}". Se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 presupunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avea acela{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i gust.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce a{\f63 \u351\'3f}t
eptam, un moroi mai vrstnic, de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, mi-a aruncat o privire {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ncl
inat din cap n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 semn de aprobare.
\plain\par
\'3f}i-ai g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit o buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ic{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} pe cinste, i-a zis el lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian. Tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a-i cel mai bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tipul {\f63 \u8212\'3f} car
e bea ori vin ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}u, ori snge pur {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a dat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din cap spre ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i afla{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i la bar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri293 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cele mai multe
din astea sunt uzate. Terminate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 I-am urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit direc
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia privirii, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aveam nevoie. Ici {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i colo, printre oameni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moroi, erau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 femei dhampir, mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cate extrem de provo
cator, n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rochii de m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ca
tifea care l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sau prea pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine detalii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n seama imagina{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei. n majoritatea lor,
erau mai n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect mine. Cele mai tinere aveau n
ochi o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 expresie plictisit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu toat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} cochet{\f63 \u259\'3f}ria din rsetele lor.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Prostituate pentru snge. I-am aruncat o privire furio
as{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 moroiului.
\plain\par
9\'3f} nu\i ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}zne{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai v
orbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a despre ele,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri480 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu vrei s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sparg paharu-{\f63 \u259\'3f}la de vin n mutr{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tipul a f{\f63 \u259\'
3f}cut ochii mari {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors privirea spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3343 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nduio{\f63 \u
351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u351\'
3f}tii nimic, a replicat Adrian, n timp ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 barmanul se ntorcea cu paharul lui d
e Tom Collins. A
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 avut o zi cam proast{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tic{\f63 \u259\'3f}losul {\f
63 \u259\'3f}la de moroi nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a mai luat ochii de la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mine. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} loate aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ele, nu luase deloc n serios
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3815 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}area
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Toat{\f63
\u259\'3f} lumea are o zi cam proast{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis el. Ai auzit

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4307 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tirea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
relaxat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i amuzat n timp ce sorbea din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cocteil, dar stnd att de aproape de el, am sim{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}it cum
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s-a ncordat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3637 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tire?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Despre Victor Da
shkov. l mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii? Tipul care-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pit-o pe fata din
familia Dragomir {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a complotat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mpotriva reginei. A evadat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri922 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a ridicat instantaneu di
n sprncene.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A evadat? Nu se
poate. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e n nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2076 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare de maxim{\f63 \u259\'3
f} siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da! Nimeni
nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce s-a ntmplat n realitate. Se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zice c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au fost implica{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i oameni... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aici, povestea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3660 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 devine bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1315 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum adic{\f63
\u259\'3f} bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f}? l-am ntrebat eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian m-a cuprins de mijloc, cee
a ce b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reprezint{\f63 \u259\'3f} un mesaj
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut pentru mine, prin care-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cerea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l las pe el vorbeasc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Fie considera c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 comportament {\f63 \u8222\'3
f}corespunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor" unei prostituate pentru
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 snge, fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea gnduri
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ard
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un pumn tipului {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f
} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unul dintre
gardieni a fost amestecat... de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i el
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a aflat su

b controlul cuiva. Mai zice {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 foarte convenabil pentru el {\f63 \u8212\'3f} c{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i aminte{\f63 \u351\'3f}te totul ca
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prin cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie mare lucru. Am auzit asta de
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 la c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva tipi din familiile regale, car
e ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 investiga{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a izbucnit n rs {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i a luat o nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}itur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 zdrav{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cocteil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar\i e\
i0 convenabil. Mie-mi miroase-a treab{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cineva din i
nterior. Victor are o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bani. Destui ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mituiasc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} un paznic. Asta cred eu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s-a-ntmplat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tonul lui era de un calm rec
onfortant {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n clipa
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncare am observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe fa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}a celuilalt a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut un
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 zmbet u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or diabolic, mi-am dat seama c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 apelase la o mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} doz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de constrngere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2306 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pun pariu c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ai dreptate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar trebui s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} le-o spui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prietenilor t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i din fami
liile
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 regale, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat A
drian. E o treab{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cineva
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 din interior.
\par
\sect\sectd\sbknone\cols2\colno1\colw3547\colsr1049\colno2\colw817
\plain\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri0 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tipul a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'
3f}at, cu nfl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare.
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Le spun.
\par
\column
\plain\pard\sl-148 \li0 \ri695 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs16 :
\par
\sect\sectd\sbknone\plain\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adr
ian i-a mai sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut privirea cteva secunde,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a cobort-o
spre paharul cu Tom Collins.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Privirea sticloas{\f63 \u259\'3f} a interlocutorului
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ordinul lui Adrian de a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndi varianta cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}treaba f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de cineva din interior" i se ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}rise deja
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n minte. Adrian a dat pe gt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i restul l
icorii, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat paharul gol pe tejghea. Tocm
ai se preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} din nou, cnd din partea opus{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva i-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 captat aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cel{
\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt moroi obsservase acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lucru, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-am ur
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit privirile amndurora, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ce anume i n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucise ntr-att.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Ceea ce am v{\f63 \u259\'3f
}zut mi-a smuls un geam{\f63 \u259\'3f}t. Erau femei,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. La nceput, am crezut c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} erau dhampiri, din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 moment ce neamul meu atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gea n princip
al ochi dulci
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe-aici. O privire mai atent{\f63 \u259\'3f} a dezv{\
f63 \u259\'3f}luit misterul:
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 femeile erau moroi. Dansatoare moroi, mai precis. Er
au
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai multe, nve{\f63 \u351\'3f}mntate n rochii asem{\f63
\u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, scurte
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i decoltate, cu paiete. Numai c{\f63
\u259\'3f} avea o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 giuvaer: ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}miu, bleu cu iriza{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ii. n p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r le sclipeau pene
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}trasuri, {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i zmbeau sau rdeau timp ce treceau prin
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea de gur{\f63 \u259\'3f}-casc{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, frumoase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sexy ntr-un alt fel
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dect cele din neamul meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ceea ce nu era o surpriz{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Eu aveam tendin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 observ frecvent b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rba{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
i moroi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-le ochi dulci
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fetelor dhampir, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu fiindc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} eram {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dhampir. Dar, fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, b{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rba{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii moroi erau atra{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nnebuni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de propriile lor femei. A{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a se asigura
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}uirea propriei rase {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rba{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor moroi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} se prosteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} uneori cu fetele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dhampir, aproape ntotdeauna ajungeau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cele din neamul lor.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dansatoarele erau nalt
e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioase, iar nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lor str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitoare,
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndes
c c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sigur erau
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n drum spre o reprezenta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Chiar pute
am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 imaginez ce num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r scnteietor de dans a
r fi realizat. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu apreciam asta, era evident pen
tru mine c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian aprecia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult, judecnd dup
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ochii lui
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}sca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. I-am tras un
cot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri4015 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Cea din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} dans
atoare a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cazinou, n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia u
nui panou pe care scria {\f63 \u8222\'3f}teatru",
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 exact cum b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuisem. Adrian s-a ntors di
n nou spre
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mine, compunndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i un zmbet n{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zdr{\f63 \u259\'3f}van.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu fac nimi
c r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} privesc, mi-a explicat,
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe um{\f63 \
u259\'3f}r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Moroiul de lng{\f63 \u259\'3
f} el a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap, exprimndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aprobarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S-ar putea
ca azi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d un spectacol, a zis el,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nvrtindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}utura n pah
ar. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea asta cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dashkov {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncurc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura cu
Dragomirii... m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntristeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pentru bietul Eric. Era un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat bun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1768 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 I-am arunca o privire b{\f63 \
u259\'3f}nuitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1048 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}l cuno{\f63 \u
351\'3f}teai pe tat... pe Eric Dragomir?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur, a r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spuns moroiul f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd semn s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fie

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 umplut paharul. Sunt manager aici
de ani de zile. Venea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mereu la noi. Crede-m{\f63 \u259\'3f},\i el\i0 {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le aprecieze pe fetele
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 astea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri201 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Min{\f63
\u355\'3f}i, l-am apostrofat, cu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i adora so{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zus
em mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii Lissei. Chiar
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i la o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} fraged{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fusesem n
stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama ct de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mult se iubeau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am spus c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut\i0 ceva. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum a zi
s {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 iubitul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u nu faci nimic r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}u dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Dar mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ului Dragomir i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} petreac{\f63 \u259\
'3f} oriunde
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se ducea... mai ales dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea {\f63
\u351\'3f}i companie feminin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1600 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Moroiul a oftat {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i a ridicat paharul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mare p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}it una ca asta. S
{\f63 \u259\'3f} bem n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cinstea prinderii nenorocitului de
Dashkov {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a faptului
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c-o s-o lase n pace pe feti{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Eric
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cus
er{\f63 \u259\'3f} insinu{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile tipului la adresa tat{\f63 \u259\'
3f}lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucuram c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea prin preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ceea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} stnjenea era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
flasem de curnd despre fratele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissei, Andre, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el
era genul de petrec{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u355\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 umbl{\f63 \u259\'3f} brambura {\f63 \u351\'3f}i frnge
inimi. Oare astfel de chestii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 se mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tenesc din familie? Ceea ce f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cuse Andre nu era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 corect, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era o mare diferen{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre faptele unui

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 adolescent {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cele ale unui b{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rbat nsurat. Nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-o recunosc, dar chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cei mai n{\f
63 \u355\'3f}oli{\f63 \u355\'3f}i tipi tot mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aruncau un ochi spre alte femei, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele ns{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 partenerele. Adrian era dovada. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
, nu prea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 credeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissei i-ar fi f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cut pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l ei
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 umbla cu alte femei. Adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul despre
Andre fusese {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a greu de suportat, {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} apar{\f63 \u259\'3f} altceva ca
re
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ntineze amintirile frumoase despr
e p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 L-am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}getat
pe Adrian cu o privire care d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} l mai ascultam mult pe individul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sigur se l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa
cu pumni. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu ac
olo, n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 eventualitatea n care ar fi venit Li
ssa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne caute.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic mai perspicace cum d{\
f63 \u259\'3f}dea impresia, mi\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 a zmbit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce zici, s
cumpo, mergem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ncerc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m norocul?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri166 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ceva mi spune c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-i spargi pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i... ca-ntotdeauna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2017 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 I-am aruncat o privire piezi{\
f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3506 \expndtw-20 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i0 Ce dr
{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1063 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Adrian mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ut cu ochiul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ridicat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-a f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cut pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de vorb{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a zis
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3550 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 celuilalt moroi.
\plain\par
0\'3f}i mie, a replicat tipul. Robia constrngerii se cam
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 risipise. Ar trebui s-o-mbraci mai bine, s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii, a mai zis
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu sunt int
eresat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun haine pe ea, a ripostat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, n timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpingea u{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}urel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai grij{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, l-am prevenit, printre din{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ncle{\f63 \u351\'3f}ta
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii tu
{\f63 \u259\'3f}la c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia-i este aruncat un pahar
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Jucam un ro
l, micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir. Ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} asigu
r
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu vei avea necazuri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am oprit n apropierea salo
nului de poker al
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cazinoului, iar Adrian m-a examinat din cap pn{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 picioare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Totu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tipul cam av
ea dreptate cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 hainele, a constatat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1752 \fi283 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Am scr{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit n
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din din{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu po
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a zis chestiile-alea despre tat{\f63
\u259\'3f}l
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Lissei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Brfele {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i zvonurile nu mor niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dintre to{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tu ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c
el mai bine. N-are importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti mort. n plus, conversa{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ia asta a fost de fapt n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 avantajul nostru iar prin asta, vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} spun al t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Altcineva probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} disemineaz{\f63
\u259\'3f} deja teoria conform
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}reia treaba a fost f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cuta de cineva din interior. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 individul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta ne ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f

} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndim ideea ct mai mult
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin lume, putem fi siguri c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nim{\f63
\u259\'3f}nui n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin cap c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
r fi fost implicat cel mai periculos
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gardian din lume.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3584 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a cred.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 M-am str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} calmez. Dintotdeauna fusesem
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 iute la mnie, iar acum {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tiam cu certitudine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} frnturile
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de ntuneric pe care le adunasem de la Lissa n ultimele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i patru de ore nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
eau altceva dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355
\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lucrurile, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i temusem de fapt. Am schimbat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 subiectul, prefernd un teren mai sigur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai fost fo
arte dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f} acum, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} gndesc ct
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de furios erai mai devreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu sunt del
oc bucuros, dar m-am mai gndit
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, a spus Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri260 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da? E{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} luminezi n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu aici. Vorbim
mai trziu. Sunt lucruri mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1374 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 importante pentru care s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ne facem griji.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum ar fi
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tergem urmele unei f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}delegi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri950 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m din ora{\f6
3 \u351\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim ataca{\f63
\u355\'3f}i de strigoi?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri1466 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Cum
ar fi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}te bani.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3218 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai nnebunit?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Hm! S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i pun o ast
fel de ntrebare lui Adrian nu era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3822 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 o idee bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Abia am sc{
\f63 \u259\'3f}pat de o ga{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mon{\f63 \u351\'3
f}tri seto{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1519 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 snge, tot ce-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i tr
ece prin cap e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} joci?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Faptul c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} suntem n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} denot{\f63 \u259\'3f}
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}im, a comentat el. Mai ales c{\f63
\u259\'3f} avem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp s-o
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 facem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1429 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar n-ai nevo
ie de mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i bani.
\plain\par
'3f} am, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} taic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-meu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} las{\f63
\u259\'3f} balt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2561 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ignor{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pl{\f63
\u259\'3f}cerea jocului...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi d
au seama curnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin {\f63 \u8222\'3f}pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 jocului", Adrian n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegea {\f63 \u8222\
'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tri{\f63 \u351\'3f}eze". n fine, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 utilizarea spiritului se poate numi tri{\f63 \u351\'3
f}at. Dat fiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 spiritul implica o putere mental{\f63 \u259\'3f} att d
e mare,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 utilizatorii lui erau foarte buni cnd era vorba s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 descifreze pe cei din jur. Victor avusese dreptate.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian glumea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i comanda ntruna de b{\f
63 \u259\'3f}ut, dar eu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vedeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era extrem de atent la ceil
al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 avea de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu rosteasc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nimic explicit, expresiile
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 chipului s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u vorbeau locul lui: ncrede
re, nesiguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 iritare. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tot era n m{\f63 \u259\'3
f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 utilizeze for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de constrngere {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nas pe
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i juc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vin imediat
, i-am zis, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cheam{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Total nep{\f63 \u259\
'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut semn c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec. Nici
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eu nu-mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam griji pentru siguran{\
f63 \u355\'3f}a lui, avnd n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vedere faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}per
e se aflau c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva gardieni.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Singurul lucru care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} preocupa era ca
nu cumva
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vreunul dintre func{\f63 \u355\'3f}inarii cazinoului
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} bage de seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i folosea for
{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de constrngere {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 azvrle afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Utilizatorii spiritului s
e puteau exercita
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 intens, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici vampirilor nu le era
inaccesibil{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 anumit{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Folosirea constrngerii era considerat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 imoral{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} era interzis{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre moroi. La un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cazinou ar fi avut f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate motivele s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie n
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 gard{\f63 \u259\'3f} n aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} privin
{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Din ntmplare, centrul comercia
l era chiar n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 apropierea salonului de poker, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} i-am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit repede
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-a{\f63
\u355\'3f}i aflat? i-am ntrebat, n timp ce ne ntorceam
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem un avi
on mine-diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-a informat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ind pu{\f63
\u355\'3f}in. Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-n
seara asta,
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 dar...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu mai era nevoie s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} fraza. Dup{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} toate
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pe care le nfruntaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n timpul zilei,
nimeni nu voia
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i asume nici cel ma
i mic risc de a nimeri peste
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreun strigoi. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la aeroport, am fi f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut drumul cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 taxiul, dar chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a ar fi nsemnat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} risc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin ntuneric.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Am dat aprobator din cap {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i i-am condus spre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 salonul de poker.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ce trebuia. Acum, hai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne omorm
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri474 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 timpul. Sau vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} lu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m o camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dormi pu{\f63 \
u355\'3f}in?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Nu, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
puns, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un frison. Sim{
\f63 \u355\'3f}eam
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in teama dinl{\f63 \u259\'3f}untrul
ei. Nu vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea asta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-e {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i cam team{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ce-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 visez...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adr
ian era n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se prefac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nep{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de strigoi, ns{\f63
\u259\'3f} chipurile acelea o bntuiau nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mai ales chipul lui Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine, am z
is, spernd c-o fac s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se simt{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai bine.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m treji, o s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ne fie mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne readapt{\f63
\u259\'3f}m la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 programul Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. n plus, ai ocazia s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vezi pe Adrian
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dat pe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} afar{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de paza cazinoului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum spera
sem, spectacolul dat de Adrian n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 timp ce c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiga cu ajutorul spiritului
chiar a distrat-o pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa: ntr-att nct a devenit interesat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerce ea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Grozav! Am ndemna
t-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i aleag{\f63 \u259\'3f} jocuri mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sigure {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am povestit cum implantas
e Adrian n mintea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 moroiului de la bar ideea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese o
treab{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cineva din interior. Am trecut peste partea cu tat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}l ei.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ca prin minune, noaptea a fost f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} incidente {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nici
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 din partea strigoilor, nici din partea paznicilor
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cazinoului; mai mult dect att, cteva persoane chiar o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 recunoscuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Lissa, ceea ce avea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne fie de ajutor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru alibiul nostru. Eddie nu a vorbit deloc cu min
e
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} noaptea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am plecat de la Witching Ho
ur a doua zi diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Niciunul dintre noi nu era fericit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l pierduser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Victor pentru c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ne atacaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} strigoii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cazinoul ne
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mai atenu{\f63 \u259\'3f} un pic sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rarea; cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ajuns la aeroport. Ct st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuser{\f63 \u
259\'3f}m n cazinou, fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de moroi, izo
la{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de lumea uman{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar ct
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 timp am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat avionul, n-am avut nco
tro {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit {\f63 \u351\'3f}tirile la tele
vizoarele care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pretutindeni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Principala {\f63 \u351\'3f}t
ire din noaptea aceea era despre un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 asasinatul n mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Luxor, iar poli{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii nu aveau nici
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cel mai mic indiciu. Cei mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din
tre paznicii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cazinoului implica{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n ntmplare muriser{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cu gturile
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 frnte, iar alte cadavre nu mai fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
descoperite.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiala mea era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Di
mitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i azvrlise afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} acoli{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unde soarele i pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse n scrum ntre tim
p, Dimitri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tersese, nel{\f
63 \u259\'3f}snd niciun indiciu n urma lui.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car camerele de supraveghere n
u nregistraser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nimic, ceea ce nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} surprindea. Dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} eu fusesem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezactivez
sistemul de supraveghere din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare, Dimitri sigur se descurca s-o fac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ntr-un
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mod obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Bruma de bun{\f63 \u259\'3f
} dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pe care o c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut instantaneu, {\f63 \u351\'3f

}i nu ne-am mai spus cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eu am avut grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
mai p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund n mintea Lissei,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-aveam nevoie ca senza{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia ei de deprimare s-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 amplifice pe-a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 G{\f63 \u259\'3f}siser{\f63
\u259\'3f}m un zbor direct spre Philadelphia, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} prindem un altul de leg{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aeroportul din apropierea Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Ce
aveam de nfruntat
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajun{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i acolo... ei bine, aceasta probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era cea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1733 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mai m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt{\f63 \
u259\'3f} dintre temerile noastre.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri18 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nu-mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam
griji c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar fi putut mbarca strigoi n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avionul nostru pe timp de zi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i neavnd
prizonieri de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 supravegheat, mi-am permis s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} cufund n mult\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 necesarul somn. Nici nu-mi mai aminteam cnd mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ipisem ultima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}toria asta. Am avut un somn
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 greu, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} visele mi-au fost bntuite de f
aptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sasem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape unul d
intre cei mai periculo{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 criminali din lumea moroilor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i permi
sesem ca un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 strigoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece nev{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
{\f63 \u259\'3f}mat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i provocasem moartea mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 multor oameni. Nu-l socoteam r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunz{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tor pe niciunul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dintre prietenii mei. Vina pentru tot acest dezastru
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea n ntregime pe umerii mei.
\plain\par
\expndtw-15 \b \f20 \fs40 DOISPREZECE
\plain\par
\f20 \fs24 CEEA CE S-A {\f63 \u350\'3f}I CONFIRMAT\b0 , atunci cnd, n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, ne-am ntors la Curtea Regal{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu am fost singura care a da
t de necaz, fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. La
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 rndul ei, Lissa a fost chemat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la regi
n{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i primeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 mustrarea, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam bine c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nu va fi propriu-zis
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pedepsit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Spre deosebire de Eddie {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i de mine. Chiar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} terminaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63
\u351\'3f}coala, teoretic nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne aflam sub
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 jurisdic{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia o
ficial{\f63 \u259\'3f} a gardienilor, ceea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptau tot attea probleme ca pe orica
re angajat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 contravenient. Numai Adrian sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pa de
orice consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 El era liber s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
ot ce dorea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar, n realitate, pedeapsa me
a nu a fost chiar att
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 rea pe ct ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie. Serios vo
rbind, ce mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aveam de pierdut n faza asta? {\f63 \u350\'3f}ansele m
ele de a-i fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 repartizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissei erau {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a foarte mici {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, oricum,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nimeni nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} voia drept gardian, cu ex
cep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Tashei.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Un weekend tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}snit n Vegas {\f63 \u821
2\'3f} adic{\f63 \u259\'3f} varianta noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 oficial{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nu avea cu
m s-o fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zgndeasc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea. n schimb, era destul s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-i determine pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 unii dintre pretenden{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui Eddie s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i retrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} cererile
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ca el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le fie gardian. {\f63 \u350\'
3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mneau nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 suficien{\f63 \u355\'3f}i care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vr
ea, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era deloc n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 primejdie de a pierde o pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie bun{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Cu toate astea, eu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tot m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ngrozito
r de vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eddie n-a suflat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nicio vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de nimeni n leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ori de cte ori se uita spre mine, puteam
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} citesc n ochii lui faptul c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nvinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea pentru tot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i m-am ntlnit n
truna cu el n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarele dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 zile. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum am constatat, gardienii
aveau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri225 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 implementat un sistem pentru cazu
rile de nesupunere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fapta voas
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i att de iresponsabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct ai zice
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ni{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}te elevi. Ce naiba! Parc-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fi la {\f63 \u351\'3f}coala
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 elementar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eram ntr-un birou din sediul
central al gardienilor
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i ascultam urletele lui Hans Croft,
tipul care avea
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 comanda tuturor gardienilor d
e la Curte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un rol
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 esen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial n repartizarea acestora. Era u
n dhampir pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trecut de cincizeci de ani, cu o musta{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f} stufoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, alb\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, er
a o jigodie. mpr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 permanen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} un damf de {
\f63 \u355\'3f}ig{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri de foi. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddie
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}si{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i pe scaune, n timp ce el patrula prin fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu minile la spate.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276
3 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\tx1565 \tab
\plain\tx2283 \tab
\plain\tx3562 \tab
\plain\tx4696 \tab
\li286 \ri24 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Putea{\f6

\expndtw-19
\expndtw-13
\expndtw-10
\expndtw-10
\f20
\f20
\f20
\f20
\fs24
\fs24
\fs24
\fs24
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
provoca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
moartea
ultimei
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reprezentante a familiei Drag
omir... ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l mai pun
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 la socoteal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe b{\
f63 \u259\'3f}iatul Ivashkov. Cum crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat regina fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f} de moartea str{\f63 \u259\'3f}nepotului ei? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mai moment v-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ales! V-a{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
v{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 petreceri tocmai cnd individul care a ncercat s-o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}peasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe prin{\f63
\u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a luat t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lp{\f63 \
u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}a din nchisoare!
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi habar n-a{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i avut, fiind mult prea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ocupa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu jocurile de noroc {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i cu identit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile voastre
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 false.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit l

a aluzia referitoare la Victor, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 presupun c-ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mai presus de b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuieli n privin{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a evad{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii lui. Hans a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 interpretat strmb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura mea ca pe o recu
noa{\f63 \u351\'3f}tere a
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i absolven{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a declarat el,
asta nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i invincibili.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aceast
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrevedere mi amintea de acea dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m readuse la Sf. Vladimir {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}truluite pentru aceea{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}: c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fugiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m punnd-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe ea n primejdie cu nes{\f63 \u259\'3f}buin{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri18 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 data asta, nu mai era niciun
Dimitri care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 partea. Amintirea aceasta mi-a adus un nod n gt. Am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 rememorat chipul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u {\f63 \u8212\'3f
} att de sobru, att de splendid,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cu ochii aceia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui, vii {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i pasionali {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i felul n care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intervenise n favoarea mea, convingndu-i pe ceilal{\f63
\u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} reprezentam o valoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar, nu. N-aveam niciun Dimi
tri aici, cu mine. Nu
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 eram dect eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Eddie, singuri, nfrun
tnd
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lumii reale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu! a spus
Hans, ndreptndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i un deget
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 butuc{\f63 \u259\'3f}nos spre Eddie. S-ar putea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fii destul de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 norocos s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scapi din situa{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ia asta f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} supor{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i prea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mari repercusiuni. Sigur, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63
\u259\'3f}mi cu o pat{\f63 \u259\'3f} neagr{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dosar pentru tot restul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. {\f63
\u350\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai spulberat toate
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansele de a ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine vre
odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de elit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 familiile regale, cu al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni car

e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te sprijine.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} prime{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti o reparti{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lucrezi singur, pentru vreun nobil mai m{\f63 \u259\
'3f}runt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Moroii din familiile regale
de rang nalt aveau mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mult de un gardian, ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ntotd
eauna ca
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 protejarea lor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3
f} mai simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Hans
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se referea la faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} reparti{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ia lui Eddie avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 una inferioar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, care-o s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} presupun{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} trud{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mai multe primejdii. Aruncndu-i colegului meu o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 privire piezi{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am ob
servat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe chipul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u revenise
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 expresia aceea ncrncenat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, hot{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259
\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nu-i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa nici dac-ar fi trebuit s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} apere de unul singur o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f} familie. Sau chiar {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i zece familii. De fapt,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mesajul pe care-l transmitea
era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-aveau dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 azvrle de unul singur ntr-un viespar de strigoi, c{\f63
\u259\'3f} el
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tot ar fi dobort pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ultimul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iar\i tu\
i0 , s-a auzit din nou vocea t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Hans,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 smulgndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} din contemplarea lui Eddie,
tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri210 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 consideri norocoas{\f63 \u259\'3f
} dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai ai vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o slujb{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ca de obicei, m-a luat gura
pe dinainte. Ar fi trebuit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi primesc perdaful t{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cnd, exact cum procedase
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c-o s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} am. Tasha Ozera m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i e pre
a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mare penuria de gardieni, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 degeaba.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri564 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ochii lui Hans au sclipit ca de
o veselie amar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, e penurie ma
re de gardieni, dar mai sunt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 multe alte treburi de f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cut... nu doar protec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia personal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cineva trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i la birou. Cineva trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} por{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ile principale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}at. M
unc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de birou. Hans m{\f63 \u259\'3f} amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 munca de birou, n cele mai oribile nchipuiri ale mele,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eram gardianul unui moroi oarecare, unul pe care nu-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team sau pe care poate chiar l det
estam. Dar, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate scenariile eram n lumea larg{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Er
am n ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} luptam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ap{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ram pe cineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-acum? Han
s avea dreptate. Era nevoie de gardieni
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru treburile administrative al
e Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. E adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strau aici dect o mn{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de gardieni {\f63 \u8212\'3f} eram mult
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 prea pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}io{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u
8212\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva tot trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se ntmple mie una ca asta era o id
ee mult prea
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ngrozitoare, nct s-o pot cuprind
e cu gndul. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 acolo ziua-ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ore-n {\f63 \u351\
'3f}ir... ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gardienii din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Tarasov. Via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de gardian mai cuprind
ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot felul de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sarcini deloc atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}to
are... dar necesare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Abia atunci m-a izbit cu ade
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat {\f63 \u8212\'3f} dar chiar cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat! {\f63 \u8212\'3f} gndul c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflam n lumea real{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Un val
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de team{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a ab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut asu
pra mea. Primisem titlul de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 gardian odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu absolvirea {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}colii, dar n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elesesem eu,

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 oare, ce nsemna el n realitate? Nu cumva doar m{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 jucasem de-a gardianul, savurnd triumfurile {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i nelund
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele? A
cum nu mai eram la {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Nu aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu pus{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
a col{\f63 \u355\'3f} pentru ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Aici, totul era real. Aici, lupta era pe via{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe moarte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Chipul probabil c{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-mi tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}da sentimentele. Hans a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 schi{\f63 \u355\'3f}at spre mine un zmbet plin de cru
zime.
\plain\par
1\'3f}a este. Avem tot felul de metode prin care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mblnzim pe zurbagii. Spre norocul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u,
soarta ta nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu a fost definitiv hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci, avem o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de treburi peaici, la care voi doi o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne da{\f63 \u355\'3f}i o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ajutor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Treburile"
din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarele cteva zile s-au dovedit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 munci casnice, de slugi. Sincer vorbind, nu erau prea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 diferite de pedepsele cu deten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de l
a {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}; eram
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aproape convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fu
seser{\f63 \u259\'3f} special create ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le dea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 contravenien{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor ca noi ceva oribil
de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. Munceam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}sprezece ore pe zi, n cea mai mare
parte afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}:
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai precis, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ram pietre {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt pentru construirea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ror noi {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}e curticele ale unor case
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 apar{\f63 \u355\'3f}innd celo
r din familiile regale. Uneori, ne puneau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem cur{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}enie, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} frec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m podelele. {\f63 \u350\'3f}t
iam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moroi angaja{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pentru astfel de sarcin
i, dar probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 le d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duser{\f63 \u259\'3f} zile liber
e exact acum.
\plain\par
\u351\'3f}i, erau de preferat corvezilor la care ne
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 supunea Hans: s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sort{\f63 \u259\'3f}

m {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndosariem mun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dup{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de documente. Asta m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} privesc cu al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ochi trecerea la informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia digital{\
f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mi fac griji cu privire viitor. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} to
t gndeam, iar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i iar,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 la conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Hans. La amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}area lui c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ar fi putut s-arate via{\f63 \u355
\'3f}a de-acum nainte. C{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
ai fiu gardian n adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ratul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sens al cuvntului {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, nici pentru Lissa
, nici pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oricare alt moroi. Pe tot parcursul preg{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tirii noastre,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mereu n minte o mantra:\i E
i sunt primii\i0 .
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r mi f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cusem varz{\f63 \u259\'3f} viitorul, nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am o nou{\f
63 \u259\'3f} mantra:\i A este primul. Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 B\i , C, D\i0 ...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Pe tot parcursul zilelor de
munc{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-au {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut departe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de Lissa, iar cei de la recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile cl{
\f63 \u259\'3f}dirilor n care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 locuiam fiecare s-au dat peste cap s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ne mpiedice, la
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 rndul lor, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntlnim. Era frustrant. P
rin
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 intermediul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii, puteam s{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu unde se afl{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 face, dar a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} stau de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 stau de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu oricine. {\f63 \u350
\'3f}i Adrian se {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea deloc c
apul cu vizitele n vis, ceea m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ntreb care erau sentimentele lui.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia" noastr{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} plecarea din Las Vegas nu mai
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avusese loc. Munceam adesea c
ot la cot cu Eddie, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 el nu vorbea cu mine, ci m{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sa ore-ntregi prad{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 propriilor mele gnduri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nov{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}iri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i crede{\f63
\u355\'3f}i-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, motive care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi sporeasc{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sentimentul de vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ie aveam din bel{\f63 \u351\'3f}ug. La Curte,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lumea nu-i prea b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ga n seam{\f63 \u259
\'3f} pe muncitori. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, ori
afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i oricum vorbeau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mereu de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
fost acolo. Subiectul num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 unu era Victor. Periculosul Victor Dashkov, liber. C
um
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de se ntmplase una ca asta? Oare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi a
vut el puteri
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 necunoscute de nimeni? Lumea se temea, unii chiar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 erau convin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victo
r {\f63 \u351\'3f}i va face apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia la Curte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i va
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne omoare pe to{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i n timp ce dormeam.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Teoria cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}treaba f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cineva din interior" se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndise n ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tire, ceea
ce ne situa n continuare n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 afara oric{\f63 \u259\'3f}ror b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuieli
. Din nefericire, nsemna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} lume {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cea acum griji pentru prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unor
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori printre noi.
Dar cine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie care erau acoli{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lui Victor Dashkov? Tot felul de spioni {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i de rebeli
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe la
Curte, punnd la cale tot
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 soiul de atrocit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. E
u {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate aceste pove{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti era
u
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 exagerate, dar nu avea importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Toate aveau un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 smbure de adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r: acela c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} Victor Dashkov umbla
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acum liber prin lume. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i numai eu {\f6
3 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i complicii mei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} totul era din cauza mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fu
seser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n Las Vegas ne oferea
n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 continuare un alibi privind eventuala b{\f63 \u259\'3
f}nuial{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns n nchisoare, dar f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cea ca escapada noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai imprudent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lum
ea se ngrozea de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 faptul l{\f63 \u259\'3f}saser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe pri
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}esa Dragomir s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fug{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Curte ntr-un moment n care un criminal periculos era
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 n libertate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tocmai cel care o atacas
e! Slav{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Domnului, ziceau to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} regina ne adusese de-acolo
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nainte ca Victor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne poat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si. Escapada din Las
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Vegas inaugurase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un ntreg {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ir de noi specula{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii: unul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} implica personal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, pe
mine nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} surprinde povestea lui
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Vasilisa, am auzit o femeie spunnd ntr-una din zile, n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 timp ce munceam pe-afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ea {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i cteva prietene se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 duceau agale spre cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa hr{\f63 \u
259\'3f}nitorilor, iar pe mine nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. n definitiv, a mai fugit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nainte, nu? a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 continuat ea. Dragomirii {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\
'3f}tia pot fi de-a dreptul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nest{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Probabil co s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} direct la cea dinti
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 petrecere de care-o s-aud{\f63 \u259\'3f}, imediat c
um l-or prinde pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Victor Dashkov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te n{\f63 \u
351\'3f}eli, a contrazis-o o prieten{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-a ei. Nu de\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 asta s-a dus. De fapt, ea e o tip{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
picioarele pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt. Dar fata aia dhumpir, care e mer
eu cu ea...
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Hathaway aia. Am auzit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i cu Adrian Ivashkov au
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 plecat n Las Vegas, au vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fug{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Oamenii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 reginei au ajuns acolo n ultima clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-au mpiedicat.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana e furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mai ales de cnd a d
eclarat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Hathaway c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimic n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-i poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe ea {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Hopa! Asta zic {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc. Dar probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 bine ca lumea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f
} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian ncercaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fugim de regin{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} acuze c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajutasem {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 instigasem un criminal s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evadeze, dar
oricum... M{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cam uimea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ajunsese la concluzia
asta. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i speram
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ca Tatiana s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fi auzit despre a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a-zisa noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tentativ{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fug{\f63 \u259\'3f} n lum
e. Eram destul de convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 un astfel de zvon ar fi distrus orice brum{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} de progres al
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei dintre noi dou{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Primul meu veritabil contact
social a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut dintr-o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 surs{\f63 \u259\'3f} nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Tocmai aruncam b{\f63 \u259\'3f}legar cu lopata pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zor de flori {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tr
anspirasem ca naiba. Se apropia
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ora de culcare pentru moroi, ceea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} soarele
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase n toat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} splendoarea lui estival{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Bine m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam o priveli{\f63 \u351\'3f}te f
rumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} n timp ce munceam:
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 uria{\f63 \u351\'3f}a biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f} a Cur
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 mi petrecusem mult timp n micu
{\f63 \u355\'3f}a capel{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Academiei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} rareori vizitasem biser
ica asta, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 era amplasat{\f63 \u259\'3f} departe de principalele
cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}diri ale Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era o biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f} ortodox{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u8212\'3f} religia predominant{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 moroilor {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-mi amint
ea mult de unele dintre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bisericile pe care le v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem n Rusia,
cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 era nici pe departe la fel de mare. Avea o superb{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 zid{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie de culoare ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
e, cupolele turnurilor erau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acoperite cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}igl{\f63 \u259\'3f} verd
e, iar n vrful lor, erau cruci
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4379 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 aurite
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} gr{\f63
\u259\'3f}dini marcau cele mai ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtate grani{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
ale
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntinselor terenuri biserice{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, iar ntr-
una dintre ele

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 munceam noi noi. n apropierea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
ra una dintre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cele mai remarcabile priveli{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti de la
Curte: gigantica
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 statuie a nu {\f63 \u351\'3f
}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei str{\f63 \u259\'3f}vechi regine a moroilor, nalt{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cam de zece ori ct mine. O statuie la fel de mare a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 unui rege era plasat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n partea opus{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} terenurilor.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi aminteam numele lor, n
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram destul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nv{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}asem despre ei la unele din orele de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 istorie. Fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} doi monarhi viziona
ri, care, la vremea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lor, schimbaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} radical lumea moroil
or.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit cu
coada ochiului o siluet{\f63 \u259\'3f} apropiindu-se {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 am presupus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era Hans, dornic s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ne mai traseze vreo
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sarcin{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezgust{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
Cnd mi-am ridicat privirea, am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mat uimit{\f63 \u259\'3f} constatnd
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ca s{\f63
\u259\'3f} vezi! Am zis. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai necazuri dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2072 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 te vede cineva vorbind cu mine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Christian a ridicat din ume
ri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe muchia
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 unui zid neterminat.
\plain\par
9\'3f}-ndoiesc. Singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} te vri n necazuri, dar de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 data asta nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lucrurile au cum
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai rele
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de-att pentru tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2353 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Corect, am mo
rm{\f63 \u259\'3f}it eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas o vreme t{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, uitndu-se la mine cum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 aruncam b{\f63 \u259\'3f}legarul l
opat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} lopat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n cele din urm{\f
63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3763 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m-a ntrebat:

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1215 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK. A{\f63 \u
351\'3f}adar, cum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ce ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3514 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fac?
\plain\par
3f}tii foarte bine ce. Mica ta aventur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ne-am suit ntr-un
avion {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am zburat spre Las
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1433 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Vegas. De ce? Hm! Stai s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri917 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-am oprit s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-mi {\f63 \u351\'3f}terg fruntea de sudoare.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}i, unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fi g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit hoteluri cu pr
ofil
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pirateresc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i barmani care s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu se sinchiseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne legitimeze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3048 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Christian a pufnit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, pe mine nu
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duci de nas. N-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i plecat la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3913 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Las Vegas.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem bilet
ele de avion {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chitan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele de la hotel, ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i mai p
un la socoteal{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe cei care au
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}esa Dr
agomir absorbit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de jocurile de
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 noroc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Eram atent{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
a munca mea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tina din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Imediat cum
am auzit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trei persoane l-au scos
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 din nchisoare pe Victor Dashkov, am {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
ut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost. Ia s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d: a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i plecat cumva n trei?
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ndoial{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu departe de mine, l-am v{
\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe Eddie ncremenit,

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privind stnjenit n jur. Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut acela{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru. Orict
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v
orbesc cu cineva, n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 risc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim auzi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
cine nu trebuia. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}delegile
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 noastre ar fi fost minuscule, munca n gr{\f63 \u259\'3
f}din{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ajuns s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se par{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
distrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de vacan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Eram singuri, dar tot mi-am
cobort tonul ct am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri607 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 putut de mult {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m
i-am compus o figur{\f63 \u259\'3f} inocent{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu am auzit
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost oameni angaja{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Era o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
orie care circula nest{\f63 \u259\'3f}vilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torea.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri584 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De fapt,
cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el s-a transformat n strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} da, a rostit n b{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}lie Chr
istian, care m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea prea bine
ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cread{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i am mai auzit,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 a continuat el, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} unul dintre gardien
i nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aminte{\f63 \u351\'3f}te deloc ce anume l-a determina
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i atace
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prietenii. El jur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
r fi fost sub controlul cuiva.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Oricine are o putere de constrngere mare, probabil c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} e
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe al
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} oameni, clovni,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 canguri...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am refuzat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} uit la el. Am trntit cu putere
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lopata de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt. Mi-am mu{\f63 \u351\'3
f}cat buza, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ripostez vehement.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cut-o creznd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} strigoii pot fi readu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i la

\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 starea ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ridicat instantaneu p
rivirea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am holbat la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Eddie, cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fa
ptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbise.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1599 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce te-a apuca
t? l-am luat la rost.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Spun adev{\f63
\u259\'3f}rul, a replicat Eddie, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} se opri din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri575 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lucru. E prietenul nostru. Crezi
c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne prasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Nu, rebelul de Christian Oze
ra nu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar asta nu nsemna c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nu era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorba. Exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} un
adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}: cu ct sunt mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei cunosc un secret, cu att mai
probabil este ca
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} la iveal{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Deloc surprinz{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tor, reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Christian nu a fost cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nimic diferit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de felul n care ar fi re
ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat oricine
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 altcineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1400 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? E im
posibil! Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar n
u {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea fratelui lui Vict
or
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2560 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Dashkov, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}uga
t Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1080 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai de gnd s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ncetezi? l-am repezit.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ori i spui tu, ori spun eu mai depar
te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am oftat. Christian ne privea fix
{\f63 \u8212\'3f} ochii i erau de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 un albastru decolorat, mari, plini
de mirare. Ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 majoritatea prietenilor mei, era obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}n
uit cu ideile mele

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nebune{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta ntrec
ea orice m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, inclusiv a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nebuniei.
\plain\par
f63 \u259\'3f} Victor Dashkov n-are fra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ng{\f63 \u259\'3f}imat Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3236 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am dat din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N{\f63 \u355\'3
f}. Taic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u a avut o rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, a{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor s-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ales cu un frate vitreg nelegitim.
l cheam{\f63 \u259\'3f} Robert. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i e
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 utilizator al spiritului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Numai tu...
a zis Christian. Numai tu puteai s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 descoperi una ca asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Am ignorat ceea ce p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o revenire la
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuitul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u cinism.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Robert pre
tinde c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lecuit o femeie strigoi: a ucis
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 partea moart{\f63 \u259\'3f} din ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i a readus-o la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\'3f}i spiritul are limitele lui, Rose. Tu poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fost readus{\f63 \u259\'3f} din mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} strigoii s-au dus pentru
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 totdeauna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, dar nc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim care-s limitele spiritului, i-am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 atras eu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3
f}in jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate din raza lui de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} este un mis
ter.
\par
3 \u350\'3f}tim ce s-a-ntmplat cu sfntul Vladimir. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trans
forme la loc strigoii, nu crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o? Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nu e un miracol, atunci ce e? A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ceva ar fi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas n legend{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, m-a contrazis Christian.
\plain\par
3 \u259\'3f} da, poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu, am replicat, legndu-mi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 la loc coada {\f63 \u351\'3f}i rememornd pentru a sut
a oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntlnirea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu Robert. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Vlad n-a {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tiut cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} procedeze,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am argumentat. Nu e chiar att de simplu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri379 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, m-a aprob
at Eddie. Aici vine partea tare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei! m-am r{\f63
\u259\'3f}stit la el. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mine, dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ave
m pe Christian aici, nu mai e
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nevoie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de altcineva care s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} se {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} de comentarii
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sarcastice.
\plain\par
351\'3f}tiu ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic, a ripostat Christian. n situa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta poate chiar ai nevoie de dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} per
soane. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-acum,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 explic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi cum se presupune c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} s-ar nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}ptui minunea
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3787 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Am oftat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ad{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ugnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spirit ntr-o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} cele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3541 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 patru elemente.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Farmecele spiritului repreze
ntau un concept nou {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pentru Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu m-am gndi
t niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la asta. B{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 spiritul cam zguduie lucrurile... dar nu pot s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imaginez cum str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pungerea unui strigoi
cu o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fermecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu spirit fi de ajuns ca s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-l transforme la loc.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei b
ine... tocmai asta-i treaba. Potrivit spuselor lui
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Robert,\i eu\i0 nu pot s-o fac. Trebuie s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fie un utilizator al
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 spiritului cel care-o face.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Din nou, t{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ere. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sasem pe Christi
an
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} grai.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu cunoa{\
f63 \u351\'3f}tem prea mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i utilizatori ai spiritului, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zis el n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar{\f63 \u259\
'3f}mite vreunul capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lupte cu un strigoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mplnte {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a n el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri35 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cunoa{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tem doi utilizatori ai spiritului, am replicat.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-am ncruntat apoi, amintindu-mi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
Oksana,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 din Siberia, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
Avery, nchis{\f63 \u259\'3f}... unde? ntr-un spital?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1212 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un loc asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tor nchisorii Tarasov?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba nu, pat
ru. Cinci, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l punem la socoteal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe Robert. Dar, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e, niciunul dintre
ei n-ar putea s-o
\plain\expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici nu mai
conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} oricum nu se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 poate, a insistat Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tim asta! am strigat, avnd n glas o disperare
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care m-a uimit pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p
e mine ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi. Robert crede c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se poate. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Victor crede. {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}i {\f63 \u8212\'3f} am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o ezitare {\f63 \u8212\'3f} crede {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iar ea vrea
s-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat Christian,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prinznd din zbor ideea. Fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar face
orice pentru
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3230 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu poate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24
u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu are capacitatea,
3 \u351\'3f}i tu?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Din
t. N-o las s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se apropie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1193 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24
{\f63 \u8212\'3f}Din cauz{\f63 \

sau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o la{\f6
amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am striga
sub nicio form{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
e vreun strigoi. Ea deja...

\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-aim oprit suspinnd, c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ci nu-mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea nicio
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}lui cuiva ce descoperisem ct timp
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63
\u355\'3f}ite prin intermediul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Deja a f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cut rost de o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 farmece. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum n-a avut prea mare no
roc, slav{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Domnului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva\i ar fi\i0 posibil, a reluat aproape n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} Christian, lume
a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se schimbe.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nve
{\f63 \u355\'3f}e...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3672 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? Nu!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Fusesem att de ner{\f63 \u259\'3f
}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fac pe Christian s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, iar acum mi doream s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fi reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Singura
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} salvare n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
povestea asta era faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 niciunul dintre prietenii mei nu credea c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} acest fapt era
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 posibil, niciunul dintre ei nu se gndise ctu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri150 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa chiar put
ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ncerce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lupte cu un strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa nu e
ste o r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboinic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Niciun utilizator al lui
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cunoscut de noi nu este, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} descoperim unul,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} prefera...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri983 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit, cu
gndul la ce urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 . {\f63 \u8212\'3f}...a{\f63 \u351\'3f} prefera ca D
imitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} moar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Replica mea l-a determinat n sfr{\f
63 \u351\'3f}it pe Eddie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri861 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 opreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} din lucru
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} arunce lopata ct colo.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri732 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar a{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a? Nu mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi nchipuit niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Un sarcasm care-l concura pe-al meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut stnga-mpre
jur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am pornit cu pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mari
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2433 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spre el, cu pumnii ncle{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uite
ce e, nu mai suport! mi pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} mai putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} spun. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am dat-o-n bar{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. L-am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sc
ape. L-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe Victor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}L-ai\i l{\
f63 \u259\'3f}sat\i0 pe Victor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape? m-a ntrebat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Christian uluit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu l-am luat n seam{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am continuat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} strig la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4366 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 Eddie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A fost o g
re{\f63 \u351\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cu Dimitri... a fost un moment
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}biciune. Am dat gre{\f63 \u351\
'3f} n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tirii mele.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta a fost. O
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tim amndoi. Dar tu mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n-am avut inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
provoc r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul pe care l-am provocat.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cu adev{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rat prieten,\i trebuie\i0 s-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii. Dac\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc timpu
l...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am oprit, nghi{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ind n sec, mirat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ustur{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 ochii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1131 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}...a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f} face-o. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i jur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} face-o,
Eddie.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Chipul lui era impasibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te cred. Sunt p
rietenul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu... {\f63 \u
350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1386 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vrut ca lucrurile s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum au ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflat u
{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fusesem att de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ngrijorat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu privire la posibilitatea
de a-i pierde
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 respectul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prietenia. Coborndu-mi pr
ivirea, am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 uimit{\f63 \u259\'3f} constatnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea
m pumnii strn{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. M-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 relaxat, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} uimit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusesem ntoars{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe dos
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n asemenea hal.
\plain\par
f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc tare mul
t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2342 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-i cu strig
{\f63 \u259\'3f}tele astea?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am ntors amndoi {\f63
\u351\'3f}i l-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe Hans
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 apropiindi-se. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}re
a cu capsa pus{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am mai observat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntre timp, Chris
tian parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} intrase n p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt. Cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 att mai bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e ora de
conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie! s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit Hans la noi.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mai ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o or{\f63
\u259\'3f} de lucru pe ziua de azi. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ine{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de distrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, atunci poate c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} trebuie
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} despart.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2049 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 I-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un s
emn lui Eddie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vino! Am ni{\f63
\u351\'3f}te documente de ndosariat pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3862 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 numele t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am aruncat o privire comp{
\f63 \u259\'3f}timitoare lui Eddie, n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 timp ce Hans l lua de-acolo. Cu toate acestea, m{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 consola faptul nu eu eram cea care trebuia s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} se ocupe
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 de hr{\f63 \u355\'3f}oage.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am continuat s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} trudesc, n timp ce n minte mi se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nvrteau acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
pe care mi le pusesem toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mna. Chiar credeam n
ceea ce-i spusesem lui
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Eddie. mi doream nespus ca visul cu salvarea lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f} reali
tate. mi doream asta mai mult
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dect orice... doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu puteam s{\f63
\u259\'3f} accept ca Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ri{\f63 \u351\'3f}te via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. N-ar fi tr
ebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ezit atunci. Pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ucid pe Dimitri. Vi
ctor n-ar mai fi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat. Lissa nu s-ar mai fi gndit la c
uvintele lui
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Robert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Gndul la Lissa m-a mpins s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund n minte.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era n camera ei; nainte de culcare, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cea bagajele
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tiri de ultim
moment. Mine avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nceap{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vizita la Lehigh. Deloc surp
rinz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, invita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea de a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 merge cu ea fusese revocat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n lumina u
ltimelor
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Aniversarea zilei ei de na{\f
63 \u351\'3f}tere {\f63 \u8212\'3f} eveniment
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pe care-l trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu vederea n mod
odios n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 harababura asta {\f63 \u8212\'3f} era {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i ea n weekendul acesta, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea corect ca eu s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fiu departe de ea ntr-un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 astfel de moment. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rb{\f63 \u259\'3f}torim mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Gndurile ei erau tulburi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o captivau
ntr-att nct o
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} n u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} sar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca ars{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrebndu-se cine putea s-o viz
iteze la o asemenea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 or{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a deschis u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i i s-a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflarea v{\f63 \u259
\'3f}zndu-l pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Christian. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mie mi se p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rea ceva supranatural. O parte
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 din mine nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea impresia c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ne aflam tot n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}minele

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 noastre de la {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f},
unde regulamentele {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 teoretic {\f63 \u8212\'3f} i mpiedicau pe b{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ie{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe fete s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 viziteze n camerele lor. Dar acum nu mai eram acolo.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Teoretic, acum eram adul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Mi-am dat
seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri493 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntlnirea cu mine, se dusese direct
spre camera ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Era uluitor ct de repede se
declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}a tensiunea ntre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ei doi. Obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuitul amestec de sentimen
te a explodat n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pieptul Lissei {\f63 \u8212\'3f} furie, mhnire {\f63
\u351\'3f}i derut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1677 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce cau{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i aici? l-a luat ea la rost.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1076 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i emo{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ii se citeau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe chipul lui.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} vorbesc cu tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri19 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E trziu, a repli
cat ea, crispat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n plus, parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1567 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aduc aminte c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i place s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vreau s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vorbim despre ce s-a-ntmplat cu Victor
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Robert.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Uimit{\f63 \u259\'3f},
vorbele lui fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} suficiente ct s-o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 smulg{\f63 \u259\'3f} din furia ei. S-a uitat nelini
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe coridor, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care l-a invitat n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De unde {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tii? i-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}uierat ea, nchiznd n grab{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2053 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tocmai am vor
bit cu Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri260 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum de-ai vorb
it cu ea?\i Eu\i0 nu pot s-o-ntlnesc!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa era la fel de dezn{\f63 \u
259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}jduit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca mine din cauza
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} superiori
i no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri ne {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineau la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f} una de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Christian a ridicat din umer
i, avnd grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streze o distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} prudent{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre ei, n micul living al
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 apartamentului de la Curte al Lissei. Amndoi {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}ate ntr-o
pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie defensiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu cred
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f
}deau seama n ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i oglindeau
reciproc
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 gesturile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M-am strec
urat n tab{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra ei de deten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Au pus-o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} azvrle b{\f63 \u259\'3f}legar cu lo
pata, ore-n {\f63 \u351\'3f}ir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a strmbat. La cum ne
separaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ea nu prea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia mare lucru despre activit{\f63 \
u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile mele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3386 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Biata Rose!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Se descurc{\f63
\u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii. Ca-ntotdeauna, a asigurat-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian, ai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui
ochi au alunecat spre canapea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 valiza deschis{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n care se vedea o {\f6
3 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de argint,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deasupra unei bluze de m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase. M{\f63
\u259\'3f} cam ndoiam ca
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 bluza aia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} supravie{\f63 \u355\'3f}
uiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} unei astfel de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} un milion de cu
te. Interesante lucruri de luat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f} la viitoarea facultate, a
comentat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2438 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a nchis iute valiza.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri2095 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta nu
te prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pe tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar crezi n pov
estea asta? a ntrebat-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Christian, nelund n seam{\f63 \u259\
'3f} faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese apostrofat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 astfel. A f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un pas nainte {\f63 \u

8212\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdarea-1
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} uite de dorin{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui de a se {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Orict de distras{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost de ntreaga
situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, Lissa a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 devenit imediat con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de apropierea lor, de mirosul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lui, de felul n care i se reflecta lumina n p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rul negru...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri556 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Chiar crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai
putea readuce la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} un strigoi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ea a redevenit atent{\f63 \
u259\'3f} la discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
inat din
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 cap.
\plain\par
351\'3f}tiu. Chiar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Dar simt c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... Simt c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerc. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu pentru altceva, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aflu ce efect ar produce impregnarea unei {\f63 \u355
\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spirit. E ceva destul de inofensiv.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1951 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea lui Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a zmbit trist, dar {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i-a dat seama de ceea ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri622 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i imediat expresia chipului i s-a modificat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Rose n
u vrea nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc la a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ceva... chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
dore{\f63 \u351\'3f}te s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Spune-mi ad
ev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul, i-a cerut el, sfredelind-o cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 privirea. Tu crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai vreo {\f63 \
u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} omori un strigoi cu
\plain\par
'3f}a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, a recun
oscut ea. Abia dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dau un pumn. Dar... a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum am zis, s
imt c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncerc. Trebuie m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
cerc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} omor
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 strigoi cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, ad
ic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Christian a meditat ct
eva clipe la cuvintele ei, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1458 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut din
nou un gest spre valiz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1511 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pleci mine dim
inea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Lehigh?
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar Rose {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i-a pierdut dreptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3688 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 excursie, nu?'
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3673 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Evident.
\plain\par
}i-a oferit regina posibilitatea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iei cu tine un alt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4174 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 prieten?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, a recun
oscut Lissa. Chiar mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 propunere: s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l iau cu mine pe Adrian
. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el face
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe mbufnatul...iar eu nu sunt prea convins{\f63 \u259
\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am chef
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de compania lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1299 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Christian a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
ut ncntat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, ia-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe min
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Bie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mei prieten
i! Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam cte {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocuri mai putea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1313 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndure vreunul d
intre ei pe ziua de azi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce naib
a te-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} lua pe\i tine\i0 ? s-a mirat ea. Auzind
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 propunerea lui, s-a sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it din nou cup
rins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de furie.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} njurase i tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
a agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, a replicat el, cu tot calmul, eu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f} cum s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} omori un strigoi cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
expndtw-14 \b \f20 \fs40 TREISPREZECE

\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\b PO{\f63
\u354\'3f}I, PE NAIBA\b0 , am rostit cu voce tare, n
\par
\plain\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4444 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 vnt.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba nu
, nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a zis {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa, cu o expresie la fel
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de nencrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare ca a mea. {\f63 \u350
\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} lup{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ajutorul focului, dar cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a n-ai ncercat niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri724 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Pe chipul lui Christian nu se p
utea citi nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba da... un pic
. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
Mia are c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 prieteni gardieni pe-aici, care au
nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at-o lupta fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3
f}at {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu cte ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pom
enise de el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mia, lucrnd mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nu o prea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea pe Lissa s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i schimbe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ti aici de-abia de-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
Vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-ai fi antrenat ani de zile c
u cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce maestru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tot e mai b
ine dect nimic, a insistat el. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i altfel,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri658 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de la cine crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? De la Rose?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri84 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Indignarea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nenc
rederea Lissei s-au mai estompat.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, a recunoscut ea. Niciodat{\f63
\u259\'3f}. De fapt, Rose m\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri662 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ar mpiedica dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mar prinde c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac una ca asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cum naiba s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
n-o mpiedic? In realitate, cu toate
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 pericolele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i m

embrii personalului care
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 continuau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} blocheze drumul, tare m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} tenta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 reped imediat ntr-acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, as
ta-i unica ta {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis el. Apoi, tonul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u i devenit prudent. Uite ce e, a con
tinuat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lucrurile nu merg... prea grozav ntre noi doi, dar e u
n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fapt irelevant dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrei s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}i asta. Anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}-o pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-ai hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iei cu tine la Lehigh. N-o
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i plac{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, dar o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dea voie. n timpul nostru
liber, o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t tot ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnd ne n
toarcem, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 duc la Mia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la prietenii ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2979 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a ncruntat.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac-ar {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti Rose...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tocmai de-aia o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} exers{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ct timp e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti plecat{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de la Curte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie mult prea departe de tine, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mai poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} face ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Of, pentru numele lui Dumnez
eu, chiar le-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} da eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cteva lec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
ncepnd cu un pumn n mutra
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lui Christian.
\plain\par
\'3f}i cnd ne ntoarcem? a ntrebat Lissa. Rose o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 afle. E inevitabil, cu leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura dintr
e noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2127 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian a ridicat din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac-o s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} se {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}din{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rit, avem {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a curat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{\f63 \u

351\'3f}i o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle, n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} face nimic...adic{\f63 \u259\'3
f} mai nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar putea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fie de-ajuns, a obiectat Lissa,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 oftnd. Rose avea dreptate aici: nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept c-o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f} n
cteva s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mni ceea ce ei i-a luat ani
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntregi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63
\u259\'3f}mni\i0 ? {\f63 \u258\'3f}sta era termenul ei limit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pent
ru a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4381 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 ceva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ncerci, a ndemnat-o el, pe un ton
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aproape blnd. Aproape.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce e{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ti att de interesat? a vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie Lis
sa,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuitoare. De ce te preocup{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} att de mult readucerea la
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 normal a lui Dimitri? Adic{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pl{\f63
\u259\'3f}cea de el, dar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu ai chiar acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i motive ca Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Era un tip
ca lumea, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Christian. Iar dac\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ar exista vreo cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l transform{\f
63 \u259\'3f}m la loc n dhampir?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mda, ar fi ceva formidabil. Dar e mai mult dect att...
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai mult dect problema lui. Dac-ar exista o cale prin
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i salv{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe to
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i strigoii, asta ar schimba lumea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}to s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le d{\f63 \u259\'3
f}m foc, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cte masacre au comis printre noi, dar ce-ar fi dac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem ca toate masacrele ast
ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceteze? Ar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fi cheia salv{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii noastre. A tuturor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, Lissa a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} glas. Christi
an
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vorbise cu pasiune {\f63 \u351\'3f}i inspira o spera
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} la care ea, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 simplu nu se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptase. Era ceva... e
mo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionant.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2397 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 El a profitat de t{\f63 \u259\
'3f}cerea ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n plus, nici nu v
reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc cum ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai avea parte
de nicio ndrumare. Eu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reduc riscurile ca tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii omort{\f63
\u259\'3f}, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} orict ar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri280 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vrea Rose s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te mpi
edice, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} insi{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ti s-o faci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma
s n continuare t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind. I-am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ascultat gndurile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu-mi pl{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cea deloc direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se ndreptau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Plecarea e
la ora {\f63 \u351\'3f}ase, a zis n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ne
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntlnim jos, la cinci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i jum{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana nu avea s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fie entuziasmat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de noua ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alegere n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a invitatului, ns{\f63
\u259\'3f} Lissa era destul de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} aranjeze repede totul a doua zi
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri2642 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Christian a ncuviin{\f63
\u355\'3f}at.
\plain\par
9\'3f} fiu acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Revenind n camera mea, m-am sim{\f
63 \u355\'3f}it de-a dreptul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ngrozit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lissa avea
de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}e s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 omoare un strigoi cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i pe la spatele meu\i0 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 va lua pe Christian s-o ajute. Ei doi {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i tot ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}taser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii unul altuia de cnd cu ruptura di

ntre ei. Ar fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt fla
tat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncercarea de a m{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}li
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe mine i readucea mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nu era c
azul. Eram
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 de-a dreptul {\f63 \u351\'3f}uc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am trecut n revist{\f63 \u259
\'3f} op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile pe care le aveam.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirile n care locuiam eu {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i Lissa nu aveau la intrare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acel gen de paz{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cear{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie respectat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ora
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 stingerii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} personalul de-aici fuses
e instruit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de {\f63 \u351\'3f}tire la biroul gardienilor n cazul n
care deveneam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prea comunicativ{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Hans, la rndul lui, m
i ceruse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strez distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a fa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Lissa, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la noi ordine. Pentru
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am pus toate acestea n balan{
\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, gndindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi meritat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ris
c ca Hans s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u351\
'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 camera Lissei, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care, pn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am gndit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am plan alternativ. Era trziu, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu p
rea trziu, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din camera mea {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i m-am ndreptat spre cea de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi. n timp ce b{\f63 \u259\'3f}te
am la u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, speram din tot sufletul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ca vecina mea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie treaz{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era o fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dh
ampir de vrsta mea, care absolvise
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 recent o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Eu nu aveam telefon mobil, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ea o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem vorbind la un asemenea ap
arat, chiar n
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acea zi, mai devreme. Mi-a d
eschis dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva clipe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din fericire, nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fi cobort din pat.
\plain\par
259\'3f}, m-a salutat ea, surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ceea ce era de
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri186 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hun{\f63 \u259

\'3f}. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trimit un mesaj de pe telefonul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 N-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-i ncarc factura telefonului cu o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i, n plus, era posibil ca Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nchid{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Vecina mea a ridicat din umeri,
s-a dus n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ntors cu t
elefonul. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam pe dinafar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri417 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul Lissei, a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-am trimis urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul mesaj:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu ce ai
de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i este o idee PROAST{\f63 \u258\'
3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 Cum dau de voi, v{\f63 \u259\'3f} iau la {\f63 \u
351\'3f}uturi de nu v{\f63 \u259\'3f} vede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i\i0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1557 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 I-am restituit telefonul propr
ietarei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mersi. Dac{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunde cineva, ai putea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4235 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} da. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
ptam la vreo
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 replic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am primit r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
punsul pe alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cale. ntorcndu\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n camera mea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n mint
ea Lissei, am fost acolo n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 clipa n care i-a {\f63 \u355\'3f}rit telefonul. Christi
an plecase, iar ea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a citit mesajul de la mine, zmbind trist. R{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}spunsul mi\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a parvenit prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura dintre noi.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o veghez.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 mi pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
u. Rose. E un risc pe care trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-l
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 asum. O s-o fac, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gata.
\plain\par
\sl-276\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-am to
t foit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am sucit n noaptea aia, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} din pricina a ceea ce ncercau
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Christian. Nici nu mai credeam c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
adorm vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dar n clipa n care mi-a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut Adrian n v
is, mi-a
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 devenit limpede c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} epuizarearea trupului biruise agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3562 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 creierului meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2180 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Las Vegas? lam ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri18 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Visele cu Adrian se petreceau me
reu n alte locuri, la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alegerea lui. n noaptea asta, st{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}team pe F{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie, foarte
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aproape de locul n care eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddie ne
d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntlnire cu Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu el, la MGM Grand.
Luminile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i reclam
ele cu neoane ale hotelurilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 restaurantelor str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luceau n ntuneric, ns{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ntregul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 decor era cuprins de o sinistr{\f63 \u259\'3f} t{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cere prin compara{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 realitatea. Adrian nu adusese aici ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}
inile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i oamenii
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din veritabilul Las Vegas. Era ca un ora{\f63 \u351\
'3f} fantom{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a zmbit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
s-a rezemat de un stlp acoperit cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri194 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 afi{\f63 \u351\'3f}e publicitare
pentru concerte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i servicii de nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire.
\plain\par
9\'3f}i, n-am prea avut ocazia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne bucur{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de el
,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ct am fost acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Corect, iam r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Eram la c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de el
, cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}ate pe p
iept. Purtam jean{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un tricou,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu\i nazar\i0 -ul meu. Dup{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} toate aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian se hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rse s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbrace excentric de data
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 asta, fapt pentru care i eram recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f
}toare. Poate c-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi ajuns ca una dintre dansatoarele acelea ale moroil
or,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 numai pene {\f63 \u351\'3f}i paiete. Am crezut c{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} evi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, i-am zis.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu eram ntru totul sigur{\f63 \u259
\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam n ce punct se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 afl{\f63 \u259\'3f} rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noastr{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} atitudinea lui frivol{\f63 \u259\'3f} de

la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Witching Hour.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e
alegerea mea, micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir, a pufnit el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii fac tot ce le st{\f63 \u
259\'3f} n puteri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} la izol
are.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, ntr-un fel.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Christian a
reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se strecoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} discute cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mine mai devreme, l-am informat, spernd s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} pot evita
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 subiectul pe care sigur l avea n minte Adrian: acela c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pusesem n primejdie vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile altora ca s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi salvez
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fostul iubit. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerce s-o nve{\f63 \
u355\'3f}e pe Lissa cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 omoare un strigoi cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}teptam ca Adrian s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 indignarea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} el ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru
t la fel de nep{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sarcastic ca de obicei.
\plain\par
u259\'3f} surprinde c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerce. Ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} surprinde este c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
e interesat cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ofere serviciile n sprijinul unei teorii {\f63 \u355\
'3f}icnite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, e
ndeajuns de {\f63 \u355\'3f}icnit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se par{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 atractiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}... n plus, am impresia c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} acest fapt i ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste atitudinea lor reciproc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} din ultima vreme...
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii ct se detest{\f63 \u259\'3f} unul
pe cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nc
linat capul ntr-o parte, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cteva
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63 \u355\'3f}e de p{\f63 \u259
\'3f}r i-au c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut n ochi. O cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire cu palmieri
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 din neoane albastre i trimitea un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
r straniu pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} privea cu un aer de cunosc

{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri438 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Haide, Rose, {
\f63 \u351\'3f}tim amndoi care e motivul lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i nchipuie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate activit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile lui
extra{\f63 \u351\'3f}colarecu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1147 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Jill {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Mia l c
alific{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} predea a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentr
u c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ofer{\f63 \u259\'3f} un pretext s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie n pre
ajma ei...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a cedat primul. A{\f63
\u351\'3f}a, poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streze
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de virilitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am tras un pic ntr-o parte,
astfel nct luminile
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 unui uria{\f63 \u351\'3f} panou de reclam{\f63 \u259
\'3f} pentru jocuri la aparate s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nu-mi mai bat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ochi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1501 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar e ridicol
ce spui! am replicat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri589 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mai ales am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunt
ul cu virilitatea lui Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}B{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mai fac chestii ridicole cnd sunt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gosti{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i, a zis Adrian, vrndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mna n buzunar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sco{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f} un pach
et de {\f63 \u355\'3f}ig{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Ai idee ct mi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 arde buza dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o {\f63 \u355\'3f}igar
{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, suf{\f63 \u259\'3f}r,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Rose. Numai pentru tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hai, nu fa
ce pe romanticul cu mine, l-am prevenit
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ascund zmbetul. N-avem tim
p de-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceva mai ales cnd prietenei mele i vine cheful s{\f63
\u259\'3f} plece
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 la vnatoare de mon{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, dar pe
el cum are s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de fapt?
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Asta ar cam fi o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu mai era nevoie ca Adrian
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} precizeze despre
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 care {\f63 \u8222\'3f}el" vorbea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2049 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E-adev{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rat, am recunoscut.
\plain\par
}i, oricum, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} farmec
e {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a aia,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine vreun rezultat, nici toate figurile
de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 kung-fu din lume n-o ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Gardienii n
u fac kung-fu. Dar tu de unde {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii de
\plain\par
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-a
cerut ajutorul de vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori, mi-a explicat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4660 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3126 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hm. Nu {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, ai fost cam
ocupat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai fi irosit m{\
f63 \u259\'3f}car
\par
\plain\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri294 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 un gnd pentru s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rmanul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u iubit, ofilit de dorul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cu loate corvezile mele, nu
-mi petrecusem prea mult
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 timp nici n mintea Lissei: doar att ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} mai aflu ce e
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cu ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, a{\f63
\u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te iau cu mine la ndosariat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 hr{\f63 \u355\'3f}oage, la orice or{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} temusem att
de mult c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 furios pe mine dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} episodul Vegas; {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 superficial {\f63 \u351\'3f}i juc{\f63 \u259\'3f}u{\
f63 \u351\'3f}. Un pic cam\i prea\i0 superficial. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se concentreze {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i el asupra problemei la ordinea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4443 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 zilei,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care e p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rerea ta despre farmecele Lissei? Oare se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3240 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 apropie de reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian se tot juca, distrat
, cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}ig{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am sim{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ispitit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i zic c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fumeze una. n definitiv, era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3747 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 visul lui, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu mi-e cl
ar. Eu n-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut farmece de acest gen.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 E bizar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i celela
lte elemente implicate ... asta
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ngreuneaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} manipularea spiritului.
\plain\par
f}i tu o aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i oricum? l-am ntrebat, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuitoare.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 A cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap, amuzat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3344 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu ce crezi?
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 Am {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}it.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}i... nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n majoritatea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 problemelor legate de spirit, dar
s-o aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de data asta
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ar nsemna...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2503 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}...s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-l ajut pe Dimitri?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt n stare s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezvolt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4036 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 subiectul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, a r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}spuns Adrian, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-o ajut, p
ur
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2858 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflat u{

\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Z{\f63 \u259\'3f
}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, i-am zis. Pentru tot... pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-am min{\f63 \
u355\'3f}it cu privire la locul n care am plecat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce aveam de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac. Am gre{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}it. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg... n fine, nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
prind de ce e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti att de dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cu mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar trebui s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u? m-a ntrebat, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-mi cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2249 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ochiul. Te-ar atrage mai mult?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! Sigur c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu. Dar, asta am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic, ai fost
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 foarte furios cnd ai ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n Vegas {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i ai aflat ce se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 petrece. M-am gndit doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... Nu {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tiu. M-am gndit c\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ur{\f63 \u259
\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Amuzamentul i-a disp{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rut de pe chip. S-a apropiat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-a cuprins de mijloc. In v
erdele-nchis al
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ochilor lui citeam o seriozitate absolut{\f63 \u259\
'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, nimic
de pe lumea asta nu m-ar putea face
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ur{\f63 \u259\'3f}sc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}car faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi readuc din mo
r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3832 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fostul iubit?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian nu mi-a dat dru
mul, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un vis
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri650 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tot i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam miros
ul pielii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al apei de colonie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, o s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fiu sincer. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Belikov ar fi pe-aici n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 clipa asta, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a viu, ca nainte... Ar p
utea fi o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nici nu vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gnde
sc ce s-ar ntmpla cu noi

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}... n fine, nu merit{\f63 \u259\'3
f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne pierdem timpul cu asta.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 El nu e aici, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gata.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu tot... e
u tot vreau ca lucrurile s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} bine
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntre noi, i-am spus, cu sfial{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Oricum,
a{\f63 \u351\'3f} ncerca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} el s-ar ntoarce pur {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i simplu, mi vine greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} las
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 balt{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe cineva la care {\f63 \u355\'
3f}in.
\plain\par
0\'3f}tiu. Ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut tot ce-ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut numai din drag
oste.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sup{\f63 \
u259\'3f}r pe tine pentru a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. A fost o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 prostie, dar nu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e dragostea? Ai c
umva idee de ce-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri155 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fi n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac p
entru tine? Ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3638 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l pri
vesc n ochi. Dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam nedemn{\f63
\u259\'3f} de el. Era un tip att de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 subestimat! Singurul lucru pe care puteam s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-l fac era
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ez capul pe pi
eptul lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} las cuprins{\f63
\u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3291 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi pare r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i par{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pentru c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ai min{\f63 \u355\'3f}it, mi-a zis,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutndu-m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe frunte. Dar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i par{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-1 iube{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. E
o parte din tine, o parte la care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ad
ev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, dar tot r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne ceva care te\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ceea ce e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti a
cum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1537 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 O parte la care trebui
e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i...
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 Adrian avea dreptate,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i era al naibii de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} recunosc a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Avusesem {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Riscasem, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l salvez pe Dimitri,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pierdusem. Lissa
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nimic cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, ceea ce nsemna
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, trebuia
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu la Dimitri la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fel ca to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i: e
ra mort. Iar eu trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2077 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fir-ar s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie! am bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce e? s-a interesat Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} suport cnd e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti tu cel ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional. Asta era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3731 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 meseria mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, a zi
s el, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} serios, mi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 trec prin minte o mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de cuvinte c
u care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 descriu,\i fierbinte\i0 fiind n fruntea listei. {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}tii care nu
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 apare pe list{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}io
nal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2959 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am izbucnit n rs.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri258 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, n fine, atu
nci s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zicem c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-s un pic nebun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 A r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas un pic pe gnduri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1985 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun, a{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a ceva pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} accept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ridicat chipul spre el {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot mai era
ceva tulbure, nu a existat nicio urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de nesiguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n felul n
care ne-am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat. Iar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din vis mi-a oferit exact acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sen
za{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ca n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 real{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Fierbin{\f63 \u355\'3f}eala
ne-a nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un fior mi-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b
{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut tot

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 corpul. Mi-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat minile libere {\f63
\u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat bra{\f63
\u355\'3f}ele
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n jurul meu, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mai aproape de el. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
momentul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncep s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred ceea
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 tot f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam. Vi
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}a merge mai departe. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri nu mai e, putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ceva ntr
e mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian... cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cnd serviciul meu avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rteze de el. Asta, sigur, presupu
nnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi avea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vreunul. Ce naiba, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Hans m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} oprea aici la munca de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 birou, iar Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i continua via{\f63
\u355\'3f}a de trnd{\f63 \u259\'3f}vie, puteam
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnem mpreun{\f63 \u
259\'3f} pentru totdeauna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruta
t ndelung, strngndu-ne tot mai mult
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unul n cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la u
rm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, eu am dat semnalul de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 desprindere. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci sex n vis, asta n
seamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat? N
u-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama, dar n mod
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sigur nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu. Nu eram preg{\
f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ceva, deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri75 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un pas na
poi, iar Adrian a priceput aluzia.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Caut{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cnd vei fi liber{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fie curnd, i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Gardienii nu pot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2403 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} pedepseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la infinit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ru
t sceptic, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat visul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 risipeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u
259\'3f} alte comentarii. n ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, m-am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntors n propriul pat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la propriile vi
se.
\plain\par
\sl-276\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Singuru
l lucru care m-a mpiedicat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le ies n cale
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui Christian, cnd s-au ntlnit
a doua zi,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 devreme, n holul cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii n care locuia
ea, a fost faptul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Hans m-a chemat la munc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai devreme. M-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trecut la corvezile de birou {\f63 \u8212\'3f} n pivn
i{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ironia sor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u8212\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 , l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ndosariez {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fierb la foc mic n timp
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ce-i urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream pe cei doi, cu ajutorul
leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii cu Lissa.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am privit asta ca pe o dovad{
\f63 \u259\'3f} a aptitudinilor mele
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 polivalente, fiind capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} rnduiesc documentele n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri282 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ordine alfabetic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac pe spioana, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp
.
\plain\par
\u351\'3f}i, supravegherea mea a ncetat n clipa n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3178 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care o voce a rostit:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1235 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc iar a
ici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M-am smuls din mintea Lissei {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i mi-am ridicat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri18 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 privirea din hr{\f63 \u355\'3f}oage
. n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea era Mihail. n lumina
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 complica{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor rezultate din incidentu
l cu Victor,
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} uitasem de implicarea lui M
ihail n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}evadarea" noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat jos dosarele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 zmbit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, e ciu
dat cum le aranjeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} soarta, hm? Acum,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ei chiar vor ca eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri765 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ntr-adev{\f63 \
u259\'3f}r. Ai destule necazuri, am auzit.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul mi s-a transformat ntr-o grimas{\f63 \u259\'3f
}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3264 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mie-mi spui!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri525 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-am uitat n jur, de{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suntem singuri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1070 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar tu n-ai a
vut nicio problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a-i?
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 A cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2007 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimeni nu {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tie ce-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut.
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri19 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \
u259\'3f}car o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pase nev{\f63 \u259\'3f
}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din tot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dezastrul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta. Sent
imentul meu de vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie n-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 suportat gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el
fusese prins.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mihail s-a aplecat {\f63 \u8
212\'3f} astfel nct ochii s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fie la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nivel cu ai mei {\f63 \u8212\'
3f}, sprijinindu-se cu bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 masn la care st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team eu.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri2134 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai reu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}it ceva? A meritat?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri472 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o ntrebare la
care-mi vine greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A ridicat dintr-o sprncean{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nedumerit
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Au fost cteva... n
tmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri nu prea reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ite. Dar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tot am aflat ceea ce voiam s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim... sau, n fine, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 credem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2391 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Mihail a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} suflu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri398 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} readuci un strigoi la starea anterioar{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cam a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a ceva. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} informatorul nostru ne-a spus
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul, atunci, d
a. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a... n fin
e,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nu e deloc simplu de realizat. E, de fapt, aproape
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 imposibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2752 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Despre ce e v

orba?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am ezitat. Mihail ne ajutase, da
r nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea parrte din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri18 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cercul persoanelor c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rora s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le fac confiden{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i tot
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-acum, i-am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
it nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a aceea obsesiv{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ochi, pe care o observasem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i data tre
cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pierderii persoanei iubite l tortura nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 probabilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile, avea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l tortureze ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic. Oare nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cumva i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam mai mult r{\f63 \u259\'3
f}u dect bine, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spuneam ce aflasem? Oare nu cumva speran{\f63 \u355\'
3f}a aceasta
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 efemer{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu va face altceva dect s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i sporeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4020 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a?
\plain\par
63 \u259\'3f}, m-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun. Chiar dac{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} le\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar fi dest{\f63 \u259\'3f}inuit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alt
ora {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ceea ce nu credeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 face {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, majoritatea oricum l-ar fi lu
at n rs. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}adar,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam nimic r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. A
dev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rata problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n cazul n care i-ar fi povestit cuiva despre Victor {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Robert... dar nu era nevoie s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i pomenesc lui de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 implicarea celor doi. Spre deosebir
e de Christian, lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mihail se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i trecuse prin mi
nte c{\f63 \u259\'3f} evadarea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din nchisoare, att de dezb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} la {\f63 \u351\'3f}tirile moroilor, ar fi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fost pus{\f63 \u259\'3f} la cale de adolescen{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ii pe care-i ajutase el s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se strecoare afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Probabil c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} Mihail nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i irosea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 niciun gnd pentru lucrurile care n-aveau leg{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 salvarea Sonyei lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E nevoie de
un utilizator al spiritului, i-am

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 explicat. narmat cu o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} impregnat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu spirit, iar
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 el... sau ea... trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mplnte {\f63
\u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a n inima
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 strigoiului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2364 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Utilizator al
spiritului...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Elementul acesta nc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} le era str{\f63 \u259\'3f}in celor mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1394 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dintre moroi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i d
hampiri... ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}La fel ca S
onya. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se presupunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} spir
itul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 i face mai ispititori... dar jur, ea n-a avut niciodat
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de el. Era frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Chipul lui Mihail a luat ace
ea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are ca de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fiecare dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd era pomenit{\f63 \u259
\'3f} domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara Karp.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de cnd l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f
}team, nu-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem bucuros
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a t
recut prin gnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost destul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} ar fi zmbit din tot sufletul. Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut jenat de sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pa
rea lui roman{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ntors la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 treburile practice.
\plain\par
\'3f}i care utilizator al spiritului ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} omoare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3090 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 un strigoi cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}ep
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Niciu
nul, am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, pe un ton categoric. Lissa
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dragomir {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian
Ivashkov sunt singurii utilizatori ai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spiritului pe care-i cunosc... n fine, cu excep{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ia lui
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Avery Lazar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pe Oksana {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
pe Robert m{\f63 \u259\'3f} hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aduc n discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Niciunul d
intre ei nu are calit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile necesare pentru
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 asta: o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii la fel de bine ca {\f63
\u351\'3f}i mine. Iar Adrian, oricum,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nu are niciun interes s-o fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mihail era un tip inteligen
t, capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} deduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ce nu spusesem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2567 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n schimb, Liss
a are?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, am recunoscu
t. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-ar trebui ani de zile ca
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nve{\f63 \u355\'3f
}e ce trebuie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i e ultima din familia ei. Nu e
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ri{\f63
\u351\'3f}te via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul cuvi
ntelor mele l-a cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Nu puteam
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dezam{\f63
\u259\'3f}girea. La fel
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ca mine pusese mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} credin{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n acest ultim efort de a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi din din nou cu iubirea lui pierdut{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Cu pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in timp
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nainte, afirmasem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era posibil... {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, imposibil.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost mult mai u{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}or pentru amndoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aflat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul nu fusese dect o n{\f63
\u351\'3f}el{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2848 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A oftat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a
ridicat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine... {\f63
\u355\'3f}i sunt recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-ai dus s{\f63
\u259\'3f} afli.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1533 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mi pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63
\u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pedepsit{\f63 \u259\'3f} degeaba.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri103 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-i nimi
c, am zis, ridicnd din umeri. A meritat.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... S-a oprit, iar pe chipul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u a ap{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rut o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 und{\f63 \u259\'3f} de {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259
\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sper c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se termine ct de curnd
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu te afecteze c

u nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} afecteze? l-am ntrebat pe un ton t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ios
,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sesiznd nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a din vocea lui.
\plain\par
59\'3f}i... n fine, gardienii care nu se supun ordinelor
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 au de nfruntat uneori pedepse pe perioade ndelungate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3351 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A! Asta era.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Se referea la ceea ce deja m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ideea de a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne n{\f63 \u355\'3f
}epenit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o munc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de birou. Am ncercat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prefac superfici
al{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t ct
de mult m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnta posibilitatea aceasta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt convin
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e un bluf din partea lui Hans.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, doar n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f
63 \u259\'3f} pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocup de as
ta tot
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 restul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, numai pentru c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} am fugit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-am oprit, cu gura larg c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n clipa n care am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit n ochii lui Mihail un lic{\f63 \
u259\'3f}r semnificativ. Auzisem
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 mai demult cum ncercase el s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dea de
urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oarei Karp, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 conexiunea, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum. Nimeni nu fusese
dispus s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n expedi{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia lui. Fusese nevoit plece de capul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lui, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lcnd regulamentul, {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe furi{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase la c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utare. Probabil c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 avusese tot attea necazuri ca mine, cnd fusesem
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-n misiune".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3008 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n sec.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De-asta... din c
auza asta tu... din cauza asta
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2850 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 lucrezi acum n arhiv{\f63 \u259\'
3f}?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mihail nu mi-a r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spuns la ntrebare. n schimb, a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 privit n jos, a schi{\f63 \u355\'3f}at un zmbet {\f63
\u351\'3f}i a ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat spre teancul
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de hrtii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i F\i0 v
ine naintea lui\i L\i0 , a zis, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s-a ntors {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 s-a ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fir-ar s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} fie, am morm{\f63 \u259\'3f}it, coborndu-mi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privirea. Avea dreptate. Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} descurcam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prea bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sortez documentele n ordin
e alfabetic{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 atta timp ct o urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream pe Lissa. Totu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}i, constat
area nu m-a mpiedicat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntorc n mintea ei. Voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tiu ce face... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai gndesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, probabil, ceea ce f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cusem eu va fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 considerat mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, n ochii gardienilo
r dect faptele lui
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mihail. Sau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o pedeaps{\f63 \u259\'
3f} asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, poate chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mai rea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mi se preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tea chiar acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Chri
stian erau ntr-un hotel, situat aproape
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 de campusul universit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ii Lehigh. Miezul zilei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vampirice nsemna seara trziu pentru o universitate a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 oamenilor. Pentru Lissa, turul de orizont avea s{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nceap{\f63 \u259\'3f} abia n diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a z
ilei urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, ceea ce
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci era
nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i petreac{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 timpul n hotel, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se adapteze la
orarul
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 uman.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Noii" gard
ieni ai Lissei, Serena {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Grant, o nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i trei, s
uplimentari, trimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}i la rndul lor
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tatiana fusese de acord s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Christian, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63

\u259\'3f} opun{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici pe departe opozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se temuse Lissa, ceea ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} determina
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} regina era ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r o fiin{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ngrozitoare pe ct o crezusem mereu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Priscilla Voda, o sf{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tuitoare apropiat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a reginei, de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care ne pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea att Lissei, ct {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i mie, o nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea la rndul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ei n plimbarea prin {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Doi dintre gardienii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 suplimentari st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau cu Priscilla; cel
de-al treilea l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 luase n grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Christian. Au luat mas
a de sear{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 grup, apoi s-au retras n camerele lor. Serena chiar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea n camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Liss
a, n timp ce Grant asigura paza
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. O astfel de imagine mi-a provocat un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 junghi dureros. Gardieni n pereche: iat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} pentru ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fusesem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ceea ce a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem, de cnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam, s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fac {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu pentru Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Serena era perfecta ntruchipa
re a gardianului
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 rezervat, aflndu-se acolo, dar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i marcheze
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, n timp ce Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i ag{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}a cteva haine pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 umera{\f63 \u351\'3f}e. O b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie n u{\f
63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o pe Serena s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} intre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fulger{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor n ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune. Av
ea deja {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\
'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp ce se ndrepta cu pa{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i mari spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, unde
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 s-a oprit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
prin vizor. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} puteam
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mpiedica s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i admir viteza de reac{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 parte din mine n-ar fi fost niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dispus{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi putut cineva s-o apere pe Li
ssa la fel de bine ca
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai mai n s
pate, i-a cerut Serena Lissei. n clipa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imediat urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, ncordarea i s-a mai
atenuat, dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 numai un pic. A deschis u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. n prag era
Grant, cu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Christian al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A ve
nit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te viziteze, a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at Grant, de parc{\f63
\u259\'3f} n\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ar fi fost evident.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2977 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2787 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hm, da. Hai,
intr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Christian a trecut pragul, n timp
ce Grant se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 retr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gea la postul l
ui. Christian a privit-o pe Lissa cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 subn{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles, apoi a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
un u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or gest din cap spre
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Serena.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Auzi, hm, t
e superi dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te rog s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne la{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pu{
\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4176 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 singuri?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 De ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce cu
vintele i-au ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it de pe buze, obrajii
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Lissei se f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cur{\f63 \u259\'3f} trand
afirii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adic{\f63 \
u259\'3f}... doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am avea nevoie s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 discut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ceva, atta tot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Serena {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a p
{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat o expresie aproape neutr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 era clar ce gndea: c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei doi nu aveau d
e gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 discute, ci cu totul altceva. Cuplurile normale de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 adolescen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nu constituiau de obicei
un subiect de brf{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 nfierbntat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n lumea moroilor, ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} Lissa, cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 notorietatea ei, atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gea ceva mai mult
{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie din

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 punctul de vedere al problemelor ei amoroase. Serena
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 probabil aflase c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i Christian fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care se desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f
63 \u355\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-avea de unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tie dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu cumva se mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}caser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr
e timp. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri175 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 invitase cu cu ea n aceast{\f63 \u
259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie sugera c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a era.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Serena {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
rotit privirea, precaut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Echilibrul dintre
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 protec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i intimitat
e era ntotdeauna greu de men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntre moroi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gardienii lor, iar astfe
l de camere de hotel
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ngreunau sarcina. Dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s-ar fi respectat orarul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vampiric, n care toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea dormea ct t
imp era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f} afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63
\u259\'3f} ndoiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Serena ar fi ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 culoar, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea cu Grant. ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} acum era ntuneric afar{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar o fereastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} af
lat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la etajul al cincilea putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 reprezinte un risc n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a apari{\f
63 \u355\'3f}iei strigoilor. Serena
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nu se prea ndura s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
lase singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} noua protejat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Apartamentul pe care-l ocup
a Lissa n hotelul acesta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea un living vast, unit cu spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul p
entru lucru, iar n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dormitorul al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat se intra pe o per
eche de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i glisante,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu geamuri de sticl{\f63 \u259\'3f} jivrat{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Serena a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un semn
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntr-acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E bine dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc dincolo? a ntrebat. Era o
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care inteligent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Le
oferea intimitate, dar ea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea n imediata lor apropiere. Abia a
poi, Serena {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a dat seama de posibilul subn{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i a fost rndul ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Adic{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat ea, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva vre{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 merge{\f63 \u355\'3f}i voi doi acolo, {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! a excl
amat Lissa, tot mai stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E perfect
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. R{\f63 \u351\'3f}mnem noi aici. A
vem doar de\i discutat\i0 .
\plain\par
is cui i era adresat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cea din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Serenei, sau lui Christian
? Serena a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 semn de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n dormitor, lundu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cu ea o carte, ceea ce mi-a amintit n chip straniu de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. A nchis u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a dup{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ea. Lissa nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia sigur dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dincolo se-auzeau sunetele de-aici, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a pornit
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 televizorul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1274 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doamne,
ce ngrozitor! s-a plns ea.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Chiristian p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie n largul lui. S-a rezemat de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 perete. Nu era deloc un tip care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
formalizeze, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 se mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}case n haine de gal{\f63 \u259\'3
f} pentru cina de mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 devreme, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i le purta {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i acum. i st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau bine, indiferent
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 de ct se tot v{\f63 \u259\'3f}ic{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea m
ereu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2709 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce? a ntreb
at-o.
\plain\par
259\'3f} ea crede c{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi doi... crede c{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi... n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3885 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii tu.
\plain\par
3f}i? Care-i problema?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2085 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat
ochii peste cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur, tu e{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat. Pentru voi niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4062 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, doar
n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spui c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i n-am\i0 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuto. n plus, e
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mai bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c-a
m f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o, dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Amintirea vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lor sexuale de-alt{\
f63 \u259\'3f}dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a strnit Lissei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 un v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3
f}ag de sentimente {\f63 \u8212\'3f} jen{\f63 \u259\'3f}, furie {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe care ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} refuzat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}l lase la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Perfect. At
unci, hai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecem peste asta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ne
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vedem de treab{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}t
eapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} o zi important{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 somnul o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a insuficient. De unde ncepem?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2791 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Vrei sa-mi aduc {\f63 \u355\'3f}
epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu e nevoie. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} exers{\f63 \u259\'3f}m doar cteva
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri defensive de
baz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ndreptat
spinarea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a deplasat spre centrul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perii, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gnd deopart
e o m{\f63 \u259\'3f}su{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n
drum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Jur, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nar fi fost contextul, spectacolul oferit de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cei doi chinuindu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tire pentru lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi s\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ar fi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut extrem de comic.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, a zis
el. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}adar, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii deja cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dai u
n pumn.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3062 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? Ba nu {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tiu!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2642 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Christian s-a ncruntat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri19 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}L-ai pus la p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}mnt pe Reed Lazar. Rose a povestit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 asta de... nu mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}
tiu... de o sut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ori. N-am mai auzit\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbind cu-atta mndrie desp
re altceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am dat\i u
n singur\i0 pumn\i unei singure\i0 persoane,\i o
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n v
ia{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a precizat ea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Rose m{\f63
\u259\'3f} ndruma
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} procedez. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
u dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} mai fi n stare de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 ceva vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Christian a cl{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tinat din cap, dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}git: nu de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aptitudinile ei, ci din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63
\u259\'3f} avea o fire ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ar fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sar{\f
63 \u259\'3f} direct la mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile de lupt{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat importante. Totu{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, s-a dovedit un
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 profesor surprinz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor de r{\f63 \u259
\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor n timp ce parcurgea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fundamentele minunatei arte a administr{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rii pumnilor.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Foarte multe dintre figurile pe care le {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tia erau, de fapt,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ate de la mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Fusese un elev acceptabil. A
junsese oare la nivelul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unui gardian? Nici vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nici pe depa
rte. Ct despre
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa? Era inteligent{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupta fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era pentru ea indiferent ct de aprig {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fie
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de folos n aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} privin{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Doborrea lui Reed Lazar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fusese o ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune splendid{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta ca pe lucru firesc. Din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fericire, Christian a nceput cu cteva eschive simple {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cu modul n care trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}re{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}carea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 adversarului. Lissa era ncep{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare n dom
eniu, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 promitea foarte mult. Christi
an p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 progresele ei evidente pe seama tal
entului s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 instructor, dar eu am fost ntotdeauna de p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rere c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 utilizatorii spiritului aveau un soi de instinct
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 supranatural care-i ajuta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intuiasc{

\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gesturi ale celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. M{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ndoiam ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} acest lucru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 func{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n cazul st
rigoilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce au m
ai exersat pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, Christian s-a ntors n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it la ofensiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar
aici lucrurile au nceput s-o ia
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie nedorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Firea blnd{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
Lissei, nclinat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre vindecare, nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 spre v{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mare, nu se mp
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ca deloc cu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, motiv
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru care refuza s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea lovituri ver
itabile, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, de fric{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu-l r{\f63 \u259\'3f}neasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
dat seama de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 asta, Christian s-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat prad{\f63 \
u259\'3f} firii sale irascibile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2074 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hai odat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}! Nu fi rezervat{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu sunt rez
ervat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a protestat ea, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-i un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri203 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pumn n piept, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l clinteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri575 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Enervat, Christian {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i-a trecut degetele prin p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba e{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ti rezervat{\f63 \u259\'3f}! Te-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd
n u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2223 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tare dect ai dat acum n mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2119 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta-i o met
afor{\f63 \u259\'3f} ridicol{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
f}i, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat el, nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car n-ai {\f63 \u355\'3f
}intit spre fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2203 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu vreau s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i las semne!
\plain\par
f}i, la ct te dovede{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti tu de agresiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu e niciun
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pericol, a bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit
el. n plus, po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vindeci imediat

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 orice semn pe care mi-1 la{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} amuz
a ciorov{\f63 \u259\'3f}iala lor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 indiferen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui cnd o
ncuraja s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i utilizeze spiritul.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu descotorosisem de vinov{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cu privire la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 daunele pe termen lung pe care i le-ar fi putut provo
ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissei intensa utilizare a spiritului n aventura noast
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 din nchisoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ntinzndu-se spre ea, Christian
a apucat-o de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ncheietur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a smucito spre el. Cu cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strns degetele n pumn, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care i-a dem
onstrat, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncetinitorul cum trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea un uper
cut, repezindu\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pumnul n sus spre fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
a lui. Era mai interesat de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 explicarea tehnicii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a mi{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pumnul a trecut
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 doar razant cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vezi? Traie
ctorie ascendent{\f63 \u259\'3f} arcuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Impactul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se produc{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
xact aici. Nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i face griji c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2071 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e chiar att
de simplu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} protestul ei sa stins de la sine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amndoi au p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} observe situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n care se aflau.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntre ei nu mai era dect o distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f} infim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar el nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea cu degetele ncheietura. Lissa si
m{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura lor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 valurile de electricitate pe care i le trimiteau prin
tot
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 corpul. Aerul dintre ei p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea dens {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcat, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar fi fost gata s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i cuprind{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mping{\f63 \u259\'3f} unul spre
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum a f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ochii mari {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a inspirat brusc,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pariez c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\

f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian avea o reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie similar{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fiind att de aproape de trupul ei.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Revenindu-{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i n fire, i-a eliberat brusc mna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tras un pas napoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, a
rostit aspru, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i era evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tulburat de apropierea ei, observ c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionezi s-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la modul serios pe Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Pn-aici i-a fost! Cu toat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} tensiunea sexual{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ei, comentariul acesta i-a aprins mnia Lissei. {\f63 \
u350\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 strns pumnul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, prinzndu-l complet desc
operit pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Christian, l-a lovit drept n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. Nu avusese gra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 loviturii cu care l doborse pe Reed, dar l altoise
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 destul de bine. Din nefericire, ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}ia pierdut echilibrul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n cursul manevrei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a mpiedicat, pr{\
f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}indu-se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 peste el. Au c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut amndoi, lovindu-se d
e podea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmnd o m{\f63 \u259\'3f}su{\f63 \u355
\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o lamp{\f63 \u259\'3f} din apropiere. La
mpa s-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lovit de col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul mesei {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i s-a spart.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa aterizase peste Christ
ian. Bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lui au
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cuprins-o instinctiv, iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63
\u259\'3f} atunci spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul dintre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ei fusese insignifiant, acum era inexistent. S-au pri
vit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fix, iar Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a sim{\f63 \u355\'3f
}it inima bubuindu-i n{\f63 \u259\'3f}valnic n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 piept. Acea chinuitoare senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de d
esc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcare electric{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 i-a nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luit din nou, iar ntreaga lume a
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 concentreze, pentru ea, n buzele lui. Amndou{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} aveam
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mai trziu d
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei doi chiar s-ar fi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} tocmai atun
ci, Serena a n{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lit din
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dormitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era n acea stare de alert{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} maxim{\f63 \u259\'3f} tipic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardieni, cu trupul ncordat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i preg{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfrunte o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f} armat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de strig
oi, cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a n mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A frnat
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 brusc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a sco
s un {\f63 \u355\'3f}ip{\f63 \u259\'3f}t ascu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it, la vederea scen
ei din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei: aparent, un interludiu amoro
s. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} recunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}tem,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 unul cam neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit, dac{\f63 \u259\'
3f} puneam la socoteal{\f63 \u259\'3f} lampa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spart{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i semnul ro{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}u, care ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se umfle, de pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Christian. Era destul de stnje
nitor pentru
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 oricine, iar avntul r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboinic al Seren
ei s-a transformat
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 n derut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1423 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A! a exclamat
ea, nesigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Scuze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Jena a inundat-o {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i pe Lissa, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ciuda provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se l{\f63
\u259\'3f}sase att de afectat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de apropierea lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian. n definitiv, era sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} foc pe el. S-a retras
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n grab{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ridicat,
dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care, fstcit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum era, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it nevoia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} clarif
ice situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, preciznd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntmpla nimic romantic ntre ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu... nu e
ceea ce crezi, a bolborosit ea, privind
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la-ntmplare, evitndu-l pe Christian, care tocmai se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ridica la rndul lui, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd la fel de umi
lit ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Ne luptam, a continuat ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} explice.
Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ne
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 antrenam pentru lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Vreau s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f} cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de strigoi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ata
c. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i omor cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri514 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian a avut amabilitatea s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajute, atta tot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Era ceva simpatic n b{\f63 \
u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}jeala ei, care-mi amintea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n chip ncnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor de Jill.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Serena s-a destins vizibil {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n timp ce izbutea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 reia acea expresie impenetrabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} n afi{
\f63 \u351\'3f}area c{\f63 \u259\'3f}reia
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 excelau to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardienii, era evident c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} se amuza.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, a
spus ea, nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259
\'3f} descurca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prea
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 grozav.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Christian a privit-o i
ndignat, n timp ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i freca
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 obrazul lovit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri86 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei! Ba ne desc
urc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m! Doar eu am nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at-o asta.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Serenei tot i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea amuzant, ns{\f63
\u259\'3f} un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri702 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 seriozitate, meditativ, ncepea s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-i apar{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ochi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am impresia
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost mai mult vorba despre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 hormoni dect despre altceva, a zis. Apoi, a ezitat,
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 aflndu-se parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe punctul de a lua o d
ecizie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 important{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\
'3f} a zis: Uite ce e, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 doi v{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n mod seri
os la treba asta atunci trebuie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ca la carte. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}t eu cum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3385 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Nu. Se. Poate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Eram, la modul cel mai serios, t
entat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evadez de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la Curte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} fac autostopul pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Lehigh, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t eu lor cum se d{\f63 \u259\'3f}\
i cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat\i0 un pumn {\f63 \u8212\'3f} folosind\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 o pe Serena ca material didactic {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, cn
d ceva m-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 smuls din mintea Lissei, readucndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
a propria
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 realitate. Era Hans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aveam pe buze o replic{\f63
\u259\'3f} sarcastic{\f63 \u259\'3f} de bun-venit,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri129 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} el nu mi-a l{\f
63 \u259\'3f}sat nici cea mai mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259
\'3f} s-o livrez.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri259 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Las{\f63 \u259
\'3f} arhivatul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vino cu mine. Ai fost chemat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3572 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am... ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2750 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Extrem de nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}t
eptat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3063 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chemat{\f63
\u259\'3f} unde?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1420 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Pe chipul lui Hans se citea ho
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}La o ntlnire cu regina.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-394 \li286 \ri1176 \fi1150 \expndtw-14 \b \f20 \fs40 PAISPREZECE
\plain\par
\sl-267\fs27\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \b \f20 \fs24 ULT
IMA DAT{\f63 \u258\'3f} CND AVUSESE\b0 chef s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urle la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mine Tatiana m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dusese pur {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i simplu ntr-una dintre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 camerele ei de primire. Fusese o atmosfer{\f63 \u259\
'3f} bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} am fi stat la un ceai... cu sin
gura diferen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ceai nu se obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se urle unii la al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Nu aveam
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 motive s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} de da
ta asta ar fi fost altfel... dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 numai pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} am constatat c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} escorta m{\f63 \u259\'3f} conducea spre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirile principalului centru de afa
ceri ale Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, cele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de unde erau coordonate toate activit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile regale de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 guvernare. Rahat. Era mai grav dect crezusem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ntr-adev{\
f63 \u259\'3f}r, cnd am fost n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it mpins{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea n care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63
\u351\'3f}tepta regina... ei bine, aproape
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ncremenit, incapabil{\f63 \u259\'
3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} naintez. Numai o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} atingere pe spin
are din partea unuia dintre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri383 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 gardieni m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea
era ticsit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
is unde m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflam. Moroii aveau o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 autentic{\f63 \u259\'3f} sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} a tronul
ui, pentru regele sau regina lor,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dai nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era asta. Totu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea era bogat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ornament{\f63 \u259\'3f}, aducnd a atmosfer{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} din vechime, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 muluri florale mig{\f63 \u259\'3f}los lucrate {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i suporturi sclipitoare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru luman{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri pe pere{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i. Lumina lor se reflecta n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 decora{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile metalice ale nc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}perii. Totul sclipea,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dndu-mi impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimerisem pe un pla
tou de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 filmare.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ntradev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, ntr-un fel era ceva asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
or.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \
u259\'3f} o privire sumar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-am dat seama unde
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflam. Lumea din nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p
ere st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea separat.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}sprezece persoane erau a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ezate la o mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} lung{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe un podium, care n mod evident era proiectat s{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 reprezinte punctul focal al nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perii. T
atiana ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea la mijlocul mesei, cu {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ase moroi de-o parte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cinci de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n restul s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}lii fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} amenajate
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 rnduri de scaune {\f63 \u8212\'3f} tot minu{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ios lucrate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu tapi{\f63 \u355\'3f}erie
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din satin {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, pline {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
ele de moroi. Era publicul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Persoanele a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
ezate de-o parte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tatianei reprezentau crema. Erau moroi mai vrstnici,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu un aer de regalitate. Unsprezece moroi, pentru cel
e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unsprezece familii regale existente. Lissa nu mplinise
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} optsprezece ani {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era la un pas, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cum mi-am dat seama, tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind {\f63 \
u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, de aceea, nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 avea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} locul acolo. Cineva o nlocuia p
e Priscilla
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Voda. Aveam n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ochilor Sfatul Regal
alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit din

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin{\f63 \u
355\'3f}esele lumii moroilor. Cel mai vrstnic
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 membru al fiec{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei familii avea dreptu
l la titulatura
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la un loc de
consilier pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana. Uneori,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cei mai vrstnici {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cedau locul, n favoar
ea altcuiva
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din familie pe care-l sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau mai cap
abil, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} alesul {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sau aleasa {\f63 \u8212\'3f} avea aproape ntotdeauna c
el pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 patruzeci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cinci de ani. Sfatul ale
gea regele sau regina
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 moroilor, pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pe care-o de{\f63 \
u355\'3f}inea pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la moarte, sau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd decidea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ret
rag{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Rareori, cu sprijin
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 suficient din partea familiil
or regale, un monarh putea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3923 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fi detronat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Fiecare prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
sau prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f} primea, la rndul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sfaturile de la un consiliu de familie, a{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntorcndu\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mi privirea spre public, am recunoscut grupuri de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 membri ai familiilor regale stnd laolalt{\f63 \u259\'3
f}: Ivashkov,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lazar, Badica... Rndurile din spate p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le fi fost
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 rezervate observatorilor. Tasha {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adr
ian st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tiam sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau parte nici din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Sfatul Regal, nici din consiliile de familie. Deocam
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lor m
-a mai lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit un pic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am oprit aproape de intrar
ea n sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, foindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 stingherit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe un picior pe cel{\f
63 \u259\'3f}lalt, ntrebndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta. Nu-mi c{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tigasem dreptul doar la o umilire
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 public{\f63 \u259\'3f} oarecare: din cte se p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rea, avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}ptuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n prezen{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}a celor mai importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}i moroi din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lume. Minunat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Un moroi de{\f63 \u351\'3f}
irat, cu {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63 \u355\'3f}e de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r alb pe cap,

a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe lng{\f63 \u259
\'3f} masa cea lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dres
glasul.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Imediat, zumzetul conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei s-a sti
ns. T{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 umplut sala.
\plain\par
0\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Sfatului Regal al moroilor este deschis{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 declarat el. Maiestatea Sa, regina Tatiana Marina
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov prezideaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 S-a nclinat u{\f63 \u351\'3f
}or n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ei, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s-a retras cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 discre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ntr-o margine a s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}lii, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd n picioare
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva gardie
ni alinia{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de-a lungul peretelui,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd ei n{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i ornamente ale nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perii.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana mbr{\f63 \u259\
'3f}case ntotdeauna haine de gal{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 petrecerile la care o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem, ns{\f63
\u259\'3f} pentru un eveniment
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 protocolar cum era acesta, ea chiar purta vestimenta{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Rochia ei cu mneci lungi era di
n m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bleumarin, iar scnteietoarea coroan{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
u pietre albastre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i albe i ncununa p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
minunat mpletit. Dac-ar fi fost
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un spectacol de mod{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f
} fi catalogat pietrele ca fiind
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}trasuri. n cazul ei, nu puneam nici pe
ntru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau
safire {\f63 \u351\'3f}i diamante veritabile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc, a rostit ea. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntrebuin{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}a, de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asemenea, tonul regal, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sun{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i impresionant,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 umplnd nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea. Ne vom continua convers
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 ieri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ia stai... ce-a spus? Au mai
discutat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\i ieri\i0 despre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mine? Abia atunci am observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi nf{
\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urasem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele n jurul ntregului corp, ntr-un so

i de atitudine
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 autoprotectoare, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} le-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat imediat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cad{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} trup. Nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
par slab{\f63 \u259\'3f}, indiferent ce mi-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ast{\f63 \u
259\'3f}zi vom asculta depozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia unui gardian
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 proasp{\f63 \u259\'3f}t numit, a afirmat Tatiana, opr
indu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i asupra
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mea privirea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}to
are. ntreaga sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a urmat
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 exemplul. Rosemarie Hathaway, vrei, te rog, s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4031 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 naintezi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am supus, p{\f63 \u259\'3f
}strndu-mi capul sus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i atitudinea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam p
recis unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} opresc, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi-am ales punctul din centrul nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perii
, cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot trebuia s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} defilez n public, mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dorit ca m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fi vndut cineva pontul, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mbrac uniforma n alb {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i negru a gardienilor. Dar, fie
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ce-o fi. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t n
ici urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de team{\f63 \u259\'3f}, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a, n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 tricou {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n jean{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Am f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciune
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cuviincioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
am privit-o drept n ochi,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncordndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru ceea ce avea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri144 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ti amabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spui numele? mi
s-a adresat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri383 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Deja o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse ea
pentru mine, dar oricum am zis:
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rosemarie Hathaway.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3285 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce vrst{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ai?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2961 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Optsprezece a
ni.
\plain\par
3f}i cnd ai mplinit optsprezece ani?
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum cteva luni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 A a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat cteva cl
ipe, ca toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tientizeze r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spunsul, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi reprezentat o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de mare importan{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Domni{\f63
\u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} Hathaway, am n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, n perioada
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n care ai mplinit optsprezece ani, te-ai retras de la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri656 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Academia Sf. Vladimir. Este corec
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Despre\i asta\i0 era vorb
a? Nu despre c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}toria la Vegas,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4063 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cu Lissa?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, am r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}spuns, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ofer {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i alte detalii. O,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Doamne! Sper s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} vorba de Dimitri. N-ar fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut des
pre rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea cu el, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-aveai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii ce inf
orma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii circulau pe-acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1483 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai fost n Rusi
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vnezi strigoi?
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ca un
soi de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zbunare personal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca urmare a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2491 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 atacului de la Sf. Vladimir?
\plain\par
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}... da.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Nimeni nu a spus nimic, ns{\f63 \u
259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul meu a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 provocat o evident{\f63 \u259\'3f}
foial{\f63 \u259\'3f} n sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i se f{\f63 \u355\
'3f}iau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 stnjeni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, aruncnd priviri furi{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}e spre vecini. Strigoii

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 inspirau mereu team{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar plecarea cu
iva n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utarea lor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsemna nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o idee neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}n
uit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n rndurile noastre.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ciudat lucru, Tatiana s-a ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat extr
em de mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 confirmare. Oare avea s-o foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
chip de muni{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3521 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mpotriva mea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am putea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} presupunem, n consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 continuat ea, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te numeri printre cei
care cred n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1609 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 necesitatea lovirii directe a st
rigoilor?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4549 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Au existat numer
oase reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii diferite n urma
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cumplitului atac de la Sf. Vladimir
, a zis ea. Nu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 singurul dhampir care a vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ripost
eze mpotriva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri143 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 strigoilor... de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
, n mod cert, ai fost cea mai tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}.Nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiusem c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} mai plecaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii n exped
i{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 paramilitare pe cont propriu... n fine, n afara ctorva
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dhampiri nes{\f63 \u259\'3f}bui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din
Rusia. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta era varianta pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care voia ea s-o cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} n leg{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu escapada mea, mi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 convenea de minune.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am primit
rapoarte, att din partea gardienilor, ct
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tilor din
Rusia, potrivit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rora ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea ta
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ar fi fost ncununat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de succes.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Era prima dat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} cnd auzeam pomenindu-se n public
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, dar fire{\f63 \u351\'3f
}te c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un subiect obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cadrul Sfatului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Po{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spui c{\f63 \u355\'3f}i strigoi ai ucis? m-a ntrebat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana.
\plain\par
59\'3f}i... M-am holbat la ea, surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
precis,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Maiestate. Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1689 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am scormonit un pic n memorie.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}apte, am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
fost mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3811 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 credea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Este posibi
l s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o estimare modest{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}in sursele noastre, a rem
arcat ea, cu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Oricum ar fi, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne un num{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r impresionant. Ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ptuit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2706 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 uciderile de una singur{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uneuri, da.
Alteori, am avut ajutoare. Au mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fost... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ctiva dh
ampiri cu care am colaborat, din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cnd n cnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Practic, avusesem ajutor {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i din partea unui strigoi,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aveam de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
mintesc de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1677 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aveau vrste ap
ropiate de-a ta?
\plain\expndtw-21 \b \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\b0 Da.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri28 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana nu a mai zis nimic {\f63
\u351\'3f}i, ca la un semn, o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 femeie de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea a
luat cuvntul. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}esa
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 Conta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2000 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd ai ucis pr
imul strigoi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1604 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 M-am ncruntat, concentrndu-m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Anul trecut, n decembrie.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri1821 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd aveai
{\f63 \u351\'3f}aptesprezece ani.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4549 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri694 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ptuit uciderea aceasta de una singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
f}i... n mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. C{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva prieteni
m-au ajutat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3048 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 distr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-i aten{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Speram s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
insiste pentru mai multe am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunte.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Omorsem primul strigoi atunci cnd murise Mason {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de evenimentele care-l implicau
pe Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aceasta era amintirea care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} tortura
cel mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin{\f63
\u355\'3f}esa Conta nu a mai cerut alte detalii. Ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u8212\'3f} care i s-a
u al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat curnd la interogatoriu {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 voiau n principal s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle de strigoii
pe care-i ucisesem.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Manifestau un oarecare interes fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de cazurile n care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajutaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} al{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i dhampiri... ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu voiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 detalii cnd beneficiasem de ajutor din partea moroilo
r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Au trecut repede {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i peste abaterile mele disciplinare,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut derutant. Au men
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat, n schimb,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 restul
\plain\tx919 \tab \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 detaliilor
\plain\tx2170 \tab \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 activit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ii
\plain\tx3460 \tab \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 mele
\plain\tx4300 \tab \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 academice:
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionalel
e calificative n lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cum m{\f63 \u259\'3f} num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
asem
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 printre cei mai buni anul doi, cnd eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i cu Lissa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fugiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m din {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ct de repede recuperasem
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 timpul pierdut, revenind n fruntea clasei mele (cel
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a preg{\

f63 \u259\'3f}tirii pentru lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Au vorbit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 despre cum o protejasem pe Lissa ori de cte ori
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3
f}m singure n lume {\f63 \u351\'3f}i au ncheiat cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionalele mele punctaje de la te
ste.
\plain\par
5\'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umim, gardian Hathaway. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} pleci.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Tonul pe care-mi vorb
ise Tatiana nu l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa loc pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ndoieli. Voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ple
c de-acolo. Iar eu eram ct se poate
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i satisfac dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. Am mai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciune {\f63 \u351\'3f}i apoi am
ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it n grab{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Din mers, am mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aruncat o privire rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre Tasha {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n timp
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri130 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ce o {\f63 \u351\'3f}tergeam pe u
{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am auzit r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunnd vocea reginei:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu aceasta
, se ncheie {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ast{\
f63 \u259\'3f}zi.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ne vom ntruni din nou mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Nu m-a surprins faptul c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} Adrian m-a prins din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cteva minute mai trziu. Hans nu-mi
d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ordin s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc la mun
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} interpretez
aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} omisiune ca pe o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 libertate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, am zis,
strecurndu-mi mna ntr-a lui
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian. Lumineaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elepciunea ta ntr-ale
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1345 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 politicii regale. Ce nseamn{\f63
\u259\'3f} toate astea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am habar.
Sunt ultima persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care s-o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntrebi despre chestii politice, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
spuns el. De
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 regul{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu particip la a{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a ceva, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tasha m-a g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit n

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ultima clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a zi
s s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin cu ea. Cred c-a avut un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pont c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu a
colo... dar a fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea la fel de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Niciunul dintre noi n-a mai
scos vreo vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l conduceam spre una
dintre cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirile
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care g{\f63 \u259\'3f}zduiau activit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ile comerciale: restaurante,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 magazine etc. Dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi s-a f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cut o foame
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 crncen{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am im
presia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost continuarea unei discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri695 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncepute; regina a pomenit de ultim
a lor {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A fost una n
cadru nchis. Cum o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cea de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mine. Nimeni nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie despre ce se disc
ut{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo.
\plain\par
f}i-atunci, pe asta de ce-au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o public{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea cor
ect c{\f63 \u259\'3f} regina {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sfatul puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aleag{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce anume s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} le mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.\i Totul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie public.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Probabil pe
ntru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} supun{\f63 \u259\'3f} la vot, ct de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 curnd vreo hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rre, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
dat cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea Adrian,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncruntndu-se, iar atunci {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}a o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie public{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 depozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ta joac{\f63 \u259\'3f} un a
numit rol, atunci e posibil ca
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sfatul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
asigure c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i moroi vor fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 martori la ea, astfel nct toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleag{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 decizia, cnd o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie comunicat{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1312 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 S-a oprit pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
n loc, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se gndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1014 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar ce {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiu eu? Doar nu sunt politician.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sun{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar fi hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt deja, am bomb{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}nir
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eu. Atunci, ce rost mai are s{\f63
\u259\'3f} voteze? {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ce-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1189 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 am\i eu\i0 de-a face cu proble
mele guvern{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a deschis u{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a unei mici cafenele unde se vindeau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gust{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri: burgeri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i san
dvi{\f63 \u351\'3f}uri. Adrian fusese crescut
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 numai prin restaurante fastuoase, cu mnc{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ruri rafinate.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le prefera, dar mai {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mie nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu n vitrin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sau s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se tot reaminteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 umblam cu un reprezentant al unei familii regale de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 elit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Apreciam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
zi nu voiam
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dect ceva obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri18 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} a atras ctev
a priviri
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 curioase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u
351\'3f}oapte din partea clien{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor localului. La
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f} reprezentaser{\
f63 \u259\'3f}m o surs{\f63 \u259\'3f} de specula{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii; dar aici, l
a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Curte? Eram o atrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de prim{\f63 \u
259\'3f} mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Imaginea era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 foarte important{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Curte, iar cele m
ai multe rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dintre dhampiri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moroi se derulau n
tain{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mai ales avnd n veder
e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile lui Adrian {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
era scandaloas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocant{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, iar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lumea nu reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona chiar ntotdeauna dis
cret. Auzisem
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 tot felul de lucruri dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntoarcerea l
a Curte. O femeie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse neru{\f63 \u3

51\'3f}inat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Alta speculase cu voce tare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 motivul pentru care Tatiana nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u8222\'3f}rezolvase" pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 simplu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Din fericire, majoritatea pu
blicului nostru de ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s-a mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
e holbeze, ceea ce-l f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de ignorat. n timp ce ne a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ezam la mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 fruntea lui Adrian a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut o cut{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
3 \u259\'3f} voteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} numirea ta drept gardian al
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Lissei, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas ntr-a
tt de uimit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct n-am putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 rostesc niciun cuvnt timp de cteva secunde, pn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut chelneri{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
ntr-un trziu, am izbutit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spun ce doream s{\f63 \u259\'3f} comand, mai mult blbin
du-m{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri466 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m-am uit
at la Adrian cu ochii ct cepele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3003 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vorbe{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ti serios?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n definitiv, {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a se ocupase cu examinarea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri606 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aptitudini{\f63 \u351\'3f}or mele
. Avea ceva logic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. C
onsiliul nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar da osteneala s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntruneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru repartizarea unui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 singur gardian, am constatat, speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
le spulberndu\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mi-se brusc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri328 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a ridicat din umeri n chi
p de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E adev{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rat. Dar la fel de adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avem de-a face cu o repartizare obi
{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gardian.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa e ultima din familia ei. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
umea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} inclusiv
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mea {\f63 \u821
2\'3f} manifest{\f63 \u259\'3f} un interes special fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de ea.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fie repartizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca tine, att de...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 I-am aruncat o privire ameni
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 bjbian c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utarea termenului potrivit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}...att de c
ontroversat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, e o decizie care i-ar putea
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra pe unii.
\plain\par
\'3f}i de fapt de-asta au vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu acolo,
ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 descriu ce-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. S{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-i conving pe cei n cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 sunt competent{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n tim
p ce rosteam aceste cuvinte, tot nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}zneam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred n ele.
Era prea frumos ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pur {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i simplu, nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi imaginez a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri559 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} gndesc la cte necazuri am cu gardienii.
\plain\par
351\'3f}tiu, a zis el. E doar o presupunere. Cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie?
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Poate ei chiar cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea cu ple
carea la Las
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Vegas n-a fost dect o zburd{\f63 \u259\'3f}lnicie ino
fensiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri231 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Aici, n vocea lui a ap{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rut o nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de am{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ciune.
\plain\par
}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am mai spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a Tatiana ncepe s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 apropie de tine. Poate c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} vrea acum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii gardianul
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissei, dar are nevoie s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} un spectacol cu public, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3150 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i justifice aleg
erea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2758 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Era un gnd n{\f63 \u259\'3f}uci
tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} eu o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung cu Lissa, tu ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci?
O
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri265 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devii un tip re
spectabil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu la facu
ltate?
\plain\par
351\'3f}tiu, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns el, cu ochii lui verzi u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri468 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 umbri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, n timp ce
sorbea din b{\f63 \u259\'3f}utur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} da.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era din nou ceva nea{\f63 \u
351\'3f}teptat, iar conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mama lui mi-a revenit atunci n minte. Dac{\f63 \u259\
'3f} aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fiu gardianul Lissei pe timpul facult{\f63 \u259\'3f
}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, iar el r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cu noi n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii patru ani? Eram des
tul de convins{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Daniella anticipa desp{\f63 \u259\'
3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}irea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} chiar n vara
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu crezusem acela{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i lucru... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eram surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 constatnd ct m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam d
e u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 poate aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn cu e
l. Dimitri mi l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa mereu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sufletul plin de suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de dor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot mi-l doream
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe Adrian n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri919 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 I-am zmbit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i miam l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat mna ntr-a lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu prea {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu ce-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} face dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai deveni un tip
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3881 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 respectabil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a ridicat mna pn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} la buzele lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat\plain\expndtw-27 \f20 \fs24 o.
\plain\par
1\'3f} avea eu unele propuneri, a continuat. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbele lui {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sa
u buzele atingndu-mi pielea {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m-au nfiorat. Tocmai m{\f63 \u259\'3f} preg{\f63 \u259
\'3f}team s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} interesez
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 care ar fi fost acele propuneri, cnd interludiul nost
ru a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fost ntrerupt... de Hans.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hatha
way, a zis el, arcuindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i o sprncean{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 timp ce se n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}a deasupr
a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Noi doi avem
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri586 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 concep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii diferite
privind no{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea de {\f63 \u8222\'3f}pedeaps{\f63 \u259\'3f}".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 O nimerise. n mintea mea, ped
eapsa implica
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fleacuri de genul b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i
i cu biciul sau nfomet{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. Nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ndosarierea hr{\f63 \u355\'3f}oagelor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1648 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n loc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i expli
c asta, am replicat:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu mi-ai zis s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrevederea cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4278 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 regina.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1695 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a aruncat o privire exasper
at{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu {\f63 \u355\
'3f}i-am spus\i nici\i0 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} te duci la o ntlnire
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2041 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 amoroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}! Hai! nap
oi n arhiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar tocmai
trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} sandvi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul cu ba
con,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3670 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 salat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii!
\plain\par
259\'3f} ai pauza de prnz peste vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ore, ca
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnesc indignarea. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}niser{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu coji de pi
ne {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu ap{\f63 \u259\'3f} chioar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe perioada
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 corvezii mele, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mncarea nu avusese un
gust cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mult mai bun. Tocmai atunci, a venit chelneri{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adus mncarea. Mi-am nh{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
t sandvi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul nainte ca ea

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} apuce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}eze farfuriile pe mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am nf{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un {\f63 \u351\'3f}erve{\f63 \u355\'3f}el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2506 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-l iau la pachet?
\plain\par
3f}-l m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nnci pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem napoi, a replicat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 el, pe un ton sceptic, gndindu-se la
faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pivni{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 era destul de aproape. n mod evident, subestima
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 capacitatea mea de-a nfuleca.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n ciuda privirii dezapr
obatoare a lui Hans, i-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit lui Adrian un
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas-bun {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o privire
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 care-i spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate aveam s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ne continu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. El mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
spuns cu un zmbet fericit,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 semnificativ, pe care l-am mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut d
oar timp de o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 secund{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca Hans s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-mi porunceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Conform propriilor a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ri, am izbutit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dau gata
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sandvi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ajuns n
apoi n cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa gardienilor,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a fost un pic cam grea{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aproximativ treizeci de minute.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ora prnzului meu nsemna aproa
pe ora cinei pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, n lumea oamenilor obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nui{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i. ntorcndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mizerabila mea pedeaps{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am nveselit
un pic
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind prin intermediul leg{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}turii bucuria de care era
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cuprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i petrecuse nt
reaga zi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd turul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 campusului de la Lehigh speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele i
se confirmaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adora totul. Adora frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea cl{\f63
\u259\'3f}dirilor, terenurile,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}minele... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, mai ale
s, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lile de clas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O privire
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aruncat{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra programei de studiu i d
eschisese
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 poarta spre un univers de subiecte pe care nici m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}car
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 educa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} super
ioar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la Sf. Vladimir nu ni-l
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 oferise. Voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerce tot ceea ce avea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}coala s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ofere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i chiar dac
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i eu acolo, cu ea, tot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o entuziasma gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ziua ei de na
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tere. Priscilla
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruise cteva giuvaeruri fine {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i-i promisese o cin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sofisticat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-sear{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era tocmai tipul de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb{\f63 \u259\'3f}torire la care spe
rase Lissa, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} entuziasmul
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mplinirii vrstei de optsprezec
e ani era contagios nc{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai ales cnd vedea n jurul ei acea {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal
{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vis pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care avea s-o frecventeze curnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisesc, am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it un junghi de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gelozie. Cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} teoria lui Adrian le
gat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de motivul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pentru care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} chemase regina azi, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}tiam {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}a
nsele ca eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg cu ea la facultate erau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 probabil nule. O anumit{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte mai me
schin{\f63 \u259\'3f} din mine
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleag{\f63
\u259\'3f} de ce mai era Lissa att de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 entuziasmat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu n
u aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cu ea. O
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 copil{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie din partea mea, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tiu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n-am
mai avut timp s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac pe bosumflata,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ndat
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce s-a ncheiat turul, Lissa s-a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntors cu tot grupul la hotel. Priscilla le-a spus c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} aveau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie aproximativ o or{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se spele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aranjeze, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care aveau s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} plece spre cina festiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Pentru Lissa, asta nsemna nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un antrena
ment.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea meditativ{\f63 \u259\'3
f} s-a transformat imediat n

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 enervare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s-a
nr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}it {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mul
t la aflarea ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mai devreme, Serena i povestise lui Grant despre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Lissei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a lui
Christian de a nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se apere
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 singuri. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate aparen{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ele, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el o socotise o idee
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi! Lissa
se alesese cu doi gardieni cu
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 vederi progresiste! De ce nu s-o fi putut s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} i se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 repartizeze vreo persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} plicticoas{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, de mod{\f63 \u259\'3f} veche,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care s-ar fi ngrozit aflnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} un moroi d
oar s-ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2370 \expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 gndit\i0 se lupte cu un strig
oi?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}adar,
n timp ce eu st{\f63 \u259\'3f}team neajutorat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 incapabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ai bag cu
for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile n cap vreunuia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre ei, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian aveau ac
um doi instructori.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Asta nu nsemna doar mai multe {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse de
a nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, ci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Serena avea un partener competent,
cu care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 demonstreze anumite mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ri. Ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Grant puneau la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cale partide demonstrative, explicndu-le manevrele, n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 timp ce Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian i urm{\f63
\u259\'3f}reau c ochi mari.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Din fericire (m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} rog, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru Lissa), noi dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 am observat curnd un am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunt: gardienii
nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}ratul motiv pentru care Lissa man
ifesta interes
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru lupte. Nu aveau habar {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i cum ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aib{\f63 \u259\'3f}? {\f63 \u8212\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vneze un strigoi {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 omoare cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, mnat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} de firava speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-l va
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 putea readuce la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Ei credeau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea nu voia dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}e ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea de baz{\

f63 \u259\'3f}, dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} care lor li se p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 extrem de rezonabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, exact asta le predau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi343 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Grant {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sere
na i-au pus pe Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 exerseze unul pe cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. B{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveau dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 motive s-o fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Unu: Lissa {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i Christian nu aveau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 capacitatea de a-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i face prea mult r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}u unul altuia. Doi:
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 gardienii puteau astfel s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se amuze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i Christian\i nu\i0 se amuzau. Exista nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} att
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} tensiune ntre ei, att sexual{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nervoas{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nct le displ{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
att de aproape. Grant {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Serena
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 le-au interzis celor doi moroi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i mai administreze
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pumni n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} simplele eschive nsemnau deseori
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atingeri ntre ei, degetele alunecnd pe pielea celuilalt
,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n fierbin{\f63 \u355\'3f}eala
ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunii. Din cnd n cnd, gardienii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cereau ca unul dintre ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} joace rolu
l strigoiului, ceea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce-i punea, fie pe Lissa, fie pe Christian n ofensiv{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cei doi moroi se bucurau de aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} si
tua{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, ntr-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 anumit{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}; n definitiv, ei chiar asta voiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}e: atacurile directe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, atunc
i cnd Christian (jucnd rolul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 strigoiului) s-a avntat spre Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
mpins-o n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 perete, deprinderea mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rilor de ofensiv{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu i s-a mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut o idee chiar att de bun{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} prietenei mele. Manevra
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 i aducea strns lipi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i unul de cel{\f63 \
u259\'3f}lalt, bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lui
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}intuindu-le pe-ale ei. Putea s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-i adulmece mirosul,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l simt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i o cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea fantezia cu el, {\f63 \u355\'3f}innd-o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu astfel {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutnd-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu cred c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ar cam trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntoarce{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 defensiva de baz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis Grant, alungnd
u-i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sentimentele tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea mai ngrijorat de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 perspectiva ca ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}neasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} reciproc, dect de cea a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 unei continu{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri amoroase, pe care n-o
intuise.
\plain\par
stian au avut nevoie de cteva clipe ca
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleag{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ce li se spusese, dar{\f63 \u259\'3f}mite s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se desprind{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 unul de cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. Iar cnd s-au desprins
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au evitat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 reciproc privirile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-au ntors pe ca
napea. Gardienii s\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 au lansat n alte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte exemple despre
cum trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fie evitat un atacator. Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Chris
tian v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 attea ori astfel de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, nct {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiau lec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia pe dinafar{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 iar atrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia pe care o manifestaser{\
f63 \u259\'3f} mai devreme l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 loc frustr{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa era mult prea p
oliticoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cincisprezece minute n care Se
rena {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Grant
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 le-au tot ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat cum se blocheaz{\f63
\u259\'3f} cu bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eschivezi cnd se ntinde cineva spre tine, Christian a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pus, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntreba
rea-cheie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri963 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum faci s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} omori un strigoi cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri470 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Serena a nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
auzind cuvintele lui Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1349 \expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i0 Ai spu
s cumva\i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} omori cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a\i0 ?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n schimb, Grant, n loc s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} se arate {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocat, s-a pornit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3911 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pe chicotit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu cred c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} e nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} bate{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i capul cu asta.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} concentr
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i\i0 de un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, nu cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
apropia{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de el.
\plain\par
stian au schimbat ntre ei priviri
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 stnjenite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu am mai a
jutat alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la omorrea unor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, a precizat Christian. Am folosit focul, cnd a
u
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atacat {\f63 \u351\'3f}coala. Ce, vrei s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} spui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e bine? C{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3577 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trebuit s-o fac?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Acum, era rndul Serenei {\f63
\u351\'3f}i al lui Grant s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 schimb de priviri ntre ei.\i Ha\i0 , mi-am zis. Uitei c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sunt att de progresi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe ct am crezut
. Ei porneau de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 la un punct de vedere defensiv, nu ofensiv.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba sigur c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63
\u259\'3f} Grant.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ceea ce ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut a fost extraordinar.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-ai afla
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie similar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
? Sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} da. Nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai dori s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 neputincios. Dar tocmai {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta-i {\f63 \
u351\'3f}pilul: ai focul la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungi
n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te lup{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu un
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri18 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, magia ta este calea
de urmat. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tii deja cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o folose{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea te
poate {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine la ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}post, departe de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 raza lor de ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar cu mine
cum r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne? a intervenit Lissa. Eu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nu am puteri magice de genul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu n-o s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ajungi niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de aproape de un
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, nct acest fapt s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \
u259\'3f} o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a replicat
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Serena aprig{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
te l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n plus, a ad
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat Grant, amuzat, noi nu prea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuim s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne d{\f63
\u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele din mini.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri29 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Iar eu a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
dat orice, numai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin cap s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 arunce o privire prin valiza ei, chiar acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a mu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat buzele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a refuzat din nou s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntlneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} privirea lui Christian, de tea
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}deze inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile. Nu
mergea deloc potrivit planului lor
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nebunesc. Christian a preluat din nou conducerea
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar n-a{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i putea m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne face{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i o demonstra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie?
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a ntrebat el, ncercnd {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ind {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ca fiind
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dornic de ceva senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i palpitant. E greu? Am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce trebuie s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} faci este s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}inte{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti {\f63
\u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 love{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3351 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Grant a pufnit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri901 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu prea. E un
pic mai complicat de-att.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a aplecat n fa{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mpreunndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i palmele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2326 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inndu-i isonul lu
i Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi343 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, at
unci nu v{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai bate{\f63 \u355\'3f}i capul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
. Doar ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ne.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \fi343 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda.
Hai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vedem, a insistat Christian, foindu-se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neastmp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea. {\f6

3 \u350\'3f}i, din foiala asta, bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul i l-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atins pe-al Lissei. Instantaneu, s-au ndep{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rtat unul de
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt.
\plain\par
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e de joac{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, i-a avertizat Grant. Cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate acestea, s-a dus pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la haina lui
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a scos de\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 acolo {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Serena l
-a privit nencrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
0\'3f}i ce ai de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci? l-a ntrebat. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} omori
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4097 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pe\i mine\i0 ?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 I-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
cu un nou chicotit, tipic lui, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a cercetat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cu agerime camera.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2179 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Normal c{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu. A! Uite-le.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 S-a dus spre un mic fotoliu, pe
care se afla o pernu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 decorativ{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A ridica
t-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a verificat grosimea. Era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 burdu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu un soi de
umplutur{\f63 \u259\'3f} compact{\f63 \u259\'3f}. S-a ntors
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 apoi la Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cut semn s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ridice. Spre uimirea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tuturor, i-a ntins {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Proptindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
corpul ntr-o pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie rigid{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a prins cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putere perna n mini {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a ntins-o la vreo
doi pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri738 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Haide, a ndemna
t-o. {\f63 \u354\'3f}inte{\f63 \u351\'3f}te {\f63 \u351\'3f}i love{\f63 \u351\'3
f}te-o.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai nnebunit? l-a luat la rost Serena
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i face griji, a replicat el. Prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}esa Voda poate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i permit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} pagubele. Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dovedesc
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ceva. Hai, love{\f63 \u351\'3f}te perna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a mai {\f63 \u351\'3f
}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}it doar cteva clipe. O emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie care

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit
de intens{\f63 \u259\'3f} o nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luise. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fusese ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}e asta, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f
}a ei din
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} clip{\
f63 \u259\'3f} mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea mult mai mare ca nainte.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Scr{\f63 \u351\'3f}nind din din{\f63 \u355\'3f}i a f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nainte {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pung{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} perna cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Era prudent{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se temea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l r{\f63 \u259\'3f}neas
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Grant {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\f63
\u259\'3f} vreo grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu l-a f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se clinteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar tot ceea ce a izbut
it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} realizeze cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a a fost doar o mi
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ruptur{\f63 \u259\'3f} n pnz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncercat de cteva ori, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu a ob{\f63 \u
355\'3f}inut cu mult mai
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 mult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1625 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian a persiflat-o, n stil
ul lui:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2858 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta-i tot ce
po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri998 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Privindu-l furioas{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, ea i-a nmnat {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3087 \expndtw-7 \b \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\b0 F{\f63
\u259\'3f} tu mai bine!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Christian s-a ridicat, iar zmbetul
sarcastic i-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n timp ce e
xamina cu un ochi critic perna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 evalua lovitura. ntre timp, Lissa a sesizat amuzament
ul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din ochii gardienilor. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i Serena se relaxase. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 demonstrau punctul de vedere, dovedind c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} mplntarea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ei nu ceva u{\f63
\u351\'3f}or de nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at. Asta m{\f63 \u259\'3f} buc
ura, iar ei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}teau n ochii mei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, Chris
tian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ncercat lovitura. A izbutit
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pung{\f63
\u259\'3f} materialul, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} perna {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 umplutura ei dur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s
-a dovedit prea greu de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, din nou, Grant nu a fost nici m{\
f63 \u259\'3f}car cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 alte cteva tentative e{\f63 \u351\'3f}uate, s-a a{\f63
\u351\'3f}ezat la loc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 restituit {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Era d
estul de distractiv s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi cum
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 atitudinea de coco{\f63 \u351\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}an
{\f63 \u355\'3f}o{\f63 \u351\'3f} a lui Christian se mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 domole{\f63 \u351\'3f}te un pic. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa s-a amuzat, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 frustrarea provocat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de greut{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile pe care {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le va
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 avea de nfruntat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Umplutura a
sta opune prea mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sa
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 plns Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1948 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Grant i-a ntins {\f63 \u355\'3f
}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a Serenei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum, tu crezi c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} trupul unui strigoi o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de str{\f63 \u
259\'3f}puns? Cnd ntlne{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti n cale {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}chi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4236 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 coaste?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Grant {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a r
eluat pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3
f} cea mai mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} ezitare,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Serena a izbit cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a. Vrful acesteia a {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit de
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte a pernei, oprindu-se ex
act n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pieptului lui Grant, n timp ce frnturi pufoase din
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 umplutur{\f63 \u259\'3f} pluteau spre Podea. A smuls
apoi {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a nmnat-o lui Grant, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fos
t cel mai simplu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 gest din lume.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri480 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lis
sa f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ochii mari de mirare.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}D{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi voie s{\f63 \u

259\'3f} mai ncerc o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a cerut el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd i-a chemat P
riscilla la cin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu a mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas intact{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nicio pern{\f63 \u259\'3f} din apartamentul acela de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 hotel. Mam{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ce surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f
} o a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta cnd avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 primeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} factura! Christian {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i Lissa ciopr{\f63 \u355\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f} perne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, n timp ce gar
dienii i priveau cu un aer de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 superioritate, ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori n faptul c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} mesajul lor fusese
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles: omorrea strigoilor cu {\f63 \u35
5\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a nu era o treab{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa ncepuse, n sfr{\f63 \u351
\'3f}it, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} priceap{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}duse
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr-un fel, str{\f63 \u259\'
3f}pungerea unei perne {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sau a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 unui strigoi {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine
a nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegerea
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 principiului. Sigur, m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} tot auzise pe mine vorbind
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre necesitatea alegerii liniei
de {\f63 \u355\'3f}int{\f63 \u259\'3f}, astfel nct
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lovitura s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, evitnd coastele, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era vorba de ceva mai mult dect de simpl{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mare parte consta n for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f}: o for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care, din punct de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vedere fizic, ea n-o avea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Serena,
de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 minion{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i petrecuse an
i la rnd cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 musculatura {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era capabil{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pung{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu {\f63 \u355\'3
f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 practic, orice. O lec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de o or{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu-i putea da Lissei acel
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 soi de for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i tocmai despre asta i vorbea ea n {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lui Christian, n timp ce grupul lor se ndrepta spre
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 locul n care avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3
f} loc cina.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Deja renun{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i? a ntrebat-o el, pe un ton la fel de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, n timp ce st{\f63 \u259\'3f}te

au pe bancheta din spate a unui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 SUV. Mai erau cu ei Grant, Serena {\f63 \u351\'3f}i u
n alt gardian,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia erau adnci{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i n propriile discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! a {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}u{\f63 \u351\'3f}otit Lissa. Dar trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}... cum s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} zic? ...
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} antrenez nainte s
-o pot face.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2373 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum, s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ridici greut{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259\'3f}i... nu {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tiu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i continuau
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre ei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 subiectul abordat de Lissa era prea
periculos, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ri{\f63 \u351\'3f}te s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie auzit{\f63
\u259\'3f}. S-a aplecat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian, descump{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ct de mult o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 afectau apropierea de el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i familiarit
atea. nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nodul din gt, s-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pastreze chipul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri638 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 impasibil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} se concentreze asupra subiectului.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt ndeajuns de puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Fizic,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3548 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi-a imposibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1600 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sun{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri747 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei! Nici tu n
-ai reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pungi perna!
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 El s-a mbujorat usor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1025 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aproape c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} am trecut prin perna verde.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, dar nu avea mai nimic n ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1279 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am nevoie de
mai mult antrnament.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu nu ai nevoie

s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci nimic, l-a repezit ea,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 luptndu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u351\'3f}i men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} tonul sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, c
u toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} furia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri905 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care o cuprinsese. Asta nu-i lupt
a ta. E a mea!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, s-a r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el, cu ochii scnteindu-i ca dou{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 diamante de un albastru palid, e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ne
bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nchipui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te las s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
duci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ri{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 A t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut brus
c {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat buzele, ca {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 doar voin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a nu i-ar fi fost suficient
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i opreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvoiul de vorbe. Lissa s-a uitat fix
la el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
cum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi ncheiat el fraza.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ce anume nu ar fi vrut el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ri{\f63 \
u351\'3f}te? Ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 primejdie? Cam asta b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuvinte, nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63
\u351\'3f}area lui vorbea ct
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 volume ntregi. Prin ochii Lissei, l vedeam cum i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 soarbe tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i cum ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i masc
heze
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile. ntr-un trziu, s-a smucit {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i a spulberat spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de intimitate creat ntre ei, ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtndu-s
e ct putea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mai mult de ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri706 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foarte bi
ne. F{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce vrei. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} intereseaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Niciunul dintre ei nu
a mai vorbit pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 moment ce pentru mine venise ora prnzului, m-am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntors la propria realitate, primind cu bra{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ele deschise o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la ndosariat... dar numai pn{\f
63 \u259\'3f} cnd m-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 informat Hans c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} muncesc mai departe.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, haide a
cum! Ce, nu e ora prnzului? E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 obligat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} hr{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, am exclamat. Asta dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\
'3f}e{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 orice limit{\f63 \u259\'3f} a cruzimii. M{\f63 \u259\
'3f}car azvrle-mi cteva
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 firimituri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar te-am
hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit. Sau, n fine, te-ai hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit singur{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd ai aspirat sandvi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul {\f63 \u259\'3
f}la. Ai vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i iei atunci
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pauza de prnz. Ai avut-o. Acum, continu{\f63 \u259\'3
f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lucrezi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ml am trntit amndoi pumnii pes
te interminabilele
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 stive de hr{\f63 \u355\'3f}oage din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a{\f63 \u
351\'3f} putea m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac altceva? S{\f63 \u259\
'3f} vopsesc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2572 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirile? S{\f63
\u259\'3f} car bolovani?
\plain\par
59\'3f} tem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, n timp ce un zmbet i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 arcuia col{\f63 \u355\'3f}urile buzelor. Avem nevoie
de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} munc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de ndosariere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar ct? Ct ti
mp mai ai de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3876 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pedepse{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2473 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Hans a ridicat din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat din nou
singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am sprijinit pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}tarul scaunului,
str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} din r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sputeri s{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}storn masa din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
mea. M-am gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt mai bine pe
moment, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta nsemna n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebui
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iau de la cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t munca pe care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 deja o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem. Oftnd m-am ntors la tru
da mea.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa era la cin{\f63
\u259\'3f} cnd m-am acordat, ceva mai trziu,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pe frecven{\f63 \u355\'3f}a min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ei
. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} teoretic o fi fost o mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n onoarea zilei sale de na{\f63 \u
351\'3f}tere, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} practic, nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fusese dect o conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cu Priscilla,
ca ntre dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 reprezentante ale unor familii regale. Nu a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a se petrecea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 un astfel de eveniment, am tras eu concluzia. Trebui
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} revan{\f63 \u351\'3f}ez fa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea, cnd aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 recap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t libertatea. O s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}m o petrecere ca lumea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i ofer cadoul pentru ziua ei: o superb{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pereche de cizme de piele, pe care m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ajutase Adrian s\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 o achizi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionez cnd nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
ram n {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Poate ar fi fost mai interes
ant dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mintea lui Christian, dar din moment ce o astfel de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 op{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune nu exista, m-am ntors la mintea
mea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cugetat la discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de mai devreme cu
Adrian. Oare n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it pedeapsa asta avea s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} se ncheie? Oare vreun
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 decret regal oficial avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne aduc{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, finalmente, pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Lissa mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, n ciuda obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuitei politici a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3828 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncercarea de a deduce r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spunsurile m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 simt ca un hamster ntr-o cu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} rotitoare. Mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} trud{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Niciun pas nainte. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, m-a ajutat s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la cin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau eu seama,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i restul celor din grup s-au ri
dicat de la mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 au pornit spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irea din restaurant.
Afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} se f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntuneric, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa nu s-a putut mpiedic
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu resimt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ciud{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}enia unui orar u
man. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar fi aflat la {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sau la Curte, acum ar fi fost miezul zilei. n loc de a
{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceva, ei acum se ntorceau la h
otelul lor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se duceau la
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 culcare. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, probabil c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nu imediat. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndoiam ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} peste {\f63 \u355\'3f}fna lor, urmau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pung{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo cteva pe
rne. Orict mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe ei doi din nou mpreun{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, nu-mi puteam st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau cu mult mai n siguran{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3148 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sau, poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Grupul z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovise n r
estaurant cu mult peste ora
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 normal{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru cin{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} parcarea era n cea mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mare parte goal{\f63 \u259\'3f} n timp ce o traversau.
Gardienii nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 parcaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} chiar n spate de tot, dar ni
ci prea aproape de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 intrarea principal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Totu{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i, avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aleag{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 locurile din apropierea unui stlp de iluminat stradal
de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} parcare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lum
ina disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse ntre timp. Becul fusese
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 spart.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Grant {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gar
dianul Priscillei au observat imediat. Era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 genul acela de am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunte minore pe care
fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} le remarc{\f63 \u259\'3f}m: orice lucru neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit, orice
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 schimbare, ct de mic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ntr-o frac{\f63 \
u355\'3f}iune de secund{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amndoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au scos {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\
f63 \u351\'3f}ele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-au ncadrat pe moroi.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Serena {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gardianul care-i fusese rep
artizat lui Christian
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 au avut nevoie doar de cteva secunde pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 urmeze exemplul. Era un alt lucru pentru care
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63
\u355\'3f}i. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim n gard{\f63 \u259\'3f}. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} rea
c{\f63 \u355\'3f}ion{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. S{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 le urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}m exemplul colegilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri168 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Erau iu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
Cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii erau iu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Dar asta n-a mai contat.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri310 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, d
intr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de peste tot au ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu de unde
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}riser{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ascun{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ini, sau la marginile locului de parcare.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi avut o imagine de sus, sau d
ac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acolo, cu {\f63 \u8222\'3f}sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul meu
de alarm{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe baz{\f63 \u259\'3f} de grea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f}",
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 poate c-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it ma
i bine totul. Acum ns{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream scena prin ochii Lissei, iar
gardienii f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tot posibilul s-o protejeze de strigoii care p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt, cel pu
{\f63 \u355\'3f}in din punctul ei de vedere. Cea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai mare parte a ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunilor le vedea c
a prin cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Bodyguarzii ei o mpingeau de colo-colo, str{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}duindu-se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-o {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ad{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}post, n timp ce fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele acelea albe, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ochii ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii, se i{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau d
e pretutindeni. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ea vedea totul
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 prin cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, plin{\f63
\u259\'3f} de groaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dar nu a trecut mult pn{\f63
\u259\'3f} cnd am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i primii mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Seren
a, la fel de iute {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ct se ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase n camera de hotel, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-a nfipt {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a drept
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n inima unui strigoi b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat. Apoi, n re
van{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o femeie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strigoi a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit pe gardianul Priscille
i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a frnt gtul.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa avea con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiin{\f63 \u351\'3f}a n
dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ului lui Christian
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n jurul ei, ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd-o de SUV {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd-o cu propriul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lui trup. Gardienii r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ni{\f63 \u355\'

3f}i alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la rndul lor, un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cerc protector, pe ct putuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai bin
e, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia le
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fusese distras{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cercul lor cl{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tina... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, curnd, au cedat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Unul cte unul, gardienii s-au
pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, omor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 strigoi. Nu lipsa de ndemnare a gardienilor era de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pur {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i numeric. Cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, o femeie strigoi i-a sfrtecat b
eregata lui Grant.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Serena a primii o lovitur{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cu dosul palmei, care-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trntit-o cu putere de asfalt, unde a aterizat cu fa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}a n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 jos, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd nemi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i oroarea ororilor, strigoii nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i cru{\f63 \u
355\'3f}e nici pe moroi. Lissa {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mpins{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 atta putere n SUV, nct avusesem impresia c-o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 devin{\f63 \u259\'3f} una cu el {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a
privi cu ochii mari cum un strigoi,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu o mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care rapid{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i eficient{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i spinteca Priscillei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gtul, z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovind apoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}i bea sngele. Femeia moroi nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai avusese timp s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie surprins{\f63
\u259\'3f}, dar bine m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 suferise cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. Endorfinele i at
enuaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} durerea,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce sngele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i via{\f63 \u355\'3f}
a i se scurgeau din trup.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile L
issei s-au transformat n ceva mai presus
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de fric{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr-o stare n care nu mai sim{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ea aproape
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nimic. Era sub {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc. Paralizat{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu o certitudine rece,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} moartea se apropia de ea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o accepta. A
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dibuit mna lui Christian, i-a strns-o cu putere {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre el
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a oferit m{\f63 \u259\'3f}runta consolare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ultima imagine pe care avea s-o vad
{\f63 \u259\'3f} era superbul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cristalin albastru al ochilor lui. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3
f} expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian, gndurile lui erau asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}toare. Vedeam
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldur{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ochii lui, c

{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i iubire {\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
..
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2565 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Total{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i deplin{\f63 \u259\'3f} uluire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ochii lui s-au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ut mari, concentrndu-se asupra a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceva aflat imediat n spatele Lissei.
n aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} a apucat-o de um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r p
e Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i Asta a
fost\i0 , a {\f63 \u351\'3f}optit o voce mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} din{\f63 \u259\'3f}
untrul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ei.\i Aici o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mor\i0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1524 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Apoi, a n{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
les uluirea lui Christian.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li286 \ri2222 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 l avea n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}a ei pe Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 La fel ca mine, avea acea supran
atural{\f63 \u259\'3f} senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era Dimitri, dar f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost Dimitri. Att de multe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi erau identice
... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, attea difereau. A
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva, o
rice, dar de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cuvintele i se
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 formau pe buze, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu ea nu iz
butea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 pronun{\f63 \u355\'3f}e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 O v{\f63 \u259\'3f}paie put
ernic{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a aprins deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n spatele ei, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 un fulger str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitor i-a luminat lui
Dimitri tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 palide. Niciuna dintre noi nu avea nevoie s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privirea spre Christian, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i dea seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el crease
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un glob de foc cu ajutorul magiei. Fie {\f63 \u351\'3
f}ocul de a-l fi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe Dimitri, fie teama pentru Lis
sa, ceva l
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mboldise pe Christian s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} la ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune. Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mijit u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or ochii n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
luminii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai apoi, un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 zmbet plin de cruzime i-a strmbat buzele, iar mna de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe um{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul Lissei a alunecat pe gtul ei

.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stinge-o, a
ordonat Dimitri. Stinge-o, sau ea
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 moare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a r
eg{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it graiul, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} respire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-l ascul
ta, a icnit ea. Oricum o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne omoare. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n spatele ei, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
paia pierise. Umbrele au c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 din nou pe chipul lui Dimitri. Christian nu era disp
us s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ri{\f63 \u351\'3f}te via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Lissei, ch
iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea avea dreptate. Nu prea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai conteze.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De f
apt, a rostit Dimitri, cu o intona{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 agreabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} n toiul ace
lei scene cumplite, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} prefera ca
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 voi doi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i vii. M{\f63 \u259\'3f}car pentru nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}
in timp.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it-o p
e Lissa cum se ncrunt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu m-ar fi
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 surprins s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fi ntmplat la fel {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i cu Christian,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 judecnd dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} deruta din vocea lui. Nici
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea din el u
n comentariu sarcastic. Izbutise
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1972 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun{\f63
\u259\'3f} o ntrebare legitim{\f63 \u259\'3f}:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3808 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2347 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ochii lui Dimitri sclipeau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fiindc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} am nevoie de voi, ca momeal{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4383 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 Rose.
\plain\par
expndtw-13 \b \f20 \fs40 CINCISPREZECE
\plain\par
b \f20 \fs24 N CLIPA ACEEA\b0 , cu mintea mea panicat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi se

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ridic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-o rup la fug{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} la Lehigh {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era la mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i kilometri distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} era un plan
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 perfect realizabil. O frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune de sec
und{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai trziu,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam deja c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ceva
care-mi dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea puterile. Mi le
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea cu mult, cu fo
arte mult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}nit de la mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am repezit afar{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere. Mi se f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse b
rusc dor de Alberta. O v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 intrnd imediat n ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune la Sf. Vladimi
r {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} preia controlul asupra oric{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei situa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ii. n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 punctul n care ajunsese rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia dintre
noi dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ea ar fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit imediat la nevoie, dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi zis. Gardienii de la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Curte nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau str{\f63 \u259\'3f}ini
pentru mine. La cine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 La Hans? Care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} detesta? Nu m-ar fi c
rezut, nu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cum m-ar fi crezut Alberta sau mama. Alergnd pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 culoarele t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cute, mi-am alungat astfel
de griji. N-avea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. l fac eu s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f}. G{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc e
u pe cineva,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 oricine-ar fi. Oricine ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Christian din situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 Numai tu po{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i\i0 , mi-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}uierat o voce n cap.\i Pe tine te
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 vrea Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 N-am luat n seam{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nici acest gnd, n mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, z{\f63 \u
259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum eram, m-am ciocnit de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri613 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cineva cnd am ajuns la col{\f63 \u
355\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-am dat s-o cotesc\i .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am scos un {\f63 \u355\'3f}i
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}t nfundat, un fel de {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Uf!", n timp

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce m-am izbit cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de pieptul cuiva
. Mi-am ridicat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 privirea. Era Mihail. M-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi sim{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}it u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fost plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} peste ca
p de adrenalin{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ngrijorare.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 L-am apucat de mnec{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
am nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l trag spre
\plain\expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 scar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1640 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Haide! Trebui
e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cerem ajutor!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mihail a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas pe
loc, neclintit la smuciturile mele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1518 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Calm, l-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut
apoi cum se-ncrunt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2847 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce tot spui a
colo?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa! Lissa {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian. Au fost lua{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de strigoi...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri83 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de Dimitri. Putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sim. Dar trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bim
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1825 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nedumerirea lui Mihail a
sporit.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri1472 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose...
de cnd tot stai acolo, jos?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu aveam vreme de a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a ceva. L-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat balt{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fugit pe scar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, urcnd
spre etajele principale ale
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 complexului. O clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai trziu, am auzi
t zgomotul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}ilor lui n urma mea. Cnd am ajuns la
biroul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 principal, m-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} certe cineva pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 plecasem, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i eram pedepsit{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Sym
bol }} nimeni nu
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} observe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Biroul era cuprins de haos.
Gardienii alergau peste
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tot, se d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau telefoane, iar glasuril

e se ridicau pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri244 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nivelul disper{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiau, mi-am dat seama. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiau deja.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hans! am st
rigat, croindu-mi drum prin multime.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era n cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte a nc{\f63 \u259\'3f
}perii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i abia ncheiase o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 convorbire pe telefonul mobil. Hans, {\f63 \u351\'3f}
tiu unde sunt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri515 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu unde i-au dus
strigoii pe Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1754 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hathaway, n-a
m timp pentru...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri596 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cutele
de pe frunte i s-au mai netezit.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ntre voi exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} o leg
{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am holbat la el, uimit{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 goneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} imediat, c
a pe-o belea. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tisem pentru
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 o ndelungat{\f63 \u259\'3f} discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie n c
ontradictoriu, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 conving. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, i-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t un semn gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri681 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am v{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zut tot. Am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut tot ce s-a petrecut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri304 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 De data asta, mi venise mie rndul
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncrunt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2540 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar voi de un
de {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1520 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Serena, mi-a
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, posomort.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Serena e moart{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li286 \ri2548 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Hans a scuturat din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} nu. De{\f63 \u351\'3f}i categoric a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a-i suna vocea la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 telefon. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cum
s-a ntmplat, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a folosit

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ultimele pic{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi putere ca s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ne sune. I-am trimis pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti s-o ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}... cure{\f63 \u355\'3f}e locul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am derulat din nou n minte e
venimentele, amintin\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mi cum fusese trntit{\f63 \u259\'3f} Serena pe asfalt.
Fusese o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} foarte violent{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd-o c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se mai mi{\f63
\u351\'3f}ca,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 presupusesem ce era mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. {\f63 \u
350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pase cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f
} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a se ntmplase {\f63 \u8212\'3f},
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cu greu mi puteam forma n minte imaginea ei,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sco{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i telefonul mob
il din buzunar, cu degetele
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nsngerate...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 Te rog, te rog, f{\f63 \u
259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 , mi-am z
is n gnd,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu precis cui m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rugam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Haide, m-a m
boldit Hans. Avem nevoie de tine.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Echipele se formeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} deja.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Inc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o surpr
iz{\f63 \u259\'3f}! Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia cu ei att
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de repede. Un respect cu totul nou mi s-a de{\f63 \u
351\'3f}teptat fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de Hans. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se purta el ca o jig
odie, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 stof{\f63 \u259\'3f} de conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Cn
d d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea de-o ocazie care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 slujeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} scopului, o folosea f{\f63 \
u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea pe gnduri.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dintr-o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}car
e agil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, era deja la u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, urmat de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni. M-am str{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}duit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in pasul cu ei {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i aveau picioarele mai lungi {\f63
\u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} venea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mihail cu noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Porni{\f63
\u355\'3f}i ntr-o misiune de salvare, i-am zis lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Hans. E o... raritate.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am ezitat pn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pronun{\f63 \u355\'3f} cuvintele. Cat
egoric, nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le descurajez ini{\f63 \u355
\'3f}iativa. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} misiunile de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 salvare a moroilor nu intrau n sfera normalului. Atun
ci
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cnd erau lua{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de strigoi, cel mai frec
vent erau
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 considera{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Misi
unea de salvare pe care o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 efectuaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} atac
ul asupra Academiei fusese ceva
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din comun, ceva pentru care fus
ese necesar{\f63 \u259\'3f} mult{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 munc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de convingere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1532 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Hans mi-a aruncat o privire pi
ezi{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}La fel e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}esa Dragomir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa era pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioas
{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru mine, valora mai mull
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dect orice altceva pe lume. {\f63 \u
350\'3f}i pentru moroi, mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama, era pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
oas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cei mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dintre
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 moroii captura{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de strigoi puteau fi
socoti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ea nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea parte dintre ace{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tia. Ea era ultima din
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 familia ei, ultima reprezent{\f63 \u259\'3f} a uneia
dintre cele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}sprezece str{\f63 \u259\'3f}vechi
familii. Pierderea ei n-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nsemnat doar o lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru civiliz
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia moroilor. Ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi constituit un semn, o prevestire a faptului c{\f63
\u259\'3f} strigoii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chiar ne nfrngeau. Pentru ea, gardienii erau dispu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i asume riscul une
i misiuni de salvare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 De fapt, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cum se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, erau dispu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ri{\
f63 \u351\'3f}te
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult mai multe. Cnd am ajuns la garajele n care erau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strate vehiculele Cur{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ii, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut sosind mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imi de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni dar... {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i moroi. Pe c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva i-am recunoscut.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Printre ei era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Tasha Ozera {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i, la fel ca ea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 erau utilizatori ai focului. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} izb
utiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f}m ceva, atunci acesta era faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 capabili s{\f63 \u259\'3f} re
cunoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}tem ct de pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}io{\f63 \u351\'3f}i erau ei ntro
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu strigoii. D
up{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, controversa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privitoare la moroii care voiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
bat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acum luat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i m-a uimit repeziciunea cu care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fusese convocat acest grup. I-am ntlnit privirea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Tashei, am remarcat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea o nf{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are grav{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tras{\f63 \u259\'3f} la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Nu mi-a adresat niciun cuvnt. Nici nu era
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nevoie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Hans d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea or
dine cu glas r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit, repartizndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele pe grupuri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini. Cu ultima pic{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 autocontrol pe care mi-am putut-o g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si
, am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, lng{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ei. Firea mea neastmp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndemna s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} amestec {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l iau la ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-i cer
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce trebuie
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac. Dar avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f} el {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la mine, m-am asigurat pe mine ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi. D
oar avea un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri233 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 rol n care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} distribuie: nu trebuia dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Autocontrolul mi mai era pus
la ncercare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Lissei. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
e Dimitri i luase cu el pe ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe Christian, ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}isem din mintea ei.
Iar acum nu puteam
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc, nu nc{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Nu puteam suporta s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d... s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Dimitri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi fi obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncepeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ndrum pe gardieni, dar pent
ru moment,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m-am ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i a
sta era tot

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce conta, deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\u351\'3f}i, eram att de nt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i d
e ncordat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nct, atunci cnd cineva mi-a atins bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul
, am fost la un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pas s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lovesc cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adri
an... am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suflat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, recunoscn
du-l. Ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4086 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 faci aici?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 St{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea acolo,
privindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea lui; mi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mngia cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e obrazul. O astfel de exp
resie
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 serioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ncrncenat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ma
i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui doar de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori. Nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cea. Adrian se num{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra printre
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 acele persoane care ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zm
beasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 permanen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri583 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum am auzit v
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}tile, am {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut unde-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap, nencrez{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S-a ntmplat acum..
. nici nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu, acum zece
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4215 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 minute.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri780 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Trecerea timpului mi devenise de
ja neclar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum e posibil ca
toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4201 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 repede?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S-a transm
is prin radio peste tot, imediat. Au aici,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 la Curte, un sistem de alertare instantanee. De fapt,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 regina e ntr-un fel de carantin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3236 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum? De ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cumva, chestia asta m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} irita. Nu Tatiana era cea

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3234 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aflat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n primejdie
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1167 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce s{\f63
\u259\'3f} se iroseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} resursele pe ea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri19 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Auzindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, un ga
rdian aflat lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine m-a privit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1637 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mustr{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Adrian
a ridicat din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E un atac a
l strigoilor, relativ aproape. Asta se
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 interpreteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca o amenin{\f63 \u355\'
3f}are destul de grav{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-238 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw4 \i \f20 \fs24 Relativ\i0 era cuvn
tul-cheie. Lehigh se afla la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aproximativ o or{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtare de Curte.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii erau permanent n alert{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu fiecare
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 secund{\f63 \u259\'3f} care trecea, mi doream tot mai
mult s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}te mai repede {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n alert{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut Adrian, eram destul de convins{
\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 pierdut r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdarea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a
{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi cerut lui Hans s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}beasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E Dimitri,
i-am zis, cu voce sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu fusesem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era cazul s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mai spun {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altcuiva despre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asta. El e cel care i-a luat ostatici, i-am explicat
lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian. Se folose{\f63 \u351\'3f}te de ei, ca s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ademeneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mine acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1074 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Adrian
s-a ntunecat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri699 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Vocea i s-a stins, ns{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am de ales? l-am
ntrebat. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc. E
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cea mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} prieten
{\f63 \u259\'3f} a mea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu sunt singura care
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3303 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o capcan{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
3f}tiu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'
3f}tiu.
\plain\par
3f}i ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri120 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, am n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles exact la ce se referea Adrian.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am cobort privirea spre {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a pe care, ntr-un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 gest incon{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient, o
scosesem la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva mai
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 devreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri157 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ceea ce t
rebuie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}... Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-l ucid.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun,
a exclamat Adrian, cu tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile destinse.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3984 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri410 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu din ce m
otiv, dar replica lui m-a enervat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce Dumnezeu! l-a
m repezit. Chiar att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1507 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tor e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scapi de concuren{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1760 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Chipul lui Adrian a r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}mas serios.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. {\f63 \u350
\'3f}tiu ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, att timp ct el e nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} v
iu {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sau,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, oarecum viu
{\f63 \u8212\'3f}, tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti n pericol. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu pot s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 suport gndul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta. Nu pot s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} suport s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u
355\'3f}a ta e
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\
'3f}i chiar este, Rose. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259
\'3f} cnd nu dispare el. Iar eu am nevoie ca
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Nu pot... nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} permit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Vlv{\f63 \u259\'3f}taia furi
ei mi s-a stins la fel de repede pe ct se
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aprinsese.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2150 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, Adrian, mi
pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 L-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} trag{\f63 \u259\'3f} n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lui.
Sprijinindu-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 capul de pieptul lui, i-am sim{\f63
\u355\'3f}it b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ile inimii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 moliciunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \
u351\'3f}ii, mi-am ng{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit un scurt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i efemer
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moment de relaxare. Nu voiam dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cufund n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 el, atunci, pe loc. Nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} las mistuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 sentimentul acela de team{\f63 \u259\'3f}: team{\f63
\u259\'3f} pentru Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i team{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \i \f20 \fs24 de\i0 Dimitri. Am nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}at dintr-oda
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 deveneam con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
un adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r. Indiferent ce s-ar fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntmplat, aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l pierd pe unul dintre
ei n seara
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta. Dac-o salvam pe Lissa, pierea Dimitri. Dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} el
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pa, murea ea. Povestea nu putea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} happy-end,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri18 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 niciun deznod{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mnt nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} salveze {\f63 \u8212\'3f} inima
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 avea oricum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fie zdrobit{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian mi-a atins fruntea cu
buzele, cobornd apoi
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 spre gur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai grij{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, Rose. Orice s-ar ntmpla, te rog,\i te rog
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu pot s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} te pierd.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce-a
{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund, cum s{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionez la toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac
east{\f63 \u259\'3f} emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsat{\f63 \u259\'3
f} dinspre el.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Propria-mi minte, propriul suflet mi erau inundate de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 attea sentimente, att de amestecate, nct cu greu mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc coerent. n loc de r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spuns, mi-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ridicat buzele spre ale lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat. n mijlocul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 attor mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din seara asta {\f63 \u821
2\'3f} mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile deja survenite, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cele care nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
urmeze {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutul acela p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai mult{\f63
\u259\'3f} vigoare dect oricare altul dintre noi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 doi. Era viu. Eu eram vie, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Voiam s-o aduc napoi pe Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i voiam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lui Adrian, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc la buzele lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a asta...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hathaway!
Doamne, Dumnezeule, chiar trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1723 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pun furtunul pe tine ca s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} te trezesc?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am desprins brusc din bra{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lui Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Hans m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} privea mnios. Cele mai multe SUV\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 uri erau nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcate pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
refuz. Acum, venise rndul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 meu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec la ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune
. I-am d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit lui Adrian o privire
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas-bun, iar el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
-a lipit pe buze un mic zmbet
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 for{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, care cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
vea inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f} curajos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri199 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai grij{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, a repetat el. Adu-i napoi... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vino {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i tu.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cut un semn rapid de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 urmat pe ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul
Hans ntr-unul dintre SUV-uri.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-a cuprins cea mai bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f} senza{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie de dej-vu, n timp

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} strecuram pe bancheta din spate
. Sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na att de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mult cu ntmplarea aceea, cnd o r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pise Vic
tor pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, nct aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a nghe{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}at sngele n vine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 atunci mersesem cu un SUV negru, asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}
n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ndrumndu-i pe gardieni spre locul n care se afla
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci Dimitri st{\f63
\u259\'3f}tea lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine...
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 minunatul, viteazul Dimitri, pe care-1 cunoscusem att
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de demult. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, a
mintirile acelea mi erau att de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adnc ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}rite n minte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}d fiecare detaliu: felul n care-{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r pe dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} urechi, ex
presia aprig{\f63 \u259\'3f} din ochii lui c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 din clipa n care ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa accelera{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ia pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la podea, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajungem ct mai repede la Lissa. Era att de hot{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rt,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 att de dornic s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
reptate...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i acest Dimi
tri {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Dimitri strigoiul {\f63 \u8212\'3f} era hot{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rt.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dar ntr-un cu totul alt mod.
\plain\par
259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci asta? m-a ntrebat Hans, de pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 scaunul din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O mn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a strns cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas uimit{\f63
\u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd-o pe Tasha lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine. Nici
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu observasem c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
era cu noi n ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ne
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 baz{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe tine, a mai spus Hans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 I-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns
dnd afirmativ din cap, dorindu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig respectul. n cea mai bun{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie a gardienilor,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 m-am ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dau fru
liber emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu resimt c
onflictul dintre cei doi Dimitri.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi amintesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} noaptea n care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 plecaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m dup{\f63

\u259\'3f} Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Victor fusese una {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aceea{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu
ser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m prad{\f63 \u259\'3f} farmecului de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 constrngere pasional...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ndrepta{\f63
\u355\'3f}i-v{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre Lehigh, am rostit, pe un ton
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 calm. Doar eram gardian acum. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ndrum cnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ajungem mai aproape.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu porniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
dect de vreo dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeci de minute,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cnd am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it c{\f63 \u259\'3f} grupul
n care se afla Lissa se oprise
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 din naintare. Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i alesese o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ascunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare nu prea departe de unive
rsitate, ceea ce ne
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \
u259\'3f} misiunea de a-i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, treb
uia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi reamintesc mie ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri\i voia\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie g{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sit. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiind despre gardienii care ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aveau nevo
ie de indica{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile mele pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd nu ajungeam aproape de Lehigh, m-am nt{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns n mintea Lissei, s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} aflu ce se mai petrecea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Chr
istian nu fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sau ataca
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, doar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbrnci{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tr{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de colo-colo. St{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
eau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un fel de depozit; un depozit care nu mai fusese
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 folosit defoarte mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme. Praful m
br{\f63 \u259\'3f}ca totul ntr\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 un strat gros, att de gros, nct mi venea greu s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 disting unele dintre obiectele stivuite pe rafturile
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ubrede. Ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}te unelte,
poate. Hrtii pe ici, pe colo, plus
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cteva cutii. Un bec gol oferea singura lumin{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere, conferind ntregului un aer nepr
imitor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}fuit.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i Christian erau imobiliza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}te scaune cu

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}tar drept, cu minile legate la spat
e, cu funii. Pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-a izbit acela{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i dej-vu. Mi-am amintit de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iarna trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu
mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva prieteni
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m lega{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de sca
une {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}inu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n captivitate de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 strigoi. B{\f63 \u259\'3f}user{\f63 \u259\'3f} din sng
ele lui Eddie, iar Mason
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 murise...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 Nu. Nu te gndi la asta, R
ose. Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian sunt
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 vii. Nu li s-a ntmplat nimic deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Nu o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} li se\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 ntmple nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Creierul Lissei func{\f63 \u
355\'3f}iona cu intermiten{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, dar o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} tatonare mi-a permis s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d cum ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n ansamblu, cnd fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei adu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i acolo. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 un depozit vechi, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sit, ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea din el o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}un{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 foarte nimerit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru strigoi, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i n care ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nfunde prizonierii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Erau patru strigoi n nc{\f63 \
u259\'3f}pere, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} din punctul de
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 vedere al Lissei, numai unul avea cu adev{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dimitri. i n
{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Imaginea lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca strigoi fusese greu de acceptat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
pentru mine. Ceva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 supranatural, chiar. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} adaptasem cumv
a, dar numai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 datorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} timpului petrecut cu el. {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eram luat{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin surprindere uneori, v{
\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-l astfel.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nu fusese absolut deloc preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 motiv pentru care acum se afla ntr-o stare de {\f63 \
u351\'3f}oc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 De data asta, Dimitri {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase liber p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul {\f63 \u351\'3f}aten
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nchis, care-i ncadra b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbia {\f63 \u8212
\'3f} o nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}are pe care o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 adoram dintotdeauna {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i se plimba n sus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-n jos, cu
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i repezi,
cu\i duster\i0 -ul nvolburndu-se n jurul lui. n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mare parte din timp, st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea cu spatele
la Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian, ceea ce ei i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea {\f63
\u351\'3f}i mai tulbur{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Ct
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 timp nu-i vedea fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, aproape c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nchipuia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri cel pe care-l cunoscuse dintotdeauna. El tot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 discuta n contradictoriu cu ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, n
timp ce mergea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de colo-colo prin spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul acela strmt,
agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia radiind
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din el ntr-un val aproape palpabil.
\plain\par
u259\'3f} ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r vin gardienii, a mrit o femeie
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, atunci ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne post{
\f63 \u259\'3f}m afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Era o ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}leamp{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 moroi nainte de transformare. Din tonul ei se n{\f63 \
u355\'3f}elegea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i nu\i0 credea n realitatea sosir
ii gardienilor, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vor veni, a
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Dimitri cu glas sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul lui accent care-mi frngea inim
a. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4157 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 vor veni
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, la
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ies de-aici {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu de folos! S\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit ea. N-ai nevoie de noi ca s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} facem pe d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dacele
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cu {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia doi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Din tonul ei sugera desconsi
derare. Dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}, chiar.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea vampirilor {\f63 \u351\'3f
}tia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} moroii nu opuneau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri475 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 rezisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, iar Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian erau lega{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fedele
{\f63 \u351\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu nu-i cu
no{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, a zis Dimitri. Sunt periculo{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 suntt convins nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} paza asta e suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3577 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E ridicol!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Printr-o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care, fluent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Dimitri s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suc
it
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a ars un dos de
palm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lovitura a aruncat-o napoi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cu vreo c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, iar
ochii femeii s-au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut mari de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 furie; era {\f63 \u351\'3f}o
cat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ntre timp, el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a reluat patrularea, ca
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum nu s-ar fi ntmplat nimic.
\plain\par
u259\'3f} stai aici {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ze{
\f63 \u351\'3f}ti atta timp ct o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3372 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cer eu, ai n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ea i-a aruncat o privire fur
ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a pip{\f63 \u259\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 obrazul, dar n-a spus nimic. Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i-a ntors privirea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 spre ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iar voi r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}mne{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aici! n cazul n care gardienii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 chiar reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}trund{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 voi nu doar pentru paz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De unde {\
f63 \u351\'3f}tii? a ntrebat un alt strigoi, unul brunet,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 care poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese om odinioar{\f63
\u259\'3f}. O raritate n rndul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1817 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 strigoilor. De unde {\f63 \u351\
'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vor veni?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Strigoii aveau un auz excep{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ional, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ciorov{\f63 \u259\'3f}iala
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 lor i-a oferit Lissei un scurt prilej de a vorbi,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 neobservat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu Christian\b .
\plain\par
355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi arzi leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile? a murmurat ea apr
oape
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2184 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 neauzit. Cum ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cut cu Rose?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Christian s-a ncruntat. Cnd fu
seser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 captivitatea strigoilor, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a procedas
e ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} elibereze.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} duruse ca naiba {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-m
i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase b{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ici pe mini {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ncheieturi.
\plain\par
u259\'3f} observe, a {\f63 \u351\'3f}optit el. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i conversa{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ia nu a mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 continuat, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri s-a oprit b
rusc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ntors
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 spre Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ea a tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit
, surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de brusca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat
a lui
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care. Apropiindu-se iute, Dimitri
a ngenuncheat n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a privit-o a
tent n ochi. Lissa a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 tremure, cu toate eforturile
de a se ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine. Nu mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fusese niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} att
de aproape de un strigoi, iar faptul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tocmai Dimitri era acela nr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea totul. Cercurile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii din jurul ochilor lui i d{\f63 \u
259\'3f}deau impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o ard.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau pre
g{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} atace.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu o mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care
ferm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Dimitri a apucat-o de gt, i-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ridicat b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbia, astfel nct s-o poat{\f63
\u259\'3f} privi mai bine n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ochi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a nfipt adnc degetele n gtul ei, n
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 destul ct s-o sufoce, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} suficient ct ma
i trziu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 apar{\f63 \u259\'3f} vn{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'
3f}i. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai existe un mai trziu.
\plain\par
\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vor veni gardienii, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} Rose ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1589 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, a zis D
mitri. Nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, Rose?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}bindu-{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in strnsoarea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a plimbat vrfuri
le
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 degetelor pe pielea gtului Lissei, att de u{\f63 \u351\
'3f}or... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri139 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie era capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
frng{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe loc gtul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n clipa aceea, parc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ar fi privit n ochii\i mei\i0 . n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sufletul\i meu\i0 . Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam chiar c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-mi mngie\i mie\i0 gtul.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e imposibil.
Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura exista doar ntre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. Nimeni altcineva nu putea s-o simt{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 chiar n acea clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, era ca {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i cum n-ar mai fi existat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nimeni altcineva dect\i el\i0 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
mine. Era de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fi fost nicio Lissa ntre noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu e{\f63 \
u351\'3f}ti acolo, Rose, a continuat el, n timp ce un
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 zmbet nemilos i juca pe buze. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i n-o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 niciunul dintre ei. Dar nici nu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti a
tt de nes{\f63 \u259\'3f}buit{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vii singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu-i
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ai fi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o... dar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
cum.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 M-am smuls din mintea
ei, incapabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privivesc n ochii aceia... {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d fixndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 rndul lor. Fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era vorba de propria
-mi team{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 era o oglindire a fricii Lissei, am descoperit c{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 tremuram. M-am str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} calmez, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 domolesc b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ile inimii
. Am nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n sec {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 rotit privirea n jur, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\
'3f}d dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} observasecineva, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i erau preocupa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} discute strategii... n afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tasha.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ochii ei reci {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri m{\f63 \u259\'3f} examinau, iar pe chip i se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 citea ngrijorarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3314 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-ai v{\f63
\u259\'3f}zut?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am dat din cap, neputnd s-o prive
sc nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4625 \expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un co{\f63
\u351\'3f}mar, am murmurat. Cel mai oribil co{\f63 \u351\'3f}mar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 al meu devenit realitate.
\plain\par
\expndtw-15 \b \f20 \fs40 {\f63 \u350\'3f}AISPREZECE
\plain\par
\f20 \fs24 NU AVEAM CUM S{\f63 \u258\'3f} ESTIMEZ\b0 num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 strigoilor din grupul lui Dimitri. Att de multe din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 imaginile pe care le v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem prin och
ii Lissei fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nce{\f63 \u355\'3f}o{\f63 \u351\'3f}ate de derut{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de teroare! Gardienii, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 eram a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, trebui
au s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghiceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu cte
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 persoane s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trimit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. H
ans spera c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cople{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}itoare
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 numeric ar fi compensat, pent
ru noi, ratarea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri17 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 elementului-surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f
}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} deta{\f63 \u351\'3f}ase to{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i gardienii de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care considera c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se putea dispensa C
urtea. E-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Curtea era protejat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de dispozitive de
paz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar, chiar
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, tot nu putea f
i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciun
gardian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a la C
urte a noilor absolven{\f63 \u355\'3f}i era de ajutor.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cei mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dintre ei r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo, ceea ce le
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 permisese gardienilor experimenta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} participe la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 expedi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de sa
lvare. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne strnseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vreo patruzeci de persoane. Era un num{\f63 \u259\'3f
}r la fel de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prezen
{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unor grupuri numeroase de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 strigoi laolalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De obicei, gardienii
erau trimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 misiune n perechi, poate cel mult n grupuri de trei, c
u
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 familiile de moroi. Un grup att de numeros ca al

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nostru putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} declan{\f63 \u351\'3f
}eze o b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lie care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rivalizeze
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu cea ocazionat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de atacul de la Sf.
Vladimir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiind c{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}ineam nimic dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne furi{\f63 \u
351\'3f}am prin
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntuneric, Hans a oprit convoiul la mic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 depozitul n care se ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}postiser{\f63 \
u259\'3f} strigoii. Cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 situat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe un drum de {\f63 \u351\'3f
}antier, desprins din {\f63 \u351\'3f}osea. Era o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 zon{\f63 \u259\'3f} industrial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu o
potec{\f63 \u259\'3f} pustie din p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dure, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate firmele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fabricile erau nchise
la o or{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trzie din noapte. Am cobort din SUV, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sn
du-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de aerul cald a
l serii. Era jilav, iar umiditatea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 din atmosfer{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mpov{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, din moment
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ce eram deja sufocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de team{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Stnd a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, pe m
arginea drumului, nu sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam nici
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pic de grea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dimitri
nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i postase strigoii chiar pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aici, ceea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} sosirea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fie {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ntr.o oarecare m{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} o surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Hans s-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 apropiat de mine iar eu i-am prezentat o estimare a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei, cea mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de care eram n stare, dat fiind
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile de car
e dispuneam erau limitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri302 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs17 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\f20 \fs24 Da
r po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-o g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe Vasilisa? s-a
interesat el.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 I-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns afirmativ.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs17 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\f20 \fs24 De n
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intru n cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire, leg{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tura o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3410 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} direct la e
a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 A ntors capul {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i s-a uitat {\f63 \u355\'3f}int{\f63 \u259\'3f} n noapte, la ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}
inile
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care goneau pe {\f63 \u351\'3f}oseaua din apropiere.
\plain\par
u259\'3f} ne a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} deja afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
e miros {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne aud cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mult nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i vedem noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Farurile unei ma{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ini care tocmai trecea i-au luminat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 chipul ncruntat de concentrare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1251 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai zis c{\f63
\u259\'3f} sunt trei rnduri de strigoi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dup{\f63 \u259\'
3f} cte pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama. Sunt c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1808 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Chris
tian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am oprit, ncercnd s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} deduc ce ar face Dimitri
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o astfel de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Era clar c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 suficient de bine, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n ipostaza
de strigoi, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pot intui strategia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Apoi, nc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} un cordon n interiorul cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii... nainte
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de a ajunge la depozit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Asta n-o mai {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tiam sigur, dar nu i-am spus lui Hans.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Presupunerea mea se baza pe propriile-mi instincte,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 combinnd ceea ce a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi f{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cut eu cu ceea ce credeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut Dimitri. Mi-am nchipuit c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cel mai bine era
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ca Hans s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} planurile pentru trei rnduri de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2848 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i exact asta a
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, pornim s
pre ei cu trei grupuri. Tu o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 conduci grupul care va intra pentru
salvarea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prizonierilor. O alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} echip{\f63 \u25

9\'3f} o va nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe-a ta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, la un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 moment dat, se va separa de voi. Cei din a doua echi
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se vor bate cu cei din{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, ca s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} lase drumul liber spre
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 prizonieri pentru grupul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Suna att de... milit{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ros.\i Salvare. Prizonieri\i0 . Iar eu...
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor de echip{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Avea logic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} dat fiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eram cea care aveam o leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} cu Lissa {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 fiecare dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n trecut, se folosiser{\f
63 \u259\'3f} cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele mele, dup
{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}saser{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
eoparte. La
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, desf{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}uraser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m tot felul de exerci{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ii, derulnd
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 attea scenarii diferite cu strigoi cte putuser{\f63 \u
259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} viseze
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 instructorii no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri. Cu toate acestea,
privind fix spre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 depozit, toate acele exerci{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de ins
truc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 ca un spectacol, ca un joc care nu s-ar fi putut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nicidecum m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sura cu ceea ce eram pe ca
le s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfrunt.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Pentru o frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune de secund{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, responsabilitatea ntregii
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c
ople{\f63 \u351\'3f}itoare, descurajant{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 alungat repede astfel de nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Pe
ntru asta m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tisem, pentru asta m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} n{\f63 \u259\'3f}scusem. Propriile mele
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 temeri nu contau.\i Ei au prioritate\i0 . Era vremea
s-o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dovedesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar ce-o s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem, din moment ce nu putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 apropiem de ei pe furi{\f63 \u351\'3f}? l-am ntrebat.
Hans avea
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dreptate n privin{\f63 \u355\
'3f}a capacit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii strigoilor de a ne detecta
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dinainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Un zmbet aproape pozna{\f63 \
u351\'3f} i-a lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}; ne
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 explicat tuturor celor din grup planul s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}u {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}it pe echipe. Abor

darea lui tactic{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}znea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i implacabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Un pla
n n stilul meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, uite-a{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a, am pornit. Un observator neutru, care ar
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 fi analizat ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea noastr{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, ar fi afirmat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lansaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ntr-o misiime sinuciga{\f63
\u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 era. Sincer, nici nu conta. Gardienii nu aveau de gnd
s\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 o abandoneze pe ultima descendent{\f63 \u259\'3f} a f
amiliei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dragomir. Iar eu n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi abandonat-o p
e Lissa nici dac\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ar mai fi existat un milion de Dragomiri.
\plain\par
u259\'3f}, odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} exclus{\f63 \u259\'3f} varianta cu furi{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}atul, Hans a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 optat pentru un asalt n for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Grupul nostru s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mbarcai din nou n cele opt SUV-uri, care s-au repezit
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pe strad{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu o vitez{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mult peste cea legal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} SUV\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 uri conduceau {\f63 \u351\'3f}arja una lng{\f63 \u259\
'3f} alta, urmate de dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 rnduri de cte trei. Ne-am n{\f63 \u259\'3f}pustit spre
cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 drumului, am oprit n scr{\f63 \u351\'3f}nrt de cauciucu
ri n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 depozitului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne-am rev{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rsat din ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}ini. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} venim
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ncet, pe furi{\f63 \u351\'3f}, nu reprezentase o op{\f
63 \u355\'3f}iune, atunci
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri317 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tigam la capitolu
l surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiind rapizi, n{\f63 \u259\'3f}valnici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, un
ii strigoi s-au ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat surprin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Categoric ne z{\f63 \u259\'3f}riser{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
propiindu-ne, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 petrecuse att de repede, nct avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} fo
arte pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timp la dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze. Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, cnd erai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 att de rapid {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de abil s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ucizi cum era un strigoi, un
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pic de timp era tot ceea ce-{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i trebuia. Un grup de-al lor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a n{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3
f}lit asupra noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar {\f63 \u8222\'3f}echipa de exterior" a
lui
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Hans a {\f63 \u351\'3f}arjat spre ei, gardienii care
o alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuiau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 interpunndu-se ntre grupul meu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cel ca
re urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 intre. Moroii utilizatori ai focului fuseser{\f63 \u
259\'3f} repartiza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 grupul pentru exterior, de team{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nu dea foc cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n cazul n care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi exercitat aptitu
dinile magice
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Echipa mea a ocolit cmpul de
lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nimerind n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mod inevitabil peste c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva strigoi care
nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prad{\f63 \u259\'3f} diversiunii primei echipe. Cu o
hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rre bine
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 exersat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am ignorat valul de grea{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din cauza proximit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
strigoilor. Hans mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse ordin
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 expres s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} opresc
dect dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era vreun strigoi n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 calea mea, el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un alt gardian flancn
du-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 protejeze de eventualele amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}ri. Nu voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntrzie nimic din calea spre Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Ch
ristian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am luptat s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ne croim drum pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n depozit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mai nti, am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns ntr-o nc{\f63 \u259\'
3f}pere murdar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, blocat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de strigoi. Avusesem dreptate intuind c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} Dimitri va
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 avea mai multe {\f63 \u351\'3f}iruri de protec{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ie. n spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul acela
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strmt s-a creat nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f
63 \u351\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pentru cteva clipe, a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 domnit haosul. Lissa era att aproape... Parc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 striga... A{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
ie cur{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea,
ardeam de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare s-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d. Echi
pa mea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese n spate,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt grup s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} se ocupe de lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd att strigoi, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
gardieni, dar am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} las distra
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Acum lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, jele{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe urm{\f63
\u259\'3f}! Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri696 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian {\f63 \u8212\'3f} trebu
ie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te concentrezi asupra lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe-acolo,
a zis Hans, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}. n fa{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} se formase o bre{\f63 \u351\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau destui strigoi, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 camarazii mei le d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau destul de fur
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strecurat printre ei. Ne-am repezit pe culoar, iar ac
esta
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea ntr-un vast spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu
gol, constituind nucleul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 depozitului. Cteva gunoaie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i resturi a
lc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuiau tot ce
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese din bunur
ile depozitate odinioar{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere se ve
deau mai multe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aveam nevoie de leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura cu Lissa ca
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unde se afla ea. Trei strigoi st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau
de gard{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 uneia dintre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a,
vas{\f63 \u259\'3f}zic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Patru cordoane de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 securitate. Dimitri plusase. Nu mai conta. Grupul meu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cuprindea zece persoane. Strigoii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ar
{\f63 \u259\'3f}tau col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncordndu-se de ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bdare, n timp ce n{\f
63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}leam spre
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ei. La un semn, jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate din grupul m
eu s-a angrenat n
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ei. Noi ceilal{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i am n{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lit pe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Orict de intens m-a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f} fi concentrat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung la Lissa
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la Christian, un mic gnd mi d{\f63 \u
259\'3f}dea permanent
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trcoale. Dimitri. Nu-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem pe Dimit
ri n niciunul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dintre grupurile de strigoi pe care le ntlniser{\f63 \u
259\'3f}m.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ndreptndu-mi ntreaga aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie asupra adve
rsarilor, nu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai strecurasem n mintea Lissei, ca
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} verific
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram pe d
eplin ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare n faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era n camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sigur
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese cu ea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259

\'3f} voi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 veni. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nfrunte.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 Unul dintre ei moar
e ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}-sear{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ori Lissa, ori
\plain\expndtw-9 \i \f20 \fs24 Dimitri\i0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Din moment ce ne atinseser{
\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u355\'3f}inta, nu mai aveam
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de protec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie suplimentar{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Hans {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a scos {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a celui dinti strigoi care i-a ie{
\f63 \u351\'3f}it n cale, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 loc pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a
avntat n lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 grupul meu au procedat ntocmai. Ne-am rev{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rsat n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} mai devreme mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era haos,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fusese nimic fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ce
ea ce se ntmpla aici. Noi to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} gardieni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i strigoi
{\f63 \u8212\'3f} abia dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}peam n camer{\f63 \u
259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} luptele se desf{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urau foarte, foarte
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de-aproape. O femeie strigoi {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cea p
e care o p{\f63 \u259\'3f}lmuise
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mai devreme Dimitri {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a venit spre m
ine. M-am luptat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cu ea pe pilotul automat, abia dndu-mi seama cnd i-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 trecut {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a prin ini
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} camera aceea, plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}te {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de moarte
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ciocniri, numai trei persoane
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea aveau acum importan{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru mine:
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 L-am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit, n
sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Dimitri st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea, al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de
cei
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 doi prieteni ai mei, lipit de peretele opus. Nimeni
nu se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea cu el. si {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea br
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele ncruci{\f63 \u351\'3f}ate, ca un rege
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 veghindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i regatul, n timp ce solda{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f}i se luptau cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 inamicul. Privirea i-a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut asupra me
a {\f63 \u8212\'3f} avea o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 expresie de amuzament {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}teptare. Aici avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul. {\f63
\u350\'3f}tiam asta amndoi. Mi-am croit drum
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 prin nghesuial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, evitndu-i pe strigoi.

Colegii mei s-au
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 avntat n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierare al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi
de mine, dobornd pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oricine mi st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea n cale. I-am l{\f63 \u
259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se lupte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 naintat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tre
obiectivul meu. Toate acestea, toate cte
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 se petreceau duseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} la momentul culm
inant:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1029 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 confruntarea decisiv{\f63 \u259\
'3f} dintre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri.
\plain\par
1\'3f}ti frumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd te lup{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, mi-a zis Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vocea lui rece a ajuns ct se poate de limpede pn{\f63 \
u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mine, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} larma nc{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ier{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. Ca un nger r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zbun{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sosit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aplice dreptatea divin{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foarte nost
im, am zis, mutndu-mi {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pentru\i asta\i0 am venit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1516 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ngerii se mai
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc, Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajunses
em la el. Prin intermediul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii, am sim{\
f63 \u355\'3f}it o scurt{\f63 \u259\'3f} explozie de durere n Lissa.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 O arsur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nimeni nu-i f{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cuse vreun r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar cnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o, cu coada ochiului, mi{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}cndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, mi\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am dat seama ce se ntmplase. Christian f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cuse ceea
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 ce-i ceruse ea: i arsese funiile. Am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
zut-o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dezlegndu-l la rndul ei, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care mi-a
m comutat din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nou aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia spre Dimitri. Dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian erau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 liberi, atunci, cu att mai bine. Fuga avea s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} le fie mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de ndat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ce vom elibera drumul de strigoi.
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 eliberam drumul de strigo
i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te-ai osten
it din r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sputeri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aduci aici,

i-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 zis lui Dimitri. Mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} lume o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} moar{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dintre ai t{\f63 \u259\'3f}
i,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dintre ai mei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 A ridicat din umeri, nep{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ajunssesem. n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea, un gardian se b
{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea cu un
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 strigoi chel. Lipsa p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rului nu-l f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cea\i deloc\i0 atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pielea lui alb{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca varul. Mi-am f{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cut loc pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ar
e importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis Dimitri. Se ncorda tot mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mult, pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} apropiam. Niciunul dintre ei nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mor, at
unci e evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu merit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4212 \expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iasc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prad{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, am murmurat
, amintindu-mi de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce-mi spusese cnd m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\
'3f}inuse prizonier{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aju
ng la el. Acum, nu mai era nimeni ntre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 noi. Era altfel fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
e diversele noastre confrunt{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trecut cnd avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m spa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}iu din plin s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reciproc for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ne pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuim atacurile. Acum, n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea aceasta eram nghesui{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, {\f63 \u355\'3f}inndu-ne la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ceilal{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i, mic{\f63 \u351\'3f}oraser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
mult spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre noi. Era un dezavantaj pentru mine. Strigoii l
e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 erau superiori gardienilni din punct de vedere fizic;
un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu mai larg ne ajuta s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} compens{\f63 \u259\'3f}m printr-o mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mare manevrabilitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, deoca
mdat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-aveam nevoie de manevre.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri continua s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac eu prima mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}mnea pe o pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, care nu-mi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 permitea o lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} direct{\f63 \u259
\'3f} spre inima lui. Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}nesc, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63
\u351\'3f}eam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l crestez altundeva cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63
\u351\'3f}a,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era probabil ca el s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-mi administreze o lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mult mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f} datorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} apropierii de mine. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am schimbat tactica, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptndu-l rndul
meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Toat{\f63
\u259\'3f} lumea asta moare din cauza ta, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii,
mi-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 zis el. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-ai fi l{\f63 \u259\'3
f}sat trezit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine... dac-ai fi vrut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}... ei bin
e, atunci nimic din toate astea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nu s-ar fi ntmplat. Am fi fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i acum n
Rusia, unul n
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele celui
lalt, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prietenii t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i de-aici
ar fi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 teferi. Niciunul dintre ei n-ar mai fi murit. E numa
i vina
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 ta.
\plain\par
\'3f}i cum r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne cu cei pe care ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 omor n Rusia, l-am repezit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 El {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a muta
t un pic centrul de greutate. Oare asta s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fie o bre{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Am ncercat
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi urmez ideea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1241 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei n-ar mai f
i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas teferi, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 M-a ntrerupt zgomotul unui obiect
care se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmase, n stnga mea.
Christian, acum liber, tocmai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pocnise cu scaunul un strigoi angrenat n lupt{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} cu un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gardian. Strigoiul s-a debarasat de Christian ca de o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 musc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Prietenul meu a zburat napoi, s
-a izbit de perete
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a aterizat pe podea, cu un aer mai
buimac. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vreau, am aruncat o privire spre el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa fugind ntr-acolo. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, Doamne p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}ze{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, avea o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De unde reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} rost de ea,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 habar n-aveam. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o luase de la
un gardian
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dobort. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciunuia dintre strig
oi nu-i trecuse
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prin minte s-o perchezi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze cnd o a
duseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} aici. La
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 urma urmei, pentru numele lui Dumnezeu, ce rost ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1481 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 avut ca un moroi s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} la el o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Opri{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i-v{\f63 \u259\'3f}! Sta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i deoparte! am urlat la ei,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-mi capul din nou spre Dimitri. Dar faptul c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sasem distras{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de cei doi m{\f63 \u259\'3f} costase. Dndu-mi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} atace, am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 feresc f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca m{\f63
\u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea. S-a
dovedit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntinsese spre gtul meu, iar eschiva mea imprecis{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 scutise de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ul cel mai mare. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, m-a prins de um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-a azvrlit aproape tot att ct zburase
Christian.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, spre deosebire de prietenul m
eu, aveam la activ
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 at{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ani de preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tire, n
care nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}asem cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 revin dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o asemenea lovitur{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Acumulasem o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de abilit{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i privind felul n care puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 recap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t echilibrul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi revin. M-am cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat numai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 un pic, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care mi-am rec{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat iute fermitatea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu puteam dect s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog ca Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi\\ ascultat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo prostie. Aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} concentrat{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra lui Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} altfel aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fiu ucis{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} muream eu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian ar fi murit, mai mu
lt ca sigur.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Impresia mea n timp ce ne croiam drum ncoace,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 luptnd, fusese c{\f63 \u259\'3f} strigoii erau ntrecu{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i din punct de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vedere numeric de gardieni, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i uneo
ri asta atrna prea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in n balan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Cu toate acestea, trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} colegii mei
aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dea gata pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri438 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 du{\f63 \u351\'3f}mani l{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac ceea ce aveam de f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2097 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a rs de eschiva mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M-ar fi impresio
nat, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi fost un lucru pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care l-ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i un copil de zece ani. Iar prietenii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i... ei bine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei
lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} la nivelul unora de zece ani. Ct
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 despre moroi... n cazul lor, e chiar foarte bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, n fine
, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vedem ce aprecieri o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai faci
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cnd va fi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te omor, i-am zis, f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cnd o mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} fent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d ct de atent era.
A f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un pas n lateral, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nicio problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}, gra{\f63 \u355\'3f}io
s ca un balerin.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai
cum, Rose. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai dat seama pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acum? nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai\i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut\
i0 ? N-ai cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nvingi. N-ai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ucizi. Chiar
dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te nduri s\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 o faci. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ezi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Ia
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ba nu, n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mai ezit. Asta nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea el seama.

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse o gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}eal{\f63
\u259\'3f} aducndu-o aici pe Lissa. Ea m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rise
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 miza {\f63 \u8212\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am n inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie vreun calambur {\f63 \u8212\'
3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 toate planurile. Ea era aici. Ea era real{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei era n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 joc, iar cnd era vorba despre asta... ei bine, cnd era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vorba despre asta, n-aveam cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
ezit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri probabil c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} se s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tepte. A
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un salt, a ntins din nou mna spre
gtul meu. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat, l{\f
63 \u259\'3f}sndu-mi um{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} primeasc{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 greul loviturii. De data asta, a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prind{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r. M-a smucit spre el, cu o v{\f63
\u259\'3f}paie de triumf n ochii
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}i ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii. n spa{\f63 \
u355\'3f}iul n care ne aflam, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de mai mult ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ucid{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inuse ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 dorise.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Se pare totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era singurul care voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 omoare. Un alt strigoi {\f63 \u8212\'3f} poate gndindu
-se c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ajut{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe Dimitri {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cut loc spre noi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a ntins mna
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spre mine. Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dezgolit col{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ii, fulgerndu-l pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt cu o privire de ur{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de furie n stare pur{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E a mea! a
{\f63 \u351\'3f}uierat el, dndu-i o lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 acesta, n mod evident, nu se gndise c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
vea s-o
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 primeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i iat{\f63
\u259\'3f} bre{\f63 \u351\'3f}a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine.
Scurtul moment de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 neaten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie al lui Dimitri l f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}beasc{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 strnsoarea asupra mea. Aceea{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i apropiere care-l f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea

\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 letal pentru mine m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cea acum exact la fel de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 periculoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru el. Eram aproape de
pieptul lui,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aproape de inima lui, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aveam {\f63
\u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a-n mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a
{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun exact ct a durat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul {\f63 \u351\'3f}ir de eveni
mente. ntr-un fel, l-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it ca
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 petrecndu-se n intervalul unei b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63
\u259\'3f}i de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 momentul acela, timpul parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncremenise
. Lumea\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ncetase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am ndreptat {\f63 \u355\'3f}e
pu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a spre Dimitri, iar cnd privirea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lui a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut din nou asupra mea, cred c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it el a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-l ucid. Nu ezitam. Chiar aveam s-o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fac. {\f63 \u354\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mea era ac
olo...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2585 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, deodat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, nu mai era.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ceva m-a izbit cu putere din drea
pta, mpingndu\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de lng{\f63 \u259
\'3f} Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i z{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnicindu-mi lo
vitura. M-am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mpleticit, evitnd cu greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lovesc pe
cineva. Cu toate
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mereu ncercam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu
vigilent{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu privire la cei din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 jurul meu n timpul unei lupte, acum mi l{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sasem jos
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 garda pe partea aceea. Strigoii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gar
dienii erau n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 stnga mea. n dreapta, nu era dect peretele... plus
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i tocmai Lis
sa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} cei care m{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 mbrnciser{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimi
tri era la fel de uluit ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 uluit a fost atunci cnd Lissa s-a avntat spre el, cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a n mn{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ca un fulger r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd prin
leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ajuns la mine ceea ce ea mi
ascunsese cu
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 foarte, foarte mult{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ultima zi: faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ise
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} impregneze {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a cu farmecul spiritului. Acesta era
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 motivul pentru care fusese att de montat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} la ultima ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de antrenament cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, cu Grant {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i Serena.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a faptului c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} dispunea de instrumentul necesar
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 i alimentase dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de a-l folosi. {\
f63 \u350\'3f}i ascunderea acestei
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de mine fusese o isprav{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe potriva
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 fermec{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63
\u351\'3f}ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar mai
fi contat acum. Cu sau f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fermecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tot nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} se apropie de Dimitri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia acest lucru, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} surprinderea lui l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase imediat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 locul amuzamentului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncnt{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rii: avea o expresie
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aproape de indulgen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
ca atunci cnd {\f63 \u355\'3f}i prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti copilul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd ceva adorabil. Atacul Lissei a fo
st stngaci. Nu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 avea suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f} rapiditate. Nu avea s
uficient{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! am zbi
erat, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind spre ei, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i eram destul de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici eu n-o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu ndeajuns de iute.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o p
erdea exploziv{\f63 \u259\'3f} de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i vlv{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi-a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i abia am mai avut prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 spirit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac un pas napoi. Focul acela
izbucnise
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dinspre podea, alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuind n jurul lui Di
mitri un cerc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpiedica s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajun
g la el. M-a dezorientat, dar
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 numai pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1500 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 I-am recunoscut opera lui Chri
stian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nceteaz{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}! am urlat la el. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac, dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l atac pe Christi
an, sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} arunc n foc. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 arzi de vii pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i! am mai strigat. F
ocul era destul de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bine st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnit {\f63 \u8212\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f}car atta ndemnare avea Christian
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ntr-o nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere de dimensiunile astea, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un foc controlat putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie mortal.
Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 strigoi se retr{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Cercul de fl{\f63 \u259\'3f
}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri se apropia de Dimitri, devenind din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce n ce mai strns. L-am auzit pe Dimitri urlnd, i-am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit prin perdeaua de foc privirea a
gonic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Haina-i era
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mistuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63
\u259\'3f}ri, iar fumul se rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsa din vlv{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \
u259\'3f}i. Un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 anume instinct mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} opresc toate
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 astea... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ce
importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai avea? Doar venisem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ucid. Avea importan{\f63 \u355\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac-o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea altcineva n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3916 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 locul meu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n acel mom
ent, am observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ofensiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dimitri nu era atent, urlnd t
ot mai aprig pe
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce fl{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile l nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luiau. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu {\f63
\u355\'3f}ipam... pentru el,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pentru ea... greu de spus. Bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul Lis
sei se vedea printre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i, din nou, durerea a {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tura
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}... o durere care f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f} nensemnat{\f63 \u259\'3f} rana
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de ea mai devreme, cnd Christian i arsese
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 funiile. Cu toate acestea, ea a continuat, nelund n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a atroce.
Direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia era corect{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u354\'3f}inea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ndreptat{\f63 \u

259\'3f} spre inima lui Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1826 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i {\f63 \u355
\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns, l-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}puns.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, oarecum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Exact ca atunci cnd exersase cu p
erna, nu prea avea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri18 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mping{\f63 \u259\'3f} suficient {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a. Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it-o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu-se, adunndu-{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i fiecare dram de t{\f63 \u259\'3f}rie de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care dispunea. Aruncndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i toat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} greutatea n {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpins-o nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu amb
ele mini. {\f63 \u354\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a a intrat
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mai mult. Dar nu destul. ntr-o
situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie normal{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrzierea asta ar fi costat-o via{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}a. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta nu era o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie normal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dimi
tri nu avea cum s-o blocheze, ct
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 timp fl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile l mistui
au lent. Reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se zbat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pu{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}in,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cnd {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i anulnd bruma de progres pe care o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inuse Lissa. Strmbndu-se, ea a ncercat
din nou,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpingnd {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a tot att ca
mai nainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2324 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i, nu era ndeajuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am revenit atunci n fire, {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceteze povestea
asta. Lissa avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ard{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mai ncerca mult s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l omoare cu {\f63 \u
355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. i lipsea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndemnarea. Ori trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ucid eu, ori
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ca
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 focul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} termine cu el. Am pornit nain
te. Lissa ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} m\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit cu coada ochiului {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i mi-a expediat o rafal{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 constrngere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2514 \expndtw-8 \i \f20 \fs24 Nu! Las{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s-o fac eu!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Comanda ei m-a izbit ca un zid in
vizibil care m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 obliga s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} opresc. Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas pe loc, buim{\f63 \u259\'3f}cit{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, att
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de constrngerea n sine, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de con{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o folosise mpotriva mea. Nu mi-a tre
buit dect o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} scutur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi revin. Aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
ei era prea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dispersat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u351\'3f}i poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pune ntreaga for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
} n ordinul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acela, iar eu oricum aveam destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} rez
isten{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 constrngere.
\plain\par
\u351\'3f}i, aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrziere m-a mpiedicat s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ajung la ea. Lissa a profitat de aceast{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 era ultima pe care-o avea.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o da
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}, luptndu-se cu tortura cumplit{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 focului, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a folosit toat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} energia ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mping{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pung{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} inima lui Dimitri. Dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de data asta,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lovitura ei s-a dovedit a fi nendemnatic{\f63 \u259\'3
f}; nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai era
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}suceasc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mping{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
55\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deosebire de o lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f} scurt{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum ar fi dat-o un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gardian experimentat. Dar, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}a, lipsit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndemnare, a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
t. I-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}puns profund
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 inima. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n acea clip{\f63 \u259\'3f},
am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it torentul magiei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsndu-se prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
ura noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, acea magie att de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 familiar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe care o resim{\f63 \u355
\'3f}isem n att de numeroasele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cazuri n care vindecase pe cte cineva.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... d
e data asta era de o sut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ori mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect orice resim{\f63 \u355\
'3f}isem vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncremenesc la fel de sigur pe ct o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cus
e for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 constrngere. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam
de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nervii mei ar fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fost pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f} explodeze, de parc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} tocmai a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 lovit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de fulger.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 O lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f} alb
{\f63 \u259\'3f} a explodat brusc n jurul ei, o lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 care minimaliza str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucirea focului.
Era ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat cineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cad{\f
63 \u259\'3f} soarele n mijlocul nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perii. Am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipat din r{\f63 \u259\'3f}runchi, ri
dicnd mna ntr-un gest instinctiv
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r ochii n timp
ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam un pas napoi. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cte auzeam prin nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere, to{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aveau reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
f}, parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai exista nicio leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam nimic dinspre Lissa: nici
durere, nici
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 magie. Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura era la fel de incolor{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de goal{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lumina alb{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
are inunda nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea. Puterea folosit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ea cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
dintre noi, amor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Apoi, lumina a disp{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rut, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu. Nu s-a stins
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 treptat. Doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... a disp{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rut ct ai clipi din ochi. Cum ai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fi ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat un ntrerup{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
or. S-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere, cu excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cto
rva murmure de stnjeneal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 derut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lumina aceea trebuie s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fi fost ucig{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pentru ochii sensibili ai strigoilor. {\f63 \u350\'3
f}i pentru mine fusese
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 destul de nepl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} vedeam stele verzi. Nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi concentrez privirea nic{
\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri, reverbera{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acelei str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luciri arzndu-mi nc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} pupilele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it {\f63
\u8212\'3f} mijind ochii {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d din
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nou, dar neclar. Focul disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse, n ur
ma lui r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 doar pete negre pe perete {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe tavan,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in fum
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} estim{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rile mele, ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie mult mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 multe pagube. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu aveam timp de
pierdut cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 minunea asta, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} alta se nf{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ptuia chiar sub ochii
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 mei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri998 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu doar o min
une. Ceva dintr-un basm.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri s
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau amndoi pe podea. Aveau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 hainele prlite, chiar arse. R{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ni inflamate, ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trandafirii i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tau Lissei pielea frumo
as{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n locurile
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 din care focul mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}case mai aprig. Cele
mai grav
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 afectate i erau minile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncheieturile.
Vedeam pete de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 snge acolo unde fl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ril
e chiar i arseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pielea.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Arsuri de gradul trei, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi aduceam
corect aminte
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de la lec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de fiziologie. {\f63 \u3
50\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu sim
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nicio durere, iar arsurile nu-i afectau mi{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile minilor.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri2108 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 l mngia pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f
}r pe Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce ea st{\f63 \u259\'3f}te
a ntr-o pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce s-ar putea numi {\f63 \u822
2\'3f}n capul oaselor", el era
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mpr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiat pe podea, cu
totul stngaci. Ea i {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea capul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n poal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i trecea degetele prin p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul lui, cu o mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 blnd{\f63 \u259\'3f}, repetitiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}... a{

\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum faci cnd vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 un copil, sau chiar un animal. Fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a e
i, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i afectat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de cumplitele ravagii ale focului, str{\f63 \u259\'3
f}lucea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era plin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 de compasiune. Dimitri m{\f63 \u259\'3f} numise {\f63
\u8222\'3f}un nger al
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zbun{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii", ns{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ea era un nger al ndur{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum l
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 privea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i {\f63 \u351\'3f}optea cuv
inte mngietoare, lipsite de sens.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} halul n c
are-i ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tau ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}mintele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la cum l
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem prjolit de fl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat ca el s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deja scrum; un soi de schelet nnegrit, co{\f63 \u351\'
3f}maresc. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors c
apul, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru prima
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i z{\f63 \u259
\'3f}resc bine chipul, am remarcat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era complet
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 neatins. Nici cea mai mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} arsur{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu-i nsemna pielea...
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 o piele la fel de cald{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i de bronzat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca n prima zi n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem. I-am z{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rit ochii doar pentru o frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de secund{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
dispar{\f63 \u259\'3f} chipul dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} genunchiul
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Lissei. Am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut nesfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
tele adncuri c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adncurile n care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}isem de-attea ori. Nici
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} cercuri ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2190 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri... nu mai era strigoi.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i plngea.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-457 \li286 \ri879 \fi850 \expndtw-14 \b \f20 \fs40 {\f63 \u350\'3
f}APTESPREZECE
\plain\par
b \f20 \fs24 NTREAGA NC{\f63 \u258\'3f}PERE P{\f63 \u258\'3f}RUSE\b0 s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i opreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unor miracole, gardienii {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
sau
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 strigoii, la drept vorbind {\f63 \u8212\'3f} erau gre
u de distras.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Luptele, care ncetaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe moment, au f

ost reluate cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 la fel de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} furie. Gardienii domi
nau, iar aceia dintre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ei care nu se ocupau de ultimii strigoi supravie{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}uitori au
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre Lis
sa, ncercnd s-o smulg{\f63 \u259\'3f} de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Spre surpriza tuturor ea se {\f63 \u355\'3f
}inea strns de el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut chiar cteva slabe ncerc{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ri de a se lupta cu cei
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ngr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}di{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i n jurul ei. Era aprig{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i protectoare,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aducndu-mi n minte nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} imnginea unei mame
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} pruncul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri se {\f63 \u355\'3f}i
nea de ea cu la fel de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rre,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lui {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i ale Lissei erau insuficiente n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, gardienii au reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i despart{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cu for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. S-au auzit strig{\f63 \u259\
'3f}te dezorientate, gardienii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rasc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l omoare sau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu pe Dimitri. Nu le-ar fi fost greu. El era neajutor
at
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acum. Abia dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se putea {\f63 \u355\'
3f}ine pe picioare cnd l-au
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 smucit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ridice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Chestia asta m-a trezit. Pn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} acum, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} holbasem pur
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, ncremenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, p
aralizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Scuturndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 uluial{\f63 \u259\'3f} am {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\
'3f}nit nainte, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 seama spre cine m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ndreptam: spre Lissa? sau spre
\plain\par
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! Opri{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i-v{\f63 \u259\'3f}! am urlat, observnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} unii dint
re
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 gardieni se apropiau cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ele n mini. Dimitri nu e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1582 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i!
Nu e strigoi! Privi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-l!
\plain\par
stian strigau acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru. Cineva m-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i m-a tras napoi, spunndu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i las pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ocupe d
e tot ce trebuia. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc, m-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucit
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am tras un pumn n plin{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} atacatorului, dndumi seama prea trziu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Hans. S-a mpletidt pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in n spate, p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rnd mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 surprins, dect lezat. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l lovis
em era suficient
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le atrag{\
f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a{\f63 \u351\'3
f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, foarte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 curnd, am avut parte de propriul grup de gardieni cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupt. Efortu
rile mele nu-mi erau de prea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mare folos, n parte din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} eram cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 punct de vedere numeric, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n rest, din
cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i tratez la fel ca pe strigo
i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Abia cnd gardienii m-au scos
afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Di
mitri fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} deja sco{\f63 \u351\'3f}i din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere. Am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl
u unde-i duseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am urlat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d. Nime
ni nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} asculta. M-au trt afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 din depozit, trecnd pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} o tulbur{\f
63 \u259\'3f}toare mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cadavre. n majoritatea lor, erau cadavre de strigoi, n
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 am recunoscut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cteva chipuri de gardi
eni din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 regimentul Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. M-am ntristat, chiar
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team prea bine. B{\f63 \u259\'3f}
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lia se sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise, iar tab{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise nving{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}toare... ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tind un pre{\f63 \u355\
'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nsemnat. Gardienii r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} probabil c{\f63
\u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 curat acum. Nu m-ar fi surprins dac-ar fi ap{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe mome

nt, nimic din toate astea nu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} preocupa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde e Liss
a? ntrebam ntruna, n timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mbrnceau ntr-unul dintre SUV-uri. Doi gardieni s-au
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 strecurat lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, de-o parte {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri646 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team pe niciu
nul dintre ei. Unde e Dimitri?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prin{\f63
\u355\'3f}esa a fost dus{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-un loc sigur, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
spuns
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aspru unul dintre ei. Amndoi priveau fix drept nainte,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
niciunul nu avea de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebarea mea despre Dimitri. D
in punctul lor
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de vedere, el putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici nu fi exi
stat. Unde e Dimitri?
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am insistat, vorbind mai tare de ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri600 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a poate a{\f63 \
u351\'3f} primi un r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. E cumva cu Lissa?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2458 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Abia acum au reac{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ionat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Evident c{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu, a zis acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i gardian care vorbise {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3696 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai devreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3530 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E... e viu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era una dintre cele mai grele ntre
b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri pe care le
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pusesem vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{
\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Detestam s-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 recunosc, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
fost n locul lui Hans, n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat minuni. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
exterminat orice a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi perceput ca
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 reprezentnd o amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri320 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, mi-a r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spuns pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}oferu
l. E... viu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i asta a fost tot
ce-am putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scot de la ei, orict
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de mult am insistat, {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i am cerut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \

u259\'3f} cobor
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 din ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i, crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am insistat o gr{\f63 \u259
\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Capacitatea lor de a m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ignora era cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 impresionant{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu eram
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiau ce se petrecuse. Totul se derulase
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prea repede. Unicul lucru pe care-l {\f63 \u351\'3f}t
iau cei doi era c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 primiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ordin s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} escorteze afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am tot sperat c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} va mai ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea cineva cunoscut n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 SUV-ul nostru. N{\f63 \u355\'3f}. Doar al{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i gardieni necunoscu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Nici
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian, nici Tasha. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car Han
s; fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, n cazul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lui am n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} se temea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i mai ard
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 vreun pumn din gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f
}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ne-am
mbarcat to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am pornit la drum,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 am renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it la n
treb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile mele cic{\f63 \u259\'3f}litoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe spate, pe locul meu. {\f
63 \u350\'3f}i alte SUV-uri
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 plecaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu noi,
ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} habar n-aveam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prietenii mei se aflau n ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura dint
re mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} amor{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocul ini{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ial, care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu s
imt absolut
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nimic, restabilisem ncetul cu ncetul o u{\f63 \u351\'3f
}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 conexiune cu ea, care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura exista n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 continuare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea, Li
ssa, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ia. Cam att. Cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 puterea care explodase din ea, era de parc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi ars, temporar. Magia ex
istent{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre noi era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fragil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ori de cte ori ncercam s{\f63
\u259\'3f} folosesc leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura ca
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu ce mai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea L

issa, era ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi privit ceva
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mult prea str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitor, care m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} orbea. Trebuia pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 simplu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} presupun c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se restabileasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de la sine ct de curnd, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam m
are nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o viziune intern{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu privire la ceea
ce se petrecuse.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ba nu, las-o naibii d
e viziune intern{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Aveam nevoie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}t
iu ce se petrecuse, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gata. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram un pic sub
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 influen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocului, iar
ndelungata c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie de napoiere
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la Curte mi-a oferit timpul necesar pentru prelucrare
a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}inelor informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii l
a care avusesem acces. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sar imediat la Dimitri, ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncep cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nceputul, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} voiam cu adev{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} analizez toate
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Mai inti {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-nti
: Lissa fermecase o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ascunsese de mine aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ie. Cnd? nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plece n excursia la facultate? Sau la Lehigh? Sau ct
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 timp fusese ostatic{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Oricum nu mai c
onta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Apoi, cu toate ncerc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rile ei e{\f63 \u351\'3f}uate cu perna, tot
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i nfig{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a n inima lui Dimit
ri. Fusese
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de o lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
focul creat de Christian f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ca totul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f} pos
ibil. Am tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit, amintindu-mi de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 arsurile suferite de Lissa n timpul caznei la care se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 supusese. Le resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}isem {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i eu durerea, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se piard{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem urmele pe care i le l{\f63 \u259\'3f}saser{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian nu era cel mai mare specialist din lume n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a vindec{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor,
ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} speram ca puterile lui magice
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie suficiente pentru tratarea r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}nilor ei.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Al treilea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
ultimul fapt era c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog... oare era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 un fapt? Lissa l str{\f63 \u259\'3f}punsese pe Dimitri
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i folosise
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i farmece ca pentru o vindecar
e... dar apoi? Asta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era ntrebarea cea mare. Ce se ntmplase, n afar{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ise
m totul ca pe o explozie nuclear{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
dintre noi? Oare chiar v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem ceea ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2527 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 avusesem impresia c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2576 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri se... schimbase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Acum nu mai era strigoi. Sim{\f63
\u355\'3f}eam acest lucru n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 inima mea, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3
f} pe el l z{\f63 \u259\'3f}risem numai n treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}t.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dar fusese ndeajuns ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\
'3f}d adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul. Tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 strigoi disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruser{\f63 \u259\'3f}. L
issa f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse tot ceea ce declarase
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Robert c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} readuc{\f63 \u259\'3f} un strigoi la starea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lui anterioar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era
clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aceast{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 desc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcare magic{\f63 \u259\'3f}... e
i bine, era lesne de crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era posibil. Imaginea lui Dimitri mi-a revenit n minte
,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ag{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-se de Lissa, cu
lacrimile curgndu-i pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu de ce, dar nu credeam c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} strigoii erau capabili
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plng{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n inim{\f63 \u259\'3f} parc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} mi s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucit, dureros, un cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it,
si am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 clipit iute, mpiedicndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} plng {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu. Rotindu-mi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 privirea, m-am readaptat la mediu. Afar{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, cerul se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lumina. Se apropia r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ritul. Gardienii care erau cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mine purtau pe chipuri urmele oboselii, ns{\f63 \u259\
'3f} agerimea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 privirilor nu le sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea nici m{\f63 \u

259\'3f}car pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pierdusem no{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea timpului, ns{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ceasul meu interior
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram deja
de ceva vreme pe drum.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram aproape de Curte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Am tatonat din nou leg{\f63
\u259\'3f}tura cu Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 descoperit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} restabilise, dar era nc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fragil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar fi plpit, aprinzndu-se {\f63 \u351\'3f}i stingndu-se,
dar oricum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i revin
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era suficient ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tesc, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} am oftat de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urare. Cnd se
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 manifestase prima dat{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, cu ani n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura mi se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse att de strani
e... supranatural{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Acum, o sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ca fiind parte din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea. Absen{\
f63 \u355\'3f}a ei de ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi mi se
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea nefireasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Privind prin ochii Lissei, n
SUV-ul n care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torea, am sperat c
-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Dimitri cu ea. Acea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 unic{\f63 \u259\'3f} privire din depozit nu fusese s
uficient{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nevoia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}d, s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} asigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} minunea se s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}vr{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vru
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i sorb cu privirea tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile
,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l contemplu pe Dimitri, cel de demu
lt. Pe Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cel pe care-l iubeam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} el nu era
cu Lissa. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, era acolo Christian,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care o privea cum se foie{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Lissa do
rmea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Din cauza asta
, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i din cauza urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 acelei sec{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuitoare desc{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri de putere de mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 devreme, leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura noastr{\f63 \u259\'3
f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea un pic neclar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Imaginile mi se nce{\f63 \u355\'3f}o{\f63 \u351\'3f}au
din cnd n cnd, dar, n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 general, puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f

}resc ce se ntmpla.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum te sim{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i? a ntrebat-o Christian. Vocea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ochii lui, n timp ce-o privea cu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
e, erau plini de o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 att de mare afec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune, nct mi se p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rea imposibil ca ea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu observe. Dar, n definitiv, era pr
eocupat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 altceva n clipa asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Obosit{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Stoars{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum... nu {\f63 \u351
\'3f}tiu. Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m-ar azvrlit un uragan de colo-colo. Sau de parc{\f63
\u259\'3f} m-ar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}lcat o ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Gnde{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-te la ceva oribil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cum m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 El i-a zmbit u{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}or {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a mngiat-o cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 obraz. Deschizndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai mult spre senz
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile ei, i\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it durerea provocat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de arsuri, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atingea pielea n apropierea unui astfel de loc, cu toa
te
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu se apropie prea mult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}t groaznic? l-a ntrebat ea. Mi s-a topit toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2238 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pielea? Sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n a e
xtraterestru?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, i-a r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}spuns el, cu un mic hohot de rs. Nu e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chiar att de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti f
rumoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca ntotdeauna. Ar fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de un efort mult mai mare ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se schimbe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 acest lucru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Zvcnetele de durere o f{\f63
\u259\'3f}ceau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile erau mai grave dect dorea el
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recunoasc{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} complimentul, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
modul n care-1 rostise, o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 alinau n mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe
ntru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntreaga ei
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a concentr

at asupra chipului lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a felului
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n care ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l lumineze soarele r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri951 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Apoi, tot restul lumii s-a pr{\
f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it peste ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1214 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dimitri! Treb
uie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Dimitri!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Erau trei gardieni n ma{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea, n timp ce vorbea,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 i privea pe rnd. La fel ca n cazul meu
, niciunul nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea dispus s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbea
sc{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre el, sau despre ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se ntmplase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce nu po
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d? De ce l-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dus de lng{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntrebarea nu-i era adresat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cuiva anume, ci tuturor,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 oricine-ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i r{\f63 \u259
\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, tot
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian a fost cel care-a vorbit.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri1427 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei l consider{\f63 \u259\'3f} periculos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu e. E doa
r... Are nevoie de mine. Sufer{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4180 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 interior.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ochii lui Christian s-au f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} mari, iar pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 chip i s-a ntip{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit panica.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri831 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar nu e... D
oar nu te-ai legat de el, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} expresia fe{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ei lui Christian, mi-am dat seama
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
amintea de Avery {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, legndu-se de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai multe persoane, se mpinsese singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dincolo de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 marginea pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}pastiei. Christian nu fus
ese prezent atunci

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cnd explicase Robert cum trecea sufletul n lumea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 celor mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum se f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} readucerea strigoilor la
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu crea {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i o leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1785 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tina
t nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu... {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tiu doar att. Cnd l-am... cnd l-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri18 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vindecat, a existat o conexiune ntr
e noi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it-o.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ce a trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac... nu pot s{\f63
\u259\'3f} explic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a trecut
o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, descurajat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptu
l c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i exprima magia prin cuvinte. Epu
izarea ncepea s\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 o cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} din nou.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A fost ca {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-l operez pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 suflet, a zis, n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei l conside
r{\f63 \u259\'3f} periculos, a repetat cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu e! a
strigat Lissa, rotindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra chipurilor celorlal{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i ocupan{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ai ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}inii,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu ochii ndrepta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
oriunde altundeva. Nu mai e
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, a insistat ea.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prin
{\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a nceput unul dintre gardieni, stnjenit,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nimeni nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie cu a
dev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat ce s-a petrecut. Nu pute{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fi
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba sunt sig
ur{\f63 \u259\'3f}! a exclamat ea, cu o voce prea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ridicat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru ct de mic era spa{\f63
\u355\'3f}iul. Glasul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u avea o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sonoritate poruncitoare, regeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i
O {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu\i0 . Eu l-am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 salvat. Eu l-am readus la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u

259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu, cu fiecare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1326 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rticic{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} din mine, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el nu mai e strigoi!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii ar{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tau jena{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, redu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i din nou la t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ce
re. Cred
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau doar deruta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i;
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, serios vorbind, cine n-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fost? Nu exista un precedent pentru a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a ceva.
\plain\par
0\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}t, a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut Christian, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mna pe a ei. Nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ai ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd n
u ajungem napoi la Curte. E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} suferind{\f63 \u259\'3f}, epuizat{
\f63 \u259\'3f}... se vede pe chipul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} el avea dreptate.\i Era\i0 suferind{\f63 \u259\'3f},\i era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 epuizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Magia aceea o f{\f63 \u259\
'3f}cuse buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse pentru Dimitri crease
o leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu el: nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 una magic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, doar una psihologic{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Ea era, cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca o mam{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru el. Sim{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ea cu disperare nevoia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 protejeze, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ocupe de el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1819 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d, a mai zis ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2493 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Chiar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? Dar
pe mine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-l vezi, i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Christian, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sigur pe el dect b{\f63 \u259\'3f}n
uiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era n realitate. Dar acum,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te odihne{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot, a
spus ea, chiar n timp ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea u
n
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul i-a r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit din nou pe buze lui Christian; {\f63 \u351\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a strecurat bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul pe dup{\f63 \u259\
'3f} mijlocul ei, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gnd-o aproape

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de el, atta ct le permiteau centurile de siguran{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2372 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ncearc{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, a ndemnat-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a l{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sat capul pe pieptul lui, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i doar aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 apropiere era suficient{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsemne un fel de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vindecare, prin ea ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
. Grija {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea legate de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o tulburau, ns{\f63 \u259\'
3f} necesit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile organismului
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 erau mai puternice pe moment. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la u
rm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ipit n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ar
ea lui Christian, abia auzindu-1 cum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4019 \expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 murmur{\f63 \u259\'3f}:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3273 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}La mul{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i ani!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeci de minute
mai trziu, convoiul nostru a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ajuns napoi la Curte. Crezusem c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} asta nsemna pentru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mine rec{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tarea insta
ntanee a libert{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardienii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mei nu s-au gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
oboare; a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptau cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 semnal, sau indica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, dar nimeni nu s
-a obosit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mie ce avea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} urmeze. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dovedit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptau
pe Hans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, mi-a zi
s el, punndu-mi o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ferm{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, n timp ce ncercam s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u259\'3f}pustesc jos din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pornesc n goan{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre... n fine, nici eu nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam sigur spre ce. Spre oriunde s-ar
fi aflat Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Stai pe loc, mi-a ordonat Hans.
\plain\par
\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d! am exclamat, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mi fac loc pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f
} Hans era ca un zid de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mid{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te gndeai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuse n noapt
ea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mult mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3

f}i strigoi dect mine, ai fi crezut
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fie sleit de puteri, Dar, nu. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 spui unde e, am insistat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri908 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Spre surprinderea mea, Hans mia replicat:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nchis undeva. De
parte, mai departe dect ai putea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungi. Sau or
icine altcineva. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a fost
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 profesor, dar deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f} e mai bine s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Creierul meu, epuizat de ac
tivit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii trecute {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 suprasolicitat de attea emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, avea ne
voie de cteva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 clipe ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} prelucreze spusele lui Han
s. Cuvintele lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian mi-au revenit n minte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri193 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e periculos
, i-am zis. Acum, nu mai e strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1810 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum po{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii att de sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntrebare ca
re-i fusese pus{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissei. Cum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spundem, cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva?
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecuse
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m prin suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e de necrezut ca
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cum poate fi
transformat un strigoi, iar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 parcurseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii nec
esari, explodase o bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 atomic{\f63 \u259\'3f} a magiei. Nu era asta o dovad{
\f63 \u259\'3f} suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pentru oricine? Nu era suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i nf
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u351\'3f}area\i0 lui
\plain\par
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n loc de toate astea, r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spunsul pe care l-am dat a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2410 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fost asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63
\u259\'3f}tor cu al Lissei:
\plain\par
3f}tiu, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Hans a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat d
in cap, iar acum puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2820 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 era ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, ep
uizat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimeni nu {
\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce se petrece cu Belikov. Aceia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre noi care am fost acolo... n fine, eu nu sunt si
gur
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de ce-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu
t. Tot ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu este c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, acum pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
timp, i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 conducea pe strigoi, iar acum st{\f63 \u259\'3f} n lu
mina soarelui. N\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 are nicio logic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nimeni nu {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tie ce este el acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3439 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E dhampir.
\plain\par
}i, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, a continuat Hans, nelundu-mi n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} interven{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia, Belikov trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea nchis, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 putem examina.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 Examina?\i0 Nu-mi pl{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}cea deloc cum suna cuvntul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta. D{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea impresia c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri ar fi cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce animal
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 destinat experien{\f63 \u355\'3f}elor de laborator. A
sta m{\f63 \u259\'3f} enerva,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi venea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
urlu la Hans. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri295 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 imediat urmtoare mi-am rec{\f63 \
u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnirea de sine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1601 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, trebu
ie s-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A fost dus{\f63
\u259\'3f} la policlinic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru tratament... de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care are chiar foarte mare nevoie.
Nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intri acolo,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat el, anticipndu-mi replica. Ju
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri780 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gardieni se afl{\f63 \u259\'3f} a

colo. E haos, le-ai sta n drum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2342 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, ce na
iba s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u259\'3
f} te duci s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dormi pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, m-a sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
uit el, privindu\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} piezi{\f63 \u351\
'3f}. Eu tot sunt de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai avut o atitudine
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 necorespunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, dar dup{\f63 \u259\
'3f} ce am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut acolo... ei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bine, trebuie s-o spun. Te pricepi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
lup{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Avem nevoie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de tine... probabil, pentru ceva mai mult dect munca
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din arhiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Acum, du-te {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i vezi-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de-ale tale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i asta a fo
st tot. Tonul lui mi sugera ct se poate de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 clar cc{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram expediat{\f63 \u259\'3f
} de-acolo, n timp ce gardienii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se agitau n jurul meu de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici na{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi existat. Toate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 necazurile de care avusesem parte nainte p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}reau de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult uitate. Gata cu ndosariat
ul, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate astea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ce trebuia s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac? Ce, Hans era nebun? Cum
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 credea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} dorm? Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac ceva.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Dim
itri... ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam unde-l
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 duseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Probabil, n aceea{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i nchisoare n care fusese {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Victor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i care mie mi era inaccesibil
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Lissa... numai c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ea era departe, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 policlinic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Acolo nu aveam nicio pute
re. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 apelez la cineva influent.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3944 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Adrian!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} duceam la Adrian, poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el ar fi reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trag{\f63 \u259\'3f} ni{\f63 \u351
\'3f}te sfori. Avea rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii n lumea regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ce naib
a,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 regina chiar l iubea, cu toate apuc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu
rile lui de pierde\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 var{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Orict m-ar fi durut s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} recunosc, n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era aproape imposibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}esc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Dimitri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imediat. n schimb, policlinica? Adrian poate c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fost capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc
{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Lissa, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aglomera{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i haos. L
eg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} neclar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc
direct cu Lissa, poate a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai repede r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsurile legate de Dimi
tri. n plus,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d cu ochii
mei c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era teaf{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\u351\'3f}i, cnd am ajuns la cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa n care locuia
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian la Curte, portarul m-a informat c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} el plecase un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pic mai devreme {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ironia sor{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u8212\'3f} spre policlinic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 oftat. Normal c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fi fost deja acolo. Cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aptitudinile sale de vindec{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, proba
bil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l luaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 direct din pat. Orict de slab
ar fi fost, categoric putea fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4127 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de folos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai fost aco
lo? m-a ntrebat portarul, cnd am dat
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? Pentru
o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am avut impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f
}te
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 despre policlinic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}La lupta cu
strigoii! La misiunea de salvare. S-au
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 auzit tot felul de lucruri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2617 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Deja? {\f63 \
u350\'3f}i ce-ai auzit?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1631 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tipul f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse oc

hii mari, surescitat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ziceau c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} aproape to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardienii au fost omor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri389 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i capturat un strigoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-a{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i adus ncoace.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu-i a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}a... Au fost mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ni{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i, dect
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Iar cu cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
treab{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
}, mi s-a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Oare ce se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri308 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntmplase? Ce se ntmplase n realitate c
u Dimitri?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un strigoi
a fost transformat la loc n dhampir, i\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2269 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Portarul s-a holbat la mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2715 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce, ai c{\f63
\u259\'3f}zut n cap?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i spun adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul! Vasilisa Dragomir a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri747 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cu magia spi
ritului.\i A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le spui tuturor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am plecat, l{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sndu-l cu gura c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, uite-a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}a, nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai aveam nicio variant{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu mai aveam
de la cine s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}in informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. M-am
dus n camera mea, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfrnt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dar mult prea n
cordat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot dormi. Cel
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a am crezut l
a nceput. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce am patrulat un
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pic, m-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe pat, ncercnd s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ticluiesc un plan.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cu toate acestea, n-a trecut
mult pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cad ntr-un
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 somn adnc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 M-am trezit tres{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rind, derutat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind du

reri n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ale corpului, und
e nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem seama pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 atunci c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusesem lovit{\f63 \u259\'3f
} n cursul nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ier{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. Am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aruncat o privire la ceas {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}mas uimit{\f63 \u259\'3f} constatnd
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ct de mult dormisem. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} orarul vampir
ilor, era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}itul dimine{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. n do
ar cinci minute, am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut du{\f63 \u351\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m-am mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat cu haine curate. {\f63 \u
350\'3f}i, ct ai zice pe{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, am
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it pe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lumea de-afar{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vedea de treburile cotidiene, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fiecare cuplu sau grup pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} care tr
eceam mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} discut{\f63 \u259\'3f} des
pre b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lia de la depozit... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 despre Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar {\f63
\u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vindece, l-am auzit pe u
n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 moroi spunndu-i so{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei sale. De ce nu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i un strigoi? De
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3052 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ce nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un mort
viu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o nebunie
, a ripostat femeia. Eu oricum n-am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 crezut niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n chestia asta cu spi
ritul. Nu e dect o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 minciun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} acop
ere faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}esa Dragomir
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n-a putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se specializeze n nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nu le-am mai auzit {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i restul conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} care treceam discutau despre su
biecte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Fie se de
clarau convin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreaga
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 poveste nu era dect o n{\f63 \u351\'3f}el{\f63 \u259\'
3f}torie, fie deja o priveau pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa ca pe o sfnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Uneori, auzeam {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i ciud{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}enii, cum
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de pild{\f63 \u259\'3f}, gardieni
i capturaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} un grup de strigoi pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care voiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} expe
rien{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. Cu toate acestea, orict
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de multe specula{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ii s-ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am auzit
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 rostit numele lui Dimitri, sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
aflat ce se ntmplase
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de fapt cu el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am urmat unicul plan pe car
e-l aveam la dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie:
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc spre cl{\f63
\u259\'3f}direa gardienilor, n care se afla {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nchisoarea Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam precis ce aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajuns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo. Nu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam precis nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri era acolo, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rea locul cel mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 probabil n care-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-l g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc. Trecnd n drum
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} un gardian, am avut nevoie de m
ai multe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 secunde pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau se
ama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team. M-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 oprit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am ntors spre el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3750 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mihail!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri356 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Privind napoi, m-a v{\f63 \u259\
'3f}zut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a apropiat de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri18 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce se-ntmpl{\f63
\u259\'3f}? l-am ntrebat, bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}d o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1050 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f} prietenoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. L-au l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat liber pe Dimitri?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd din cap. nc{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama ce s-a petrecut. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lumea e dezorientat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, chiar dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}esa Dragomir s-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tot jurat, cu cerul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}mntul, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce l-a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu mai e strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era o not{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
mirare n vocea lui Mihail... dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reverie. Spera s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie adev{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rat, spera s{\f63 \u259\'3f} existe o {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pentru salvarea iubitei lui. Chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
durea inima pentru
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 el. Nu puteam dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sper c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sonya se vor putea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bucura de un happy-end la fel ca...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2912 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ia stai. Ce-a
i zis?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri116 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele lui mi-au ntrerupt med
ita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia roman{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai zi
s cumva c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa l-a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut? Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f},
dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4199 \expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'
3f}lie?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Imediat, am ncercat leg{\f63
\u259\'3f}tura. ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 limpezeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} treptat... ns{\f63 \u259\'3
f} Lissa dormea, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aflat nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A cerut el
s-o vad{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a explicat Mihail. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 au l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre...
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, evident.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 M-am holbat la el, cu gura
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dimitri primea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vizitatori. Chiar l l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sau s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} primeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} vizitatori. Faptul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflasem asta mi-a mai luminat dispo
zi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ntunecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuprinsese. M-am ntors s{\f63
\u259\'3f} plec.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3157 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mersi, Mihail
.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai, Rose...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m-am oprit.
Am fugit spre cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa n care se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 afla nchisoarea, nelund n seam{\f63 \u
259\'3f} privirile celor din
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 jur. Eram prea surescitat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, prea nsufle
{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} de noua
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie primit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pu
team s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Dimitri. Puteam,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cu el,
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntmple.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2755 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai voie s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-l vezi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am ncremenit cnd gardianul de servi
ciu, de la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1428 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la in
trare, mi s-a pus n cale.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1603 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? Trebuie s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu sunt accepta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vi
zitatori.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar Lissa... {\f
63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}... Vasilisa Dragomir a putut s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4409 \expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 vad{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2847 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}EI a cerut s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2207 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 L-am privit, nencrez{\f63 \u259
\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2071 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur a ntreba
t {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de mine.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li286 \ri2054 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Gardianul a ridicat din
umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri877 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac-a fost a{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a, mie nu mi-a spus nimeni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Furia pe care mi-o st{\f63 \u259
\'3f}vilisem toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} noaptea trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2819 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 se rede{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptase n
mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, du
-te s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cau{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe cineva care {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie! D
imitri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} la{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f} intru. Cine e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4037 \expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}eful t{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}u?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1874 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Gardianul s-a ncruntat la mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} duc nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mi se termin{\f63 \u259\'3
f} tura.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} prime{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti aprobarea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intri, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te anun{\f63 \u
355\'3f}e cineva.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci, nimeni care nu dispune de p
ermisiune
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 special{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu are voie s{\f63 \u259\'3f

} coboare acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce scose
sem din circuit o bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sistemul de paz{\f63 \u259\'3f} al nchisorii Tarasov,
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 destul de ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare n faptul c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} l-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut aranja {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe individul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i, la fel de bine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung n
subsolul cu celulele
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aresta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor, urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
au peste mult mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i d
obor pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut o solu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 extrem de rezonabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Doar era vorba d
espre Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Eram n stare de orice pentru el. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63
\u259\'3f} prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura mea cu Lissa m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} redevin ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Lissa tocmai se trezise.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foarte bine
, i-am zis gardianului, ridicndu-mi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aruncndu-i o
privire semea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mersi pentru
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}ajutor".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nici n-aveam nevoie de frai
erul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta. Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 duc la Lissa.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-306 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ea st{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tea n cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t al domeniilor Cur{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ii, fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de locul n care se afla arestul, a{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am acoperit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a alergnd u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or. Cn
d am ajuns n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi-a deschis u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f
}zut c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse toaleta aproape
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la fel de repede ca mine. De fapt, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f
}eam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece. Examinnndu-i fa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i minile, m-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit constatnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
proape toate arsurile disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruser{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Cteva pete ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii tot i mai r{\f63 \u259
\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe degete, dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 att. Opera lui Adrian. Nu exista medic capabil de o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 astfel de isprav{\f63 \u259\'3f}. mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}c

at{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu o bluz{\f63 \u259\'3f} albastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mneci, cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul ei blond dat pe spate,
nu ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta deloc ca
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} care trecuse printr-o ncerc
are att de grea,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cu mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in de dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}ze
ci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i patru de ore n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
1\'3f}ti bine? m-a ntrebat ea. n ciuda tuturor celor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri461 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntmplate, nu ncetase s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} griji pentru mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3243 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, perfect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1390 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, din
punct de vedere psihic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4516 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri511 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Perfect, a r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea, dnd afirmativ din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar{\f63 \u259\'
3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i bine, i-am zis. Azi-noapte... cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i spun,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2165 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mi-a fost cam fric{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Focul {\f63 \u259\'3f}la...
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri968 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 N-am mai fost n stare s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-mi termin ideea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, a f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cut ea, ab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea de la mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea agitat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Adrian a fost chiar grozav
cu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 abilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile lui de a v
indeca, m-a informat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ntr-acolo t
e duci? am ntrebat-o. Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i neastmp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r prin leg{\
f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ar fi fost de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles ca ea s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dea fuga la policlinic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea, la rndul ei, o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ajutor. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... o cercetare mai pr
ofund{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luit uluitorul adev{\f63 \u259\'
3f}r. Te duci s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vezi pe Dimitri!

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 am exclamat.
\plain\par
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, am oprit-o,
ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. E perfect. Merg cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri207 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tine. Tocmai am fost acolo, dar n
u m-au l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intru.
\plain\par
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1330 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta acu
m nespus de stnjenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-au ndrugat tot
felul de rahaturi, cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat de tine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
de mine nu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-asta nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} las
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri143 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intru. Dar, dac
{\f63 \u259\'3f} vii tu, trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lase {\f63
\u351\'3f}i pe mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, a ros
tit ea cu fermitate, reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ind n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri189 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 se se fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} auzit{\
f63 \u259\'3f} peste tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}neala mea. Nu po{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu... ce? A
m ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reascult din memorie
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cuvintele ei, pentru eventualitatea n care le-a{\f63
\u351\'3f} fi n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Ba sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot
! {\f63 \u350\'3f}tii bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} el are
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ea a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tina
t nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or din cap, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd agitat{\
f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i comp{\f63 \u259\'3f}timitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Gardianul a
spus adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul, mi-a zis. Dimitri\i n-a
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat de tine. Doar de mine.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntreaga mea ner{\f63 \u
259\'3f}bdare, ntreaga nfl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare au

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}at brusc. Eram c
a paralizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dezorientat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3960 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}P{\f63 \u259
\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am amintit cum se ag{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase el de ea azi-noapte, de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
{\f63 \u351\'3f}area lui disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu-mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea de
loc pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 recunosc, dar p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea logic ca el s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ntrebe mai nti de
\plain\par
f63 \u259\'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te vad{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Totul e att de noi
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}in, iar tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ce
a care l-a salvat. Imediat cum o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 revin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrea s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2682 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, nu po{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri19 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 De data asta, triste{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ea din vocea Lissei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri329 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 corespondentul prin leg{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsndu-se n mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-273 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e vorba
doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri n-a cerut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te vad{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. A
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cerut n mod expres s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu te vad{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\expndtw-15 \b \f20 \fs40 OPTSPREZECE
\plain\par
\f20 \fs24 CHESTIA CU ADEV{\f63 \u258\'3f}RAT NA{\f63 \u350\'3f}PA\b0 atunci cn
d
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti legat psihic de cineva este c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} te cam prinzi dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 respectiva persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} minte; sau, n cazu
l de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 minte. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i replica mea a fost prom
pt{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i instinctiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3166 \fi283 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-i ad
ev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu? a
replicat Lissa, privindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunz{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tia, la rndul ei, c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt adev{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rul din
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 vorbe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2336 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar asta... n
u se poate...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu mi se ntmpla prea des s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuvinte...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i categoric nu cu L
issa. Att de frecvent, n rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu reprezentam personalitatea
dominant{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 explicam\i ei\i0 de ce erau lucrurile a{\f63 \u351\
'3f}a cum erau. ntre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timp, la un moment dat, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ca eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 asta, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pierduse acea fragilita
te.
\plain\par
63 \u259\'3f}u, a zis ea, cu vocea blnd{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 continuare, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ferm{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura mi ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta ct de mult
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 detesta ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
lucruri nepl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cute. El m-a rugat...
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi-a cerut n mod expres s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu te las s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} vii. Mi-a spus
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te vad{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am adresat o privire implo
ratoare, iar vocea mi-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sunat ca a unui copil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar de ce?
De ce-ar spune una ca asta? Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e derutat...
\plain\par
351\'3f}tiu, Rose. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dect ce mi-a spus el. mi
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pare foarte r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 S-a ntins spre mine, parc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} vrnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}eze,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am tras napoi. Capul mi se nvrtea nc
{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
259\'3f} vin cu tine oricum. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept sus, cu ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ggardieni. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f},
cnd o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spui lui Dimitri c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sunt acolo, el o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se r{\f63 \u259\'
3f}zgndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu c
red c-ar fi bine, a zis ea. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 destul de serios cnd spunea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu vii..
. era aproape
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri233 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 disperat. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
dac-ar {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti acolo, s-ar tul
bura.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S-ar tulbur
a? S-ar tulbura? Lissa, cu mine
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1014 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti! El m{\f
63 \u259\'3f} iube{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. Are nevoie de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rit, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipasem la ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu doar ce mi-a zis el. Totul e att de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 confuz... te rog. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pune ntr-o poz
i{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie delicat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 bine... a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vezi ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple. Iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrei
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii ce se-ntmpl{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i oricum...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}ia mai sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it fraza, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam la ce f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aluzie. Se oferea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} lase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}resc ntlnirea ei cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri prin intermediul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii noa
stre. Era un gest
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}re{\f63 \u355\'3f} din partea ei; n
u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-ar fi putut mpiedica, dac\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s-o fac. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ei de obicei nu-i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ideea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de a fi {\f63 \u8222\'3f}spionat{\f63 \u259\'3f}". ns
{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum era singurul lucru care-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trecea prin minte c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-ar putea face s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar nici vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f
} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi amelioreze starea de spirit, de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fapt. Toate acestea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}reau o nebunie. Mie,

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fie refuzat accesul la Dimitri!
Dimitri care,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 chipurile, nu vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f}! Ce naiba? Reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 visceral{\f63 \u259\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu iau
n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimic din ceea ce-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zisese {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg mai d
eparte cu ea, solicitnd accesul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n clipa n care aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungem. Cu toat
e acestea,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sentimentele pe care le receptam prin leg{\f63 \u259
\'3f}tura noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} implorau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o fac
. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici ea nu-i n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegea
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele lui
Dimitri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} le
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 respecte, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd am p
utea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evalu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mai bine
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te rog, a
zis ea. Tonul ei aproape plng{\f63 \u259\'3f}cios m-a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cedez, n sfr{\f
63 \u351\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, am zis
. Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mor spunnd asta. Era ca
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi recunoscu
t c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram nfrnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i Gnde{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-te c{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 e o retragere tactic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc, a zis {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, de data asta, chiar m-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
t. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i jur c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac rost de mai multe informa{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerc s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-mi dau seama despre ce e vorba, bine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 I-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un
semn de ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 demoralizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am ie
{\f63 \u351\'3f}it mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire. M-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}it de ea la mome
ntul potrivit, cu o mohort{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 reticen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}snd-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i continue drumul spre cl{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}direa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor, n timp ce eu m-am ndreptat spre camera
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mea. De ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce n-am mai v{\f63 \u259\
'3f}zut-o, m-am strecurat

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrziere n mintea ei,
privind prin ochii ei cum
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}lca pe iarba perfect tuns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura tot mai era un pic
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nce{\f63 \u355\'3f}o{\f63 \u351\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, dar se limpezea de la un minut la altul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sentimentele i erau tulburi. i
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pentru
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mine, se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3
f} pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} refuze. n acela{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i timp, era ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 viziteze pe Dimitri. Resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i ea nevoia de a-l
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 vedea... dar nu n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fel ca mine. n
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sentimentul acela de responsabilitate fa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de el, nevoia
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 arz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare de a-1 proteja.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Cnd a ajuns la biroul d
e primire din cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardianul care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} oprise a nclinat din
cap spre ea n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 semn de salut, a luat telefonul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a s
unat repede pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cineva. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva clipe, au ap{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rut trei gardieni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i au
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 invitat-o prin semne pe Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ur
meze n adncurile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii. Ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tau neobi{
\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit de posaci, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
rea tipic{\f63 \u259\'3f} lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu sunte{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i a
sta, i-a zis unul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dintre ei. Doar pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} tot cheam{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-i nicio
problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a replicat ea, cu aerul acela
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 rece {\f63 \u351\'3f}i demn al unui vl{\f63 \u259\'3
f}star regal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vor fi gar
dieni destui prin preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, exact la fel ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 data trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i griji cu privire la
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 propria siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri870 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Lissa i-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}geta
t pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu o privire t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu mi-am f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} griji pentru a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3593 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 la bun nceput.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Coborrea la nivelurile subter
ane ale cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii mi-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 readus n minte amintiri dureroase despre ziua cnd l
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vizitasem pe Victor, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Dimitr
i. Acel Dimitri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu cu care eram pe-atunci ntr-o perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f
} uniune, acel
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegea
n totalitate. Iar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 terminarea vizitei, fusese turbat de furie din cauza
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor lui Victo
r la adresa mea. Dimitri m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 iubise att de mult, nct fusese dispus s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} orice ca
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} apere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 O u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f} cu sistem de acces cu cartel{\f63 \u259\'3f} magnetic{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
e-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 permis n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre n
spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul rezervat arestului,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care consta n cea mai mare par
te ntr-un coridor lung,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu celule de-o parte {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Acolo nu era aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 atmosfer{\f63 \u259\'3f} deprimant{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
a n nchisoarea Tarasov, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nici vreo senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de c{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ldur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i confort nu aveai, din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pricina rigidit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii int
erioare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i abunden{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei de o{\f63 \u355\'3f}el cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aspect industrial.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa abia dac{\f63 \u259\'3
f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe coridor, din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ticsit de
gardieni. Atta paz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Unui
strigoi nu i-ar fi fost imposibil
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre grati
ile din o{\f63 \u355\'3f}el ale unei celule, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri nu era strigoi. De ce nu erau ei capabili s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3167 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 asta? Ce, erau orbi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, cu escorta ei cu tot,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a croit drum prin
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a oprit n
fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a celulei lui Dimitri. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 avea un aspect la fel de rece ca tot restul zonei de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 deten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, neavnd dect mobilierul strict
necesar.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat p
e patul ngust, cu picioarele
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 strnse sub corp, aplecat spre un col{\f63 \u355\'3f}
al nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perii, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 spatele spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a celulei. Nu la a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}a ceva m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 De ce nu tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gea de gratii? De ce nu c
erea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie eliberat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de ce nu le spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e strigoi? De
ce trata cu atta
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3096 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te toat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3708 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Vocea Lissei era delicat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i blnd{\f63 \u259\'3f}, plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldur{\f63 \u259\'3
f} care contrasta v{\f63 \u259\'3f}dit cu asprimea celulei. Era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vocea unui nger.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, pe m{\f63
\u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce Dimitri se r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucea lent spre ea
,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 devenea evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
el era de aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere. Expresia
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei i s-a tr
ansformat sub ochii no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri, trecnd de la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 posomorre la uluire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nu era singurul care era ul
uit. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mintea mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era legat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a Lissei, acolo unde era
m, de cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 parte a domeniilor Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, mie ns{\f63
\u259\'3f}mi aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iase respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Imag
inea lui fugar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de azi-noapte,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fusese uluitoare. Dar acum... s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\
f63 \u259\'3f}d n ntregime, n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 timp ce privea spre Lissa {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i spre mine {\f63 \u8212\'3f} mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fiori. Era o minune. Un dar. Un miracol.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu, serios, cum mai putea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 strigoi? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cum putusem eu s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} las convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri, cel cu care fusesem n Siber
ia, era acesta?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Se sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}lase de urmele b{\f63 \u259\'3f}
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}liei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i purta o pereche de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 jean{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un tricou sim
plu, negru. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i legase p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 castaniu ntr-o coad{\f63 \u259\'3f} scurt{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, iar vaga umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f} care-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acoperea partea de jos a fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei indica
faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbiereas
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu l-ar fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat nimeni s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se apro
pie de-o lam{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Oricum, asta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} arate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai sexy: mai real, mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dhampir. Mai\i viu\i0 . Ochii erau cei care dovedeau
totul.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Paloarea de moarte a pielii {\f63 \u8212\'3f} acum d
isp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} fusese
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntotdeauna n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucitoare, ns{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ochii lui ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ce se putea mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Acum, erau perfec
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Exact ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alt{\f63 \u259\'3f}dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Calzi {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui, umbri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de gene lungi. A{\f63 \
u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i contemplu o ve{\f63 \u351\
'3f}nicie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vasilisa, a
oftat el. Sunetul vocii lui a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ca
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 inima s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se strng{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
piept. Doamne, ct de dor mi\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l aud vorbind! Te-ai ntors, a z
is el.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 De ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ce a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se apropie de gratii,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardienii din jurul Lissei au strns
rndurile, gata s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 opreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea ntradev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se repead{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}napoi! s-a
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stit ea, pe tonul unei regine, rotindu\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea mnioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} spr
e to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei din jur. L{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ne un
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pic de spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nimeni nu a reac{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ionat imediat, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea a strigat
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mai tare.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2708 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i auzit? napoi!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it un firi
cel minuscul de vraj{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu prea mult{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dublase cuvintele cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} constrngere indu
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} de spirit. Nu prea avea cum
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sub st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnirea ei un grup att de numeros, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 comanda avusese n ea suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 determine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai retrag{\f63 \u259\
'3f} pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lase un spa{\f63 \
u355\'3f}iu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntre ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri. Atunci, ea a deveni
t din nou atent{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri149 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 la el, atitudinea sa aprig{\f63 \
u259\'3f} devenind instantaneu blnd{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri539 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} m-am ntors. Cum te sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? Te-au...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Le-a aruncat o privire amenin{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare gardienilor de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4020 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pe culoar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2078 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}... te-au tra
tat cum trebuie?
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 El a ridicat din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri824 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E-n regul{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Nu-mi face nimeni nimic r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} redevenise ct
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cel de dinainte, n-ar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri631 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fi recunoscut niciodat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-ar fi\i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut\i0 cineva r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar c{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi pun multe ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Prea multe
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Vocea i suna din nou i
stovit{\f63 \u259\'3f}... foarte deosebit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cea a unui strigoi, care nu avea ni
ciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevoie de

\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 odihn{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ochii, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat el. Vor ntruna s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 examineze ochii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar cum te\
i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i\i0 ? a insistat ea. Cu mintea? Cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4128 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sufletul?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} situa{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ia n-ar fi fost att de grav{\f63 \u259\'3f}, poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fi amuzat. Sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na foarte mult cu genu
l de interogatoriu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 luat de un psihoterapeut: ceva de care att Lissa, ct {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eu avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m parte din plin. Detestam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fie puse
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 astfel de ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
cum chiar voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu cum
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Privirea lui, pn{\f63 \u259\
'3f} acum att de concentrat{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra ei,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s-a ab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
la ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a devenit tulbure.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E... e greu
de descris. Parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am trezit dintr-un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vis. Dintr-un co{\f63 \u351\'3f}mar. Parc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi asistat la ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 altcuiva, care s-a folosit de corpul meu... parc{\f63
\u259\'3f} am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit un film, sau un spectacol de
teatru. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a fost altcineva.\i Eu\i0 am fost. n tot ce s-a ntmpla
t, eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am fost, iar acum, iat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} aici, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntreaga lume s-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 schimbat. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt de parc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}a totul din nou, de
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 la cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t.
\plain\par
u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuie{
\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cu situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ce-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i intri napoi n pielea ta, cel de d
inainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era doar o presupunere a ei,
ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} una n care avea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncredere.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a nclinat din c
ap, ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd spre gardienii
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aduna{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n preajma lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1941 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei nu sunt de
aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vor fi, a repli
cat ea, cu o credin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nestr{\f63 \u259\'3f}muta
t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2289 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem nevo
ie de timp.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea. Apoi, Lissa, ezitnd, a rostit
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarele cuvinte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2422 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose... vrea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te vad{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Atitudinea vis{\f63 \u259\'3f}to
are, posac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Dimitri s-a risipit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntr-o frac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune de s
ecund{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Privirea i s-a concentrat din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nou asupra Lissei, moment n care n ochii lui a ap{\f63
\u259\'3f}rut
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ve
ritabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, intens{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Oricine
, numai ea nu. Nu pot s-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d. N-o
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ncoace. Te rog.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
t n sec, ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind cum trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
avea spectatori i ngreuna
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Tot ce putea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i coboare tonul,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o aud{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
eilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar... ea
te iube{\f63 \u351\'3f}te... E ingrijorat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru tine. Tot
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ce s-a ntmplat... faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am putut s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} te salv{\f63 \u259\'3f}m... Ei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bine, n cea mai mare parte i s-a datorat ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3098 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu m-ai salva
t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu am nf{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ptuit numai ultima parte. Restul... n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1764 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fine. Rose a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t, hm, foarte multe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cum ar fi, s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} zicem, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o nchisoare
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} elibereze un de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu
t.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a n
tors fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de la Lissa, iar focul acela
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care-i luminase pentru scurt timp tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile s-a stins. S\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a dus ntr-o margine a celulei
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a rezemat de perete.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A nchis ochii pentru cteva clipe, a inspirat adnc,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care i-a redeschis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oricine, n
umai ea nu, a repetat apoi. Nu vreau s-o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce i-am
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i i-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o mul{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ime de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lucruri... de lucruri oribile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ntors pal
mele spre el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i le-a privit fix pentru o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut snge pe ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce i-am f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut a fost cel mai mare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u posibil...
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mai ales din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\
i era\i0 ea. Venise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} salveze din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 starea aia, iar eu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3034 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 A cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din
cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu i-am f{\f63 \
u259\'3f}cut numai lucruri ngrozitoare. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 altora. Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
au ochii cu ea dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate astea. Ceea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ce am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut este de neiertat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba nu, l-a
contrazis Lissa, cu insisten{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu erai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tu. Nu erai cel adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. Ea o s{\f63
\u259\'3f} te ierte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Nu exi
st{\f63 \u259\'3f} iertare pentru mine... mai ales dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tot ce-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. N-o merit, nu merit
nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 preajma ei. Sgurul lucru pe care pot s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-l fac...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S-a ntors spre Lissa {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i, spre uluirea amndurora, a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut n genunchi n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Singurul lu
cru pe care pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fac... singura
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 izb{\f63 \u259\'3f}vire pe care pot ncerca s-o caut..
. e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tesc
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-ai salvat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri397 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dimitri, a ncep
ut ea, jenat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, doar {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am spus...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u354\'3f}
i-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it puterea. n clipa aia, te-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cum mi redai sufletul. Te-am sim{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}it lecuindu-1. E o
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 datorie de care n-a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} achit vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
dar {\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 jur c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi voi petrece tot restul vie{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ncercnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n timp ce
o privea, pe chip i s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 expresie vr{\f63 \u259\'3f}jit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ma
i devreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar eu nu v
reau a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Nu ai de ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spl{\f63 \u259\'3f}te{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ti.
\plain\par
\f63 \u259\'3f} te r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tesc pentru tot... a cont
razis-o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 el. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i datorez via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a...
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i datorez sufletul. E singura cale
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 prin care a{\f63 \u351\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} apropii vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}scump{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea tuturor
gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}elilor pe care le-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 tot nu e de ajuns... dar e tot ce-mi st{\f63 \u259\'3
f} n puteri, a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, mpreunndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pa
lmele. Jur, orice ai nevoie,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi st{\f63 \u259\'3f} n puteri o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac totul pentru tine. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 slujesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ap{
\f63 \u259\'3f}r tot restul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mele. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac
tot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri745 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ce-mi vei cere. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i
jur loialitate pentru totdeauna

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Din nou, Lissa a dat s{\f63
\u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu voia a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cev
a,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri431 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dar tocmai atunci i-a venit n mint
e o idee viclean{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1520 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, accep
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s-o vezi pe Rose?
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o grimas{\f63 \u259\
'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Orice, numai asta nu.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dimitri...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te rog. Fac oric
e altceva pentru tine, dar s-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2332 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe ea... m-ar durea prea mult.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Acesta era, probabil, unicu
l argument care putea s-o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 conving{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Lissa s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ab
andoneze subiectul. Plus
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 expresia de disperare, de dezn{\f63 \u259\'3f}dejde d
e pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Era o expresie pe care n-o mai v{\f63 \u259\
'3f}zuse
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici eu no mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem. n ochii mei, el
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri18 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 fusese mereu invincibil, iar
semnul acesta de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vulnerabilitate nu-l f{\f63 \u259\'
3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se par{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai slab. l
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi se par{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} doar mai complex. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 iubesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult... {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi doresc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ajut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a nclinat u{\f63 \u351\
'3f}or din cap, n timp ce unul dintre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gardienii din escort{\f63 \u259\'3f} o anun{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas n continuare n genunchi
, n timp ce ei
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 o nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, urm{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rind-o cu o privire care d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea era unica
speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe l
ume pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Inima mi s-a strns, att de ne
caz, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de gelozie...
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de un dram de mnie. Eu eram cea
pe care ar fi
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 trebuit s-o priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a. Cum ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}znea? Cum
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}znea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se poarte d
e parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa ar fi fost cea mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 minunat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f} din lume? E-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, ea contribuise
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 enorm la salvarea lui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i eu\i0 fu
sesem cea care f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nconjurul P{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntului pentru el.\i Eu\i0
eram cea care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 riscase permanent via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a pentru el. {\
f63 \u350\'3f}i, cel mai important
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dintre toate,\i eu\i0 eram cea care-l iubea. Cum pu
tea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1579 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} spatele un
ui astfel de adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne sim
{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam dezorientate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nec{\f63 \u259\'3f}jite, n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 timp ce Lissa ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea din cl{\f63 \u259\
'3f}dire. Pe amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nnebunea starea lui Dimitri. Orict de furioas{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fost din cauza refuzului lui de a m{\f63 \u259\'3f} v
edea, tot m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam oribil, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-l
att de dec{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} omora
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gndul acesta. El nu se mai comportase niciodat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} atacul asupra Academiei, e clar
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese trist {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndureraser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pierderile. Dar acum, era c
u totul alt gen
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de dezn{\f63 \u259\'3f}dejde
. Avea n ea o profund{\f63 \u259\'3f} not{\f63 \u259\'3f} de depresie
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ie, de care el credea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-are cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scape.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocate de a
sta. Dimitri fusese mereu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 un om de ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune, mereu gata s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} se repun{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe picioare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} consumarea unei tragedii {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} porneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \
u259\'3f}lie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar acum? Acum nu sem{\f63 \
u259\'3f}na cu nimic din ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m vreodat{\f63
\u259\'3f} la el, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f} av

eam o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de idei nebune{\f63 \u351\'3f}
ti cu privire la modul n care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezolv{\f63 \u259\'3f}m prob
lema. Abordarea ei mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 blnd{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mai comp{\f63 \u259\'3f}timitoa
re era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discute n continuare
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cu el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp
, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} conving{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu tot calmul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 posibil oficialit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile
Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri nu mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 reprezenta un pericol. Solu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia care-mi
venise mie n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 minte era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc la
Dimitri, indiferent ce pretindea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 el c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrea. Eram specialist{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} n a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunde ilegal ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i apo
i de-acolo. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} infiltrez ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 celul{\f63 \u259\'3f} din arest era floare la ureche
. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, im
ediat cum m{\f63 \u259\'3f} va vedea, se va
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zgndi cu privire la toat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} povestea aia cu izb{\f63 \u259\'3f}virea.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Cum de putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cu atta convingere c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu l-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi iertat? Doar l iubeam. l n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam. Ct
despre a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 convinge oficialit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}il
e c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el nu nsemna un pericol... ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bine, aici, metoda mea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un pic c
am nce{\f63 \u355\'3f}o{\f63 \u351\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ar fi implicat o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 urlete {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de bubuituri n u{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa era perfect con{\f63
\u351\'3f}tient{\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
isem
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntlnirea ei cu Dimitri, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu s-a sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} viziteze, m
ai ales c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie de folos
la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 policlinic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Auzise
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63
\u351\'3f}ise
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct{\f63 \u259\'3f} putere magic{\f
63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i consumase pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vindecarea altora. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ceva att de at
ipic pentru el,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 att de altruist... f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse lucruri uimit

oare, cu un pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 considerabil pentru propria-i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}tate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3962 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Aici era o problem{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Nu avusesem ocazia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cnd ne ntorseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. {\
f63 \u350\'3f}i, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd deoparte faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 auzisem ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti despre cum i vindecase pe
al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gndisem absolut deloc la el. Afirmasem c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri putea fi salvat, asta nu nsemna sfr{\f63 \u351
\'3f}itul rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dintre Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mine. Cu toate acest
ea, Dimitri abia se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntorsese, de nici dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeci {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i patru de ore, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i uite-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 deja obsedat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3849 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} reveni
sem n propria minte, o parte a ei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 continua s-o urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}re
asc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, absent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe Lissa. Christian o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a policlin
icii, rezemat de perete. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} stea acolo de destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ceva... sau, mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe cineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ea s-a oprit brusc {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i, n mod inexplicabil, toate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gndurile legate de Dimitri i-au zburat din minte. Ei,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai\i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}-o-ncolo\i0 ! Sigur c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-mi doream ca cei doi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 repare rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum
nu aveam timp de-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Soarta lui Dimitri era cu mult mai important{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} dect
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tachin{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile Lissei cu Christian.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
Christian nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ntr-o dispozi{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nclinat{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre sarcasm. O privea pe Liss
a preocupat,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 curios.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum te sim{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i? a ntrebat-o el. Nu mai vorbiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntre ei de cnd ne ntorseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, iar ea fu
sese destul de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 incoerent{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe parcursul celei mai mar
i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i a drumului.
\plain\par
, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea, atingndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 absent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M-a vindecat Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Presupun c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el bun la ceva, a zis Christian.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 OK, poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un picule{\f63 \u355
\'3f} sarcastic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i azi. Dar numai
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 un picule{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian se p
ricepe la o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de lucruri, a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 replicat ea, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i-a putut st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni un mic zmbet. A
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 alergat peste tot azi-noapte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar tu? Doa
r te {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cum e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Cum te-ai trezit,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 probabil ca-i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fost aici, al{\f63 \
u259\'3f}turi de el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2811 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Ea a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat d
in cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Dup{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ce m-a vindecat Adrian, m-am dus s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3556 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri811 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Veselia i-a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rut de pe chip lui Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3050 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai vorbit cu
el?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri980 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De dou{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ori pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum. Da. Am vorbit.
\plain\par
'3f}i?
\plain\par
'3f}i ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3734 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum e?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3278 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E ca Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri597 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 S-a ncruntat deodat{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, regndindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n fine... nu tocmai ca Dimitri.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce, t
ot mai are ceva de strigoi n el? a ntrebat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian, ndreptndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i spinarea {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i aruncnd fulgere
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 din ochii lui alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri. Dac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} e periculos, n-ai de ce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te mai apropii...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1017 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! a exclama
t ea. Nu e periculos. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 A f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut c{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lic{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rul de mnie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3079 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 reap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rndu-i n ochi.
\plain\par
0\'3f}i chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost,\i tu\i0 nu ai de ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-mi spui mie ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3257 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac {\f63
\u351\'3f}i ce nu!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1883 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian a scos un oftat teat
ral.
\plain\par
i eu, care credeam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Rose e singura mereu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri18 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dispus{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} se arunce n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii aberante, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i pese
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i pun via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n prim
ejdie...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Furia Lissei s-a aprins cu
repeziciune, probabil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i din
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cauza prea intensei utiliz{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri a spiri
tului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, doar {
\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai avut nimic mpotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfig {\f63 \u35
5\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a n Dimitri! Doar tu m-ai antrenat
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pentru asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aia a fost
altceva. Deja ne g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seam ntr-o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 critic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea aiurea... ei bine, puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 incinerez.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian a examinat-o din c
ap pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n picioare, iar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n privirea lui era ceva... ceva care p{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie mai mult
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dect o simpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} evaluare obiectiv{\f63 \
u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n schimb, tu
nu erai nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o faci. Ai fost
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 uluitoare. Ai dat lovitura. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
dac-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, dar ai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 putut... iar cu focul... Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nai tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit, dar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost cumplit...
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Avea o anumit{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n voce, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ab
ia acum
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tientiza ce urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sufere Lissa. Grija
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i admira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui au f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mbujoreze, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 scuturat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or din rap {\f63 \u8212\'3f
} un vechi truc {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, astfel nct
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele de p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r care-i sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}paser{\f63 \u259\'3f} din coada de la spate s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 i cad{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, ascunzndu-i-o. Dar nu mai era nevoie.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Christian privea deja n p{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259
\'3f}nt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Trebuia s
-o fac, a zis ea, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e posibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2673 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 El {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridicat
privirea.
\plain\par
}i a fost... nu? Chiar n-a mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas nicio urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} di
n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4222 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 strigoi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Niciuna. S
unt perfect convins{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar nimeni nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 crede.
\plain\par
0\'3f}i po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i nvinuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti? Adic{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, eu te-am ajutat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mi-am dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie adev{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rat... dar nu sunt sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 crezut vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu adev{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rat, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i sinceritatea\i0 , c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 putea cineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai ntoarc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} dintr-o asemenea stare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ab{\f63
\u259\'3f}tut din nou privirea, spre o tuf{\f63 \u259\'3f} de liliac de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 data aceasta. Lissa sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea parfumul fl
orilor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 expresia ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i tulburat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Christian
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63
\u259\'3f} el nu se gndea la natur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar nici
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 la Dimitri, am n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles eu apoi. Se gndea
la p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Dar dac-ar fi existat utilizatori ai spiritului prin
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, atunci cnd cei doi Ozera se t
ransformaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1081 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 strigoi? Dac-ar fi existat o cal
e de a-i salva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ghiceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndul, cum f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cusem eu, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4006 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 continuat:
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu am crezut, s
au nu. Dar,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imediat cum s-a ntmplat... ei bine, am {\f63 \u351\'3f}
tiut. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu. Nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de strigoi
n el. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ajut. Trebuie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fac pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleag{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-i las s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nchis la infinit... sau mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l scoat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} pe Dimitri din depozit f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca ceila
l{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 gardieni s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pung
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele nu fusese deloc u{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}or
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pentru ea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se cutremura amintindu-{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i de primele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cteva secunde dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} preschimbarea lui, cn
d toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lumea {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipa c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia
ucis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Christian a privit-o din nou
n ochi, plin de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 curiozitate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-ai vrut
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e ca Dimitri, dar nu ca

\plain\par
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1028 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Vocea ei tremura un pic cnd i-a
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}C{\f63 \u259\'3f} e... trist.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri19 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trist? Aveam im
presia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie fericit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3539 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost salvat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu... nu n{\
f63 \u355\'3f}elegi. Se simte ngrozitor pentru tot ce
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ca strigoi. Vinovat, deprimat
. Se autoflagelez{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nchipuie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu va fi
iertat.
\plain\par
0\'3f}Tu-i mama m{\f63 \u259\'3f}-sii! a exclamat Christian, evident
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prins pe picior gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Cteva fete moro
i au trecut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tocmai atunci pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i l-au privit scandalizate de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 njur{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Apoi, s-au gr
{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece mai departe,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}u{\f63 \u351\'3f}otind ntre ele. Chris
tian a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut abstrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de ele.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dar n-a avut ncotro, a zis apoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1716 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u
350\'3f}tiu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Deja i-am spus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri2253 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose nu
l-ar putea ajuta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1862 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, a r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spuns Lissa, repezit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tep
tat ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dea detalii, dar v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1452 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 o c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-are de gnd
s-o fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s-a enervat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum adic{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nu poate? Ea ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ajute mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3240 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mult dect oricine!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2034 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu vreau s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} intru n detalii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea cu D

imitri o scia destul de mult. Ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe mine. Brusc, Lissa s-a ntors spre
policlinic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dinafar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa ave
a un aspect regal, de castel, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru totul era modem {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i sterilizat exact ca-n oricare
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 alt spital.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uite ce e,
eu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intru. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai p
rivi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4523 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri440 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum? a ntrebat
el, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dezaprobator. Cu
aerul {\f63 \u259\'3f}la {\f63 \u351\'3f}uc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit pe care-l ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2153 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cnd ceva nu iese a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a cum vrei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2601 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba nu te priv
esc a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1731 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti chiar acum!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 S-a retras din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}a lui, apoi s-a ndreptat spre intrarea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3879 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 policlinicii.
\plain\par
259\'3f} vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afli toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea, discut{\f63
\u259\'3f}m mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trziu. Acum n-am timp... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, sincer{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu... nici nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prea am chef s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc despre asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Privirea aceea {\f63 \u351\
'3f}uc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} avea dreptate ea, ch
iar\i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 era\i0 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s-a mai domolit pu{\f63
\u355\'3f}in. Aproape cu nervozitate, i\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4419 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 a zis:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1144 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK. Atun
ci, pe mai trziu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, Lissa...
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri4236 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hmm?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'3
f} bucur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti bine. Ce-ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
azi-noapte... n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2176 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fine, a fost de-a dreptul uluito
r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a uitat la el timp d
e cteva secunde, foarte
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcate, iar b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ile inimii ei s-au accelerat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 privindu-l cum briza i ciufulea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
negru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a{\f63 \u
351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac nimic f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ajutorul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu asta, s-a ntors {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intrat n cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire, iar eu m-am ntors cu t
otul n propria
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 minte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ca {\f63
\u351\'3f}i mai devreme, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac. Liss
a avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ocupat{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot rest
ul zilei, iar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi petrec timpul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zbiernd n biroul gardienilor nu mi-ar fi fost deloc de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 folos n ncercarea de a ajunge la Dimitri. M{\f63 \u259\
'3f} rog,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 presupun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} exista {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans
a colateral{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i enervez n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asemenea hal, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
zvrle {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe mine ntr-o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Atunci, eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i D
imitri am fi fost unul lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. Am nl{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat c
u promptitudine planul, de teama
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mi-ar aduce dect o por{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ie suplimentar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ndosariat documente.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ce puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fac? Nimic. Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam nevoia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}d, dar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam cu
m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} procedez.\i Uram\i0 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aveam niciun plan. ntlnirea Lissei cu Dimitri nu-mi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fusese nici pe departe de-ajuns {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, o
ricum, mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 important s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l privesc prin ochii mei
, nu printr-ai ei. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 of, triste{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea aia... nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}area aia a dezn{\f63 \u259\'3f}dejdii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 des{\f63 \u259\'3f}vr{\f63 \u351\'3f}ite... Nu eram n s
tare s-o ndur. mi doream
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l {\f63 \u355\'3f}in n bra{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}e, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} totul avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fie bine. mi
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doream s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i sp
un c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l iertasem deja {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vom fac
e ca
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 totul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie la fel
ca alt{\f63 \u259\'3f}dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. C{\f63 \u259\'3f} puteam s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fim
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, exact a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Gndul acesta mi-a adus lacri
mi n ochi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu frustrarea {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i cu inactivitatea mea, am revenit
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cu mintea n camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m
-am azvrlit n pat. Puteam n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plng n voie, c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}ci nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de azi-noapte m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}inusem. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car
nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam limpede din ce cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 plngeam. A traumelor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a sngelui curs n
ultima zi. A
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 inimii mele zdrobite. A necazului lui Dimitri. A
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 crudelor mprejur{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri care ne distruseser
{\f63 \u259\'3f} vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile. Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, existau motive cu duiumul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas n cam
era mea o bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte din zi,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pierdut{\f63 \u259\'3f} n propria jale {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}te. mi derulam n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 minte, iar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i iar, filmul ntlnirii Liss
ei cu Dimitri, tot ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spusese el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i felul n care ar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ta. Pierdusem no{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timpului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a fost nevoie de o b{\f63
\u259\'3f}taie n u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 smulg{\f63 \u259\'3f} din emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile me
le sufocante.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Frecndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n g
rab{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ochi, am deschis u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dat cu ochii de Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, am zis, un pic surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lu
i... ca
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai pun la socoteal{\f63 \u259\
'3f} sentimentul de vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care-l sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam, provocat de faptul c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} eram mbufnat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 din cauza unui alt tip. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63
\u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dau ochii cu Adrian, dar se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u aveam de ales.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2719 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vrei... vrei
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intri?
\plain\par
'3f} vrea, micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-284 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} se gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}beasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
icidecum c-ar fi venit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pentru o discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie d
espre rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia dintre noi. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 venit dect n trecere, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i fac o invita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O invita{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ie? m-am mirat. Mintea mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri870 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la\i Dimitri.
Dimitri, Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i iar Dimitri\i0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2159 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O invita
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie la o petrecere.
\plain\par
expndtw-16 \b \f20 \fs40 NOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}SPREZECE
\plain\par
\sl-306\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1772 \expndtw-6 \b \
f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u350\'3f}TI NEBUN?\b0 l-am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns cu a
ceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privire mut{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care o avea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de fiecare dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd i
puneam ntrebarea asta. Oftnd,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 am mai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o ncercare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O\i petrec
ere\i0 ? E prea de tot, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri216 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Tocmai au murit at{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ia! {\f63 \u350\'3f}i gardieni. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Priscilla Voda.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai
pun la socoteal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} cineva se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntorsese din mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Dar probabil c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} era mai bine dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 omiteam partea asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e momen
tul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne facem praf {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} juc{\f63
\u259\'3f}m ping\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pong cu berile, am insistat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}teptam ca Adrian s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} oricnd era
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 un moment potrivit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} juc{\f63 \u259\
'3f}m ping-pong cu berile, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 el a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas serios.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De f
apt, tocmai pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au murit at{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fie o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 petrecere. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu e
din alea la care se bea bere cu butoiul.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'3f}petrecere" n
u e tocmai termenul potrivit, a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 remarcat el, ncruntndu-se, n timp ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}uta
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri685 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cuvintele. E un eveniment special
. Unul de elit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Toate petre
cerile regale sunt de elit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-am atras
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, dar nu
to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei din familiile regale sunt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri563 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 invita{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la asta.
E vorba de... n fine, de elita elitei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1264 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Tot nu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam
despre ce era vorba.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Auzi, Adrian...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai, ascult{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-a oprit, trecndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i degetele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prin p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r {\f63 \u82
12\'3f} gestul lui obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit, care ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} era frustrat.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nu e chiar o petrecere, ct mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f}
o ceremonie. O
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie veche, foarte veche, din...
nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Din Romnia,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cred. I se spune priveghi. E un mod de a-i onora pe c
ei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u8212\'3f} un secret car
e s-a transmis prin cele mai vechi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 genealogii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-au revenit n minte frnturi
de amintiri legate de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o societate secret{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu scop distructi
v de la Sf. Vladimir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1124 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e vreo che
stie de genul\i Mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 , nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, jur. Te rog
, Rose. Nici eu nu prea sunt amator
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, dar ma
ma m{\f63 \u259\'3f} oblig{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg, {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i tare mi-ar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i tu acolo cu mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 Elit{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i\i genealogii\i0 nsemnau, pentru mine, cuvinte
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 periculoase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1361 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O s{\f63
\u259\'3f} mai fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dhampiri acolo?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu,
a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat repe
de: totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am aranjat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie acolo {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i cteva persoane cu care o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fii de acord. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fie mai bine pentru amndoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa? am n
cercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghicesc. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot era vorba
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 despre genealogii pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uite, atunci a e
i era sigur una
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dintre ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, tocma
i am dat de ea la policlinic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ei
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a fost cam la fel ca a ta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am zmbit. n acela{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i timp, mi-a strnit interesul.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai discut cu ea despre ce se
ntmplase n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 timpul vizitei ei la Dimitri, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea m{\f63 \u259\'3f} evita
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tocmai din cauza asta. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} participa
rea la cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ritual regal prostesc, sau la ce-o mai fi fost, avea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea, atuci cu att mai bine.
\plain\par
3f}i altcineva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2055 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Persoane care
o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i plac{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Perfect. F{\f63
\u259\'3f} pe misteriosul. Bine, merg la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3024 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntrunirea ta de sect{\f63 \u259\'
3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2593 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n replic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a
zmbit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e tocmai o s
ect{\f63 \u259\'3f}, micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir. Chiar\i este
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 un mod de a le aduce un ultim omagi
u celor uci{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 A ntins mna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a trecut u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or degetele pe obrazul
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 meu.
\plain\par
\'3f}i, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur... o, Doamne, ct m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} n-ai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fost printre ei... nici nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Vocea i s-a frnt, zmbetul lui
frivol a tremurat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri654 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, du
p{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a devenit din nou sigur.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici
nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii ct de ngrijorat am fost. Fiecare clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ct ai fost plecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiecare clip{\f63
\u259\'3f} n care nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce se\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu tine... a fost o agonie. {\f6
3 \u350\'3f}i chiar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 auzit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti bine, i-a
m tot ntrebat pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe care i-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntlnit n policlinic{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau ceva despre tine. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 te-au v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut cnd te luptai, dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ai fost r{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it cum
mi se pune un nod n gt. Nu
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 avusesem cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ntlnesc pe Adrian cnd m
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntorsesem, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i trimit un mesaj, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am strns mna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am ncercat s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} glumesc pe o tem{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 care, z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u!, nu era deloc amuzant{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par

3f}i ce-au spus? C{\f63 \u259\'3f} am fost o dur{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, cam a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a ceva. Nu se mai opreau din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 povestit. Spuneau ct de formidabil{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ai fost n b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lie.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A ajuns vorba {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a Tatiana despre ce-ai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut acolo, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pn{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea a fost impresionat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Hopa! Asta chiar era o surpr
iz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am dat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ntreb
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai multe, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare
le lui cuvinte mi-au t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 elanul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am mai auz
it {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} urlai la toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} afli ce e
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cu Belikov. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai b{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tut azi-diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} la u{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ile
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2703 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntors privirea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri196 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A! Da. P{\f63
\u259\'3f}i... Uite, mi pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, dar a trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
..
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, hei, m-a ntrerupt, cu o voce sev
er{\f63 \u259\'3f}, grav{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2724 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Nu te mai scuza. n{\f63 \u355\'3f
}eleg.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2019 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ridicat privirea spre el
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3823 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uite
ce e, nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 asta, n eventualitatea n care s-ar ntoarce.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am aruncat o privire {\f63
\u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ielnic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, examinndu-i
rea serioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
3f}tiu, mi amintesc ce-ai zis nainte...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri800 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at, apo

i mi-a zmbit, melancolic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur, nu m-am
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat ca toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea asta s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. Lissa a ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi explice cte ceva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre magia pe care a folosit-o... dar, Doamne, iart
{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}! Nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63
\u351\'3f} putea vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac ce-a f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cut ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar tu crez
i? l-am ntrebat. Crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el nu mai e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4223 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 strigoi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda. Lissa
zice c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai e, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu o cred. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
l-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, de la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea n soare. Dar nu sunt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri140 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 convins c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi b
ine pentru tine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ncerci s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vezi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aici vorbe
{\f63 \u351\'3f}te gelozia din tine, i-am zis. Nu aveam
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 absolut niciun drept s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac pe acuzat
oarea, din moment
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ce inima mi era att de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'
3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Evident c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} e gelozia, a replicat non{\f63 \u351\'3f}alant Adrian.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 La ce te-ai fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat? Iubirea vie{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ii tale se ntoarce... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nu oricum, ci din mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Nu m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} entuziasmeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar nici
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nu te nvinuiesc pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te sim{\f63
\u355\'3f}i derutat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
3f}i-am mai zis...
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu, {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tiu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Vocea lui Adrian nu mi se p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rea prea nec{\f63 \u259\'3f}jit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1250 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fapt, avea un ton surprinz{\f63
\u259\'3f}tor de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntoarcerea lui nu va afecta
ce
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 este ntre noi. Dar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui un lucru nain
te s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntmple, dnp{\f63 \u259\'3f} car
e lucrul acela chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntmple...
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sunt dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} chestii total diferite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde vrei s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajungi? l-am ntrebat, oarecum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te vreau, R
ose, mi-a zis, strngndu-mi mna cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} putere. Mereu te-am vrut. Vr
eau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tine. Mi-ar fi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} fiu ca al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} vreau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tine
, dar... n fine. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar ajunge la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
u ai fi cea care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1804 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am izbucnit n rs f{\f63 \u259\'3
f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uneori, am impre
sia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n cazul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, pericolul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mare vine mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f
} dinspre tine, dect dinspre
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 oricine altcineva. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i miro{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i a {\f63 \u355\'3f}ig{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f
}tii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, dar nam sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, absolut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u
351\'3f} fi perfect. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i n-ai dreptate. Tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cel
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mai periculos lucru din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3638 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3990 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri485 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Cu cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} mn{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat degetele pe buze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ascult{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} doar. Ar fi o tmpenie din partea mea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} revenirea fo
stului t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u iubit n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreun
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 efect asupra ta. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}adar, dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-mi face pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 l vezi? Nu, sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu. E ceva instin
ctiv. Dar e mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mult dect att, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii. E
u chiar cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el e din nou
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dhampir. Absolut. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Numai c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}...? Vorbele lui Adrian m-au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut mai
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 miloas{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca oricnd.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar
numai faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e strigoi nu nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut chiar totul din el. Stai pu{\
f63 \u355\'3f}in, m-a oprit din nou
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63
\u259\'3f} deschid gura s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi exprim
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 indignarea. Nu spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi malefic,
sau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie malef
ic, sau orice de genul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta. Dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prin ce-a trecut el... E ceva gigantic. Eroic. Noi, n
\plain\expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 realitate, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim multe despre proces
ul de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 transformare. Ce efect o fi avut asupra lui genul {\
f63 \u259\'3f}la de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Oare mai exist{
\f63 \u259\'3f} n el unele p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i violente, care ar
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se dezl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}uie dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Asta m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nelini{\f63 \
u351\'3f}te{\f63 \u351\'3f}te,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Rose. Te cunosc. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni. Sigur o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vezi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} stai de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu el. Dar e prudent s-o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 faci? Asta nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie nimeni. Noi nu {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tim nimic despre
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 asta. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e p
ericulos sau nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Christian i
spusese Lissei acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucruri. L-am
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 studiat concentrat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Adrian. Suna ca
o scuz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 convenabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de Dimitri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit adev{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rul n ochii aceia verzi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i adnci.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Spunea adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul. Era ngrijorat de ceea
ce ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian fusese sincer {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i cu privire la gelozie, ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eram nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} admir l
a el. Nu-mi poruncise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Dimitri, nici nu ncercase s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dicteze
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 comportamentul pe care trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l u
rmez. Iar asta-mi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea. Am ntins mna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
mi-am nl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit degetele cu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ale lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e pericu
los. E doar... trist. Trist, pentru ce-a
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. Sentimentul de vinov{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie l omoar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi imaginez. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici eu nu mi-a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fi iertat-o dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
fi dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ucis oameni cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 bestialitate, n ultimele patru luni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri488 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Adrian m-a tras spre el {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i m-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat pe cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}tet.
\plain\par
i, pentru binele tuturor {\f63 \u8212\'3f} da, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-al lui {\
f63 \u8212\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sper cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} sincer
itatea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie exact la fel cum era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1870 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nainte. Tu numai s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ai grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}, bine?
\plain\par
259\'3f} am, i-am promis, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutndu-l pe obraz. n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sura n care am mereu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2117 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A zmbit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a
dat drumul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E tot ce pot s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} sper. Deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai duc pe la p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mei un picule{\f63 \u355\'3f}. Vin s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te iau la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3911 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 patru, OK?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK. Trebuie
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbrac ntr-un anume fel la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2845 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 petrecerea asta secret{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri309 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ni{\f63 \u351\
'3f}te haine dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}e de s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rb{\f63 \
u259\'3f}toare ar fi perfecte.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ceva mi-a trecut atunci prin minte.
\plain\par
3f} e att de elitist{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de prestigioas{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, atunci
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cum o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} strecori a
colo un dhampir de joas{\f63 \u259\'3f} extrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ca
\plain\par
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu asta, a
zis Adrian, ntinznd mna spre o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pungu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} care o l{\f63 \
u259\'3f}sase jos cnd intrase. Lund-o de\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 acolo, mi-a nmnat-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Curioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am
deschis-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas cu gura c{\f63 \u259\'3f}sc
at{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd ce era n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru. Er
a o masc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, una care acoperea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 doar jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatea superioar{\f63 \u259\'
3f} a fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei, adic{\f63 \u259\'3f} ochii. Avea o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lucr{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} complicat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, cu frunze aurii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i verzi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i flori
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpodobite cu pietre pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioase.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O mas
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}? m-am mirat. Purt{\f63 \u259\'3f}m m{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ti la chestia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2610 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aia? Dar ce e, Halloween?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1538 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-mi cu ochiul.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ne vedem la patru.
\plain\par
\sl-276\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 De fapt, nu
ne-am pus m{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tile pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd nu am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 ajuns la priveghi. Ca parte a natur
ii secrete a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 evenimentului, Adrian mi spusese c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 atragem aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupra noastr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n drum. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 traversat domeniile Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mbr{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la patru ace {\f63 \u8212\'3f} eu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 purtam aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i rochie ca la cina cu p
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui , dar n\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 am avut parte de mai multe observa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
dect n mod
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit, cnd eram v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n plus, era trziu,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i majoritatea celor de la Curte se p
reg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea de culcare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Destina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia no
astr{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a surprins. Era una dintre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirile n care locuiau lucr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}torii de la Curte, cei f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 snge regal, o cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire foarte aproape de
cea n care
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea Mia. Ei bine, cred c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ultimul loc n care ai putea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cau{\f63 \u355\'3f}i o petrecere r
egal{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}minul unui cet{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63
\u355\'3f}ean
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 de rnd. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am intrat n vreunul d
intre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apartamentele de-acolo. Imediat dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
e-am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}it n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 holul cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii, Adrian mi-a f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}cut semn c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 punem m{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tile. Apoi, m
-a condus spre ceea ce p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fie magazia administratorului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dar nu era. n loc de a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a ceva, u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea spre o scar{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care cobora n ntuneric. Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\
f63 \u259\'3f}d unde se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 termin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ceea ce m-a alarmat la maxim
um. Din instinct,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cunosc toate detaliile fiec{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rui loc n care
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 intram. Adrian p{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rea calm {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor n timp ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cobora treptele, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
bizui pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} conduce
a spre cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce altar de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sacrificii. Detestam s-o recunosc, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
curiozitatea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 legat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de priveghi mi ab{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tea temporar gndurile de la
\plain\par
63 \u259\'3f}, am ajuns la o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}reia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 erau doi paznici. Ambii erau moroi, masca{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i ca Adrian
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ca mine. Atitudinea lor era crispa
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i defensiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ne-au ntrebat nimic, ci doar ne-au privit, a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}teptnd.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a rostit cteva cuvinte care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}re
au s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 romne{\f63 \u351\'3f}te {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n clipa imed
iat urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, unul dintre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 paznici a descuiat u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i, cu un gest, ne-a invitat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 intr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O parol{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} secret{\f63 \u259\'3f}? am murmurat spre Adrian, n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 timp ce ne strecuram n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Parole, de
fapt. Una pentru mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i una pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri644 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tine. Fiecare invitat are cte o pa
rol{\f63 \u259\'3f} numai a lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns ntr
-un tunel ngust, luminat doar de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 tor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele ncastrate n pere{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i. Fl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile lor juc{\f63 \u259\'3f}u{\f63 \u351\
'3f}e aruncau
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 umbre bizare, n timp ce treceam pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ele. Ajungea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la noi murmurul sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}z
ut al conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor care
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aveau loc cu mult n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. Suna surprinz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 normal, ca oricare conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pe care
le-ai auzi la o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 petrecere. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} descrierea lui Adrian,
aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud inca
nta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i de tobe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2818 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am scuturat din cap.
\par
\u350\'3f}tiam eu. n subteranele Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii e o temni{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri358 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 medieval{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M{\f63
\u259\'3f} surprinde c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d lan{\f63 \u355\'3f}
uri pe pere{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
4\'3f}i-e fric{\f63 \u259\'3f}? m-a tachinat Adrian, prinzndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
e
\plain\expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De asta? Nu
prea. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe scara lui Rose

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Hathaway privitoare la locurile nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, asta e
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 abia pe locul...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it de
pe coridor nainte de a-mi ncheia fraza.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere vast{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu tava
nul boltit, se ntindea n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ceva care-mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cea creierul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ezite n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 provoc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iale, n t
imp ce ncercam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 seama cam ct de mult coborser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m sub p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}mnt.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Candelabrele din fier forjat, cu lumn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
i aprinse,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 atrnau de tavan, aruncnd aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lumin{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fantomatic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 precum a tor{\f63 \u355\'3f}elor de adineauri. Pere{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ii erau cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}di{\f63 \u355\'3f}i din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 piatr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} o piatr{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} prelucrat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu dib{\f63 \u259\'3f}cie, frumoas{\f63 \
u259\'3f}:
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cenu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie, cu pete ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}iet
ice, {\f63 \u351\'3f}lefuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i rotunde,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 netede. Cineva dorise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}streze atmosfera unei
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 temni{\f63 \u355\'3f}e din Lumea Veche, ns{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ntr-o variant{\f63 \u259\'3f} stilat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Era un fir logic tipic pentru familiile regale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} se afla
u vreo cincizeci de persoane, unele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 formnd grupuri. La fel ca Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ca
mine, purtau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}minte ceremonioase {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i m{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Toate m{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
le erau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 diferite. Unele aveau teme florale, cum era {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i a mea, n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 timp ce altele erau decorate cu imaginile unor anima
le.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Altele aveau, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, spirale,
motive geometrice.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tile acopereau numai jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
le
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 superioare ale fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}elor oaspe{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ilor, iluminatul sumar
\par
\plain\pard\sl-238 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 contribuia mult la ascunderea
altor elemente de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 identificare. I-am cercetat cu ate
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei pe care-i

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vedeam, spernd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} disting detalii care
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}deze
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 identitatea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-am ie
{\f63 \u351\'3f}it de pe culoar, Adrian m-a condus
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un col{\f63 \u355\'3f} al nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perii.
Cmpul meu vizual
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 extinzndu-se acum, am putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63
\u259\'3f}d n mijlocul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un cenu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ar mare, nglobat n podeaua din p
iatr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ardea niciun foc n el, dar toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea
se {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea la o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} considerabil{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a fulgerat un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 derutant dej-vu, ntorcndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu gndul la p
erioada
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe care o petrecusem n Siberia. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i acol
o participasem
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 la un alt tip de ceremonie de pomenire {\f63 \u8212\
'3f} de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i acolo nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 era vorba de m{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti sau
parole {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezase n jurul unui foc aprins n spate
le casei. Fusese
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n onoarea lui Dimitri, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i to{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i cei care-l iubiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} povesteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
arunc o privire mai de-aproape
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asupra focului, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian avea mereu g
rij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inem departe de grosul mul{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}imii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri838 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu atrage aten
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupra ta, m-a prevenit.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} uitam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, numai c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} oricine te vede de aproape o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dea seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti cea mai scund{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe-aici.
I\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ar fi destul de evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti dhampir. Aici e elita celor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2802 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cu snge vechi, ai uitat?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri373 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 M-am ncruntat la el att ct mi
permitea masca.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar n
u ziceai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut tu aranjamentele, ca s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pot veni {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu? m-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ic{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit, v{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunde. Sau {\f63 \u8222\'3f}f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cutul aranjamentelor" nsemna doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} strecori n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru? Da
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} da, atunci {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia au o paz{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tot rahatul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3243 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a pufnit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, doar aveam
parolele corecte. Att {\f63 \u351\'3f}i trebuia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Le-am furat... {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}... le-am mprumutat de pe lista
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 maic{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri539 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mama ta e prin
tre cei care au organizat asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mh. Ramura ei din
familia Tarus e bine nfipt{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gruparea asta, de secole. Se pare c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} au {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut aici o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ceremonie chiar barosan{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} atacul asupra {\f63 \u351\'3f}colii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n gnd, am ntors pe toate fe{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ele aceste informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama ce senza{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ie mi ofer{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Detestam cnd oamenii erau obseda{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de s
tatutul lor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 social {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}e,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i era greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le repro{\f63
\u351\'3f}ezi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} doreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i o
noreze pe cei uci{\f63 \u351\'3f}i; mai ales
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cnd, n majoritatea lor, fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} dhampir
i. Atacul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 strigoilor asupra Academiei Sf. Vladimir era o amint
ire
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 care avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bntuie v
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic. Dar, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}ni mai profund, m-a str{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut o senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 familiar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa e aic
i, am zis, privind n jur. i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n apropiere, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
n-am descoperit-o imediat,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1014 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n marea aceea de m{\f63 \u259\'3f
}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de umbre. Uite-o!

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 St{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea deopa
rte, retras{\f63 \u259\'3f}, purtnd o rochie trandafirie
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o masc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n alb {\f63
\u351\'3f}i auriu, cu lebede desenate pe ea. Prin
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura noast
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it-o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utnd pe cineva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cunoscut, pe oricine. Un impuls m-a ndemnat s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 duc spre ea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian m-a re{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}inut, cerndu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne g{\f63 \
u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}te ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce e cu toa
te astea? m-a ntrebat cnd a ajuns la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am crezut c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii mai multe, i-am replicat.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Chestii regale strict secrete.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Strict secr
ete mai ales pentru mine, a zis Lissa.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am primit invita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la regin{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Mi-a zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} face parte
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dintre ndatoririle mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tenite {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cu nimeni despre asta, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a ve
nit Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 zis s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin neap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, d
e dragul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tatiana te
-a invitat personal? m-am mirat eu. Dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi fost cazul s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} surprind{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lissa nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 avea nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie strecurat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} pe furi{\f63 \u351\'3f} n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, ca mine.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am nchipuit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} oricum ar fi avut gr
ij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} primeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea o invita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, ns{\
f63 \u259\'3f} presupusesem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese opera lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian. Mi-am rotit privirea, stingherit{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. Tatiana e aici?
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m-am interesat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Probabil,
mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Adrian, pe un ton enervant
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de nep{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Ca de ob
icei, prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii lui nu-l
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 afecta la fel ca pe noi ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. A,
ia uite! a exclamat el.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Uite-l pe Christian. Cu masca aia, cu focul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu mi-am dat seama cum de la descoperit Adrian
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pe Christian, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd deoparte nu-prea-s
ubtila metafor{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu masca. Date fiind n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f
}imea lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul nchis la
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 culoare, Christian se pierdea lesne printre ceilal{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i moroi
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din jurul lui. Tocmai sporov
{\f63 \u259\'3f}ia cu o fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din apropiere,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2554 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 una care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea di
n alt film.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici gnd s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fi primit el o invita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie oficial{\f63 \u259\'3f},
am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 zis. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreun Ozera ar fi fost cons
iderat ndeajuns de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 special, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} participe la a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a ceva, oricum acela n-ar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fi fost Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a primit,
m-a aprobat Adrian, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-i lui
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Christian un mic semn s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ni se al{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ture. I-am dat eu una
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dintre parolele {\f63 \u351\'3f}terpelite de la mama
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2964 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 L-am privit uimit{\f63 \u259\'
3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2619 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar cte ai {\f
63 \u351\'3f}terpelit?
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Destule ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2476 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}V{\f63 \u259
\'3f} rog, pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Vocea de tunet a unui b{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rbat a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntrerupnd att replica lui Adrian, ct {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian. Strmbndu-se, Christian s-a ntors la locul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lui de mai devreme, izolat de noi, care ne aflam de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 partea cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} a nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pe
rii. Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tot
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nu aveam ocazia s-o ntreb pe Lissa despre Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} vreo alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} indica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i participan{\f63 \u355\'3f}i au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit un cerc n jurul cenu{\f63 \u35

1\'3f}arului. Nu era destul loc
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pentru un singur cerc, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} am putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ascund n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spatele altor moroi, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u
259\'3f}resc spectacolul. Lissa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i concentrase aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupra lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian, care se afla n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}git{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ni se al{\f63 \u259\'3f}ture.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ast{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-sear{\f63 \u259\'3f} am venit aici s{\f63 \u259\'3f} onor{\f63 \
u259\'3f}m spiritele celor
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 care au murit luptnd cu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul cel mare c
are ne
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}stuie{\f63 \u351\
'3f}te de atta vreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Vorbise acela{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i tip care ne solicitase aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Masca
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 lui neagr{\f63 \u259\'3f} sclipea, cu spiralele ei ar
gintii. Nu-l
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 recuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} consider, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 teama de a gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} er
a membru al unei familii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 importante, ntmplarea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} o voce potrivit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pentru astfel de adun{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Adrian mi-a
confirmat
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 impresia.
\plain\par
\'3f}sta-i Anthony Badica. Mereu l aduc pe post de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 maestru de ceremonii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Anthony sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu u
n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lider religios, dect cu un maestru de ceremonii, ns{\f
63 \u259\'3f} n\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mai spun {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i asta lui Adrian, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} atrag
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cuiva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri676 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ast{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-sear{\f63 \u259\'3f} i onor{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, a continuat Anthony.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri18 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit n clip
a n care to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei din jurul nostru i\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 au repetat cuvintele. Am schimbat
o privire nedumerit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu Lissa. Din cte se pare, era un scenariu despre care
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nu fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m informate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vie{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ile lor au fost r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pite prea curnd dintre noi, a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 continuat Anthony.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2548 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ast{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-sear{\f63 \u259\'3f} i onor{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 OK, poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} scen
ariul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta nu era chiar att de greu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de urmat, n definitiv. Anthony tot
vorbea despre ct de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cumplit{\f63 \u259\'3f} era tragedia, iar noi repetam
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntreaga idee a acestui priveghi m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nedu
merea n
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 continuare, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
triste{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea Lissei mbiba leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} afecteze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe mine. Priscilla fusese
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mereu bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
politicoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mine. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Grant nu-i fusese gardian dect pentru foarte pu{\f63 \
u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 timp, oricum o ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rase {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i-o ajutase. De fapt, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Grant
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n-ar fi exersat cu Lissa, Dimitri poate c-ar mai fi f
ost
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strigoi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-acum. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, ncetul cu ncetul, gravitatea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, chiar
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere c{\f63 \u259\'3f} existau alte
metode mai potrivite pentru jelitul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor, apreciam recunoa{\f63 \u351
\'3f}terea de care ei aveau parte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} alte cte
va refrene, Anthony i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un semn
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cuiva s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O femeie purtnd o masc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpodobit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu smaralde scnteietoare a ie{
\f63 \u351\'3f}it din rnd,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cu o tor{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n mn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Adrian se foia lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1528 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iubita mea ma
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a murmurat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Categoric c{\f63 \u259\'3f} da. A
cum, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i disting
clar tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile Daniellei. Mama lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a aruncat tor{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n cenu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ar, iar acesta s-a aprins
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca artificiile de pe 4 iulie. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} stropise cineva
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lemnul, fie cu benzin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fie cu vodc{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ruseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sau poate
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cu amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era de mirare c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i invita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}straser{\f63 \u259\'3f} distan{\f63
\u355\'3f}a. Daniella s-a pierdut n mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime; o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} femeie a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it n f
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, purtnd o tav{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu pocale de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aur. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce le-a mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{
\f63 \u355\'3f}it, a mai ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut o femeie cu o
\plain\expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 tav{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce se distribuiau poca
lele, Anthony ne-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4126 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 explicat:
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vom nc
hina {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vom bea acum n cinstea celor
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, astfel nct spiritele lor s{\f63
\u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} dincolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tihna.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am foit, stnjenit{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Lumea vorbea despre spirite
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tite {\f63 \u351\'3f}i despre
mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tihna, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie cu adev{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rat ce nsemna asta. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 atins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi d{\f
63 \u259\'3f}ruise {\f63 \u351\'3f}i capacitatea de a-i vedea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pe mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii care nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i g
{\f63 \u259\'3f}siser{\f63 \u259\'3f} lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
-mi luase mult
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 timp s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dobndesc suficient{\f63 \u259\
'3f} putere ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d. Ei
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 erau mereu n preajma mea: tiebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duiesc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 i {\f63 \u355\'3f}in la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebam ce-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zu
t acum, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat jos bar
ierele. Oare fantomele celor uci{\f63 \u351\'3f}i n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 noaptea cu atacul lui Dimitri ar zbura pe deasupra
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4152 \expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a adulmecat lichidul
din pocal {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ncruntat.
\plain\par
f}, m-a cuprins panica, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l miros {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 eu pe-al meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E vin, sla
v{\f63 \u259\'3f} Domnului, i-am {\f63 \u351\'3f}optit. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m
utr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, am crezut c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} e snge.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi aminteam ct de mult detesta
el sngele care nu
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 era direct de la surs{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Noo, a murm
urat el n replic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Doar o recolt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 proast{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cnd a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a primit pocalul cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vin, Anthony l-a ridicat pe-al lui deasupra capului,
cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ambele mini. Cu focul n spate, avea un aer sinistru,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nep{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntean.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri634 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \
u259\'3f} bem pentru Priscilla Voda! a nchinat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A sorbit din pocal. La fel au f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i; n fine,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Adri
an, care a dat pe gt jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate din
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 con{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a cum era licoarea, dintr-o {\f63 \u8222\'3f}recolt{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 proast{\f63 \u259\'3f}". Anthony a ridicat din nou po
calul deasupra
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 capului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1854 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u259\
'3f} bem pentru James Wilket!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce repetam {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i eu cuvintele, mi-am dat seama
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} James Wilket era
unul dintre gardienii Priscillei.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Gruparea asta de nebuni regali chiar le ar{\f63 \u259
\'3f}ta respect
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vampirilor. I-am trecut n revist{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 unul cte unul, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu am avut grij{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iau numai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sorbituri mici, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} voiam s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-mi men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in mintea
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 limpede n seara asta. Spre sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}itul list
ei, eram
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian se
pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} soarbe, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i terminase de mult b{\f63 \u259\'3f}
utura.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cnd enumerarea celor care mur
iser{\f63 \u259\'3f} a luat sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Anthony a n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}at din nou
pocalul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a apropiat de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 focul nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat, care nce
puse s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dogoreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259
\'3f}tor
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de tare n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea aceea destul de mic{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Spatele
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 rochiei mi se umezise deja de transpira{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tuturor cel
or r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul cel mare, v{\f63
\u259\'3f} cinstim
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spiritele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sper{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ca
ele s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n pace, spre lumea
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri879 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a azvrl
it restul de vin n fl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorb{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ria asta despre spirite r{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cind prin lum
e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sigur nu se potrivea cu obi{\f63 \u
351\'3f}nuita credin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63
\u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a de apoi, care domina religia mo
roilor. Iar asta m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb cam ct de veche era, de fapt, o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 astfel de ceremonie. nc{\f63 \u259\'
3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it puternica
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 tenta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de a-mi cobor barierele, ca s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 astea chiar atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fantomele spre noi, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 team{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ce-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut

s{\f63 \u259\'3f} descop{\f63 \u259\'3f}r. Plus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am fost
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 imediat distras{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd to{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i care alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuiau cercul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 au nceput, la rndul lor, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i azvrle vinul n foc. Una
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cte una, n sensul acelor de ceasornic, fiecare persoan
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se apropia de fl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri.
Totul se petrecea n t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 auzindu-se doar trosnetele din cenu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ar
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri218 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 butucilor. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
umea urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ceremonia cu respect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cnd mi-a venit rndul, m-am st
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit din r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sputeri
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu tremur. Nu uitasem c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} Adrian m{\f63 \u259\'3f} adusese aici pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 furi{\f63 \u351\'3f}. Nici moroii de rnd nu erau accep
ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, dar{\f63 \u259\'3f}mite
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dhampirii. Oare ce-aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63
\u259\'3f}? S{\f63 \u259\'3f} pretind{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fost violat spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iul? S{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe mine? S{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} arunce n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4499 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 foc?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Temerile mele s-au dovedit
nentemeiate. Nimeni nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a zis {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ni
mic deosebit n timp ce-mi turnam
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vinul n foc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n clipa imediat urm{\f63
\u259\'3f}toare, Adrian a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}it nainte, venindu-i
rndul, fapt de care am profitat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am strecurat lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} L
issa. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ntreg cercul a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 trecut prin acest ritual, ni s-a cerut un moment de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 reculegere pentru cei pleca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dintre
noi. Fiind martor{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}pirea Lissei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la ul
terioara ei salvare, aveam o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la ca
re s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc. Oricte minute
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri678 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de reculegere s-ar fi {\f63 \u355
\'3f}inut, tot n-ar fi fost destule.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Un alt semnal mut a p{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
prin
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cercul s-a dispersat, iar ncordar
ea s-a risipit.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Participan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii s-au reunit n mici grupu
ri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i au nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sporov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie, exact ca la oricare alt{\f
63 \u259\'3f} petrecere, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe chipurile unora se z{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau lacrimi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Probabil c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} multora le-a fost drag{\f63 \u259\'3f} Priscilla, am
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 remarcat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Adrian s-a ntors spre o mas{
\f63 \u259\'3f} care fusese preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mod misterios pe durata ceremoniei. O plasaser{\f63
\u259\'3f} lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 peretele din spate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o umpluser{\f63
\u259\'3f} cu fructe, brnzeturi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vin. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum era de a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}teptat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a turnat n pahar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1554 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu to{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i plng pentru ea, mi-a zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi vine greu s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} plng pentru dhampiri, l\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri527 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 am contrazis. Nimeni de-aici nu-i
cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2049 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-i adev{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rat, a replicat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1121 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles i
mediat ce voia el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Majoritatea celo
r care au fost n misiunea de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 salvare era format{\f63 \u259\'3f}
din gardieni repartiza{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 moroi. Nu puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie to{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i gardieni de la Curte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} are dreptate. Fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu noi. Mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i di
ntre moroii ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pierduser{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'
3f} gardienii de care ajunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se simt{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apropia{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Cu tot dispre{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ul pe care-l resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam uneori
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de unii dintre re
prezentan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii familiilor regale, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} unii probabil legaser{\f63 \u259\'3
f} prietenii adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ata{\f63 \u351\'3f}aser{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gardienii
lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lamentabil{
\f63 \u259\'3f} petrecere, s-a auzit deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o voce.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-ne, am observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n sfr{\f63 \u

351\'3f}it, Christian
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} loc pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la noi.
Nici nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 seama dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e o ceremonie funerar{\f63
\u259\'3f}, sau o invocare a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 diavolului. A fost mai degrab{\f63 \u259\'3f} o tenta
tiv{\f63 \u259\'3f} stngace
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care-a avut n vedere ambele variante.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nceteaz{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, l-am repezit, surprinzndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe mine
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi. E vorba despre cei care au murit
azi-noapte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru\i tine\i0 . Indiferent cum o fi, tot nseamn{\f
63 \u259\'3f} lips{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 respect fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Pe chipul lui Christian s-a
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut imediat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 seriozitatea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3381 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai dreptate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri19 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, o sim{\f
63 \u355\'3f}eam pe Lissa luminndu-se la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vederea lui. Ororile ncerc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rii prin care trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 apropiaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-mi ami
nteam de tandre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea lor reciproc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 din timpul drumului de ntoarcere. Ea i-a d{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ruit o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 privire plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldu
r{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a primit n schimb un zmbet
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nesigur. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ceva bun din tot ce se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 petrecuse. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
car ei aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezolva
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 problemele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3202 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sau poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri972 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Adrian
s-a destins ntr-un zmbet.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M{\f63 \u259\'
3f} bucur c-ai reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a
m avut impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se adresase lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Christian. Apoi, privind mai bine,
am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 masca nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\

'3f}nd un p{\f63 \u259\'3f}un ajunsese lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi. Cu toat{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 amestec{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura aia de lume {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i de m{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, nici nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 observasem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se oprise n mod inten{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ionat lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am examinat-o cu aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, remarcnd doar
ochii
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i buclele blonde, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o recunosc, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f
}it.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Era Mia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1957 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce cau{\f63 \
u355\'3f}i aici? am ntrebat-o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian mi-a f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut rost de o parol{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3683 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 zmbind larg.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am impresia
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut rost de parole
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pentru jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate din cei de-aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2317 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea foarte ncnt
at de el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vezi? mi-a zis,
zmbindu-mi. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-am spus eu c-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri248 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merite timpul p
ierdut. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ga{\f63 \u351\'3f}ca e aici. Aproape.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta-i una
dintre cele mai ciudate chestii din cte\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a c
omentat Mia, privind n jur. Nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d de ce trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
e fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} un secret din faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cei uci{\f63 \u351\'3f}i au fost eroi. De ce nu pute
au s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2682 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nmormntarea general{\f63 \u259\'3f
}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2318 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a ridicat din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar {\f63 \u355
\'3f}i-am spus, e o ceremonie str{\f63 \u259\'3f}veche. E o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 reminiscen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} din Vechea {\f63 \u354\'3f}ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar cei de-aici o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 consider{\f63 \u259\'3f} important{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

Din cte {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu, obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mult mai complex{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Asta-i doar versiu
nea modernizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Atunci mi-a trecut prin min
te c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa nu mai suflase
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cnd constataser{\f63 \u259\'
3f}m c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de fapt, Christian
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 venise cu Mia. Mi-am deschis mintea spre leg{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind imediat un val de gelozie {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i de revolt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eram n continuare de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} Mia s-ar fi num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 printre ultimele persoane cu care ar putea Christian
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} o rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie sentime
ntal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. (Bine, mi venea greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 l imaginez avnd o rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie sentimental c
u\i oricine\i0 .
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era m
preun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Lissa nsemnase ceva
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 monumental.). Cu toate acestea, Lissa nu reu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul. Tot ce v
edea ea era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el umbla n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 continuare cu alte fete. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, pe m{\f63
\u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} continua, atitiudinea Lissei d
evenea tot mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 glacial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar privirile amicale pe car
e i le adresa el
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncepeau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se estompeze.
\plain\par
1\'3f}adar, e adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat? s-a interesat Mia, evident
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind nimic despre drama care se de
rula n jurul ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2637 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri chiar s-a... ntors?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu m
ine am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, scurt, un schimb de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 priviri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, am r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}spuns, cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fermitatea. E dhampir,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dar nimeni nu crede nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pentru c{\f63
\u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunt ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}te idio{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Abia s-a ntmp
lat asta, micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir, a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 replicat Adrian, cu o voce blnd{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu t
oate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} subiectul

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 l incomoda vizibil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe el. Nu po{\f63
\u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le pretinzi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tuturor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mpace imediat cu ideea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar chiar\i
sunt\i0 idio{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a intervenit, aprig{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Lissa.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Oricine st{\f63 \u259\'3f} de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
u el poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strigoi. Eu tot fac presiuni asupra lor s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-l scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63
\u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu ochii lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dori
t s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} presiuni ceva mai intense n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 favoarea\i mea\i0 , ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot ajunge
la el, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum nu era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 momentul pentru astfel de discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Ro
tindu-mi ochii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prin nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere, m-am ntrebat dac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu cumva unii ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea re{\f63 \u355\'3f}ineri n acceptarea ntoarcerii lu
i Dimitri, din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cauza rolului pe care-l jucase n omorrea celor dragi
\par
\plain\pard\sl-284 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lor. Drept e c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} nu fusese st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pn pe el atunci, dar asta nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ajungea ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le re
dea via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a celor uci{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63
\u355\'3f}indu-se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 stingherit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a l
ui Christian, Lissa devenea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 agitat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Plus c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u351\'3f}i dorea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v
ad{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce mai mai
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri423 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ct o mai trebui
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m aici? Mai e ceva de...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2396 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu cine naiba
mai e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Micul nostru grup s-a ntors {\f63
\u351\'3f}i ne-am pomenit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} Anthony st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea chiar n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Dat
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fiind faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproape to{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m acolo
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neinvita{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
se fi adresat oricui. Dar, lund n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 considerare direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n care-{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i fixase privirea, nu mai

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 exista vreo umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ndoial{\f63 \u259
\'3f} asupra persoanei la care
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 se referea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3297 \fi283 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la
mine.
\plain\par
\expndtw-21 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI
\plain\par
\sl-306\fs31\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f
20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\b TU NU E{\f63 \u350\'3f}TI MOROI!\b0 a continuat el
. Nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ridicase tonul prea mult, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} categoric
le atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia celor din apropierea noastr{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti Rose
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Hathaway, nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? Cum de ndr{\f63 \u
259\'3f}zne{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, cu sngele t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 impur, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} invadezi sanctitatea...
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Destu
l, l-a ntrerupt deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o voce semea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Preiau eu discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}a i era acoperit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, vocea n-aveai cum
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o recuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Tati
ana {\f63 \u8212\'3f} purtnd o masc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ornat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 flori argintii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o rochie gri, cu mnec
i lungi {\f63 \u8212\'3f} s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strecurat n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a tipului. Probabil c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} o {\f63 \u351\'3f}i z{\f63 \u259\'3f}risem mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 devreme prin mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime, f{\f63 \u259\'3
f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ea.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, puteai s-o confunzi cu oricine
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 altcineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n ntreaga sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea. Daniella
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n grab{\f63 \u259\'3
f} n spatele Tatianei, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 ochii mari pe sub masc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa n care m
-a
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 recunoscut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2500 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian... a nc
eput ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1546 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana era
st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vino cu mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} puteam ndoi n
icidecum de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ordinul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi era adresat, sau c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} supun. S-a ntors {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a pornit iute spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire. M-am gr{\f
63 \u259\'3f}bit dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea, urmat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de Daniella.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Imediat ce-am ajuns pe culoa
rul luminat de tor{\f63 \u355\'3f}e,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Daniella a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit cu gura pe Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-a fost n
capul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u? {\f63 \u350\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} deranjeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} s\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 o aduci pe Rose cu tine la anumite evenimente, dar a
ici
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 era...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}... inadecv
at, a completat Tatiana, cu asprime.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 De{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} este ni
merit ca un dhampir s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mult sunt respectate sacrificiile poporului s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}u.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Replica ei ne-a {\f63
\u351\'3f}ocat pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, cufundndu-ne pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri899 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 moment n t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere. Da
niella {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a revenit prima.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2205 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, ns{\f63 \u
259\'3f} tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cere ca...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2076 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana a ntrerupt-o din nou.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cunosc foarte b
ine tradi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Este o grav{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lcare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 a etichetei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} prez
en{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Rosemarie aici nu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri466 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 contravine inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
ilor noastre. Pierderea Priscillei...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana nu s-a sufocat, sau
nu chiar, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} oricum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pierdut o parte din prestan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei obi{
\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi crezut
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} o priete
n{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Priscilla asta
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fusese, n bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, pentru ea. Cum a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 eu, dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi pierdut-o pe Lissa? N-a{

\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost nici pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 departe att de st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Voi resim{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i foarte, foarte mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme pierderea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Priscillei, a izbutit pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \
u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} continue Tatiana.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Privirea ei p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}to
are s-a oprit asupra mea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i sper, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355
\'3f}elegi cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat ct de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevoie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avem de tine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ceilal{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i gardieni, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ct de mult v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uim. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} uneori neamul vostru se simte
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 subapreciat. Dar nu este a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Cei car
e au murit au l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un mare gol n rndurile noastre, unul care ne las{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mai neproteja{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cum sunt convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Am ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mirat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipa
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 la mine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ies de-acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o mare p
ierdere, am zis. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia e agravat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n cele mai multe cazuri, sun
tem nvin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} suntem cople{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i numeric... mai ales de cnd
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 au nceput strigoii s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} grupuri mai m
ari.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1495 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu putem ntotdeauna s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} le facem fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana m-a aprobat, p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rnd pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de acord ntr-o privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cazul meu.
\plain\par
f}tiam eu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegi, a zis. Cu toate acestea...
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 S-a ntors spre Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ar fi trebuit
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Unele reguli ale
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1870 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 bunei-cuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e ar
trebui men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inute.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri187 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Atitudinea lui Adrian a fost su
rprinz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor de sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi cer scuze, m{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana. Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ut-o pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri665 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am crezut c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Ros
e a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ii toate astea pentru tine, da? m-a ntrebat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Daniella, ntorcndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i privirea spre min
e. Foarte mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 invita{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunt extrem de conservatori.
Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar dori s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} vestea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Care anume? C{\f63 \u259\'3f
} se ntlniser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n jurul focului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 jucaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-a m{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63
\u351\'3f}tile? Mda, chiar mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i doreau s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta secret.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri267 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-o s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} suflu o vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nimen
i, am promis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foarte bine, a z
is Tatiana. Acum, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pleci na
inte ca... Nu cumva cel de colo e
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Christian Ozera? a ntrebat, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase privirea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pluteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin sala aglomerat{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri592 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, am ncuviin{
\f63 \u355\'3f}at ntr-un glas eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar n-a fost in
vitat, a exclamat Daniella. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i asta e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3581 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tot din vina ta?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu a
tt din vina mea, ct datorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} geniului meu, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3515 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 replicat Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri240 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ndoiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va observa cineva, atta timp ct se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 comport{\f63 \u259\'3f} corespunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor
, a replicat Tatiana, oftnd. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri45 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sunt convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} profite de orice ocazie care i se
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ive{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea de
vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Vasilisa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A! am excl
amat, lundu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gura pe dinainte. Asta
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nu e Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, de fapt, se ntorsese c
u spatele la Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 vorbea cu altcineva, aruncnd tot timpul priviri
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ngrijorate spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, un
de eram eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1571 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar cine e? s
-a interesat Tatiana.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3398 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Mama m{\f63 \u259\'3f}-sii!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E, hm, Mia Rina
ldi. O prieten{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3735 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sf. Vladimir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
trecuse prin gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mint {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 atribui un nume regal. Unele familii erau att de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 numeroase, nct ar fi fost imposibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 membrii lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rinaldi, a
repetat Tatiana, ncruntndu-se. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} de un slujitor cu numele acesta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} impr
esiona n bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea pe cei care lucrau pentru ea.
nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea mea despre Tatiana se schimba
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un slujitor
? s-a mirat Daniella, aruncndu-i o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 privire alarmat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui Adrian. Mai e ci
neva despre care ar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3672 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tiu?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. D
ac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} mai fi avut timp, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-a{\f63 \u351
\'3f} fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri257 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 adus ncoace {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe E
ddie. Ce naiba, poate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Ispita.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1352 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Daniella a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t o figur{\f63 \u259\'3f} scandalizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1111 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi s-a p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rut mie, sau ai spus {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Ispita"?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E doar o glum{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, am intervenit gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nevrnd ca
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} se nr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Mi-era fric{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ce-ar fi putut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'
3f} Adrian. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a o numim noi, cteodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prietena noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} Jill Mastrano, le-am
explicat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Nici Tatiana, nici Daniella
nu au p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} considere
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era o glum{\f63 \u259\'3f} bun{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, ni
meni nu pare con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tient de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i are locul aici, a comentat Daniell
a, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd semn spre
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre Mia. Cu toate c{\f63
\u259\'3f} brfele se vor
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndi necontrolat, despre cum a ntreru
pt Rose
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 evenimentul.
\plain\par
63 \u259\'3f}u, am zis, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vinovat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, poate, i cream nepl{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ceri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum, nu ma
i poate fi schimbat nimic, a afirmat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana, plictisit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Acum, ar trebui
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pleci, astfel nct
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lumea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259
\'3f} cu impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai fost mustrat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 severitate. Iar tu, Adrian, te vei ntoarce mpreun{\f63
\u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vei avea grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
a restul {\f63 \u8222\'3f}invita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor" t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 atrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupra
lor. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i nu\i0 mai faci a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c
eva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu mai fac,
a promis el, n chip aproape
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ei trei s-au ntors, preg{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}tindu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lase s-o {\f63 \u351\'3
f}terg,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri143 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana s-a opr
it deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a aruncat o privire.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chia
r dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost o gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f} prezen{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}a ta, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ce ai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut aici. Noi chiar avem nevo
ie de gardieni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at,
str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un val de mndrie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi recuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea
meritele. Apoi, s-a ntors n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Adrian
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu mama lui. I-am privit
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nciudat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, detestnd faptul c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei din{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru credeau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusesem izgonit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n m
od ru{\f63 \u351\'3f}inos. Dar, gndindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u
259\'3f} mult mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pentru mine, m-am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} consider norocoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-aim scos masca,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nemaiavnd nimic de ascuns, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am po
rnit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}toria
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n sus pe scar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i apoi
spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irea din cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nu ajunsesem prea departe,
cnd cineva mi-a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 brusc n cale. Eram att de ngndurat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct am
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n sus de trei metri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mihail! am
exclamat. Era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sperii de moarte!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3695 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Ce cau{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aici?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sincer vor
bind, te c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utam, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd
u\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
d c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea un anume aer nelini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit, agitat. Am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trecut mai devreme pe unde locuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti,
dar nu te-am
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit, mi-a explicat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri777 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, eram la B
alul Mascat al P{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}to{\f63 \u351\'3f}ilor.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-a privit nedumerit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2002 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu conteaz{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Care-i treaba?
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem o {\f63
\u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2277 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O {\f63 \u351
\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f}... la ce te referi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri319 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am auzit c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} azi ai ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vezi pe Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 A, da. Subiectul la care chiar a{
\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3174 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gndesc, nendoios.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda.
{\f63 \u8222\'3f}ncercat" e un eufemism.\i El\i0 nu vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vad{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai pun
la socoteal{\f63 \u259\'3f} armata de gardieni
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 care-mi bareaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecerea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Mihail s-a foit stnjenit, uitn
du-se-n jur ca un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 animal nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imntat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1360 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tocmai de-ast
a am venit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te caut.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, dar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri50 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n plus, ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar{\f63 \u259\'3f} capul din cauza vinului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri319 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mihail a tras adnc aer n piept, a
poi l-a dat afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri148 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te strecor eu n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, ca s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-l vezi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat o cli
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntrebndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aveam
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} primesc un pumn n
fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sau dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva fusese
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doar un miraj n{\f63 \u259\'3f}scut din ncordarea nerv
ilor mei. Nix.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Chipul lui Mihail era de o gravitate suprem{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, chiar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team eu
prea bine, dibuisem destule ct
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
chiar nu se {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea de glume.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri764 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum? l-am ntreb
at. Doar am ncercat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mihail mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut semn s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-l urmez.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri19 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hai cu mine, {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i explic. Nu avem prea mult
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3314 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 timp la dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Doar nu era s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} dau cu piciorul {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansei, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mam
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l urmez.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S-a ntmplat
ceva? l-am ntrebat, imediat cum am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} sincronizez cu pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii lui, mai lungi dect ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2458 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mei. A... a-ntrebat de mine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era mai mult dect a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f} fi ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}znit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sper. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mihail folosise cuvntul\i strecor\i0 oricum nu prea
venea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n sprijinul acestei idei.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri858 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Au mai s
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit paza, mi-a explicat Mihail.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2899 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar? C{\f63
\u355\'3f}i sunt?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam o duz
in{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe-acolo cnd l vizitase
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa pe Dimitri, inclusiv cei car
e o escortaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i veniser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fire {\f63
\u351\'3f}i n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aveau
nevoie
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dect de un paznic {\f63 \u8212\'3f} maximum doi {\f63
\u8212\'3f} pentru Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atunci era un semn de bun augur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va
accepta toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 lumea adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el n
u mai era strigoi.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1891 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Au redus-o la
vreo cinci in{\f63 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3968 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aha!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1586 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu era grozav. ns{\f63 \u259\'3
f} nici ngrozitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri128 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}B{\f63 \u259\'3f
}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta-nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncep {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2029 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri nu reprezint{\f63 \u259\
'3f} un pericol?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mihail a ridicat din umeri,
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd cu privirea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fixat{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra drumului din fa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Plouase ct
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 timp fusesem la priveghi, iar atmosfera, nc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} umed{\f63 \u259\'3f}, se
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}corise pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unii dintre
gardieni cred. Dar o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie nevoie de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 un decret regal din partea Sfatului, prin care s{\f63
\u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 declare n mod oficial ce anume este.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1247 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A fost ct pe ce s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} opresc din mers.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Prin care s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} se declare ce anume este\i0 ? am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 protestat. El nu e un\i ce\i0 ! E
o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Un dhampir, la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fel ca noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1370 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tiu asta, dar nu de noi depinde.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai dreptate. Sc
uz{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am morm{\f63 \u259\'3f}it. N-avea rost
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpu{\f63 \u351\'3
f}c mesagerul. Ei bine, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, sper c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri353 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi{\f63 \u351\'
3f}te fundurile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia o hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rre
ct de curnd.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 T{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea
care a urmat vorbea ct o bibliotec{\f63 \u259\'3f}. I-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1822 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aruncat o privire t{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui Mihail.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri97 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce e? Ce anume
nu mi-ai spus? l-am luat la sigur.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 A ridicat iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i din u
meri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Umbl{\f63 \u259
\'3f} zvonul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sfat
ul dezbate o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} problem{\f63 \
u259\'3f} de importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} capital{\f63 \u259\'3f}, u
na care de{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prioritatea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i replica asta m-a nfuria
t. Ce naiba putea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} prioritate n fa
{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Dimitri?\i Calmeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}-te, Rose.
\plain\expndtw3 \i \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}streaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i calmul. Nu l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa ntunericul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 nr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f
}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.\i0 Mereu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupta
m s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l {\f63 \u355\'3f}in sub
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 capac, dar deseori exploda, n momente de stres. Iar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta ce era? Mda, era un moment destu
l de stresant, nu?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am ntors la su
biectul ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ajun{\f63 \u351\'3f}i la cl{
\f63 \u259\'3f}direa n care se afla arestul, am urcat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 scara din dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} n dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
repte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} au sl{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit paza lui Dimitri, tot nu cred
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} las{\f63 \u259\'
3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intru. Cei r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}i acolo {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tiu sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi s-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cerut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} apropii
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un prieten
de-al meu e chiar acum n tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 intrare. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem prea mult timp,
dar el o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le spun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor din zona arestului c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
primit aprobare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 coborm.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mihail tocmai se preg{\f63
\u259\'3f}tea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} deschid{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, dar
l-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 oprit punndu-mi mna pe bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce faci
asta pentru mine? Sfatul moroilor poate
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere c{\f6

3 \u259\'3f} Dimitri nu e important, dar gardienii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e. Ai putea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} dai de necazuri serioase.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a c
obort privirea spre mine, schi{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd din nou un
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 zmbet amar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2001 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar trebuie
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, i-am r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spuns nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m-am mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3779 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 gndit pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1768 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd am pierdut
-o pe Sonya...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mihail a nchis ochii pentru o frac
{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune de secund{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri253 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cnd i-a deschis
, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} priveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} chiar n trecut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd am pier
dut-o, n-am mai vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iesc. Era o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} bun{\f63 \u259\'
3f}... cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. S-a transformat n strigoi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 numai din disperare. Nu vedea alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca
le prin care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 salveze de efectele spiritului. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
dat orice {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i orice\i0 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi avut o {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63
\u259\'3f} ca s-o salvez, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rezolv problemele
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dintre noi. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ar fi fost vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o posibilitate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru noi, dar este posibil pentru tine, chiar acum.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te las s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pie
rzi {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa. Zicnd acestea, a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 deschis u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ntr-adev
{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, era un alt gardian de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 serviciu, cu o cu totul alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} atitudine
. ntocmai cum
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spusese Mihail, tipul i-a sunat pe gardienii de jos,
cei
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeau arestul, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
le-a spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri are un
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vizitator. Prietenul lui Mihail ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta
incredibil de agitat,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea lesne de-n{\f63 \
u355\'3f}eles. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, era dispus
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajute. {\f63 \u82
22\'3f}Uluitor, m-am gndit, ce sunt n stare

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prietenii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} unul
pentru altul!" Aceste din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cteva s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mni mi oferise
r{\f63 \u259\'3f} dovezi de net{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Exact la fel ca atunci cnd f
usese Lissa n vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, au
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut doi gardieni, ca s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} jos. I-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 recunoscut, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i v{\f63 \u259\'3
f}zusem prin ochii prietenei mele,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 iar ei s-au ar{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tat surprin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l auziser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe Dimitri sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}innd c
u hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rre c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu vrea ca eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vizitez, atunci prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea ar fi fos
t ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocant{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Numai c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lor, cineva
aflat la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 putere se ndurase s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi permit{\f63 \u
259\'3f} accesul aici, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 au pus ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mihail ne-a urmat n drumul no
stru ntortocheat;
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pulsul {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mi se accelerau. Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Eram pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
pe Dimitri. Ce-aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ce-aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac? Aproape c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} era prea mult, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuprinde cu mintea. Eram nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-mi trag ntruna
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 palme, n gnd, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn n continuare
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 concentrat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
ltfel riscam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} alunec ntr-un {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 paralizant.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ajungnd la coridorul pe care
se afla arestul, am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut doi gardieni stnd n fa{\f63 \u355
\'3f}a celulei lui Dimitri, unul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}laltlt {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i al doilea la intrarea pe care
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tocmai p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trundeam. M-am oprit, stnjeni
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} la gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ce voi beam cu Dimitri. Nu-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doream un public, cum avusese Lissa, dar la ce accent
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri334 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 se punea aici pe siguran{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam de ales.
\plain\par
1\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am parte de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
intimitate? am
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 cerut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Unul dintre gardienii din es
cort{\f63 \u259\'3f} a scuturat din cap
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 n semn c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ordin ofici
al. Doi gardieni trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stea n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 celulei absolut tot timpul.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ea es
te gardian, le-a atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Mihail, pe un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ton prietenos. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu, la fel. L{\f63 \
u259\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ne. Ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte la u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am aruncat lui Mihail o pr
ivire recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era el n preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
u m{\f63 \u259\'3f} deranja. Ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ajungnd la concluzia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vom fi n siguran
{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s-au
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 retras, discre{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, la capetele coridor
ului. Asta nu nsemna
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 intimitate deplin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
oricum nu aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud{\f63 \u259\'3f} chiar
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 tot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} inima era gata s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi explodeze n piept
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} apropiam, mpreun{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} cu Mihail, de celula
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lui Dimitri, ajungnd n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} n f
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei. St{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aproape n aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ie n care fusese cnd l vizitase
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa: a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe pat, ncovrigat n sine,
cu spatele spre
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele mi-au n{\f63 \u355
\'3f}epenit n gt. Gndurile coerente
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mi-au zburat din minte. Parc-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi uit
at complet de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 motivul pentru care venisem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dimitri, a
m zis. Sau, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, asta am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 zic. M-am sufocat pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, a{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunetele care mi-au ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 din gur{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-au auzit distorsionate. Tot
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, a fost
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 suficient, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate aparen{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}ele, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} spinarea lui
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a devenit deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} rigid{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Nu s-a ntors.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dimitri, am
repetat, ceva mai clar de data asta.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sunt...eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nu aveam nevoie s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} spun mai multe. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiuse de la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prima mea tentativ{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a-i rosti numel
e cine l vizita.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-ar
fi recunoscut vocea n orice
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Pro
babil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sunetul res
pira{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3
f}ilor inimii. Acum, cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, n timp ce a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
teptam un r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns de la el. Iar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cnd acesta a sosit, a fost pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cam d
ezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}gitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4534 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri551 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, ce? l-am nt
rebat. Nu, adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu sunt eu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 A oftat dezn{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f
63 \u259\'3f}jduit, un oftat care suna aproape {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dar nu la fel {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ca
atunci cnd f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam ceva de-a dreptul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ridicol, n timp ce ne antrenam mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1906 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, adic{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri825 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Vocea-i era mai groas{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, din pricina emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
e lase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1174 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda. M{\f63 \
u259\'3f} rog, am g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit o cale ocolit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai g{\f63
\u259\'3f}sit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tot nu voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre mine, ceea ce mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reaa chinuitor.
Am aruncat o privire spre Mihail,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut din cap un semn ncuraj
ator. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3
f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri vorbea cu mine ct
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 de ct.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri254 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuia s{\f63
\u259\'3f} te v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti bine.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt convins c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-a
informat deja Lissa.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u
259\'3f}d cu ochii mei.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, acum ai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}z
ut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2312 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tot ce v{\f63
\u259\'3f}d e spatele t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era nnebunitor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fiecare cuvnt pe care-l
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 smulgeam de la el nsemna un dar. Pa
rc{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecuse o mie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de ani de cnd nu-i mai auzisem vocea. Ca {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i nainte,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebam cum de putusem s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-l confund pe Dimitri,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cel din Siberia, cu cel din f
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea. Vocea era aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n ambele situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, avn
d acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timbru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 accent, dar n ipostaza de strigoi, cuvintele lui l{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mereu cte un val de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceal{\f63 \u259\
'3f} prin aer. Cea de acum era
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cald{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Miere {\f63 \u351\'3f}i catife
a, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot soiul de lucruri minunate
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luiau, indiferent
ce lucruri cumplite spunea el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu vreau s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fii aici, a rostit categoric Dimitri. Nu
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovit o
clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi cnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}resc strategia. n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 jurul lui Dimitri nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era o atmosfer{\
f63 \u259\'3f} de deprimare, de
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 dezn{\f63 \u259\'3f}dejde. Lissa l abordase cu bun{\f6

3 \u259\'3f}tate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 compasiune. R{\f63 \u259\'3f}zb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuse
prin barierele lui defensive, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta, n mare parte, se datoras
e faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 privea ca pe mntuitoarea lui. Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ncerc o
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 tactic{\f63 \u259\'3f} asem{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}toare. Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu blnd{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mngietoare, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
dragoste... toate acestea fiind
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sincere. l iubeam. Voiam s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-l ajut, cu atta ardoare!
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu eram sig
ur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o astfel de metod{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi dat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 roade n cazul meu. Rose Hathaway nu era renumit{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi abordat cu m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}nu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i vreo problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, am mizat pe sim{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ul datoriei, att de prezent la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu po{\f63
\u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ignori, i-am zis, ncercnd s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in glasul la un nivel inaccesibil
celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti dator. Te-am salvat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1834 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Au urmat cteva clipe de t{\f63
\u259\'3f}cere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1084 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa m-a sal
vat, a replicat el, precaut.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Furia mi ardea pieptul,
exact ca atunci cnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}risem vizita pe
care i-o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse Lissa. Cum de putea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri346 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s-o pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uiasc{\f63
\u259\'3f} pe ea att de mult, iar pe mine, deloc?
\plain\par
0\'3f}i cum crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a putut ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\
'3f} asta? l-am luat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la rost. Cum crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a nv{\f63 \u259\'
3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te salveze? Ai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cumva idee prin cte a trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecem
{\f63 \u8212\'3f} prin cte a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec\i eu\i0 {\f63 \u821
2\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inem informa{\f63 \

u355\'3f}ia aia? Ai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} venirea mea n Siberia a fos
t o nebunie?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Crede-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n-ai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut n
ici pe departe ce e aia o nebunie.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. {\f63 \u350
\'3f}tii de ce sunt capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar de data asta,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi-am b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut propriile recorduri. mi. E
{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Dator.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era o replic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nemiloas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar aveam nevoie de o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie din partea lui. De un soi de e
mo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut. S-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucit b
rusc, cu ochii scnteind {\f63 \u351\'3f}i energia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trosnindu-i prin tot trupul. Ca de obicei, mi{\f63 \u
351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 erau aprige {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i timp, gra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioase. La fel, vocea i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cuprindea un amestec de sentimente: furie, neputin{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ngrijorare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, cel
mai bun lucru pe care pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fac
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 este...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a nc
remenit. Ochii aceia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui, miji{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 enervare, s-au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut mari de... de ce?
De uimire? De
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 venera{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie? Sau poate de acea senza{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ie n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucitoare pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri767 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care o aveam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu
fiecare dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd l vedeam?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, deo
dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, eram destul de convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr
ecea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i stare prin care trecusem
eu mai devreme.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse de destule o
ri n Siberia. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 noaptea trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar acum... acum m{\f
63 \u259\'3f} vedea cu
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat prin
ochii lui. Acum, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai era strigoi,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntreaga lume se schimbase. Perspect
iva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sentimentele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 i erau altele. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i su
fletul i era alttul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era ca unul dintre acele mom
ente n care oamenii
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}in c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d fulger{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor ntreaga via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ochilor.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp ce ne holbam unul la al
tul, fiecare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moment al rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei dintre noi mi s-a d
erulat sub ochii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. mi aminteam ct de puternic {\f63
\u351\'3f}i de invincibil
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fusese cnd ne cunoscuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, cnd venise s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 readuc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
Lissa, n turma societ{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 moroilor. mi aminteam de delicate{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea mi
nilor lui cnd
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 mi pansase minile nsngerate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i zdrobite. mi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aminteam cum m{\f63 \u259\'3f} purtase n bra{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}e, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} atacase
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Natalia, fiica lui Victor. Dar, cel mai mult dintre t
oate,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi aminteam de noaptea n care fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 baraca aia, cu pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in timp nainte ca st
rigoii s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ia cu ei.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Un an. Ne cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team doar de un an, ns{
\f63 \u259\'3f} eu tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}isem ct
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 o via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreag{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n acest r{\f63 \u259\'3f}stimp.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea seama de acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru, {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tiu bine, n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} studia. Privirea lui era om
nipotent{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 captndu-mi absolut toate tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}turile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nregistrndu-le.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Cu mintea nce{\f63 \u355\'3f}o{\f63 \u351\'3f}at{\f63
\u259\'3f}, am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi amintesc cum
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tam azi. Purtam nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rochia de la ntrunirea secret{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi st{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tea bine. Ochii probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-erau
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 injecta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de la ct plnsesem mai devreme,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 avusesem timp dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi piept{\f63 \u
259\'3f}n la repezeal{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec cu Adrian.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dar, nu {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tiu de ce, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} oricare dintre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aceste am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunte ar avea importan{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Felul n care m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 privea Dimitri... mi confirma absolut toate b{\f63 \u

259\'3f}nuielile.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Sentimentele pe care le avusese fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f} de mine nainte de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a fi transformat {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sentimente distors
ionate ct timp
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fusese strigoi erau nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, toate, acolo.
Trebuiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa era mntuitoarea lui. Po
ate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de la Curte o considerau o zei{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam, n clipa aceea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} indiferent ct de {\f63 \u351\'3f}lea
mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat,
sau ct de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 impenetrabil ar fi ncercat el s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u351\'3f}i men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} chipul,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pentru el,\i eu\i0 eram o zei{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 A nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n sec
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i recapete
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnirea de sine, exact cum proceda nto
tdeauna.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Unele lucruri nu se schimbau niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f
}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, cel
mai bun lucru pe care pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fac, a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 continuat el, calm, este s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau depar
te de tine. E cea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cale prin care pot s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tesc datoria.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mi venea greu s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strez autocontrolul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in un soi de conversa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ie logic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eram la fel de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i el. Dar mai eram {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ofensat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te-ai ofer
it s-o r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spl{\f63 \u259\'3f}te{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe Lissa stnd al{
\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3109 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ea pentru totdeauna!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2841 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei nu i-am f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cut...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ab{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}tut privirea pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, luptndu-se nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i recapete autocontrolul, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care privirile
ni
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s-au intersectat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1436 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei nu i-am f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ce {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut {\f63 \u355\'3f}

ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1818 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu erai t
u! {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu-mi pas{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri354 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Temperamentul meu m{\f63
\u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea din nou s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iau foc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}C{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i au fost? a strigat el. C{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni au murit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2119 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 noaptea trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f},
din cauza mea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1449 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Cred c{\f63
\u259\'3f}... cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ase. Sau {\f63 \u351\'3f}ap
te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Cumplit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pierdere
. Am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it un mic junghi n piept,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 amintindu-mi numele citite n nc{\f63
\u259\'3f}perea aceea
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 subteran{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\'3f}ase sau {\f63 \u351\'3f}apte, a repetat ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat Dimitri, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n glas. Mor{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i, ntr-o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} noapte. Din
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cauza mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai ac{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ionat de unul singur! {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am mai sp
us,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nici n-ai fost tu. Nu puteai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te st
{\f63 \u259\'3f}pne{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Pentru mine,
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 n-are importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru mine
, are! a strigat el, vocea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunndu-i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pe tot coridorul. Gardienii de la ambele capete s-au
foit,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dar nu s-au apropiat. Cnd Dimitri a vorbit iar, a avut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streze tonul sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} vocea
nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 tremura de emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii nest{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pnite. Pentru mine, are
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Asta nu n{\
f63 \u355\'3f}elegi tu. Nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f
}elegi. Nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3
f}elegi cum e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu eu. T
oat{\f63 \u259\'3f} perioada
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ct am fost strigoi... acum e ca un vis, ns{\f63 \u259\

'3f} unul pe care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi-l amintesc ct se poate de clar. Nu poate s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} existe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 iertare pentru mine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ce s-a ntmpla c
u tine? Asta mi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 amintesc mai mult dect orice. Tot ce-am f{\f63 \u259\
'3f}cut. Tot ce\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am\i vrut\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar acum,
n-o s-o mai faci, am st{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit eu. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\
'3f},
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 las-o balt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nainte... nainte s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} se ntmple totul, ai zis
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am putea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. C{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ob{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ine repartiz{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2453 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aproape unul de cel{\f63 \u259\'
3f}lalt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Roza, m-a nt
rerupt el, iar numele de alint, rostit
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de el mi-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}puns inima ca un cu{\f
63 \u355\'3f}it. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pase
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu voise cu adev{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
Pe buze
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 avea un zmbet strmb, lipsit de veselie. Tu chiar crezi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fiu vreod
at{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu gardian? Ar fi o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2075 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 minune doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} lase n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e adev{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rat. Cum o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleag{\f63 \u259\'3f}
to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-ai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 schimbat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r cel de dinainte... totul o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i cum a fost.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2542 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A scuturat din cap, trist.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Optimismul t{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}u... credin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci totul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 posibil... Of, Rose. E unul dintre
lucrurile uimitoare la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tine. Dar e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i unul dintre cele mai e
nervante.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am crezut c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ntorci din starea de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, i-am atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Poate c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, la urma urmei,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 credin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea n imposibil nu e chiar att
de nebuneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia a
sta era att de grav{\f63 \u259\'3f}, att de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sf{\f63 \u351\'3f}ietoare, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, mi tot reamintea de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 unele dintre {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele
noastre de preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tire. El ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} conving{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cte un as
pect serios, iar eu l
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 contracaram cu logica de tip Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 De obicei, rezultatul era un
amestec de amuzament
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i exasperare. Aveam senza{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost un pic altfel
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, el ar fi avut {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i acum aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i atitudine. Numai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de data asta, nu eram la o {\f63
\u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tire. El n
u
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zmbeasc
{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea ochii
peste cap. Acum
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 era ceva serios. Acum, era pe via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe moarte.
\plain\par
\'3f}i sunt recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor pentru ce-ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut, a ros
tit el,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 conven{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} luptndu
-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sentimentele. Era o alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsu{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ire comun{\f63 \u259\'3f} a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amndoi ne str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duiam ne p{\f63 \u259\'3f
}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}m autocontrolul. El
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fusese dintotdeauna mai bun dect mine la capitolul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta. {\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunt dator, a{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a este, a continuat el. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i este o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 datorie pe care nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-o pl{\f63
\u259\'3f}tesc. Cum am spus,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cel mai bun lucru pe care pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fac
este s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau ct
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mai departe de tine.
\plain\par
259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci parte din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Lissei, atunci
n-ai
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} evi{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oamenii pot
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} coexiste f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca... f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntmple mai mult de-att, a replicat el, ferm. Era o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 replic{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de caracteristic{\f63 \u259
\'3f} pentru Dimitri! Logica
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 luptnd contra sentimentelor. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i atunci
, n acel moment,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mi-am pierdut controlul. Cum spuneam, el fusese
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntotdeauna mai bun dect mine n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
asta. n timp
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ce eu? Nu prea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-am azvrlit asupra gratiilor
, att de iute, nct
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mihail a tres{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar eu te i
ubesc! am {\f63 \u351\'3f}uierat. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iube{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Chiar crezi c-o s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i petrece restul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1363 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ignornd asta, cnd e{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ti n preajma mea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Partea cea mai tulbur{\f63 \
u259\'3f}toare este c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 perioad{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndelungat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe
cnd eram n Academie,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri fusese convins c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} procedeze exact a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i se preg{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}tise s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i petreac{\f63 \u259\'3f} via
{\f63 \u355\'3f}a nednd ntietate
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sentimentelor lui fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri409 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} iube{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, i-am repetat. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iube{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntins bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul
printre gratii. Eram departe de a\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 l putea atinge pe Dimitri, ns{\f63 \
u259\'3f} mi tot ntindeam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 degetele, cu disperare, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} creasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 brusc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l ating. A
sta era tot ce-mi trebuia. O atingere
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a lui, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea la mine, o atingere prin

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i simt c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldura
pielii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e adev{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, a rostit Dimitri ncet, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai o rela{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3072 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cu Adrian Ivashkov?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2558 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul mi-a c{\
f63 \u259\'3f}zut, inert.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2066 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De... de unde
-ai auzit asta?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a umbl{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorba, a replicat el, ca un ecou al lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4239 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Mihail.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2304 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta sigur, a
m morm{\f63 \u259\'3f}it.
\plain\par
}adar, e adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat? a ntrebat el, pe un ton mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4027 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 categoric.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63
\u259\'3f}it nainte de a-i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunde. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spuneam
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul, ar fi avut mai mult temei s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} teoria
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii sale. Totu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, mi era imposibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l mint.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3603 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, dar...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3968 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu sigur la
ce reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptasem din partea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lui. La gelozie? La consternare? n
loc de toate astea, n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 timp ce se rezema de perete, ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta...
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian est
e mult mai bun dect cred ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Va fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 foarte bun pentru tine.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri3914 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}El e viitorul t{
\f63 \u259\'3f}u, Rose, m-a ntrerupt, avnd din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nou o atitudine dezn{\f63 \u259\'
3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}jduit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiind parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tul de via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegi ce nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} treci prin ce-am trecut eu: s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 revin, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce am fost strigoi. Totul
s-a schimbat. Nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 doar ce {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut {\
f63 \u355\'3f}ie e de neiertat. Toate sentimentele
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mele... tot ce aveam pentru tine... s-a schimbat. Nu
mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 simt ce sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam nainte. Poate c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} sunt iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dhampir,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dar toate prin cte-am trecut... ei bine, m-au marcat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pentru totdeauna. Mi-au transformat sufletul. Acum,
nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mai pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iubesc pe nimeni. Nu pot s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} te iubesc... nu te
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 iubesc. Nu mai e nimic ntre noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sngele mi-a nghe{\f63 \u355\'3
f}at n vine. Refuzam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred ce\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mi spunea, mai ales dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} privise ceva mai
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 devreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1213 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu! Nu e adev
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat! Te iubesc, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Paza! a strigat
Dimitri, cu o voce att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct mare mi
nune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se cutremurase
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri178 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntreaga cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire. Sc
oate{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-o de-aici!\i Scoate{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-o de-aici!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Cu acele uluitoare reflexe
ale gardienilor, paznicii au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajuns ca fulgerul n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a celulei. n cali
tate de de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inut,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri nu era n drept s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cear{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ceva, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} autorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de-aici n mod cert nu aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncurajeze
o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} genereze tu
lbur{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Au nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mping{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire, pe m
ine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Mihail, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mpotrivit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3504 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, sta{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i...
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu t
e mpotrivi, mi-a murmurat Mihail la ureche.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Timpul nostru e pe sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}ite, {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i oricum n-ai fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii nimic ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
rotestez, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuvintele mi s-au oprii pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 buze. I-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe gardieni s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu nainte de a m{\f63 \u259\'3f} uita la Dimitri st{\f
63 \u259\'3f}ruitor, pentru
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ultima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Avea pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} o expresie impenetrabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gardian perfect, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} felul p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}trunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor n care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} privea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fiu sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untrul lui se pe
treceau
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 multe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Prietenul lui Mihail nc{\f63
\u259\'3f} era de serviciu sus, ceea ne\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a permis s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne strecur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} prea
mari {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 probleme. Imediat cum m-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut ie{\
f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} din cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 m-am oprit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am izbit furioas{\f63 \u
259\'3f} cu piciorul ntr-o
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 treapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fir-ar al
naibii! am urlat. Doi moroi care traversau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 curtea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} probabil ntorcndu-se acas{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de la cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 petrecere prelungit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f
} m-au privit nedumeri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lini{\f63
\u351\'3f}te{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-te, m-a sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit Mihail. Asta a fos
t prima
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd l-ai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut dup{
\f63 \u259\'3f} schimbare. Nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tep{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la prea multe
minuni dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i revin{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu sunt ch
iar att de sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am morm{\f63 \u259\'3f}it. Oftnd,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mi-am ridicat privirea spre cer. Mici fuioare de nori
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pluteau lene{\f63 \u351\'3f}e, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu
de-abia dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} le vedeam. Tu nu-l
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cum l cunosc eu, i-am zis lui
Mihail.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
timp ce o parte din mine era de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} multe dintre vorbele lui Dimitri se
datoraser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, {\f63
\u351\'3f}ocului de a redeveni el nsu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, mai exista {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte care avea ndoieli. l cuno{\f
63 \u351\'3f}team pe Dimitri. i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul umoru
lui, credin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a nestr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mutat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 privire la ce era bine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i e era r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}u. Se {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea cu str{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic
ie
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} credin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dusese via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a conform ei. Dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 credea sincer, ct se poate de sincer, c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} lucrul cel mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nimerit pe care trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l fac{\f63
\u259\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} evite {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lase ca rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia dintre noi s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} se sting{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ei bine... erau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}anse mari ca el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ioneze n consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu toat{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 iubirea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
cum mi amintisem mai devreme,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 categoric demonstrase o mare capacitate de rezisten{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pe cnd eram la Sf. Vladimir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ct despre restul... c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu m-ar mai fi iubit, sau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar mai fi fost capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iubeasc{\f63
\u259\'3f} vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}... ei bine,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 asta ar fi fost o cu totul alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} proble
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. Att Christian, ct {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au manifestat
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ngrijorarea cu privire la faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas ceva de strigoi n el, ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} temerile lor se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 referiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} la violen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la pofta de snge. Pe cnd la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asta nu se gndise nimeni: c{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \
u355\'3f}a de strigoi i-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mpietrit inima, distrugndu-i orice {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans
{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a mai iubi
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri734 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Distrugnd orice {\f63 \u351\'3f}
ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iubi pe mine.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eram destul de
convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-adev{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1660 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 era, atunci murea {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i o parte din mine.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-458 \li286 \ri713 \fi770 \expndtw-17 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258
\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I UNU
\plain\par
\f20 \fs24 DUP{\f63 \u258\'3f} TOATE ASTEA,\b0 eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mihail mai
aveam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prea pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne spune
m. Nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} necazuri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din cauza a ceea ce f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse, a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere afar{\
f63 \u259\'3f} din cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa gardienilor. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ce am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut
cerul mpurpurndu-se la r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Soarele se preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
apar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ceea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 miezul nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pentru noi. P{\f63 \u259
\'3f}trunznd pentru scurt timp
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n mintea Lissei, am aflat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} priveghiul
se sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise, iar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ea se ntorcea n camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}... nelini{\f63 \
u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 iritat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lu
i Christian mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Mia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am urmat exemplul Lissei, ntr
ebndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 somnul mi-ar fi putut alina suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
chinuitoare pe care
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mi-o l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase Dimitri n suflet. Probabil
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu. I-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit lui Mihail pentru ajutor {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i pentru riscul pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-l asumase. Nu mi-a r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}spuns dect printr-o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nclinare a capului, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum n-a{\f63
\u351\'3f} fi avut pentru ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umesc. Era exact ce-ar fi vrut s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fac eu pentru el,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} rolurile s-ar fi inversat {\f63
\u351\'3f}i domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara Karp s-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aflat n spatele gratiilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntinzndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n pa
tul meu, m-am cufundat ntr-un
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 somn adnc, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} visele mi-au fost agitate
. l tot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 auzeam, iar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i iar, pe Dimitri spunndumi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iubeasc{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. Cuvintele lui m{\f63 \u259\'3f} izbeau ntruna,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sf{\f63 \u259\'3f}rmndu-mi inima n mici buc{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele. La un moment
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dat, parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
mai mult dect loviturile din vis. Am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 auzit b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259
\'3f}i adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate. Cineva bubuia n u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mea,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} smulg, cu ncetineal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din visele
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mele de groaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 M-am dus la u{\f63 \u351\'3
f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu ochii crpi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de somn, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
dat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de Adrian. Era aproape o imagine n oglind{\f63 \u259\
'3f} a celui din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noaptea trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnd venise s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} invite la priveghi.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de data asta, era mult mai nt
unecat la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am crezut c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} aflase de vizita mea la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Sau c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, poate, avusese mai mu
lte necazuri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dect ne-am fi nchipuit, pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i strecurase
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 at{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia prieteni la o ceremonie funerar{
\f63 \u259\'3f} secret{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1544 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian... e d
evreme pentru tine...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am aruncat o privire spre ceas, d
escoperind c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1414 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fapt, eu dormisem pn{\f63 \u259\'
3f} destul de trziu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e deloc
devreme, a zis el, cu chipul serios n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 continuare. Se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} foarte multe che
stii. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vin s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i comunic ve{\f
63 \u351\'3f}tile, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu le auzeai din alt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 parte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3603 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce ve{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ti?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Despre verdictul
Sfatului. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, marea

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 rezolu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pe care a
u tot dezb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut-o a fost adoptat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la vot.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Cea pentru care te-au chemat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2637 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ia stai. Au t
erminat?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am amintit ce-mi spusese Mihai
l, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} un subiect
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 misterios i {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea ocu
pa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe membrii Sfatului. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 terminaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la altceva:
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca de exemplu, s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} zicem, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} declare oficial c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 era din nou dhampir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta-i o v
este grozav{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am zis. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-ad
ev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu faptul
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana m{\f63 \u259\'3f} chemase s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 descriu calit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile...
ei bine, exista oare vreo {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca eu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu numit{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardianu
l Lissei? Oare ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r regina
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi putut trece peste toate? Azi-noa
pte mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 destul de prietenoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian m-a privit cu o expre
sie pe care n-o mai
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la e
l: mil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2121 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu chiar nu {
\f63 \u351\'3f}tii nimic, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2847 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Despre ce s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose... Mi-a pus
cu delicate{\f63 \u355\'3f}e mna pe um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sfatul tocmai a adoptat un decret p
rin care coboar{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 limita de vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} la care devii gardian..
. la {\f63 \u351\'3f}aisprezece
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ani. Dhampiril vor absolvi {\f63 \u351\'3f}coala dup
{\f63 \u259\'3f} anul al doilea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vor pleca n lume cu reparti{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4517 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1544 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Nu se poate, sigur nu auzisem
bine.
\plain\par
tii ct de panica{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunt n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a protec{\f63 \u355
\'3f}iei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu au dest
ui gardieni, da? mi-a zis, apoi a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 oftat. Asta-i solu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia pe care au g{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}sit-o, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sporeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} efectivele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar sunt pr
ea tineri! am strigat. Cum poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nchipuie cineva c{\f63 \u259\'3f} la {\f63 \u351\'3f}
aisprezece ani po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1590 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i n lume {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ba{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu strigo
ii?
\plain\par
9\'3f}i, a replicat Adrian, pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu ai depus
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai fost p
reg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma
s cu gura c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} totul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ncremene{\f63 \u351\'3f}te n jurul meu.\i Tu ai depus
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 fost...\i0 Nu. Imposibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian m-a tras u{\f63 \u351
\'3f}or de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 smulg{\f63 \u259\'3f} din stupefac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Haide, totu
l e nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} secret. Vor face anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul ntr-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri469 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'
3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} deschis{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar unii sunt... pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}
in cam sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3014 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, cred {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nu era nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} de dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori. Am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plec cu el imediat, dar abia apoi m
i-am dat seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 eram n pijama. M-am schimbat repede {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
m-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 piept{\f63 \u259\'3f}nat, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nevenindu
-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred ceea ce tocmai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aflasem de la el. Preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tirile mi-au lu
at doar cinci
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 minute, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f
}it n grab{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Adrian nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 era chiar un sportiv, dar a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} bini{\f63 \u351\'3f}or pasul
cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mine, n timp ce ne ndreptam spre sala Sfatului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum de-a fo
st posibil? l-am ntrebat. Doar nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti serios spunnd c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}... declara{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile mele au avut o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3838 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 contribu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionase
m ca vorbele mele s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sune de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} l-a{\f63 \u351\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fi luat la rost, dar cnd colo, aveau mai degrab{\f63 \
u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} imploratoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a aprins
o {\f63 \u355\'3f}igar{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ncetineasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pasul, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m-am mai sinchisit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l cert pentru a
sta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Se pare c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} a fost un subiect fierbinte de ceva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreme ncoace. Votul a fost foarte strns. Cei care l-au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 for{\f63 \u355\'3f}at {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiau c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tige, aveau n
evoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 prezinte o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
dovezi n favoarea lor. Iar tu ai
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 fost trofeul cel mare: o adol
escent{\f63 \u259\'3f} dhampir,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}cel{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rind strigoi n stnga {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-n dreapta, cu mult
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nainte de absolvire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu chiar att
de mult, am bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 furia mi se aprindea tot mai tare. La {\f63 \u351\'3f
}aisprezece ani?
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Nu sunt n toate min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile? E ridicol! Fap
tul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i eu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fusesem folosit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{

\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tirea mea, n sprijinul adopt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acestui decret, mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea grea{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Fusesem o tmpit{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nchipuindu-mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3
f} peste repetatele mele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 abateri de la regulamente {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aduseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 simplu, ca la expozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} umple de laude. Se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 folosiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine.\i Tatiana\i0 se
folosise de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n clipa n care am ajuns, sala
Sfatului era cuprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de tot atta haos pe ct mi sugerase Adrian. E adev{\f63
\u259\'3f}rat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu-mi petrecusem eu prea mult timp asistnd la astfel
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de ntruniri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram convins{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era ceva normal
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ca participan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
strng{\f63 \u259\'3f} n grupule{\f63 \u355\'3f}e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} urle unii
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 la al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nici purt
{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul de cuvnt al Sfatului nu cred
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuia s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} zbiere pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e{\f63 \u351
\'3f}te, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 restabileasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ordinea n sal{\f63 \u259
\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Unica oaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
calm era reprezentat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Tatiana
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i care a{\f63 \u351\
'3f}tepta, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, pe scaunul ei de la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mijlocul mesei, ntocmai cum dicta eticheta Sfatului.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea extrem de mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}um
it{\f63 \u259\'3f} de sine. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i colegi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ai ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pierduser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori
ce urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}-cuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ridicaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} n picioare, la fel ca asiste
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, certndu-se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntre ei sau cu oricine altcineva dispus s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} se ia la har{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am privit uluit{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, nedndu-mi seama ce-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fac ntr-o asemenea harababur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri333 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cine pentru ce
a votat? l-am ntrebat pe Adrian
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian i-a examinat cu privirea p
e componen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1055 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Sfatului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a ncep
ut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i enumere pe degete.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Szelsky, Oz
era, Badica, Dashkov, Conta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Drozdov au votat mpotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ozera? l-am
ntrebat, mirat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-o cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}esa Ozera {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Evett
e se numea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} prea bine, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mereu mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse destul de {\f63 \u
355\'3f}eap{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dezagreabil{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mai nou, aveam fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
ea respect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian mi-a ar{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tat din cap spre locul n care Tasha,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, se adresa unui grup numeros
, aruncnd fulgere
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 din ochi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gesticulnd frenetic cu bra
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri712 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Evette a fost
convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} de unele rude ale ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Asta mi-a smuls {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
mie un zmbet, pre{\f63 \u355\'3f} de o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Era bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tasha {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} din nou
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 recunoscu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n rndurile clanului lor, ns{\
f63 \u259\'3f} restul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 problemei noastre nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era dureros de ac
tual{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Restul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 numelor puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le deduc {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i lingur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prin urmare
... prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul Ivashkov a votat pentru, am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 remarcat. Adrian a ridicat din umeri, n semn de scuz{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pentru familia lui. Mai sunt Lazar, Zeklos, Tarus {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Voda, am nl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat. C{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa
milia Voda {\f63 \u351\'3f}i exprimase votul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n favoarea unei supliment{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri a protec{\
f63 \u355\'3f}iei nu era ntru
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 totul de mirare, lund n considerare asasinarea recent{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a cuiva dintre ai lor. Priscilla nici m{\f63 \u259\'3
f}car nu fusese
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nmormntat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar proasp{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu
l prin{\f63 \u355\'3f} Voda, Alexander,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ezita n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}

a atribu{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei n care fusese
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2844 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 promovat att de brusc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri533 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 I-am adresat o privire p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}trunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare lui Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta nseamn{\f63
\u259\'3f} doar cinci contra {\f63 \u351\'3f}ase. A! am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 exclamat, picndu-mi deodat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} fisa. Mama m{\f63 \u259\'3f}-sii!
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Departajarea regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sistemul de vot al moroilor
fusese stabilit pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doisprezece membri, cte unul din fiecare familie, la
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 care se ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}uga regele sau regina n exer
ci{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu. E
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, asta nsemna frecvent ca o si
ngur{\f63 \u259\'3f} grupare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 beneficieze de dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} voturi, din moment
ce monarhul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 rareori vota mpotriva propriei sale familii. Dar se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}teau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i astfel de
ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Oricum, sistemul ar fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la expr
imarea a treisprezece voturi,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prentmpinndu-se balotajele. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}... d
e curnd,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Fam
ilia Dragomir nu mai avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reprezentant n cadrul Sfatului, ceea ce nsemna c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 putea nregistra {\f63 \u351\'3f}i egalitate de voturi.
n astfel de
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii rare, legea moroilor prevedea
ca votul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 monarhului s{\f63 \u259\'3f} capete o greutate sporit
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Auzisem c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 subiectul acesta generase mereu controverse, dar, n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se
putea face mai nimic pentru o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 schimbare a sistemului. Balotajele n cadrul Sfatului a
r
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fi nsemnat ca niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nu se poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} stabili nimic, iar
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 din moment ce monarhii erau ale{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, mul
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aveau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncredere n faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei ar fi ac{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ionat n conformitate cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 interesele moroilor.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tatia
na a fost a {\f63 \u351\'3f}asea, am tras concluzia cu voce
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i votul ei a nclinat balan{\f63 \u355

\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Privind n jur, am observat o
oarecare nervozitate pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chipurile celor din familiile care votaser{\f63 \u259
\'3f} mpotriva
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 decretului. Din cte se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, nu toat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea considera
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionase n c
onformitate cu interesele
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 moroilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Liss
ei m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfior prin
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 intermediul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii, a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sosirea ei, cteva clipe mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 trziu, nu a avut cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} surprind{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}tile se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndeau iute, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea
nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuntele. I\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut amndoi semn s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre noi. Era la fel de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca mine {\f63
\u351\'3f}i ca Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri317 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum au putut s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} una ca asta? a ntrebat ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S-au temut prea
tare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mping{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cineva pe ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nve{
\f63 \u355\'3f}e cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se apere singuri. Gruparea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tashei ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pr
ea mult zgomot, i-a explicat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian. Lissa a scuturat din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu e nu
mai asta. Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic, cum a fost
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 posibil pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} se {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} de {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}e? Ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n doliu dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce s-a ntmplat alalt{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ieri... doliu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 general, adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
Curtea, nu numai o anumit{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 secret{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ei. A murit chiar {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i unul dintre membrii
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Sfatului! Ce, nu puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tepte pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3564 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nmormntare?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n minte, vedeam cum i se der
ulau dinaintea ochilor
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 imagini din noaptea aceea ngrozitoare, cnd v{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zuse cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ochii ei cum fusese ucis{\f63 \u259\'3f} Priscilla.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da,
numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de nlocuit, s-a amestecat
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cineva n discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
use {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} noi. Lissa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-a ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat cu c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pa
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de el, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} enervat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse cu Mia. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, la d
rept vorbind, a continuat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian, era momentul optim. Cei care-{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i doreau asta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} profite de ocazie. Ori de
cte ori se petrece
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cte o nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierare de amploare cu strigoii,
toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 intr{\f63 \u259\'3f} n panic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Frica e
capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i determine pe mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mpace cu ideea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}
i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreunul dintre membrii
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Sfatului a fost nehot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt pn{\f63 \u259\'
3f} acum, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lia asta
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a mpins s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} se hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionamentul
lui Christian era destul de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elept,
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa a r{\f63 \
u259\'3f}mas impresionat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu toate
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 sentimentele ei tulburi fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f} de el, din clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Purt{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul de cuvnt al Sfatului a izbu
tit n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} auzit{\f63 \u259\'3f} vocea pest
e strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}tele participan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor. Chiar
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}imea ar fi fost redus{\f63 \u259\'3f} la t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cazul n care Tatiana ar fi nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} url
e, cernd ca
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tac{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} naibii din gur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar nu, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva nu.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost mai presus de d
emnitatea ei. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 acum, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta cu tot calmul din lume,
de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu s-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntmplat absolut nimic ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din comun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a, tot au trecut cteva clipe pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca toat{\f63 \u259\'
3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lumea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ocupe locu
rile cuvenite. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prietenii mei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ne-am gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ez{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe primele scaune libere
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care ne-au ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it n cale. Lini{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pacea fiind n fine
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 restabilite, purt{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul de cuvnt, cu u

n aer istovit, i-a dat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cuvntul reginei.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Zmbindu-le semea{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} celor aduna{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ea li s-a adresat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pe cel mai poruncitor ton al s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dorim s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} le mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umim tuturor pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
au
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 venit ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u351\'3f}i exprime... opiniile. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} unii nc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sunt convin{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de juste{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ea acestei hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} au fost
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 respectate aici legile moroilor: legi care d{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}inuiesc de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 secole. Curnd, vom convoca o nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vom asculta ntr-o manier{\f63 \u259\'3f} disciplinat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ce ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de spus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ceva mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nu erau dect vorbe goale.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lumea putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} or
ice-ar fi vrut: ea tot n-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ascultat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aceast{\f63
\u259\'3f} hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rre {\f63 \u8212\'3f} acest verdict {\f63 \u8212\'
3f} va fi spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 binele moroilor. Gardienii no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri sunt
deja la un nivel
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cu toiul excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a nclinat c
apul, cu un aer binevoitor, spre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 gardienii care, conform protocolului, erau n{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ira{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lungul pere{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lii
. Aveau pe chipuri acea neutralitate
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 caracteristic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar b{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nuiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la fel ca mine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia la pumni jum{\f63 \u259\'
3f}tate din componen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Sfatului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Att de excep
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionali sunt, n realitate, nct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nva{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} elevii s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fie preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pentru ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rar
ea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de la o vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} fraged{\f63 \u259\'3f}. V
om fi cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mult mai la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri277 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}post de tragedi
i precum cea de curnd ntmplat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a l{\f63 \
u259\'3f}sat capul n jos, n ceea ce trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsemnat o manifestare de triste{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. Mi-a
m amintit de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 noaptea trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnd, cu glas sugrumat
, vorbise despre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Priscilla. Oare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost o pref{\f63
\u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie? Iar moartea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 celei mai bune prietene a ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi nsem
nat pentru
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana doar o ocazie convena
bil{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i atinge
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 scopurile? Nu se poate... nu se poate s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} fie att de
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 inuman{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri556 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Regina {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a n{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}at din nou capul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a continuat.
\plain\par
i, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} afirm, vom fi bucuro{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ascult{\f63 \u259\'3f}m opiniile,
cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n conformitate cu legile
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 noastre, problema\i a fost\i0 rezolvat{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele ulterioare
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vor trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte
pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la trecerea perioadei de doliu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cuvenite pentru cei pieri{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n urma nen
orocirii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Att tonul vocii, ct {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i limbajul trupului Tatianei
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63
\u259\'3f} era, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}itul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor. Atunci ns{\f63 \u259\'3f},
un glas impertinent a sf{\f63 \u351\'3f}iat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 brusc lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}lii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3572 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Glasul meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, eu a{\f
63 \u351\'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fac cunoscut{\f63 \u259\'3f} opinia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3863 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 chiar acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n mintea mea, auzeam strig{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tele disperate ale
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissei:\i Stai jos\i0 ,\i stai jos!\i0 ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} eram deja n picioare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndreptam spre masa Sfatului. M-am op
rit la o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} respectuoas{\f

63 \u259\'3f}, care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le permit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar de unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
ici nu pot fi luat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe sus de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 gardieni. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, o, ct m-au mai luat n sea
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}! Purt{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de cuvnt s-a nro{\f63 \u351\'3f}it tot v{\f63 \u259\'3
f}zndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lcnd regulile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ncalci toate
prevederile protocolului Sfatului!
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntoarce-te la locul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u imediat, pn{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu vei fi evacuat{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A aruncat o privire spre gar
dieni, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum s-ar fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat ca ei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se n{
\f63 \u259\'3f}pusteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra mea exact n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 clipa aceea.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dar niciunul dintre ei
nu s-a clintit. Fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 percepeau ca pe o amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are, fie c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} se ntrebau ce am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Cu un mic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
delicat semn al minii, Tatiana i-a cerut
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 purt{\f63 \u259\'3f}torului de cuvnt s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} se retrag{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
1\'3f} cuteza s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afirm c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au existat ast{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zi att de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 multe nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri ale proto
colului, nct un incident n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 plus nu ar mai conta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 M-a privit fix, zmbindu-mi a
mabil, vrnd parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dea impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram prietene.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n plus, gard
ianul Hathaway se num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cele mai de pre{\f63 \u355\'3f} valori ale noastre. nt
otdeauna sunt
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 interesat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud ce a
re de spus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Chiar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a? A
flam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu asta, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. Am nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vorbesc, adresndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} membrilor Sfatulu
i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chestia ast
a pe care tocmai a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i adoptat-o este o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1891 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nebunie total{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare la cer!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Consider c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
fost o mare realizare din partea mea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 faptnl c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am folosit niciun cuvnt in
jurios, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau pe limb{\f63 \u259\'3f} ctev
a adjective care mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cu mult mai potrivite. Cine spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2244 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 regulile de etichet{\f63 \u259\'
3f} a Sfatului?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum e posi
bil ca oricare dintre cei care sta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i acolo
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie de acord cu trimiterea unor cop
ii de {\f63 \u351\'3f}aisprezece
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1678 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ani n misiuni n care-{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i risc{\f63 \u259\'3f} vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e dect o
diferen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de doi ani, s-a ncumetat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi atrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul Tarus. Nu e ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trimite n lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} copii de zece ani.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doi a
ni nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} enorm, am replicat. Pentru o
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am gndit la cum eram pe cnd ave
am
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}aisprezece ani. Ce se ntmplase n acei do
i ani?
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Fugisem cu Lissa, mi v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem prietenii
murind,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torisem n jurul lum
ii, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gostisem... n doi
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ani, am reluat, po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti ct ntr-o via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vre{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ca noi s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mai departe n prima
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 linie {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ceea ce, oricum, majoritatea
noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} e dispus{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s-o fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} absolvire
{\f63 \u8212\'3f}, atunci nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i datori cu ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}
ti doi ani.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 De data asta, mi-am ntors pri
virea spre auditoriu.

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile erau diverse. Unii erau evid
ent de acord cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mine, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd semne viguroase de aprobar
e. Al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tau
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum nimic de pe lumea asta nu le
-ar fi putut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 schimba p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea referitoare la juste{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ea decretului. Iar
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii mi evitau privirea... Oare s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zgndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Sau erau ne
hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? Se jenau de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri487 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 propriul egoism? Astea puteau s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fie interpret{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Crede-m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fericit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
d pe-ai t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 bucur{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tinere{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea lo
r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1814 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Acum, vorbea Nathan Ivash
kov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri89 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Numai c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, n clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu este posibil pentru noi
.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Strigoii ne mpresoar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pierdem tot mai
mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i moroi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gardieni cu fiecare zi. Avnd mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori, vom
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 face s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceteze aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie; {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pur
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie irosi
te calit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile acestor dhampiri, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri299 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept{\f63 \u259\
'3f}m doi ani n plus. Prin planul acesta, protej{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 ambele\i0 neamuri.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe-al
meu l va nimici mai repede! am ripostat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Apoi, dndu-mi seama c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pierdeam cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ridic tonul, am tras ae
r adnc n piept,
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 nainte de a continua. Nu vor fi preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 argumentat. Nu vor avea parte de ntregul antrenament
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 necesar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Acela a fost momentul n care
Tatiana {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a lansat
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 lovitura magistral{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu toate a
cestea, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum chiar tu ai recunoscut,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ai fost negre{\f63 \u351\'3f}it preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
it{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la o vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} timpurie. Ai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 omort mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i strigoi nainte de mplini
rea vrstei de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 optsprezece ani, dect au la activ unii gardieni n toat
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1054 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am fixat-o cu privirea, mijind
u-mi ochii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu, am replicat
cu r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am avut un instructor
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional. Unul pe
care, n prezent, l {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nchis.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot vre{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f} vorbi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i despre calit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
care se vor irosi,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 atunci duce{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-v{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} le vede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n propria nchisoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Vorbele mele au strnit foial
{\f63 \u259\'3f} n public, iar expresia
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Tatianei, cum c{\f63 \u259
\'3f}\i ce bune prietene suntem noi
\plain\expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 , s-a diluat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aceasta\i
nu\i0 se num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre temele pe care le
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 abord{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi. n schim
b, sporirea protec{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei noastre,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 da. Consider c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai comentat chiar n tre
cut faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 efectivul gardienilor este insuficient.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Propriile mele cuvinte de az
i-noapte, pe care mi le
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 arunca n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rnduri
le voastre au nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie completate. Tu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
la fel ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dintre colegii t{\f63 \u259\'3f
}i {\f63 \u8212\'3f} te-ai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dovedit capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
aperi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2413 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Noi am fost e
xcep{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri130 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 D{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam dovad{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de egoism, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acesta era adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i novicii au at
ins acest nivel, am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3845 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 argumentat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 O sclipire amenin{\f63 \u355
\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare i-a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n ochi, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 vocea i-a redevenit m{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'
3f}soas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, n
acest caz, poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem nevoie de mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i instructori excep{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ionali. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 trimitem pe\i tine\i0 la Sf. Vladimir sau la vreo a
lt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 academie, astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le po{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i mbun{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i educa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ia mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tinerilor t{\f63 \u259\'3f}i colegi. Dup{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele mele, viitoarea ta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reparti{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ar urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
ie una permanent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr-un post
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 administrativ de-aici, de la Curte. Dac-ai fi fost de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acord s{\f63 \u259\'3f} contribui la reu{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ita acestui decret, am fi putut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 modifica repartizarea aceasta, numindu-te n schimb
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 instructor. Ceea ce ar putea gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bi rev
enirea ta pe o
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de gardian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 I-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns,
ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu-i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu ce nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 concep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia mea, un zmbet amenin{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu cumva, a
m prevenit-o, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276
\plain\tx1395 \tab
'3f},
\plain\tx3447 \tab
\plain\tx5060 \tab
\li3 \ri21 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 convinge{\f63 \u355\'3f}i

\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-m{\f63 \u259\
\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mituindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 sau
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}antajndu-m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
plac{\f63 \u259\'3f} absolut
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 deloc consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Aici, poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} mersesem prea departe. Unii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spectatori au schimbat ntre ei priviri uluite. Fe{\f63
\u355\'3f}ele
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 unora exprimau dezgustul, ca
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cnd nici nu s-ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat la ceva mai
bun din partea mea. Pe c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre moroii ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia i-am recunoscut.
Erau dintre cei
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pe care-i auzisem discutnd despre rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ia mea cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i despre ct de mult i displ{\f63
\u259\'3f}cea asta reginei.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 De asemenea, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} destui dintre participan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 la ceremonia de azi-noapte erau acolo. O v{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana conducndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} afar{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 imaginau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} izbucnirea mea de-acum, l
ipsit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de respect,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 reprezenta un soi de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zbunare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dar moroii nu erau singurii
care aveau o reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Indiferent dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}eau sau nu opiniile, c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 gardieni au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un pas nainte. Am av
ut grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 exact acolo unde eram, iar atitudinea mea, ad{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ugndu\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se lipsei de temeri a Tatianei, i-a determinat s{\f63
\u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 la locurile lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri124 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Conversa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ia de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncepe s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne plict
iseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a rostit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri248 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana, ntorcndu-se la maiestuosul
\i noi\i0 . Vom putea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 discuta mai mult {\f63 \u8212\'3f} dar ntr-o manier{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cuviincioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri323 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cnd vom convoca urm{\f63 \u259\'3f
}toarea ntrunire {\f63 \u351\'3f}i le vom da
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri86 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cuvntul celor care au comentarii de
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i convine sau nu, rezolu{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ia aceasta a fost adoptat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4014 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Este lege!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 Te las{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} scapi cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a curat{\f63 \u259\'3f}!\i0 mi-a r{

\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat din nou
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n cap vocea Lissei.\i Retrage-te, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
u mai faci ceva
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te vre cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rat n necazuri. Las{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 contrazici mai trziu.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ce ironie! Tocmai m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}team s{\f63 \u259\'3f} explodez {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mi dezl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ui ntreaga fur
ie. Cuvintele Lissei m-au
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 oprit... dar nu prin con{\f63 \u355\'3f}inutul lor.
Ci datorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissei, ca
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ceva mai devreme, cnd discuta
sem cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian despre rezultatul vot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii, rema
rcasem o eroare
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 de logic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i0 N-a
fost un vot corect, am proclamat. N-a fost
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 legal.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i0 E{\
f63 \u351\'3f}ti avocat, mai nou, domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} Hatha
way? m-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 luat peste picior regina, vizibil amuzat{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, iar faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} foloseasc
{\f63 \u259\'3f} titlul meu de gardian constituia
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 o ostentativ{\f63 \u259\'3f} lips{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
respect. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te referi la faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 votul monarhului atrn{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai mult n balan{
\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect ale
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i membrii ai Sfatului, atunc
i te asigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}m c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 prevede legea moroilor, de mai multe secole ncoace, n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 astfel de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a rotit pr
ivirea asupra colegilor ei din Sfat {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 niciunul nu inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona s-o contrazic{
\f63 \u259\'3f} n vreun fel. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cei care votaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} mp
otriva ei nu g{\f63 \u259\'3f}seau vreun cusur
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 acestei logici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw3 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i0 Mda,
numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au exprimat votul to{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 membrii Sfatului, am argumentat. n ultimii c{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}iva ani,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 un loc a fost neocupat... dar acum nu mai e cazul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntors, ar{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tnd spre locul n care st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 prietenii mei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i0 Vasi
lisa Dragomir are acum optsprezece ani {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocupe locul care i se cuvine
de drept familiei
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 sale.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n tot acest haos, faptu
l c{\f63 \u259\'3f} devenise major{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 trecut cu vederea, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Toate privirile celor din nc{
\f63 \u259\'3f}pere s-au ntors spre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa: un lucru care ei nu-i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea. C
u toate acestea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa era obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
afle n centrul aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei publice.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tia ce se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teapt{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de la prin{\f63 \u355\'3f}es{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cum trebuie s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} arate
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se compor
te. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n loc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} mic{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ndreptat spinarea {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i a privit nainte cu un aer calm,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 regesc, care d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea de n{\f63 \u355\'3f
}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ndrepte
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 chiar n clipa aceea spre mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i revendice
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 drepturile mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}tenite. Fie datorit{\f63
\u259\'3f} acestei atitudini
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 magnifice, fie datorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} unui dram de m
agnetism
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 provenit din spirit, era aproape imposibil s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dezlipe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 privirea de la ea. Frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea ei avea
acea luminozitate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 familiar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n ntreaga s
al{\f63 \u259\'3f}, observam pe multe fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i venera{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie fa{\
f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea pe care o remarcasem peste
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 tot la Curte. Transformarea lui Dimitri nc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} era o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 enigm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cei care cre
deau n ea o priveau, ntr\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, ca pe un fel de sfnt{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Devenise ceva
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 supranatural n ochii attora, nu numai pentru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 genealogia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru misterioasele ei
puteri, ci {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nou, pentru presupusa capacitate de a-i readuce pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 strigoi la starea normal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Umflndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n pe

ne, mi-am ntors privirea spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu optsprez
ece ani este vrsta legal{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2394 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dobndirea dreptului de vot?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3067 \fi283 \expndtw-10 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}ah {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i mat, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea!
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba da
, a replicat ea, cu voio{\f63 \u351\'3f}ie. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dragomirii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2891 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ar fi ntrunit cvorumul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n clipa aceea, n-a{\f63 \u351
\'3f} fi zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} uluitoarea mea victorie
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s-ar fi dus pe apa smbetei, dar era clar c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pierdea un pic din str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1708 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ntruneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}? am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cvorumul. Confor
m legii, pentru ca o familie de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 moroi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u
259\'3f} dreptul la un vot n cadrul Sfatului,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 familia aceea trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} existe. Or, n
u este cazul. Ea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 este singura din familie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri927 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 M-am holbat la ea {\f63 \u8212\
'3f} nu-mi venea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cum adic{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea trebuie
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} un copil
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2502 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} dreptul de vot?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2811 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana s-a strmbat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu acum, fire{\f
63 \u351\'3f}te. ntr-o zi, sunt convins{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ca o familie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib
{\f63 \u259\'3f} drept de vot, trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din minimum doi membri, dintre care unul s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fi trecut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de optsprezece ani. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cere legea mor
oilor... nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o lege aflat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n v
igoare de secole.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Cteva persoane au schimbat ntr
e ele priviri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nedumerite {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mirate. Evident, era vor
ba despre o lege
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 necunoscut{\f63 \u259\'3f} multora. Desigur, o astfe
l de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ca
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 o ramur{\f63 \u259\'3f} regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie redus{\f63 \u259\'3f} la o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoan{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu se mai ntlnise n istoria recent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i nici nu se {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai ntlnise vreodat{\f63 \u259\
'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Este adev{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rat, a confirmat Ariana Szelsky,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 reticent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am citit-o {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i eu.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 OK, acum chiar c{\f63
\u259\'3f} uluitoarea mea victorie se dusese
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe apa smbetei. Aveam ncredere n famil
ia Szelsky,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 iar Ariana era sora mai mare a tipului pe lng{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ndeplinea mama serviciul de gardian. Ariana era genul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} studioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dat fiind faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} votase
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mpotriva modific{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii limitei de vrst{\f
63 \u259\'3f} pentru numirea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor, mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea pu{\f63 \u355
\'3f}in probabil ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 furnizat o astfel de m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturie, dac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi fost adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnnd f{\f63 \
u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} muni{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, am recurs la vechile
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 obiceiuri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta, i-am
zis Tatianei, e cea mai de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat lege de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 care am auzit n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i att mi-a fo
st. Publicul, consternat, a izbucnit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zgomotos, iar Tatiana a renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at la or
ice preten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amici{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de care s-ar mai fi ag{\f63 \
u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}at. A surclasat orice
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ordine ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea purt{\f63 \
u259\'3f}torul ei de cuvnt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Evacua{\f63
\u355\'3f}i-o! a strigat, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mai stea pe gnduri.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu h{\f63 \u259\'3f}rm{\f63
\u259\'3f}laia care cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea rapid n intensitate,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vocea i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat limpede n ntreaga sal{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu vom
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1350 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tolera un astfel de comportament
vulgar!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii au n{\f63 \u259\'
3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lit asupra mea ca fulgerul. Sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, la ct de des fusesem trt{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ultima
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 vreme, din tot felul de locuri, era ceva aproape
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reconfortant de familiar n asta. Nu m-am mpotrivit n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 timp ce gardienii m{\f63 \u259\'3f} conduceau spre u
{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nici nu i\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am mai ex
pediat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 un mesaj de desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ir
e.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai pu
tea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} schimbi legea cvorumului, dac-ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 vrea, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}arnic{\f63 \u259\'3f}! am urlat peste um
{\f63 \u259\'3f}r.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Schimonose{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti legea, findc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti egoist{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fricoas{\f63
\u259\'3f}! Ai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut cea mai mare gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}
eal{\f63 \u259\'3f} vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. O s-o regre{\f63 \u355\'3f}i!
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}teapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar, {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi: o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dore{
\f63 \u351\'3f}ti s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3007 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} una ca
asta!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-o fi auzit cineva tirada, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 timp sala se ntorsese la haosul de care fusese cuprin
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n clipa n care intrasem. Gardienii {\f63 \u8212\'3f} t
rei la num{\f63 \u259\'3f}r {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nu m-au sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat din mini pn{\f63 \u259\'
3f} cnd nu am ajuns afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Imediat cum mi-au dat drumul, am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 privindu-ne stnjeni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i timp de cteva cli
pe.
\plain\par
\'3f}i-acum? i-am ntrebat, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnesc furia din voce. Eram nc{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nervoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i strnit{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ii {\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia erau de vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ce-o s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} face{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4020 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 nchide{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dat fiind faptul c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} asta m-ar fi adus lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri, ar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fi n semnat aproape o recompens{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-au zis de
ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te evacu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, a precizat unul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dintre ei. Ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem cu tine pe urm
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, asta n-a mai zis
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nimeni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Un alt gardian, mai b{\f63 \
u259\'3f}trn {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}run{\f63 \u355\'3f}it, dar nc{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 avnd o nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\
'3f}are aprig{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-a privit chior{\f63 \u351\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n locul t{\f
63 \u259\'3f}u, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}terge-o ct mai pot, pn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu le
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 trece prin minte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
ard{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo pedeaps{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-i vorb{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} oricum te-ar g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si, n cazul n car
e
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 chiar ar vrea, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat primul gardi
an.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cu asta, s-au ntors tus
trei n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 acolo, descump{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntoars{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe dos. Trupul meu nc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tnjea dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} o nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierare,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i eram plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de acea frustrare
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe care o tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iam ori de cte ori m{\f63
\u259\'3f} confruntam cu o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie n care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\
f63 \u355\'3f}eam neputincioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Attea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 urlete, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i degeaba. Nu ob{\f63 \u355\
'3f}nusem nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3873 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose?

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am smuls din nvolburarea sentime
ntelor mele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am privit spre cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
ire. Gardianul mai vrstnic nu intrase
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sese-n prag. Pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, afi{\f63 \u351\'3f}a indife
ren{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i z{\f63
\u259\'3f}resc un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r n privire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri69 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai fost formida
bil{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo, n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Sfatului, a zis el.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu prea aveam eu chef de zmbete, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} buz
ele m\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4069 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 au tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-273 \li286 \ri3043 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mersi, i-am z
is.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1722 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 M{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, ceva-ce
va tot ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inusem.
\plain\par
expndtw-17 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I DOI
\plain\par
b \f20 \fs24 NU AM URMAT SFATUL GARDIANULUI\b0 , s-o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 rup la fug{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nici nu m-am a{\f63
\u351\'3f}ezat pe treptele din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am mai z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovit prin apropiere, ntr-un pl
c de cire{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 nchipuindu-mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu va dura mult pn{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrunirea {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i participan{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se reverse afar{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva minute in care nu s-a-ntmplat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nimic, m-am strecurat n mintea Liss
ei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am descoperit
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mb{\f63 \u259\'3f
}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la apogeu. Cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
Tatiana
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 declarase n dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} rnduri c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a se ncheiase, lumea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 tot r{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese acolo, dis
cutnd n contradictoriu, pe
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 bisericu{\f63 \u355\'3f}e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tasha era ntr-un astfel de gr
up, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Lissa

\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Adrian, {\f63 \u355\'3f}innd unul
dintre acele discursuri
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tima{\f63 \u351\'3f}e la care se pr
icepea att de bine. N-o fi fost ea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rece {\f63 \u351\'3f}i calculat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca T
atiana, n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 politice, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea un sim{\f63 \u355\'3
f} foarte ascu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it cnd venea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vorba s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} valuri n i
nteriorul sistemului, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 recunoasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocaziile, atunci cnd se ivea
u. Ea era
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mpotriva decretului care cobora limita de vrst{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} moroii treb
uie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nve{\f63 \u355\'3f}e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte. Niciuna
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dintre aceste convingeri nu-i aducea prea multe, a{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 se ag{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase acum de urm
{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea idee, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} importan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f}:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De ce ne to
t cert{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ntre noi despre cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 omorm strigoii mai bine, cnd am putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-i salv{\f63 \u259\'3f}m?
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vocifera ea, cuprinznd-o pe Lissa cu un bra{\f63 \u355
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian cu cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gndu-i n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lissa nc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} avea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 un aer senin {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
or, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit s-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ia la fug{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu prima ocazie. Vasilisa {
\f63 \u8212\'3f} care, apropo,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 este ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r privat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de dreptul ei legitim de a-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i face
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 auzit{\f63 \u259\'3f} vocea aici, din cauza unei legi
arhaice {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri792 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 demonstrat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} stri
goii pot fi readu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i printre noi.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu s-a dovedit, a exclamat un ins din
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti s{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\'3f}tos? l-a luat la rost o femeie de
lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 el. Sora mea a fost n grupul care l-a adus napoi. Ea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e, f{\f63 \
u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i poate, dhampir. Ba chiar a sta
t
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3581 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n soare!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri587 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Tasha a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat
aprobator din cap spre femeie.
\plain\par
}i eu am fost acolo. Iar acum, avem doi utilizatori
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ai spiritului capabili s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} realizeze acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Orict respect a{\f63 \u351\'3
f} fi avut fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de Tasha, aici nu eram
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntru totul de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea ei. Volumul de en
ergie {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 nu pun la socoteal{\f63 \u259\'3f} efortul pe care-l
implica
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pungerea cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u8212\'3f} necesar Lissei n cazul lui
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri fusese unul cutremur{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Ne a
fectase,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 temporar, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i leg{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tura. Asta nu nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu putea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s-o mai fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a doua
oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nici c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi\i vrut\i0 s-o fac{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Doar era suficient de naiv{\f63 \u259\'3f} n compasiu
nea ei, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 arunce n foc cnd era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ajute pe ceila
l{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Dar eu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n definitiv, c
u ct mai mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} energie consuma
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un utilizator al spiritului, cu att mai repede nainta p
e
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 drumul spre demen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ct despre Adrian... ei bine,
el era aproape exclus
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta. Chiar s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fi vrut el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece la str{\f63 \u259\'3f}puns
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 strigoi, tot nu avea acel gen de putere vindec{\f63 \
u259\'3f}toare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 necesar{\f63 \u259\'3f} pontru recuperarea vreunuia;
cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era ceva obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nu
it pentru moroi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 puterile magice ale elementelor n care se specializas
er{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n moduri diferite. Unii utiliz
atori ai focului, cum era
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian, se deprinseser{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} controleze flac{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra n sine.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \

u351\'3f}i foloseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} magia doar pentru, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 zicem, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lzirea aerului dintr-o camer
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. La fel, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian aveau cu totul alte puncte forte n utilizarea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 spiritului. Cea mai mare izbnd{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui l
a capitolul
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vindec{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor fusese t{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m{\f63 \u259\'3f}duirea unei fracturi, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}trund{\f63 \u259\'3f} n visele altora, orict de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mult ar fi exersat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, n realitate, Tasha nu se putea baza, pentru
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 salvarea strigoilor, dect pe un singur utilizator al
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spiritului, iar o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoan{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu prea putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 transforme legiuni ntregi de astfel de mon{\f63 \u351
\'3f}tri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Tasha
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i dea seama, ntr-o oarecare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de treaba
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sfatul n-ar
trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai piard{\f63 \u259\'3f} timpul cu legile
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 privitoare la vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a continuat ea. N
oi avem nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ne concentr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m resursele la descoperir
ea ct mai multor
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 utilizatori ai spiritului, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la recr
utarea lor, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ajute
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i salv{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe strigoi
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri794 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a fixat privi
rea asupra cuiva din mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Martin, nu-i a{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fratele t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u a fost transformat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mpotriva voin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei sal
e? Cu destul{\f63 \u259\'3f} trud{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u355\'3f}i\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 l red{\f63 \u259\'3f}m. Viu. Exact a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a cum l {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiai. Altminteri, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 doar omort cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cnd
o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea gardienii peste el...
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, desigur, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ucid
{\f63 \u259\'3f} destui nevinova{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntre timp.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mda, chiar c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} Tasha era tare. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zugr{\f63 \u259\'3f}veas
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 imagine veridic{\f63 \u259\'3f}; pe Martin acela apr
oape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} izbucneasc
{\f63 \u259\'3f} n lacrimi. A avut grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu amin
teasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de persoane care se pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \
u259\'3f} n strigoi de bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} voie.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, stnd nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi
de ea, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia precis ce p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} n leg{\f63 \u259
\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ncropirea unei armate de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 utilizatori ai spiritului pentru salvarea strigoilor
, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ideea f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cea parte dintr-o serie de alte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 planuri ticluite de Tasha... inclusiv unul prin care
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei dreptul de vot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Tasha miza pe calit{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe caracterul Lissei,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 punndu-le n valoare, tratnd cu dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f} ce
ea ce, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mod evident reprezenta o lege total dep{\f63 \u259\'3
f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dintr-o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 epoc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n care nimeni n-ar fi putut s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ntrevad{\f63 \u259\'3f} o astfel
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Mai mult, ea a accentuat
faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} un Sfat
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntregit, cuprinznd toate cele du{\f63 \u259\'3f}spreze
ce familii, ar fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsemnat un mesaj transmis strigoilor de pretutindeni
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu privire la unitatea moroilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 N-am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ascult mai departe. Am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat-o pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tasha s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i exercite ma
gia politic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, urmnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai multe cu Lissa ceva mai trziu. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
ram prea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 agitat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce se n
tmplase cnd urlasem la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 membrii Sfatului, nct nu mai suportam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d sala
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aia. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-am l{\f63
\u259\'3f}sat mintea n pace {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am ntors
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntr-a mea, sco{\f63 \u355\'3f}nd un {\f63 \u355\'3f}ip{
\f63 \u259\'3f}t la vederea unul chip aflat
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 drept n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3535 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ambrose!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Unul dintre cei mai ar{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}to{\f63 \u351\'3f}i vampiri de pe planet{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri, eviden
t {\f63 \u8212\'3f} m-a fulgerat cu un zmbet
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitor de star de cinema.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Erai
nemi{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a nct am crezut c{\f63
\u259\'3f} ncerci s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 joci rolul unei driade.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2319 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am clipit des, nedumerit{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3639 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unei ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1067 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 A f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un semn
spre cire{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii din preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Spirite ale nat
urii. Femei frumoase care devin una
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3935 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cu copacii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu sunt si
gur{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost un compliment sau nu,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am replicat. Dar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucur s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} te rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}d.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose reprezenta o verita
bil{\f63 \u259\'3f} ciud{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}enie pentru
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 civiliza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}: un
dhampir mascul care nici nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 depusese jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul de gardian, nici nu
fugise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre oamenii obi{\f63 \u351
\'3f}nui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Femeile dhampir
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 alegeau frecvent s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu intre n rndul ga
rdienilor, astfel
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se concentreze asupra ntemeierii u
nei familii.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 De aceea eram att de rare ca gardieni. ns{\f63 \u259\'
3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rba{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii? Ei
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nu aveau nicio scuz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din punctul de v
edere al
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 majorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Dect s{\f63
\u259\'3f} stea ascuns, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut n dizgra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose alesese s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 slujeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n alt fel pe moroi. n esen{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, era un slujitor:
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 unul de nalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} clas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca
re servea b{\f63 \u259\'3f}uturi la petrecerile de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 elit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i le f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cea masaj femeilor din familiile regale. De
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 asemenea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} zvonu
rile erau adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, o slujea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe Tatiana {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai intim. Totu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i, chestia asta mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 att de sinistr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct mi-am alungat-o cu
promptitudine
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 din minte.
\plain\par
0\'3f}i eu, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Dar, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ncerci s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} intri n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1704 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 comuniune cu natura, atunci ce f
aci?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o p
oveste lung{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am fost dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
la o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntrunire a Sfatului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3010 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea impresio
nat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2458 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la propriu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai degrab{\f63
\u259\'3f}, trt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cred. Chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mir{\f63 \u259\'3f
} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu te\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe-acolo,
am remarcat. Sigur, am fost... hm...
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cam z{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cit{\f63 \u259
\'3f} n ultima s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am auzit, a
spus, privindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} comp{\f63 \u259\'3f}timitor.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, eu chiar am fost plecat. M-am n
tors abia azi\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 noapte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri393 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Taman la timp
pentru distrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, am bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nevinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ia de pe chipul lui mi-a dat de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2017 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nici nu auzise nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
despre decret.
\plain\par
0\'3f}i acum, ce faci? m-a ntrebat. Asta nu mi se pare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1032 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar ar{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ta a pedeaps{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-ai isp{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u351\'3f}it sentin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cam a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a ceva. Acum, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept pe cineva. N-aveam
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri789 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 altceva de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut d
ect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ard gazul prin camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
59\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ai timp de pierdut, ce-ar fi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
-i facem
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2717 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 o vizit{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii Rhonda?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rhonda? am
zis, ncruntndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} sup{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rare,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dar m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ta nu m-a pr
ea impresionat cu talentele ei
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 data trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\u259\'3f} sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, a replicat el, voios. Dar chiar ntreba
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri304 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de tine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i de Vas
ilisa. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot n-ai ce fac
e...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am ezitat. Avea dreptate spu
nnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aveam
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nimic mai bun de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut n clipa asta. R
{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesem f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 variante, att n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Dimitri, ct
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i a rezolu{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 idioate ale Sfatului. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i, Rhonda {\f63 \u8212\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a lui,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prezic{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea
moroilor {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nu era o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi doresc s
-o rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}d. Cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urin{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cuvintelor mele, privind n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, trebu
ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recunosc c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unele dintre prezicerile Rhondei\i chiar\i0 se mplin
iser{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
, am zis, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 plictisit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ter
min{\f63 \u259\'3f}m repede.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A zmbit din nou, de parc{\f63
\u259\'3f} ar fi v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut dincolo de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}iretlicul meu, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
are m-a condus spre o cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dire n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care mai fusesem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alt{\f63 \u259\'3
f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i care g{\f63 \u259\'3f}zduia un luxos
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 salon {\f63 \u351\'3f}i complex balnear, frecventat d
e moroii din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 familiile regale. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa ne f{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m manichiura
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n timp ce ne croiam drum spre
brlogul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Rhondei, m-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it str{\f63 \u259\'
3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nu junghi ciudat.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Manichiura {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pedichiura... p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie cele mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 banale lucruri din lume. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n zi
ua aceea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} veritabile minuni pentru mine
. Rsesem cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i deveniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai apropiate... imediat nainte
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}coala s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie ataca
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se prefac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} n praf {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pulbere...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Rhonda ghicea viitorul ntr-o
camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} din spate,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 situat{\f63 \u259\'3f} departe de aglomeratul centru
balnear. Cu tot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aspectul pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dit al lo
cului, afacerea i mergea destul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de bine, ba mai avea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i propria secre
tar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sau, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avusese. De data asta, biroul era gol, iar Ambrose ma
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dus direct n camera Rhondei. Ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta exa
ct la fel ca data
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum te-a
i fi aflat ntr-o inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Totul era
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}u: tapetul
, decora{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunile, pernele pres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate peste tot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4044 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pe podea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Rhonda ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea pe podea, mncnd dintr-un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pahar de iaurt, care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea teribil de
obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit pentru
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cineva care, cic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, st{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pnea puteri mistice. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul negru {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cre{\f63 \u355\'3f} i se rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsa pe u
meri, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luceasc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tare cercurile largi ale cerceilor de aur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose Hathaw
ay, m-a ntmpinat ea, bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri733 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i iaurtul deoparte. Ce surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f} pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u
259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ar fi tr
ebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} veneam? am ntreb
at\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o, pe un ton glacial.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri895 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Buzele i-au zvcnit ntr-un zmbet am
uzat.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu n asta-mi st{\f63 \u259\'3f} pute
rea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Scuze c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntrerup cina, a zis Ambrose,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndoindu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu gra{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ie corpul musculos {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezndu-se.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Rose nu e deloc u{\f63 \u351
\'3f}or de prins.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici nu-mi
imaginam altfel, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea. Chiar
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sunt impresionat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptul c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ai reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s-o convingi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1104 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 vin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ce pot s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} fac pentru tine ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi, Rose?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am ridicat din umeri {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i m-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cad lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4078 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Ambrosc
\plain\par
351\'3f}tiu. N-am venit dect pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a dus cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vorba Ambrose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu i s-a p{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ultima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-ai citit bine,
a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 informat-o el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei! am exc
lamat, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}getndu-l cu o privire
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mustr{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Nu e chiar ce-am zis.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Data trecut{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 C{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
le de tarot ale Rhondei o ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}taser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Lissa
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncoronat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu putere {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
lumin{\f63 \u259\'3f}: nicio surpriz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Rhonda
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prezisese c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri va pierde ceea c
e pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uia mai mult,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i asta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i pierduse: sufletul. Ct despre mine?
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Rhonda m{\f63 \u259\'3f} informase cu brutalitate c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} voi distruge
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce e mort, dar viu. Pufnisem dispre{\f63 \u355\
'3f}uitoare auzind
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asta, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam n
fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea o ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f} via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'
3f} de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 omort strigoi. Acum ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ntrebam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}mort, dar viu" se referea la partea
de strigoi din
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu eu fusesem cea
care-l
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}punsese cu {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a, n mod sigur jucasem un rol de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3181 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 maxim{\f63 \u259\'3f} importan{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} mai citi o dat{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, lucrurile ar c{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai mult sens? mi-a propus ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mintea mea tocmai clocea o n
ou{\f63 \u259\'3f} glum{\f63 \u259\'3f} la adresa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}el{\f63 \u259\'3f}toriilor parapsihol
ogice, de aceea au fost att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri774 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 uimitoare cuvintele care mi-au ie
{\f63 \u351\'3f}it de pe buze:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tocmai asta
-i problema. Prima a\i avut\i0 sens. Mi-e
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 team{\f63 \u259\'3f}... mi-e team{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce altceva ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 mi mai arate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile sunt cele care hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sc viitorul, mi-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atras ea aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, pe un ton blnd. Dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} e scris s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntmple ceva, se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}, indiferent dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vezi sau nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. {\f63 \u350\'3
f}i chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-atunci... ei bine, viitorul se schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mereu. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am avea posibilitatea a
legerii, via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n-ar
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 mai merita tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uite
, vezi, am replicat pe un ton superficial, {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta-i

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 genul de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ambiguu, de {\f63 \u
355\'3f}iganc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe care speram
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l aud.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1339 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Rom{\f63 \
u259\'3f}\i0 , m-a corectat ea. Nu\i {\f63 \u355\'3f}iganc{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} impertin
en{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea, buna dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n-o p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Atitudinea degajat{\f63 \u259\'3f} probabil c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} era o
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'
3f} de familie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2061 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vrei s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} dau c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile, sau nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} voiam? ntr-o p
rivin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, avea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea dreptate:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 viitorul avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
deruleze, fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vedeam ce spun
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile, fie c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, chiar n cazul n care c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ile l-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
l-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles dect dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, am zis
. Doar pentru distrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ultima
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} probabil c-a fost o ghicire noro
coas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Rhonda {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
dat ochii peste cap, dar, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
ai zic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nimic, a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} amestece pachetul de
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de tarot.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 O f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea cu o att de mare precizie, nct c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} singure. Cnd, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, s-a oprit, mi-a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntins pachetul, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tai. Am t{\f63 \u259
\'3f}iat, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care ea l-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 reconstituit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Data trecu
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} am dat trei c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a zis ea. Ave
m timp
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1255 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pentru mai multe, dac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} vrei. Cinci, poate?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu ct sunt m
ai multe, cu att e mai mare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri462 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 probabilitatea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi explicat
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri67 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nu crezi n ele, n-ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine, atunci. Cinci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 A devenit serioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}
n timp ce ntorcea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 examinndu-le atent{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintre ele ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu capul
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n jos. Nu mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era semn bun. Ultima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aflasem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta fac
e ca unele c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, aparent fericite, s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fie... n fine, nu chiar att de fericite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri18 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Prima era Doiarul de Cup{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}nd un b{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rbat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 femeie, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe o paji{\f63 \u351\
'3f}te plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de iarb{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de flori,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deasupra lor str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucind soarele. Evide
nt, era cu fundul
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 n sus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cupele sunt
legate de sentimente, mi-a explicat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Rhonda. Doiarul de Cup{\f63 \u259\'3f} nf{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}eaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} o unire, o dragoste
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nflorirea u
nor sentimente vesele. Dar, din
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 moment ce cartea e r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sturnat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}...
\plain\par
0\'3f}tii ce? am ntrerupt-o. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am prins care-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}pilul cu asta. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} treci peste ea. Chiar am o idee
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 destul de clar{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre ceea ce nseamn{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Puteam foarte bine s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} fi fost eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri pe cartea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aia, cu o cup{\f63 \u259\'3f} goal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {
\f63 \u351\'3f}i inimile ndurerate... Chiar nu-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doream s-o aud pe Rhonda analiznd ceea ce deja mi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 sf{\f63 \u351\'3f}ia inima.
\plain\par
u259\'3f} a trecut la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea: Regina de Spade, {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i ea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cu capul n jos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Astfel de
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i se refer{\f63 \u259\'3f} la anumite persoane
, mi-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 explicat Rhonda. Regina de Spade ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta
extrem de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 impun{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, cu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul ei
castaniu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mantia argintie.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Regina de Spade este inteligent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cap
abil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ntreac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 du{\f63 \u351\'3f}manii n agerieme {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
ambi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3787 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Am oftat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1969 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar, fiind cu
fundul n sus...
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi343 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}... f
iind cu fundul n sus, a continuat Rhonda,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 toate aceste nsu{\f63 \u351\'3f}iri devin distorsiona
te. Tot inteligent{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne, tot ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ating{\f63 \u259\'3f} scopurile... ns{\f63 \u259\'
3f} o face
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pe c{\f63 \u259\'3f}i nesincere. Exist{\f63 \u259\'3f
} aici mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} ostilitate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}el{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie. A{\f63 \u35
1\'3f} zice c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai un du{\f63 \u351\'3f}man.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, am zi
s, cu ochii pe coroan{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ghicesc
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 cine e. Tocmai am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o\i c{\f63
\u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}arnic{\f63 \u259\'
3f}\i0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Rhonda nu a comentat {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i a trecut la cartea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Asta era n pozi{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ia normal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi dorit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu f
i fost. Avea un ntreg m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunchi de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 spade nfipte n p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt, iar de una dintre
ele era legat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 o femeie, ai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rei ochi erau {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i ei acoperi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu o leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f
}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Era Optarul de Spade.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, mai la
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}! am exclamat. Ce treab{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot a
m
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eu cu spadele? Mi-ai tras una la fel de deprimant{\f6

3 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 data trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}ase o femeie plngnd n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unui zid
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 din spade.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci a fo
st Nouarul de Spade, a confirmat ea.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Se poate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2110 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi vine cam gr
eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A ridicat restul pachetului, l-a
frunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n cele din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1293 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a tras o ca
rte. Era Zecele de Spade.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Putea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta, mi-a zis. nf{\f63 \u259\
'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}a un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mort, stnd ntins pe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt, cu un m{\f63 \
u259\'3f}nuchi de spade
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nfipte n el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Corect, am
aprobat-o, n timp ce Ambrose
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri344 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 chicotea lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i ce semnifica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie are un nou{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nou{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii captiv. S{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dintr-o situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Mai nseamn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i calomnie sau acuza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Cnd {\f63 \u355\'3f}i aduni tot curajul ca s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} scapi de ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 M-am uitat din nou la regin
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu gndul la lucrurile
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pe care le rostisem n sala Sfatului. Categoric, putea
u s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 constituie baza unor acuza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Dar cap
tivitatea? P{\f63 \u259\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 exista oricum posibilitatea unei vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
petrecute n
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 arhiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3232 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am oftat adnc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2092 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, care ar f
i urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cartea ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta cel m
ai bine dintre toate: {\f63 \u350\'3f}esarul de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Spade. nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}a un grup de oameni ntr-o barc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, vslind
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 pe apa luminat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de lun{\f63 \u259\'3
f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2194 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie, a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}cit ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Abia am fost ntro c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie. Ba nu, n vreo
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cteva, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, pr
ivind-o b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuitoare. Doamne,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 doar n-o fi... cum i zice?... un soi de c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3646 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 spiritual{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2606 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose a rs din nou.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, ce-a{\f63
\u351\'3f} mai vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i se citeasc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} n tarot n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4001 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fiecare zi!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2143 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Rhonda nu l-a luat n seam{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac-ar fi fost
cupe, poate. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} spadele sunt ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri175 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 tangibil. Ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune.
O veritabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie, n toat{\f63
\u259\'3f} legea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Unde, Doamne, iart{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai duc? S{\f63 \
u259\'3f} fi fost
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vorba de o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie pn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} la Academie, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sugerase Tatiana. Sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost cu p
utin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca, n ciuda
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lcasem r
egulile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i adusesem insulte
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 maiest{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii sale, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} primesc totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i o repartizare
, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Una departe de Curte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E posibil s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cau{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceva. Poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o c{\f63
\u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fizic{\f63 \u259\'3f} dar combinat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
u una spiritual{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a explicat ea,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dndu-mi impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}c
ea tot posibilul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i acopere
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 spatele. Iar din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri890 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a celei de-a
cincea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, s-a ncruntat.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aceasta mi-e ascuns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2648 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am privit-o cu aten{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Valetul de Cup{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Pare destul de evident. E un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3025 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 valet cu... hm... cup{\f63 \u259
\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De obicei,
am o imagine clar{\f63 \u259\'3f}... C{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile mi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 vorbesc prin felul n care se leag{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre
ele. Dar aceasta
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 nu mi-e clar{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Singurul l
ucru care nu-i clar e dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}eaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 fat{\f63 \u259\'3f} sau un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Personajul de pe carte ar{\f
63 \u259\'3f}ta tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul {\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aspectul androgin f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau ca sexul s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} fie imposibil de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 determinat. Pantalonii strm{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ca de ba
lerin, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tunica
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu ajutau nici ele prea mult, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i cmpi
a nsorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 fundal p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea promi{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fie orice, a zis Rhonda. Este cartea cea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai mic{\f63 \u259\'3f} n rang dintre cele care repre
zint{\f63 \u259\'3f} figurile din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiecare culoare: Rege, Regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Cavaler
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i apoi Valet.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Oricine-ar fi, valetul este o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de ncredere,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 creativ{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Optimist{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ar
putea fi cineva care merge cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tine n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie... sau
poate chiar motivul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}toriei
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 tale.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri29 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Orice urm{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de optimism sau de ncredere pe care a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi avut-o n acele c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} interpretarea
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 asta. Dat fiind faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} enumerase vr
eo sut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 posibilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, chiar nu
consideram ghicitul ei ca fiind
\plain\expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 demn de ncredere. De obicei, mi remarca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 scepticismul, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum era concentrat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} mai departe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 asupra c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, pe care
o privea ncruntat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar, pur {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama... Are
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un nor n jurul ei. De ce? Nu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg nim
ic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ceva anume din nedumerirea e
i mi-a trimis un fior
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de ghea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}ira spin{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. Mereu mi spuneam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}arlatanie, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi inventat... ei bine, atunci
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n-ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u259\'3f}sco
ceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o poveste {\f63 \u351\'3f}i despre Valetul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de Cup{\f63 \u259\'3f}? N-ar fi recurs la o pref{\f63
\u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie att de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 conving{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ul
tima carte ar fi determinat-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Gndul c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} poate era la mijloc cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ce for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocult{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, care-i bloca puterea de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trundere, mi-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cam domolit cinismul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri706 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Oftnd, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ridic
at privirea, n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi pare r{\f63 \u
259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} numai att pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spu
n. Restul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3366 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a fost de folo
s?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am mai examinat o dat{\f63
\u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile. Durere n suflet. Un
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 du{\f63 \u351\'3f}man. Acuza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Capt
ivitate. C{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}torie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unele dintr
e ele mi spun lucruri pe care le {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri708 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 deja. Celelalte m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
las{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai multe ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2276 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a zmbit, n{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele
g{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a se-ntmpl{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} de obicei.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 I-am mul{\f63 \u355\'3
f}umit pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ghicise-n c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bucurndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n sinea mea c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} nu trebuise s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tesc. Ambrose m-a condus afar{\f63
\u259\'3f}, timp n care m-am
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} scutur de indispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia pe care mi-o l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sase
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ghicitul Rhondei. Aveam {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a destule probleme, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai las scit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i de ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}te c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i tmpite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te sim{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i bine? m-a ntrebat cnd, n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 am ajuns afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Soarele urcase {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i mai mult pe cer.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Curtea Regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} n curnd la culcare {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 se-ncheia o zi turbulent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu... nu t
e-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} mai fi adus aici,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut ct de m
ult o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te nec{\f63 \u259\'3f}je{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu, l-a
m lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit. Nu e vorba de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tocmai, Sunt multe alte lucruri care se petrec... {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i despre
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar trebui s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} afli {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Nu voisem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
aduc vorba despre decret prima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd ne ntlniser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiin
d dhampir, avea dreptul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce se ntmplase. n
timp ce-i povesteam, chipul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lui a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas impasibil, cu excep{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ia ochilor lui c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nchis, care se f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau tot mai mari pe m
{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 naintam cu relatarea.
\plain\par
f63 \u259\'3f} fie o gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mijloc, a zis, ntr
-un
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trziu. Ei n-ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259
\'3f} una ca asta. N-ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva unor cop
ii de {\f63 \u351\'3f}aisprezece ani.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, ei bin
e, nici eu n-am crezut, dar se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 treaba era ndeajuns de serioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} azvrle
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri299 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd am... hm.
.. cnd am ncercat o interpelare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi cam nchipu
i ce {\f63 \u8222\'3f}interpelare" ai ncercat.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Toate astea nu vor avea alt efect dect c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-i vor
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 determina pe {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dhampiri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}e la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 slujbele de gardieni... desigur, n afara cazului n care
,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fiind la o vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de fraged{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, ar fi mai sensibili la
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}larea creierelor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E un teren
cam sensibil pentru tine, nu? l-am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat, n definitiv, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el era un dham
pir care renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1587 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, Ambrose
a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi se pare insup
ortabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci parte dintr-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asemenea societate. Dar, dac{\f63 \
u259\'3f} vreunul dintre copiii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ace{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia s-ar hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}r ntr-ad
ev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r s{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, n-ar avea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 prieteni att de puternici cum am avut eu. Ar deveni u
n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 proscris. Asta s-ar ntmpla. Ori i trimit la moarte pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adolescen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, ori i alung{\f63 \u259\'3
f} din propriul lor neam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntrebat ce prieteni o fi
avut el, att de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 puternici, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu prea era timp s{\f63
\u259\'3f} aflu istoria vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}eaua aia regal{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi d{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}dea impresia
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar interesa-o.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Privirea lui gnditoare {\f63
\u351\'3f}i neatent{\f63 \u259\'3f} a devenit deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 ceva mai t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-i mai sp
une a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, m-a prevenit, privindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 piezi{\f63 \u351\'3f}. Nu e vina ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Hopa! Replica-surpriz{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. Aproape niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem pe atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}g{\f63 \
u259\'3f}torul, carismaticul Ambrose,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 manifestndu-se alt fel dect prietenos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba sigur c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} e vina ei! Doar e conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul suprem
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3108 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 al moroilor, ai uitat?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2312 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncruntarea lui s-a adncit.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri1725 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A votat
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sfatul. Nu numai ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, numai c{\f63
\u259\'3f} ea a votat n sprijinul decretului. Ea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2676 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a nclinat balan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
votului.
\plain\par
f63 \u259\'3f} fi avut un motiv. Tu n-o cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti la fel
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de bine ca mine. Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar dori a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am dat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l nt
reb dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 min{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, dar m-am oprit amintindu-mi de
rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia dintre el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Zvonurile ac
elea amoroase m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ngre{\f63 \u355\'3f}o{\f63 \u351\'3f}au,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau adev{\f63
\u259\'3f}rate, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea motive
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 temeinice s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se arate preocupat cu pr
ivire la ea. Am mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajuns {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la concluzia c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} probabil, era mai bine c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team n felul n care o cuno{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}tea el. Urmele de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi pe care i le
vedeam pe gt sigur indicau un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 anumit fel de activitate intim{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Orice s-ar n
tmpla ntre voi v{\f63 \u259\'3f} prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, i-am

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 replicat, calm; totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ea e obi{\f63
\u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}leasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, dndu-se drept ceea ce nu est
e. A f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut asta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cu mine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar am c{\f63 \u259\'3f
}zut n aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} capcan{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Totul nu\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 i dect o fars{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu cred, a
spus, cu chipul nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpietrit. Ca
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}, este pus{\f63 \u259\'3f} n tot
felul de situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii grele. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fie altceva la mijloc... o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} schimbe
decretul, sunt
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 convins.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ca regin{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, am replicat, maimu{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}rindu-i tonul,
ar
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} talentu
l de a...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele mi-au pierit de pe
buze n clipa n care o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 voce a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi vorbeasc{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} n minte. Vocea Lissei.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 Rose, sunt sigur{\f
63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vezi chestia asta. Dar
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi promi{\f63 \u355\'3f}
i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} creezi probleme\i0 . {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa mi-a transmis fulger{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor coordon
atele unui loc
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 anume, ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugnd o tent{\f63 \u259\'3f}
imperativ{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri213 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 C{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tura dur{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Ambrose a devenit ngrijorat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3201 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}it ceva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am... mda. Lissa
are nevoie de mine, l-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 informat, oftnd. Uite ce e, nu vrea
u s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne cert{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, bine?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 E evident c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avem puncte de vedere dia
metral opuse
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 asupra situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei... dar cred c{\f63 \u
259\'3f} suntem de acord n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 problema-cheie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}C{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n-ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trimit{\f63 \u259\'3f} copiii la moarte? M
da, pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 tema asta suntem de aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am adresat reciproc cte un
zmbet nesigur, iar
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea dintre noi s-a mai risipit.
\plain\par
u259\'3f} stau de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea, Rose. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu ade
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2501 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-l spun {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, bine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3938 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mi venea tare greu s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea cineva s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poarte
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 o discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de la su
flet la suflet cu Tatiana, dar, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 gndeam mai bine, ajungeam la concluzia c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} poate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri205 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lor era ma
i strns{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam eu seama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1341 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mersi. Mi-a
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te v{\f63 \u259\'3
f}d.
\plain\par
3f}i mie. Acum, du-te... du-te la Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu mai aveam nevoie de nc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} un ndemn. Pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 tenta imperativ{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Li
ssa mi mai transmisese, prin
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura dintre noi, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
un mesaj, unul care-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri176 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 transforma picioarele n aripi:\i
E vorba despre Dimitri\i0 .
\par
\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I TREI
\plain\par
b \f20 \fs24 NU AVEAM NEVOIE\b0 de leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca so g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. Zgomotul mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imii mi-a dat de n{
\f63 \u355\'3f}eles unde

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dau de ea... {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i de Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Primul gnd care mi-a trecut p
rin minte a fost c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}ase cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie c
e b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie cu pietre, sau vreun lin{\f63 \u351\'3f}aj,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca n Evul Mediu. Abia pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-am dat
seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 lumea care se strnsese n cerc asista la altceva. Mi-am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut loc cu for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a pri
ntre spectatori, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pese de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 privirile urte cu care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} alegeam, pn{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cnd am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung n primul rnd. Iar ceea ce-am v{
\f63 \u259\'3f}zut m-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 obligat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} opresc b
rusc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dim
itri st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau unul lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} altul pe o banc{\f63 \u259\'
3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce trei moroi, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu {\f63
\u8212\'3f} aoleu! {\f63 \u8212\'3f} Hans se
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 aflau fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n fa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ei. Mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni erau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i n preajma lor, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptnd ncorda{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, preg{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ac{\f63 \
u355\'3f}iune n eventualitatea n care lucrurile ar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fi evoluat n mod nefavorabil, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum
era de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} aud m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car un cuvnt, am {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut precis ce se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 petrecea. Era un interogatoriu, o investiga{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ie menit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 determine ce anume era Dimitri.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n cele mai multe situa{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, acesta ar fi fost un loc
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ciudat pentru o investiga{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ie formal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era, ironia sor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 una dintre cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile n care munciser{\f63
\u259\'3f}m eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Eddie, la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 umbra statuii tinerei regine. Biserica apar{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}innd Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se afla n apropiere. Paji{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea asta nu e
ra tocmai un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt sfnt, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntindea
suficient de aproape de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f}, astfel nct lumea s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} da fuga aici, n caz

\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de urgen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Crucile nu
-i v{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mau pe strigoi, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ace{\f63
\u351\'3f}tia
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nu puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr-o moschee,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 sau n oricare alt l{\f63 \u259\'3f}ca{\f63 \u351\'3f}
sfnt. Avnd biserica n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apropiere, n timp ce soarele dimine{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
era sus, pe cer,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau locul {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i momentul cele mai sigure pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care le-ar fi putut g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si oficialit{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pentru
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 interogarea lui Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 L-am recunoscut pe unul dint
re moroii care se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ocupau de interogatoriu: era Reece Tarus. Se nrudea c
u
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Adrian din partea mamei lui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i el luase cuvntul n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 favoarea decretului privind limita de vrst{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tipul mi-a
displ{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut imediat, mai ales dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 luam n considerare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tonul superior pe
care-i vorbea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lui Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Soarele {\
f63 \u355\'3f}i se pare orbitor? l-a ntrebat Reece. Avea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dinaintea ochilor o map{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu clem{\f63
\u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 parcurge o list{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ntreb{\f63 \u259\'
3f}ri prestabilite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, a r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spuns Dimitri, pe un ton agreabil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnit. Se concentra profund la cei ca
re-l interogau.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Habar n-avea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i eu acolo, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-mi convenea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} eram prezenta. Deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi doream dect
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l contemplu, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i a
dmir tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2260 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} te ui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la soare?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63
\u259\'3f}it, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu sunt convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} a mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 observat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altcinev
a n afar{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul care-i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ochi..
. sau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-ar fi n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 semnifica{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. ntrebarea era prosteasc{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri {\f63 \u8212\'3f} poate, doar poate {\f63 \u
8212\'3f} era tentat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rd{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu abilitatea lui nn{\f63 \u259\'3
f}scuta, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas impasibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oricine po
ate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} orbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} se uit{\f63 \u
259\'3f} prea mult
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timp direct la soare, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns el. Su
nt dispus s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prin orice poate trece oricine altcineva de-aici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
ui Reece nu i-a pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut acest r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, ns{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 logica lui era f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} cus
ur. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a strns buzele pung{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2264 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trecut la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toa
rea ntrebare:
\plain\par
f}i arde pielea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2733 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n clipa de fa{
\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a aruncat o privire spre mu
l{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 observat. Nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum o sim{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}eam eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 datorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii, ns{\
f63 \u259\'3f} uneori mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 avea o capacitate supranatural{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ami sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi si
mt{\f63 \u259\'3f} aura, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram suficient de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 aproape, din moment ce to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i utilizator
ii spiritului
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pretindeau c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n jurul celor atin{\f63
\u351\'3f}i de umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cmpul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 luminos era extrem de clar. Mi-a zmbit u{\f63 \u351\'
3f}or, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 a redevenit atent{\f63 \u259\'3f} la interogatoriu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, mereu vigilent, a
observat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea se mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}case.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat din priviri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce anume i distr{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, m-a z
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a ezitat pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1221 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea ntrebar
e a lui Reece, care era:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri592 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai observat da
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} uneori {\f63 \u355\'3f}i se nro{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc ochii?
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri m-a privit fix timp de ct
eva secunde, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1352 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 care {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a smucit
capul napoi spre Reece.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am avut p
rea multe oglinzi prin preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} paznicii mei ar fi observat, d
ac-ar fi fost a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, niciunul dintre ei n-a zis ni
mic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Unul dintre gardienii afla{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i n apropierea lui a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 un mic zgomot. Izbutea cu greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} serios, i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 venea chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
ufneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n rs auzind ridicola
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}iruire de ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. Nu
reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam deloc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi aduc
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 aminte cum l chema, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai demult, cnd m
ai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m la Curte, {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuser{\f63 \u
259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 taifas {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar rseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
un pic ct fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} un vechi prieten de-al lui D
imitri ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} acesta redev
enise dhampir era un semn bun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Furios, moroiul de lng{\f63 \
u259\'3f} Reece {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a rotit privirea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 necercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama
de unde venise zgomotul,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} descopere ceva. Interogatoriul a continuat,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de data asta ocupndu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle dac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri ar fi fost
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dispus s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre n biseric{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, n cazul n care i s-ar fi cerut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pot s{\f63
\u259\'3f} intru chiar acum, le-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns el. Merg {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mine la slujb{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} v

re{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Reece a mai f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cut o nsemnare pe foile lui, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ndoial{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebndu-se dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
putea ruga pe preot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 stropeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Dimitri cu ap{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} sfin{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Toat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} chestia asta nu-i dect o comedie, mi-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}optit la ureche o voce cunoscut{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Fum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i oglinzi. Cam
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 asta-i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\
f63 \u351\'3f}ii Tasha.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1080 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian ajunsese ntre timp lng
{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar e necesar{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, i-am murmurat, n replic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ei sunt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1514 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 obliga{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} constate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai e strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, dar ab
ia au semnat legea privind limita de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Regina {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat a
cordul pentru chestia asta
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 imediat cum s-a ncheiat {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}a, pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e ceva
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional {\f63 \u351\'3f}i face ca
lumea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ndrepte aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia spre o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noutate. Abia a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}it, n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} evacueze sala.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1331 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Hei, ia duce{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i-v{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spectac
olul!"
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aproape c-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i auzeam, cuvnt cu cuvnt, pe Tasha
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 spunnd toate astea. Oricum, era mult adev{\f63 \u259\
'3f}r la mijloc.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Eram sf{\f63 \u351\'3f}iat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de sentime
nte contradictorii. mi doream
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ca Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie liber. Voiam s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie din nou cel de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dinainte. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nu
-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tatiana
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nscena povestea asta n favoarea propriilor avantaje
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 politice, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ar fi interesat-o ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} dreptate. Era, poate, cea mai mon
umental{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntmplare din istoria noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u3
50\'3f}i era necesar fie tratat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca atare. Soarta lui Dimitri n-ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} reprezinte
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un {\f63 \u8222\'3f}intermezzo" care s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} le distrag{\f63 \u259\'3f} tuturor aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 o lege nedreapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Acum Reece le cerea att Liss
ei, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui Dimitri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 descrie exact ceea ce tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iser{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n noaptea atacului.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
o poveste pe care o repetaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cteva ori. Cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri fusese pn
{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imaginea vie a p{\f63 \u259\'
3f}cii suflete{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a inofensivit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, tot
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam n el acel sentiment cenu{\f63
\u351\'3f}iu, al vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei din cauza a ceea ce f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cuse pe cnd era strigoi.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu toate acestea, cnd s-a ntors s-o asculte pe Lissa
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 relatnd propria versiune asupra ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri
lor, fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a i s-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 luminat de uimire. De venera{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. De a
dora{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Gelozia m-a fulgerat prin to
t sufletul. Sentimentele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lui pentru mine nu aveau nimic amoros n ele, ns{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 conta. Ceea ce conta era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe mine m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} respinsese, n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 timp ce pe ea o privea ca pe cea mai mare minune a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lumii. Mie mi ceruse s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai vorbesc
niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu el,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce Lissei i jurase c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} totul pentru ea.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m-am sim{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}it iritat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din pricina acestei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nedrept{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Refuzam s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el nu mai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \
u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 iubeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era imposibil, dup{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} toate cele prin care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m amndoi. Imposibil, dup{\f63
\u259\'3f} tot ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}iser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m unul pentr
u cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Par s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie destul de apropia{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a constatat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian, cu o voce b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuitoare. Nu av
eam vreme s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 explic c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ngrijorarea lui erau nentemeia
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud ce avea dispus Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Povestea transform{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rii lui era greu de urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit pentru
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, n mare m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{
\f63 \u259\'3f} din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} utilizarea spiritului
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era destul de prost n{\f63 \u355\'3
f}eleas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Reece a scos tot ce-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putut din ea, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i-a ndreptat tirul ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asupra lui Hans. Pentru Hans, practic nu era nevoie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de un interogatoriu extensiv
. El era omul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunii, nu al vorbelor. Strngnd n mn{\f
63 \u259\'3f} o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cerut lui Dimitri s-o ating{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Gardienii afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i prin
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-au ncordat, probabil gndindu-s
e la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eventualitatea n care Dimitri ar fi ncercat s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} n{\f63 \u351\'3f}face
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}cel cu ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n schimb, Dimitri a ntins calm
mna {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vrful {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ei pentru ctev
a momente. S-a auzit un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 icnet colectiv, toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}teptnd ca el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urle de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 durere, din moment ce strigoii nu se puteau atinge de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri254 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 argintul fermecat. Dimpotriv{\f63
\u259\'3f}: Dimitri p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea plictisit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Apoi, i-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sat pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu gurile c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scate. Tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gn
du-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mna napoi, a ntins spre Hans partea inferioar{\f63 \u259
\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 antebra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ului s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u muscu
los. Vremea fiind nsorit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe el un tricou care-i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa dezgolit{\
f63 \u259\'3f} pielea n partea
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 aceea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1567 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cresteaz{\f63
\u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a cerut lui Hans.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Acesta a ridicat din sprncean{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri237 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{\f63 \u259

\'3f} te crestez, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te doar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, indiferent ce-ai
fi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac-a{\f63 \u351
\'3f} fi strigoi, durerea ar fi insuportabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 precizat Dimitri. Pe chip i se cite
au ncrncenarea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea. Era acel Dimitri pe care-l v
{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem luptndu\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se, acel Dimitri care nu se d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea nici
odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} napoi.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Haide, a insistat el. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} menaja.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 La nceput, Hans nu a reac{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ionat. n mod evident, era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o ntors{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} a situa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}iei cu totul nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru el. n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, un fulger de hot{\f63
\u259\'3f}rre i-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut chipul,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Hans a lovit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}fichi
uind cu vrful {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ei pielea lui
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum i ceruse, nu l-a menaj
at. Vrful a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 crestat adnc, iar sngele a {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'
3f}nit. Mai mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i moroi,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nui{\f63
\u355\'3f}i cu vederea sngelui (cu excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cazurilor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n care era vorba s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l bea), au icnit n f
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unui tablou
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 att de violent. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ca unul ne-am apl
ecat n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Pe chipul lui Dimitri se ved
ea clar durerea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 argintul fermecat nu le provoca strigoilor numai dur
ere:
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 i ardea, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu. Doar crestasem
destui strigoi cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i-i auzisem urlnd n chinuri cumplite. Dimitri
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o grimas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat buzele, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sngele i se scurgea pe bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}. {\f63 \u3
50\'3f}i jur c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i citeam mndria
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n ochi, pentru capacitatea lui de a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mne neclintit ntr\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 o astfel de ncercare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cnd a devenit evident pentru
toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se zvrcoleasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Lissa s-a apropiat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de el. I-am ghicit inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia: voia s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-l lecuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
1\'3f}teapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a zis Hans. Un strigoi s-ar vindeca de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 rana asta n cteva minute.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Eram nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i recunosc iste{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea lui Hans.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Contopise dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} teste ntr-unul singur. D
imitri i-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adresat o privire recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, iar
Hans i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} nclinare a capu
lui, n semn c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elesese.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Hans credea, acum mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama. Ori
cte p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar fi avut, Hans credea cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} since
ritatea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 redevenise dhampir. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, pentru asta, o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l iubesc
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic, indiferent ct de mult m-ar mai
pune s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ndosariez hr{\f63 \u355\'3f}oage.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f}, am stat cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vedem pe Dim
itri
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cum sngereaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era o priveli{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}te destul de nepl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, ns{\f63 \u259\
'3f} testul a avut efect. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea a v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 limpede c{\f63 \u259\'3f} t{\
f63 \u259\'3f}ietura nu urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimic n plus.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a primit n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it permisiunea s-o
vindece, iar
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 asta a provocat o reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie zgomotoas{\f
63 \u259\'3f} n rndul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}imii. Murmurele de mirare m-au ncon
jurat, iar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 acele expresii captivate, adoratoare, ca fa{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o zei{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 au ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut pe chipurile multora.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1438 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Reece {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a roti
t privirea peste public.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1761 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai are cinev
a vreo ntrebare?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nimeni nu s-a ncumetat. Erau cu to
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii n{\f63 \u259\'3f}uci{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2254 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce vedeau n fa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}a ochilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ei bine, cineva tot trebuia
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} pasul nainte. La
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 propriu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1101 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am eu, am zis
, pornind n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lor.
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 Nu, Rose\i0 , m-a implorat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n ochii lui Dimitri a ap{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rut o und{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nemul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 De fapt, to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei di
n jur aveau cam aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i expresie. n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 clipa n care privirea lui Reece s-a oprit asupra mea,
am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 avut senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} vedea din nou n sala Sfatului,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 strigndu-i Tatianei c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e o c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}arnic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Mi-am nfipt
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 minile n {\f63 \u351\'3f}olduri, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f
63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pese de ce gndeau ei. Era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansa mea de a-l obliga pe Dimitri s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd\i erai\
i0 strigoi, am nceput, avnd grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 accentuez faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeam despre tre
cut, aveai un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sistem de rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii foarte bine pus la p
unct. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiai locurile
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n care se afl{\f63 \u259\'3f} o mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime
de strigoi prin Rusia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3019 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Statele Unite, corect?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri m-a studiat cu prude
n{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 intuiasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} unde voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} ajung.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li286 \ri4549 \expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2641 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Le mai {\f63
\u351\'3f}tii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-acum?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a ncruntat. Avea impresia
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nechibzuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dau de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
Dimitri nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ar afla n leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu a
l{\f63 \u355\'3f}i strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, a r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spuns el. Cu condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ca niciuna dintre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile mele s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu s
e fi mutat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul so
sise mult mai repede de data asta. Nu\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama precis dac{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-mi ghicise tactica, sau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar avea ncredere n faptul c{\f63
\u259\'3f} logica-de-tip-Rose
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre c
eva folositor.
\plain\par
1\'3f}ti dispus s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u
351\'3f}e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti gardienilor aceste
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii? l-am ntrebat. E{\f63 \u351\
'3f}ti dispus s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne divulgi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ascunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}torile strigoilor, astfel nct s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} putem porni un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3240 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 atac mpotriva lor?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aici s-a produs o reac{\f63
\u355\'3f}ie. C{\f63 \u259\'3f}utarea inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strigoilor era un subiect dezb{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut cu
la fel de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aprindere ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i toate celelalte aflate
la ordinea zilei,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ambele tabere avnd opinii greu de clintit. Chiar s-au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 auzit astfel de opinii, reluate de cei prezen{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i n spatele
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 meu, n mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime, unii afirmnd c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} propunerea mea era
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 sinuciga{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp ce al
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii recuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}teau faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dispuneam de un instrument valoros.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n ochii lui Dimitri s-a apri
ns o lumini{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era acea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 privire adoratoare pe care i-o adresa frecvent Lisse
i, dar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nu-mi mai p{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa. Sem{\f63 \u259\'3f}na
cu felul n care ne priveam n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acele momente n care ne n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegeam att de
minunat,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nct nu mai era nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne exprim{\f63
\u259\'3f}m gndurile prin
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vorbe. Leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu
ra aceea s-a sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it ca un fulger ntre noi,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1493 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncuviin{\f63
\u355\'3f}area lui... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i recuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3
f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, a r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spuns el, cu o voce puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sun{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Pot s{\f63
\u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun tot ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cu privire la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 planurile {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ascunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor
ile strigoilor. Sunt dispus s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nfrunt mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu voi sau s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn deoparte: cum
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 vre{\f63 \u355\'3f}i voi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Hans s-a aplecat n fa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe scaunul lui, cu o
re ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar putea fi
ceva de nepre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit, a zis. Iat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
alte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 puncte n favoarea lui Hans. Era de partea celor care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 voiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i lovim pe strigoi, pn{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nu se aruncau asupra
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Reece s-a nro{\f63 \u351\'3f
}it... sau poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea b{\f63 \u259\'3f
}taia
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 soarelui. n str{\f63 \u259\'3f}dania lor de a vedea d
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri va fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mistuit de soare, moroii se expuneau ei n{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}i unui
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 evident discomfort.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ia sta{\f63
\u355\'3f}i pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, a exclamat el, peste larma
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 crescnd{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Aceasta n-a reprezentat nici
odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} o tactic{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recurgem. n plus, este posibil
ca el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 mint{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Un {\f63 \u355\'3f}ip{\f63
\u259\'3f}t de femeie i-a ntrerupt protestele. Un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u355\
'3f}el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moroi, nu mai mare de {\f63 \u351\'3f}ase ani, se des
prinsese brusc
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 din mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alerga s
pre noi. Mama lui fusese cea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipase. M-am repezit s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-l opresc, prinzndu-l de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}. Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} temeam c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri i-ar fi putut face vreun
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, ci doar ca nu cumva mama b{\f63
\u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u355\'3f}elului s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se sperie
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntr-att, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreun infarct. Ea s-a apropiat,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 avnd pe chip un aer de recuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am ntreb{\f
63 \u259\'3f}ri, a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at b{\f63 \u259\'3f}iatul, cu o voce fira
v{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ar
ate curajos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mama lui a vrut s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-l ia de-acolo, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} am oprit-o,
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ridicnd un bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Numai o sec
und{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-am cobort privirea spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri830 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u355\'3
f}el, zmbindu-i. Ce vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebi? Hai, zi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n spatele b{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie
{\f63 \u355\'3f}elului, vedeam frica pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mamei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri551 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sale care tot arunca priviri neli
ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}tite spre Dimitri.
\plain\par
259\'3f} am grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu i se-ntmple nimic r{\f63 \u
259\'3f}u, am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asigurat-o n {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea nu avea de unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
respect promisiunea. Cu toate
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 acestea, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas pe loc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2014 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Reece {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat
ochii peste cap.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E ridic...
\plain\par
3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti strigoi, l-a ntrerupt b{\f63 \u259\'3f}iatul, cu voce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri18 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tare, atunci de ce nu ai coarne? Pr
ietenul meu Jeffrey
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 zice c{\f63 \u259\'3f} strigoii au coarne.
\plain\par
}, privirea lui Dimitri nu s-a-ndreptat
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 spre b{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat, ci spre mine. Din nou, ace
a scnteie de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegere a {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351
\'3f}nit dinspre unul spre cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. Apoi, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chipul senin {\f63 \u351\'3f}i plin de secriozitate,
Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2295 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ochii spre b{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Strigoii nu
au coarne. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi avut, n-ar fi

\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 contat, findc{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu nu sunt strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Strigoii au
ochii ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii, i-am explicat micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ului. {\f63 \u354
\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2310 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ochii
lui ar fi ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri2325 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}iatul a
venit mai n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2984 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Sunt c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}prui.
\plain\par
}i ce altceva mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii despre strigoi? l-am ntrebat.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}C{\f63 \u259\'3f} au col{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i, la fel ca noi, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns b{\f63 \u259\'3f}iatul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai col{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i? l-am ntrebat pe Dimitri, pe un ton
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
g{\f63 \u259\'3f}nat. Aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un ter
en deja b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}torit,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} problema c{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ta un aspect cu totul nou dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 abordat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din perspectiva unui copil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a zmbit: un zmbet plin
, minunat, care m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prinsese nepreg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Zmbetele de genul acela erau att
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de rare la el! Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cnd era bucuros
, sau amuzat, nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zmbeasc{\f63
\u259\'3f} dect pe jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate. n schimb,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zmbetul acesta era unul autentic {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i dezvelise to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, la fel de uniformi ca ai oric
{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui om sau dhampir.
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Nici urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de col{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2145 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}iatul a r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}mas impresionat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Gata, Jonathan,
a zis mama lui, ngrijorat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. L-ai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2155 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat. Acum, hai s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} mergem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Strigoii s
unt super-tari, a continuat Jonathan, care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} aspira s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devi
n{\f63 \u259\'3f} avocat, pe viitor. Nimic nu
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}neasc{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu m-am deranjat s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-l corectez, de team{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i doreasc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum e dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
se str{\f63 \u259\'3f}punge
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 inima lui Dimitri cu o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351
\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De fapt, chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 miram de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Reece nu solicitase
deja a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri189 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Jonathan l-a fixat pe Dimitri cu
o privire sfredelitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1363 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu e{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ti super-tare? Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii r{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}nit?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} da, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Dimitri. Sunt tare, dar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri601 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot felul d
e lucruri care pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}neasc{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i atunci, d
in moment ce eram Rose Hathaway, nu s\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i spun b{\f63 \u259\'3f
}iatului un lucru pe care chiar n-ar
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-l spun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri296 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai bine te-ai
duce s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dai un pumn, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afli.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mama lui Jonathan a {\f63 \u355\'
3f}ipat iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam de-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 face cu un mic pezevenghi foarte ra
pid, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} femeia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l prind{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. A rupt-o la fug{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre Dimitri
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} opri
cineva {\f63 \u8212\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, eu a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-a izbit cu pum
ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}orul n genunchi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, cu acelea{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i reflexe care-i permiteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eschiveze atacurile adversarilor, Dimitri s-a pref{\f
63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 imediat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}e{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pe spate, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi fost
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dobort de pumnul lui lonathan. Prinzndu-se cu

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 minile de genunchi, a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} geam{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 suferit dureri cumplite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mai multe persoane au izbucn
it n hohote de rs {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntre timp, unul dintre ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardien
i a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prind{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Jonathan {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-l dea mamei sale, ajuns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pragul isteriei. n timp ce-l duceau de-acolo, Jonatha
n a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mai aruncat o privire peste um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r n dir
ec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mie nu mi s
e pare prea puternic. Nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Replica lui a provocat nc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} o salv{\f63 \u259\'3f} de rsete, iar cel
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de-al treilea moroi participant la interogatoriu, car
e
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse, a pu
fnit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ridicat de pe scaunul
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 lui.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am a
flat tot ce voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu. Nu sunt de p{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rere c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar trebui l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} umbl
e peste tot f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zit, dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mi-e clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e strigoi. Da{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i-i o locuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 trebuie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i doar c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva gardieni s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd se vor lua alte hot{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3914 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1409 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt moroi
i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut semn s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tac{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-are rost s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} mai pierdem vremea. E foarte cald,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu vreau s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc la culcare. Nu afirm c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u
351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles ce s-a ntmplat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
aceasta este cea mai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 neimportant{\f63 \u259\'3f} dintre problemele noastr
e, n clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai ales cnd jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate din membrii Sfatu
lui vor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 suceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} gtul celor din cealalt{\f63 \u
259\'3f} jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate, pe tema
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 decretului cu vrsta. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} am v{\f63 \u
259\'3f}zut ceva ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi, atunci
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut un lucru bun; ba chiar miracu
los. Un lucru
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 care ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne schimbe modul de v
ia{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 raportez totul Maiest{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ii Sale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, cu asta,
lumea a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mpr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tie, ns{\f63
\u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unde chipuri observam mirarea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i acei
a ncepeau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 priceap{\f63 \u259\'3f} cil, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot
ceea ce se ntmplase cu Dimitri
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 era adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, atunci tot ce {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tiusem vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strigoi era pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se schimbe. Gar
dienii au r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 desigur, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeasc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Dimitri, care se ridicase {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 urmat de Lissa. M-am ndreptat imediat spre ei,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lzesc la flac{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra trium
fului.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Cnd fusese {\f63 \u8222\'3f}dobort" de pumnul minuscul
al lui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Jonathan, Dimitri mi adresase un mic zmbet, f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cndu\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi tresalte inima
. Atunci, am {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}elasem. nc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea la mine. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum, ct ai clipi,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura stabilit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre
noi disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse. V{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndrept spre el, Dimitri s-a schimba
t la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, afi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nd
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 din nou o expresie rece {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prudent{\f
63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 Rose\i0 , mi-a zis Lissa,
prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i Du-te,
\plain\expndtw-8 \i \f20 \fs24 acum. Las{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l n pace.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba, pe naib
a, am zis cu voce tare, att n chip de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns pentru ea, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i de interpelarea lui. N-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} contribui la limpezirea cazulu

i t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ne descurca
m perfect {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} tine, a zis Dimit
ri,
\plain\expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}eap{\f63 \u259\'3f}n.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, da? am r
eplicat, nevenindu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 auzeam. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}reai destul de recunosc{\f63
\u259\'3f}tor acum cteva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 minute, cnd am venit cu ideea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne aju
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mpotriva
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 strigoilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a ntors capul spre Li
ssa. A vorbit cu voce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri456 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 joas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar cuvinte
le lui tot au ajuns {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2486 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu vreau s-o
mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar trebuie! am
exclamat. C{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva dintre cei care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri18 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 plecau s-au oprit s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce era g{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u259\'3f}gia asta. Nu po{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3966 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ignori!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1706 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}F{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plece, a mrit Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am de gnd...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4016 \expndtw-14 \i \f20 \fs24 ROSE!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri19 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul Lissei
mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat n cap, nchizndu-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gura. Ochii aceia sfredelitori, ca
jadul, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} fixar{\f63 \u259\'3f} intens.
\plain\expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 Vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l aju{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, sa
u nu? Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai aici {\f63 \u351\'3f}i urli la el, n-o
\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l su
peri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult! Asta vrei? Vrei ca
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lume
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta? S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vad{\f63 \u259
\'3f} enervndu-se {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw4 \i \f20 \fs24 urlnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el la tine, doar ca s{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu te mai sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 invizibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Trebuie ca ei s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-l vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} ct mai calm.

\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vad{\f63 \u259\'3f}..
. normal. E adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat: tu i-ai fost de
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 ajutor. Dar, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu pleci chiar a
cum, po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} strici tot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am holbat ngrozit{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} la amndoi, n timp ce inima
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi sparg{\f
63 \u259\'3f} pieptul. Cuvintele ei se auziser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 numai n mintea mea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa putea la f
el de bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 se fi repezit la mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} mi le fi aruncat n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu voce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tare. Firea mea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tima{\f63 \u351\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a aprins {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai tare. Eram
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 tentat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i bombardez
pe-amndoi cu tirade, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul cuvintelor ei a izbutit s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} domoleasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} furia care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuprinsese. Dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} f
i declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}at o scen{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu l-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ajutat cu nimic pe Dimitri. Era corect ca ei m{\f63
\u259\'3f} trimit{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 plimbare? Era corect ca ei doi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se c
oalizeze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ignore ceea ce tocmai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem? Nu. Da
r nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi las orgoliul r{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} strice tot ce abia ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inusem.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lumea trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l accepte pe Dimitri
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}getat
pe-amndoi cu o privire care exprima
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ct se poate de limpede gndurile mele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
am plecat ca
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o furtun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sentimentele Lissei, recept
ate de mine prin
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura dintre noi, se schimbaser{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} imediat n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 compasiune, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} le-am blocat p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}trunderea. Nu mai
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 voiam s-o aud.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Abia ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}isem
de pe domeniile bisericii, cnd am dat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 peste Daniella Ivashkov. Transpira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n
cepuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 strice frumosul machiaj, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spun n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea st{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tuse destul n soare, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}reasc{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spectacolul cu Dimitri. P{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie nso{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f} de do

u{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prietene, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acestea s-au {\f63 \u355
\'3f}inut la distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sporov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ind
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntre ele, n timp ce ea s-a oprit n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
mea. nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi furia, m-am str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-mi amintesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nimic ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} enervez
e. M-am silit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i zmbesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2130 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ziua, Lady Ivashkov
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Daniella, m-a co
rectat ea, cu bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63
\u259\'3f}m
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4179 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 titlurile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1827 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Scuze. nc{\f63
\u259\'3f} mi se pare ciudat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut semn d
in cap spre locul din care Dimitri
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri787 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa tocmai pl
ecau, escorta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de paznicii lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te-am v{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}zut acolo, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii. Cred c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} l-ai ajutat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u351\'3f}tig de cauz{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Bietul Reece s-a cam f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut de rs.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1222 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am amintit c{\f63 \u259\'3f
} Reece era rud{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ea.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O... mi pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. N-a
m vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu te scuza. Ree
ce mi-e unchi, dar n cazul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 acesta, cred n ceea ce afirm{\f63 \u
259\'3f} Vasilisa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i domnul
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Belikov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Cu toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fur
ia pe care tocmai mi-o strnise Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 instinctul meu visceral a resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n mo
d nepl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}area la titulatura de {\f63 \u8
222\'3f}gardian". {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, puteam
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s-o iert, dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiind atitudinea ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dumneavoast
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dumneata crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa l-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1111 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vindecat? C{\f63 \u259\'3f} stri
goii pot fi readu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seam
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} lume ncepuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cread{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Publicul de ast{\f63 \u259\'3
f}zi cam a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva demonstrase,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 iar num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul de adep{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
ai Lissei era nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}tere. Nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu de ce, dar tiparele gndirii mele m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 manifest tendin{\f63 \u355\'3
f}a de a presupune mereu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 familiile regale mi erau mpotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Zmbet
ul Daniellei
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a devenit un pic strmb.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Propriul me
u fiu este utilizator al spiritului. Din
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 moment ce accept asta, sunt nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} accept o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de alte lucruri pe care nu lea{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi crezut
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 posibile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cred c{\f63
\u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a e, am aprobat-o. Privind dincolo de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ea, am observat un b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbat moroi stnd la
umbra unor
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 copaci. Din cnd n cnd, privirea i se oprea asupra
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} jur c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}
zusem. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarele cuvinte ale Daniellei m-au
f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 concentrez din nou aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupra ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fiindc{\f63
\u259\'3f} vorbeam despre Adrian... te c{\f63 \u259\'3f}uta mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 devreme. Este pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in din scurt, poate,
dar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cteva rude de-ale lui Nathan care dau un cocktail cam
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 peste o or{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar Adrian ar vrea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} mergi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i petrecere. Oare numai cu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ndeletniceau cei de la Curte? Masacre, miracole...
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 astea nu contau. Toate reprezentau doar pretexte pen
tru
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 petreceri, m-am gndit cu am{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ciune.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
usesem cu Ambrose {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Rhonda, ct
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timp m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utase Adrian.
Era interesant. n timp ce-mi

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nmna invita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia, Daniella mi-a spus c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ea voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vin. Din nefericire, mi venea greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fiu deschis{\f63 \u259\'3f} la a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ceva. Rudele lui Nathan nsemnau familia Ivashkov, iar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ei sigur n-ar fi fost att de prieteno{\f63 \u351\'3f}
i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri266 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Va fi {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i regina acolo? am ntrebat-o, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuitoare.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li286 \ri2470 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, ea
are alte treburi.
\plain\par
'3f}ti sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}? F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} vizite inopinat
e?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 A izbucnit n rs.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Sunt absolut
sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lumea vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}te c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} simultan.
.. n-ar fi o idee
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4026 \expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 prea bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nu puteam dect s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-mi imaginez ce pove{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti circulau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cu privire la spectacolul dat de mine n sala Sfatului,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai ales c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tat{\f63
\u259\'3f}l lui Adrian fusese acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 depun{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturie pe tem
a asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, sigur n
u, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-a dat legea aia. Ce-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 ea...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Furia pe care o resim{\f63
\u355\'3f}isem mai devreme ncepuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 clocoteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63
\u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1766 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A fost de nei
ertat, am conchis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Individul acela ciudat de sub cop
ac a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3259 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 continu{\f63 \u259\'3f}re. De c
e?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Daniella nici nu mi-a confir
mat, dar nici nu mi-a
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 contrazis vorbele, ceea ce m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreb pe ce
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie situa ea, cu privire la acel
subiect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1149 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Totu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te simpatizeaz
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am pufnit dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1188 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi vine foarte
greu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 De obicei, persoanele care url{\
f63 \u259\'3f} la tine n public nu te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}simpatizeaz{\f63 \
u259\'3f}" prea tare, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i masc
a de calm a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Tatianei c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuse spre finalul ciorov{\
f63 \u259\'3f}ielii noastre.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Este
adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. Toate acestea vor trece, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} ar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} existe {\f63 \u351\'3f}an
se ca tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii repartizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Vasilisa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu cred c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti serios, am exclamat. Dar ar fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc mai
bine. Daniella Ivashkov nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea genul care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} de glume; {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\
'3f}i, credeam
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrecuse
m m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sura cu Tatiana.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dup{\f63 \
u259\'3f} tot ce s-a ntmplat, ei nu vor s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i irosea
sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardienii de valoare. n plus, ea nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
dore{\f63 \u351\'3f}te s{\f63 \u259\'3f} existe
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 animozit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ntre voi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da? Ei bine
, n-am nevoie de mit{\f63 \u259\'3f} din partea ei!
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i nchipuie c{\f63
\u259\'3f}, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-l n libertate pe Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 fluturndu-mi pe sub nas o slujb{\f63 \u259\'3f} regal
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi schimb p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rerea,
se n{\f63 \u351\'3f}al{\f63 \u259\'3f}! E o mincinoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u35

0\'3f}i-o
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 intrigant{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am oprit brusc. Ridicasem
tonul destul de mult
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le atrag aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia p
rietenelor Daniellei, care m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 priveau acum {\f63 \u355\'3f}int{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\
f63 \u350\'3f}i chiar nu-mi doream s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rostesc n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Daniellei epitetele pe care cons
ideram c{\f63 \u259\'3f} le merita
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi cer scuze
, am zis, ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} redevin
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 civilizat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Transmite-i lui Adrian c-o
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 petrecere... dar dumneata chiar vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} vin? Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut neinvitat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la c
eremonia de acum dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}i? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1241 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}, hm, alte lu
cruri pe rare le-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2259 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Daniella a scuturat din cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru ceea ce
s-a ntmplat la ceremonie, Adrian
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 este fel de vinovat ca tine. Ce-a
fost a fost, iar Tatiana a
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trecut cu vederea incidentul.
Petrecerea asta este un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 eveniment mult mai relaxant, iar d
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} el vrea ca tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 acolo, atunci vreau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu, ca s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit.
\plain\par
59\'3f} duc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac un du{\f63 \u351\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} schimb, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 vin, peste o or{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la voi acas{\f63 \u
259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Avusese suficient tact, nct s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} ignore izbucnirea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mea de mai devreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri760 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Minunat! {\f63
\u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se va bucura s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 N-am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mai
spun {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de fapt, eu m{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 bucuram la gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac parad{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a unor
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkovi, spernd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vestea va ajunge
pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la Tatiana.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nu mai credeam deloc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea ar fi acce
ptat rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia dintre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Adrian, sau c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
va l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa ca izbucnirea mea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}
r{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, sincer{\f63 \u259\'3
f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, chiar voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe Adrian. n ultima vreme, nu prea
avuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 timp s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de vorb{
\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce Danie
lla {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prietenele ei au plecat, m-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gndit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} venise momentul s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} iau taurul de coarne. M\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 am dus direct spre moroiul care pndea n apropiere, cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 minile n {\f63 \u351\'3f}olduri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri820 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, l-am luat
la rost. Cine e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ce vrei?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nu era dect cu vreo c{\f63 \u355\'
3f}iva ani mai mare dect mine
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rea deloc descump{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit de atitudinea mea de tip{\f63 \u259\'3f
}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-a zmbit {\f63 \u351\'3f}mecher
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntreb nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} unde-l
mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri260 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am un mesaj pe
ntru tine, a zis. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}te cadouri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a nmnat o saco{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f} voluminoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Privind
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, am v{\f63 \u
259\'3f}zut un laptop, cteva cabluri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\par
\plain\pard\sl-247 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 multe foi de hrtie. Mi-am ridi
cat privirea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2934 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nencrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare spre
el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3423 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-s astea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lucruri de care
ai nevoie ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mergi mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 departe... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu tre
buie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle nimeni despre asta. n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 bilet o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \
u351\'3f}ti toate explica{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu te juca
de-a filmele cu spioni cu mine! Nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c un deget pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi
...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 n clipa aceea, mi-a picat fis
a. l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem la Sf.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Vladimir, cnd absolvisem; se-nvrtise ntruna pe\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acolo, la o oarecare distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Am sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat un geam{\f63 \u259\'3f}t,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegndu-i acum secretomania... {\f63
\u351\'3f}i atitudinea {\f63 \u355\'3f}an{\f63 \u355\'3f}o{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2669 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lucrezi
pentru Abe.
\plain\par
expndtw-16 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I PATRU
\plain\par
\sl-270\fs27\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1207 \expndtw-4 \b \f20 \fs24 TIPUL
MI-A R{\f63 \u258\'3f}SPUNS\b0 cu un rnjet.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1631 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O spui de par
c-ar fi ceva de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-am strmbat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am
privit din nou n saco{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1630 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aparatur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu o p
re{\f63 \u355\'3f}uire cu totul nou{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3184 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care-i treaba
?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu sunt dect m
esagerul. Nu fac dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri971 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ndeplinesc misiunile date de domnu
l Mazur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu cumva e
un mod mai dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f} de a spune c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa
ci
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pe spionul pentru el? C{\f63 \u259\'3f} le afli tutur
or secretele
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 murdare, astfel nct el s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} le poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} folosi mpotriva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1322 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 unora {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n continuare jocurile?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Abe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie totul despre toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea: mai
ales
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 despre politicile regale. Cum altfel s-ar fi descurca
t,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu avea ochi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ur
echi pretutindeni? Ca, de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 exemplu, la Curte? De unde puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1350 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mpnzise {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mie came
ra cu microfoane?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u8
222\'3f}Spion" e un cuvnt cam aspru, a comentat tipul,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am remarcat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ne
gase totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. n plus, pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}te{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 bine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i e un patron pe cinste.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cu asta, aproape c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} mi-a ntors spatele, misiunea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fiind ndeplinit{\f63 \u259\'3f}; dar mi-a mai dat un
ultim avertisment:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dup{\f63 \u
259\'3f} cum {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am spus: e o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} delicat{\f63
\u259\'3f} n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri458 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a timpului.
Cite{\f63 \u351\'3f}te biletul ct po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de repede.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
venea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} arunc cu saco{\f63 \u351\'3f}a dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 individ. ncepeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
bi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuiesc cu ideea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fiica lui Abe, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta nu nsemna c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-mi doream s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 trezesc nclcit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}t
ie ce intrig{\f63 \u259\'3f} smintit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-a lui.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, o saco{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f} cu echipament informatic era
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ispititoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Oricum, mi-am c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rat saco{\f63 \u351\'3f}a pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} n camer{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i i-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de{\f63 \u351\'3f}ertat con{\f63 \u355\'3f}inutul pe
pat. Erau cteva coli de hrtie,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cea de deasupra fiind o scrisoare; pe plic, literele
erau
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 tip{\f63 \u259\'3f}rite.
\plain\par
\sl-276\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4142 \expndtw-14 \i \f20 \fs24 Rose,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 Sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Tad a
fost n m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i t
ransmit{\f63 \u259\'3f} mesajul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 la timp. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mai
sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai fost prea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}cioas{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cu el.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 Fac asta n favoarea cuiva
care vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discute cu tine
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 despre un subiect urgent. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, e
ste vorba despre o
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie care nu trebuie s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie auzit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nimeni
\plain\expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 altcineva. Laptopul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i modemul cu c
onectare prin
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 satelit aflate n saco{\f63 \u351\'3f}a asta {\f63 \u
355\'3f}i vor permite s{\f63 \u259\'3f} por{\f63 \u355\'3f}i o
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie particular{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, att timp ct te afli ntr-un loc
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 izolat. Am inclus instruc{\f63 \u355\'3f}iuni pascu-pas privitoare la
\plain\expndtw3 \i \f20 \fs24 configurare. ntlnirea va avea loc la ora {\f63 \u351
\'3f}apte
\plain\expndtw-12 \i \f20 \fs24 diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\sl-276\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu exi
sta nicio semn{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar nici n-aveam nevoie.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat jos scrisoarea, holbndu-m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} la v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lm{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}agul de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cabluri. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la {\f63 \u351\'3f}apte m
ai aveam mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in de o or{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri759 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, mai d{\f63
\u259\'3f}-o-\i ncolo\i0 , mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ule, am exclamat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Spre lauda lui Abe, documentele ns
o{\f63 \u355\'3f}itoare chiar
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cuprindeau instruc{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
uni extrem de simple, care nu
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 necesitau cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e de
specialitate n domeniul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 computerelor. Singura problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} consta n
faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 erau prea multe, am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nun{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ind unde trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie fiecare
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cablu, care anume era parola cu care trebuia s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 conectezi, cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} configurezi modemul
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 departe. Pentru o clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a trecut p
rin minte c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le ignor pe toate. ns{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, atunci cnd unul ca Abe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 folosea termenul de urgent, asta m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{

\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gndesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}besc prea tare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 refuz.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, ncordndu-mi puterile pentru cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acroba{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii tehnice, am urmat instruc{\f
63 \u355\'3f}iunile. Asta mi-a
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 luat aproape ntregul timp dis
ponibil, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} am izbutit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 conectez modemul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
camera video {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} accesez
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 programul securizat care-mi permitea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} intru ntr-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 videoconferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu mist
erioasa cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Abe.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am terminat cu cteva minute mai devreme {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat momentul stabilit privind fix
fereastra neagr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din mijlocul ecranului, ntrebndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ce
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vram.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 La ora {\f63 \u351\'3f}apte
fix, fereastra a prins via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o f
igur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 familiar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ns{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nea{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1671 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sydney? am ntr
ebat, surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Imaginea video avea acela{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or tremurat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intermitent ca majoritatea transmis
iunilor pe internet,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a, fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a (cvasi) prietenei mele Sydney mi\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a zmbit n replic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Avea un zmbet lipsit d
e veselie,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ceva tipic pentru ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun{\f63 \
u259\'3f} diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, mi-a zis, n{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f}
indu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i un c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} starea n care-i era p{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rul blond, lung pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbie, probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} abi
a coborse din pat. Chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 rezolu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia aceea slab{\f63 \u259\'3f},
tatuajul auriu de pe obraz i

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sclipea. To{\f63 \u355\'3f}i Alchimicii purtau acel
tatuaj. Era f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o cerneal{\f63 \u259\'3f} special{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i cu snge de moroi, atribuindu-i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 purt{\f63 \u259\'3f}torului s{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63
\u259\'3f}tatea de fier {\f63 \u351\'3f}i longevitatea moroilor.
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 n el mai fusese ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 constrngere, prin care membrii societ{\f63 \u259\'3f}{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ii secre{\f63 \u355\'3f}e a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tilor erau mpiedica{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luie lucrurile
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 importante despre existen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a vampirilo
r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri825 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun{\f63
\u259\'3f} seara, am corectat-o. Nu diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Putem
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} da
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 contradictoriu pe tema aberantului
vostru orar p{\f63 \u259\'3f}gn, a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 replicat ea. Nu pentru asta te-am c{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
tat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, pe
ntru ce? m-am interesat, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} uimit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d. Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii {\f63
\u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau meseria aproape f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\
'3f} voia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Sydn
ey m{\f63 \u259\'3f} agrea mai mult dect pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 majoritatea moroilor sau a dhampirilor, nu era genul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} recurg{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ape
luri telefonice (sau video) numai
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 din prietenie. Ia stai... nu se poate s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fii n Rusia, mi-am
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 dat seama deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu, dac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} e diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi amintesc cum era cu schimbarea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de fus orar. Da, pentru oamenii de-acolo, soarele
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi apus, sau s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} apun{\f63 \u259\'3f} chiar acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M-am ntors n
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ara mea natal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea, cu
o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 grandoare pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am
primit un post nou, n New
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Orleans.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hopa, ce d
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}! am zis, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} Sydney detesta
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie repartizat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n Ru
sia, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} impresia mea fusese c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259
\'3f} acolo pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la terminarea misiunii ei de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 alchimist. Cum ai reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it? am ntrebat-o
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Micul ei zmbet s-a transforma
t ntr-o expresie
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 jenat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, da. Abe
, hm, mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un serviciu. A f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fie posibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2476 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cut un trg cu el?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Asta nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Syd
ney detesta\i de-a binelea\i0 Rusia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Iar influen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui Ab
e trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi mers foarte n
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 profunzime, dac{\f63 \u259\'3
f} a putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afecteze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o organiza{\f63 \u355\'3
f}ie
\plain\expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 uman{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
3f}i ce i-ai dat n schimb? Sufletul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci o astfel
de glum{\f63 \u259\'3f} la adresa unei persoane att
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de credincioase ca ea nu era ceva p
rea nimerit. Sigur,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea credea despre moroi
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dhampiri c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}neau cu suflete, a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, poate, comentariul meu nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 era chiar attl de deplasat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tocmai asta
-i treaba, a replicat ea. A fost un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aranjament de genul {\f63 \u8222\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
dau eu de {\f63 \u351\'3f}tire cnd o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de un serviciu pe viitor".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2924 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fraiero, i-am
zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hei, s-a r{\f63
\u259\'3f}stit ea. Nu sunt obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac chesti
a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 asta. n realitate,\i eu\i0 {\f63 \u
355\'3f}i fac {\f63 \u355\'3f}ie un serviciu, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vorbesc cu tine.
\plain\par
3f}i de ce anume vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cu mine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i pun mai multe ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri despre pactul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 acela n coad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe{\
f63 \u351\'3f}te cu diavolul, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nchipuit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-ar fi deconectat pur {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i simplu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Sydney a oftat {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtat cteva {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63
\u355\'3f}e de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\f63 \u259\'3f} te ntreb ceva. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i jur c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te dau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de gol... Am nevoie doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cunosc ade
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ne mai pierdem timpul cu o anumit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pr
oblem{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3925 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 Te rog, nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
treba despre Victor\i0 , am implorat n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4399 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 gnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri141 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai p{\f63
\u259\'3f}truns prin efrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie undeva, n ultima vreme?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Fir-ar s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} fie. Oricum, mi-am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strat o fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
} perfect
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 neutr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3100 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}La ce te refe
ri?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unele documente
din arhiva Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tilor au fost
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sustrase recent, mi-a explicat ea.
Acum, atitudinea ei
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 era ntru totul serioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i profesional{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ceasul mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ncer
cnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama cine a
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de ce.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n sinea mea, am oftat u{\f63
\u351\'3f}urat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. OK. Nu era vorba
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 despre Tarasov. Slav{\f63 \u259\'3f} Domnului c{\f63
\u259\'3f} era vorba de o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 infrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune de care nu m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Abia apoi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m-a izbit ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntreaga semnifica{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ie a cuvintelor ei. M\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am ncruntat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ia stai. A{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i fost jefui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i tocmai pe
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mine? Credeam c-am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it de pe lista
voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de creaturi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3990 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 ale r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ului!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Niciun dham
pir n-a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it de pe lista mea de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 creaturi ale r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ului, a zis ea. A zmbit
din nou cu
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate de gur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era o glum{\f63 \u259\'3f} sau nu. Oricum, sursul i sa {\f63 \u351\'3f}ters repede
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de pe chip. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, crede-m{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e cineva
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trund{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} n arhiva noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti aceea. Nu e
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 deloc u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or. Practic, e imposibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hm... mul{\
f63 \u355\'3f}umesc? Nu eram sigur{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt flatat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur, a co
ntinuat ea, dispre{\f63 \u355\'3f}uitoare, n-au sustras
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dect documente pe hrtie, ceea ce a fost o prostie. n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 zilele noastre, totul este copiat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s
tocat n format
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 digital, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu sigur de ce s-au a
pucat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 scormoneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin du
lapurile cu acte de pe vremea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dinozaurilor.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ofer eu o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de motive pe
ntru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care ar face cineva una ca asta, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ma
i important era
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu de ce eram eu suspectul num{\
f63 \u259\'3f}rul unu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Zici c{\f63
\u259\'3f} e o prostie. Atunci, de ce crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3905 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o eu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Din cauza a
ceea ce s-a sustras. Erau informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 despre un moroi pe nume Eric Dragomir.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3488 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Erau... ce?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri382 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E prietena ta,
nu? Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiica lui e prietena ta.
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri929 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesem f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} grai. Apro
ape.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2020 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ave{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i dosare despre moroi?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem dosare desp
re orice, a replicat ea, cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mndrie. Dar cnd am ncercat s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc cine ar fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fost capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} comit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
o astfel de infrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 interesat de un Dragomir... ei bine, mi-a ap{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rut imediat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 n minte numele t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-am fost
eu. Fac o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de chestii, dar asta,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu, Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i documente de genul
\plain\expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2038 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Sydney m-a privit b{\f63 \u259
\'3f}nuitoare.
\plain\par
'3f}sta-i adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dup{\f63 \u259\
'3f} cum {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am spus {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai devreme, a zis ea, n-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te dau de gol. Vo
rbesc serios. Vreau numai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu,

\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-i mpiedic pe al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f
}i piard{\f63 \u259\'3f} vremea cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3031 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cercetarea altor piste.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri650 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Expresia ei de automul{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}umire s-a mai atenuat.
\plain\par
i, n fine, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o... trebuie s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} abat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1528 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la tin
e. I-am promis lui Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vrei s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} crezi sau nu, n-am fost eu! Dar acum,
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 eu\i0 vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu
cine-a fost. Ce-au furat? Tot ce avea{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4003 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 despre el?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Sydney {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a
mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}cat buzele. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i era ndatorat{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 lui Abe putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsemne c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} lucra pe la spatele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oamenilor ei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i ea ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}te limite, nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 divulge chiar tot.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, haide!
Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cpii pe suport digital, sigur
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii ce-a fost furat. Doar vorbim des
pre Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2275 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a v
enit o idee.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri912 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai putea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-mi trimi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mie ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}t
e cpii?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ea, iu
te. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, te rog.
.. d{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi doar un indiciu. Ce c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utau?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa e cea mai bun{\f63 \u259\'3f
} prieten{\f63 \u259\'3f} a mea. Nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} permit
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se-ntmple ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 M-am preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti
t suflete{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pentru un refuz. Sydney nu

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie prea soci
abil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Oare ea avea prieteni? Oare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1951 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u
355\'3f}eleag{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam eu?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n cea mai ma
re parte, chestii legate de biografia
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ei, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} l
a urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cte ceva despre via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lui, plus observa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii de-ale noastre.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3614 \fi283 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Observ..
.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am trecut am{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}nuntul cu vederea, hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu mai multe dect {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tiam deja cu privire
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 la cum ne spionau Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3633 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Altceva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nregistr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}ri financiare, a continuat, ncruntndu\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se. n mod special, despre unele depu
neri substan{\f63 \u355\'3f}iale
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe care le-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ntr-un cont al unei
b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nci din Las
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Vegas. Depuneri pe care s-a dat peste cap s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} le
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mascheze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1035 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n Las Vegas? A
bia am fost pe-acolo...
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost relevant.
\plain\par
tiu, a zis. Am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut ni{\f63 \u351\'3f}te nregistr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ri ale
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 camerelor de supraveghere de la Wit
ching Hour, cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aventurile tale. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai fugit a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}a este unul dintre
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 motivele pentru care te-am {\f63 \u351\'3f}i b{\f63 \
u259\'3f}nuit. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 potriveasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat
, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a ezitat cteva clipe.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tipul care era cu tine... moroiul acela nalt, cu p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rul de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2227 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 culoare nchis{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
e iubitul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u?

\plain\par
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}... mda.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri29 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 A urmat un r{\f63 \u259\'3f}gaz
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un mare efort ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3007 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea afirm
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3608 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E dr{\f63 \u
259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1325 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru o crea
tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} malefic{\f63 \u259\'3f} a nop{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur, a confir
mat, apoi a ezitat iar. E adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1874 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 voi doi a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vrut
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fugi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? Nu! Pov
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}tile astea au ajuns {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la voi? Am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din cap aproape venindu-mi s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} rd de ct de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ridicole erau toate astea, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind n
acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ntorc la fapte. Prin urmare, am zis, Eric
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri360 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 avea un cont n Las Vegas, n care-{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i transfera bani?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri904 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu era al lui.
Era pe un nume de femeie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3423 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce femeie?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Niciuna... n fin
e, niciuna c{\f63 \u259\'3f}reia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i putem da de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1596 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era trecut
{\f63 \u259\'3f} doar ca {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Jane Doe".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ct de origin
al! am bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit. Dar de ce-ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3355 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut el a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a ceva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta n-o m
ai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nici nu ne prea intereseaz{\f63 \u259\
'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nu vrem dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim ci
ne a dat spargerea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ne-a furat
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri164 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Singurul lucru
pe care-l {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu este c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am fost eu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Observndu-i privirea scrut{\f63 \u
259\'3f}toare, mi-am azvrlit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3678 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele n sus.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, haide
acum! Dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu ceva despre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 el, n-ar fi trebuit dect s-o-ntreb pe Lissa. Sau s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fur
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 documente chiar de la noi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1847 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Au trecut cteva clipe de t{\f63
\u259\'3f}cere.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, te cred, mi-a zis.
\plain\par
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2236 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce, ai vrea s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu te cred?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, doar c{\f63
\u259\'3f} te-am convins mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or dect
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4001 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 crezusem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1771 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Sydney mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
puns cu un oftat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vreau s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu mai multe despre documentele alea,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am rostit, nver{\f63 \u351\'3f}unat{
\f63 \u259\'3f}. Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu cine e Jane Doe.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dac-ai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi trimi{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i alte dosare...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2342 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Sydney a scuturat din cap
.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N{\f
63 \u355\'3f}. Aici am terminat discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Deja {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
i prea multe.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Abe a vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te feresc de probleme,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i asta am {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ndeplinit rolul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu cred
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Abe o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te lase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scapi att de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri486 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or. Dac{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} ai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegere n coad{\f63 \u259\'3f}
de pe{\f63 \u351\'3f}te...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri29 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Nu a aprobat ce spusesem, ns
{\f63 \u259\'3f} un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r din ochii ei
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui mi-a dat de-n{\f63 \u355\'3f}e
les c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era de aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Noapte bun{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, Rose. Bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. Sau, cum
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 vrei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3090 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai pu{\f63
\u355\'3f}in, eu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2018 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ecranul se nn
egrise deja.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fir-ar s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} fie, am mrit, nchiznd laptopul cu mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2525 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect era cazul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tot ce aflasem din aceast{\f
63 \u259\'3f} conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie era {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocant,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ncepnd cu apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Sydney {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}ind cu faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 furase cineva documente din arhiva Alchimi{\f63 \u351
\'3f}tilor,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 referitoare la tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l Lissei. De ce ar
fi fost cineva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 interesat de un mort? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i de ce s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fure documentele, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 definitiv? Ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle ceva? Sau s{\f63
\u259\'3f} ncerce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ascund{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii? Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ultima
variant{\f63 \u259\'3f} era cea adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atunci Sydney avusese dreptate afirmnd c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} fusese un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 efort inutil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Am recapitulat totul n minte n
timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}team pentru culcare, holbndu-m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} la propria
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 reflexie din oglind{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp ce m{\f63
\u259\'3f} sp{\f63 \u259\'3f}lam pe din{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. De
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce, de ce, de ce? De ce-ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o?
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i cine? Nu mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aveam nevoie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de alte intrigi n via{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} orice o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 implica pe Lissa trebuia tratat cu toat{\f63 \u259\'
3f} seriozitatea. Din
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nefericire, curnd mi-a devenit
clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 deduc nimic n seara asta, a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am adormit cu toate
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acele ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri nvrtindu-mi-se prin cap.
\plain\par
\sl-275\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am tr
ezit n diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indum{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ceva mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}... ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsurile continuau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi lipseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am to
t cugetat dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o informez sau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu pe Lissa despre ce aflasem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n cel
e din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun. Dac
{\f63 \u259\'3f} exista cineva care aduna
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii despre tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
l ei, atunci ea avea dreptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie;
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n plus, nu prea era acela{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i lucru cu zvonurile
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 despre...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Chiar cnd mi frecam p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rul cu {\f63 \u351\'3f}ampon, m-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 buim{\f63 \u259\'3f}cit un gnd. Cu o sear{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nainte, fusesem prea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 obosit{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prea surprin
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun piesele cap la cap.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Tipul de la Witching Hour spusese c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l Lissei venea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 des pe-acolo. Acum, documentele lui Sydney vorbeau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} depusese sume conside
rabile de bani
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un cont bancar din Las Vegas. Coinciden{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Poate.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar, pe m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce trece
a timpul ncepeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cred n coinciden{\f63 \u355\'3f}e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 De ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a
m c{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat o nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}are prezentabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pornit spre acea parte a Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii n care
locuia Lissa...
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am ajuns prea departe. Adrian m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 foaierul cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii mele, trntit pe un f
otoliu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cam matinal
pentru tine, nu? l-am tachinat,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 oprindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 M-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f
}teptat la un zmbet ca r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Adrian
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea grozav de v
esel n diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a asta. De fapt,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea chiar r{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u
259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}it. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul lui nu mai avea obi{\f63 \u351\
'3f}nuitul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aspect minu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ios creat, iar ve{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}mintele {\f63 \u8212\'3f} neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 elegante pentru acea or{\f63 \u259\'3f} a zilei {\f63
\u8212\'3f} i erau {\f63 \u351\'3f}ifonate.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Aroma {\f63 \u355\'3f}ig{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor cu cui
{\f63 \u351\'3f}oare plutea peste tot n jurul lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E u{\f63 \u
351\'3f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii matinal cnd nu prea dormi, mi-a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 replicat. Am stat treaz o mare parte din noapte,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptnd pe cineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2028 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'
3f}teptnd pe... o, Doamne!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Petrecerea. Uitasem complet de pe
trecerea la care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} invitase mama lu
i. Abe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Sydney mi distr{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la ea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1336 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian, nu {\
f63 \u351\'3f}tii ct de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u mi pare...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A ridicat din umeri {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i nici nu m-a atins cnd m-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2616 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe bra{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ul fotoliului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta e. Pro
babil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ar mai trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri510 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 surprind{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ncep s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am am{\f63 \u259\'3f}git
singur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu. Ave
am de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin, dar pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n-o
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vin{\f63 \u259\'
3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} crezi ce...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu te mai o
bosi. Te rog, m-a ntrerupt. Vocea i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 suna istovit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar ochii i erau injecta
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Nu e necesar.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mama mi-a spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-a v{\f63 \u259\'3
f}zut la interogatoriul lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3213 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 M-am ncruntat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu de asta n
-am venit la petrecere. A fost un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4479 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 tip...
\par
f63 \u259\'3f}sta-i esen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ialul, Rose. Esen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ialul e
ste c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i faci timp pentru asta... ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pentru a-l vizita
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n celula lui, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e adev{\f63 \u259\'
3f}rat ce-am auzit. n schimb, nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut capul s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} vii la o petrecere la care ai promis c\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nso{\f63 \u355\'
3f}e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti... sau m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi trimi{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i un mesaj.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Asta era tot ce trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci: s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-mi spui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vii. Te-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat mai mult de o or{
\f63 \u259\'3f} acas{\f63 \u259\'3f} la p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mei, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m-am dat b{\f63 \u259\
'3f}tut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am dat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerce el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia leg
{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu mine, dar, sincer vorbind, de ce-ar fi f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cut-o? Nu era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 responsabilitatea lui. Eu fusesem cea care-i spusese
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Daniellei c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
ntlnim acolo. Eu eram vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rusem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian, mi p
are r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, am insistat, lundu-l de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri514 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'
3f} el nu mi-a strns-o. Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, am vrut, dar...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, m-a ntr
erupt din nou. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cnd s-a ntors
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri... nu, de {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mult timp. nc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} de cnd ai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 devenit obsedat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr
ebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l transformi, te-ai rupt de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mine. Orice s-ar fi ntmplat ntre noi, tu niciodat{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 te-ai d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
at rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei noastre. Am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n ce mi-ai spus. Am crezut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \
u351\'3f}ti preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dar n-ai
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 fost.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Protestele mi s-au n{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}at pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la buze, dar, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, le-am oprit. Avea dreptate. i pr
omisesem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dau
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 o {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} adev{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la o rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie ntre noi. Chiar m{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 compl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem n confortabilul rol de iubi
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n tot acest timp, o parte din
mine era mistuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. O {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiusem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i e
u, dar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}nasem
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iesc dou{\f
63 \u259\'3f} vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}i distincte. O bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f} amintire a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 perioadei n care fusesem cu Mason mi
-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 minte. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i cu el dusesem aceea{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} dubl{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 murise din cauza asta. Eram varz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Numi cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nici propria inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi pare r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}u, am repetat. Eu chiar a{\f63 \u351\'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
vem
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ceva...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i pentru urechile mele, cuvintele sunau att de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 neconving{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare... Adrian mi-a zmbit, n
{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2131 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu cred as
ta. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nici tu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 S-a ridicat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i-a trecut o mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} prin p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2833 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 l fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} arate mai bine.
\plain\par
259\'3f} tu chiar vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii cu mine, atunci, de data
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 asta, trebuie s-o {\f63 \u351\'3f}i crezi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
suf{\f63 \u259\'3f}r s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d att de mohort. {\f63
\u350\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ales nu sufeream ca eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu cauza.
L-am urmat pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1472 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian, stai.
Hai s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai discut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu acum, micu{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir. Am nevoie de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 somn. Pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu,
n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intru acum n
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 jocul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} el. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}
fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plachez {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l trntesc
la p{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnt. Dar n-ar fi meritat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 efortul... fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aveam ce r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spunsuri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ofer. Avea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dreptate n toate privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu puneam ordine n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mintea mea dezorientat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu aveam dre
ptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ez o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. n plus, dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} f
iind starea n care era el, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ndoiam c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreo
continuare a conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei ar fi fost
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3893 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 productiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\u351\'3f}i, n timp ce se preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} pe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu m\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am putut mpiedica s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i mai spun ctev
a cuvinte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}nainte s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} pleci {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i te n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg d
e ce trebuie s-o
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 faci {\f63 \u8212\'3f} vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te rog
ceva. Ceva care nu e legat de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 noi. O afecteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}... o afecteaz{\f63 \
u259\'3f} pe Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ultimele mele vorbe l-au de
terminat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se opreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2588 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Un serviciu,
oricnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cu un oftat de om s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tul de via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-a aruncat o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3245 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 privire peste um{\f63 \u259\'3f}
r.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3506 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Zi repede!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cineva a intrat
prin efrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie n arhiva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Alchimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}tilor {\f63
\u351\'3f}i a furat informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii despre tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l Lisse
i. O
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 parte dintre ele nu erau dect chestii banale despre v
ia{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 lui, dar mai existau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cteva documente
despre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 depuneri f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cute de el n secret ntr-un co
nt bancar din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Las Vegas. Contul era pe numele unei femei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1024 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tept
at cteva clipe s{\f63 \u259\'3f} continui.
\plain\par
'3f}i?
\plain\par
i ncerc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama de ce-ar face cineva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 una ca asta. Nu vreau s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i vre nimeni nasul n familia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri632 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ei. Ai cumva idee ce putea s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-nvrteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l ei?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}L-ai auzit
pe tipul de la cazinou. Tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l ei se ducea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 des pe-acolo. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'
3f}cuse datorii la jocuri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 vreunui c{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tar.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fami
lia Lissei a avut mereu bani, am precizat. N\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ndatoreze att de r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}u. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i de ce i-ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri306 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat cuiva de ast
a ntr-att, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fure informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2349 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a rid
icat bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele.
\plain\par
3f}tiu. Asta-i tot ce pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spun, cel pu{\f63
\u355\'3f}in la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ora asta matinal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duce mintea la intrigi. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi imaginez n ce fel ar repre
zenta lucrurile\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 astea o amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}are pentru Lissa.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2167 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 Am ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at,
dezam{\f63 \u259\'3f}git{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK. Mersi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a continuat dru
mul, iar eu l-am urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privirea. Lissa locuia aproape de e
l, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l urm{\f63 \u
259\'3f}resc. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce am considerat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternuse o distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f
63 \u259\'3f} suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre noi, am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i am pornit n aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. Sunetul slab de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 clopote m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} opresc. Am ezitat deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind sigur ncotro s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndrept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc cu Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i povestesc
ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aflasem de la Sydney. De data asta, Lissa era singur{
\f63 \u259\'3f}:
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 era ocazia perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}
i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i... clopotele. Era duminic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Slujba trebu
ia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nceap{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la biserica de la
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Curte. Aveam o b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuial{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n ciuda tuturor celor
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntmplate {\f63 \u8212\'3f} inclusiv cu Adrian {\f63 \u
8212\'3f} trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aveam dreptate.
\plain\par
u259\'3f} am dat fuga spre biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia opu
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii n care locuia Lissa. U{\f63 \u
351\'3f}ile erau deja nchise
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cnd am ajuns la destina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva ntrzia{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncercau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se strecoare n{\f63 \u259\'3f
}untru, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} zgomot. Am
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 intrat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu
cu ei, oprindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d pe ce lume
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Norii fumului de t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mie pluteau prin aer
, iar ochii mei
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 au avut nevoie de cteva clipe pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} se adapteze de la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lumina soarelui la cea a lumn{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor. Di
n moment ce
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 biserica de-aici surclasa ca m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rime ca
pela de la Sf.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vladimir, era populat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mult mai mul
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} lume dect
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 eram eu obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d la o slujb{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n majoritatea lor,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 locurile erau ocupate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3010 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Dar nu chiar toate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Presim{\f63 \u355\'3f}irea nu m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u351\'3f}elase. Dimitri st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea ntr-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 stran{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n spate. Era
u {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva gardieni n preajma lui,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 desigur, dar asta era tot. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i ntr-o biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aglomerat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nimeni nu se a{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ezase pe banc{\f63 \u259\'3f} lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el. Cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 o zi n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Reece l ntrebase pe Dimitri
dac-ar fi fost
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dispus s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} picioru
l n biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar Dimitri mersese
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 chiar mai departe, spunnd c-ar fi mers chiar {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i la slujba
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 de duminic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Preotul ncepuse deja s{\f63
\u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n vrful
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 picioarelor, m-am strecurat spre strana lui Dimitri.
Nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 conta c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam zgom
ot totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} oricum
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesem aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia celo
r din apropiere, uimi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lng{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} un strigoi-redevenit-dhampir. Ochii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 le erau ct cepele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i imediat au izbucni
t, n {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cteva conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii l{\f63 \u259\'3f}
saser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva spa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iu lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri, iar
cnd
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi de
el, expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei lui mi-a ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n acela{\f63
\u351\'3f}i timp, nu era surprins s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vad{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri116 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, m-a a
ten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat n {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu ncepe... nu ai
ci.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici
prin gnd nu-mi trece, tovar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}e, am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 murmurat. N-am venit dect pentru pacea sufletului
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 meu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-att.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Nu avea nevoie de cuvinte ca
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi transmit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ndoielile lui cu privire la leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura d
intre prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acolo {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cele sfinte. Cu toate aceste
a, am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pe toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} durata slujbei. Pn{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu respectam anumite
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 limite. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cteva minute, Dimitri era
mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 crispat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cnd m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63
\u351\'3f}ezasem lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el, fusese precaut, dar
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ajunsese probabil la concluzia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ave
am s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} comport
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 corespunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a mut
at aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 concentrat asupra cnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i rug{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciunilor, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 eu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam tot posibilul s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-l urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}resc, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} fie prea
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 evident c-o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}
nuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} la capela {\f63 \u351\'3f}colii, fi
indc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acest fapt i aducea pace sufleteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Spunea mereu c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cei pe c
are-i omora distrugea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ul din
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lume, nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea nevoia
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
gndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i caute iertarea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}catelor. V{\f63 \u
259\'3f}zndu-l
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acum, mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
toate acestea erau mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate ca oricnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Figura lui era superb{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. Eram att de obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}l
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d ascunzndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i sentime
ntele, nct era uimitor s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d, dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, emo{\
f63 \u355\'3f}iile pe chip. Era absorbit de
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cuvintele preotului, chipul lui splendid fiind total
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 concentrat. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i mi-am dat seama c{\f63
\u259\'3f} se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea vizat de tot
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ce spunea preotul despre p{\f63 \u259\'3f}cate. Dimit

ri rememora
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 toate faptele ngrozitoare pe
care le comisese ca strigoi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} disperarea de p
e fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui, ai fi zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor personal de
toate p{\f63 \u259\'3f}catele despre care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vorbea preotul.
\plain\par
f}, mi s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} z{\f63 \u259\'3f}resc {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 chipul lui {\f63 \u8212\'3f} doar o scnteie, amestecat
{\f63 \u259\'3f} n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i am{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciunea. Dar nu, mi-am dat apoi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era speran{\f63 \u355\'3f
}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. ntruct speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}a presupune
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai o {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63
\u259\'3f}. Ceea ce vedeam la Dimitri era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era melancolie
. Dimitri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea ca, fiind
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acolo, n acest l{\f63 \u259\'3f}ca{\f63 \u351\'3f} sfnt
, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ascultnd nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}min
tele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 transmise, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i poat{\
f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si mntuirea pentru ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i... n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, era limpede c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 credea n posibilitatea asta. {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} fie a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, dar nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, cel
pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in din punctul lui de vedere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}u s{\f63 \u259\'3f} citesc acest sentiment pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}
a lui.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reac{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ionez la starea lui depresiv{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri credea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai exist{\f63 \
u259\'3f} speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru el. n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 schimb, eu? Nu mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut nchipui o
lume f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 De asemenea, nu mi-a{\f63 \u
351\'3f} fi nchipuit nici c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 citez vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} de cineva o nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f
63 \u259\'3f} bisericeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dar n clipa n care to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i s-au ridicat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 primeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ania, m-am trezit spunndu-i lui

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4173 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu crezi c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, din moment ce se spune c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Dumnezeu te poate ierta, e un gest cam egoist din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1751 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 partea ta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu t
e ier{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe tine nsu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De cnd
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tep{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi serve{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ti replica asta? m-a
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sincer{\f63
\u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu, chiar acum mi-a venit n minte.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Destul de bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, hm? Pun pariu c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} tu credeai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-am
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 fost atent{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri51 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai fost. Nici
odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3
f}reai pe mine.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Interesant. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot {\f63 \u351\'3f}t
ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}ream, nu cumva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri m{\f63 \u259\'3f} urm{\f63
\u259\'3f}rise urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rindu-l? Gndul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta m{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1826 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu mi-ai r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}spuns la ntrebare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A continuat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
uite spre cei care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptau rndul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri298 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 la mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259
\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}anie, n timp ce cugeta ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}spund{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e releva
nt. Nu sunt obligat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iert pe mine
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nsumi, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dumnezeu m-ar ierta.
{\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu sunt
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 convins c{\f63 \u259\'3f} El o va face.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Preotul toc
mai a spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dumnezeu iart{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A spus
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dumnezeu iart{\f63 \u259\'3f}\i to
tul\i0 . Ce, vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} preotul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 minte? Mi se pare un sacrilegiu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri a oftat. N-am crezu
t niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si o
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere n a-l chinui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f
} expresia de frustrare pe care
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 i-o citeam pe chip nu era provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
mhnire. Era
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 provocata de impertinen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea. Mai v{
\f63 \u259\'3f}zusem expresia
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 asta de o sut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ori la el, iar famil
iaritatea ei m-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}lzit, orict ar suna de nebune{\f63 \
u351\'3f}te.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, tu e{
\f63 \u351\'3f}ti cea care comite un sacrilegiu.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Deformezi credin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a oamenilor de-aici p
entru propriile
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tale scopuri. Tu niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-ai crezu
t n nimic din toate
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 astea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nici acum nu crezi.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba cr
ed c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii se pot ntoarce la via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 replicat, cu seriozitate. Dovada st{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
hiar aici, lng{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mine. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e adev{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, atunci cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ier{\f63
\u355\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 tine nsu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n-ar presupune un efort pre
a mare din partea
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 ta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Privirea lui a devenit dur{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n clipa aceea se
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ruga cumva pentru ceva, atunci probabil c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} era ca
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
nia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se acorde ct mai repede, astfel nct el
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pleca de-aici,
ct mai departe de mine. Dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam amndoi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} se termina
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ritualul. Dac-ar fi dat fuga afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ar
fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 strigoi n ochii celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1104 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu nu {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tii despre ce vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, mi-a zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri241 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Chiar nu {\f63
\u351\'3f}tiu? am {\f63 \u351\'3f}uierat, aplecndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o ca s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-mi subliniez ideea, dar tot ce-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it (din punctul
meu de vedere, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in) a fost s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}in o imagine mai clar{\f63 \u259\'
3f} asupra felului n care lumina
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lumn{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea p{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} str{\f63 \u259\'3f}luceasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i a ct de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nalt {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de suplu i era trupul. Din cte s
e p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, cineva
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ajunsese la concluzia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se putea avea
suficient{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncredere n el nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i permit{\f63 \u259\
'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbiereasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a i era acum neted
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-i la vedere
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile minunate,
perfecte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ba {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tiu precis despre ce vorbesc, am continuat,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncercnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu iau n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ct de mult m{\f63 \u259\'3f} afecta
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} ai trecut prin multe. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lucruri cumplite: le-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut cu ochi
i mei. Dar asta {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de trecut. A fost ceva mai presus de puterea ta de a
te
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pni. Doar no s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai faci a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de-acum
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri855 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 O umbr{\f63 \u259\'3f} stranie,
chinuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a traversat fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De unde {\f63 \u
351\'3f}tii? Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} monstrul n-a plecat. Poate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai exist{\f63 \u
259\'3f} o urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de strigoi, ascuns{\f63 \u259\'3f} la pnd{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, tr
ebuie s-o nfrngi, mergnd mai departe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ta! {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu num
ai prin jur{\f63 \u259\'3f}mntul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u cavaleresc
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 c-o s-o protejezi pe Lissa. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti din nou
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u355\'3f}i deschizi sufletul spre cei care te
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 iubesc. Doar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
te mntuie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} fiu iubit de al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, a bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit el. S
unt
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 incapabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ofer iubire n schimb.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Poate c-ar
trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerci, n loc s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i plngi de
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 mil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2396 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e chiar att
de u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or.
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fir...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Abia am izbutit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} opresc la timp, altfel a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3306 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 njurat n biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimic din
ce-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut noi vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a fost u{\f63 \u351\'3f
}or!
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} de dinai
nte... de dinainte de atac, n-a fost
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar am trecut
prin toate! Putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i prin
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 asta. Putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecem prin orice, dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} suntem
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
ntru mine dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pui credin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n l{\f63 \u259\'3f}ca{\f63 \u351\'3f}ul {\f63 \u259\'
3f}sta. Nu-mi pas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ceea ce conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} este s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pui credin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n\i noi\i0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri937 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu exist{\f63
\u259\'3f}\i noi\i0 . {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-am mai spus asta deja.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri477 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar mai {\f63
\u351\'3f}tii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu sunt o bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ascult{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Vorbeam amndoi n {\f63 \
u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} limbajul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trupului tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}da limpede o discu{\f63 \u
355\'3f}ie n contradictoriu.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i credincio{\f63 \u351\'3f}i e
rau prea ocupa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne observe,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} gardienii lui Dimitri ne priveau c
u aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-am amintit ce-mi spuseser{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} att Lissa, ct {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Mihail. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l enervam pe Dimitri n pub
lic, nu-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63

\u355\'3f}in un serviciu. Problema era c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i spusesem nimic care s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} nu l enerveze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai bine n
u veneai aici, a zis, ntr-un trziu. Chiar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 este mult mai bine pentru noi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f
63 \u259\'3f}m departe unul de
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 altul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Interesant
. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} jur c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, odat{\f63
\u259\'3f}, ai spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 suntem meni{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim mp
reun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vreau ca tu
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stai departe de mine, a insistat,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nelund n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} comentariul pe care-l f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cusem. Nu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ncerci s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r
envii sentimente de mult
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rute.\i Ele\i0 {\f63 \u355\'3f
}in de trecut. Nimic din ce-a fost nu se va
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai ntmpla. Niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E mai bine pentr
u noi dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 comport{\f63 \u259\'3f}m ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum am
fi doi str{\f63 \u259\'3f}ini. E mai bine
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pentru\i tine\i0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Sentimentele de iubire {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i de comp{\f63 \u259\'3f}timire pe care le
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 iscase n mine s-au aprins... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-au t
ransformat n furie.
\plain\par
u259\'3f} tot vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spui tu mie ce pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nu, am mrit, pe cel mai sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut ton de ca
re eram n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri599 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 stare, atunci m{\f63 \u259\'3f}ca
r ai curajul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-o spui n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 S-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sucit a
tt de repede, nct ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r ar fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} drept s
trigoi. Chipul i era plin de... de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce? Nu mai era deprimarea de mai devreme. Dar nici
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 furie, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s
e ntrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 erau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i altele... un amalgam de disper
are, frustrare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 poate, chiar fric{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i,

subliniindu-le pe toate, era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 durerea, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi suferit cumpli
te, incredibile
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 chinuri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu vreau s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} te mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d aici, mi-a zis, aruncnd
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 fl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri din ochi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Cuvintele lui m{\f63 \u259\'
3f} dureau, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva din ele m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nfiora, la fel ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i agita{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ia lui de mai devreme, ca
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 urmare a comentariilor mele impertinente. Cel din fa
{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mea nu era strigoiul rece {\f63 \u351\'3f}i calculat.
Nu era b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rbatul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nfrnt din celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era fostul meu instru
ctor, era iubitul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 meu, care, n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ata
ca totul cu ardoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i patim{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}De cte ori t
rebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i repet? Spre binele t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine-te departe de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri999 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar n-o s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi faci niciun r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Deja {\f63 \u355
\'3f}i-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut. De ce nu n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegi? De cte ori
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2910 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63
\u355\'3f}i mai spun?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-ai spus.
.. nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pleci mi-ai spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iube{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, am rostit, cu voce tremur{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}toare. Cum po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3176 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a ceva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} e prea trziu! {\f63 \u350\'3f}i e mai u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or dect s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1674 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 reamintesc ntruna tot ce {\f63 \u
355\'3f}i-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 St{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnirea sa
de sine a cedat, iar vocea i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunat n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} partea din spate a bisericii. P
reotul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cei care nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351
\'3f}i primeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ania nu au auzit nimic,
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} celor din jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tatea
dinspre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire a bisericii

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 categoric le atr{\f63 \u259\'3f}seser{\f63 \u259\'3f
}m aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. C{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva dintre gardieni
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-au alarmat {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i, din nou, a trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi repet n gnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avertismentul: orict de furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63
\u351\'3f} fi fost pe Dimitri,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 orict de tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a{\f6
3 \u351\'3f} fi sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it pentru faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 ntorcea spatele... nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} risc ca
al{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 considere periculos. Dimitri nu ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta
ca unul pe cale s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 i rup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuiva gtul, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
ra limpede c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rase, iar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cineva putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} confunde disperarea {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui cu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 altceva mult mai sinistru.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 I-am ntors spatele, str{\f63
\u259\'3f}duindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi {\f63 \u355\'3f}in n fru
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sentimentele att de nvolburate. Cnd l-am privit din
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nou, ntre ochii no{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri au {\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit fulgere. Dimitri n-avea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ignore tot ce voia, ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} acea leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} acea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 profund{\f63 \u259\'3f} chem{\f63 \u259\'3f}re a sufl
etelor noastre {\f63 \u8212\'3f} continua s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 existe. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}l ating, nu doar a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, mngindu-mi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 piciorul de-al lui, ci cu tot trupul. A{\f63 \u351\'
3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l cuprind
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-l strng la piept, s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l asigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpreun{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} facem orice. F{\f63 \u259\'3f
}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama, m-am
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntins spre el, din nevoia acelei atingeri. A {\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 picioare de parc-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost un {\f63 \
u351\'3f}arpe, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardienii lui
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s-au repezit n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noastr{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pentru orice ar
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fi urmat el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el n
u a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut nimic. Nimic, doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 continuat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} fixeze
cu o privire care mi-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sngele s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. De par
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost o fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f} stranie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 rea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose. Te ro
g, nceteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Te rog, stai departe de

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri867 \fi283 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Se lupta din r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}sputeri s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}streze calmul.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}nit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu n picioare, cuprins{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum de
o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mnie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de o sup{\f63
\u259\'3f}rare la fel de intense ca ale lui.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mneam, aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri670 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ced{\f63 \u259\'3f}m amndoi. Cu gl
as domol, i-am murmurat:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri249 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}S{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nu crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a terminat. Eu nu renun{\f63 \u355\'3f} la tine
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu am renun{\f63
\u355\'3f}at deja la tine, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, pe un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ton la fel de delicat. Se-ntmpl{\f63
\u259\'3f} ca iubirea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sting{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i cu iubirea mea pentru tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ochi
i mari, nevenindu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 auzeam. n tot acest timp, niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
formulase un
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 astfel de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns. Protestele lui se
referiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntotdeauna
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la ce era mai bine, la remu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rile de care era cuprins
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese un monstru, sau la cu
m l marcaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 toate astea, mpiedicndu-l s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai iubeasc
{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i Eu am
\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at deja la tine. Se-ntmpl{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} ca iubirea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 sting{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i cu iubirea mea pentru tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am dat napoi, greutatea din c
uvintele acestea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 izbindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a
r fi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}lmuit. Chipul lui a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tres{\f63 \u259\'3f}rit, semn c{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat
e-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse seama ct de mult m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}nise. N-am mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d ce s-ar mai fi putut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntmpla. Mi-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut loc, am ie{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}it pe coridor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fugit spre u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ile din spate, temndu-m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} mai fi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 stat, toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea din biseric{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m-ar fi v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut plngnd.
\plain\par
\sl-131\fs13\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-444 \li3 \ri573 \fi898 \ex
pndtw-15 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I CINCI
\par
\plain\pard\sl-310 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \b \f20 \fs24 N-AM MAI VRUT S{\f6
3 \u258\'3f} V{\f63 \u258\'3f}D\b0 pe nimeni pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntors n camera mea ct de repede
am putut, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iau cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat n sea
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} obstacolele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lumea din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 calea mea. Cuvintele lui Dimitri mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sunau ntruna n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cap:\i Se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca iubirea s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} se mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sting{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 cu iubirea mea\i0 . ntr-un fel, era cel mai r{\f63
\u259\'3f}u lucru pe care
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-l spun{\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: nici
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 restul n-a fost u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or de ndurat. {\f63 \
u350\'3f}i faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l auzisem
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spunndu-mi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} evite {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ignore rela{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} trecut{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse, de asemenea, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3
f} simt
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 groaznic. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac
um, indiferent ct m-ar fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 durut ce-mi spusese, mai nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pea totu{\f
63 \u351\'3f}i minuscula
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} existe o scnteie de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 iubire ntre noi. C{\f63 \u259\'3f} el nc{\f63 \u259\'3
f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} iubea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1653 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i... iubirea se mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i stinge.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Asta era cu totul {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i cu totul altceva. nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce avusesem urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
piar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}lind pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd s-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut mici f{\f63 \u259\'3f}rme {\f63
\u351\'3f}i s-ar fi spulberat ca frunzele uscate
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taia vntului. Gndul acesta mi provoca
dureri n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 piept {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n stomac, determinndu-m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac covrig n

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pat, nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urndu-mi singur
{\f63 \u259\'3f} trupul cu bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut ali
na suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a. Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} accept
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ce-mi spusese. Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} accept c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr-un fel sau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 altul, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncercarea suferit{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, iubirea lui fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de mine
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am vrut s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn n camera mea pentru tot restul
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 zilei, ncovrigat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ntunericul a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}temuturilor mele. Am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 uitat de conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cu Sydney {\f63
\u351\'3f}i de grijile mele de mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 devreme, referitoare la tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l Lissei.
Am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat-o balt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Lissa. Avea ct
eva drumuri de f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ast{\f63 \u259\'3f}zi,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, din cnd n cnd, mi expedia rapid cte un
mesaj
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1890 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura noa
str{\f63 \u259\'3f}:\i Vii cu mine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 V{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} nu intru n contact cu ea, a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} griji. Dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, m-am temut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 altcineva {\f63 \u8212\'3f} ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} caute n camer{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am hot{\f63 \
u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec. Nu aveam vreo destina{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 anume: doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam
nevoia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}c ntruna. M\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am plimbat pe domeniile Cur{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, explorn
d locuri pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 unde nu mai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}lcasem niciodat{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. Erau mai multe statui
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fntni dect mi nchipuisem eu pn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} atunci. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 frumuse{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea lor nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}e
au s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi abat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 gndurile mele, iar cnd m-am ntors n camer{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cteva ore, m-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it epuizat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de-atta mers. n fine.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, evitasem s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
fiu obligat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc cu cineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Sau nu? Era trziu, cu mult pe
ste ora la care
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} culc, cnd cineva a b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut la u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\

'3f}. Am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ezitat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spund. Cin
e-ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de trziu?
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Habar n-aveam cine era, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam dect
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era Lissa.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dumnezeule! De unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}tiu dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva era Hans,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 venit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia la rost
pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rusem la corvoada
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 impus{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pedeaps{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Du
p{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-am cugetat ndelung ({\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} alte cioc{\f63 \u259\'3f}nituri i
nsistente), m-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 deschid.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li286 \ri3610 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Era Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Micu{\f63 \u355
\'3f}ule dhampir, a nceput el, cu un mic zmbet
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1180 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 istovit. Ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63
\u355\'3f}i de parc-ai fi v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut o fantom{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu chiar o fantom{\f63 \u259
\'3f}. Crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} recunosc
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 fantomele cnd le v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, dar...
doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prea a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam s{\f63
\u259\'3f} te v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d,
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} faza de azi-diminea{\f63 \u355\
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 A intrat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s
-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat pe pat, permi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-mi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 observ, bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
e aranjase de la precedenta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie. {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i schimbase hainele, iar p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea perfect, ca de obicei. Tot am p
rins ceva miros
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut de cui{\f63 \u351\'3f}oare, da
r dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate cele prin care trecuse
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 din cauza mea, avea tot dreptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} re
curg{\f63 \u259\'3f} la viciile lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mda, bine,
nici eu nu m-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin, a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 recunoscut el. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tu... n fine...
m-ai pus pe
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 gnduri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 M-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat
lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el, dar avnd grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}strez o
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} prudent{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2787 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n leg{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu noi?
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Cu Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3968 \expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aha!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 l acuzasem de egoism pe Dimitri, d
ar uite-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mine, care presupusesem ct se poate
de firesc c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 numai iubirea fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de m
ine putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie motivul care-l
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ndemnase pe Adrian s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vin{\f63 \u259\'
3f} la mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri544 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n ochii lui verzi a ap{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}ru o expresie meditativ{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M-am tot gndit l
a ce mi-ai zis despre tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l ei. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ai avut dreptate... cu privire la
faza cu jocurile de noroc.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ar fi avut bani s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} orice datorie. Nar fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} totul secret. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am dus {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntrebat-o pe mama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? am s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rit imediat. Nimeni nu trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
e
\plain\expndtw-26 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, da, miam nchipuit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ta e
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 strict secret{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
face griji. I-am povestit c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce eram n Vegas, i-am auzit pe unii discutnd despre
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 asta: despre faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tat{\f63 \u259
\'3f}l Lissei depunea bani n secret.
\plain\par
3f}i ea ce-a zis?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acela{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i lucru ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mine. n fine, de fapt, mai nti
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'
3f}oit la mine. Mi-a zis c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Eric Dragomir a fost un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tip cumsecade {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a
r trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndesc zvonuri
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 despre cei mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. A sugerat c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, poate, avusese vreo
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} la jocurile de noroc, dar {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lumea n-ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se cramponeze de
povestea asta,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cnd el a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut attea lucruri m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}re{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ce s-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntmplat la priveghi, cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se teme s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mai provoc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte scene n public.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1372 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Are dreptate.
Cu Eric, vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} furase ci
neva documentele alea n cadrul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vreunei campanii de denigrare. E dr
ept, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spnde{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 zvonuri despre persoane decedate nu are rost, dar po
ate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorea cineva s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}teze reputa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia Dragomirilor,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 eliminnd astfel orice risc ca votul acelei legi s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 schimbat de Lissa? Cam a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva m{\f63
\u259\'3f} preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}team s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spun, cnd Adrian m-a ntrerupt cu o replic{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocant{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\u350\'3f}i-atunci, ne-a auzit tata, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a zis ceva la modul:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Probabil c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i finan{\f63 \u355\'3f}a vreo amant{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A
i dreptate: a fost
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 un tip de treab{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} flirteze. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau domni{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele." Am
citat exact: {\f63 \u8222\'3f}i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 domni{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele", a precizat Adrian, dndu-{\
f63 \u351\'3f}i ochii peste cap.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Tata e dus r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. Vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}
te de parc-ar fi de dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} ori mai
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}trn.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 L-am apucat de bra{\f63 \u3
55\'3f} pe Adrian f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dau seama.

\plain\par
3f}i pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce-a mai zis?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a ridicat din umeri, dar n
u s-a eliberat de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3936 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mna mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimic. Mama
s-a enervat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a zis {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lui aceea{\f63 \u351\'3
f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 chestie pe care mi-o zisese mie, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
o dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cruzime s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spnde{\f63
\u351\'3f}ti zvonuri pe care nimeni nu le
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 poate dovedi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar tu cre
zi c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat? Crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tat{\f63
\u259\'3f}l Lissei a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1573 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 avut o amant{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Oa
re pentru ea pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea?
\plain\par
351\'3f}tiu, micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir. Sincer vorbind, tata e
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 genul care se aga{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
orice brf{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntlne{\f63 \u351\'3f}te-n cale. Sau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 le n{\f63 \u259\'3f}scoce{\f63 \u351\'3f}te chiar el.
Vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zic, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissei i pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} petr
eac{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De aici, e u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te arunci
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 la concluzii. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea el vre
un secret ntunecat.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ce naiba, cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii avem. Poate c{\f63
\u259\'3f} persoana care a furat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dosarele-alea voia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} exploateze tocm
ai chestia asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Atunci, i-am enun{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}at teoria mea, cum c{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie folosite mpotriva Lissei
.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sau,
am zis, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m-am mai gndit pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, poate
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 le-a luat cineva care vrea s-o ajute. Ca nu cumva
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 anumite lucruri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'3f
} la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2836 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f
}at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fie a{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a, fie altminteri, nu prea cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2614 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n vreo primejdie mortal{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1279 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 A dat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se rid
ice, dar l-am tras napoi.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian, stai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in..
. eu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2103 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it no
dul din gt.
\plain\par
} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi cer scuze. Pentru cum m-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 purtat cu tine, pentru ce-am f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut... n-am fost corect{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de tine. mi pare r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri211 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ab{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tut privirea de la mine, a{\f63 \u355\'3f}intind-o n podea.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63
\u355\'3f}i ceea ce nu sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Problema este c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}... nici nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu ce simt. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 se pare o tmpenie, dar {\f63 \u259\
'3f}sta-i adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul. {\f63 \u354\'3f}in la Dimitri.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A fost o prostie din partea mea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cre
d c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 afecteze ntoarcerea lui. Dar acum mi dau seama...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 Se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ca iubirea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sting{\f63 \u259\'3f}. A{\
f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw-7 \i \f20 \fs24 iubirea mea\i0 .
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}...acum mi d
au seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea cu el s-a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 terminat. Nu spun c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fie u{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec peste ea. O
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ia ceva timp, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
a{\f63 \u351\'3f} min{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de no
i amndoi dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} zice c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} nu-i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1796 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi se pare lo
gic, a zis Adrian.
\plain\par
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a aruncat o privire, n care ap{
\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse un lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3820 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 amuzament.

\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da,
micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir. Uneori, ai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu o logic{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. Zi
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mai departe.
\plain\par
59\'3f}i... n fine, cum {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-am zis... trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\
f63 \u259\'3f} vindec
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de el. Dar chiar {\f63 \u355\'3f}in la tine... cred c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} te {\f63 \u351\'3f}i iubesc... un
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 pic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1436 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 La aceste vorbe, a schi{\f63 \
u355\'3f}at un zmbet.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vreau s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} mai ncerc. Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreau. Vreau s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} te am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea, dar poa
te c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am avntat prea devreme.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Tu nu ai niciun motiv s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} mai vrei, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum m-am
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 purtat cu tine, dar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai vrei s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fim mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, atunci
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu vreau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-a studiat timp ndelungat, f
{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi {\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 respira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Credeam n ceea ce-i spusese
m: avea tot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dreptul din lume s{\f63 \u259\'3f} pun{\f63 \u259\'3f
} cap{\f63 \u259\'3f}t rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei noastre... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar put
ea s-o fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri188 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un trziu, m-a tras spre el {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ntins pe spate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, am toate m
otivele s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te vreau. N-am mai
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau f{\f63
\u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} tine nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cnd te-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f
}zut la
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cabana pentru schi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 M-am mutat mai aproape de e
l, pe pat, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am pus
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 capul pe pieptul lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Putem face
ca rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mearg{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 putem. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, dac-o mai dau iar n bar{\f63
\u259\'3f}, po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f
}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac-ar fi a
tt de simplu, a replicat el, rznd. Ai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 uitat: am o fire dependent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sunt depe
ndent de tine.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un fel, am impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai putea s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-mi faci toate
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 relele posibile, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot m-a{\f63 \u351
\'3f} ntoarce la tine. Numai s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 existe sinceritate, da? Spune
-mi ce sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ceva legat de Dimitri, care te deruteaz{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, spune-mi.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Rezolv{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} oricare mi-ar fi fost
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sentimentele {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nu avea de ce s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} griji cu privire
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la Dimitri, din moment ce Dimitri m{\f63 \u259\'3f} r
espinsese deja
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 de mai multe ori pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum. Puteam eu s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} umblu dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri ct a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut, c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} tot nu-mi folosea la nimic.\i Se\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca iubirea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sting{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i0 Vorbele lui nc{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} usturau, dar n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
suportat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dau glas acestei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n timp c
e Adrian m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea n bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, iar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 eu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam ct de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg{
\f63 \u259\'3f}tor era fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de toate
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 astea, o anumit{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte din mine, r{\f
63 \u259\'3f}nit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, accepta faptul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i contrariul era a
dev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat:\i Iubirea mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cre{\f63 \u351\'3f}te\i
0 . {\f63 \u350\'3f}i\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aveam de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-ncerc cu el. Z{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta aveam de
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 gnd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3232 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am oftat adnc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ar trebui s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} fii att de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elept. Ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2495 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 superficial {\f63 \u351\'3f}i il
ogic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2150 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 M-a s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat ap{
\f63 \u259\'3f}sat pe frunte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3998 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}...{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3036 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mmm... ridico
l.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n privin{\f63 \u
355\'3f}a ridicolului, cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} descurc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1004 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i a celorlalte..
. dar numai n ocazii speciale.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Eram deja strns mbr{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f}a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-am nclinat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 capul ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l studiez {\f63 \u8212\'3
f} chipul cu pome{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii nal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}it
artistic, care-l f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} arate att de superb. Mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am amintit de cuvintele mamei lui, c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
indiferent de ce\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am vrea noi, drumurile noast
re tot s-ar desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta ave
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea. S{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i pierd
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mereu pe b{\f63 \u259\'3f}rba{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pe c
are-i iubesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 L-am tras cu violen{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat
pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 buze cu o for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} care la luat prin surprindere. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}asem ceva despre vi
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dragoste, atunci aceasta
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 era c{\f63 \u259\'3f} reprezentau lucruri fragile, ca
re puteau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n orice clip{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Prevederea era esen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu cu pre{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul unei vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
irosite. Iar eu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsem
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mi-o irosesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Degetele mele deja tr{\f63 \
u259\'3f}geau de tricoul lui Adrian
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca ideea aceasta s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
prind{\f63 \u259\'3f} contururi depline. Nu s-
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a mpotrivit, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici nu a ezitat s{\f63

\u259\'3f}-mi scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la rndul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lui, hainele de pe mine. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea
el momente de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 profunzime {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elege
re, dar r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mnea tot... n fine,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tot Adrian. Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tr{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ia clipa, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd ceea ce voia,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mai stea prea mult pe gnduri. Iar pe mine m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dorea de foarte mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp
, era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i foarte priceput la chestii de\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 astea, motiv pentru care ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}mintele m
ele au zburat mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 repede dect ale lui. i sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam buzele fi
erbin{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare pe gtul me
u, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca nu cumva
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ating{\f63
\u259\'3f} pielea. Eu eram ceva mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tandr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, surprinzndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
pe mine ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi n clipa n care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mi-am nfipt unghiile n pielea de pe spinarea lui.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Buzele i-au trecut mai jos, trasndu-mi contururile
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 claviculei, n timp ce, cu o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} mn{
\f63 \u259\'3f}, ndemnatic{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mi scotea sutienul.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-a uimit un pic reac{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ia trupului meu n timp ce ne
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 luptam care-l dezbrac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai repede de
jean{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Ajunsesem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu convins{\f63 \u259\'3
f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai vreau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} sex dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimi
tri, dar acum? O, ct mi mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 doream! Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un soi de reac{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ie psihologic{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de respingerea lui Dimitri. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
ra imboldul de a\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}i clipa. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
era iubire pentru Adrian. Sau
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era numai pofta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Oricare ar fi fost cauza, a
m devenit neputincioas{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a minilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a gurii
lui, care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259
\'3f} mor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 exploreze fiecare p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rticic{\f63 \u259
\'3f} din mine. Singura clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 care s-a oprit a fost atunci cnd toate hainele mele
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zburaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i z{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ceam acolo, goal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el. {\f63 \u350\'3f
}i el era
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 aproape gol, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu reu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}isem nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l scap de boxeri.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 (Erau din m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase, pentru c{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, pe bune, ce altceva putea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poarte Adrian?). Mi-a cuprins fa{\
f63 \u355\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}u{\f63 \u351\'3f} ntre palme,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cu ardoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\
f63 \u259\'3f}... dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu un pic de mirare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-oi fi tu
, Rose Hathaway? E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti real{\f63 \u259\'3f}? E{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti u
n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vis dintr-un alt vis. Mi-e team{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te ating, o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} trezesc. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i tu o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dispari.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am recunoscut ceva din trans
a poetic{\f63 \u259\'3f} n care se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cufunda uneori, acele incanta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii care
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntreb dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva l atinsese un pic di
n acea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nebunie provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de spirit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atinge-m{\f
63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afli, i-am zis, tr{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}gndu-l spre
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 De data asta, nu a mai ezit
at. A disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ultima lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pies{\f63 \u259\'3f} vestimentar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ia
r ntregul meu trup a fost cuprins
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ldur{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-i pielea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i felul n care mini
le-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alunecau pe mine. Nevoile mele fizice c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}lcau iute n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 picioare orice logic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, orice ra{\f63 \
u355\'3f}iune. Nu mai exista
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gndire, nu existam dect noi, precum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
aprinsa nevoie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care ne unea. Ardeam toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de nevoie
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2480 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aoleu, mama m
{\f63 \u259\'3f}-sii...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it ca un f
el de morm{\f63 \u259\'3f}it, din moment ce ne
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutam, buzele fie
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utndu-le nfrigurate pe-ale

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 celuilalt. Datorit{\f63 \u259\'3f} reflexelor de gard
ian, am izbutit n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ultima clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} dau ntr-o parte, chiar cnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}oldurile
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncepuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ni se lipe
asc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. S{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-i mai simt trupul mi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocant, iar l
ui, cu att mai mult. Era buimac, se
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 holba uimit la mine n timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} zvrcole
am,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rtndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} de el {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ind
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ridic n {\f63 \u351\'3f}ezut pe pat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1017 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce... ce s-a n
tmplat? Te-ai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zgndit?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem nevoie de p
rotec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, n primul rnd, i-am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2418 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 zis. Ai tu vreun prezervativ?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 A stat cteva clipe s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} se dumireasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} care a
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 oftat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, numai
tu erai n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}ti un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 moment ca {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aduci aminte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 Era un punct de vedere destu
l de corect.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Sincronizarea mea era cam de rahat. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 preferabil dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi aduc aminte dup{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. n ciuda
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei n{\f63 \u259\'3f}valnice a t
rupului {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse ctu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, v{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, mi-a ve
nit dintr-odat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n minte imaginea uluitor de vi
e a surorii lui Dimitri,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Karolina. O cunoscusem n Siberia, av
ea un copil cam
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de {\f63 \u351\'3f}ase luni. Era adorabil, a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a cum sunt cel mai adesea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bebelu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pentru n
umele lui Dumnezeu, ea avea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prea mult de munc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lucra ca osp{\f63

\u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
, imediat cum
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se ntorcea acas{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la serviciu, {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i concentra toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupra copilului. Ct timp era e
a la lucru, de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 prunc se ngrijea mama lui Dimitri. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
un sugar avea tot
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 timpul nevoie de cte ceva: s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f}nnce, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 schimbat, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie salvat s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nu se-nece cu vreun mic
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 obiect. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i sora ei, Sonya, era aproap
e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cum st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau lucrurile cnd plecasem eu,
nu m-ar fi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 surprins deloc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i sora lui cea mai mic{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Viktoria, ar fi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas ns{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rcinat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre timp. Enorme
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \
u259\'3f}, datorate unor mici neglijen{\f63 \u355\'3f}e.
\plain\par
u259\'3f} eram destul de convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi doream
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 apar{\f63 \u259\'3f} n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea un beb
elu{\f63 \u351\'3f}, nu chiar acum, cnd
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 eram att de tn{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cu Dim
itri nu-mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 probleme, mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umit{\f63 \u259\'3f} inf
ertilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii dhampirilor. n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 schimb, cu Adrian? Aici era o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f}
, cum era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mboln{\f
63 \u259\'3f}virile erau extrem de rare n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 rndul ambelor neamuri, oricum nu eram eu prima fat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri522 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu care se culca Adrian. Nici a d
oua. Nici a treia...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Zi, ai? lam ntrebat, ner{\f63 \u259\'3f}bd{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Doar pentru c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 devenisem brusc responsabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, asta nu n
semna c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 doream mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa
cem sex.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, mi-a r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Adrian. Am. La mine, n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 dormitor.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ne-am uitat fix unul l
a cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. Dormitorul lui era

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri416 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 h{\f63 \u259\'3f}t, departe, n zon
a rezervat{\f63 \u259\'3f} moroilor de la Curte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S-a strecurat mai aproape, m
-a cuprins cu bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 mi-a ron{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}it lobul ure
chii.
\plain\par
\'3f}ansele s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple ceva nedorit sunt destul de
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 mici.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am nchis ochii {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i mi-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat capul pe spate, la
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pieptul lui. Mi-a cuprins {\f63 \u351\'3f}oldurile cu
palmele {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mngie.
\plain\par
'3f}ti cumva doctor? l-am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 A rs u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urel, s{\f63
\u259\'3f}rutndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} imediat n spatele
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4217 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 urechii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Dar sun
t dispus s{\f63 \u259\'3f} risc. Doar n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spui
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu vrei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am deschis ochii {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i m-am retras att ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l pot
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 privi drept n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ave
a dreptate. Voiam. Foarte, foarte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mult. Iar acea parte din mine {\f63 \u8212\'3f} care n
semna, n mare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cam totul din m
ine {\f63 \u8212\'3f} arznd de dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ncerca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} biruie. Pr
obabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ansele erau mici, nu?
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Ce, nu erau attea care se chinuiau la nesfr{\f63 \u351\
'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rcinate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot nu puteau? Dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea avea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 un argument valabil de partea ei, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a surprins c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i logica a ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it n
ving{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2105 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu nu pot s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} risc, i-am zis.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Acum, era rndul lui Adrian s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} studieze; pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3192 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a ncuviin{\
f63 \u355\'3f}at.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK. Atunci
, r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne pe alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ast{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-sear{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ne p{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}m... capetele
pe umeri.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri2445 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Numai a
tt ai de spus?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3452 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 S-a ncruntat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri67 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar ce-a{\f63 \
u351\'3f} mai putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun? Mi-ai zis nu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i gata
.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, dar tu... ai fi putut s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} constrngi.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Acum, era de-a dreptul uluit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2335 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu vrei s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} te constrng?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Sigur c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu. Doar mi-a trecut prin minte c{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2614 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n fine, ai fi putut s-o faci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri934 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian mi-a cuprins din nou fa{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a n palme.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, eu tri{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ez la c{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cump{\f
63 \u259\'3f}r b{\f63 \u259\'3f}uturi alcoolice
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra{\f63 \u259\'3f
}s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am vrsta legal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu te\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri346 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} for{\f63 \u355\
'3f}a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} faci ce nu vrei. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n mod sigur, nu asta.
..
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 S-a ntrerupt, fiindc{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lipisem strns de el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ncepusem din nou s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rut. Efectul surprizei poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 l-o fi mpiedicat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reac{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ioneze instantaneu, dar foarte
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 curnd, m-a mpins cu ceea ce p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fie o stra{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 reticen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Micu{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ule dhampir, a replicat el, sec, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrei s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ne p{\f63 \u259\'3f}str{\f63 \u259\'3f}m capetele pe
umeri, nu a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 proced{\f63 \u259\'3f}m.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu e nevoie
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}m s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} momentul. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 putem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu cap
etele pe umeri.
\plain\par
3f}i-atunci, toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea asta cu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 S-a oprit brusc cnd m-a v{\f63 \u
259\'3f}zut c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi arunc p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul pe
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spate {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-i ofer gtul
dezgolit. Am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi ntorc
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or capul, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i pot
ntlni privirea, dar n-am zis
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nimic. Nici nu era nevoie. Invita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
era evident{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose.
.. a rostit el, nesigur... cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l vedeam
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 aprinzndu-se la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 B{\f63 \u259\'3f}utul sngelu
i nu era acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru ca sexul, dar era
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 o poft{\f63 \u259\'3f} comun{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru t
o{\f63 \u355\'3f}i vampirii, iar cnd se
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 petrecea n stare de excita{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie {\f63 \u
8212\'3f} cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a auzisem
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} era ceva cutremur{\f63 \u259\'3f}t
or. Mai era, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tabu, ntmplndu-se rareori, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum se p
retindea. De
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acolo ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse {\f63 \u351\'3f}i defini
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia prostituatelor pentru snge:
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 femei dhampir care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f
}ruiau sngele n timpul unui
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 act sexual. Ideea ca femeile dhampir s{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ofere sngele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 oricum era considerat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezonorant{\f63
\u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu o mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alt{\f63 \u
259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}: cu Lissa, cnd avusese nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 se hr{\f63 \u259\'3f}neasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i cu Dimitri, cnd era strigoi. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i fusese
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 fantastic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri66 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 A ncercat din nou, cu vocea mai s
igur{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ast{\f63 \u259\'3f} dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1928 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, tu {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tii bine ce-mi ceri?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, i-am r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spuns, hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. I-am trecut cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e un deget pest
e buze, apoi l-am strecurat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, atingndu-i col{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
i. Apoi, i-am aruncat n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 propriile-i cuvinte. Doar n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi s
pui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu vrei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dar el a vrut. Ct ai clipi,
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a repezit gura spre gtul
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 meu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i col{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}i mi-au str{\f63 \u259\'3f}puns pielea. Am scos un {\f63 \u355\'3f}ip{\
f63 \u259\'3f}t
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 din cauza durerii subite, dar sunetul s-a ndulcit pn{\
f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 geam{\f63 \u259\'3f}t n clipa n care m-au inundat endor
finele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 caracteristice oric{\f63 \u259\'3f}rui vampir. Un ext
az sublim m-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cuprins. Adrian m-a tras cu putere spre el n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sorbea, {\f63 \u355\'3f}inndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproa
pe n poal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu spinarea strns
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lipit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pieptul lui. i sim{\f63 \u355
\'3f}eam ca prin vis minile
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 plimbndu-se peste tot, {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i buzele pe gtul meu. Dar, n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 general, tot ce {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam era c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} necam ntr-o pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 pur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, extatic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Senza
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f} de n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
re.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cnd s-a retras, parc-a{\f63 \
u351\'3f} fi pierdut ceva din mine.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Parc-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas incom
plet{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tulburat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind nevoia
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l am napoi, m-am ntins dup{\f63 \u259
\'3f} el. Mi-a nl{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mna cu blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e, zmbind n timp ce se lingea
pe
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 buze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}U{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}urel, micu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ule dhampir. Am cam dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}it deja
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sura. Ar putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i creasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} aripi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i iei zborul
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 imediat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 De fapt, nu mi s-ar fi p{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rut o idee prea rea. Cu toate
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 acestea, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} alte cteva clipe, acea i
ntens{\f63 \u259\'3f}, smintit{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 component{\f63 \u259\'3f} a senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei
de extaz s-a mai stins {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-am
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mai revenit n fire. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam minunat de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ame{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f}: endorfinele mi
alimentaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} dorin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a trupului.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}iunea mi-a revenit ncetul cu ncetul,
permi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndesc (oarecum) coerent {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zbat prin cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 beatitudinii. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce s-a convins c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} trezisem
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ndeajuns, Adrian s-a relaxat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a ntin
s pe pat. n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 clipa imediat urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, eram lng{\f63
\u259\'3f} el, ncovrigndu\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi. P{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}rea la fel de satisf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ca mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta, a cu
getat el, a fost cea mai grozav{\f63 \u259\'3f} partid{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de non-sex din toate timpurile.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Singurul meu r{\f63 \u259\'3
f}spuns a fost un zmbet somnoros.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Era trziu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu ct m{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
iberam mai mult de fluxul
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 endorfinelor, cu att mai mole{\f63 \u351\'3f}it{\f63 \
u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam. O
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rticic{\f63 \u259\'3f} minuscul{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} din mine mi spunea c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dorisem asta {\f63 \u351\'3f}
i {\f63 \u355\'3f}ineam la Adrian, ntreaga ntmplare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fusese o gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}eal{\f
63 \u259\'3f}. N-o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem din motivele potrivite,
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 ci m{\f63 \u259\'3f} l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sasem purtat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} de propria mhnire {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dezorientare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, rest
ul fiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei mele a hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu e ade
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vocea aceea scito
are s-a stins curnd, istovit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am adormit cu capul pe Adrian, avnd parte de cea mai
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} noapte de somn din ultima (mult{
\f63 \u259\'3f}) vreme.
\plain\par
\sl-276\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nu m-a
mirat prea tare faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} cobor
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 din pat, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac un du{\f63 \u351\'3f}
, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mbrac {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar s{\f63 \u259\
'3f}-mi usuc
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ca Adrian s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se trezeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n trecut, eu {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prietenii mei ne petrecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m nu pu{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ine dimine{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 chinuindu-ne s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l smulgem din pat. Mah
mur sau cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mintea limpede, oricum avea un somn tare adnc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 I-am acordat p{\f63 \u259\'3
f}rului meu mai mult timp dect de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 obicei. Denun{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea
urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} a mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii de vampir era
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} proasp{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259
\'3f} pe gtul meu. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa
t p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 liber, avnd grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
fac c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea pe-o parte, astfel
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nct lungile sale valuri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} atrne cu toat
{\f63 \u259\'3f} greutatea pe
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 partea mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii. Sat
isf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vn{\f63 \u259\
'3f}taia avea
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
camuflat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am chibzuit ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac n
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 continuare. Cam peste o or{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Sfatul av
ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ascultare argumentelor diferitelor fac{\f63 \u355\'3
f}iuni, cu diferitele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 lor idei privitoare la noul decret cu vrsta, la lupta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moroilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i la dreptul de vot pentru f
amilia Dragomir.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Nici nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} gndeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} rat
ez dezbaterea celor mai
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fierbin{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sub
iecte la ordinea zilei din lumea noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1871 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} lase s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intru n sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, nici
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l trezesc pe Adrian n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut. Era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nclcit printre a{\f63 \u351\'3f}temuturile mele {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i dormea lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}tit.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l trezeam, eram obligat{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mn pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i punea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el {\f63 \u
355\'3f}inuta la punct. Cu ajutorul leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii, am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it-o pe Lissa stnd singur{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} la mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o cafenea.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Imediat, am vrut s-o v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu micul dejun, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}-l las pe Adrian s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se descurce {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 singur. I-am l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat un bile{\f63 \u355
\'3f}el n care-l informam unde am
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 plecat, i-am explicat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} u{\f63 \u351
\'3f}a se ncuia singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea, apoi am desenat o mul{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ime de x {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de o.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cam pe la jum{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tatea drumului spre cafenea, totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it ceva care-mi d{\f63 \u259\'
3f}dea peste cap planurile pentru
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 micul dejun. Christian se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezase la
masa Lissei.
\plain\par
59\'3f}i, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}i, am bomb{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit. Cu toate ntmpl{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rile din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 jurul meu, nu prea d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem cine {\f63
\u351\'3f}tie ce aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 personale a Lissei. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} evenimentele
de la depozit, nu
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} miram prea tare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sentimentele ei mi d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau de n{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se petrecuse
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vreo mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}care romantic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
.. deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era dect o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 stngace tentativ{\f63 \u259\'3f} de prietenie, o {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a trece peste
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 constanta lor gelozie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i lips{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de ncredere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Departe de mine gndul s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} amestec, cnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dragostea intra n ac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iune. {\f63 \u350\
'3f}tiam un loc din apropierea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii gardienilor, n care se g{\f63
\u259\'3f}seau de asemenea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 gogo{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cafea. Erau b
une {\f63 \u351\'3f}i astea, ct timp nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amintea nimeni c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, teoretic vorbind, eu eram nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 prob{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ba mai f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cusem
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i o scen{\f63 \u259\'3f} n sala regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri437 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}ansele s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} scap de consecin{\f63 \u355\'3f}e nu erau prea mari.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, m-am hot{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerc, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
pornit ntr\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acolo, examinnd nelini{\f63 \u351\'3
f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} cerul acoperit de nori.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Ploaia n-ar fi putut nicidecum s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi a

melioreze
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dispozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Ajungnd n cafenea, am descop
erit c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aveam de ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi fac griji cu privir
e la posibilitatea de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a atrage aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cuiva. Era acolo un m
agnet mult mai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 puternic: Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ise mpreun
{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu garda lui personal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i chiar
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bucuram c{\f63 \u259\'3f} beneficia
de o oarecare libertate, ideea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie su
pravegheat ndeaproape m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nfuria nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Bine m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 prezent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u
351\'3f}a, cei care veniser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru micul dejun
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nu se puteau ab{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se holbeze la el, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ini
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 z{\f63 \u259\'3f}boveau. De data asta, avea cu el ci
nci gardieni, ceea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ce nsemna o reducere semnificativ{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Er
a un semn bun.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 El st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea singur la o mas{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, avnd n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} o can{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu cafea
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o gogoa{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259
\'3f} glazurat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din care mncase jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate. Citea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 dintr-un volum bro{\f63 \u351\'3f}at, {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pun via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a z{\f63 \u259\'3f}log
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un roman western.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nimeni nu st{\f63 \u259\'3f
}tea cu el. Escorta lui doar men{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cerc protector, doi stnd lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} perete, u
nul la intrare, iar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 doi, la mesele din apropiere. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dispozitivul de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259
\'3f}rea inutil. Dimitri era cufundat cu totul n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cartea lui, complet neatent la paznici {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i la spectatorii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ocazionali; sau, pur {\f63 \u351\'3f}i simplu, juca u
n spectacol al
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nep{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rii. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea ct se poate de inofensiv, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} toc
mai
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 atunci mi-au venit n minte vorbele lui Adrian. Oare s
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 mai fi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas n el ceva de strigoi? Vreo
parte
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntunecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}? nsu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri
sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}inea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} poart{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3

f} n el
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}rm{\f63 \u259\'3f} care-l mpiedi
ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai iubeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat pe cineva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntre noi doi existase ntotdea
una acea supranatural{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'
3f} a apropierii celuilalt. Oricnd a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc ntr-o nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere aglo
merat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, orict de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 preocupat ar fi fost de cartea lui, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
-a ridicat privirea n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 timp ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndreptam spre barul cafenele
i. Privirile ni
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s-au ntlnit pentru o milisecund{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Pe fa{
\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui nu era
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nicio expresie... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'
3f}i, aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta
\plain\expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Pe mine, mi-am dat seama, tr
es{\f63 \u259\'3f}rind. n ciuda
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tuturor, n ciuda disputei noastre din biseric{\f63 \u
259\'3f}... el credea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 n continuare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r
enun{\f63 \u355\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai {\f63 \u355\'3f
}in o
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pledoarie n favoarea dragostei mele. De ce? Doar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta d
in partea mea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu att de lipsit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elegere? Sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
fost posibil... s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost posibil
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2609 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ca el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrea s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-l abordez?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ei bine, oricare ar fi fost
motivul, m-am hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nu-i dau ap{\f63 \u259\'3f} la moar{\f63 \u259\'3f}:
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}nise deja de prea multe ori.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi spusese s{\f63 \u259\'3f} stau departe de el, iar d
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 parte din cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce joc sofisticat
n care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} jongleze cu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sentimentele mele, pe mine nu trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} conteze. I-am
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aruncat o privire semea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-am ntors scurt spatele,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ndreptndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} spre bar. Am comandat ceai
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i un ecler
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cu ciocolat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m-am mai gndit un pic, am
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 comandat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un al d
oilea ecler. Aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fie o zi tare nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}rcat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Ini{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial avus
esem de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nnc afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u
259\'3f} cnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am aruncat o privire spre geamurile fumurii, am putut
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} disting, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
destul de greu, desenele l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sate de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pic{\f63 \u259\'3f}turile de ploaie. Pe naiba! Pentru
cteva secunde,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m-am gndit dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iau v
remea n piept {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 altundeva cu mncarea, dar am ajuns la concluzia c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i las lui Dimitri impresia
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-ar fi speriat.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Descoperind o mas{\f63 \u259\'3f} departe de el, am
pornit ntr-acolo,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd tot ce-mi st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea n
puteri s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l privesc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 abstrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri627 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bun{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, Rose. Te duci azi la {\f63 \u351\'3f}edin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a Sfatului?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am oprit pe loc. Vorbise unul d
intre gardienii lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri, zmbindu-mi n acela{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i timp prietenos. Nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi amintesc
numele lui, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} fusese dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ori de cte ori trecuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m unul pe lng{\
f63 \u259\'3f} cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. N-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu nepoliticoas{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tragere de inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}... chiar dac{\f63 \u
259\'3f} asta nsemna s{\f63 \u259\'3f} z{\f63 \u259\'3f}bovesc
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prin preajma lui Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mh, am zis,
avnd grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi concentrez aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri296 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 numai asupra gardianului. Doar m{
\f63 \u259\'3f}nnc ceva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i plec.
\plain\par
\'3f}i crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} te las{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intri? m
-a ntrebat un alt
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gardian. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el zmbea. Pentru o clip{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, am avut impresia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i bat joc de ultima
mea izbucnire. Dar nu... nu era

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Pe chipurile lor se vedea aproba
rea.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Excel
ent{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebare, am recunoscut, lund o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f
} din ecler. Dar mi nchipui c-ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncerc. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai ncerc
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am un comportament
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 corespunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2421 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Primul gardian a chicotit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu chiar sper s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nu. {\f63 \u258\'3f}ia de-acolo merit{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 necazurile cu care po{\f63 \u355\'3
f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i pricopse{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, cu legea aia a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 lor tmpit{\f63 \u259\'3f} privind vrsta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri784 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt gardian
a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat aprobator din cap.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce lege? a intervenit Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Reticent{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mi-am nt
ors privirea spre el. Ca de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 obicei, mi-a t{\f63 \u259\'3f}iat r
espira{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. nceteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Rose, m-am
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 certat singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i E{\f63 \u351\'3f}t
i sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe el, ai uitat? Iar acum {\f63 \u355\'
3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 l-ai ales pe Adrian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Decretul pr
in care familiile regale {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nchipuie c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 trimiterea unor dhampiri de {\f63 \u351\'3f}aisprezec
e ani n lupta
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 contra strigoilor nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acela{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i lucru cu trimiterea
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 celor de optsprezece, am zis, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-am ma
i luat o
\plain\expndtw-25 \f20 \fs24 mu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'
3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Capul lui Dimitri a {\f63 \
u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit att de repede n sus, nct
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am necat cu pr{\f63 \u259
\'3f}jitura.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Care dhampi
ri de {\f63 \u351\'3f}aisprezece ani se lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4163 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 strigoii?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii s-au ncordat, dar n
u au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut nimic
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 altceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-au trebuit cteva clipe pn{
\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trimit pe gt n jos
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mbuc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura de ecler. Cnd, n sfr{\f63 \u351
\'3f}it, am fost capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc, aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mi-era fric{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i explic.
\par
3 \u258\'3f}sta-i decretul. De-acum, dhampirii sunt declara{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 absolven{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cnd mplinesc {\f63 \u351\'3f
}aisprezece ani.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri876 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd s-a ntmplat a
sta? a vrut el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1682 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Alalt{\f63 \u
259\'3f}ieri. Nu {\f63 \u355\'3f}i-a spus nimeni?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am aruncat o privire spre ceilal{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni. Unul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre ei a ridicat din umeri. Avea
m impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 poate credeau c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri era ntr-adev{
\f63 \u259\'3f}r dhampir, tot nu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 se sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eau preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63
\u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntre{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} conversa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ii cu el.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Singurele lui contacte sociale fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3
f}, probabil, Lissa
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cei care-l interogaser{\f63 \u259\
'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, mi-a r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Dimitri, ncruntndu-se n timp
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ce chibzuia asupra ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am mncat eclerul n t{\f63
\u259\'3f}cere, spernd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asta-l va
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpinge s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} el
mai departe. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a a fost.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o abera{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ie, a zis. L{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd deoparte aspectul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moral, ei nu sunt preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ti{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i, att de tineri. E sinucidere
\plain\expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 curat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
0\'3f}tiu. Tasha le-a oferit argumente chiar foarte bune
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mpotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i eu, la fel
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri mi-a aruncat o privi
re b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuitoare, la auzul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ultimei mele afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, mai ales c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} vreo doi dintre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 gardienii lui zmbiser{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Votul a fo
st strns? s-a mai interesat el. Vorbea n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 stilul interogatoriilor, cu acea seriozitate {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i concentrare
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 care-l definiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} att de bine drept ga
rdian. Era cu mult
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mai bine dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie deprimat, am tras
concluzia. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, era mai bine dect s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-mi cear{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} el.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Foar
te strns. Dac-ar fi avut {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa drept de vot,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 decretul n-ar fi trecut.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, a exclam
at, jucndu-se cu marginea ce{\f63 \u351\'3f}tii de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cafea. Cvorumul.
\plain\par
3f}tiai despre asta? m-am mirat.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o lege veche de-a moroilor.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a am auzit {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i eu.
\plain\par
i opozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ce ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u
259\'3f}? S{\f63 \u259\'3f} influen{\f63 \u355\'3f}eze
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sfatul s{\f63 \u259\'3f} renun{\f63
\u355\'3f}e la lege, sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dreptul de vot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3714 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pentru Lissa?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2660 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ambele. Plus
altele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat din ca
p, n timp ce-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea cteva {\f63 \u351\'3f}uvi{\f63
\u355\'3f}e
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2924 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r pe dup{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ureche.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu se poat
e. Ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i aleag{\f63 \u259\'3f} o singur{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i

pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate puterile n sprijinul ei. Lissa mi se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pare alegerea cea mai inteligent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Sfa
tul are nevoie de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 reprezentarea Dragomirilor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am v{\f
63 \u259\'3f}zut cum o privea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lumea, cnd a avut loc spectacolul meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Doar o u{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar
{\f63 \u259\'3f} nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de am{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ciune i str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 cuvintele, dezv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luindu-i sentimentele
referitoare la ce i
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se ntmplase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1924 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Apoi, a revenit la tonul pract
ic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ar fi deloc gr
eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} sprijin pentru a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ceva... cu condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i mpart{\f63 \u259\'3f} eforturile n mai
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 multe direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am nceput cel de-al doilea
ecler, uitnd de
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea mea de mai devreme, de a-l ign
ora pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Nu voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i distrag aten{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la subiect. Era
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 primul lucru care-i readuses
e n ochi vechea nfl{\f63 \u259\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}rare,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 singurul lucru de care p{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rea cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat interesat... m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 rog, pe lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}i jura devotament pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la moarte
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissei, iar mie mi cerea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} dispar din
via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a lui. Mie de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta de-acum mi pl{\f63 \u259\
'3f}cea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Era acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i D
imitri de mai demult, cel aprig, dispus
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ri{\f63 \u351\'3f
}te via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a pentru ce considera c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era drept.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi doream s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
redevin{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri acela
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 enervant, distant, cel care-mi cerea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} stau departe de
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 el. V{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-l a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum er
a acum, mi reveneau n minte
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prea multe amintiri... ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai p
omenesc de atrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de care credeam c-am sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pat. Acum, cu
toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pasiunea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lui evident{\f63 \u259\'3f}, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea mai
sexy ca oricnd. Avusese
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ardoare cnd ne luptaser{\f63 \
u259\'3f}m mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ba chiar
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cnd f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}m dragoste. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie Dimitri:
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 puternic {\f63 \u351\'3f}i poruncitor. M{\f63 \u259\'
3f} bucuram, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i...
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-l c{\f63 \u259\'3f} este iar a{
\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum era cnd l iubeam, inima
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi era cu att mai ndurerat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era pierdut
pentru mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Dimitri m
i ghicise sentimentele, oricum, nu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mi-a ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat. M-a privit deschis {\f63
\u351\'3f}i, ca-ntotdeauna,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 puterea ochilor lui m-a nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}luit toat{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd o mai ve
zi pe Tasha, vrei s-o trimi{\f63 \u355\'3f}i la
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mine? Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m
de vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe tema asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri121 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A{\f63 \u351\'
3f}adar, Tasha poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fie prieten{\f63 \u259\
'3f}, dar eu, nu?
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Replica aceasta ascu{\f63 \u355\'3f}it{\f63 \u259\'3f
} mi-a {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit de pe buze
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nainte s-o mai pot opri. M-am nro{\f
63 \u351\'3f}it, jenat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} o sc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pasem de fa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni. Din cte se
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea, nici Di
mitri nu avea chef de public. S-a uitat la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gardianul care mi se adresase primul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri53 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Putem s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} schimb{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cteva vorbe ntre patru ochi?
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Paznicii lui s-au privit reciproc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a
poi, aproape ca
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 unul singur, s-au tras napoi. Nu la
o distan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 considerabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot m
en{\f63 \u355\'3f}innd un cerc n jurul lui
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dimitri. Dar, chiar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a{\f63 \u351\'
3f}a, era destul ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ne poat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 auzi conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. Dimitri {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i-a ntors din nou capul spre
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mine. M-am a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i Tasha sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii total diferite.
Ea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte di
n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreun risc. Tu, nu
.
\plain\par
0\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, am ripostat, smucind nervoas{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
cap {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 azvrlindu-mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul ntr-o parte, pare s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu fie niciun
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 risc dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac parte din via{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}a ta atunci cnd {\f63 \u355\'3f}i convine...
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zicem, de exemplu, cnd vrei s{\f63 \
u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fac un serviciu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i transmit un
mesaj.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu mi se pa
re c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai avea nevoie cu adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mine n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ta, a remarcat el, sec, ncl
inndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 capul spre um{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul meu drept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a luat ceva timp pn{\f63 \
u259\'3f} am n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles ce se
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntmplase. Zvrlindu-mi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul ntr-o parte, m
i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sasem
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 expus gtul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i... urma mu{\f63 \u351\'3
f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}turii. M-am str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai nro{\f63 \u351\'3f}esc iar, {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aveam pentru ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 simt jenat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mi-am tras p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rul la loc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta nu-i t
reaba ta, i-am {\f63 \u351\'3f}uierat, spernd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Exact, a r
ostit el, triumf{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuie s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}i tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie{\f63 \u351\'3
f}ti propria via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, departe de mine.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Of, p
entru numele lui Dumnezeu, am exclamat.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Nu vrei s{\f63 \u259\'3f} termini cu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am ncetat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
mai privesc cnd o armat{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}pustit deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} asup

ra noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 OK, nu era tocmai o armat{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 considerat{\f63 \u259\'3f} astfel. Cu o clip{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-n urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu eram dect eu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Dimitri, plus cei care-l p{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}zeau, iar deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}... prin
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntreaga nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere roiau gardienii. {\f63
\u350\'3f}i nu oricare gardieni.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Purtau uniformele n alb {\f63 \u351\'3f}i negru ntlnite
frecvent la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gardienii afla{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n misiuni oficiale, ns{
\f63 \u259\'3f} un mic bumb
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}u de pe gulerele lor i desemna ca fi
ind gardieni
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 deta{\f63 \u351\'3f}a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n mod special
pentru paza reginei. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fi fost pe pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}z
eci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Erau virulen{\f63 \u355\'3f
}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori, cei mai buni din
tre
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cei mai buni. De-a lungul istoriei, asasinii care-i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 atacaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe monarhi se pomeniser{\f63
\u259\'3f} dobor{\f63 \u355\'3f}i foarte
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 repede de garda regal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Erau moarte si
gur{\f63 \u259\'3f}... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 strngeau to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n jurul nostru. Eu {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i Dimitri am {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 simultan n picioare, ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind precis ce
se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 siguri de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} amenin{\f63 \u355\
'3f}area era ndreptat{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Masa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i scaune
le erau ntre noi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 adoptat instantaneu pozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia standard d
e lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f} a
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 gardienilor, n cazurile n care sunt nconjura{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 inamic: spate n spate.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Paznicii lui Dimitri purtau
uniforme obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuite {\f63 \u351\'3f}i au
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut un pic mira{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de
apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia confra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor lor, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 eficien{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ce-i caracterizeaz{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} pe gardieni, s-au al{\f63 \u259\'3f}turat cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 promptitudine g{\f63 \u259\'3f}rzii reginei, care nai
nta f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63
\u259\'3f}ie.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Se terminase cu zmbetele {\f63
\u351\'3f}i cu glumele. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} arunc n fa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}a lui Dimitri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-o astfel de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, era cam dificil.
\plain\par
f63 \u259\'3f} vii cu noi imediat, a rostit unul dintre
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 gardienii reginei. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} te mpotrive{\f
63 \u351\'3f}ti, te lu{\f63 \u259\'3f}m cu for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}L{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-l n pace! am urlat, plimbndu-mi privirea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de la un chip la altul. Acel ntuneric furios explodas
e n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cum era posibil ca ei s{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu cread{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}? De ce tot
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3102 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 mai veneau dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
l?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cut nimic! De ce nu pute{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} accepta{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2293 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 realitatea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} acu
m e dhampir?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri891 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Tipul care vorbise a ridicat di
n sprncean{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar nu vorbeam cu el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunte{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i... sunte{\f63 \u355\'3f}i aici pentru mine? l-am ntrebat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63
\u259\'3f} gndesc la ce scene era posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mai fi provocat n ultima vreme. Am luat n considerare
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nebuneasca idee c
a regina s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi aflat c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 petrecusem noaptea mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu Adrian {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 enervat din cauza asta. Nu ar fi fost suficient s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} trimit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 garda palatului dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, de{\f63 \u
351\'3f}i... sau o fi fost? Oare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1813 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fi mers eu prea departe cu pozne
le?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru ce?
i-a luat la rost Dimitri. Trupul lui nalt,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 minunat {\f63 \u8212\'3f} care {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia un
eori s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i senzual {\f63 \u8212\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 acum ncordat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Tipul a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas
cu privirea fixat{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra mea,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nelundu-l n seam{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Dimitri.

\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} face s{\f63 \u259\'3f} repet: vino cu noi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mpotrive{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, sau te oblig{\f63 \u259\
'3f}m noi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2124 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 C{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ele i-ai sclipit n mini.
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ochii mari.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E o nebunie! Nu
merg nic{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi spune{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3558 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 cum naiba de...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Acela a fost momentul n care,
dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, au ajuns la concluzia c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nu aveam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 urmez f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} zarv{\f63 \u
259\'3f}. Doi dintre gardienii regali s-au
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 avntat spre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu toate c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, teoretic vorbind,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 lucram n favoarea aceleia{\f63 \u351\'3f}i tabere, ins
tinctele mi-au
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it la iveal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu n{\f
63 \u355\'3f}elegeam nimic din tot ce se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 petrecea aici, dect c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu aveam s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} las trt{\f63 \u259\'3f} de\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acolo ca un criminal periculos. Am azvrlit ntr-un
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 gardian scaunul pe care st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tusem pn{\f
63 \u259\'3f} mai adineauri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mi-am repezit pumnul spre cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt. A
fost o lovitur{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 stngace, din cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e
ra mai nalt dect mine. Aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 diferen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de n{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime mi-a permis s{\f63 \u259\'3f} eschivez
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea lui tentativ{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de prindere, iar cnd i-am tras
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 un {\f63 \u351\'3f}ut violent n gamb{\f63 \u259\'3f},
a morm{\f63 \u259\'3f}it u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or, fapt care mi-a
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dat de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimeri
sem unde trebuia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Am auzit cteva {\f63 \u355\'
3f}ipete r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zle{\f63 \u355\'3f}e. Lucr{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii cafene
lei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se ascunseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} bar
, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum s-ar fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 apar{\f63 \u259\'3f} arme automate. Ceilal{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i clien{\f63 \u355\'3f}i care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i luau micul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dejun au {\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}nit de la mes
ele lor, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le mai pese de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mncare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de vesel{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Au

dat fuga spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}iri... ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}iri
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care erau blocate de al{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni. De
aici, alte {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipete,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irile fu
seser{\f63 \u259\'3f} nchise din cauza mea.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntre timp, al{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i gardieni au intrat n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierare. Cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am reu{\f63
\u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nimeresc vreo c{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva pumni, mi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deam seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} num{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rul celorlal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i era cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}itor.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Unul dintre gardieni a reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63
\u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} prind{\f63 \u259\'3f} de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f} {\f63
\u351\'3f}i a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi pun{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f
63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele. S-a oprit n clipa n care o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 alt{\f63 \u259\'3f} pereche de bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}e m
-a apucat din cealalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} parte,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 smulgndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} din strnsoarea lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2876 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Erau ale lui Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1188 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu v{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} atinge{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de ea, a mrit spre ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 n vocea lui era o nuan{\f63 \u355
\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} care m-ar fi nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}at dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mi-ar fi vorbit mie. M-a mpins n spa
tele lui, postndu\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 se, protector, ntre mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ei, n timp
ce spatele mi era
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lipit de mas{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Gardienii veneau spre n
oi din toate
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile, iar Dimitri a nceput s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i ndep{\f63 \u259\'3f}rteze cu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i gra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie feroce
care-i f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 numeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} zeu. Nu omora pe niciunul di
ntre cei cu care
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 se lupta, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} avea grij{\f63 \u259\'3f
} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe rnd din lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cazul n care ar fi crezut cineva c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncer
carea prin care
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 trecuse cnd fusese strigoi sau cnd fusese nchis ntr-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 celul{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-ar fi atenuat capacit{\f63 \u
259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile de lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor, s-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u351\'3f}elat cumplit. Dimitri era o for{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} a naturii, izbutind s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se lupte n condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile n care avea {\f63
\u351\'3f}anse inexistente {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} mpiedice pe mine s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intru n lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f},

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ori de cte ori ncercam s-o fac. Or fi fost ei, gardieni
i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 reginei, cei mai buni dintre cei mai buni, ns{\f63 \u
259\'3f} Dimitri...
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ei bine, fostul meu iubit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i instruct
or f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea parte dintr-o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 categorie alc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} num
ai din el. Abilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile sale de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor erau
mai presus de ale oricui altcuiva, iar acum
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1441 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i le folosea
integral n ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rarea mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}R{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}mi n spate, mi-a poruncit. Nu pune nimeni
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mna pe tine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 La nceput, atitudinea lui pro
tectoare m-a cople{\f63 \u351\'3f}it...
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} detestam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu particip la nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}ierare. Dar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d luptnd din nou era, de asemenea, fa
scinant. El
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea ca ncle{\f63 \u351\'3f}tarea s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} par{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i timp, frumoas{\f63 \
u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 mortal{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Era o armat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dintr-un singur soldat, acel gen
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zboinic care-i ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ra pe cei dragi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spndea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 groaza printre du{\f63 \u351\'3f}mani...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1233 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i atunci, am a
vut o revela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie cumplit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri608 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sta{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i! am urlat deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Merg! Merg cu voi!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 La nceput, nu m-a auzit nimeni. To
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i erau prea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 implica{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n nc{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ierare. Gardienii se tot str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duiau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 furi{\f63 \u351\'3f}eze n spatele lui Dimitri, dar el
d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 i simte de fiecare dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i azvrlea spre ei cu scaune sau
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cu orice i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea n mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}... n
timp ce reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 continuare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i repead
{\f63 \u259\'3f} pumnii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i picioarele spre cei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care se aruncau asupra noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu capu
l nainte. Cine
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie? Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el chia

r era capabil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nfrng{\f63 \u259\'3f} o armat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de unul singur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2323 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu nu puteam
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l las.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1621 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 L-am prins de bra{\f63 \u355\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-am zgl{\f63 \u355\'3f}it.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1418 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai, i-am re
petat. Nu te mai lupta.
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4013 \expndtw-14 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai!
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Sunt convins{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea nu
urlasem
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 att de tare. Vocea mi-a r{\f63 \u259
\'3f}sunat n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Poate chiar n ntreaga Curte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u354\'3f}ip{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}tul meu nu i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut chiar pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} se opreasc{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dintre gardien
i au ncetinit ritmul luptei.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 C{\f63 \u355\'3f}iva dintre lucr{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii
cafenelei, ghemui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i nd{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 barului, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au i{\f63 \u355\'3f}it ca
petele, privind spre noi. Dimitri nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 era n alert{\f63 \u259\'3f}, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} doboare pe oricine, fiind nevoie
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} arunc practic pe
el ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l determin s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} bage-n
\plain\expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 seam{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3990 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Stai!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 De data asta, vocea mi coborse la
nivel de {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri905 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 O t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere stnjenit{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternut asupra tuturor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1343 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu te mai lup
ta! O s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} duc cu ei.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. Nu-i las eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
e ia.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Trebuie, l-am implorat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sufla greu, fiecare p{\f63 \u259\
'3f}rticic{\f63 \u259\'3f} a corpului fiindu-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ncordat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} atace. Ne-am nl{
\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}uit privirile,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o mie de mesaje parc{\f63 \u259\'3f
} au zburat ntre noi, vechiul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nostru flux electric trosnind prin aer. Nu puteam dect
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sper c{\f63 \u259\'3f} recep{\f63
\u355\'3f}ionase corect sensul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Unul dintre gardieni a nainta
t nesigur {\f63 \u8212\'3f} din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 moment ce trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ocoleasc{\f63 \u
259\'3f} trupul f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tin{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} al
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 unui coleg {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ncordar
ea lui Dimitri a explodat. A
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l blocheze pe gardian {\f63
\u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} apere nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu a reu{\f63
\u351\'3f}it, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} deja m{\f63 \u259\'3f} strecurasem ntre
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ei. L-am prins de mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Dimitri {\f63
\u351\'3f}i l-am privit n ochi.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Avea pielea cald{\f63 \u259\'
3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i atingerea ei mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea foarte,
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 extrem de normal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3260 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Te rog. Gata.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 L-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut n{\f63 \
u355\'3f}elegnd n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it ce voiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 transmit. Lumea nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se temea de el. Nimeni nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia ce
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 anume era el. Lissa spusese c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f
63 \u259\'3f} se comporta
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 normal, cu calm, avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} domoleasc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} temerile. Dar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acum? Acum, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dea ga
ta de unul singur o ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 armat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gardieni? Asta nu prea avea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 puncte la capitolul bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} purtare. Poa
te c{\f63 \u259\'3f} deja era prea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trziu, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}ierarea asta, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerc
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} diminuez pagubele. Nu puteam permi
te s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie nchis
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din nou... oricum, nu din cauza mea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, n timp ce
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} privea, mi-a dat impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 transmitea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el un mesaj al lui: c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ar fi luptat mai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 departe pentru mine, c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar fi luptat
pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd ar fi
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut, numai s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i mpied
ice s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ia cu ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am scuturat din cap {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i i-am mai strns o dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} mna,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de desp{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire. Degetele
lui erau exact a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a cum mi le
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 aminteam: lungi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pline de gra{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ie, cu b{\f63 \u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acumulate de-a lungul anilor de antrenament. I-am dat
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 drumul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am ntors cu fa{\f63 \u355\'
3f}a spre tipul care vorbise
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 primul, presupunnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era un soi de {\
f63 \u351\'3f}ef.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mi-am ntins minile n fa{\f63 \u
355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
t nceti{\f63 \u351\'3f}or
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 nainte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Merg f{\f63
\u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} scandal. Dar, v{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog... nu-l mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 nchide{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. A crezut doar... a crezut doa
r c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sunt n
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 primejdie.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-287 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Problema e c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, n timp ce mi se nchideau c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 jurul ncheieturilor, ncepeam {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eram n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 primejdie. n timp ce gardienii se ajutau unii pe al{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ii s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 se ridice, conduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul lor a inspirat
adnc {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul pe care tot ncercase s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}-l rosteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cnd
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 intrase. Am nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n sec, c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}ci m{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aud
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pronun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at numele lui Victor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri71 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose Hathaway,
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti arestat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru nalt{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \
u259\'3f}dare.
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Nu era tocmai ceea ce crezusem. Spernd c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 predarea de bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}voi
e m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai cresc pu{\f63 \u
355\'3f}in n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2867 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ochii lor, l-am ntrebat:
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2336 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce fel de nalt
{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}dare?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri706 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asasinarea Mai
est{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii Sale, regina Tatiana.
\plain\par
expndtw-17 \b \f20 \fs40 DOU{\f63 \u258\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I {\f63 \u350\'
3f}ASE
\plain\par
\f20 \fs24 POATE C{\f63 \u258\'3f} ERA O DOVAD{\f63 \u258\'3f}\b0 a sinistrei
ironii a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sor{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am trezit n
celula n care fusese nchis
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 i urmasem f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{
\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} crcnesc, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce gardianul m{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ase de ce eram acuzat{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. De fapt, devenisem
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 letargic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pre
a multe din ceea ce spusese mi se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}reau imposibil de prelucrat pentru
creierul meu. Nici
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aju
ng la partea referitoare la mine.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} simt ofensat{\f63 \u259\'3f} sau indignat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din
cauza
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acuza{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesem mpotmolit{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ideea c{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Tatiana era moart{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1874 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu doar moar
t{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ci asasinat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3681 \expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 Asasinat{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Cum de se putuse ntmpla a{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a ceva? Cum de se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntmplase aici? Curtea era unul dintre
cele mai sigure
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 locuri din lume, iar Tatiana, n mod special, era mereu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}zit{\f63 \u259\'3f}... de acela{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i grup care n{\f63 \u259\'3f}v{\f63 \u259\'3f}lise cu atta iu{\f63 \u
355\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asupra mea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a lui Dimitri. Dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} nu pleca de la Curte
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eram convins{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu plecase {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, niciun strigoi n-
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 ar fi putut s-o ucid{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Date fiind perm
anentele
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri cu care ne
confruntam, aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici nu se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 auzise vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de asasinate printre
dhampiri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moroi.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sigur, se mai ntmplau. Era ceva inevitabil n oricare
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 societate, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ct eram de vna{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i, rareori mai aveam
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 timp s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne ntoarcem unii mpotriva altora
(l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 deoparte strig{\f63 \u259\'3f}tele din ntrunirile Sfa
tului). n parte, de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aceea fusese Victor att de drastic condamnat. Crimele
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 lui erau ct se poate de grave.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri2663 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Dar numai pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} ac
um.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 De ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce am reu{
\f63 \u351\'3f}it s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trec peste ideea aceea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 imposibil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, c{\f63
\u259\'3f} Tatiana era moart{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am fost capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mi pun adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rata ntrebare: de ce eu? D
e ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} acuzau
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 pe mine? Nu eram avocat, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} aveam ferm
a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 convingere c{\f63 \u259\'3f} faptul de a spune despre
cineva c{\f63 \u259\'3f} este
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ea f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}{\f63 \u355\'3f}arnic{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} reprezinte o p
rob{\f63 \u259\'3f} temeinic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ntr-un proces.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Am ncercat s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}in mai multe detalii de la paznicii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a celulei mele, ns{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ei aveau chipurile mpietrite
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}
ineau gurile nchise. Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}it de ct am
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 strigat, m-am trntit pe pat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am intr
at n mintea Lissei,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 unde eram convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
voi g{\f63 \u259\'3f}si mai multe informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa era disperat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}duindu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsuri de oriunde putea. Christian
nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} era cu ea;
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau amndoi n foaierul uneia dintre c
l{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirile
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 administrative, plin{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o activitate
frenetic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dhampiri

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i moroi deopotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f} al
ergau n toate direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile, unii fiind
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnta{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de proasp{\f
63 \u259\'3f}ta instabilitate a guvern{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii, iar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i spernd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} profi
te de ea. Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau n mijlocul acestei agita{\f63
\u355\'3f}ii, ca frunzele m{\f63 \u259\'3f}turate
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de colo-colo de furia furtunii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Li
ssa f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea parte acum, teoretic, din
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 rndurile adul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor, ea fusese mereu sub
aripa
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 protectoare a cte unei persoane mai mature de la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Curte: de obicei, Priscilla Voda, iar din cnd n cnd,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 chiar Tatiana. Niciuna dintre ele nu mai era disponi
bil{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 acum, din motive evidente. Cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dintre
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 membrii familiilor regale o respectau, Lissa nu avea
un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 veritabil punct de pornire spre care s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri200 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Observndu-i agita{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ia, Christian a prins-o de mn{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tanti Tasha o s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} afle ce se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a zis el. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 apar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mai devreme s
au mai trziu. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tii c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 permit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca Rose s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia c
{\f63 \u259\'3f} era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un pic de nesiguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f} n aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, dar nu a mai adus vorba des
pre asta. Tasha
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu vo
ia ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ceva, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2013 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u
259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era atotputernic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3873 \expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Lissa!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Vocea lui Adrian i-a f{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}cut pe amndoi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ntoarc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian abia intrase, mpreun{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} cu mama lui. Adrian

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi ajuns acolo
, la propriu, direct din camera
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mea. Purta acelea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i haine de ieri, acu
m u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or {\f63 \u351\'3f}ifonate,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 iar p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul nu mai era aranjat cu obi{\
f63 \u351\'3f}nuita ngrijire. Prin
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 contrast, Daniella ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta proasp{\f63
\u259\'3f}t{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aranjat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, imaginea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f} a unei femei de afaceri care
nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a pierdut
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 feminitatea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n sfr{\f63 \u351\'3f}it! Iat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} cine putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3
f}spunsuri. Lissa s\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 a repezit spre ei, recunosc{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Slav{\f63 \
u259\'3f} Domnului, a exclamat ea. Nimeni nu vrea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce se petre
ce... dect doar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} regina e
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 moart{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Rose, nchis{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ridicat
ochii spre Daniella, cu o expresie
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 rug{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1409 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Spune-mi c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nu e dect o gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}eal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri19 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Daniella a b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tut-o
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}urel pe um{\f63 \u259\'3f}r {\f63 \u351\'3f}i i-a adresat o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri782 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 privire ct mai lini{\f63 \u351\'3f
}titoare, date fiind condi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile.
\plain\par
59\'3f} tem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu. Tatiana a fost asasinat{\f63 \u259\'3f} azi-no
apte,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 iar Rose este principala lor suspect{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar ea n-ar
fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} una ca asta! a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 protestat Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri161 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Christian i s-a al{\f63 \u
259\'3f}turat, cu aceea{\f63 \u351\'3f}i ndrept{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}it
{\f63 \u259\'3f} furie.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Faptu
l c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-a apucat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urle atunci, n {\f63 \u351\'3f}e
din{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Sfatului, nu e suficient ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie con
damnat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru

\plain\expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 crim{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Of, Christian {\f63 \u351\'
3f}i cu mine ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionam la fel. Mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 un lucru aproape nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Iar c{\f63
\u259\'3f} s-a strecurat neinvitat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la priveghi, nici att,
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 a ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai dreptate
. Nu e suficient, l-a aprobat Daniella.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dar nici nu-i creeaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} o imagine prea
bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ochii lor.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ei ar ma
i avea o prob{\f63 \u259\'3f}, despre care sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}in
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i dovede{\f63 \u351\'3f}te vinov{
\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1144 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce fel de dov
ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}? a vrut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie Lissa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Chipul Daniellei a c{\f63 \u259\
'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat o expresie de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar fi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4276 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 scuzat.
\plain\par
u351\'3f}tiu. Asta nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ine de anchet{\f63 \u259\'3
f}. Va avea loc o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 audiere, n care se va prezenta proba {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
o vor ntreba
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 unde se afla n perioada aceea, o vor ntreba despre
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 posibilele motive... lucruri de genul acesta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri275 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A aruncat o privire spre cei di
n jur, cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii agita{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'3
f}car dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar ajunge att de departe. Astfel de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri... nu s-au ma
i ntmplat de mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} vreme.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Sfatul dobnde{\f63 \u351\'3f}te st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnir
ea absolut{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la alegerea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 unui nou monarh, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot are s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fie haos. Lumea se
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 teme. Nu m-ar surprinde dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar inst
itui legea
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 mar{\f63 \u355\'3f}ial{\f63 \u259\'3f} asupra Cur{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri54 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Christian s-a ntors spre Lissa, c
u speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n privire.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri369 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai v{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}zut-o azi-noapte pe Rose? A fost cu tine?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Lissa s-a ncruntat.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu. C
red c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost n camera ei. Ultima dat{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut-o alalt{\f63 \u259\'3f}ieri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri442 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Daniella nu a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}
rut deloc bucuroas{\f63 \u259\'3f} auzind asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-o s{\f63 \u259
\'3f}-i fie de ajutor. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} a fost singur{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2458 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} nu are un alibi.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2956 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a fost sin
gur{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Trei perechi de ochi s-au ntors sp
re Adrian. Erau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 primele vorbe pe care le rostise de
cnd o strigase pe
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum, ea nu se prea concent
rase asupra lui,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici eu. Doar i obser
vase, la sosirea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 lui, nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'
3f}area exterioar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} remarce {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 micile am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunte. ngrijorarea {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}saser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 urme, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-l s{\f63 \u259\'3f} arate
mai matur dect era. ncercnd
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i capteze aura, ea a observat obi{
\f63 \u351\'3f}nuita nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} aurie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 specific{\f63 \u259\'3f} utilizatorilor spiritului, ns
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i celelalte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 culori prezente, era ntinat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i umbrit d
e ntuneric. Mai
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o plpire acolo, un avertisment pr
ivitor la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 extinderea instabilit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ii provocate de spirit. Totul se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 petrecuse prea repede ca el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f
63 \u259\'3f} reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}iona, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aveam o b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuial{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse iama n {\f63 \u355\'3f}ig{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i n alcool
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 de ndat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce prinsese un moment propice
. Cam a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}tia
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se mpace cu astfel de lucrur
i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce tot spui
acolo? l-a ntrebat Daniella, pe un ton
\plain\expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ios.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2318 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a ridicat din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri468 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-a fost singu
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am stat cu ea toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} noaptea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Christian
s-au descurcat onorabil n a-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}stra expresii neu
tre, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} chipul Daniellei tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}da acel
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc resim{\f63
\u355\'3f}it de orice p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rinte care afl{\f63 \u259\'3f} despre vi
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri189 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 sexual{\f63 \u259\'3f} a copilulu
i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Adrian i-a remarcat reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Scute{\f63
\u351\'3f}te-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a prevenit-o el. Morala ta, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rer
ile
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 tale... nimic din toate astea nu conteaz{\f63 \u259\
'3f} acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 A f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un se
mn spre un grup de persoane care
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 alergau cuprinse de panic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipnd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Victor Dashkov
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 sigur urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia la Curte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-i omoare pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. Adrian a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tina
t din cap {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors din nou fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 spre mama lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am fost cu
Rose. Asta dovede{\f63 \u351\'3f}te c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a fost ea
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}pta{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Despre dezapr
obarea ta matern{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu privire la
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea sexual{\f63 \u259\'3f} disc
ut{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mai trziu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu asta e c
eea ce m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ngrijoreaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}! Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r au o prob{\f63 \u259\'3f} soli
d{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar tu ajungi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii amestecat,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 e posibil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} devii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
tu suspect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Masca st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pniri
i de sine pe care o afi{\f63 \u351\'3f}ase Daniella
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncepea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se fisureze.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A fost m{\
f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a mea, a strigat Adrian, nevenindu-i
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f}. De ce naiba
ar crede cineva c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am omort-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3886 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Rose?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Din cauz{\f
63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} dezaproba rela{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia dintre voi. {\f
63 \u350\'3f}i din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri508 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cauz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} Rose era sup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe tema legii cu vrsta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Replica i apar{\f63 \u355\'3f
}inuse lui Christian. Lissa l-a privit
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 furioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} el doar a
ridicat din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce este? S
pun ceea ce este evident. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o fac
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 eu, oricum o va face altcineva. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i am
auzit cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pove{\f63 \u351\'3f}tile. Lumea inventeaz{\f63 \u259\
'3f} chestii excesive pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pentru Rose.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri1559 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r
, era un comentariu tare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cnd? a ntrebat Dan
iella, apucndu-l de mnec{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri173 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 pe Adrian. Cnd ai fost cu Rose? Cnd
ai ajuns acolo?
\plain\par
\'3f}tiu. Nu-mi aduc aminte, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns el.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mama lui l-a strns {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai tare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian! Ia situa
{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia n serios. Asta poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 schimbe radical desf{\f63 \u259\'3f
}{\f63 \u351\'3f}urarea ulterioar{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lucrurilor.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai ajuns acolo nainte ca Tatiana
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost ucis{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 atunci nu se va face nicio leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f
63 \u259\'3f} ntre tine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac-ai fost cu Rose pn{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ora aceea...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, nsea
mn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea are un alibi, a ntrerupt-o
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Adrian. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu mai e nicio problem{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sper s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, a murmurat Daniella.
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Privirea ei nu mai p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} se concentreze asupra
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prietenilor mei. Roti{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele din cap i se
tot nvrteau,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gndurile s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rindu-i cu un pas nainte, sem
n c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerca
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se gndeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la cea ma
i bun{\f63 \u259\'3f} modalitate de a-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 proteja fiul. Eu nsemnam pentru ea un caz nefericit. n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 timp ce el {\f63 \u8212\'3f} era lesne de n{\f63 \u355
\'3f}eles {\f63 \u8212\'3f} reprezenta, din
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 punctul ei de vedere, urgen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a maxim{\
f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Oricum va t
rebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i caut un avocat. O s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vorbesc cu Damon. Trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l g{\f63
\u259\'3f}sesc pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la audierea
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de disear{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i Rufus va
trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle, la rndul lui,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2729 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 despre asta. Fir-ar s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fie!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Auzind-o, Adrian a ridicat d
in sprncean{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se ntmplase prea des s-o
aud{\f63 \u259\'3f} njurnd
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 pe Lady Ivashkov.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i T
rebuie\i0 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m la ce or{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai fo
st acolo, a insistat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tot
purta suferin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a n jurul lui ca pe o
\par
\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mantie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ar{
\f63 \u259\'3f}ta de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar fi pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}it dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se lipea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 curnd de nicotin{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de
alcool. Nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} suport s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 l v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, mai ales c{
\f63 \u259\'3f} eu eram cauza. Avea for{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n el,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} discu{\f63 \u355\'
3f}ie, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} firea lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i superficialele efecte ale
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 spiritului l f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} s
uporte mai greu situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, prin toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} agit
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia aceea, a izbutit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 resusciteze o amintire care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i fie

de folos mamei sale,
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 care era disperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Era cineva n
holul cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}dirii, cnd am intrat... un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ngrijitor, sau ceva de genul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta, a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a cred. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, la
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie nu era nimeni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n cele mai multe dintre cl{\f
63 \u259\'3f}diri, se obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuia ca un
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 membru al personalului s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie mereu pr
in preajm{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pentru cazuri de urgen{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
} sau pentru serviciul de
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2221 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Daniella s-a luminat la fa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta e! Asta-i i
nforma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de care avem nevoie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Damon va afla ora la care ai ajuns,
astfel nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 scoatem cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a curat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
din toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea.
\plain\par
f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} apere, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} lucrurile iau
o turnur{\f63 \u259\'3f} urt{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sigur c{\f63 \u259\'3f} da, a r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spuns ea iute.
\plain\par
'3f}i Rose?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3430 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-i cu ea?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Adrian nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rea gata-gata s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se pr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bu{\f63 \u351\'3f
}easc{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri248 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n ochii lui verzi se citeau sobrie
tatea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i concentrarea.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dac{
\f63 \u259\'3f} afli c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a Tati
ana a fost ucis{\f63 \u259\'3f} nainte s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ajung eu acolo, iar Rose o s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} fie aruncat{\f63 \u259\'3f} singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1345 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gura lupilor, Damon o s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} fie avocatul ei?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3055 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Mama lui a ezitat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A, bine, dragule
... Damon nu prea face astfel de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4133 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lucruri...
\plain\par
259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i ceri tu, a insistat Adrian,
cu
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 asprime.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Adrian, a z
is ea, obosit{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tii despre ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vorbe{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Ei sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}in c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} proba pe care o au mpotriva ei
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 este imbatabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
familia noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i arat{\f63 \u259\'3f} sprijinul
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Doar nu e c
a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum am sprijini crima! Ai
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 cunoscut-o pe Rose. {\f63 \u354\'3f}i-a pl{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cut de ea. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prive{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti n ochi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f
63 \u259\'3f}-mi spui c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e OK ca ea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aib{\f63 \u
259\'3f} parte
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 de cine {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie ce ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rar
e diletant{\f63 \u259\'3f}, pe care i-ar oferi-o ei?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4426 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Daniella s-a albit la fa{\f
63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, jur, chiar s-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cut mic{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Nu cred c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nui
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu o asemenea hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rre aprig{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 din partea flu{\f63 \u351\'3f}turaticului ei fiu. {\f
63 \u350\'3f}i, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbele
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lui erau perfect lucide, exista un soi de disperare
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nebuneasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n vocea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n a
titudinea lui, un pic
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nsp{\f63 \u259\'3f}imnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Dac{\f63
\u259\'3f} era provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de spirit sau de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 propria emo{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, nu-mi d{\f63 \u259\'3
f}deam seama.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am... am s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbesc cu Damon, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Fusese nevoit{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} nghit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cteva ori n sec
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\
'3f} pronun{\f63 \u355\'3f}a bine cuvintele.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Adrian a r{\f63 \u259
\'3f}suflat greoi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, odat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu aerul, a ie{\f63 \
u351\'3f}it din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2790 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o parte din
furia sa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3373 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mul{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}umesc.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Daniella a plecat n grab{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}, pierzndu-se n mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}
sndu-l pe Adrian singur cu Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Lissa.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ei doi ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tau aproape la fel de n{\f63
\u259\'3f}uci{\f63 \u355\'3f}i ca mama lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Damon Tarus? a
ghicit Lissa. Adrian a ncuviin{\f63 \u355\'3f}at.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cine-i {\f63 \u259\'3f}la? s-a inte
resat Christian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E v{\f63 \u259\'
3f}r cu mama, i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Adrian. Avocatul
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 familiei. Un veritabil rechin. Cam
neglijent, dar poate
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} aproape pe o
ricine din orice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta nseamn
{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva, b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc, a cugetat Christian.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar e suficient de bun, nct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} lupte mpot
riva acestei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3547 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a-zise probe?
\plain\par
1\'3f}tiu. Chiar nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Adrian s-a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}utat n
buzunar, cu un gest absent, n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 locul obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit n car
e-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}inea {\f63 \u355\'3f}ig{\f63 \u259\'3f}rile,
ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} azi nu avea
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 deloc. A oftat.
\plain\par
u351\'3f}tiu care le-o fi proba, nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car cum a murit
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a Tatiana nu {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}tiu. Tot ce-am auzit este c{\f63 \u259\'3f} au g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 o moart{\f63 \u259\'3f} azi-diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}
{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
stian au f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un schimb de grimase.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Christian a ridicat din umeri, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca

re Lissa s-a uitat
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din nou la Adrian, asumndu-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i rolul me
sagerului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O {\f63 \u
355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, l-a informat Lissa. Au g{\f63 \u259
\'3f}sit-o n pat, cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f
} de argint mplntat{\f63 \u259\'3f} n inim{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Adrian nu a zis nimic
, iar expresia fe{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei chiar nu i s-a
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 schimbat. Atunci, Lissa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a dat seama
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asta despre nevinov{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, probe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i avoca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, toat{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 lumea cam trecuse cu vederea faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
Tatiana i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fusese str{\f63 \u259\'3f}-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63
\u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui Adrian. El nu fusese de acord cu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 unele dintre deciziile Tatianei {\f63 \u351\'3f}i f{
\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse o sumedenie de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 glume pe seama reginei, pe la spatele ei. Dar tot ru
d{\f63 \u259\'3f} i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 era, o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care o cuno{\f63 \u
351\'3f}tea dintotdeauna.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mai presus de orice, suf
erea pentru moartea
\plain\expndtw6 \f20 \fs24 ei. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu aveam sent
imente pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in cam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 contradictorii. O uram pentru ceea ce-mi f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cuse, dar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu i-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi do
rit moartea. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} puteam
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mpiedica s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi amintesc c{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, uneori, vorbise cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mine ca de la om la om. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se pr
ef{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 eram destul de convins{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fusese sincer{\f63 \u259\'3f} n seara n
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care trecuse pe la Ivashkovi. Era istovit{\f63 \u259
\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i preocupat{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n mare parte gndindu-se doar cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aduc
{\f63 \u259\'3f} pacea
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 poporului s{\f63 \u259\'3f}u.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Lissa l-a privit pe Adrian p
lecnd, potopit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 compasiune {\f63 \u351\'3f}i de mhnire. Christian i-a
atins bra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ul cu
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 blnde{\f63 \u355\'3f}e.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Haide, a nd
emnat-o el. Am aflat ce aveam nevoie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}tim. Aici nu facem

dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} st{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n drum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-se
neajutorat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, Lissa s-a l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sat condus{\f63 \u259\'3f
} de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 el afar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ocolind n drum alte {\f63 \u3
51\'3f}i alte grupuri agitate.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Portocaliul unui soare aflat aproape de apus d{\f63 \
u259\'3f}ruia
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 tuturor frunzelor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i copacilor o nuan{
\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} aurie, cald{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 Fusese mult{\f63 \u259\'3f} lume prezent{\f63 \u259\'
3f} atunci cnd ne
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntorseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m de
la lupt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cnd fusese adus Dimitri, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nu se compara cu ce era acum. Lumea
zumz{\f63 \u259\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nfrico{\f63 \u351\'3f}at{\f63 \u259\'3f}, gr{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}bindu-se s{\f63 \u259\'3f} transmit{\f63 \u259\'3f} ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}til
e. Unii erau
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 deja n doliu {\f63 \u8212\'3f} nve{\f63 \u351\'3f}mnta{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i n negru {\f63 \u8212\'3f}, cu lacrimi pe
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 obraji. Chiar m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntrebam cte din toate a
stea erau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sincere. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i n toiul u
nei tragedii, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cnd se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 comitea o crim{\f63 \u259\'3f}, familiile regale tot
se ag{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}au de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 putere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ori de cte
ori auzea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era rostit numele meu,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa se enerva din ce n ce mai tare. {\f63 \u350\'3f}
i la ea era acel
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 gen de furie nefast{\f63 \u259\'3f}, acel gen pe care
-l sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ca pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 un fum negru prin leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura dintre noi,
acel gen care
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 adesea o f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se de
zl{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\f63 \u355\'3f}uie necontrolat. Era
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 blestemul spiritului.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu pot s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} cred! a exclamat ea spre Christian.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Observasem, chiar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea nu, c{\f63
\u259\'3f} el se gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bea s-o duc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 undeva unde s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fie lume. Cum e posi
bil s{\f63 \u259\'3f} cread{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 cineva una ca asta despre Rose? E o nscenare. Trebuie
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie o nscenare.
\plain\par
0\'3f}tiu, {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu, a zis el. Cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}tea, la rndul lui,

semnele
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de primejdie din partea spiritului, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncerca s-o
\plain\expndtw-16 \f20 \fs24 lini{\f63 \u351\'3f}teasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Au ajuns pe o mic{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} suprafa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de iarb{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la umbra
unui
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 alun mare, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-au a{\f63 \u351\'3f}e
zat pe jos.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Noi {\f63 \
u351\'3f}tim c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-a fost ea. Pentru noi, asta-i tot ceea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ce conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i o s-o d
ovedim. Nu se poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pedepsit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru o fapt{\f63 \u259\'3
f} pe care n-a comis-o ea.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu nu
-i cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti pe cei din gruparea aia, a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 bodog{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit Lissa. Dac
{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a pus cineva n minte s-o
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nfunde, sunt capabili s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} totul posibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aproape f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dau seama, am tras spre mine
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in din acel ntuneric din ea, str{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}duindu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 calmez. Din nefericire, n-am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut de
ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} enervez
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai tare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1438 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Christian a izbucnit ntr-un rs a
mar.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ai uitat. Eu am
crescut n preajma grup{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii {\f63 \u259\'3f}steia.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am mers la {\f63 \u351\'3f}coal{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} cu odraslele lor. i cunosc... dar nu
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intr{\f63 \u259\'3f}m n pan
ic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu afl{\f63 \u259\'3f}m mai multe,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4571 \expndtw-23 \f20 \fs24 da?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Lissa a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}su
flat, sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}indu-se mult mai bine. Aveam
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} iau prea mult ntuneric din ea, dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} nu eram
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 prudent{\f63 \u259\'3f}. I-a d{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruit lu
i Christian un mic zmbet
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ov{\f63 \u259\'3f}ielnic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu-mi amin
tesc ca tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai fi fost att de ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta din c
auz{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiecare are propria lui defini{\f63 \u355\
'3f}ie
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 despre ce nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8222\'3f}ra{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ional". La mine e doar ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri306 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prost n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles, {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-att, a declarat el, pe un ton orgolios.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Atunci, am
impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti prost n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles prea
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 frecvent, a replicat ea, rznd.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 El i-a sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
nut privirea, iar zmbetul de pe chip i s-a
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 pref{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut n altceva, mai c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}lduros {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai delicat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, s
per ca gestul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu fie prost n{\f63 \u355\'3f
}eles.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Altfel, risc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ale
g cu un pumn.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, apl
ecndu-se, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a lipi buzele de-ale ei. Lissa i-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\
'3f} urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ezitare, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} stea pe gnduri,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pierzndu-se n dulcea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rut{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii. Din nefericire, m-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 luat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe mine valul, odat{\f63 \u259
\'3f} cu ei. Cnd s-au desprins,
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Lissei i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea mai tare inima, iar obra
jii i se
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 mbujoraser{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta ce-a v
rut s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-nsemne, mai precis? a ntrebat,
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 retr{\f63 \u259\'3f}ind senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile pr
ovocate de s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutul lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri815 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A nsemnat {\f63
\u8222\'3f}mi pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u", i-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ab{\f63 \u
259\'3f}tut privirea-ntr-o parte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a smuls cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nervozitate un smoc de iarb{\f63 \
u259\'3f}. n cele din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a oftat
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors din nou f
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Christian.
.. a fost vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}... a fost vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1584 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ntre tine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Jill?
Sau ntre tine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mia?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3008 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 El a privit-o mirat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1619 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? Cum po{\f
63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} crezi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva?
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u354\'3f}i-ai petrecut atta t
imp cu ele!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Exist{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} o singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe care mi-am dorit-o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2813 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, i-a r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} fermitat
ea privirii, a acelor ochi alba{\f63 \u351\'3f}tri,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 limpezi precum cristalul, nici nu se punea problema
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 identit{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii acelei per
soane.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimeni nu
s-a apropiat vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car. n ciuda
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 tuturor ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f}rilor, chiar {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i cu Avery...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Christian, m
i pare foarte r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u pentru ce-a fost
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 atunci...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2892 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu trebuie s{
\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i...
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar mi...
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Fir-a
r s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie, a exclamat el. N-ai de gnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 la{\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} termin o propo
...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, l-a ntre
rupt Lissa. S-a aplecat spre el {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l-a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rutat, un s{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut ap{\
f63 \u259\'3f}sat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i energic, care i-a nv{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}iat tot
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 trupul, transmi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ndu-i c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nici pentru ea nu mai exista
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 vreun altul pe lume.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Bun. Se pare c{\f63 \u259\'3
f} Tasha avusese dreptate: eu eram
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 singura care-i putea determina s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie
din nou mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ntr-un fel, nu m-a{\f63 \u351
\'3f} fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat ca arestarea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} joace un rol n asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 M-am retras din mintea ei, c
a s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le las intimitatea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 necesar{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} scutesc de urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}rirea spectacolului lor
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 erotic. Nu le purtam pic{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru momen
tul lor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 sentimental. Niciunul dintre ei n-ar fi avut ce s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru mine n clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'
3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i meritau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i savureze
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 clipa reunirii. Tot ce puteau face era s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepte
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acumularea de noi informa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u
351\'3f}i, z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, felul n care-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 petreceau timpul era cu mult mai s{\f63 \u259\'3f}n{\
f63 \u259\'3f}tos dect orice
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea, probabil, Adrian ntre timp.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 M-am ntins pe pat, fixnd tavan
ul cu privirea. n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 jurul meu nu era nimic altceva dect metal simplu {\f63
\u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 culori neutre. Iar asta m{\f63 \u259\'3f} nnebunea. Nu
aveam ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d, nu aveam ce s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ci
tesc. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}eam ca un animal
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nchis ntr-o cu{\f63 \u351\'3f}c{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nc{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}perea mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se face din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ce n ce mai mic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Tot ce mai puteam s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} fac era s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 derulez n minte ce aflasem prin intermediul Lissei,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 analiznd fiecare cuvnt al ei. Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, a
veam tot felul
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri n minte, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ceea ce-mi r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mase permanent
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 n aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie era
faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} Daniella pomenise de o audiere.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Aveam nevoie s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aflu mai multe despre
asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri580 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i am primit r{\
f63 \u259\'3f}spunsul... cteva ore mai trziu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ntre timp, m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cufun
dasem ntr-un soi de cea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 paralizant{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i aproape c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-l recunosc pe Miha
il,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cnd {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut apari{\f

63 \u355\'3f}ia n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a u{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii celulei mele. S{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rind
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din pat, l-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
descuia u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. Un val de speran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 m-a n{\f63 \u259\'3f}p{\f63 \u259\'3f}dit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri479 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce se-ntmpl{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}? l-am ntrebat. M{\f63 \u259\'3f} elibereaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}M{\f63 \u259\'3f} tem c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nu, mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, ca dovad{\f63
\u259\'3f}, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce a deschis u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, mi-a pus
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri837 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prompt c{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}ele la mini. Nu m-am mpotrivit.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri374 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am venit s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} te duc la audiere, mi-a explicat el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ind pe coridor,
i-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe ceilal{\f63 \u355\'3f}i gardieni
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aduna{\f63 \u355\'3f}i laolalt{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}. Propriul meu corp de paz{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Imaginea n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 oglind{\f63 \u259\'3f} a celui care se ocupase de Dim
itri. ncnt{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor!
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Mihail am mers mpreun{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, iar el, slav{\f63 \u259\'3f} Domnului,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 a vorbit tot drumul, n loc s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \u
259\'3f}streze t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea aia
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ngrozitoare care p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} reprezinte tratamentul
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit pentru de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inu
{\f63 \u355\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\'3f}i ce nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} audierea asta, mai precis? Un
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4212 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 proces?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, nu. E p
rea devreme pentru un proces. O
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri721 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 audiere stabile{\f63 \u351\'3f}te
dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vei fi trimis{\f63 \u259\'3f} n judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta sun{\f
63 \u259\'3f} a pierdere de timp, i-am atras aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Am ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}it din cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa g
ardienilor, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aerul acela
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 proasp{\f63 \u259\'3f}t, umed, nsemna pentru mine cel
mai pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 lucru pe care l-am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it vreodat{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ar f
i o risip{\f63 \u259\'3f} de timp {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai mare dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
te-ar duce
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 la un proces n toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} regula {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-ar da seama abia acolo
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu au probe solide pe care s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} se bazeze. La audiere,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i etaleaz{\f63 \u259\'3f} toate dovezi
le de care dispun, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i un
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor {\f63 \u8212\'3f} sau, m{\f
63 \u259\'3f} rog, cineva care ndepline{\f63 \u351\'3f}te rolul
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 de judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor {\f63 \u8212\'3f} hot{\f
63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}te dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} e cazul s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}i se intenteze
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 proces. Acolo va fi judecat n mod oficial cazul. Acolo
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se d{\f63 \u259\'3f} verdictul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se
alege pedeapsa.
\plain\par
0\'3f}i de ce-au ntrziat atta cu audierea? De ce m-au
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1705 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 obligat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63
\u351\'3f}tept toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} ziua n celul{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Mihail a rs, dar nu fiindc{\f
63 \u259\'3f} i s-ar fi p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut ceva
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 amuzant.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acum s-au
gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bit, Rose. Foarte tare. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 zile-ntregi sau chiar s{\f63 \u259\'3f}pt{\f63 \u259
\'3f}mni pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f
} audierea,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 iar dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} este s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung
i la proces, stai nchis pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} atunci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri3008 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Am nghi{\f63 \u355\'3f}it n sec.
\plain\par
3f}i s-or gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}bi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu asta?
\plain\par
3f}tiu. N-a mai fost asasinat niciun monarh, de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aproape o sut{\f63 \u259\'3f} de an
i. Lumea a luat-o razna, iar Sfatul
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} instaureze ordinea. Deja {\f63
\u351\'3f}i fac planuri colosale
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 pentru funeraliile reginei: un spectacol care ar dist
rage
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia tuturor. Audierea ta este {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i ea o tentativ{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 readucere a ordinii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3493 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce? Cum?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu ct mai repede l
condamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe asasin, cu att
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mai n siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63
\u259\'3f} se vor sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cu to{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Ei au impresia c
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acuza{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile care {\f63 \u355\'3f}i se
aduc sunt att de solide, nct vor s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}beasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} la maximu
m. Ei vor ca tu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Vor s-o ngroape {\f63 \u351\'
3f}tiind c{\f63 \u259\'3f} asasinul ei a nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}put pe mna
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 justi{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei, astfel nct
toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} dormi lini{\f
63 \u351\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 atunci cnd se va alege noul rege sau noua regin{\f63
\u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3415 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar n-am...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri387 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Am renun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at totu
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i la protest. N-avea niciun rost.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 n fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63
\u259\'3f}, se n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa n care
era g{\f63 \u259\'3f}zduit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 sala de judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. M
i se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare prima dat
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cnd fusesem acolo, la procesul lui Victor, ns{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} asta se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 datorase faptului c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f
} temeam de amintirile pe care le
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 declan{\f63 \u351\'3f}a el n mine. Acum... acum era n j
oc propriul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 meu viitor. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} t
oate aparen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele, nu numai propriul
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 meu viitor: lumea moroilor privea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
a{\f63 \u351\'3f}tepta, spernd c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 eu eram personajul negativ de care aveau s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 descotoroseasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe veci, pentru ca ei
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}iasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 siguran{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. nghi{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ind din nou, m-am uitat, agitat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, la
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Mihail.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri489 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Tu crezi... cr
ezi c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu trimis{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mihail nu mi-a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}s
puns. Unul dintre paznici ne-a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2003 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut u{\f63 \u35
1\'3f}a deschis{\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} am intrat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mihail? am
insistat. Chiar o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri4283 \expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 crim{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da, mi-a r
{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns el, comp{\f63 \u259\'3f}timitor. Sunt destul de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 convins c{\f63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a o s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} fie.
\par
\'3f}ZECI {\f63 \u350\'3f}I {\f63 \u350\'3f}APTE
\plain\par
\sl-193\fs19\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \exp
ndtw-3 \b \f20 \fs24 INTRAREA N SALA DE JUDECAT{\f63 \u258\'3f}\b0 a fost una
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dintre cele mai suprarealiste experien{\f63 \u355\'3
f}e din via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea...
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nu doar pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu
eram cea care juca rolul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acuzatului. Sala mi tot amintea de procesul lui Victor
,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 iar gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajunsesem acum n locul lui
mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 aproape prea bizar ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l pot con{\f
63 \u351\'3f}tientiza.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Cnd intri ntr-o nc{\f63 \u259\
'3f}pere, cu o armat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de gardieni n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 jurul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, lumea se holbeaz{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, v{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de lume ng
hesuit{\f63 \u259\'3f} acolo {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'
3f},
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, nu m-am furi{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
t, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i nici n-am afi{\f63 \u351\'3f}at un aer
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ru{\f63 \u351\'3f}inat. Am p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}it ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, cu capul sus. nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 dat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am avut acel r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
-prevestitor flashback cu Victor.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el p{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3
f}ise ncrez{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor n{\f63 \u259\'3f}untru, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} ngrozea gndul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} un individ care comisese astfel de
crime putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 comporte astfel. Oare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spectatorii d
e azi gndeau
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2585 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acela{\f63 \u351\'3f}i lucru des
pre mine?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Pe platforma din cap{\f63 \
u259\'3f}tul nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perii st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea o femeie pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care n-o cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team. La moroi, judec{\f

63 \u259\'3f}tor era numit de
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 obicei un avocat, doar pentru audiere, sau pentru mai
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu eu ce altceva. Judecata n sine {\
f63 \u8212\'3f} cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, n cazul
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 uneia importante, cum fusese cazul lui Victor {\f63 \
u8212\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 prezidat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}. E
a fusese cea care d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse verdictul
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 definitiv. n cazul meu, aveau s{\f63 \u259\'3f} decid{
\f63 \u259\'3f} membrii
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri19 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sfatului, n cazul n care ajunge
am n acel stadiu.\i La
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 proces se judec{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
mod oficial cazul. Acolo se d{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \i \f20 \fs24 verdictul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i se hot{\f63 \u259\'3f
}r{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}te pedeapsa.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Escorta mea m-a condus pe p
rimul rnd din sal{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u8212\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dincolo de bara care-i separa pe protagoni{\f63 \u351
\'3f}ti de public
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a f{\f63 \u259
\'3f}cut semn spre un loc de lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} un moroi
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntre dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrste, mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat n
tr-un costum negru foarte
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 protocolar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i foarte la mod{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}. Costumul parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u355\'3f}ipa:\i mi
\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 pare r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c-a murit regina, a{\f63
\u351\'3f}a c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}t ct se poate
\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 de {\f63 \u351\'3f}ic n timp ce-mi etalez mhnirea.\
i0 Avea p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rul de un
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 blond decolorat, str{\f63 \u259\'3f}b{\f63 \u259\'3f}
tut pe alocuri de primele fire
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 argintii. ntr-un fel, i st{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea bine. Am
presupus c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Damon Tarus, avocatul meu, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} el nu mi
-a adresat
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car o vorb{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mihail s-a a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
ezat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} mine, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am bucura
t
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d c{\f63 \u259\'3
f}-l aleseser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe el s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\f63 \
u259\'3f}zeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Aruncnd o
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 privire n spate, i-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pe Daniella
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe Nathan
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ivashkov stnd mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu al{\f63 \u355\'
3f}i membri ai familiilor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 regale de rang nalt. Adrian alesese s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
nu stea cu ei. Se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezase mai n spate, mpreun{\f63 \u259\'
3f} cu Lissa, Christian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Eddie. Chipurile tuturor erau pline de ngrijorare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea
{\f63 \u8212\'3f} o femeie moroi mai n vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}runt{\f63 \u259\'3f}, care nc{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i rup{\
f63 \u259\'3f} n b{\f63 \u259\'3f}taie pe
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 destui {\f63 \u8212\'3f} a cerut lini{\f63 \u351\'3f
}te n sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am r{\f63 \u259
\'3f}sucit {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 am privit nainte. Intrau membrii Sfatului, iar ea i
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}a pe to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, unul cte
unul. Pentru ei fuseser{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aranjate dou{\f63 \u259\'3f} rnduri de scaune {\f63 \
u8212\'3f} cte {\f63 \u351\'3f}ase pe fiecare
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rnd {\f63 \u8212\'3f} un al treisprezecelea fiind plas
at n spatele lor,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri18 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ceva mai n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\
f63 \u355\'3f}at. Desigur, numai unsprezece locuri s-au
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ocupat, motiv pentru care a trebuit s{\f63 \u259\'3f
} fac eforturi s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncrunt. Ar fi trebuit s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} se afle {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Lissa acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce memb
rii Sfatului s-au a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezat, judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 s-a ntors cu fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a spre noi to{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a nceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 vocea ei r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sunnd n ntreaga nc{\f63 \u259\
'3f}pere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Declar audi
erea deschis{\f63 \u259\'3f}, scopul fiind s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri542 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 determin{\f63 \u259\'3f}m dac{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} dovezi suficiente pentru...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 O zarv{\f63 \u259\'3f} iscat
{\f63 \u259\'3f} la u{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a acoperit vorbele, iar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spectatorii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-au lungit gturile s{\f63
\u259\'3f} vad{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce se ntmpla
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri485 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce s-a-ntmplat?
a cerut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afle judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Unul dintre gardieni a ntredeschi
s u{\f63 \u351\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a aplecat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in n afar{\f63 \u
259\'3f}, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rnd s{\f63 \u259\'3f} discute cu cineva aflat pe hol.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Apoi, s-a tras napoi n sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri543 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A sosit avocat
ul acuzatei, n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea Voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-a plimbat privirea de la Damon la
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri251 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mine {\f63 \u351\'3f}i apoi {\f63
\u351\'3f}i-a ndreptat-o, ncruntat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, spre gardian.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2019 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acuzata are d
eja un avocat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Gardianul a ridicat din umeri, cu
prins de o comic{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 nedumerire. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} af
ar{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost un strigoi, ar fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut ce
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n schimb, aceas
t{\f63 \u259\'3f} bizar{\f63 \u259\'3f} tulburare a
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 protocolului i dep{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}ea
competen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ele. Judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea a
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 oftat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Bine. Las{\
f63 \u259\'3f}-l s{\f63 \u259\'3f} intre, oricine-ar fi, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i vom v
edea
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 cum rezolv{\f63 \u259\'3f}m problema.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1881 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i atunci, Abe
a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}truns n sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri449 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O, Doamne sfin
te! am exclamat n gura mare.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nu a fost nevoie s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cert singur{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru faptul c{\f63
\u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 vorbisem nentrebat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, fiindc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} zumzetul conversa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 umpluse deja nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}perea. Cred c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate dintre cei
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i se minunau fiindc{\f63 \u259
\'3f} l cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}teau pe Abe, cu tot
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu reputa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui. Cealalt{\f63 \u259\
'3f} jum{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era doar
\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u259\'3f}ucit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de apari{\f63
\u355\'3f}ia lui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Purta un costum gri din ca{\
f63 \u351\'3f}mir, considerabil mai
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 deschis dect mohortele ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}minte negre al
e lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Damon. Pe dedesubt avea o c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u
351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} elegant{\f63 \u259\'3f}, att de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucitor de alb{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nct
p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea luminoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}... mai ales c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era asortat{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu o cravat{\f63 \u259\'3
f} de m{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase, de un stacojiu

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 sclipitor. {\f63 \u354\'3f}inuta lui mai era pres{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu cteva pete
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}ii: o batist{\f63 \u259\'3f} n buzu
narul sacoului, butonii cu rubine.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Fire{\f63 \u351\'3f}te, totul avea o croial{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} la fel de perfect{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i era la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 fel de scump ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u355\'3f}in
uta lui Damon. ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} Abe nu ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum ar fi {\f63 \u355\'3f}inut
doliu. Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu era mbr{\f63 \u259\'3f}cat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ca pentru o judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Mai degrab{\f63
\u259\'3f}, parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi fost ntors
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din drumul spre o petrecere. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, evid
ent, purta obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nui{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}i cercei n form{\f63 \u259\'3f} de c
erc, iar barba-i neagr{\f63 \u259\'3f} era tuns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 cu grij{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea
a cerut t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere printr-o mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care a minii,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n timp ce Abe se ndrepta {\f63 \u355\'3f}an{\f63 \u355
\'3f}o{\f63 \u351\'3f} n direc{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ibrahim Maz
ur, a zis ea, cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinnd din cap. n
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 tonul ei, se amestecau deopotriv{\f63 \u259\'3f} uimi
rea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 dezaprobarea. O apari{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie... nea{\f63
\u351\'3f}teptat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1618 \expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Abe i-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
o plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}ciune galant{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E minunat s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} te rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}d, Paula. N-ai mb{\f63 \u259\'3f}trnit nici
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3659 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car cu o zi.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aici
nu suntem ntr-un club de provincie,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 domnule Mazur, l-a informat ea. {\
f63 \u350\'3f}i, ct timp te afli aici,
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 mi te adresezi cu titulatura cuvenit{\f63 \u259\'3f}
.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}A! Corect,
a replicat el, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-i cu ochiul.
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 Scuzele mele, n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea
Voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ntorcndu-se, a c{\f63 \u259\'
3f}utat ceva din priviri, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} cnd a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dat cu ochii de mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Uite-o. mi p

are r{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ntrziat. Haide{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63
\u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 ncepem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1954 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Damon s-a ridicat de pe scaun.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-nseamn{\f63 \
u259\'3f} asta? Cine e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti\i dumneata\i0 ?\i Eu\i0 sunt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3874 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 avocatul ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2680 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Abe a cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}tinat
din cap.
\plain\par
u259\'3f} se fi produs vreo ncurc{\f63 \u259\'3f}tur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Am avut
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 nevoie de ceva vreme pn{\f63 \u259\'
3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sesc un avion pn{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 aici, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}eleg de ce a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i numit un avocat din oficiu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi {\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u
259\'3f} locul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avocat din
oficiu! a exclamat Damon, ro{\f63 \u351\'3f}u la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de indignare. Eu sunt unul dintre cei mai renumi{\f63
\u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 avoca{\f63 \u355\'3f}i printre moroii americani.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Renumit, d
in oficiu, a bodog{\f63 \u259\'3f}nit Abe, ridicnd din
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 umeri {\f63 \u351\'3f}i l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-se pe s
pate, pe c{\f63 \u259\'3f}lcie. Eu nu sunt aici
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} judec asta. F{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\
f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionez vreun joc de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 cuvinte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Domnule Maz
ur, l-a ntrerupt judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2964 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 dumneata e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti avo
cat?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Sunt
de toate, Paula... n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea Voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chiar conteaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}? Ea n
u are nevoie dect de cineva care
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f} vorbeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} n numele e
i.
\plain\par

}i are deja pe cineva, a protestat Damon. Pe mine.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu mai e valabil, a replicat Abe, cu
o atitudine
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} extrem de jovial
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Zmbetul nu-i disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}ruse nicio
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 clip{\f63 \u259\'3f} de pe buze, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
i s-a p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut c{\f63 \u259\'3f} z{\f63 \u259\'3f}resc n ochii lui
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 acel lic{\f63 \u259\'3f}r primejdios care-i nsp{\f63
\u259\'3f}imnta pe mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i dintre
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 adversarii lui. Era imaginea vie a calmului, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 Damon p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} e pe cal
e s{\f63 \u259\'3f} sufere un atac de
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 apoplexie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2697 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n{\f63 \u259\
'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea Voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ajunge! a strig
at ea, cu vocea aceea r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sun{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 S{\f63 \u259\'3f} aleag{\f63 \u259
\'3f} fata, a hot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rt, fixndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ochii ei c{\f63 \
u259\'3f}prui.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2364 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Cine dore{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti s{\f
63 \u259\'3f} te reprezinte?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3996 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 R{\f63 \u259\'3f}m{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sesem cu gura c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f} la ct de brusc se
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mutase aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupr
a mea. Urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}risem confruntarea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dintre cei doi ca pe un meci de tenis, iar acum minge
a
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} izbise drept n cap.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3912 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Surprins{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am ntors
u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or capul. Daniella Ivashkov
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1446 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 se strecurase pe rndul din spatel
e meu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose, a {\f
63 \u351\'3f}optit ea din nou, habar n-ai cine poate s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fie acest Mazur.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2864 \fi283 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 Nu z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u, ch
iar n-am?
\par

f63 \u355\'3f}i-ai dori s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ai de-a face cu el. Damon este cel
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai bun. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i nu este deloc u{\f63 \u351
\'3f}or s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l convingi s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i fie
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 avocat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 S-a dus napoi la locul ei, l{
\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi plimb
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 privirea de la unul la cel{\f63 \u259\'3f}lalt avoca
t. n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elesesem la ce
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 se referise Daniella. Adrian o convinsese s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} mi-l aduc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 pe Damon, iar ea l convinsese pe Damon s{\f63 \u259\'3
f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 accepte. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l respingeam, era o ins
ult{\f63 \u259\'3f} fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ea, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}innd cont de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
se num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rase printre pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}inii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 moroi din familiile regale care manifestase n{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}elegere
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de leg{\f63 \u259
\'3f}tura mea cu Adrian, n mod sigur nu voiam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi atrag antipatia ei. n plus, dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f} era o nscenare
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 din partea unora de neam regal, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am
de partea mea pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cineva dintre ai lor ar fi reprezentat probabil cea m
ai
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mare {\f63 \u351\'3f}ans{\f63 \u259\'3f} de salvare
pentru mine.
\plain\par
\u351\'3f}i... mai era {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Abe, care m{\f63 \u259\'3f} privea cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 zmbetul acela ager al lui. Cu certitudine, era foarte
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 priceput s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} lucrur
ile s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ias{\f63 \u259\'3f} cum voia el, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mare parte reu{\f63 \u351\'3f}itele i se datorau for{
\f63 \u355\'3f}ei exercitate de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 prezen{\f63 \u355\'3f}a {\f63 \u351\'3f}i reputa{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ia sa. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r exista vreo
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 prob{\f63 \u259\'3f} absurd{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpotriva
mea, atitudinea lui Abe n-ar fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fost de ajuns ca s-o fac{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} dispar{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Binen{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles, el avea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de partea lui {\f63 \u351\'3f}i viclenia. Doar era un
Zmeu. Putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 transforme imposibilul n realitate; era clar c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}sese o
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de sfori pentr
u mine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Dar asta, n orice caz, nu sch
imba faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu era
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 avocat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2013 \fi283 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Pe de alt{\f63 \u259\'3f}
parte, era tat{\f63 \u259\'3f}l meu.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Era tat{\f63 \u259\'3f
}l meu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i, cu toate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} de-abia dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ne
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuno{\f63 \u351\'3f}team ct de ct unul pe cel{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}lalt, deja se d{\f63 \u259\'3f}duse
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 peste cap ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung{\f63 \u259\'3f}
aici, unde p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunsese non{\f63 \u351\'3f}alant,
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 n costumul lui gri, ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\
'3f} apere. Oare iubirea
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rinteasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}-i fi luat min{\f63 \u355\'3f}ile? Oare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi fost el chia
r
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 att de bun ca avocat? {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, la urma urme
i, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} sngele ap{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se fac
e? Z{\f63 \u259\'3f}u c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam ce s{\f63 \u
259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 cred. De fapt, nici nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea zica
la asta. Poate c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 valabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} printre oameni, dar n-avea ni
cio noim{\f63 \u259\'3f} n
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 rndul vampirilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 n orice caz, Abe m{\f63 \u259
\'3f} privea atent, cu ochii lui de un
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}prui-nchis, aproape identic cu al me
u. Ai ncredere-n
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 mine, p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spun
{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} am? Puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 am ncredere n familia mea? Da, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi av
ut ncredere n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 mama, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea ar fi fost aici... {\f63
\u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiu c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea avea
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ncredere n Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1071 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am suspinat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut un semn spre el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe el l aleg, am
declarat. Apoi, abia murmurnd,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1790 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat: S{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} la{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, Zmeule.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul lui Abe s-a ntins {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i mai mult, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 exclama{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile {\f63 \u351\'3f}ocate se
n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}au din rndul publicului, iar
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Damon protesta, ofensat. La nceput, poate c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} s-o fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 chinuit mult Daniella s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l conving{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} apere, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 acum devenise pentru el o chestiune de orgoliu.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Reputa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia tocmai i fusese ntinat{\f63 \u
259\'3f} prin faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} eu l
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 respinsesem.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi exprima
sem deja alegerea, iar judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 exasperat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu mai voia s{\f63 \u259\
'3f} aud{\f63 \u259\'3f} discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii pe tema asta.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 L-a u{\f63 \u351\'3f}uit repe
de pe Damon, iar Abe s-a strecurat pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 locul lui. Judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea a nceput cu dis
cursul standard
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 de deschidere, explicnd de ce ne aflam acolo, bla-bla\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 bla, bla-bla-bla. n timp ce vorbea, m-am aplecat spre
\plain\expndtw-18 \f20 \fs24 Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1282 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n ce m-ai b{\f
63 \u259\'3f}gat? am {\f63 \u351\'3f}uierat spre el.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu? n ce te-ai b{
\f63 \u259\'3f}gat tu? Nu se putea doar s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri29 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 scot de la sec{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia d
e poli{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie pentru consum de alcool la o
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1422 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vrst{\f63 \u259\'3f} nepermis{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}, ca majoritatea ta{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 ncepeam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} n{\f
63 \u355\'3f}eleg de ce se enerva lumea cnd
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam glume n situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
periculoase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Viitorul me
u de rahat e n joc! {\f63 \u258\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tia vor s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1536 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 trimit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n judecat{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} condamne!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Orice urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} d
e umor sau de veselie i-a disp{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut de pe
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 chip. Expresia i-a devenit dur{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ucig
{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor de grav{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 fior rece mi-a cobort pe {\f63 \u351\'3f}ira spin{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}rii.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta, a ros
tit el cu voce joas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, lipsit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de orice
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 intona{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, {\f63 \u355\'3f}i jur c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple niciodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, n vecii
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 vecilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors din nou aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupra
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i spre avocat
a acuz{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii, o femeie pe numele ei
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Iris Kane. Nu era un nume de familie regal{\f63 \u259
\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot

\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta destul de afurisit{\f63 \u259\'
3f}. Probabil c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era doar o tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}s{\f63 \u259\'3f}tu
r{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 de-a avoca{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri28 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} se prezinte proba existent{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpotriva mea,
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 asasinarea reginei a fost descris{\f63 \u259\'3f} n to
ate sinistrele ei
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nunte. Cum fusese g{\f63 \u259\'3f
}sit{\f63 \u259\'3f} de diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} n patul ei,
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 cu o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de argint str{\f63 \u259\'3f}pungndu-i inima {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o expresie
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 de profund{\f63 \u259\'3f} o
roare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}oc pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}
. Sngele p{\f63 \u259\'3f}tase totul:
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f}ma{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ei de noapte, ce
ar{\f63 \u351\'3f}afurile, pielea... Le-au fost
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tate fotografiile tuturor celor pre
zen{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere,
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ceea ce a generat o ntreag{\f63 \u259\'3f} varietate
de reac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii. Icnete
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de mirare. Iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fric{
\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i panic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i unii.
.. unele
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 persoane chiar au plns. O parte dintre lacrimile aces
tea
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se datorau, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoial
{\f63 \u259\'3f}, groz{\f63 \u259\'3f}viei situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iei, dar cred c{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}i au plns {\f63 \u351\'3f}i fiindc{
\f63 \u259\'3f} o iubiser{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe Tatiana, sau
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car o agreaser{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Avu
sese ea uneori o atitudine rece {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 rigid{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n cea mai mar
e parte a tipului, domnia ei
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 fusese una pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i dreapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce au te
rminat de ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}tat fotografiile, m-au
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 chemat pe mine. Audierea nu a decurs dup{\f63 \u259\
'3f} tiparul unui
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 proces normal. Nu a existat obi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuitul
du-te-vino al
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 avoca{\f63 \u355\'3f}ilor pentru interogarea martori
lor. Ei doar st{\f63 \u259\'3f}teau
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 la locurile lor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i puneau ntreb{\f63 \u
259\'3f}rile pe rnd, n timp ce
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea se str{\f63 \u259\'3f}d
uia s{\f63 \u259\'3f} men{\f63 \u355\'3f}in{\f63 \u259\'3f} ordinea.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Domni{\f63
\u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} Hathaway, a nceput Iris, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}snd balt{
\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 titlul meu de gardian. La ce or{\f63 \u259\'3f} te-ai
ntors n camera
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3064 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 dumitale azi-noapte?
\plain\par
1\'3f}tiu ora precis{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 M-am concentrat asupra ei {\f63 \
u351\'3f}i a lui Abe, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cnd
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1506 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 abstrac{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie de mar
ea de chipuri din sal{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Undeva n jur
ul orei cinci diminea{\f63 \u355\'3f}a, cred. Poate
\plain\expndtw-20 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}ase.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1870 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai era cinev
a cu dumneata?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri1477 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu... adic{\f
63 \u259\'3f}, da. A fost, mai trziu.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Of, Doamne!\i Aici e-aici\i0 .
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li286 \ri1354 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \
u258\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}... m-a vizitat Adrian Ivashkov.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1132 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pe la ce or{\
f63 \u259\'3f} a sosit? m-a ntrebat Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici asta nu {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tiu sigur. La cteva ore dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce m\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2941 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 am ntors eu, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c
red.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Abe {\f63 \u351\'3f}i-a ntors
fermec{\f63 \u259\'3f}torul zmbet spre Iris, care
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}sfoia cteva documente.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asasinarea
reginei a fost plasat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, cu destul{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 precizie, n intervalul scurt dintre orele {\f63 \u351\
'3f}apte {\f63 \u351\'3f}i opt.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Rose nu era singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}... fire{\f63 \u351
\'3f}te, vom avea nevoie de
\plain\expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturia domnului Ivashkov n aceast{\f
63 \u259\'3f} privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Ochii mi-au zburat pentru sc
urt timp spre public.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Daniella se albise la fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f}. Iat{\f63 \u259\'3f} co{\f63 \u351\'3f}marul ei: momentul n
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 care avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie implicat {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i Adrian. Ducndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 departe cu privirea, am remarcat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} A
drian nsu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 cuprins de un calm straniu. Speram din toat{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} inima s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nu fie beat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri924 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Iris a ridicat triumf{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}toare o coal{\f63 \u259\'3f} de hrtie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Avem declara{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}ia semnat{\f63 \u259\'3f} a unui ngrijitor care
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 sus{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine c{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} domnul Ivashkov a sosit n cl{\f63 \u259\'3f}direa acuzatei
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pe la aproximativ nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i dou{\f63 \u259\'3f}zeci.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E destul de
precis{\f63 \u259\'3f} ora, a observat Abe. P{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 amuzat, de parc{\f63 \u259\'3f} ea ar fi spus ceva no
stim. Ave{\f63 \u355\'3f}i pe
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 cineva de la recep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia cl{\f63 \u259\'3
f}dirii care s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i confirme
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3984 \expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 depozi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, a r{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}spuns Iris, cu o voce ca de ghea{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Da
r
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 este suficient. ngrijitorul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i aminte{\
f63 \u351\'3f}te precis, pentru c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 tocmai se preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{
\f63 \u351\'3f}i ia pauza. Domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Hathaway era singur{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} atunci cnd s-a comis crima. Prin
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2531 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 urmare, nu are niciun alibi.
\plain\par
9\'3f} rog, a comentat Abe, cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1324 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 conformitate cu unele {\f63 \u82
22\'3f}date" ndoielnice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dar altceva nu s-a mai discu
tat cu privire la ore.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Proba a fost admis{\f63 \u259\'3f} n consemn{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rile oficiale, ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m-a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} trag aer a
dnc n piept. Nu-mi pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuse
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 partea asta a interogatoriului, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} fu
sese de a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fie a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, date fiind conversa{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}iile pe care le auzisem mai
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 devreme prin intermediul Lissei. Faptul c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nu aveam
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 alibi nu prea era grozav, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} i cam mp{\f
63 \u259\'3f}rt{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}eam
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia lui Abe. Ceea ce prezentaser{
\f63 \u259\'3f} pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} acum nu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea suficient ct s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m
{\f63 \u259\'3f} trimit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n plus, nu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai ntrebaser{\f63 \u259\'3f} absolut nimic despre Adr
ian, ceea ce
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 nsemna c{\f63 \u259\'3f} el era acum scos din discu{\
f63 \u355\'3f}ie.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Proba urm{
\f63 \u259\'3f}toare, a anun{\f63 \u355\'3f}at Iris. Pe chip i se citea
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ngmfarea triumfului. {\f63 \u350\'3f}tia {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i ea c{\f63 \u259\'3f} dovada privind ora
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 era destul de fragil{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ns{\f63 \u259\'3
f} ceea ce avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} urmeze i se
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea aur curat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri371 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, n realita
te, era argint. O {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de argint.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri25 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} m-ajute Dumnezeu, o {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de a
rgint
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 prezenta ea acum, ntr-o pung{\f63 \u
259\'3f} de plastic transparent.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sclipea n lumina aceea incandescent{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
cu excep{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 vrfului. Care era ntunecat. De snge.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Aceasta est
e {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a folosit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pentru asasinarea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri152 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 reginei, a declarat Iris. {\f63 \
u354\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oarei Hathaway.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2134 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Abe a izbucnit efectiv n rs
.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei, d
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i-o-ncolo. Gardienii primesc mereu alte
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri704 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3
f}e. Au o rezerv{\f63 \u259\'3f} imens{\f63 \u259\'3f} de obiecte identice.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri890 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Iris nu l-a luat n seam{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s-a uitat la mine.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Unde e {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}a dumitale, n clipa de fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n camer{\f63 \u259\'3f}, am r{\f63
\u259\'3f}spuns, ncruntndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f}.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri483 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 S-a ntors, aruncnd o privire dinc
olo de public.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3062 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Gardian Stone
?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 Un dhampir nalt, cu o musta{\f63
\u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} neagr{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i stufoas{\f63
\u259\'3f}, s\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1997 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 a ridicat din spatele spectatori
lor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4502 \expndtw-22 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Da?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dumneata ai cond
us perchezi{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia camerei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oarei Hathaway
{\f63 \u351\'3f}i a bunurilor sale personale,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4249 \expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 corect?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri34 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mas cu gura
c{\f63 \u259\'3f}scat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, resim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ind din plin ofensa.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-a{\f63 \u355\'3f}i scotocit prin
...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri586 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 O privire t{\f63 \u259\'3f}ioas
{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Abe m-a redus la t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cere.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Corect, a r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns ga
rdianul.
\plain\par
f}i ai g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sit vreo {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}{\f63 \u259\
'3f} de argint? l-a ntrebat Iris.
\plain\expndtw-21 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri27 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Iris s-a ntors iar spre noi, avnd n
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} expresia aceea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 de infatuare pe chip, ns{\f63 \u259\
'3f} Abe p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} considere
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 aceast{\f63 \u259\'3f} nou{\f63 \u259\'3f} informa{\
f63 \u355\'3f}i ca fiind chiar mai ridicol{\f63 \u259\'3f} dect
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 seria precedent{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta nu dov
ede{\f63 \u351\'3f}te nimic. Putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i fi pierdu
t
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a f{\f63 \u259\'3
f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u351\'3f}i dea seama.
\plain\par
3f}i-a pierdut-o tocmai n inima reginei?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri549 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Domni{\f63 \u3
51\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} Kane, a mustrat-o judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea.

\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}mi ce
r scuze, n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea Voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a rostit
Iris, cu
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 glas domol, apoi s-a ntors din nou s
pre mine.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} Hathaway, e
xist{\f63 \u259\'3f} ceva special la {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri426 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dumitale? Orice ar putea s-o deos
ebeasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de altele?
\plain\par
'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}... da.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1353 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Po{\f63 \u355
\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} descrii elementul respectiv?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri119 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 Mi se pusese un nod n gt. Aveam o
presim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ire rea.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Are un model gravat n apropiere de vrf
. Un fel
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3150 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 de desen geometric.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Gardienii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
mai d{\f63 \u259\'3f}deau uneori {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}ele la grava
t.
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 Eu g{\f63 \u259\'3f}sisem {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \
u351\'3f}a asta n Siberia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o p{\f63 \u259\'3f}strasem. Adic{\f63
\u259\'3f},
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog, de fapt Dimitri mi-o expediase
, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce i se
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 desprinsese din piept.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Iris s-a ndreptat spre locuri
le ocupate de membrii
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Sfatului {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a ridicat punga, astfel nct
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 examinat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de to{\f63 \u355\'3f}i. ntorcn
du-se la mine, mi-a oferit
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 posibilitatea s-o examinez.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Acesta este
modelul dumitale? Este {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri4020 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 dumitale?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Am f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut ochi
i mari. Asta era, ntr-adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r. Am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 deschis gura, preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit{\f63 \u259\'3f
} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} da, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} exact n clipa
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 aceea privirea mea a ntlnit ochii lui Abe. Evident, nu
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi spun{\f63 \u259\'3f} dire
ct, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} ochii lui mi transmiteau

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 o mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}ime de mesaje. Cel mai important
era s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 precaut{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fiu vicle
an{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Ce-ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} att
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1668 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 de alunecoas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ca
Abe, n locul meu?
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Este.
.. pare s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fie la fel cu modelul de pe-a mea,
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 am r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la urm{\
f63 \u259\'3f}. Dar nu pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} afirm cu
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 certitudine dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} este exact aceea{\f6
3 \u351\'3f}i.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Zmbetul lui Abe mi-a dat de n
{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f} r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spunsesem
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 corect.
\plain\par
f63 \u259\'3f} nu po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i, a zis Iris, ca {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cum nici
nu s-ar
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fi a{\f63 \u351\'3f}teptat la altceva. I-a ntins punga
unuia dintre
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 func{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionarii judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor
e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti. Cu toate acestea, acum, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 ce membrii Sfatului au remarcat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mod
elul se
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 potrive{\f63 \u351\'3f}te cu descrierea oferit{\f63
\u259\'3f} de acuzat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} ce
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 numita a declarat c{\f63 \u259\'3f} este aproape la f
el ca {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dumneaei, a{\f63 \u351\'3f} dori s{\f63 \u259\'3f} at
rag aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia asupra rezultatelor
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 ob{\f63 \u355\'3f}inute n laborator...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 A ridicat alte foi de hrtie,
cu chipul luminat de
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 triumf.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}...{\f63 \
u351\'3f}i anume c{\f63 \u259\'3f} amprentele acuzatei se reg{\f63 \u259\'3f}ses
c pe
\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} suprafa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri734 \expndtw-9 \f20 \fs24 A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, asta era. P
otul cel mare. {\f63 \u8222\'3f}Proba solid{\f63 \u259\'3f}".
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri359 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Vreo alt{\f63
\u259\'3f} amprent{\f63 \u259\'3f}? s-a interesat judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea.
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3
f}imea Voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Numai cele ale acuzatei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta nu nseamn{\f
63 \u259\'3f} nimic, a zis Abe, ridicnd din
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 umeri. Aveam senza{\f63 \u355\'3f}
ia c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}
fi ridicat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturisit deodat{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\
f63 \u259\'3f} eu comisesem asasinatul, el tot ar
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fi pretins c{\f63 \u259\'3f} este o prob{\f63 \u259\'
3f} ndoielnic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Cineva i-a furat
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, cineva care pu
rta m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i. Normal c{\f63 \u259\'3f} amprentele
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 i apar{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, din moment ce e {\f63 \u355
\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ei.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}ncepe s{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} devin{\f63 \u259\'3f} cam ntortocheat{\f63 \u259\'3f} povestea, nu {
\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se pare? l-a ntrebat Iris.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Prob
atoriul tot r{\f63 \u259\'3f}mne plin de fisuri, a protestat el.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Tocmai aici devine ntortocheat. Cum ar fi putut ea s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 intre n dormitorul reginei? Cum ar fi putut s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} treac{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3906 \expndtw-15 \f20 \fs24 toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} paza?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ei bine, a
rostit Iris, astfel de ntreb{\f63 \u259\'3f}ri vor fi
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 am{\f63 \u259\'3f}nun{\f63 \u355\'3f}ite cel mai bin
e n cadrul procesului, dar lund
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 n considerare palmaresul impresionant al domni{\f63 \
u351\'3f}oarei
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 Hathaway n privin{\f63 \u355\'3f}a intr{\f63 \u259\'3f
}rilor {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}irilor f{\f63 \u259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\
'3f}
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 permisiune n {\f63 \u351\'3f}i din diverse locuri, pre
cum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 nenum{\f63 \u259\'3f}ratele alte abateri disciplinare
pe care le-a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acumulat n dosarul personal, nu m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndoie
sc c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ar fi
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 fost capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}seasc{\f63 \u259\'3f} nenum{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate modalit{\f63 \u259\'
3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}i de a
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunde la regin{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu ave{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}i nicio dovad{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a insistat Abe. Nicio teorie
\plain\expndtw-19 \f20 \fs24 viabil{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici nu ave
m nevoie, a replicat Iris. Cel pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in, n
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 etapa actual{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Avem date mai mult dect
suficiente
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pentru trimiterea n judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, nu-i a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a? La drept
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 vorbind, nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car n-am ajuns la par
tea cu nenum{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 martori care au auzit-o pe domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara
Hathaway
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 spunndu-i reginei c{\f63 \u259\'3f} va regreta promulg
area recentei
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 legi a gardienilor. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} g{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}sesc stenograma, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dori{\f63 \u355\'3f}i... ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu mai
pun la socoteal{\f63 \u259\'3f} declara{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile legate
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 de alte comentarii {\f63 \u8222\'3f}elocvente" f{\f63
\u259\'3f}cute n public de
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oara Hathaway.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Mi-a revenit n memorie o imag
ine cu mine, stnd
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 lng{\f63 \u259\'3f} biseric{\f63 \u259\'3f}, mpreun{\f
63 \u259\'3f} cu Daniella, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i b{\f63 \u259\'3f}tnd cmpii
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f} cu spectatori {\f63 \u8212\'3f} des
pre faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} regina nu m-ar fi
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 putut cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}ra
cu o repartizare. Nu fusese o idee bun{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 din partea mea. Nici c{\f63 \u259\
'3f} d{\f63 \u259\'3f}dusem buzna la priveghi, sau
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} obiectasem cu privire la necesitate
a protej{\f63 \u259\'3f}rii
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 reginei, atunci cnd Lissa fusese luat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ostatic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 oferisem pe tav{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui Iris material cu
duiumul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}O, da, a co
ntinuat Iris. Mai de{\f63 \u355\'3f}inem {\f63 \u351\'3f}i relat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
ri
\plain\expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 despre faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} regina {\f63 \u351\'3
f}i-a afirmat extrema
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dezaprobare fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de rel
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oarei Hathaway cu
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 domnul Adrian Ivashkov, n mod special atunci cnd
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 cei doi au inten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ionat s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} fug{\f63 \u259\'3f} mpreun{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am deschis gura s{\f63 \u259
\'3f} protestez fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} de ultima ei
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri956 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 afirma{\f63 \u355\'3f}ie, ns{\f63
\u259\'3f} Abe m-a redus iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i la t{\f63 \u259\'3
f}cere.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Exist{\f63
\u259\'3f} nenum{\f63 \u259\'3f}rate alte m{\f63 \u259\'3f}rturii privitoare la
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 discu{\f63 \u355\'3f}iile n contradictoriu purtate n pu
blic de
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Maiestatea Sa {\f63 \u351\'3f}i domni{\f63 \u351\'3f

}oara Hathaway. Dori{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} caut
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 acum {\f63 \u351\'3f}i acele documente, sau suntem n m
{\f63 \u259\'3f}sur{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1825 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 vot{\f63 \u259\'3f}m acum trimit
erea n judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Ultima ntrebare i fusese adre
sat{\f63 \u259\'3f} judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarei. Nu
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 aveam cazier, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} probele erau destul
de solide. Pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 eu a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost de p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rere
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} existau, n mod categoric,
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 motive pentru suspectarea mea de crim{\f63 \u259\'3f
}, numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri27 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}n{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea Voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}? am intervenit. Cred c{\f63 \
u259\'3f} tocmai
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 se preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} anun{\f
63 \u355\'3f}e verdictul. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun {\f63 \u351\'3f}i eu ceva?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea
s-a gndit pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in la cererea mea, dup{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care a ridicat din umeri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu v{\f63 \
u259\'3f}d niciun motiv pentru care n-ai putea.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Strngem toate dovezile posibile.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 O, dar ini{\f63 \u355
\'3f}iativa mea pe cont propriu nu f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea parte
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 absolut deloc din planurile lui Abe. S-a apropiat cu
pa{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 mari de bar{\f63 \u259\'3f}, spernd s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} poat{\f63 \u259\'3f} opri cu un sfat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri545 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 n{\f63 \u355\'3f}elept, ns{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} nu s-a dovedit a fi suficient de rapid.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}OK, am zis,
spernd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tonul vocii mele suna
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 ra{\f63 \u355\'3f}ional n urechile celorlal{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}i, dar {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu-mi voi pierde
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 cump{\f63 \u259\'3f}tul. A{\f63 \u355\'3f}i adunat ai
ci o gr{\f63 \u259\'3f}mad{\f63 \u259\'3f} de chestii
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 suspecte. Pot s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d l
impede asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Abe a f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut
o mutr{\f63 \u259\'3f} ndurerat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Nu era o expresie pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care s-o fi mai v{\f63 \u259\'3f}zut pn{\f63 \u259\'3f
} acum la el. Nu se ntmpla
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri487 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 prea des ca el s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
piard{\f63 \u259\'3f} controlul asupra situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}iilor.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Dar tocmai
asta-i problema, am continuat. Sunt
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 prea suspecte. Dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi avut de gnd s{
\f63 \u259\'3f} asasinez pe
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 cineva, n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi fost n halul {\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sta de toant{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Chiar crede{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi l{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}sat {\f63 \u355\'3f}epu{\f63 \u351\'3f}a n pieptul ei? Chiar crede{\f63 \u
355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi purtat m{\f63 \u259\'3f}nu{\f63
\u351\'3f}i? V{\f63 \u259\'3f} rog. Mi se pare insult{\f63 \u259\'3f}tor. Dac{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sunt ntr-att de abil{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ct sus{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}ine{\f63 \u355\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-ar afirma n
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dosarul meu, de ce-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi procedat a{\f
63 \u351\'3f}a? Adic{\f63 \u259\'3f}, s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fim
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 serio{\f63 \u351\'3f}i! Dac-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi f{\
f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o eu, ar fi fost cu totul altceva.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu v-ar fi trecut prin gnd s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nui{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 vreodat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Toate astea sunt o insult{\f
63 \u259\'3f} la adresa
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 inteligen{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei mele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Rose..., a
nceput Abe, cu o nuan{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} amenin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f6
3 \u259\'3f}toare
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 n voce. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, mi-am v{\f63 \u259\'3f
}zut de-ale mele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Toate dovez
ile de care dispune{\f63 \u355\'3f}i sunt chiar
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 dureros de evidente. Ce naiba, cine mi-a nscenat toat
{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 chestia asta putea la fel de bine s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
picteze {\f63 \u351\'3f}i o s{\f63 \u259\'3f}geat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} arate direct
... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cineva chiar a nscenat-o,
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} voi sunte{
\f63 \u355\'3f}i ultimii fraieri dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} lua{\f63 \u355\'3f}i n consi
derare
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3973 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ideea asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ncepusem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} r
idic tonul, a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f}, dndu-mi seama de
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 asta, am redevenit calm{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Voi v{\f63
\u259\'3f} dori{\f63 \u355\'3f}i un r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns u{\f63 \u351\'3f}or.
Un r{\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns rapid.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, mai presus de toate, v{\f63 \u259
\'3f} dori{\f63 \u355\'3f}i o persoan{\f63 \u259\'3f} care s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}turi, s{\f63

\u259\'3f} nu aib{\f63 \u259\'3f} o familie puternic{\f63 \u259\'3f} de care s{\
f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-10 \f20 \fs24 fie protejat{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Aici, am ezitat pu{\f63 \u3
55\'3f}in, ne{\f63 \u351\'3f}tiind sigur cum puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 clasific pe Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pentru c{\f
63 \u259\'3f} a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a se-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} mereu. A{\f63 \u351\'3f
}a a fost {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 legea privind vrsta gardienilor. Nici n favoarea
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 dhampirilor n-a putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se ridice cin
eva, fiindc{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 blestematul {\f63 \u259\'3f}sta de sistem nu i-ar pe
rmite.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Atunci mi-am dat seama c{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} ab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tusem destul de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 mult de la subiect... {\f63 \u351\'3f}i c{\f63 \u259
\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceam eu ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}mi s{\f63 \u25
9\'3f} par {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mai vinovat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, be{\f63 \u351\'3f}telind
legea cu vrsta. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m-am
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nfrnat, revenind la subiect.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Hm, n orice
caz, n{\f63 \u259\'3f}l{\f63 \u355\'3f}imea Voastr{\f63 \u259\'3f}... ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncerc eu s{\f63 \u259\'3f} spun este c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
dovezile astea n-ar trebui s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 fie considerate suficiente pentru acuzarea mea sau
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pentru trimiterea mea n judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Eu n
-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi n stare s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiesc un asasinat ntr-un mod att de
penibil.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}{\f63 \u355\
'3f}i mul{\f63 \u355\'3f}umim, domni{\f63 \u351\'3f}oar{\f63 \u259\'3f} Hathaway
, a zis
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea. A fost extrem de... inst
ructiv. Po{\f63 \u355\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 reiei locul, n timp ce Sfatul va vota.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri711 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i cu Ab
e ne-am ntors la locurile noastre.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce n
aiba a fost n capul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u? m-a luat el la rost, n
\plain\expndtw-24 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}oapt{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri1467 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Am spus ce tr
ebuia. M-am ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat.
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Eu n-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} zice. Nu e{\
f63 \u351\'3f}ti avocat.
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 L-am privit piezi{\f63 \u351\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nici tu, mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ule.

\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Judec{\f63 \u259\'3f}toarea le-a
cerut membrilor Sfatului s{\f63 \u259\'3f} voteze
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} erau de p{\f63
\u259\'3f}rere c{\f63 \u259\'3f} dovezile prezentate mpotriva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mea ajungeau ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} p
un{\f63 \u259\'3f} n postura unui suspect
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 viabil {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u
259\'3f} trimit{\f63 \u259\'3f} n judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i erau
. Unsprezece
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 mini s-au ridicat. Uite-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a, s-a termi
nat totul.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri20 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Prin intermediul leg{\f63 \
u259\'3f}turii, am sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}it-o alarmat{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Lissa. n timp ce eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Abe ne ridicam s
{\f63 \u259\'3f} plec{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, mi\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 am ndreptat privirea spre public, care ncepuse s{\f63 \
u259\'3f} se
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 mpr{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}tie {\f63 \u351\'3f
}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} zumz{\f63 \u259\'3f}ie, discutnd pe tema a ceea ce
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple de-acum ncolo. Ochii e
i verzi se
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cuser{\f63 \u259\'3f} mari, iar pe f
a{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ternuse o paloare
\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 neobi{\f63 \u351\'3f}nuit{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Lng{\f63 \
u259\'3f} ea, Adrian ar{\f63 \u259\'3f}ta {\f63 \u351\'3f}i el nec{\f63 \u259\'3
f}jit, dar n
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 clipa n care m-a privit, n ochii lui am v{\f63 \u259\'3
f}zut clar
\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 str{\f63 \u259\'3f}lucind iubirea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i h
ot{\f63 \u259\'3f}rrea. Iar n spate de tot,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 dincolo de ei doi...
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3762 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ...Dimitri.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car nu {\f
63 \u351\'3f}tiusem c{\f63 \u259\'3f} era acolo. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i el m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} privea
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fix, ntunecat {\f63 \u351\'3f}i insi
stent. Numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} lui nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 descifrez sentimentele. Chipul lui nu tr{\f63 \u259\'
3f}da absolut
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 nimic, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} n ochi avea ceva... ceva ard
ent, intimidant.
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Imaginea cu el preg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tit s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} doboare armata aceea de
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 gardieni mi-a str{\f63 \u259\'3f}fulgerat mintea, {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i ceva mi-a spus c{\f63 \u259\'3f},
\par
\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} i-a{\f63
\u351\'3f} fi cerut, ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut-o din nou. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-ar
fi croit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 drum cu for{\f63 \u355\'3f}a pn{\f6
3 \u259\'3f} la mine, n sala asta de judecat{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ar fi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cut tot ce-i st{\f63 \u259\'3
f}tea-n puteri ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} salveze de\plain\expndtw-12 \f20 \fs24 acolo.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Cineva mi-a atins bra{\f63 \
u355\'3f}ul, ab{\f63 \u259\'3f}tndu-mi aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia de la
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 el. Eu {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Abe porniser{\f63 \u259\'3f
}m spre ie{\f63 \u351\'3f}ire, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} intervalul din
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}a noastr{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ticsit
de lume, ceea ce ne obliga s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ne
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 tot oprim. Atingerea pe care o sim{\f63 \u355\'3f}ise
m fusese
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 provocat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de o buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f
63 \u355\'3f}ic{\f63 \u259\'3f} de hrtie, strecurat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de cineva
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntre degetele mele. Aruncnd o privire, l-am z{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}rit pe
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Ambrose, aflat n apropierea intervalului, privind fix
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 drept nainte. A{\f63 \u351\'3f} fi vrut s{\f63 \u259\'
3f}-l ntreb ce se petrecea, ns{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 un oarecare instinct mi-a impus s{\f63 \u259\'3f} p{\
f63 \u259\'3f}strez t{\f63 \u259\'3f}cerea.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 V{\f63 \u259\'3f}znd c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nc{\f63 \u259\'
3f} nu puteam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} naint{\f63 \u259\'3f}m, am desf{\f63 \u259\'3f}cu
t n
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri223 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 grab{\f63 \u259\'3f} hrtiu{\f63 \u
355\'3f}a, avnd grij{\f63 \u259\'3f} s-o feresc de ochii lui Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Biletul era minuscul, iar c
aligrafia elegant{\f63 \u259\'3f}, aproape
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 imposibil de descifrat.
\plain\par
\sl-276\fs28\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri4142 \expndtw-14 \i \f20 \fs24 Rose,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri28 \expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 n cazul n care cite{\f63 \u351\'
3f}ti mesajul acesta, nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 s-a ntmplat ceva cumplit. Probabil
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} dete{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 nu te nvinov{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}esc. Nu
pot dect s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te rog s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} crezi
\plain\expndtw-1 \i \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot ceea ce am f{\f63 \u259\'3f
}cut cu privire la decretul cu vrsta
\plain\expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 a fost mai bine pentru poporul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u,
dect 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-2 \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\expndtw3 \i \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vor, fie c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu, p
rin ntrebuin{\f63 \u355\'3f}area for{\f63 \u355\'3f}ei de
\par
\plain\pard\sl-239 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 constrngere. Decretul privi

nd vrsta a mai potolit
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2909 \expndtw-6 \i \f20 \fs24 elanul acestei fac{\f63 \u355
\'3f}iuni.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, {\
f63 \u355\'3f}i scriu ca s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i transmit un secret
pe care ai
\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 dreptul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l afli, iar secretul ac
esta trebuie cunoscut de
\plain\expndtw-4 \i \f20 \fs24 ct mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine persoane cu putin{\f6
3 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Vasilisa trebuie s{\f63 \u259\'3f}\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ocupe locul cuvenit n cadrul Sfat
ului, ceea ce se
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 poate nf{\f63 \u259\'3f}ptui. Ea nu este cel din ur
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} vl{\f63 \u259\'3f}star al
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 familiei Dragomir. Mai exist{\f63 \u259\'3f} unul n
via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}, copilul
\plain\expndtw-3 \i \f20 \fs24 nelegitim al lui Eric Dragomir. Nu mai {\f63 \u35
1\'3f}tiu altceva, dar
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} vei putea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i
g{\f63 \u259\'3f}se{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti fiul sau fiica, i vei oferi
\plain\expndtw2 \i \f20 \fs24 Vasilisei puterea pe care o merit{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
Indiferent de
\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 gre{\f63 \u351\'3f}elile pe care le-ai f{\f63 \u2
59\'3f}cut sau de temperamentul t{\f63 \u259\'3f}u
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 periculos, tu e{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti singura pe care
o simt capabil{\f63 \u259\'3f} de
\plain\expndtw1 \i \f20 \fs24 ndeplinirea acestei misiuni. Nu irosi nici m{\f63 \
u259\'3f}car o
\plain\expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, ncearc{\f63 \u259\'3f} imedi
at s-o ndepline{\f63 \u351\'3f}ti.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3122 \expndtw-5 \i \f20 \fs24 Tatiana Ivashkov
\plain\par
\sl-274\fs27\par\pard\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Am r{\f63 \u
259\'3f}mas cu privirea pironit{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe bucata de hrtie,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 literele jucndu-mi n fa{\f63 \u355\'3
f}a ochilor; cu toate astea,
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 mesajul exprimat prin ele mi ardea n minte.\i Ea nu e
ste
\plain\expndtw-2 \i \f20 \fs24 cel din urm{\f63 \u259\'3f} vl{\f63 \u259\'3f}sta
r al familiei Dragomir. Mai exist{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-13 \i \f20 \fs24 unul n via{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era ade
v{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} Lissa avea un frate vitreg
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 sau o sor{\f63 \u259\'3f} vitreg{\f63 \u259\'3f}...
asta schimba totul. Ea ar fi primit
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 dreptul la vot n cadrul Sfatului. N-ar mai fi fost
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 singur{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era adev{
\f63 \u259\'3f}rat. Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} biletul era, ntr\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 adev{\f63 \u259\'3f}r, de la Tatiana. Oricine ar fi
putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} semneze cu
\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 numele ei pe o buc{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u355\'3f}ic{
\f63 \u259\'3f} de hrtie. {\f63 \u350\'3f}i, prin asta, n-o
\par
\plain\pard\sl-279 \li3 \ri24 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cea s{\f63
\u259\'3f} fie {\f63 \u351\'3f}i autentic{\f63 \u259\'3f}. Totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
, m-am nfiorat, tulburat{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 la gndul c{\f63 \u259\'3f} primisem un bile{\f63 \u35
5\'3f}el de la o femeie moart{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 Dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f} ng{\f63 \u25
9\'3f}dui s{\f63 \u259\'3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d fantomele din jurul nostru,
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 oare ar fi {\f63 \u351\'3f}i Tatiana printre ele, fr{
\f63 \u259\'3f}mntat{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 r{\f63 \u259\'3f}zbun{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare? Dar nu m{
\f63 \u259\'3f} puteam ndura s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi dobor
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 zidurile protectoare {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'
3f} v{\f63 \u259\'3f}d dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} era a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a. nc{\f63 \u259\
'3f} nu.
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Sigur existau {\f63 \u351\'3f}i alte r{\f63 \u259\'3f
}spunsuri. Ambrose fusese cel
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 care-mi transmisese biletul. Trebuia s{\f63 \u259\'3f
}-l ntreb pe el...
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 numai c{\f63 \u259\'3f} ncepuser{\f63 \u259\'3f}m din
nou s{\f63 \u259\'3f} naint{\f63 \u259\'3f}m pe interval.
\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 Un gardian m-a nghiontit s{\f63 \u259\'3f} merg mai d
eparte.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Ce-i aia? m
-a ntrebat Abe, ve{\f63 \u351\'3f}nic vigilent {\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-17 \f20 \fs24 b{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuitor.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri808 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 Am mp{\f63 \u259\'3f}turit la lo
c bile{\f63 \u355\'3f}elul, n mare grab{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-13 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimic.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri24 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} privirea pe c
are mi-a adresat-o, mi-am dat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 seama c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu m{\f63 \
u259\'3f} credea ctu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}in. Chiar m{\f63 \u259
\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ntrebam dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu cumva era cazul s{\f63
\u259\'3f}-i spun.\i Secretul
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 acesta trebuie cunoscut de ct mai pu{\f63 \u355\'3f
}ine persoane cu
\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 putin{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.\i0 Chiar d
ac{\f63 \u259\'3f} el s-ar fi num{\f63 \u259\'3f}rat printre aceste
\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 pu{\f63 \u355\'3f}ine persoane, tot nu era locul pot
rivit s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i spun. A{\f63 \u351\'3f}a
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} am ncercat s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-i distr
ag aten{\f63 \u355\'3f}ia {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f}
scutur de
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 expresia de n{\f63 \u259\'3f}uceal{\f63 \u259\'3f} c
are sigur mi se putea citi pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 Biletul reprezenta o problem{\f63 \u259\'3f} importa
nt{\f63 \u259\'3f}... dar nu tot
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 att de important{\f63 \u259\'3f} pe ct era cea cu care
m{\f63 \u259\'3f} confruntam
\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n perspectiva imediat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mi-ai spus
c{\f63 \u259\'3f} n-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} ajung la proces, i-am zis lui
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Abe. Iritarea de mai devreme mi revenise. Am riscat
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri3612 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 enorm cu tine!
\par
\plain\pard\sl-295 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}N-ai
riscat nimic. Nici Tarus n-ar fi putut s{\f63 \u259\'3f} te
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2748 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 scoat{\f63 \u259\'3f} din povest
ea asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Atitudinea non{\f63 \u351\'3
f}alant{\f63 \u259\'3f} a lui Abe m{\f63 \u259\'3f} enerva {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mai
\plain\expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 tare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Cu alte cuv
inte, ai {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiut nc{\f63 \u259\'3f} de la nceput c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1867 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 audierea asta era o cauz{\f63 \u
259\'3f} pierdut{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Asta-mi spusese {\f63 \u351\
'3f}i Mihail. Ce dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \u355\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le inspi
ri
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri2893 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 tuturor atta ncredere!
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Audierea as
ta n-a fost important{\f63 \u259\'3f}, a afirmat
\plain\expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 evaziv Abe. Important e ce-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmp
le n
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 continuare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri3147 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mai exact, ce
?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri26 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}i-a ndreptat din n
ou spre mine privirea lui
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri3222 \expndtw-14 \f20 \fs24 tenebroas{\f63 \u259\'3f}, {\f6
3 \u351\'3f}ireat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri820 \expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nimic care s{\
f63 \u259\'3f} te ngrijoreze, deocamdat{\f63 \u259\'3f}.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Unul dintre gardieni m-a prins de
bra{\f63 \u355\'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i mi-a spus
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 c{\f63 \u259\'3f} trebuia s{\f63 \u
259\'3f} merg mai departe. M-am mpotrivit,
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri166 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 nel{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-m{\f63 \u2
59\'3f} tras{\f63 \u259\'3f} dup{\f63 \u259\'3f} el, {\f63 \u351\'3f}i m-am aple
cat spre Abe.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri26 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu trebuie,
pe naiba! Aici vorbim de via{\f63 \u355\'3f}a mea!
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 am exclamat.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw5 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u350\'3f}tiam ce avea
s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se-ntmple-n continuare.
\plain\expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare, pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la proces. {\f63 \u350\'3
f}i, pe urm{\f63 \u259\'3f}, iar{\f63 \u259\'3f}{\f63 \u351\'3f}i
\plain\expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare, dac{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cond
amnau.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Asta-i o ch
estie serioas{\f63 \u259\'3f}! Nu vreau s-ajung la
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 proces! Nu vreau s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-mi petrec tot rest
ul vie{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii ntr-un
\plain\expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 loc ca Tarasov.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-323 \li3 \ri21 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Gardianul m-a tras {\f
63 \u351\'3f}i mai energic, obligndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} s{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri26 \expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 naintez, iar Abe m-a fixat cu o pri
vire p{\f63 \u259\'3f}trunz{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare,
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 care mi-a nghe{\f63 \u355\'3f}at sngele n vine.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri22 \fi283 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}\i Nu\i0 v
ei ajunge la proces.\i Nu\i0 vei ajunge la\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 nchisoare, mi-a {\f63 \u351\'3f}uierat el, f{\f63 \u
259\'3f}r{\f63 \u259\'3f} ca paznicii s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-l aud{\f63 \u259\'3f}. N
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri1837 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} permit\i eu
\i0 a{\f63 \u351\'3f}a ceva. Ai n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri24 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 Am scuturat din cap, dezorie
ntat{\f63 \u259\'3f} de faptul c{\f63 \u259\'3f}
\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 treceam prin attea situa{\f63 \u355\'3f}ii {\f63 \u351
\'3f}i nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam cum s{\f63 \u259\'3f} m{\f63 \u259\'3f} port
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 n niciuna dintre ele.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2006 \expndtw-6 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Pn{\f63 \u259\
'3f} {\f63 \u351\'3f}i tu ai limite, mo{\f63 \u351\'3f}ule.
\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 A redevenit zmbitor.
\plain\par
'3f} te surprind{\f63 \u259\'3f}. n plus, tr{\f63 \u259\'3f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}tori
i regali nu sunt
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri637 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 trimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}i la nchisoar
e, Rose. Toat{\f63 \u259\'3f} lumea {\f63 \u351\'3f}tie asta.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri2371 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 Am pufnit, dispre{\f63 \u355\'
3f}uitoare.
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri20 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}E{\f63 \u351\'3
f}ti nebun? Ba sigur sunt trimi{\f63 \u351\'3f}i la nchisoare. Ce
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 altceva crezi c{\f63 \u259\'3f} se
-ntmpl{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu ei? Sunt l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i liberi {\
f63 \u351\'3f}i li
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri2743 \expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 se spune s{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu ma
i fac{\f63 \u259\'3f}?
\plain\par
\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri19 \fi283 \expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, mi-a r{
\f63 \u259\'3f}spuns Abe, chiar nainte de a-mi
\plain\par
\pard\sl-275 \li3 \ri1229 \expndtw-7 \f20 \fs24 ntoarce spatele. Tr{\f63 \u259\'3
f}d{\f63 \u259\'3f}torii sunt executa{\f63 \u355\'3f}i!
\par
}

Richelle Mead Limitele Spiritului 5

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Richelle Mead Limitele Spiritului 5

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{\rtf \ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0

{\fonttbl{\f11\fswiss\fcharset0 Arial Narrow;}{\f10\fswiss\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f1

\plain\expndtw0 \i \f20 \fs24 visat netezimea pielii {\f63 \u351\'3f}i ardoarea

-mi f{\f63 \u259\'3f}ceau pasul s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 ns{\f63 \u259\'3f} tot t{\f63 \u259\'3f}mb{\f63 \u259

ar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} martori la

\plain\pard\sl-298 \li3 \ri25 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 moroii st{\f63 \u259\'3f}pnesc

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam nici m{\f63 \u259\'3f}car unde s

Stan mi-a dat de n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eles c{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 ncercare echilibrul {\f63 \u351\'3f}i coordonarea, n ti

\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri25 \fi283 \expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 V{\f63 \u259\'3f}zndu-i pe in

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 scot leg{\f63 \u259\'3f}tura de la ochi... printre a

l meu oficial. Adrian era dintr-o

\plain\expndtw-11 \f20 \fs24 P{\f63 \u259\'3f}streaz{\f63 \u259\'3f}-{\f63 \u355

\f63 \u350\'3f}i totu{\f63 \u351\'3f}i, gndurile

\plain\expndtw0 \f20 \fs24 Aceasta era {\f63 \u351\'3f}ubred{\f63 \u259\'3f}, o

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 s{\f63 \u259\'3f}-n{\f63 \u355\'3f}eleg c{\f63 \u259

ultima clip{\f63 \u259\'3f}, de o scndur{\f63 \u259\'3f},

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 ntors privirea {\f63 \u351\'3f}i am v{\f63 \u259\'3f}

te, tragice: luptndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3f} cu

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 n dosar.

\plain\expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 destul de inventiv.

are urma s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

63 \u355\'3f}i expresia aia de pe fa{\f63 \u355\'3f}{\f63 \u259\'3f},\i0 m-a mu

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 nclcit, l{\f63 \u259\'3f}sndu-1 rev{\f63 \u259\'3f}rsat

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 ce mi se p{\f63 \u259\'3f}rea att de contradictoriu,

nseamn{\f63 \u259\'3f} c-o s{\f63 \u259\'3f} fii mai dr{\f63 \u259\'3f}gu{\f63 \

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 comite vreo fapt{\f63 \u259\'3f} urt{\f63 \u259\'3f},

\plain\expndtw-2 \f20 \fs24 strns de al lui, f{\f63 \u259\'3f}cndu-m{\f63 \u259\'3

\plain\pard\sl-276 \li3 \ri23 \expndtw-5 \f20 \fs24 acum mi-am compus o

eu{\f63 \u351\'3f}isem s{\f63 \u259\'3f} surprind pe toat{\f63 \u259\'3f}

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 primejdie de a deveni cordial{\f63 \u259\'3f} {\f63

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 clar c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nu se potriveau cu cele ticlui

u351\'3f}i-i spunea ceva care

3 \u259\'3f}cat de un p{\f63 \u259\'3f}r att de frumos, a zis

3f}i am ajuns la concluzia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} nici nu mi-a{\f63 \u351\'3f}

eptat s{\f63 \u259\'3f} le distrugi proprietatea.

9\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i mai

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 re{\f63 \u355\'3f}eaua n mi{\f63 \u351\'3f}care.

63 \u259\'3f}, am ad{\f63 \u259\'3f}ugat.

63 \u351\'3f}i reluau drumul. Eu

avea s{\f63 \u259\'3f} i se

c pe Jill s{\f63 \u259\'3f} se simt{\f63 \u259\'3f} mai

\pard\sl-275 \li286 \ri22 \expndtw4 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Mult noroc cu to

'3f}dea impresia c{\f63 \u259\'3f} vrea s{\f63 \u259\'3f}

ople{\f63 \u351\'3f}i{\f63 \u355\'3f}i {\f63 \u351\'3f}i s{\f63 \u259\'3f} aprec

eb{\f63 \u259\'3f}toare. Programul

ian nu {\f63 \u351\'3f}tiam

\pard\sl-276 \li286 \ri21 \expndtw3 \f20 \fs24 {\f63 \u8212\'3f}Nu, serios, a in

\plain\expndtw-1 \f20 \fs24 amndou{\f63 \u259\'3f} lucrurile n camerele noastre, d

\plain\expndtw2 \f20 \fs24 pl{\f63 \u259\'3f}nuiam s{\f63 \u259\'3f} scoatem din

\'3f}-{\f63 \u355\'3f}i cau{\f63 \u355\'3f}i un post?

\plain\expndtw-8 \f20 \fs24 pn{\f63 \u259\'3f} la noi.

\plain\expndtw-3 \f20 \fs24 absolut nimic romantic n ele.

\u355\'3f}a, de dragul Lissei.

\'3f} femeie moroi a ap{\f63 \u259\'3f}rut n nc{\f63 \u259\'3f}pere.

3 \u259\'3f}cu{\f63 \u355\'3f}i a{\f63 \u351\'3f}ezau mncarea pe

ian, plin de vioiciune, sprijinindu\plain\par

9\'3f}rit ca ar{\f63 \u351\'3f}i de pe scaunele noastre.

63 \u355\'3f}i{\f63 \u351\'3f} la {\f63 \u355\'3f}igara de dup{\f63 \u259\'3f},

\plain\expndtw-4 \f20 \fs24 se pe Adrian {\f63 \u351\'3f}i pe tat{\f63 \u259\'3f

plec ct mai repede.

\plain\expndtw1 \f20 \fs24 Con{\f63 \u351\'3f}tientizarea acestui fapt d{\f63 \u

63 \u350\'3f}tii tu: de-ale fetelor.