Moving Objects

Chapter 23

I looked from the stake in the snow pile and then to Lissa, willing it to go to her. She got to her feet quickly and picked up the stake as it rolled to her feet and ran at Dimitri while he tried to shake me off. Lissa had a look of determination on her face as she used all of her strength to stake him, but it wasn't enough. But Eddie came to her rescue and put his hands on top of hers, and thrust the stake up an inch more. It was all that was needed.

The explosion of light with blinding and I fell off his back, rolling onto my stomach. I looked out to where Dimitri, Eddie, and Lissa laid before I could hear someone crying. Lissa popped clumsily up from her place and came around to Dimitri, lifting his head into her lap. It was him crying and she tried to comfort him, telling him that he was ok and that he was Dhampir again. I heard my name be caressed by his voice, calling out for me. It was the last thing I saw and heard before I slipped into unconsciousness.

_______________________________

I blinked as the bright light hit my eyes and I groaned, wincing at the soreness in my throat. It was difficult to breathe, but I managed it as I opened my eyes slowly again. By the smell, I knew I was in the hospital and I moved my head carefully to find Adrian sitting in the chair beside my bed. Well, sitting was the wrong word, sleeping haphazardly was a better description.

I tried to sit up by myself but couldn't and my hand slipped out, knocking the remote on my bed to the floor. The clatter woke Adrian and he sat up, his hair a mess and shirt wrinkled. I cleared my throat gently and Adrian looked to me before sighing in relief.

"Oh, thank God. I'm glad you're finally awake."

I hummed and took a small deep breath. "What-what happened?" I croaked. Adrian frowned and leaned forward, grasping my hand. "Don't talk. There is some damage to your vocal cords and windpipe. After Lissa staked Belikov, backup arrived and Guardians swarmed. You laid in the snow pile for a bit before they realized you were there. They brought all of you back here to Court last night."

I nodded and opened my mouth again to talk but stopped, looking around carefully for something to write on. Adrian handed me a notepad and a pen.

Lissa?

"She's fine. They had her on lockdown for a few hours, but after the medical examination, they said she would be fine. Fractured wrist at most.

I nodded and made a noise that sounded a bit happier before writing the next name on the list.

Dimitri??

Adrian bit his lip and looked at our hands. "He's...ok. Lissa kept going on and on that he was Dhampir again, but nobody would listen to her. I guess he didn't fight anyone when they tried to pull him and Lissa apart so they have him locked in the cells right now, waiting on further investigation."

But he is alive?

Adrian smirked. "Yes, Captain Boring Borscht is alive. Dhampir and alive."

I smiled and chuckled quietly before choking, tears of relief creeping out of my eyes. Adrian thought I was crying in pain and jumped up, but I waved him off.

Happy tears. I wrote on the paper.

Adrian nodded and sat back down as the doctor came in. The doctor quickly shooed Adrian out and did an exam, explain that I shouldn't talk too much, and I should take things gently, along with that I have a mild concussion. I wasn't surprised either at the bruises that littered my body, but I couldn't care less about that. I only cared about one thing right now. I dressed gingerly and zipped my sweater as high as it would go to conceal the angry marks against my skin.