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framed his face and stood out against the bright scarlet of his dress shirt. His eyes were so dark<br />
and brown that without the red ring, it would have been almost impossible to tell where pupil<br />
ended and iris began.<br />
One of the guards shoved me hard, even though I'd been silent. He glanced up at the Strigoi<br />
man. "You want me to gag her?"<br />
I suddenly realized I'd been hunching into the back of my chair, unconsciously trying to get as<br />
far away from him as possible. He realized this too, and a thin, toothless smile crossed his lips.<br />
"No," he said. His voice was silky and low. "I'd like to hear what she has to say." He raised an<br />
eyebrow at me. "Please. Continue."<br />
I swallowed.<br />
"No? Nothing to add? Well. Do feel free to pipe up if something else comes to mind."<br />
"Isaiah," exclaimed the woman. "Why are you keeping them here? Why haven't you just<br />
contacted the others?"<br />
"Elena, Elena," Isaiah murmured to her. "Behave yourself. I'm not going to pass up the chance<br />
to enjoy myself with two Moroi and …" He walked behind my chair and lifted my hair, making<br />
me shudder. A moment later, he peered at Mason and Eddie's necks as well. "…three<br />
unblooded dhampirs." He spoke those words with an almost happy sigh, and I realized he'd<br />
been looking for guardian tattoos.<br />
Strolling over to Mia and Christian, Isaiah rested a hand on his hip as he studied them. Mia<br />
could only meet his eyes for an instant before looking away. Christian's fear was palpable, but<br />
he managed to return the Strigoi's scrutiny. It made me proud.<br />
"Look at these eyes, Elena." Elena walked over and stood beside Isaiah as he spoke. "That pale<br />
blue. Like ice. Like aquamarines. You almost never get that outside of the royal houses.<br />
Badicas. Ozeras. The occasional Zeklos."<br />
"Ozera," said Christian, trying very hard to sound fearless.
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