“Is there any reason these would be on a weapon? Some greater symbolism or meaning?” Dimitri asked.

“Well, again, if you go back, the sun and gold were the most important to the ancient Alchemists. They revolved around this whole idea of light and clarity.” I touched my cheek. “Those things are still important in some ways—it’s why we use this gold ink. Aside from the benefits, the gold marks us as… pure. Sanctified. Part of a holy cause. But on a sword… I don’t know. If whoever did this was going off the same symbolism, then maybe the sword is sanctified.” I thought back to the attackers’ words, about returning to Hell. I grimaced. “Or maybe its owners feel it’s serving some kind of holy duty.”

“Who were these guys anyway?” asked Adrian. “Do you think Jill’s at risk?”

“They knew about vampires. But they were human,” said Dimitri.

“Even I could tell that,” I agreed. “The one was pretty tall, but he was no Moroi.” Admitting our assailants had been human was difficult—and baffling—for me. I’d always believed the Strigoi were evil. That was easy. Even Moroi couldn’t always be trusted, which was why the thought of Moroi assassins coming after Jill didn’t seem that far-fetched. But humans… the people I was supposed to be protecting? That was tough. I’d been attacked by my own kind, the so-called good guys, not the fanged fiends I’d been taught to fear. It was a jolt to my worldview.

Dimitri’s face grew even grimmer. “I’ve never heard of anything like this—mainly because most humans don’t know about Moroi. Aside from the Alchemists.”

I gave him a sharp look. “This had nothing to do with us. I told you, swords aren’t our style. Neither are attacks.”

Sonya set the sword down on the coffee table. “No one’s making accusations about anyone. I assume it’s an issue you’ll both want to bring up to your groups.” Dimitri and I nodded. “Although, I think we’re overlooking a key point here. They were treating me like a Strigoi. A sword’s not the easiest way to kill someone. There’d have to be a reason.”

“It’s the only way a human could kill a Strigoi, too,” I murmured. “Humans can’t charm a silver stake. I suppose they could set you on fire, but that’s not practical in an alley.”

Silence fell as we all mulled this over. At last, Sonya sighed. “I don’t think we’re going to get anywhere tonight, not without talking to others. Do you want me to heal that?”

It took me a moment to realize she was talking to me. I touched my cheek. “No, it’ll heal fast on its own.” That was one of the side effects of the vampire blood in our lily tattoos. “I’ll go clean it before I go.”

I walked to the bathroom as confidently as I could. When I reached it and saw my reflection in the mirror, I lost it. The scrape wasn’t bad, not at all. Mostly, what upset me was what it represented. Sonya had had the blade to her throat, but my life had been in danger too. I had been attacked, and I’d been helpless. I wet a washcloth and tried to bring it to my face, but my hands were shaking too badly.