Disclaimer: I don't own the Bloodlines series.

Chapter Four

"When you say a new alchemist," said Eddie, "Do you mean to replace Sydney?"

"No," I said "Apparently this girl is being sent as an apprentice to Sydney. From the message on your phone, it sounds like her name is Zoe Sage."

"Oh." said Eddie "That must be Sydney's sister then."

"Maybe," I said "But we had better go to meet her."

"Do all of us need to go?" asked Eddie sounding wary.

"I don't think so." I said cautiously "The message just said that someone should show her to the girls' dorm."

"I'll do it." said Eddie "You can stay here."

"Are you sure?" I asked him "Yes. You're still new here."

"Fair enough," I replied "See you soon."

"Yeah," he agreed and walked out of the room.

We went to bed pretty early that night. Eddie got a text from Adrian, another of Princess Jillian's companions, that Sydney had returned and was safe. Eddie seemed rather relieved about that and immediately wrote back to tell Adrian that he was glad to hear it.

The next morning, we had breakfast at the West campus cafeteria. The alchemist, Sydney joined us with the new apprentice, Zoe who had brown hair and eyes very much like Sydney's.

"Zoe," said Sydney "I don't think you've met everyone yet. This is Jill, Eddie, Angeline and Neil."

Zoe said nothing but she nodded to each of us. She looked as though she might run off at any moment.

"So," said Eddie in an attempt to make conversation "You and Zoe are sisters, right?"

"Yes, she's my younger sister." said Sydney affectionately "But while we're here, she's just another alchemist. This is business."

"Of course," I agreed "It wouldn't be appropriate to be too ... er sisterly when you're here on an important mission."

"Exactly." said Zoe. It was the first time she had spoken and as soon as she said it, she looked around the table, terrified.

"So," said Jillian changing the subject "When are we going to Clarence's?"

"Who's Clarence?" I asked curiously.

"He's a moroi who let's us use his feeder," she explained "We're staying with him for winter break."

"I see," I said "Is his home safe?"

"Yes," said Eddie at once "And we're leaving at noon." he added turning towards Jillian.

"Well," said Jillian "After breakfast, we better get our things packed as quickly as we can."

"Yes," agreed Sydney and we all nodded.

Author's Note: Thanks for reading. Please let me know what you thought in a review. hunterofartemis126 (Nicolaclair)