Hello! Not much going on other than a week off school (yes!). I'm not sure if I'll be able to update next Saturday since I'm going to a day-long book event, but I'll see what I can do. Also, today's quote is from the author of 'The Book Thief'. Disclaimer: I did not write Bloodlines or the affiliated characters.

"I have to say that although it broke my heart, I was and still am glad I was there."–Markus Zusak

MPOV

The Strigoi attack goes on for another hour or so before the hospital begins moving at breakneck speed. Injured Dhampirs and Moroi are rushed into rooms along with nurses assessing the triage. Carly somehow manages to find me amongst it all and offers a weak smile. "Carly,"

"Marcus,"

"How bad was it?"

"It was a planned attack for starters. There were hundreds of them. I'm exhausted and am in desperate need of food."

"We could go to the cafeteria before making a graceful exit."

Carly hesitates. "I need to say goodbye to Sydney first, to let her know I made it."

"Sounds good…you should rest with Jill and Zoe. I'll get the food."

"Marcus, Carly, I can call Syd if you want." Carly looks to Eddie gratefully at this.

"Could you?"

"Of course. I would suggest foods high in calories, fructose corn syrup, and or sugars."

I blink at Eddie before turning and heading to the cafeteria.

CPOV

"Thanks Eddie."

"No problem. She'll want to know you're okay."

"I figured…is Zoe really inside with Jill?"

"A miracle, I know."

Rolling my eyes, I head into the room to find it surprisingly dark. Its night, of course, but the lights are off as well. Zoe's huddled in the corner shaking like a leaf. "Zo?"

"C-C-Carly?"

"It's me. Marcus is getting food and Eddie is calling Sydney. We'll be out of here after we say goodbye."

"Did the Strigoi get in?"

"No. They never even reached the gates. We're safe." I don't mention the people that are still being rushed into medical nor the people who didn't make it back. I have a feeling that would only insight panic.

"Okay. Did you really help?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because the Strigoi are pure evil. No one deserves to have their rights taken away by them…plus they'd mass murder us all." I offer a smile in an attempt to lighten the mood, but Zoe doesn't take the bait.

"They aren't really bad, are they." Zoe phrases it as if it isn't a question.

"Who aren't really bad?"

"The Moroi and Dhampirs. They aren't really as awful as the Alchemists make them seem. They…they don't need the dark, not like the Strigoi do."

"No. They're peaceful by nature."

Zoe looks to me pleadingly. "Hide me. I don't want to go back."

"What changed?"

"Jill. She…she woke up. Eddie said she wouldn't, but she did. She looked like she was starving and she could move around, but she didn't attack me. She just…talked. She was a model you know, even though Syd told her it was a onetime thing, she did it twice. And she never asked to be a princess and she got bullied at Amberwood and she's so, painfully, normal."

"O-okay. Zo, there…I don't know what to do. I've been gone from college for far longer than I wanted. I can't stay with you."

"Then let Marcus take me to Mexico or Canada or something! But…if dad finds out where I've been, I'll go to Re-Ed immediately."

I harden. "The same Re-Ed you sent Sydney to?"

"But it would be out of the country! And I was wrong! Please Carly, you've got to help me."

"Fine. I'll help, but you have to check in with mom on occasion. Okay?"

"Deal. I promise, I'll be good."

I nod. "Alright. We'll get you out."

Mmm. Radical change in Zoe. Seems like she realized what she believed so vehemently in was, in fact, wrong.

R&R

Ciao