Shadow Kiss Dimitri S Point o F View

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\margt7620\margb480\margr1420\margl1440
\plain\pard\sl-473 \li0 \ri7432 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Chapter 1:
\plain\par
\sl-268\fs27\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri497 \expndtw-4 \f10 \f
s24 \cf44 Cold wind hit me in the face as I walked around the campus{\f63 \u8223
\'3f} grounds. Leafless tree
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri330 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 branch
es swayed in the wind, clawing at the sides of the stone dorms like fingernails.

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri501 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 The su
n peeped at me from between lead-colored clouds. It was like any miserable
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6268 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 winte
r day in Montana.
\plain\par
\sl-270\fs27\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri54 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs
24 \cf44 The sun{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s warmth was no match for the drifting snow in
the air. I pulled my duster closer
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri364 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to my
frame, trying to keep the icy air from seeping into my skin. Unfortunately it on
ly
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri38 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 worked
a little, and I shivered as a blast of snow melted as it made contact with my sk
in.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I was on watch. It was night time for the Moroi, which was one of the
easiest posts a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri234 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 guardi
an could get. Hardly anyone left their dorms. Well, except for the novices. Ever
y
\par
\sect\sectd\sbkpage\margtsxn7540\pard
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri45 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 single one of them app
eared to have some form of insomnia. Luckily for me I hadn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t ran

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4728 \expndtw-1 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 into
any sleep deprived students\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }
}yet.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Shifts of school guardians always patrolled the grounds while everyone
else slept.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri174 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Strigo
i, the undead vampires who stalked living Moroi vampires like Lissa, didn{\f63 \
u8223\'3f}t come
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri655 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 out in
sunlight, but students breaking rules---sneaking out of their dorms---were a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6191 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 probl
em night and day.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I walked on the newly lain snow; the only sound was the howling wind a
nd the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri64 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 crunchi
ng snow beneath my feet. I tilted my head back, letting my human genes take in
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri514 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the su
n{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s rays as I continued my patrol around the school{\f63 \u8223\
'3f}s grounds. My head shot
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2783 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 forwa
rd when I heard the faint footsteps of another person.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I was the only one who was assigned to patrol the novice{\f63 \u8223\'
3f}s side of the campus. Other
\plain\par
ans were guarding the Moroi dorms and the front gate as well as the back gate.
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3249 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 No on
e should be walking around my part of the area.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Tensing I realized it was a novice sneaking out, my first catch of the
day. Quickly and
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri237 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 silent
ly I rounded a corner, towards the sounds of the footsteps and stopped short. I{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}d
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3193 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 recog
nized that dark brown hair and stance anywhere.
\plain\par
\sl-297\fs30\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7822 \expndtw-15 \f10
\fs24 \cf44 Rose.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My heart quickened as I took her in. I had finally accepted our love f
or each other. That
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri917 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 was af
ter almost having an affair with Tasha Ozera. I had promised Rose after
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri213 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 everyt
hing that happened in Spokane that I would never hurt her again. But that didn{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}t
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2124 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 mean
we could start a relationship that wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t strictly educational.
\plain\par
\sl-267\fs27\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3539 \expndtw-5 \f10 \
fs24 \cf44 I sighed; wishing life weren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t so damn complicated.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri639 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Rose continued to wal
k away from me, oblivious of my presence. A hint of a smile
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri629 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 spread
across my lips. Rose, always breaking the rules, when will you ever learn?
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Are you sleepwalking?" I asked.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She spun around, startled. I stood there watching her amused and curio
us as to why
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri234 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 she wa
s out here so late in the night. Plus it was kind of amusing to see her caught o
ff
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 by surp
rise. Hastily she ran a hand through her long hair, which was matted and stickin
g
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5895 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 up ev
erywhere from sleep.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "I was testing dorm security," she said. "It sucks."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 A small smile played on my lips at the sound of that. I was about to re
ply when I noticed
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri44 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 ha smal
l shiver go through her. Her eyes weren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t on me anymore; they we
re now clearly
\plain\par
\sl-253\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1170 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 focus
ed on my jacket. Which was doing a lot better job at keeping me warm.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I took in her attire then. Her blue robe draped around her, down to he
r fuzzy slippers
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri904 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 that w
ere now drenched from her walk in the snow. I may not be able to have a
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1241 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 relat
ionship with her, but that didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t stop me from worrying about he
r safety.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "You must be freezing. Do you want my coat?" I asked ready to take it
off at her
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7431 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 comm
and.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She shook her head. "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m fine. What are you doing out
here. Are you testing security
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7946 \expndtw-28 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 too?
"
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "I\i am\i0 security. This is my watch." I said.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Well, good work." She said. "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m glad I was able to h
elp test your awesome skills. I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6330 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 shou
ld be going now."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri377 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 She turned to walk ba
ck the way she came. Her eyes hurt and betrayed, and looking
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri317 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 into t
hem brought me back to the day in Spokane. When I and too many guardians to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri73 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 count w
ent in search for her and four other students from St. Vladimirs. Mason, Mia and

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri367 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Eddie
had ran from the ski resort in search for Stirgoi. They were revengeful for what

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri808 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the va
mpires did to the two royal families in the past and planned to kill them all.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Rose had heard about it and took off, not bothering to tell me about i
t. And in the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri378 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 proces
s she wound up taking Christian with her as well. I thought at first it was to g
et
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri101 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her bo
yfriend Mason back saftly. But really it was about saving all of their lives; sh
e had
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri998 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 realiz
ed how stupid they were being and wanted to put some sense into them.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 On their trip back the five of them ran into humans who had helped the
Strigoi. Rose
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri451 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and th
e other novices had put up a good fight, but in the end they had lost and were
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri460 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 held c
aptive in a basement under a house. There the Strigoi had tortured Eddie and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6771 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 tease
d the Moroi.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Eventually after two days of their captivation Rose had the idea of us
ing offensive
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri160 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 magic.
This was strictly prohibited and looked down upon. But that didn{\f63 \u8223\'3
f}t stop Christian
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 from us
ing fire to free them. When Rose and Mason had thought the cost was clear they
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2237 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 left
the basement. Only to run into the two Strigoi that lived there.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Rose had got everyone out into the sunlight, leaving herself to die. S
he had put up a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri75 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 very go
od fight, but not good enough for Mason who in the end got killed because of his

\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3497 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 love
for Rose. We had found them shortly after that.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Mason{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s actions was the exact reason why I didn{\f63 \
u8223\'3f}t want my love for Rose to get in the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri739 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 way. I
didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t want a risk like that to happen where we lost Lissa beca
use of some
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5559 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 roman
ce between Rose and I.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri250 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Rose---" I caught he
r arm, and despite all the wind and chill and slush, a flash of heat
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri317 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 shot t
hrough me. I released her with a start, she looked up at me shocked. As though
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri749 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 she{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}d felt it too. "What are you really doing out here?" I used my str
ict voice then,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5199 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wanti
ng a clear answer out of her.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "I had a bad dream. I wanted some air."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 For a moment my mind flashed back to my earlier thought of Spokane. I
quickly pushed
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri250 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 it awa
y. "And so you just rushed out. Breaking the rules didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t even c
ross your mind---
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5222 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and n
either did putting on a coat."
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Yeah," she said. "That pretty much sums it up."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "Rose, Rose. You never change. Always jumping in without thinking."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 She furrowed her brow, a frown spread on her lips. "That{\f63 \u8223\'3
f}s not true," she protested. "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7012 \expndtw-13 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 chan
ged a lot."
\plain\par
\sl-270\fs27\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri555 \expndtw0 \f10 \fs
24 \cf44 Blood\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}Rose screami
ng\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}dead bodies\expndtw-14{\
field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}Spokane\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SY
MBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}flashed through my mind all at
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri702 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 once.
And it was then that I realized never before had I been so scared in my life.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri317 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Scared
for Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s safety, afraid that she will never be the same. And
the death of her
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5176 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 best
friend would scar her forever.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 And as I had predicted it has given her a darker outlook on life. As w
ell as everyone
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3441 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 here
at St. Vladimir{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s Academy, but Rose especially.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 She noticed my frown as my face shifted unpleasantly at the thoughts of
what happened
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri137 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 three
weeks ago. "Well, don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t worry. My birthday{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s com
ing up. As soon as I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m eighteen,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri483 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I{\f63
\u8223\'3f}ll be an adult, right? I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m sure I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll
wake up that morning and be all mature and stuff."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri180 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I softened into a smi
le at her attempts of making a joke to cheer me up. "Yes, I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m su
re.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5780 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 What
is it, about a month?"
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "Thirty-one days." She announced primly.
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Not that you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re counting."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 She shrugged, which made me laugh.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I suppose you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve made a birthday list too. Ten pages?
Single-spaced?" Ranked by
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri455 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 order
of priority?" I was still smiling. It was one of my relaxed and amused ones that

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6874 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 rarel
y came out.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She smiled and opened her mouth to reply but then quickly shut is as h
er face turned
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5782 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 from
happy to sad and hurt.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "No." She said in a small voice. "No list."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I tilted my head to get a better look at her, making some of my shoulde
r-length hair blow
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri141 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 into m
y face. My hair was brown, like Roses{\f63 \u8223\'3f}, but not nearly as dark.
Hers looked black
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri242 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 at tim
es. I brushed the unruly strands aside, only to have them immediately blow back
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri229 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 into m
y face. "I can{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t believe you don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t want anything
. It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s going to be a boring birthday
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "It doesn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t matter." She said.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "What do you---" I stopped, I understood then. From the look in her ey
es I could tell
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri625 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 exactl
y what she meant. She wanted freedom. Being eighteen meant we could be
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri98 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 togethe
r, it meant we could be seen as a couple in public and not be questioned. It was

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri587 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 someth
ing she and I both wanted more than anything in the world. Yet we couldn{\f63 \u
8223\'3f}t
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7895 \expndtw-15 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 have
.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri294 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I understood. I alway
s did. It was part of why we connected like we did, in spite of the
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri693 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 seven-
year gap in our ages. We{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d fallen for each other last fall when
I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d been her
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri209 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 combat
instructor. As things heated up between us, we{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d found we had m
ore things to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri844 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 worry
about than just age. We were both going to be protecting Lissa when she
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri103 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 gradua
ted, and we couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t let our feelings for each other distract us
when she was our
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7700 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 prior
ity.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t think our feelings for each other were ever r
eally going to go away. We{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d both
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri44 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 had mom
ents of weakness, moments that led to stolen kisses or saying things we really
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri406 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 should
n{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have. After she had escaped the Strigoi, I had told her that
I loved her and
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri520 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 admitt
ed I could never be with anyone else because of that. But we still couldn{\f63 \
u8223\'3f}t be
\plain\par
\sl-253\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri331 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 togeth
er either and we had both slipped back into our old roles of keeping away from
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1521 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 each
other and pretending that our relationship was strictly professional.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Looking down at Rose I could see her shiver, pulling her robe closer t
o her. I wanted to
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 change
the subject, wanted to stop thinking about our love life and start taking action
on
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri359 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the no
w. "You can deny it all you want, but I know you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re freezing. Le
t{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s go inside. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5789 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 take
you through the back."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Astonishment flashed in her eyes. And I knew it was at my abrupt chang
e in subject
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri399 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 rather
than me sneaking her around the campus. "I think you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re the one
who{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s cold."
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri493 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 She te
ased, as we walked around the side of the dorm where the novice guardians
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1708 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 lived
. "Shouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t you be all tough and stuff, since you{\f63 \u8223\'
3f}re from Siberia?"
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t think Siberia{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s exactly wha
t you imagine."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "I imagine it as an arctic wasteland." She said truthfully.
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Then it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s definitely not what you imagine."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri1515 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Do you miss it?" sh
e asked glancing back at me as I walked behind her.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "All the time." I said my heart aching for my hometown. "Sometimes I
wish---"
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Belikov!"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 A voice was carried on the wind from behind us. "I knew this was going
to happen." I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri448 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 mutter
ed, too low for Rose to hear. I shoved her further around the corner she{\f63 \u
8223\'3f}d just
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5777 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 roun
ded. "Stay out of sight."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She ducked down behind a bank of holly trees that flanked the building
. They didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri169 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 have a
ny berries. I turned from her then, putting on my mask as I walked up to Alberta
,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri412 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 who wa
s standing in the middle of the courtyard. She was dressed in all black: black
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4263 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 jeans
, black shirt and a black leather jacket.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "You{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re not on watch." I said trying to keep the surpr
ise out of my voice as I stopped a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6760 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 few f
eet from her.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "No, but I need to talk to you. It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll just take a minu
te. We need to shuffle some of the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5309 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 watc
hes while you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re at the trial."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I figured." I said trying to keep Victor{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s trial secr
et from a eavesdropping Rose. "It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3495 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 going
to put a strain on everyone else---bad timing."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Yes, well, the queen runs on her own schedule." Alberta said frustrat
ed as she ran a
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri608 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hand t
hrough her short hair. "Celeste will take your watches, and she and Emil will
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5620 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 divid
e up your training times."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I knew she was referring to the field experience starting tomorrow. Si
x weeks of hands-
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri41 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 on-prac
tice for the novices. They{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d have no classes and would get to pr
otect Moroi night
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri503 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and day while the gua
rdians tested them. "Training times" meant my participation in
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri8037 \expndtw-14 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 that
.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "They say they don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t mind the extra work," she continu
ed, "but I was wondering if you
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1811 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 could
even things out and take some of their shifts before you leave?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Absolutely." I said words short and stiff. I was trying to keep Alber
ta from saying
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri382 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 anythi
ng that would tip Rose off. She didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t need to know about Victor
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s trial. It would
\plain\par
her even more. And knowing her, she would be angrier at the fact that she and
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1221 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Lissa
can{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t go rather than him being proved innocent. This wouldn{\f6
3 \u8223\'3f}t happen.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "Thanks I think that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll help." She sighed. Her face tho
ughtful. "I wish I knew how long this
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri310 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 trial
was going to be. I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t want to be away that long. You{\f63 \u8
223\'3f}d think it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d be a done deal
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri382 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 with D
ashkov, but now I hear the queen{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s getting cold feet about impri
soning a major
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7860 \expndtw-24 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 roya
l."
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Yeah. Thanks."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She walked away from me, and I stood in the snow watching her. I sighe
d and called
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri467 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 out to
her. I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t want her to think I was some mean teacher. "Rose?
" She glanced
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri255 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 back.
"I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m sorry," I said and then paused. My regret fading as I apolo
gized. "And you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4895 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 bette
r bring the keys back tomorrow."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 She turned away and kept going.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Chapter 2:
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I walked silently across the campus, nodding at the guardian taking ove
r my watch post.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri508 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 The sn
ow threatened to seep into my shirt so I pulled the duster closer to my chest.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3852 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Thank
ing God that I had remembered to bring it.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri274 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 But according to Rose
: I was nothing without my western wardrobe. She had told me
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri131 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 that t
he other day and I laughed at that. To her I was like some old cowboy ready for
a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri141 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 shooto
ut. I smiled as I made my way to the main office where Kirova and Alberta were
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6946 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 waiti
ng for me.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I approached the tall European-type building. It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s mass
ive shape casting long, dark and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri814 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 spooky
looking shadows along the unbroken snow. Seeing the ground like this,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri81 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 untouch
ed and not full of life brought me back a month ago when Rose and I had gone
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5397 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to th
e Badica house to see Art.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 A shiver went up and down my spine as I remembered that day clearly. S
eeing one of
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri135 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the gr
eatest guardians lying dead on the floor made me cringe. And the way Tamara{\f63
\u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri682 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 face l
ooked as she took in her mentor made me realize that this could happen to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7581 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 anyo
ne.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m sure Art put up a good fight, but not good enough.
And for her to witness someone
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri256 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 close
to her that made her who she was today, dead below her feet. Well, I promised
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri226 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 myself
that I would never let that happen to Rose. I would never leave her, never hurt

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7389 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her a
gain.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know how Tamara did it; I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m po
sitive if it were Rose looking down at me lying
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri568 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 lifele
ss on the floor she would have punched someone. Or rather done something
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3407 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 stupi
d, like avenge my death, and get killed doing it.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My heart squeezed painfully at the thought of Rose running after my ki
ller and getting
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7089 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 kille
d herself.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri642 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Shaking my head I ent
ered the building. The warm blast blew away any of my last
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri87 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 thought
s and brought me back to reality. That would never happen, we were here, safe,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5729 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and I
will always have Rose.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 Alberta was sitting in one of the lobby{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s chairs readin
g a book. She glanced up when the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri109 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 door s
hut behind me. Smiling she stood up, placing the book on the coffee table next t
o
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4134 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the c
hair, she walked towards Kirova{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s office.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Taking in a deep breath I entered the room. Kirova was a birdlike woma
n, who liked to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri221 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 have h
er reading glasses perched on the edge of her long pointy nose. Nodding out of
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 respect
I stood in the middle of the room next to Alberta, waiting for Kirova to gestur
e for
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7060 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 us to
sit down.
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 She didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Instead she ushered me forward, I did as I was told, walking around he
r massive desk
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri132 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to sta
re at the computer screen. There was a list of times, dates and names before me,

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3717 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 as I
read through it all I recognized what this was.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 It was the guardians new schedule; due to Victor{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s tri
al. Myself and several other
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3245 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 guard
ians that went on the rescue trip were going to it.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Victor still wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t officially jailed yet. The queen h
ad yet to assign a trial date, and didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1997 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 like
the fact that she was locking up a royal, and a huge one at that.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 But looking at the computer screen I could visually see what the next
six weeks would
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 be like
. And like Alberta had said, Celeste took my watches, she and Emil divided up my

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1780 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 train
ing times. Leaving me with less work to do and giving them more.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri28 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "This will be the guar
dian{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s schedule from here until Victor{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s trial i
s finished." Kirova said
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri651 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 as she
scrolled down the screen. "Is there anything you want to change Belikov?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I looked at her astonished, never before had the Headmistress asked a
person lower
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri173 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 than h
er to make up the schedule. I was honored but curious as to why. In answer she
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri507 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 ticked
her fingers against the hardwood desk, clearly annoyed with me being quiet.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 I cleared my throat. "I see a few fillings I can do."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I took hold of the mouse and did several changes, adding and taking awa
y a few so that
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri333 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Celest
e and Emil wouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have so much work. When I was done Kirova no
dded and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3547 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 looke
d it over, her fingers still clicking on the wood.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Eventually she saved it and sent it to the printer. The hum of the mac
hine came to life,
\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri377 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 easing
the strange silence in the room. I relaxed a little as Alberta and I went over
to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4778 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 colle
ct the massive amount of papers.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I want those all passed out to the guardians." Kirova said pointing a
long skinny finger
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri159 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 in our
direction. "And\i don't\i0 mess it up." She gave us a level look before turni
ng back to
\plain\par
\sl-258\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3341 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her c
omputer, apparently this conversation was over.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I hadn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t realized how cold Kirova{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s ro
om had been until I re-entered the lobby, the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5116 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 heate
r nearly burned my skin as w
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta told me that we would pass them out after the first day of the
field experience.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1008 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Reluc
tantly I went back to my dorm, happy to get some sleep in my schedule.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri137 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I was in the gym befo
re anyone else, as usual. The guardians lined the walls and stood
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri273 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 in the
middle of the gym. While the others set up the bleachers that the novices would

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri132 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 be sit
ting on in a few moments. I helped Alberta pass out the new schedules before the

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4770 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 first
of the novices started showing up.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Eventually more and more started to arrive, and soon the bleachers wer
e packed with
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri698 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 excite
d and anxious students. I spotted Rose among them, sitting next to Eddie. I
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri291 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 smiled
sadly at that, both of them will never be the same, they had both lost their be
st
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7840 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 frie
nd.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 When the last of the students had arrived Alberta{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s vo
ice cut through the murmur of the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri331 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 novice
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s conversation{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s. The instructors as well as my
self had gathered in front of the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri739 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 bleach
ers and had formed a line. Alberta was trying to call them to attention. The
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5753 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 crowe
d eventually fell silent.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "All right," she began. Alberta was in her fifties, wiry and tough. "Y
ou all know why
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri720 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 you{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}re here." It was amazing, they had become so silent that Alberta{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}s voice rang
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri65 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 through
the gym. "This is the most important day of your education before you take your

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri140 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 final
trials. Today you will find out which Moroi you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve been placed w
ith. Last week, you
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri217 \expndtw-1 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 were g
iven a booklet with the full details of how the next six weeks will play out. I
trust
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri43 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 you{\f6
3 \u8223\'3f}ve all read it by now." I knew that was true, every single one of t
hem needed to read
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri44 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 it if t
hey wanted to graduate. "Just to recap, Guardian Alto will highlight the main ru
les of
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7109 \expndtw-13 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 this
exercise."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She handed the clipboard to Guardian Stan Alto. "Here we go," said Sta
n gruffly. "You{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri105 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 be on
duty six days a week. This is actually a treat for you guys. In the real world y
ou{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri432 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 usuall
y working every day. You will accompany your Moroi everywhere---to class, to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri40 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 their d
orms, to their feedings. Everything. It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s up to you to figure ou
t how you fit into their
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri278 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 lives. Some Moroi int
eract with their guardians just like friends; some Moroi prefer you
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri305 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to be
more of an invisible ghost who doesn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t talk to them. Every situa
tion is differ, and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1668 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 you t
wo will have to find a way to work it out to best ensure their safety.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Attacks may come at any time, anywhere, and we{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll be
dressed in all black when it
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri975 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 happen
s. You should always be on your guard. Remember, even though you{\f63 \u8223\'3f
}ll
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri163 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 obviou
sly know it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s\i us\i0 doing the attacking and not a real Strig
oi, you should respond as
\plain\par
\sl-231\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri204 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 though
your lives are in terrible, immediate danger. Don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t be afraid o
f hurting us. Some
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri542 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 of you
, I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m sure, won{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have any qualms about getting
us back for past grievances."
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri331 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Studen
ts in the crowd giggled at this. "But some of you may feel like you have to hold

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri252 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 back,
for fear of getting in trouble. Don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t. You{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll ge
t in more trouble if you do hold back.
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5745 \expndtw-12 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Don{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}t worry. We can take it."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 He flipped to the next page of his clipboard. "You will be on duty twen
ty-four hours a day
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri325 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 for yo
ur six-day cycles, but be aware that although Strigoi attacks are rare in daylig
ht,
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri745 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 they a
ren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t impossible indoors, and you will not necessarily be {\f63
\u8222\'3f}safe{\f63 \u8223\'3f} during these
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7809 \expndtw-24 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 time
s."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 His statement reminded me of the Badica house and the other recent Stri
goi attacks. As
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri218 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 well a
s Spokane. Rose screaming at me, the smell of blood, and the terrible heartache
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri468 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 at tha
t scene. My heart squeezed at the flash back, causing me to come back to the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7678 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 pres
ent.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 When Stan finished, he handed the clipboard to Alberta. "Okay." She sa
id. "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m going to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri551 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 call o
ut your names one by one and announce who you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re paired with. At
that time,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri526 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 come d
own here to the floor, and Guardian Chase will give you a packet containing
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3067 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 infor
mation about your Moroi{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s schedule, past, etcetera."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri403 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Everyone in the crowe
d straightened up as she flipped through the papers. Students
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri281 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 whispe
red. And I was reminded of my first time of field experience. They acted just as

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7684 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 we h
ad.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Ryan Ayleworth." I could see Eddie and Rose flinch in surprise, and i
nstantly I knew
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri173 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 why. A
shford, that was Mason{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s last name, he was always the first to b
e called, but not
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3941 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 anymo
re. "You are assigned to Camille Conta."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Ryan sat in the front row and grinned broadly as he walked over to tak
e his packet. The
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri436 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Contas
were an up-and-coming royal family. Camille was known as cute, and all the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3186 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 boys
wanted in good with her. Ryan was the lucky one.
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Dean Barnes," she said next. "You have Jesse Zeklos."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta kept reading names, and finally she reached the one I was drea
ding already.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I had been doing a lot of thinking over the past few weeks, and had mad
e a last request
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri323 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 before
the ceremony. Changing Lissa{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s guardian from Rose to Eddie. I h
ad insisted it
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri68 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 would h
elp Rose with her training. And that had made Alberta consider. She knew I was
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2142 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 right
, and it would provide a great experience for the both of them.
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Edison Castile," Alberta announced. "Vasilisa Dragomir."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I glanced up at Eddie and Rose. They were both frozen, eyes wide, mout
hs open.
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri126 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Eventu
ally sense came to him because he stood up with that same horrified look on his
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3607 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 face
as he turned to look back at Rose, face white.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 My eyes traveled back up to Rose. Her face lined with confusion, and so
on enough rage
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri101 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 starte
d to take over as she processed what had just happened. I silently coached her t
o
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2044 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 not s
hoot up and run down to Alberta and demand what happened.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri539 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Eventually she took a
deep breath, closing her eyes. It was at that moment that my
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri546 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 chest
lightened and I was proud of her for holding herself together. Although things
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3579 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 weren
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t going to get better for her in a few minutes.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta continued reading off names. When she got to the H{\f63 \u8223
\'3f}s that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s when I started to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3327 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 panic
again. "Rosemarie Hathaway, Christian Ozera."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Rose didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t move, she stared at Alberta, as if she for
got her name. A few students
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri139 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 around
her turned around and coached her on, eager to get to their name. But she was
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2908 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 dumbf
ounded. Her eyes as wide as I had ever seen them.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 A few moments later, Alberta also realized she wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
moving. She looked up from her
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2179 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 clipb
oard with annoyance scanning the crowd. "Rose Hathaway?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Someone elbowed her, pulling her out of her dream like trance. She sto
od up and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri757 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 walked
down the bleachers, robotlike. She headed toward Guardian Chase, who
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri79 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 handed
her packet and a practice stake meant to "kill" the adult guardians with, and sh
e
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4350 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 stepp
ed out of the way for the next person.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She opened the packet as if in disbelief of what had happened. She con
tinued to stand
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri292 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 by the
door, waiting as more and more novices left to find their assignments. As more
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri40 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 names w
ere called, many of the novices lingered around the gym, talking to their friend
s
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri214 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and sh
owing off their packets. Rose hovered near one group, obviously waiting for her
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3858 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 chanc
e to come up and yell at one of the adults.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 When the last novice had been assigned his Moroi, Stan shouted above th
e din for us to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri138 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 move o
n to the next stage of the assignment and tried to herd out the novices. I walke
d
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3350 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 over
to Alberta whispering so no one else could hear.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri3125 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Rose is going to be
very upset about her assignment."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Alberta shook her head. "It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s for the best I told you
."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 I sighed. "Here she comes now. Try not to notice anything{\f63 \u8223
\'3f}s wrong."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She nodded. About to say something when Rose approached and stood star
ing at us.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1169 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 When
we glanced at her she held up her packet and pointed. "What{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s th
is?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta did a great job at making her face look blank and confused. I{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}m pretty sure I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri300 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 looked
the same, although knowing Rose, I wouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t be surprised if she
saw past my
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2764 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 mask.
"It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s your assignment, Miss Hathaway," Alberta said.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "No," Rose said through gritted teeth. "It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s not. This
is somebody else{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s assignment."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "The assignments in your field experience aren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t optio
nal," she told Rose sternly. "Just
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri244 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 as you
r assignments in the real world won{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t be. You can{\f63 \u8223\'3
f}t pick who you protect based
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2285 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 on wh
im and mood, not here and certainly not after graduation."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "But after graduation, I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m going to be Lissa{\f63 \u82
23\'3f}s guardian!" Rose exclaimed. "Everyone
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3424 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 knows
that. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m supposed to have her for this thing."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I know it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s an accepted idea that you{\f63 \u8223\'3f
}ll be together after graduation, but I do not recall
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri44 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 any man
datory rulings that say you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re {\f63 \u8222\'3f}supposed{\f63 \u
8223\'3f} to have her or anyone\i here\i0 at school.
\plain\par
\sl-232\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5356 \expndtw-12 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 You
take who you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re assigned."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Christian?" Rose through her packet on the floor. "You{\f63 \u8223\'3
f}re out of your mind if you think
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6640 \expndtw-18 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}m guarding him."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri100 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I knew Rose was out o
f control. And staring into her eyes I could see a weird darkness,
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri261 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 not qu
ite anger, and not quite madness either. But something in between. And I knew
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri785 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her we
ll enough that something small as this shouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have caused thi
s sudden
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2043 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 outbu
rst. But the darkness vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "Rose!" I snapped, joining the conversation at last. She flinched. "You
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re out of line. You
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4454 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 do\i
not\i0 speak to your instructors like that."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Sorry." She said with reluctance. "But this is stupid. Nearly as stup
id as not bring us to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6256 \expndtw-14 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Vict
or Dashkov{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s trial."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I flinched at that. Alberta blinked. "How did you know---Never mind. W
e{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll deal with that
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2501 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 later
. For now, this is your assignment, and you need to do it."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Eddie suddenly appeared near rose. His voice filled with apprehension.
"Look\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}I don{\f63 \u8223\'3
f}t
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6042 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 mind\
expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}We can switch\expndtw-14{\f
ield{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta turned her stony gaze from Rose to him. "No, you certainly can
not. Vasilisa
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri66 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Dragomi
r is\i your\i0 assignment." She looked back at Rose. "And Christian Ozera is y
ours.
\plain\par
\sl-231\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6579 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 End
of discussion."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "This is stupid!" Rose repeated frustrated. "Why should I waste my tim
e with Christian?
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri383 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Lissa{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}s the on I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m going to be with when I graduate. S
eems like if you want me to be
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2571 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 able
to do a good job, you should have me practice with her."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "You will do a good job with her." I replied. "Because you know her. A
nd you have your
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri197 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 bond.
But somewhere, someday, you could end up with a different Moroi. You need to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1071 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 learn
how to guard someone with whom you have absolutely no experience."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "I have experience with Christian." She grumbled back. "That{\f63 \u822
3\'3f}s the problem. I hate him."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri215 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I was surprised to he
ar that. After all she was the one who kept four of our Academy{\f63 \u8223\'3f}
s
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri285 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 studen
ts safe. Even if one out of the four did die. She did her best to keep them safe
.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "So much the better," said Alberta. "Not everyone you protect will be
your friend. Not
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1621 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 every
one you protect will be someone you like. You need to learn this."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I need to learn how to fight Strigoi," she said. "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}v
e learned that in class." She fixed us
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4005 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 with
a sharp look. "\i And\i0 I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve done it in person."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "There{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s more to this job than the technicalities, Mis
s Hathaway. There{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s a whole
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri159 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 person
al aspect---a bedside manner, if you will---that we don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t touch
on much in class.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri37 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 We teac
h you how to deal with the Strigoi. You need to learn how to deal with the Moroi

\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri382 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 yourse
lves. And\i you\i0 in particular need to deal with someone who has not been yo
ur
\plain\par
\sl-232\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6347 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 best
friend for years."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "You also need to learn what it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s like to work with so
meone when you can{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t instantly
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4751 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 sense
that they{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re in danger," I added.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I had observed after Spokane that part of the reason why Mason had got
ten hurt was
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri468 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 that R
ose didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know what his exact thoughts were. What he was about
to do. And
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2444 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 becau
se of that dependant she has on Lissa lead to his death.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Right," agreed Alberta. "that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s a handicap. If you wa
nt to be a good guardian---if you
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2002 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 want
to be an excellent guardian---then you need to do as we say."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Rose opened her mouth to fight us, but I quickly cut her off.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "Working with another Moroi will also help keep Lissa alive." I said.

\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri318 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 That shut her down. I
t was the only thing that could have, and I knew she knew that.
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5118 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Wha
t do you mean?" She asked.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "Lissa{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s got a handicap too---you. If she never has a c
hance to learn what it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s like to be
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri606 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 guarde
d by someone without a psychic connection, she could be at greater risk if
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri289 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 attack
ed. Guarding someone is really a two-person relationship. This assignment for
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3423 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 your
field experience is as much for her as for you."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 She stayed silent processing what I had just told her.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "And," added Alberta. "It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s the only assignment you{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}re going to get. If you don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t take it,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4481 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 then
you opt out of the field experience."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Rose knew there was no way out of this if she wanted to graduate. And
knowing her
\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri212 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 she di
d badly. I could see it in her eyes. The determination and the fire that I loved
so
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2237 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 much
about her, and that made me fall for her for the first place.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Reluctantly she picked up the packet. "Fine," she said icily. "I{\f63
\u8223\'3f}ll do this. But I want it
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4447 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 noted
that I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m doing this against my will."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "I think we already figured that out, Miss Hathaway," remarked Albert
a dryly.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "Whatever. I still think it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s a horrible idea, and you
eventually will too." Rose said as she
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3052 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 stalk
ed off across the gym before any of us could reply.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I silently shook my head, Rose, always getting the last word in a conv
ersation by
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7144 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 storm
ing off.
\plain\par
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri178 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 After the rest of the
novices had left the guardians and I got together reading over the
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri368 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 new sc
hedule. Each of them nodding in agreement as they looked the assignments
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri120 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 over.
My "attack" would be the first one of the day. And Emil was my "Strigoi in crime
".
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri130 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Smilin
g down at the white paper before me I thought of which student will be the lucky

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7892 \expndtw-18 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 one.

\plain\par
s24 \cf44 After looking over and answering questions Alberta dismissed us. The g
uardians
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri382 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 disper
sed as I walked into the cool night air. The snow crunched below my feet as I
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri169 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 made m
y way to my dorm. It was necessary for all guardians to wear black during the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6743 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 field
experience.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 This wardrobe helps disguise us and make us appear more invisible amon
gst the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri431 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 shadow
s. Most guardians wear black all the time, both on duty and off. It{\f63 \u8223\
'3f}s the only
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri603 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "weapo
n" we have that helps us become immune to the Strigoi{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s strong e
yesight.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 After getting dressed in my black leather duster, black pants and a ti
ght knitted black
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri60 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 shirt I
made my way through the school. Classes had just started so I had enough time
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3766 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to me
et up with Emil before attacking someone.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 We walked in the shadows of the trees, weaving through them reminded me
of the day
\plain\par
and several other guardians set out to save Lissa from Victor. Except this time

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3441 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 we di
dn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have the sun beating down on our heads.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 One of the last bells rang then. Emil and I knew we had to attack soo
n, and
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Ryan interrupted the fight when he lunged at me with his stake. He alm
ost "killed" me
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1090 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 befor
e I grabbed his neck. Indicating that I cracked it and he was now dead.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri299 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Eddies face twisted a
t this sight, his eyes turning a dark color. His mouth was set in a
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5015 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 grim
line as if I really were a Strigoi.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 If it weren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t for the attack in Spokane I would have t
hought Eddie{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s expression and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri382 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 determ
ination to kill me was because he wanted a good grade. But seeing his eyes I
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri126 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 knew i
t was much more than that. Spokane had scarred him. He was revengeful for his
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4103 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 frien
d{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s death and what the Strigoi did to him.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t blame him, he was so young and had witnessed
too much. Just as Rose had.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I realized what I had just done, I "killed" Ryan the same way the Stri
goi in Spokane had
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri251 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 killed
Mason. I silently cursed myself for my actions; for what I had just done to Edd
ie.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I pushed these thoughts away when both he and Shane attacked, they bar
ely rocked
\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri768 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 me but
it was enough to make me stagger back. This was the open window they
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5942 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 neede
d. And they knew it.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 Before I could block them they placed the stake over my heart, indicati
ng that I was now
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4237 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "dead
". I smiled up at the now panting boys.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 Emil offered a hand and helped me stand up as I rubbed the part of my h
ead that Eddie
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri176 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 had hi
t. We praised Shane for being fast on his feet and Eddie for realizing they had
to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2706 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 treat
this as a group endeavor rather than one-on-one trials.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Ryan was chastised for not paying attention to his Moroi and not actin
g upon impulse
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2194 \expndtw-1 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 when
he saw the danger Camille was in. So much for liking her\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fl
dinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Kyle mentioned Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s efforts in staying behind and ke
eping an eye out for both her
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri636 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and Ed
die{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s Moroi. This shocked me; I hadn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t even know
n she was here, and was
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri766 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 surpri
sed that her impulsiveness didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t take her over and make her joi
n the fight.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 We nodded approval in
Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s direction. She smiled as Eddie approached her and their
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1734 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Moroi
. They high-fived and I shook my head as I turned away and left.
\par
\plain\sl-85\fs9\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri31
6 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 As I continued to walk around the campus I couldn{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}t help but think of the way Eddie{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri650 \expndtw-1 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 eyes b
ore into mine. For a moment I truly thought I was a Strigoi. Because of the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri136 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hatred
and longing that Eddie{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s eyes held. I shivered at that, never b
efore had I though
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4410 \expndtw-1 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 mysel
f as being a threat and the enemy\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Sy
mbol }}
\plain\par
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 As I make my way across the campus I couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t help but
chastise myself over what I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri176 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 had ju
st done. How stupid it was of me to "kill" Ryan that way\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fl
dinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }} And as I walked within
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri111 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the lo
ng casting shadows of the trees images of Eddie{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s face flashed t
hrough my brain.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The way his face fell, once full of skill and determination, was repla
ced by hatred,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri112 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 longin
g and most of all revenge. Never before had I seen something like that, even in
a
\plain\par
an twice my age. What I saw in Eddie today was brought by a simple act that
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6243 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 happe
ned in Spokane.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 And it was my entire fault.
\par
\plain\sl-113\fs11\par\sl-240\fs24\par\par\par\par\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri
148 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I was assigned another attack in a few more minu
tes, so I knew I needed to get my act
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3220 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 toget
her if I wanted to give these novice{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s a challenge.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri213 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Straightening up I to
ok a deep breath of the midnight air. The moon was bright enough
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri130 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to eli
minate the path in front of me with its silvery glow. It was the final period of
the day
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4223 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and w
ithin that period I was issued to attack.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I cleared my head of any thoughts from earlier as I made my way to the
classrooms on
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri42 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 eastsid
e campus. As I drew closer I looked around to make sure no other guardians had
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri419 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 chosen
this spot. Satisfied to see none I sulked in the shadows moving as if I were a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5243 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 snake
gliding across a black lake.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 When I reached the classroom I looked through the window. Novices were
lined against
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri224 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the wa
ll trying their best to look like professional guardians. Though I could tell by
their
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2086 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 statu
re that their feet were killing them after a long day of standing.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I smiled as I picked the farthest window, the one that was hard to see
from the angle
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri272 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 they w
ere in. Quietly I unlatched the lock and slipped the window upward, just enough
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6550 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to sq
ueeze through.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 There I waited\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The teacher was lecturing the students on a new math lesson. Most of t
he classmates
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri161 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 paid a
ttention, while the rest pretended to be somewhat interested, although I could t
ell
\plain\par
the dazed look in their eyes they were fighting to stay awake.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 Eventually the tiredness in a redheaded boy gave in; he passed out on h
is math book. It
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri96 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 didn{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}t take long for the teacher to notice, and when she did she turned
to him and yelled
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri229 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 so lou
d it even made me jump. The whole class turned their focus on the now aroused
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4379 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 kid.
Even the novices standing in the back.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 That{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s when I made my move.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri64 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Sliding silently throu
gh the windows open frame I managed to get on my feet and take a
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3697 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 coupl
e of steps before the novices turned around.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I grabbed the first Moroi I could. Which happened to be a blonde heade
d girl with big
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri583 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 blue e
yes. She screamed, not faking her fear as she thrashed around in my grasp.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The teacher{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s high pitch voice stopped, it fell silent
as all eyes turned in my direction.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1950 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Even
the novice{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s in the back seemed startled by my sudden attack.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 What I guessed to be her guardian came after me then. He was about six
feet and
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri431 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 packed
full of muscle. As all dhampir{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s were. He managed to land a blo
w on me as I
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3653 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 pushe
d the girl behind, keeping her from his gasp.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 This pissed him off even further, causing him to shout orders at the o
ther novice{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-253\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri41 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 behind
him. A redheaded girl came running forward, while another disappeared from my
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7287 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 line
of sight.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 They had obviously thought of an attack plan. And it was a good one at
that. They gave
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri604 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 me the
disadvantage of using my blind spots. No one had eyes in the back of their
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6534 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 head,
unfortunately.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The girl sided with the boy as we squared off, my hand still firmly gr
asped on the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri665 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Moroi{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}s wrist. The redheaded girl lashed out at me, almost landing a b
low before I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3954 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "kill
ed" her. She fell on the ground and laid still.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The Moroi{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s guardian stopped and lunged out at me as w
ell. I threw a punch in his
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri146 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 direct
ion, meaning to deflect his attack. But he was just as quick and caught hold of
my
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri197 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hand i
n mid air. He had a strong grip on me, and as much as I fought back he wouldn{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}t
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3739 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 let g
o of that hand. My struggles made him smile.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri166 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Furious I was about t
o let go of the girl to break free of the novice{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s grasp when a
blow
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri485 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 landed
on my back, causing me to fall down. Following that was a sharp pain in the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri319 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 head.
And before I knew it I felt the cool surface of the stake on my back, right wher
e
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7061 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 my he
art was.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I let go of the Moroi and kneeled on one knee. Smiling up at the boy w
ho had grabbed
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5118 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hold
of my hand. "Great job Stow."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 He laughed and offered a hand up. I took it.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 After a few minutes of congratulating the girl who had managed to knock
me down I left.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri841 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I was
halfway across campus when I ran into Alberta. I would have nodded and
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2251 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 conti
nued on my way if it weren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t for the troubled look in her eye.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Catching hold of her arm I willed her to look at me. "What{\f63 \u822
3\'3f}s wrong?"
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 She looked around, face falling even more. "It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s Rose
."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I perked up at that, ready to run to her rescue if it weren{\f63 \u822
3\'3f}t for Alberta{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s reassuring
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1470 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 squee
ze on my shoulder. "She{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s fine, it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s just\expndt
w-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}well\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst
SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}she was sent to the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2269 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Headm
istress{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s office for not defending her and Castile{\f63 \u8223\'
3f}s Moroi."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 My god Rose\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}what
have you done now?
\plain\par
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 It turns out as we made our way to the office Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s a
ctions were turned to the schools
\plain\par
an{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s disciplinary committee. This was\i very\i0 rare. A novice
had to do something
\plain\par
\sl-258\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri249 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 pretty
serious to piss them off to get that sort of response. Like willfully endangeri
ng a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7805 \expndtw-13 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Moro
i.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri204 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Shaking my head as we
made our way to the guardian{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s office I tried to imagine what
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri840 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Rose d
id to put herself in this situation. And all of her actions didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f
}t seem to fit.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Setting a Moroi on fire\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f S
ymbol }} nope.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Staking a Moroi instead of her attacker\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst
SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }} hell no.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Handing her Moroi over to the Strigoi\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SY
MBOL 188 \\f Symbol }} no.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Flipping off Christian and walking away letting him face the attacker\
expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}mmm, no Rose
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7091 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 would
never.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Then what could it possibly be that Rose did this time? She{\f63 \u822
3\'3f}s done some stupid things
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri646 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 while
I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve been around but in the end they were for the good. Not for
the bad. So
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2315 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 heari
ng that Rose did this kind of thing upsets and puzzles me.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Well I guess we{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll have to find out when we arrive.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 The buildings in view now, the way the trees surround it makes it hard
for one traveling
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri299 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to mak
e out that there{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s a building ahead, unless you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}
re looking for a small medieval
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6945 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 one o
f course.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 We entered a small meeting room with a large table in the center of it
. I rarely come
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2297 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 here,
guarding Lissa and training Rose are my specialties now.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The committee felt it only fair to kick me off because I was Rose{\f63
\u8223\'3f}s mentor. I think it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri466 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 becaus
e they assume Rose will be the next novice to step inside this room. And in
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2687 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 many
ways they{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re right. This only makes me more furious.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri158 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Quietly Alberta and I
sneak into the room; the guardians are already seated around the
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri391 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 oak ta
ble. Waiting for Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s arrival. I wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t surpri
sed to see that she was yet again
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri8032 \expndtw-14 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 late
.
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 And that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s a good sign.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 After taking my place in the back, Alberta walks around the long table
taking her seat at
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2033 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the h
ead of the table. Watching the door, waiting for Rose to arrive.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 Minutes pass by, making me think she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s managed to escap
e this punishment. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m about
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri343 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to spe
ak up and tell the others that we should look for her when the door bangs open
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3496 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and i
n comes Stan, following him a pissed off Rose.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Her eye catches mine as she takes her seat at the far end of the table
. Her eyes
\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri993 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 swimmi
ng with questions and hope that I will get her out of this one. Not likely.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 After a brief report on what happened from Stan the rest of the commit
tee turn their
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri31 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 attenti
on towards Rose. At first everyone is silent, not knowing what to say to this si
mple
\plain\par
\sl-227\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2974 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 act.
I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t even know what to say to it. And I\i know\i0 Rose.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Stan nods when he{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s finished and walks off to stand ne
xt to me. It takes my whole will
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri642 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 not to
turn around and demand to tell me the truth. Instead my eyes fall on Rose{\f63
\u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri319 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 catchi
ng her eye, I will her to understand that I will do everything against my power
to
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3339 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 get h
er out of this. I know Rose she will never do this.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 After about a minute Alberta speaks up asking Rose for her side of the
story. After she
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1139 \expndtw-1 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 finis
hes with the same story reported by Stan Alberta starts questioning her.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Things like: did you do it on purpose, who was with you, why did you d
o it, why would
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri185 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 you fr
eeze? I could tell al the questions were starting to get to Rose. The way her ey
es
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri197 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 darkened, her hands c
urled up into fists, her back hunched over like she was about to
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7731 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 atta
ck.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 This made me stiffen as well, ready to jump on Rose if she tried anyth
ing stupid.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri377 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Fortun
ately she didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t move, just sat there like a statue ready to exp
lode with anger.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2826 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "For
the last time," she growled, "I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t do it on purpose."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She was facing a full on committee now, all eyes turned to her as her
voice got deeper
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri354 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 with a
nger. Alberta, Emile, and Celeste sat at the long table, looking imposing, while

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4493 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Rose
continued to sit in that single chair.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Miss Hathaway," said Alberta, fully in her strict-captain mode, which
was a different
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri193 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 turnar
ound from the woman I just saw looking frantically around. "You must know why
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4961 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 we ha
ve a hard time believing that."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Celeste nodded. "Guardian Alto saw you. You refused to protect tow Mor
oi---including
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2622 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the o
ne whose protection you were specifically assigned to."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t refuse!" Rose exclaimed, her pitch in voice b
rought me back to the first day she
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri773 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 arrive
d at the Academy. Only she was facing Kirovia and the possibility of being
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5021 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 expel
led from school. "I\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}fumbled
."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I looked at her shocked. Stopped in mid thought. Never before has Rose
fumbled. I
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri197 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 know f
rom personal experience in the gym with her. I know from the way she watches
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri76 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Lissa,
even under the safety of the wards. I seen the way she looked when we rescued
\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri121 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her fr
om the Strigoi house in Spokane. I\i know\i0 Rose well enough to testify that
she has
\plain\par
\sl-232\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5859 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 neve
r "fumbled" in her life.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri174 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Everyone at the table
seemed to be sharing the same thoughts. We all saw her in that
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri485 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 house
of Strigoi. The way she risked her life to save her friends. The way she went
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4001 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 ravag
e and killed two Strigoi with a dull blade.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Stan seemed to be thinking the same thing because he stepped forward,
in my field of
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri197 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 vision
. "That wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t a fumble," he glanced at Alberta for permission t
o speak. "May I?"
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri353 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 She no
dded, and he turned back to Rose. "If you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d blocked or attacked
me and then
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri169 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 messed
up, that would be a fumble. But you didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t b lock. You didn{\f6
3 \u8223\'3f}t attack. You didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2682 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 even
try. You just stood there like a statue and did nothing."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I could tell by the way Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s eyes glared at him she
was outraged. And I knew why.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri185 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 The si
mple thought that she would put a Moroi{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s life in danger pissed
her off. She was
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri34 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 capable
of killing Strigoi, she never would put her life before a Moroi{\f63 \u8223\'3f
}s. Spokane proved
\plain\par
.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Why am I getting in trouble for messing up?" she asked tightly. "I me
an, I saw Ryan
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri546 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 mess u
p earlier. He didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t get in trouble. Isn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t that
the point of this whole exercise?
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri406 \expndtw-5 \i \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Pra
ctice\i0 ? If we were perfect, you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d already have unleashed us u
pon the world!" Her
\plain\par
\sl-258\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri185 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 voice
was rising at every word. Making me want to run over and protect her from what
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6032 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 was a
bout to come next.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "weren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t you listening?" Said Stan, and by his tone I
could tell he was just as upset as
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri290 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Rose w
as. And was the only one showing his emotions, besides Rose of course. But
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri53 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 that do
esn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t count, she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s reckless and that means to un
leash every emotion she has on
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri149 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the wo
rld. "You didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t mess up, because {\f63 \u8222\'3f}messing up{\f
63 \u8223\'3f} implies that you have to actually
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6939 \expndtw-14 \i \f10 \fs24 \cf44 d
o\i0 something."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri242 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Okay, then. I froze.
" She looked at him defiantly, not letting go of his gaze. "Does that
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri677 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 count
as messing up? I cracked under the pressure and blanked out. It turns out I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri67 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wasn{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}t prepared. The moment came, and I panicked. It happens to novices
all the time."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I cringed at her words. Knowing that they were the wrong ones to place
down. Because
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri437 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 even a
person who fought real Strigoi, and came back to tell the story, never freeze.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "To a novice who has already killed Strigoi?" Asked Emil. He was from
Romania, his
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1710 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 accen
t was a bit thicker than most at the Academy. "It seems unlikely."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Rose {\f63 \u8222\'3f}s eyes turned into dark slits, her way of showin
g how irritated she was. She
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri63 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 scanned
the room, landing on everyone{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s face but mine, giving them her
all. "Oh, I see."
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri73 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Oh dear
. "After one incident, I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m not expected to be an expert Strigoi
killer? I can{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t panic
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri495 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 or be
afraid or anything? Makes sense. Thanks, guys. Fair. Real fair." She slumped
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4013 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 back
in her seat, arms crossed over her chest.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta sighed and leaned forward. "We{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re arguing sema
ntics. Technicalities aren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri519 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 point
here. What{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s important is that this morning, you made it very cl
ear you did not
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri31 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 want to
guard Christian Ozera. In fact.I think you even said you wanted us to be sure w
e
\plain\par
\sl-227\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri465 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 knew t
hat you were doing it against your will\i and\i0 that we{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d soo
n see what a horrible
\plain\par
\sl-231\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri57 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 idea it
was." Realization flashed in her eyes, knowing that what she had said earlier w
as
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri79 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 true. A
lberta saw this as well. "And then, when your first test comes around, we find y
ou
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4865 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 compl
etely and utterly unresponsive."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 I sucked in a breath. That will do it for Rose.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I knew I was right when she nearly flew out of her c hair. "That{\f63 \
u8223\'3f}s what this is about? You
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1625 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 think
I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t protect him because of some kind of weird revenge thin
g?"
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri4381 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 All three of them st
ared at her Expectantly.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "You aren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t exactly known for calmly and gracefully ac
cepting things you don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t like,"
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6459 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Alber
ta replied wryly.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 This time, Rose did stand up, pointing her finger at her accusingly. "
\i Not\i0 true. I have
\plain\par
\sl-231\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri184 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 follow
ed every rule Kirova laid down for me since coming back here. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}
ve gone to every
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri817 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 practi
ce and obeyed every curfew. There{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s no reason I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}
d do this as some kind of
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri43 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 revenge
! What good would it do? Sta-Guardian Alto wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t going to reall
y hurt Christian,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri39 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 So it{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}s not like I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d get to see him punched or anything
. The only thing I would accomplish
\plain\par
\sl-253\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri150 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 is get
ting dragged into the middle of something like\i this\i0 and possibly face rem
oval from
\plain\par
\sl-232\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6455 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the f
ield experience."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 You\i are\i0 facing removal from the field experience," replied Cel
este flatly.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My heart sank at that, pulling Rose out was unacceptable. We needed mo
re novices,
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3050 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 girls
at that. They can{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t just throw a talent like hers away.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Oh" Rose said as she sat down. Hearing her, wounded and defeated. Wel
l I couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6923 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 take
it anymore.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "She has a point. If she were going to protest or take revenge, she{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}d do it in a different
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7945 \expndtw-28 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 way.
"
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Celeste frowned at me. "Yes, but after the scene she made this mornin
g\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}"
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I took a few steps forward and stood beside Rose. I had a flash of dj vu,
back to when
\plain\par
and Rose had returned to the Academy last autumn. Headmistress Kirova had
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2949 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 nearl
y expelled Rose, and I had stood up for her then too.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri618 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "This is all circumst
antial," I said. "Regardless of how suspicious you think it looks,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri782 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 there{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}s no proof. Removing her from the experience---and essentially r
uining her
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3410 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 gradu
ation---is a bit extreme without any certainties."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 The committee looked thoughtful, and Rose was looking hopefully in Albe
rta{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s way. She
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri256 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 had th
e most power here. She would decide if Rose can stay or not. I hope she chose
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3203 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 for R
ose to stay, knowing I tried my best to defend her.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She beckoned Celeste and Emile toward her, and the other two guardians
leaned
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri170 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 closer
. They had a whispered conference. Alberta gave a resigned nod, and the others
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7215 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 leane
d back.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I could feel the way my body shook as sweat dripped down my face.\i C
ome on, come
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri8139 \expndtw-23 \i \f10 \fs24 \cf44 o
n.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "Miss Hathaway, do you have anything you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d like to sa
y before we tell you our
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7120 \expndtw-15 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 conc
lusions?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Looking down at Rose I could tell that she was already condoling up a
million things to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri336 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 spit b
ack in their faces. The sweat increased. Minutes passed before she responded.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "No, Guardian Petrov. Nothing more to add."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "All right," she said wearily. "Here{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s what we{\f63 \
u8223\'3f}ve decided. You{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re lucky you have
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri162 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Guardi
an Belikov to advocate for you, or this decision might have been different. We{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}re
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri32 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 giving
you the benefit of the doubt. You{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll go on with the field experi
ence and continue to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3185 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 guard
Mr. Ozera. You{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll just be on a probation of sorts."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I could hear the sigh of relief coming from both Rose and I. "That{\f6
3 \u8223\'3f}s okay. Thank you."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-328 \li0 \ri659 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "And," she added.\i
Uh-oh\i0 . "Because the suspicion isn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t entirely removed, you{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}ll be
\plain\par
\sl-232\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2735 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 spend
ing your day oof this week doing community service."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Rose jumped out of her chair again. "What?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I reflexively wrapped a hand around her wrist, controlling her to stay
put, as if she were
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri348 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 a dog.
"Sit down," I murmured in her ear as I tugged her toward the chair. "take what
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7137 \expndtw-14 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 you
can get."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "If that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s a problem, we can make it next week too." W
arned Celeste. "And the next five
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7403 \expndtw-15 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 afte
r that."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Rose sat down obediently and shook her head. "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m sor
ry. Thank you."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 The hearing dispersed.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta ordered Rose to find Christian but I stepped in between. Askin
g her if I could
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri251 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 talk t
o Rose alone, novice business I think I said. She agreed, no doubt hoping I{\f63
\u8223\'3f}d set
\plain\par
on the straight and narrow.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The room emptied, I sighed of relief, finally able to breathe. I walke
d over to a small
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri656 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 table
that held a water dispenser, coffee, other beverages, but I was looking for a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7185 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 speci
fic one.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "You want some hot chocolate?" I asked.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 By the hesitation in her stance I could tell she didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f
}t expect that. "Sure."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I dumped four packets of instant hot chocolate into tow Styrofoam cups
and then added
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7211 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 in ho
t water.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri150 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Doubling it is the s
ecret," I told her when the cups were full. My mother taught me this
\plain\par
I was still a child.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I handed her hers, along with a wooden stirrer, and then walked toward
the side door.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4623 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Presu
ming she was going to follow me.
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Where are we---oh."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 We were in a glass-enclosed porch filled with small patio tables. The
windows looked
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3423 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 out o
nto the courtyard, the glass encased with frost.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I swept my hand over a chair, brushing off the dust. Rose followed and
sat down
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri389 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 opposi
te of me. The room was cold, the air felt chilly and I could tell it was getting
to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri126 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Rose b
y the way she kept her hands around the cup, protectively. Silence fell between
\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri371 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 us. Th
e only noise came from Rose blowing on her hot chocolate. I drake mine right
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2787 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 away.
I find hot chocolate best when it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s hot, freshly made.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 As we sat, and the quiet grew, Rose studied me. As did I but I wasn{\f6
3 \u8223\'3f}t looking directly at
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri33 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her. I
couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t help but take in those dark locks of hers, the way her
eyes as dark as the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri471 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hot ch
ocolate could be so evil yet loving towards me. Her lips that were so soft and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri751 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wonder
ful, yet at the same time can turn into something entirely different, mean,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1889 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 scold
ing, set in a grim line. It was like kissing a flower pedal. A rose.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 After a while I couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t take it anymore. "What happen
ed out there?" I said as I met her
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4169 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 gaze
. "You didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t crack under the pressure."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She considered this. "Of course it was," she told me as she looked dow
n into her cup.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2869 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Unl
ess you believe I really did let Stan {\f63 \u8222\'3f}attack{\f63 \u8223\'3f} C
hristain."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri48 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 That was the last thin
g I wanted her to think. "No. I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t believe that. I never did.
I knew
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri36 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 you{\f6
3 \u8223\'3f}d be unhappy when you found out about the assignments, but I never
once doubted
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri149 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 that y
ou{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d do what you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d have to for this. I knew you
wouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t let your personal feelings
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5773 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 get i
n the way of your duty."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She looked up again and met my eyes. "I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t. I was
mad\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}Still am a little. But
once I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri59 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 said I{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}d do it, I meant it. And after spending some time with him\expnd
tw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}well, I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t ha
te him. I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri429 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 actual
ly think he{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s good for Lissa, and he cares about her, so I can{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}t get upset about
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri337 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 that.
He and I just clash sometimes, that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s all\expndtw-14{\field{\*\f
ldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}but we did really well together against
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri597 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the St
rigoi. I remembered that while I was with him today, and arguing against this
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1596 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 assig
nment just seemed stupid. So I decided to do the best job I could."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She was rambling. A sign she was trying to hide something. Rose never
talked this
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7834 \expndtw-15 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 much
.
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "What happened then?" I asked. "With Stan?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She adverted her eyes and played with her cup again. It took her a goo
d five minutes
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri109 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 before
she looked back up at me. "I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know what happened out there
. My intentions
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4821 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 were
good\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}I just\expndtw-14{\fie
ld{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}I just messed up."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I could tell she was lieing. It was just the way we were connected. Wh
y we were
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3440 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 attra
cted to each other. "Rose. You{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re a terrible liar."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She glanced up at that. "No, I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m not. I{\f63 \u8223\'3
f}ve told a lot of good lies in my life. People have
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6947 \expndtw-13 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 beli
eved them."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I smiled slightly. "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m sure. But it doesn{\f63 \u8223\
'3f}t work with me. For one thing, you won{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t look me
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3128 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 in th
e eye. As for the other\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}I d
on{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know I can just tell."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri293 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 By the way her eyes m
et mine I could tell she knew I was right. She noticed it too, the
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri29 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 way we
connected the way we did. "Look, I appreciate you being worried about me\expndtw
-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}but
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri756 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 really
, it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s okay. I just messed up. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m embarrassed a
bout it---and sorry I put your
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1140 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 aweso
me training to shame---but I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll rebound. Next time, Stan{\f63 \u
8223\'3f}s ass is mine."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She was almost to the door. I couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t let her go, not
now. Not after everything that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
ed to her. And I needed to know why she was lying. To me, out of all people.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I placed a hand on her shoulder, making her freeze. I didn{\f63 \u8223
\'3f}t touch her anywhere else. I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri380 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 didn{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}t even try to pull her closer. "Rose. I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t kno
w why you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re lying, but I know you
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri49 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wouldn{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}t do it without a good reason. And if there{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s so
mething wrong---something you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6016 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 afrai
d to tell the others---"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She spun around rapidly, somehow managing to pivot in place in such a
way that my
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3173 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hand
never moved yet ended up on her other shoulder.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m not afraid," she cried. "I do have my reasons, an
d believe me, what happened with
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri763 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Stan w
as nothing. Really. All of this is just something stupid that got blown out of
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri187 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 propor
tion. Don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t feel sorry for me or feel like you have to do anythi
ng. What happened
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri134 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 sucks,
but I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll just roll with it and take the black mark. I{\f63 \u82
23\'3f}ll take care of everything. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll take
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri449 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 care o
f me." Her whole body was tense under my hand. Something that was hard to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7781 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 igno
re.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t say anything. I just looked down at her. I wa
s worried, concerned for her well
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri143 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 being.
But also because something{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s occurring in Rose. Something I fea
r is beyond my
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri642 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 contro
l. And that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s what scares me the most. Because if I lose her, I
lose life itself.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My fingers tightened at the thought of that. "You don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}
t have to do this alone." I said at
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri292 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 last.
The thought of losing her made my heart ache and I knew it showed in my voice.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri373 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 She attempted a smile
, as if to cheer me up. "You say that\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\
f Symbol }}but tell me the truth. Do
\plain\par
\sl-227\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3405 \expndtw-5 \i \f10 \fs24 \cf44 yo
u\i0 go running to others when you have problems?"
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "That{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s not the same---"
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Answer the question, comrade."
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t call me that."
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "And don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t avoid the question either."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "No I try to deal with my problems on my own."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 She slipped away from my hand. "See?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 That simple gesture made my earlier thoughts of losing her soar. "But
you have a lot of
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri490 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 people
in your life you can trust, people who care about you. That changes things."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 She looked up in surprise. "You don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have people who
care about you?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I frowned. Rethinking my words. "Well, I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve always had
good people in my life\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}and

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri44 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 there h
ave been people who cared about me. But that doesn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t necessarily
mean I could
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5113 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 trust
them or tell them everything."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She stared at me, studying my words and my expression. This time I let
them slip,
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri35 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 because
I wanted her to see that she shouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t be ashamed of locking up
her emotions.
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Do you trust me?" She asked.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 I hesitated, only for a moment. "Yes."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "Then trust me now, and don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t worry about me just thi
s once."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri234 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 She stepped away, out
of the reach of my arm, I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t stop her. Only watched her as
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2352 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 she s
lipped away from me. Just like I had feared she might do.
\plain\par
\plain\par
24 \cf44 After I watched Rose go I continued to stand in the chilly room. I knew
it was out of my
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri41 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 place t
o show my feelings like that, but I couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t help it. Especially
after I took notice in
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri192 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her ey
es today. The way they looked so crazed, as if she had gone insane. Yet at the
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri149 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 same t
ime, they looked lost, as if she didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know where she was. A lo
ok that said she
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5586 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 has t
ruly lost grasp of reality.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The same look I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve seen in someone else, although I ca
n{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t place my finger on it.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Deciding it was time to fulfill the rest of my guardian duties I stepp
ed out of the room
\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5693 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and w
as faced with Alberta.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She had been sitting at the table, but now was standing staring at me.
As if she had
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6329 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 read
all my thoughts.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "Guardian Petrov." I said as I acknowledged her with a nod.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She nodded back, confusion in her eyes as she did so. "Belikov can I h
ave a moment
\plain\par
you?"
\plain\par
24 \cf44 Like she had to ask, I was obliged to do what she said twenty-four seve
n. Although the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3618 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 quest
ion made me feel like an equal. "Of course."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She gestured to the seat across from her, which I took without hesitat
ion. After a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri367 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 moment
she sat down as well, staring at me from across the long table. I placed my
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1107 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hands
in my lap, thrumming them softly on my leg as I waited for her to talk.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri568 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 She cleared her throa
t after several moments of studying me. "I need to talk to you
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7204 \expndtw-16 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 abou
t Rose."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 A million things went through my mind at that moment. Does she know ab
out our love
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri554 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 for ea
ch other? Has she found out that I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve been lying and telling Ros
e confidential
\plain\par
an things? My head spun, imagining all the consequences my future might hold.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3966 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 My ha
nds sweated as I waited for her to go on.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Looking distantly out the blackened window she continued. "She seems s
trange. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri189 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 known
Rose her whole life, and never once has she frozen like that. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}
ve seen her train
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri654 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 with y
ou, she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s relentless and powerful. The incident in Spokane prove
s just that."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My eyes dropped from her face. Rose. The metallic smell of blood. Bodi
es everywhere.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri96 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Screami
ng. Tears running down her cheeks as she hovered over Mason, threatening to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7565 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 kill
us all.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I pushed the haunting memories back, not wanting to show Alberta any w
eakness. She
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5211 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 took
my silence to her advantage.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "All I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m saying is that what happened with Rose out th
ere was no ordinary lock up.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri39 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Especia
lly for a dhampir like her. A novice who has been protected and guarded all thei
r
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri64 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 life, s
ure, I can see them freezing at the first sight of danger. But Rose isn{\f63 \u8
223\'3f}t any ordinary
\plain\par
t; she has potential, and has experience. Something that hasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
happened to a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4539 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 young
novice like her in a very long time.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "Even a guardian who has killed a Strigoi never freezes at the sign of
danger. Especially
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri210 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 with a
Moroi involved. I guess what I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m getting at is that Rose is hid
ing something, and
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3432 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 possi
bly lying. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m asking you to tell me what that is."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri56 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Her eyes were like dag
gers, piercing into my soul. Demanding to know everything Rose
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri76 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hadn{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}t told me in the glass encased room. I cleared my throat, ready to
tell her a lie that
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2190 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I kne
w could get me in huge trouble. But for Rose, it was worth it.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "She was ready, ready to fight Guardian Alto when she got distracted;
she told me a
\plain\par
t walking in the distance reminded her of Mason. With red hair and the same
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri376 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 build
anyone at that great of a distance can look like him. She froze, thinking he was

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri341 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 back f
rom the dead. When I asked her why she didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t jump back in the f
ight, she told
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4002 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 me it
was too late, Alto had seized both boys."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta stared at me, taking this all in. Watching her sit there stari
ng at me in the silent
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri38 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 room di
dn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t help my nerves. I wanted out of here, away from all of this
. I wanted them to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4720 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 leave
Rose alone about her hesitation.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 After what seemed like forever Alberta finally nodded. "That seems ver
y possible; I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1177 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 remem
ber that next time when Rose tries to use it as an excuse." Not likely.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I nodded and stood up smiling as I walked towards the door. "I{\f63 \u8
223\'3f}ll make sure that doesn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7071 \expndtw-15 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 happ
en then."
\plain\par
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 As I walked towards my dorm a few lingering Moroi and dhampir students
hurried to
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri143 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 their
rooms, knowing they were out past curfew. A few glanced my way and caught my
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri101 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 eye; t
his only made them walk faster, eyes locked on the ground, trying to avoid the i
ce
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6675 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 on th
e stone path.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I had the authority to write them up, but I really didn{\f63 \u8223\'3
f}t feel like doing the paperwork.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2292 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 There
was a lot of signing and explaining that I was too tried for.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri479 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 As I neared the novic
e{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s dorms I caught sight of Lissa, Christian, Eddie, and behind
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri515 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 them R
ose. I could sneak up on them right now and attack, but I decided against it.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri66 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Rose ha
d gone through a lot today and I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have a slot scheduled at
this time. And if
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1396 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I did
choose to test the four of them I would have to sign more paperwork.
\par
83 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 The next few days were slow. At this point of tim
e in the testing, we were ordered not to
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri344 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 attack
. It builds suspense and teaches novices and Moroi alike that years could pass
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri58 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 without
a guardian ever having to engage in any sort of conflict. They will learn patie
nce
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri948 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and th
e importance of not slacking because there{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d been no danger in a
while.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 And knowing Rose this activity had to be killing her.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The novices were also being held to the strictest conditions a guardia
n could be in:
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri39 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 always
standing and always being formal. More often than not, guardians who lived with
\plain\par
families behaved casually in their homes and did ordinary things like reading or

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri218 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 watchi
ng TV---while still staying perfectly aware of any threats. But we couldn{\f63 \
u8223\'3f}t always
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1571 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 expec
t that, so the novices had to practice the hard way while in school.
\par
39 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Later that day Alberta caught sight of me and pul
led me off to the side. Her face hard as
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5881 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 stone
, as well as her eyes.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I just talked to Vasilisa." Her voice was hushed but I could detect t
he betrayal and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6969 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 harsh
ness in it.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 This shocked me. So much that I was speechless as I continued to stare
down at her.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri234 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Albert
a took my silence to her advantage. "She wanted to know if she and Rose could
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri450 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 go to Victor{\f63 \u8
223\'3f}s trial." Her eyes pierced into mine and I could feel my body recoil. I
had
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6137 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 made
a terrible mistake.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 At the same time I felt stupid for thinking that Rose was able to keep
a guardian secret. I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri42 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 had bee
n so blinded by my love for her that I hadn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t realized the conse
quences of telling
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5500 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 a nov
ice private guardian stuff.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 But then again, not everything can turn out for the worst.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 A small flicker of hope sparked in my chest as I stared evenly at Albe
rta. "What did you
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7914 \expndtw-28 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 say?
"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She shook her head, "I told her no, that it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s out of t
he question." She glared at me then,
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2795 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 crush
ing all the hope I had built up. "\i What\i0 did you tell her?"
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I cleared my throat not wanting to back away, and show weakness towards
her. "I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri195 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 tell h
er. I told Rose." Alberta started to chastise me about how wrong that was but I
cut
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri232 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her of
f. "Rose was sick the other night and needed to go outside for some air. I caugh
t
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri335 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her ju
st outside of the novice dorms and was about to send her back when you came
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri691 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 up. Sh
e ran and hid in the bushes and I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have time to get her ou
t before you
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri843 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 rounde
d the corner and came into earshot. She heard everything; it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s o
ne of the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri105 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 reason
s why I was giving you blunt answers so she wouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t find out ab
out the trial. But
\plain\par
she did she told me she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d keep it a secret."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I knew I shouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t of had sold Rose out like that but
it wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t entirely her fault. And I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri163 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 knew t
he way I worded it sounded like it was Alberta{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s for revealing s
o much that night.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She must have had caught on this too because she sighed and looked aro
und the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1433 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 deser
ted campus. "I can{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t believe you trusted Rose to keep that a sec
ret."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri131 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "What else was I supp
osed to do? She knew about it. And by the time you left I couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f
}t
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5304 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 come
up with a lie even if I tried."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta smiled a small sad smile at me, "you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re right,
I just don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know what to do.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri85 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Vasilis
a was very convincing when she asked if she could go to the trial. It{\f63 \u822
3\'3f}s just\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}well, I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri195 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 don{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}t think the Queen would like it very much if she found out we brou
ght minors to the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7032 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 tria
l of a royal."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The spark of hope from earlier started to rise. "So what are you sayin
g?" My heart was
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri743 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 beatin
g fast now, wanting more than anything to make Rose happy. And going to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3109 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Victo
rs trial would bring a smile to her face I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m sure of it.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Alberta turned to go but not before her voice caught over the wind. "
I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll try."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My heart almost burst out of my chest, even if it meant that Alberta w
ould fail it was
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5906 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 enoug
h for me. She{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll try\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f
Symbol }}
\par
7450 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Chapter 8:
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I left Alberta then, wondering if she really would try to get Rose and
Lissa into Victor{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri358 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 trial.
It wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t just because of Rose; it was also because I knew how
much Victor had
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri179 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hurt L
issa, and how much she wanted to see him locked up. If I had been in her place I

\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri43 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 would w
orry myself sick every night wondering if my torturer would walk free, if he wou
ld
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6071 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 seek
me out for revenge.
\plain\par
\sl-270\fs27\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri444 \fi67 \expndtw-4 \
f10 \fs24 \cf44 But then again if I were Lissa I wouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t worry
because I knew I had Rose to protect
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2159 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 me. A
nd she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s the most selfless and bravest person I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}
ve ever met.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-308 \li0 \ri138 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I made it to the fron
t door of the novice dorms when Stan stormed passed me. On any
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri481 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 other
day I would have nodded slightly and walked on, but something was wrong. I
\plain\par
tell by the slump in his shoulders and the limp in his step.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "Lost another fight again?" I called after him, smirking a little and l
etting it vanish before
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6897 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 he co
uld see it.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Stan{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s eyes were cold and piercing as he looked up at
me. I hated the way he met my
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri310 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 eyes.
It wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t the look of an equal, and it most definitely wasn{\f63
\u8223\'3f}t in the look of awe, it
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri599 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 was as
if he were sizing me up, ready to challenge me at any moment. If he and I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri347 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 weren{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}t guardians at this school, only novice{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s like R
ose, I would take that challenge
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri192 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and sh
ow him who{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s stronger. But since I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m above threa
ts and snide comments I lean
\plain\par
against the rocky building and stare down at him, slightly amused.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 His eyes narrow as he nears me. "Eddie{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s hard to fight
." I nodded; we both were
\plain\par
ing the same thing: Eddie had real experience with Strigoi, conscious or
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3349 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 uncon
scious that event will always stick with Castile.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "He{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s hard to catch." I said as I recalled the fight i
n the hallway only a few days ago.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri228 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Eddie
was strong, and fast, and it was at that moment I realized he was going to be a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6119 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 kille
r guardian one day.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 Stan rubbed the side of his jaw where he had taken a few hits. "Yeah, w
ell it wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t him
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri225 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 that I
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m mad about." He stood straight and looked me right in the eye;
my whole body
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5626 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 screa
med threat. "It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s Rose."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-328 \li0 \ri166 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 My heart nearly stopp
ed at the sound of her name. Rose?\i Again\i0 ? I couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t beli
eve it, I
\plain\par
\sl-258\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri585 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 knew R
ose well enough to know that she would never back down from a fight, and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4947 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 certa
inly not after a failed one either.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Stan took my silence to his advantage, "I attacked Lissa, and instantl
y both Rose and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Eddie j
umped in. Castile got to me first so while we were circling Rose kept following
us,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri220 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 waitin
g for an opening to join him. She left both Moroi unattended. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}
m really starting to
\plain\par
Rose has some revenge plot against Christian\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBO
L 188 \\f Symbol }}"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 As Stan continued to talk about the attack and how wrong it was I cont
inued to stand
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri626 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 there,
frozen. Rose couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t possibly be doing badly, she has had expe
rience, I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri103 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 fought
her countless number of times in the gym. She has potential and most of all ski
ll.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri798 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 If any
thing she should be the top student and should be praised for her efforts in
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6185 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 keepi
ng her Moroi safe.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 If I were in Stan{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s position I would have thought Rose
to be revengeful and against
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri89 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 being C
hristian{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s guardian. I would have had her reported to Kirova aga
in for her lack of
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5354 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 effor
ts in keeping Christian safe.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 But I know Rose. She wouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have caused this big of
a mistake without a good
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri307 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 reason
. Whether it was the same as last time I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll never know. But one
thing{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s for sure,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri148 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Rose i
s a fighter, and she would never back down, especially with Stan involved as her

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri92 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 attacke
r. She probably was trying too hard to regain her position in the field experien
ce,
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4614 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 since
last time she failed to do anything.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 No, Rose would never leave a Moroi unprotected. Spokane is full proof
.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}She was suspici
ous for not taking action the minute it was handed to her. And now
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4889 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 she{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}s just outright witless weak for---"
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri28 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Stan didn{\f63 \u8223\
'3f}t even get to finish before I grabbed hold of his collar and rammed him agai
nst
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri749 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the si
de of the novice building. His eyes widened as I kept him there with his feet
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri176 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 dangli
ng in the air. I glared at him, his face level with mine, as I spoke softly, "do
n{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t you
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri115 \expndtw-3 \i \f10 \fs24 \cf44 eve
r\i0 call Rose stupid." I hissed, the sound was foreign to me, never before had
I known
\plain\par
\sl-258\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5513 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to be
capable of such brutality.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Stan cleared his throat not taking his eyes off of me, which said he w
anted this, he
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri49 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wanted
a fight; knowing I had a soft spot for Rose. And all he had to do was spark it a
nd
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri436 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I woul
d take action. But I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t care; Rose wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t so
meone you should make fun of.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 He laughed blowing hot foul air in my face. "Belikov, never thought I{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}d get to see this
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7265 \expndtw-14 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 side
of you."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I smiled down at him. He may think he has won, but I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m
stronger, and faster. And the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri367 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 most r
espected guardian at this school, no one would ever believe him if he chose to
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri534 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 tell.
I wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t afraid of him; he was just another Jesse Zeklos waiting
for a chance to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5534 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 strik
e at a person{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s weak spot.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I knew I was going to get in trouble for this, but I didn{\f63 \u8223\
'3f}t care. Rose would understand.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I shoved him against the stone wall, making him wince and groan in pai
n. "If I ever hear
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri82 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 you cal
l Rose anything she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s not I will personally drive a stake throug
h your heart. And I
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7264 \expndtw-12 \i \f10 \fs24 \cf44 w
ill\i0 enjoy it."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I released him then, causing him to slump to the floor. He groaned as h
e managed to sit
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri835 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 up, th
e novices were really taking it hard against him, and now I really damaged
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri853 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 whatev
er strength he had left. Good, he needs to be knocked down a few pegs,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri66 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 especia
lly if Rose ever gets the chance to fight him again. I know she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}
ll enjoy kicking his
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6413 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 ass a
s much as I did.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri300 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I resisted the urge t
o kick him until he bled; instead I turned on my heel and made my
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri320 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 way ba
ck to the door. My hand rested on the knob as I turned around and met Stan{\f63
\u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri215 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 eyes,
which were now full of hatred and revenge. My voice was barely a shout, "report
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3213 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 this
to anyone and I won{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t think twice about my threat."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I opened the novice door that instantly bathed me in a warm yellow glo
w letting it shut
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2998 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 softl
y behind me, putting a barrier between Stan and me.
\plain\par
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My feet crunched in the freshly lain snow as I made my way out of the
dorms. After my
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri196 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 confro
ntation with Stan last night I had been too wild up to go to sleep. Adrenaline h
ad
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri252 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 course
d through my veins till five in the morning; luckily I had Sunday off and wouldn
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri201 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 attend
church till eight. I was happy until I found out Rose had community service, an
d
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri365 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 all th
at happiness burst into something else. Something mixed with passion, longing,
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6574 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 love
and giddiness.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I shook the feelings away as I made my way to the chapel. I wasn{\f63
\u8223\'3f}t neglecting my love
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri69 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 for Ros
e like I had at the ski lodge, but I wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t enforcing it either.
I needed to stay calm
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri42 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and col
lected, I needed to get her to pass the final test, and I needed her to graduate
so
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri61 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 we coul
d watch over Lissa. But most importantly I needed her to focus on knowing what
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri46 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to do i
n intense situations, Spokane was proof enough to me that I won{\f63 \u8223\'3f}
t be there all the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri129 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 time t
o watch and protect her. And even though she had done a good job at getting her
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri648 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and he
r friends out, not all of them made it. And that single mistake, will affect her

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4653 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 forev
er, as a guardian and as a person.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Shivering at the thought of a screaming Rose crouched over Mason made
me aware of
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri911 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 my sur
roundings. I was nearing the chapel, snow falling lightly, blurring its dark
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri419 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 furnishing. It was se
ven thirty, so no one was around yet except for the one person I
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4992 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 neede
d to talk to before the service.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I open the huge wooden doors that prevent the cold and snow from draft
ing in and step
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri804 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 inside
. My feet echo against the walls as I make my way towards the stage. The
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri215 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wooden
doors close with a bang making my footsteps sound like padded drops from a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5674 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 sink
compared to a waterfall.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The priest looks up from his work then. He had been huddled over one o
f the old dusty
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri120 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 bibles
that he stored in the back. His pen tapping the side of the podium as he rests
his
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri194 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 head i
n his hand trying to put together the service. My heart beats faster at the sigh
t of
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri33 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 him, kn
owing that I may be interrupting whatever work he was doing and preventing him
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri146 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 from f
inishing it. I wonder if God would strike me down for that. But didn{\f63 \u8223
\'3f}t have the time
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3994 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to co
nsider it before the old man smiled at me.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Dimitri, what can I do for you?" His smile was genuine and wrinkled a
t the corners of
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2965 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 his e
yes, making him look much older than he really was.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I nodded and smiled back. "My student Rosemarie Hathaway has community
service
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri161 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 today
and I was wondering if she could help you with anything." He nodded his balding
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3191 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 head,
eyes lost in thought. "I also will be assisting her."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The priest{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s graying eyebrows went up at that, crinkli
ng his forehead, which made him
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri100 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 look t
wenty years older. "Is that so?" He cleared his throat. "Well, Dimitri, I think
I can fit
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri84 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 in a ti
me for the both of you. See me after the service today and I will find something
for
\plain\par
two to do."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri155 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I nodded and thanked
him. As I turned around and started to walk away his deep voice
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri352 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 rang t
hrough the wooden chapel. "I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t think that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
a good idea. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve been watching
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6072 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the w
ay you look at her."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I freeze in mid-footstep. And spin as fast as I would if I were to fac
e a Strigoi. I try to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3583 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 keep
my voice even. "I-I\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}What do
you mean Sir?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 He smiled, there wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t anything hidden behind that sm
ile, being a servant of God. His
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri328 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 eyes l
it up at my attempts to act surprise. "During the services, I see the way you tw
o
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri252 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 steal
glances at each other Dimitri. There{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s nothing to hide. At first
it looked as though
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri246 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 you we
re checking on her protectively, as if she were in danger all the time. But then
I
\plain\par
d again and saw something different in your eyes."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I lowered my head, I couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t lie to the priest, it wou
ld be a sin to, and would be wrong. I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri390 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 nod as
if I understand, but really I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m just shocked he had figured it
out. Him out of all
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2700 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 peopl
e. He took my silence as an invitation and kept talking.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I think I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve figured it out now." His voice was light
and thoughtful; my heart ached for
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri51 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 him to
stop talking. "It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s wonder. Wonder if you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re eve
r going to be with that person. And
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri34 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 longing
. Longing to be with her forever. I see the way you watch Rose when she leaves,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri213 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 like s
he{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s walking out the door forever, never coming back. But there{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}s something else
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7437 \expndtw-17 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 ther
e too."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I look up at him then, his finger tapping his chin as he stares off in
to the unknown. My
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri254 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 heart
beats faster, never before had someone (besides Tasha) figured out my biggest
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2710 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 secre
t, figured out my feelings for Rose wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t professional.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 His eyes flickered back to me as he smiles again. "Protection. You{\f6
3 \u8223\'3f}re assigned to the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri434 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Dragom
ir princess correct?" I nod, and when I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t respond he continu
es, his voice
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri36 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 lower this time. And a
s I crane my neck to see what he{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s looking at I realize with sud
den
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri63 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 shock t
hat there are people entering the building. "And I trust you know how important
it
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri755 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 is to
protect her. And Rose is Vasilissa{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s best friend, yet I can see
you protecting
\plain\par
\sl-253\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri914 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Hathaw
ay without a second thought. Leaving Vasilissa out in the open. You\i do
\plain\par
\sl-232\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri512 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 unders
tand why this is dangerous? Not just for your carrier, but for both of the girl{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7801 \expndtw-24 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 live
s?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 His brown eyes were wide now as he imagined what might happen if I let
my feelings
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri71 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 get the
best of me. We both seemed to share the same thought. I was Lissa{\f63 \u8223\'
3f}s guardian,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri199 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and if
I let Rose get in the way of protecting her I will endanger the last Dragomir{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}s life.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri322 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 But I
never thought about Lissa being the dangerous one. Rose, well she{\f63 \u8223\'3
f}s Rose and
\plain\par
\sl-253\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri264 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 danger
was her characteristic it seemed like these days. But Lissa, she was innocent,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri245 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and ju
st a girl, a vulnerable girl, who needed protection. And if I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m
not there to provide
\plain\par
her life will be in danger.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My heart quickened even more, pounding in my ears. And by the way he c
ocked his
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri455 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 head t
o the side I knew he heard it. With his powerful Moroi ears, he probably could
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2828 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hear
the blood rushing through my veins fast and irregular.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 He looked up, his smile fading as his eyes swept across the room. "My
service is about
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3780 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to st
art. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll consult with you and Hathaway after."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 And without another word or glance his eyes focused back on the book h
e had been
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5218 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 fixat
ed over before I had come in.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I took my regular seat in the back, trying hard not to glance Rose{\f63
\u8223\'3f}s way as she entered.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri337 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 What t
he priest had said to me was overwhelming. Never before had someone come
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri463 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 remote
ly close to my deep feelings for her. It was true I wanted to protect her. And I

\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri330 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 knew if the time came
I would try to protect Lissa, but the moment Rose screamed in
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri809 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 pain I
would shift my attention to her and kill whatever caused her bloodcurdling
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7635 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 scre
am.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 And it was then I knew what to do. Not only did I need Rose to get bet
ter in training, I
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri343 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 needed
her to learn to protect herself. To kill a Strigoi within seconds, because if s
he
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri284 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 doesn{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}t she endangers both Lissa and me. Lissa{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s life
will be forgotten, and I will take
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4935 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 actio
n and protect Rose with my life.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 The thought of Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s screams in Spokane comes back to
me. Never again will I let her
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri211 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 scream
like that, feel like that. Her screams echo in my head and I wonder if the prie
st
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6724 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 can h
ear that too.
\plain\par
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 After the service and everyone had cleared out Rose lingered near the
stage. She
\plain\par
uncomfortable and stuck out. The way she looked around the room told me she
\plain\par
f63 \u8223\'3f}t want to be here and hoped no one saw her and took it as a sudde
n interest in
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1929 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 relig
ion. I shook my head at the thought. It could be something else.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My heart nearly leapt out of my chest when she glanced my way. Shock m
asked her
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri402 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 featur
es, and I was brought back to the first night I had saw her. She wore the same
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri474 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 expres
sion only fear was hidden somewhere beneath it. Only this time the fear was
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2358 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 repla
ced by something I had come to consider and know. Love.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "What are you doing here?" She asked. Her voice echoed off the old woo
den walls.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "Thought you might need some help. I hear the priest wants to do a lo
t of
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri215 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 housec
leaning." I had heard this by eavesdropping on Alberta and Kirova from earlier.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri309 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Yeah, but you{\f63 \
u8223\'3f}re not the one being punished here. And this is your day off too. We--
-
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri270 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 well,
everyone else---spent the whole week battling it out, but you guys were the ones

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri122 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 pickin
g the fights the whole time." Her eyes narrowed, taking in the features of my fa
ce.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri271 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I knew
she was examining the bruises I had received this week. I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}
t have as many
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri32 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 as the
other guardians, partly because I was faster and stronger than most and didn{\f6
3 \u8223\'3f}t go
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6388 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 easy
on the students.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Stan had the most out of all of us. And my confrontation with him last
night had to leave
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri401 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 a lot
more damage than any novice could do. The thought of him calling Rose stupid
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri77 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 made my
pulse quicken in anger. The last time he had talked badly about Rose was the
\plain\par
day she had arrived back to the school. He had screamed and yelled at her over
\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4168 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 somet
hing as small as not knowing a lesson.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Back then I thought of his yelling as a lesson to her. And had agreed
with it. But now,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri98 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 now I s
ee it as cruelty and his enjoyment of picking on a student. Knowing they can{\f6
3 \u8223\'3f}t do
\plain\par
ng to him. Except for now, on the field experience, they could hit him and not g
et
\plain\par
d down for it. I silently encouraged Rose to beat the hell out of him.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I looked at her, keeping my face as stone like as possible. The priest
was lingering
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri103 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 behind
her and if he saw just the slightest attraction I had for Rose I don{\f63 \u822
3\'3f}t know what I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5225 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 do.
"What else would I do today?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I could think of a hundred other things," she noted dryly. It was as
if she didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t want me
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri608 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 there.
My heart ached at her response. "There{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s probably a John Wayne
movie on
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5081 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 some
where that you haven{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t seen."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I tried to keep a straight face at her attempts of showing me up. I sh
ook my head. "No,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2325 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 there
isn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve seen them all. Look---the priest is
waiting for us."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri28 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 She turned around to s
ee Father Andrew standing at the front, watching us. To Rose his
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri233 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 look m
ight seem creepy, but to me, it was like a stab in the back. He was watching us,

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri442 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 seeing
if his earlier theory was correct. My heart raced as I stared at him. His mouth

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4997 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 twitc
hed upward, I knew he heard it.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 He{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d taken off the rich robes he{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d wor
n during the service and now stood in simple
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5479 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 slack
s and a button down shirt.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 As Rose and I approached to get our assignments, I couldn{\f63 \u8223\
'3f}t help but wonder if it were
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri559 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 a sin
to love someone that didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t belong to me. Surely somewhere in th
e bible God
\plain\par
d down upon falling in love with a girl underage. I just hadn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
found it yet.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Thank you both for volunteering to help me." Father Andrew smiled at
us. "We aren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri365 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 doing
anything particularly complex today. It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s a bit boring really. W
e{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll have to do the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri521 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 regula
r cleaning, of course, and then I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d like to sort the boxes of ol
d supplies I have
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6399 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 sitti
ng up in the attic."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 As I stared at the priest I noticed he was keeping a straight face, an
d mainly was
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri100 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 lookin
g at Rose. As if he was trying to figure out her feelings for me too. But then a
gain,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2922 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 he co
uld be trying to hide the fact that he knows about us.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "We{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re happy to do whatever you need." I said solemnl
y.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 We set to it.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Rose was put on mop duty, and I took over dusting and polishing the wo
oden pews. I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri174 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 kept t
o myself, thinking of things that didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t wonder too closely to R
ose. I thought of my
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri306 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 old li
fe, my old home. The smell of breakfast every time I woke up in that small home.

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri54 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 The fee
ling of my mom and grandmother as they hugged me before I went off to school.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri35 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 My sisters, how much I
loved them, and what I would do to protect them. Beating up my
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5699 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 dad w
asn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t just for my mom.
\par
400 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I took my time cleaning the pews, not wanting to
mess up. But I was also stalling for
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri61 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 time, I
didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t want to leave Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s side. I never did.
Every time I was with her she found
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri589 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 a way
to make my heart race faster, to make my breathing shallow to where I was
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1541 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 suffo
cating for oxygen. The things she does to me I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll never understa
nd.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 When the priest stepped out of the sanctuary to go to his office, I co
ntinued working
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri303 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 quietl
y. Trying hard not to let my emotions spill over. We weren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t out
in public, but we
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri824 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 weren{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}t alone either. And my conversation with the priest before the s
ervice still
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4090 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wrapp
ed around my brain. Refusing to leave.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 When we finished the cleaning, Father Andrew had us haul box after box
of stuff down
\plain\par
the attic and into the storeroom at the back of the chapel.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 With all the stuff downstairs, the three of us settled on the floor an
d began sorting it all
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri479 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 out. F
ather Andrew gave us instructions on what to save and what to throw out. My
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri205 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 aching
limbs stretched awkwardly on the wooden floor. And I winced every time I tried
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri463 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to shi
ft. The priest made small talk as we worked, asking about Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
classes and
\plain\par
things.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 And as we worked, I stole a glance at Rose when the priest turned arou
nd to grab
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri443 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 someth
ing. She was thoughtful as she stared down at the pile surrounding her. The
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri390 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wrinkl
es in her forehead increased as her thought deepened. I looked at her curious
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6478 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 what
she was up to.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri613 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Hey," she said to Fa
ther Andrew. "Do you believe in ghosts? I mean, is there any
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2339 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 menti
on of them in---" She gestured around us. "---in this stuff?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The question surprised him, but he didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t appear to ta
ke offense at her calling his
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri582 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 vocati
on and life{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s work "this stuff". Or at the fact that she was ign
orant about it all,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri529 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 despit
e of attending the services. A bemused expression crossed his face, and he
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6558 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 pause
d in his work.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I stopped too, curious. "Well\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188
\\f Symbol }}it depends on how you define {\f63 \u8222\'3f}ghost{\f63 \u8223\'3f
} I suppose."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Rose tapped a theology book with her finger. "The whole point of this
is that when you
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri270 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 die, y
ou go to heaven or hell. That makes ghosts just stories, right? They{\f63 \u8223
\'3f}re not in the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6665 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Bibl
e or anything."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Again," he said, "it depends on your definition. Our faith has always
held that after
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1031 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 death
, the spirit separates from the body and may indeed linger in this world."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "What?" A dusty bowl she had been holding dropped out of her hand. Fort
unately it was
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri306 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wood a
nd didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t break. She quickly retrieved it. Her face paled, full
of fear and shock.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri282 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 My hea
rt raced even more, this time it was for her safety. Guardian instincts kicked i
n
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri439 \expndtw-1 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and it
took all my will not to shake her and demand who hurt her. I wasn't surprised
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri417 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 when m
y first guess was Jessy. "For how long? Forever?" Her eyes were wide now.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "No, no, of course not. That lies in the face of the resurrection and s
alvation, which form
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri222 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the co
rnerstone of our beliefs. But it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s believed the soul can stay on
the earth for three
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri222 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to for
ty days after death. It eventually receives a {\f63 \u8222\'3f}temporary{\f63 \u
8223\'3f} judgment that sends it on
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri221 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 from t
his world to heaven or hell---although no one will truly experience either until
the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri174 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 actual
Judgment Day, when the soul and body are reunited to live out eternity as one."

\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri197 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Her face went slack,
but not enough to satisfy my burning instincts. "Yeah, but is it true
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1910 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 or no
t? Are spirits really walking the earth for forty days after death?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Ah, Rose. Those who have to ask if faith is true are opening up a dis
cussion they may
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6814 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 not
be ready for."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Rose sighed and turned back to the box in front of her.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "But," he said kindly, "if it helps you, some of these ideas parallel
folk beliefs from
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri658 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Easter
n Europe about ghosts that existed before the spread of Christianity. Those
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri40 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 traditi
ons have long upheld the idea of spirits staying around for a short time after d
eath-
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2582 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 --par
ticularly if the person in question died young or violently."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She froze. The book that was in her hand went slack and fell back into
the box. Her
\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri552 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 face,
I thought was white before, but now it was if it were translucent. I was sure if
I
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri415 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 were t
o walk up to her I could see all the veins and muscles sitting behind that prett
y
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7293 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 skin
of hers.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Why?" She asked in a small voice. "Why would they stay? Is it\expndtw
-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}is it for revenge?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My arms ached to hold her and cradle her against my chest. To whisper
that everything
\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri284 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 was go
ing to be alright, whatever\i it\i0 was. But even with the priest here, who kn
ew a lot
\plain\par
\sl-232\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4160 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 about
us, I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t dare go anywhere near her.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m sure there are some who believe that, just as some
believe it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s because the soul has
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3500 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 troub
le finding peace after something so unsettling."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "What do you believe?" she asked her voice hopeful.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri30 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 He smiled. "I believe
the soul separates from the body, just as our fathers teach us, but I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri593 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 doubt
the soul{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s time on earth is anything the living can perceive. It
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s not like in the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri426 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 movies
, with ghosts haunting buildings or coming to visit those they knew. I envision
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri52 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 these s
pirits as more of an energy existing around us, something beyond our perception
\plain\par
y wait to move on and find peace. Ultimately, what matters is what happens
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri209 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 beyond
this earth when we attain the eternal life our savior bought for us with his gr
eat
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5177 \expndtw-13 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 sacr
ifice. That{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s what{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s important."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Rose stayed quiet and thoughtful, some of the blood returned to her ch
eeks. But not
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri201 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 enough
to calm me down. She seemed to be battling something inside her. I knew this
\plain\par
se of the way she had hunched over herself, face lost in thought.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Father Andrew sensed the change in Rose; he tried to coax her out. "I
just got some
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri179 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 new bo
oks in from a friend in another parish. Interesting stories about St. Vladimir."
He
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2838 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 title
d his head. "Are you still interested in him? And Anna?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 When she didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t respond, the priest and I looked at ea
ch other, wondering what was
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri125 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 into h
er. Rose never really cared for religious things, until now. And her sudden inte
rest
\plain\par
me curious.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Yeah," she said finally, not making eye contact. "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m
interested\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}but I don{\f63
\u8223\'3f}t think I can
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri294 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 get to
it anytime soon. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m kind of busy with all this\expndtw-14{\fie
ld{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}you know, field experience stuff."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 She fell silent again. He took the hint and let her work on without fur
ther interruption. So
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri64 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I follo
wed his lead, not saying anything. When we finally finished sorting, Father Andr
ew
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri29 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 told us
we had one more task before our work was done. He pointed to some boxes that
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5561 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 we{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}d organized and repacked.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri184 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "I need you to carry
these over to the elementary campus," he said. "Leave them off at
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri534 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the Mo
roi dorm there. Ms. Davis has been teaching Sunday school for some of the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3761 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 kinde
rgarteners and might be able to use those."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 It would take at least two trips between Rose and me, and the elementa
ry campus was
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6439 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 a fai
r distance away.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Rose and I got to it.
\par
2 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Why are you interested in ghosts?" I asked her on
our first trip. This had been
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri999 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 bother
ing me the moment she had mentioned it. I had never took Rose as the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri37 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 superna
tural type. Even though Vampires were considered supernatural, we didn{\f63 \u82
23\'3f}t think
\plain\par
\sl-253\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7135 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 of it
that way.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "Just making conversation." She said.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I can{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t see your face right now, but I have a feeling
you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re lying again." I said around
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6832 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the d
usty boxes.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Jeez, everyone thinks the worst of me lately. Stan accused me of glor
y-seeking."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Just the thought of her comparing me to Stan made my body tense. But I
couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t let
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri485 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 that r
each my voice, because if I did Rose would question me and I could get in big
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7683 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 trou
ble.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I heard about that," I said as we rounded a corner. The buildings of
the elementary
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri487 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 campus
loomed up in front of us. "That might have been a little unfair of him." I was
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7100 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 exagg
erating.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri449 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "A little, huh?" Her
voice turned dark, almost making me jump. "Well, thanks, but I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri870 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 starti
ng to lose faith in this field experience. Sometimes in the whole Academy."
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "You don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t mean that."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know. The school just seems so caught up in r
ules and policies that don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have
\plain\par
ng to do with real life. I saw what was out there, comrade. I went right to the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1818 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 monst
er{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s lair. In some ways\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188
\\f Symbol }} I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know if this really prepares us."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s screams returned to me making me wince. The icy
wind picked up then, and as
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri113 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 it hit
me in cold waves I swear I could smell blood in there somewhere. I shivered at
the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4433 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 thoug
ht of Spokane. "Sometimes I agree."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 She nearly stumbled as we stepped inside one of the two Moroi dorms o
n the
\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri455 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 elemen
tary campus. The lobby looked a lot like the ones on the secondary campus.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6471 \expndtw-15 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Rea
lly?" she asked.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Really," I said, a small smile spread on my lips. "I mean, I don{\f63
\u8223\'3f}t agree that novices
\plain\par
be put out in the word when they{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re ten or anything, but someti
mes I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve thought
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri349 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the fi
eld experience should actually be in the field. I probably learned more in my fi
rst
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri210 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 year a
s a guardian then I did in all my years of training. Well\expndtw-14{\field{\*\f
ldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }} maybe not all. But it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s a
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5575 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 diffe
rent situation, absolutely."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m sure there are some who believe that, just as som
e believe it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s because the soul
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3077 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 has t
rouble finding peace after something so unsettling."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "What do you believe?" she asked her voice hopeful.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 He smiled. "I believe the soul separates from the body, just as our fat
hers teach us, but I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri588 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 doubt
the soul{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s time on earth is anything the living can perceive. It
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s not like in the
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri445 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 movies, with ghosts h
aunting buildings or coming to visit those they knew. I envision
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri70 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 these s
pirits as more of an energy existing around us, something beyond our perception
\plain\par
y wait to move on and find peace. Ultimately, what matters is what happens
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri228 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 beyond
this earth when we attain the eternal life our savior bought for us with his gr
eat
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5195 \expndtw-13 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 sacr
ifice. That{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s what{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s important."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Rose stayed quiet and thoughtful, some of the blood returned to her ch
eeks. But not
\plain\par
to calm me down. She seemed to be battling something inside her. I knew this
\plain\par
se of the way she had hunched over herself, face lost in thought.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Father Andrew sensed the change in Rose; he tried to coax her out. "I
just got some
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri203 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 new bo
oks in from a friend in another parish. Interesting stories about St. Vladimir."
He
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2856 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 title
d his head. "Are you still interested in him? And Anna?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 When she didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t respond, the priest and I looked at ea
ch other, wondering what was
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri140 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 into h
er. Rose never really cared for religious things, until now. And her sudden inte
rest
\plain\par
me curious.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Yeah," she said finally, not making eye contact. "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m
interested\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}but I don{\f63
\u8223\'3f}t think I can
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri312 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 get to
it anytime soon. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m kind of busy with all this\expndtw-14{\fie
ld{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}you know, field experience stuff."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She fell silent again. He took the hint and let her work on without fu
rther interruption. So
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri82 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I follo
wed his lead, not saying anything. When we finally finished sorting, Father Andr
ew
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri38 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 told us
we had one more task before our work was done. He pointed to some boxes that
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5579 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 we{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}d organized and repacked.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I need you to carry these over to the elementary campus," he said. "L
eave them off at
\plain\par
roi dorm there. Ms. Davis has been teaching Sunday school for some of the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3815 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 kinde
rgarteners and might be able to use those."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri125 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 It would take at leas
t two trips between Rose and me, and the elementary campus was
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6439 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 a fai
r distance away.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Rose and I got to it.
\par
2 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Why are you interested in ghosts?" I asked her on
our first trip. This had been
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri993 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 bother
ing me the moment she had mentioned it. I had never took Rose as the
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri40 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 superna
tural type. Even though Vampires were considered supernatural, we didn{\f63 \u82
23\'3f}t think
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7135 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 of it
that way.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "Just making conversation." She said.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I can{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t see your face right now, but I have a feeling
you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re lying again." I said around
\plain\par
usty boxes.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Jeez, everyone thinks the worst of me lately. Stan accused me of glor
y-seeking."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Just the thought of her comparing me to Stan made my body tense. But I
couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t let
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri477 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 that r
each my voice, because if I did Rose would question me and I could get in big
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7683 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 trou
ble.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I heard about that," I said as we rounded a corner. The buildings of
the elementary
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri487 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 campus
loomed up in front of us. "That might have been a little unfair of him." I was
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7100 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 exagg
erating.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "A little, huh?" Her voice turned dark, almost making me jump. "Well,
thanks, but I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri834 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 starti
ng to lose faith in this field experience. Sometimes in the whole Academy."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri6232 \expndtw-20 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "You don{\f63 \u822
3\'3f}t mean that."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know. The school just seems so caught up in r
ules and policies that don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have
\plain\par
ng to do with real life. I saw what was out there, comrade. I went right to the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1746 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 monst
er{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s lair. In some ways\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188
\\f Symbol }} I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know if this really prepares us."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s screams returned to me making me wince. The icy
wind picked up then, and as
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri38 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 it hit
me in cold waves I swear I could smell blood in there somewhere. I shivered at t
he
\plain\par
ht of Spokane. "Sometimes I agree."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She nearly stumbled as we stepped inside one of the two Moroi dorms on
the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri389 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 elemen
tary campus. The lobby looked a lot like the ones on the secondary campus.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6398 \expndtw-15 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Rea
lly?" she asked.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Really," I said, a small smile spread on my lips. "I mean, I don{\f63
\u8223\'3f}t agree that novices
\plain\par
be put out in the word when they{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re ten or anything, but someti
mes I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve thought
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri273 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the fi
eld experience should actually be in the field. I probably learned more in my fi
rst
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri138 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 year a
s a guardian then I did in all my years of training. Well\expndtw-14{\field{\*\f
ldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }} maybe not all. But it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s a
\plain\par
rent situation, absolutely."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I studied her, brushing hair out of my eyes in the process. "Why does
there have to be
\plain\par
ulterior motive?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She took a moment to consider this. Every time her anger started to lo
osen my tense
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2801 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 body
would relax a little. "Because everyone has motives."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "Yes. But not always the motives you think." I pushed open the door. "I
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll see you later."
\plain\par
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri147 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 After leaving Rose to
bring the last box to Mrs. Davis, I made my way to the guardian{\f63 \u8223\'3f
}s
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri532 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 main b
uilding to report Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s community service. Even though Kirova a
nd Alberta
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri196 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 never
asked me to, I felt like it was the right thing to do. Considering I was assigne
d to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri818 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 keep R
ose in line and report her disciplinary projects I figured this event was no
\plain\par
rent.
\plain\par
f10 \fs24 \cf44 And as my feet sloshed in the snow I couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t he
lp but feel hurt about Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s earlier
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri356 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 commen
ts. Did she really not believe that I could get her into the trial? Did she real
ly
\plain\par
I had that much power to do so? Her comments suggested that I did, and she
\plain\par
d at me as if I were a god who was capable of doing anything.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I shook my head at the thought; no I may not be able to do\i everythi
ng\i0 . But I was
\plain\par
\sl-259\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri530 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 capabl
e of doing a lot of things, and getting Rose and Lissa to that trial was just an

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5753 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 obsta
cle I had to overcome.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 As the guardian building peeped out of the darkness of the trees I qui
ckened my pace.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri337 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 My fee
t were silent against the snow, mainly from my years of practicing fox walking,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri343 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and al
so from being light in my stance. Twenty years of practicing this one technique
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6677 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 will
do that to you.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The soft golden glow coming from the windows casted long eerie blue sh
adows on the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri37 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 snow. S
hapes were walking past the window{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s frame. I could tell from th
e short hair and
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri125 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the te
nse body that one of them was Alberta{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s. The wind picked up maki
ng me quicken
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6448 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 my pa
ce even more.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I was soon bathed in the warm glow. Shutting the door behind me I coul
d actually feel
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2043 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 my fa
ce defrosting. How long have I been walking? I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll never know.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri208 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Alberta{\f63 \u8223\'
3f}s head shot up from the corner she was standing at the instant the door locke
d
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri89 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 in plac
e. She nodded and gave me a small smile. "Belikov. You{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re here t
o report Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5440 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 commu
nity service I presume?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I nodded back and took a seat at the empty table. Emil was standing of
f to the side
\plain\par
over something with another guardian. "Yes, she, Father Andrew and I worked all
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri496 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 day on
cleaning out the chapel{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s attic and sorting through the boxes t
hat he kept up
\plain\par
Then after we, Rose and I, brought them down to the lower schools and handed
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6029 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 them
over to Mrs. Davis."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s watchful eyes were on me the whole time. Mak
ing me nervous. She let a few
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3150 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 momen
ts pass before she nodded. "How is she doing?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Her question shocked me. I knew Alberta cared about Rose{\f63 \u8223\'
3f}s field experience but that
\plain\par
f63 \u8223\'3f}t stop my racing heart from slowing down. After my confrontation
with Father
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri428 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Andrew
this morning I figured everyone would{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve guessed my love for Ro
se by now.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I kept my face as stone like as possible, not wanting to give anything
away from last
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri29 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 night.
Especially my fight with Stan. "She{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s doing better; Guardian Alt
o got her again last
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri642 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 night.
But this time it was different, he attacked and both she and Eddie jumped in
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4633 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 leavi
ng both their charges unprotected."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I felt like a snitch but I couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t lie to Alberta. Sh
e was the one person that had control
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 over al
l guardians at this school and if she found out I was lying I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d
lose my job. And that
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri922 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 meant
losing my job of protecting Lissa and keeping a watchful eye over Rose.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta had started to pace the room again. Her head hung low as she p
laced her
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1047 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 clasp
ed hands behind her back. Her face was thoughtful as she took in all my
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri532 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 inform
ation. And I noticed for the first time she looked as young as she was. Not all
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri277 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 tensed up and ready f
or a fight, her face was smooth, free of stress wrinkles and with
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri82 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her mou
th slightly opened she looked her age. Alberta wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t as old as
most guardians
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri335 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 now a
days, but she was pretty old. And all the stress of being a Guardian had taken
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6745 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her b
eauty away.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 This thought brought me back to my first days of training Rose. It had
been cold and we
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri225 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 had be
en practicing outside for quite some time. When we came back inside I noticed
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri62 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her han
ds were cracked and blistered, and in some parts they had actually opened and
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7917 \expndtw-15 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 bled
.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 While I was treating them she told me that this was the first sign of h
er slowly losing her
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri635 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 beauty
. Just like Alberta and her mother had lost theirs. The life of dedication and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3237 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 prote
cting the Moroi really affected us in a lot of ways.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Back then I had told her that it wouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t happen to he
r that this life would never affect
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri82 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her bea
uty in anyway. And even now I thought the same thing. Rose was different from
\plain\par
a and her mother. Both Alberta and Janine have fully dedicated their lives to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri539 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 protec
ting and serving their Moroi charges. The only difference is that Rose will be
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri71 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 safely
locked away in Court with Lissa. Which will provide less brutality to her gorgeo
us
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri185 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 face.
She didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t need to worry about losing her golden skin to a hard
life. I was sure of
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri8219 \expndtw-23 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 it.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta stopped pacing and resorted to sitting next to me. She leaned
forward, resting
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri250 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her el
bows on her knees as she stared into my eyes. I could see the beautiful woman
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri286 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 she on
ce was before this life took that all away. She was still beautiful, not in the
way
\plain\par
was, but in her own way. She had a tough beauty about her.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri132 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "I heard about her fi
ght with Alto last night, and I know you care about her as much as I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri134 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 do. An
d want to help her but I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know what we can do. We{\f63 \u82
23\'3f}ve both seen what she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri34 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 capable
of; we{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve both seen the damage in Spokane." She paused her face
darkening. I
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri165 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 knew w
hat she was thinking of. The blood that covered the floor as Rose screamed for
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri269 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 us to
leave her alone. Hovering over Mason as if she could bring him back to life. The

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri299 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 tears
and blood mixed in on her cheeks, the hurt and anger in her eyes as she stared
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4906 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 up at
us not making our features out.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta shook her head. "I know Rose is much more skilled than this. S
he shouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri607 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 even n
eed to take the field experience. I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t even think what we put
the novice{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri384 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 throug
h every year really helps them in real life." She looked away. I was shocked at
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri35 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 how clo
se she came to mirroring my thoughts from talking to Rose earlier. "But I have t
o
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri70 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 put fai
th in this program. It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s the only way we can teach them the ways
of the real world.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri154 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I had
expected Rose to be the top student and take down every threat we threw at her.
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri346 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 But ma
ybe I was wrong. Maybe Spokane had done some permanent damage to her.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri188 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Maybe\
expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}" her eyes looked sadder an
d sadder the more she talked. I placed a hand on
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri131 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her sh
oulder, trying to comfort her. There were real tears in her eyes. "Maybe she can
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri563 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 be hel
ped. Maybe she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s incapable of killing Strigoi without flashing b
ack to her first
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7753 \expndtw-20 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 kill
ing."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Her voice trailed off as she looked away from me. I took in what she w
as saying. It was
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri360 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 true,
maybe there{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s no way to help Rose. Maybe she really was gone in
the sense of
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri924 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 being
able to kill. But thinking back to today, the fierceness in her eyes and the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri571 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 determ
ination to pass this exam was a sign of how wrong Alberta{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s thou
ghts were.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri208 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 No, Rose was capable
of killing. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve seen the way she watches Lissa as if she were i
n
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri463 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 terrib
le danger. As if in any moment Lissa will be attacked, even in a highly guarded
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3617 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 schoo
l. No, Rose hasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t left us, and she never will.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I squeezed Alberta{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s shoulder out of comfort. "I{\f63
\u8223\'3f}ve fought her in the gym after Spokane.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri161 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I{\f63
\u8223\'3f}ve seen the way she watches Lissa as if they were already out in the
real world. Rose
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1054 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hasn{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}t left us after Spokane. If anything she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s grown
stronger and more alert."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta looked back at me, her eyes wide and hopeful; this only made h
er look much
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1781 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 young
er. "You really think so?" There was a hopeful tone to her voice.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I nodded. "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m positive. I know Rose; she{\f63 \u8223\'
3f}ll never leave this life of protecting and serving
\plain\par
roi." I thought back to the day in the gym after Spokane when she demanded to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3222 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 learn
more about killing Strigoi. "No, she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll be just fine."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta smiled at me. "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m sorry\expndtw-14{\field{\*\
fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}about all that, it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s just guardi
an numbers are lowering
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3388 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 daily
and we can{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t afford to lose a student like Rose."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I nodded in agreement. When she didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t say anymore I s
tood up to leave. I took two
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri38 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 steps b
efore she reached out and grabbed my wrist. Forcing me to turn around and look
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri280 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 down i
nto her eyes. "Promise me you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll find out what{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
wrong with Rose, Belikov." Her
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri472 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 eyes w
ere no longer watery, if anything they looked determined. "We can{\f63 \u8223\'3
f}t lose her.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6783 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Ment
ally I mean."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 I nodded. "I promise."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta sighed and leaned back releasing her hold on me. She ran a han
d through her
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri811 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 short
brown hair. "One more thing. Do you think we need to get Hathaway into a
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7420 \expndtw-17 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 ther
apist?"
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri247 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I took a moment to th
ink about that. Therapy would help her, but I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t think that{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}s an
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri289 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 issue
as of right now. And if we did decide to place her into a help program it will o
nly
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri771 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 push b
ack her field experience more. I shook my head. "No, she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll be f
ine. If the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri128 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 proble
m worsens within this week I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll set up an appointment with one o
f our therapists."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta seemed to like this idea. She nodded and clasped her hands in
her lap. "Very
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6545 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 well
then, I need---"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Her next words were cut off by a loud bang of the front door. I spun a
round as fast as I
\plain\par
if there were a Strigoi standing behind me. My instincts made me reach for my
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri242 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 stake.
But my fingers stopped to rest on the cold metal surface as I noticed who I was

\plain\par
to attack.
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Ivashkov! You are out of line!"
\plain\par
24 \cf44 Green eyes stared back at me, messy brown hair drenched from the newly
falling snow.
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri366 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Adrian
smirked at me as he walked toward us. Kirova was behind him, looking upset
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6138 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and p
issed off as usual.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I told him he couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t come in here without an appoin
tment. That Moroi were not
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1747 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 permi
tted to enter without further acceptance, but he just won{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t list
en."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Adrian plopped himself down on one of the few couches we had in the gu
ardian
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri92 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 buildin
g. He stretched out his long legs looking bored. "I told you Kirova I go by my o
wn
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri101 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 rules.
Besides I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m not a student. I have rights!" His words had a slig
ht slur to them. And
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri200 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 it too
k me a moment to realize he was drunk. Shaking my head I looked over at a now
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6008 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 fumin
g, red faced Kirova.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-328 \li0 \ri275 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "\i Headmistress\i0 .
And because you aren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t a student doesn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t mean y
ou get to barge into
\plain\par
\sl-232\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri60 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 whateve
r building you want. You{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re not even part of our staff, you have
no right what so
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri36 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 ever."
Her words were clipped and had venom dripping off of them. I couldn{\f63 \u8223\
'3f}t remember
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1463 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 a tim
e when Kirova wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t this mad. Excluding the past visits from Ro
se.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Adrian waved that off as if it didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t even matter. And
to an Ivashkov it might as well not.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri73 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Yeah,
I get it. I came here for a good reason, and since you wouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
approve I went to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6309 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the n
ext best source."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Adrian{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s eyes searched both Alberta{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
and mine. Emil and the other guardian were still
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri35 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 standin
g in the corner, but were no longer focused on the paper Emil still clutched in
his
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri534 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hand.
Their eyes were wide and surprised. I had no doubt Alberta and I looked the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7798 \expndtw-15 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 same
.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Kirova huffed at that as she positioned herself next to Adrian. "Reque
sting Rosemarie
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri227 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Hathaw
ay and Vasilisa Dragomir to Victor Dashkov{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s trail isn{\f63 \u82
23\'3f}t a good reason to come
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3755 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 bargi
ng into every staff building on this campus."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 He smiled up at Kirova as she stared him down. How he managed not to c
ower under
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri206 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her pi
ercing glare was beyond me. "Oh come on, let them come. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m sure
my Aunt will
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri86 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 be thri
lled to have the last Dragomir in her courtroom. Considering they{\f63 \u8223\'3
f}ve been absent
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2291 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 for o
ver two years. They need more power in their government."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 We all stared at him in shock. Never before had a royal talked about t
he Dragomir{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri84 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 death l
ike that. Everyone looked at it in sorrow and pity for Lissa. But then again Adr
ian
\plain\par
\sl-227\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2302 \expndtw-5 \i \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wa
s\i0 drunk and probably didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know half of what he was saying.

\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Kirova looked like she was about to hit him. Instead she clinched her
fists to her side,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri166 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 making
her knuckles turn white. "The Dragomir{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s death was a tragedy, a
nd you should
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri410 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 respect their absence
and not acknowledge it in that way." I could tell she was trying
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5703 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hard
to keep her self control.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Adrian yawned looking more bored than he did a moment ago. He seemed t
o forget
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri413 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Kirova
as he turned his attention to both Alberta and I. "Please consider letting Rose

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri160 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and Li
ssa go to the trial." At first I wanted to shake my head but the longer I looked
into
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1937 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 those
deep green eyes the more I began to lose my sense of reality.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 There was nothing in the world but those emerald eyes. They burned int
o my soul as I
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri37 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 continu
ed to stare at him. His face was a magnificent blur; the only thing I could seem
to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6268 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 focus
on was his eyes.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I shook my head; that was weird, never before had I felt like that. I
looked away as he
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri298 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 contin
ued to talk. "My Aunt will praise you for letting them come along." His voice wa
s
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2692 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 like
honey but there was something else hidden in there too.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I focused my attention back on him. But this time I didn{\f63 \u8223\'
3f}t look anywhere near his eyes.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri100 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 They w
ere now focused on Alberta. I stole a glance in her direction and was shocked at

\plain\par
I saw.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Her face was slack, like it had been earlier, making her look ten year
s younger.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri389 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Everyt
hing about her seemed normal except for her eyes. They had that glazed over
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4971 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 look
I knew all too well. Compulsion.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Adrian was using it on Alberta, and Kirova didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t noti
ce it. I wanted to say something,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5009 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 but o
ne simple thought stopped me.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 This could be it; this could be our chance of getting Rose into the tr
ial. I knew it was
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri511 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wrong
to encourage compulsion, I could get in a lot of trouble for it, but if it inclu
ded
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri592 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Rose and making her h
appy I was all for it. I sat back in my chair and stared at the
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5024 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 patte
rn on the floor until it was over.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta coughed and sighed. I looked up at her, her eyes were still gl
azed over but I
\plain\par
see her quickly coming to her senses. "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll consider it." She sa
id not sounding\i too
\plain\par
\sl-258\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7408 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 convi
nced.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I looked over at Adrian to see what his reaction might be. And what I
saw surprised me.
\plain\par
\sl-228\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri699 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 He gla
red at both of us. "You\i will\i0 do it, and forget that I used compulsion on
you."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I woke up; it was like I was in a dream, a dream where I was being con
trolled. Only I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri340 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 was in
the guardian{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s building staring at Adrian and Kirova. Kirova{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}s features were as
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1544 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 pisse
d off as usual, she didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t seem affected by the weird dream feel
ing.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I shook off the rest of the effects as I stared at my hands. Alberta{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}s voice rang through
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri173 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the si
lence. "Considering your proposition Mr. Ivashkov, I will allow both Hathaway an
d
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri28 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Dragomi
r to attend Victor{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s trial." Her voice seemed like something was
controlling it, but
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6666 \expndtw-12 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I di
dn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know what.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Kirova moved towards the door. "Great, not only will we have to worry
about you being
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri307 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 troubl
e Adrian, but now we{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll have to worry about Rosemarie as well."
She huffed and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5295 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 walke
d out into the cold night air.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Adrian stood up and brushed off his pants. "Well my work is finished.
See you
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7411 \expndtw-19 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 tomo
rrow."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 And with that he left the building as loud as he had entered. I shook
off whatever I had
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri268 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 just g
one through and stood up. I had to pack for tomorrow. And now I had to pack for
\plain\par
.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri600 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Excitement burst thro
ugh my body at the thought of having her come with us. How
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5815 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Adria
n did it I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll never know.
\plain\par
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 As I walked back to my dorm in the cool night air I couldn{\f63 \u8223
\'3f}t help but feel a pang of
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri186 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 jealou
sy towards Adrian. How he had managed to get Rose and Lissa into Victor{\f63 \u8
223\'3f}s trial
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri88 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 when I
couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve never felt like such a failure an
d disappointed towards myself in my
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7479 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 whole
life.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 Maybe if I had just tried harder\i I\i0 could have gotten Rose and Li
ssa to Court,\i not\i0 Adrian.
\plain\par
\sl-232\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri189 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 And as
my feet crunched in the newly lain snow I couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t help but won
der how he had
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1037 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 done
it. How could someone, who doesn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have a lot of respect and inf
luence,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri31 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 overpow
er someone who has earned the respect from his peers and has more influence
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5131 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 in bo
th Moroi and dhampir worlds?
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 As I pondered on this subject the novice and guardian dorm came into v
iew. Its
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri150 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 mediev
al shape was a black smudge on the horizon surrounded by dark looming trees.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1121 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 The b
uildings point seemed to pierce the sky with its crown as I came closer.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 It was near curfew, and I was surprised to see no one wondering around
campus before
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri327 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 they h
ad to be inside. Although it was cold out and that had to be the main reason for

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6315 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 drawi
ng them indoors.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Soon enough I was inside the dorm. My cheeks burned from the cold air
as the room{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri146 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 heat b
lasted me in the face. My fingers and toes were starting to feel numb and prickl
y.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri210 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 The la
dy at the desk didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t seem to notice me as I silently slipped pa
st her towards the
\plain\par
of the lobby where the guardians kept most of their "traveling gear".
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri74 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I opened the small nar
row door at the end of the room with my endless amount of keys,
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri161 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and wa
s greeted with blackness. I took in a deep breath and was rewarded with an old
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri151 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 musty
smell that came from the small room. It was under the stairwell and was ignored
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri576 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 most o
f the time since guardians seemed to have a lack in usage for it. The fumes
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri233 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 coming
from the moist walls made my nose scrunch up in disgust; the smell reminded
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri114 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 me of
being with Rose earlier in the Chapel with all the old musty books. I smiled at
the
\plain\par
ht of being with her at this moment and her commenting on the smell.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My dhampir eyes quickly adjusted to the dark as I quietly shut the doo
r and made my
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri485 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 way do
wn the set of stairs that I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve been down more than the other gua
rdians here.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I ducked through the second door way, my feet echoing against the wall
s as I did so,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri207 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and hi
t the light switch on the left. My eyes protested to the harsh lighting as I ste
pped
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri329 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 furthe
r into the small confined room. On the far right corner was another door which I

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri84 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 knew he
ld the clothes for attending the Court. And opposite of that wall were shelves o
f
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri43 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 weapons
, which were kept secret from the novices so they won{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t come won
dering down
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3701 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 here
wanting to "test" the dangerous instruments.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I quietly shut the second door behind me and made my way towards the c
loset. My
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri112 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hand r
ested on the cool brass knob as I struggled to turn its rusty springs, due from
the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri186 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 dank a
nd wet air in the small confined room. Its springs groaned protests as I careful
ly
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri364 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 twiste
d the rusting knob. And as I pulled the door out its hinges groaned even louder
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri268 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 than t
he springs did, making me wince, although I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know why. I ha
d no reason to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7182 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 be se
cretive.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I was greeted with clear hanging bags of black and white suits. The bag
s were meant to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri443 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 protec
t the clothes so they wouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t get moldy. But if they were left
unattended for a
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri229 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 certain amount of tim
e they would eventually need to be thrown out and Alberta would
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6108 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 have
to order new ones.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The Queen requests all guardians to be in black and white attire, whic
h included black
\plain\par
\sl-227\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri39 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 pants a
nd white shirts. We didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have any say in it, because after all
it\i was\i0 the Queen{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-258\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7934 \expndtw-16 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wish
.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I thumbed through the wet plastic bags, as I searched for Rose{\f63 \u
8223\'3f}s size. I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t need an
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri255 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 outfit
for myself because I already had one. Guardians were required to have a pair of

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri74 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 black a
nd white attire just in case something comes up and they can{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t g
o shopping for a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri8074 \expndtw-18 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 set.

\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My mind flashed back to the time when Victor had taken the girls to th
e mall in search
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri119 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 for th
eir dresses for the dance. I had followed them at a safe yet close enough distan
ce
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri382 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and ha
d watched as Rose and Lissa went through clothing stores looking at not only
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4944 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 dress
es but pants and shirts as well.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I had taken notice in what Rose looked at and had heard her sizes as w
ell. I knew
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri567 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 knowin
g this information might come in handy one day, especially if she really was
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2542 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 being
considered to guard Lissa at the Court after graduation.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My fingers rested on one of the white shirts on the girl{\f63 \u8223\'
3f}s side of the closet. I picked it off
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri409 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the ra
ck and hung it loosely over my arm. Then I continued to leaf through the damp
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4129 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 bags
until I found the right size pants as well.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Taking in another deep breath of the musty room I shut the closet door
and made my
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4353 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 way o
ut of the room as quietly as possible.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri496 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Once I was on my leve
led floor I walked away from my dorm room and towards the
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri158 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 washin
g room. I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t think Rose would appreciate musty and dank smel
ls as her new
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7551 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 perf
ume.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 After I put them in the washer I leaned back against one of the many ch
airs in the room
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri305 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and st
retched out my long legs. My eyes felt heavy from the long day of work and my
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri185 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 limbs
tired. But before I could even think of resting, my mind landed on a subject I w
as
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6965 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 not t
oo fond of.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Father Andrew had been right about Rose and me. And that had scared me
, he out of
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri343 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 all pe
ople had figured out my worst and deepest secret. I knew I could trust a man of
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri79 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the Lor
d to keep that secret but what if something came up and he was forced to reveal
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri8177 \expndtw-22 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 it?
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 And then another thing popped in my head\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst
SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }} what if Victor\i does\i0 tell the royal court
\plain\par
the truth between Rose and me? My reputation would shatter, and I would most
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri29 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 likely
be out casted and possibly thrown in jail. Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s interest might
be overlooked as a
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri208 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 school
girl{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s crush. And may be forgotten, but knowing her she might j
ust stand up for
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3437 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 our l
ove and get herself thrown in jail along with me.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 But not in the same cell because that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s still "against
the rules". And that simple thought
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri686 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 scared
me more than anything ever could. My future might be over after this trial.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 The thought haunted me even after I claimed Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s clot
hes and went to bed that night.
\par
294 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 The next day I hurried and got dressed, packing
my Court attire as well as a few dark
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri111 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 clothi
ng. My hair was still damp from my quick shower as I made my way to the plane{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}s
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri130 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 departure station. I
wouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t be surprised if the long loose strands turned into icic
les by
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5075 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the t
ime I got there in this weather.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 As usual I got there before everyone else. Well except for the pilot G
eorge and his
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri744 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 attend
ants. They each smiled and nodded at me as I walked over to them with a
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri238 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 suitca
se in one hand and my duster in the other. I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t bother putti
ng it on because I
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5437 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 was i
n a rush to get here early.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Belikov, early as usual." George said. I smiled at him and handed my
back over to his
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5590 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 atten
dant{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s outstretched arm.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She took it from me and walked towards the back of the plane and loade
d it in. As I
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri374 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 turned
around to face the campus I noticed several other guardians walking towards
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri163 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 me. Th
ey were the ones from Victor{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s attack, so I wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f
}t surprised when I noticed they
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7078 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 too h
ad bags.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 As they neared they handed them over to the other two attendants and b
oarded.
\par
39 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I stood out in the cold, wanting to talk to Rose
before we got on. Soon enough, after the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri168 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 jet{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}s engine turned on and everyone was boarded, Rose showed up with E
ddie, and in
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6035 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 tow:
Christian and Lissa.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 A few guardians still lingered towards the plane{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s ste
ps. I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t feel like being so close
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri921 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 so I s
tood off to the side. Waiting for Rose to notice me, like I knew she would.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 When she did spot me she literally ran up to me, sorrow filled those d
ark eyes, making
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri321 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 my hea
rt ache to hold her. The events from yesterday rushed back to me making my
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2633 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 heart
hurt even more when I realized why she was so upset.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri4458 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m
sorry." She gulped out. "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m so sorry."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 I maintained my guardian mask as I turned to fully face her. "Sorry f
or what?"
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "For all the horrible things I said yesterday. You did it---you really
did it. You got them to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7491 \expndtw-17 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 let
us go."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The pride that flashed in her eyes and on her face made my heart nearl
y break. I wish I
\plain\par
be able to say that I had gotten them here. But in reality I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3
f}t, Adrian did and I
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3748 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 despi
sed him every moment I was reminded of it.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I could feel my hands clutching at the memory of Adrian waltzing into
the Guardian{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri640 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 buildi
ng and getting a yes out of Alberta one time while I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve been try
ing for weeks.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 But through all this pain I managed to keep my face as hard as stone,
I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t want to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri27 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hurt he
r any more than my words would. "It wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t me, Rose. I had nothi
ng to do with it."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Her face fell at that and the sight of this made my heart sing in sadn
ess. Alberta
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri99 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 signale
d for us to board and leave. I took that as my cue and was happy I didn{\f63 \u8
223\'3f}t have to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2870 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 witne
ss Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s crumbling face as I walked towards the jet.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Sighing I picked up my pace, shivering, but not from the cold this tim
e, but from the fact
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri677 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 that I
had disappointed Rose. And as I took my seat next to Alberta on the plane I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri252 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 couldn
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t help but feel a pang of sadness. I never wanted to witness th
at expression on
\plain\par
ever again. She deserved better.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 As the plane took off I vowed to myself that I would never disappoint
her again. I also
\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri33 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 silentl
y promised myself as the plane was in the air that I would never\i ever\i0 be
the cause
\plain\par
\sl-259\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3747 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 for t
hat expression to come up on her face again.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri7311 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Chapter 13:
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I glanced out the window as the plane flew through the air. Although I
couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t see
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri42 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 anythin
g I was reminded of the first time I met Rose. She too looked out the window and

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3316 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 ignor
ed what the person next to her was trying to say.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t ignoring Alberta parse but I was trying my be
st to keep things blunt and to the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri79 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 point.
I had a lot of things on my mind and I just wanted time to think. Alberta must h
ave
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri766 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 guesse
d this halfway through our conversation because she stopped talking and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3123 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 resor
ted to leaning her head back and closing her eyes.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I sighed out of relief and returned back to the blackened window. My h
eart still ached at
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri195 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the di
sappointment I had caused Rose. It was like her face was sketched on the inside
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri485 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 of my
eyelids. So whenever I blinked I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d see that memory and I would c
ringe a little.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I never thought I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d feel this much pain before. And I
never realized I cared about
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri176 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 someon
e{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s respect and honor for me as much as I did now; especially wh
en it involved
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri652 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Rose.
To see her face fall like that was like her saying she didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t lo
ve me. Which I
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3918 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hoped
too, would never come out of her mouth.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I sighed again and placed my hand under my chin, my eyes awake and ale
rt, despite
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri217 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 my sho
rtened sleep last night. When I was about to lean back I heard her voice from a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5466 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 row b
ehind me and to the right.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Adrian." She said; her voice seemed to be full of pain and not mental
either. My heart
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri775 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 leapt
at the thought because if it was I knew I wouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t stop blaming
myself for it.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Adrian kept talking, although I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know what about
. I was more focused on the way
\plain\par
said his name.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri352 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Adrian." She repeate
d, only this time with more force and much more pain. My heart
\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri57 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 gave an
other leap at the sound. And it had something to do with the fact that she\i wa
s\i0 in
\plain\par
\sl-259\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7108 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 pain
this time.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I leaned forward a little, trying to catch what Adrian was saying. It
could have been
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri401 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 offens
ive for all I knew. My fingers thrummed softly on my legs as I tried to look lik
e I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6292 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wasn
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t eavesdropping.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "And then a slit up the side to show off what great legs you have. It
could go nearly to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4792 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the h
ip and have this cute little bow---"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My fingers clinched so tight my knuckles turned white. And that was sa
ying something
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri36 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 conside
ring my naturally tanned skin. I tried to keep my posture composed; I didn{\f63
\u8223\'3f}t need
\plain\par
a thinking something was off by the way I was reacting to Adrian{\f63 \u8223\'3f
}s words.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri315 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Consid
ering everyone knew Moroi guys hit on dhampir girls all the time, and normally
\plain\par
\sl-227\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri154 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 we nev
er thought about it much at school. But this wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t any other dh
ampir. It was\i my
\plain\par
\sl-258\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6076 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 dhamp
ir girl being hit on.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "\i Adrian!"\i0 Adrian stopped in mid-sentence as Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3
f}s voice rose to a scream. It was loud
\plain\par
for the pilot to hear I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m sure. We all jumped, and I tried to hi
de a smile playing at
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri617 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 my lip
s from the look on Adrian{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s face. "Will you shut the hell up for
five seconds?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta shot up, the air stirring violently at her rapid movement. I f
ollowed her; and my
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri630 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 feet n
early gave underneath me from standing up too fast. "Rose," she exclaimed.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6627 \expndtw-22 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Wha
t{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s going on?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I turned so I could see Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s face. And when I did a
new emotion drowned out the
\plain\par
s pressing against my chest.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-328 \li0 \ri345 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 She gritted her teeth
and rubbed her forehead. "I have the\i worst\i0 fucking headache in
\plain\par
\sl-232\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri349 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the wo
rld, and he won{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t shut up." The way she cursed told me she didn{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}t even realize
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri355 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 she ha
d just sworn in front of an instructor. Her face held a hint of surprise a momen
t
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7960 \expndtw-12 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 late
r.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 She winced in pain and the emotion faded. It was like something was phy
sically pushing
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri432 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her. G
uardian instincts kicked in as I hastily looked around the plane for eyes ringed

\plain\par
red. But I saw none so I resorted back to Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s pain filled fac
e.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "God, why won{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t it go away?" Her voice was barely over
a whisper but I heard it, and it
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri360 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 made m
y heart race even faster. I was starting to think I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d get a hear
t attack soon if it
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7395 \expndtw-18 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 didn
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t stop.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta looked at her confused and opened her mouth to respond, but Ch
ristian beat
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2287 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her t
o it. "She hasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t eaten today. She was really hungry earlier."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s face was filled with concern, as she moved c
loser to Rose. I hovered behind
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri140 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 her, n
ot wanting to interfere with the head Guardian{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s conversation, w
ell\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }} unless I\i had
\plain\par
\sl-258\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri8200 \expndtw-23 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Rose met my eyes for a second before glancing around at the air like s
omething was
\plain\par
I looked around the plane again but didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t notice anything wron
g with it. And
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri185 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 when I
looked back down at Rose she blinked rapidly, and a wash of relief fell over he
r
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri771 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 face a
s she looked back up at Alberta. Her eyes just grazing mine for a moment.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Alberta turned to one of the flight attendants. "Can you get her somet
hing to eat? And
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6927 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 find
a painkiller"
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri318 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I would have stayed q
uiet if it wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t that look on Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s face. It w
as like she was lost
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri523 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and sc
ared at the same time, my heart sang for the millionth time today as I tried to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2198 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 keep
myself as composed as possible. "Where{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s it at? The pain?"
\plain\par
24 \cf44 Her eyes met mine, and my heart sped up even more. "It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}
s a headache\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}I{\f63 \u8223\
'3f}m sure it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll go
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri233 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 away\e
xpndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}" I gave her a stern look, k
nowing she would take that as a hint that that wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri875 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 good e
nough. With as much snarkiness as she could muster she pointed to her
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri293 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 forehe
ad. "It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s like something pushing on my skull. And there{\f63 \u8
223\'3f}s pain kind of behind my
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri124 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 eyes.
I keep feeling like\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}well, i
t{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s like I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve got something in my eye. I think I
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m seeing a
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3736 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 shado
w or something. Then I blink and it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s gone."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I opened my mouth to tell her what it was but Alberta beat me to it. "
Ah, that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s a
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri31 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 migrain
e symptom---having vision problems. It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s called an aura. People
sometimes get it
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5644 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 befor
e the headache sets in."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "An aura?" Rose asked startled. She glanced up at Adrian who was kneeli
ng on his seat
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri567 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 so he
could look over the headrest at her. And by the way he was holding himself I
\plain\par
tell he was drunk. I shook my head in disappointment at that.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Not that kind," he said, a small smile turning up his lips. The way h
e was looking at her
\plain\par
f63 \u8223\'3f}t seem right to me, and for some reason my fingers clinched, for
the second time
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri98 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 on this
plain trip, making a tight fist. "Same name. Like Court and court. Migraine aur
as
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri384 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 are im
ages and light you see when a migraine{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s coming on. They have no
thing to do
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri209 \expndtw0 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 with th
e auras around people I see. But I tell you\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
188 \\f Symbol }}the aura I can see\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f
Symbol }}the one around
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri703 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 you \e
xpndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}wow." His expression changed
from being interested in her to curiosity. My
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri59 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 fingers
started to ache as I forced them back open. The blood circulating back into the
m
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5295 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hurt
a little but I ignored the pain.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri5332 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I glanced back at R
ose. "Black?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "And then some. It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s obvious even after all the drinks
I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve had. Never seen anything like
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri8201 \expndtw-30 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 it."

\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She stared at him like she didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t comprehend what he w
as saying, but soon forgot all
\plain\par
it when the flight attendant returned with a banana, a granola bar, and some
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri377 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 ibupro
fen. Which she inhaled the moment it was handed to her. She then propped a
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3965 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 pillo
w up against the window; closing her eyes.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I returned to my seat after making Alberta switch with me. If somethin
g happened like
\plain\par
again\i I\i0 wanted to be the first one there.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I found myself continually glancing back at Rose as if she was going t
o have a sudden
\plain\par
\sl-227\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri706 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 outbur
st again. But when it didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t come after an hour, I pulled out my
old battered
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3100 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 weste
rn book and settled into my seat for the long flight.
\plain\par
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 We stepped off the plane and were immediately hit with wet, blustery w
eather. Sleet
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri270 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 cracke
d into us, far worse than the flaky white snow falling back in Montana. We were
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri77 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 on the
East Coast now, or well, close to it. The queen{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s court was in P
ennsylvania, near
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri42 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the Poc
ono Mountains, I had been there several times, and even had worked there for a
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3930 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 few y
ears before being moved to St. Vladimir{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 The runway we{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d landed on was part of the Court{\f63 \u
8223\'3f}s property, so we were already behind
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri584 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wards.
It was just like the Academy{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s small landing strip. In fact, in
many ways, the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri676 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Royal
Court was laid out exactly like the school. It was what they told humans the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri230 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 compou
nd was, actually. The Court was a collection of buildings, beautiful and ornate,

\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri27 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 spreading across well-
tended grounds adorned with trees and flowers. At least, the land
\plain\par
be adorned with them when spring came, like I remembered.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 We were met by a group of five guardians, all dressed in black pants a
nd matching
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri211 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 coats,
with white shirts underneath. They weren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t uniforms exactly, bu
t custom usually
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri569 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 dictat
ed that for formal occasions, guardians wear some sort of nice ensemble. By
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri88 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 compari
son, in our regular outfits: jeans and T-shirts, our group looked like somebody{
\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7035 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 poor
relations.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The guardians immediately looked in Alberta{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s and my d
irection. Nodding before going
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri205 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 throug
h the regular formalities, which after everyone became relaxed and friendly. We
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri996 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 were a
ll eager to get in out of the cold, our escorts led us toward the buildings
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I quickly shook the thought away as I sat down on one of the overly pl
ush chairs in my
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri209 \expndtw-1 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 room.
With nothing else to do but, well\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Sy
mbol }} nothing, I decided to pull out the battered old
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1739 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 weste
rn I had been reading on the plane and I continued reading that.
\par
151 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I had just begun the last chapter when I heard a
knock at the door. I set my book down
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri173 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and lo
oked around the room. Instincts telling me to check and make sure no Strigoi, or

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3242 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 human
s, are hiding out in my room, waiting for the kill.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I shook my head at that, I was in the Court, I had to stop thinking li
ke I would at the
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri640 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Academ
y. As I neared the door I could smell a fait familiar smell that got my heart
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri3042 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 racin
g. I smoothed out my shirt before opening the door.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri326 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I took one look at he
r and my heart almost busted out of my chest. I was immediately
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri72 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 reminde
d of the night when Victor had put that lust charm on us. I took a step back, an
d
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri827 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 preten
ded to look surprised as I opened the door wider. Ready for her to attack.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I have to talk to you," she said. And I stepped away allowing her to
fully come in.
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "V.D.---"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I interrupted her, knowing those initials. I had gotten a letter from
those same initials
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri399 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 years
ago when he had asked me to be his daughter{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s future guardian. A
nd this had
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri181 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 been b
efore I even knew about Rose and Lissa. I had turned him down that time, even
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri744 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 though
he was a royal, and at the time, a really nice Moroi. I had other plans and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1524 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 inten
tions at the time, and had told him I had my own Moroi to look after.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The note that she had handed me claimed that he was going to tell on u
s at his Trial.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1319 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 And I
didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t want to believe any word of it. My heart quickened once
again.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "Yeah, I know," I said. I handed the note back to her. "Victor Dashko
v."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "What are we going to do? I mean, we talked about this, but now he real
ly is saying he{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
to sell us out."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I glanced out the open window, not knowing what to think. I knew she w
as right, and if
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri39 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 that ha
ppened my career as a future guardian for Lissa would be over. And I don{\f63 \u
8223\'3f}t know
\plain\par
I would do if that actually happened.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My thoughts raced as I tried to come up with a strategic plan of getti
ng us out of this
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri313 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 mess.
My mind assessed every angle of what was soon to come. I have done a lot of
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri166 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 stupid
things in my years at the Academy, but nothing as stupid as what I was about to

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri8121 \expndtw-23 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 do.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri41 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I took a deep breath a
nd without looking at her, I pulled out my cell phone. She gave me
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4552 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 a que
stioning look. "Give me a moment."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She walked away from me as I walked towards the window. I was preparin
g to walk
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri64 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 right i
nto a death trap, right into the spiders lair and I wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t a hun
dred percent sure that
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3257 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I was
ready for it. But for Rose, I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d do almost anything.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 After talking to the head guardian of the prison here I hung up and fa
ced Rose.
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "What{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s going on?" She asked after I finished.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll let you know soon. For now, we have to wait."
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Great. My favorite thing to do."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I dragged an armchair up and sat opposite of her. I didn{\f63 \u8223\'
3f}t want our emotions for each
\plain\par
to get the best of us. And the smell of her so close to me made my whole skin
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2211 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 crawl
. And my fingers had begun to itch to touch that hair of hers.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She picked up the western novel I had been reading. "Why do you read t
hese?"
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "Some people read books for fun." I said. I chose my words carefully. A
fraid that if I said
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri341 \expndtw-1 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the wr
ong thing, the air between us would spark and things would get\expndtw-14{\field
{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }} complicated.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Hey, watch the dig. And I do read books. I read them to solve mysteri
es that threaten
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri48 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 my best
friend{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s life and sanity. I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t think reading
this cowboy stuff is really saving the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6988 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 worl
d like I do."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I took the book from her and flipped it over, the scenes in it flashing
through my head as
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri52 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I re-re
ad the description. "Like any book, it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s an escape. And there{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}s something\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}
mmm.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri44 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}
t know. Something appealing about the Old West. No rules. Everyone just lives by

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri314 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 their
own code. You don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have to be tied down by other{\f63 \u8223\'3
f}s ideas of right and wrong in
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6297 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 order
to bring justice."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Wait," Rose interrupted me with a soft laugh. "I thought I was the on
e who wanted to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7184 \expndtw-14 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 brea
k rules."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t say I wanted to. Just that I can see the ap
peal."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "You can{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t fool me, comrade. You want to put on a cowb
oy hat and keep lawless bank
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6897 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 robb
ers in line."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I tried to ignore my racing heart. I was beginning to wonder if the de
ath of me would be
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri911 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 caused
by a heart attack. "No time. I have enough trouble keeping you in line."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 She grinned, and I was reminded when we cleaned the church, before the
fight. The air
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri265 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 betwee
n us felt easy, comfortable. It was a lot like the old days when we{\f63 \u8223\
'3f}d first begun
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri897 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 traini
ng together, way back before everything had gotten so complicated in our
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7222 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 relat
ionship.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Seeing her like that made a pang of sadness rise in my chest. I had re
ally wanted to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri202 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 make h
er happy, and I couldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t even get her here. And what{\f63 \u8223
\'3f}s worse is that Adrian did
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri71 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and I d
idn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t. The real reason why she was happy was because of him, not
me. I sighed.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7357 \expndtw-17 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "I{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}m sorry."
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "For what? Reading cheesy novels?"
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "For not being able to get you here. I feel like I let you down." My fa
ce fell a little, I knew
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri277 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 it sho
wed the emotion I felt, and for the first time I let Rose get a glimpse at it be
fore I
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5038 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 put m
y best impression of a statue.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri279 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 She was speechless fo
r a moment as she stared at me with wide dark eyes. Her face
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5013 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 fell
as she continued to stare at me.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "You didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t," she said. "I acted like a total brat. Yo
u{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve never let me down before. You
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5709 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 didn
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t let me down with this."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My emotions burst and I felt grateful she had said that. Because I did
n{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know how I
\plain\par
live with myself if I knew I had caused her that much pain. The guilt would have

\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6961 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 eaten
me alive.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I was about to tell her how much this meant to me. How much she meant
to me, but
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6108 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 inste
ad, my phone rang.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I spoke in Russian to the guardian on the other end so Rose wouldn{\f6
3 \u8223\'3f}t get any ideas too
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3407 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 quick
ly. After I finished I stood up. "All right, let{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s go."
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Where?"
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "To see Victor Dashkov."
\plain\par
\par
5 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "Why are we doing this?" Rose whispered as we walk
ed down the hall toward Victor{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri334 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 cell.
The place was designed with marble floors and stark white walls. There were no
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri38 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 windows
and it felt more like a hospital than an actual prison. "You think we can talk
him
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7520 \expndtw-16 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 out
of it?"
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri663 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 That had been my plan
originally but, unfortunately given Victor{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s stubbornness, it
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri413 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wasn{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}t likely. I shook my head. "If victor wanted to take revenge on u
s, he{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d just do it
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri365 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 withou
t any warning. He doesn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t do things without a reason. The fact t
hat he told you
\plain\par
means he wants something, and now we{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re going to find out what
it is."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 We reached Victors cell. He was the only prisoner currently being held.
And like the rest
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri318 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 of the
facility, his room reminded me more of a hospital. Everything was clean, bright
,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri510 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and st
erile---and very bare. It was a place without any sort of stimulus or distractio
n
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri74 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 whatsoe
ver. The cell had silver bars that looked very hard to break, which was the most

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7047 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 impor
tant part.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Victor sat in a chair, idly examining his nails. It had been three mon
ths since our last
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri480 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 meetin
g, and seeing him again made my hands ache for a weapon. And for the first
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri124 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 time I
wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t surprised at that feeling, in fact I welcomed it because
it was the one thing
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7037 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I wan
ted most.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 One of the hardest things of all was seeing him look so healthy and yo
ung. He{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d bought
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri62 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 that he
alth by torturing Lissa. If his disease had run its normal course, he might be d
ead
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7699 \expndtw-12 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 by n
ow.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 He had receding black hair, with only the slightest touch of silver. H
e was in his forties
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri42 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and had
a regal, almost handsome cut to his face. He glanced up at our approach. Eyes
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri930 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the sa
me pale jade as Lissa{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s. The Dragomir and Dashkov families had a
lot of
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri4792 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 inter
twined history. A smile lit his face.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Oh my. This is a treat. Lovely Rosemarie, practically an adult now."
His eyes flicked in
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri674 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 my dir
ection. "Of course, some have been treating you that way for quite a while."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri403 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I could feel her tens
e at my side as she pressed her face to the bars. "Stop screwing
\plain\par
us, you son of a bitch. What do you want?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I put a gentle hand on her shoulder and pulled her back. I didn{\f63 \
u8223\'3f}t need guardians to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2317 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 come
down and "eavesdrop" on our conversation. "Easy, Rose."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 She took a deep breath and then slowly stepped backward. Victor straigh
tened up in his
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6663 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 chair
and laughed.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "After all this time, your cub still hasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t learned ay
control. But then, maybe you never
\plain\par
her to." His eyes were piercing as he stared at me like I was a huge threat.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "We aren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t here to banter," I said as calmly as I coul
d. "You wanted to lure Rose over,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5372 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and n
ow we need to know why."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "Does there have to be some sinister reason? I just wanted to know how
she was doing,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri940 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and so
mething tells me we aren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t going to have a chance for any friend
ly chats
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri608 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 tomorr
ow." The smirk that stayed on his face made me want to strangle him. And I
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri174 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 deeply
wished I had the chance like I did when my rescue team and I had saved Lissa.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "We{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re not going to have a friendly chat now," Rose gr
owled. I knew her to be ruthless
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1361 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and c
ruel. But never before had I heard her voice take that deep of a tone.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Victor wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t moved by her threat. "You think I{\f63 \
u8223\'3f}m joking, but I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m not. I really do want to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri366 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 know h
ow you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re doing. You{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve always been a fascinatin
g subject to me, Rosemarie.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri51 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 The onl
y Shadow-kissed person we know of. I told you before, that isn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t
the kind of thing
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri54 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 you wal
k away from unscathed. There{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s no way you can quietly sink into
the regimented
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2188 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 routi
ne of academic life. People like you aren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t meant to blend in."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m not some kind of science experiment."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri137 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Victor continued, act
ing as if Rose hadn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t said a word. "What{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s it be
en like? What have
\plain\par
noticed?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t like the way he was observing her as if she w
ere a lab rat. My pulse quickened
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri160 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 as my
fingers began to throb for a weapon. "There{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s no time for this.
If you don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t get to
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4277 \expndtw-13 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the
point," I warned, "we{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re going to leave."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My voice remained calm, throughout all the exploding emotions running
through me.
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri355 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Rose l
eaned forward and gave Victor a cold smile. "There{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s no way they
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll let you off
\plain\par
ow. I hope you enjoy prison. I bet it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll be great once you get s
ick again---and you
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6908 \expndtw-12 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 will
, you know."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Victor regarded her levelly, still with that amused look. "All things
die, Rose. Well,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri331 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 except
for you, I suppose. Or maybe you are dead. I don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know. Those
who visit the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1614 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 world
of the dead can probably never fully shake their connection to it."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 That made Rose pause. I glanced down at her, wondering what she would
come up
\plain\par
\sl-227\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri70 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 with be
cause I honestly didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know what to say to that. What\i could\
i0 I say? I didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know
\plain\par
\sl-231\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri87 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 anythin
g about death, other than causing it. But that wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t even close
to what she has
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7131 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 exper
ienced.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 Victor must had sensed this too because he gave her a speculative look.
"Yes? There{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
thing you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d like to say?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She swallowed hard and looked at him as seriously as she could. "What
is the world of
\plain\par
ead? Is it heaven or hell?"
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Neither," he said.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "What lives there?" She exclaimed. "Ghosts? Will I go back? Do things c
ome out of it?"
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri199 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I looked at her curio
usly. The way she was talking made it sound like she knew what it
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri1481 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 was l
ike to be on the other side. Except the incident where she had died.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Victor was taking great pleasure in Rose having to come to him for inf
ormation. His
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6795 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 smirk
intensified.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "Well, clearly some things come out of it, because here you stand bef
ore us."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I saw that familiar flicker in his eyes that made my hatred for him he
at up inside my
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5212 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 chest
. "He{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s baiting you, let it go."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Victor gave me a brief glare. "I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}m\i helping\i0 her.
" He turned back to Rose. "Honestly? I
\plain\par
\sl-231\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri305 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 don{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}t know that much about it. You{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re the one who has
been there, rose. Not me. Not
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri472 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 yet. S
omeday, you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll probably be the one educating me. I{\f63 \u8223\'
3f}m sure the more you deal
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4527 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 death
out, the closer you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll become to it."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I could see his face turn into something else. As if he was thriving f
or Rose to ask him
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri44 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 another
question. And it was really starting to get under my skin. "Enough, we{\f63 \u8
223\'3f}re going."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Wait, wait," said Victor, voice congenial. "You haven{\f63 \u8223\'3f
}t told me about Vasilisa yet."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I had one had on Rose now, but his words made every muscle under my han
d tense as
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri128 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 she wh
ipped around and moved forward again. "Stay away from her. She doesn{\f63 \u8223
\'3f}t have
\plain\par
ng to do with this." Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s voice had taken on that same dark to
ne and it made
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6304 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 me wa
nt to step back.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Victor on the other hand gave her a dry look. "Seeing as I{\f63 \u8223
\'3f}m locked away here, I have
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri921 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 no cho
ice but to stay away from her, my dear. And you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re wrong---Vasil
isa has
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri5239 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 every
thing to do with everything."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri287 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "That{\f63 \u8223\'3f
}s it," Rose said, suddenly getting something. "That{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s why you s
ent the note. You
\plain\par
me here because you wanted to know about her, and you knew there was no
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1319 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 way s
he{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d come talk to you herself. You had nothing to blackmail her
with."
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "\i Blackmail's\i0 an ugly word."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "There{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s no way you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re going to see he
r---at least outside of the courtroom. She{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s never
\plain\par
to heal you. I told you. You{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re going to get sick again, and you
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}re going to die.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1758 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 You{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}re going to be the one sending me postcards from the other side."

\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "You think that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s what this is about? You think my nee
ds are that petty?" The mockery
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri215 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 was go
ne, replaced by a feverish and almost fanatical look in his green eyes. The tigh
t
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri617 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 set of
his mouth stretched the skin of his face a little, and I noticed that he had lo
st
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri647 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 weight
since our last encounter. "You{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve forgotten everything, why I d
id what I did.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri119 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 You{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}ve been so caught up in your own shortsightedness that you missed
the big picture
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6838 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I wa
s looking at."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Rose thought about that for a moment. And after a few minutes it click
ed. "You wanted
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1449 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to st
age a revolution---still what to. That{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s crazy. It{\f63 \u8223\'
3f}s not going to happen."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 I stared back and forth between the two, barely believing what I was
hearing.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s already happening. Do you think I don{\f63 \u8223
\'3f}t know what{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s going on out in the world? I still
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri138 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 have c
ontacts. People can be bought off---how do you think I was able to send you that

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri378 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 messag
e? I know about the unrest---I know about Natasha Ozera{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s moveme
nt to get
\plain\par
to fight with guardians. You stand by her and vilify me, Rosemarie, but I pushed

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri576 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 for th
e very same thing last fall. Yet, somehow, you don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t seem to reg
ard her in the
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7358 \expndtw-19 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 same
way."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri323 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Just hearing him talk
about Tasha that way made something in my chest boil. "Tasha
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2729 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Ozera
is working on her cause a bit differently that you did."
\plain\par
24 \cf44 "And that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s why she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s getting nowhere."
He resorted. "Tatiana and her council are being
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri599 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 held b
ack by centuries of archaic traditions. So long as that sort of power rules us,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri606 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 nothin
g will change. We will never learn to fight. Non-royal Moroi will never have a
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2555 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 voice
. Dhampirs like you will continually be sent out to battle."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "It{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s what we dedicate our lives to," I said. The tens
ion inside of me was beginning to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7906 \expndtw-12 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 buil
d.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "And it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s what you lose your lives for. You{\f63 \u822
3\'3f}re all but enslaved and don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t even realize it.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4689 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 And f
or what? Why do you protect us?"
\plain\par
24 \cf44 I opened my mouth but Rose beat me to it. "Because\expndtw-14{\field{\*
\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }} we need you," she faltered. "For
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6517 \expndtw-10 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 our
race to survive."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "You don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t need to throw yourselves into battle for th
at. Making children isn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t really that
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7617 \expndtw-16 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 diff
icult."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 She ignored his quip. "And because the Moroi\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldi
nst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }} the Moroi and their magic are
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4572 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 impor
tant. They can do amazing things."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Victor threw his hands up in exasperation. And I flinched, automatical
ly thinking he was
\plain\par
\sl-228\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri27 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 going t
o hurt Rose. "We\i used\i0 to do amazing things. Humans used to revere us as g
ods,
\plain\par
\sl-258\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri131 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 but ov
er time, we grew lazy. The advent of technology made our magic more and more
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri4559 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 obsol
ete. Now, all we do is parlor tricks."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "If you have so many ideas," I interrupted, my hatred for him sparking
every part of my
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2233 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 body,
"then do something useful in prison and write a manifesto."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri2597 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "And what{\f63 \u822
3\'3f}s this have to do with Lissa anyway?" Rose asked.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 "Because Vasilisa is a vehicle for change."
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Rose stared incredulously. "You think she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s going to
lead your revolution?"
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Well, I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d prefer that I lead it---someday. But, regar
dless, I think that she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s going to be
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri193 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 part o
f it. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ve heard about her too. She{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s a rising s
tar---still young, certainly, but people
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri274 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 are ta
king notice. All royals aren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t created equal, you know. The Drag
omir symbol is a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri69 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 dragon,
the king of the beasts. Likewise, the Dragomir blood has always been powerful-
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri545 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 --that
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s why the Strigoi have targeted them so consistently. A Dragomi
r returning to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri72 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 power i
s no small thing---particularly one such as her. My impression from the reports
is
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri276 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 that s
he must have mastered her magic. If that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s so---with her gifts--
-there{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s{\f63 \u8223\'3f} no telling
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri103 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 what s
he could do. People are drawn to her with almost no effort on her part. And when

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri50 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 she act
ually tries to influence them\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol
}} well, they{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll do anything she wants." His eyes were
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri38 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wide as
he spoke, wonder and happiness on his face as he imagined Lissa living out his
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7660 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 drea
ms.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Unbelievable," rose said. "First you wanted to hide her away to keep
you alive. Now
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri724 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 you ac
tually want her out in the world to use her compulsion for your own psycho
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7791 \expndtw-24 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 plan
s."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "I told you, she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s a force for change. And like you be
ing shadow-kissed, she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s the only
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri346 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 one of
her kind that we know about. That makes her dangerous---and very valuable."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Well, that was something. Victor wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t all-knowing af
ter all. He didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t know about
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6676 \expndtw-11 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Adri
an{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s spirit use.
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "Lissa will never do it," Rose said. "She{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s not goin
g to abuse her powers."
\par
\plain\pard\sl-311 \li0 \ri64 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "And victors not going
to say anything about us," I said as I tugged at Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s arm. "H
e{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri612 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 achiev
ed his goal. He brought you here because he wanted to know about Lissa."
\plain\par
\fs24 \cf44 "He didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t find out much," Rose responded.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "You{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d be surprised," said Victor. "He grinned at me.
"And what makes you so certain I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2610 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 won{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}t enlighten the world about your romantic indiscretions?"
\plain\par
24 \cf44 Normally I would have just shrugged it off, but his statement really ha
d gotten under my
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri222 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 skin a
nd had struck a nerve. To me, what he was saying was similar to what Stan had
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri89 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 said to
me the night I had thrown him against a wall. Anyone who even tried to threaten

\plain\par
was a threat to me.
\plain\par
f10 \fs24 \cf44 I hated for her to see me this way, but honestly? I didn{\f63 \u
8223\'3f}t care; all I wanted was for him
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri716 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to und
erstand that I will not back down from this, even if it means I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}
d lose my job.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Because it won{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t save you from prison. And if you rui
n Rose, you{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll destroy whatever
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri175 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 weak c
hance you had of Lissa helping you with your warped fantasy." Victor flinched a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri510 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 little
. Some part of me liked the fact that I had hurt him. I stepped forward, pressin
g
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri229 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 close
to the bars as Rose had earlier. My voice lowered and I could mentally taste the

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri29 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 venom d
ripping off my tongue. "And it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll all be pointless anyway, becau
se you won{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t stay
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri559 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 alive
long enough in prison to stage your grand plans. You aren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t the
only one with
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7119 \expndtw-14 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 conn
ections."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "It wouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t exactly be protecting me. It{\f63 \u8223\
'3f}d be after the fact---cold-blooded. You don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t do
\plain\par
kind of thing. Revenge is more my thing. I{\f63 \u8223\'3f}ll have to kill him."

\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Just the thought of her trying to protect me was too unbearable to thi
nk about. There
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri87 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 can onl
y be one martyr in our relationship and I was ready to take that title. Her life
was
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri206 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 important to me and I
want to be the one to make sure she lives it to the fullest. Even if
\plain\par
means dying for her.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 But that{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s what guardians are. Martyrs, we die for the
ones we are sworn to protect and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri309 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 even l
earn to love. We agree to protect our Moroi in any way we can, even if it means
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6144 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 endin
g our life for theirs.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Art did the same for his Moroi family, and I knew he loved them as if
they were blood
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri209 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 from t
he stories he{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d tell me and how each child was like his own. He
loved them more
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri6286 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 than
he could express.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 That was the danger of our job. We become so attached, we start to lov
e our Moroi
\plain\par
\sl-227\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri41 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 assignm
ents like family. And it{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s what got Art killed in the end. It{\f
63 \u8223\'3f}s what can get\i me\i0 killed
\plain\par
\sl-258\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2264 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 in th
e end from protecting both Lissa and Rose at the same time.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Don{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t talk like that." I told her sternly. I didn{\f6
3 \u8223\'3f}t need her taking revenge. If anything did
\plain\par
to me, I knew she won{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t stop searching till the man who killed
me was dead.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2130 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "And
anyway, it doesn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t matter. Victor{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s not going to
say anything."
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I shivered at the sight of Rose going to great lengths to take revenge
for whatever did
\plain\par
to me. She was a great novice, and I knew she was going to be a killer guardian
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri905 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 later
on in life. And just the idea of her taking her skills too far and end up dying
\plain\par
se she loved me made my blood turn cold.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I shook my head, this needed to stop. We needed to find another way to
guard Lissa,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3815 \expndtw-6 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 one s
o we wouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t both end up dead in the end.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri251 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 After that I left her
to go back to my own room. Partly because I needed to rest before
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri524 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Victor
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s hearing. But mostly because I had a lot of thinking to do if
Rose and I were
\plain\par
to be Lissa{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s future guardians.
\plain\par
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Later that night I took out Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s clothes from the ro
om{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s closet. Victor{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s trial was
\plain\par
ow and I wanted to get these to her as soon as possible. Before walking out the
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri366 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 door I
quickly scribbled down her name on a card. When I grabbed the door handle I
\plain\par
ht of something else.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 Setting the clothes down I leaned against the wall, holding the small c
ard in my hand as
\plain\par
\sl-254\fs25\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri255 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 I care
fully wrote\i Wear your hair up.\i0 A lot of female guardians cut their hair t
o show off
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri39 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 their\i
molnija\i0 marks. I remembered she had considered cutting it once and I immed
iately
\plain\par
\sl-259\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri264 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 told h
er no. I loved her hair and suggested wearing it up if she wanted to show off he
r
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7755 \expndtw-13 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 mark
s.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Just thinking about her cutting her hair was unbearable. It wouldn{\f6
3 \u8223\'3f}t feel as silky,
\plain\par
\sl-226\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri227 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 wouldn
{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t be the same when I ran my hands through it. After all it\i i
s\i0 the feature that got
\plain\par
\sl-258\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5224 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 me to
notice her in the first place.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 I was nervous for her tomorrow, for both of us. If she decided to let
her impulsive
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri58 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 attitud
e get in the way I might very well be in the wall between her and Victor. There
will
\plain\par
\sl-230\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri101 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 be mor
e guardians than necessary tomorrow, trained and tense. Rose wouldn{\f63 \u8223\
'3f}t make it
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri461 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 two st
eps to Victor before someone brought her down. And I was prepared to throw
\plain\par
between her and Victor to stop her from ripping his head off. Even if I had tha
t
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7195 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 urge
as well.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri549 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Lissa was our priorit
y, we protect her and only her. If something happened to Rose
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2729 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 where
she got thrown in jail Lissa would be left unprotected.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My heart raced at the thought of Victor exposing us both. Then no one
would be able to
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5442 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 prote
ct Lissa the way we could.
\par
144 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 After calling service I got a Moroi girl to take
the clothes that I had assembled for Rose:
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri797 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 A whit
e top, black pants, and a black matching jacket. I attached the note before
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri52 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 handing
it over to the terrified looking girl. Rumors spread like wild fire among our w
orld,
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri158 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 so it
was no surprise that she was looking at me in both awe and fear. Too bad most of

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri6197 \expndtw-9 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the s
tories weren{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t true.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 I sighed when I shut the door.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 When no one else said anything, I finished up my statement, and then C
hristian was
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri33 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 called
up. As I took my place in the back I glared at Victor{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s aging he
ad. It was one thing
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri2718 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 to si
t there and smile, but another to laugh and interrupt me.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My blood was boiling through Christian{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s speech. His p
art was short. He{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d been with
\plain\par
when she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d been taken and had been knocked out. His contribution
was being
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri258 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 able t
o ID some of Victor{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s guardians as the kidnappers. Once Christia
n had sat down
\plain\par
was called up.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 My heart quickened. She shouldn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t have to do this, thi
s wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t right. I know she has an
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri645 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 opinio
n but she{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s up there, unguarded, in front of Victor and his wick
ed words and
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7218 \expndtw-7 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 stari
ng eyes.
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri216 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 She walked up, lookin
g calm and determined. That, at least, calmed my racing heart a
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri600 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 little
. As she said her name and gave her oath to be honest I could see her cringe.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri570 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Althou
gh it wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t physical, more mental. I saw it. I knew her well en
ough to notice
\plain\par
she was troubling over something that she knew was wrong.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Her version was pretty straightforward. She had details to offer from
before the night of
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri841 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 the ki
dnapping, like about where Victor had laid his traps to test Lissa{\f63 \u8223\'
3f}s powers.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri1693 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Other
wise her story lined up with mine and everyone else{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s pretty wel
l.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 When Rose mentioned the charm she glanced at Victor, who was staring in
tently at her.
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri203 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Making
her stiffen, her fingers clutched and unclenched at her sides. A movement that
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri298 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 told m
e she was seconds away from pouncing on him. I was too far away to stop her,
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri939 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 and at
an angle where she can{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t see me as well. The best I could do wa
s pray.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 For both of us to make it out alive.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Victor had complete power over Rose and me to ruin everything for us i
n front of all
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri3381 \expndtw-3 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 these
people{\f63 \u8212\'3f} no matter what I had threatened him.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 Other than the clutching of her hands I was proud of her for staying s
o calm. I was
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri34 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 satisfi
ed that she had grown so much. Some of it had to do with my trainings, but mostl
y
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri695 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 it was
Spokane and Lissa{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s life that shaped Rose for who she is today:
a woman.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 When she finished her whole body sagged with relief that Victor hadn{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}t said anything
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri2663 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 durin
g her testimony. Lissa passed her, taking Rose{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s place.
\plain\par
24 \cf44 As the victim, she offered the first perspective thus far, and everyone
there grew caught
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri311 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 up in
her story. It was compelling; no one had ever heard anything like it. And withou
t
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri59 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 even trying Lissa was
using her spirit-induced charisma, the same place that came from
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7287 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 compu
lsion.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 People were enraptured and sympathetic. When Lissa described the tortu
re Victor had
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri185 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 put he
r through to force her to heal him, faces went pale with shock. Even the Queen{\
f63 \u8223\'3f}s
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5921 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 stern
mask faltered a little.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 The most amazing thing was how calm Lissa was about it. Even when she
spoke about
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri139 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 what t
he air user had done to her; she had a mask of stone. But I knew she was just as

\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri413 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 hurt a
s she had been that night, the pressure of stares and breathing down her neck
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri5142 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 cause
d her to be unnaturally calm.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 After Lissa sat back down, Victor was called to take her place. From t
he look on his
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri147 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 face,
you would have never guessed he was on trial. He wasn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t angry or
outraged like I
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri448 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 have s
een a thousand times with other contestants in this room. He didn{\f63 \u8223\'3
f}t plead. He
\plain\par
like we were all hanging out somewhere, like he had nothing in the world to
\plain\par
about.
\plain\par
fs24 \cf44 Even when answering, he spoke as though he made perfect sense. When t
he
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri233 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 prosec
uting lawyer asked why he{\f63 \u8223\'3f}d done what he had, he looked at her a
s though she
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri7340 \expndtw-8 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 were
crazy.
\plain\par
s24 \cf44 "Why, I had no choice," he said pleasantly. "I was dying. No one was g
oing to condone
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri150 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 me ope
nly experimenting with the princess{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s powers. What would you hav
e done in my
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri7730 \expndtw-24 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 plac
e?"
\plain\par
24 \cf44 The lawyer ignored that. She was having a hard time keeping the disgust
off of her face.
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri835 \expndtw-5 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 "And y
ou found coaxing your own daughter into turning Strigoi also necessary?"
\par
\plain\pard\sl-270 \li0 \ri273 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Everyone in the court
room shifted uncomfortably. One of the most awful things about
\plain\par
\sl-257\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri32 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 Strigoi
was that they were made, not born. A Strigoi could force a human, a dhampir, or

\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri123 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 a Moro
i into becoming Strigoi if the Strigoi drank the victim{\f63 \u8223\'3f}s blood
and then fed Strigoi
\plain\par
\sl-229\fs23\par\pard\pard\sl-267 \li0 \ri534 \expndtw-4 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 blood
back to the victim. It didn{\f63 \u8223\'3f}t matter if the victim wanted it or
not, and once she
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri432 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 became
Strigoi, she lost all sense of her old, moral self. She embraced becoming a
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri341 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 monste
r and killing others to survive. Strigoi converted others if they found someone
\plain\par
\sl-256\fs26\par\pard\pard\sl-240 \li0 \ri476 \expndtw-2 \f10 \fs24 \cf44 they t
hought would strengthen their ranks. Sometimes they did it just out of cruelty.
\plain\par
\sl-245\fs25\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-498 \li0 \ri91 \expndtw5 \f10 \fs3
7 \cf44 I'll try to continue writing, give me your review
\plain\par
\sl-173\fs17\par\sl-240\fs24\par\pard\pard\sl-498 \li0 \ri4643 \expndtw8 \f10 \f
s37 \cf44 about it please\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}\
expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}\expndtw-14{\field{\*\fldin
st SYMBOL 188 \\f Symbol }}.
\par
}

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