Prologue
I'd never really imagined that I'd be standing in the doorway to a perfectly Pristine, white picket fence home, with Dimitri's hand in mine and a baby nestled quietly in his arms. I do imagine if I had, I'd be walking toward the house instead of running away clasping Dimitri's hand tightly in my own.
"Dolly, Dolly," the cynical voice called dashing down the stairs behind us. We turned the corner passing the lit black street lights and zig zagging through them in an attempt to lose him. He laughed maniacally as he chased circling around us and standing in our way.
"Dimitri! Run!" I yelled throwing a punch at the ghastly figure in front of me.
"Back to the Jet, Rose! They've got us!" pulling forcefully at my arm determined not to let me stay here alone. I knew that it had to be done in order to protect that girl. I knew what I had to do. I threw one last glance over my shoulder as the Strigoi flashed behind me his laughter tinkling in the silent streets that I'd only minutes ago called home.
"Dolly, dolly, you killed Mishka! You will pay for it!" he giggled like a little kid grabbing the last cookie from the cookie jar. I stopped and turned but Dimitri grabbed my arm again almost knocking me to the ground with his force as he kept going. I shakily righted myself steadying my run and falling back into my pace along side Dimitri.
"Back. To. The. Jet." He said firmly. He gripped Leina tighter and he seemed to run impossibly faster than before yanking my wrist quickly as he passed me by.
"Lissa and Christian" I yelled back.
"They know where to meet us, we can't stay here!" I let go of his hand reluctantly and nodded at him when he turned questioningly to me catching my eyes for a brief second as we ran. I slowed down.
"Go, get her out of here."
"Roza, I will not let you do this!"
"GET, OUT OF HERE!" I yelled pushing him and turning to face my suitor. "This is my fight."