The sun rises steadily, glowing lightly in the distance, bright against the remaining night. Its beauty shines warmly through my window, though my heart feels as cold as ice.

"Another day." My voice sounds broken, even to me.

Two weeks have passed since the event between Rose and I happened, though with each second that passes, it seems more and more like something that happened to someone else. But when I close my eyes, I know with absolute certainty that it's happening to me. That Rose broke up with me. The memory of Dimitri kissing her forehead flashes through me again and that ache that I'd been feeling so often burns through me once more. My hands clench into fists like they normally do when I start thinking about Rose for too long. Sometimes I don't even know what I'm angry at, her, him, or myself. How could I have not seen this coming?

I hear knocking at my door, startling me from my musings. I spring up from my bed, my hair looking noticeably tousled when I pass in front of the hallway mirror. Ignoring my zombie-like appearance, I yank the door open irritably.

From the wide-eyed expression on the man's face, he probably thinks so too. Humoring myself with the idea of lifting my arms up and stalking him down the hall in the true zombie sense, I didn't notice the small brown package in his arms until he literally plopped it down in front of the door. What the heck? "Who are you and why is there a brown box in front of me?" My voice reeked with death. Oh man what a joy I was turning into.

He crosses his arms defensively, his bald head shining in the hall's fluorescent lights. "Package from Lissa, er, Queen Dragomir." He trips over his words lightly, but I don't blame him. Though many people had eagerly accepted Lissa's new position as Queen with open arms, others felt nostalgic for their past Queen. Otherwise known as my great-aunt. My dead great-aunt.

"What is it?"

He shrugs helplessly, "I'm just the messenger."

"Of course you are." I shake my head, with a sigh. "Can you tell Queen Dragomir to stop sending me anything, to stop trying to contact me at all? I just want to be alone. Why can't anyone understand that? I don't need anyone right now! I'm an adult for god's sake!"

The messenger nods his head frantically, afraid of saying the wrong thing apparently.

Patience wearing thin, I jerk my head toward the end of the hall. "Never mind, you can go."

He doesn't need any other reassurance and practically sprints down the hall, his short stubby frame making his exit somewhat awkward.

After taking the package inside and taking a swig from a glass of wine that took residence in almost every part of my room, my hands tore the box open with honest curiosity. I'd given the "messenger" a hard time, but now genuine interest perks inside of me. My eyes widen at what I find.

Photos of Jill, clothes in my size, and a folder that had a good twenty five pages lay in a neat pile. Lately, Lissa took it upon herself to send updates about what happened in court but from the looks of it, I don't think this is another casual update. I pick up the folder and notice the words "Top Secret" written in black ink across the top. Did a mafia write this? I laugh in spite of myself.

My hands clutch at the papers, opening them up when a small paper slips from the pile. Reflexively, my hand catches it before it can hit the floor. My eyes recognize Lissa's handwriting almost instantly.

Dear Adrian,

I'm sorry you have to find out this way, but I can't risk sharing this over a phone call. I wish I could have told you this in person but with everything going on, the last thing the Guardians want me doing is stepping outside. I'm not going to sugarcoat it, so hear it is. Three men attacked Jill two days ago. Don't worry, she's okay, but the damage has already been done. There have been theories roaming around suggesting people are trying to sabotage my role as queen by getting rid of Jill. I hate it. I really do. I never thought something like this would happen to her. I mean, I always thought I'd be the one getting the brunt of it. But Jill is part of this world now and she needs to be protected. She's going to be hidden in a secret location, but the papers will explain it better. Just know that Eddie and that alchemist, Sydney Sage, are going with her. They won't let me see her and the reason I'm telling you this, besides the fact that I knew you would want to know, is because I Need you to go with them. I trust you with her and know that you'd protect her. Please Adrian, please help me. Call the number in the packet if you decide to go with the plan by tomorrow morning. If not for me, then do it for her.

Sincerely,

Queen Dragomir

The first chapter is kinda short but I'm really basing whether or not I should continue with it based on people's comments. I'm probably going to continue until the book comes out but if you guys want me to continue please comment :)