Story is based on Richelle Meads VAMPIRE ACADEMY Series.

My version of what happens after Shadow Kiss. Your suggestions and comments are always welcome.

Chapter I : Lakeside

Hmmm. I felt the sunlight touching my skin. From the distance I could hear water crashing against the rocks, felt an unmistakable gentle rocking motion. I opened my eyes slowly, letting my eyes adjust to the rays of the sun. I was resting against the hull of a small dinghy, sitting on the most thickest, comfortable quilt ever, wearing a skimpy red bathing suit that only models can get away with wearing. I rolled my eyes holding back the curses. I did owe him after all.

"Little damphir, I've missed you." Adrian said casually. He was gently steering the boat with wooden oars. I briefly glanced up at him. In all the dreams that he appeared in, he was never shirtless. His nipple ring caught my attention. I wondered if it really existed or was it just a part of this dream. He grinned at me, acknowledging the fact that I was staring at him. I looked away immediately, not wanting him to get the wrong idea.

"You have one crazy imagination. You could have at least given me a wrap!" I pulled the quilt over my almost naked body, trying my best not to knock over the basketful of fruit, cheese and wine. I felt the chotki that Lissa gave me back on my wrist. It was a comfort feeling it against my skin again.

"You need to come back like you promised. She needs you."

"Well, hello to you too... and I didn't promise anything!" I glared at him. He was being direct to the point this time, way too weird for him. Then I saw it, I hint of desperation on his beautiful face. I badly wanted to ask what was going on in their world but I didn't want to get sidetracked from my current goals.

"Please get out of my dreams." Was this a trick? Maybe Adrian was just manipulating me so I would come back just so he could pursue me.

"You're not going to ask whats happening to her?" He looked surprised.

"Even if you told me, I wouldn't be able to do a thing. I told you before, I have my own things to take care of."

"What can possibly be more important than Lissa's life? You're her guardian! You're bound for life, for all eternity! At least use your bond to check on her then you will see why she needs you right now." I stared at Adrian realizing that Lissa didn't tell him what it was that I "needed to take care of".

"I can't." Truth was I refused to use our bond. The day I left her at the school gates, I promised that I wouldn't check up on her. I was still consumed by guilt of leaving her behind and I was sure if I checked up on her I would abandon everything and return to her.

"You can't or you won't? those are two different things my dear."

I looked around, trying to think of a smart comeback without giving anything away. Our tiny boat was floating on a beautiful lake. The weather was perfect, the water was so clear, I could see the swan reflections from where I was sitting. Beyond that was a small dock leading up to a tiny cabin. Just the thought of a cabin brought me back to that happiest day of my life. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. I needed to remain focused. I couldn't get sidetracked now. I needed to do this, for me and for him. I turned back to Adrian.

"As soon as I take care of this. I will go back to her. And that, I do promise." Adrian let out a sigh of relief. And then he was gone.

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I woke up with a start. Lissa, what are you up to now? I desperately wanted to follow Adrian's advice and check up on her through our bond. I wondered if it would work. This was the furthest and longest we've ever been apart. And as each day passed, the ache in my heart just grew deeper. There wasn't a day that goes by that I don't see the look on her face when I left. For the last couple weeks I thought of what she said. That I loved Dimitri more than her. Still this was up for debate. I knew in my soul, I couldn't live without the other. Which scared me for what I was planning to do.

Enough of thinking about this. It was time to get up. Time to go back to stalking Tasha. Yes, Tasha Ozera.