AN: Drabble originally done for the 30 Days of Writing: A Drabble a Day Challenge but "a drabble a day" sort of turned into "a drabble a month". First fanfiction for Bloodlines. Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Bloodlines or Vampire Academy.
beginning /noun/: the point in time or space at which something starts
The intense buzz of pain subsides as Horowitz lifts the needle, leaving a heavy ache. I resist the urge to touch my cheek to feel it. I know it's there anyway; an intricate connection of lines blooming into a golden lily. The same design that I can see on my father's face. He's studying me – his expression is unreadable. He gives a curt nod to Horowitz, acknowledging his handiwork, and turns to me as the tattooist leaves the study. His expression hasn't changed and I hope it's one of pride. I'm an Alchemist now, and I'm on the same team as my father. He inhales and opens his mouth to speak. Hopeful. Waiting. He pauses, hesitates, exhales.
"Don't screw up. They aren't as forgiving as your mother. And she can't save you anymore if you fall out of place."
I'm an Alchemist now, and I belong to them.