Chapter 1: Prologue

S/N: No copyright infringement intended. This is my first fan-fiction and solely for entertainment purposes only based in the wonderful world of Vampire Academy created by the amazingly talented Richelle Mead, who I have been a fan of since I first read VA. Enjoy :)

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

Through the harsh rain beating against the windshield, the colossal iron gates of St. Vladimir's Academy came into view, warning me that there was exceedingly limited time to make a crucial, yet permanent, decision. Alberta, my most trusted friend since youth, and I traveled long and far to get to where we are now, but during our journey, I neglected to reassure myself of what I was doing was the right thing for both myself and the precious life of my only daughter. Rosemarie Hathaway. If it wasn't for her, and her very existence, I nor Alberta would be enduring these extreme measures.

"Yes." I replied boldly, but silently.

Abruptly, Alberta slammed on the brakes and forced the SUV into a slippery stop just before the gates. Thankfully for my fastened seat belt and the fact I had Rosemarie tightly coddled against my chest sound asleep, we were both safe and sound.

"What the hell are you doing?" I screamed at Alberta, careful not to wake Rosemarie. "Drive."

"Janine, you know you don't have to do this." She informed me for what felt like the hundredth time. "We'll go back to the airport, board the next flight back to Scotland, and forget the fact that you were willing to abandon Rose at an academy you barely have any information about."

"Her name is Rosemarie, and I wasn't going to abandon her." Glancing down at my arms, I watched adoringly as my daughter slumbered peacefully without the slightest care in the world. A world I promised to protect her from the moment I gave birth to her. "She deserves better than the life I could give her."

Alberta shook her head, criticizing my intentions. "What about Ibrahim? Could he not contribute to the well-being of his child? With the godforsaken business he conducts. Why isn't he here with you? Is he not aware of your scheme?"

I gaped at her assumptions. "How dare you speak falsely of Ibrahim, or his character? If you must know, he agreed with my plans to hand Rosemarie over into St. Vladimir's care, but not until after our long discussion about his offer to take her into his life and raise her, unlike other Moroi men who discard their children not long after they conceive them."

Appearing unchanged, even after my explanations, Alberta rested her head against the steering wheel as if trying to organize her thoughts. "How could you have deceived yourself into getting involved with a womanizing Moroi in the likes of the infamous Ibrahim Mazur? You hated him once, despised him even, during our novice days back at the academy."

She looked up at me. Anguish lingering in her eyes. "What happened to you, Janine?"

Unsure of what to say, I stared down at my daughter again, surprised to see that she had awoken. Her exquisite dark brown eyes watched me in a way that almost seemed like she was trying to figure me out. It was unusual, of course, but the longer I looked at them, it caused me to reminisce about a moment long ago. The moment I'd first laid eyes on her father, Ibrahim Mazur.

So, what do you guys think so far? I know it isn't much, but I promise to write more for the next chapter.