Sophie`s POV

"Dante, where are we going?" I asked. We had been driving for hours. We were somewhere in America and Dante wouldn`t tell any of us where we were going.

"We`ll be there soon." He said.

"It would still be nice to know what we`re doing." Zhalia said.

"You`ll find out soon."

"What`s with all the secrets Dante?" Lok asked.

"This is not exactly a mission I enjoy." We all fell silent after that. No one spoke for the rest of the ride untill we got to what looked like an elite school. It finaly dawned on me what we were doing.

"Dante. You can`t be serious." I said. "The Casterwills swore we would never return."

"I don`t like this either but we have to." He said.

"What`s going on?" Lok asked.

"I`m not doing this." I said

"You need to talk to the queen." Dante said.

"Why are you arguing?" Zhalia asked. "What`s going on?"

"You want to explain?" I asked Dante.

"This is the Moroi Court." The only reaction he got was confusion.

"Who are the Moroi?" Zhalia asked.

"Vampires." I said "Like me."

"Whoa! Back up." Lok said. "You`re a vampire?"

"Yes. And do not say anything about those stupid stories you hear."

"So why are we here?" Zhalia asked. Clearly frustrated.

"Sophie needs to talk to Queen Vasilisa and make things right with them and her family." Dante said.

"The Casterwills abandoned this place for a reason." I said.

"You`re not fighting this." He got out of the car and Lok and Zhalia followed. I stayed put. You need to make thigs right between your family and the Moroi royal court."

"Fine." I got out of the car and walked up to the gates with them. Dante showed the woman at the gate something and she let us pass. We walked a while across the perfectly manicured grass in silence.

"Dante?" Someone called from behind us. We all turned aaround to see someone who looked very similar to Dante.

"Dimitri." Dante said. Dimirti made his way twards us with a girl who looked not much older than me.

"Dante," Lok said. "Who is this guy?"

"Dimitri. My brother."

"What are you doing here Dante?" Dimitri asked. The girl with him looked at us confused.

"Official Huntik buissiness." He said. "Who`s this?"

"My girlfriend, Rose Hathaway."

"It`s nice to meet you." She held out her hand, which Dante took. "I thought Dimitri only had sisters."

"We`re half brothers." Dimitri said. "Same father. Different mother. So who are they?" He nodded twards us.

"This is my team. Lok Lambert, my girlfriend, Zhalia moon, and Sophie Casterwill." Dante introduced. Lok and Zhalia gave a friendly wave while I felt uneasy.

"A Casterwill?" I nodded.

"She needs to talk to Queen Vasilisa."

"We can take you to her." Rose said. "We were just headed over there now. Come on." The started off and we followed close behind. They lead us to a large building.

"Are you sure we can get in?" Zhalia asked.

"Of course." Rose said. "Queen Vasilisa and I are close friends." She lead us into a parlor where the queen sat. "Your Highness. There are people here to see you."

"Rose. I told you there is no need for the formalities." The queen said. "Who is here?" I hesitantly stepped foward.

"I am Sophie Casterwill." I said. "Leader of the Casterwill Elders."

"Why have you come?"

"To make things right between the Casterwills and the royal court." I knelt down.

"Rise." Queen vasilisa said. "It is my understanding that the Casterwill family left the court behind because they felt our rules were unfair."

"We did feel that way. We felt that the Moroi should fight for themselves. I have heard about your attempts to convince the council that we should."

"That is true."

"I only come to represent my family and ask that we be able to take back our spot on the council." The queen rose from her seat and came up to me. I ghost of a smile played across her lips

"Sophie Casterwill. I believe everyone should have a second chance. You only wish to redeem your families royal status. Your family is one of the most powerful Moroi families and most precious besides my own. I will gladly allow your family their spot on the council."

"Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you so much." I knelt down again.

"No need to kneel." I stood up and gave a small bow.

"I really am greatful for this." I turned around left before I could emberace myself.