I hurried across campus, oblivious to the world. The Royal Dorms where only a few minutes away when I caught the scent of cigarettes and Vodka. Adrian… When was he ever going to leave me alone? More like Never I guess.

"I know your there, Adrian, You might as well come out now, you know you reek of vodka, how much have you been drinking?" I whispered while prancing around the area which I just had been standing on.

"Hey, I don't always reek do I?"He appeared out of the shadows dressed in fine robes, probably made out of silk. The smell of vodka still lingered in him, but the smell of his body scent and a little bit of perfume overpowered it. I remember him telling me to not overdose the amount of perfume and mix it with a bit of perspiration. His talking silenced my thoughts.

"Must you always do that, for once I thought I was actually going to get you by surprise, your training must have been improved, if you didn't get trained by… I would have had you beat" His face was content but when he saw mine, it looked like a thousand daggers had been plunged through his chest.

I knew exactly what he meant right before he stopped. I felt a large gulp in my throat; I couldn't even say his name anymore. It had happened a few months ago now, but I still couldn't get over the fact that Dimitri wasn't the same anymore, He had become something more vile and cruel. The dark look he had on the face of the man I loved was gut-wrenching. I wish I could take it all back. I felt his letter in my pocket; I've read it about 5 times now so I memorised everything he wrote.

My dearest Roza:

One of the few downsides to being awakened is that we no longer require sleep; therefore we also no longer dream. It's a shame because if I could dream, I know I'd dream about you. I'd dream about the way you smell and how your black hair feels like silk between my fingers. I'd dream about the smoothness of your skin and the fierceness of your lips when we kiss.

Without dreams, I have to be content with my own imagination---which is almost as good. I can picture all of those things perfectly, as well as how it'll be when I take your life from this world. It's something I regret having to do, but you've made my choice inevitable. Your refusal to join me in eternal life and love leaves no other course of action, and I can't allow someone as dangerous as you to live. Besides, even if you were turned against your will, you now have so many enemies among the Strigoi that one of them would kill you. If you must die, it'll be by my hand. No one else

Nonetheless, I wish you well today as you take your trials---not that you need any luck. If they're actually making you take them---and I have no doubt they are---it's a waste of everyone's time. You're the best in the group, and by this evening you'll wear your promise mark. Of course, that means you'll be all that much more of a challenge when we meet again---which I'll definitely enjoy. And we will meet again. With graduation, you'll be turned out of the Academy, and once you're outside the wards, I'll find you. There is no place in this world you can hide from me. I'm watching.

Love, Dimitri x

"I'm Sorry, I know your still not over it rose, but you have to move on" he assured me.

"I know... it's pretty stupid I guess, being upset over it but he is still alive. And when the time comes I'm afraid that I won't have courage in me to kill him. I know hes changed but I still don't have it in my mind that he is gone. All the memories of him are still so alive, new and vivid." I replied.

We sat on the bench for a while in silence. Being with him was actually quite comforting. I felt his hand crawl up to my arm. I knew of his affections but I certainly didn't pay attention to him, not just because my heart was still elsewhere but because he was none around this place to be a player. And I don't want to be the next victim of his little games. I don't want to be a blood whore. I know it was pretty selfish not to tell him the truth but he was my friend and what made him happy, made me happy. So when his hand was only a breath away from mine, I stood up.

"Good luck on your Guardian test today by the way, you're going to do great."

"Thanks, I'm not nervous about it, I'm just a bit anxious, everyone expects so much of me, and I'm afraid those expectations will come tumbling down if I do wrong. " I managed to speak.

"No need to worry, your going to pass, I know it" He winked at me.

"Good Luck Little Dhampir" His voice was like velvet in the pitch black night, and strangely sexy and seductive.

I quickly walked to the dorms, just in time before the tests start. I secretly loved being called that, it felt like my own personalised nickname for me, especially from him. But at the same time I loathed it, and that part I conveniently showed in public, but the other part stayed hidden. But he wasn't the only one who called me by a nickname.

I reached Lissa's Room. I knocked on her door. And to my surprise I saw her with Christian. Just a few weeks ago they had split. Lissa didn't want to tell me about it but I figured out through the Bond. It was because at a party- I wasn't with her- she accidently drunkenly kisses her ex-boyfriend Aaron. I tried to tell Christian it was just a mistake and she didn't know what she was doing but all he told me was that the mistake was trusting Lissa. But I didn't tell Lissa that bit; I knew it would only weigh more burdens on her. Everyone is already expecting her to become Queen.

And the whole plan about trying to get her and Adrian together caused a fight. No way was I going to worry her. But to be honest I felt kind of guilty for not telling her secrets or just things that included her. But I knew this was best for her so I just carried on and tried not to show any clues or throw off any hints. It will just get her suspicious.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Lis, but I wanted to talk to you privately for a minute" I stammered.

"Oh, it's okay rose, you didn't interrupt us, Christian was just leaving" She smiled.

Christian stood up from the couch he was just sitting on and kissed Lissa lightly on the cheek. I looked away to give them a little bit of privacy. Through the bond I could feel Lissa was feeling great, better than how she's been feeling all week.

"Hey, Rose, what did you wa-"

"You and Christian got back together, I'm so happy for you, so did he just come here than and realised he needed you?" I asked eagerly. At least someone's love life wasn't messed up.

"Erm, no actually I asked him to come here, I'm surprises you didn't come sooner, I thought you could have had a vibe from the bond, Well, anyway he came here and I was trying to say sorry, but then He was staring at me for some reason and then I leaned in closer to ask him what was wrong and he kissed me. " Lissa had the biggest smile on her face as if she had just found heaven.

She flinched and asked again" So, what did you want to tell me"

"Well as you know, today are my trials, and if I screw up just once, I'm not going to pass which will mean another year of studying, and probably meaning I wont be your guardi-"

"Don't say that, I'm sure you will pass. I have faith in you, and if they don't make you my Guardian, Well, let's just say I have my ways."

"Thanks Lis, But everyone has so many expectations of me and if I fail then everyone will be disappointed…I've got to go, need to get ready. Guardians orders" She gave me a hug before I left.

I left the dorms and headed for the Trial Rooms. Traditionally, St Vladimir's Trial tests where much harder and took longer. But because of the recent attacks and loss of previous Dhampir and Moroi alike they decided the training took too long and so did the trials. So now, the systems have been upgraded. Before you have to be above 13 to start training. But now, the new age restriction is 10 years old. And instead of graduating at the age of 18, the graduation age is now 16.

Another thing that changed was that, these tests use to be private and confidential, but somehow the rules change because some royals were complaining that how can they be sure that their guardian that was given to them are actually able to protect them and is suitable for them. They have to of course approve of their guardian. Most of the Royals approve because times like these royals want to get as many guardians as they can to protect them from any danger.

The trials were going to take place in one of the many fields of the school. Most of these fields were always being used for trainings but in this special occasion trainings for the lower years were cancelled. Instead they get to also witness the higher years take what they will be taking in a few years time. The bleachers use for fans were cleaned and the highest stalls would be for the royals who are yet to be given a guardian. The seats looked pretty comfortable and luxuriously cushions where put out for them. Adrian, Lissa and Christian all sat there.

My test was only minutes away when I saw Lissa come down.

"What are you doing here? Your meant to be up there watching"

"I just wanted to give you something before you go out there" She said.

Her palm touched mine. I hesitated. I didn't want to have an unfair advantage against the others. She knew what I meant from the look in my eyes.

"It won't give you a boost, its fine, and it's only a good luck charm to help you, its your gift from me"

I held out my hand, thinking she would just chant some spell to help me, but to my surprise she reached deep into her jean's pocket and held out a tiny Gold ring with some letters on the side which I didn't understand. It also had a few stones attached to it. She told me the ring that she gave me was something that she and Adrian were working on. It was also from him but he couldn't come down here to give it to me. It was only big enough to grip my pinkie. But that was fine, Lissa tended to use whatever gold she had at the time. And I didn't complain, instead I thanked her.

"I've only started doing charms with Adrian, so this one isn't really that strong but its strong enough to block some darkness and obstacles." She told me.

"It's perfect" I replied.

We carried on walking for a while hoping that I would go last. I held my hand admiring the ring she had just given me. We weren't probably allowed jewellery in these types of things but my Gloves would cover it. I didn't want to get caught with this. Not just because it was jewellery but because if they find out this ring was from Lissa they wouldn't immediately take my scores or grades down.

"I can't believe after this we're going out in the real world" I said happily thinking of the freedom we would get.

Besides my cheery tone, Lissa clutched her jacket at the thought. Not just because Christian and she might get separated but also because of the promise she unhappily said she would come with me to soon. Our task that were about to start very very soon.

Lissa was sent away and was told to be seated at her chair. As it was near my turn to go on, I should be getting ready and not get distracted. I watched the First guardian-to-be get on the field to start. I noticed that some of the obstacles set where on a wobbly surface, probably to make it more challenging. Others were tricks, by this I mean some of them looked really easy but really some novices and guardians hid behind the corners pretending that they were Strigoi, hoping it would make them hesitate.

I calmed down from my hysterics and looked around my surroundings. All around me I saw my classmates with their mentors and instructors. Those teachers told their students last minute advice and tactics. Jealousy filled me. I envied them. Not so long ago dreamt it to be differently. It was meant to be like that with me. Dimitri was supposed to be here. Standing with me, telling me to take deep breaths and to calm like the others. But instead he was out there somewhere killing innocent people.

When I returned from my near death experience from Russia, Alberta trained me, replacing Dimitri. She would have been here but she was given different more important responsibilities. She didn't have the time to stay with me. Other friends and classmates would have helped me but they were also fighting there nerves. Dimitri wasn't here. And Lissa was sent away. I was by myself.

I felt a rush of loneliness flow through me. To ignore my feelings I pretended that Dimitri was right there in front of me. Like my classmates Mentors and instructors. I shut my eyes and pictured him in front of me.

"Don't worry Rose, you will get through this, I believe in you" his voice would soothe me and calm me. That would be all I needed to do this confidently.

"What are you doing, Rose?"

I opened my eyes. Shocked at the person who I saw standing before me. "Mom, what are you doing here?"

She answered, like I should already know." You didn't think I would miss my daughter's trial day would you? What kind of mother do you think I am?" She had a smile on her face which I hadn't seen in a while.

I suddenly felt guilty thinking my own mother didn't even come and watch. I and My mother haven't really been together for the past few years; it's only been soon that I've been talking to her. I still felt abandoned from my childhood years, and I felt it was something that would never go away. But I see her now, actually tying but it doesn't erase the past. "I thought, you would be somewhere else. I didn't think this would be important to you?"

"What did you think, I was going to miss this, this is once in a lifetime Rose, and of course I will be here for you" She came across to me and hugged me. It felt strange coming from her. But I didn't waste the moment so I hugged her back.

"I bought someone else who couldn't miss this, I found him getting lost trying to find his way, look for yourself"

I looked at her curiously, she pointed at the bleachers. Astonished, I couldn't believe my eyes. My father was here. My father… I've got to start getting use to that. I didn't even know my father least his name a few months ago. So if I thought my closeness with my mom wasn't much, my connection with my father was didn't exist. I really dint know him that much either. Rumours I heard about him was that he was selling illegal drugs and weapons. But those I like to believe are just rumours. There are a lot of rumours going around about my family. I peeked and saw his eyes on mine. I showed a smile.

"Rosemarie Hathaway!!!"

I turned around quickly, I thought it was my mother talking but she had already disappeared. The voice I heard was Alberta's. "YOU'RE UP NEXT!" I marched at the start of the obstacle. Adrenaline rushed my body. My heart rate increased. Ready to take my test- the test that will make me a guardian.

I walked as slowly as I can along to the field. I looked above me as the whole school watched me. My palms sweating.

There were about 6 obstacles.

Agility – Flying Daggers, wobbly surfaces

Courage – Transported to the top of a high stall, the student should have the courage to jump down.

Strength - Physical combat to show how much they have learnt during their education.

Speed – Running 5 laps around a field.

Cleverness – Making your way through a confusing maze.

And the most important: Battle – A duel between the student and the teacher.

Agility course was first. I walked to what seemed a fairly easy task. But as soon as I stepped on the surface of the wood, it started shaking and wobbling. I slipped a couple of times I guess analyzing the maze didn't help, but I tried my best to stand. Eventually I got off it. I looked around me and saw red hot flames and a couple of sharp daggers. I wondered what this one was about. But somehow I already had the feeling it wasn't a friendly task. A guardian walked in front of me, right beside the desk full of harmful objects. Unsuspectingly he clutched the deadly weapon and fired it straight at me. I dodged it. But he was like a machine. 3 at the same time thrown straight to hit my body. It lasted for about 10 minutes. The last few daggers, I was sick of dodging so instead I grasped the sharp end and threw it straight back. It hit the corner; just pass his head by a cm. I smiled content and surprise with my quick skills.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The next obstacle was interesting. We had to step in this pitch-black room and stand as they pulled down the curtains. I went inside trying to prep myself up for anything they had. I felt a cold breeze whip my face. How was that possible, when I was stuck in a room? I opened my eyes. Amazed at what was right in front of me. I was now standing in a long tall steel building. A guardian acting as a guide was in front of me. Pointing down by the balcony. I looked at him surprised.

"What? You want me to jump of the building?!?"

He nodded.

"You must be crazy!!!I can't do that we must be like 70 feet high!"

Instead his face was motionless, but his fingers still pointed down. I gulped, For Lissa… I have to do this. Scared as Hell, I jumped off the building, thinking I was heading for my certain death. My eyes still closed I could feel Gravity pulling me down.

Unaware of my surroundings, I opened my eyes and saw I was back on the field again, with all my peers, family classmates and guardians before me. I had heard of this test before. You had to show as many training and moves you can in public. This one was the easiest task so far. I concentrated and took a deep breath in trying to remember everything Alberta and Dimitri taught me. It took months for Dimitri to teach me combat. But when he did he wasn't fooling around. It wasn't easy work, it was heavy hard and I had to practice them whenever I had the spare time. I barely had sleep as the trainings carried on so long. One time one of the trainings even carried on till curfew. I stared at the yes looking at me now. Pausing my thoughts I tried to think. I tried my best and started. While doing my moves I heard the crowds cheer and clapped every time I finished a move successfully. When I finished I was out of breath and my heart rate was up. A guardian told me to move on to the next obstacle.

The crowd still clapping I walked to the obstacle. This time the Guardian actually speaking explained what I had to do.

"This task is to show your speed, there will come a time when too many Strigoi are attacking and you have to run to get help, to do this you must be fast efficient and in focus. You have to be faster than them, outrun them. Behind you 5 guardians have volunteered to represent the Strigoi trying to capture you. They have had the experience and the unfortunate memory of being chased just like you are now, you will start at 3, 1…2…3!"

I sprinted threw the track. I never ran as fast as this ever in my life. But I remember feeling like this. A few moths ago a pack of Strigoi attacked our school, unluckily me and Dimitri where the first ones to see it. There were too many for us to finish by just the two of us. We had to get backup. He was the one that stayed as I went and ran for help. I felt the fear and determination flood back, the guardians were catching up on me, I had to reach the other guardians before the 'Strigoi' reached me. Only a few meters away form the finish line, I felt a hand grab my back, but I quickly shuffled out of it. Now I really wished I tied my hair up. It would be so much easier. I finally reached it. I sighed with relief.

I was traumatized. To see the next task was what seemed to be an endless maze. Still dismayed at what I had to do. I was left alone by myself at the start. I flinched and returned to reality and decided I should start moving. I never thought that the test was going to be this hard and agonising.

Not surprised, I found myself already lost. I tried all routes I could find. But they all lead to the same thing, a dead end. Boredom and determination both had me going, but what really kept me going was Lissa. I was on the verge of giving up. But I saw a flash of light in the corner of my eye. I slowly turned my head sideways and saw the exit. I couldn't believe it; I thought I had failed and that I was probably going to end up lost or never found.

I was doing well so far, all that was left was the last test. No one would mention to me what it was apparently it was a surprise. I heard Guardians say it was the hardest challenge of the whole lot. That was why they saved it for last.

I entered what seemed like a fighting ring. Fighting wasn't hard. It was easy. I don't know what they were talking about saying this was the hardest test. I would say this was one of the easiest. But I guess people have different opinions. I was preferably calm, ready to fight anyone. But that was before I saw who I was actually going to fight. My mother.

"Mum, what are you doing here?" I asked frustratingly.

"Okay, I kind of lied when I said the only reason I came was to watch you…The real reason was that I was called here specifically for this task, you have to fight me rose" She told me solemnly.

"I'm sorry I lied to you Rose but you had to believe me, I wasn't suppose to tell you"

"Its part of the task, I get it"

A guardian once again and told us the rules, but to surprised I saw Alberta come, not some other guardian who I didn't know. "I'll explain this only once. This battle is testing you how you will cope with a fight, it is the most important challenge, if you do not succeed, the consequences will be drastic. Everything depends on this. Oh, and Rose one more thing. It wasn't meant to be like this. It was meant to be Dimitri you're fighting. "

I flinched at the sound of his name said out loud.

"But because of recent news and deaths, your mother decided to volunteer. I was more than happy to fight against you, but your mother insisted she does this"

"You may start the challenge" she swayed her arms.

She ran straight for me, but I quickly dodged her attack. And held her neck. Herr neck in my Grasp, I thought I had her beat, but she twisted around and held my arm. I cried out in pain. But she didn't let her feelings get to her. I took advantage, while she was about to break my arm, I slid my Leg under her. She tripped and I managed to get my arm back. I walked back trying to give space between us. But out of nowhere she appeared behind me and slammed me right into the floor.

It made a humongous crack. The pain that now dominated my back was extremely excruciating and painful. Ready to get my revenge, I sneaked up behind her and saw an advantage of a sneak attack. I grabbed her hair and did a fast spin to make her dizzy; I swung her straight to a concrete wall. Head first. I forget there for a second it was my mother I was fighting. Seeing her hurt was agonizing but this had to be finished. She still managed to stand up. But I knew I had to end this. As fast and hard as I could I swung my leg straight for her stomach. She lay down on the floor. But she gave me proud smile. Unconscious, she shut her eyes.

I was pleased but also guilty. I had passed but I had hurt my mother to get it. She knew it was going to happen and I had to pass. I kept telling myself that to make me feel better.

I came out of the ring. People flooded me with Cheers and congratulations. I smiled and said thanks in return. All their happy faces and positive tone of their voice just made me feel like I had committed a sin.

Someone behind me grabbed my jacket and pulled me away from the rest of the crowd."Rose! Rose! I'm so happy for you!" She cheered.

"Thanks, Lis, I'm so happy too" I mumbled looking at the other direction

"Rose, what's the matter?" She said worriedly.

"Well, the last challenge, it's really disturbing."

"What happened, tell me everything" she asked looking at me.

I really appreciated it when she cared for me. Even though her life was already complicated, she still cared about me. That was something I always admired about her.

"Well, for the challenge, they had to test how we will react or how we cope during battle, and to make it harder we had to fight for someone we cared about."

"They picked my mother..."

She flinched. I knew through the bond how she felt for me. She felt so sorry, but at the same time pleased that I hadn't gotten hurt. If I had gotten hurt, she... found it unbearable.

"Oh my gosh Rose are you alright? You must be in shock right now?"

"It doesn't really matter, it's just I hurt her, and I hope she forgives me" I replied.

"I'm sure she will" She told me patting my back. She felt the awkward silence and immediately tried to change the subject.

"Anyway I've got to tell you something, and I was actually one of the first ones to know, the tradition of St Vladimir's Masquerade Ball is coming. There hasn't been one in the last 100 years." I could hear from the tone of her voice she was really excited. I wasn't really up for dressing up but Lissa always did and every time I went shopping she always bought me nice things. Most I wouldn't really approve because most of them were rather expensive but she insisted.

"I was going to ask you if you wanted to go shopping with me, to go and get some dresses for the Ball, it will be such a great day rose. The ball is on Sunday, and it is mostly dedicated for the new guardians. So this mean everyone is dressing up. It's kind of a partner, date thing, so you will need a date" She had a big cheesy smile on her face. I already knew what she was thinking, she was going to try and match me up with...

"OH, no...No, no no WAY. I know what you're thinking Lissa, and trust me it isn't a good idea" I tried to discourage her not to do anything, but she had already left, probably to go and tell Adrian the 'Good News'. I sighed. Suddenly my mood blackened and felt low.