Adrian spun me around and dipped like an expert. He was gazing into my eyes as the world spun around us and then I felt like I felt on top of the world. As I stared back into his green eyes I was becoming a bit hypnotized by the dreaminess of them.

Adrian chuckled as the song ended and he bowed. He led me to the front of the room where the stage was and we stepped in front of the mic.

He cleared his throat and smirked, "Hello everyone. We all know why we're here right?"

The crowd erupted in to cheers and he nodded excitedly, "Yup. Our Rose is back… from defeating the Strigoi!"

Everyone lifted their glasses while Adrian made the toast; he smiled at me, "To Rose, the upcoming best guardian of all time, here here."

The crowd smiled, "Here, here!"

I smiled and whispered in Adrian's ear, "What's in these glasses?"

He smirked, "Chardonnay of course."

I gasped, "What if Kirova comes in here? She'll smell it…"

Adrian grinned and gestured to the back of the room, "She is giving out the drinks."

The crowd cheered, "We want to hear Rose!"

I smirked, "Hello everyone."

They cheered loudly and I smiled, I felt really important.

I cleared my throat and grinned, "So… I've been gone for a while, and I can tell that you guys missed me… a lot. But I just want you to know that my leave wasn't in vain. I killed about seven Strigoi then lost count. But what I'm mostly proud of is that… I killed the strongest Strigoi that was out there…. Dimitri Belikov."

The room was quiet, I heard silent speaking everywhere. And even though it was deadly quiet, their almost non-existent whispers, made me feel claustrophobic. My hand started to travel up to my throat but Adrian caught it looked deep into my eyes and nodded.

I swallowed hard and laughed nervously, "It practically beat the shit out of me but I did it, right? So… cheers?"

They shouted back, "Cheers!"

I hugged Adrian and walked off of the stage not able to take the stares anymore. Another song started playing.

Adrian raised an eyebrow, "Want to dance?"

I shook my head and sat down. That speech had taken a lot out of me, I had faced the truth, and Dimitri was gone. For good this time- never coming back, I sighed.

Adrian got me another drink and sat down beside me, I took it.

"Hey," he said concerned, "you'll be alright. I know it; I'll make you happy or die trying."

I smiled sadly, "I'm not worth it, as I said earlier, damaged. Go find a royal Moroi girl who can make you happy."

Adrian frowned and pursed his lips, then stared at me, "Rose… you say that again and it'll upset me. I'm going to let you slip away with that this time. But I want you to know now, so this doesn't come up again. I don't want a fucking Moroi, I want you. I need you."

He smiled softly and touched my cheek, "I love you."

My cheeks flushed slightly and I looked into his deep green eyes and I knew he was sincere.

He raised an eyebrow, "Okay?"

I nodded, "Okay."