After filling myself up to the brim of donuts, I set out to my mission. Sincerely, I had no idea what I was looking for while I walked down the street no longer in my pajama. Wondering around, I hoped for a miracle. And guess what? It came in the form of a cartel. Literally. It was set on the window of a modest little building, and said: 'NEW PERSONAL NEEDED'. I approached it and tried to look through the misty glass, but couldn't see anything through it. I jumped back when a door leading out of the building opened.

A blond girl came stumbling out, her pink lipstick smudged and her pupils large and dilated. The drink she was holding kept spilling out its contents into the floor and onto her skimpy dress. She looked about to pass out. Her unfocused baby blue eyes landed on me.

"Well, hello stranger," she said, her voice slurred, "What are you doing here?"

I wordlessly signaled to the work needed sign. She laughed.

"Wait," she said in between, "You're seriously looking for work here?"

I nodded. She stared at me for a few moments and then started laughing her ass off again. I crossed my arms and tapped my foot impatiently.

Oh, for God's sake. People here are nuts. I waited for her to stop laughing, and when she did, she gave me a once-over.

"Well," she said helpfully, "You certainly have the body. And I'm sure we could do something for-"

"What do you mean with 'I certainly have the body'?"

"Gosh," she stared at me, "You don't know what you're getting at, don't you?"

I looked blankly at her. She sighed.

"Okay," she extended me a shaky hand, "Mia Rinaldi. I come to this local frequently to gain some cash. Now, you are?"

Mia Rinaldi. Why did that name sound so familiar? A memory was tugging at my brain, but it was impossible to grasp it. I knew it wasn't the first time I met this girl with golden ringlets and porcelain skin, but where and when had I met her before?

"Rose," I told her hesitantly.

She rubbed her eyes, as if trying to believe them. Then, her gaze, much more focused and serious, set on me. Her mouth opened like a fish's and her face blanched. Her shaky hand came to rest on the local's window for balance as her body swayed. I, perplexed, took a double take. It was obvious she knew me. Did I- Fuck. Damn it.

In the real world, I started taking steps back. Mia, finally realizing what was happening, took an unsteady step towards me and called my name. I turned around and ran, her shout still ringing in my ears.

How? How was this possible? The probabilities of meeting one of my former friends had sincerely been high, counting on that they still were at the Academy for graduation. But come on. Just the day I decide to go out had to be the day I bumped into someone from my old life. But not just anyone. Mia Rinaldi. She and I were never friends, considering she had tried to ruin mine and Lissa's friendship back at the Academy. But that didn't matter, because she recognized me. Maybe she didn't think the alcohol had influenced her into thinking that she'd seen me, but nobody would believe her if she were to tell someone. I mean, who believes a drunken girl's memories? Maybe she doesn't even remember seeing me when she wakes up tomorrow morning with a killer hangover. Yes. Let's hope for that.

My feet slowed down with that hopeful thought, and I resumed my calm pace even though my insides were shaking with unease. When I spotted a human bar, I headed over to it and ordered myself a water bottle. The bar was peculiar with its grey painted walls and clean wooden floor, small red tables and matching chairs were set around the bar isle. I was sitting on a stool, my legs folded. When my drink came, I graciously drank it all in one go. The bar attendant, a petite girl no older than me, had her back turned to me and was talking with a boy with dark hair and blue eyes, who would've been attractive if it weren't because of a missing eye. The dark blond girl spoke in hushed voices.

"Are you sure? Was she completely drained?"

"God, Sydney," replied the boy, "Do I have to repeat myself? Yes!"

"Oh my God," whispered Sydney, "This complicates everything, doesn't it?"

The boy nodded. What were they talking about? They surely couldn't mean- No, they were human. They didn't know about us.

"Okay, Keith, you can go now," Sydney said.

"Sydney," said Keith warningly, "Don't boss me around. Remember who's in charge here. And keep your eyes wide open, we don't want more incidents like this one to repeat itself. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, sir," responded Sydney grudgingly.

Keith nodded, spared a glance at me, at which I pretended to be studying my nails, and left. Sydney turned around and her warm golden eyes landed on me. That's when I noticed the lily on her cheek that had clearly been tried to hide with make-up. It was barely visible, but for a vampire eye, well, there it was.

I had to play my cards right. The conversation had left me confused, and the golden lily tattooed onto the girl's cheek only added to my bewilderment.

"So," I said casually, "What the fuck was that about?"

OK, not exactly very casually. Sydney's eyes widened.

"What do you mean?" she asked carefully.

"I mean, what the fuck was that conversation about? What did you mean with drai-"

"Shush!" Sydney whispered frantically, "Someone may hear you! Look, let's go somewhere more… private."

I nodded, glancing around. My quick outburst had caused the attraction of a few human eyes. I stood up and followed her into the bar kitchen. The place, as it should be, was impeccably clean.

"Look," said Sydney, "I was assigned here. I'm an Alchemist."

I stared at her blankly.

"A what?"

She sighed.

"An Alchemist. Our job is to protect the humans from the knowledge of vampire's existence, mean-"

"Yes, I know what you mean," I interrupted. Sydney stared at me, exasperated. "But why are you assigned here?"

"Confidential information," she said.

"Oh, come on. That's bull-"

The door to the kitchen opened, and I was quick to shut up. Both Sydney and I turned our heads to look at the newcomer. A guy with messy light brown hair stood there, his emerald green eyes sparkling as he took in the scene in front of him. A smirk appeared at his lips.

"So, Sage," he said, "Are you going to introduce me to your new friend?"

Sydney nodded professionally, hiding a smile.

"Adrian, this is-" Sydney stopped abruptly. We hadn't introduced ourselves.

"Rose," I put in.

Adrian watched the exchange, amused.

"Adrian," he said charmingly, "Adrian Ivashkov at your service."

A/N

Adrian has made an appearance! What ya think? Liked it? Just a small warning, guys; this is not a Rose × Adrian FanFic. Sorry about that. So, please leave me let me know what you think!