Chicago, Illinois

8 Months Ago

Tasha: Age 28

March 26th

I groaned looking at the clock. God, it was 3 in the morning. I reached over and answered the blaring phone.

"Ozera." I groaned into the phone.

"Lady Ozera, this is Headmistress Kirova at St. Vladimir's Academy."

I shot up. What had Christian done this time?

"Yes, Headmistress Kirova?"

"I'm calling you, as I am calling all parents, to let you know that the school was attacked by Strigoi."

"Oh, god!" I said a million scenarios running through my head, "Is Christian all right?"

"Yes, Mr. Ozera is all right. I just wanted to let you know that your son is a hero and we are very proud to have him in our student body."

"What did Christian do?" I asked.

"He fought alongside a fellow dhampir student and killed Strigoi."

"But, he's okay, right?" I asked worry still eating away at me.

"Yes, he's fine. You may call him if you like. Classes have been suspended until we get everything under control."

"Thank you."

"Of course. Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

I hung up and instantly dialed Christian's number. I'd call Dimka to get the full report after I made sure my nephew was all right.

"Aunt Tasha?" his voice came in gravelly.

"Christian? Oh, God, are you all right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." he said with a forced chuckle.

"What happened? Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine, Aunt Tasha. Strigoi attacked the school."

"How?"

"We don't know yet. All we know for sure is that at least six people are dead. They broke in and Rose and Dimitri alerted the school. Rose saved me."

"How?"

"I was in the Chapel when the Strigoi attacked. She saved my life. I was just about to walk back to my dorm when she caught up to me and a Strigoi attacked. She killed the Strigoi."

I was so grateful to Rose in that moment. No matter that she had won Dimitri and I was still bitter about that, I was so grateful that she'd saved him.

"I used my magic, Aunt Tasha. I saved people. I killed Strigoi." he said sounding awestruck.

"I'm so proud of you, Christian. You protected your schoolmates. I am so so proud of you. You did something that most Moroi wouldn't dream of doing."

"Thanks."

Lissa's voice came from somewhere in the background.

"Hold on, Aunt Tasha."

He didn't cover the phone so I heard half the conversation.

"Is she..." Christian started.

"Rose...no...she's sobbing...anything, but okay..." Lissa replied.

"Loved him...wish I'd...don't know..."

"Wow...can't believe...what's...she was...love..."

"Body...couldn't find..."

"sure...dead?"

"Yes...sure...Dimitri...dead..."

"Shit..."

"Don't know what to do..."

"Hold on..."

"See you..."

"Yeah...give...minute."

Then Christian's voice became clear in my ear.

"Aunt Tasha?"

"Yes?" I said.

"Um...there's something I have to tell you."

"What?"

"I don't know how to say this. I know Dimitri was a really good friend of yours."

The world stopped. What had happened? What had happened to Dimitri? He couldn't be dead. Please, don't let him be dead.

"He...he was attacked in the tunnels..."

I held my breath...waiting...

"They went back to get the bodies..."

"He's dead?" I asked in horror.

"No...it's worse...his body wasn't there. They think he was...turned."

My mind froze. Dimitri? Strigoi? No. This couldn't be. Oh, God, why? I choked on a sob, tears rolling down my face.

"I know he was your friend, Aunt Tasha. I'm so sorry."

"It's all right. Thank you for telling me, Christian." I said with a sniffle.

"I'll talk to you later?"

"Yeah, bye."

I hung up and my legs turned to jelly. I collapsed at the end of my bed my hand covering my mouth, a sob tore through my throat. Oh Dimitri...why? If you'd just come with me this would have never happened. Why was the world so cruel.

Royal Moroi Court, Pennsylvania

5 Months Ago

Tasha: Age 28

June 18

"Do you have any idea how STUPID your behavior has been?" Tatiana screamed at me.

I stared her straight in the eye as she yelled. Was this woman really giving me a lecture about protesting? I was fighting for my rights and what I thought was right.

"Rallying the Moroi to your suicide mission is one thing! To protest and try to make it a legal obligation is just preposterous!"

"What? Are you afraid that the Moroi might agree with me?" I shot back angrily.

"Watch your tone," she said in a dangerous tone.

I glared, "You need to stop all this backwards thinking and start helping your people become strong. The Moroi used to be strong. They used to be revered by society. Now they hide behind the dhampirs too frightened to be out in the world."

"Do not tell me how to run my people. Do not sit there and pretend to believe that you know what is best for them."

"I'm not the only one protesting. Why am I the only one here?"

"Because you're the loudest one. Natasha, I understand your premise. And in time you will realize that I know exactly what I am doing. And I will do what is right for my people."

Yeah, right. I highly doubted that. I glared.

"Now get out."

"You know, my grandfather used to say that you were such a nice girl. What happened to make you such a bitter bitch?"

She glared, "Get out."

"One day, Tatiana, you're going regret your decisions and the way you teach people. You won't be queen forever."

"What are you saying, Natasha? Are you threatening me?"

"No," I said lightly, "I'm simply saying that one day something is going to happen and things will change. So, either get with the program or get out of the way."

"Get the hell out." she growled out, "I will not stand here and listen to you threaten me."

I watched as the dhampir beside her took her hand trying to calm her.

"I have done right by my people for as long as I have been alive. You know nothing about ruling these people and I am highly offended that you stand there and pretend to know anything about what I am doing."

I glared, "All I see is a woman who plays with dhampirs like they're toys and pawns rather than actual people. All I see is a woman who only helps the rich."

I got up and stormed out. I HATE TATIANA! I wish she were dead. One day. One day she wouldn't talk down to me.

St. Vladimir's Academy, Montana

4 1/2 Months Ago

Tasha: Age 28

July 1st

"So, when did you find this out?" I asked looking around.

"Last week." John said with a smirk, "I really can't believe they made it so easy to find out."

"Are you sure that they're actually teaching Moroi to learn how to fight?"

"Yes, one of the guardians let me know."

"So, what's it like?"

"You'll find out in a few days. Apparently, Queen Tatiana wants to have a chat with you when you get to Court."

I sighed. I had to deal with that bitch? Really? She'd flipped out on me the last time I was at Court for using magic at that stupid meeting at the ski lodge.
That was also, sadly, the last time I'd seen Dimitri. Talking about Dimitri, my sources had let me know that Rose had finally come back.

"Great." I said sarcastically.

He chuckled, "Have you decided what you're going to do about her majesty?"

"No, I just need to find a way to get her to see things my way. And keeping Rose near me so that Tatiana doesn't use her experience to get her way is top on my list."

"Is she going to give you a guardian."

"Yeah, she said I could have a guardian if I shut the fuck up about giving the dhampirs more rights and about Moroi learning to defend themselves. Oh, and let's not forget my ridiculous plan for us to go on suicide missions and go to war with the Strigoi."

He laughed, "You'll get the better of her."

I looked at my watch, "I better go find Christian."

"Yeah, I'm going to go find my daughter."

I watched as John walked away then got to my feet. I hurried to the arena where the guardian trials were taking place and found Christian.

"Has Rose gone on yet?" I asked walking toward him.

"No, she should be up soon." he said, keeping his eyes focused on the arena.

I looked beside him to see Abe Mazur and Adrian along with a little brown-haired preteen. I greeted them and took my seat watching the trials.

"ROSEMARIE HATHAWAY!"

I watched as Rose took her trials. She was magnificent. Dimitri had taught her well. Getting her on my side was going to be tough. Especially, if what John had said about Tatiana trying to get on her good side and give her perks so she'd join her side was true. I knew how Tatiana manipulated to get her way. She could bribe anyone.

We watched transfixed as Rose moved through the trial with confidence, but her concentration never wavered. She looked like a warrior in the midst of a true battle rather than her trial. She treated the guardians attacking her as though they were true Strigoi. There was a haunted look in her eye as she worked. Like she was in a different world.

Christian and I walked to Rose's party.

"Are you excited to graduate tomorrow?" I asked as we walked.

"I guess." he replied, "I'm happier about just getting away from this place. I mean, out in the world nobody knows who I am. There aren't people out there judging my every move."

"Talking about getting away from this place, have you decided what you're going to do after high school?"

"No."

I sighed, "You and I are going to have a chat about your future, young man."

"Yeah, how about we not and say we did."

I was just about to say something else when Jill came up to us.

"See ya, Aunt Tasha." Christian said hurrying away with her.

I glared after him. That boy. I mingled for a while, even managing to flirt with Abe. It was nice to just hang out and relax. But, I also watched Rose. She looked beautiful, but so much older than the last time I'd seen her. I could see the wise look in her eye as she stood talking to Christian. And then I saw the glare he was giving Lissa. I sighed and began wandering over to her. I hadn't tried talking to her since the day I'd realized she was in love with Dimitri.

"When are you going to fix that?" I said coming up beside her as Christian walked away, "Those two need to get back together."

"I know that. You know that. But, they can't seem to get it through their heads." she replied, looking irritated.

"Well, you'd better get on it. If Christian goes to college across the country, it'll be too late."

That is, if he was actually going to go to college. And if it was up to me he would be whether he wanted to or not.

"I know," she replied exasperated, "But, why am I the one who has to fix it?"

I grinned, "BEcause you're the only one forceful enough to make them see reason."

She sighed, then her eyes moved to someone across the room.

"Dear God, he's unstoppable."

I looked to where she was looking. Who was she talking about?

"Abe? He's actually pretty charming."

She groaned, "Excuse me."

How did she know Abe Mazur anyway? I watched as she walked away and shook my head.

Royal Moroi Court, Pennsylvania

4 1/2 Months Ago

Tasha: Age 28

July 5th

There were so many new guardians. I walked through them as I read over their credentials. I sighed and simply put down one name on my request sheet.

ROSEMARIE HATHAWAY.

"Who wants reckless Rose Hathaway? The one who drops out without warning to do her own thing?" she said as I came up to her, Adrian, Lissa, and their friend, Eddie.

"Plenty," he was saying, "I sure do. You kicked ass in the battle, and remember-everyone thinks you went off on some Strigoi-killing spree. Some might think it's worth your crazy personality."

"He's right,"I said agreeing.

She looked up at me and gave me a genuine smile.

"Have they finally let you have a guardian?"

I nodded, "I think they're hoping it'll shut me up about Moroi fighting with dhampirs. Kind of a bribe."

"One you won't fall for, I'm sure." she said with a knowing smile.

"Nope. If anything, it'll just give me someone to practice with." the smile left my face, "I hope you won't be offended...but I put a request for you, Rose."

"Oh..." she said sharing a startled look with Lissa.

"I hope they'll give you to Lissa," I said uncomfortable, "But, the queen seems pretty dead-set on her own choices. If that's the case..." I said trying to diffuse the tension in the moment.

"It's okay. If I can't be with Lissa, then I really would rather be with you." she replied with a small smile.

"Hey!" Adrian exclaimed in offense.

Rose shook her head, "You know they'd assign me to a woman anyway. Besides, you've got to do something with your life to earn a guardian."

Ouch...that's a pretty harsh thing for someone to say to their boyfriend. Even if it was Rose. And even if it was Adrian Ivashkov we were talking about. I fixed my expression on relieved emotions.

"I'm glad you don't mind. In the meantime, I'll do what I can to help you two. Not that my opinion counts for much." I said rolling my eyes.

"Thank you for..." Rose started, but was cut off by Daniella Ivashkov, Adrian's mother.

"Adrian," she said in a chastising voice, "you can't keep Rose and Vasilisa all to yourself. The queen would like to see you both."

I could see the displeasure in both Rose and Lissa's expression.

Daniella finally noticed me, and knowing that she couldn't simply ignore me since I was right in front of her she gave me a curt, polite nod, "Lady Ozera."

She walked away and I turned back to the girls.

"Have fun," I said before turning to Adrian, "More champagne?"

"Lady Ozera, you and I are two minds with a single thought."

I shook my head. And saw Rose hesitate as Lissa walked away. She walked back to me.

"Is all your jewelry silver?"

I touched the necklace around my neck, "yes, why?"

Why would that matter?

"This is going to sound really weird...well, maybe not compared to my normal weirdness. But could we, um, borrow all of those?"

For what? What the hell?

I felt my eyebrow rise, "Sure. But, can I give them to you later? I don't really want to strip my jewelry in the middle of this party."

"No problem." she replied.

"I'll have them sent to your room." I replied with an easy smile.

Royal Moroi Court, Pennsylvania

4 1/2 Months Ago

Tasha: Age 28

July 14th

I watched the video John had given me. He'd been right. They were teaching Moroi how to fight; not only with hand on hand combat,but with magic as well. That lying, two-faced bitch. A sound drew my attention.

I looked up as Ethan ran in.

"Did you hear?"

"Hear what?" I asked looking at him confused.

Ethan was my...friend...anyway...

"No one's alerted you?" Then I took in how he was dressed.

"What's going on?"

"We have to go. The Dragomir princess and your nephew were taken by Strigoi."

"What!" I yelled walking after him.

I followed as we hurried.

"Yeah, it happened earlier. Hans is taking the queen's group of Moroi fire users on the rescue mission."

"And why am I coming along?"

"Because you're at the head of the revolution." he said with a smirk.

"How can we be sure they're still alive?" I asked.

"Rose."

I nodded.

My gaze hit Rose and I nodded. She nodded back. In this we had an understanding. We had to save them. I got into the same SUV as her and watched as she entered Lissa's mind. She was sweating and I could tell something intense had to be going on. When she tuned back in she was trembling.

"What did you see?" I asked.

"A nightmare," she said shaking her head, "My worst nightmare come true."

That was the last time we spoke that night. Once we got there I was in battle mode. The adrenaline I was feeling was the only thing that kept me standing. I was exhausted, my magic burst through me engulfing the Strigoi around me. Each time, all I could see were Lucas and Moira's faces. It took me a minute to realize there were no more once the battle was over.

I helped move bodies, but stopped when commotion came from the door. We all looked to watch a sobbing man being dragged out of the building. And my heart instantly recognized him. Dimitri.

I hurried over to hug Christian when he ran out. He carried Lissa in his arms. She had fainted.

"Are you all right?" I asked.

"She did it." he said in awe, "She brought him back."

"Christian, what are you talking about? Why do they have Dimitri?"

Then I saw them dragging Rose out. She was yelling and screaming. What was going on!?

I watched as they brought more and more evidence before Lissa. God, it was amazing how much they could find once they were pointed in the right directions. Guardians are like psy-hounds. The dark emotions that coiled in me as reminder after reminder of Rose and Tatiana filled my mind.

I sighed. So much hate. Why?