Well, here's the next chapter you guys have been asking for. I know some of you are confused on Rose's posistion here, so this chapter explains a bit of backstory.

Please remember to keep on reviewing so I can improve the story!

Disclaimer: I do not own the VA series or associated content, it's owned by Richelle Mead.

Chapter Nine

I awoke with some confusion, obvious since I had no clue where I was. All I remembered was Rose firing a dart at me and me getting knocked out. When my eyes adjusted, I assessed my surroundings.

First, I was handcuffed to a chair, rather obvious since I couldn't move.

Second, the room had sort of a cold military feel to it. It was all metal, from the walls and ceiling, to the door, and even my chair. It was also cold in the temperature sense, I was almost shivering.

There was little hope of escaping, because even if I wasn't restrained, there was only one incredibly heavy looking door and no windows in the room.

All my thoughts came to a quick stop when the door opened with a hiss of air and Rose stepped in wearing normal Guardian attire, for Court anyways, closely followed by a Moroi in a lab coat.

She smiled, "Dimitri. How you feeling?"

I looked her in the eyes, "Well, aside from being drugged and pulled in here, fine. You?"

She sighed and frowned, "Not very well. Because of your little interruption, we've had to take a few precautionary steps. Including detaining everyone who was staying in that Guest building. They may have to be terminated thanks to you." She chuckled, "The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world."

I started to get angry, "Well, perhaps you could at least tell me what in the hell is going on since I am likely to die soon."

She smiled, "Well don't worry. Your death won't be in vain. See, we have been in short supply of Dhampir blood, and yours will certainly be excellent material."

The Moroi, silent thus far, spoke up. "Uh, Miss Hathaway, please remember that the compatibility rate is only about 25 percent. Although we do hope to improve it with more research."

Rose grinned, "Sorry I forgot Doctor, I will be sure to let death row inmates know that they are dying simply for what they've done."

I gasped for a second, "Wait, death row? What have I done!"

She laughed, "Aside from assaulting a member of the Queen's Royal Guard and The Enlightened, you also interrupted an operation important to keeping the peace in our world."

"Wait, 'The Enlightnened'? What did Tatiana finally lose her last hair of sanity?"

Rose laughed for a few seconds, "Dimitri, we have been around since long before Tatiana's rule. The Enlightened have been serving the Monarchy for over 300 years. We were created a very long time ago under the rule of one King Lazerus Ozera, who had the curious problem of people trying to assassinate him every few days. So, he created assassins to hunt the assassins. And ever since we have sworn to keep the peace whatever the cost. Only recently certain events evolved us into The Enlightened."

"How long have you been doing this?"

She smiled, "Oh, I was chosen when I entered early Guardian training, but I began service when I began Guardian service. Only recently things have gotten a lot busier. What with the research and everyone speaking up for Moroi self defense. It's really gotten hectic."

I was having a hard time processing all this information. All I really understood was that there were a group of Dhampir Guardians and Moroi serving the Queen as assassins, and they were killing off people like Tasha and Doctor Gaughlin. Those who tried to reform anything without being elected to either the Council or the actual Monarchy.

"Dimitri, if you have another question, make it quick. The good doctor here needs a blood sample, and they're easier to take while you're nice and drowsy."

I decided to see if this would get me an answer I understood, "What sort of research are you doing, and where are we?"

She grinned, "All you need to know is that we are underground in a laboratory complex, and it is near the Court. This room can be made airtight, so if you try to leave, then we will gas you very quickly. There are only a few prisoners here, and Guards watch the cameras 24/7. As for the research, it's mostly things you wouldn't have the education to understand. Now, sweet dreams."

The Moroi doctor with her came over and injected me with something, and I passed out in a few seconds.