I can't sleep anymore. I used to wake at the crack of dawn, so how do I expect myself to sleep in the middle of the human day (vampire night). Anyway, with all these thoughts in my head wishing to drag me down, I have enough to do.

I am confined to a simple room on the second floor of the royal court – with two strange guardians outside the door. These days (or nights, depending on how you want to say it) I spend my time in important royal meetings, music playing in my ears.

The only person who have been slightly kind and smiled at me (Moroi cause guardians don't smile while working) is Adrian. Everyone else just stares at me like I'm some kinda freak – and I hate it. Back at the mansion (school) I would've gone for a midnight stroll, but I can't do that anymore.

I sighed and rolled over in my bed – at least it's a double. Wait! Where are the windows (yes, I have been lowered to this thought process)? There are two in my room, one in the bathroom (though way too small), and one about a metre away from my bed, but also right next to the door. Guess I'll just have to be careful.

I grinned mischievously and slipped carefully out of bed. Dumped on the floor were today's clothes; a fitted black top and black leggings. Slowly, I changed and just hoped that I didn't smell like a gorilla. My feet sank into the soft carpet as I made my way over to the window. As I studied it, I sighed – the window was rusty, just typical.

I became focused on how loud my actions were, my breathing, the beating of my heart, and importantly, the window I was opening. I smiled as a thought crossed my mind Ava would usually be doing this, not me.

Suddenly I couldn't push the window up any further it must be stuck. I looked up and sighed – I had reached the top and yet there was only a 50 cm opening. Sure I could fit out of it, but if I wanted to land without breaking my back or any other bones, I wanted to be at least sitting down when I jumped.

'But this will have to do' I silently told myself 'you'll just have to pull off a flip' 'yeah, but you've only got seven metres to drop from.' 'shut up, at least it's not the usual five metres'. I nodded, my mental conversation reassuring me that I'll be fine.

Grabbing the window sill, I hefted my legs out of the window so that my butt was only just resting upon the edge. I sat up and rolled my eyes – my head was the only part of my anatomy that didn't fit, how typical.

But without any hesitation I launched myself off the ledge. I narrowly avoided getting my head whacked – I could feel my hair brush part the sill. Quickly, I remembered to flip and landed in a squat leaning heavily on my heels.

"Hello little Dhampir."

I spun around in a defensive stance yet only saw Adrian. Awkwardly, I smiled "Uh, hi Adrian. Aren't you supposed to be sleeping?"

He just raised his eyebrows "Aren't you?"

I shook my head "I can't sleep during the human day."

He nodded slowly "Why don't I show you around without people staring?"

I nodded "Thanks."

Adrian smiled "No problem. Actually, I did want to talk to you."

I smirked "And you tried to reach me through a spirit dream?"

Adrian sighed "Zin, you always managed to remind me of just how much you know."

I rubbed the back of my neck "Yeah, sorry."

"Don't worry, I used to – and still do – annoy people when I know they are lying."

We walked around in silence, the marble floor looking every bit as royal with the sun shining on them. I looked towards the forest and my breath caught in my throat as I saw figures (plural) among the trees – just standing there. Someone waved a hand in front of my face "Earth to Zinaida."

"Don't call me that!" The harshness of my tone did not surprise me.

He quirked an eyebrow "Hey, you alright."

I studied his face carefully, "I don't know. Adrian, are there supposed to be figures standing among the trees?"

He shook his head slowly and I gritted my teeth, "Then no, I am definitely not alright."