My day was consumed by practice. Every chance I could get I would try to focus my magic into my core and steady it there until it left me exhausted. This morning I was sitting on my bed with my legs crossed. I realized I needed to be in a clear state of mind if I wanted to stir up the emotions that helped summon the magic. Dimitri walked out of the living room, "Hey, gorgeous."

"Shh." I needed the practice if I wanted to get this down and figure out what I could do with it.

He smiled at me. "Sorry. I'm going to grab something to eat. Want anything?"

"How am I supposed to concentrate if you have me thinking about food?"

He just laughed, "Have you eaten anything?"

My stomach growled loudly. I covered it and felt myself blush. "No."

He sat down beside me and ran his hand through my hair, "You need to get something in you. You need the energy." He kissed my forehead.

I leaned my body against his, "Fine."

"Want anything specific?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "A cheese burger with everything and french-fries."

"That sounds good. I think I'll get the same." He kissed me again and stood up.

I grabbed his hand, "And an ice-cream cone."

His eyebrow rose. "Anything else before I go?"

"Mmm, nope. That's all I want." I flashed him a big smile.

He returned the smiled. "Alright, General. I'll be right back."

He disappeared in to the living so I yelled out, "I love you!"

"I love you more!" he yelled back. Then the door opened and closed.

I always reminded myself that he was too perfect. He always seemed to do the right thing, always wanted to take part in anything, there was never a dull moment. I loved everything about him. He was just simply perfect in my eyes. I don't think I could ever love another man.

I was so lost in thought that I nearly fell over from the shock a rap at the door gave me. I gathered my composure and answered. Lissa smiled sweetly and Christian waved overhead. "Come on in."

Lissa walked in slowly and leaned on the back of the couch. "So, um, have you tried to figure out this new found magic of yours?"

"Don't waste any time beating around the bush, do you?" Christian laughed.

She blushed a little but held her ground. "I'm just looking out for the best for Rose."

"So getting ahead of Adrian means nothing to you?" He was reaching for her but she pulled away.

"Of course not! I just want to make sure that Rose has things under control." She turned her attention back to me. "How have you been?"

I shrugged. "I'm feeling great." I wasn't too sure if I wanted to tell her that Adrian had helped solve half the puzzle to my magic. It might not go over well with her. She might see it as a form of betrayal. We are best friends after all.

"Nothing weird happen lately?"

I slowly shook my head and looked away, "Nope. Just trying to figure things out."

Christian stepped in, "So nobody in peculiar has stopped by to try to help?"

Oh no. He knew something. If anything he knew that Adrian had helped. But knowing how close the two of them were getting I wouldn't doubt that he knew the whole story. I shot him a glare that I hoped signaled him to shut his trap or I was going to shut it for him. "No."

Lissa grew enthusiastic, "Maybe I could help a little?" She was either really sincere or just trying to beat Adrian. Either way I could almost see a halo forming over her head.

"I think I have a hang of this thing. I just want to try this out for myself first."

"Uh huh." Christian was starting to get on my nerves. He would undoubtedly signal to Lissa that something was off if he kept making his stupid remarks.

"Uh huh." Mocking him was the best idea that came to my head. "Anyway, do you guys want anything to drink? Snacks?"

Lissa shook her head and scraped on her finger nails. "I'm fine. I was just hoping…" she sighed heavily. "I was just kind of hoping you might need me. It would be a great way to spend some more time together."

I smiled, "I'm fine, Liss. We can do other things. Normal things."

She laughed, "It's funny."

"What is?"

"Remember I use to crave for some normalcy in life?"

I nodded, "Oh, I remember."

She laughed, "Now I can see why that's nearly impossible for us."

Christian wrapped his arm around her and pulled her to him, "Babe, we aren't cut out for the normal life. You want normal? Find a human."

She elbowed him lightly but he still winced, "Who needs normality when I have people like you guys surrounding me?"

I laughed out, "That's for sure."

"Well, if you change your mind, I'm just across the hall." She slowly made her way to the door as if stalling in hopes that I might change my mind instantly.

Christian tried to hurry her along, "But please knock before entering. We may be naked."

Lissa landed a punch to his arm. It made a solid pat sound. He made a face like the hit actually hurt. I was sure that I would break his arm if I had tried to punch him. She gave him a wary look, "At this point in time, I very much doubt those possibilities."

"What that she won't knock or that we won't be naked?"

"You are so irritating!" She stomped her foot and walked out into the hallway. Christian tried to follow her into the room but she shut the door in his face. I just stood watching from my doorway.

He sighed, "Rose, I know." He dropped his head back.

"I know."

He shot me a funny look, "Then why didn't you just tell her?"

"I didn't want to hurt her feelings, Christian. You know how moody she has been."

He nodded in agreement, "True. But do you know how much more worse it's going to be when she finds out later that you not only sought out Adrian for help but lied about it too?"

"Pissed off." She had been going through a thick rough patch right now. Lately she seemed like her fuse was only a centimeter long. I was scared of cracking a joke in front of her because she might take it wrong. Christian didn't have that stop button so he did it anyway. Thus leading to this point of him being shut out of his own room.

He laughed, "I am just saying. You should let her know." He paused, "Before anybody else does."

"Adrian?"

He nodded. "He is nearly dying with anticipation."

"I'm more than sure he is." He was always such a glutton for success not to mention success that came with advancing in spirit abilities. "I'm not too surprised about that."

"Is it true?"

I got lost here, "Is what true?"

"He said he helped you figure out your magic."

I scoffed, "Hardly. He taught me to trigger it and focus it."

His eyebrows rose, "Is that all?"

"I was able to transfer some of my magic into my stake. He took it to get more specifics on it."

He whistled, "Wow. You're a fast learner. Adrian must be doing a good job."

"Adrian?" What the hell? "I did most of the work!"

He raised his hands, "I'm just saying, it takes some patience and control to transfer magic. I'm sure he helped you do it."

I could feel Adrian's hands on mine and I heard his voice echoed through my head, 'I'll try to help it flow but there is only so much I can do.' "He said he helped it flow through me."

His smile grew, "You didn't do it alone, Rose. Everyone needs a little help every now and then."

"I suppose so." I hated having to ask for help but it was vital that I learn how to use this magic. It could be useful to Dimitri and I on the Strigoi hunt.

He tilted his head and waved his hands in my face, "Rose?"

I shook my head, "Yea, yea."

"You look out of it."

I laughed, "I need something to eat, that's all."

A hand landed on my shoulder, "Did someone say something about eating?"

I spun around and met the brown eyes that made me swoon. "There you are. I was getting worried. I thought my stomach was going to start eating my other organs."

He laughed, "There was a bit of a line." He held up some bags and held two ice-cream cone up. "A little help?"

Christian reached out and grabbed a bag while I took the ice-cream cones. I took in a deep breath. The smell of burgers, cheese, and fries filled my nostrils. I sighed. "Smells good."

We walked in and set the food down. Christian tucked his hands into his pockets. "I should be going now. Maybe Lissa has cooled down and I can go back into the room."

I patted his shoulder, "Good luck with that."

Dimitri looked confused, "Did I miss something?"

He shrugged, "My lady seems to be having some major mood swings. I might have said something that rubbed her the wrong way. Now I'm locked out."

"Oh. Sorry I asked."

I shook my head, "Same shit, different day." I opened my bag and took out my burger. I had barely opened my mouth to take a bite when Lissa walked in.

She looked pissed, "Rose! I can't believe you!"

I looked around, "What? What happened?"

She took the burger from my hands, "Adrian told me."

Damn it. Best just to try to play it off. "Told you what?"

She pointed at me using my burger, "You know very well what I mean!"

"Look, I'm sorry. Sonia suggested that Adrian was the best choice to teach me how to use my magic." I tried reaching for my burger. I felt like she was being just a tad bit too cruel.

She shook her head and pulled out of my reach, "So if Sonia says that I am the devil and you shouldn't be my friend anymore are you going to believe her?"

"What? That's a ridiculous statement, Liss. She was just looking out for the best."

She took a step towards me. "You are supposed to be my friend. You should be able to tell me everything."

By this point both guys had cornered themselves as far away from us as possible. "I thought I could but lately…" I didn't want to continue. It would only hurt her feelings.

"Lately what?" She looked concerned. Like she might just be afraid of what I might say.

"I don't know. Lately you've been kind of moody. Like you cannot handle too much." I looked her in the eye. I wanted her to see that I didn't mean to hurt her but she needed to know the truth. I wasn't the only one who saw it either.

She scoffed, "It's not like I'm made of glass."

"Do you see? That's what I'm talking about."

She shook her head and headed for the door, "You know what? It's fine. I don't even care."She glared around the room. "I don't." She took a huge bite out of the burger and waved it at me. "Do as you damn well please but this is going with me." She walked out and slammed the door behind her.

Christian sighed, "Well, looks like I'm not going home. I'm going to the bar."

"Christian, not now."

"No, I'm serious. This is getting ridiculous." He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. "I don't know what to do. I try to comfort her, be strong, and take her mood swings as they come but…"

I stood up. I didn't want them to break up. This was getting out of control. The last time they broke up they were both miserable. "Calm down. It's not a big thing." I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I'll go talk to her. Besides, I want to get that burger back."

Dimitri took hold of my hand, "Maybe she needs some space. A little time to calm down."

I shook my head, "Lissa knows me. If she really wants me to leave her alone she wouldn't have even bothered coming to my room and stealing my food." I walked over to the door. "Oh, she knows that would get to me." I closed the door behind me before either of them could protest.

I walked to her door and swung the door open. Of course it was unlocked! She expected me to run after her. I walked in and she was just finishing up the last of my food. She had really wolfed it down. She sent me an icy glare and then dusted off her hands, "Too late."

"Liss, stop acting like this."

She crossed her arms over her chest, "Like what? I haven't done anything wrong."

"Stop it! Do you know how crazy you are driving us all?" I couldn't take this. I wasn't the kind to just sit back and let shit happen. I wasn't a victim nor was I a spectator.

She flinched back by the tone of my voice, "What… what I am doing?"

"You haven't been quite yourself lately. Is something wrong? Darkness? Stress?" I grabbed her hands, "Please, Lissa. You're my best friend. We should be able to tell each other anything."

She had a spacy look in her eyes, "But you didn't tell me about Adrian…"

"I know and I'm sorry. I just didn't want to hurt your feelings." I looked away, "You've become fragile. And lately you've been taking it out on all of us. Primarily on Christian."

"Christian?" Her face looked lost. Was she really that out of it? "I have hurt him?"

I nodded slowly. Then it hit me. I looked her over. No charms. "Lissa, where are your charms?"

"I couldn't anymore. I ran out. No more charms. Trinkets that fill me with light to kill the dark."

Shivers ran through me. She was rambling and it scared the hell out of me. I grabbed her wrists and started pulling her behind me back to my room. She struggled, "What do you think you're doing, Rose?"

I nearly kicked the door and both men jumped from the door's impact on the wall. I was almost dragging her now as she made her body limp. I gave a hard look to both Dimitri and Christian, "Move."

They instantly did as I said. I tossed her onto the couch. "Rose, what the hell?" She may have been mad but I was nearly at the tipping point.

"Don't you dare try to chasten me! You lied to me, Lissa. You said you had only missed one day. One measly day without a charm!" I was staring her down so hard I could swear she was starting to cower. But I was too amped up from being upset that I didn't really care. I wanted to scare her. She needed that push and I was ready to hand it to her in full force.

Christian interrupted, "What?" He shot his gaze to her, "You haven't been wearing your charms? What are you thinking?" His face burned with a red glow and his eyes were filled with more worry than anger.

She just crumbled, "I can handle it."

I shook my head, "Are you insane? Oksana has been a spirit user longer than you have been and she still needs charms to stay in balance."

"I may be stronger than them."

"No, Lissa! You're obviously not!" I gestured at her and she dropped her gaze.

Dimitri rubbed my shoulders, "Calm, Roza. She's not herself." I knew he was right. I took in a deep breath and tried to steady my breathing and soften my heart beat. I calmed but barely.

Christian was still too much in distress to really say anything. He finally took in a breath. "How long has this been going on, Lissa?"

She shrugged meekly, "I don't know. A little less than a week."

"A week? Are you sure?" He leaned down to her level and tilted her head up to look at him. "I need to know, babe."

She nodded slowly, "I'm sure." She looked at me. "I stopped when we went shopping for wedding dresses and stuff. I thought I had a handle on it." Christian hugged her to him and ran his hand through her hair. He shut his eyes but the worry creases still played on his forehead. I could see the worry written all over him from head to toe. It was a great display of pure affection from him. I rarely saw this side of him.

"Are you still taking medication?" I asked. She lifted her face from his chest and frowned.

"Yes. But they started to be less and less affective. Just recently it felt like I was popping M&Ms. Minus the chocolate." She smiled from her joke.

I tried for a smile but it felt unnatural. She probably saw it too. "Why didn't you say something, Liss?"

"I didn't think it would escalate this far this fast." She looked at Christian with love in her eyes. "I didn't know. I'm sorry." She buried her face in his chest again.

He hushed her and just held her to him, "It's okay. It's going to be fine."

Dimitri pulled out his cell and quickly dialed a number, "Who are you calling?"

He put a finger to his lips and shook his head, "Hey. We need your help right now."

Whatever the other person said must have been that they were on their way because he said a quick thanks and then hung up. "So who'd you call?"

"Like we know many spirit users?"

At first I thought it might be a tossup between Adrian and Sonia but then I came to the conclusion that Sonia wouldn't. She was pregnant after all and we wouldn't want to cause her any stress. "Adrian."

He nodded, "The only valid choice right now."

"For now." In some small way I blamed Adrian for this. He just had to go and rub the magic sessions in her face. She was probably already on edge but he basically kicked her off. Even if it was unbeknownst to him. But that didn't mean that Lissa wasn't to blame for the most part of it. She should have said something, anything to anyone.

It took some time but Adrian finally showed up at our door. I rushed him inside, "Easy, little dhampir. What's the hurry?" He stopped abruptly when I brought him to Lissa.

"She needs a healing charm."

Dimitri stood just a foot from him, "She's in deep. She might need a strong one."

He looked at me with uncertainty. "I'm not too good at making them, Rose. I'm a novice at best."

"But you still know how to, right?" I handed him a simple silver ring I had found in my belongings. It had a few scratches but the small light blue stone still sat embedded in it. It was either that or some cheap looking bracelet I got when I was ten. It had butterflies, bees, dragonflies, and all sorts of insects dangling from it.

He took it and examined it carefully. "I'll try. No promises."

"As long as you try." I felt like I was holding my breath as I watched him clasp the ring in his hands and closed his eyes. He looked like he was concentrating really hard. A small bead of sweat ran down his face and dropped onto his shirt. It made a small wet dot where it landed. He opened his eyes and sighed. I looked down at it, "Done?"

He nodded, "I did my best."

I took it and walked over to Lissa who still was sitting in her own little world of grief. It made me sad to see her like this. I grabbed her hand and tried to slip the ring on her finger. She balled her hand into a fist. "What's that?"

"Trust me. It will help you gain control." She opened her hand and let me do it this time.

I looked to Christian. He nodded thanks and laid Lissa against him, "Just relax. Let it work its magic."

She closed her eyes and just relaxed against him. She took some deep breaths. I wished I had the bond so I could feel if it was working. I didn't doubt Adrian's magic but I wanted to know how far deep she had fallen and how much this was helping.

I decided to take a seat beside Dimitri while we waited. Adrian just made himself comfortable in the armchair. He looked over at me and smiled. He looked vexed too now. I started thinking about my magic. Could it help in these situations?

Lissa sat up suddenly. She looked around at everyone's faces like she had just woken up from a dream. She stopped when she looked back at Christian. "Christian." She touched his face and he cradled her hand there.

He let out a small laugh, "Hey beautiful. How are you feeling?"

She smiled, "Lost. But better, I guess." She began admiring the small ring that sat on her middle finger.

Adrian dropped his head into his hands and let out a sigh. I guess he was worried after all. "Whew. Looks like my job is done here." He stood and started walking towards the door. "I'll see you crazy people later." He sent an apologetic look at Lissa, "No pun intended."

Lissa shrugged, "It's fine. Thank you for your help." She blushed. I'm more than sure that she was embarrassed by the situation.

"No need ma'am. It was my pleasure." He bowed his head and then sent me a glance. "When are we going to work on your magic again?"

I shrugged, "Once we get some idea as to what it is."

"Makes sense." He smiled and pulled out his pack of cigarettes. He pulled one out of the box and put it to his lips, "Just keep practicing the build and flow of it."

"I am." I gestured to the unlit cigarette sitting between his lips. "And that stays off until you exit the premises."

He tsked me, "You forgot what I told you." He turned and lit his cigarette as he walked out, "Above the rules, Rose. I am always above the rules."

What an ignoramus. He just always seemed to do as he pleased and nobody, absolutely nobody told him anything. He was truly above the rules. If only we all could walk around with the same carefree persona he was so good at. I couldn't help but smile.

A hand landed softly on my arm and I instantly realized it was Lissa. She had gotten up and walked over to me. She held a smile that looked so frail that I was afraid of my smile faltering. "He is something else, huh?"

I nodded, "He's something alright." I had plenty of 'something's I'd like to call him myself. But all in all he wasn't such a bad guy. I laughed out loud at the thought.

Christian approached and placed his arms around her. "We should be going. You need some rest."

She nodded, "And I believe I owe you a burger." The words came out clumsily.

I shook my head, "Don't bother. Now I get the pleasure of having my man cook for me." I looked at Dimitri and winked.

He smiled, "If I must." He crossed his arms and a sweet smile spread on his face.

Lissa hugged me, "Thank you so much. I don't know what I was thinking."

I sighed, "Just don't do it again."

She laughed, "Oh, I learned my lesson."

"Oh, you have yet to learn anything tonight." Christian mused. That earned him a swift elbow from Lissa but she quickly placed a kiss to his cheek.

"We'll see." Her tone was sensual and teasing.

"Oh God. Please not here in my room." I really was glad for them but that didn't mean I wanted to hear their dirty talk. Nor did I want to see them make out before reaching their own room.

When the door closed I turned and Dimitri was standing right behind me. I hadn't even heard a sound. He was deadly silent and the look in his eyes made my heart race. "Hungry?"

I nodded. "Dying from starvation." My stomach growled loudly.

I followed him to the kitchen. He made me some spaghetti with meat sauce. Impressively tasty. I was nearly tempted to lick the plate clean.

He stood beside me, "You looking to practice your magic right now?"

I pressed my body against his, "You want to help me?"

He wrapped me in his arms and leaned in and kissed me. The taste of him sent thrills through me and I heard a moan escape my lips. It must have excited him because, as if on cue, he lifted me up and sat me on the counter. I was now at his level without him having to lean over or hold me up. He threw off my shirt and kissed my shoulder, "Any tingles?"

"Just a little." I closed my eyes and let the emotions take over me. I felt him kiss my neck. His lips gently touched my skin and my breaths became heavier. The feelings and sensations were unbearable. I wanted him there and then. I dug my nails into his back and pulled him to me. I wrapped my legs around him to keep him close against me.

He took off his shirt and his skin was smooth and warm against mine. "How about now?"

I was being taken over by the emotions. I tried to center them in my core while enjoying the moment. It wasn't too difficult to do it. "More." The word came out as a moan.

He ran his hands from my arms to my hips and slipped my jeans off. I was surprised at how quickly and easily he did it. I couldn't even feel the clothing. He put his hands on my upper inner thigh. He was so close, so close it made me tremble with anticipation. "Roza." His lips were by my ear and I could feel his breaths against my skin.

Then I felt a sudden familiarity of the power flowing through my body. It was sensational. I was in complete ecstasy inside and out. My body was going crazy with that amazing feeling. I clung to him and pulled him to me. Our lips met and I felt pieces of magic escape from my lips into him. When our lips parted I opened my eyes. He looked stunned. I suddenly realized what happened. I had transferred magic into him. "Oh my God. Dimitri, I didn't…"

He put a finger to my lips, "Roza, was that it? Your magic?"

I nodded, "What was it like?"

He put one hand to his chest, "It was like… I'm not sure. It was incredible."

"Are you alright?" I was still a little nervous as to what kind of effect it might have on him.

He smiled, "I feel perfect." He touched his face and then his chest. "Do I look different?"

I looked him up and down but I didn't see anything. I couldn't but maybe a spirit user could. "We should call Adrian back."

His eyes widened, "What? Why?"

"He might be able to see something that we can't." I touched his bare chest and took in the feel of his warmth. The electricity between us was going like crazy. All of a sudden I didn't want to know about the magic. I didn't care. I was just being pulled to him. Nothing else in the world existed except him. It was like I had been hypnotized.

He grabbed my hands, "Roza, maybe we should get him back here."

I nodded but it didn't even feel like I was in my body. It was like I was watching us from a third party perspective. He pulled out his cell phone and called him. He spoke in hushed tones but I was so out of it that I couldn't hear a word. I was oblivious to my surroundings. All that mattered was him, his touch, his body, and I couldn't help but picture having my way with him. I ran my hands over his body. "Should we put our clothes back on?" My voice was sensual.

He took my hands off of his body and looked at me with a concerned look. "Are you okay?"

I pulled him to me and we kissed. I could feel the magic running through us. I never wanted it to end. I put my lips to his ear, "Make love to me, Dimitri."

I saw his eyes close and he almost looked like he wanted to give in but he was fighting the urge. He pulled away, "Stop. We need to figure this out."

I pouted, "Don't you want me anymore?"

He sighed and raked his hand through his hair, "I want you. I really do but we have to figure this out first." He caressed my face, "Please, Roza. Just be patient."

Adrian walked in. I smiled at him and he looked shocked. "Hi Rose." He walked over to Dimitri and gestured to me. I couldn't hear him. I felt like they were keeping secrets.

Dimitri walked over and draped his duster on me. "Here, Roza. It's cold in here."

"What are you talking about? I feel fine." I tried to take it off but he wouldn't let me.

Adrian pointed to the couch. "Want to take a seat for me, Rose?"

"Mm-Hmm." I nodded a bit too ardently. I plopped down on the couch and propped my feet up on the coffee table. "What's up?" I pointed at Dimitri, "What do you see?"

Adrian glanced at him, "You didn't…"

Dimitri just nodded, "She did. She was trying to summon it and we kissed." He touched his lips seemingly involuntarily. "She accidently transferred it to me."

He looked down at me, "How much? How much did you send into him?"

I shrugged, "I don't know. It was like when water faucets leak. You know that annoying drip. I hate that." I kind of felt ditzy.

Adrian covered his face, "God, Rose. You are just… why can't you just…"

"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" I smiled and teased.

Dimitri took a seat on the arm of the couch. He was so graceful. "She's been acting a little like a love sick girl ever since."

Adrian stood up and got both of us in his view. His eyes went wide, "That is just weird."

Dimitri shot up, "What do you see?"

He sighed, "Your auras are linked together."

"Linked? How?"

He picked up both hands and made two circles with his index fingers and thumbs. "These are your two auras, right?" Then he linked both circles together, "This is what it looks like now."

"How did that happen?" Dimitri looked like he was starting to lose his cool. I rarely saw him out of control. The few times he was it included me. I seemed to be the cause of his outbursts. Go figure.

Adrian shrugged, "Best guess is that you guys were about to…" he cleared his throat. "But then something, probably the notice of magic, stopped you in the middle of everything."

I nodded, "Oh, he's good."

Adrian laughed, "She must be really out of it."

Dimitri nodded, "I told you. Like she's all 'giddy' or something."

"I'm in the same room, you know? I can hear you."

Adrian walked over to me and put his hands on my temples. "Try to relax, Rose. Think of peace."

I closed my eyes. I tried to relax but my mind was running like crazy. I couldn't seem to come down from this 'high'. "What if I can't?"

I opened my eyes in time to see him step away with a dumbfound look on his face, "Okay. Well, the only way to break it, and I'm just guessing here, is to finish the job."

I clapped my hands, "We got the answer on how to fix it. Let's get to it, Captain."

Dimitri still looked unsure, "What if that doesn't help?" His voice was starting to waver.

Adrian just shrugged, "we'll figure it out if it comes to that." He walked to the door, "I'm going home to sleep. Let me know if there's progress."

Dimitri shook his hand, "Alright, thank you."

Adrian stopped and looked at me, "Summon the magic before you get started so it will be used."

"I will. Thanks, doc."

Adrian shook his head, "Later."

Dimitri walked over to me, "Do you feel alright?"

I stood up and pulled him to me. I felt strong. Like he wouldn't have been able to fight me off even if he wanted to. "I feel great. Want to see?"

I took his hand and placed it on my breast. I reached up to him with my other hand and brought his lips to mine. It was a fierce kiss. I could feel the fire between us. He was falling into it too. He pulled away, "The magic, Roza."

"Fine." I closed my eyes and felt his touch. It was almost immediately there. At first it was dim but then it was like a light bulb turned on. I grabbed him and pushed my body on his. "I have it."

I could feel it coursing through my body. His lips found mine and I could feel the magic slipping between us. He lowered me onto the bed and I managed to slip his pants off. I took him into me and the magic intensified. Every sensation and touch felt a hundred times more than normal. I could hear moans and groans. I realized they were coming from me. It was like an out of body experience yet I could feel everything. It was extraordinary. Climax after climax was intense. Then I felt the 'high' die down.

Dimitri rolled and laid beside me. "That was amazing."

I laid my head on his chest, "It was extreme." I ran my hand on his body. "Round two?"

He laughed, "You're going to kill me."

"At least you'll die in ecstasy."

He kissed my forehead. "How do you feel?"

"I know I'll be sore in the morning but normal for now."

He ran his fingers through my hair, "Good. Then Adrian was right."

"What did it feel like for you?"

He sighed loudly, "Everything felt like I was on drugs. Kind of like…"

"Ecstasy?"

"Well, I've never done it but probably."

I laughed, "Don't be so shy about it, Dimitri."

"I'm not." He looked down at me, "I have nothing to hide from you, Roza."

"I would hope not." I sighed. My mind rushed back to the magic. What had happened? It was weird that we somehow linked together. Was it because our auras matched up so well? Maybe because we loved each other unconditionally? Snapped out of it, Rose. This isn't some lovey-dovey smothering love story. This is real. All the more reason. I slapped my hand to my head.

Dimitri jumped up, "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"Just talking to myself." Literally.

He flashed me his gorgeous smile, "Go to sleep, Roza. We'll try to figure things out in the morning."

"I don't know if I can sleep. That whole time. Once the magic got to you it was like I was a puppet for some high school girl that was drooling over some hot older guy."

"You didn't say anything."

I shook my head, "I couldn't. I was lost in you." I traced his abs. He had a great body.

He tilted my head up so that our eyes met. "Now you know how I always feel."

I laughed, "Sorry."

I wrapped my arms around his waist and nuzzled. I felt myself falling into sleep, "I love you, Dimitri."

He kissed the top of my head, "I love you more, Roza."

"I love you more than that."

"And I love you mostest."

I felt a smile spread on my face and then darkness took me over. It started off as normal darkness of sleep but then I was pulled into a dream world. Sonia was automatically in front of my eyes. "Hello, Rosemarie. How are you doing?"

I shrugged, "Fine. Getting the hang of this magic thing."

"Good. Adrian has been a help then." She started to walk and signaled me to follow her.

I caught up to her side in three quick strides. "Why'd you send him to help me? Lissa could have helped."

"The queen has bigger problems to worry about. Such as darkness." She shot me a knowing look.

"So you heard?"

She shook her head, "No one had to tell me. I see things more easily. I've had plenty of practice with my magic." She leaned down and smelled a beautiful pink flower, "Sweet peas."

"What?" God I hope she wasn't rambling.

"That's the name of this flower. Pretty little thing, isn't it?"

I admired its simple design. It was pleasant to look at. "Yes, very." She started walking away again. "Now about Adrian."

"He was the easiest pick for you because he cares for you. He knows you well enough to be able to help control that power until you master it."

I grabbed her and turned her to face me, "Do you know anything about it?"

She touched my face, "Rose, you are so pretty. Like a flower. Your name suits you."

I was baffled. "Thanks. But that doesn't answer my…"

"Every flower has an ability to help it survive. Cactus and roses have their thorns. Some secrete a substance that makes you itchy, makes your skin burn, and some that make you sick to your stomach."

"So my magic is like my ability?"

She nodded, "You're smart too." She walked by a rose bush. The purple hue that they held was gorgeous. I rarely ever saw purple roses. "These are one of my favorites." She cradled it in her hand. "Such a beautiful flower yet if grabbed incorrectly," she gripped the stem and a trickle of blood dropped through her fingers. "They will not settle for the wrong touch." She began stroking the petals. "But they are also so delicate. If you touch the petals with your fingers, the oils on your fingers hurt it. It will die quicker than it would if undisturbed." Her face displayed a frown.

I was losing track, "So what you're saying is that even though it can be a defense there is a weakness?"

"There's always a weakness, Rose. Always." She took in one last inhale and then walked away.

"Sonia, I need to understand."

She stopped and looked me in the eye, "But you do. You already know."

The world began to fade and turn black. She was gone in the blink of the eye. I cursed to myself. I needed answers and the only ones that could help me were two people that were nearly out of their minds. I was running short on time and patience. We were leaving tomorrow and I still didn't quite understand anything about my power. I kept my running mind at bay by calming my nerves. I needed rest for what was to come.

By Shadow-Kissed Mori