Rose looked at her group of Strigoi. They were loyal to her. But, she knew how fast that could change. She watched them closely and smiled slowly.

"We will be taking over Court in just a few short weeks, my friends." She said addressing the group, "And from there we'll take the schools and the little sanctuaries. We'll teach those pathetic little Moroi what it means to be Strigoi. We are stronger than them and nothing will deter us.

"Going for the Royal families? That's a bold move." Peter stated from his seat, "Even from you, Rose."

"Without bold moves we would get nowhere, Pete." Rose said flippantly, "Igor Dympepel took out the entire Lilianov family. The only royal family that meant anything."

"The Lilianov family was wiped out because they were stupid." Finely stated from his seat.

"No, they had balls. Which is less then I can say for the Moroi now." Cassie said from her seat.

"What do you mean?" Angelica asked. She was one of the only leaders who were human before they changed.

"The Moroi used to fight beside their Guardians. Then they began to hide behind their Guardians. The only ones who continued to fight were the Lilianov family. And they were wiped out because the Royals wouldn't allow them any help. Now instead of 13 Royal families; 12 princes and princesses and one monarch; there are only 12 with an unfair advantage to one of the royal families." Mila explained.

" But, as we and humans grew in number…" Trixie started mischievously.

"They retreated farther and farther from civilization." Liam finished.

"And became weaker and weaker." Trixie smirked.

"Anyway," Rose said bringing everyone back to attention, "This will go off without a hitch. Dimitri has a contact at Court. We will make this happen. You're all dismissed. I'll be in touch."

The group rose and left. Sydney looked at Rose. Rose sat in her chair staring out the window. She felt cold and empty. Like always. She felt no emotion. She felt nothing, but hate and coldness. This was her life and she'd accomplished much in her short time, but she felt no satisfaction in it. Taking over Court would give her the rectification she was searching for. She'd feel the satisfaction she was aiming for no matter what.

She rose abruptly, "Let's go. We'll meet with Dimitri, then push our plans into play."

Sydney nodded and followed Rose out.

Lissa looked at Adrian, "We have to hurry. She could send Simon or Reed to me at any moment."

"So they're both Shadow-kissed too? I wondered…" Adrian muttered.

Christian sat as far away from Lissa as possible and Eddie quietly assessed the situation.

Lissa also ignored Christian giving Adrian her undivided attention, "Yeah, they are. It's why she's always Miss Sunshine. Anyway, have you found out anything?"

"Well, Mr. Mazur found that Spirit user and her Shadow-kissed husband. He talked to them and they told me everything they said. Everything was pretty cool, but something stuck out about what he said, cousin." Adrian said oddly sober and serious.

"What?" Lissa exclaimed.

"He said that they talked about a guy who brought a Strigoi back to life."

"That's impossible!" Christian yelled, but he couldn't help, but think if it was possible. What if he could have saved his parents?

"Adrian, don't you think if there was a way to change Strigoi back into Moroi, Dhampirs, and humans we would be doing that?" Lissa asked, in shock.

"No, think about it, cousin. We just learned about Spirit. It's been hidden for centuries. Why can't this magic be real?"

"But, we don't know how to do it."

"I've heard stories. My great-aunt used to be in love with the last royal who had any Lilianov blood in their bloodline. They guy was slightly crazy. Or so I hear. He would've been Queen Tatiana's husband, but an unfortunate accident happened and he died. But, he used to talk about how his Great-great grandmother used to tell him stories of impossible things. Most of which have to do with Spirit now that I think about it."

"Okay, but like you said….they guys dead. How are we supposed to hear about his family history?"

"We don't have to ask him." Eddie finally chimed in.

"What?" Lissa asked.

"My mom knew stories about that family, too. According to my uncle they have vaults somewhere in the ancient palace in Europe. The Lilinov family had about six huge vaults with family heirlooms ranging from spell books and diaries to throne chairs put into them. We just need to get to Europe and dig through the vaults of the old palace."

"Problem….how do we get into an ancient castle?" Christian asked.

"The old palace was converted into a school for the elite Moroi. If Lissa and Adrian tell Queen Tatiana that they want to check out the school it shouldn't be a problem getting in. The problem will be getting through security to get to the vaults."

Lissa groaned, " I wish Rose were here. She was so good at this kind of stuff."

"If Rose were here we wouldn't have to do this." Christian said darkly.

"Hold on, why are we talking about bringing Rose back?" Lissa asked suddenly, "Not that I wouldn't love to have her back, but what does that have to do with Avery?"

"I was thinking that maybe if Rose comes back then her bond to you will negate the bond with Avery. Or at least regulate it so you're strong enough to fight her off." Adrian sat back nonchalantly, "Plus, I think just going to see what's up with those vaults would be good for us. If the stories are true the Lilianov family had a lot of balls. Just imagine the spells in their spell books. We could finally have a way to learn to fight."

"I doubt they have anything for Spirit users." Christian said rolling his eyes.

"Really? I remember Vasilisa the Brave was said to be crazy. But, people fawned over her and doted on her. Not to mention people felt healthier and happier after being around her. And Ruevelle the Beautiful was the same. And Queen Vasilisa was a Lilianov. Lady Ruevelle was a Lilianov, too." Adrian replied with a smirk.

"So that's the plan?"

"Yep. See you in a bit," Adrian said getting up then he turned back to Christian, "And don't worry. I'll vouch for you."

With that Adrian was gone. Lissa looked at Christian and he looked right back. The tension was palpable. Even Eddie shifted from the uncomfortable-ness of the situation.

"I better get back to Avery." Lissa mumbled getting up and hurrying from the room, Eddie a step behind her.

Christian sighed. What was he supposed to do?

Avery ran toward Lissa panicked as she watched her about to get on the plane.

"What's going on? Where are you going?" she demanded.

"Don't worry, Avery." Lissa said grinning, "Queen Tatiana called me into her room this morning and asked me to accompany Adrian to Thorn Academy. It's one of her attempts to get us together again. Isn't that silly?"

"Oh…well, can I come?" she asked.

"I don't know. We leave as soon as I get on. I don't think she wants anyone on besides Adrian and I. She really wants us together." Lissa giggled, "I'm so sorry, Avery. But, I'll be back soon. Bye!"

She quickly hugged Avery and ran to get on the plane. Avery hugged her back and watched with a fake smile as she boarded. She waved and then turned away.

Avery bit her lip. She was in so much trouble. She hurried inside.

"Roza." Dimitri said rising from his seat. He walked over and kissed her roughly and Rose kissed back.

Sydney looked away slightly disturbed. She hated being in the room when the two of them started. They didn't care who was in the room. She remembered the night they killed Galina well, she'd heard the Strigoi talk about it. Dimitri had thrown her on the desk and had his way with her in front of all those other Strigoi. They never cared who was watching.

Thankfully this time Rose pulled away.

"There was something you needed to talk to me about?" she asked tipping her head to the side seductively.

Dimitri groaned then shook his head.

"Yes, you know for the past few weeks things have been cryptic with me."

Rose nodded understandingly.

"Well, it is because I did not want to anger you if my plans fell through."

"What plans?"

"I've gotten the last Dragomir. It shall be your greatest conquest." He said caressing her cheek.

"And how did you accomplish that, Comrade?" she said leaning into his hand.

From far away it would have looked lovingly. Like a young couple in love being affectionate. But, from Sydney's place she could see there was no affection. They were just going through the motions. And for a human to see this…it would have looked extremely creepy.

"I had a Moroi help me. And she is under the impression that I will change her."

Rose snarled and pushed him away.

"YOU BASTARD! That's what this is?! You think I'm going to share you!?" her eyes blazed, snarling, "You are mine!"

She looked terrifying. She reminded him of an avenging goddess. To others she would look like the devil itself.

"Roza, listen!" he snapped, "I said that she is under the impression. I have no intention of changing her."

Rose glared. She didn't believe him. But, she also couldn't dispute his claim.

"So what did the bitch do?"

"She made sure that there was no way Princess Dragomir could run from us. And she has made certain that our taking of Court will be easy and swift."

Rose crossed her arms and thought to herself.

"Fine," She said finally pouting. It looked more like a sneer.

"I will bring her in so that she can meet you." Dimitri walked out.

Avery stood wide eyed staring at Rose. She finally met the fierce Rose Hathaway. She was everything she'd ever heard and more now that she was Strigoi. Avery was in awe and in fear all at the same time, but she didn't show it.

Rose smirked. She laughed darkly her fangs visible as she did it.

"Are you serious? This is your "help". Comrade, you are seriously lacking in taste."

Avery was shocked to hear the way Rose talked to Dimitri. She'd never heard anyone talk to him that way. Every other Strigoi she'd seen with him was obviously fearful of him.

"Roza, you don't even know her." He growled.

"Oh, I know her." She said instantly dark and serious, "She was Lissa's little friend." She said walking toward Avery, "She was the pretty little bitch who turned Adrian and Lissa against me." She said walking around her so close Avery could feel her breath on her.

Avery couldn't help the shaking. Her body was shaking so fiercely she was surprised that she was still standing. She was terrified. More so then she'd ever been. Rose was dark. She was danger. She knew she was looking at her like she was dinner.

"That is in the past. She can help us."

Rose turned walked a few feet away then looked at Dimitri. She watched him for a few minutes then turned her predatory gaze back on Avery.

"Fine. I trust you. For now." She said coldly to Avery walking toward her.

She stood behind her and looked at Dimitri. She pulled Avery's hair away from her neck seductively. She licked from her shoulder to behind her ear in one swipe. Avery shivered and moaned.

"But, if she betrays us. I will blame you, Dimitri. And you may very well die."

She kissed Avery's neck then bit into it. Avery moaned loudly her legs buckling. Rose caught her and continued to drink. Dimitri came over and bit into Avery's neck on the other side. Finally Rose pulled back blood dripping from her mouth. Dimitri pulled back eyes filled with lust and Rose looked back with the complementary look to sooth that lust. Avery stood between them delirious; high on endorphins.

Dimitri picked up Avery and dumped her into the couch then took Rose into his arms. The blood and their mutual tastes melded together as they kissed fiercely. He slammed her onto the desk Rose holding him around his neck. He pulled back to look down at her.

"Soon we'll rule the world." She said quietly.

"Soon nothing will stop us." Dimitri replied before taking her into his arms again.

Adrian, Lissa, Eddie, Mikhail, Mia, and Christian stared at the castle that held thousands of secrets.

"Are you ready?" Christian asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be." Lissa replied. She moved to the Guardian and easily used her compulsion forcing him from his seat.

"You will take us to the Lilianov Vaults." She commanded smoothly.

The Guardian nodded and started walking Lissa feet behind him.

Mikhail took his place at the security desk leaving the others to follow Lissa and the compelled Guardian.

The Guardian led them through the most confusing tunnels and halls until they reached large golden double doors bearing the Lilianov crest. A lily vine wrapped around a sword. He opened the doors and Lissa forced him to fall asleep. She took his keys and looked around. The room they were in was like a parlor with six doors spaced far apart. She walked to the first door with the others behind her.

"It's now or never." She opened the door and led them into a large room filled with things.

Adrian sighed, "We better start looking."

After six hours and only two rooms the group was exhausted.

"I need a drink." Adrian said exhausted.

"We haven't found anything of use." Lissa said pouting.

"GUYS!" Christian called.

They ran back to where he was and he was standing in front of a podium where two books sat side beside behind a glass. Along the wall were dozens of books.

"Jackpot." Eddie said with a grin.

Lissa laughed.

"We better get started."