It was perhaps the understatement of the century to say that the mood in Savannah's seventh period was awkward the next day. Her teacher refused to look at her - she fixed her eyes above Savannah and completely ignored her, even when her hand was high in the air. The hour passed agonizingly slowly as time crawled by, dragged out by the insufferable tension that crackled through the air. Savannah dealt with being ignored the best she could, though the pain from that and the memory of the woman's hateful words lingered in her mind. It felt as though her soul was being torn from her body, and there were even the occasional physical stabs of pain to accompany the near-crippling emotional pain. She couldn't say she had gotten much done, but then again, she also didn't think the woman would truly fault her for it, considering neither of them were really focused on anything to do with school.

Adrianna looked horrible, dark circles underneath her eyes hinting that she hadn't gotten much sleep, if any at all, and despite how harsh she had been to her the day before Savannah found herself worrying. She watched her constantly, and she couldn't help but note how uneasy Adrianna seemed in her presence. Finally, the bell rang, but rather than hang around to speak to the woman she darted out of the room, desperate to put as much distance between her and the redhead as possible. She needed the extra time and distance to center herself and get ready for what she was sure was going to be an emotional confrontation. She paced the area in front of the Clancy Estate feverishly as she debated the best possible way to begin the discussion.

She was saved from further thoughts by the sight of her teacher rounding the corner, watching as she froze as she caught sight of the brunette waiting for her in front of her home.

Adrianna sighed in relief as she watched Savannah run out the door. Honestly she knew what had happened needed to be dealt with, and soon, but she hadn't gotten any sleep amid her panic to somewhat protect herself from the girl's pack, and as such was too exhausted to think properly, much less deal with the girl. The initial pain from the betrayal had somewhat faded, though a bit of it still burned brightly in her mind and heart. But then again, why should she feel damaged? It wasn't as though they had been in a relationship of any kind. At least, that was what she had told herself so that she could go to work. She knew, deep down, that what she felt for the girl was more than a fleeting attraction. They had gotten to know each other so well, and perhaps that was her first mistake.

She wondered idly as she exited the building if that was why student-teacher relationships were forbidden; one or the other was always destined to be hurt. She thought she could go home and catch up on some sleep, but as she rounded the corner her breath caught in her throat and adrenaline flooded her system. Savannah was there, waiting for her, nearly animalistic in her movements. It didn't help that as soon as she laid eyes on her the brunette's head snapped up to face her.

No, no, no, she couldn't do this. Not yet, not when she still felt so raw and exposed from the lies she had been told. Unfortunately for her, the girl was already heading her way. There was only one thing to do now.

She dropped her bag and turned around and ran. She was quite literally running away from her responsibilities, and the thought brought a semi-hysterical giggle out of her. She could hear Savannah running after her, gaining actually, but she didn't stop, couldn't stop. She thought maybe if she kept running the girl would tire and she could withdraw into the safety of her home. It wasn't to be, as just before she reached the high school a hand closed around her elbow, and before she could stop herself she whirled and struck the owner of said hand across the cheek. She expected Savannah to let go, but instead her grip tightened as she raised her head to look her in the eye.

Savannah winced at the blow, but it wasn't enough to deter her from her mission. She kept the grip on the woman's elbow, careful to only bruise and not break it. She felt blood drip from a small cut in her cheek, most likely from the ring that the woman was wearing. 'The ring I gave her for her birthday last week,' she idly noted as she locked onto emerald orbs that regarded her in fear.

"Adri, we need to talk."

"No, you need to let go, little girl," Adri spat, anger and fear lacing her tone.

Savannah flinched at the insult, but held her ground.

"No, we're going to talk. Personally I'd rather do it indoors and away from prying eyes, but if you insist on acting like this then I suppose the middle of the street will do."

They stayed locked in a heated glare for several moments before the older of the two finally relented and looked away.

"If you insist might I suggest the classroom? It's the closest building," Adrianna said, yet again refusing to meet Savannah's eye.

"Fine with me."

Silence hung heavily in the air as the two walked through the empty hallways until they reached Adrianna's classroom. Once inside Savannah wasted no time in slamming the door and locking it, ensuring the older woman couldn't escape. Adri didn't jump at the sound, though she tensed as if prepared for a fight.

"I want to know why you acted like you did," Savannah said once she was sure no one would try to interrupt them.

"I owe you no explanation."

"Dammit Adrianna, yes you do!" Savannah yelled, noticing the way the redhead flinched at the use of her full name. "You don't just threaten someone and then act like it didn't happen!" She swallowed hard and clenched her hands, trembling, and her voice shook as she forced the words out, a soft whisper. "... Especially someone who thought you cared for them." But her soft voice didn't stop the woman from hearing her, though she chose to ignore it.

"If you had told me what you were there would have been no threat needed, or should I say you wouldn't have been so shocked."

She deliberately kept her back to the younger woman, unable to look at her.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"You know what I'm talking about! How could you not tell me you were one of them?"

"One of-You know what I am?" Savannah asked, utterly confused. How would Adri know about the Shifters unless she was… "You're a Vampire, aren't you?

She approached the woman, attempting to touch her shoulder. The redhead flinched away, causing the girl to withdraw her hand.

"Do not touch me!" she hissed. "What I am or what I might be is of no importance to you. You and your kind are the scum of the earth, determined to force the world into what you view as right and wrong. So do not tell me you meant no harm."

"Turn around," Savannah said, sick of looking at her back.

"I refuse to look upon one so bent on destruction," Adrianna whispered.

That was part of it, but in truth she knew that if she faced the girl she was more than likely to burst into tears. With a growl Savannah spun her around by the shoulder.

"Look at me, dammit! I'm trying to apologize or explain or….God, I don't even know! The only thing I can say is that whatever wrong you think I've dealt isn't my fault!"

"Foolish child!" Adrianna snapped, and once again Savannah noticed the way her eyes seemed to glow. "You committed a transgression the moment you set foot in my classroom! Our kinds are not supposed to mix! The elders have declared it so!"

Her eyes widened as she realized her slip, but Savannah merely smirked.

"So you are a Vampire."

"Yes, dammit, I am a Vampire. And you should know that we are not supposed to interact with one another."

"Well excuse me," the girl said, voice laden with sarcasm. "I'm new at this okay? I was terrified. And then there you were, the one fucking person I thought I could trust, turning on me like I was some sort of demon!"

"Do not speak to me of trust! I thought I was safe here, that I had found someone to trust! But you knew all along, didn't you? You knew I was a Vampire, and you wanted to gain my confidence only to turn on me! Well, congratulations. You've gotten your heart's desire!"

They grew silent, anger vibrating in the air. Savannah was furious. Did the woman really think so little of her as to assume she'd wanted to cause her pain? Did nothing she'd done or said amount to anything?

"I never intended to hurt you!"

"Of course, you did, you all do! Shifters hate Vampires, that's well known. To think, I actually thought you cared for me! I thought you were attracted to me! I thought you might actually like me for me! Of course, I was wrong!"

The pain in the older woman's voice was palpable, and it hurt Savannah just to hear it.

"I do like you, more than I've ever liked anyone before!"

"You're lying!"

"No I'm not!"

She felt a clenching sensation in her belly, heat and white-hot pain spreading throughout her body. Once again her world warped and shifted, and when she next opened her eyes she found she was once again a wolf. Adrianna stared down at her with hate, and it hurt more than she'd care to admit. Anger once again washed over her, causing her to see red. A low, feral growl escaped from her throat, and she saw fear shine from emerald eyes for a fraction of a second.

She may not be able to speak, but she could definitely growl and bark to voice her displeasure. She advanced on the woman, who to her credit held her ground until Savannah jumped up on her and knocked her to the floor. She pinned her easily, taking advantage of her shock. Hostile growls escaped her throat as she tried to make the woman understand just how angry she was.

Without warning, visions began flashing before her eyes, causing her to become silent and still. She saw the first pairing of Precon Guard and Intended, felt the bond and its strength. Other pairs rushed through her mind, until finally her own Intended was revealed to her. It slammed into her with all the force of a tidal wave, the shock alone causing her to topple over, panting heavily. Despite herself, Adri felt a flash of concern for the wolf before her pain once again consumed her. She took advantage of her momentary distraction to push her off and stand back up, putting as much distance between them as possible.

Shaking her head, Savannah stood up, albeit unsteadily, and promptly shifted back. Once in human form, she gripped the back of the nearest chair for support, turning wide eyes on the woman who, though she wouldn't admit it, was incredibly worried.

"Adri," she breathed, voice shaky. "How much do you know about the Shifters?"

"Don't try to change the subject!" Adrianna snapped, frustrated, worried, and angry all at once.

"Adri!" Savannah snapped. She took a deep breath to get a grip on her anger. "Just...answer me, please," she pleaded. Unable to refuse the girl, no matter how much she wanted to, she gave a sight tilt of the head, indicating her to continue. "Adri, really, what do you know of the Shifters, specifically the Precon Guard?"

"I know that a handful of children are born every century that are destined to protect a certain human from those like me," she replied warily.

"Yes, what else?"

"That most never find their Intended."

"Adri," Savannah breathed, locking eyes with her, "what if I told you I was part of the Precon Guard?"

"Then I would be inclined to congratulate you, as they receive respect from all races, exempting humans."

"And what if I told you I knew who my Intended was?"

"Then I would say you are very lucky indeed. Most Guards live their entire lives without so much as an inkling of who they are meant to protect."

"And if I told you that I've known my Intended for some time now?"

"Then you are lucky indeed," she responded, growing more suspicious the longer the conversation continued.

'How do I tell her?' Savannah wondered, registering the distrust in her teacher's verdant orbs. 'She's already mad at me, she'll probably just think it's a joke. But I have to tell her, she has to know.'

"Adri, I know you're angry, and hurt," Savannah tried to ignore the other woman's flinch, "but what I'm about to tell you is important, to both of us."

"What, are you going to say I'm your Intended?" Adrianna asked sarcastically, obviously unwilling to listen any further.

Savannah bit her lip, giving one slow nod. Adrianna's eyes went wide. That was impossible, she was a Vampire, and only humans were supposed to be Intendeds. 'It's a trick,' her mind whispered. 'You know she just lies and schemes.'

The redhead bit her own lip, unsure of whether to trust the girl. On one hand, she had already lied to her about her identity. On the other, she couldn't seem to let her go, no matter how hard she tried. 'Don't trust her, you'll only be abused, just like in the past. How many have told you to trust them only to betray you?'

Her gaze hardened, emerald gems becoming as hard as steel.

"You lie, just as you have been lying!"

"No, Adri, listen!" Savannah pled desperately, hoping beyond hope that she would believe her.

"No! You lied, just like everyone else." She visibly deflated, anger leaving her and leaving behind a visibly anguished, vulnerable woman. "They all lie," she whispered. "They never mean what they say. They only seek to cause pain, never to love."

"Adri?" Savannah questioned quietly.

The woman didn't seem to have heard her, continuing to speak.

"I thought you were different, but I guess I was wrong." She laughed bitterly. "I should have known that no one would want me for me. I should have known that I'll never find happiness, no matter where I go. All the gifts, all the moments were nothing but a farce so you could get what you truly wanted, my identity."

Tears began to drop down her face, startling the girl. She felt a strong urge to wrap her in her arms and kiss the tears away, reassure her that she did want her, liked her for her. But she stayed put instead, sensing she'd only do more harm than good.

"Well now you know. You know what I am, so go ahead. Run along back to your pack. I don't care anymore. Kill me, imprison me, nothing matters, not now that I've realized I'm destined to be alone." She looked up, viridescent eyes shining with tears. "Maybe my life will finally match the emptiness of my soul." She gave a strangled laugh, or at least that was what Savannah assumed the ragged sound was supposed to be. "Always a pawn, never the Queen," she whispered.

"Adri," Savannah breathed, almost feeling the woman's pain. "No, no you misunderstand-"

"Do I?" Adrianna broke in. "What is there to misunderstand? You lied to me for months, told me I was your Intended, which, by the way, is yet another lie, and you all-but attacked me as a wolf. So tell me, child, what do I misunderstand?"

"Adri…"

"Get out."

"What?" Savannah asked, completely bewildered.

"Get out. Leave. Be gone. How many ways do I have to say it? I wish I could say I never want to see you again but that's impossible seeing as I'm your teacher. Being such, I will see you in seventh period. Unless, of course, I'm killed before then."

"Adri," Savannah pleaded a final time.

"Get. Out. And never call me that again."

A wave of her hand unlocked the door, leaving the girl dumbfounded as to why she hadn't done that in the first place. Shooting one last look at the broken woman, she left, somehow holding in her own tears until she was safely outside.