Tasha's POV
Once we left Hartleigh's apartment and walked home. The rain was finally over, for now at least, and an uncomfortable silence fell between us. Once Dimitri found out about me visiting Hartleigh, he was pissed, in fact he was more then that, he was furious...
Flashback
"How could you Tasha?!" Dimitri furiously asked me, his face masked with anger. We both were stood outside the headmistresses office, waiting for Kirova to come back from her feeding, I was waiting to be 'interviewed' by her so she can fill me in with new details about what's going to happen. She was originally meant to fill me in a bit more and I her about what happened with our deal.
"Now please be reasonable, Dimitri. Do you honestly think that I could just leave all that has happened?"
"But why would you go through such lengths to almost get yourself fired!"
"Because, like I said, I wasn't going to just sit back and expect that nothing else was going on or going to happen, did you want me to leave it?"
"Yes Tasha! If you think that snooping around in other people's buisness was a good idea then you're wrong!"
"But you're the one that decided to tell me about it! About her, how could I not be snooping around! And face it Dimitri someone is going to know about it soon, I know it's not something you want to hear, but it's true. So either way that means I was going to know about it!"
"I kind of regret that..." He mumbled.
"What was that?"He shook his head.
"Nothing, but that not the point right now, the point is I didn't want you to get involved" I crossed my arms over my chest and sighed heavily.
"Well, I'm sorry, but it's too late for that now. I really am sorry Dimitri, but to be honest you and Lee might not have the strength to keep her safe forever, so please let me help you... Let me help her" He looked away from me, knowing full well that I was right about this.
I'll be honest, our words hurt, but they were true. I shouldn't have meddled and he didn't want to world to soon know about Hartleigh's discovery, but it had to be done, sure I got an ass kicking from it, but it was all worth it.
As for mine and Kirova's deal... Let's just say it could have been a better experience.
It's amazing as to how much everything could change within the past few hours, let a lone what can happen in a few days. Right now me and Christian were meant to be training our students, it was decided that we take a half day 'break' away from that, but I got that covered by having one of the guardian take our place for the day.
"Aunt Tasha, why are we going back to the cabin after so long?"Oh boy How was I going to explain this. I guess once he sees for himself he'll understand.
"Well... When we get there I'll show you, but all I can say is what ever you do please don't do anything rash" I warned. He started to give me a funny look, but immediately shook his head. I could not believe I was doing this right now, all because of what I've gotten myself into, I don't know if I should feel privileged or stupid about it was my my mistake that did this I immediately knew of what the consequences would be anyway, even if my life was on the line right now.
This secret wasn't going to be kept forever, so this was practically a make or break today. Even if Christian didn't want to be a part of this Kirova said she would understand but she would want him to keep it to himself until otherwise, I would want the same but god only knows what that boy can be capable of. He has been through a lot like any other person in this world, so if we're lucky he might actually have a will to listen and share something of equal to Hartleigh, that's whether he'll listen.
Mine and Kirova's deal, was that if I wanted to keep my job and still earn a living, and some respect at least, I would have to reveal the truth to Christian, sounds stupid I know, but this was because of what I said, about Hartleigh's reveal and because of that she knew I was right about the protection and so she chose me and Christian as the extra back up because we were one of the best fire users this Academy had to offer, she wanted all the use she can get in other words, that's if Christian is willing to join, a part of me doesn't want him to and I want this to be a secret away from him, but we all know the truth in end, don't we?
We were within reach of the Cabin now, we were pretty much quiet for the remainder of the walk there, which was a tad uncomfortable for me, and I was starting to feel a little tense about this. I wanted to turn back and act as though nothing was going on, but all this was a fault I had to repair. We walked up the steps and I notice Christian staring at the keypad on the door.
"What is that?"He asks curiously.
"It's a keypad" I stated obviously.
"Yes I know that, but what I'm wondering is why is it connected to the door?" I went silent for that, I didn't want to tell him, but rather I show him. What he was going in for was going to be the shock of his life.
"Aunty?" He quietly called me. I quickly typed in the key code with the password, then turned to him, I started to feel nauseous and a little light headed, I barely had anything this morning ,which Christian didn't know about, but I will once I know everything will be okay, which I have a feeling it won't.
"Christian. When I open this door, do you promise me that you WILL remain as calm as possible?" He gave me a weary look, raising his eyebrow at me.
"Yes aunty"He obeyed.
"And... Can you promise to listen to reason?"I continued.
"Where is all this coming from? Why are you acting so wei-"
"Christian, can you please promise me? All of this will be explained once we go inside, I swear it" He looked at me for a moment as he looked at me with worry mixed in his eyes, I know why the poor boy is worried, but I just he doesn't take it into consideration. He slowly nodded his head and with that I give him a small reassuring smile.
I turn towards the door, took in a deep breath and sighed, now I was ready, here goes nothing I suppose. I grab the door handle and twist it. I slowly start to open the door to already to see Hartleigh off the bed, book planted beside were she originality sat. At first when she saw me enter, she smiled brightly, but then I saw it fade and her face turned to shock when she saw who was behind me.
"Hello sweetheart" I greet her with a smile.
"Hi" She greeted me back quietly, I turn to look at Christian, who was looking at Hartleigh with wide eyes. I could see from the corner of mine that his hands were shaking in anticipation, I also felt a warmth come from them, but nothing happened. I could immediately tell what he was tempted to do.
"Come in quickly" Christian ignored me and simply stared at Hartleigh.
"Christian!" I call out loudly and he immediately sprinted inside as he broke from the trance. I quickly close the door behind us, not bothering to lock it. I look over at Hartleigh to see she had more fear in her eyes then Christain, she stared at him as though she was worried he would attack her again, this was the second time they met since then. You reader know the rest of how when and why all that happened.
"Aunt Tasha... What is this?" His voice was strong with a mixture of emotions, but mostly anger. Sure this was the same girl he attacked, but he did need to know. I walk over to Hartleigh and warp an arm around her shoulder as I still stare at Christian.
"Christian... This is Hartleigh" I introduce him to her,calmly. Christian still looks at me as if I was insane, his eyes were wide and piercing, almost piercing into mine as I knew he demanded immediate answers.
"What the hell is going on?!" He demanded.
"Why is this monster living in your cabin!?" I felt Hartleigh jump at his harsh words.
"Christian, please calm down and let me explain" I say briefly.
"Calm down? Calm down?!... Why? I thought she was disposed of, or at least that's what Kirova told us anyway. Why is she still alive? What's really going on?! And why-"
"Christian! Shut up the hell up and let me explain, would you?!" He flinched at my words, but immediately went quiet. I also felt Hartleigh's eyes linger on me.
"Now..." I began, my tone quiet and calm. This really not how I wanted this introduction to be, but I did expect it either way.
"This... I know this is hard for you to take in right now... But this little girl, believe it or not, she's actually important to us right now"
"How is that THING important to us?" He spat at me. I know how angry he was about this, but I still had to remain calm, even if I wanted to shout at him.
"Because she's different"
"Different? Different how? Enlighten me Aunty?" He crossed his arms over his chest.
"Because she is the key to saving our race" He scoffed.
"How? She can't even control her own thirst for our blood, let alone saving it!"
"Do you remember what me and Dimitri discussed the night we brought her in? The night we first met her, in other words" He took a moment to think before realising and nods his head.
"A long time ago..."I gulped, trying not to remember about the horrible night four years ago, but it must be said if he wanted to know the truth.
"Do you remember what happened that night in the caves four years ago?" He sadly and slowly nodded his head.
"This girl was there" He then looks down at Hartleigh with his eyebrows raised. He then looks up at me in confusion.
"And it it true what Dimitri said"He took a small moment to himself before catching a breath as the truth, semi-truth, hit him like a bucket of cold water, but there was more to come.
"So... This girl, was the same girl that Dimitri talked about? The one that saved him?" His voice sounded so much more calmer now.
"I-I... No way..."He then moved closer to us and bent down, almost kneeling to Hartleigh's height, but still taller. Hartleigh moved slightly closer to me and I rub her shoulder as reassurance as Christian stares at her, which I can tell made her uncomfortable.
An uncomfortable silence fell upon us as Christian examined Hartleigh with his eyes and just stared at her like he waiting for something to happen. Hartleigh still remained quiet I was unsure if she was afraid to speak at this point, I mean I did just bring a stranger into her home, my nephew, unexpectedly, but I will explain why later. He quietly scoffed and gave a little awkward smile, shaking in head in disbelief.
"I-I don't believe it... THIS is the girl... The same one I attacked?" He then looks up at me, I smile down at him and nod my head in response to his answer. He then looks down at her one last time before leaning back up, towering over me and Hartleigh.
"I... I honestly don't know what to say..."He looks at me withing the corner of his eyes.
"Believe me, I didn't know either... Just say hello to her, she doesn't bite" I smile at him, trying to make him grow at least a little costumed to her. Christian looks back at her.
"Hi" Hartleigh greeted him quietly with a small smile, still sticking close to me. Christian doesn't say anything and just stares at her.
"Christian?" He holds his hand up in my face, warning me to not say anymore.
"Don't... Please don't..."He says quietly. He places his hand down away from my face, he then back way from me and Hartleigh.
"I'm... I'm going to..."He then turns around, not looking back at us as he walks straight for the door, opening it and then he simply walks out of the cabin, slamming the door shut. I immediately felt terrible about this right now, if not terrible then I felt even worse. I didn't want to do this, but it was my fault to begin with, I guess I should have listened to Kirova in the first place and just should have forgot about it, I can only hope he doesn't do anything stupid right now.
I look down and Hartleigh to see her looking... Almost heart broken and confused as to what just happened. I pull her close to me, pulling her into a hug and I stroke her hair.
"Is he going to be okay?" I look down at Hartleigh to see a worrying look on her face. I give her a reassuring smile and pull her closer.
"He'll be fine, I think he just needs some space for a bit" She looked unsure about this but nodded her head in understanding, leaving it any way, I could tell she was worried, and she had every right to, about now, and about what just happened. Looks like it's time for me to explain myself to her.
I'll be honest, that day felt like the second most worst day of my life. But it was my choice, okay maybe it wasn't my choice, but even so I made that preposition with Kirova, not just to protect the Academy, but to protect Hartleigh and others around her. But it was more importantly to make others understand too, like Christian.
After that day he had been distant. He still did classes with me, but he refused to speak to me. I was worried for him, I was worried that he might have stupidly told people that day, but thankfully he didn't. I know he'll eventually come around, but for now he needs his space. Not that he seems to be getting it, mind you. I will respect Christian's wishes, and if he wishes to know more, he knows who to come to.
I could feel tension in the air, the same tension that me and Dimitri felt in the cabin. It was really getting on my nerves now and I think it's time to end our little dislike, though the term 'dislike' seems a bit much for me to say.
"Dimitri" Hmm, was the response I got from him, I can immidiatly tell that he was still mad at me, but no harm in confronting him about it, right?
"Are you still mad at me because of what I did? And be honest with me"He took in a deep breath and sighed heavily the looks over to me.
"A little, I'll be honest. I just wish you... I don't know, wish you could have confronted me about it" He answers me, but I still wasn't convinced.
"But we both know that you would have denied it from that start, even if I tried to compulse you in some form" He gave a small laugh, not even trying to deny it.
"That's true I guess. But it still would have been nice for you to not be involved"
"Do you think I would have listened?" He then turned his head to look at me.
"No, but something does intrigue me though" Oh I wonder why that would be?
"And what would that be?"
"How you knew about the secret cell that was hidden in the academy?" He asked curiously. Wow, I never thought he would ask me that to be honest. I know most of the Academy's secrets all through the books I looking after for be The Priest who runs our church, Priest Andrew.
"I was looking into some books, ones that Priest Andrew set me to look after, let just say I saw something out of curiosity and took it" Dimitri looked shocked by this. His eyes wide and mouth almost looked at though he was having the shock of his life.
"You didn't, Tasha? That's Private property you're stealing" Oh here we go again...
"And you didn't steal my old home, hmm? You didn't ask if you could 'borrow' it in some form?" I shot back.
"Now you know that it was originally the academy's property, not yours. And technically you have a new home now, so you don't have to worry about it anymore. And I believe that 'borrow' was an understatement for you to say that you didn't steal what isn't yours" Did that make sense?
"But I still lived there, you could have at least consulted with me first Dimitri"
"It was already planned by that time, and I promised the headmistress that I would not tell a single soul until other wise. The council made it clear as well, we still don't know what's going to happen in the mean time" Already planned?! Are you kidding me?!
But no, I shouldn't blame him. I mean, I did have a new apartment before I got the chance to move out, but it was still my property either way. Jeez, it would kill them to ask next time.
Thinking about what Hartleigh said, about her wanting to see the sun again, it almost felt saddening to listen as you could hear in her voice about how much she wanted to see it again. I even made me wonder if the council will even let her out at this point. I was doubting it very much, I mean, I had my royal title taken from me because of my... Because of when my brother turned Strigoi... I still don't know why he did it, but god only knows what made him and his wife go through it. If only I knew why he had done it was the better question I should be asking.
"It's sad" I began.
"What is?" Dimitri questioned, wondering what I was talking about.
"About what Hartleigh said, about the sun. Do you think that one day she'll have some hope of seeing it again?" With the technology and our magic growing stronger each day as we train, I'm sure that on day that there will be hope for her in seeing the sun.
"I don't know, but with the technology we now have, I'm sure they'll find a way. Not that we involve scientist's anyway" Point. We barely involve any science in our lives, we just lived by the rules of nature, we barely live normal lives because of what we are, we are the higher arc of the human race basically. It's a good thing that humans don't become involved with us, but some have no choice when they become... Strogoi. I'm sure you people know of our partnership with the human, thousands of years ago, right? And why we remained hidden from there world?
We use to be apart of the human world, hence as to how the Dhampir were born, but then things took a turn for the worst when one of the Moroi decided to take things too far into his or her feeding and started killing and turning nearly everyone he met and saw, and that's when a war started. We over powered them with our magic, killing everyone Strogoi we saw and eventually winning the war. The humans and the Moroi decided that it would be best to cut ourselves out from this world, no long to have any connection to the humans what so ever, well I say that because we need to feed in order to survive, and that's when things grew a bit hectic with that. That said I won't continue with this, as we all already know the rest.
"But we don't need them really, we have magic, and that solves a lot of things"
"Not all things, there is a consequence for all, not just one" I immediately thought of Princess Vasilissa and Rosemarie Hathaway, about how they have a bond together because of the consequence of her magic. The bind those two have are strong, and Lissa's abilities are beyond amazing, but the consequence they have with that is the more she uses that power, the more sanity she loses. It is a heavy burden that they both have to carry for the rest of their lives, like Vladimir and Anna. Being Shadow-Kissed...
As much as I know Dimitri and I wishes for her the same thing, I can only hope that one day she'll get her chance... One day...
Hey guys I know this is a sudden way to end this chapter, but I'm afraid this will be the last chapter until after Christmas or new years. I'm sorry it ended like this, I wish I could have made a bit more effort with this, but trust me, I will make the next chapter better for you guys.
Let me know for any mistakes and I will try to update this chapter. I know that katnipsc mentioned a mistake I made in the last chapter and I want to thank you for that and I will try to update that chapter as well :D
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I did, I love you all and I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas :D xxx