The Chronicles Of A Belikov: Memoirs Series Book II

by maymay330

Book II to the Memoirs Series. As classes wrap up and summer is creeping in, Rose, Alana, Lissa and the rest of the VA gang are faced with a whole new load of problems that has them spending their time at Court. A war is unfolding in theMoroi world and everyone is on the brink of having to choose a side. Follow the crew as they are faced with death, danger and unexpected

10. Chapter 9: Destiny

p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="533349dcf646d337764bb6b930ac92ca"Chapter 9: Destiny/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ccc447a6342501e0a0568fb36286cbcd""You will lose what you value most, so treasure it while you can."/p
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p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7407ccb1bd8b929bc3f7a4c16d99f46e"It had been four days since I had spent nearly 20 hours trapped in a service elevator with Eric before an on-duty guardian had come to check the elevator and let us out. Four days since we had kissed and made out and I had felt every nerve ending of my body begging for more. Four brutal days of wondering what Eric and I could have been in a different life./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9a42398d19b6ebdb8c1b801cb71a8e5e"Because I had thought that the elevator had been a turning point in our complicated relationship. I had thought that once those metal doors had opened, things would be different between us. But oh, was I so wrong./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cfadeeeefd608e3d335feca9fd79fe01"Because Eric was back to ignoring me. His guardian mask was back firm in place and any ounce of affection towards me had been swiped away. We had barely exchanged a few words since the elevator. And he had stopped guarding in front of the royal chambers Leila, and I were occupying since Leila had been spending the last four days with James. She hadn't even been attending dress fittings. Lucky for me, my final dress fitting had been this morning and the seamstress had kindly and almost guiltily asked me to see if Leila would show up soon so she could finish her dress preparations. The only company I had had these last few days was from Asher and his text messages and phone calls./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1d784b05fbfef8ea19179e2378593ebb"Asher, who would be arriving this evening. Asher who I didn't know how to tell that I was in love with someone else./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="284ba753ce6ad916068655aee6edb754"I don't know when my life had become a soap opera, but I was dreading having to see Asher./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="19ae65182000c41cbe12a3001745d122"So, that's how I had found myself after my dress fitting in front of James Zecklos's private chambers knocking and hoping Leila would finally answer./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a8b050796b860ff21087271dd95d9896"And as if Vladmir himself had answered my prayers, Leila answered wearing a large, oversized shirt and a pair of black leggings. Her hair was kind of messy and she looked a bit pale but otherwise, normal Leila. Except I wasn't used to seeing Leila in such casual attire. Everything was a fashion show to Leila, even sleep./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bcdd495139b596e21d50e819e174840a""Thank god you finally answered." I said letting out a breath and leaning against the door frame so she couldn't slam it in my face if she wanted to./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bbbb66e4a8a591f20acf49c1e314aac4""Hey." She said tentatively and that one word alone held an array of emotions. An apology, relief and even sadness if I was being honest./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ed36e5402bb084efecdb9917ed143896""Look Leila. I'm sorry I haven't been a good friend when it's come to your visions. It's just all so strange that spirit is choosing now to act as if it's lost its mind."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="58ef04d0f54e9d69b099e92128a979db"She nodded as I spoke and gave me a tiny smile, "You don't need to apologize Alana. It's me who needs to apologize. I shouldn't have lashed out like that at you and Adrian, and I never should have said what I said about you and Asher. I was completely out of line."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ea064b15f368999dff58d29a7dd91f62"I blew out a breath. I hated fighting with Leila. It was rare when it happened, but it was still devasting when it did. And I wasn't great with all this mushy gushy apology hakuna Mata bullshit./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8cbf1e6efc6e072ef2b209a354dd383e""So will you explain to me why you've skipped all your dress fittings and seem to have moved in with James Zecklos?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="df176b3bc2c14dea2a1bc67c54c9ca03"Leila's cheeks flushed as she stepped aside to let me in. I walked in the small lavish room. A fire was burning in the fireplace and the room felt too stuffy for my liking but cozy and peaceful. Leila shut the door behind me before she went and sank into an armchair by the fire./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="34be9b7a4fa5efd956e3b6a5fb234fb5""James and I are kind of...together now." She said gazing in the fire and giving me side glances./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="27d25f97232ee09899580ee937e95c59""Oh..." I said kind of shocked. I knew Leila and James had a complicated off and on-again attraction, but I found it was kind of peaceful knowing her and James were finally done with the tug and pull game they had going on. It was exhausting to watch so I knew it was exhausting to take part in./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="78828f8ae7a1648c01c7a7aa3d8839c6""That's great...if that's what makes you happy." I said, sitting down on a wood chest at the foot of the bed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1f6ead956f4439ff1e2fa64f748d5991"Leila looked at me, "Happy? I don't know if I'm capable of happy anymore Alana, but I think with James there's a possibility and that's all that matters to me."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dbff048d810df51fe4344fdc8d300e04"I gave her a small smile, "I understand Leila."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1a1b9e51d021e5488696a34a4ea859c8"She gave me a sad smile, "Do you Alana?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9f40cc3eedbad39bc7b82b4e66374977"I frowned looking at her violet eyes. She had bags under her eyes as if she hadn't been sleeping much and I silently wondered if she had fed recently./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="139549596d0903ef1baf0bf9827d187e""What's that supposed to mean?" I asked giving her a confused look./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="20679613ea051249ee2ddeb5f82c8b73"She hesitated a few moments as she glanced into the fire before she finally spoke again, "I had another vision. A vision where you told me that I had told you I had had two separate visions. One where Asher died for you. And another where Eric died for you. I haven't had those visions yet. I haven't had any visions since that one. But I think its spirits way of telling me that you are conflicted between the two."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a75c3141799f8da262f8a694ce3054ee"I swallowed and looked at my best friend. My best friend who I hadn't told a single thing about Eric except that one kiss we had shared at the beginning of our whirlwind romance. My best friend who I had always told everything and had kept this from./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="180fe740319a6290bd28ee4625f98537"I gulped again gazing at the sparking flames myself now, "I love Eric. I'm madly in love with him. And I like Asher. I don't want to hurt him. Especially when I don't know where Eric and I stand."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="581c6314eec24dcd646e00964e63da66"And just like that, I let it all out of me. The kisses in the training sessions. Every conversation Eric and I had shared. My fears that we never could be. And Leila listened to everything. Every detail, no matter how embarrassing or vulnerable they made me feel. I told her everything. I told her about the elevator as well. And when I was done, I felt a weight coming off my chest./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7f436f760d500369c4b99c147792710d""So, you love Eric and you like Asher. But what are you scared is going to happen if you let either of them go?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e719569ef8c86afd0a3fceb49c2eeb78"I paused and looked at my best friend. She seemed so much older in just four days. So much wiser./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2deae73d37bd0217f3ce64280dc20c0e""Scared?" I asked giving her a smirk./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="554bff8705427a8215327a6e780120d5"She laughed, "Yes scared Alana. You may be a bad ass kicking dhampir guardian to be but that doesn't mean you don't have fears. So, what do you fear if you let either of them go?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7b3e87fa42c024563d630f925cfbd516"I considered her words. What was I scared of?/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="257cb5615890a3d3d4f7c3486269b7a6"If I let Eric go, I was scared I would pine for him the way my mother pined for my father for years. I was scared I would live my life full of regret of letting the love of my life slip away./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0587d0e743807d7d6687dcc6f499650c"If I let Asher go, I feared losing a friend. Of losing the boy who had been by my side and gone with all my bad ideas since we were toddlers. I was scared that if I gave him up and Eric left, I would have no one./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="970ab8fe035360f6d6a07b830b77c4e4"And just like that I knew I was being unfair. Because I was stringing Asher along. Because I was scared that without him, if things between Eric and I failed, I wouldn't have someone to love me the way Asher loved me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e221a30cadb29a9f5edc4e70020cb265"That thought left a bitter taste in my mouth at the monster I was for doing something like that to Asher./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4f41fc3afdda29d827ff82a326c52360""I'm scared of being alone." I said quietly. Because I was. I had spent my entire life watching the famous Rose Hathaway pine for love. And I was scared that by falling for my own mentor, I was setting myself up for the same pain that she had endured for years./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="22e86447b90c2a95bdff14a9b15dd9f4"And just like that. I knew what I needed to do. I didn't want to be the monster. I wanted to be the bad ass kicking guardian. And to do that. I needed to fight my own demons first./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5fb6bc64f3abb73dcb57ce4011026124"Rose POV/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="23da3e5c839d45555eb26fbc3c403e96""Roza, it's been four days. I think you or Christian need to speak to Lissa."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7b1567f995aa17fc53262920573cf850"I gave Dimitri a glare over my half-packed suitcase. We were leaving for Court today. And I would be seeing Lissa for the first time since our fight. Not to mention, Christian was currently using my office as his own living quarters right now./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="61476e8c0365652cadd7cf4cc0aa1db7"And Dimitri, bless his heart, had been the messenger in our complicated argument. Through the bond, I knew Lissa was feeling better, her summer cold now almost gone. But I had refused to speak to her. Even with Dimitri and his prodding. I had refused to budge. Because now that spirits anger had been washed away from hours upon hours of drowning myself in Dimitri's flesh, I was now consumed with my own Hathaway anger. And that bitch was just as toxic./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="69c129d7294ce06388ff81d0461c3322"Because Lissa and I had been a team for years. We had been a team when we escaped the academy together. A team when we had sent Victor away. A team when we took on the academy as Headmistress and Head Guardian. A team when we had raised our children side by side. Lissa and I were a team./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3b0cda8bdd61742aff65ed7ec51619c7"But recently, Lissa had decided to go on her own course. She had brought Dimitri back to the academy. She had decided to run for Queen. She had decided that we kept secrets./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ae65f3fd8a1df456ce8884f9296494e9"And not just any secrets. The type of secrets that were life altering. And I just couldn't grasp how she had been able to keep this from me...or from her own husband... for weeks./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ec6574761ac34ed67b16c17a41c1fcd8"So, I refused to be the first to cave and speak to Lissa. Petty as it was, I didn't feel like I needed to offer an apology. Because I hadn't kept the secret of my looming death./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0d81b2547772f7a13fe57d6fc0014ecf""I swear Dimitri if you bring this up again, I will make sure its another sixteen years before you get between my legs again."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="09c7e002baf1337e3f8c97e6dbaef34b"Dimitri gave me a small smirk like he knew I was not joking. But bless his heart, he sighed and helped me put the final items into my suitcase before zipping it up for me and placing a kiss on my forehead./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="131091275fa0b81f54ef288de2f387f2""I just think you and Lissa should talk. That's all. The added stress of not speaking to you or her husband can not be good for her pregnancy."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0a82cd91ddf2b77c9344bc095afd4ad6"I sighed and rolled my eyes. I knew he meant well. I knew he was trying to do the right thing. But my anger was not allowing me to see things that way yet./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7540c1ffab1e6402a02ccc3a745e66ac""I just need time Dimitri." I said, heaving the suitcase off the bed and rolling it out the room as Dimitri followed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a98a1012604b4179b16edf3c754321d5"Dimitri stayed silent not bringing it up again as we made it to the school plane that would be taking us to Court./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8497245e7d3aec0d91b0f9b45c72cc9c"Well not just us. Lissa, Christian and Andre were scheduled to be on our plane. And I knew Eddie and Mia and their kids were too. And I had been informed by Dimitri and a very unpleased Victoria, that she would be accompanying Tasha on a later flight the following morning./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="112d30afa3db254b294fca3faecae45d"As we approached the plane, I wasn't surprised we were late. Everyone else was already on the plane and I smirked at Dimitri that we had held up the plane by at least an hour. He gave me back a wicked smile and I suppressed the urge to laugh./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3c068aaf013c3c1834a23f869c5d0977"Because instead of packing my bags earlier like I was supposed to, I had spent a few hours getting lost in Dimitri. Matter of fact that's how most of the last four days had been. Somehow, Dimitri's bag had already been ready to go, and I was very curious when he had had the time to escape across campus and pack, but I didn't question it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="59bbf1965e241bb4420e1b5ffea6d3a8"As we entered the plane, Mia and Eddie gave us a quick greeting before there attention was turned back to Fiona as she fussed in the car seat strapped between them. Nora and Asher were seated behind them, both whispering between themselves as Andre was squeezed into the window seat next to them./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e2d1407988f21a9c921d69fc13f5de63"And then there was Christian, who had a glum look on his face and was sitting in the far back with only an aisle separating him and Lissa. From the pleading look in her eyes, I could tell she had been trying to fix things with him and Christian looked like he was struggling to even comprehend the entire situation./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="79df46230238faa86c43e3d6803acb2c"And one look at his face. The denial, anger and hatred that lined his features and I knew our plane ride was doomed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="85b2f7af0a4dd6a336729a08eaaabdf1"Dimitri and I glanced at the last two remaining seats. One next to Christian and one next to Lissa. And before Dimitri could try and nudge me towards Lissa, I stopped between them and gave Christian a pleading look. One he seemed to find pity in as he scooted over and took the window seat as I took the aisle seat and watched as Lissa did the same for Dimitri who was giving me a look that said he was disappointed but understood./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a99656221c8a8d78071cc57eb2df3816"The flight took off and soon afterwards and a few side glances and peaks at the bound told me, Lissa had dozed off./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="809558e048a7b045fb683fd53bfb971f"I took that time to nudge Christian in the shoulder. His poster was stiff almost as if he was the guardian on duty./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c909c09fcf712af7dcfffe3cc60df7a5""Have you spoken to her?" I asked in a whisper I knew only he could hear./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="11bbd3042c64ee4cb7132b580abb19ae"He sighed and glanced over at her, taking in her tilted head that was now resting on Dimitris shoulder as he read a western book that he pulled out of his duster jacket. He didn't seem to mind that she had dozed off leaning on him and seemed to be engrossed in his novel./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0936e9b4469019edcc70ee19d140d552""We briefly spoke yesterday morning after her appointment. But in all honesty, I was drunk off my ass and excused myself quickly."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="092433b9a1c05bca330e9869ece2a22d""Appointment?" I asked curiously. Dimitr hadn't relayed the info in his brief updates he had provided from Victoria./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0faa55ca0e912cc8644ea3d97522187f"Christian shrugged, "Just a follow up for her cold. Doctor expressed she was clear to fly."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8619986a2bfef542541fc23b0f1b79b6"I nodded taking in that info and stealing another glance at Lissa as she slept. She seemed so small in comparison to her growing belly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f9326d8796ecd54361124f668a30b1f8""And anything about..." I trailed off. I just couldn't stomach putting those words together. Because Leila Voda was wrong. Lissa was not going to die. Not anytime soon so long as I had anything to do about it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2ef8df29fa97f10c96e0788d50e9ef68""No...I figured I would speak to Leila and there's a few fortune tellers at Court that are highly rated. My aunt told me I should check out one of them, so I plan to before...well before I reconcile with Lissa. I just need answers. I was going to see if you wanted to join me."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="13187b86444ba2cbc3fb789de799e292"In any other situation I would have teased and given Christian crap about seeking out a fortune teller. But I was just as desperate as he was. Because I needed answers too. I needed to know that Leila's visions were not set in solid stone./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6cbfc7df3a0e17ae7e6036e91046690f"Because there was no version of my life where Lissa didn't exist. Because her and I, we were a team./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="de9b9ed432098dc74a2621571ee965e3""Count my in Sparky." I said, as I gave my teammate one final glance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2c43abcd378b0f5e732df943bdae0c3f"Asher POV/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e5e5eee31fba757f99214be0ba092b07""Ugh, can you not text Alana for once?" Nora whined as she looked over my shoulder. In truth, I had been trying to respond to Alana's last message from a few hours ago claiming she needed to speak to me as soon as possible./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ee3ba6628655cf7a53caee52da7c06aa"But of course, I hadn't been able to answer with the limited service I was getting in the plane. But I didn't like that sound of it. Her message was out of nowhere. We had been talking about her dress fitting and next thing I knew she was sending me this. It had me on edge and jumpy./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5851ef6c8be85d5a33dd5b1ce1f610cf"I slipped my phone into my pocket and started tapping my fingers on my knee. Nora took one look at me and sighed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d7b7460faecbb63263f578c739f11bc7""What is it now?" she asked seeming to not want to delve into this topic but ultimately giving up./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1e8a96b63064889f2bfd138eb63b8020""Nothing. Alana's last message just has me on edge."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8ccde2091783b797ac55379c80b0e217"Nora frowned but didn't pry any further. She didn't get involved in my business and I didn't get involved in hers./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="acd81a7318fd40bd123a49722b0ca9a0"The silence on the plane droned on and soon the only sound was the hum of the engine and the wafting sounds of music from Andre's headphones./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="972c73be182f3f8dc734caa635f5db7e""Do you think Ivan is using me to make Mila jealous?" Nora finally burst out looking as if she wanted to talk about this with anyone but me. But like me, Nora had been stuck on campus for the last two weeks with no access to our friends./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5e075d87bcbd61cbdf7c1e8445799bd8""How would I know?" I said truthfully. I had barely spoken a few words to Ivan in the months since he had graced us with his presence. I knew he had a complicated relationship with Mila and Nora, but I didn't get involved. I was used to all the relationships around me being complicated recently that I was far too consumed with my own complicated with Alana./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="75fcfb4c0a09da53d0dbcca4d5fdfece""It's just...I feel like its all been too fast. I honestly barely know him. And he's only ever touchy feely when he knows we are being watched. And since the night with his father well...he's just been odd. I just feel like I'm being used."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6dffd346bc8a36e0e6490384afdc5c6f"I shrugged, "You've always been good at reading people Nora. If you feel you're being used, then talk to him. Before you guys get more serious."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="75f804fb1b28387c9542024afaa1efcb"Nora nodded a bit, and the silence began buzzing around again./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="109617ad87bcfe4377056eb44345b221""In that case brother...I think you should ask yourself the same with Alana."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2ca9583dd335732e51f3ddc5d0dbecc1"I stopped my finger tapping and gave her a look, "What do you mean?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="09169d34a738b475e184aef58c13456e"Nora bit her lip seeming nervous, "I mean I think Alana has had a crazy few months. She just found her father. She killed strigoi. She's been through a lot. I just don't want to see either of you get hurt."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c1b27755e4ba4f5714e4184320f41f8d"I swallowed and didn't answer. Because in truth, it was the reason I was so on edge about her text. Because I knew Alana's attention was divided./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4ca36ef63f6820e85b7b83fc57f86577"I was just a fool in denial./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="00328abc78ecacbb48f5fc89e39114f5"And I think I quite liked being the fool./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="08188222b7b0e5fc7252d8b71f7ceb3f"Eric POV/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0313850ccbfe554f3641e2faecd89d20"If I thought being trapped in an elevator with Alana was torture, I had been mistaken. Because I was currently forgoing the worst torture I had ever endured./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="524feda36aac9def9bfccb93c91a0c0c"Leila Voda had called me back claiming she was going to a few shops today with Alana and needed an escort./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="718e5e6514440c727d0ad1944daab3f4"I was rather surprised when I found them both in James Zecklos's private quarters and even more relieved that it seemed they had made up./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ea38c583198827e6e124344241a6fb65"But the most surprising thing, was the fact that I was now on duty watching Leila in her final fitting for her wedding dress as Alana kept giving me sidelong glances. We hadn't spoken much about what had occurred in the elevator. In fact, we had barely spoken about anything. And I was ashamed that I was finding myself stuck falling into the rhythm of ignoring her. Part of my head was screaming at me to make an excuse to be alone with her again and the other half was chastising me saying I had a duty to do and ogling the underage student of mine was not it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5a7f40529ce68ee88fe17a4c012cf3e1"I was a wreck to say the least./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="502a693e89f12579957167c6ecaf3823"And the wreck continued as I followed Leila and Alana after the fitting, as they went from shop to shop. We visited a florist, a receptionist and even a few clothing shops./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4e7eef827c51bacdf8baed076425489c"We were now currently on the edge of the richer district. Not near the slums but most Moroi of higher class, didn't venture past this area. But Leila was not like most Moroi./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ab93e0320dbb7e9a2d9c427e5eb4c339"Which is how we ended up in front of a neon yellow sign with the words "fortune teller" flashing above the door frame and the waft of sickly-sweet incense seeping from the open door./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="588958d9cb6fe2774d72b3432f2847dc""What are we doing here?" Alana asked echoing my thoughts. But her voice startled me as I realized how tight the street corridor was and just how close she was to me. So close that if I reached out I'd be able to touch her cheek and pull her towards me until I got lost in kissing her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="40ee443307a88adaa7bf0e3abce2c6b5"I found myself blinking away those thoughts as I turned back towards the fortune teller entrance./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d9bc34b347dd682aa3d336eccfa0cfc8"Leila shrugged as she approached the door, "I used to visit here quite a bit when I would come to Court. I haven't been by in a while, but I thought it couldn't hurt to get a reading done."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9491a668ba2c93f8fd7e46f2d1526c94""And you believe in this voodoo?" Alana asked trailing her inside. I found myself contemplating making an excuse to stay outside but as Alana passed me and gently brushed by me, I knew I would be entering those doors with them and enduring whatever was in store for us inside just to be close to her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="172985afff65cc73cfe5bdf669f13c4d""It's not voodoo Alana. You can be a skeptic all you'd like but Rhonda has never failed me."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9b442ead2c5ca114493a41cdc2662398"Leila entered the stuffy room and strode right up to the front desk where she rang the tiny bell that sat there./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3ce51d8dfa5eb84fc116ba360a3140b3"A small moroi woman with dark eyes and hair strode from the back doorway and smiled when she caught a glimpse of Leila./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="08b1537ebe5f44bdaebeb0613020b550""Valeila darling. It's been quite some time since you've paid me a visit." The moroi woman cooed. I was guessing by Leila's previous comments that this woman was Rhonda./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9d9c66094425b19ae747d6ef16a01317""I'm afraid I haven't had much time." Leila said, stepping around the desk and giving Rhonda a small hug. The Moroi woman seemed pleased and began leading us in the back./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="455452f76bfea2374c1ca2a7acf0c77d""I see you brought friends this time." Rhonda cooed again as she led us into a dimly lit room that was filled with the wafting incense aroma. Leila gave her a small smile as she looked back at us./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2e27496d63a63c04f07720f669666578""I'm afraid Alana is a bit of a skeptic." Leila said as her cheeks pinked a bit at the confession./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="698d2b408c8870e4f29d514270eef581"Rhonda laughed as she took a seat, "Well I think I can change her mind. Would you like a reading, Alana Hathaway?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c34b9a00f63add51d13cf0d4920877e6"Alana paused and gulped, "How do you know my name?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="66251265714e304b4e902cd4f3707144"Rhonda gave her a small smile, "Leila is hot topic of gossip around Court recently. It's no surprise I'd heard the name of the young unpromised dhampir who plans to take the role as her guardian after graduating."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4500252a12f7870d5c32314dbbf4c4a7"Leila took a seat across from Rhonda and Alana seemed weirded out but took the seat next to her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cfffebe9ac2e15c76e96119f04a6328b"Rhonda pulled out a deck of cards, " I take it you'd like a reading Valeila?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f928034e3f225a2f249b489dce022bd7"Leila smiled and gave her a small nod which Rhonda took as encouragement as she shuffled the deck of cards./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a30a8484d2585d523f60fb3f498534b0"I found myself intrigued by the process. My mother had been a big believer in these types of things. But I had always thought they were kind of silly. However, the name Rhonda sounded vaguely familiar and something in me knew that whatever she was about to reveal, would hold a lot of truth./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1fdc91d2e7531a3a385ab40b77e88efd"The first card Rhonda pulled from her deck and laid on the table in front of Leila held the image of a man sitting cross legged in front of a tree with four cups, one of which was being suspended in the air by a cloud./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="513c36596ce0aa65feb97c61b30b8ed9""The four of cups. A new opportunity is presenting itself to you but you are holding off. You are entering a new phase of your life and the prospects are fearsome to you."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="985a64c4266bdb7aab3d96d8030f0192"Leila nodded thoughtfully as she processed the meaning, and Rhonda began shuffling again./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="94411129beb3fc614166aa9227008a32"Rhonda pulled another card from the deck, this one adorned with a woman sitting up in bed, her head in her hands./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7d6f34968f4fee3f66006989696f92d8""The nine of swords. You are worrying and stressing about some big situation. Your thoughts are obscured by darkness. You feel anxious and plagued with negative thoughts."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cf3ac08902e44c7b7214241d0d37a000"Leila straightened a bit as she took in every word Rhonda said. Rhonda began shuffling the deck again, before she pulled out another card./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7c27c38f8fca2b923e18ac466de77db6"This one seemed more intricately designed then the other two. A woman sat stroking a lion./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5f810b66cab81cd9ce8d0de4bdf2371c""The strength cards. You have great inner strength. You have overcome impossible circumstances."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3bdc2fc52e265bbc4e953f2035afb790"Rhonda paused before putting the deck down and starring at the cards lost in thought./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e5ab2483705d00e3c4c4cc0c89060e7f""In conclusion young Valeila, something life changing is approaching your future and you are in deep turmoil about it. But you will find the strength to pursue this opportunity with time."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="396a72d1bf901674a79900f7258c9bab"Leila let out a breath I hadn't realized she was holding and Alana looked as if she was about to bolt for the door or make some sort of comment./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="23bfef47d6f9045f0b5b624df83e09eb"But before Alana could do either, Rhonda gathered the cards back to the deck and turned towards her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4433975e2b592cb50904fbfc8e7bf875""Well then young dhampir. Let's see what the cards see in your future."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="153f44ce763db5428fa9a5562ab4ded0"Alana looked as if she was going to protest but Leila gave her a small nudge and she seemed to relax as Rhonda shuffled the deck./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8e5ef2ae477927370ab5a5bea8ff4c73"Rhonda pulled a card from the deck and placed it in front of Alana. The card contained a man and woman exchanging cups but the card was upside down./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c60cc1928186bad2365207a9148add71""Two of cups. You're entering a new romantic relationship. This person is your equal and you both have hopes of creating an equal and beneficial partnership for both parties... but the card is reversed...which can mean several things. It can signify that the relationship will end before it has time to develop, or a lack of trust will develop from either one or both parties."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cc8e23d509b7d8e2f31a4651ee9671bc"Alana leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms, but Rhonda didn't give her any attention. I took it Rhonda was used to skeptics in her profession./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="43bea523597c9b253d4c4ccac664ef61"Rhonda shuffled once more and pulled another card from the deck. This one showed a heart pierced by three swords./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6ba88e88f151ad0546ffe2cc9ebc20e9"Rhonda hesitated for a fraction of a minute, but it was enough that my years of training was able to see it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3e50e52a11e829b2fb8ede531d549f0f""Three of swords. A deep pain is present in your future. You will experience a significant loss or major setback that will permanently alter how you perceive the world."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="eb40937ef1581e7ffd07b4b695eec7a2"Alana sat up a bit more and bit her lip. She looked as if she was about to say something witty but holding her tongue./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="264e6d369bf6003e4fc727114b749191"Rhonda continued, shuffling, and dealing without waiting to see if Alana would respond./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ba813d23a5d6fc11d361fcd6e9cf887b"This time the card she pulled was of a man bending to pick up three swords and giving a glance over his shoulder at two retreating figures./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d7781d8581f68753483b423107cb408b"Rhonda paused and the room was filled with nothing but silence and the thick fog of incense burning./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f0778f9e8fae9c66c29d82ace40c5803""Five of swords. You will have a falling out with someone you love. Hurtful words will be exchanged, and I see a long period of not speaking. Its unclear if the falling out will be permanent or just in passing."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0c602dd10243919fa4335a6a540a5d38"Before Alana could speak again, Rhonda flipped another card. This card was of a man lying dead with ten swords in his back./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6c2719e7083a9aa548ee1201896be317""Why'd you do another?" Alana asked seeming intrigued now by the whole thing./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5255f504fd488bc6889fd198ddac2ef6"Rhonda was silent before she tapped each card and finally left her hand on top of the newest edition./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6ca248d299d4cdb198977e826405d95d""This is the ten of swords. Its unclear what exactly it means in comparison to your other cards, but I can only interrupt this as a deep betrayal." She paused briefly before looking up and meeting Alana's gaze, "You will suffer great loss and pain Alana Hathaway. More pain than I have ever seen someone else experience. I have never seen such a bleak and discouraging reading."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4174e1f702132c1283542611ba2178cb"The air was filled with silence again and then laughter. Alana stood up as she laughed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d7de0dcc7132f22d319e13935007e875""This is all just a rip off. Thanks, but no thanks. I don't believe my future can be set because a deck of dusty cards says otherwise."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b227112a0c7ff0dfcdbec357654bc140"Then Alana turned and walked right out of the shop. Upon instinct I stood to go after her but halted as Rhonda spoke./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6fa44a6787632e986075105536c25b18""And what about you guardian? Would you like a reading?" I swallowed gazing at the door again where Alana had fled./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3cc47b917b2e8215d30c56e8af3e96d6""Thank you but I think I'll pass this time."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3b57440154daa12a720a3cb69747415a"Rhonda shrugged as she shuffled the cards and put them away, "I have a feeling I'll be seeing you again Guardian..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d752d58c0822f3aee99829d79a5a621c""Pavel." I said edging towards the door in hopes to go after Alana./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f62e0c8efe3157395a842c69c3bf2826""Guardian Pavel." Rhonda crowed as I turned and headed for the exit./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8f57487e1bbe0dfa0a672c0cd0794ccf"Alana stood leaning against the brick wall across from the shop./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="779aad6b1492bd3ed892672290a147bd""Are you okay?" I asked as I stopped next to her taking in her wringed hands and lip biting./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="78170b5fc43d34514d047dcac938a5e4""I'm fine. It's just a load of crap anyways. You can't honestly believe in all that hubbub, can you?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c4e3787e0d7a6673670f7f1a9e58a316"I shrugged leaning against the wall next to her, "I don't know if I believe or not. My mother was a believer in these types of dealings but...well I guess I'm a bit of a skeptic as well."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0bd6c899c5ae0737de0977e152341c96"Alana sighed and crossed her arms, "Well I for sure don't believe I'm doomed to live through such a devasting life that's for sure."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9b8a95a7d1e2f280c248452451ee2f85"I remained quiet and soon after Leila joined us and we were right back to the never-ending torture as I trailed behind Alana and Leila as we approached the royal quarters./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="61dd256bb368a7aa3ebf003a4ccd8a73"And finally, something clicked in me. I was being a damn idiot to ignore the pact Alana and I had established, and I was a glutton for punishment as I endured the suffering of trying to remain nothing more then mentor and student./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d47f960fd58c332851c0fe38dcc43bde"Leila entered the room without a backward glance and Alana went to join her, but I quickly grabbed her hand and tugged her back out into the hallway, the room door gently closing behind her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5685eed57a958a079838053cf2c0592e"She gazed up at me a bit confused and I gave her a tiny smile, as I let me hand trail up her arm and watched how she immediately seemed to melt into my touch./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b2201f3c4efbd9c0ad902619ca90fcb5""I thought you were ignoring me." She whispered as she glanced down the hallway to make sure no one was approaching./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="de614810882304df698a5664274ea51b""I kind of was. I...I don't know how to do any of this Alana." I admitted guilty as my hand finally found the back of her neck./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7cfb4218cbfcf990f7060b98a8464c42""I know." She said quietly as she leaned forward and into me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d8f934bc9e63c97d0120672ca0754647"I leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her lips./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="812ebc2641ea8f0bd35b86a7384b2363""Just don't shut me out, okay?" She said as she pulled back a bit./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1d931a859e5804d75c2a13547f8a35be"And I found the answer effortlessly slipping from my lips./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="15a1f8b5db244d745f41b36705d6f96c""Never." I said and then I was kissing her. She leaned against the wall, more then willing to kiss me in return and I felt I loved this feeling. I loved how kissing her made me feel alive again. Made me feel as if my miserable life had purpose and meaning./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="627cce7018e0e07a44709bcd846454df"I was lost in the kiss. So lost that I completely let all my guardian training and experience melt away as I kissed the girl, I was in love with in the middle of the royal quarters without a care in the world. A careless stupid mistake I would realize./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dfce8a0e964334fb05fbb5f875082c25"A throat cleared and just as quickly as I had melted into the kiss, I found myself jumping away as Adrian Ivashkov came into view./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="33fd8df4e40b7e9db17d13f23ab9094d"And for once in my life, I felt fear. What had I just done?/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c29d086d7dddea05e21d329e2e33ac42"Alana POV/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b6846448af2eb8449f6683d189392ea4"My lips were buzzing with the energy of the kiss Eric, and I had shared but my blood was warming with realization that Uncle Adrian had walked in on it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="75438235465ed70f55990adfb84c99f3"My blood continued to buzz as we made our way to the private landing strip on Court in an aching and chilling silence. Luckily Eric had quickly excused himself afterwards and now I was left with Uncle Adrian wondering just how much trouble I was about to be in./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6504435ab73331ec114c185a61bf3b0f"But Adrian remained silent as we walked the streets of Court./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7007633af287028e8388f8d7825302a7"And my bussing blood just couldn't handle it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="510fca6d2da7e0e91f81fbc834038b11""Go ahead and say it." I finally huffed, feeling like my stomach was going to drop./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b99d4bc38e6af716fdc40d7b361ba358""I'm choosing to ignore what I just saw Alana." Adrian finally said as he checked his watch and continued walking./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="42cd96503896d8a7d2454b581eaa9745""Why?" I said, rushing to keep up with his quick strides./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ef3722486a7a38ab2609313150557cdc""Because your mother entrusted, I watch over you and, in the time, I've been assigned that job you've snuck into a blood whore party and now you're locking lips with a teacher of the academy. All of this is starting to feel reminiscent of Rose Hathaway."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dde1491bf26fe5627e9525309062bc49"I swallowed hating the comparison to my mother but knowing deep down, I was my mother's daughter. And just like her knack for getting in trouble and falling for older men, it seemed I was destined to follow the same tracks. Maybe Rhonda had been right with her doomed future talk. Because I was pretty sure once my mother caught wind of this, my future was going to be rather limited./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="403f599cffb04a73ff3d25585fe1ff6d""Please Uncle Adrian. Please don't mention this to my mother."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1927ae30c7210d040055814f573071f7"Adrian chuckled and stopped walking, "Oh trust me Mini Dhampir. I have no plans on letting your mother or father catch wind of any of this. I rather like my bones where they are. And as for you and Guardian Pavel, I can only give you a few words of advice."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d215bd476696661076b8ed467126143e"Adrian paused, glanced at his watch, and then continued, "Falling in love with a teacher was the beginning of your mother's downfall. Every bad thing that your mother has had to endure has been because she fell in love with your father. I'm not saying she didn't strive and create a beautiful life for herself. But she suffered. Suffered more then you will ever realize Alana. I would think you would take her suffering as a lesson to stay far away from Guardian Pavel. But I also know love has a way of making you question your entire existence. Before you fall too hard Alana, I beg you to rethink this all."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4ee7e8d0fa73f012a9892537176f23d0"And without another word Adrian continued walking leaving me to catch up with him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="147ebdffb443150cca46cbe12760bc73"Thoughts swarmed my head. Rhonda predicted I would suffer, and experience loss and Adrian was determined that my feelings for Eric would cause me nothing but suffering./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3c3e4e6e26ce867f19622811791d75cc"I was starting to think that destiny was determined to make sure I was never happy./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="00ca680fe0728980f94eb5e5dee5baed"Maybe I wasn't such a skeptic after all./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5c05a14d0ac97e33a1b352c9923affb9"The Court airport was quiet except for the low hum of the incoming plane. Uncle Adrian has remained silent as we waited for the plane to land, and I was left thinking about everything both Adrian and Rhonda had said./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3ffb5f38823ab9829e1f14cfabd7c525"I was pretty sure I knew where my first loss was going to be. Because as soon as that plane landed I had plans to crush Asher's heart. I felt terrible about doing it, But I knew deep down it was the right thing to do./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8629e30904c69d2bf1069169975c3ae3"I felt a wave of nerves as the plane finally landed and the door was opened./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e9c638aa089824bc8a117e4f23f4c9d7"The famous Rose Hathaway was the first person I saw as she descended the planes stairs and approached me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a8bc4ea460c1a593e23ffba922263e13""Geez has it only been two weeks. You look like a completely different girl." The she hugged me tightly before releasing me and hugging Adrian./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d90fee911570daf62c1a112ae307aab4""Thank you, Adrian, for keeping my girl safe."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="022965d2829997e3288b89b3f66fd436""Don't you mean our girl?" I thick Russian accent said. Dimitri approached next sweeping me up in a warm hug. I cherished each hug the man gave me, as I had spent fifteen years of my life without them./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a396c63b22fb2d9d559dcaac1c8acf0f""You know what I mean." My mother said as she turned with a hand on her hip and gave Dimitri an are you kidding me look./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="94ab43ccf391aa82162c0b649c6addaa"Dimitri chuckled and then curled his arm around her waist as he led her to the luggage that was being hauled off the plane./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="423696ff94daeafcb9bfdeae2017ba7a""There she is." Asher said from behind me. I turned to see him already with his luggage bag and approaching with a hesitant smile./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f18e9550fd47de58faa006eaa93b310c""Hey." I said as he hugged me and gave me a small peck on the cheek./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="73f275fb8230e17c4a0c82918b100a43""Hey." Asher said back looking nervous. I gave him a small smile, finding my own nerves beginning to go haywire./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9227ea339f59b1c50e5b557e7874c33f""Asher, there's something I need to talk to you about." I began but Asher sighed heavily making me pause./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="114804eea35cb7d917b01541ca5651ce""You're breaking whatever this is off Alana, I already know. And I've had a whole plane ride to think about this. Heck longer if I'm being honest. And I know you've been through a lot lately and I understand how a relationship is probably not what you are wanting right now with all that's been going on."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c56247b02d5a61101ac7cc115ecedf70"I nodded letting him speak, "I just think that it's best we remain as friends Asher. We work best that way. My life is already a complicated mess right now and I could just use a friend."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="41b7d58360ba75b1a813fe5413b6b765"Asher nodded thoughtfully, "I understand Alana. But I just want to tell you one thing." Asher took a step closer grasping my hand, "I'll be here when you decide you're ready for a relationship Alana. Because what I feel for you and what we have is special. And I know when things settle down will be our time."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cf846619921572f6f9f501441e5c41db"I remained silent. My heart was begging me to tell Asher the truth. That I would never be ready to pursue a relationship with him because my heart belonged to Eric. But I knew I couldn't break Asher's heart even more then it probably already was cracking and maybe letting him keep that sliver of hope would be enough to heal him when the truth came out./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2e9fb4363faee6dd93520e230997c778""Thank you, Asher, for understanding and I do hope...I really do hope that one day we both can find happiness."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="127b3aa7c305beb0b84dd3dee4546eab"Asher nodded once before leaning in and giving me another peck on the cheek./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="55b09071410d54b9af326f074272960c""I'll see you later Alana." He said giving me one last look./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8e5f0346abbfb46ed368584dc658ac37"And as he turned away, I knew I was not that kick ass guardian I wanted to be right now./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dc0b26700df5ec38d3facfb70c6c3ff7"No, I was a monster wearing the face of a lovesick girl./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9efa91e718907320414bb0211e71a318"Rose POV/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4435bbb6337eeb4ddfb3883c8144d8d5""Remind me again why I agreed to come to this place." I mumbled as I followed Christian down the streets of Court to a small neon sign that indicated we were approaching the fortune teller Tasha had suggested to Christian./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7b2aaffc5a230faeaa7092fe69493478""Because we both are desperate to figure out a way to safe Lissa."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="da4ba9fae52347bf923394eb050cd4bb"I sighed and walked into the thick smokey room after Christian. Dimitri was right behind me, and I felt my pulse quicken as I felt his hand caress the small of my back./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="08f74f8ca86eeb5e5093bed0da2c4db5""Easy Roza." He muttered in his thick accent, and I nearly grabbed his hand and thought about telling Christian I would see him later while I rushed off with Dimitri to bury myself in him for a few hours./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a87ce6faaa92785542a3a3a34144c586"But the rational part of my head knew I was just trying to procrastinate the inevitable. Because as much as I played the kick ass guardian, I also had a deep fear that whatever was about to happen was not going to give me any relief from the current thoughts plaguing me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="186493705e3a7fe16c96d86ee1d389ed"Christian approached the small entry desk and rang the bell that sat on top. And we waited...and waited. And waited. After about 2 minutes, my patience was worn, and I found myself obnoxiously ringing the bell on the desk until the little bell jammed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1785e4a86d8a177d6dcd8a1cfc95d60a""Great." I said throwing my hands up in the air./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4d154fb4e1048c02e2ceef25d1fa14cf""May I help you?" a deep Romanian accent interrupted us, and I turned to see a Moroi woman with black hair and dark knowing eyes gazing out from behind the doorway that led to the back./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d1e1625b5be3cb1b3d56c27ba8c30013""In fact, you can." I started, turning back towards the desk, and throwing a scowl at the now worthless/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8f5f1db685e86a50c1b691a03236427f"bell, "We'd like a reading for our friend."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d719498fe577c766525546d91d8ef1b3"The woman gave me an accessing look before she chuckled, "I'm afraid that's now how this works Rose Hathaway."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="187211cd4bc7bae27fa443dbbd06ebb1"I was momentarily stunned about the use of my name but thought maybe my fame was farther spread then I thought it was./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="334604a094a0c181475bbc9b41e72720""Then please enlighten me on how exactly this works." I said finding my mood in top form today but in true Rose fashion, I found myself not really giving a damn./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="53180f035794844680e7edf0738b3330"The woman smirked and looked me up and down before glancing at the clock mounted to the wall, "It's after hours. I normally wouldn't entertain you but it's not everyday that an old woman is graced by two Hathaway's now is it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ccd55bea16eb7942c2506d6b49a64df3"Then she turned on her heel beckoning for us to follow her in the back./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="37c55a4ab7ca405baf40deeb7c8e9164"Christian gave me a look, probably irritated that I had stolen the show and I shrugged and stuck my tongue out at him as I walked past him and after the old woman into the back of the shop./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7fdc2003bed80e9f4fa016b80d4add7a"If I had thought the front of smokey, the back was covered in a thick nauseating fog. I really couldn't understand how some people found burning incense to be relaxing. My lungs burned with the effort to not gag but I was trying to be somewhat nice considering I had already laid it thick with the sass already./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8a4b6a4673c1556206d79dcac491c9fb"Dimitri being the observant one filled the air with conversation, "I'm sorry but you mentioned two Hathaway's?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f98742ac14f5dc842f198d1a1e77a9e5"The woman smiled and sat behind a desk, beckoning us to take the remaining seats on the other side./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bba29d61c7addef62456c2f3137ceed1""I was blessed with a visit from your daughter today and her friend Valeila."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="af803f85e8dbeca2c3e39b45a1539f88"Warning bells rang in my ears, and I made a mental to note to question Alana on why she would even attempt to come to a place like this. But before I could question the old woman she continued./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="09498d666573e5979d9372ede9e3fade""Your daughter is an anomaly. Born of two dhampir parents. She's proof of the impossible coming to light. It was an honor to get to meet such a rare creature."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7c1552d86eabb0bf5570bc8c001f1597"The woman gave me a small smile before pulling a deck of cards out of nowhere and shuffling./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f7f0c18db14b00d92ab14b173c4bc4a7""I'm afraid if your friend isn't present, I can't give an accurate reading. But I'm feeling rather generous today. How about a reading for you instead Guardian Hathaway?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="98d644fd4a663b69ca378f49055d28a5"I rolled my eyes and began to stand up, "Thanks but I'm good. We don't really have time to waste."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="656cb3ef91ec461f6cb59452c1d78cba"I was amped and ready to turn and leave and track down Leila Voda myself, but Dimitri gently yanked my arm making me sit back down and gave me a pleading look./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="50628dc215418e205f2b3b8a179e6945"And it was as if I couldn't deny the man anything and found myself grumbling a fine and watching at the old woman expertly shuffled and pulled a card from the deck./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b9ff1a1805ea2948e3f67d4b93fa1eea"The card showed a woman walking through what resembled a snowstorm./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="15b6b33cf6865d237816557a0fa3d8f1""Five of pentacles. This card is associated with the loss of stability. Loss of home or a job or the fear you are going to lose something important to you."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0eabf7cc5da3b304708a61fd7f68a191"I resisted the urge to roll my eyes./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="74e510c0436f449aabae5d035d566569"But the woman seemed to not mind my skeptics as she shuffled again and pulled another card. The card showed what could only be described as a giant wheel and looked as if it was in motion spinning./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c182d6bc32acf5fc944a9f0bfdcd5d88""The wheel of fortune. Life is constantly turning in a fluid motion. Constantly changing. This card is usually associated with a major turning point in your life, and you'll find yourself desperately trying to change the way life is happening and struck with realization that you have no control over it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2d7fc036dd0774179c5b6807b87474c7"This time I did roll my eyes. I couldn't believe a thing coming out of this woman's mouth. I just wasn't the type who believed in these things./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dc38a704b50f9b53431d541cf8f41c4a"The woman flipped another card over. This one was upside down and blond woman leaning over./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="297b8931917b6a77024232aaf0b4f8c2"The woman chuckled, "Interesting. The empress. The card is reversed meaning conflict. You have a monthly instinct, but you will become overbearing. You will take your motherly role too far and create a rift in your relationship with your children. It can also be the loss of a child, metaphorically or physically."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c202e252393822288192f6783c0c15c2"I felt myself swallowing as I processed the last card, but I still refused to give into this rip off./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bbbf973f681d1e3e85f8ad12671e0a51""So that's it? I'm going to become homeless and lose my child. Bravo, ma'am." I said giving a half assed one clap./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6e04cf9ccac3f724e151dc6f3f1a6cf9"But the woman just looked at me as if pitying me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e3141a8e618688d83243ed7e5fb7329c"The woman spoke but this time directing her comments to Dimitr, "Guardian, it seems the woman in your life are going to be experiencing quite the array of debacle. I pray to Vladmir himself you are strong enough to pull them through this."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8934c5050b1f1381c55d420e7140a312"Then the placed the deck into her pocket and turned and left us sitting in a thick layer of incense and questioning thoughts. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" /p